
If you’ve been around my craft table for any length of time, you already know that I love to create cards that reach out and connect. Whether it’s to share a favorite memory, a funny moment, or a heartfelt wish, there’s just something magical about creating the card and sharing it with someone special.
This month, I’ve fallen “head-over-flippers” for the Stampin’ Up!’s Turtle-y Awesome stamp and dies bundle. These little turtles aren’t just cute — they’re bursting with personality, ready to star in your next handmade card. And here’s the fun twist: instead of just stamping a turtle and calling it a day, we’re going to give them personalities and tell their stories through our card designs.
Let’s dive into the storytelling in card-making — turtle style!
The Magic of Storytelling in Card-Making
One of the reasons I love card-making is that every card is a mini story. Think about it — the colors you choose, the sentiment you stamp, the embellishments you add… they all work together to say something unique. I love Stampin’ Up!’s suite collections to make all the coordination easy.
When you take a little extra time to imagine who your “characters” are (yes, even a turtle counts as a character!) and what moment in life they’re celebrating, you transform a simple handmade card into a keepsake. The handmade card is the tale that makes the recipient smile, laugh, or even tear up a little. It Makes Their Day!
Meet the Turtle Crew

This month in my classes, we’re creating cards featuring three of my favorite turtle personalities. You can meet them now and start imagining the stories you’ll tell:
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Birthday Bob – Bob’s the life of the pond! He wears his party hat proudly, loves bright colors, and always has a cake or balloon in hand (or… flipper). Perfect for birthdays of all ages.
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Thankful Tina – Tina’s the mellow type who knows how to slow down and appreciate life’s little blessings: a simple flower, a feathered friend. She’s ideal for thank-you cards or notes of encouragement.
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Gregarious Gary – Gary might be moving slow, but he’s full of song and energy. He’s perfect for celebration messages.
Each turtle has its own color palette, accessories, and personality, and we’ll be making all of them in this month’s In Person Class and Kit To Go.
How to Craft Turtle Personalities on Your Cards
If you’re ready to give your turtle some character, here are a few of my favorite tips:
1. Play with Color
Bright and bold for Birthday Bob, clean and simple for Thankful Tina, or high energy colors and musical notes for Gregarious Gary — your color choices are the first hint at your turtle’s personality. I love pulling colors from the Stampin’ Up! color families and mixing them for just the right feel. Even more, I love the patterned papers that offer easy-to-snip turtles or colorful backgrounds.
2. Add Accessories
Party hats, balloons, flowers, and lots of active gear, — accessories tell your recipient who this turtle is and what they’re up to. The Turtle-y Awesome dies make snipping and layering a breeze.
3. Use Sentiments Creatively
Think of a Turtle-y Awesome Happy Birthday or the simple “Hooray!” or “Sweet Friend.”
4. Tell the Story Inside
Don’t forget the inside of your card. A simple stamped image or short message can continue the little story you started on the front. Imagine opening Birthday Bob’s card and finding the yummy cake or floating balloons inside.
Inspiration Gallery: Turtle Cards with a Story


When you see the finished cards, you’ll know exactly why I can’t stop making them. Here’s a sneak peek of what we’ll create in class:
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Birthday Bob’s Big Bash – Bright turtle shell texture, confetti paper, and an irresistible chocolate cake embellishment make this one an instant party.
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Tina’s Heartfelt Message – Soft stripes atop a turtle-shell background and sweet flower and birdie give Tina’s card a serene, heartfelt touch.
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Gary’s Song of Celebration – A bright color combo and a twangy banjo strike up a birthday ditty.
These are the cards to connect — slip them into the mail, tuck them into a gift bag, or hand delivery with a hug.
Your Turn: Make Your Own Turtle Tale

Here’s where you come in. Whether you join me for the In Person Class or grab a Kit To Go, you’ll get everything you need to create your own little turtle tales. You’ll have the freedom to tweak the colors, swap accessories, and write the perfect inside message for your recipient. Click HERE for In Person details, or HERE for Kit To Go. Yes! Just the PDF Tutorial is available. Click HERE.
Not only will you have adorable finished cards, but you’ll also have the confidence to start adding more storytelling to all your card-making projects.
Whether it’s a birthday, a thank-you, or a miss you message, every card has a tale worth telling… and these turtles can’t wait to be the star of yours.
Here are the supplies I used to create these projects.
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![Turtle Y Awesome Bundle (English) [ 165229 ] Turtle Y Awesome Bundle (English) [ 165229 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/165229s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Meant To Bee Dies [ 166582 ] Meant To Bee Dies [ 166582 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/166582s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Party Banners Dies [ 165264 ] Party Banners Dies [ 165264 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/165264s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Turtle Textures Embossing Folder [ 165232 ] Turtle Textures Embossing Folder [ 165232 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/165232s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Shades Of Green Hexagons [ 165233 ] Shades Of Green Hexagons [ 165233 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/165233s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Turtle Y Cute 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 165221 ] Turtle Y Cute 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 165221 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/165221s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Darling Duckling 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 165622 ] Darling Duckling 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 165622 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/165622s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Poppy Parade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 119793 ] Poppy Parade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 119793 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/119793s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Granny Apple Green 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Two Tone Cardstock [ 166663 ] Granny Apple Green 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Two Tone Cardstock [ 166663 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/166663s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [ 132708 ] Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [ 132708 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/132708s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ] Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/149653s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Multipurpose Liquid Glue [ 110755 ] Multipurpose Liquid Glue [ 110755 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/110755s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [ 144108 ] Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [ 144108 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/144108s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154892 ] Old Olive Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [ 154892 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/154892s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)




![Round We Go Bundle (English) [ 163730 ] Round We Go Bundle (English) [ 163730 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/163730s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Country Flowers Bundle (English) [ 163411 ] Country Flowers Bundle (English) [ 163411 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/163411s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Party Dies Bundle [ 165265 ] Party Dies Bundle [ 165265 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/165265s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Painted Stripes Cling Stamp Set [ 165437 ] Painted Stripes Cling Stamp Set [ 165437 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/165437s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Perennial Postage Dies [ 162607 ] Perennial Postage Dies [ 162607 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/162607s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Country Lace 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 163415 ] Country Lace 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 163415 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/163415s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Country Woods 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 163393 ] Country Woods 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 163393 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/163393s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)







![Happy Hibiscus Bundle (English) [ 164880 ] Happy Hibiscus Bundle (English) [ 164880 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/164880s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper [ 149612 ] Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper [ 149612 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/149612s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ] Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/159229s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ] Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/166780s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146982 ] Balmy Blue 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 146982 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/146982s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad [ 147095 ] Granny Apple Green Stampin' Pad [ 147095 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/147095s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Versamark Pad [ 102283 ] Versamark Pad [ 102283 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/102283s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Basics Wow! Embossing Powder [ 165679 ] Basics Wow! Embossing Powder [ 165679 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/165679s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad [ 149165 ] Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad [ 149165 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/149165s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels [ 158987 ] Iridescent Pearl Basic Jewels [ 158987 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/158987s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)
![Stampin' Brayer [ 162936 ] Stampin' Brayer [ 162936 ]](https://i0.wp.com/assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/162936s.jpg?w=120&ssl=1)


































































