Creating a Twist: A Unique Take on the Billowing Peonies Stamp Set

For my Altenew AECP Level 2 with a Twist class project, I wanted to explore creative ways to use a product differently—adding that unexpected twist that makes a card stand out. I chose the Billowing Peonies stamp set bundle because of its large, beautiful florals, perfect for experimenting with innovative design techniques.

Supplies Used:

• Billowing Peonies Stamp Set and coordinating dies
• Fresh Dye Inks: Lapis Lazuli, Rose Petal, Shades of Purple, Soft Lilac, Forest Trail
• Luminous Diamond Rings stencils

  

Coloring with a Twist

My idea was to break away from traditional coloring styles. Instead of coloring the peony with a single hue, I decided to go multi-color using stencils. I used three different colors from the Fresh Dye Ink family: Lapis Lazuli, Rose Petal, and Shades of Purple. I used the Forest Trail ink for the leaves.

  

First, I die-cut the flower. Then, I stamped it with Soft Lilac ink for a subtle, almost no-line watercolor look after I applied the multi-color stencil blending. I finished the flower with some white splatter to add texture.

Adding a Second Twist: The Trifold Card Design

Most crafters might create two separate cards with such a large flower. But I wanted to challenge that convention. So, I crafted a trifold card, allowing the entire flower to be showcased on a single piece. The large flower continues onto the back of the card (literally twisted) creating a seamless, flowing design. The card base opens to the right, with the front flower acting as a flap—another twist.

  

  

I continued the theme on this flap by softly stenciling the front and back of the card base with the Luminous Diamond Rings stencil using Soft Lilac ink for a subtle background.

A Hidden Sentiment for the Final Twist

Instead of adding a sentiment on the front—something I often do—I decided to hide the sentiment behind the flower flap on the front of the card. This added an element of surprise and interaction, tying the whole concept together.

And there you have it—my card for the Twist class: a multi-color, large-flowered trifold that offers multiple surprises, from the coloring technique to the interactive hidden sentiment. It’s a perfect example of how thinking outside the box can elevate your card-making projects!

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