Die cutting · Wax Seals

Adding a Touch of Elegance: Using Wax Seals and Infinity Dies on a Floral Handmade Card

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Adding wax seal elements to your cardmaking.

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your handmade cards, incorporating wax seals and infinity dies can elevate your designs to new heights. In this post, we’ll explore how to use these tools to create a stunning floral handmade card.

Today, Spellbinders released a wonderful new collection called Sealed 3D Botanical and I chose Scallop Labels and Tags Infinity Dies and the Forest Mushroom Wax Seal. Infinity Dies are definitely one of my most used craftroom essentials and wax seals are so interesting and fun!

Adding texture to your cardmaking with Mushroom Forest Wax Seals, Scallop Labels and Tags Infinity Dies and embossing folders.

Spellbinders 3D Botanical Collection

I knew I wanted to make a shaped floral card with a wax seal medallion on my vase. Here are step-by-step directions for this card:

  • I started by making a bunch of wax seals, which I really enjoy. If you’d like more details, I have a blog post titled 18 Tips and Tricks for Making Wax Seals that you can read HERE. I decided to use two Royal Blue seals and I planned my color scheme around the two seals. Spellbinders Wax Seal Kit is such a fun addition to any craftroom and I have really enjoyed playing with my kit this year.
  • Using my silver Deco Color Paint Pen, I added highlights to the wax mushrooms and foliage. Interestingly, the color looks a little more gold in the photographs, but it is silver in person.
  • I die cut my vase and flowers using one of my new favorites: Fresh Picked Vase. I used Cosmic Sky, Periwinkle, Charcoal and Coral cardstocks.
  • I wanted a bit more texture so I embossed my vase using my Luxe Backdrop Emboss and Cut 3D folder.
  • As I mentioned, I wanted a shaped card so I took an A2 Side Fold Card Base and die cut my white base with the Scallop Labels and Tag die. I made sure that the left cutting edge was to the left of the fold so it would stay intact. Then I cut a Periwinkle and White Mat and assembled my card with Bearly Glue and a few Foam Adhesive Squares.
  • I also made a coordinating wax seal envelop for my card that you can see below.

As I said, I really enjoy making wax seals so I made some extras for future projects. The other colors are Indigo Ink, Pistachio, Velvet Rose and Gold.

Adding wax seal elements to your envelops.

Conclusion

Using wax seals and infinity dies in your handmade cards adds a level of detail and elegance that will impress any recipient. These tools allow you to create intricate designs and sophisticated touches that make your cards truly stand out. Whether for birthdays, weddings, or just because, a floral handmade card with these elements will be cherished and remembered. Happy crafting!

Karen

cardmaking · Cardmaking Kit · stitching

Spellbinders Card | June Stitching Club | 2024

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Spellbinders "Stitched Ice Cream" Stitching Die of the Month Club Kit for June 2024.

This month, Spellbinders Stitching Die of the Month Kit allows us to indulge in sweet delights with a yummy hand-stitched Ice Cream Cone Card. Looking for a sprinkle of sweetness to brighten someone’s day? Look no further! This kit is a reminder to cherish the simple pleasures in life, to savor each moment, and to spread kindness wherever we go.

The “Wow Factor” of Hand-Stitched Cards

This weekend, I had the pleasure of crafting this luscious handmade card with hand-stitched details, and let me tell you, the experience was delightful. The card came together quickly, but it is definitely high impact to the recipient. I find I get the most ooohs and aaahs from stitched cards and the “Wow Factor” they bring is truly priceless.

Pink, aqua, white and turquoise die-cut and hand-stitched ice cream cone card.

Tips and Tricks for Stunning Stitched Cards:

  • The kit has 12 cutting dies and I started by cutting all my pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. I used Teal Topaz and Waterfall cardstocks. I die cut the elements I was going to stitch 2 times and then glued them together for a substantial base. I used White Glitter cardstock for the accent on the ice cream.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I used used two shades of pink: #818 Baby Pink (ice cream) and #819 Baby Pink Light (cone).
  • When I started stitching, I took two strands of floss, separated them one at a time, brought them together and then stroked and lengthened them until they seemed tame and ready to use.
  • I usually stitch with size 22 Tapestry needles.
  • I like to use 1/8th inch double sided liner tape to attach my floss to the die cut.
  • Remember to keep your floss taught as you stitch.
  • When I move from one area to the next, I run the floss through the just finished stitched area to keep the thread secure. This gives a nice look on the finished project.
  • Don’t stitch with threads that are too long or they are likely to knot. 
  • When I was done, I added a bit of Bearly Glue to the ends so that they would stay in place.
  • To finish my project I embossed Pink Sand cardstock with the Tiny Dots embossing folder.
  • The die cut sentiment is included in the kit.

Helpful Links:

Spellbinders Club Info:

  • Clubs Preview on the 1st of each month.
  • Club members can cancel, upgrade or change clubs from the 1st-5th of each month. Popular Clubs frequently sell out during this period so club members get first dibs on everything.
  • NEW for 2024: Club Members get EARLY access to new releases on the 6th!
  • On the 6th, Clubs become available to non-members.
  • On the 27th, Club registration closes for the current month.
  • If a club did not sell out, you can buy under “Shop Past Clubs”. Past kits are available on the 10th of the FOLLOWING month.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Cardmaking Kit

Introducing 5 NEW Exciting Hero Arts Subscription Card Kits | June 2024

Karen Brown18 Comments
4 handmade cards and tags created with Hero Arts NEW Studio Subscription Card Kits - June 2024.

Elevate Your Crafting Experience

Calling all crafters and cardmaking enthusiasts! Welcome to the June release, where we are bringing the boldness of urban textures in the signature Hero Arts style and quality! Get ready to ignite your creativity and elevate your crafting experience with the brand new lineup of Hero Studio cardmaking kits. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your crafting journey, these 5 new kits offer something for everyone. Let’s dive in!

Studio Card Kit of the Month

A vibrant handmade card with rainbow colored clouds created with the June 2024 Hero Arts Studio Card Kit.

I started by creating with the new Hero Studio Card Kit, which is full of wonderfulness! This month’s theme is Urban Skyline.

For my first card, I used the HeroScape layering cloud stamps to create a dramatic sunrise. I laid down and blended LOTS of ink for a really saturated look. I love color and thought the cloud layering stamps would make a stunning, almost abstract background.

What’s Inside the Kit?

Curious to know what treasuries await you in this cardmaking kit? Let’s take a peek inside The Hero Studio Card Kit:

KIT INCLUDES:
Urban Sky HeroScape Clear Stamp Set, 6” x 8”
Neighborhood Message Clear Stamp Set, 4″ x 6″
Coordinating Dies
City Stencil, 6×6 (with 3 Fall-Out City Skylines)
5 Ink Cubes (Peony, Pitch Black, Dusty Blue, Stonewash, Amethyst)
2 Sheets each of Silver Foil, Silver Glitter, Silver Cube & Pitch Black Cardstock, 5.5″ x 8.5″
2 Sheets City Textures Hero Transfers

Kit Cost and Value:

$46 with Subscription, $95 Value (Cancel Anytime)
$49.99 One-Time Purchase (While Supplies Last)

How I Created This Urban Sunrise Card:

A colorful handmade thank you card simulating a vibrant sunrise. The card was created with the June 2024 Hero Studio HeroScape card kit.

Colorful Sunset Cityscape Tags

I also created two tags with the Hero Studio Card Kit stencils. These tags were featured in Hero Arts Countdown Hop and you can read more about my process HERE.

Colorful DIY tags simulating a Sunset over a cityscape created with liquid watercolors, a stencil and Hero Gold Wax.

Hero Studio Fancy Dies

I love die cutting, so I had tons of fun creating my window scene card with the new Hero Studio Fancy Dies. This month’s background die is called Urban Window and I think there are endless design options. I love creating scenes, so I know I will be using this die again!

A charming handmade card window scene with birds, tree branches and a potted plant.
  • I began by selecting colored cardstock: Peacock, Papaya, Mist, Arctic and Meadow.
  • My base is a leftover piece of background from a project you can read about HERE.
  • I die cut my window frame from Peacock cardstock and trimmed off the greenery. I die cut the window frame a second time from Meadow cardstock and layered it behind the Peacock frame, so that my branches would be green. The sky is Arctic.
  • I added two birds, a potted plant and a die cut sentiment to finish my scene.

FD0624 Fancy Dies of the Month (Urban Window) $25 with Subscription, $26.99 One-Time Purchase, While Supplies Last.

Hero Arts Hero Studio Fancy Die of the month (June 2024) handmade card window scene.

I have a quick reel for the Fancy Die of the Month Kit:

I created with two Hero Studio kits in this blog post, but there are 5 kits altogether. You can also buy The Whole Studio!

Blog Hop and Giveaway:

Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, June 9th at 11:59pm Pacific, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week.

Hero Arts
Hero Arts Creative Team:
Channin Pelletier
Charlene Madrid
Dana Joy
Heather Ruwe
Ilina Crouse
Jennifer Kotas
Kailash Naidoo
Karen Brown
Lydia Fiedler
Michelle Short
Natasha Polite
Natasha Vacca
Pocono Pam
Rachel Kleinman
Rosie Lopez
Seeka
Special Guests:
Nichol Spohr
Kelly Taylor

Cardmaking Kit

Hero Arts | Sneak Peek at the NEW Studio Card Kit of the Month + Blog Hop and Giveaway

Karen Brown18 Comments
Sunset cityscape tag card created with Hero Arts June 2024 Studio Card Kit of the Month.

Today, the Hero Arts Creative Team is thrilled to offer you a sneak peek into their newly re-imagined subscription cardmaking kit called Hero Studio Card Kit of the Month. Each month will have a fresh beautiful collection of handpicked supplies that are sure to ignite your creativity. The kits will go live the first Monday of the month so you can view the entire kit on Monday, June 3rd at 2:00 PM PST. Or, you can pre-order today! Until then, here is your sneak peek….

To celebrate, Hero Arts is hosting a Blog Hop and Giveaway that you can find HERE.

As we countdown to the premiere, I wanted to share two sunset cityscape tags I created with The June 2024 Studio Card Kit. Liquid Watercolors make the MOST vibrant backgrounds, which is what I wanted for this project.

Crafting the Urban Skyline: A Sneak Peek into Hero Arts Studio Card Subscription Kit

My Process:

  • I started by using Liquid Watercolors to create my sunset background. I put a sheet of Luxe Watercolor Paper on my craft mat, brushed the paper with water and then painted bands of color with Dandelion, Orange and Brights Pink liquid watercolor.
  • I dried my panel and repeated step one.
  • I put my sunset panel on my Sticky Mat, attached the cityscape stencil to my background with washi tape and applied Onyx Pigment Ink with a Small Blending Brush to create my building silhouettes.
  • Using the next stencil, I applied Gold Wax to simulate lighted windows. While the stencil was still in place, I smoothed the wax with an old gift card. Work quickly so the wax doesn’t dry on the stencil. This will give you a good result when you peel back the stencil. I did let the wax set on the stencil while I finished my tags, but I soaked it for a bit and the wax washed right off.
  • I cut my tags with Nesting Infinity Tags.
  • I used sentiments included in this months kit and then added some black twine that I had saved from some packaging.
How to create a sunset handmade card background with liquid watercolors.

Here are links to all of the new Hero Studio Kits:

Be sure to stop by the other Countdown Posts, here are the links:

You are going to love this kit and I can’t wait for you to see the big reveal on Monday!

Thanks for stopping by!

cardmaking

Easy Elegant and Economical Card Sentiment Ideas | Spellbinders

Karen Brown1 Comment
Using easy economical premade puffy stickers from Spellbinders Bayfair in cardmaking.

I love easy sentiments, and Spellbinders just released three sets of sentiment stickers and embellishments from Bayfair that I found both economical and simple to use.

Quick and Easy Premade Card Sentiments

My mom’s birthday is tomorrow and I created this stitched card for her. The puffy “Loved” sentiment was exactly what I was looking for. This beautiful gold sticker is from Bayfair’s Puffy Sticker set. I also have a card in the works that uses the Chipboard Stickers, so stay tuned for that….

I used my April Stitching Die of the Month for this card. It’s called Stitched Wall Hanging and is a real show stopper and is now available in Spellbinders Shop without a subscription.

Helpful Links:

Bayfair Puffy Stickers (Sentiments and embellishments)

Bayfair Chipboard Stickers (2 pages of sentiments, frames & embellishments)

Bayfair Button Embellishments (12 fun buttons in 3 sizes)

Stitched Wall Hanging Kit

Stitching Die of the Month Club

Bayfair Puffy Stickers add elegance and beauty to your handmade cards.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

cardmaking · Stamping

Hero Arts | Quick Bold Shimmery Background | Congrats Card

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Fuchsia and Navy Congratulations Card using Hero Arts Abstract Feather Bold Prints background stamp and Fuchsia + Gold Metallic Shimmer Spray.

Happy 50th Anniversary Hero Arts! Hero Arts is celebrating their impressive milestone!

I wanted to acknowledge the occasion with a little cardmaking, so I created this “Congrats Card” using my Premium Special (50th Anniversary) Gift that was included in my May Monthly Hero Premium Kit.

This card would also be perfect for graduation, retirement or any other congratulatory event.

Fuchsia and Nautical Congrats Card

My Process:

I really love this bold card, and it would be so easy to mass produce.

Last month, I did a trio of cards using the same technique. Click HERE if you’d like to read that post.

Thanks for stopping by….see ya next time!

cardmaking · Stamping

Longtime Favorite Stamp: Capturing Venetian Charm + Copic Marker Magic & IG Reel

Karen BrownLeave a comment

In the world of cardmaking, some stamps hold a special place in our hearts, evoking memories of past projects and creative journeys. As Hero Arts celebrates their 50th Anniversary, I thought it would be fun to grab one of my oldest stamps and rediscover the magic of this long time favorite: Venetian Neighborhood.

Best Background Stamp for Coloring

I’ve owned and loved Hero Arts Venetian Neighborhood for five years. I bought this stamp in April 2019 when it was part of that month’s MMH release. It’s been such a fan favorite over the years, that it is still available in the shop.

The Best of Hero Arts

I created a quick Instagram Reel of my cardmaking process that you can find BELOW:

The Joy of Coloring

There’s a unique joy that comes with coloring a beautiful stamp like Venetian Neighborhood. The process is meditative, therapeutic even, as we lose ourselves in the rhythm of shading and blending, completely absorbed in the act of creation. And when we finally step back to admire our handiwork, there’s a sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from making it uniquely ours. In a world filled with hustle and bustle, coloring a beautiful stamp offers a moment of peace and serenity, a chance to reconnect with our inner artist and revel in the simple pleasure of creating something beautiful.

Copic Colors Used:

  • Tans: E50, E31, E33
  • Yellows: Y00, Y17, Y20, YR04
  • Greens: G00, YG03, YG06, YG25, YG63
  • Turquoise: BG11, BG23, BG45
  • Violets: V01, V15
  • Red: R22
  • Grays: W0, W3, W5

Products Used:

We’ve discovered in today’s blog post, there’s something truly special about revisiting old favorites like the “Venetian Neighborhood” background stamp. I enjoyed our trip down memory lane and am so pleased you stopped by today!

cardmaking · Rainbow Colors

Hero Arts | Stunning Stenciling Magic with Vibrant Rainbow Colors

Karen Brown1 Comment
Rainbow stenciling with Hero Arts Floral Trove Stencil.

Do you ever find yourself craving a burst of color and creativity in your life? Look no further than the art of stenciling! It’s a simple yet profoundly satisfying technique that allows you to transform a background into a cardmaking masterpiece. And what better way to dive into stenciling than with the vibrant hues of the rainbow? Today I am using Hero Arts wonderful new Floral Trove Stencil (SA-274), and it is stunning in rainbow colors!

Hero Arts Floral Trove Stencil Design Ideas:

This stencil is 6″ x 6″, so it is large enough to make most any card size you desire, but one portion is perfect for A2 cards.

I created a short reel showing my process that you can VIEW HERE:

Tips and Tricks for Stenciled Card Designs:

  • I almost always start my cardmaking process with color selection. Today, I knew I wanted to use bright rainbow colors so I grabbed my color swatches and began picking. I chose Amethyst, Taffy, Creamsicle, Lemon Drop, Green Apple, Pool Party and Blue Hawaii.
  • I used an A2 size panel of Deluxe Smooth Cardstock as my base. I placed this on the sticky mat of my StampWheel, so the cardstock would not shift.
  • In rainbow order, I rotated around the Floral Trove stencil, starting in the top left hand corner with Amethyst. I went left to right, dropped down a row and went right to left, dropped a row and finished going left to right again.
  • To keep from inadvertently stenciling in the wrong section, I masked off with Post-It Note squares. You can see the process in the Instagram reel I referenced above.
  • I experimented with all my blending brushes using small, medium, large and XL to see which size worked best on my project. My choice was medium, but they all worked just fine, so use what you have. Hero Arts does sell a blending brush sampler pack, which is so handy to have in my craft room.
  • I trimmed my background down and mounted on a Peacock A2 cardbase that I created.
  • I added my Friend sentiment, which I die-cut 3 times and glued together. I also added a stamped Happy Birthday sentiment above the friend.
Bright, vivid rainbow color stenciled card with hero Arts Floral Trove stencil.

Products Used:

There’s no limit to what you can create with a little imagination and a splash of color!

Karen

cardmaking · Stamping

Spellbinders | DIY House Mouse Card: Stay Cool with this Adorable Creation!

Karen Brown4 Comments
Whimsical House Mouse stamped card with a cute mouse chilling in front of a fan with a vintage look and Copic coloring.

Hey, crafty friends! Today, I have a super fun and enjoyable cardmaking project to share with you, featuring everyone’s favorite little critters – House Mouse – and the NEW Stay Cool stamp set. This time, we’re creating a whimsical card with the cute mouse chilling in front of a fan, perfect for sending a refreshing message to someone special. What makes this card extra special is its minimalist vintage look, achieved through a limited color palette of blues and tans. So, let’s dive in and get crafting!

House Mouse: Stay Cool (RSC-028)

Masculine House Mouse Stay Cool stamped critter card.

“Stay Cool” is also perfect for creating a good “Man Card” and I plan to give this creation to my husband. Wouldn’t this make the cutest postcard?

My Design Process:

  • Stamp House Mouse: I stamped my panel with the Stay Cool stamp and my Misti stamping tool.
  • Color Your Mouse: Now comes the fun part! I used Copic markers but you can also use your colored pencils or watercolors to bring your adorable mouse to life. I found this stamp easy to color because of all the shading detail.
  • Add the Sentiment: Stamp or adhere your chosen sentiment. I selected “You are the coolest”. This adds a sweet touch to your card and ties everything together. This stamp set also has two other fun sentiments: “take time to just chill” and “I am your biggest fan”.
  • Finishing Your Card:
    • I used a corner rounder on the edges of my background and kraft card base.
    • In keeping with the vintage vibe I was going for, I added some subtle ink blending around the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink.
    • I added some Craft Foam and assembled my card.

Products Used on my House Mouse Card:

I really love the House Mouse series and I have past blog posts with a few other charming stamp sets. If you would like to see my House Mouse Valentine, click HERE. And I have three adorable House Mouse cards that you can see HERE.

This House Mouse card with its darling mouse enjoying a cool breeze is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So, grab your crafting supplies and get ready to create something truly special!

Karen

Cardmaking Kit · stitching

Spellbinders | Stitching Die of the Month | May 2024

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

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

The Deluxe Caboodle

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

Stitched Pineapple Handmade Card

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

My Cardmaking Process:

  • The kit has 6 cutting dies and I started by cutting all my pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. I used the Happy Day Assorted Cardstock Pack + a sheet of Pesto for a 4th shade of green.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I used a bronzy gold thread for my pineapple.
  • When I started stitching, I took two strands of floss, separated them one at a time, brought them together and then stroked and lengthened them until they seemed tame and ready to use.
  • I usually stitch with size 22 Tapestry needles.
  • I like to use 1/8th inch double sided liner tape to attach my floss to the die cut.
  • Remember to keep your floss taught as you stitch.
  • When I move from one area to the next, I run the floss through the just finished stitched area to keep the thread secure. This gives a nice look on the finished project.
  • Don’t stitch with threads that are too long or they are likely to knot. 
  • When I was done, I added a bit of Bearly Glue to the ends so that they would stay in place.
  • To finish my project I embossed white cardstock with the my longtime favorite embossing folder: Intertwined Lattice.
  • I hot foiled my sentiment with Yana’s Special Glimmer Sentiments and my Glimmer Hot Foil System.
  • I added 6 Opal Gems around the pineapple with my Ninja Pickup Tool.

Helpful Links:

Spellbinders Club Info:

  • Clubs Preview on the 1st of each month.
  • Club members can cancel, upgrade or change clubs from the 1st-5th of each month. Popular Clubs frequently sell out during this period so club members get first dibs on everything.
  • NEW for 2024: Club Members get EARLY access to new releases on the 6th!
  • On the 6th, Clubs become available to non-members.
  • On the 27th, Club registration closes for the current month.
  • If a club did not sell out, you can buy under “Shop Past Clubs”. Past kits are available on the 10th of the FOLLOWING month.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen