A Simple Cross Card for Easter… with Endless Possibilities

A Simple Cross Card for Easter… with Endless Possibilities

An Easter Card with the New Hydrangea Hue In Color

 

There’s something so peaceful about a clean, simple Easter card—and this one feels like a quiet moment wrapped in paper. 💙

Today’s card features a soft, layered cross created with cardstock strips, set against a sweet polka dot Designer Series Paper background. The gentle blues paired with crisp white details give it that calm, reflective feel that’s just perfect for Easter. And that sentiment—“you are loved”—says everything that needs to be said, doesn’t it?

What I really love about this design is how versatile it is. Think of it like a sketch you can dress up or down depending on what’s sitting on your craft table!  Also perfect for a Baptism or First Confirmation!

Easter Card by Laura Milligan Using NEW Hydrangea Hue YouTube Thumbnail

Measurements:

  • Base: 5 ½” x 8 ½” – score at 4 ¼” and 7 ¼”
  • 1 ¼” x 3 ¾” – cross bar for cross – same cardstock as card base
  • DSP:  2 ¾” x 5 ¼” (front)
  • 4” x 5 ¼” (inside panel)
  • White:  2 ½” x 5” (inside panel)
An Easter Card (inside) with the New Hydrangea Hue In Color

The layered die cut behind the greeting adds just enough detail without overwhelming the design, and that little ribbon accent gives it a soft, finished touch—like tying a bow on a meaningful moment.

This is one of those cards that looks thoughtful and intricate, but comes together easily… and can be recreated again and again with whatever supplies you already have.

So grab your favorite papers, dies, and stamps, and let this design be your starting point. Sometimes the simplest layouts leave the most room for creativity to bloom.

FREE TUTORIALS- I send out Weekend Inspiration every weekend that includes a handful of Card Projects with tutorials and supply lists – and yes they are free!  The first card on today’s post is one of the project tutorials!   I send these out to all who are on my email list.  Interested in getting these project sheets?  Simply subscribe to my email list click here:

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Flower Fair Makes Card Making Easy + Free Tutorial

Flower Fair Makes Card Making Easy + Free Tutorial

Flowers Fair Sympathy Card

There’s something truly special about creating a card that brings comfort, and today’s project is one of those heartfelt designs. This soft, watercolor-inspired background paired with delicate floral line art creates a calm and peaceful feel—perfect for sharing words of encouragement or sympathy. The simple sentiment, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you,” adds a meaningful touch without overwhelming the design.

I love how the warm tones blend effortlessly behind the stamped flowers, giving this card a gentle, artistic look while still being easy to recreate. And that little ribbon detail? It’s the perfect finishing touch that adds just enough texture and dimension.

Free Card Tutorial: Flowers Fair Handmade Card

Measurements:

  • Poppy Parade: 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored at 4 1/4”
  • Basic White: 4” x 5 1/4”
  • Timid Tiger: 4” x 5 1/4”
  • DSP: 4” x 5” and 2” x 2” scrap

Instructions:

  1. Fold the Poppy Parade cardstock in half at the score line. Adhere the 4″ x 5 1/4″ piece of Basic White Cardstock inside the card.
  2. Adhere the Timid Tiger cardstock to the front of the card.
  3. Using the Tuxedo Black Memento ink pad, stamp the Flowers Fair image onto the 4” x 5” Garden Poetry DSP. Adhere to the Timid Tiger cardstock on the card front.
  4. Stamp the sentiment from Prayers & Promises onto the center of the 2” DSP scrap using Tuxedo Black Memento ink. Punch out the sentiment using the 1 3/4” Circle Punch.
  5. Cut 8” of the Timid Tiger Ribbon and fold into thirds, creating a “Z” pattern. Adhere to the back of the 1 3/4” circle using Stampin’ Dimensionals.
  6. Add additional Stampin’ Dimensionals as needed and adhere to the front of the card as shown in the sample to finish.

Click to Save the Bee Creative Tutorial

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Garden Fresh Greetings with the Help Me Grow Bundle

Garden Fresh Greetings with the Help Me Grow Bundle

Create a Card with Laura Milligan and the Help Me Grow Bundle from Stampin Up!

There’s just something about a garden theme that feels like a breath of fresh air—don’t you think? 🌿 This card came together during my most recent Facebook Live, and it’s one of those designs that feels equal parts sweet, simple, and just a little bit special.

The Help Me Grow Bundle really does all the heavy lifting here. I mean…how cute are those gardening tools?! I paired them with some soft patterned paper for the tool handles to give them a little personality—because even garden tools deserve a glow-up every now and then.

The layout is clean and classic, starting with that stitched white panel layered over a soft neutral card base. It creates the perfect “garden bed” to build on. From there, I tucked in some bright green foliage (because more leaves = more happy 🌱), and added a few tiny flowers for pops of color that feel like they just bloomed into place.

Create a card with Laura Milligan during a Facebook Live using the Help Me Grow Bundle by Stampin' Up!

 

And let’s talk about that sentiment for a second…
Simple. Straightforward. Perfect.
Sometimes a little “hello” is all you need.

To finish it off, I added a bit of twine for texture and just a hint of rustic charm—it ties everything together without stealing the spotlight.

Why I love this card:

  • It’s easy to recreate with scraps and dies you already have
  • The layers add interest without feeling fussy
  • It works for so many occasions—hello, thinking of you, or just because

If you missed the live, be sure to catch the replay—I walk through all the steps and share a few tips along the way to help you get those layers just right.

And if you’ve got the Help Me Grow Bundle in your craft room, consider this your sign to pull it out and play. 🌼

Happy stamping!
Laura 💛

Create a handmade card with the Help Me Grow Bundle by Stampin Up

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How to Get the March 2026 Filled with Sweetness Tutorial

You’ve got two easy options to get your hands on this tutorial:

Option 1: Earn It FREE
Place a $50 order (before tax and shipping) with me, and you’ll receive the Filled with Sweetness Tutorial Bundle for FREE. (a link to the tutorial will be emailed to you within 24-48 hours after you place your order). 
• Available to U.S. residents only
• Orders must be placed through me

Click to shop online with me

Option 2: Purchase the Tutorial 
Not shopping right now or live outside the U.S.? No problem.
• Purchase the tutorial for $20
• Available to anyone, anywhere

Click to purchase the tutorial

This tutorial is perfect if you love fresh card ideas, thoughtful layouts, and projects that feel polished but totally doable.

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You’re the Sweetest – Cards from My Latest Facebook Live

You’re the Sweetest – Cards from My Latest Facebook Live

Filled with Sweetness Bundle and Homemade Sweetness Suite by Stampin' Up! Laura Milligan Facebook LIve

During my most recent Facebook Live on my I’d Rather Bee Stampin’ page, we spent an hour playing with the Filled with Sweetness Bundle and the coordinating Homemade Sweetness Suite from Stampin’ Up! — and let me tell you… it was a berry good time.

These three cards are proof that when you mix adorable images, cheerful designer paper, and just the right embossing detail, you get projects that practically smile back at you.

Filled with Sweetness Bundle Laura Milligan YouTube Thumbnail

Filled with Sweetness Bundle and Homemade Sweetness Suite by Stampin' Up! Friend Card Laura Milligan Facebook LIve

Card #1 – Clean, Sweet & Embossed

For this first card, I let texture do the talking. The embossed background adds that soft, bakery-window charm, while the little honey bear and jam jars steal the show.  The oval sentiment layered over a strip of patterned paper gives it just enough contrast without overpowering the design. A few dots and a tied ribbon bow finish it off perfectly.  It’s simple, sweet, and would be darling for a thank you, encouragement, or just because.

Filled with Sweetness Bundle and Homemade Sweetness Suite by Stampin' Up! Jar Card Laura Milligan Facebook LIve

Card #2 – Jam Jar Cutie

How fun is this jar-shaped card?!  This one really lets the dies shine. The bold yellow base makes it feel bright and happy, and that blueberry accent adds the perfect pop of color. I love how the twine bow at the top makes it look like a freshly sealed jar straight from the kitchen.  It’s unexpected, playful, and guaranteed to stand out in someone’s mailbox.

Filled with Sweetness Bundle and Homemade Sweetness Suite by Stampin' Up! Jars of Jelly Card Laura Milligan Facebook LIve

Card #3 – Love You Berry Much

This card is packed with personality!  Layering different “flavors” of jars across the front creates such a fun little lineup. The honey bear front and center ties everything together, and the patterned paper background adds that cozy kitchen vibe.  And can we talk about that “Love You Berry Much” sentiment? It’s punny perfection.

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How to Get the March 2026 Filled with Sweetness Tutorial

You’ve got two easy options to get your hands on this tutorial:

Option 1: Earn It FREE
Place a $50 order (before tax and shipping) with me, and you’ll receive the Filled with Sweetness Tutorial Bundle for FREE. (a link to the tutorial will be emailed to you within 24-48 hours after you place your order). 
• Available to U.S. residents only
• Orders must be placed through me

Click to shop online with me

Option 2: Purchase the Tutorial 
Not shopping right now or live outside the U.S.? No problem.
• Purchase the tutorial for $20
• Available to anyone, anywhere

Click to purchase the tutorial

This tutorial is perfect if you love fresh card ideas, thoughtful layouts, and projects that feel polished but totally doable.

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Two Cards & Envelopes with Addressed to You!

Two Cards & Envelopes with Addressed to You!

Two Birthday Cards using the Addressed to You Stamp Set by Stampin Up

During my most recent Facebook Live on my I’d Rather Bee Stampin’ page, I shared these two bright and happy birthday cards — and yes… they each have a matching envelope because we do not send naked mail around here. 💌

For these two cards and matching envelopes, I used the Addressed to You stamp set- it is in our Mini Catalog – page 66. Don’t miss this one my friends!  It makes a beautiful pairing – matching envelopes and matching cards – YES!  Of course you can use these stamps with different words and die cuts – the possibilities are endless.  Watch the end of my FB Live as I shared four additional ideas with this stamp set.

Both designs let the Designer Series Paper do a lot of the heavy lifting (my favorite kind of crafting partner). With soft florals, layered panels, a little white twine, and a sprinkle of gems, these cards come together beautifully without being fussy.

Two Birthday Cards using the Addressed to You Stamp Set by Stampin Up

A Birthday Card using the Addressed to You by Stampin Up

A Birthday Card using the Addressed to You Stamp Set by Stampin Up

A Birthday Card using the Addressed to You Stamp Set from Stampin Up

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Last Chance for FREE! How to Get the February 2026 Lovely Arrangements Tutorial

You’ve got two easy options to get your hands on this tutorial:

Option 1: Earn It FREE
Place a $50 order (before tax and shipping) with me, and you’ll receive the Lovely Arrangements Tutorial Bundle for FREE. (a link to the tutorial will be emailed to you within 24-48 hours after you place your order). 
• Available to U.S. residents only
• Orders must be placed through me

Click to shop online with me

Option 2: Purchase the Tutorial 
Not shopping right now or live outside the U.S.? No problem.
• Purchase the tutorial for $20
• Available to anyone, anywhere

Click to purchase the tutorial

This tutorial is perfect if you love fresh card ideas, thoughtful layouts, and projects that feel polished but totally doable.

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Sweet Little Bunnies & a Basket of Joy with the Easter Basket Bundle

Sweet Little Bunnies & a Basket of Joy with the Easter Basket Bundle

Create an Easter Card with Bunnies using the Easter Basket Bundle by Stampin' Up! Laura Milligan

I don’t know about you, but I can never resist a bunny… and when you add a baby chick and the cutest woven basket detail? I’m completely done for. 🐰💛 This card was created using the Easter Basket Bundle from the Easter Joy Suite Collection, and I absolutely love how soft and sweet it turned out. The neutral patterns, layered textures, and that little “For You” sentiment make this one perfect for Easter gifting, springtime happy mail, or tucking into a basket for someone special. Let me show you how all these darling details came together!

166947 Easter Basket Bundle by Stampin' Up!

Measurements:

  • Basic White Thick Cardstock: 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, scored 4 1/4
  • Easter Joy Specialty Designer Series Paper: 5 1/2 x 1, 4 1/4 x 3
  • Basic White Cardstock: 4 1/2 x 3 1/4, 2 1/2 x 3/4 (sentiment), 4 x 3 (stamped images), 3 1/2 x 4 (basket)
  • Soft Sea Foam Cardstock: 1 1/2 x 1 1/2
  • Crumb Cake Cardstock: 3 x 2

Instructions:

  1. Burnish the fold of the card base with a Bone Folder.
  2. Adhere the strip of Designer Series Paper to the card base.
  3. Adhere the Designer Series Paper panel to the Basic White panel together with Liquid Glue and to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
  4. Stamp the sentiment in Tuxedo Black.  Crop with the Three Banner Punch.  Adhere with Dimensionals.
  5. Stamp the bunnies and chick in Tuxedo Black.  Crop with a die-cut machine and the coordinating Easter Basket dies. Color with Bubble Bath, Lemon Lolly and Pumpkin Pie Stampin Blends.
  6. Crop the Basic White, Crumb Cake and bow with the Easter Basket Dies.  Thread the strips through the basket as shown. Trim the ends with snips.  Adhere the basket with Dimensionals.
  7. Adhere the bow with a Mini Glue Dot.
  8. Adhere the bunnies and chick with Dimensionals.
  9. Embellish with White Natural Matte Dots.

Click to Save the Bee Creative Tutorial

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