You probably already know that I am a BIG fan of the House Mouse series. Today, I am on Spellbinders Blog with 3 darling cards. I couldn’t wait to get my hands (and markers!) on the newest collection called Rare Bloom. These stamps are crisp, deeply etched, and beautifully detailed—making them an absolute joy to color and create with.
I’d love for you to pop over and read my Blog Post: Whimsy & Cheer: 3 New House Mouse Cards.
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!
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!
• 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:
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.
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
Happy crafting and happy summer!
🧺🌸💙
I had such a fun time working with the new Crafty Babe Collection from Spellbinders! For this card, I featured the Crafty Tools Die Set to make a clever, crafty-themed card that’s going out to a creative friend.
This is the third time I’ve used the versatile April 2025 Stitching Club Die. Click below to read:
This design is simple, sweet, and makes a big impact—especially for your fellow crafty friends!
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.
For a second card using the same supplies:
I hope you found some inspiration today.
Thanks for stopping by!
Last night, I had the pleasure of joining the very first Hero Arts Craft Lounge, a FREE virtual crafting event that brought together so many creatives for an evening of inspiration, tips, and fun. If you missed it, don’t worry—you can catch the replay and enjoy the session at your own pace!
📺 Watch the replay here: Hero Arts Craft Lounge – Facebook Event
And if you haven’t joined yet, look into the new Hero Arts Collective on Facebook.
During the event, Channin Pelletier, Rosie Lopez, Michelle Lupton and I each created a unique custom card using the new Case Closed Collection. I opted for a FAST and easy card that anyone can recreate in less than an hour! And you can watch 4 different cards being created at the same time!
I used the Collage Backgrounds Hero Rub-On Transfers to create a dramatic yet effortless background. These rub-ons add instant texture and layered interest—perfect when you’re short on time but still want a showstopper.
For the focal point, I die cut elements from the Magnifying Glass Die Set and added the sentiment: “The Evidence is Clear – You’re Incredible.” The lens was die cut from vellum.
This card came together so quickly and has a sleek detective-style vibe thanks to the mix of vintage background and bold elements from the new Hero Arts release.
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.
Here’s what made my stenciling process smooth and successful:
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
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.
The Houndstooth Layering Stencils are officially a staple in my craftroom. They’re:
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.
The case is cracked, the sleuth is on the scene, and this crafty caper is officially adorable! I’m thrilled to be part of the Hero Arts Instagram Hop – Link to Instagram Hop – celebrating the launch of the Case Closed Collection. My card today features the delightful Curious Crafter Bundle and its star: Miss Detective.
Say hello to my favorite cardmaking detective—a stylish sleuth (inspired by my own daughter!) ready to crack any case with flair. She’s decked out in a stenciled houndstooth plaid cape and Sherlock Holmes-inspired hat, thanks to the Curious Crafter Bundle. The finished look? Think Nancy Drew meets crafty couture!
Here’s how the case unfolded:
Assembling Miss Detective (a step-by-step recap):
Click HERE if you’d like to see my post on how to customize your Hounstooth stenciled background.
Pro Tip: These rub-ons are pure magic! They transfer easily with a bone folder and give a rich, detailed finish — no ink needed!
The Case Closed Collection is a creative knockout—quirky, clever, and a total blast to work with. Whether you’re channeling your inner sleuth, crafting a personalized card, or just in it for the vintage vibes, this collection offers so many possibilities.
Thanks for hopping along with us on Instagram today! Be sure to follow the trail (aka the hashtag) for more clever creations and inspiration from this fun Hero Arts release.
Click Link to Instagram Hop – My IG handle is @karens_mini
Something exciting is coming to your craft corner! 🎉
I’m thrilled to be participating in the very first Hero Arts Craft Lounge, a fun and interactive live virtual crafting event packed with inspiration, tips, and creative conversation. ✂️✨
🗓 Date: Thursday, May 22nd
🕔 Time: 5:30 PM PT / 8:30 PM ET
📍 Where: Hero Arts Collective Facebook Group
If you haven’t joined yet, click the link above.
This is your all-access pass to hang out, learn, and craft along with fellow makers—no mystery, just crafty fun! Channin, Michelle, Rosie and I will be sharing some behind-the-scenes tips, design inspiration, and answering questions live.
Join the Hero Arts Collective on Facebook, and come say hi in the comments during the live! I’ll be looking for you!
Buckle up, cardmakers—because today we’re putting the pedal to the cardstock with a sleek and fun masculine birthday card featuring the Speedometer from the Classic Road Legends collection by the incredibly talented Mindy Eggen! This is Mindy’s debut collection with Spellbinders, and it’s already racing to the top of my favorites list.
The star of the card? A bold, retro-inspired die cut speedometer with some of the coolest sentiments I’ve seen in a while.
I wanted to create something unique and masculine with a fresh, modern color palette—so I went with monochromatic aquas and teals, using Adriatic, Paradise, and Arctic cardstocks from Hero Arts. To give the speedometer some shine and dimension, I added silver cardstock accents, and then for a bit of unexpected flair, I die cut the needle in coral cardstock—it’s just the right pop of contrast!
This die set includes tons of clever sentiments like:
Perfect for Father’s Day, birthday cards, or anyone who appreciates a good throwback moment.
Once I finished assembling the speedometer, I mounted it onto a clean white background embossed with the Spellbinders Scribbled Letters Embossing Folder. The subtle texture adds just enough interest without taking the spotlight off the die cuts.
This card is headed straight to my brother for his birthday—he’s a car guy, and I think he’s going to love it!
Masculine cards can be a bit of a creative challenge, but this design was a total joy to put together. The bold shapes, retro vibes, and clever details made this one of my favorite guy cards I’ve ever made!
It’s time for another fabulous Spellbinders Club Kit Release—and the May 2025 kits are full of personality, charm, and creative possibilities! I’m sharing three handmade cards using the Small Die of the Month, Stitching Die of the Month, and Large Die of the Month — and each one captures a completely different vibe. From graduation parties to cozy reading nooks to retro kitchen fun, this release has a little something for every cardmaker.
Let’s take a closer look!
What’s smarter than an apple a day? An apple with a diploma! I used the Small Die of the Month to create this fun and festive graduation card starring a smiling, die-cut apple with a mortarboard and black-rimmed glasses—clearly top of the class! I set the scene using the April Stitching Die of the Month notebook die as a background, die cut from white cardstock to resemble lined memo paper.
The bold color palette—bright red, kraft, and bold black—really makes the design pop. A giant “hey there” die cut adds a cheerful greeting, and the clever “Congrats” book spine die is the perfect finishing touch. This kit is full of potential for customization, and I love how easy it is to personalize that adorable apple with different accessories and expressions.
This card might be my favorite cozy scene yet! The May Stitching Die of the Month features a darling stitched armchair and hanging light fixture, and I couldn’t resist building a peaceful nook complete with a lazy orange tabby cat and a friendly potted plant.
To create soft wallpaper texture, I stamped the background with the Hero Arts May Cling of the Month in mint ink on Mint cardstock—it’s subtle, soothing, and so stylish! The stitched chair in cream looks extra plush, and the palette of burnt orange, mint, and cream gives the whole card a warm retro-modern vibe. I die cute the chair and lamp twice and glued together for nice sturdy stitching. I used DMC #437 and #746 floss for this card.
I had so much fun with this Large Die of the Month card—it’s a whole scene right out of a retro kitchen! The adorable die cut refrigerator (cut from Mint cardstock) is the star of the show, and it’s covered in tiny fridge magnets, a grocery list, a die-cut Polaroid, and the best part: rainbow-letter fridge magnet sentiments!
I used the included mini alpha dies to spell out “hello hello” in bright colors, but the possibilities are endless—Happy Birthday, Thanks, You’re Cool, or whatever punny fridge note you dream up. This one’s a joy to customize and would make a great card for a neighbor, teacher, or foodie friend. There are even cute Food Staples that you can put inside your fridge.
Whether you’re celebrating a graduation, sending cozy vibes, or just saying “hi,” the Spellbinders May 2025 Club Kits have you covered. These dies are fun to use, easy to personalize, and full of storytelling charm. Which card is your favorite this month?
kennyscards.com 