Crafty Copycat Creations

This month, we’re diving into a playful, interactive technique that adds movement and surprise to your crafting: the waterfall mechanism. With just a few simple folds and a pull tab, this technique creates a cascading “flip” effect that reveals a series of images or sentiments one at a time. It’s one of those projects that looks impressively complex but is surprisingly approachable once you understand the basic structure. Even better, it’s endlessly adaptable and perfect for cards, gift packaging, scrapbook elements, and more.Throughout the month, we explored just how versatile this interactive project can be across a variety of themes and styles. We kicked things off with a sweet sheep-themed project, where each flip added a little more charm and personality to the design. Next came a playful camera-themed project that really leaned into the storytelling aspect of the waterfall, using each panel to “capture” a different moment. From there, we shifted into spring crafting with a topper designed for an Easter candy box, showing how the waterfall mechanism can elevate giftable projects and packaging.To wrap things up, we created a cheerful spring ladybug scene, combining bright colors and whimsical imagery with the interactive element for a project that feels both fun and fresh. What makes the waterfall technique so exciting is how customizable it is. You can scale it up or down, dress it up or keep it simple, and tailor it to any occasion. If you’ve been wanting to try an interactive project but weren’t sure where to start, this is a fantastic one to add to your creative toolkit.

This month, we’re diving into one of the easiest “wow” techniques you can add to your crafting toolkit: alcohol ink on vellum. With just a few simple supplies (vellum, alcohol markers, and rubbing alcohol), you can create stunning, marbled backgrounds that look far more advanced than they actually are. The magic happens when the alcohol interacts with the ink, pushing and blending the color in unexpected ways. Whether you pounce, swirl, or flick the alcohol, each piece turns out completely unique, making this a technique that’s as fun to watch as it is to create.Throughout the month, we explored how versatile this technique can be by using it across a variety of projects. Kristina kicked things off with a bold marbled heart featured in a fun fold card, showing how rich color combinations can create dramatic focal points. We then shifted into a softer, more atmospheric look with a moon-themed card, where neutral tones and subtle blending mimicked natural textures. From there, Kristina brought in a bright, cheerful Easter peekaboo box, using the marbled vellum as a glowing background element behind a die-cut window.To wrap things up, Barb leaned into vibrant color with a rainbow thank-you card, layering the technique with metallic accents for an extra touch of shine. What makes this technique so exciting is how adaptable it is: from soft and subtle to bold and bright, it works with any theme or season. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by “artsy” techniques, this is the perfect place to start. It’s forgiving, a little unpredictable, and guaranteed to give you beautiful results every time.

Can one card sketch really do that much? In this month’s Crafty Copycat Creations podcast, we’re wrapping up last month's card sketch challenge and showing how one simple layout can transform into multiple designs.Barb focused on building confidence with sketches, starting with the original layout and then resizing it into a 5x7 and a slimline card. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by sketches or unsure how to adapt them, this episode and those video tutorials walk through why understanding the structure makes everything easier.Kristina took that same sketch foundation and explored how to make it come alive by adding texture, layers, and interactive elements to show that a sketch is more than just black-and-white lines. Once the structure is set, creativity really shines.

In this episode, Barb (Nola Stamping) and Kristina (SunnyDay Memories) take one folding concept and turn it into four different projects: from hand sanitizer wraps and homemade dog treats to bundtlet cakes and seasonal chocolate gifts. It’s all about clever folds, beautiful pattern paper, and making the wrapping part of the gift.We also share our takeaways, compare our very different creative processes, and give you a sneak peek at January’s back-to-basics card sketch challenge.✨ Same idea. Two approaches. Endless inspiration.Plus, we’re inviting you to join the fun! Share your version of this challenge in the Crafty Copycat Creations Facebook group for a chance to be featured in a future episode:👉 /craftycopycatcreations✨ Don’t forget to subscribe to SunnyDay Memories and Nola Stamping on YouTube for full project videos, behind-the-scenes creativity, and even more crafty inspiration.

In this month’s episode of Crafty Copycat Creations, Kristina and Barb take a closer look at one clever design idea and prove just how many different ways it can be interpreted.Starting from the same basic concept, we each created a coordinated set of projects, from interactive cards and gift card holders to pocket-style designs and elegant seasonal pieces. You’ll see how changing the paper, color palette, sentiment, or function can completely transform the final result while still staying true to the original inspiration.We walk through what caught our eye, the design decisions we made along the way, and the little tweaks that made each project feel uniquely us. It’s a great reminder that copycatting isn’t about copying exactly, it’s about learning, adapting, and making a design your own.Plus, we’re inviting you to join the fun! Share your version of this challenge in the Crafty Copycat Creations Facebook group for a chance to be featured in a future episode:👉 /craftycopycatcreations✨ Don’t forget to subscribe to SunnyDay Memories and Nola Stamping on YouTube for full project videos, behind-the-scenes creativity, and even more crafty inspiration.

In this first episode of Crafty Copycat Creations, Kristina and Barb transform those decorative Stampin’ Up! kit boxes we all have stacked in our craft rooms into something brand new!You’ll learn how to repurpose these sturdy boxes into gift sets, embellishment storage, or personalized keepsake boxes—perfect for the holidays or any time of year. We share our own takes on the challenge, what inspired us, and how small design tweaks make a big impact.Plus, find out how you can join the challenge by posting your own project in the Crafty Copycat Creations Facebook group for a chance to be featured in next month’s episode!✨ Subscribe to both SunnyDay Memories and Nola Stamping on YouTube for video versions, behind-the-scenes clips, and more creative inspiration.