Tag: BetterPress Letter Press

Two shell theme BetterPress and Hot Foil Glimmer cards. One Plate, Two Techniques: BetterPress & Glimmer Cards
BetterPress · Die cutting · Hot Foiling

One Plate, Two Techniques: BetterPress & Glimmer Cards

Karen Brown1 Comment

This month’s Hero Arts July Release is full of that easy, breezy summer energy—think sandy toes, sunshine, and salty air. I had so much fun creating with the Summer by the Sea collection, and I’m sharing five cards that show off the versatility of these beautiful new products.

One Plate, Two Looks

Handmade card with gold foiled shell background pattern on aqua cardstock, featuring layered “hello” die cut sentiment in gold and teal. Hero Arts Scattered Shells LetterPress + Foil Plate

Card One: Hot Foiled Glimmer Glow

The first two cards are part of a Hero Arts Instagram Hop that you can find HERE.


I hot foiled the Scattered Shells LetterPress + Foil Plate in matte gold using my Spellbinders Glimmer System, over a gorgeous aqua cardstock. The result is luxe and luminous—it truly glows in person!


I added a layered sentiment using the scripty “hello” from the July Hero Studio Die of the Month Kit—die cut from matte gold cardstock with a slightly offset teal shadow for contrast. Everything is mounted on teal cardstock for a rich, beachy vibe.

You might also be interested in a recent Glimmer Hot Foil Butterfly Post.

Card Two: LetterPress Charm

Handmade card with hydrangea blue letterpress shell background pattern and sentiment “Better Than A Text” using Hero Arts Scattered Shells LetterPress + Foil Plate

For a softer feel, I used the same plate with Hydrangea ink in my BetterPress system. The result is crisp and coastal.
I paired it with a cheeky sentiment—“Better Than A Text”—from the new Banner Days Stamp & Cut set. It’s a fun reminder that handmade is always more heartfelt!

These two cards came together quickly and really showcase the range you can get from one plate—hot foil elegance or classic letterpress charm.

You might also enjoy my popular post: 9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress Machine.

Beach Summer seashell themed BetterPress LetterPress card in Hydrangea Blue ink.

🐚 Beach Shell Wreath Card

Square handmade card with pastel beach shell wreath die cuts in mint, coral, blush, kraft, white and aqua.

Next up is a square card that centers around a gorgeous die cut Summer Shell Wreath using the Sophisticated Shells Dies. I used ColorWheel Cardstock in:

  • Mint, Waterfall, Blush, Tuscan, Carrot, Coral, White, and Kraft.

I added just a touch of ink blending to the die cuts to give some depth and dimension, then finished it off with a sweet sentiment from Banner Days and a few clear dot embellishments to mimic bubbles or sea glass. The soft coastal tones and wreath shape feel fresh and modern.

Cheerful Beach Wreath die cut square card using Hero Arts Sophisticated Shell Dies.

🗣️ Sentiment-Focused Cards

Two beach summer themed cards featuring Hero Arts Banner Days stamped and die cut sentiments.

Finally, I created two additional cards using the Banner Days Stamp & Cut set. These sentiments are fun, cheeky, and so versatile—they really bring the “message” to the forefront of your design.

Stamped sentiment focused beach theme card with die cut seashells embellisments.

You’ll find phrases like:

  • “Better Than a Text”
  • “You’re a Treasure”
  • “Some Friendships are Timeless ”

…perfect for summer hello cards, pen pal notes, or lighthearted designs.

Handmade Card with multiple stamped summer and beach theme sentiments + die cut shell embellishments.

And our final card features 5 die cut sentiments that could be “messages in a bottle”.

Message in a bottle theme sentiment focused handmade card

This collection has such a relaxed, summery vibe—whether you’re foiling, pressing, or layering die cuts, there’s something here for every cardmaker. Stay tuned to Instagram for even more ideas from the Hop!

Thanks for stopping by!

How to choose color in cardmaking. How to Choose Colors for Handmade Cards
cardmaking · Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting

How to Choose Colors for Handmade Cards

Karen Brown2 Comments
Card featuring a layered five-point barn star die in rich purple and lavender with orange and lavender greenery embellishments, placed on a script BetterPress background in soft purple ink and mounted on a purple card base. Gold glimmer sentiment reads 'Enjoy Today to the Fullest.

Choosing the right colors for your handmade cards can feel like a creative puzzle—fun but sometimes a little overwhelming. Whether you lean toward classic Christmas colors or love a bold non-traditional palette, color selection sets the tone for your entire project.

Today, I’m sharing two recent cards using the Spellbinders July 2025 holiday releases, and both were inspired by two different color systems: the Color Cubes and the Spellbinders Color Deck System. Each approach helped me craft a distinctive look—from rustic purple barn stars to pastel hot cocoa mugs. Let’s dive into the color magic!

Card 1: Barn Star Wreath – Bold & Non-Traditional

Die cut 5 point Barn Star Wreath card in non-traditional Christmas colors of purple, orange and soft blue.

For this card, I used the Barn Star Wreath Die from Annie Williams’ Country Christmas Collection—but with a non-traditional twist! I selected Color Cube #255 (from Sarah Renae Clark’s Color Cubes) as my palette guide, which includes rich purples, vibrant orange, and soft blue tones.

Color Cube Bundle: Volumes 1 and 2

The Barn Star is a beautiful layered die cut—mine has a deep purple top layer with delicate flourish cutouts over a lavender base. I added die cut lavender greenery and an orange accent for contrast. The background features a BetterPress Script Text Plate pressed in Thistle Reactive Ink on white watercolor paper (yes—it worked beautifully even without BetterPress ink!).

I layered everything on a purple A2 card base, then added a gold Glimmer sentiment—“Enjoy Today to the Fullest”—from the La Dolce Vita BetterPress Sentiments set.

This card includes a little of everything:
✔ Die cutting
✔ Bold Colors
✔ BetterPress background
✔ Glimmer Hot Foiled sentiment

With Color Cubes, you can search by Color, Keyword or Collections. For this card I looked at cards that had the color orange and used the keyword “fruit”. Card #255 was just the non-traditional look I was going for!

Color tip: Don’t be afraid to break the “holiday rules” with color. Purple and orange may not scream Christmas—but together they create a rustic, modern, and cozy vibe.

Cocoa Cups – Inspired by the Spellbinders Color Deck

Winter card with repeating die cut hot cocoa mugs in pastel shades including pink, yellow, lavender, and blue, each topped with a glittery snowflake. Mounted on a white background and created using the Spellbinders Color Deck Holiday Expansion palette.

My second card showcases Spellbinders’ beautiful Color Deck System and Color Deck Bundle, specifically the Holiday Expansion Pack. These 5″ x 4.5″ cards are packed with inspiring palettes—each one practically begging to be turned into a card!

I paired this with Spellbinders’ Color Swatch Petal Stack, which helped me identify and swatch my main colors. The cardstock came from the Color Wheel Sampler:
🌸 Chiffon
🎀 Tutu
🌞 Beeswax
💧 Cascade
🌿 Lavender
🌸 Orchid
🍂 Fawn
💜 Mulberry
🌌 Cosmic Sky

My layout features a pattern of repeating die cut cocoa mugs (from the July 2025 Large Die of the Month Kit) in these pastel shades, each topped with a sparkly glitter snowflake. It’s a playful winter card that also works perfectly for a cozy coffee theme year-round!

Color tip: Using a pre-designed color system (like Spellbinders’ Color Deck or a sampler set) takes the guesswork out of color combos. It’s especially helpful when mixing a lot of hues on one card.

Hot cocoa coffee theme die cut card with a pattern Rainbow hued mugs using Spellbinders July 2025 Large Die of the Month kit.

🧠 Other Color Selection Tips:

🎨 Google Image Search
Search terms like “Christmas color palettes” or “winter pastel colors”, then switch to the “Images” tab. Seeing real-life examples can help spark ideas.

🎨 Color Wheel Strategies

  • Analogous Colors: Colors next to each other (e.g., blue, teal, green) for a harmonious look.
  • Complementary Colors: Opposites on the wheel (e.g., purple + yellow) for bold contrast.

🎨 Neutrals
When in doubt, mix brights with soft neutrals like kraft, white, cream, or gray for balance.

Whether you’re swatching, color-scheming, or just winging it, choosing colors can be one of the most satisfying parts of cardmaking. Try something unexpected—you might just love the results!

BetterPress Modern Botanicals handmade card. Spellbinders | BetterPress Modern Botanicals
BetterPress · cardmaking

Spellbinders | BetterPress Modern Botanicals

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Trio of Spellbinders Modern Botanicals BetterPress cards in blues, tans, yellows and oranges.

Today I’m sharing a beautiful trio of cards I created using the new “Flourishing” BetterPress Plate Set from the Modern Botanicals Collection by Dina Wakley. This versatile 6-piece set features flowy greenery, abstract dots, three simple circles, and a funky half-arch — all perfect for building modern, artsy compositions with minimal effort. I trimmed each card down with Hero Arts Postage Stamp Nesting Dies.

Set of three modern handmade cards using Spellbinders Flourishing BetterPress plates with unique color combos and layouts.

While this set includes a layout template, I had fun going off-script and creating my own designs. I loved mixing up the colors, rotating the elements, and trying out different sentiments. These cards were fast, satisfying, and perfect for mass producing — ideal for gifting, sending, or just building your stash.

If you’d like to see a side by side comparison of Better Press and Glimmer Hot Foil, click HERE.

I was out of BetterPress paper (gasp!), so I reached for a nice creamy watercolor paper from my stash — and it worked wonderfully!

Key Products Used:

Card 1: Modern Thank You

A fun modern BetterPress thank you card in Azalea, Hyrdrangea blue, tan, and brown.

Inks: Hydrangea, Azalea, Tawny Brown, Saffron
Sentiment: Stylish Script – Thank You Glimmer Plate

Yes, Glimmer plates play beautifully with the BetterPress system, and vice versa! I used the Stylish Script Glimmer Plate for a touch of shiny elegance.

Modern look BetterPress letterpress thank you card with hand drawn shapes and leaves.

Card 2: Coastal Tones

Spellbdiners Modern Botanicals "Flourishing" BetterPress thank you card in muted blues, tans, yellow and orange.

Inks: Coastal, Tawny Brown, Saffron, Azalea

This one has more muted blue tones, but still feels fresh and uplifting — a great example of how changing the color palette shifts the mood.

BetterPress letterpress thank you card with a leaf, 3 circles, cluster of dots and a half circle lined arch.

Card 3: Warm Hello

Modern BetterPress letterpress card with greenery, circles, lined arch and Hello Hello sentiment.

Inks: Clay, Black, Coastal, Saffron
Sentiment: BetterPress Plate BP104 – A Friend Like You

I love how the black adds a strong graphic contrast to the natural shapes, while the warm tones bring energy and warmth.

Bold graphic Spellbinders Modern Botanicals card with Clay, Black, Coastal, and Saffron BetterPress inks and a 'Hello' sentiment

I’ll link to my popular BetterPress tutorial for tips on how to get clean, crisp impressions every time.

If you’re looking to make beautiful modern cards quickly, Flourishing is a winner. Whether you follow the included layout template or experiment like I did, you’ll end up with satisfying results and minimal mess. Modern, minimal, and totally mailable — what more could you want?

A trio of BetterPress letterpress Modern Botanical cards.
Lemon theme handmade die cut card Spellbinders | Lovely Lemons: Die Cutting, Ink Blending & a Touch of Gold
BetterPress · cardmaking · Die cutting

Spellbinders | Lovely Lemons: Die Cutting, Ink Blending & a Touch of Gold

Karen Brown12 Comments

Today I’m sharing a bright and cheerful card that was pure joy to create—inspired by my three beloved Meyer lemon trees! I’ve cared for these trees for over 15 years, and each winter they gift me with sunny, fragrant lemons. As I wait for this year’s green fruit to ripen, I crafted a lemon-themed card that celebrates the zest of life and all things citrus.

Key Products:

🍋 The Card Details:

This design features two Citrus Spritz die cut lemons, softly ink blended for dimension and realism, along with a few complementary die cut leaves and tiny blossoms.

The background uses the Script Text BetterPress Plate, inked up in Hydrangea BetterPress Ink. I used a simple oval mask while pressing, to keep the impression focused and centered. I then die cut the panel using a Scalloped Oval die from the Scalloped and Stitched Ovals Die Set. You can find step-by-step instructions in my recent blog post.

For the sentiment, I went for a touch of European flair with “Ciao Bella” from the La Dolce Vita BetterPress Plates. But instead of pressing, I used my Glimmer Hot Foil System to gold foil the plate. I love that the BetterPress plates can pull double duty as hot foil plates! This is a quick and easy way to make LOTS of sentiments at once.

The finished card is matted on a vivid blue cardstock that picks up on the hydrangea tones in the background. The result? Fresh, bright, and irresistibly cheerful.

📷 Behind the Scenes:

I am also sharing a process photo showing how I organize my die cuts using the Spellbinders lidded Combo Craft Stax Tray Set. It’s a game-changer for assembly!

And here is a photo of one of my Meyer Lemon Trees. The lemons are green now, but come November, they will ripen into lovely fragrant yellow fruit perfect for cooking.

📌 Related Inspiration:

BetterPress · Die cutting · Mixed Media

How to Create Mixed Media Backgrounds for Your Cards

Karen Brown1 Comment

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.

🛠 Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Start with the Background: For this project, the focus was the Script Text BetterPress Plate. Begin by die cutting an oval template using the Scallops and Stitched Edge Ovals die set. Save the oval itself, but use the negative panel (with the oval opening) as an inking guide.
  • Ink with BetterPress: Place the panel over the Script Text BetterPress Plate and use Best Ever Craft Tape to hold it in place. Ink only the oval opening using Black BetterPress ink on Porcelain BetterPress Paper.
  • Important: Remove the inking guide before running the plate through your Platinum 6 machine.
    • 🐢 Tip: Use “SUPER SLOMO” speed to get the best letterpress impression.
  • Add a Watercolor Wash: Apply a light Salty Ocean watercolor wash to the center oval portion of your letterpressed background. Let dry completely.
  • Stamp Texture: Using Hero Arts Mixed Textures Stamp Set, ink up some paint splatter stamps with Salty Ocean and lightly mist the stamp with water for a more vintage look. Stamp the background 3-4 times.
  • Add Paint Splatters: Use a fan brush to add Salty Ocean paint splatters for added depth.
  • Distress the Panel Further:
    • Dilute Salty Ocean on your craft mat.
    • Dab a small portion the background panel into the ink pool 3–4 times.
    • Let the ink run slightly for an authentic mixed media effect.
  • Die Cut Blooms: Use the Layered Wildflower die set by Lisa Horton to create floral accents. This entire project features elements from Lisa Horton’s Wildflower Collection.
  • Sentiment Touch: Use a “For You” wax seal from a previous Wax Seal of the Month Kit.
  • Final Touches:

💌 Bonus Project: Layered Die Cut Background

For a second card using the same supplies:

  • Begin with a plaid base in navy, merlot, and aqua. This was cardstock I bought at a Cardmaking Convention.
  • Layer a Merlot scallop oval, Nautical Navy oval, and a Waterfall stitched oval using the Scallop and Stitched Edge Ovals dies and ColorWheel Cardstock.
  • Spotlight a single merlot wildflower die cut from Lisa Horton’s Layered Wildflower set.
  • Add a gold bow (included in the die set) for a subtle accent.
  • Finish with a “From the Heart” sentiment — a versatile option, perfect for sympathy cards.

I hope you found some inspiration today.

Handmade mixed media card featuring letterpress script background, watercolor textures, and layered wildflower die cuts from Lisa Horton’s Wildflower Collection.

Thanks for stopping by!

BetterPress · cardmaking

Bursting with Smiles: Celebrating with the Hero Arts Starburst LetterPress Plates

Karen BrownLeave a comment
2 festive Hero Arts Starburst BetterPress letterpress cards in aquas, greens and pinks.

Today I’m sharing two bright and happy cards featuring the brand new Starburst LetterPress Plates from the Hero Arts Lovely LetterPress Collection. These four festive plates are perfect for birthdays, graduations, congratulations, or any occasion that calls for a little extra cheer. If you love fun pops of color and crisp, luxurious impressions, this set is a must-have!

Key Products Used:

Best BetterPress Celebratory Card

Sending Smiles Starburst card in bright happy shades of green, aqua and pink.

For the first card, I chose a vibrant Leaf Green BetterPress Ink for the sentiment, which reads “sending smiles” from the Best Wishes LetterPress Set. To surround it in celebratory style, I pressed three starbursts in Hydrangea and Wild Berry.

  • The layout features a large starburst in the top right, with two smaller bursts dancing below the sentiment.
  • I trimmed my Porcelain BetterPress panel with the Hero Arts Rectangle Infinity Dies, giving it clean, crisp edges.
  • A coordinating green matting layer ties the whole palette together.

The end result? A card bursting with joy and perfect for any feel-good occasion!

Bright Happy BetterPress LetterPress card with 3 large starbursts in aqua and pink with a large pressed "sending smiles" sentiment in green, perfect for birthdays, graduations or Get Well.

Aqua Cheers

Aqua, green and coral starburst BetterPress LetterPress card from Hero Arts Lovely LetterPress Collection.

My second card flips the color focus for a totally different feel using the same design.

  • This time, I pressed the “sending smiles” sentiment in beautiful Hydrangea ink (a soft aqua blue).
  • The starbursts are done in cheerful Leaf Green and Azalea, creating a fresh springy vibe.
  • Once again, the design features a top-right burst and two bottom bursts, echoing the layout of the first card.
  • I framed this one with a coordinating aqua matting layer to match the pressed sentiment.

Whether you love greens, blues, pinks or berries, these plates play so well with all your favorite BetterPress Inks.

Best BetterPress LetterPress Birthday and Graduation card in festive aqua, green and coral.

Tools of the Trade

These cards were made using the Spellbinders BetterPress System with Porcelain BetterPress Paper, and inked with vibrant shades of BetterPress Inks. My Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine helped apply perfect pressure, and the Hero Arts Rectangle Infinity Dies made trimming panels a breeze.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to overload the ink! These plates are so well-designed that a light inking creates beautifully crisp results every time.

Want More BetterPress Magic?

Be sure to check out my 9 Tips and Tricks for Your BetterPress System blog post for all my favorite ways to get flawless results with every press.

And don’t forget—these colorful cards are part of an Instagram Hop! Follow along for even more creative inspiration and enter for a chance to win: Instagram Hop Link.

Which version is your favorite: Wild Berry Smiles or Aqua Cheers? I’d love to know in the comments!

Happy pressing, friends! 🌟

BetterPress · cardmaking · Die cutting

Spellbinders | Yana’s Daisies

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Two handmade daisy-themed cards side by side—one with die-cut florals and the other with a bold BetterPress letterpress design.

Talented cardmaker Yana Smakula has done it again! Her new Yana’s Daisies collection for Spellbinders is a fresh take on classic florals, and I was thrilled to get my hands on a few advance products for this launch.

I created two stunning daisy-themed cards using:
🌼 Daisy Trio Etched Dies – A gorgeous, detailed die set perfect for layering.
🎨 Daisy Trio BetterPress Plates & Stencil Bundle – For an elegant, high-contrast letterpress effect. (Link for BetterPress Plates without stencils.)

Card 1: Layered Die-Cut Daisies with Wildflower Background

Layered Die-Cut Daisy Card: A handmade card featuring three yellow die-cut daisies with dark outlines, mounted on a blue wildflower-seeded specialty paper background from Your Paper Insider Subscription Box.

For this card, I used Yana’s Daisy Etched Dies and three premium papers from my Your Paper Insider subscription—because who doesn’t love a little happy mail surprise?

✂️ The Process:

  • Sunflower Yellow Cardstock petals: Using my Platinum 6, I Die-cut the trio from Sunflower Yellow Cardstock and lightly ink-blended with two shades of golden brown for dimension.
  • Wrought Iron Raw cardstock: Used for the intricate daisy outlines and leaves.
  • Vellum shadow layer: Softens the look and adds elegance.
  • Paper shim tip: These dies are beautifully intricate! Adding a paper shim while die-cutting ensures crisp, clean cuts.

🌼 Layered, Not Inlaid! After debating between inlaying or layering, I chose to layer the Sunflower Yellow petals onto the Wrought Iron Raw outlines—and I LOVE the result! I used Bearly Art Glue and a Ninja sticky wand for precision placement.

📜 Background Paper: I wanted something special, so I chose Blue Confetti Wildflower paper from my paper subscription. It’s 100% recycled and embedded with wildflower seeds—a perfect pairing for this floral design!

Layered and die cut Daisy Sunflower handmade card created with Spellbinders + Yana's Daisy Etched dies.

Card 2: Bold, Graphic BetterPress Daisies

A high-contrast BetterPress letterpress card with white daisies, Leaf Green inked background, and a foiled black "Hello" sentiment. Framed in white with three enamel dots.

For my second card, I wanted to go for high contrast and a bold graphic style, so I turned to the Daisy Trio BetterPress plates. You might be interested in my post: 9 Tips, Tricks and Insights Into Spellbinders BetterPress System

🎨 The Process:

  • I used my BetterPress System.
  • Leaf BetterPress Ink: I tapped, twisted, and generously inked the BetterPress plate before running it through my Platinum 6 machine SUPER SLOW (pro tip: slow rolling = perfect impressions).
  • Coordinating stencils: I added shading in Lemon Drop and Granite to bring the design to life.
  • White daisies (un-inked): Letting the design speak for itself.

📏 The Frame: I die-cut a white stitched frame (November 2024 Stitching Die of the Month) twice and stacked them for dimension.

✉️ Finishing Touches: A black foiled “Hello” (BetterPress sentiment) and three white enamel dots added the perfect crisp, modern touch.

Bold graphic green and white Daisy BetterPress card finished off with a white die cut frame.

Card 3: Aqua and Pink Sunflower Card

Aqua, White and Pink Better Press + stenciled handmade card using Yana | Spellbinders Daisy Trio Better Press plates and Hydrangea ink.

For my third card, I experimented a bit. I wanted to try a BetterPress fade, so I inked my plate with Hydrangea BetterPress ink, but added less ink at the top and bottom. I used Taffy Reactive Ink and the coordinating stencils for my pink accents.

Bright happy aqua, pink and white hello card with giant BetterPress daisies.

Final Thoughts

This collection is an absolute must-have if you love florals with a modern, sophisticated edge! The detailed etched dies are perfect for paper piecing, and the BetterPress plates create stunning impressions with minimal effort.

Which card do you love most—the layered daisy trio or the bold graphic BetterPress look? Let’s chat in the comments! 💛🌿

BetterPress · papercrafting

Ranch-Themed BetterPress Art Projects: Meet Clover and Cotton Ball

Karen Brown1 Comment
Create your own BetterPress framed and watercolored art pieces of Clover the Cow and Cotton Ball the lamb.

There’s something special about bringing a little piece of the ranch indoors—especially when it comes in the form of charming letterpressed art. Today, I’m excited to share two BetterPress projects straight from my little hacienda, featuring Clover the cow and Cotton Ball the lamb from Spellbinders.

New To BetterPress?

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.

Key Products Used in This Post:

Meet Clover the Cow

Spellbinders Clover the Cow watercolored BetterPress Animal Art piece framed to display in home.

Clover isn’t just any cow—she’s inspired by a real-life, flower-munching culprit from my own yard. And yes, she was eating flowers from my garden!

The BetterPress version of Clover captures her mischievous spirit, complete with a whimsical flower wreath perched atop her head.

Inspiration photo for my Cow BetterPress framed art piece.

After BetterPressing Clover, I added soft watercolor washes that brought her to life, highlighting her gentle eyes and the delicate petals in her floral crown. What’s more, the print looks stunning even without the watercolor—just the crisp, tactile impression of the press is beautiful on its own.

Process photo showing my watercoloring technique for colorizing my Spellbinders BetterPress Cow print.

Introducing Cotton Ball the Lamb

Spellbinders Cotton Ball the lamb BetterPress watercolored and framed animal art piece.

Not to be outdone by Clover, Cotton Ball the lamb is equally charming with her own flower wreath. She’s the picture of pastoral sweetness, and the BetterPress captured every curl and detail of her woolly coat. Watercoloring Cotton Ball was a joy, blending soft pastels to match her gentle personality.

Framed with Love

Both prints sit in 4″ x 5″ easel frames that add a touch of ranch-inspired warmth to my home. The textures from the letterpress, the soft watercolor hues, and the rustic frames create an inviting, homey feel that reflects life on my little hacienda.

Try It Yourself

Whether you’re inspired by ranch life or just love the charm of whimsical animal art, BetterPress projects like Clover and Cotton Ball are a joy to create. The prints are beautiful whether you choose to watercolor them or leave them as crisp, letterpressed pieces.

BetterPress · cardmaking

Cozy Little Hello Cards with BetterPress: Winnie the Pooh Scenes

Karen Brown1 Comment
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?

Best Of · cardmaking

Best and Favorite Cards of 2024: The Year’s Most-Loved Designs

Karen BrownLeave a comment

As the year comes to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on all the creative projects I’ve shared across my Blog, YouTube channel, and Instagram. The journey has been filled with color, craftiness, and, most importantly, connecting with all of you!

Many of these items featured on my “Fan Favorites” list are currently on sale too!

  • Find Hero Arts New Year’s Eve sale items HERE
  • Hero Arts Final Sale items can be found HERE.
  • Shop Hero Arts HERE
  • Shop Spellbinders New Year’s Eve Sale HERE
  • Find Spellbinders Clearance Sale HERE
  • Shop Spellbinders newer collections HERE.

YouTube’s Card Tutorial: Most Watched Video

Best and Most Popular YouTube Cardmaking Video in 2024.

On YouTube, it was all about bringing techniques to life. Here is the tutorial that flew the highest:

Blog Post Link: Shimmery Snowflake Backgrounds 3 Ways

YouTube Link: Shimmery Snowflake Backgrounds

I created this video for HeroArts Blog and YouTube channel but I also posted on my YouTube Channel for my followers as well.

Top Blog Post in 2024

This year on my blog, I focused on techniques that ranged from beginner-friendly to advanced, and your feedback has been the cherry on top! My most read blog post this year was:

9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress Machine

I received a BetterPress LetterPress system for Christmas in 2023, and I had lots of fun learning and experimenting with my new crafty toy. You can read my original blog post by clicking on the link above.

Best, Favorite, Most Popular Cardmaking Blog Post of 2024,

Instagram Reels: Quick Crafting, Big Inspiration

Favorite and Most Popular Instagram Reel in 2024.

This year, Instagram Reels became a go-to for sharing bite-sized creativity. These short videos were packed with techniques, tips, and a splash of fun. Here is my most popular 2024 Reel.

Instagram Reel Link: Floral Trove Stenciled Friend Card

Corresponding Blog Post Link: Stunning Stenciling Magic with Rainbow Colors

Instagram Highlights: Most-Liked and Commented on Creations

Instagram brought quick inspiration and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks to your feeds. Here are the top posts.

For Spellbinders, these were the fan favorites. You can find links to the corresponding blog posts below:

Best Handmade Spellbinders Cards in 2024.

And here are my most popular Hero Arts Instagram posts along with links to the correstponding Blog Posts:

Best Hero Arts Handmade Cards in 2024.

I’m so grateful to share this journey with all of you. Your comments, likes, and creations inspire me every day. Here’s to an even brighter, more colorful 2025 filled with new techniques, bold designs, and, of course, plenty of fun! Let me know in the comments—what were your favorite projects this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy crafting, and see you in the new year! ✨☕

Karen