Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · papercrafting

Spellbinders | Club Kit Cards | February 2025

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Spellbinders February 2025 Club Kit Cards: Large Die of the Month, Small Die of the Month and Stitching Die of the Month die cut handmade cards.

Get ready to fall in love with the Spellbinders February 2025 Club Kits! This month’s releases are packed with charm and creativity, and I’m thrilled to share two whimsical scene cards that will have you reaching for your die-cutting machine in no time.

Easy Stitched Die Cut Bunny Card Full of Charm

A handmade card featuring a die-cut bunny in a spring green dress holding a flower, framed with a stitched border. The background is soft blues and warm yellows, creating a fresh and cheerful scene. Spellbinders Stitching Die of the Month + Large Bunny Die of the Month.

This first card features the Stitching Die of the Month paired with the Large Die of the Month, creating a darling stitched frame. Inside the frame, a sweet die-cut bunny dressed in a spring green dress steals the spotlight. She’s holding a delicate flower, making this design ideal for Easter, baby showers, or even get-well cards. The soft blues, vivid greens, and warm yellows lend a fresh spring vibe, while the stitched frame adds texture and an elegant touch.

Key Products Used:

Notes About This Card:

Darling Spring die-cut bunny handmade card with hand stitched frame using Spellbinders February 2025 Large Die of the Month + Stitching Die of the Month Kits.

Step Into Spring with This Floral Shoes Card

A whimsical handmade card featuring olive green die-cut shoes with blue and olive anklet socks, with bright spring flowers tucked inside. The sentiment reads "Hello." Spellbinders Small Die of the Month, February 2025.

The second card takes a playful turn with a pair of olive green shoes, complete with stylish blue and olive anklet socks. The Small Die of the Month works its magic, letting you create a unique scene where die-cut flowers are tucked into the patterned socks. You’ll spot the calves of a lady walking confidently into spring, and the sentiment “Hello” ties everything together. Perfect for birthdays, get-well wishes, or just saying hi, this design showcases the versatility of these dies.

Quick Notes About This Card:

  • I started by looking through my patterned paper for some fun “sock material”. I chose this eye-catching circular pattern, but a small floral or plaid would also work great!
  • Once I had my socks, I pulled together other colors that would work well for my scene. I frequently use my Color Cubes when selecting my color palette.
  • I die cut my Small Die Kit components with my Platinum 6 System.
  • I assembled my scene with Bearly Glue, Foam Squares and Craft Foam.
  • The hello sentiment is from my January Small Die of the Month Kit.
  • I cut the buckle and bows from Brushed Gold Cardstock.
Spellbinders February 2025 Small Die of the Month handmade card complete with a pair of shoes, patterned anklet socks and die cut floral blooms.

Helpful Links:

Handmade cards created with Spellbinders February 2025 Club Kits.

Why These Cards Shine

Both cards highlight the magic of die-cutting, with intricate details and stitching that bring each scene to life. Whether it’s the textured frame around the bunny or the whimsical floral shoes, these designs are sure to inspire intermediate and advanced crafters alike.

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · Rainbow Colors

Hero Studio | February Release and Blog Hop

Karen Brown9 Comments

Hello, crafty friends! It’s time to shake off those winter blues as we play with the new Hero Studio February Release!

Smile, It’s a Beautiful World

Bright and colorful handmade card with repeating die-cut 'smile' sentiments in rainbow colors, topped with a heat-embossed sentiment."

For my first card, I used the Hero Studio February 2025 Card Kit of the Month, which is packed with fabulous sentiments. My design features repeating die-cut “smile” sentiments in a rainbow of colors, arranged in perfect rainbow order.

How I Made This Repeating Die Cut Sentiment Card:

  • Each sentiment was die cut three times per color, stacked, and glued together for added dimension and impact.
  • I used my favorite Hero Hues Cardstock Colors: Ultra Pink, Papaya, Kiwi, Bermuda, Paradise, Peacock, Amethyst and Cherry.
  • I found the card layout worked best by gluing in the following order: pink, lime, orange, peacock, paradise, bermuda, red, amethyst.
  • To complete the design, I added a heat-embossed sentiment that reads “It’s a beautiful world”, which is also included in this month’s kit. The result is a bright and happy card that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face
Bright colorful die-cut handmade card created with the February 2025 Hero Studio Card Kit.

What’s Inside the February 2025 Hero Studio Card Kit?

February 2025 Card Kit of the Month: Tulips            
               • Tulip HeroScapes Clear Stamp Set, 6” x 8”
               • Circling Clouds Cling Stamp, 6″x 6″
               • Messages Clear Stamp Set, 4″ x 6″
               • 7 Tulip HeroScape Coordinating Dies
               • 4 Word Fancy Dies with Frame Cuts
               • 5 Messages Coordinating Dies
               • 4 Ink Cubes (Thistle, Azalea, Moss, Blue Raspberry

Rainbow color-themed sentiment card showcasing stacked die-cut 'smile' sentiments on a crisp white card.

February 2025 Hero Studio Kits:

The Whole Studio includes ALL 5 of the monthly subscriptions in one discounted bundle. Cling of the Month, Clear + Dies of the Month, Layering Stencil of the Month, Fancy Dies of the Month, and the Card Kit of the Month.

This month, receive a FREE adorable “bug” die set when you purchase The Whole Studio!

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

A Planter Full of Blooming Delight!

handmade die-cut planter box card featuring wisteria, daffodils, and blue blossoms on a stenciled cobblestone wall background.

The February Fancy Die Kit is a gorgeous planter box brimming with vibrant spring flowers like wisteria, daffodils, and delicate blue blossoms.

How to Create a Cheerful Floral Scene Card:

  • The Kit die cuts are layered with care to create a dimensional, cheerful garden scene.
  • I used Hero Hues cardstock in the following colors: Charcoal, Amethyst, Passion Flower, Iris, Meadow, Periwinkle, Peacock, Mist, Mustard and Papaya.
  • To add texture and interest, I stenciled a Cobblestone background with white Hero Wax, placing it “here and there” for a soft, rustic touch. I love the pearlessence that the wax adds to my project and the crisp white background makes the floral colors—shades of purple, yellow, and blue—pop beautifully.
  • A sweet “My Friend” sentiment (February Card Kit) ties the whole design together, making this card perfect for brightening someone’s day.
  • I added a few Sunset Enamel Dots for flower centers.
Using White Hero Wax to stencil a subtle pearlescent background for a Spring die cut floral card.

These designs are packed with die-cutting fun and stenciled charm, making them perfect for crafters who want to try something fresh.

Two lovely spring die-cut cards in bright fun colors. One is floral and other has repeating smile sentiment sin rainbow color order.

Join the Blog Hop Fun!

Don’t miss out on the February Blog Hop—a celebration of creativity featuring incredible projects from the Hero Arts Creative Team. Be sure to hop along, leave a comment, and check out the other amazing designs. Who knows? You might just discover your next favorite crafting idea!

Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Saturday, February 8 at 11:59pm PST, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week. Leave a comment on all stops for more chances to win!

Hero Arts
Hero Arts Creative Team:
Seeka
Rosie Lopez
Rachel Kleinman
Natasha Vacca
Natasha Polite
Mindy Eggen
Michelle Short
Michelle Lupton
Lisa Tilson
Karen Brown
Jennifer Kotas
Jeannie Lieu
Charlene Madrid
Channin Pelletier
Anna Mahtani
Special Guests:
Nichol Spohr
Rebecca Keppel
Kelly Taylor


Let’s spread some crafty joy—one handmade card at a time. Happy hopping!

cardmaking · Rainbow Colors · Tutorial

Rainbows & Glitter: Tips on Making Your Own Glitter Cardstock

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Tips and Tutorial on how to make a floral rainbow card with a custom tinted DIY glitter cardstock background.

Hi there! I’m so happy to share a card project that combines whimsical charm with vibrant color. If you love crafting as much as I do, you’ll want to stick around for all the dreamy details.

The Star of the Show: A Floral Rainbow

A handmade card featuring a colorful die-cut floral rainbow with fluffy white clouds, set against a sparkling custom glitter cardstock background and a bold scripty 'hello' sentiment

To me, Hero Arts Floral Rainbow and Clouds stamp and die bundle feels like a burst of happiness! I perched my rainbow and clouds on a custom background made of handmade glitter cardstock. By combining blue and green metallic shimmer sprays on watercolor paper, I created a sparkling, ethereal look that mimics a sunny sky. Now, let’s dive into the details of this colorful creation!

Key Products Used:

A colorful handmade card featuring Hero Arts Floral Rainbow stamp and die bundle.

At the heart of this design is a vibrant rainbow that I stamped and brought to life with Copic markers. The colors are rich yet soft, evoking a dreamy vibe that’s both uplifting and playful. After coloring, I used coordinating dies to cut out the floral arc, ensuring clean lines and perfect dimension. It’s not just a rainbow; it’s a celebration of color and joy!

Copic Colors Used: RV02, RV04, RV10, YR02, YR07, Y06, Y08, YG01, YG03, G43, BG11, BG45, B0000, B41, V01, V15

How To Make Your Own Custom Glitter Cardstock

Creative Process Photo: "An in-progress shot of painting blue and green shimmer sprays onto watercolor paper to create a custom glitter cardstock background."

Creating your own glitter cardstock is easier than you think and adds a personalized touch to your projects. Here is how I created my background:

  • I taped a panel of watercolor paper to a hard board and brushed water over the surface with a flat brush. I didn’t saturate the paper, but I did add a light coating of water.
  • Next, I mixed Blue + Shimmer Tone on Tone Metallic Spray with just a hint of Green + Shimmer Tone on Tone Metallic Spray in a paint palette and then painted the mixture on the wet watercolor paper with a damp flat brush. These sprays are very pigmented, so start with a little and add additional spray if you want more intense color, or more water if you want a more muted shade. I applied two layers but I didn’t bother to let it dry in between.
  • I let my shimmer panels dry overnight, but you could speed up the drying with your heat tool.

Experiment with different color combinations to make your custom glitter cardstock truly one-of-a-kind!

A shimmering custom-made glitter cardstock background in blue green hues, adding sparkle and dimension to the card design.

To finish my focal point, I heat embossed the beautiful scripty “hello” sentiment that is included in the bundle.

Glitter can be tricky to capture on camera, but I hope you can see shimmer and sparkle in this close-up photo.

Close up shot of DIY handmade glitter cardstock to use in cardmaking, papercrafting and scrapbooking.

Who wouldn’t love a little rainbow magic in their mailbox? Let’s keep spreading those handmade vibes, one card at a time! 🌈✨

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · papercrafting

Spellbinders | Large Die of the Month Kit | Colorful Floral Card

Karen BrownLeave a comment

Hello, hello! Today’s card features Spellbinders Large Die of the Month Kit for January 2025. The Botanical Atrium, is a die-cut lover’s dream with gorgeous floral details, a luxurious gold frame, and a fresh aqua-and-coral palette.

Creating With the Large Die of the Month Kit | January 2025

I used shiny gold cardstock to make the atrium stand out against a crisp white background, and wow—does it ever pop! Inside the frame, delicate coral and aqua florals cascade in a lush arrangement, creating a playful yet refined design. I’ll be using the florals on loads of future cards!

Key Products Used:

It’s a great time to buy paper because Spellbinders is having a Paper Party Sale until January 26th!

Textured Touches: The Brick Background

To add a subtle yet striking detail, I stenciled a brick pattern on the white background using grit paste. Just here and there, mind you—like peeking through a garden wall. This little bit of texture gives the card depth without taking attention away from the gorgeous die-cut elements. It’s understated but oh-so-effective!

January 2025 Papercrafting Kits and Blog Posts

This year, I’ll be creating with 3 Spellbinders Kits each month. I’ve already published two posts that you might enjoy reading:

  1. Hello Gorgeous! Crafting with Spellbinders Die of the Month Kit (Dragonfly)
  2. Spellbinders | Stitching Die of the Month | Ladybug

Helpful Product Links:

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.

The January Card Kit is both timeless and modern, and is a must-have for your stash. I hope you enjoyed my little creation!

cardmaking · Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting

Hello, Gorgeous! Crafting With Spellbinders Die of the Month Kit | January 2025

Karen Brown2 Comments
Spellbinders January 2025 Die of the Month - Dragonfly - handmade card in gradients of pink with a pop of green.

I’m sharing a colorful and versatile “hello” card featuring the January 2025 Small Die of the Month Kit from Spellbinders. This $15 kit ($27 value) features a stunning die-cut dragonfly, a lovely scripty sentiment, and I added a playful pink Eyelet Scallop Border to complete my card. With gradients of pink and fresh green taking center stage, this card is perfect for any occasion where a cheerful greeting is in order!

Bold, Bright, and Beautiful

A bright and cheerful handmade card featuring a die-cut dragonfly in gradient shades of pink and green, paired with a scripty “hello” and a Scallop Eyelet Border.

By layering gradients of pink and green Cardstock, I brought this little beauty to life, creating dimension and a sense of movement. The result? A dragonfly that feels as light and airy as the real thing.

LINK to Spellbinder’s Small Die Card of the Month Kit.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Dragonfly

  • Choose Gradient Cardstock: Using gradient shades of pink + green gives the dragonfly a cohesive, polished look. I used Hero Arts Cardstocks in Peony, Ultra Pink, Plum and Meadow and added a scrap of fog gray. The border is die cut from Ultra Pink Cardstock.
  • Helpful Tools: I found my Ninja Jewel Picker to be quite helpful in placing my die cuts. I used my 9″ Sheers for trimming the border and my Platinum 6 for all my die cutting.
  • Gluing Order: For the wings, I started gluing the bigger outer pieces and worked my way toward the smaller pieces.
  • Add A Colorful Border and Die-Cut Edge: Die-cut borders in bold colors provide a playful frame that complements the dragonfly and makes your design pop. I used the new Eyelet Scallop Border dies to create an interesting border and edge.
  • Stack the Sentiment: The scripty “hello” sentiment adds a playful and welcoming touch. I added a slightly offset plum hello shadow behind the Ultra Pink sentiment to add some dimension.
  • Keep It Crisp: A white background ensures the colorful elements remain the focal point of the card.

You might also like to read my recent Stitching Club of the Month Post: Ladybug

Bold Bright and Beautiful Dragonfly card crafter using Spellbinder January 2025 Small Die of the Month Kit.

Helpful Product Links:

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.

Charming Simplicity: The Second Card

Charmingly simple CAS Hello die cut card in hot pink featuring Spellbinders Eyelet Scallop Border S4-1413 from the Vivid Expressions Collection.

For the second card, I focused on creating a minimalist yet striking CAS design. Featuring an Ultra Pink Eyelet Scallop Border and edge, this card radiates charm with its simple yet bold details. The lovely “hello” sentiment (January Small Die of the Month Kit) perfectly complements the intricate border. The crisp white background ensures the vibrant pink tones remain the star of the show. This design proves that sometimes, less is more when it comes to crafting heartfelt greetings!

Why These Cards are So Versatile

Sometimes you need a card that works for just about any occasion, and these dragonfly and scallop border designs fit the bill. Whether you’re saying hi to a friend, sending encouragement or thanks, or just want to let someone know you’re thinking of them, these cards are perfect picks.

Until next time, keep crafting, keep smiling, and keep sending those handmade hellos! 🌸✨

BetterPress · cardmaking

Cozy Little Hello Cards with BetterPress: Winnie the Pooh Scenes

Karen Brown2 Comments
Step into the nostalgia of the Hundred Acre Wood with these Winnie the Pooh-inspired hello cards! Using BetterPress letterpress plates, I crafted three unique designs that bring timeless charm to life. From sepia-toned simplicity to vibrant watercolor scenes, these cards capture heartwarming moments perfect for sending a cheerful note.

Few things evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth quite like the timeless charm of Winnie the Pooh. Using Spellbinders new Friendly Moments BetterPress letterpress plates, I created three unique hello cards that capture moments from the Hundred Acre Wood. Each design features a distinct artistic style, from sepia simplicity to watercolor wonder, and they’re all perfect for sending a heartfelt note.

If you’re new to BetterPress or want to refine your skills, check out my previous blog post, “9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress Machine,” for helpful advice on how to achieve perfect impressions every time.

You might also enjoy reading my recent post: A Birthday Card Full of Whimsy: Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Scene

I have links to the key products at the bottom of this blog post.

Now let’s take a closer look at these enchanting creations!

Duo of Winnie the Pooh BetterPress handmade cards from Spellbinders Classic Pooh Collection.

Card 1: Watercolor Wonder

Hello card showing a colorful Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin scene, hand-painted with Inktense Watercolor Pencils over a black BetterPress impression.

I used a heartwarming scene of Christopher Robin and Pooh on the bridge and added a pop of color with Inktense Watercolor Pencils and a damp round paint brush. Pressed with Black ink on Watercolor Paper, the BetterPress impression provides crisp lines that beautifully anchor the soft, vibrant hues of the watercolors. And there was no ink bleeding when watercoloring with the BetterPress Inks! The river sparkles in shades of blue, the bridge has rustic wooden tones, and Pooh’s honey-yellow fur shines against the greenery. The Hello Sentiment is from A Friend Like You set. The card base is Cup O Joe, which is a perfect pairing for this scene. This card is a great way to add touch of whimsy and joy to someone’s day.

Card 2: Sepia Simplicity…So Quick and Easy to Make!
Vintage-inspired Winnie the Pooh hello card featuring Christopher Robin and Pooh on a bridge, pressed with Bark brown ink for a sepia look.

This second card exudes vintage charm with a sepia-inspired look. The scene of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh on a bridge, gazing at a flowing river, is pressed with Bark brown ink for a classic, monochromatic feel. The texture and detail of the BetterPress plate truly shine, creating a design that’s simple yet sophisticated. Paired with a Cup O Joe card base, this card is a perfect nod to Pooh’s timeless stories.

This second card was so quick and easy to create and I think it would make a wonderful set of notecards to give as a gift.

Card 3: Polaroid Nostalgia

Whimsical Winnie the Pooh and Piglet hello card framed in a Polaroid-style die cut and colored with vibrant watercolors.

The third card captures a tender moment of Winnie the Pooh and Piglet walking down a quiet road, their backs turned to the viewer. To frame this scene, I used a Polaroid-style die cut frame and label, which adds a playful, nostalgic touch. After pressing the scene in Black ink onto Watercolor Paper, I brought it to life with Derwent Inktense Watercolor Pencils, creating a soft, storybook aesthetic. The vivid colors and the Polaroid look make this card feel like a treasured memory captured in time.

Key Products Used in the Post:

Each of these Winnie the Pooh cards brings a unique flavor of nostalgia and artistry. Which one is your favorite?

cardmaking · Die cutting · papercrafting

Royal Inspiration: Playing Card-Themed Cards | Spellbinders

Karen Brown1 Comment
Die-cut handmade cards featuring The Queen of Hearts and King of Hearts with a playing card theme. The dies are from Spellbinders Jack of All Trades Collection: Royal Court and Pip and Rank.

Welcome, welcome! Today, we’re diving into the world of handmade cards inspired by the regal charm of playing cards. Our stars of the show? The Queen of Hearts and King of Hearts, reimagined with a dreamy color palette of lavender, plum, and aqua. These cards are extra special because they’re personalized to look like my daughter and son-in-law, making them a true celebration of love and individuality. These cards are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a touch of royal flair.

Key Products Used:

King and Queen of Hearts playing card theme die cut handmade cards. Wonderful customizable ideas for Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays and more.

These cards were so fun to make! You can personalize the peeps in so many different ways…favorite colors, hair and eye color, props….

I used Cardstock in the following colors: Passion Flower, Amethyst, Plum, Antique Ivory, Cup O Joe, Periwinkle and Meadow plus Brushed Gold accents.

Queen of Hearts: Elegance in Lavender

Queen of Hearts handmade card from Spellbinders Reversible Royal Court die set. Great for Birthdays, Anniveraries or Valentines Day.

This Queen of Hearts card is a tribute to my daughter, featuring elements that reflect her grace and personality.

King of Hearts: Bold and Regal

King of Hearts handmade card from Spellbinders Jack of All Trades Collection. Great masculine card for birthdays or Valentines.

Inspired by my son-in-law, this King of Hearts card brings a bold and charismatic vibe to the design.

Crafting these playing card-themed designs has been such a delightful journey of personalization and creativity. Whether you’re celebrating a couple you adore or channeling your own inner royalty, these projects are a great way to share the love. So, what will your Queen and King of Hearts look like?

Karen

cardmaking · Die cutting

A Birthday Card Full of Whimsy: Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Scene

Karen Brown3 Comments
Whimsical blog post showing how I created a charming Winnie the Pooh (and Piglet too!) die cut birthday card from Spellbinders Classic Pooh Collection.

Sometimes, a handmade card can transport us to a place of pure nostalgia and joy. That’s exactly what this Winnie the Pooh-inspired birthday card does! With die cuts, soft ink blending, and a cheerful color palette, this whimsical creation captures a moment straight out of the Hundred Acre Wood.

Key Products Used:

You might also enjoy reading my recent post: Cozy Little Hello Cards with BetterPress | Winnie the Pooh Scene Cards.

A handmade Winnie the Pooh-inspired birthday card featuring Pooh and Piglet holding hands, an orange balloon, a honey pot, and a soft green grass background framed with a periwinkle postage stamp border.

Creating the Scene

This card brings to life a heartwarming scene of Winnie the Pooh and Piglet holding hands, walking side by side. The duo is accompanied by a playful orange balloon on a string, gently floating above. A honey pot rests on the ground, completing the sweet and simple vignette. The background features softly ink-blended green grass, framed by a charming postage stamp-style border in periwinkle blue, adding just the right touch of whimsy.

Techniques for Dimension and Charm

The die cuts are the stars of this card, and a touch of light ink blending adds depth and dimension to each element. Winnie the Pooh’s honey-colored body gets a subtle gradient to make him pop, while Piglet’s pink details are gently shaded for softness. The balloon shines bright in orange, with its string creating a delightful sense of movement.

The grass is ink blended in gentle greens, giving the scene a soft, storybook feel. Meanwhile, the periwinkle frame ties everything together with its postage stamp shape, reminiscent of a cherished letter from the Hundred Acre Wood.

Winnie the Pooh (and Piglet too!) handmade die cut birthday scene card in periwinkle blue, honey yellow and Piglet pink.

Why This Card is a Classic

This Pooh-themed birthday card is more than just a greeting; it’s a tiny piece of nostalgia wrapped in creativity. Perfect for anyone who loves the timeless tales of Winnie the Pooh, this card is sure to bring a smile to their face and a touch of magic to their special day.

Today’s card is for a friend’s birthday, but I think it would also be great as a Get Well Card.

Happy crafting and see ya next time!

Spellbinders | Stitching Die of the Month | Ladybug
cardmaking · stitching

Spellbinders | Stitching Die of the Month | Ladybug

Karen Brown5 Comments
Blog post tutorial showing how I created an adorable Ladybug handstitched card with Spellbinders January 2025 Stitching Die of the Month.

Get ready to fall in love with stitching! Today, we’re exploring how to create a charming handmade card featuring a stitched ladybug and an elegant stitched oval frame using Spellbinders January 2025 Stitching Die of the Month. This project is a delightful mix of texture, color, and whimsy, making it perfect for a wide range of occasions.

You might also enjoy my blog post about this months Small Die of the Month.

Whimsical Stitching: A Handmade Ladybug Card

Delightful handmade greeting card with stitched ladybug and oval frame elements perfect for any occasion.

My Cardmaking Process:

  • I started by die cutting my Stitching Kit pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. I die cut the Sand stitched oval frame twice and glued them together for easier stitching. Next, I cut my lady bug components plus the sentiment (included in kit) and flowers.
  • Prepping your stitching pieces: I use the piercing/pokey tool to ensure clean stitching holes on the die-cut pieces. This will make stitching a breeze.
  • I frequently use Sarah Renae Clarks Color Cubes Volume 1 and Volume 2 for color inspiration. I received mine for my birthday and they are a great gift!
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I stitched with DMC Gold and 839 Brown threads. I hope you can see the shimmer on the ladybug!
  • I usually stitch with size 22 Tapestry needles.
  • I used thin double sided tape to secure my floss to the die cuts. I like that this tape is easy to hide behind the die cuts and I don’t even bother to take the top release paper off the tape.
  • 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.
  • Adhere the stitched oval frame to an aqua cardstock background for a beautiful pop of color. Place the stitched ladybug at the center of the frame, creating a striking focal point. I assembled with Bearly Glue .
Spellbinders January 2025 Stitching Die of the Month Club Kit handmade card featuring a red and black ladybug with gold stitching and a lovely tan stitched oval frame,

Here is a photo of me stitching in front of a crackling fire—it’s the perfect way to add warmth (literally and figuratively) to your crafting session. I always like to pick a cozy or picturesque spot to stitch.

Why You’ll Love This Card

This project combines the tactile joy of stitching with the charm of die-cut details. The vivid red ladybug against the aqua background is eye-catching, while the stitched elements add a handmade touch that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re crafting for a birthday, thank-you note, or just because, this stitched ladybug card is a creative way to show you care.

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.
  • 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.

Karen

cardmaking · Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting

Hero Studio January Card Kit Release and Blog Hop: Love is in the Air!

Karen Brown14 Comments
Hero Arts Studio January Release featuring bright colorful die cut handmade Valentine Cards with The Card Kit and Folded Love Notes die set.

Happy New Year, crafty friends! Let’s kick off 2025 with something truly special—Hero Studio’s brand-new January Card Kit is here, and it’s all about spreading love and creativity. This kit invites you to explore a world of vibrant designs that celebrate love in every shade. Plus, we’re celebrating with a Blog Hop full of inspiration and a $50 gift card. You can see the entire January Release HERE.

Colorful Die Cut Hearts: Hero Studio January Card Kit of the Month

Hero Studio January 2025 Card Kit of the Month: 2 die cut heart valentine cards in teals, aquas, and red.

My color palette for the January Kit combines cool teals and aquas with warm pinks, reds, and plums for a luscious duo of cards.

Layered die cut hearts with floral accents for a colorful handmade valentine card made with Hero Arts January 2025 Card Kit of the Month.

Products Used on my Kit Cards:

I used the negative, or leftover die cuts, from Card 1 and added a few more hearts to create a second card (below).

Stacked die cut hearts on a colorful teal and red handmade Valentine Card.

What’s Inside the Kit?

Let’s take a peek inside the January 2025 Kit:
              • Color Layering Typewriter Clear Stamp Set, 6” x 8”, 
              • Typewriter Messages Clear Stamp Set, 4″ x 6″
              • 7 Typewriter Frame Cut Dies
              • 8 Typewriter Fancy Dies
              • Nesting Hearts Cover Plate Die
              • Mini Clay Hearts
              • 8 Sheets of Cardstock, 5.5″ x 8.5

January 2025 The Whole Studio
The Whole Studio includes ALL 5 of the monthly subscriptions in one discounted bundle. Cling of the Month, Clear + Dies of the Month, Layering Stencil of the Month, Fancy Dies of the Month, and the Card Kit of the Month.

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


Rainbow of Hearts: A Burst of Color | Folded Love Notes Fancy Die Kit

Rainbow Color die cut heart Valentine card created with Hero Arts Folded Love Notes die set.

You can craft a unique card using the “Extraordinary Extra” Folded Love Notes. Layer colorful die-cut hearts on the folds to create a dynamic, interactive design…. This is the idea I started with, but once I began die cutting my concept totally changed! I used a vibrant mix of colors from the rainbow and then stacked them on different sized hearts with a high contrast value. I love the end result. All the hearts were cut with dies from the kit. I used Cardstock in the following colors: Arctic, Paradise, Adriatic, Kiwi, Cranberry, Cherry, Plum, Passion Flower, Amethyst, Peony, Papaya, Azalea.

Bright fun and playful die cut heart Valentine Card.

Join the Blog Hop!

Our Blog Hop is your chance to see this kit in action. Some of your favorite crafters are showcasing their takes on the January Release, and trust us—the inspiration is next-level! Hop along, leave comments on each blog for a chance to win a fabulous prize, and pick up tips and tricks to use in your own projects.

 
Hero Arts
Hero Arts Creative Team:
Anna Mahtani
Channin Pelletier
Charlene Madrid
Jeannie Lieu
Jennifer Kotas
Karen Brown You Are Here!
Lisa Tilson
Michelle Lupton
Mindy Eggen
Natasha Polite
Natasha Vacca
Rachel Kleinman
Rosie Lopez
Seeka
Special Guests:
Nichol Spohr
Kelly Taylor

Don’t Miss Out!

The January Card Kit is available now, but supplies are limited. Be sure to grab yours before they’re gone, and join us on the Blog Hop for a chance to win, get inspired, and start 2025 on a crafty high note!

Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite element in this month’s kit? ❤️