Tag: Coffee

Die-cut stand up tote bag with handles. How to Create a Dimensional Die-Cut Tote Bag (That Doubles as a Gift Card Holder)
Die cutting · papercrafting

How to Create a Dimensional Die-Cut Tote Bag (That Doubles as a Gift Card Holder)

Karen Brown2 Comments

A fun, stand-up papercraft project perfect for summer, gifting, and display

Tote bag holding a gift card, styled as a decorative papercraft gift
DIY die-cut gift card holders are so much fun to give…and receive.

I was in the mood to create something a little different… something dimensional, display-worthy, and fun.

And then it hit me—what about a stand-up tote bag that could double as a gift card holder?

This die-cut tote is not exactly a traditional card… but it could easily become one. Instead, I designed mine as a summery beach tote, filled with bright, happy colors and just the right amount of personality.

It’s the kind of project that looks adorable sitting on a table, shelf, or countertop—and even better when it’s holding a little surprise inside.

What You’ll Learn in This Post

  • How to create a die-cut stand-up tote bag
  • Easy ways to customize your design for any occasion
  • Why dimensional papercrafts make such memorable gifts
  • Creative ideas for using this tote as a gift card holder
  • How to turn this design into a traditional card if desired

Product Spotlight: A Simple Die Set with Endless Possibilities

The Hero Arts Tote Bag die set (Tote-Ally Awesome Bundle) is wonderfully simple:

  • A large tote shape
  • Long, strappy handles
  • Two accent strips for added detail

To personalize my tote, I used the Tiny Treasures Stamp & Cut set, filled with adorable charms and sentiments. It also pairs well with sentiments from the Keep Calm Stamp Set, which work beautifully with this design.

What I love most is how versatile this tote is. With just a few small changes, you can create completely different looks—making this a die set you’ll reach for again and again.

If you enjoy working with versatile tools like this, you might also like my roundup of the 14 Best Cardmaking Products and Supplies for 2026, where I share the tools I truly use the most.

Why Dimensional Designs Are So Loved

There’s something special about a project that stands up on its own.

Dimensional designs feel:

  • Interactive
  • Giftable
  • Display-worthy
  • A little unexpected

This tote has that “keepsake” quality—the kind of project recipients don’t toss aside. They display it.

If you enjoy dimensional projects, you might also love my post 1 Die Set, 2 Moods: Coffee Shop Chalkboards & a Lemonade Easel Card, where I explore another fun stand-up design.

Die-cut dimensional tote bag in blue and pink with a coffee charm, standing upright on a white surface
Stand-up dimmensional die-cuts are keepsakes recipients love to receive.

📌 Pin This for Later

Ways to Customize Your Tote

This is where the fun really begins.

  • Add charms to match the recipient’s personality (coffee, hearts, cherries, lemons, bows… there are so many options!)
  • Choose colors based on the occasion:
    • Red & green for Christmas
    • School colors for graduation
    • Soft pastels for spring
  • Try masculine styles (camo paper would be amazing!)
  • Emboss the tote for added texture and dimension
  • Keep it simple with one charm—or layer multiple for a playful look

Today, I added a coffee cup charm, but there are endless ways to make this tote your own.

A Creative Gift Card Holder Idea

Finished tote displayed on a table as a decorative papercraft piece
Die cut standup beach bag tote is a unique and highly personalizable papercrafting project.

One of my favorite uses for this tote?

Slip a gift card inside.

It instantly becomes:

  • Thoughtful
  • Unique
  • Memorable

I’ll be sharing a few photos of this option, along with how it looks styled on a shelf—because this little tote truly deserves to be displayed.

How to Create Your Stand-Up Tote

I started by choosing a bright, beachy color palette:

  • Sky blue tote
  • Pink handles
  • Striped pink and lime green accent base

I die cut two of each piece to build dimension.

Craft desk showing tote die cuts, cardstock, and tools mid-project
Using scored strips of cardstock is a great way to create standup die-cut keepsakes.

To create the stand-up base:

  1. Cut a 1” strip of cardstock
  2. Score ¼” in from each side
  3. This leaves a ½” center base
  4. Trim into:
    • One 2¼” strip for the bottom
    • Two additional strips for the sides

This simple structure allows the tote to stand beautifully on its own.

Adding the Charm

To personalize my tote:

  • I stamped and heat embossed a coffee cup
  • Die cut the image
  • Attached it to the handle as a charm

You can:

  • Add one charm for a clean look
  • Or layer several for a more playful design

Both styles work beautifully.

You might also enjoy:

🧰 Supplies I Used

These are the exact tools I used to create this technique-focused card.

If you’d like to recreate this card, here are the supplies I used:

If you’re building your craft stash, I also keep a curated list of my go-to cardmaking supplies pinned here:
👉 My Go-To Cardmaking Supplies

And if you love discovering new kits, don’t miss my guide to the Best Subscription Cardmaking Kits for 2026—it’s a great way to keep your creativity flowing.

Final Thoughts

This tote checks all the boxes:

  • Easy to die cut and assemble
  • Highly customizable
  • Display-worthy
  • Perfect for gifting

📌 Pin This for Later

And it’s just plain fun.

💙

🏆 Ranked among the Top Cardmaking Blogs by Feedspot

Display worthy chalkboard easel handmade. 1 Die Set, 2 Moods: Coffee Shop Chalkboards & a Lemonade Easel Card
cardmaking · Tutorial

1 Die Set, 2 Moods: Coffee Shop Chalkboards & a Lemonade Easel Card

Karen Brown4 Comments

Create Dimensional Keepsake Cards That Will Wow Your Recipient

4 versions of chalkboard easel die-cut cards from Spellbinders Pink Lemonade Stand Collection

Some die sets are fun. Others quietly become craft room staples—the kind you reach for again and again because they just work.

The new Spellbinders Pink Lemonade Stand Collection falls firmly into that second category.

With its stand-up easel chalkboard design, customizable accessories, and endless styling options, this set can go modern or playful, graphic or cozy, bold or soft. Its both eye-catching and surprisingly easy to create—even if you’ve never made a dimensional card before.

Today, I’m sharing how to turn this versatile die set into a dimensional chalkboard easel card that’s both eye-catching and surprisingly easy to create.

In This Post, You’ll Learn:

• How to create a dimensional chalkboard-style easel card
• Tips for building a stable stand-up design
• Ways to customize your card for different occasions
• How To Get Professional Heat Embossing Every Time

I’ve created two dimensional easel card designs using the same kit:
• a bright, cheerful stand-up strawberry-lemonade easel card that practically begs to be displayed

• a trio of bold, graphic coffee shop thank-you cards featuring dramatic black cardstock and heat embossing

Along the way, I’m also sharing a reliable heat embossing tutorial, tips for building sturdy easel cards, and ideas to help you get the most mileage possible out of this die set.

Angled side view of pink lemonade stand easel card standing upright for display

Product Spotlight: Pink Lemonade Stand Die Set

The chalkboard easel card featured today is built with the delightful Pink Lemonade Stand Die Set from Spellbinders.

What makes this set so versatile is the dimensional stand design and the mix-and-match accessories that allow you to style it for everything from summer lemonade stands to cozy coffee shop scenes.

Why I love it:

• Creates dimensional easel cards that display beautifully
• Includes fun accessory pieces for customizing your stand
• Works with many different themes and occasions

See the die set here.

Lemonade Stand Easel Card (Bright, Happy, Display-Worthy)

For my first card, I used the Lemonade Stand die set traditionally—and it’s a show-stopper.

Design Details

  • Black chalkboard center
  • Tan “wood” frame top and bottom
  • Die-cut pitcher of pink lemonade, glasses, lemons, and a strawberry
  • Included hello sentiment
  • Pink and yellow banner across the top

Color palette: pink, yellow, and pale blue—bright, happy, and eye-catching without being busy.

Lemonade stand easel card with pink lemonade pitcher, lemons, banner, and black chalkboard background. Spellbinders S6-269
Dimensional stand-up easel cards beg to be displayed.

I cut many of my elements from lightly inked scraps, which keeps everything from looking flat. I also added a touch of ink blending to the lemons for dimension.

If lemons are your thing too, you might enjoy this favorite from last year → Lovely Lemons: Die Cutting, Ink Blending & a Touch of Gold.

I am sharing a diecutting process photo and I talk more about why I love my Platinum 6 in my must-have cardmaking list.

process photo of die-cutting
Die cutting lemonade embellishments creates fun interest on chalkboard easel display cards.

Up-Right Easel Assembly Tip

  • Die cut a second chalkboard backer from tan cardstock
  • Score just below the top wood header on the front and back panel
  • Glue only the top headers together to create a sturdy stand

These display-worthy cards are the kind recipients keep out long after the occasion.

Trio of Coffee Shop Thank-You Cards (Black Cardstock = Instant Drama)

For my trio of cards, I leaned fully into a coffee shop chalkboard vibe—modern, graphic, and cozy all at once.

coffee themed handmade easel cards.

Design Details

I trimmed the coffee cup image slightly, which instantly made the design feel more like a real café chalkboard. The glossy white embossing against deep black cardstock is one of those combinations that never fails.

If you love coffee-themed cards too, you might enjoy my bold espresso-inspired project here → What’s Brewing? A Bold & Graphic Coffee Card.

Individual coffee shop chalkboard easel card in turquoise, black, and white. Spellbinders Pink Lemonade Stand die kits: S6-269 & S4-1532

Color Breakdown (why it works)

Each card is mostly black (about 70%), with:

  • one strong accent color (~15%)
  • crisp white embossing
  • one tiny pop of contrast (flower center or heart)

That balance is what keeps these dramatic but still cheerful.

Which color combo is your favorite—pink, turquoise, or yellow?

Heat Embossing on Black Cardstock

Because these cards rely on bold embossing, I wanted to include a go-to heat embossing method you can reference again and again.

Individual coffee shop chalkboard easel card in hot pink, black, and white. Coffee theme "thanks a latte".

How I Get Clean, Professional Heat Embossing Every Time

  • Prep stamps with a stamp conditioning eraser (today I used the Hero Arts Coffee or Tea stamp set)
  • Prep cardstock with an anti-static powder tool
  • Use a 1″ flat brush to apply powder horizontally, then vertically
  • Stamp with Unicorn White Pigment Ink
  • Use white embossing powder (double white = best results)
  • Preheat heat tool for at least 1 minute
  • Use the easel die as a viewfinder to place images
  • Stamp twice with a stamp positioner using light, even pressure
  • Pour embossing powder generously, tilt panel in all directions, tap gently
  • Heat emboss while constantly moving the heat tool
  • Let cool, then polish lightly with a microfiber cloth

💡 Tip I’ve used for years: catch excess embossing powder in a coffee filter—easy pour-back, no mess.

I’m sharing:

  • a candid workspace photo showing all three layouts “percolating” overnight
Process photo showing chalkboard card layouts, dies, cardstock, and die cutting machine
Heat embossing white pigment ink and embossing powder on black cardstock creates that bold chalkboard look I love for coffee themed cards.
  • a mid-assembly shot with one chalkboard drying under an acrylic block
Heat embossing a coffee cup stamp with white embossing powder on black cardstock for chalkboard style thank you card.
Bright pops of color contrast nicely with blackcardstock.

If you are looking for easy relaxed cardmaking, you might be interested in some other products I used from The Pink Lemonade Collection in this Using Pre-Printed Supplies blog post.

If you love scene-building, you’ll definitely want to check out my Sneaker Bouquet scene card tutorial.

Craft Supplies Featured on This Card:

Die Cutting:

Stamps and Cardstock:

Ink:

Top 4 2025 Hero Arts Cards Top 5 Hero Arts Cards of 2025 (Fan Favorites & Personal Picks)
Best Of · cardmaking

Top 5 Hero Arts Cards of 2025 (Fan Favorites & Personal Picks)

Karen BrownLeave a comment

Best and Most Popular Hero Arts Cards of 2025

As we look back on 2025, I thought it would be fun to round up my best and most popular Hero Arts cards of the year. These projects were fan favorites, reader favorites, and in a few cases, personal favorites too.

Each card highlights a different Hero Arts release and cardmaking style—from bold graphic designs to cute scenes and clever techniques. I’ve linked each original blog post so you can dive deeper into supplies, step-by-step instructions, and tips if a particular card catches your eye.

🥇 Most Popular Card of 2025: Die Cut Valentine

Die cut Valentine card created with the Hero Arts January 2025 Card Kit featuring bold colorful heart shapes and playful design.

My most popular card of 2025 was a fun die-cut Valentine created with the January 2025 Folded Love Note Kit. The playful dies, bold heart shapes, and cheerful vibe made it perfect for modern Valentine cards.

👉 Link to original Valentine blog post

🕵️‍♀️ Fan Favorite: Miss Detective – Case Closed Collection

Handmade card featuring a stamped and die detective-themed design from the Hero Arts Case Closed Collection

The Case Closed Collection from May was such a hit, and my Miss Detective card quickly became a fan favorite. This clever, story-driven card featured a charming sleuth and bold graphic details—and it really resonated with readers.

👉 Link to original Miss Detective blog post

This collection was creative, unique, and just plain fun to work with. It’s one of those releases that sparks storytelling the moment you start crafting.

Key Products:

☕ Personal Favorite: What’s Brewing Card

Bold graphic coffee latte themed handmade die cut card created with the Hero Arts What’s Brewing Collection

This one is especially close to my heart.
Using the What’s Brewing Collection, I created a bold, graphic coffee-themed card that I sent to my daughter. With strong colors, clean die cutting, and a modern layout, this card felt fresh and fun—and it’s still one of my favorite designs of the year.

👉 Link to original What’s Brewing blog post

Coffee-themed cardmaking is always popular, and this release delivered in the best way.

Key Products Used:

🐚 Two-for-One Favorite: Scattered Shells

Two handmade cards using the Hero Arts Scattered Shells plate—one letterpress and one hot foil design using the same seashell plate.

This entry actually includes two cards, both created using the Scattered Shells plate from the Summer by the Sea Collection. I loved showing how one design can be used in different ways:

  • One card created with BetterPress LetterPress
  • One card created with Glimmer Hot Foil

👉 Link to original Scattered Shells blog post

Same plate. Two completely different looks. This is a great example of stretching your supplies and getting more mileage from your favorite tools.

Key Products:

🌸 Honorable Mention: Friendship Blooms + Video

Bold floral die cut handmade card created with the Hero Arts Friendship Blooms Collection. With corresponding video tutorial.

It was a close call for fourth place, so I added an Honorable Mention—a bold floral die-cut card from the Friendship Blooms Collection. This project focused on layering, color, and impactful florals, and it remains a go-to style for both beginners and experienced cardmakers.

I also created a video tutorial for this card if you’d like to see it come together:
🎥Link to Video Tutorial

👉 Link to original Friendship Blooms blog post

Key Products Used:

Final Thoughts

These cards represent what I love most about Hero Arts: creative variety, high-quality products, and designs that truly inspire. Whether you enjoy bold graphics, clever themes, or classic florals, there was something special in every 2025 release.

If you’re new here, this post is a great place to start exploring past projects—and if you’ve been crafting along with me all year, thank you for being part of the journey.

Thanks a latte thank you card featuring House Mouse. Cute Coffee Theme Thank You Card Featuring House Mouse
cardmaking · Stamping

Cute Coffee Theme Thank You Card Featuring House Mouse

Karen Brown2 Comments

Today I’m sharing a cute square coffee-themed thank you card featuring the House Mouse Brew-tiful Day rubber stamp from Spellbinders. I can never resist a coffee pun, so I went with “Thanks a latte” for my sentiment—one of my all-time favorites!

Key Products Used:

Cute square "thanks a latte" thank you card featuring the House Mouse Brew-tiful stamp.

I stamped the adorable image and colored it with Copic markers:

Copic Colors Used:

  • Cup & Spoon: YG01, YG03, YG05
  • Coffee: E55, E25
  • Glass: BG00, B00
  • Mouse: E40, E21, R20
  • Shadows: N0, N1

Before stamping, I simply trimmed the included sentiment using my Spellbinders Shears so only “Thanks a latte” remained—super easy! The little scene includes our sweet mouse taking a sip from a giant (to him!) latte cup, with a coffee bean canister behind him. Such a cute little tableau!

I die-cut the panel with the Hero Arts Rounded Jewel Infinity Dies—I think this soft shape fits the cozy vibe perfectly. Then I added craft foam behind the panel and mounted it onto a ColorWheel Rainforest green A2 card base.

Stamped House Mouse scene card featuring a mouse sipping coffee from a giant latte cup.

This card comes together very quickly and is so fun to color. House Mouse is always popular with card recipients—every little mouse scene just makes you smile!

I’ll link to several other House Mouse posts I’ve created, because I just can’t resist these sweet little critters. You can see House Mouse is a definite favorite!

Thanks a latte for stopping by today! ☕🐭

Copic colored House Mouse sipping a big coffee in a cute thank you card with “Thanks a Latte” sentiment on a green card base.
Die cut and stitched handmade coffee theme valentine. Spellbinders December 2025 Stitching Die of the Month – A Valentine
Cardmaking Kit · stitching

Spellbinders December 2025 Stitching Die of the Month – A Valentine

Karen Brown3 Comments

Today I’m sharing a bold, modern Valentine created with the Spellbinders December 2025 Stitching Die of the Month – A Perfect Blend. This kit is absolutely brewtiful for coffee and tea lovers, and I leaned hard into the cozy-caffeine theme for this design!

Coffee | Tea Themed Handmade Card

I began by die cutting two Beeswax yellow coffee mugs, each with half of a stitched heart. Once stitched, the two halves come together to form one full Poppy red heart — such a sweet little metaphor! I used gold thread (two strands) for all the stitching to keep things warm, shiny, and modern.

Behind the mugs sits a crisp white die cut heart from the Hero Arts DI334 Nesting Hearts, which frames the design and lets the bold color palette really sing. The background is Oceanside cardstock, a deep blue-green that I will never stop loving. It brings a graphic, sophisticated feel that keeps the whole card clean and contemporary.

The sentiment is a large scripty “love you” die cut from Poppy red cardstock, paired with the included “a perfect blend” sentiment strip.

To give readers a peek behind the scenes, I included this process photo showing the card mid-way through: die cuts laid out, metal dies off to the side, and my needle threaded with gold floss. I love sharing these in-progress moments because they show just how simple the stitching is — and how quickly this design comes together.

Helpful Links:

I also relied on my Spellbinders Cardswatching Die & Stamps along with ColorWheel Cardstock, both of which continue to be staples in my craft room.

This bright and modern Valentine is for my husband — we share a latte together every afternoon, so a coffee-themed note felt absolutely perfect. ❤️☕

If you love bold color, cozy themes, and modern stitching, this kit is going to be so much fun. And if you want even more caffeine-themed inspiration, don’t miss my other favorite coffee card:
👉 What’s Brewing — graphic, bright, and equally caffeinated.

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!

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · stitching

Spellbinders Club Kits – July 2025

Karen BrownLeave a comment

It’s Christmas in July, and the Spellbinders July 2025 Club Kits are brimming with cozy, colorful holiday cheer! This month’s kits are full of winter charm—perfect for kicking off your holiday cardmaking early. I had such a blast creating with these kits, and I’m excited to share four festive cards with you today.

Card 1 – Large Die of the Month: “Warm Cocoa Wishes”

An assortment of brightly colored cocoa mugs with glittery snowflake toppers, some mugs trimmed at the edge for a dynamic layout. The sentiment reads 'Warm Cocoa Wishes

Spellbinders Large Die of the Month Kit had me smiling from the start. I created a festive card featuring a rainbow of die cut cocoa mugs, each one topped with glittery snowflakes and arranged in a playful display across the card front. The mugs have adorable little handles—some hanging over the edges for a casual, cozy feel.

Warm Cocoa Wishes die cut winter card with rainbow colored mugs of cocoa with glitter snowflakes created with the Spellbinders July 2025 Large Die of the Month Kit.

Each mug is a different bright color, bringing a fun and modern twist to the wintery theme. The sentiment “Warm Cocoa Wishes” ties everything together. This card feels like a cheerful hug in mug form!

Cocoa and Coffee themed die cut winter card with fun rainbow colored cups.

Card 2 – Stitching Die of the Month: Peppermint Diamonds

A hand-stitched card with geometric diamond pattern on frosty blue paper over teal background. White floss stitching and peppermint candy embellishments decorate the design. Gold glimmer sentiment reads 'Sending warm thoughts your way.

The Stitching Club this month features a lovely geometric diamond design that reminded me of snowflakes and vintage quilting. I stitched the design on a frosty blue overlay using two strands of white floss. Underneath, a teal base peeks through, adding subtle contrast.

Striking hand-stitched card created with Spellbinders July 2025 Stitching Die of the Month Kit.

For embellishments, I added peppermint candies for a sweet holiday touch. A foiled gold glimmer sentiment—“Sending Warm Thoughts Your Way”—adds shine and warmth. This card would be perfect tucked in with a winter care package.

Winter snowflake theme stitched handmade card in frosty blues, teals with pops of red and white.

Card 3 – Die of the Month: Penguin Mug

A bold, graphic card featuring a die cut penguin mug with whipped cream on a vibrant Teal Topaz background, accented with hot pink and yellow. 'Merry Christmas' sentiment adds festive cheer

Next up is the absolutely adorable Spellbinders Small Die of the Month Kit penguin mug die. I went bold with my color palette to create a graphic, eye-catching card. The black and white penguin sits against a rich Teal Topaz background, with accents of Wild Berry (hot pink) and Saffron (yellow) for a fun pop.

The whipped cream topper adds texture and playfulness, and a bold “Merry Christmas” sentiment finishes it off. This little guy is equal parts charming and striking—a new favorite!

Vibrant Die Cut Penguin Mug Christmas Card created using the July 2025 Small Die of the Month Kit from Spellbinders.

Card 4 – Bonus Caboodle: Gingerbread Man Postage Card

A die cut gingerbread man with white icing and peppermint cheeks/buttons, layered over a teal nesting postage stamp background and mounted on a white card base. Sentiment reads 'Falalalala.'

And finally, I couldn’t resist using the Caboodle Bonus Gift—a gingerbread man die that’s almost too cute to handle. I gave him white piped icing details, and the peppermint cheeks and buttons add whimsy and color.

Spellbinders Deluxe Caboodle Kit – Get All 10 Kits, $315 value for just $130!

He’s layered on a Teal Topaz nesting postage stamp die cut background, mounted on a clean white A2 base. The sentiment “Falalalala” adds just the right festive flair to finish off this cheerful design.

July 2025 Spellbinders "Caboodle" bonus card featuring a darling gingerbread man.

Helpful Links:

Each of these kits brought something fresh and delightful to my crafting table this month. Whether you’re a cocoa-lover, penguin fan, or peppermint enthusiast, there’s something in July’s kits to spark your holiday creativity.

4 unique handmade cards created from Spellbinders July 2025 Club Kits.

Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments—and don’t forget to grab your kits before they melt away!

Coffee Latte theme die cut card. What’s Brewing? A Bold & Graphic Espresso-Themed Card with Hero Arts
cardmaking · Die cutting

What’s Brewing? A Bold & Graphic Espresso-Themed Card with Hero Arts

Karen Brown4 Comments
Bold graphic thank you card with white die-cut espresso maker, red and yellow cups, on a vivid blue background.

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh espresso…unless it’s crafting with Hero Arts’ new What’s Brewing Collection! This month’s release is a caffeine-lover’s dream and I was thrilled to join the Instagram Hop celebrating this clever and super-popular theme in the cardmaking world.

Coffee Theme Card

Latte Coffee theme die cut "thanks a latte" card with a Moka style red and white espresso maker and two red and yellow cups and saucers complete with hearts.

For my card, I embraced the bold graphic aesthetic of classic kitchen coffeeware with a clean, eye-catching design. I started with the Stove Top die set, which I cut in bright white with Poppy Red accents and a gray handle. This instantly brought to mind the timeless Moka pots that live on so many stovetops around the world.

To match, I added two sweet little espresso cups and saucers—one in Beeswax Yellow, the other in Poppy Red—inspired by the cheerful espresso set in my own kitchen. I set the whole scene against a rich Oceanside Blue background, which really makes the elements pop.

Red and yellow espresso cup.

The sentiment? A classic pun that never fails: “Thanks a Latte” from the Coffee or Espresso Stamp & Cut set. It’s the perfect blend of gratitude and caffeine-love!

This card also has a bit of a personal touch—I make myself a latte every single afternoon. It’s a daily ritual I truly look forward to. In the summer, it’s all about iced lattes. In the winter? A warm, frothy cup is just the thing.

If you like the graphic look of this card you might be interested in reading my post: Under Sea Magic.

Key Products Used:

This collection has so much heart (and a good jolt of creative energy), and I absolutely loved crafting with it. Don’t miss the Hero Arts Instagram Hop celebrating this release—you’ll find tons of inspiration, fresh ideas, and even giveaways! And look me up on Instagram: Karens_mini

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Autumn Coffee

Karen Brown7 Comments
Hello and Welcome!  Last year, Jane\’s Doodles had the cutest fall stamp sets so I commented on a blog post.  I would have left the comment anyway but was excited to learn that I would be receiving both sets as a gift from Jane\’s Doodles.  

Random Pattern Stamping with Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers.
I thought  some pattern stamping would be bright, fun and seasonal.

Recipe:
Jane\’s Doodles Pumpkin Spice stamp set.
Jane\’s Doodle\’s Hello Fall stamp set
Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers

I am entering this card in:
Fusion \”Coffee\” Challenge:  I went with the Autumn Coffee/Latte Inspiration focusing on the season, lattes and color scheme in the photo.
Lil Red Wagon \”Fall It\” Challenge:  I used Fall seasonal  items and colors for this fun prompt.

Stamp Ink Paper \”Designer\’s Choice\” Challenge:  I was pleased to see SIP is back!  I went with bright bold seasonal color for my \”designer\’s choice\” creation.

UPDATE: I was so pleased to that this card was selected as a Stamp, Ink Paper \”Winner\” and \”Favorite at Little Red Wagon.
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Thanks for stopping by!
Karen