Want to make your handmade cards pop? I’m sharing five simple design choices I use to create more visual impact—from strong focal points and framing to color, contrast and dimension.
How to Use Handmade Paper in Cardmaking: Tips for Die-Cutting, Layering & Deckled Edges
Wondering how to use handmade paper in cardmaking? I’m sharing how I turned beautiful Lokta paper into a richly textured Christmas tree card, with tips for die-cutting fibrous paper, layering specialty papers and creating an organic torn deckled edge.
Best Gifts for Cardmakers | 2026 Buying Guide
Discover the best gifts for cardmakers and papercrafters complete with photos and how each product was chosen.
13 Die Cutting Tips I’ve Learned After Making Thousands of Cards
Want cleaner cuts and an easier die-cutting process? After making thousands of cards, I’m sharing 13 of my favorite die cutting tips—from simple cutting habits and helpful tools to color planning and choosing dies you’ll actually use. Plus, see how I put these tips into practice while creating a dimensional City Holiday townhouse card.
3 of My Favorite Handmade Halloween Card Ideas — From Silly to Stylish
Looking for handmade Halloween card ideas? I created three completely different cards from one Hero Arts kit—a bubbling shaker cauldron, a pretty pastel witch and a silly jack-o'-lantern topped with a frog. Along the way, I’m sharing easy ideas for interactive cards, unexpected Halloween color combinations and simple design choices that can give your die-cut cards more personality and polish.
9 Tips and Tricks for Creating Die-Cut Scene Cards
Learn how to build a die-cut scene card that tells a story! I’m sharing nine of my favorite scene-building tips, including choosing a focused color palette, creating a strong focal point, grounding and layering your die cuts, balancing your composition and adding a frame. You’ll also see how a few personalized details can turn a collection of die cuts into a charming little world created especially for your recipient.
Mixed Media Cards Made Simple
Mixed media cards don't have to be complicated. Discover my beginner-friendly 3-step recipe, favorite background techniques, layering ideas, and design tips to create beautiful mixed media cards with confidence.
My 3-Step Recipe for Beautiful Mixed Media Cards
Mixed media doesn't have to feel intimidating. In this step-by-step tutorial, I'm sharing the simple three-step recipe I use to create layered, vintage-inspired handmade cards. You'll learn my favorite background techniques, Karen's Fab 4, tips for building thoughtful layers, and why mixed media is one of the most forgiving and rewarding styles of cardmaking.
3 Completely Different Cards from One Hero Arts Kit
Can one card kit inspire three completely different designs? This month I challenged myself to find out! From a heart made with tiny die-cuts to a stand-up book card and a layered mixed media design, I'm sharing the creative decisions that helped each project come together—plus plenty of finished card photos, process photos, and beginner-friendly tips along the way.
Halloween Cards for Kids: 4 Design Ideas Kids Will Love
Learn four simple design ideas for creating Halloween cards for kids that are fun, memorable, and full of personality. In this article, I'll share how friendly characters, playful storytelling, texture, and bold colors work together to create handmade cards children will love—not just at Halloween, but all year long.