Kylie Bertucci

Sometimes the most powerful projects come from the simplest ideas. That was certainly the case with this card, created with the Branching Out Bundle. I wanted to see what would happen if I kept the palette soft and earthy while letting the die-cut layering add the drama. 

I started with a Crumb Cake base, one of my all-time favourites for creating a warm, natural feel. The two branches were heat-embossed in white, then stamped with pine needles in Crumb Cake ink. The look is subtle, but it instantly adds texture and depth without overwhelming the design. 

Once stamped, I reached for the Branching Out dies. After cutting out the branch, I stacked five die-cuts beneath it to give the piece incredible depth. Mounting it back on the Crumb Cake base created a layered, shadow-box effect that feels elegant yet grounded. 

The sentiment was also kept simple — tone-on-tone stamping, then trimmed and popped up with foam adhesive for just the right amount of lift. 

This card actually took me back to our road trip across the country earlier this year. Driving across the Nullarbor Plain, I remember seeing trees scattered across the landscape — sparse, understated, but incredibly beautiful in their resilience. This design feels like a little nod to that memory. 

The Branching Out Bundle shines in projects like this, where clean lines, layering, and soft tones work together to create something quietly striking. It’s proof that you don’t always need a lot of colour or embellishment to make a meaningful card. 

Would you try a soft, earthy style like this? And can you think of a very special someone who might appreciate receiving a card like this — simple, heartfelt, and full of warmth? 

🌿 Let me know your thoughts in the comments!