About

Karen, creator of Kenny's Cards, at Monument Valley

Hello! I’m Karen — But You Can Call Me Kenny

My childhood nickname is Kenny, but my given name is Karen—so feel free to call me either. And yes, that’s where Kenny’s Cards got its name!

I’ve always loved paper. Years ago, that meant scrapbooking, but somewhere along the way I discovered cardmaking and fell completely in love with the creative process.

Today, some of my favorite things are color, die-cutting, scene building, mixed media, BetterPress and experimenting with new techniques. I love brainstorming (and dreaming!) about a card and then figuring out how to turn that idea into an actual project.

Sometimes the finished card looks remarkably like the one I imagined.

Other times? Not even close.

And honestly, that’s part of the fun.

More Than Just the Finished Card

Over the years, Kenny’s Cards has grown from a place where I simply shared my latest projects into something more.

Of course, you’ll still find plenty of pretty cards here. But I’m increasingly interested in sharing why I made the choices I did.

Why did that color combination work? Would one more layer improve the layout? How can I make a complicated technique easier? What little detail will give a scene more personality? And is that new cardmaking supply really something we need—or can we get more from supplies we already own?

I want to share the creative process, including the little decisions and occasional course corrections that happen between the original idea and the finished card.

My hope is that you’ll leave with an idea, technique or design tip you can take back to your craft table and make your own.

Let’s Make Something Beautiful (and Keep It Simple)

Karen working on a handmade card at her craft table

That’s become a bit of a philosophy around here.

Cardmaking can involve lots of products, tools and techniques, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. I enjoy breaking things down into approachable steps and finding simple ways to create cards that look polished and special.

I’m particularly passionate about die-cutting and building little scenes that tell a story. I also love exploring mixed media through my Mixed Media Made Simple approach, experimenting with color and finding new ways to use the supplies already in our craft rooms.

I’ve also been fortunate to create projects for some of my favorite companies, including Hero Arts and Spellbinders. Those opportunities have introduced me to lots of wonderful new products—but they’ve also reinforced something I believe strongly:

You don’t need every new supply to make beautiful cards.

A versatile collection of products you genuinely enjoy using, a few good techniques and your own creativity can take you a very long way.

A Little About Me

A silly photo of Karen in a funny Christmas hat + my mini-Aussie dog

I live in Texas with my husband, Mark, and our mini-Aussie, Scout—who occasionally makes an appearance around here.

When I’m not at my craft table, I enjoy traveling, daily walks, spending time with family and friends, and getting outside whenever I can.

And after all these years, I still find crafting wonderfully calming and relaxing. There is something very satisfying about sitting down with paper, ink and an idea and ending up with something made by hand for someone you care about.

New Here? Start Exploring

If you’re new to Kenny’s Cards, welcome! Here are a few places you might enjoy starting:

New to cardmaking?
Start with my Beginner Cardmaking Supplies guide for help building a useful collection without buying everything at once.

Love subscription kits?
Visit my Best Cardmaking Kit Subscriptions — 2026 Guide to compare some of my favorite options.

Love die-cutting?
Explore my Best Die-Cutting Ideas, Tools and Tips and other die-cutting resources.

Curious about mixed media?
My Mixed Media Made Simple articles are designed to make those wonderful layers, textures and techniques feel much more approachable.

Most of all, I hope Kenny’s Cards gives you ideas and encouragement to experiment, make creative choices and enjoy the process.

I’m so pleased you stopped by.

Let’s make something beautiful—and keep it simple.

Karen (aka Kenny)