{"id":17732,"date":"2026-02-20T09:52:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T23:22:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/?p=17732"},"modified":"2026-02-20T09:52:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T23:22:13","slug":"stampin-up-painted-illusions-dsp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/stampin-up-painted-illusions-dsp\/","title":{"rendered":"Scrap-Busting Shadow Block Card with Painted Illusions Designer Series Paper"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve got a growing pile of patterned paper scraps that are too pretty to throw away (but too small to \u201cdo anything with\u201d), today\u2019s Thursday Live card is going to be your new favourite go-to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In my Thursday Live on <strong>19 February<\/strong>, I cased this idea from a creator I spotted on Pinterest (credit to <strong>Tina Zin<\/strong>k). I loved it instantly because it\u2019s one of those layouts that looks detailed and deliberate, yet it\u2019s built almost entirely from leftovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And because I used <strong>Stampin Up Painted Illusions DSP<\/strong> (<strong>February Product of the Month<\/strong>), the finished card has that vibrant, artistic feel that makes simple shapes look high-end.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image17732_61788e-7b .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image17732_61788e-7b size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shadow-Block-Card.jpg\" alt=\"stampin up painted illusions dsp\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-17730\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shadow-Block-Card.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shadow-Block-Card-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shadow-Block-Card-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shadow-Block-Card-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shadow-Block-Card-560x560.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shadow-Block-Card-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shadow-Block-Card-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Shadow-Block-Card-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Stampin Up Painted Illusions DSP is perfect for this technique<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Painted Illusions is bold, colourful, and busy in the best possible way. For this layout, you actually want patterns that can hold their own in tiny pieces \u2014 so watercolour washes, tight florals, and painterly textures are ideal. When the prints are strong, even a 1-inch square looks intentional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This paper pack is also a little different in configuration: it features <strong>four double-sided patterns<\/strong>, and you get <strong>three sheets of each design<\/strong> in a pack. That makes it brilliant for scrap-friendly projects and repetition cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Stampin&#039; Up! Product of the Month Painted Illusions | Shadow Block Technique\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nblJceWb3NU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The key technique: offset \u201cshadowed\u201d squares<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To create the Shadow Block Technique, I cut a stack of <strong>1-inch squares<\/strong> from the Stampin Up Painted Illusions DSP. Then I cut matching <strong>1-inch squares<\/strong> from <strong>Secret Sea<\/strong> two tone cardstock (you could use black, but Secret Sea gives a slightly softer, inky alternative that still pops).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s the trick:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Adhere each patterned square to a Secret Sea square, <strong>slightly offset<\/strong> so a thin border shows on two sides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t stress about perfection. A few slightly uneven borders still look amazing once the full panel comes together.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve got a pile of \u201cshadowed squares,\u201d you simply arrange them into a pleasing mix of colours and patterns, then adhere them to a panel the same size as your card front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tip: Before sticking everything down, do a quick \u201cmix and shuffle\u201d so you\u2019re not clustering all the pinks or all the blues together.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image17732_4bfa07-1c .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image17732_4bfa07-1c size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-17734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-560x560.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Add sparkle in the easiest way possible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One detail that makes this card feel extra special is a quick swipe of <strong>Wink of Stella<\/strong> over the white areas\/lines in the designs. It\u2019s subtle in real life, but it adds that little shimmer that catches the light and elevates the whole background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I also plan to add a second coat of Wink of Stella after filming \u2014 because more shine never hurts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emboss the whole panel for instant texture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the squares were adhered, I ran the entire panel through an embossing folder (I chose <strong>Beautiful Pattern<\/strong>). The texture is subtle but it\u2019s the thing that takes this from \u201cscraps card\u201d to \u201cwow, that\u2019s clever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pro tip: Embossing after assembling helps everything feel cohesive, like it was designed as one piece.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image17732_0cff0b-9f .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image17732_0cff0b-9f size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-17733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-2-560x560.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-2-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-2-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Card-2-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finishing touches that pull it all together<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To match the shadow effect, I stamped a bold <strong>Happy Birthday<\/strong> in <strong>Secret Sea<\/strong> on white cardstock, then added a narrow Secret Sea \u201cshadow strip\u201d behind the sentiment. I tucked in a simple <strong>double bow<\/strong> with twine behind the greeting and finished with <strong>rhinestones<\/strong> (yes, I went wild and used more than three).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re in Australia, don\u2019t forget:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spend <strong>$125<\/strong> and you can grab <strong>Painted Illusions DSP for $9<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re considering joining, the current offer includes a <strong>free Stampin\u2019 Positioner<\/strong> in your Starter Kit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image17732_2d8356-1b .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image17732_2d8356-1b size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Paper.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-17735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Paper.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Paper-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Paper-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Paper-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Paper-560x560.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Paper-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Paper-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/PI-Paper-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of those designs you\u2019ll make once\u2026 and then keep coming back to every time your scrap pile starts judging you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cheers for Now<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image17732_b3e38c-9a .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image17732_b3e38c-9a size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/alisa-tilsner-round-logo-transparent-e1623752213720.png\" alt=\"Alisa\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-11857\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shop my <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stampinup.net\/esuite\/home\/alisatilsner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ONLINE STORE<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/join-stampin-up-australia\/\">Join The Artful Stampers<\/a><a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/join-stampin-up-australia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Team<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/join-stampin-up-australia\/\"> <\/a>&#8211; Happy Shoppers, <g class=\"gr_ gr_11 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace\" id=\"11\" data-gr-id=\"11\">Hobbiest<\/g>, Part Time and Full Time welcome!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/tutorial-and-card-making-membership\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"14602\">Creative Card Makers Club<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch me on <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/alisatilsner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Socialise with me on <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AlisaTilsnerIndependentStampinUpDemonstrator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FaceBook<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"mailto:alisacraig@westnet.com.au\">Email Me<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019ve got a growing pile of patterned paper scraps that are too pretty to throw away (but too small to \u201cdo anything with\u201d), today\u2019s Thursday Live card is going to be your new favourite go-to. In my Thursday Live on 19 February, I cased this idea from a creator I spotted on Pinterest (credit&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":170,"featured_media":17730,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[455,417,465,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stampin-up-birthday-card-ideas","category-card-tutorials","category-other-card-making-techniques","category-stampin-up-video-tutorials"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/170"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17732"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17732\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17738,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17732\/revisions\/17738"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}