Category: cardmaking

BetterPress Modern Botanicals handmade card. Spellbinders | BetterPress Modern Botanicals
BetterPress · cardmaking

Spellbinders | BetterPress Modern Botanicals

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Trio of Spellbinders Modern Botanicals BetterPress cards in blues, tans, yellows and oranges.

Today I’m sharing a beautiful trio of cards I created using the new “Flourishing” BetterPress Plate Set from the Modern Botanicals Collection by Dina Wakley. This versatile 6-piece set features flowy greenery, abstract dots, three simple circles, and a funky half-arch — all perfect for building modern, artsy compositions with minimal effort. I trimmed each card down with Hero Arts Postage Stamp Nesting Dies.

Set of three modern handmade cards using Spellbinders Flourishing BetterPress plates with unique color combos and layouts.

While this set includes a layout template, I had fun going off-script and creating my own designs. I loved mixing up the colors, rotating the elements, and trying out different sentiments. These cards were fast, satisfying, and perfect for mass producing — ideal for gifting, sending, or just building your stash.

If you’d like to see a side by side comparison of Better Press and Glimmer Hot Foil, click HERE.

I was out of BetterPress paper (gasp!), so I reached for a nice creamy watercolor paper from my stash — and it worked wonderfully!

Key Products Used:

Card 1: Modern Thank You

A fun modern BetterPress thank you card in Azalea, Hyrdrangea blue, tan, and brown.

Inks: Hydrangea, Azalea, Tawny Brown, Saffron
Sentiment: Stylish Script – Thank You Glimmer Plate

Yes, Glimmer plates play beautifully with the BetterPress system, and vice versa! I used the Stylish Script Glimmer Plate for a touch of shiny elegance.

Modern look BetterPress letterpress thank you card with hand drawn shapes and leaves.

Card 2: Coastal Tones

Spellbdiners Modern Botanicals "Flourishing" BetterPress thank you card in muted blues, tans, yellow and orange.

Inks: Coastal, Tawny Brown, Saffron, Azalea

This one has more muted blue tones, but still feels fresh and uplifting — a great example of how changing the color palette shifts the mood.

BetterPress letterpress thank you card with a leaf, 3 circles, cluster of dots and a half circle lined arch.

Card 3: Warm Hello

Modern BetterPress letterpress card with greenery, circles, lined arch and Hello Hello sentiment.

Inks: Clay, Black, Coastal, Saffron
Sentiment: BetterPress Plate BP104 – A Friend Like You

I love how the black adds a strong graphic contrast to the natural shapes, while the warm tones bring energy and warmth.

Bold graphic Spellbinders Modern Botanicals card with Clay, Black, Coastal, and Saffron BetterPress inks and a 'Hello' sentiment

I’ll link to my popular BetterPress tutorial for tips on how to get clean, crisp impressions every time.

If you’re looking to make beautiful modern cards quickly, Flourishing is a winner. Whether you follow the included layout template or experiment like I did, you’ll end up with satisfying results and minimal mess. Modern, minimal, and totally mailable — what more could you want?

A trio of BetterPress letterpress Modern Botanical cards.
Handmade mixed media card using everyday supplies + a map. Mixed Media Card Tutorial: A Step-By-Step Guide
cardmaking · Mixed Media · Tutorial

Mixed Media Card Tutorial: A Step-By-Step Guide

Karen Brown2 Comments
How to tutorial for a tattered and torn mixed media travel theme card with a die cut bike, upcycled road atlas background and stenciled Hero Wax accent.

Today, I want to show you how to repurpose and upcycle paper to create a mixed media card.    I started with a map from an old Atlas and a brown paper shopping bag.  I used the bike stamp and die from Hero Arts June card kit as my focal point which I stamped on a panel cut from the shopping bag.

How to Create Mixed Media Cards Step-By-Step:

Above, you can see the repurposed papers that I used on my card. Here was my process:

  • I attached a piece of watercolor cardstock to the back of the Atlas page so that I would have a more substantial panel to work on.  I used Matte Medium to adhere the two pages together.  Dry.
  • To make sure there was no shine and to have the right surface texture for my mixed media project, I applied a layer of Gesso Acrylic Paint to the map. Dry.
Process photo showing how to apply Gesso to prep a mixed media project.
process photo showing stamping on a mixed media card background
  • I stenciled a few spots with the Leaves and Abstract Shapes Stencil with Root Beer ink.
  • I die cut the panel with a Nesting Postage Stamps Infinity Die and then ink blended Fawn and Root Beer along the corners and edges.  I wanted a grungy vintage look.
  • I added watered down blots of Periwinkle and Root Beer. Dab some ink on acetate, spritz with a bit of water and dab on the panel.  Tilt a bit to make it run.  Blot up if you have more ink than you want.
  • Add ink splatters with a fan brush with the same inks used above, which adds color and depth.
  • I did second generation stamping (ink stamp, lightly stamp on scratch paper and then stamp background) with Root Beer ink.  You can see I keep adding layers. 
process photo showing a mixed media background with stamping, stenciling and ink blending.
  • I stenciled Olive Hero Wax over the bottom of my map panel with the Cobblestone Stencil to simulate a road.
  • Tear the bottom left corner off the panel for a really old and tattered look.  Ink blend along the tear line.
  • After looking at my panel I decided I wanted to darken the edges even more, so I added additional ink blending around the edges and corners.
process photo showing olive Hero Wax applied through a Cobblestone stencil.

Bicycle Focal Point:

  • On a panel from the brown paper shopping bag, I stamped the bike from the Hero Studio June card kit.  I left it in the stamp positioner and colored with InkTense colored pencils. Then I restamped the bike for a crisp black look.
  • Die cut bike
  • Ink edges with root beer ink.
A process photo showing a stamped bicycle on an upcycled repurposed panel cut from a brown paper bag and colored with Inktense colored pencils. The panel will be turned into a mixed media card.

Tattered and Worn Base Mat:

  • Cut a second panel from the brown paper bag to act as a base mat.
  • Using the Rough Dot Bold Prints Stamp, stamp with Root Beer ink and Fawn Ink on the second panel (which is slightly larger than the map panel).  Dab a bit here and there, heavier in some places, lighter in others for a vintage look. 
  • In the bottom left corner add some text stamping for interest. This is where the torn edge will be positioned, so this area of the base will be more visible. I Used Vintage Postmarks and Tickets and Vintage Maps and Ledgers again and randomly added numbers etc around the perimeter of the card base.  
  • Ink the edges and corners to darken them.
Process photo showing a vintage look background card mat. The mat was cut from a repurposed upcycled brown paper shopping bag.

I love the inky grungy look of this card!

A mixed media card featuring the June 2025 Hero Studio card kit bike and hat stamps.

Use What You Have! Old maps, shopping bags, sewing patterns, dictionary pages, music books—they all bring unique texture and charm to your cards. Mixed media is about building interest through layers, so don’t be afraid to play!

Lemon theme handmade die cut card Spellbinders | Lovely Lemons: Die Cutting, Ink Blending & a Touch of Gold
BetterPress · cardmaking · Die cutting

Spellbinders | Lovely Lemons: Die Cutting, Ink Blending & a Touch of Gold

Karen Brown13 Comments

Today I’m sharing a bright and cheerful card that was pure joy to create—inspired by my three beloved Meyer lemon trees! I’ve cared for these trees for over 15 years, and each winter they gift me with sunny, fragrant lemons. As I wait for this year’s green fruit to ripen, I crafted a lemon-themed card that celebrates the zest of life and all things citrus.

Key Products:

🍋 The Card Details:

This design features two Citrus Spritz die cut lemons, softly ink blended for dimension and realism, along with a few complementary die cut leaves and tiny blossoms.

The background uses the Script Text BetterPress Plate, inked up in Hydrangea BetterPress Ink. I used a simple oval mask while pressing, to keep the impression focused and centered. I then die cut the panel using a Scalloped Oval die from the Scalloped and Stitched Ovals Die Set. You can find step-by-step instructions in my recent blog post.

For the sentiment, I went for a touch of European flair with “Ciao Bella” from the La Dolce Vita BetterPress Plates. But instead of pressing, I used my Glimmer Hot Foil System to gold foil the plate. I love that the BetterPress plates can pull double duty as hot foil plates! This is a quick and easy way to make LOTS of sentiments at once.

The finished card is matted on a vivid blue cardstock that picks up on the hydrangea tones in the background. The result? Fresh, bright, and irresistibly cheerful.

📷 Behind the Scenes:

I am also sharing a process photo showing how I organize my die cuts using the Spellbinders lidded Combo Craft Stax Tray Set. It’s a game-changer for assembly!

And here is a photo of one of my Meyer Lemon Trees. The lemons are green now, but come November, they will ripen into lovely fragrant yellow fruit perfect for cooking.

📌 Related Inspiration:

cardmaking · Cardmaking Kit · stitching

Spellbinders | June 2025 Club Kit Cards

Karen BrownLeave a comment
4 Spellbinders June 2025 Club Kit Cards in a fun nautical theme featuring a walrus wearing a rain slicker, die cut seaside village, cheery little sailboat and a stitched Captains Wheel with Captain Seagull.

The June 2025 Spellbinders Club Kits are making waves—and honestly, the buzz is real. This release might just be the best in a long time. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to dive into the Deluxe Caboodle (all the kits plus the bonus item and a hefty 58% savings!), now’s the time to anchor your subscription!

Set Sail with the Spellbinders June Club Kits!

This month’s kits are delightfully nautical and full of personality. I had so much fun creating four playful and unique cards that capture everything from charming seaside scenes to silly sea life.

Card 1 – Graphic Nautical with the Die of the Month

Bold inky blue background with a die cut walrus in a yellow raincoat and red hat next to a seagull holding a flag. "Ahoy!" sentiment. Spellbinders June 2025 Die of the Month Kit card in a bold graphic style.

Minimal color, maximum charm.
I created a bold and graphic card using the Die of the Month kit. The dark Oceanside cardstock background makes the characters pop—a seriously adorable walrus in a bright Beeswax yellow rain slicker and Poppy red beanie, alongside a flag-waving seagull in matching nautical flair. The clean white “Ahoy!” sentiment lets this duo shine.

The walrus was die cut from Fog and Anchor cardstocks and softly ink blended on the muzzle for extra dimension. All the cardstock is from the Color Wheel Sampler Pack.

Who knew a walrus could steal the show?

A fun die cut card featuring a Walrus wearing a yellow raincoat and red beanie with a seagull perched on his head: Spellbinders Die of the Month Club Kit for June 2025.

⛵ Card 2 – Cheery Sailboat with the Caboodle Bonus

Small mint green notecard with a red, white, and yellow sailboat on blue waves and the sentiment "sending a wave." Spellbinders June 2025 Deluxe Caboodle bonus gift.

This month’s Deluxe Caboodle Bonus Gift is a sweet little die cut sailboat, and I couldn’t wait to take it for a spin!

I crafted a bright red, white, and yellow boat cruising on gently layered waves of blue-green and white cardstock. Becuase the mast is somewhat delicate, I die cut the boat twice and glued together for a sturdier focal point. The wave dies are part of the Large Die of the Month Kit. The background is a soft mint green, die cut with my go-to Postage Stamp Infinity Dies. The sentiment, “sending a wave,” perfectly matches the cheerful tone. The card is slightly smaller at 4½ x 5″—perfect for a quick note.

Adorable die cut sailboat note card with a "sending a wave" sentiment using the June 2025 Spellbinder bonus gift from the Deluxe Caboodle.

🏠 Card 3 – Rainbow Coastal Village with the Large Die of the Month

A die cut seaside village scene card with rainbow sherbet-colored houses, blue waves, and a “just for you” sentiment. Spellbinders June 2025 Large Die of the Month kit.

Next up: a charming seaside scene built with the Large Die of the Month kit. I assembled four tiny houses in sunny rainbow sherbet hues nestled beside rolling waves. It’s a joyful and relaxing little coastal village, with a “Just for You” die cut sentiment on top.

Once again, the background is mint green, die cut with my postage stamp die for that crisp framed finish.

Spellbinders June 2025 Large Die of the Month card featuring a tiny village of rainbow colored cottages with rolling waves.

⚓ Card 4 – Stitched Captain’s Wheel with a Playful Seagull

Card with a Stitched captain's wheel on an aqua stenciled background with a seagull in a red and white striped shirt and “ahoy” sentiment. Spellbinders June 2025 Stitching Die of the Month Kit.

Stitch lovers, you’re going to adore this one! I used the Stitching Die of the Month to create a weathered captain’s wheel, stitched with DMC 437 (tan) using two strands of floss. I doubled up the die cuts for stability before stitching.

The background is stenciled using Hero Arts Pebbles and Stones Stencil with Splash ink, giving the look of water or bubbling seafoam. A goofy seagull in a red and white shirt and cap is perched just off center on the wheel for a fun focal point. The included “ahoy” sentiment completes the look.

Spellbinders June 2025 Stitched Die of the Month with Captain Seagull perched on a stitched Captain's Wheel with an aqua and white stenciled background.

Helpful Links:

Whether you’re here for the critters, the stitching, the sea breeze vibes—or all of the above—the June 2025 Club Kits deliver something truly special. ⚓💙

cardmaking · Stamping

Spellbinders | House Mouse | Sneak Peek

Karen BrownLeave a comment

You probably already know that I am a BIG fan of the House Mouse series. Today, I am on Spellbinders Blog with 3 darling cards. I couldn’t wait to get my hands (and markers!) on the newest collection called Rare Bloom. These stamps are crisp, deeply etched, and beautifully detailed—making them an absolute joy to color and create with.

I’d love for you to pop over and read my Blog Post: Whimsy & Cheer: 3 New House Mouse Cards.

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · Stenciling

Hero Arts June Club Kits – Coastal Vibes, Picnics & Petals!

Karen Brown17 Comments
The June 2025 Hero Arts Club Kits bring major Coastal Vibes, and I couldn’t resist turning the Beach Bag die into a dreamy die cut picnic basket, complete with wine, wisteria, and baguettes! Plus, don’t miss my hydrangea stenciled card in blues and purples—perfect for all occasions!

The Hero Arts June 2025 Club Kits are here, and the theme is everything I love about summer: Coastal Vibes! Think breezy afternoons, soft ocean light, and all the charm of an elegant seaside picnic. The kits this month are overflowing with creative possibilities—from charming die cuts to gorgeous stencils. I had so much fun turning these kits into two cards that I’m excited to share with you!

Card 1: A Coastal Picnic Basket

Card featuring a die-cut tan picnic basket filled with baguettes, wine bottles, wisteria flowers, and jewel-toned scarves.

For my first card, I used the June 2025 Card Kit featuring the Beach Bag die set—but instead of a beach bag, I turned mine into a coastal picnic basket bursting with summer goodies!

Inside the basket:
🥖 Baguette-style bread
🍷 Wine bottles and glasses
🌸 Gorgeous Wisteria flowers

To add a bit of flair, I included two flowing scarves draping down the sides of the basket in rich jewel tones, which contrast beautifully with the tan base of the basket. A little light ink blending on all the die cuts added subtle dimension and warmth to the scene. I used the Nesting Postage Stamp Infinity Dies to create my background panel. This die kit is perfect for the foodie in your life or for anyone who enjoys the simple joy of a summer picnic!

Hero Arts June 2025 Card Kit of the Month card featuring a tan picnic basket filled with baguette bread, wisteria flowers, wine glasses and two bottles of wine.

What’s Inside the June 2025 Hero Studio Card Kit?

• Summer State of Mind 6×8 Clear Stamp Set
• Summer State of Mind Coordinating Dies
• Beach Bag Die set
• Sand Embossing Powder, 0.5oz
• 10 Sheets of Cardstock- 2 of each color, 5.5″ x 8.5″ (Fawn, Coral, Seaside, Waterfall, Blue Spruce)

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.

Receive a FREE Hiya Friend Sentiment stamp & die set when you purchase The Whole Studio!

Hero Arts has many different Monthly Kits that you can subscribe to including:

Die Cut Summer Picnic Basket card filled with yummy foodie goodies.

Card 2: Stenciled Hydrangea in Blue & Purple

Layered Stencil Hydrangea floral card in blues and purples with a Periwinkle background.

For my second card, I turned to the stunning new June 2025 Layering Stencils – Hydrangea. I blended blue and purple Hero Arts Inks to create a lush hydrangea bloom that nearly steals the show.

After stenciling, I used my Rounded Rectangle Infinity Dies to trim the panel neatly, and mounted it on a lovely Periwinkle card base. The sentiment is a clean and simple “sending hugs”—just enough to send a warm message without distracting from the florals.

This layering stencil set is so versatile—you could use it for a Get Well, Sympathy, Birthday, Thank You, or even a Mother’s Day card. It’s a floral design that truly fits any occasion.

Hero Arts June 2025 Layering Stencil card with a beautiful blue and purple Hydrangea.

This post is part of the Hero Arts June Release Blog Hop, so be sure to check out the inspiration from other designers and leave comments for a chance to win a $50 gift card!

 
Hero Arts
Hero Arts Creative Team:
Michelle Short
Rachel Kleinman
Jeannie Lieu
Anna Mahtani
Natasha Polite
Seeka
Channin Pelletier
Rosie Lopez
Charlene Madrid
Jennifer Kotas
Mindy Eggen
Lisa Tilson
Michelle Lupton
Karen Brown <<< You Are Here!
Special Guests:
Nichol Spohr
Jenn Shurkus

Two summery cards created with Hero Arts June 2025 Card kits.

Happy crafting and happy summer!

🧺🌸💙

cardmaking · Die cutting

Spellbinders | Using Patterned Paper on Die Cut Cards

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Handmade crafty-themed card using Spellbinders Crafty Tools Die Set and April Stitching Die of the Month, featuring paintbrushes, washi tape rolls, and a notebook paper background in earthy greens and browns.

I had such a fun time working with the new Crafty Babe Collection from Spellbinders! For this card, I featured the Crafty Tools Die Set to make a clever, crafty-themed card that’s going out to a creative friend.

Crafty Tools Card

Craft theme greeting card with three die-cut paint brushes, two rolls of die cut patterned Washi tape and a die cut Notebook background in muted greens and browns.

Die Cut Paint Brushes & Washi Tape

  • I die cut and assembled three paint brushes, each with colored brush tips to look like real dipped paint.
  • I added two playful rolls of die cut washi tape cut from patterned paper.
  • The background is the April 2025 Stitching Die of the Month, which creates a notebook-style page—perfect for layering. The sentiment tabs are also part of this Club Kit.
  • I selected coordinating patterned papers for all the elements to tie the design together.
  • The color palette? A muted and earthy combo of greens and browns, which feels both cozy and chic.
  • The Crafty Tools die set also includes scissors and glue, offering even more potential for future makes.
Die cutting + earthly muted patterned paper for a crafty themed handmade card featuring Spellbinders Crafty Babe Collection Crafty Tools die set.

This is the third time I’ve used the versatile April 2025 Stitching Club Die. Click below to read:

This design is simple, sweet, and makes a big impact—especially for your fellow crafty friends!

BetterPress · Die cutting · Mixed Media

How to Create Mixed Media Backgrounds for Your Cards

Karen Brown1 Comment

Creating mixed media backgrounds is one of the most fulfilling ways to express creativity in cardmaking, and it’s a fantastic way to showcase your favorite tools and techniques. In this project, I flipped my usual process by starting with the background, rather than the focal point. The emphasis here is on the Script Text BetterPress Plate, an intricate design with a vintage, not-quite-legible script that adds the perfect textured backdrop.

🛠 Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Start with the Background: For this project, the focus was the Script Text BetterPress Plate. Begin by die cutting an oval template using the Scallops and Stitched Edge Ovals die set. Save the oval itself, but use the negative panel (with the oval opening) as an inking guide.
  • Ink with BetterPress: Place the panel over the Script Text BetterPress Plate and use Best Ever Craft Tape to hold it in place. Ink only the oval opening using Black BetterPress ink on Porcelain BetterPress Paper.
  • Important: Remove the inking guide before running the plate through your Platinum 6 machine.
    • 🐢 Tip: Use “SUPER SLOMO” speed to get the best letterpress impression.
  • Add a Watercolor Wash: Apply a light Salty Ocean watercolor wash to the center oval portion of your letterpressed background. Let dry completely.
  • Stamp Texture: Using Hero Arts Mixed Textures Stamp Set, ink up some paint splatter stamps with Salty Ocean and lightly mist the stamp with water for a more vintage look. Stamp the background 3-4 times.
  • Add Paint Splatters: Use a fan brush to add Salty Ocean paint splatters for added depth.
  • Distress the Panel Further:
    • Dilute Salty Ocean on your craft mat.
    • Dab a small portion the background panel into the ink pool 3–4 times.
    • Let the ink run slightly for an authentic mixed media effect.
  • Die Cut Blooms: Use the Layered Wildflower die set by Lisa Horton to create floral accents. This entire project features elements from Lisa Horton’s Wildflower Collection.
  • Sentiment Touch: Use a “For You” wax seal from a previous Wax Seal of the Month Kit.
  • Final Touches:

💌 Bonus Project: Layered Die Cut Background

For a second card using the same supplies:

  • Begin with a plaid base in navy, merlot, and aqua. This was cardstock I bought at a Cardmaking Convention.
  • Layer a Merlot scallop oval, Nautical Navy oval, and a Waterfall stitched oval using the Scallop and Stitched Edge Ovals dies and ColorWheel Cardstock.
  • Spotlight a single merlot wildflower die cut from Lisa Horton’s Layered Wildflower set.
  • Add a gold bow (included in the die set) for a subtle accent.
  • Finish with a “From the Heart” sentiment — a versatile option, perfect for sympathy cards.

I hope you found some inspiration today.

Handmade mixed media card featuring letterpress script background, watercolor textures, and layered wildflower die cuts from Lisa Horton’s Wildflower Collection.

Thanks for stopping by!

cardmaking · Die cutting · Video

VIDEO: Quick and Easy Cardmaking

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Fast and easy handmade card using Hero Arts Collage Backgrounds Rub-On Transfers and Magnifying Glass Die Set, featuring the sentiment "The Evidence is Clear – You're Incredible."

Hero Arts Craft Lounge Recap

Last night, I had the pleasure of joining the very first Hero Arts Craft Lounge, a FREE virtual crafting event that brought together so many creatives for an evening of inspiration, tips, and fun. If you missed it, don’t worry—you can catch the replay and enjoy the session at your own pace!

📺 Watch the replay here: Hero Arts Craft Lounge – Facebook Event

And if you haven’t joined yet, look into the new Hero Arts Collective on Facebook.

Video of creating a quick, fast and easy card using Run-On Transfers and a quick die cut focal point - a magnifying glass.

During the event, Channin Pelletier, Rosie Lopez, Michelle Lupton and I each created a unique custom card using the new Case Closed Collection. I opted for a FAST and easy card that anyone can recreate in less than an hour! And you can watch 4 different cards being created at the same time!

I used the Collage Backgrounds Hero Rub-On Transfers to create a dramatic yet effortless background. These rub-ons add instant texture and layered interest—perfect when you’re short on time but still want a showstopper.

For the focal point, I die cut elements from the Magnifying Glass Die Set and added the sentiment: “The Evidence is Clear – You’re Incredible.” The lens was die cut from vellum.

This card came together so quickly and has a sleek detective-style vibe thanks to the mix of vintage background and bold elements from the new Hero Arts release.

cardmaking · Stenciling

🧡🩷 Custom Plaid Two Ways with Hero Arts Houndstooth Layering Stencils

Karen Brown1 Comment

Plaid, but make it personal! Today I’m excited to share two bold and beautifully customized cards using the new Houndstooth Layering Stencils from the Case Closed Collection by Hero Arts.

Click HERE if you’d like to read my companion Case Closed Blog Post.

This two-piece stencil is already becoming one of my favorite backgrounds—it’s quick, clean, and incredibly versatile! Whether you’re going soft and sweet or crisp and classic, this pattern plays nicely with every palette.

2 colorful Houndstooth Plaid cards created with Hero Arts Layering Stencils.

A Few Tips Before You Ink

Here’s what made my stenciling process smooth and successful:

  • Stencil Orientation Matters: Make sure the Hero Arts logo is facing up. To keep my layers aligned even after rotating for even inking, I added a tiny arrow sticker pointing to the logo. It’s a game-changer!
  • Alignment Squares Are Your Friend: I marked the alignment squares lightly in pencil before starting so I could line up both layers of the stencil perfectly—no guessing, just precision.

Feminine Florals in Pink & Orange

Feminine floral thhinking of you card with a pink and orange stenciled Houndstooth plaid background

For my first card, I created a lovely pink and orange plaid background using Creamsicle and Taffy inks. I die cut the stenciled background with the Pointed Arches Infinity Dies to create a shaped card—hello, visual interest!

I originally tried a single color mat but it felt flat. Splitting the mat—Coral on the left, Azalea on the right—instantly made the card pop with contrast. I layered on a cluster of Copic-colored florals from the Wild Flower Bundle, a heat-embossed “Thinking of You” sentiment (included in the bundle) in white on black cardstock, and five black enamel dots for a finishing touch.

Copic Colors: YR02, RV11, W0

Handmade card with Hero Arts Houndstooth Plaid layering stencil. The card is shaped with pink and orange color palette.

Masculine Congrats in Blue & Green

Masculine Congrats Card in blues and greens with a stenciled Houndstooth Plaid background,

Card two leans cool, classic, and masculine. I used Periwinkle and Moss inks with the Houndstooth stencils for a bold plaid base, and then die cut it using one of my tried-and-true favorites—Nesting Postage Infinity Dies.

I die cut the bold Congrats sentiment from black cardstock three times, stacked and glued for dimension, and added a soft vellum mat underneath to make it stand out. The sentiment comes from the Congrats and Yay Stamp & Cut Set. Everything was mounted on Periwinkle cardstock and attached to an A2 card base.

Hero Arts Houndstooth Plaid stenciled card in masculine blues and greens.

💡 Why I Love These Stencils

The Houndstooth Layering Stencils are officially a staple in my craftroom. They’re:

  • Fast and easy to use ✅
  • Perfectly crisp results ✅
  • Easy to customize with ANY color palette ✅

You can try monochrome, neutrals, school/team colors, or even select the recipient’s favorite colors. The options are endless—and this stencil plays well with nearly every kind of stamp or sentiment.

2 cards with customized Houndstooth plaid stenciled backgrounds. Card 1 is floral with pink and orange plaid. Card 2 is a masculine Congrats in blue and green plaid.