Sunday, 17 May 2026

A Beneath the Brambles Acetate page

Good morning and a very happy Sunday! Today I'm sharing an acetate page made with the stunning Beneath the Brambles collection by Arden Creative, and on sale at Relatively Thoughtful.




And this is my acetate page. I started by making some woodgrain papers with the Woodgrain die set . These were then cut out to make a clipboard with the Clipboard Coverings set vol 2 and sewn down onto an acetate page.
Of course, being acetate, this showed through on the other side of the page so I had to make an identical clipboard on the reverse. I had to duplicate the sentiment so that I could cut it in the same places! (it seemed such a good idea at the time lol)
I've used some fabric in the layers, but the little bulldog clip is a die cut from the clipboard set!
The paperclip is from the same set.
Here I've inked some decoupage paper and die-cut it.
This is how the page looks in the binder. It will be nice when bigger pages are in to see them through the clear acetate.
And this is the reverse again. Thank goodness there's duplicates of the sentiments! The flowers are from the Inkable Florals pack.
This was a lot of faffing around, but I really like how it's turned out, and I do love a good faff!

All of the products used can be found here in the Relatively Thoughtful store.

Woodgrain die set

Clipboard Coverings set vol 2

Background Elements clear stamps

Rub on transfer set

Laser Cut Inkable Florals set

Laser Cut Sentiments pack

Decoupage paper

Ephemera Pack

Oooh, I used a lot of stuff, didn't I? Thank goodness it all works beautifully together.

Take care and enjoy the rest of your weekend xx


Monday, 11 May 2026

Enjoy Every Moment – A Vintage Floral Card

 This card is all about soft elegance, romantic florals, and timeless vintage charm. From the delicate illustration to the shimmering gold accents, every element works together to create a design that feels graceful and uplifting.


The background begins with rich pink textured cardstock that immediately sets a warm, feminine tone. A metallic gold frame surrounds the design, adding a polished, luxurious finish and helping the colors feel even more vibrant.

Running down the center of the card are three narrow vertical panels, each bordered in thin gold trim. These panels bring together a beautiful mix of patterns and color. On the left, a cool blue marbled design adds contrast and calm. The middle panel features dreamy pink roses that echo the romantic theme, while the right panel showcases an intricate blue medallion pattern that adds depth and visual interest. Together, the trio creates a layered backdrop that feels both balanced and dynamic.


The focal point is a lovely vintage illustration of a woman dressed in a flowing pastel gown, holding a parasol and a small bouquet. Her soft expression and elegant posture bring a storytelling element to the card, almost like a scene from another era. The image is raised slightly from the background, giving the design dimension and helping her stand out from the patterned panels behind her.


Across the lower portion of the card, thin metallic gold strips stretch horizontally, grounding the design and tying in beautifully with the gold border and sentiment frame.

The sentiment takes center stage in a bold circular element on the right side. The white circle is framed with a glittering gold ring and features the phrase “Enjoy every MOMENT.” The mix of script and bold lettering gives the greeting a cheerful, encouraging feel. Tiny star embellishments scattered nearby add a hint of sparkle and whimsy.

Altogether, this card feels romantic, classic, and heartfelt — perfect for reminding someone to slow down and savor life’s special moments.

How to Make This Card

Supplies

  • Pink cardstock (card base)

  • Gold mirror cardstock (mat + thin strips)

  • Patterned papers: blue marble, pink floral, blue medallion

  • Vintage lady image (printed or die cut)

  • White cardstock for sentiment

  • Circle dies or punches (two sizes)

  • Foam adhesive (to make card image and sentiment dimensional)

  • Paper trimmer or scissors

  • Glue or tape runner

  • Small star embellishments

Step 1 – Create the Card Base

Cut and fold pink cardstock to create a square card base.
Cut a slightly smaller square of gold mirror cardstock and adhere it to the front to create a shiny border.

Step 2 – Prepare the Vertical Panels

Cut three narrow rectangles from your patterned papers.
Mat each strip with a very thin border of gold mirror cardstock.
Adhere the three panels vertically down the center of the card, spacing them evenly.

Step 3 – Add the Gold Accent Strips

Cut two thin strips of gold mirror cardstock.
Glue them horizontally across the lower third of the card, running behind where the focal image will sit.

Step 4 – Add the Vintage Focal Image

Carefully fussy cut the vintage lady image.
Attach her slightly left of center using foam adhesive to give the card dimension and depth.

Step 5 – Create the Sentiment Circle

Cut a circle from white cardstock and stamp or print the sentiment “Enjoy every MOMENT.”
Cut a slightly larger circle from gold mirror cardstock and layer the white circle on top.
Attach the sentiment circle to the right side of the card using foam adhesive.

Step 6 – Finishing Touches

Add a few small star embellishments around the sentiment for sparkle.

Check that all layers are secure — and your elegant vintage card is finished!

This design is perfect for birthdays, encouragement cards, or simply sending a thoughtful note to brighten someone’s day ðŸ’•

Tuesday, 5 May 2026

May RT Challenge - Groovy Vibes

Are you ready for the May Challenge using our newest collection GROOVY VIBES! An email went out inviting everyone to join in on the fun.  If you are not on our email list, you can subscribe here: Relatively Thoughtful - Papercrafting Products      Then you will be one of the first to know about the challenges each month. 

5th - 29th May 2026

We’d love for you to join us in creating a card, tag, or anything that inspires you using the designs — the challenge is open to everyone, whether you’re just starting out or have been crafting for years. Every entry will be entered into a random draw to win a prize or voucher, so it’s all about taking part and having fun. To join in, simply follow the steps in our Free Gifts & Challenges section or visit our Facebook page, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #rtcraftchallenge when you share your creation so we can see and celebrate your work.

Get your FREE PDF Download!
https://relativelythoughtful.co.uk/products/rt-crafty-challenge-april-fools-3rd-28th-april-2026

How to enter:

  • Download the free PDF from the link above
  • Create your project using the papers and cut-outs.
  • Take a clear, high-quality photo or scan of your project
  • Post the picture in our RT Create, Make and Share Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2659865907583506
  • Please use the hashtag #rtcraftchallenge so we can find your entry.

Monday, 4 May 2026

Groovy Vibes – A Retro Card - Monday Sketch Cards

There’s something irresistibly joyful about the retro era. The bold colours, playful patterns, and timeless fashion feel just as fresh today as they did decades ago. This card is a little love letter to that vintage spirit—and a reminder that retro style never goes out of fashion.




Inspired by the iconic looks and graphic design of the 1960s and 1970s, the focal point of this design is a chic mod figure dressed in a classic go-go ensemble. Her tailored coat, patterned tights, and stylish hat capture that confident, fashion-forward vibe perfectly. She stands proudly against a backdrop of groovy patterns—record-inspired circles, kaleidoscopic florals, and geometric shapes in a vibrant colour palette from the Groovy Vibes collection.


The sentiment “retro” is framed in a pastel sunburst that adds a cheerful pop and pulls the whole design together. Metallic teal strips bring in a bit of shimmer and a modern touch, proving that retro can still shine today. This card makes me smile—it’s bold, nostalgic, and full of personality. Perfect for birthdays, encouragement, or simply saying hello to a fellow vintage lover, it celebrates style, self-expression, and the joy of looking back while creating something new.


How to Make the Card

1. Create the Base
Start with an A2 card base. Cut a piece of green patterned paper from the collection to the same size and adhere it to the front of the card to create your background.

2. Add the Retro Pattern Strips
Choose three bold retro papers with different designs—think abstract shapes, records, and florals. Cut them into strips measuring 1" x 4.25". Adhere the strips vertically on the card front, leaving a 3/8" border on the sides and a 5/8" border at the top.

3. Add the Mod Figure
Fussy cut the vintage mod woman image and adhere her slightly left of center over the patterned strips. Use foam adhesive to give her dimension and make her pop.

4. Add Metallic Accents
Place three metallic teal strips (or washi tape) horizontally across the card, tucking them behind the figure. This adds shine and helps ground the design.

5. Create the Sunburst Sentiment
Use a circle die or punch to create the sentiment base. Form a pastel sunburst by piecing together narrow wedges of colored paper around the circle’s edge. Stamp or print the word “retro” on a white circle and adhere it to the center. Attach the finished sentiment to the lower right of the card using foam adhesive.


You can find the entire Groovy Vibes collection on the Relatively Thoughtful website.

Crafty hugs,
Alisa

Sunday, 3 May 2026

A Beneath the Brambles Binder

 Good morning and a very happy Sunday! Today I'm sharing a binder and an acetate page made with the stunning Beneath the Brambles collection by Arden Creative, and on sale at Relatively Thoughtful.


The binder was inexpensive, but not very pretty, and I do like my album covers to match the papers that I will be using. I've already shown the giant tag here, and to complete the cover, I've added some cardstock that's been stamped and embossed, along with some die cuts, rub-ons, and PET tape.

All of the products used can be found here in the Relatively Thoughtful store.

Woodgrain die set

Clipboard Coverings set vol 2

Background Elements clear stamps

Rub on transfer set

Laser Cut Inkable Florals set

Laser Cut Sentiments pack

Decoupage paper

Ephemera Pack

Oooh, I used a lot of stuff, didn't I? Thank goodness it all works beautifully together.

Take care and enjoy the rest of your weekend xx

Monday, 27 April 2026

April sketch card

 

Happy Monday! 

Today, I’m excited to share a Happy Birthday card I created using both paper and digital ephemera from the Relatively Thoughtful April Fools collection.  These digital papers and ephemera were created to coordinate perfectly with each other.  


There’s something special about sitting down with a table full of paper scraps, embellishments, and a spark of inspiration. This birthday card came together exactly that way — a joyful mix of color, pattern, and whimsy that made the whole crafting process feel fun and intuitive. 



The card features a lively, layered background built from coordinating papers: a festive balloon print paired with bold blocks of green, orange, and blue. Each piece is cut at slightly different angles and sizes, then stacked, so the edges peek out just enough to create depth and movement. The overlapping shapes give the card a scrapbook‑style energy that feels playful without being overwhelming.  At the center of the design is a cheerful jester figure in bright reds, blues, and yellows.



 The illustration adds a touch of storybook charm and instantly becomes the focal point. To balance the layout, I added a small, framed sentiment tag reading “Birthday Wishes”, giving the card a polished, finished look. Three tiny iridescent stars sit off to the side, adding just the right amount of sparkle. This card was a joy to make — the kind of project where the colors guide you; the layers fall into place, and the result feels like a little celebration all on its own. If you love crafting with patterned paper or experimenting with layered layouts, this style is a great way to play with texture and color while keeping the process simple and fun. 



 I began by cutting a 5.5” x 4.25” background panel from the balloon-patterned paper in the digital printable, then positioned it to completely cover my 5.5” x 4.25” white card base.  Next, I cut the green patterned paper from the digital printable into a 5.25” x 4” sheet and centered it on top of the balloon-patterned paper that I previously attached to my A2 card base. I then attached the other balloon-patterned paper from the digital download, which I cut into a fishtail piece, onto the solid green 5.25” x 4” piece. 


I then layered the brown patterned paper onto the top of the fishtail paper and then layered the third balloon-patterned paper, also from the digital download, on top of the brown patterned paper.  

The jester from the free download is elevated with low‑profile foam along with the sentiment. 

I placed three iridescent stars on top of the brown patterned paper to break up the space. 


This stunning, beautifully crafted collection is available in its entirety for free at the Relatively Thoughtful store. 

Take care,

Alisa

Sunday, 26 April 2026

Cute card

Happy Sunday!

Today I’m excited to share an A2-sized card I created using both paper and digital ephemera from the Relatively Thoughtful Cute Poppy Girls collection.  

The printable collection is gorgeous, and a matching set is available for purchase that complements it beautifully. It’s clear that these digital papers and ephemera were created to perfectly coordinate with each other.  



I began by cutting a 5.25” x 4” background panel from the green and yellow patterned paper in the purchasable digital printable, then centered it on my white cardstock base.



Next, I attached the poppy-patterned paper from the purchased digital download onto the solid red fishtail piece, then layered the linen-weave patterned paper, also from the purchased digital download, on top of the poppy design.


The poppy girl from the free download was elevated with low‑profile foam. Using the foam along with a puffy sentiment is such a clever choice, giving the card presence without overpowering the delicate artwork in the papers.  


This stunning, beautifully crafted collection is available in its entirety at the Relatively Thoughtful store.


Happy crafting,

Alisa