Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, the holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States. This year is especially meaningful as our country celebrates its 250th anniversary. Around Atlanta, families will gather for cookouts, parades and fireworks as the holiday weekend gets underway.
To celebrate the holiday with you, I pulled together a patriotic card featuring a few longtime favorite products alongside a brand-new embossing folder that’s quickly becoming a favorite. Here’s the card I made to share with you today:
My card starts with three layers of Two-Tone Cardstock – Secret Sea, Real Red and Pool Party. I tore one side of each layer, allowing the white core of the cardstock to peek through for a wonderfully distressed look. Here’s a closer look:
How beautiful is that texture?!
The photo above also gives you a closer look at the letters that spell CELEBRATE. The Mini Alphabet Dies are one of my favorite tools for adding custom greetings to cards. They’re small enough to fit comfortably on almost any project while still making a big visual impact.
Here’s a look at the Mini Alphabet Dies:
Before assembling the card, I embossed the Secret Sea layer with the Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder, one of the new products in Stampin’ Up!’s July 2026 Online Exclusives release. After embossing, I lightly sanded the raised design to reveal the white core of the cardstock, adding even more dimension.
Although this folder was designed with Halloween projects in mind, I immediately saw possibilities beyond spooky season. I think it will be gorgeous for Christmas cards, and the swirling pattern was the perfect backdrop for today’s patriotic design.
Here’s a look at the Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder:
Here’s a closer look at the embossed design:
…and here’s how it looks on today’s finished card:
To finish the card, I added three Wonderful Stars Puffy Stickers and two Rhinestone Basic Jewels for just the right amount of sparkle.
Last Thoughts
One of my favorite things about crafting is discovering unexpected ways to use products. While the Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder may have been designed for Halloween, it’s easy to imagine it on Christmas cards, patriotic projects and so much more. Don’t be afraid to look beyond a product’s intended theme – sometimes that’s where the most creative ideas begin. I hope today’s card inspires you to see new possibilities in the supplies you already have.
Products
Papers: Real Red, Basic White, Two-Tone Cardstock (Secret Sea, Real Red, Pool Party) Accessories: Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder, Mini Alphabet Dies, Wonderful Stars Puffy Stickers, Rhinestone Basic Jewels, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Thanks for stopping by today!
Brian
Join Us for a Summer One-for-One Card Swap
I’m hosting a one-for-one card swap, and I’d love for you to join us! Design a card with current products, send it to me, and I’ll send you someone else’s card in return. What fun!
To learn more about this card swap, click on the image below:
Don’t Miss June’s Product of the Month
When you place a $75 order (before shipping and taxes) in July, you can select the new Product of the Month for just $5. Here’s a look at this sweet Two-Stampin’ stamp set:
To read more about this sweet set and see a collection of Stampin’ Up!-designed samples, CLICK HERE.
Love this card Brian, the colors, design.. and especially the embossing folder!
Hi Brian , your card is stunning!
It would make a great masculine birthday card, too!
This is truly a versatile embossing folder , which I bought for preorder.
Thank you ,for sharing all your wonderful ideas.