16/8/26 Another Mystery stamping project - #4/26

Alison Culliver

Aug 16

11 min read

Gather your supplies & settle in for some mystery stamping fun.

Hello & welcome to my blog. I hope you are all well.

My name is Alison & I live in beautiful Melbourne, Australia & I am an independent Stampin' Up!® demonstrator.

I love to create beautiful things to share with people that I love but I also sell my creations. I have been creating things in one way or another for most of my life - knitting, sewing, cooking, card making, gardening, scrap booking & hand made gifts & in 2020 after joining Stampin' Up® I decided to share my passion in a blog (craftedbyalison@blogspot.com).

In 2025 I retired & decided to spread my creative wings a little more by combining my blog, products that I had been selling on FaceBook & launching a newsletter. Some of these things I had already been doing but this time they are all in the one place. (All previous posts can be found at my blogspot address above if you would like to read any of them.)

I love learning new ways to craft & I also love surprises so this week I am sharing a way to create called Mystery Stamping. With mystery stamping you are given a list of materials needed then you are given one clue at a time to complete & by the end of all of the clues you will have a brand new creation.

I have shared this process before in my 15/3/26 post & 21/6/26 post. Each one gives you a different result. Normally I share a photo of my project at the beginning of my post but with Mystery Stamping it's better to keep the suspense & hold the reveal for the end.

To begin with, you will need the following supplies:

(These are the materials that I used to create my mystery card but feel free to substitute your own materials.)

21cm x 14.85cm Secret Sea cardstock
14.35cm x 4.75cm Earthen Toned Metallic cardstock
10.5cm x 7.5cm Earthen Toned Metallic cardstock (for diecutting)
13.85cm x 4.25cm DSP pattern 1
14.35cm x 3cm DSP pattern 2
9.5cm x 6.5cm DSP pattern 2 (for diecutting)
14.35cm x 10cm Crumb Cake two tone cardstock
9cm x 5.5cm Crumb Cake two tone cardstock (for diecutting)
Basic White, Old Olive two tone & Earthen Toned Metallic cardstock scraps for diecutting & stamping.

Everyday Arches die set (4th, 5th & 6th size)
Delicate Whispers stamp set
Delicate Whispers dies
Paradise Garden stamp set

Versamark & embossing buddy
Copper embossing powder
Secret Sea marker
Secret Sea ink
Mossy Meadow ink
Water painter

Paper trimmer
Bone folder
Heat tool
Snips
Adhesive

I chose Hydrangea Hue ink when preparing but didn't end up using it.

Now for the clues, one by one with pictures to help along the way. I have written the clues for each step as the card is assembled but if you prefer you can stamp, emboss & diecut each element in a batch then assemble.

It just means that there won't be as much mystery as you peek at clues earlier.

Clue 1.

Score the 21cm x 14.85cm Secret Sea cardstock at 10.5cm & 15.75cm.

Fold & burnish in hlaf then fold back at the 15.75cm scoreline to create a Z fold.

Clue 2.

Adhere the 13.85cm x 4.25cm piece of DSP to the 14.35cm x 4.75cm piece of Metallic cardstock.

Adhere to folded back front panel.

Clue 3.

Adhere the 14.35cm x 3cm piece of DSP 1 to the 14.35cm x 10cm piece of Crumb Cake two tone cardstock. (I used the lighter side.)

(Do not adhere this piece yet.)

Clue 4.

Diecut the size 6 arch from the 10.5cm x 7.5cm Metallic cardstock.

Score 1cm in from the straight edge. Fold & Burnish.

Clue 5.

Diecut the size 5 arch from the 9.5cm x 6.5cm piece of DSP 2.

Place the die back over the diecut, 1cm down from the straight edge & partially run through the machine again to remove 1cm. Make sure you align the dots before diecutting.

Clue 6.

Repeat clue 5 with the size 4 arch & 9cm x 5.5cm Crumb Cake cardstock.

Clue 7.

Apply liquid glue or strong adhesive tape to the 1cm section of the metallic arch & adhere to the centre edge of the card base, aligning carefully to allow for the arch to be folded back over the card front.

Clue 8.

Adhere the matte from Clue 3 to the inside of the card, covering part of the arch.

Clue 9.

Stamp a sentiment to the bottom right of the Crumb Cake arch in Versamark & emboss with copper embossing powder.

Stamp a floral image from Delicate Whispers in Versamark & emboss in copper then diecut with the matching die.

Clue 10.

Fold the metallic arch back over the card front & adhere the DSP arch over this.

Clue 11.

Diecut one foliage piece from the Old Olive two tone scrap & two grass fronds from the metallic cardstock scrap. Trim the foliage into 3 pieces.

Clue 12.

Press down on the closed stamp pads to leave some ink on the opened lid of the case & using a water painter, colour in the leaves & flower of the stamped image. Fill in some of the centre area with the Night of Navy marker to create a darker shadow.

Clue 13.

Arrange the Old Olive & metallic foliage under the flower with one or two behind the sentiment arch. Adhere the arch to the other arches & attach the flower piece to the left of the sentiment.

Clue 14. (optional)

Add a velcro dot behind the arches where it will meet the front folded back panel. Press down firmly & allow to set for a while then carefully seperate the two pieces of the dot by levering them apart with your Take Your Pick tool. This step makes it easier when opening & closing the tab.

Your card is now complete!

That's a wrap for this post. I hope you enjoyed following along with the clues & were able to make this cute card. I would love to see your creations (especially if you used different materials) so please feel free to share a pic on my facebook page at craftedbyalison.

Now, let's check in with what else is happening in the Stampin' Up® crafting world.

Stampin' Up® have many ways of shopping with a physical catalogue, online shopping & in person events. When items are about to be retired or are running low they are put on the 'Last Chance' list which means that there is limited stock & when it runs out, it's gone.

Stampin' Up® 's Catalogues have a 3 step format - sectioned to have Beginners, which is a step by step collection of materials in kits, then there is Quick & Easy where you select base materials & packs of pre-printed or diecut materials plus some stamp sets then there is Create your way where you choose all the materials, stamps etc yourself & Create Your Way! In the Quick & Easy section Stampin' Up® have also provided some inspiration with information on various ways to use colour combinations plus free card sketch & scrapbook layout ideas for you. This is great for any times that you need a little inspiration.

If you'd like to browse the catalogue online then click here. If you'd like a copy to hold in your hands, leaf through & put little notes all over it of what's on your wish list then shoot me an email at craftedbyalison@gmail.com or message me on my facebook page at craftedbyalison.

Stampin' Up® have a great range of Kits including crafting, card making & gift giving. There are brand new kits added to the collection every month. Click here to check them all out in my online shop. As Stampin' Up® have so many beautiful kits available I feature a different kit in each Sunday blog so that you can see the range.

This week the feature kit is called Crafted Blooms, one of the latest kits available. It is designed as a home decor kit but is easily translated into cards, scrapbooking or create with the wooden clipboards that the kit is designed for. Your choice.

Here's how Stampin' Up® describe it...

There’s nothing like handcrafted decor to spruce up your home or office! With the Crafted Blooms Kit, you’ll make three-dimensional art featuring eye-catching florals and uplifting sentiments. Showcase the finished product on a clipboard or cork board, or in your favourite deep-set frame, to make any space feel special.

If you feel that you need to add this to your list then click here to purchase one from my online store.

There are some great ways to craft on offer at the moment which I will go through one at a time.

Ready for the latest news?

1.Stampin' Up® has a range of Online Craft Classes that allow you to craft along with some of the staff from the head office in Utah, or create at your own pace by watching the recorded videos from classes that have already been held.

The current classes that are available are Lovely Blossoms, Paper Mixer, Scenic Coast & Pretty Poinsettia which has just been released. The other brand new craft class, Metallic Magic, is designed to use with their brand new Hot Foil system. More info on that further on in this section.

All of the classes are available in my shop by clicking here or on the links above. They are a great way for you to learn from the professionals & a load of fun.

Once you purchase any of the Craft Classes you will receive an email with a link to an exclusive Facebook group when the event is hosted.

2. Stampin' Up® held their first ever Virtual Card Making Retreat over two days earlier this year. It was designed for experienced or advanced crafters in mind but also had a heap of tips & ideas for those wanting to explore more detailed card designing. You can still be a part of this event! But be quick as it is on the 'Last Chance' list. To participate you just need to purchase the Retreat kit ($288AU) & this provides you with all of the materials you need & access to an exclusive FaceBook group where the videos from the event are stored. It sounds like a bit of expense but from past experience, what you take away from these type of events is well worth it. You can also download & print the pre event cutting instructions as well as having a cutting video & recordings of all of the cards that were made.

Here's some more info on how to join this retreat.

To craft along with the Stampin' Up® presenters and make 15 beautiful, all-occasion cards, you’ll want to purchase the 2026 Virtual Card Making Retreat kit. Everyone who purchases a kit will receive a link to the exclusive Facebook group where the live event will stream. We only have a limited number of kits, so make sure to order yours ASAP!

3. Starting last December, Stampin' Up® introduced a special 'Product of the Month' item that is only available with eligible purchases. There is a new item every month with details released before the new item will be released so you can plan your shopping. Each month it's a surprise what it could be - stamps, dies, papers - a complete surprise every month. You will be able to receive each month's product for just $9 when you spend $125 in one order. I have been able to order all of the products so far which have DSPs, stamp sets, a gorgeous background die with a pretty eyelet pattern, stunning printed Vellum DSP, a whimsical animal themed stamp set, a floral stamp set & the August product is some more lovely DSP, this time with a Autumnal or harvest theme.

If you would like to add any of these products (that are still available) to your collection, get your shopping list out & place a qualifying order & you will be prompted before checkout to add it to your shopping trolley. Each product requires a minimum spend to be able to purchase them & it is only while there is stock available.

The May - Aug '26 catalogue is full of lots of gorgeous new product along with some carry over items. One of the major changes that will be rolled in is that the stamp pads are being changed from fabric pads with a fold out opening to a felt pad & magnetic case. The new pads have be introduced in the new In Colours & more colours will be changed over gradually. This catalogue will retire in September when the new catalogue is launched & demonstrators have been able to purchase items from the new catalogue which is one of the great perks of being a demonstrator. I will play around with the items that I have ordered & share them with you in the coming weeks.
Paper Pumpkin is now available to order in the South Pacific after only be available in the North American market. Paper Pumpkin kits are similar to the crafting kits available in the shop but are a surprise each month & come with everything you need to complete the kit. There are also add ons that can be used to stretch the supplies in the kit. Many people also make the suggested projects with half of the supplies then use the remaining products with some extra supplies to create alternative projects.
You can purchase the kits as an individual order or subscribe for 3, 6 or 12 months. Subscriptions are dispatched from the 11th day of each month & you can change or cancel your subscription at any time as long as it is done before the cut off date - the 10th of the month - that's tomorrow!!

The latest Scrapbook Virtual Retreat has wrapped up. It is called Happiness is Here & has supplies to create 10 double page spreads (20 pages in total) including inks, stamps, papers, gel & shimmer pens, embellishments, flip flaps & page protectors. There are also detailed instructions & recorded videos that you can access for at least a year. To access the videos there is a private FaceBook group that you can access via a QR code when your kit arrives.
If you are interested you can purchase your own kit by clicking on this link.
Metallic Magic Hot Foil system!! Stampin' Up!® have now released their brand new Hot Foil system that is used in conjunction with the Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine. There are specific dies to use with the system as well as 3 foil rolls - Gold, Silver & Hot Pink & new ones set for release in the Sept - Dec catalogue. If you purchase the system you will also receive the Metallic Magic craft class for FREE! To find out more, head over to my store to check it all out. I have the system and now the foils & have had a little play but intend to experiement with more of the dies & colours & will share what I make in upcoming posts.

Stampin' Up!® has a 'Rewards' program that gives all customers who place an order with a qualifying amount a credit of 10% of their order to use on future orders. This will be displayed during the checkout process or your order.
This month Stampin' Up!® are having a DSP sale with 15% off select DSP packs & cardstocks. Check out what's reduced in my shop here.

Lastly, there have been lots of great items added to the clearance rack which is now called Last Chance items so make sure you check them out using this link to my online store as there are some great discounts.

If you would like to purchase any of my creations that I feature in my blogs they can be found in my shop along with lots of different designs including feminine, masculine, special occasions, everyday events, something for the juniors or you can order something unique.

My next post will be on Wednesday where I share the technique of Thumping (adding colour by thumping a marker on an inked stamp.)

Next Sunday's post will feature the latest Paper Pumpkin kit - Aspens of Gratitude. This is in my latest order & on it's way to my house. If there are delays with receiving the kit I will substitute the post for some Hot Foil creations instead.

I hope you can join me for both of them & come back for more.

Til next time, take care & keep creating.

XX Alison

Here are some links to the products that I used today & some craft room essentials.

Shop with me

Stamps, Dies, Embossing folders & punches