3 Brilliant Card Projects That Maximize Your Kintsugi Inspirations Suite

Aloha, crafty friends! Ready to embrace the beauty of imperfection while creating absolutely gorgeous cards? Let's dive into three inspiring projects using the stunning Stampin' Up! Kintsugi Inspirations Suite and Inspiring Imperfections stamp set!

Why Kintsugi? The Beauty in Broken Things

The ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi teaches us that there's beauty in imperfection – and that's exactly what makes the Stampin' Up! Kintsugi Inspirations Suite so special. With its gorgeous gold foil accents and subtle patterns that transform into show-stopping designs, this collection is perfect for creating cards that celebrate life's beautiful imperfections.

Smart Paper-Saving Tip That'll Change Your Crafting Game

Here's a game-changing tip from our aloha-spirited friend Cindy: cut your designer series paper into 2" x 3" pieces! This simple trick helps you:

  • Maximize your gorgeous (and pricey!) designer paper

  • Create consistent focal points across multiple projects

  • Build a stash of ready-to-use decorative elements

Pro tip: The coordinating die-cut sheet in this collection is designed so every single element can be cut with zero waste. Talk about smart design!

Meet the Kintsugi Inspirations Suite: Where Ancient Art Meets Modern Crafting

There's something absolutely special about the Kintsugi Inspirations Suite – it's inspired by the centuries-old Japanese technique of mending treasured objects with lacquer and gold, celebrating the idea that broken things can become even more beautiful! This coordinated collection features the 11-stamp Inspiring Imperfections set, 9 matching dies, the Joined Together embossing folder that creates those gorgeous crack patterns, and 12 sheets of specialty designer series paper with real gold foil that literally catches the light. The color palette of Basic Beige, Cloud Cover, Lost Lagoon, Misty Moonlight, Old Olive, and Petal Pink tied together with gold foil is pure perfection – sophisticated enough for elegant projects but warm enough for everyday cards. Plus, with 70 adhesive-backed flower accents included, you've got everything you need to bring the philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection right to your craft table!

 

See These Kintsugi Projects Come to Life on Video

Ready to see these Kintsugi Projects Come to Life? Watch the video tutorial for step-by-step guidance, helpful tips, and that warm aloha spirit that makes crafting even more fun!

 
 
 

Project 1: Kintsugi Inspirations Encouragement Card with Paper-Saving Technique

Perfect for: Quick encouragement cards, thinking-of-you notes

What You'll Need:

Card Base: Pre-scored note card and envelope

Embossed Layer: Card stock embossed with "Join Together" folder

Paper Stack:

  • 2" x 3" Kintsugi Inspirations designer paper

  • 2¼" x 3¼" Misty Moonlight card stock

  • 2½" x 3½" Gold Foil card stock

Focal Elements: Die-cut vase and cup from coordinating sheet

Sentiment: "I'm here for you" stamped in Misty Moonlight ink

Finishing Touches: Flower accent embellishments (large and small)

Encouragement card made with Stampin' Up! Kintsugi Inspirations Suite
 
 

Project 2: Inspiring Imperfections Card with Laura's Tape Technique

Perfect for: Encouragement cards, friendship notes, teacher appreciation

What You'll Need:

Card Base: 4¼" x 11" card stock, folded in half

Background: 4" x 5¼" Shaded Spruce, embossed with "Join Together"

Paper Stack:

  • 2" x 3" Kintsugi Inspirations designer paper (gold side showing!)

  • 2¼" x 3¼" Pool Party card stock

  • 2½" x 3½" Gold Foil card stock

Focal Element: Stamped vase using Laura’s Tape Technique

Sentiment: "Simply you inspire me" on Stylish Shapes circle

Finishing Touches: Flower accent embellishments

Laura's Tape Technique (The Secret Weapon!):

  1. Stamp your vase with Shaded Spruce ink (don't worry about perfect placement!)

  2. Cover with clear tape – this is the magic step

  3. Die cut as usual – the tape creates a gorgeous shiny finish

  4. Position off-center so it hangs slightly off the card edge for modern appeal

This technique provides a professional, glossy finish without requiring any special supplies.

Friendship card made with Stampin' Up! Kintsugi Inspirations Suite and using a glossy tape technique
 

Stampin Up Tea Holder Project with Kintsugi Style

Perfect for: Hostess gifts, teacher appreciation, friendship tokens

What You'll Need:

Base: 3" x 10½" Misty Moonlight card stock

Scoring: 1", 6", and 6⅛" (that tiny gusset makes all the difference!)

Paper Stack:

  • 2" x 3" Kintsugi Inspirations designer paper (featuring the blue flowers)

  • 2¼" x 3¼" Petal Pink card stock

  • 2½" x 3½" Gold Foil card stock

Stamped Elements: Flower and "I'm here for you" sentiment in Misty Moonlight

Assembly: Stapler (used backwards for smooth finish)

Contents: Tea bags, small treats, or gift cards

Assembly

  1. Score and fold your base, creating that perfect little gusset

  2. Staple backwards so the smooth side shows (genius tip!)

  3. Build your dimensional stack and center on the front panel

  4. Layer your stamped elements with multiple dimensionals for amazing depth

  5. Hide the staple strategically with your sentiment – form meets function!

Kintsugi Inspirations tea bag holder matchbook style card
 
DIY this tea bag holder as a pick-me-up gift idea

Ready to Embrace Inspiring Imperfections?

These three projects prove that the most beautiful creations often come from embracing imperfection and finding creative solutions. Whether you're making a quick encouragement card or putting together a thoughtful gift, the Kintsugi philosophy reminds us that there's beauty in the broken, strength in the mended, and joy in the journey.

Until next time, keep crafting with aloha!

With love and blessings,
Cindy

 
 

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