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.
Category: Die cutting
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.
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.
Interactive Cards Made Simple | How to Make Cards for Kids
Learn how to create an interactive Christmas card children will treasure using the Spellbinders Spectacular Christmas Collection. In this beginner-friendly workshop, I'll share seven design ideas for creating memorable cards for kids, explain why interactive elements capture a child's imagination, and show you how a simple spinning cupcake transforms a handmade card into an experience they'll remember long after Christmas.
How to Create Funny Christmas Cards That Tell a Story
What makes a handmade Christmas card memorable? For me, it starts with a story. In today's tutorial, I'm sharing how I created this playful Christmas scene featuring Yana's Christmas Cats Collection and the Vista View Window die. More importantly, I'm taking you behind the scenes to explain the thoughtful design decisions that transformed a handful of adorable die cuts into a card that tells a story. We'll talk about storytelling, scene building, color choices, meaningful details, and a few little habits I've developed over the years that make creating scene cards more enjoyable. Whether you're new to scene cards or you've been making them for years, I hope this project inspires you to create a Christmas card that makes someone smile before they even open the envelope.
Which Subscription Card Kit Did I Re-Subscribe To? 3 Summer Card Ideas from One Kit
Hero Arts My Monthly Hero July 2026 "You're the Zest" combines citrus-themed dies, stamps, and scene-building elements into one versatile subscription kit. See why I re-subscribed after a six-month break and explore three summery card ideas featuring lemons, a scooter with sidecar, and a relaxing lemon tree scene.
5 Steps I Use on Almost Every Handmade Birthday Card
Learn the 5 practical steps I use on almost every handmade birthday card. This colorful floral birthday card features Spellbinders Whimsical Blooms dies, rainbow colors, die-cutting tips, and simple design principles that help create memorable handmade cards.
Cute Dog-Themed Birthday Card Ideas
Learn how to create playful DIY birthday cards featuring adorable dachshund stamps, punny sentiments, and easy scene-building ideas. This beginner-friendly handmade card tutorial uses simple coloring, die cutting, and limited color palettes to create cheerful, memorable cards that are sure to make recipients smile.