Create With DSP Sand and Sea Paper Projects

Are you ever intimidated by your Designer Series Paper? Today is Part One of my “Create With DSP” Series and we’ll be focusing on the Sand & Sea papers!

This is part of a series of card recipe posts showing different card styles that will showcase your favorite Designer Series Paper (DSP)! To see them all, click here!

When this Sand & Sea paper appeared in the 2021 Stampin’ Up Mini-catalog, I really liked the color palette and the nautical theme. Likewise, I knew that even though it was paired with a specific stamp set, I could pair it with a few other of my favorites that you’ll see below.

Similarly, this post also shows how easy it can be to sit down with one paper theme and create a stack of cards to use! I buy paper when I like it or am drawn to it without concern for knowing exactly what I should make with it.

If you like to have all the pretty paper but, similar to me, may not have as much craft room as you’d like, consider being a part of my DSP share. It’s the perfect way to get a bit of everything, while not breaking the bank or outgrowing your storage! Keep an eye on my offerings at the beginning of new catalogs by subscribing to my Stampin Newsletter!

Don’t be intimidated by your Designer Series Paper! See below for how to create with your DSP and make a card today!


Begin Here: Basic Tips to Begin Creating With DSP:

  • Choose your DSP. Pull out one of each design and have it in front of you.
  • Bring any coordinating cardstock to your desk or work space. Coordinating colors are easy to figure out because the back of Stampin’ Up DSP has the colors listed!

TIP: Never again wonder what colors will match your DSP for your projects. On the back of each pack, Stampin’ Up has listed the coordinating colors!

  • Next, choose a stamp set (or 2 or more!) that might coordinate well with the theme. Because this paper has an obvious nautical theme, I chose to use the Sailing Home stamp and die bundle as well as the Seaside Notions and High Tide stamp sets.
  • Start simple! Card base, DSP layer, and sentiment.
    • Choose a coordinating card stock and cut to 5 1/2” x 4 1/4”. Fold it in half for your card base.
    • Next cut a DSP layer to 5 1/4” x 4”. (If you are starting with a 12” x 12” sheet, cut all the way across at 5 1/4” first for a strip you can use for your next few projects). Adhere this down to your card base.
    • Then, stamp your favorite sentiment onto a piece of white, cut it out (or die-cut), and adhere it down to your DSP.

Remember: Start Simple!

TIP: Start Simple! Even if you are an Artfully Avid crafter, starting with basics can often get those creative juices flowing. Seeing a simple way to use your pretty papers can give you ideas on how else to use the next sheet!

  • Have you seen a fun-fold card you’d like to try? Now is the time!
  • Don’t be afraid to try something different or unconventional. This paper is so pretty that it can offer ideas on how to change the normal card base from normal size or shape to something fun!
  • When I really want my card to stand out when it’s received, it’s easy to dress up the envelope. Matching DSP is perfect for this! Cut a 2 1/4” x 5 1/2” strip of your paper, and glue it to the top flap of the envelope. Trim off the excess. So cute!

Next week, I’ll have more tips for creating with DSP as well as recipes for cards that look GREAT with beautiful papers, whether you have just a few scraps or large pieces!


Supplies for this Sand & Sea Card Stack:

Here you’ll find what I used for my stack of cards, but these are not requirements! Simply, I found these match well to the chosen Designer Series Paper. Use what you like and what works for the type of cards you need!



Thanks for joining me in my Craft Closet today! My goal wasn’t to make “as many cards as possible” from my paper, but I’m happy with the beautiful creations that not only showcase the designs but also have matching envelopes! I hope you now feel prepared to sit down and feature your Designer Series Paper in a beatiful way!

How about making a few similar projects using that beautiful designer series paper you haven’t used yet? Click on the images below to find the tutorials!

Happy Crafting!

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1 Response

  1. Susan Pacheco says:

    Great ideas with the DSP.

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