cardmaking · Rainbow Colors

Hero Arts | Stunning Stenciling Magic with Vibrant Rainbow Colors

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Rainbow stenciling with Hero Arts Floral Trove Stencil.

Do you ever find yourself craving a burst of color and creativity in your life? Look no further than the art of stenciling! It’s a simple yet profoundly satisfying technique that allows you to transform a background into a cardmaking masterpiece. And what better way to dive into stenciling than with the vibrant hues of the rainbow? Today I am using Hero Arts wonderful new Floral Trove Stencil (SA-274), and it is stunning in rainbow colors!

Hero Arts Floral Trove Stencil Design Ideas:

This stencil is 6″ x 6″, so it is large enough to make most any card size you desire, but one portion is perfect for A2 cards.

I created a short reel showing my process that you can VIEW HERE:

Tips and Tricks for Stenciled Card Designs:

  • I almost always start my cardmaking process with color selection. Today, I knew I wanted to use bright rainbow colors so I grabbed my color swatches and began picking. I chose Amethyst, Taffy, Creamsicle, Lemon Drop, Green Apple, Pool Party and Blue Hawaii.
  • I used an A2 size panel of Deluxe Smooth Cardstock as my base. I placed this on the sticky mat of my StampWheel, so the cardstock would not shift.
  • In rainbow order, I rotated around the Floral Trove stencil, starting in the top left hand corner with Amethyst. I went left to right, dropped down a row and went right to left, dropped a row and finished going left to right again.
  • To keep from inadvertently stenciling in the wrong section, I masked off with Post-It Note squares. You can see the process in the Instagram reel I referenced above.
  • I experimented with all my blending brushes using small, medium, large and XL to see which size worked best on my project. My choice was medium, but they all worked just fine, so use what you have. Hero Arts does sell a blending brush sampler pack, which is so handy to have in my craft room.
  • I trimmed my background down and mounted on a Peacock A2 cardbase that I created.
  • I added my Friend sentiment, which I die-cut 3 times and glued together. I also added a stamped Happy Birthday sentiment above the friend.
Bright, vivid rainbow color stenciled card with hero Arts Floral Trove stencil.

Products Used:

There’s no limit to what you can create with a little imagination and a splash of color!

Karen

cardmaking · Stamping

Spellbinders | DIY House Mouse Card: Stay Cool with this Adorable Creation!

Karen Brown2 Comments
Whimsical House Mouse stamped card with a cute mouse chilling in front of a fan with a vintage look and Copic coloring.

Hey, crafty friends! Today, I have a super fun and enjoyable cardmaking project to share with you, featuring everyone’s favorite little critters – House Mouse – and the NEW Stay Cool stamp set. This time, we’re creating a whimsical card with the cute mouse chilling in front of a fan, perfect for sending a refreshing message to someone special. What makes this card extra special is its minimalist vintage look, achieved through a limited color palette of blues and tans. So, let’s dive in and get crafting!

House Mouse: Stay Cool (RSC-028)

Masculine House Mouse Stay Cool stamped critter card.

“Stay Cool” is also perfect for creating a good “Man Card” and I plan to give this creation to my husband. Wouldn’t this make the cutest postcard?

My Design Process:

  • Stamp House Mouse: I stamped my panel with the Stay Cool stamp and my Misti stamping tool.
  • Color Your Mouse: Now comes the fun part! I used Copic markers but you can also use your colored pencils or watercolors to bring your adorable mouse to life. I found this stamp easy to color because of all the shading detail.
  • Add the Sentiment: Stamp or adhere your chosen sentiment. I selected “You are the coolest”. This adds a sweet touch to your card and ties everything together. This stamp set also has two other fun sentiments: “take time to just chill” and “I am your biggest fan”.
  • Finishing Your Card:
    • I used a corner rounder on the edges of my background and kraft card base.
    • In keeping with the vintage vibe I was going for, I added some subtle ink blending around the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink.
    • I added some Craft Foam and assembled my card.

Products Used on my House Mouse Card:

I really love the House Mouse series and I have past blog posts with a few other charming stamp sets. If you would like to see my House Mouse Valentine, click HERE. And I have three adorable House Mouse cards that you can see HERE.

This House Mouse card with its darling mouse enjoying a cool breeze is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So, grab your crafting supplies and get ready to create something truly special!

Karen

Cardmaking Kit · stitching

Spellbinders | Stitching Die of the Month | May 2024

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Hand stitched Pineapple card with an embossed background and accent opal gems.

Aloha! Delight in the sweet essence of tropical charm with my latest crafting adventure using this month’s Spellbinders Stitching kit! I am diving into the art of hand-stitching to create a whimsical pineapple card that’s as vibrant as it is heartfelt. So, grab your needle, thread, and a sprinkle of creativity as we embark on this delightful journey together!

The Deluxe Caboodle

I also wanted to mention what a wonderful deal the Deluxe Caboodle Kit is. You save 60% off all TEN kits for the month + you get a bonus gift. So, if you are thinking about multiple kits, consider the Caboodle. The current cost is $120 but the kit value is $315, which is 60% off!

Stitched Pineapple Handmade Card

Die cut and hand stitched pineapple card in yellows, golds, and greens.

My Cardmaking Process:

  • The kit has 6 cutting dies and I started by cutting all my pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. I used the Happy Day Assorted Cardstock Pack + a sheet of Pesto for a 4th shade of green.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I used a bronzy gold thread for my pineapple.
  • When I started stitching, I took two strands of floss, separated them one at a time, brought them together and then stroked and lengthened them until they seemed tame and ready to use.
  • I usually stitch with size 22 Tapestry needles.
  • I like to use 1/8th inch double sided liner tape to attach my floss to the die cut.
  • Remember to keep your floss taught as you stitch.
  • When I move from one area to the next, I run the floss through the just finished stitched area to keep the thread secure. This gives a nice look on the finished project.
  • Don’t stitch with threads that are too long or they are likely to knot. 
  • When I was done, I added a bit of Bearly Glue to the ends so that they would stay in place.
  • To finish my project I embossed white cardstock with the my longtime favorite embossing folder: Intertwined Lattice.
  • I hot foiled my sentiment with Yana’s Special Glimmer Sentiments and my Glimmer Hot Foil System.
  • I added 6 Opal Gems around the pineapple with my Ninja Pickup Tool.

Helpful Links:

Spellbinders Club Info:

  • Clubs Preview on the 1st of each month.
  • Club members can cancel, upgrade or change clubs from the 1st-5th of each month. Popular Clubs frequently sell out during this period so club members get first dibs on everything.
  • NEW for 2024: Club Members get EARLY access to new releases on the 6th!
  • On the 6th, Clubs become available to non-members.
  • On the 27th, Club registration closes for the current month.
  • If a club did not sell out, you can buy under “Shop Past Clubs”. Past kits are available on the 10th of the FOLLOWING month.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

cardmaking · papercrafting

Spellbinders | Perfect Sentiments for Cardmaking

Karen BrownLeave a comment

Good morning friends! Today, I am a Guest Designer on Spellbinders Blog and I’d love for you to stop by and see my post.

I am sharing 4 cards with great new sentiments from Stampendous + a DIY gift card holder. You can read the post HERE.

I have a little sneak peek photo above.

Products Used:

Thanks,

Karen

cardmaking · Die cutting

Spellbinders | More Fresh Picked Collection

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Handmade die cut Birthday card created with Spellbinders Fresh Picked Vase Bouquet from the More Fresh Picked Collection.

Spellbinders More Fresh Picked Collection offers an exquisite opportunity to create a contemporary cardmaking masterpiece. The entire Fresh Picked series offers modern, contemporary, stylized florals that really ignite my creativity and I couldn’t wait to get started die-cutting.

Fresh Picked Vase Bouquet

Pink, Aqua, Turquoise, Blue and White Floral die cut Birthday card with flowers in an embossed vase.

My Process:

Today, I selected the Fresh Picked Vase Bouquet for my birthday card. I knew I wanted Waterfall leaves and greenery on my card so I did a quick search through my color cubes and decided on color combination #060, and I have to say I love this color palette!

Helpful Product Links:

Final Thoughts

With its sleek lines and intricate designs, the Spellbinders Fresh Picked Vase Bouquet die set allows for the creation of stunning floral arrangements that exude modern elegance.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

cardmaking · papercrafting · Rainbow Colors

Hero Arts | Sparkle and Shine: Mastering Metallic Shimmer Sprays in Your Cardmaking

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Metallic Shimmer Spray + stamping: A trio of handmade cards in rainbow colors.

Hey there, crafty friends! Karen here and today, we’re diving into the magical world of metallic shimmer sprays and how you can incorporate them into your cardmaking and papercrafting projects. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, these shimmer sprays are sure to add a touch of fun and sparkle to your creations.

Today I am sharing several colorful cards. It was a play day for me as I experimented with ink sprays and a fresh new background stamp called Abstract Feather Bold Print.

Rainbow Color Shimmer Cards

Rainbow watercolor look handmade card created with metallic shimmer sprays + stamping.

My Process:

As I stated above, I wanted to try a softer watercolor look for my “Smile” card and in person, this card seems to have the most shimmer and shine. After trimming my card, I lightly ink blended the edges with Amethyst Core Ink and added my sentiment, which was die cut from Amethyst cardstock. I added Translucent Pink Enamel Dots for a little added interest.

Bold rainbow card created with Hero Arts metallic shimmer ink sprays.

Card #2 was made the same way as Card 1, except I did NOT brush water on my stamp before painting my stamp. You can really see how the amount of water used can change your project.

I finished my card with a Nautical sentiment die cut with the Smile Friend Stamp and Cut XL set plus a few Clear Hues Enamel Dots.

Minimalist Mixed Media Thank You Card

Minimalist mixed media card created with Hero Arts metallic shimmer spray, Hero Gold Paste and Hero Transfer rub-ons.

I wanted to play a bit more with my final card. I added some rub-ons from Collage Backgrounds Part 2 Hero Transfers set and then, with my Palette Knife, I added Gold Hero Paste in spots through the Leaves and Abstract Shapes Stencil. You can see a stencil process photo below. Remember to soak or wash your stencil and palette knife before the Hero Paste sets.

I stamped and die cut a sentiment from the I Appreciate You Stamp and Die Bundle set. Finally, I added a few black Neutrals Hero Hues Enamel Dots.

PRO TIP: Protect your work surface with a piece of deli paper when working with messy media. It makes for a quick and easy cleanup.

What are Metallic Shimmer Sprays?

Metallic shimmer sprays are versatile crafting tools that contain finely milled metallic pigments suspended in a liquid base. They come in a variety of metallic shades and below, you can see the six I used on my cards today. When sprayed or brushed onto paper, these shimmer sprays impart a beautiful shine and metallic sheen, adding depth and dimension to your projects.

Don’t you just love this shimmery rainbow of metallic sprays? I can’t decide which is my favorite!

Final Thoughts

Stamping with metallic shimmer sprays is a fun and easy way to elevate your cardmaking projects and add a touch of shine to your designs. Whether you’re crafting for a special occasion or just because, these metallic sprays are sure to make your creations shine bright. So, grab your stamps and start sparkling!

I hope you found this tutorial helpful and inspiring. Happy crafting!

Cardmaking Kit

Spellbinders | Stitching Die of the Month | April 2024

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Spellbinders April 2024 Stitching Die of the Month handmade card.

It’s that time of the month again….time for Spellbinders April Club Kit releases. Today, I am sharing my floral stitched card. I know I always say this, but the April Stitching kit is a real beauty.

One of the things I like about stitching is that the project is transportable. I stitched my flowers in a doctor’s waiting room and I completed the leaves in my backyard on a beautiful Spring day (see photo below).

The Deluxe Caboodle

I also wanted to mention what a wonderful deal the Deluxe Caboodle Kit is. You save 60% off all TEN kits for the month + you get a bonus gift. So, if you are thinking about multiple kits, consider the Caboodle. The current cost is $160 but the kit value is $315.

Spellbinders Stitched Wall Hanging Kit

Spellbinders Hand Stitched Card using Die of the Month Stitching Club Kit.

My Stitching Process:

  • The kit has 18 dies and I started by cutting all my pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I used DMC Gold Thread, #818 Soft Pink, #772 Light Yellow Green and #922 Light Copper for this project.
  • When I started stitching, I took two strands of floss, separated them one at a time, brought them together and then stroked and lengthened them until they seemed tame and ready to use.
  • I usually stitch with size 22 Tapestry needles.
  • I like to use 1/8th inch double sided liner tape to attach my floss to the die cut.
  • Remember to keep your floss taught as you stitch.
  • When I move from one area to the next, I run the floss through the just finished stitched area to keep the thread secure. This gives a nice look on the finished project.
  • Don’t stitch with threads that are too long or they are likely to knot. 
  • When I was done, I added a bit of Bearly Glue to the ends so that they would stay in place.
  • To finish my project I embossed white cardstock with the my longtime favorite embossing folder: Intertwined Lattice.
  • I used the Press and Seal method to keep my elements together after I arranged them. Place Press and Seal over arrangement, flip them over, apply glue, flip back over and adhere to card.

Other Supplies and Products Used:

Isn’t this a great place to stitch?

Handmade stitching card showing you can work on your stitching card anywhere including vacation or your backyard.

A Few Notes About Spellbinders Club Kits

  • Clubs Preview on the 1st of each month.
  • Club members can cancel, upgrade or change clubs from the 1st-5th of each month. Popular Clubs frequently sell out during this period so club members get first dibs on everything.
  • NEW for 2024: Club Members get EARLY access to new releases on the 6th!
  • On the 6th, Clubs become available to non-members.
  • On the 27th, Club registration closes for the current month.
  • If a club did not sell out, you can buy under “Shop Past Clubs”. Past kits are available on the 10th of the FOLLOWING month.

Helpful Links:

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Cardmaking Kit · Give Away

Altenew 10th Anniversary Blog Hop Day 2 + Giveaway (over $3,500 in Total Prizes)

Karen Brown141 Comments
A Polaroid-look beach scene card using Altenew's Summer Wishes stamp, die and coloring stencil bundle.

Ahoy, crafty mates! It’s time to set sail on a creative adventure as we embark on Altenew’s 10th Anniversary Blog Hop! There is wonderful inspiration AND $3,500 in prizes!!!

“Summer Wishes” Beach Scene Card Kit:

Altenew’s Summer Wishes cardmaking bundle is all about bringing the beauty and tranquility of the beach to your crafting table and this is the favorite kit that I chose for this Hop. Inspired by the sun-kissed shores and crystal-clear waters of paradise, this bundle is filled with the stamps, dies and coloring stencils you need to create stunning beach scene cards that will transport your recipients to a coastal oasis. In keeping with the vacation theme, I created a “Polaroid-look” frame to set my scene.

Products used:

Create a beach scene card with Altenew's Summer Wishes stamp, die and coloring stencil kit.

Giveaway Prizes

Over $3,500 in total prizes! We are giving away a $50 Altenew gift certificate to 10 winners, a $20 ArtistrybyAltenew gift certificate to 5 winners, and an online papercrafting class ($39.99 value) from Altenew Academy Online Class to 14 winners. There are also 28 awesome companies/crafty friends who are celebrating with us, and they are offering the following prizes:

Be sure to leave comments by 04/16/2024 for a chance to win one of 68 prizes! To make the hop more exciting, start your comment with “Hi from (city or country where you’re from)!” 68 winners will be chosen at random from the comments left on any of the blogs listed below and will be announced on the Altenew Card Blog on 04/19/2024.

Join Altenew’s 10th Anniversary Blog Hop

Ready to dive in and get crafting? Join Altenew’s 10th Anniversary Card Hop and be inspired by a wave of creativity from fellow crafters! I am Karen, and I am #7 on today’s hop. You likely came from Jennifer Johnston’s great blog and the fabulous Penny Pynnonen is next!

Click the blue bar below to enter:

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

Anniversary Special Offers

Ready to Dive In?

Grab your sunscreen, a refreshing drink, and your crafting supplies – it’s time to set sail and hop with us! Whether you’re a seasoned cardmaker or just dipping your toes into the world of papercrafting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this anniversary adventure.

So come on board, and let’s make some waves and I’ll see you on the sandy shores of creativity!

Happy crafting!

Karen

Cardmaking Kit

Hero Arts | My Monthly Hero Blog Hop & Giveaway

Karen Brown23 Comments
3 charming Folk Art stamped and die cut scene cards featuring Hero Arts April 2024 My Monthly Hero Kit.

Greetings, fellow crafting enthusiasts! I am thrilled to unveil Hero Arts latest My Monthly Hero offering to the world of cardmaking: a delightful new kit that celebrates the timeless beauty of folk art and is sure to captivate your heart and ignite your creativity.

Today, I am sharing two cards created with the Premium kit + an additional card featuring the Add-On Folk Animals Bundle.

Embracing Tradition with a Modern Twist

Folk art has long been cherished for its warmth, simplicity, and universal appeal. Rooted in heritage and passed down through generations, folk art motifs are infused with meaning, symbolism, and a deep sense of community. With the April kit, we pay homage to this cherished tradition while infusing it with a fresh, modern twist.

2 floral bird scene cards framed with infinity die cut frames in a pink, blue and white color scheme.

What’s Inside the Kit?

Curious to know what treasures await you in this cardmaking kit? Let’s take a peek inside the Premium Kit:

Premium Kit

Charming Folk Art stamp and die cut scene with soaring bird and pink floral elements with a vellum insert.

Celebrate the whimsical charm and timeless tradition of folk art with our April My Monthly Hero kit. This kit features three Color Layering Stencils with butterflies and flowers that are perfect for Spring cardmaking. Also included are sixteen coordinating dies and a Cover Plate die that partially cuts the design to allow for elements to pop up. A clear message stamp set with nine everyday messages and three beautiful Reactive Ink Cubes complete this enchanting kit. The Premium kit also includes a 4″ x 6″ Bird and Flower Clear Stamp set in a lovely hand-drawn style that comes with thirteen coordinating dies. Also included are sixteen colorful washi stickers that are perfect for quick cardmaking or using in planners.

• 3 Color Layering Floral Butterfly Stencils, 5.25”x 6.5“
• Birds & Flowers Clear Stamp Set, 4”x 6”
• Coordinating Cover Plate Die
• 16 Coordinating Frame Cuts
• 13 Coordinating Dies
• Clear Stamp Message Set, 4”x 6”
• 3 Reactive Ink Cubes (Blue Hawaii, Splash, and Taffy)
• 16 Washi Stickers

KIT VALUES
Classic Kit: $74 Value for $36.99
Premium Kit: $109 Value for $49.99 (The Premium Elements are in Bold text above)

Get Your Hands on the Kit Today: Subscription Options

Pink folk art scene card with a unique rounded Jewel frame created with Hero Arts April 2024 Premium kit.

Products Used on Premium Kit Cards:

Folk Animals Stamp and Die Bundle

Handmade card created with Hero Arts Folk Animals stamp and die bundle.

I love this darling little Folk Art Animal scene! My white background is 4 1/2 x 4 1/2″ and the Peony card base is 5″ x 5″.

Products Used on My Folk Arts Animal Card:

April Add-On Products

If you love all the fabulous Add-On products, you can Get Them All in a bundle at a discounted price, while supplies last. 

A note to My Monthly Hero subscribers: You have the opportunity to shop and add items this month without any additional shipping charges. Simply log in to your account and place your order by 11:59am PT on April 4th, in order to take advantage of this offer. Your kit may ship in a separate box than any other extras and add-ons, but no additional shipping costs will apply. 

Blog Hop and Giveaway:

Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, April 7th at 11:59pm Pacific, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week.

Hero Arts

Hero Arts Creative Team:

Channin Pelletier

Heather Ruwe


Ilina Crouse

Jennifer Kotas

Karen Brown

Mindy Eggen

Pocono Pam

Rosie Lopez

Seeka

Special Guests:

Jennifer McGuire

Nichol Spohr
Emily Midgett
Essie


Bringing Folk Art to Life

With our Folk Art cardmaking kit, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re crafting a heartfelt birthday card for a loved one, sending warm wishes for a special occasion, or simply brightening someone’s day just because, our kit allows you to infuse your creations with the timeless charm of folk art.

Join us as we celebrate tradition, community, and the joy of handmade with our “Folk Art” My Monthly Hero cardmaking kit. Happy crafting!

Cardmaking Kit

Hero Arts | My Monthly Hero | Countdown to Creativity | April 2024

Karen Brown28 Comments
My Monthly Hero April 2024 Premium Folk Art Kit handmade card

Hello and welcome to the April 2024 My Monthly Hero Countdown! I must say, this kit is full of wonderful products that I know you will love. The kit goes live on Monday, April 1st, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, sit back and enjoy some inspiration, sneak peeks and giveaways.

For today’s “peek”, I created a pink, white and aqua folk art scene card that I can’t wait to send!

WIN A KIT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT: Just leave a comment on this (and every) Countdown to Creativity post. Hero Arts will randomly draw one lucky winner from comments left across all countdown posts on the Hero Arts blog. The winner will be announced first thing Monday morning, April 1st, before the kit launches at 10am Pacific. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!

Stop by the other designers blogs for more chances to win:

Products Used:

Folk Art stamped and die cut floral scene card with a soaring bird in pink, aqua and white.