I recently opened my SpellbindersCrafty Advent Calendar and, oh my, I can already tell this is going to be an exciting month filled with DIY fun! For those who might not be familiar, a Crafty Advent Calendar contains 24 days of creative supplies and surprises, all designed to inspire your crafting. This week, I dove into the first few projects, and I can’t wait to share the magic of it all with you.
Opening the Advent Calendar: Day 1 to Day 7
The anticipation of opening each little door in the calendar is half the fun! Each day has revealed a mix of supplies and cute embellishments. I could feel my creativity bubbling the moment I opened Day 1.
If you missed it, you can read my Day 1 post HERE.
The adorable bee (day 6) captured my heart and I used those dies along with days 3, 4 and 5 to create this cute Hello Friend scene card. The clouds from the Fly Away die set were the only things I added that were not included in the Crafty Advent Calendar.
I wanted a little more vertical room for my scene, so my white panel is 4″ x 6″.
I loved the inspiration that came with each day’s reveal. I’m excited to continue opening the calendar and discovering what new projects await in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more fun holiday crafts—I’ll be sharing new projects each week!
Have you opened a Crafty Advent Calendar this season? What are you making with yours? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to see your creations!
December is finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited to kick off the festive season with my Spellbinders Paper ArtsCrafty Advent Calendar! If you’re anything like me, the thought of crafting something new each day leading up to Christmas brings so much joy—and this year, the fun starts with a surprise die inside Day 1. Let’s open it together and make a holiday card!
The anticipation is real. As I carefully peel open Day 1, I reveal… a beautiful hot air balloon die! It’s intricate yet versatile, perfect for adding that extra touch of winter magic to any holiday card.
This balloon die is just adorable with tons of detail! So here is a quick tutorial on how I created this bright happy card:
I started by die cutting my balloon 3 times in the following combinations: orange and hot pink, aqua and lime, lavendar and purple. This project is perfect for my compact desk top Scout Die Cutting Machine.
The only die I added is the cloud from the Fly Away die set. I use this cloud on a lot of projects and find it is a great accent to have in my craft room.
My background panel is 4 1/4″ x 6″. I little longer than an A2 card but I like the layout better with a bit more vertical space.
My card base is charcoal grey for a bit of lovely contrast.
And There You Have It!
I can’t wait to see what’s behind the other doors! Stay tuned for more crafty inspiration as we count down to Christmas together. I will be back in a few days with more Crafty Advent Inspiration.
Imagine receiving a cheerful Yeti card to brighten your day—whether it’s a simple “hello” or a get-well wish, this handmade card will surely bring a smile. This die set is called Rocky the Dancin’ Yeti, buy I’ve renamed my set “Roxy” since I created a sweet furry little girl. Rocky is a new Spellbinders Paper Arts release.
Yetis are mythical Himalayan Abominal Snowmen, but this cutie from the Monster Friends Collection is not frightening at all! Using die-cutting techniques, you can easily bring this charming character to life. This die set is great for playing card-making dress up. The kit includes lots of extra accessories like scarves, ear muffs, knit caps etc.
Creating This Card:
I started by die cutting my Yeti components using my compact Scout Machine. I love small sets that work well with table die-cutters. I used Persimmon, Peridot and Sunshine from the Happy Day Cardstock Pack. I used Amythest for my base, and I really like the contrast. The other colors came from my scrap drawer.
Phenom Ralph Tyndall collaborated with Hero Arts for a fun new Fall Release. I created two iconic cards that are part of Hero Arts Instagram Hop that you can participate in HERE.
You can find Ralph Tyndall’s Fall Collection HERE.
Retro GameBoy-Themed Card 🎮
As a 90s kid at heart, I couldn’t pass up the chance to create a card inspired by the iconic GameBoy! The nostalgic colors, the pixelated graphics, and that satisfying ‘click’ of the buttons—this card was such a blast to make.
Tip 1: I snipped the star, heart, pull tab and game cartridge from the die set and then die cut the rest of the elements as one piece. This ensured that I had perfect placement for the buttons and screen. If you don’t snip the above mentioned components, they will die cut the back of the card.
I die cut the screen frame and buttons 3 times each and glue the pieces together for a realistic 3D look.
The die set has a great coordinating Retro Game Stamp Set that really makes the game come alive. I chose Winner for my Screen plus A & B, Select and Start Buttons. There are LOTS of Game related words included in the stamp set.
I added an Antique Ivory liner to inside of my card.
This GameBoy inspired card was one of my favorites to create, and I have to say Tetris was my favorite back in the day! It’s the perfect card for any gamer or someone who loves a throwback to the good ol’ days of handheld gaming.
Urban Heroscape Card
For my second card, I went in a completely different direction with a graphic linear urban Heroscape design. Ralph designed this set too and it is called Street View Heroscape. I’ve always been fascinated by cityscapes, especially the way modern architecture plays with lines and geometric shapes. So, I wanted to create a card that captured the energy of an urban environment using simple, clean lines.
I chose not to use the base stamp because I wanted to emphasize the linear grapic look of this stamp set. The set also comes with coordinating dies that you can find HERE.
TIP: Prior to stamping the Pool Party color building, I masked the Indigo and Purple Galaxy buildings with post it notes for clean stamping.
Today, we’re diving into a delightful project that combines creativity and a sprinkle of love: a hand-stitched Christmas card featuring Spellbinders October Stitching Club of the Month. The kit creates a whimsical Christmas tree under a starry night sky. Let’s get started on crafting a card that your loved ones will cherish!
Merry and Bright Cloche Stitching Kit
I started by die cutting my Stitching Kit pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. I die cut the stitching pieces twice and glued them together for easier stitching. My sky is navy cardstock and the background is kraft. The stitched base element and star were die cut from Brushed Gold, which is a real staple in my craft room.
The Merry and Bright etched sentiment is included in this month’s kit.
Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I stitched the tree and base with DMC Antique Gold Thread. I hope you can see the shimmer!
I used thin double sided tape to secure my floss to the die cuts. I like that this tape is easy to hide behind the die cuts and I don’t even bother to take the top release paper off the tape.
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.
With scissors, I cut 2 triangles that I added behind the tree to pop it up a bit.
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.
Halloween is creeping around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to brew up some crafty magic with die-cut Halloween scene cards! The September Hero Studio Release is bursting with fun new products + an exciting Blog Hop, so hop along and gather tons of inspiration from some incredibly talented crafters. Let’s dive into the cauldron of creativity and get started!
Witch’s Kitchen | Monthly Mini Clear Stamp and Die Set
Next, I stamped all the stamp elements, colored with alcohol markers and then die cut. Then, I played around with layouts until I liked my spooky little scene. A little magic potion anyone???
I started by ink blending my background with Taffy, Thistle and Purple Galaxy inks. On a different white card panel I stamped my elements using Intense Black ink. I stamped the black several times for a dark silhouette. I stamped the moon with Lemon Drop and Creamsicle, blending a bit on the stamp before stamping. To “light” my windows, I used a yellow and pale orange alcohol marker. After I completed my little scene, I decided my card needed a frame, so I die cut one from Pitch Black cardstock using my Wood Frame Infinity Dies.
$46 with Subscription + FREE SHIPPING $49.99 One-Time Purchase While Supplies Last
5 Wonderful Kit Options:
For this blog post, I created with two kits and two Extraordinary Extras, but there there are 5 kits plus 5 Extras available. You can also buy the Whole Studio, which includes all 5 kits at a wonderful savings.
The Whole Studio ($120 with subscription or $138.95 one-time purchase price)
Now it’s time for the Blog Hop! What’s a Blog Hop, you ask? It’s a fun, crafty event where you can hop from one blog to another, gathering inspiration, tips, and tricks from different crafters. Each blog in the hop will feature a Halloween project (or two or three!), so you’re sure to leave with your cauldron overflowing with ideas!
Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, September 8th at 11:59pm Pacific, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week.
Here’s how to join:
Visit the Next Blog in the Hop: Check out the list of participating blogs (links below), and hop to the next one – Lydia Fiedler – to see what spooky creation she has brewed up!
Leave a Comment: Show some love to your fellow crafters by leaving a comment on their posts. It’s a great way to connect and share the Halloween spirit!
Creating die-cut Halloween scene cards is a fang-tastic way to get into the spooky spirit and share some handmade love with friends and family. Plus, participating in a Blog Hop is the perfect way to find inspiration and connect with the crafting community. So, grab your dies, fire up your die-cutting machine, and let’s make this Halloween a crafty one to remember!
Happy crafting, and don’t forget to join the Blog Hop! 🎃👻
Hello Crafty Friends! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of scene cards by creating a cozy little card featuring a house, a tree, and a swing. Spellbinders just released a new Storytelling Collection and I used Home Sweet Home for this card.
This project is perfect for those moments when you want to escape into a serene, idyllic scene—no matter what’s going on outside your window. So, grab your crafting supplies, and let’s swing into some creative fun!
Why a Scene Card?
Scene cards are like mini stories captured in paper. They allow you to create a complete world on a small canvas, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of whimsy to whoever receives it. Plus, you can evoke that peaceful, happy feeling of home, making this card perfect for any occasion.
I love creating scene cards, so I combined some of my favorite die sets on this card.
Creating scene cards is such a rewarding way to let your imagination run wild. This card, with its quaint house, sturdy tree, and gently swinging swing, is like a little escape to a peaceful place every time you look at it. So, grab your crafting supplies and start creating your own mini world on a card!
Happy crafting, and may your creative journey be as joyful as a swing on a sunny day! 🌞🌳
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than by creating some spooky yet charming Halloween cards? Spellbinders has just released an adorable collection called Happy Haunting that is SO fun! I created two cards today that I am going to send to my daughters. I used Witchin” Heels (S3-525) and Woof or Treat (S3-521).
Spooky (and Cute!) Card Designs
For a simple yet delightful card, I created a dramatic sunset background to contrast with my sparkly witchy silhouette. I love using Liquid Watercolors because they are so vivid.
My Design Process:
I started my design process by creating two bold backgrounds using liquid watercolors.
Witchin’ Heels background: I brushed water onto a watercolor paper panel and then used the Dandelion Yellow Liquid Watercolor eye-dropper to drop color onto the paper. I added yellow at the top and bottom of the panel and dropped Orange in the middle. I then used my mini-mister sprayer to add water to the colors, tilting different directions so that the colors blended and flowed. I repeated this process a couple of times.
Woof or Treat backgound: I repeated the process for my purple panel using Indigo and Neon Brights Pink Liquid Watercolors. Since I didn’t have purple watercolor I created my own by dropping a big blob of Indigo ink and then putting a smaller drop of pink in the center. I spitzed with water and then tilted to move the ink. I added several layers for an intense color.
I used my heat tool to speed up the drying process.
Below, you can see a photo of my completed backgrounds.
Die cutting was next. I used Black Glitter Paper for the Witch and added purple accents die cut from my purple watercolor panel. For my ghostly pup, I used khaki and added a hint of shading with a blending brush.
To frame my little trick-or-treater, I used my Scallop Label Infinity Dies. I also added a little dimension with foam squares and craft foam.
I feel like each of these cards has a little bit of seasonal magic combined with crafty love. I adore the bold colors acheived with liquid watercolors.
I hope you found some inspiration today. Thanks for stopping by!
I am so excited that it is Launch Day for Hero Studio’s playful August jungle theme release. I can’t wait to show you some of Hero Arts GORGEOUS new products, so kick back and hop along with the Creative Team.
Hero will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, August 11th at 11:59pm Pacific, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week. Links to all the Hop Participants is below.
Create Your Own Jungle | Studio Card Kit of the Month
The August Card Kit of the Month is so playful with tons of wonderful elements to incorporate into your papercrafting projects. For my first card, I used the Heroscape stamp set to create a “wild” birthday card. I think the Nesting Postage Stamp Dies give an exotic travel feel to my card.
KIT INCLUDES: • Jungle HeroScape Clear Stamp Set, 6″ x 8″ • 12 Coordinating Dies • 5 Fancy Dies • Jungle Scenics Stencil, 6″ x 6″ • Olive Hero Wax • White Plastic Palette Knife • 3 Reactive Ink Cubes (Key Lime Fizz, Green Apple, Fruit Punch) • 2 Reactive Glitz Ink Pads (French Pink, Byzantine Green) • 5 Printed Sticker Sheets, 6″ x 6″
Kit Cost:
$46 with Subscription + FREE SHIPPING $49.99 One-Time Purchase While Supplies Last
5 Wonderful Kit Options:
For this blog post, I created with two kits and 1 Extraordinary Extra, but there there are 5 kits plus 5 Extras available. You can also buy the Whole Studio, which includes all 5 kits at a wonderful savings.
The Whole Studio ($120 with subscription or $138.95 one-time purchase price)
I used my favorite blues and greens for this cool and calm Jungle Serenity card. I stamped my images, colored with alcohol markers and layered my backdrop using my Rounded Rectangle Infinity Dies.
PRO TIP: There is a small die in the lower left corner that is easy to overlook when you are snipping your dies apart. Be sure to separate that piece before die cutting.
I ink blended my background and then continued the foliage theme by adding die cuts and a sentiment from my August Card Kit of the Month. I love how the kit themes for each month all work together….endless possibilites!
Do you have a dog lover in your life? There’s nothing more delightful than receiving a card that perfectly captures the charm and whimsy of an adorable dog. Enter the cutest die cut handmade dog card— Big Pug Etched Dies – a perfect blend of creativity and cuteness that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. And, there is a super fun accessory set so you can dress up your little creatures! The scarf and bow are in the accessory kit. I used Rainbow Wood Designer Paperfor my background, scarf and bow.
Bibi Cameron and Spellbinders just released a fun Cats and Pugs Collection that is going to be a longtime favorite in the Brown family. I really enjoyed creating this darling card. I added an easy but fun puffy sticker sentiment to finish my card.
I created an extra special big showy 5″ x 7″ (A7) card. Isn’t the expression on the Pug just precious?
Handmade die cut cards are more than just greeting cards; they are keepsakes that recipients will cherish. The thought and effort put into creating such a card make it a meaningful gesture, perfect for any occasion.
In a world filled with digital messages and mass-produced cards, a handmade card stands out as a unique and personal way to connect with others. So, why not try your hand at crafting one? Spread a little Pug love and make someone’s day with the cutest die cut Pug dog card!
kennyscards.com 