Same Layout, Two Very Different Results
In this tutorial I’m showing you how to make a gorgeous Help Me Grow Bundle card two ways — a simple version and a wow version. Same layout, same dies, completely different result. If you’ve ever looked at a beautifully detailed handmade card and thought “I could never make that” — this video is for you. Because the truth is the wow version isn’t hard. It just has a few extra steps that make a surprisingly big difference. And honestly? The result just might surprise you.
If you love simple to wow transformations, you might also enjoy this Spotlight on Nature wow card!
THE SIMPLE CARD
The simple version uses old olive cardstock for the leaves, a stamped and die cut clay pot, and misty moonlight matting. No watercoloring — just clean die cutting, a little stamping, and a linen thread bow. It’s a beautiful card on its own and comes together quickly with no special techniques required. This is a great option if you’re newer to card making or just want a clean quick result you can be proud to give. The same dies and stamp set are used for both versions so you’re not starting from scratch — just choosing how far you want to take it.
Both of these cards are made using the Help Me Grow Bundle dies and stamp set.
THE WOW CARD
The wow version of this Help Me Grow Bundle card starts with the exact same layout but layers in designer series paper, a wood grain embossed background, and a spotlight on nature circle focal point. The biggest upgrade is the watercoloring — the flowers, leaves, and terracotta pot are all watercolored using Stampin’ Up ink pads and watercolor paper, giving the whole card a soft painterly feel that makes it look like it came from a boutique shop.
The leaves get a two tone treatment using soft seafoam as the base and old olive for the darker edges — leaving the water to pool naturally gives you light and dark spots without any precise technique needed. Watercoloring is genuinely forgiving and there is no right or wrong way to do it.
The pot gets three layers of watercolor — petal pink for the base, cinnamon craze for the terracotta color, and pecan pie to deepen and shade the edges. Then comes the most satisfying step — espresso and white craft ink spattering that gives the pot that gorgeous worn weathered look. It sounds complicated but it takes just a few minutes and the result is stunning.
The thanks pick is white embossed on black paper for a bold finishing touch that takes the whole card to the next level. That one little element alone makes the card feel intentional and polished.
The pot alone gets three layers of watercolor — petal pink, cinnamon craze, and pecan pie — then finished with espresso and white craft ink spattering that gives it that gorgeous worn terracotta look. The thanks pick is white embossed on black paper for a bold finishing touch that takes the whole card to the next level.
WATCH THE FULL TUTORIAL
Ready to make this yourself? Watch the full step by step video below — I walk you through both versions so you can choose your own adventure!
LOVE MAKING CARDS LIKE THIS?
If you want a kit and a class delivered to your door every month, come check out Club Create! Everything is decided for you — just open your kit and follow along with me.
Or join my free monthly card class — no purchase needed, just show up on YouTube!
A Note on Watercoloring with Stampin’ Up Inks
You don’t need special watercolor paints to get beautiful results — Stampin’ Up ink pads are water based which means they work perfectly as watercolors. Just squeeze a little ink onto the lid of the pad, add water with your brush, and paint. The fluid 100 watercolor paper holds the ink beautifully and gives you that soft blended look. If you’re trying watercoloring for the first time this Help Me Grow Bundle card is a great place to start — the organic shapes of leaves and a pot are very forgiving and look beautiful even when they’re imperfect.
HELP ME GROW SUPPLY LIST
Shop all supplies through my Stampin’ Up store — your order supports this free content!
- Shop the Simple Card Supply List
- Shop the WOW Card Supply List
- Help Me Grow Bundle
- Shop my full Stampin’ Up store
SAVE THIS FOR LATER!
