Something exciting is coming to your craft corner! 🎉
I’m thrilled to be participating in the very first Hero Arts Craft Lounge, a fun and interactive live virtual crafting event packed with inspiration, tips, and creative conversation. ✂️✨
This is your all-access pass to hang out, learn, and craft along with fellow makers—no mystery, just crafty fun! Channin, Michelle, Rosie and I will be sharing some behind-the-scenes tips, design inspiration, and answering questions live.
Join the Hero Arts Collective on Facebook, and come say hi in the comments during the live! I’ll be looking for you!
It’s time for another fabulous Spellbinders Club Kit Release—and the May 2025 kits are full of personality, charm, and creative possibilities! I’m sharing three handmade cards using the Small Die of the Month, Stitching Die of the Month, and Large Die of the Month — and each one captures a completely different vibe. From graduation parties to cozy reading nooks to retro kitchen fun, this release has a little something for every cardmaker.
Let’s take a closer look!
🎓 Card 1: Graduation Card with Die of the Month Kit
What’s smarter than an apple a day? An apple with a diploma! I used theSmall Die of the Month to create this fun and festive graduation card starring a smiling, die-cut apple with a mortarboard and black-rimmed glasses—clearly top of the class! I set the scene using the April Stitching Die of the Month notebook die as a background, die cut from white cardstock to resemble lined memo paper.
The bold color palette—bright red, kraft, and bold black—really makes the design pop. A giant “hey there” die cut adds a cheerful greeting, and the clever “Congrats” book spine die is the perfect finishing touch. This kit is full of potential for customization, and I love how easy it is to personalize that adorable apple with different accessories and expressions.
🛋️ Card 2: Cozy Vibes with the Stitching Die of the Month
This card might be my favorite cozy scene yet! The May Stitching Die of the Month features a darling stitched armchair and hanging light fixture, and I couldn’t resist building a peaceful nook complete with a lazy orange tabby cat and a friendly potted plant.
To create soft wallpaper texture, I stamped the background with the Hero Arts May Cling of the Month in mint ink on Mint cardstock—it’s subtle, soothing, and so stylish! The stitched chair in cream looks extra plush, and the palette of burnt orange, mint, and cream gives the whole card a warm retro-modern vibe. I die cute the chair and lamp twice and glued together for nice sturdy stitching. I used DMC #437 and #746 floss for this card.
Card 3: Retro Fridge Fun
I had so much fun with this Large Die of the Month card—it’s a whole scene right out of a retro kitchen! The adorable die cut refrigerator (cut from Mint cardstock) is the star of the show, and it’s covered in tiny fridge magnets, a grocery list, a die-cut Polaroid, and the best part: rainbow-letter fridge magnet sentiments!
I used the included mini alpha dies to spell out “hello hello” in bright colors, but the possibilities are endless—Happy Birthday, Thanks, You’re Cool, or whatever punny fridge note you dream up. This one’s a joy to customize and would make a great card for a neighbor, teacher, or foodie friend. There are even cute Food Staples that you can put inside your fridge.
Whether you’re celebrating a graduation, sending cozy vibes, or just saying “hi,” the Spellbinders May 2025 Club Kits have you covered. These dies are fun to use, easy to personalize, and full of storytelling charm. Which card is your favorite this month?
It’s time to celebrate all things fresh, floral, and fabulous with the Hero Arts May Release called Flower Shoppe! This month’s Card Kit of the Month is bursting with blooming potential, and I couldn’t resist crafting a set of cards that range from bold and beautiful to clean and graphic.
Big Bouquet Energy
Let’s start with some floral drama (the good kind). For this card, I created a lush bouquet of die-cut and stenciled flowers in soft, springy shades of pink, all arranged in a granite gray can-style vase. The vase gives it that perfect rustic-meets-modern vibe!
The background features a subtle stamped design using Granite Ink for added texture without stealing the show.
For details on how I created my background, see my second card.
The sentiment? Just one fabulous French word: Fleurs. Because everything sounds fancier in French, right?
✨ Pro Tip: Use low-tack tape to hold your stencil and dies in place when layering florals for crisp, clean shapes every time.
• Vintage Blooms 6×8 Clear Stamp Set • Vintage Blooms Die Set • Flower Delivery Truck Die Set • BoHo Bouquet Layering Stencils • BoHo Bouquet Stencil Frame Cut • 9 Sheets of Cardstock, 5.5″ x 8.5″
The Whole Studio includes ALL 5 of the monthly subscriptions in one discounted bundle. Cling of the Month, Stamp & Cut of the Month (new name for the subscription!), Layering Stencil of the Month, Fancy Dies of the Month, and the Card Kit of the Month.
This month, receive a FREE sentiment stamp set when you purchase The Whole Studio! See this bonus gift in action below.
Hero Arts has many different Monthly Kits that you can subscribe to including:
The WHOLE Studio – All 5 Kits ($130 subscription + Free Shipping)
For this second card, I wanted to let the background shine—literally. I used the same Granite stamped design from Card 1, but this time made it the focal point. What makes it special? The bonus gift from the Whole Studio Kit!
The bonus set includes 17 sentiment strip stamps with messages like:
“Hi Gorgeous”
“You are Amazing”
“Merci Beaucoup”
I left the stamps on their acetate and placed on my Sticky Grip Mat (which was inside my MISTI) and stamped them all at once using Granite Ink. I used Washi tape to adhere my cardstock to the lid! This method kept the sentiments straight and evenly spaced.
For embellishments, I added two sweet little die cuts: a hanging plant and a planter box. Clean, simple, and full of charm. These die cuts are from the May Fancy Die Kit. I want to use the entire Fancy Die Kit soon!
You can never have too many sentiment strip stamps! Pre-stamp them in neutrals like black, gray, or navy to always have the perfect sentiment ready to go.
Hop Along!
This post is part of the Hero Arts May Release Blog Hop, so don’t forget to visit the other amazing creators linked below for more floral inspiration, clever techniques, and paper-crafting joy. Let’s keep those crafty blooms growing all month long!
GIVEAWAY
Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Tuesday, May 6 at 11:59pm PDT, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week. Leave a comment on all stops for more chances to win!
Spellbinders’ latest Club Kit Release is here, and this month’s dies are packed with charm, nostalgia, and creativity! I created three unique handmade cards using the Large Die of the Month, Small Die of the Month, and Stitching Club of the Month. Each design brings something different to the crafting table—from vintage-inspired letterboxes to whimsical mail carriers and stitched stationery.
Let’s get started!
Card 1: A Vintage Farmhouse Letterbox
First up, the Large Die of the Month – a stunning vintage-style letterbox that feels straight out of a charming countryside home.
I custom-mixed my colors using Hero Arts Reactive Inks, blending 50% Fog and 50% Pool Party for the perfect minty vintage hue on the letterbox. Other Reactive Inks Used: Taffy, Fruit Punch, Green Apple, Blue Raspberry and. Grape Slush. The key, sentiment frame and keyhole were painted with Gold Metallic Watercolor.
Inside the mail slot, a sweet die-cut letter with a heart and a cluster of pink flowers peeks out, adding a touch of romance.
A gold letterbox key is placed on the box for extra detail.
I mounted everything on Stellar White Groove ribbed paper (from a Your Paper Insidersubscription box) to mimic the look of house siding.
I’m a bit of a paper hoarder, so this specialty paper subscription is right up my alley! 😄
Card 2: You’ve Got (Snail) Mail!
For the Small Die of the Month, I couldn’t resist creating a playful “snail mail” scene! This one was so much fun to put together.
The star is a cute little snail, delivering happy mail in style. She holds a tiny envelope with a heart seal and wears a mail pouch and hat as she crawls along.
I started by doing my die-cutting and then I watercolored each die cut for my happy cozy scene. I watercolored with Reactive Inks : Creamsicle, Fruit Punch, Taffy, Green Apple, Blue Raspberry, Pool Party, Blue Hawaii, Splash, Granite and Fawn.
She’s accompanied by a pink worm and surrounded by red and orange tulips and a mailbox—a cozy little world in miniature.
The sentiment is a scripty “sending” + an enamel heart.
I finished the card with diluted white acrylic paint splatters, adding a touch of whimsy.
The theme? A punny “You’ve Got (Snail) Mail”—a crafty nod to the classic rom-com! 💌 🐌
Card 3: Stitched Notebook Paper & Die-Cut Page Tabs
For my final card, I used the Stitching Club of the Month to create a notebook-inspired stitched background—a must for any stationery lover!
The stitched blue horizontal lines and pink vertical margin line replicate lined notebook paper.
The top edge is die-cut to look like it was torn from a wirebound notebook for extra realism.
The sentiments are die-cut page pointers die cut from ColorWheel Cardstock, reading:
Hello (pink)
Friend (blue)
A Note (lime)
For You (teal)
To add movement, I included a pink and teal kite, die-cut from last summer’s Fly Away Kite Kit.
I stitched with two pieces of floss for extra texture and die-cut the background twice (and glued together) for a sturdy base. I used DMC #162 (light blue) and #776 (pink) floss.
This design is a fun way to send a cheerful, handwritten-style note in card form!
This month’s Spellbinders Club Kits are filled with endless creative possibilities—from elegant vintage letterboxes to playful snail mail and nostalgic stitched stationery.
Which card is your favorite this month? Let me know in the comments! 💌 ✂️
Once upon a time, in a land filled with ink and creativity, a whimsical cardmaker (that’s me!) discovered the Hero Studio April Release and its magical Tranquil Terrarium Kit. With a wave of my die-cutting wand and a splash of watercolor, I crafted a dreamy terrarium scene—one fit for a fairy tale!
Step into a Paper Fairy Tale: A Lush, Layered Terrarium
Picture this: a tiny enchanted world encased in glass (well, cardstock), teeming with lush leaves, charming red and tan mushrooms, green grass, rustic rocks, and a tiny tree stump. Perched on a delicately curled leaf is a radiant orange butterfly, completing this little forest wonderland.
Die-cut magic: Every element was cut from watercolor paper, allowing for beautifully blended, organic colors.
Coloring adventure: I used brightly colored reactive inks to hand-paint each die cut piece, adding depth and dimension. I enjoyed painting each piece individually, but you could also paint several card panels and then die cut the elements. Reactive inks used: Green Apple, Key Lime Fizz, Blue Hawaii, Granite, Purple Galaxy, Fawn, Fruit Punch,
Serene background: I put a light Pool Party watercolor wash on the rounded terrarium panel. It shows up better in person and adds a lovely subtle dimension.
Vintage charm: The background panel features a subtle Script Stencil in tan ink, lending a storybook feel to this enchanted setting. Stencil Used: Script Stencil
Rounded elegance: To echo the terrarium’s shape, I rounded the corners of both the panel and card base using Rounded Rectangle Infinity Dies.
The final touch: Layered on a dreamy Mist blue card base, this card is a burst of color, depth, and whimsy.
✨ Pro Tip: When layering die-cut scenes, use thin foam squares on select elements (like the butterfly) to create a natural sense of depth without overwhelming the design.
What’s Inside the April 2025 Hero Studio Card Kit?
20 Terrarium Fancy Dies
Terrarium Clear Stamp Set, 6″ x 8″
16 Terrarium Coordinating Dies
Clear Hero Enamel Dots
3 Clear Card Panels, 4.25″ x 5.5″
9 Sheets of Cardstock, 5.5″ x 8.5″ (Poppy, Peridot, Rainforest, Fern, Alabaster, Fawn, Truffle, Fog, Anchor)
The Whole Studio includes ALL 5 of the monthly subscriptions in one discounted bundle. Cling of the Month, Stamp & Cut of the Month (new name for the subscription!), Layering Stencil of the Month, Fancy Dies of the Month, and the Card Kit of the Month.
This month, receive a FREE adorable “froggy” stamp & die set when you purchase The Whole Studio!
Hero Arts has many different Monthly Kits that you can subscribe to including:
The WHOLE Studio – All 5 Kits ($130 subscription + Free Shipping)
For my second card, I embraced bold color and graphic design with the Fancy Dies of the Month Kit. This set features five striking leaf dies and a scripty “hello” with a shadow layer.
Hand-painted beauty: Each leaf was die cut from watercolor paper and hand-painted in vibrant greens and blue-greens. Reactive Inks Used: Splash, Key Lime Fizz, Blue Hawaii, Blue Raspberry, Green Apple. I started with the lightest color and then layered on darker shades.
A pop of fun: To contrast the cool tones, I painted the “hello” with Fruit Punch Reactive Ink-blended cardstock, giving it a lively coral-red pop.
Artful splatter: I added Licorice Reactive Ink splatters for an artsy, organic touch. I simply dabbed the ink on an acrylic block and flicked splatters on my die cuts with a fine wet watercolor brush. I turned my splatter box for even splatter distribution.
Design balance: The leaves are arranged in a radiating composition, leading the eye toward the bottom-right hello.
Crisp and clean: Everything is anchored on an Adriatic blue card base, making those greens pop!
🎨 Pro Tip: When adding splatters, dab the ink on an acrylic block and flick splatters on the die cuts with a fine wet watercolor brush. Thie results in controlled yet artistic splatters. Don’t forget to rotate your splatter box to get an even, natural distribution!
BLOG HOP!
Don’t forget, this is part of a blog hop, so there’s plenty more enchanting inspiration ahead! Be sure to follow along for more crafty adventures. ✂️✨
Giveaway:
Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, April 6 at 11:59pm PST, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week. Leave a comment on all stops for more chances to win!
These cards brought to life the whimsy of a storybook forest and the bold beauty of botanical art, all with the magic of the Hero Arts April Release. Whether you love layered die cuts, ink blending, or just an excuse to play with paint, this kit delivers endless creative inspiration!
I’d love to hear your thoughts—which card is your favorite? Let’s chat in the comments!
March is here, and with it comes Spellbinders’ March 2025 Club Kits,featuring some truly exciting club kits! This month, I crafted two very different—but equally fun—cards: one celebrating the great outdoors and another bringing stitched floral elegance to life. Let’s dive in!
For my first card, I used the Die of the Month Club Kit – Fairways and Fish Tales, a perfect choice for masculine cards. This set brings all the charm of a peaceful fishing trip, complete with fishing rods, tackle boxes, and two friends casting their lines from a dock.
Since my husband is a fly-fishing enthusiast, this card is especially meaningful. The “Happiness is…” sentiment captures the joy of a day spent on the water. The color palette leans into lovely blues, accented with pops of orange and green, giving the scene a fresh and lively look. If you’re looking for a kit that’s perfect for the men in your life, this one is a winner!
For my second card, I combined the Stitching Club of the Month Kit with the Large Die of the Month, which offers three design options: floral, dog, and dinosaur. I chose the floral dies and paired them with the intricate stitching background for a stunning, textured effect.
The stitching panel was cut from white cardstock and hand-stitched with gold thread, giving it a luxe feel. Then, I added die-cut flowers in pink, orange, and white, accented with gold, to create a truly elegant design. Stitched cards always have that “WOW” factor, and this one is no exception—handmade beauty that recipients love!
One thing I love about the stitching die background is that it’s just as beautiful unstiched. I plan to use it that way in the future for a more subtle yet equally stunning effect.
Notes About This Card:
I started by die-cutting all my components with my Platinum 6 System.
March’s Spellbinders release has something for everyone—whether you’re crafting for the outdoorsman in your life or making a stitched masterpiece. Which of these styles speaks to you the most? Let me know in the comments!
Get ready to fall in love with theSpellbinders February 2025 Club Kits! This month’s releases are packed with charm and creativity, and I’m thrilled to share two whimsical scene cards that will have you reaching for your die-cutting machine in no time.
Easy Stitched Die Cut Bunny Card Full of Charm
This first card features the Stitching Die of the Monthpaired with the Large Die of the Month, creating a darling stitched frame. Inside the frame, a sweet die-cut bunny dressed in a spring green dress steals the spotlight. She’s holding a delicate flower, making this design ideal for Easter, baby showers, or even get-well cards. The soft blues, vivid greens, and warm yellows lend a fresh spring vibe, while the stitched frame adds texture and an elegant touch.
The second card takes a playful turn with a pair of olive green shoes, complete with stylish blue and olive anklet socks. The SmallDie of the Month works its magic, letting you create a unique scene where die-cut flowers are tucked into the patterned socks. You’ll spot the calves of a lady walking confidently into spring, and the sentiment “Hello” ties everything together. Perfect for birthdays, get-well wishes, or just saying hi, this design showcases the versatility of these dies.
Quick Notes About This Card:
I started by looking through my patterned paper for some fun “sock material”. I chose this eye-catching circular pattern, but a small floral or plaid would also work great!
Once I had my socks, I pulled together other colors that would work well for my scene. I frequently use my Color Cubes when selecting my color palette.
Both cards highlight the magic of die-cutting, with intricate details and stitching that bring each scene to life. Whether it’s the textured frame around the bunny or the whimsical floral shoes, these designs are sure to inspire intermediate and advanced crafters alike.
Hello, crafty friends! It’s time to shake off those winter blues as we play with the new Hero Studio February Release!
Smile, It’s a Beautiful World
For my first card, I used the Hero Studio February 2025 Card Kit of the Month, which is packed with fabulous sentiments. My design features repeating die-cut “smile” sentiments in a rainbow of colors, arranged in perfect rainbow order.
How I Made This Repeating Die Cut Sentiment Card:
Each sentiment was die cut three times per color, stacked, and glued together for added dimension and impact.
I used my favorite Hero Hues Cardstock Colors: Ultra Pink, Papaya, Kiwi, Bermuda, Paradise, Peacock, Amethyst and Cherry.
I found the card layout worked best by gluing in the following order: pink, lime, orange, peacock, paradise, bermuda, red, amethyst.
To complete the design, I added a heat-embossed sentiment that reads “It’s a beautiful world”, which is also included in this month’s kit. The result is a bright and happy card that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face
What’s Inside the February 2025 Hero Studio Card Kit?
February 2025 Card Kit of the Month: Tulips • Tulip HeroScapes Clear Stamp Set, 6” x 8” • Circling Clouds Cling Stamp, 6″x 6″ • Messages Clear Stamp Set, 4″ x 6″ • 7 Tulip HeroScape Coordinating Dies • 4 Word Fancy Dies with Frame Cuts • 5 Messages Coordinating Dies • 4 Ink Cubes (Thistle, Azalea, Moss, Blue Raspberry
February 2025 Hero Studio Kits:
The Whole Studio includes ALL 5 of the monthly subscriptions in one discounted bundle. Cling of the Month, Clear + Dies of the Month, Layering Stencil of the Month, Fancy Dies of the Month, and the Card Kit of the Month.
This month, receive a FREE adorable “bug” die set when you purchase The Whole Studio!
Hero Arts has many different Monthly Kits that you can subscribe to including:
The WHOLE Studio – All 5 Kits ($120 subscription + Free Shipping)
The February Fancy Die Kit is a gorgeous planter box brimming with vibrant spring flowers like wisteria, daffodils, and delicate blue blossoms.
How to Create a Cheerful Floral Scene Card:
The Kit die cuts are layered with care to create a dimensional, cheerful garden scene.
I used Hero Hues cardstock in the following colors: Charcoal, Amethyst, Passion Flower, Iris, Meadow, Periwinkle, Peacock, Mist, Mustard and Papaya.
To add texture and interest, I stenciled a Cobblestone background with white Hero Wax, placing it “here and there” for a soft, rustic touch. I love the pearlessence that the wax adds to my project and the crisp white background makes the floral colors—shades of purple, yellow, and blue—pop beautifully.
A sweet “My Friend” sentiment (February Card Kit) ties the whole design together, making this card perfect for brightening someone’s day.
These designs are packed with die-cutting fun and stenciled charm, making them perfect for crafters who want to try something fresh.
Join the Blog Hop Fun!
Don’t miss out on the February Blog Hop—a celebration of creativity featuring incredible projects from the Hero Arts Creative Team. Be sure to hop along, leave a comment, and check out the other amazing designs. Who knows? You might just discover your next favorite crafting idea!
Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Saturday, February 8 at 11:59pm PST, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week. Leave a comment on all stops for more chances to win!
Hello, hello! Today’s card features Spellbinders Large Die of the Month Kit for January 2025. The Botanical Atrium, is a die-cut lover’s dream with gorgeous floral details, a luxurious gold frame, and a fresh aqua-and-coral palette.
Creating With the Large Die of the Month Kit | January 2025
I used shiny gold cardstock to make the atrium stand out against a crisp white background, and wow—does it ever pop! Inside the frame, delicate coral and aqua florals cascade in a lush arrangement, creating a playful yet refined design. I’ll be using the florals on loads of future cards!
It’s a great time to buy paper because Spellbinders is having a Paper Party Sale until January 26th!
Textured Touches: The Brick Background
To add a subtle yet striking detail, I stenciled a brick pattern on the white background using grit paste. Just here and there, mind you—like peeking through a garden wall. This little bit of texture gives the card depth without taking attention away from the gorgeous die-cut elements. It’s understated but oh-so-effective!
January 2025 Papercrafting Kits and Blog Posts
This year, I’ll be creating with 3 Spellbinders Kits each month. I’ve already published two posts that you might enjoy reading:
I’m sharing a colorful and versatile “hello” card featuring the January 2025 Small Die of the Month Kit from Spellbinders. This $15 kit ($27 value) features a stunning die-cut dragonfly, a lovely scripty sentiment, and I added a playful pink Eyelet Scallop Border to complete my card. With gradients of pink and fresh green taking center stage, this card is perfect for any occasion where a cheerful greeting is in order!
Bold, Bright, and Beautiful
By layering gradients of pink and green Cardstock, I brought this little beauty to life, creating dimension and a sense of movement. The result? A dragonflythat feels as light and airy as the real thing.
LINK to Spellbinder’s Small Die Card of the Month Kit.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Dragonfly
Choose Gradient Cardstock: Using gradient shades of pink + green gives the dragonfly a cohesive, polished look. I used Hero Arts Cardstocks in Peony, Ultra Pink, Plum and Meadow and added a scrap of fog gray. The border is die cut from Ultra Pink Cardstock.
Helpful Tools: I found my Ninja Jewel Picker to be quite helpful in placing my die cuts. I used my 9″ Sheers for trimming the border and my Platinum 6 for all my die cutting.
Gluing Order: For the wings, I started gluing the bigger outer pieces and worked my way toward the smaller pieces.
Add A Colorful Border and Die-Cut Edge: Die-cut borders in bold colors provide a playful frame that complements the dragonfly and makes your design pop. I used the new Eyelet Scallop Border dies to create an interesting border and edge.
Stack the Sentiment: The scripty “hello” sentiment adds a playful and welcoming touch. I added a slightly offset plum hello shadow behind the Ultra Pink sentiment to add some dimension.
Keep It Crisp: A white background ensures the colorful elements remain the focal point of the card.
You might also like to read my recent Stitching Club of the Month Post: Ladybug
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.
Charming Simplicity: The Second Card
For the second card, I focused on creating a minimalist yet striking CAS design. Featuring an Ultra PinkEyelet Scallop Border and edge, this card radiates charm with its simple yet bold details. The lovely “hello” sentiment (January Small Die of the Month Kit) perfectly complements the intricate border. The crisp white background ensures the vibrant pink tones remain the star of the show. This design proves that sometimes, less is more when it comes to crafting heartfelt greetings!
Why These Cards are So Versatile
Sometimes you need a card that works for just about any occasion, and these dragonfly and scallop border designs fit the bill. Whether you’re saying hi to a friend, sending encouragement or thanks, or just want to let someone know you’re thinking of them, these cards are perfect picks.
Until next time, keep crafting, keep smiling, and keep sending those handmade hellos! 🌸✨
kennyscards.com 