Today two fun things are happening: a) there’s a blog hop to celebrate the new Let’s Connect release from Simon Says Stamp and b) I’m sharing a simple card project that features a classic technique that I use time and again, why? Because friends, it works.
I am not about reinventing the wheel. I’d rather just take it out for a spin and know it works. You feel that? Let’s start with my video tutorial, shall we?
Now, let’s jump into some blog hop goodness!
BLOG HOP SPECIAL: If you shop during the Let’s Connect blog hop, you can get a free Gina K. Designs dot runner (my favorite!) while supplies last! Just use the code above ( GLUE ) when you check out!
BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY: Simon Says Stamp is giving away one $25 gift certificate at every stop along the hop. Leave a comment on each blog to increase your chance of winning. Winners will be announced on the Simon blog on Wednesday, August 12.
BLOG HOP LINE UP: Here are today’s participants. SO much crafty goodness to check out!
Cathy Zielske—you are here!
SUPPLIES:
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Natasha Vacca says
Amazing card!!!!!! Love how you placed the sentiment!!!!!
Vickie D says
Such a sweet card! Love your videos.
Carolyn Peters says
Love it!!!
Kim U says
Such a pretty card-there is so much to like in this new release! Thanks for the GREAT reminder not to reinvent the wheel-that’s when I get stuck and non-productive!
sabinevdk says
Fabulous!!! this is a great release!
Vicky Tomlinson says
simple and elegant.
Autumn Bell says
Cathy, gorgeous card! My go-to technique is background stamps for quick and easy cards. I love your ‘New stamp, Now what’ series. Thanks for being amazing!
Susan Richter says
I will have to check out un-du. I use goo-gone and you’re right – it is a little smelly. It works but when it’s time to refill I might check this out instead!
Christine Miller says
Good morning, Cathy! So glad I had a chance to view your video before this morning’s on line teacher inservice. Love your softly inked card, and I keep adding to my wishlist!
Allison Gilbert says
I have been learning so much from you! Thank you for the great ideas!
Zlatka K says
This is so beautiful! I love the soft colors!
Lynn Hill says
I love the Waffle Flower clear dots. I am definitely going to put some in my cart! Thanks for sharing your love of emboss resist. I love this technique. I always learn something new when I watch your videos. Thanks.
Elizabeth Petersen says
I love your emboss resist. The background stamp you used is perfect for your technique. Great card!
Vivian says
As always love what you do. You make it look so easy.
Anna says
Love your emboss resist technique. It works so well. Just so happens I came across your You Tube channel. Loved your You Tube, it was live and you actually created a card using a set that you never used previously. Great idea! Thanks so much!
Amy Hathaway says
Cathy, my wallet screams each time you have a new release. I love all your designs and wish I could buy them all. Love that your crafting philosophy tracks with my own so much. I’m always saying “don’t reinvent the wheel”. Thx
P.S. I love the new online store. 💜
Candy Clay says
Always love a simple card
Nina says
Beautiful! Now I really do need a SSS gift card -you’ve inspired me to want all.the.things 🙂 I could do this!
Jane says
Lovely!
Aly Ricke says
Love the card! Clean and Simple! I also love how you validate that a “tried and true” technique is worth doing over and over again.
Leora Henkin says
Loved the Let’s Connect Card…and always love watching you make things. Great tips and tricks along the way!
barbara lassiter says
Loved this background stamp from the beginning and your card is a perfect way to us it! The Distress Ink favorites helped too! Simple design and beautiful…that’s all you need!
sharon Gullikson says
I like the purple sentiment. NICE
Kit A says
What a great card Cathy! I love the colors and the sentiment on the angle.
Cindy Aguirre says
Beautiful card! Love the colors you ink blended! Thanks for the inspiration!
Carol Wortman says
Boy oh boy that’s great advice. I do find that I dont only try to reinvent the wheel, I try to rename it as well… then I’m blocked for ages.. Beautiful card (magnet garage tee hee). A very easy card with really very very lovely results. Okay…noted and thanks!!
Louanne Collins says
Lovely card – great colors and the background stamp is already on my wishlist! Thanks for the tip on the clear dots!
Judy Ellis Czarnecki says
I’m with you asking why reinvent the wheel? Good old emboss resist! This is such a cute card and and such a current sentiment!
Wendy says
Love the colors you used here and the blending is so smooth!
Cherie says
As a deaf person, I LOVE the message on this card!
Flo Swinford says
I love emboss resist. Lovely card. I didn’t think this stamp set was for me till I saw this card, thanks.
MJ Sinsel says
One of my favorite techniques. Beautiful blending for such soft colors
Kelly B says
Love the colors!!
Fonda Rush says
I love your light and airy card!
SueB says
Nice cool colors. Quick simple card.
Susan Ott says
Your Zoom stamp set is my favorite of all the releases! So cute. I love that pretty card, and I really love that background stamp. You are so inspiring.
BECCA YAHRLING says
Darling card! Love the pastel colors (esp. lavender).
Patty A Eifert says
Love your card!! Emboss resist is so easy to create lots of backgrounds quickly and it always looks pretty! Which is good because I really don’t do well with coloring!! Inks, background stamps and stencils are my good friends lol!
Jo Ann says
What a great reminder that I can use the same technique and style and just change the colors. I needed that reminder! You have re-inspired me!
Betty Hempel says
Great card Cathy. Soft pale colors are so gorgeous and then big bold lettering, so stunning! These are the type cards that are so perfect for the pass it forward! Thank you for sharing.
Julie Wexler says
Cathy- I’m so enamored with the designs you create in the CZD line, and this die set along w/ the let’s connect stamps are right up there– so crisp, succinct, and easy to use. Thanks for the reminder that going with what works for us can be a beautiful thing 🙂 . Have a great day and be well.
Toni Kwaiser says
Love your card! You’re always a joy to watch. You’re a happy spot in my days! 😀
Sheri Waddell says
Love the pastels on this card!!
Kim Lundstrom says
You, my friend are my new favorite person!! I learned so much from your video that I subscribed and turned on notifications. I can’t wait until I have the time to watch everything you’ve put out and get lost exploring your blog! Thanks for being you!!
Laura A Toriello says
I’ve been loving all of your videos. Love SimonSaysStamp.
Nicole Bell says
So true – these stunning cards never disappoint
Patricia Wilson says
Ink blending you did was amazing! I love this new release from SSS and have already placed my order. I still want more, though.
Mary Kay Ross says
This is great, Cathy! No matter how many times I have used the embossed resist, they all look so different and beautiful! Your’s is definitely fantastic!
Mary Ann Merrill says
I so enjoy your clean yet stylish cards!
Barbara-Jean says
You make “connecting” a lot of fun and a great inspiration!
BILLIE Sue M WOOLLEY says
Great color combination. Your CAS style always works for me!
Gail Smith says
Love this background stamp and the technique. Beautiful card!
Nan says
I love this! The resist method looks wonderful with the Distress Inks! I never think to layer my die cuts but I will start doing it now!
Mary-Anne V says
Fabulous card and great background.
Mary Holshouser says
Love the pastel shading in the background.
thanks for the video. txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Patricia Coleman says
Always love your designs and projects!!
Bunny Dobbie says
Your blending is gorgeous! I love the pale colours you chose. Beautiful card design also.
Tonna Zablah says
Great card Cathy!
Nancy Roth says
Love the CAS cards and here’s to not reinventing the wheel. Great designs.
Sheri Kempke says
Great card Cathy, love your text dies, great font and so CS! Love this new release from Simon.
Lara Read says
Love this Cathy! Thanks so much! I wish i could borrow your creative mind for just a few min 🙂 Congrats on the new release and love the new files on your website as well.
Lisa A says
I hate to admit, I’ve not tried emboss resist. I love the end product I see, I just don’t think to do it! Need to put it on my to try list. Your card is awesome and I love the sentiment about wifi.
Emme Seaux says
Awesome card and love your humor.
Bernadette says
Love the palette of colors that you used for the background.
Lori Enochian says
Thank you for the reminder to use the embossing resist technique! It’s been awhile since I’ve played with that one. Great card!
Pennie Glasser says
I love your clean and simple designs. And the products you design for SSS are amazing, also.
Barbara says
I love your clear, down to earth and detailed presentation style…..and your sense of humor! Enjoyed picking up tips and ideas from watching you and also have discovered the rational behind why I do some of the things that I do instinctually….always nice to be validated. Have now signed up for all your social media and am currently anxiously awaiting my SSS shipment of one of your stamp and die sets…..Thank you!
(Indian food is my go to when left to fend for myself oftentimes as well….. curry and a tearjerker, sounds like the perfect at “night off”)
Cyndi Morris says
You often inspire me to try new things, and now you’ve inspired me to revisit a technique I’ve always loved but for some reason I haven’t done in a while. Your card turned out beautifully. I love that Spring Flowers Background stamp
Retta Lutte says
I’m guilty of thinking I have to “top” my last card. Thanks for giving me permission to just have fun! Great card!
Sally says
Love your clean and simple design!
Marjorie E. says
What a lovely card. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
Rachel says
Love the colors! Really like idea to place sentiment askew, nice fresh look
Penny Rau says
I live watching your videos. You make me smile and want to try new things. Thank you.
Kimberly says
Your videos are so fun and I love the color coordination. I need to get better with coordinating card stock and inks. I think I’m in the beginning stages where I buy inks from one place and card stock from another and enamel dots that match nothing.
Joyce says
I love the humor in your cards and videos!
Gayle Bartholomew says
Wonderful card, love the colors you used. Just want to say how much I enjoy your videos. Thanks!
Beth Buss says
I am with you, Cathy. I really like your simple and elegant cards. After scrapb. and
cardmaking for years, it is a refreshing thing to not have to overdo it on cards. Thanks so
much for another pretty card. Love your new “Let’s connect set.”
Nancy McMahon says
Nice card! Always enjoy your videos 🙂
Sunshine HoneyBee says
Emboss resist technique showcased wonderfully.
Melissa
“Sunshine HoneyBee”
Susan K Lewis says
Thank you. Now I will try it.
Kim Jacobs says
Really beautiful design. Thanks for the inspiration. My wish list just got longer 😁
Viola Leary says
I’m a huge fan of the CZ designs dies, so thank you! I love your card and your idea. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Gayle says
Your color palette is beautiful!
Lauryne Cunningham says
I always love ink blending on top of embossing! Great card!
Diane C says
I’m really loving all the background stamps and dies in this release. Lovely card!
Anneleise Hampson says
Wow what a gorgeous card. Love those colors you used.
Meghan Kennihan says
Beautiful background and I LOVE the Let’s Connect Die!
Crystal Middleton says
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas!
Maureen Reiss says
I love the soft colors on this Beautiful card!!!
Janet Durbin says
LOVE this!
Susan Grapengater says
Such pretty colors-do what you love!!
Cynthia Evanoff says
Oh, thank you for all of the tool hints…taping the paper on top of the large stamp is the best yet. The cleaning solution will be good for all of my scissors. This is a great card.
Diane Koch says
Delightful video and beautiful card!
Sunu says
I really love your simple and beautiful card design. Thank you!!
Dayle Shimamura says
You can repeat your techniques anytime you want! Your cards always end up great! Just love your videos… and you!
Bridget A Cheetham says
Great card!
Judy Inukai says
Beautiful card. You have encouraged me to use this technique more. I love the background stamps but don’t always have time to do all the coloring. I am really enjoying your videos. Thanks for all the great information and inspiration.
Ummekulsum Kutub says
Beautiful card. Love the ink blending and the colors used for it. The background stamp is really gorgeous!
Brenda says
Watching your videos always makes me smile! Thanks for the reminder that sticking to a tried and true design is a good thing!
Joyace Feheley says
Beautiful card. Thanks for the tips. Love your videos.
Gayle Luker says
Love it!
Sandra Swayze says
Beautiful card & thank you so much for the tutorial. This is a technique I’ve been wanting to try. Will do it now!
Giselle says
I love your videos- always good for a laugh! Your card is beautiful!
tjbuck says
New to stamping and this was very helpful! Thanks for the wonderful video and info!!
Holly says
Beauty!
Karen Walker says
Great card, and a beautiful soft background; love it!
mare williams says
Cathy, how i adore your Emboss Resist technique video!! The embossed, tinted card top looks gorgeous! Thanks for sharing with us!
Karen says
Thanks for the videos and blog post! I love how you combine easy techniques with design theory to make easy, yet stunning cards!
Erika says
I love the background! Great combination of distress inks.
Melanie Arrowood says
Love this and that sentiment!
Marisela Delgado says
Wonderful card and colors!
Mary Reiner says
I’m loving your cute card! This stamp set is so fun. And of course I enjoyed your video:)
Monica Linerode says
Thanks for sharing your wonderful card and like the idea of using all 6” of background stamp & then decide which section to use. Takes the stress from stamping. Didn’t know about un du until now.
Michele W says
Love your color choices for this card. Thanks for sharing and for reminding us that not every card has to be bigger and better than the last. 🙂
Surekha Galagoda says
Dear Cathy
Love your card and your advice. Blessings
Denise Bryant says
Beautiful card! I love the soft colors you used!
Linda BL says
Pretty card— love boss resist. Have been enjoying your new videos.
Helen F says
A beautiful card, Cathy! I love the colours you have used as they showcase this wonderful background stamp perfectly!! Thanks for the inspiration and video! Take care! 🙂
Karen Reeves says
I love this card. The colors are so soft & calming.
Mirella Rogan says
Love the sentiment, and the soft colours!
Lois says
Simply beautiful. Thanks for sharing
Cathy Morris says
Wow, the soft colors of the ink blending are so ethereal. Lovely!
Wanda S Radler says
Very nice card. I love your big and bold “Let’s Connect”
Kathy J in Ellicott City says
Great cards, love the colors!
Flo Swinford says
Love this Let’s Connect stamp and die set now that I see your card. Thanks, Kathy
Mary Ellen Guikema says
Great cards. You do an awesome job on your videos.
Jill A Figley says
Beautiful card, Cathy, I love this technique, I’ve done it many times. Thank you so much for sharing 😊
Natalie Chilson says
Love this!
Laurie Fleuette says
Thanks for sharing this great card! I love that you created such a beautiful card with just word diecuts.
Teri S. says
Cathy, I really like the Distress Ink colours you blended together. They are so pretty & soft. I also like the lavender colour used for the sentiment. I’d like to get some large word dies, especially ones with the shadow behind it. I also want to say, I love the way you start out your videos. It’s like you & I are sitting having a conversation. Have you ever participated in a drama group? You’d be great!
Joy Meadows says
Such a pretty card, Cathy! The colors you used for the blending are so soft and feminine.
Dee Earnshaw says
this card is so pretty – love the elegant design
Sara N says
LOVE that background stamp and emboss resist. Thanks for sharing!
Melissa Klepser says
Thank you for what you do. I love your cards and your videos.
Daria Zender says
Such a soft and pretty card!! Thanks for your videos – they always put a smile on my face. And I now have a better way to with BG stamps & my MISTI – thanks!!
Trina P. says
Love the simplicity. Your blending is s8 sift and pretty.
Steffi H. says
I just love the soft colors you used for your card.
Ruby Marchand says
Love the idea of the video. I am always looking forward to challenging ideas.
Donna Hardcastle says
What a pretty card with a lovely background!
Talitha Wright says
Your colors on this card are so soothing. Thanks.
Lynn Conlon says
With so many of you crafty ladies using background stamps, I have to say I’m starting to build them up for myself. I never realized how much they add to a card. You card is beautiful. I love the colors you have chosen. The whole Let’s Connect during this pandemic has taken on a completely different vibe. Thanks for sharing.
Merrill P says
You’re a natural at making videos. I’m going to try your way of positioning a background stamp.
JOAN PILOTE says
Thank you so much Cathy. I loved all the tips that you shared and I look forward to watching more of your demos. Have a wonderful day!
Avra Williams says
Beautiful soft ink blending!
Andre M. says
This is such a pretty palette, one of my faves. Thanks for sharing your creativity.
TrishH says
Cute!!
Chandhini says
Love the soft colours and embossing.
Tiesha says
I love your card. I actually love all your cards. They are so clean, colorful, and simple. Just what I love. Sometimes cards get too busy and lose their meaning. Love your style.
RobiW says
Lovely card! I always enjoy your videos!
Kathy McCluskey says
What a beautiful card…really love those colors you blended for the background!
Nandini Karmarkar says
Wow! Thanks for the amazing inspiration! The new release is just fabulous! I especially love the beautiful background stamps and the gorgeous dies.
Holly Lau says
So pretty!! I love the background.
Wendy Cole says
You are always so willing and simple in your approach, this one really helped me get unstuck for ideas. You’re so right that you don’t have to top yourself every time. I usually use the left over scrap to add to the inside as a little pocket to tuck in my note so the card can be reused if the recipes what’s to do that. Or it makes a cute die cut embellishment.
Dorothy A says
Great card and I am going to definitely do some emboss resist! I so enjoy your videos and you tube channel. You are wonderful at presenting and making me smile.
Eva N says
Emboss resist is such a great way to create a background for a big sentiment! Lovely card.
Colleen Halpern says
Sometimes the tried and true is the way to go! Great card.
Rhonda Reynolds says
LOVE those colors together!
Shannon R says
Nifty ways to use products!
Yvenn Lee says
Love this beautiful rainbow coloring background with the great sentiment!
Patricia Brown says
Great card! Thanks for sharing.
Kathy Andrews says
Very pretty card Cathy; I like the colors you chose and the stamping tip as well as the embossing tips are very much appreciated. The simplicity of the card is really nice. Thank you so much.
Jeanne Beam says
Wonderful card! Love the large sentiment!
Thanks for sharing…
sherre says
I’ve learned a lot from your videos.
Shar Zar says
Love these pastel colors.
Carla Page says
This is one of my favorite SSS releases, love the colors and card design.
Sue Stenzel says
Loving the colors on this card!
Jade says
A fabulous video and card! I like the colors you used, resulting in an incredible effect with the white embossing powder. Thank you.
Tracy Chambers says
Love this background and the technique. Beautiful card
Paula Haller says
Love that background stamp with your soft blending and great palette. Your videos are always entertaining and inspiring. Thank you!
Lisa A says
Love the simplicity of this card!
Diane Sturgess says
I love it all 😍
Karen Hoskins says
I know you said it is a tried and true technique but I haven’t tried it yet. After watching your tutorial I will. Thank you for sharing. Really cute card.
Laurie Brown says
Beautiful card-love this technique!!!
MoMo says
Your videos and instructions are so easy to follow. I also like your fun personality in them!
Gloria Gorby says
Thank you for sharing. Great info.
Melissa says
Such an easy background to make, but it always makes it look as though you spent a great deal of time. I love doing these kinds, and those are my favorite colors together.
Mary H. says
I love the simplicity and softness of this card. Thank you for keeping it easy as I don’t have much time these days and being able to create is an incredible outlet for me.
Tammy Hanson says
Love this technique and your color palette. This is my go to also. When I get a new background stamp the first thing I do is emboss it in multiple colors and set them aside for later. Then when I need a quick card I can pull them out, choose my ink colors and quickly pull together a great looking card.
faith l thomas says
I have not used background stamps a lot and love the easy but elegant idea of how to use them. Love it.
Lisa Byers says
Beautiful card!! I love the lavender sentiment!!
CAROL W BLAISDELL says
You know what you are good at and your cards always turn out so lovely! (and just as importantly, DOable!)
Laura Budke says
I love your cards! Such crisp designs.
Joanne M Hoffmann says
Cathy, you are such a sweetheart and it pours out of your videos and in your cardmaking! I agree that if you have a favorite technique then by all means, go do it!! You are comfy with the process and the time spent will produce a successful project! I LOVE your card; super cute and that sentiment!!! Awesome!! As Cogsworth says in Beauty in the Beast….”if it’s not baroque, don’t fix it!” LOL
Scraporcraft says
Nice idea for use. I like how the background looks.
Laurie Black says
Beautiful card! Simple and elegant.
Tammy Perkins says
Lovely card!
Monika Davis says
What a pretty card! I love the soft sponged background with the delicate background images. Lovely design. Thank you for the inspiration. Be safe and God bless!
Cheriese H says
so pretty – love that soft background!
Larissa Heskett says
SWOON!! Such a BEAUTIFUL Card!! THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and have a FABULOUS WEEK!!
Debby Green says
Wonderful CAS card! So beautiful, as usual.
Pennee Hundley says
Dazzling card! Emboss resist is also one of my favorite techniques! I love your use of soft colors, along with a bold, effective layout! And the clear dots make the card complete!!!
Awesome job! Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity—and reminding me that true and tested techniques are great to use! And you don’t have to out do yourself each and every time you make a new card!!!!
tina z says
Love the card!
amy bishop says
Love the soft pretty colors. Thanks!
Lorieann says
Very pretty! Love the softness.
Laura G says
Beautiful card! I love your use of the background stamp.
Angie Fortner says
I will definitely be buying these supplies to duplicate this card. Love the colors you chose. I enjoy your videos and blog.
l helgason says
Pretty card. I love the colors.
Gab says
Great card and great colour scheme
Karen Erickson says
I love the resist. A very pretty card, love the message!
Connie Johnson says
Hi Cathy 🙂 Awesome delicate card!!! Love your color palette! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂