3 Exciting Crafty Trends from Altenew | Perfect Pairings with Jaycee

Hey there Altenew friends, welcome back to another Perfect Pairings with Jaycee. I just returned from Creativation by NAMTA 2025, and I’m excited to share some of the latest crafty trends I discovered at the Altenew booth. With so many inspiring samples on display, I couldn’t resist picking up some trendy products to enhance my craft stash. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through three exciting items that are sure to elevate your card-making projects: Shimmer Relief Paste, BetterPress, and Wax Seals.

Watch the video HERE.

Shimmer Relief Paste

One of the standout products I couldn’t wait to get my hands on is the Mayan Gold Shimmer Relief Paste. This rich, shimmering paste has quickly become a favorite among crafters for its perfect balance of yellows—neither too green nor too red.

I used this paste in conjunction with the Mushroom Garden Layering Stencil to create a vibrant mushroom card. The process involved stenciling various colors using the Deco Garden Fresh Dye Ink Set and then layering the Shimmer Relief Paste to add beautiful metallic texture. One tip I found helpful was to outline my cardstock panel with Satin Masking Tape on my sticky mat. This not only kept my workspace clean but also allowed for easy removal without damaging my design at the end.

Once my piece dried, I added a heat-embossed sentiment and some splatter for added flair. It’s incredible how Shimmer Relief Paste can elevate a simple design into something more luxurious, making it a must-have in your crafty toolbox!

BetterPress

At the Altenew booth, I also tried out the Inked Poppies Press Plate. This innovative tool embodies the essence of BetterPress, which is a game-changer for busy crafters seeking high-quality prints without the hassle.

After foiling a panel with rose gold foil, I used the Mega Alphabet M Die for some classic die-cut inlay. The elegance of the foiled poppies in combination with a drop-shadow effect from metallic cardstock made for a striking card design. To keep things simple and chic, I finished off the card with a sentiment from the One Go: Sentiment Strips 2 set, supported by Black Enamel Dots from the Essential Black & White Enamel Dot set.

What excites me the most about the BetterPress system is its ability to create textured and foiled effects that have become increasingly popular among crafters. It’s clear that this innovative tool will continue to thrive and inspire creativity.

Wax Seals

Last but not least, I explored the resurgence of Wax Seals, which are making a stylish comeback. The Altenew Wax Seal set revitalizes traditional wax seals with trendy, modern images. These wax beads coordinate beautifully with Altenew’s ink colors, such as Dusty Pink.

I melted Dusty Pink wax using the Wax Warmer Set and used the Mini Double Hearts Wax Stamp to seal my project. Not only did I create a unique wax seal, but I also made customized enamel dots from the excess wax to add dimension and texture to my card. Using a Gold Essential Permanent Marker to highlight the details of my wax seal was the perfect finishing touch.

The return of Wax Seals brings a nostalgic element to card-making while adding a unique flair that can make your project stand out. I hope to see more vibrant colors and stamps in future releases that can enhance this trend even further.

The crafting world is buzzing with exciting products like Shimmer Relief Paste, BetterPress, and Wax Seals that elevate your card-making experience. If you’re looking to stay ahead in the game of crafty trends, these items are definitely worth adding to your collection. Here’s to many more years of creativity and innovation with Altenew! Happy crafting!

~Supply List~