Tag: Coloring Stencils

Fall theme apple orchard homemade card. Apple Picking Scene Card | Hero Arts ‘I Pick You’ Collection
Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · Stamping

Apple Picking Scene Card | Hero Arts ‘I Pick You’ Collection

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Handmade fall card featuring a stamped and stenciled apple orchard scene with ladder, basket, and boots. Apples are shaded red, leaves in green, and scene is framed with a navy die cut rounded rectangle.

Fall is in the air! Today I’m sharing a heartwarming scene card I created with the Hero Arts September Collection: I Pick You. The In The Orchard Bundle instantly brought back childhood memories of going apple picking with my family at Wiggins Farms—where we’d spend the day filling baskets and sipping fresh cider.

This Collection is also part of an Instagram Hop…come hop with us! @karens_mini

Helpful Links:

🍏 Building the Scene

Hero Arts In the Orchard stamped, stenciled and die cut scene card featuring picking apples in an orchard.

This stamp + stencil combo makes it easy to create a layered, idyllic orchard scene. I stamped the images first, then used the coordinating layering stencils to add color with small blending brushes. To give my coloring more depth and dimension, I used two shades of ink for each color family:

  • Apples: Pale Tomato + Cherry
  • Leaves: Fresh Lawn + Green Apple
  • Boots: Lemon Drop + Spicy Mustard

The combination of stamping + stencil blending creates crisp, dimensional images that still look soft and organic. And Hero Arts stencils always line up beautifully with the stamped images!

Handmade autumn scene card of a whimsical apple orchard and featuring Hero Arts "In the Orchard" stamp, stencil and die bundle.

🍎 Finishing Details

Once everything was colored, I die cut my elements to build the orchard scene—complete with a ladder, a basket, and classic Hunter-style boots. For the finishing touch, I die cut a navy frame using my Rounded Rectangle Infinity Dies to bring everything together.

This seasonal card is full of fall charm and is perfect for sending a cozy autumn hello!

Cardmaking Video

Video Hop | Easy, Fun & Festive Birthday Cardmaking: Color, Shine, Celebrate!

Karen Brown1 Comment

Can you ever have too many birthday cards? I think not! Today, I’m sharing a fun, modern, and eye-catching birthday card featuring the Hero Arts Celebrate Stamp & Stencil Set—perfect for anyone on your list!

Click link to see the Hero Arts Spring Collection.

You can watch the video above, or you can click the link HERE to watch on YouTube.

Plus, this video is part of a Video Hop, so be sure to check out the other fabulous creators linked below.

A vibrant handmade birthday card featuring four colorful stenciled banners with flowers, created using the Hero Arts Celebrate Stamp & Coloring Stencil Set and Glitz Inks.

Bold Colors & Easy Techniques

For this card, I started with a large focal stamp of four birthday banners—such a fun and festive design! Instead of traditional coloring, I brought in Glitz Inks and Color Layering Stencils to add French Pink, Naples Yellow, Byzantine Green and Egyptian Blue to the banners. These inks add beautiful shimmer that makes the design pop without needing extra embellishments (but you know I couldn’t resist a few black enamel dots in the flower centers!). This is totally optional, but I used my Rounded Rectangle Infinity Dies to round the corners and trim down my panel.

Pro Tip: Glitz Inks are not only stunning, but they’re also super easy to clean up! A quick rinse, and your brushes are good as new.

Festive Birthday card perfect for men, women and children. The card features 4 birthday banners stamped and colored with layering stencils in pink, yellow, aqua and green.

Organizing My Stamps & Dies

I also wanted to share a quick tip on storing stamps and dies. I use Hero Arts Magnetic Sheets and Storage Sleeves, which help keep my dies neat, tidy, and easy to find. No more hunting for that one missing die—it’s all in one place and ready for my next crafting session! I also love their Stamp Storage Sleeves. More details in the video.

Key Products Used:

Join the Celebration! Blog Hop Order:

This card was a joy to make, and I hope it inspires you to break out your Glitz Inks and stencils! Be sure to check out the Video Hop and leave a comment on my video—I’d love to hear what you think! And tell me… do you think it’s possible to have too many birthday cards? (Spoiler: I don’t!) 🎉

Cardmaking Kit · Give Away

Altenew 10th Anniversary Blog Hop Day 2 + Giveaway (over $3,500 in Total Prizes)

Karen Brown141 Comments
A Polaroid-look beach scene card using Altenew's Summer Wishes stamp, die and coloring stencil bundle.

Ahoy, crafty mates! It’s time to set sail on a creative adventure as we embark on Altenew’s 10th Anniversary Blog Hop! There is wonderful inspiration AND $3,500 in prizes!!!

“Summer Wishes” Beach Scene Card Kit:

Altenew’s Summer Wishes cardmaking bundle is all about bringing the beauty and tranquility of the beach to your crafting table and this is the favorite kit that I chose for this Hop. Inspired by the sun-kissed shores and crystal-clear waters of paradise, this bundle is filled with the stamps, dies and coloring stencils you need to create stunning beach scene cards that will transport your recipients to a coastal oasis. In keeping with the vacation theme, I created a “Polaroid-look” frame to set my scene.

Products used:

Create a beach scene card with Altenew's Summer Wishes stamp, die and coloring stencil kit.

Giveaway Prizes

Over $3,500 in total prizes! We are giving away a $50 Altenew gift certificate to 10 winners, a $20 ArtistrybyAltenew gift certificate to 5 winners, and an online papercrafting class ($39.99 value) from Altenew Academy Online Class to 14 winners. There are also 28 awesome companies/crafty friends who are celebrating with us, and they are offering the following prizes:

Be sure to leave comments by 04/16/2024 for a chance to win one of 68 prizes! To make the hop more exciting, start your comment with “Hi from (city or country where you’re from)!” 68 winners will be chosen at random from the comments left on any of the blogs listed below and will be announced on the Altenew Card Blog on 04/19/2024.

Join Altenew’s 10th Anniversary Blog Hop

Ready to dive in and get crafting? Join Altenew’s 10th Anniversary Card Hop and be inspired by a wave of creativity from fellow crafters! I am Karen, and I am #7 on today’s hop. You likely came from Jennifer Johnston’s great blog and the fabulous Penny Pynnonen is next!

Click the blue bar below to enter:

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

Anniversary Special Offers

Ready to Dive In?

Grab your sunscreen, a refreshing drink, and your crafting supplies – it’s time to set sail and hop with us! Whether you’re a seasoned cardmaker or just dipping your toes into the world of papercrafting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this anniversary adventure.

So come on board, and let’s make some waves and I’ll see you on the sandy shores of creativity!

Happy crafting!

Karen

Cardmaking Video · Rainbow Colors

Hero Arts Video | Coloring With Stencils 4 Ways

Karen Brown1 Comment
3 Bright Colorful cards using Hero Arts Mandala Flower Pattern Stamp and coordinating color layering stencils,

Welcome friends, Karen Brown here to share some bright fun cards using coloring stencils. Today, I used Hero Arts beautiful Mandala Flower Pattern stamp and the coordinating color layering stencils.

For a Step-By-Step Visual Tutorial, you can watch my video below:

If you are having trouble viewing this video, please click HERE to watch on YouTube.

I was so inspired by this mandala that I created 4 different cards. I love the versatility and endless possibilities!

Monochromatic Coloring

Monochromatic stamped and ink blended Mandala in blues, greens and aquas.

With a small blending brush, I started by coloring a monochromatic panel in blues, greens and aquas. I used Splash, Blue Raspberry, Blue Hawaii and Aegean inks for this card. I then die cut my panel and a Peacock mat using Pointed Arches Infinity Dies. I added a rub-on sentiment from the Birthday Party Hero Transfer set. I really LOVE Hero Transfers!

I used a StampWheel for both my stamping and stenciling.

Stenciling with Rainbow Colors

Next, I decided to add rainbow colors to my mandala. I did this two ways….first using the outline stamp and the second using only the stencil. I love both cards but I think the “stencil only” card is a bit more casual.

Hero Arts Color Pattern Flower Mandala: 2 Ways. With and without the outline stamp.

For both cards, I used Splash, Taffy, Pool Party and Creamsicle inks. For the card on the left, I used one of my favorite die-cut sentiments: Smile Friend Stamp and Cut XL.

For the “stencil only” card I also trimmed my Mandala with a Rounded Rectangle Infinity Die and used a sentiment included with the stamp set.

Stenciling with Glitter Paste

For my 4th card, I stenciled a layer of Hero Glitter Paste on my mandala and I love the result.

I recently purchased a GlassBoard Studio craft mat that was the worksurface in my video. I am very pleased with it and I have a 20% coupon code – KENNY20 – for anyone interested in upgrading their craft mat.

Hero Arts Flower Pattern Mandala Stamp and Coloring Stencils 4 Ways.

Thanks for stopping by….it was so nice to see you!

cardmaking · papercrafting

Altenew Celebrating Parents Card Drive 2023 Blog Hop + Giveaway ($200 in Total Prizes!)

Karen Brown33 Comments

Altenew's Stunning Sakura + Trailblazing Fresh Dye Ink + Card

Hello, I am sharing two cards that I created using Altenew’s new Stunning Sakura stamp, die and coloring stencils for The Celebrating Parents Card Drive and Blog Hop!

For my birthday, I received received Altenew’s Trailblazing Fresh Dye Ink Mini Ink Cubes so of course I elected to use the periwinkle hues on this project. I also received Sarah Renae Clark’s Color Cubes (Volumes 1 and 2) and I wanted to use her cards for my color inspiration. I sorted through all the gorgeous color combinations and settled on #206, which you can see in the top left corner of the photographs.

Creating with Altenew’s Stunning Sakura Stamp Bundle

Altenew's Stunning Sakura Stamp, Coloring Stencil and Die on a handmade card.

Quick and Easy Coloring with Stencils:

How to Use Coloring Stencils + Altenew's Stunning Sakura floral stamp

I love the violet/lilac color combo!

Stamped floral card in Violets and Lilac purples

These cards are perfect for Mother’s Day….or a birthday!

We hope to see YOUR cards as part of the Celebrating Parents Card Drive.

Altenew's Stunning Sakura coloring stencils.

Products Used:

I really appreciate that you stopped by and are participating in this Blog Hop. Your next stop is Ishani and her projects are always such a treat! You can see the all the hop stops by clicking the button below:

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js?id=c0efdbe6b4add43dd7ef

Giveaway Prizes

$200 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $20 gift certificate to 5 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 03/20/2023 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 7 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 03/21/2023.

Giving Back Info

We have handpicked a few Altenew products that are perfect for your Mother’s Day and Father’s Day cards (and other year-round crafting projects! Check out the collection HERE. We’ll donate $1 with every order of the products included in this collection from 2/28/2023 until 5/14/2023 to the Food Bank of Central New York to support seniors in need.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Altenew November 2022 Simply Scientific Stamps/Dies/Stencils Release + Giveaway ($300 in Total Prizes!) 

Karen Brown19 Comments
A bright cheerful card using Altenew's Radial Circles Cover Die.

Altenew’s Radial Circles Cover Die

Hello and welcome to Altenew’s Simply Scientific Release and Blog Hop! There is lots of wonderfulness in this collection. I was instantly attracted to the Radial Circles Cover Die and I used it on three of my cards today.

I started by making a background using the “Direct To Paper” method. I used 8 colors of Altenew Crisp Dye Inks in blues, greens and aquas and I just swipped the ink cube over my cardstock. I wanted the edges darker than the middle but that was the extent of my plan. Don’t worry about blending, it will look great under the die cut panel. I love the bold vivid color from this technique.

Direct to Paper Background panel.
Direct to Paper Background

For the cover die, I used a metal shim for precise die cutting.

I thought a wreath would look pretty around the sentiment and I colored the leaves with my Altenew watercolor brush markers for a bright cheerful card.

A bright colorful card using Altenew's Radial Circles Cover Die and the Weekend Doodles Stamp and Die Bundle.

Products Used:

"Direct to Paper" background with blues and aquas using Altenew Radial Circles Cover Die,

Quick and Easy Card

If you want a quick and easy card with loads of impact, you can quickly make a background with the Direct to Paper technique described above and then just pop on a die cut cover panel and stamp a sentiment.

A quick and easy bold handmade card in blues, aquas and greens.

Altenew’s Chemistry Vases Stamp, Die and Coloring Stencil

For my next card, I used bright bold primary colors for a “school vibe”. My daughter is a scientist at a university and I made this card for her.

I started by making a background with strips cut from gel press prints. The background was easy to make and came together very quickly.

I used the Chemistry Vases stamp, coloring stencil and die for my beaker. I used Altenew Crisp Dye Inks in the following colors: Soft Lilac for the shadow, Coral Berry, Puffy Heart, Moon Rock for the beaker outline and Jet Black for the markings.

A handmade card using Altenew's Chemistry Vases stamp, die and coloring stencil bundle.

Products Used:

I love the adorably punny sentiments included in this set!

Handmade card with Bright Primary Colors for a School Vibe perfect for a teacher, professor, scientist or student.

For my last card, I combined Altenew’s Chemistry Vases Bundle with the Radial Circles Cover die. I have a friend who runs a medical laboratory and I thought this card would be perfect for her birthday. I used a taupe A2 card base, added a floral embellishment from the Bitty Bits Ephemera Kit and topped it with a pink enamel dot.

A birthday card for a scientist using Altenew's Chemistry Vases stamp, die and coloring stencil.

I think this Chemistry Vases set is perfect for students, teachers, scientists, professors, and medical professionals.

Altenew's Radial Circles Cover Die + Chemistry Vases Bundle.

Giveaway Prizes:

$300 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 2 lucky winners and a $25 gift certificate to 8 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 11/06/2022 for a chance to win. 

Altenew will draw 10 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Winners Page on 10/08/2022.

Blog Hop Order:


Altenew Blog

Anna Mahtani

Caly Person

Emily Midgett

Helen Kalb

Jaycee Gaspar

Jenny Colacicco

Karen Brown. You Are Here!

Nathalie DeSousa. Nathalie is next and I know you will love her post!

Therese Calvird

I am so pleased you stopped by!

Karen