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.
Thanks,
Karen
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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:
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?
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
I think letter press gives such a high-end result. On my first card I used Moss ink for my wreath.
For card #2, I used Bermuda Ink.
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!
I love a good scene card and when I saw Tina Smith’s Windows With A View Collection, I was immediately smitten! I needed a baby shower card and I knew the tire swing in this kit would be perfect.
Spellbinder’s Backyard Haven View has 16 adorable dies that include the tree, tire swing, squirrel, owl, bird house, fence, bird bath + some other adorable details. So many possibilities that allow you to design a card for most any occasion….baby shower, new home, friendship, birthday etc.
The Vista View Window kit includes the 9 pane window + window box, window sill.
I made a second friendship card and used a “Friend” chipboard sentiment from Autumn Chipboard Stickers that I thought went well with my scene. I love this chipboard set with its beautiful substantial elements.
Products Used:
I am so pleased you stopped by!
Karen
I am so excited about Hero Arts Spring Catalog release, which goes live TODAY! There is so much wonderfulness that I can’t wait for you to see. To celebrate, Hero Arts is hosting a Blog Hop and Giveaway.
I wanted to start off with two fabulous new sentiment dies that I just love from Smile Friend Stamp and Cut XL. I went crazy die cutting a bunch so I will have them on hand for future cards.
Products Used on Smile Friend Card:
I LOVE cover dies so I was excited to create with this Flower Pattern Cover Die, which is perfect for Spring and Summer. I started by ink blending a rainbow panel which I then die cut with the cover plate and then used the inlay technique to create a one layer background. This went more quickly than you would think because the die cuts fit like a good quality puzzle. My placement and gluing took about 20 minutes.
TIP: Keep your die-cuts in the panel until you start gluing so you know the orientation and position on your background.
Products Used on My Flower Pattern Cover Die Card:
Isn’t this Alligator the cutest? He is one 7 animal stamps included in the Birthday Animals Bundle. The set also includes 8 birthday/everyday sentiments. I combined the stamps with the Pointed Arches Infinity Dies. Infinity Dies are definitely staples in my craft room and I like the interest the arches add to projects.
Products Used on The Gator Card:
I love everything about Rub-on transfers. I love how easy they are to use, the look they add to projects and how fun they are to apply! This Spring, Hero Arts included “Sympathy Transfers” in their release. I did some quick ink blending on my background and then added my Hero Transfers for a quick and easy card.
Products Used on My Sympathy Card:
Hero Arts will be giving away two $50 gift cards, drawn from the comments left along the hop. Comment on all the blogs for more chances to win! You have until Wednesday, February 21st at 11:59pm to enter. The winners will be announced on the Hero Arts blog.
Kailash Naidoo is next on the hop and I have links to everyone below.
Hero Arts
Hero Arts Creative Team:
Mindy Eggen
Natasha Vacca
Ilina Crouse
Charlene Madrid
Lydia Fiedler
Heather Ruwe
Natasha Polite
Seeka
Jeannie Lieu
Dana Joy
Pocono Pam
Rachel Kleinman
Michelle Short
Jennifer Kotas
Rosie Lopez
Karen Brown
Kailash Naidoo
Channin Pelletier
Special Guests:
Nichol Spohr
Ralph Tyndall
Laurie Willison
Cathy Zielske
Laura Bassen
Caly Person
I am so glad you could join this Hop!
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:
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?
I am so excited about the 2024 Spellbinders Clubs! Today I am sharing a fun Bumble Bee themed card using the January Stitching Die Club Kit and it is perfect for Spring, Birthdays, Get Well and Hello cards…I think it is so fresh and fun! This Club Kit is now available for individual purchase HERE.
I created this card over the holidays and it was ideal to work on while I sat around the fire and visited with family.
Stitching Tutorial:
Thanks for stopping by!
Karen
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.
House Mouse Products:
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:
kennyscards.com 