How to Create Mixed Media Backgrounds for Your Cards

May 27, 2025May 26, 2025 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.
- ✨ Tip: Save your inking guide with your BetterPress plate – it’s reusable!
- 📌 Link to my blog post: 9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress System for lots of helpful advice.
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.
- 💡 Tip: Keep a bowl of pre-made wax seals in your craft room to easily find the perfect sentiment.
- 📌 Link to my blog post: 18 Tips and Tricks for Making Wax Seals
Final Touches:
- Die cut the background panel using Nesting Postage Stamp Infinity Dies.
- Mount onto printed paper from the Paper Roses Blueprints paper pack.

💌 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!

Die cutting · Mixed Media

Spooky Fun | Die Cut Halloween Cards

August 19, 2024August 18, 2024 Karen BrownLeave a comment

Bold colorful handmade Halloween card backgrounds combinderd with Spellbinders Happy Haunting die kits to create 2 fun cards.

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).

Hamdemade Halloween scene card with a witch silhouette on a broom flying though a vivid sunset. created with orange and yellow liquid watercolor. Witchin' Heel by Spellbinders S3-525

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.

Adorable Woof or Treat (by Spellbinders) handmade card of a Dog trick-or-treating as a ghost with a pumpkin. S3-521

Key Supplies Used:

How to create colorful vivid card backgrounds with liquid watercolors.

Final Thoughts:

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!

Karen

cardmaking · Mixed Media · Stamping

Hero Arts | Man Card Monday | Ramen Birthday Card

March 11, 2024March 11, 2024 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:

cardmaking · Mixed Media · Tutorial

Hero Arts | 2 Fun Mixed Media Cards

February 21, 2024February 25, 2024 Karen Brown1 Comment

Hero Arts Mixed Media Cards using CM740 Vintage Postmarks and Tickets

CM739 Vintage Maps and Ledger stamps.

Hero Arts Spring Catalog Release is live and I love all the new Mixed Media products that they added to their line. I used a bunch of them on these two cards.

Today is the last day for Hero Art’s Blog Hop, which you can find HERE.

Hero Arts Mixed Media card using Vintage Maps and Ledgers stamps.

My Recipe:

I ink smooshed several layers onto my Luxe Watercolor Paper background, drying in between each layer. See colors below.
With leftover “smoosh” ink, I stamped with Vintage Maps and Ledgers stamps.
I added first and second generation stamping + some heat embossing with Vintage Postmarks and Tickets stamps.
Splatter with Metallic Sprays. Dry. Metallic sprays add such fun splatters and I listed the color I used below.
Trim with Rounded Rectangle Infinity Dies. I think this die set is a simple way to elevate your card to the next level.
Heavily ink edges with Indigo Core Ink.
Emboss the edges with Sand Embossing Powder, which adds such a cool texture.
Add Gold Hero Wax to the edges of the card.
I added my panels to A2 Top Folding Cards.

Products Used:

Other Tools: Acrylic Stamping Block

Additional Products Used On Second Card: White Wax + SA263 Mandala Flower Pattern Stencil, Blue Iridescent Embossing Powder

I am so glad you dropped by!

Mixed Media · papercrafting · Tutorial

Colorful Cityscape Mixed Media Card | Hero Arts

February 11, 2024February 9, 2024 Karen BrownLeave a comment

I recently attended Hero Arts Mixed Media Stamp Along and found it so informative! This card was inspired by @cheiron and her wonderful class. I used different products and colors so my card doesn’t look anything like Cheiron’s, but her class gave me the creative spark for my card. Sometimes it is fun to get inky and messy!

For this card, I was trying to simulate a Dove flying over a city at sunrise. I knew I wanted a bold background to contrast with the white Dove.

My Process:

I put 5 sunrise colors of reactive ink (colors listed below) on my craft mat and spritzed with a bit of water and then painted bands of vertical color all over my watercolor cardstock panel. There is no right or wrong way just start painting! I dried and repeated two more times. During the process I also added drips of color.
I love Hero Rub-On Transfers and I added parts of the city map from Collage Backgrounds to three spots on my background.
Using Indigo and Splash Inks, I stamped the city grid from the Mixed Textures stamp set.
I added texture with the Cobblestone Stencil. In some places I used just Gold Hero Paste and on others I rubbed just a bit of Black Hero Wax on the Stencil and then added Gold Hero Paste. I really love the black wax and gold paste combined together.
Using a splatter box (for me a repurposed cardboard box) I added three layers of splatters and dried in between each color. White, Blue Shimmer and Orange Shimmer. I love the complexity the shimmer splatters add!
I trimmed my background using the Rounded Rectangles Infinity Die set and then lightly inked the edges with Indigo Core Ink.
I die cut my Dove and sentiment 3 times and then glued the components together.

Handmade Card with Dove and Olive Branch Die - DF192

Supplies Used:

This card has LOTS of layers, but it did not take as long to complete as I would have guessed….60-90 minutes.

What do you think?

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Spellbinders | House Mouse Candy Hearts Vintage Look Valentine Card

December 18, 2023December 4, 2023 Karen Brown3 Comments

There’s something undeniably captivating about a vintage valentine, where every delicate stroke of ink and carefully chosen sentiment carries a timeless charm. This new House Mouse Candy Hearts rubber stamp had a very retro look to me, so I went with an old-timey mixed media vibe.

Spellibinders House Mouse Candy Hearts (RSC-022) handmade Mixed Media Valentine Card.

Easy One Layer Vintage Look Mixed Media Valentine Tutorial:

I started by creating my background. I masked off a border and then used two shades of tan Distress Ink to ink blend my background. (Antique Linen and Frayed Burlap)
With the masking tape still on the cardstock, I then used the same tan inks to stencil and stamp bits and pieces on the background. Most of the stamping was “second generation” where I stamped first on a scrap and then onto my background so that the pattern would be subtle. I also added light stenciling to the background. Cathe Holden has some great stamps and stencils that I added here and there. I also used a bit of stamping with white pigment ink, but it is hard to see in the photograph. To finish I added a touch of Gold Wax to a few places around the border.
Carefully remove your masking tape. I used Post It Tape, which is the best!
After my background was dry, I stamped the Valentine Mouse with Versafine Black Pigment Ink.
PRO TIP: For a crisp look, keep the stamp in your Misti stamping platform and restamp the image after you are done coloring. You won’t believe how much this one step will elevate your project!
I used Faber Castell Polychromo Colored Pencils to color the mouse and candy hearts.
Remember to restamp the image and let dry.
The cute sentiment is included with the stamp set and finishes off my one layer valentine.

House Mouse Products:

One layer mixed media valentine featuring a cute mouse laying in a pile of candy hearts.

If you like this card, you might also want to visit my blog post on House Mouse Designs 3 Ways.

Thanks for stopping by!

Interested in more…You can also find me at these spots too:

@karens_mini on Instagram

Pinterest: @karenabrown

FaceBook: Karens_Mini

YouTube: Karen Brown

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Big News + Hero Arts | November Add-Ons

November 22, 2023 Karen Brown2 Comments

I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected to join the Hero Arts Creative Team! This incredible opportunity allows me to collaborate with a group of talented and passionate artists who share a love for crafting and creativity. I am beyond excited to explore new techniques, experiment with Hero Arts’ amazing range of products, and inspire others on their own artistic journeys. Together, we’ll embark on a creative adventure filled with endless possibilities, and I can’t wait to share the magic that unfolds along the way! Stay tuned for a whirlwind of innovative projects, tutorials, and inspiration that will surely ignite your own crafting passions. 🎨✨ #HeroArtsCreativeTeam

Okay, let’s make some art together!

Handmade card with Hero Arts November Add-Ons: Winter Mail Critters, White Holiday Collage Hero Transfers, Wax Seals.

I also wanted to share a card using some of the fun Add Ons from the November My Monthly Hero Kit. This month has so many goodies and I used 4 of them today.

Handmade Christmas Card featuring a Hero Arts bear and fox each holding a letter with a Rub On Transfer background.

Hero Arts Christmas Card Tutorial:

I started by die cutting two frames and two “tapes” from the Journaling Photo Frame Infinity Dies Set. I then very lightly blended Paradise Core Ink along the edges of the photo background (using the sticky mat in my Stamp Wheel), stamped the bear and fox with my Stamping Tool and Copic colored the images (colors listed below). I also rubbed on a transfer Merry & Bright sentiment.

The background was so easy! I rubbed on the fun Twas the Night Before lettering from the White Holiday Collage Hero Transfers (RT121) with a bone folder and all the writing transfered to the paper perfectly on the first try. The card background is Paradise cardstock.

I wanted a pop of red, so I stamped and die cut a Merry Christmas Wax Seal using Crimson Core Ink. I also put a dab of Hero Wax Gold to add a little depth and shine to the “photo tape”

I assembled my card with foam tape and it is ready to send.

Cute holiday card with critters featured in Hero Arts Journaling Photo Frame Infinity Dies DF125

Products Used:

Hero Arts November 2023 My Monthly Hero Kit and Add Ons

Winter Mail Critters Die Bundle SB385 (or stamps only)

White Holiday Collage Hero Transfers RT121

Holiday Message Strips Hero Transfers RT120

Wax Seals and Dies D306

My Monthly Hero Subscription

Journaling Photo Frame Infinity Dies DF125

Compact Desktop Die Cutting Machine

Handy Desktop Tool Holder

Stamp Wheel Stamping Tool and Sticky Mat

Bone folder

Highlighter Tape (for die cutting and to tape the photo background to the frame)

White thin Posca pen to add highlights to the scarf.

Copic Colors Used:

Browns: E27, E15, E13, E11, E50
Reds: R27, R39
Pink: RV11
Blue: B00

I am so glad you stopped by!

Interested in more…You can also find me at these spots too:

@karens_mini on Instagram

Pinterest: @karenabrown

FaceBook: Karens_Mini

YouTube: Karen Brown

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Super Easy Cut Collage Birthday Cards | Minimal Supplies Needed

August 17, 2023August 17, 2023 Karen BrownLeave a comment

Hello, I have a super quick post today sharing two fun collage birthday cards that I created by cutting wonky shapes from paper. So easy, anyone can make them and they require minimal supplies. I think they are so cheerful and happy.

I started by going through my acrylic gel press and scraped scraps but you could just as easily use ready made paper. I picked out some melon (just made these for my last post on covering journal covers: read HERE), green, blue and gray. After I was done sorting I decided to add some red to the mix too. I then cut out silly whimsical shapes and glued them onto an A2 notecard. I handlettered a quick sentiment to complete the card. Nothing precise or perfect here!

Easy DIY collage style birthday card made by cutting shapes from colored paper.

Now that I see card #2 finished, I think it has a real Eric Carle vibe.

Supplies:

Colored Paper or Mixed Media Scraps
Scissors
Glue (I used UHU stic glue)
Card Base
Black pen (for sentiment)

I found this cardmaking session very satisfying. What do you think? Would you try this?

Karen

Mixed Media · papercrafting

Colorful Collaged Journal Covers: How I Made My Handcrafted Gifts

July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 Karen Brown1 Comment

I recently signed up for Willa Wanders Fodder Challenge 2023 and I was so inspired by Instructor Barb Smucker and her Collaged Notebooks. I knew I wanted to try this technique and I am so glad that I did!

Collaged Mixed Media Notebook Covers

Color-Blocked Collaged Notebook Journal Covers.

My “How To” Process:

I started by creating colorful papers for my cover. Instead of using a gelli plate, I put acrylic paint on my mixed media paper and then used a scraper to move the paint around. On a palette, I started with basic primary colors and then had loads of fun custom mixing my colors. I was going for coral but wound up with several really pretty melon colored pages. On some pages I smoothed out the paint and on others I left it a bit rough with slight ridges of acrylic. I also painted marks (circles, lines, Xs and doodles…) on additional pages.
I also went through my gelli prints and selected some more papers that I used. The dark blue and bright orange were both gelli prints.
Once I selected a bunch of papers that I liked, I started playing around with layouts. I was going for a contemporary color-block look. Using a metal ruler, paper trimmer and 1 1/2″ circle punch I trimmed the pages to the sizes and shapes I wanted.
I laid a piece of plain paper inside the cover to protect the journal pages from excess glue during my assembly process.
Next, it was time to start covering my journal. I started with the the papers that would go along the spine. This journal has a cool open spine that did not need to be covered so the paper edge went directly up to the edge of the spine, but I left a 1/2″-1″ overhang for the other side. To get a nice smooth cover I dipped the paper in a pan of water for 2 seconds, blotted off the excess water, and on the back, brushed on a 50% mixture of Matte Modge Podge and Matte Medium with a flat brush. Then, I carefully put the paper up against the spine, leaving the overhang off the edge. Next, I put a piece of wax paper over the glued piece and brayered over the area to remove air bubbles and excess glue. Finally, I dabbed up the excess glue that seeped out.
I repeated this process until the front and back covers were complete. This journal has a nice black elastic band, but it was a little trickier to cover the back because of the grommets. For my next journals, I ordered notebooks without the elastic band. I will report back which style I like better.
To finish the notebooks, I folded the overhung edges (starting at the corners) toward the inner face pages and then glued securely with the glue mix I used above.
Last step was to glue a facing page to the front and back inside covers. I again used my mixed media painted pages for this.
I let my journals dry and then placed books on top overnight to keep the notebook nice and flat.

These two journals are gifts and I plan to make more for Christmas. I hope to have another post about them this fall.

I bought all my own supplies, but I am including links to the products used in case you’d like to give it a try.

Products Used in This Tutorial:

Products Available on Amazon:

Soho Open Spine Notebook

Liquitex BASICS Paint I used 3 Primary Colors and white

Liquitex Matte Medium

Matte Modge Podge

Brayers

Metal Ruler for Cutting and Tearing Paper

Scraper

Karen

cardmaking · Mixed Media · Video

Using Squeegee “Scraped” Acrylic Art Panels in Cardmaking

July 9, 2023July 19, 2023 Karen BrownLeave a comment

Squeege Scraped Acrylic Art + handmade cards.

Recently, some friends and I got together to experiment with “Squeegee Art”, which I find just mesmerizing. I love to watch @sharecestudios on Instagram! Sharece is an artist but I am just an experimenter, as you can see in my photos.

Squeegee Art (also known as “Scraped Art”) is created by putting acrylic paint (dots, squiggles, lines, shapes…) on cardstock and then pulling the paint down with a shower squeegee. I posted a short video below showing how I created one of the panels.

Quick Video Showing My “Squeegee Art” Process

Video: creating a squeegee scraped art panel

You know me, once I was done, I took three of my panels and made them into contemporary art cards.

Summery Acrylic Art Birthday Card

Contemporary Acrylic Squeegee Art Birthday card

I love how bright and happy this card is! This panel was from a second generation “scrape”. The first generation panel is on card #3 below. After I created panel one, I scraped the leftover paint that was on the squeegee onto a second piece of cardstock and I love how the colors blended.

Card #2 was die cut from the same panel as card #1, and it is so adorable in person!

Below, is a photo of the paints and supplies that I used.

Acrylic Paint + Shower Scraper + Squeegee Scrape Technique

Card #3 (shown below) was created from the “1st generation” scrape that I talked about above.

Squeegee Scraped Acrylic Art handmade card.

Contemporary Masculine Birthday Cards

Cards 4 and 5 were made from the panels created in the video above.

Contemporary Masculine Acrylic Birthday Cards.

Supplies Used:

(Affiliate links are provided below but there is no additional cost to you. For more information please see the Affiliate Programs info to the right or click on the link at the top of my blog. I purchased all the products used in this blog post, with the exception of the 2 * items from Spellbinders.)