Handmade Hello Friend Card Using the Sweet Bugs Bundle
- Nancy & Kayla
- 5d
- 3 min read
This card happened during one of those crafting sessions where we were technically cleaning up… but somehow ended up making another card instead. You know the kind. Paper scraps still on the table, inks already open, and just enough time to “try one more thing.” The Cute as a Bug Designer Series Paper was sitting right there, and that little caterpillar kept catching our eye every time we reached for something else.
Once the Sweet Bugs Bundle we knew we needed it because, yes it works for kid cards but also is just cute enough to share with friends. The images fit perfectly with the artwork in the paper, and before we knew it, layers were being stacked, circles were being die cut, and that “hello friend” sentiment felt like the obvious choice. This card didn’t come from a plan or a sketch—it came from playing, trusting our supplies, and letting the paper do what it does best.
Project Details & Inspiration
This design really leans into letting the Cute as a Bug Designer Series Paper shine. Instead of cutting it into smaller pieces or turning it into background strips, we used a larger panel so the illustrated scene could stay intact. All those tiny bugs, mushrooms, and playful details are too good to hide, so we treated the paper like the backdrop of a story instead of just another layer.
The card base is Peach Pie, which immediately gives the card a warm, cheerful foundation. We added a Cajun Craze mat to frame the Designer Series Paper, and that little bit of bold color helps everything feel grounded. It also ties in beautifully with the red accents already printed in the paper, which keeps the whole card feeling cohesive without needing extra embellishments.
The focal point is a stitched circle cut from Cajun Craze Cardstock. That circle creates a visual pause right in the middle of the card and gives the caterpillar a clear place to land. Without it, the stamped image would get a little lost in the busy background. With it, the eye knows exactly where to look first.
The caterpillar and leaf are stamped using the Sweet Bugs Bundle and colored to coordinate with the paper rather than stand apart from it. We kept the coloring simple and soft so it blends naturally into the scene instead of shouting for attention. The leaf is tucked slightly behind the circle to add layering and depth without making the card feel bulky.
The sentiment is stamped in Cajun Craze ink on Very Vanilla cardstock and layered on top of the circle. That placement keeps it readable while still feeling like part of the design—not something slapped on at the end.
Practical tip:When working with detailed Designer Series Paper, give your focal image a solid shape behind it. Circles, rectangles, or labels help your stamped images stand out without covering up the paper you loved enough to use in the first place.
Supplies Used on This Project
We used a mix of classic Stampin’ Up! favorites and a few fun new releases to bring this project to life. From richly colored inks to perfectly coordinated paper and embellishments, every product helps you create professional-looking results with ease.
Get the Coordinating Card Kit for FREE!
This project is part of our Sweet Bugs Weekly Card Kit, featuring 4 coordinating designs you can make right at home.
Place a $50+ order in our online store between January 4-10, 2026, and we’ll send you the Card Kit in the mail — free — as our thank-you gift!
Your Card Kit includes:
Pre-cut cardstock and die-cut pieces (for all 4 projects)
Embossed layers and embellishments
Step-by-step PDF tutorials with video links
Orders must be placed by January 10, and kits ship by January 12.
*** Limit 1 Card Kit per customer.***
Note: We might not be able to provide the exact designer series paper pattern but will provide you with another pattern from the same designer series paper pack.
Or, purchase the tutorial pack now:
Let’s Stay Connected
If you give this project a try, we’d love to see your version! Share your photos in our Exclusive Stamping BAE Facebook Group or tag us on Instagram @StampingBAE love seeing your creativity in action.
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