Charming Day with Daubers: Adding Autumn Warmth to Your Handmade Cards

One of the things I love most about cardmaking is how a simple tool can take your projects from “that’s pretty” to “wow, you made that?” The Stampin’ Up! Charming Day bundle already offers us gorgeous florals, versatile greetings, and coordinating dies, but when you pair it with a coloring tool like daubers, you unlock a whole new level of dimension and warmth.

Today I want to share how I used the Coloring with Daubers technique to create a stunning autumn-inspired card. Picture this: a rich, layered die cut colored in shades of Pecan Pie, Berry Burst and Blackberry Bliss set against a textured brick wall background. The greeting? “Hey, you made my day.”

It’s the kind of card that feels like a hug in an envelope—perfect for when someone lifts your spirits and you just want to let them know they matter.

Why Daubers Deserve a Spot in Your Toolbox

Daubers might look unassuming—just little sponge tips that slip on your finger—but don’t underestimate them. They’re one of my favorite tools for adding soft, controlled color to die cuts and stamped images. Unlike markers or brushes, daubers give you the flexibility to build color gradually, creating natural shading and depth.

Tip: Always start light. You can add more color with another layer, but you can’t take it away. Think of it like applying blush—you want a buildable glow, not a streak.

Step-by-Step: Coloring with Daubers

Here’s how I brought the autumn die cut to life:

1. Choose Your Palette – I went with Pecan Pie for warmth and Berry Burst/Blackberry Bliss for depth. Together, these shades remind me of crisp fall leaves against a cozy sweater.

2. Secure the Die Cut – Use a scrap piece of paper underneath to protect your work surface, and lightly tape down your die cut so it doesn’t wiggle while you blend.

3. Add Your Base Color – Starting with Pecan Pie, swirl the dauber gently in circular motions across the die cut. Aim for even coverage but don’t stress—it doesn’t need to be perfect.

4. Layer the Accent Shades – Bring in Berry Burst and Blackberry Bliss around the edges and into the creases of the design. This contrast adds instant depth and makes the design pop.

5. Blend Where They Meet – Go back with your Pecan Pie dauber to softly blend the transition between the two colors

   

Bringing It All Together: The Brick Wall Card

Once my die cut was colored, it was time to set the stage. A brick wall embossing folder  and snippet of coordinating patterned paper made the perfect backdrop. The texture adds contrast against the soft blended die cut, almost like a garden vignette captured on paper.

I layered the die cut with flat adhesive so it would the die cut labels could stand proud atop the scene. The greeting “Hey, you made my day” is more than a thank-you—it’s a celebration of those everyday moments when someone brightens your mood or shows up with a kindness you didn’t expect.

Imagine sending this card to:

• A friend who dropped by with soup when you weren’t feeling well.

• A sister who called out of the blue and made you laugh until your sides hurt.

• A neighbor who shared their lovely fruits from their orchard without being asked.

Sometimes a quick text doesn’t capture just how much those moments mean—but a handmade card does.

Tips for Using Daubers Like a Pro

• Dedicate One Dauber per Color Family – Keep separate daubers for warm tones, cool tones, neutrals, and dark shades. It saves cleanup and keeps your blends true.

• Play with Pressure – Light pressure = soft pastel tones. Firm pressure = deeper, saturated hues.

• Try Different Cardstocks – Smooth white will give you crisp blends, while textured or shimmer cardstock adds unique effects.

• Test First – Always test your colors on a scrap die cut before committing to your final piece.

The Joy of Handcrafted Connection

At the end of the day, this Charming Day project is about more than ink and paper. It’s about connection. Sending a handmade card with a thoughtful sentiment is a small act of kindness that ripples big in someone’s day.

And right now, I want to make it easy for you to experience that joy, too.

👉 Through Sunday, Sept. 1, you can get my Charming Day Class Kit absolutely FREE with any $50 order in my Online Store. This kit includes the supplies you need to create three beautiful projects featuring the Charming Day bundle. It will be delivered right to your doorstep. Click on the video below if you missed the Online Class demonstrating the Charming Day cards in the class kit.

So go ahead, grab your Charming Day bundle, pull out those daubers, and see how much magic you can blend into your next card. Shop HERE.

Because every swirl of ink is more than just color—it’s a way to say, “You made my day.” 💛

Here are the supplies I used to make this Charming Day card. Click on any picture for details.