Roundup - Right as Rain

The Creative Year in Review

As 2025 comes to a close, I looked at all my cards from the year and chose a few that represent some of the creative paths I took. I’ve included images of those cards here, and each one links to its original post if you’d like to revisit it.

I found myself reaching for products from designers I hadn’t used in a while, like Tim Holtz and Elizabeth Craft Designs. I took on projects with more steps, like monoprint stenciled backgrounds and dimensional florals. These weren’t the quickest projects to make, but they were satisfying.

Even though most of my cardmaking leans toward die cuts, I continued to enjoy watercoloring this year. The Art Impressions sets stand out because the stamped images are well suited to watercolor, and the coordinating dies make it easy to add a little dimension.

Finally, I found really enjoyed combining products from different sets in whimsical ways, which I call “mash ups.”

Of course, any time we switch gears creatively, whether it’s trying a new technique or exploring a different designer, there’s an investment involved. There’s the time it takes to learn how something works, to practice, and to make imperfect attempts. There’s often financial commitment as well, with new tools or products. With changes in the craft industry and higher costs this year, I’ve been more intentional about what I bring into my craft room, focusing on purchases that offer lasting value and room to learn.

Looking ahead to 2026, I want to try designers and companies I haven’t explored yet and to continue the practices I embraced this year.

As you look back on your own year, your creative journey may have looked very different. Perhaps you spent time organizing your space, using what you already have, or finding connection through classes, groups, or online communities. If you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear what this year held for you.

Christmas Card Roundup with Poinsettias & Wreaths

Hello! When it comes to handmade Christmas cards, two timeless botanical themes return year after year—poinsettias and wreaths. Both draw on the beauty of nature to capture the festive spirit, whether through bold blooms or evergreen boughs. In this roundup, I’m sharing cards from my blog archive where either poinsettias or wreaths are included. Click on the card image to be taken to the original post for additional details.

The first card features a graceful Christmas tree decorated with elegant white die-cut poinsettias.

A vivid mixed-media floral spray, die-cut with Tim Holtz’s Festive Bouquet set, takes center stage on a clean, neutral background.

Loose poinsettias and seasonal foliage, colored with Distress Inks, are arranged in a charming bucket with a sentiment tag.

This card uses the same die set as the bucket design, but here the poinsettias are arranged in a festive cluster atop a doily shape.

This elegant card pairs a kraft background with a gold heat embossed sentiment and a poinsettia spray cut from red, green, and gold foil cardstock.

This card showcases a large poinsettia image, brought to life with watercoloring. It’s the only watercolor design in the roundup.

I found fewer wreath-themed cards in my collection than I expected, and on the ones I found, the wreath most often appeared as a small adornment rather than the focal point. The first card, however, features a wreath constructed of snow-tipped boughs with a cheerful snowman in the center.

The following three cards all feature the same small Lawn Fawn die-cut wreath, shown on a festive barn, a cozy window, and a cheerful postbox—each offering a unique holiday scene.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this roundup of poinsettia and wreath-themed Christmas cards! Revisiting my older cards helps spark new inspiration, reminds me of the styles and details I enjoy most, and highlights products I already own before adding more to my stash. Do you use poinsettias and/or wreaths in your own cardmaking?

Handmade Father’s Day Cards Round-Up

Father’s Day cards often celebrate the things dads love most—relaxing, tinkering, and spending time outdoors. In this roundup, I’m sharing handmade cards that reflect just that, with themes like fixing things, fishing, and BBQ. Whether you’re crafting for your own dad or another special guy, these ideas are full of inspiration. Throughout this post, I’ll be using cards from my blog archive as examples. Click on the card image to be taken to the original post.

First up, let’s celebrate the classic tool theme—a timeless favorite for Father’s Day. These cards highlight the hardworking, hands-on spirit of dads who love to build, fix, and tinker.

Next up is the fishing theme, perfect for dads who enjoy quiet moments by the water. From a clean and simple card with just a fishing rod, to a detailed die-cut design, to a charming watercolored scene featuring a dog with a net—these cards reel in all the personality.

The necktie has long been a classic symbol of Father’s Day, representing the traditional, buttoned-up dad with a hint of nostalgia and charm.

Finally, no Father’s Day roundup is complete without a nod to the grill master. This card features a BBQ scene and a bold “#1 Dad” sentiment—perfect for the king of the cookout.

As I looked over this collection, I noticed how varied Father’s Day cards can be—some are bold and graphic, others are sweet or funny. Some use large die-cut letters to spell out DAD, while others don’t say “Dad” at all, instead letting the imagery or sentiment do the talking. The designs range from clean and simple to scenes, showing that there’s no one right way to celebrate the dads in our lives. I hope these cards spark ideas and encourage you to dig into your own supplies to create a Father’s Day card that feels personal and meaningful.

Congratulations Cards Roundup

“Bravo!” “You Did It!” “Hooray!” Welcome to a roundup of congratulations cards. Whether it’s a graduation, a new job, a new home, or a job well done – these occasions deserve to be celebrated in style. Sending a congratulations card is a way to recognize a friend’s or family member’s achievement.

In this post, I have used cards from my blog archive as examples. Click on the card image to be taken to the original post.

Cards can be sent to congratulate graduates from preschool all the way to graduate school. Additionally, handmade graduation cards can be tailored to incorporate the recipient’s school colors.

Featuring a sports car and festive balloons, along with the heartfelt message “You’ve turned your dreams into realities,” the card below stylishly celebrates a loved one’s accomplishments.

A “You’re so awesome” sentiment accompanied by a vibrant array of colorful die-cut stars is an uplifting way to celebrate someone’s achievements.

A whimsical card featuring a fox playing a horn and a punny sentiment can be sent for a number of congratulatory occasions.

Celebrate someone’s move to a new home with style and flair with a card featuring colorful paintbrushes.

Observations I did not include engagement, wedding, retirement, or new baby cards in this round-up. I have only created a handful of those cards over the years, and I am not sure I necessarily see them as part of the congratulations category.

For which occasions do you send congratulations cards?

A Showcase of Birthday Greetings

Hello! Following Christmas cards, birthday cards are the type I send most frequently. In this post, I’m excited to share a collection of birthday cards that I’ve crafted over the years.

Throughout this post, I’ll be using cards from my blog archive as examples. Click on the card image to be taken to the original post. Even if the specific products used on the cards may no longer be available, the focus is on how the theme is represented on the card.

A birthday card adorned with colorful balloons and a straightforward “Happy Birthday” sentiment holds visual appeal with its clean and simple design. The graphic elements create a sense of celebration without unnecessary complexity.

A decorated cake with candles is universally associated with birthdays, making it visually engaging for a broad audience. The colorful and decorative elements add a festive touch, enhancing the card’s appeal.

A card featuring cats in cupcakes combines whimsy and charm. This playful and cute depiction adds a unique and lighthearted touch to a birthday card that is particularly appealing to cat lovers.

Another card appealing to cat lovers, cats wearing party hats in a cozy setting creates a sense of warmth and celebration. The addition of balloons outside a window adds a touch of festivity.

A mix of adorable animals adds a playful quality to a birthday card, while party hats, presents, and balloons create a celebratory atmosphere.

Perfect for sending birthday joy to a dog enthusiast or someone who appreciates canine charm, a card showing dogs of various breeds at the park is heartwarming and festive.

A birthday card with a die-cut sentiment of “Happy Birthday Wishes” on a banner background, set against floral-patterned paper and adorned with die-cut floral clusters, is fittingly feminine.

Both visually appealing and elegant, a birthday card featuring watercolored florals is not just a card but a miniature work of art that captures the eye.

Whether you’re captivated by colorful balloons, charmed by watercolored florals, or amused by cats and dogs ready to celebrate, the diverse birthday cards showcased above offer a range of styles and sentiments. I hope these cards spark your imagination, encouraging you to infuse your personal touch into birthday greetings.