Category: cardmaking

Cardmaking Kit · stitching

Spellbinders | Stitching Die of the Month | May 2024

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Hand stitched Pineapple card with an embossed background and accent opal gems.

Aloha! Delight in the sweet essence of tropical charm with my latest crafting adventure using this month’s Spellbinders Stitching kit! I am diving into the art of hand-stitching to create a whimsical pineapple card that’s as vibrant as it is heartfelt. So, grab your needle, thread, and a sprinkle of creativity as we embark on this delightful journey together!

The Deluxe Caboodle

I also wanted to mention what a wonderful deal the Deluxe Caboodle Kit is. You save 60% off all TEN kits for the month + you get a bonus gift. So, if you are thinking about multiple kits, consider the Caboodle. The current cost is $120 but the kit value is $315, which is 60% off!

Stitched Pineapple Handmade Card

Die cut and hand stitched pineapple card in yellows, golds, and greens.

My Cardmaking Process:

  • The kit has 6 cutting dies and I started by cutting all my pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. I used the Happy Day Assorted Cardstock Pack + a sheet of Pesto for a 4th shade of green.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I used a bronzy gold thread for my pineapple.
  • When I started stitching, I took two strands of floss, separated them one at a time, brought them together and then stroked and lengthened them until they seemed tame and ready to use.
  • I usually stitch with size 22 Tapestry needles.
  • I like to use 1/8th inch double sided liner tape to attach my floss to the die cut.
  • 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.
  • To finish my project I embossed white cardstock with the my longtime favorite embossing folder: Intertwined Lattice.
  • I hot foiled my sentiment with Yana’s Special Glimmer Sentiments and my Glimmer Hot Foil System.
  • I added 6 Opal Gems around the pineapple with my Ninja Pickup Tool.

Helpful Links:

Spellbinders Club Info:

  • Clubs Preview on the 1st of each month.
  • 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.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

cardmaking · papercrafting

Spellbinders | Perfect Sentiments for Cardmaking

Karen BrownLeave a comment

Good morning friends! Today, I am a Guest Designer on Spellbinders Blog and I’d love for you to stop by and see my post.

I am sharing 4 cards with great new sentiments from Stampendous + a DIY gift card holder. You can read the post HERE.

I have a little sneak peek photo above.

Products Used:

Thanks,

Karen

cardmaking · Die cutting

Spellbinders | More Fresh Picked Collection

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Handmade die cut Birthday card created with Spellbinders Fresh Picked Vase Bouquet from the More Fresh Picked Collection.

Spellbinders More Fresh Picked Collection offers an exquisite opportunity to create a contemporary cardmaking masterpiece. The entire Fresh Picked series offers modern, contemporary, stylized florals that really ignite my creativity and I couldn’t wait to get started die-cutting.

Fresh Picked Vase Bouquet

Pink, Aqua, Turquoise, Blue and White Floral die cut Birthday card with flowers in an embossed vase.

My Process:

Today, I selected the Fresh Picked Vase Bouquet for my birthday card. I knew I wanted Waterfall leaves and greenery on my card so I did a quick search through my color cubes and decided on color combination #060, and I have to say I love this color palette!

Helpful Product Links:

Final Thoughts

With its sleek lines and intricate designs, the Spellbinders Fresh Picked Vase Bouquet die set allows for the creation of stunning floral arrangements that exude modern elegance.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

cardmaking · papercrafting · Rainbow Colors

Hero Arts | Sparkle and Shine: Mastering Metallic Shimmer Sprays in Your Cardmaking

Karen Brown1 Comment
Metallic Shimmer Spray + stamping: A trio of handmade cards in rainbow colors.

Hey there, crafty friends! Karen here and today, we’re diving into the magical world of metallic shimmer sprays and how you can incorporate them into your cardmaking and papercrafting projects. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, these shimmer sprays are sure to add a touch of fun and sparkle to your creations.

Today I am sharing several colorful cards. It was a play day for me as I experimented with ink sprays and a fresh new background stamp called Abstract Feather Bold Print.

Rainbow Color Shimmer Cards

Rainbow watercolor look handmade card created with metallic shimmer sprays + stamping.

My Process:

As I stated above, I wanted to try a softer watercolor look for my “Smile” card and in person, this card seems to have the most shimmer and shine. After trimming my card, I lightly ink blended the edges with Amethyst Core Ink and added my sentiment, which was die cut from Amethyst cardstock. I added Translucent Pink Enamel Dots for a little added interest.

Bold rainbow card created with Hero Arts metallic shimmer ink sprays.

Card #2 was made the same way as Card 1, except I did NOT brush water on my stamp before painting my stamp. You can really see how the amount of water used can change your project.

I finished my card with a Nautical sentiment die cut with the Smile Friend Stamp and Cut XL set plus a few Clear Hues Enamel Dots.

Minimalist Mixed Media Thank You Card

Minimalist mixed media card created with Hero Arts metallic shimmer spray, Hero Gold Paste and Hero Transfer rub-ons.

I wanted to play a bit more with my final card. I added some rub-ons from Collage Backgrounds Part 2 Hero Transfers set and then, with my Palette Knife, I added Gold Hero Paste in spots through the Leaves and Abstract Shapes Stencil. You can see a stencil process photo below. Remember to soak or wash your stencil and palette knife before the Hero Paste sets.

I stamped and die cut a sentiment from the I Appreciate You Stamp and Die Bundle set. Finally, I added a few black Neutrals Hero Hues Enamel Dots.

PRO TIP: Protect your work surface with a piece of deli paper when working with messy media. It makes for a quick and easy cleanup.

What are Metallic Shimmer Sprays?

Metallic shimmer sprays are versatile crafting tools that contain finely milled metallic pigments suspended in a liquid base. They come in a variety of metallic shades and below, you can see the six I used on my cards today. When sprayed or brushed onto paper, these shimmer sprays impart a beautiful shine and metallic sheen, adding depth and dimension to your projects.

Don’t you just love this shimmery rainbow of metallic sprays? I can’t decide which is my favorite!

Final Thoughts

Stamping with metallic shimmer sprays is a fun and easy way to elevate your cardmaking projects and add a touch of shine to your designs. Whether you’re crafting for a special occasion or just because, these metallic sprays are sure to make your creations shine bright. So, grab your stamps and start sparkling!

I hope you found this tutorial helpful and inspiring. Happy crafting!

cardmaking · papercrafting · Tutorial

Spellbinders + Paper Rose | Using Printed Paper in Cardmaking

Karen Brown2 Comments
Paper Rose Rainbow Wood printed paper pack is colorful and vibrant and makes a great background for cardmaking and scrapbooking.

Hello, fellow crafting enthusiasts! Let’s explore one of the most versatile and exciting elements of the craft: printed paper. Whether you’re a seasoned cardmaker or just starting out on your creative journey, printed paper can add depth, texture, and personality to your handmade cards.

>>> You may also be interested in my most recent Printed Paper Blog Post: Fast, Fun & Fabulous: Cardmaking with Printed Paper & Stickers

Today, I am using two beautiful Paper Collections from Paper Rose that Spellbinders recently started offering on their website. The Rainbow Wood pack is colorful and vibrant and the Blueprints collection is funky, interesting and adds an edgy vibe. I used similar die cut focal points for each card but changed the background to illustrate how easy it is to alter the tone of your card.

Products Used:

Unleash Your Creativity: The Art of Using Printed Paper in Cardmaking

Paper Rose Blueprints printed paper collection is funky, interesting and adds an edgy vibe to your papercrafting, cardmaking and scrapbooking projects.

Printed paper, also known as patterned paper or designer paper, comes in a vast array of colors, patterns, and themes. From elegant florals to whimsical polka dots, there’s a printed paper to suit every style and occasion. But why incorporate printed paper into your cardmaking projects?

  1. Instant Visual Appeal: Printed paper instantly adds visual interest to your cards, making them stand out and catch the eye.
  2. Time-Saving: Using printed paper as a background or focal point can save you time compared to stamping or hand-coloring intricate designs.
  3. Endless Variety: With so many designs to choose from, you can easily find printed paper to match any theme or mood, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, holiday, or just because.
  4. Versatility: Printed paper can be used in a variety of ways, from backgrounds and borders to die-cut shapes and embellishments, giving you endless creative possibilities.
How to use printed, patterned and designer papers and cardstocks in cardmaking and scrapbooking.

Now that we’ve covered why printed paper is a must-have in your cardmaking stash, let’s explore some fun and creative ways to incorporate it into your projects.

How to Use Pattern Paper

1. Background Bliss

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to use printed paper in cardmaking is as a background element. Choose a pattern that complements your card design, trim it to size, and adhere it to your card base for an instant burst of color and pattern. Whether you opt for bold stripes, delicate florals, or playful geometrics, a patterned background adds depth and dimension to your cards without overwhelming the overall design.

2. Focal Point Fun

Additionally, you can die-cut or fussy-cut designs from your favorite patterned paper and use them as the centerpiece of your card. Whether it’s a stunning floral cluster, a charming critter, or a bold sentiment, a printed paper focal point adds visual interest and personality to your handmade creations.

3. Layering Love

Layering printed paper is a great way to add depth and dimension to your cards. Mix and match coordinating patterns and colors to create eye-catching backgrounds, borders, or mats for your focal elements. Experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect balance of prints and solids to make your designs pop.

4. Embellishment Extravaganza

Printed paper isn’t just for backgrounds and layers—it also makes fabulous embellishments! Use punches, dies, or scissors to cut out shapes, borders, or accents from your favorite patterned paper and use them to embellish your cards. From flowers and leaves to banners and borders, printed paper embellishments add charm and whimsy to your handmade creations.

5. Theme Time

Take your cardmaking to the next level by choosing printed paper that fits a specific theme or occasion. Whether it’s a holiday, a season, or a special event, themed patterned paper sets the tone for your cards and ties your design together beautifully. From spooky Halloween motifs to festive Christmas patterns, themed printed paper adds instant flair and personality to your handmade creations.

Easy printed paper card and scrapbooking backgrounds from Paper Rose's Blueprints collection

In conclusion, printed paper is a cardmaker’s best friend, offering endless possibilities for creativity and expression. Whether you’re looking to add color, pattern, or texture to your cards, printed paper is sure to inspire and delight. So next time you sit down to create, don’t forget to reach for your favorite patterned paper and let your creativity soar!

Happy cardmaking!

Karen

cardmaking · Die cutting · Stamping

Altenew | Layered Stamping with the Bird of the Woods Set

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Creating with Altenew's Bird of the Woods Stamp and Die Bundle using blue and yellow inks.

Today, I’m thrilled to share with you some delightful inspiration featuring Altenew’s enchanting Bird of the Woods Layering Stamp set and coordinating dies. This bundle is so fun and versatile and the color possibilities are endless!

Altenew is hosting an Instagram Hop with loads of prizes and this is the card I made for the Hop. Click HERE if you’d like to join us! The hop ends April 1st.

Altenew’s StampWheel is just perfect for this project because you can easily stamp your outline and then do your layer stamping. The sticky mat holds everything perfectly in place. I put my layered stamps all around the top so that once I had everything positioned, I could set up an assembly line and rotate for multiple cards.

My background is another old favorite called Burlap Texture die.

Cardmaking with Altenew Bird of the Woods stamp and die bundle.

Products Used:

So grab your favorite cardstock, ink pads, and embellishments, and let’s get crafting! Join me as we explore the endless creative possibilities of Altenew’s Bird of the Woods stamp and die kit. Happy crafting!

Karen

BetterPress · cardmaking · papercrafting

Hero Arts | Letterpress Birthday Card

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Using regular paper and inks for a masculine Hero Arts letter press birthday card.

I make a LOT of cards, but I never seem to have enough masculine cards, so…..here is a wonderful one suitable for anyone! I love the classic look of letter press and was pleased to see Hero Arts new Letter Press/Foil Plates. For this card I used their new Happy Birthday plate.

I did not use special paper or inks but I still think I got a good result on my card. Next, I want to try the birthday plates with my foiling machine.

BetterPress · cardmaking · papercrafting

Hero Arts | Antique Bee Letter Press Card Trio

Karen Brown1 Comment
3 Square BetterPress letter press Sympathy Cards featuring Hero Arts Antique Bee and Wreath.

I fell in love with Hero Arts Antique Bee LetterPress set. I find the plates to be both elegant and whimsical and thought they would make lovely sympathy cards. I used the gorgeous camel watercolor paper that came in my January MMH Classic kit but Hero Arts Handmade Watercolor Paper would be beautiful too. I stamped on my Message Strips Sentiment in coordinating ink. I trimmed my panel down with the pretty Square Scallop Infinity Die and popped onto a card base made from Cup O’ Joe cardstock.

Elegant LetterPress Sympathy Card

Square Thinking of You Card with Hero Arts Antique Bee and Wreath letter press plates.

I think letter press gives such a high-end result. On my first card I used Moss ink for my wreath.

Using handmade watercolor paper for BetterPress letter press printing.

For card #2, I used Bermuda Ink.

Square BetterPress letter press Thinking of You Sympathy Card.

For card #3 I used Amethyst Ink for the Bee and Pine for the wreath.

I adore the beauty and texture of letter press cards. I hope you enjoyed this post….thanks for stopping by!

BetterPress · cardmaking · Rainbow Colors

Spellbinders | Using Rainbow Colored Ink with Spellbinders BetterPress System

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Using Rainbow Colored ink on Spellbinders Mirrored Arch BetterPress plates.

Rainbow Colors + BetterPress

I am still in love with my BetterPress System! For my first card, I decided to create a rainbow effect with Spellbinders new plates called Mirrored Arch Nested Sprigs. They are from the Mirrored Arch Collection.

I used Mulberry and Cosmic Sky inks from The Regal Tones Ink set, Apricot from the Desert set and French Blue, Wild Berry and Saffron from Nature Tones. I didn’t have a green so I used Mowed Lawn Distress Ink and it worked just fine.

The Mirrored Arch Nested Sprigs has one main plate plus three frames that you can use to mix and match. I used all four plates for my card. I inked the plates with all my rainbow colors and ran through my BetterPress machine just once. This ensured there was no shifting. I used Porcelain Better Press paper.

I have a Blog Post titled 9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress System that you can read HERE.

Combining BetterPress with Embossing Folders
Spellbinders BetterPress Copperplate Hello, Coastal Blue ink and Luxe Backdrop and Border Emboss and Cut folder.

Spellbinders just introduced an elegant new line called CopperPlate. I love the simplicity of this line and I combined the Hello with a beautiful Emboss and Cut Folder that has two patterns plus an edge cutting die.

For my BetterPress panel, I used Coastal Blue from the Desert Ink set on Porcelain Cardstock.

I embossed two panels with the Luxe Backdrop and Border folder as I wanted to layer them so I had a second edge peeking out of the bottom. I then cut both panels with the coordinating die. I added some craft foam for added dimension.

Products Used:

cardmaking · Mixed Media · Stamping

Hero Arts | Man Card Monday | Ramen Birthday Card

Karen Brown1 Comment
Man Card Monday masculine birthday card for the Foodie

Ramen Card for the Foodie in Your Life

Masculine cards can be tricky, but when I saw Hero Arts Ramen Stamp and Die Bundle, I knew it would be the perfect set for my son-in-law’s birthday. He is a real foodie and I love the fun sentiment included!

How to Make an Ink Smoosh Background

I started by making my “Ink Smoosh” background. I dabbed Fawn, Papaya, Fog, Paradise and Pool Party inks in separate pools on my craft mat and spritzed with water. I then dipped a piece of watercolor paper in the puddle and let it dry. I did this four times.

Next, I stamped my images and then colored in with Artist Alcohol Markers. Die cutting was next. I also used my Rounded Rectangles Infinity dies to trim my background, mat and card base. The final step was to assemble my card.

Graphic Mixed Media birthday card for the masculine Foodie in your life.
Products Used: