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
Spellbinders More Fresh Picked Collection offers an exquisite opportunity to create a contemporary cardmaking masterpiece. The entire Fresh Picked series offers modern, contemporary, stylized florals that really ignite my creativity and I couldn’t wait to get started die-cutting.
Today, I selected the Fresh Picked Vase Bouquet for my birthday card. I knew I wanted Waterfall leaves and greenery on my card so I did a quick search through my color cubes and decided on color combination #060, and I have to say I love this color palette!
With its sleek lines and intricate designs, the Spellbinders Fresh Picked Vase Bouquet die set allows for the creation of stunning floral arrangements that exude modern elegance.
Thanks for stopping by!
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!
It’s that time of the month again….time for Spellbinders April Club Kit releases. Today, I am sharing my floral stitched card. I know I always say this, but the April Stitching kit is a real beauty.
One of the things I like about stitching is that the project is transportable. I stitched my flowers in a doctor’s waiting room and I completed the leaves in my backyard on a beautiful Spring day (see photo below).
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 $160 but the kit value is $315.
Other Supplies and Products Used:
Isn’t this a great place to stitch?
Thanks for stopping by!
Karen
Ahoy, crafty mates! It’s time to set sail on a creative adventure as we embark on Altenew’s 10th Anniversary Blog Hop! There is wonderful inspiration AND $3,500 in prizes!!!
“Summer Wishes” Beach Scene Card Kit:
Altenew’s Summer Wishes cardmaking bundle is all about bringing the beauty and tranquility of the beach to your crafting table and this is the favorite kit that I chose for this Hop. Inspired by the sun-kissed shores and crystal-clear waters of paradise, this bundle is filled with the stamps, dies and coloring stencils you need to create stunning beach scene cards that will transport your recipients to a coastal oasis. In keeping with the vacation theme, I created a “Polaroid-look” frame to set my scene.
Products used:
Giveaway Prizes
Over $3,500 in total prizes! We are giving away a $50 Altenew gift certificate to 10 winners, a $20 ArtistrybyAltenew gift certificate to 5 winners, and an online papercrafting class ($39.99 value) from Altenew Academy Online Class to 14 winners. There are also 28 awesome companies/crafty friends who are celebrating with us, and they are offering the following prizes:
Be sure to leave comments by 04/16/2024 for a chance to win one of 68 prizes! To make the hop more exciting, start your comment with “Hi from (city or country where you’re from)!” 68 winners will be chosen at random from the comments left on any of the blogs listed below and will be announced on the Altenew Card Blog on 04/19/2024.
Join Altenew’s 10th Anniversary Blog Hop
Ready to dive in and get crafting? Join Altenew’s 10th Anniversary Card Hop and be inspired by a wave of creativity from fellow crafters! I am Karen, and I am #7 on today’s hop. You likely came from Jennifer Johnston’s great blog and the fabulous Penny Pynnonen is next!
Click the blue bar below to enter:
Anniversary Special Offers
Ready to Dive In?
Grab your sunscreen, a refreshing drink, and your crafting supplies – it’s time to set sail and hop with us! Whether you’re a seasoned cardmaker or just dipping your toes into the world of papercrafting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this anniversary adventure.
So come on board, and let’s make some waves and I’ll see you on the sandy shores of creativity!
Happy crafting!
Karen
Greetings, fellow crafting enthusiasts! I am thrilled to unveil Hero Arts latest My Monthly Hero offering to the world of cardmaking: a delightful new kit that celebrates the timeless beauty of folk art and is sure to captivate your heart and ignite your creativity.
Today, I am sharing two cards created with the Premium kit + an additional card featuring the Add-On Folk Animals Bundle.
Embracing Tradition with a Modern Twist
Folk art has long been cherished for its warmth, simplicity, and universal appeal. Rooted in heritage and passed down through generations, folk art motifs are infused with meaning, symbolism, and a deep sense of community. With the April kit, we pay homage to this cherished tradition while infusing it with a fresh, modern twist.
What’s Inside the Kit?
Curious to know what treasures await you in this cardmaking kit? Let’s take a peek inside the Premium Kit:
Celebrate the whimsical charm and timeless tradition of folk art with our April My Monthly Hero kit. This kit features three Color Layering Stencils with butterflies and flowers that are perfect for Spring cardmaking. Also included are sixteen coordinating dies and a Cover Plate die that partially cuts the design to allow for elements to pop up. A clear message stamp set with nine everyday messages and three beautiful Reactive Ink Cubes complete this enchanting kit. The Premium kit also includes a 4″ x 6″ Bird and Flower Clear Stamp set in a lovely hand-drawn style that comes with thirteen coordinating dies. Also included are sixteen colorful washi stickers that are perfect for quick cardmaking or using in planners.
• 3 Color Layering Floral Butterfly Stencils, 5.25”x 6.5“
• Birds & Flowers Clear Stamp Set, 4”x 6”
• Coordinating Cover Plate Die
• 16 Coordinating Frame Cuts
• 13 Coordinating Dies
• Clear Stamp Message Set, 4”x 6”
• 3 Reactive Ink Cubes (Blue Hawaii, Splash, and Taffy)
• 16 Washi Stickers
KIT VALUES
Classic Kit: $74 Value for $36.99
Premium Kit: $109 Value for $49.99 (The Premium Elements are in Bold text above)
Get Your Hands on the Kit Today: Subscription Options
Products Used on Premium Kit Cards:
I love this darling little Folk Art Animal scene! My white background is 4 1/2 x 4 1/2″ and the Peony card base is 5″ x 5″.
Products Used on My Folk Arts Animal Card:
If you love all the fabulous Add-On products, you can Get Them All in a bundle at a discounted price, while supplies last.
A note to My Monthly Hero subscribers: You have the opportunity to shop and add items this month without any additional shipping charges. Simply log in to your account and place your order by 11:59am PT on April 4th, in order to take advantage of this offer. Your kit may ship in a separate box than any other extras and add-ons, but no additional shipping costs will apply.
Blog Hop and Giveaway:
Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, April 7th at 11:59pm Pacific, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week.
Hero Arts Creative Team:
Special Guests:
Nichol Spohr
Emily Midgett
Essie
Bringing Folk Art to Life
With our Folk Art cardmaking kit, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re crafting a heartfelt birthday card for a loved one, sending warm wishes for a special occasion, or simply brightening someone’s day just because, our kit allows you to infuse your creations with the timeless charm of folk art.
Join us as we celebrate tradition, community, and the joy of handmade with our “Folk Art” My Monthly Hero cardmaking kit. Happy crafting!
Hello and welcome to the April 2024 My Monthly Hero Countdown! I must say, this kit is full of wonderful products that I know you will love. The kit goes live on Monday, April 1st, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, sit back and enjoy some inspiration, sneak peeks and giveaways.
For today’s “peek”, I created a pink, white and aqua folk art scene card that I can’t wait to send!
WIN A KIT BEFORE YOU CAN BUY IT: Just leave a comment on this (and every) Countdown to Creativity post. Hero Arts will randomly draw one lucky winner from comments left across all countdown posts on the Hero Arts blog. The winner will be announced first thing Monday morning, April 1st, before the kit launches at 10am Pacific. The more you comment, the more chances you have to win!
Stop by the other designers blogs for more chances to win:
Products Used:
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
Today, I’m thrilled to share with you some delightful inspiration featuring Altenew’s enchanting Bird of the Woods Layering Stamp set and coordinating dies. This bundle is so fun and versatile and the color possibilities are endless!
Altenew is hosting an Instagram Hop with loads of prizes and this is the card I made for the Hop. Click HERE if you’d like to join us! The hop ends April 1st.
Altenew’s StampWheel is just perfect for this project because you can easily stamp your outline and then do your layer stamping. The sticky mat holds everything perfectly in place. I put my layered stamps all around the top so that once I had everything positioned, I could set up an assembly line and rotate for multiple cards.
My background is another old favorite called Burlap Texture die.
Products Used:
So grab your favorite cardstock, ink pads, and embellishments, and let’s get crafting! Join me as we explore the endless creative possibilities of Altenew’s Bird of the Woods stamp and die kit. Happy crafting!
Karen
Welcome friends, Karen Brown here to share some bright fun cards using coloring stencils. Today, I used Hero Arts beautiful Mandala Flower Pattern stamp and the coordinating color layering stencils.
For a Step-By-Step Visual Tutorial, you can watch my video below:
If you are having trouble viewing this video, please click HERE to watch on YouTube.
I was so inspired by this mandala that I created 4 different cards. I love the versatility and endless possibilities!
With a small blending brush, I started by coloring a monochromatic panel in blues, greens and aquas. I used Splash, Blue Raspberry, Blue Hawaii and Aegean inks for this card. I then die cut my panel and a Peacock mat using Pointed Arches Infinity Dies. I added a rub-on sentiment from the Birthday Party Hero Transfer set. I really LOVE Hero Transfers!
I used a StampWheel for both my stamping and stenciling.
Next, I decided to add rainbow colors to my mandala. I did this two ways….first using the outline stamp and the second using only the stencil. I love both cards but I think the “stencil only” card is a bit more casual.
For both cards, I used Splash, Taffy, Pool Party and Creamsicle inks. For the card on the left, I used one of my favorite die-cut sentiments: Smile Friend Stamp and Cut XL.
For the “stencil only” card I also trimmed my Mandala with a Rounded Rectangle Infinity Die and used a sentiment included with the stamp set.
For my 4th card, I stenciled a layer of Hero Glitter Paste on my mandala and I love the result.
I recently purchased a GlassBoard Studio craft mat that was the worksurface in my video. I am very pleased with it and I have a 20% coupon code – KENNY20 – for anyone interested in upgrading their craft mat.
Thanks for stopping by….it was so nice to see you!
kennyscards.com 