CREATE A STAMP WITH A PUNCH:

Here's a technique I found on a blog called www.stampwithjodi.com.  This is my version of her idea:

1.  Start out with two pieces of paper...one piece of card stock cut to the size you want to use and the other a piece of computer paper cut to the same size as the card stock.

2. I took a Spellbinder's die (You can also use a punch the shape of a flower, heart, etc....pretty much any shape you want.) and I placed it on the computer paper where I wanted it and cut it out.

3.  Then I placed the computer paper that I just punched over the card stock and lined them up.  I placed a couple of pieces of drafting tape around the edges on either side so the papers wouldn't shift while I'm doing the next steps.

4.  I stamped a background image over the opening in the computer paper (It stamps onto the card stock.)  You want to use an ink that will not bleed when you sponge over it.  I used StazOn Jet Black ink.  Make sure the ink is dry before you sponge over it.  I happened to use a music background from Penny Black called Music Background 2025M.  You can use many different types of background images with this technique.  

5.  Next I sponged around the flower image with a pink pigment ink.

6.  Remove the computer paper, but save it for your next card you make like this.

7.  Layer the card stock on your choice of colors and stamp on your greeting.  I used a Hero Arts stamp called 73423 Wavy Birthday.

8.  On this card I also added a little flower that I got at Michaels Craft Store, a little button, and some baker's twine for the bow.

And, here's one more sample of what I did with a heart die.  On this one I stamped a heart stamp from Rubber Stamp Tapestry in the middle of my heart cut and added some little dots with a marker.  I also cut the corners with a Martha Stewart heart corner punch.