Category: Stenciling

Spellbinders Yana's Windmills and Tulip glimmer foil card How to Create a Stunning Foiled Floral Card with Ink Blending (Frame-Worthy Results!)
Hot Foiling · Stenciling

How to Create a Stunning Foiled Floral Card with Ink Blending (Frame-Worthy Results!)

Karen BrownLeave a comment

Featuring Yana’s Windmills & Tulips Plate with Glimmer Hot Foil and Layered Stencil Blending

Side-by-side comparison of black foil and gold foil versions of Yana's Windmills & Tulips foiled (and colored with layering stencils) card.

There are cards… and then there are cards.

The kind with so much color and glow that they feel like a gift all on their own.

Today I’m sharing a vibrant windmill and tulips card created with the beautiful Yana’s Tulips Windmills and Tulips BetterPress Plate and coordinating coloring stencils. This design works beautifully for Mother’s Day, birthdays, sympathy, or any special woman in your life. It’s rich, luminous, and absolutely display-worthy.

The entire Yana’s Tulips Collection is gorgeous.

Honestly? It’s pretty enough to frame.

Product Spotlight: Yana’s Tulips Windmills & Tulips Plate

One of the things I love about the Yana’s Tulips Windmills and Tulips BetterPress Plate is its versatility. The design has wonderful movement and detail, which makes it perfect for both Glimmer hot foiling and BetterPress letterpress techniques.

What makes this set special:

• Large detailed floral scene that fills an A2 card front
• Coordinating coloring stencils make blending effortless
• Works beautifully with both foil and BetterPress ink impressions

I especially love how this plate creates crisp outlines that are ideal for ink blending through the coordinating stencils.

👉 If you’re curious about the difference between the two techniques, you might enjoy my comparison post One Plate – Two Techniques, where I show foiling vs BetterPress side-by-side.

Black foil windmill and tulips card with vibrant pink, orange and blue ink blending mounted on blue A2 card base.

Why Foiling + Ink Blending Is Magic

I created two versions:

Both are eye-catching. Nothing subtle here.

After foiling, I ink blended using the coordinating stencils. I own many brands of ink, but the ones I find myself reaching for the most are Hero Arts inks. They blend well everytime.

I used my color-coded blending brushes since this panel includes multiple areas — pink/orange tulips, fresh green foliage, windmills and a vibrant blue sky. If you’re new to blending detailed layers, I recommend starting with these brushes.

Blending through detailed stencils is surprisingly relaxing. Just layer and build color gradually.

Pin this tutorial for later:

layer stencil coloring over glimmer hot foil for a beautiful floral card project.
Stencil coloring over foil produces beautiful results.

I love foiling, but you can also use the same plates with your BetterPress System. Interested in seeing a side-by-side foil/betterpress comparsion? You can read my popular post: One Plate 2 Techniques.

Pro Tip: Masking for Easy Color Changes

If you want to change colors within a stencil layer, simply mask off the section you’re not using.

A small Post-it note works perfectly for this.

It allows you to blend petals, leaves, or sky areas in different colors without accidentally over-blending neighboring sections.

Simple trick — big difference.

Satin gold foil version of windmill and tulips card with soft blue sky and vivid tulips.

Build Your Foiling Toolkit

If you’re just getting started with hot foiling, here are the essentials I personally use:

For today’s cards I used X-Press It cardstock, which foils beautifully and blends smoothly.

If you’re building your craft room supplies, you might also enjoy my guide to the 14 Best Cardmaking Products and Supplies, where I share the tools I reach for again and again.

A Small Mishap (And a Save)

On my gold foil version, I somehow ended up with two pink ink spots in the blue sky.

Fixing mistakes - unwanted ink spot on a cardmaking project - how to repair. Process photo showing pink ink spots on blue sky before sentiment placement.
Even experienced cardmakers have crafting mishaps. Here’s the ink spot before the sentiment “save.”

I debated starting over.

Instead, I strategically placed my die-cut Glimmer “Happy Birthday” sentiment right over the spots.

Problem solved.

And honestly? The placement improved the overall composition.

I even photographed the panel before fixing it because real crafting includes real moments. Sometimes the fix becomes part of the design.

Finishing Details

  • Die cut the foiled panel with rounded rectangle dies.
  • Mounted onto a blue A2 card base.
  • Added die cut Glimmer sentiments for extra polish.

This card truly feels like art décor. The kind of keepsake card someone props on a dresser or bookshelf.

Finished card with die cut glimmer sentiment covering ink spots to save inky mistake panel

I also created a 45-second process reel showing the key steps.

If You Love “Wow” Cards…

You might also enjoy my dramatic die cut chalkboard easel card — another bold, display-worthy design with serious presence.

And if you’re new to foiling, be sure to watch my 2 minute YouTube Foiling Tutorial where I share tips for flawless results every time.

There is also my creating a foiled card video or learn more about layering color in my layering stencil video.

Black Foil or Gold Foil?

I genuinely love both.

Black foil feels bold and graphic.
Gold foil is softer and more romantic.

Do you have a preference?

Easy masculine stenciled card 2 Easy Stenciled Masculine Cards | Beginner-Friendly Jean Jacket Design
cardmaking · Stenciling

2 Easy Stenciled Masculine Cards | Beginner-Friendly Jean Jacket Design

Karen Brown2 Comments

Create Easy Masculine Cards with Layered Stencils and Three Shades of Blue Ink

Popping by today with two quick, fun and easy stenciled masculine cards — and I have to say, these might be some of my favorites lately.

There is just something about a classic blue jean jacket that feels timeless… relaxed… relatable… and perfect for so many occasions.

These cards were absolutely created with my husband in mind (who I LOVE in blue shirts 💙). But honestly? These designs work beautifully for:

  • Birthdays
  • Father’s Day
  • Graduation
  • Get Well
  • Just Because
  • Teens
  • Kids
  • Even encouragement cards

Just swap the sentiment and you’re done!

And if you are new to cardmaking? This is such a great beginner stencil project.

Pin This Tutorial For Later.

Stenciling monochromatic blue Jean Jacket Shirt for easy eye-catching masculine card
Monochromatic stenciling creates bold dramatic handmade cards

Easy Masculine Card Ideas That Feel Classic (Not Complicated)

One-layer masculine card featuring a stenciled blue jean jacket front using layered blue inks on white cardstock with a clean background and stamped love sentiment.

This Jean Jacket Stencil is the star of this card.

Masculine cards can sometimes feel tricky.

But designs like this work because:

  • The imagery is relatable.
  • The colors are classic.
  • The layout is simple.
  • The contrast is strong.

If you’ve ever struggled with masculine designs, you might also enjoy my Masculine Speedometer Card — another clean, high-contrast design that keeps things bold without feeling busy.

And if you want a bigger supply overview, my post on 14 Best Cardmaking Products and Supplies for 2026 shares the exact basics I reach for again and again when creating cards like these.

Simple supplies. Strong contrast. Clean backgrounds. That formula works.

Why These Stencils Are So Easy to Use

Hero Arts SA325 Jean Jacket easy masculine card stenciled in 3 shades of blue,

Hero Arts created a set that feels both classic and eye-catching at the same time.

Jean Jacket Options:

The layers are clearly etched and numbered in the bottom left corner — which makes lining them up incredibly simple.

✨ Tip: Always check the etched layer number before you start blending. It ensures your stencil is facing the correct direction.

If you’re new to layered stenciling, you might enjoy my Coloring with Stencils 4 Ways VIDEO where I walk through blending multiple stencil layers step-by-step.

And for a floral take on layered blending, my Floral Stenciling 3 Ways video shows how changing color combinations creates completely different moods — just like we’re doing here with blue tones.

Once you understand layering, the possibilities open up quickly.

No guessing. No frustration. Just blend and go.

Card 1: The Bold “Front” One-Layer Card

Two masculine stenciled cards, one of the front of the Jean Jacket and the second of the back of the shirt.

For my first card, I created a clean one-layer masculine card featuring the front of the jacket.

I own many brands of ink, but the ones I find myself reaching for the most are Hero Arts. They blend well everytime. Today, I used three shades of blue ink:

Blended onto Express It Blending Cardstock (Smooth White) for that crisp, even finish.

I kept the background completely clean and added a simple stamped blue sentiment that says “love.”

That’s it.

The contrast between the bold blues and the pristine white background gives this card so much impact without any extra embellishment.

It feels:

  • Strong
  • Graphic
  • Modern
  • Dynamic

And it was incredibly easy.

(You’ll see in my process photo how simple the setup is — stencils laid out, inks nearby, no chaos on the desk!)

Easy one layer masculine stenciled card of a denim jean jacket

Card 2: The Softer “Back” Layered Card

Layered die cut jean jacket card stenciled in soft blue tones, stacked for dimension and adhered to a white A2 card base.

For the second card, I used the “back” of the jacket stencil.

This time my ink trio was:

Just changing one ink color in the layering sequence completely softened the look.

After stenciling, I used the coordinating die to cut the jacket out.
Then I die cut two additional jackets from blue cardstock.

I glued all three together — stenciled one on top — to create dimension.

Then I adhered the stacked jacket to a white A2 card base.

Clean background. Strong focal point. Subtle dimension.

This version feels:

  • Slightly more muted
  • A little more relaxed
  • Still masculine
  • A bit softer overall

It’s fascinating how swapping just one shade can change the entire mood of a card.

Which One Do You Prefer?

I’d love to know — are you drawn to:

👉 The bold, dynamic “front” card
or
👉 The softer, dimensional “back” card

Tell me in the comments!

Two easy beginner blue denim Jean Jacket stenciled cards

Organization Win: Color-Coded Blending Brushes

I recently started using the color-coded blending brushes from Waffle Flower — and I have to say… I’m loving them. If you’re new to blending detailed layers, I recommend starting with these.

Keeping my brushes designated by color family makes blending:

  • Cleaner
  • Faster
  • More consistent

And let’s be honest… organized craft supplies just make everything more enjoyable.

If you’re building your stencil stash, this system is worth considering.

Build Your Stenciling Toolkit

These are the essentials that I personally used today.:

More In-Depth Thoughts on Cardmaking Supplies

If you’re just starting out with cardmaking — or if you want a fast design that looks impressive — this jean jacket stencil set is a wonderful place to start.

Sometimes simple really is powerful.

💙

Book reading theme handmade card. How to Use Analogous and Complementary Colors in Cardmaking | Tutorial
cardmaking · Stenciling

How to Use Analogous and Complementary Colors in Cardmaking | Tutorial

Karen Brown1 Comment
A book/reading theme handmade card created with Hero Arts Hero Studio November 2025 Kits: On the Shelf Layering Stencils and Book Bag Die Kit.

Hello, Karen here, back with another card inspired by the November 2025 Hero Studio “One More Chapter” release! I’ve been absolutely loving this book and reading-themed collection — so much so that I couldn’t resist making one more card. (Here’s a link to my previous post where I shared two other projects from this release!)

This time, I reached for the “On the Shelf” 4-Layer Stencil Kit to build my own bold bookshelf background. I wanted a crisp, postage-themed layout, so I began by masking off a 3″ x 4⅜” rectangle on a piece of Deluxe Smooth White Cardstock — giving me a clean white frame around my stenciling.

🎨 Inky Layers

I chose four analogous ink colors (adjacent on the color wheel) that flow beautifully together for a cohesive look:

Once the inky layers were dry, I die cut the panel with the 2nd largest Nesting Postage Stamp Die to give my bookish scene a framed, mail-art feel.

Bright handmade card featuring a layered blue and green stenciled bookshelf background, orange bookworm, and scripty “Hello” sentiment framed in a white postage border

🧡 Complementary Pops of Color

For contrast, I reached for my ColorWheel Cardstock and added Carrot and Cosmic Sky accents. The playful bookworm with glasses and the scripty “Hello” sentiment (from the Book Bag Die Kit) are both cut from Carrot, with a Cosmic Sky shadow layer that really makes the greeting pop. Orange and blue are complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel), which makes the whole design lively and eye-catching.

Everything is layered with a bit of craft foam for dimension, then mounted onto a Cosmic Sky A2 card base.

Cute card featuring a stenciled book shelf background and a smiling book worm die cut accent.

The end result? A bright, cheeky, and happy card that would be perfect for a reader of any age — man, woman, or child.

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

layering stencil handmade Christmas card fo a Christmas Tree with ornaments. Ink Blending with Hero Arts The Tree Layering Stencil | October 2025 Release
cardmaking · Stenciling

Ink Blending with Hero Arts The Tree Layering Stencil | October 2025 Release

Karen Brown1 Comment
Handmade Christmas card created with Hero Arts “The Tree” Layering Stencil in greens, aquas, and blues. A circular Indigo sentiment reading “So Very Very Merry” is layered over the partial tree design.

I couldn’t resist creating one more card with the October 2025 Release—this time featuring the Layering Stencil: The Tree. This gorgeous four-layer stencil creates a close-up view of a Christmas tree filled with ornaments, and it was such a joy to blend.

You can see my other October Club Kits Cards HERE.

Hero Arts October 2025 Release: The Tree Layering Stencil. This card features gorgeous ink blending in analogous shades of green, aqua, and blue, topped with a circular “So Very Very Merry” sentiment. A simple and beautiful stencil design that’s perfect for holiday cardmaking inspiration.

I chose analogous colors (neighbors on the color wheel) for a soft, harmonious look in shades of greens, aquas, and blues:

Using Deluxe Smooth White Cardstock made the ink blending go on like butter, and as always with Hero Arts stencils, the layers lined up perfectly.

For the sentiment, I used the “So Very Very Merry” circular stamp and coordinating die from the October Card Kit, stamped in Indigo ink. The deep blue ties the whole design together beautifully.

This card has already gone into my holiday stash, ready to be mailed in December!

Handmade stenciled Halloween card and tag. A Simple Guide To Using Layering Stencils in Cardmaking
cardmaking · Die cutting · Stenciling

A Simple Guide To Using Layering Stencils in Cardmaking

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Purple and orange layered stencil card with gold foiled “Hello” sentiment, framed with vellum, lavender, and gold cardstock.

Some cards practically make themselves—this was one of them. Today I’m featuring a project made with the August 2025 Hero Arts Layering Stencil of the Month, Sunnyside Manor. This dreamy stencil has a charming layered interwoven scene that comes to life with just a few colors of ink.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Layering Stencils

If you’re new to layering stencils or just want to brush up, here’s how I created this scene using the Sunnyside Manor Stencil set:

1. Start with a Colored Card Base (Optional)

I used lavender cardstock to add an extra tone to the finished design before I ever inked. You can also use white for a clean slate.

For this version, I created a bold and beautiful palette using three shades of purple and a pop of orange. I started directly on a lavender card base, giving me a built-in fourth shade of purple before I even began inking.

2. Secure the First Stencil

Place Layer 1 over your cardstock and secure it using low-tack tape or a sticky mat to keep everything from shifting. Hero Arts Stencils have great square guides in the four corners so each layer lines up perfectly everytime! I take a pencil and mark each square before I begin.

If you’d like to see this process in one of my How to Stencil Videos, click HERE.

3. Blend Your First Ink Color

Using a blending brush, apply your first ink (I used Thistle). Blend evenly and lift the stencil carefully once done.

4. Repeat for Each Layer

Align Layer 2 (they’re clearly numbered on the lower left) and easy to line up with the square guides or by eye).

Ink with your second color: Purple Galaxy

Layer 3: Tangerine

Layer 4: Amethyst

Hero Arts inks dry quickly, but if you’re planning to hot foil or emboss over it, give the ink a moment to fully dry.

5. Add Your Sentiment:

Hero Studio August 2025 Sunnyside Manor layered stencil card in 4 shades of purple + orange.

The card has a soft shimmer, deep contrast, and that quiet elegance that stenciling always brings. I find stenciling to be my Zen moment—and this one was so satisfying.

Interested in more August Club Kit Cards, you can read my August 2025 Release Day Blog Post HERE.

Two Hero Studio Halloween cards and tags in purple and orange.

>>>> Hero Arts Club Kits Overview <<<<

Why I Love This Stencil

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly but artistically satisfying project, this one is for you.

Stenciling has become my go-to technique for beautiful, relaxing cardmaking. The Sunnyside Manor Layering Stencil is especially satisfying—the layers line up easily and the design allows for infinite color combos. Whether you go soft and serene or bold and whimsical, this stencil adapts beautifully.

Interested in seeing some other layering stencils…..click HERE.

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · Stenciling

Hero Arts August 2025 | Light-Up Tags + Crystal Ball

Karen Brown21 Comments
Handmade Halloween tag with layered colorful tags, white heat embossed spider web on black cardstock, lit up with a hidden light, and “Boo to You” sentiment.

The Hero Arts August 2025 Release is here, and it’s packed with creative possibilities—from interactive Halloween tags to dreamy stenciled scenes and mystical vibes. I had so much fun with these kits and created two very different but equally inspiring projects.

>>>> Hero Arts Club Kits Overview <<<<

🕷️ Project 1: Light-Up Spider Web Halloween Tag – August Card Kit

Let’s start with a spooky showstopper! This interactive Halloween tag uses elements from the August Hero Arts Card Kit, including the spider web stamp and Press One Light that lights up the tag.

Here’s how it came together:

  • I white heat embossed the spider web on black cardstock, die cut it, and positioned one of the included Press One Lights behind the center.
  • When you press the hidden button—the web lights up! 🕸️✨
  • I layered two tags using the Nesting Tag Dies:
    • The top tag is watercolor paper with Yellow and Orange Liquid Watercolors—so vibrant and bold!
    • The bottom tag is purple cardstock with a Hero Transfer from Collage Backgrounds 2—the script texture gives a haunting Halloween vibe.

I finished it off with a heat-embossed “Boo to You” sentiment from the kit and a touch of black hemp cord. This tag is spooky, clever, and totally kid-approved.

Hero Studio light up Halloween spider web tag created with the August 2025 Card Kit, including the Pear Blossom Press One Light.

What’s Included in the August Card Kit?

  • Abraham and Katrina 6×8 Stamp Set (used on tag)
  • Abraham and Katrina Coordinating Die (used on tag)
  • Stamping Guide for stamp set
  • Victorian Frame Die Set (used on card 2)
  • Pear Blosson Press-One Light 2 Pack (used on tag)
  • 10 Sheets of Cardstock- 1 of each color, 5.5″ x 8.5″ (Cinnamon, Terra Cotta, Carrot, Coral, Bellini, Tuscan, Mint, Waterfall, Blue Spruce, Raven)
  • Holographic Rainbow Film, 1 sheet – 5.5″ x 8.5″
  • Acetate, 1 sheet – 5.5″ x 8.5″ (used on card 3)

Receive a FREE Magic Mist Stencil when you purchase The Whole Studio!

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

Project 2: Crystal Ball Magic – August Stamp & Cut: You Are Magic

Card featuring a die cut crystal ball made from ink smooshed background and acetate layer, with the sentiment “You Are Magic” over a tone-on-tone mini rainbow background stenciled in teal and aqua shades.

This second card leans into the magical vibes with the new You Are Magic Stamp & Cut. The crystal ball die is the star here!

  • I used a leftover ink smoosh background scrap in soft blues and aquas to simulate swirling crystal magic. You can read my Ink Smoosh Tutorial HERE.
  • I die cut a circle of acetate (included in my August Card Kit of the Month) and layered it on top for a glassy, dimensional effect.
  • The sentiment “You Are Magic” is stamped and layered over the crystal ball.

For the background, I used Oceanside ColorWheel Cardstock and the Retro Rainbow Stencil from last month’s Retro Kitchen Release. I went for a tone-on-tone look using:

Mounted on an aqua card base with a few black enamel dots, this card feels subtle, sparkly, and just a little bit mystical and mysterious.

Hero Studio Blog Hop

Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Leave a comment on all stops for more chances to win!


Hero Arts
Nichol Spohr
Seeka
Rosie Lopez
Rachel Kleinman
Natasha Polite
Mindy Eggen
Michelle Short
Michelle Lupton
Lisa Tilson
Karen Brown
Jennifer Kotas
Jeannie Lieu
Charlene Madrid
Channin Pelletier
Anna Mahtani

Handmade card created from the Hero Studio August 2025 Stamp and Cut "You Are Magic" kit.

From light-up tags to dreamy stenciling and crystal energy, the August kits are perfect for stretching your creativity into fall. Which kit are you reaching for first?

Die cutting · Stamping · Stenciling

Christmas in July | Candy Canes, Color and Confections

Karen BrownLeave a comment

It may be mid-summer, but it’s never too early to get a head start on your holiday cardmaking! I’m kicking off Christmas in July with two cheerful and candy-colored designs using the brand new Candy Cane Season Collection from Hero Arts.

This sweet collection is full of playful holiday charm—peppermints, bows, and bold candy cane graphics that are perfect for building quick but eye-catching holiday cards.

Card 1: Peppermint Skies & Holiday Vibes

My first card is all about peppermint joy! I started by creating a playful red and white background using the Candy Cane Toss Up Stencils and two Hero Arts inks:

  • Peony
  • Cherry

This creates the scattered look of candy canes tossed in the air—fun, festive, and full of movement. The sentiment, “Peppermint Skies and Holiday Vibes,” is stamped in black for a bold pop, centered over the background.

To bring in contrast and dimension, I added green candy canes from the Candy Cane Swag set. I stamped them in Pine ink on Mint ColorWheel Cardstock and die cut them multiple times—then did a little crafty engineering to extend the candy canes behind the sentiment strip. By layering extra pieces below the visible canes, they peek out above and below the sentiment, adding height and whimsy to the design.

This card’s theme is peppermint playfulness—and it’s a sweet way to start your stash of holiday greetings!

Card 2: Sweet but Twisted

For my second card, I kept the focus on a clean graphic layout featuring crossed candy canes as the main design element.

I used the Candy Cane Swag stamps again, stamping two canes in Pine ink on Mint ColorWheel Cardstock, then crossing them in an “X” shape at the center of the card. I added a red and white bow (stamped in Cotton Candy ink and die cut) to the center, tying the two canes together like a festive wreath.

Behind the candy canes, I layered three coordinating ColorWheel cardstock panels, trimmed using my Rounded Rectangle Infinity Dies:

  • Base Layer: Fern
  • Middle Layer: Mint
  • Top Layer: Bellini

These colors echo the classic red-and-green palette but with a soft, contemporary twist—perfect for a fun and modern holiday card.

The sentiment “Sweet but Twisted” is from the A Little Merri-Mint Stamp & Die Set, and I think it pairs perfectly with this cheeky little cane design!

Both cards feature cardstock from the ColorWheel Collection, which makes it so easy to mix and match hues while keeping your palette coordinated. And while they use some of the same elements, each card has its own unique personality—one playful and layered, the other bold and graphic.

It’s never too early to dive into the holiday spirit, especially with sweet designs like these. Whether you love traditional candy cane colors or like to mix things up, Candy Cane Season has something merry for everyone!

Layering Stencil handmade card and video. Video: Easy Fun Card Idea
Cardmaking Video · Stenciling

Video: Easy Fun Card Idea

Karen Brown1 Comment

Watch above OR click HERE to watch video on YouTube.

Looking for an easy, beginner-friendly card idea that makes a big impact? Today I’m sharing a project using the Hero Studio July 2025 “Just Keep Going” Layering Stencils—a bold, three-layered sentiment that I paired with a coordinating ink smooshed background for a clean, summery design.

Handmade card with bold “Just Keep Going” encouraging sentiment in green, teal, and blue ink, layered over a watercolor-style ink smooshed background.

Supplies & Theme

The “Just Keep Going” stenciled sentiment is built up with three perfectly aligned stencil layers. For the sentiment and the coordinating background, I used the following Reactive Inks:

These bright, analogous colors are side-by-side on the color wheel and blend beautifully together for a unified, harmonious look.

July 2025 Layering Stencil of the Month "Just Keep Going" kit card in analgous green, aqua and blue inks.

The Background: Ink Smooshing

To complement the stenciled panel, I created an ink smooshed background using the exact same three ink colors. Ink smooshing is one of my favorite techniques—just dab ink onto a 6 x 6″ acrylic block, spritz with water, and press your watercolor paper onto the color. I flip my block and weight down with a book for 5 minutes. If there is a puddle, I dab it with a paper towel. The result? A gorgeous, watercolor-style background that’s one of a kind.

This technique is fantastic for beginners and gives your cards a fun, organic texture. It’s also a great way to bring all the color elements of your project together.

Creating an "ink smoosh" background that coordinates with your stenciled focal point

Finishing Touches

I die cut my stenciled sentiment panel using a nesting postage stamp die for extra polish. As a playful embellishment, I added a pair of sunglasses from the Hero Studio July 2025 Card Kit. The frames are cut from leftover inked cardstock, and the lenses from another panel inked with Blue Hawaii—just another way to tie everything together!

Custom coordinated ink smoosh background and bold stenciled sentiment card.

Why It Works

This card’s cohesive look comes from intentionally choosing analogous colors and using them across both the background and focal elements. Whether you’re just starting out or want a quick, cheerful design, this is a project anyone can enjoy!

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 · 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.