Hello, crafty friends! Karen Brown here today with a card that is extra cozy, extra cute, and full of September Hero Studio goodness. This month’s release is all about comfort and charm, and I couldn’t resist creating a sweet little bedtime scene featuring some of the most adorable die-cut critters ever.
I really LOVE this die set and I created another card that you might like to see HERE.
Card Details
For my design, I started with the September Fancy Die of the Month: Cozy Critters. At the center of the card is a fox, tucked snugly into a brass bed, clutching its “lovey”—a tiny stuffed bunny. To set the scene, I crafted a Celestial Blue quilt with lovely etched stitching details and paired it with two crisp Snow White pillows.
At the foot of the bed, a striped orange tabby cat curls up contentedly, holding its own little stuffed animal. This cutie comes from the Whole Studio Kit Bonus: Cozy Kitty, which coordinated perfectly to complete my charming bedtime vignette.
To finish, I added a clean and simple sentiment, “hello there”, from the Message Strips stamp and cut set. It felt like the perfect greeting for this dreamy scene.
I had so much fun creating this bedtime scene with the September 2025 Hero Studio Release. Between the fox, the kitty, and those snuggly quilts, I think this one might be my coziest card yet! I can already picture more cards made with this die set— seasonal quilts, or even personalized critter bedrooms.
Thanks so much for stopping by today, and sweet dreams of your next crafty adventure!
Hello friends! It’s time for the Hero Arts September Club Kit Release, and this month’s theme is Fall into Fall. 🍁 Autumn crafting is one of my very favorite seasons, and this release is packed with stamps, dies, and sentiments perfect for cozy, colorful cardmaking. I have two very different projects to share with you today—one-layer stamping and coloring, and a layered die cut scene—that both capture the warmth of fall.
Card 1: One-Layer Stamped + Colored Fall Scene
The September Card Kit includes gorgeous fall imagery: pumpkins, acorns, mushrooms, leaves, and more. I wanted to let the stamps take center stage, so I designed a one-layer background that doubles as the focal point.
I stamped a scattering of pumpkins, mushrooms, and leaves across a white card panel, then brought them to life with alcohol marker coloring in classic fall hues:
Oranges and yellows for pumpkins
Warm tans and browns for acorns
Fresh greens, yellows and oranges for leaves
The finishing touch is the sentiment, “Fall is My Favorite Color,” stamped boldly in black. A few enamel dots (also included in the kit!) add just the right amount of shine.
This card is simple, flat, and easy to mail—but still rich in detail and warmth.
What’s Included in the September Card Kit?
Fall is my Favorite 6×8 Stamp Set
Fall is my Favorite Coordinating Dies
Treehouse Die Set
Sunset Enamel Dots
Brown Twine, 1 yard
10 Sheets of Cardstock- 1 of each color, 5.5″ x 8.5″ (Truffle, Merlot, Cinnamon, Terra Cotta, Carrot, Coral, Bellini, Beeswax, Saffron, Tuscan)
Receive a FREE adorable Cozy Kitty Die Set when you purchase The Whole Studio!
Hero Arts has many different Monthly Kits that you can subscribe to including:
The WHOLE Studio – All 5 Kits (a 40% savings: $130 subscription + Free Shipping)
Next, I dove into the September Fancy Dies: Cozy Critters. This set has my heart! I created a cozy little bedtime scene featuring a brown bear and an orange fox tucked into a brass bed with a green quilt.
The bear is snuggling with a little stuffed duck.
The fox is holding the sweetest bunny.
The scene is playful, heartwarming, and perfect for fall—but I think it would also make an adorable Valentine’s Day card!
The sentiment, “Wishing You a Cozy Fall,” comes from the September Clear Stamp & Cut Setand fits perfectly with the theme. For the background, I added a touch of subtle pattern using the Retro Rainbow Stencil with Contour Ink. The soft “wallpaper” design adds depth without competing with the cozy critters in bed.
Love this die set? I have another adorable creation that you can see HERE.
Blog Hop
Hero Arts is celebrating this release with a Blog Hop full of inspiration from the creative team. Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Friday, September 5th at 11:59pm PT, 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!
Along the way, I’ll walk you through 4 tried-and-true tips that will make your holiday cardmaking easier, more enjoyable, and more beautiful.
Tip 1: Use Quality Cardstock
The foundation of any good die cut is quality cardstock. Thin or flimsy paper isn’t substantial enough for die cutting. For this project, I used Spellbinders’ Color Wheel Cardstock—which is heavyweight, smooth, and cuts like butter.
Together these created a vibrant, cheerful, and slightly unexpected holiday palette.
Tip 2: Swatch Your Cardstock
Having your cardstock organized and swatched makes choosing colors so much faster. I’ll link HERE to a post where I go into detail on how I keep my swatches handy and easy to use.
For this project, I flipped through my swatches until I landed on the perfect non-traditional holiday mix. Seeing them side by side helped me visualize how the colors would work layered on the Christmas cracker.
When in doubt, let a color system do the heavy lifting! For this card, I turned to Color Cubes Volume 2, specifically palette card #252, which inspired the purple, red, orange, yellow, blue color mix. I also own Volume 1. You can find the Color Cubes BundleHERE.
I’ll also link to a previous blog post that features Spellbinders’ Color Deck System, another fabulous way to spark ideas when you feel stuck or want to try something different.
Click HEREif you’d like to see another Christmas Card using the same #252 Color Cubes palette card.
Tip 4: Add Texture and Dimension
Flat die cuts are nice, but texture and lift make a card pop. For this background, I embossed a panel with the new Dimpled 3D Embossing Folder—a subtle yet impactful pattern that catches the light beautifully.
I also used foam squares behind some of the cracker die cuts to add depth and shadow. Craft foam also works great, especially on larger die cuts. The best glue for smaller die cuts is Bearly Glue. I love the fine nozzle! Simple details like these can make your handmade card feel polished and professional.
Sometimes the cutest cards come together quickly—and this one might just be my favorite of the season! I couldn’t resist Spellbinders’ new Pupkin die set, which features an adorable dog all dressed up as a jack-o’-lantern and carrying a tiny skull-shaped trick-or-treat bucket. Cuteness overload!
This card is extra special because I made it for my daughter in memory of her sweet, goofy lab, Tank, who once rocked his very own pumpkin costume. ❤️
I layered several color coordinating mats from past Small Die of the Month and Large Die of the Month kits and I used ColorWheel cardstock and Sand for my pup’s body. The vibrant layers really make our little Pupkin pop! This design is fast, fun, and easy to assemble—perfect for Halloween cardmaking sessions.
This month’s Spellbinders Club Kits dive deep into all things aquatic—and let me tell you, these kits are fin-tastic! 🐠💦 From vibrant fish to stitched sailboats, the August kits are perfect for summer crafting or anytime you want to send a smile that makes a splash. I created three nautical-themed cards using the Die of the Month, Large Die of the Month, Stitching Die of the Month, and my Caboodle Bonus Gift.
🐟 Card 1: Colorful Coral Reef Scene (Die of the Month + Caboodle Bonus Gift)
This card is bright, whimsical, and just so much fun to put together! I started with a rich Oceanside cardstock panel for the background “water.” Then I built a vibrant underwater world using the Die of the Month and my Caboodle Bonus Gift for even more fishy flair. I skipped the scuba diver die cuts and instead filled the scene with colorful fish in pink, coral, orange, purple, yellow, white, and aqua, all cut from my scrap bin. 🌈
TIP: Many of the elements are quite small—my Bearly Art glue with the fine-tip nozzle was essential for precise placement. I love that this card feels playful and full of life without being fussy!
🐡 Card 2: Make a Splash with the Large Die of the Month
This Large Die of the Month card features the cutest little pink fish swimming home in a plastic bag! It’s such a clever, nostalgic design. I layered the fish-in-bag die cut over another Oceanside background and added a pink string “tie” at the top of the bag. The sentiment “Make a Splash” is included in the kit and absolutely perfect. It’s a great all-occasion card—birthday, congratulations, or just because.
If you like the graphic look of these first two cards, you might be interested in reading my post: What’s Brewing.
🚢 Card 3: Stitched Sailboat on the Sea (Stitching Die of the Month)
My final card gives major paper boat vibes, thanks to the Stitching Die of the Month. I die cut the boat from brown cardstock and stitched the details with marine blue embroidery floss. The little red and yellow pennants waving from the mast make it feel festive and fun. 🌊 I added a blue die cut sea, a white die cut cloud, and hot foiled the uplifting La Dolce Vita sentiment: “Born to shine year after year.” ✨
Stitching Tip: I die cut the boat twice and layered the pieces together before stitching for extra sturdiness. I used two threads of floss for the perfect amount of detail.
These cards came together so easily and would be adorable for summer birthdays, kids’ celebrations, or just brightening someone’s day. Don’t forget—this is all part of the August 2025 Club Kit Release, and if you’re a Deluxe Caboodle subscriber, you get everything plus the bonus die, and save a whopping 58%!
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
Card One: Hot Foiled Glimmer Glow
The first two cards are part of a Hero Arts Instagram Hop that you can find HERE.
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.
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.
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 Daysand a few clear dot embellishments to mimic bubbles or sea glass. The soft coastal tones and wreath shape feel fresh and modern.
🗣️ Sentiment-Focused Cards
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.
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.
And our final card features 5 die cut sentiments that could be “messages in a bottle”.
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!
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!
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 Platepressed in Thistle Reactive Ink on white watercolor paper (yes—it worked beautifully even without BetterPress ink!).
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
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.
🧠 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!
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”
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.
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!
Card 2 – Stitching Die of the Month: Peppermint Diamonds
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.
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.
Card 3 – Die of the Month: Penguin Mug
Next up is the absolutely adorable Spellbinders Small Die of the Month Kitpenguin 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!
Card 4 – Bonus Caboodle: Gingerbread Man Postage Card
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.
He’s layered on a Teal Topaz nesting postage stampdie cut background, mounted on a clean white A2 base. The sentiment “Falalalala” adds just the right festive flair to finish off this cheerful design.
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.
Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments—and don’t forget to grab your kits before they melt away!
Pack your crafty bags, because this month Hero Arts is taking us on a road trip! I’m thrilled to be part of the July 2025 Club Kit Blog Hop where we celebrate this month’s travel-inspired theme. The kits are full of scenic surprises, clever sentiments, and summery fun—and I’m here to show you four creative ways to use them.
You might also be interested in my VIDEO using the July Layering Stencil Kit.
Card 1: Desert Dreams Heroscape
I started with the Card Kit of the Month, which features a stunning “On the Road” Heroscape. Imagine a desert road winding into the distance with low-slung mountains and a bright blue sky. These Heroscapes are layered stamps that create dimension and realism with every step.
I kept the palette natural and sun-drenched, and chose the sentiment “just keep going” — a perfect message for road trips and life journeys alike. Heroscapes are always crowd-pleasers and this one is no exception!
What’s Inside the July 2025 Hero Studio Card Kit?
On the Road HeroScape Coordinating Dies
On the Road HeroScape 6×8 Stamp Set
Let’s Go Die Set
Pine Core Ink Cube
10 Sheets of Cardstock (1 of each color), 5.5″ x 8.5″ (Sicily, Coral, Bellini, Waterfall, Teal Topaz, Blue Spruce, Peridot, Beeswax, Saffron, Carrot) These are some of my absolute favorite cardstock colors and I used Carrot and Teal Topaz on two cards below.
Mirror Paper, 1 sheet – 5.5″ x 8.5″
The Whole Studio includes ALL 5 of the monthly subscriptions in one discounted bundle. Cling of the Month, Stamp & Cut of the Month (new name for the subscription!), Layering Stencil of the Month, Fancy Dies of the Month, and the Card Kit of the Month.
Receive a FREE Everything’s Pine stamp & die set when you purchase The Whole Studio!
Hero Arts has many different Monthly Kits that you can subscribe to including:
The WHOLE Studio – All 5 Kits ($130 subscription + Free Shipping)
Next up is what may be my favorite Cling of the Month EVER: Cobblestone Courtyard. This rubber background stamp is a pattern of concentric circles that looks like a cozy plaza or mosaic.
For my first card, I stamped it in Unicorn White Pigment Ink and heat embossed with White Embossing Powder on Bristol Smooth cardstock. Then I ink blended over the top using Blue Raspberry ink to create a vibrant turquoise and white background. I polished the embossing with a microfiber cloth, and the crisp, clean results had me swooning.
For the second card, I used the leftover heart die cut and layered it over a Teal Topazheart, then a smaller white heart, and finally topped it with the turquoise Cobblestone heart. Another “hello” sentiment (this time in Woodland cardstock) finishes the look. The swooping tails of the sentiment are so charming! Two cards with a fresh, summery vibe!
📼 Card 4: Mix Tape Magic
For my final card, I had fun with the Fancy Die of the Month: Mix Tape. This playful set includes a cassette tape die with the word “hello” cleverly shaped from the tape itself. I used this hello sentiment on three of my cards today.
I placed the cassette on a handmade ink-smooshed background using Blue Raspberry, Splash, and Pool Party inks. I wanted my background to look like a shimmery swimming pool. Want to try ink smooshing? Here’s how:
Ink Smooshing Quick Steps Tutorial:
I liberally inked a 6×6″ acrylic block with Blue Raspberry, Pool Party and Splash inks. This is the panel I used for my background.
I spritzed the ink with water and “smooshed” the block onto a piece of watercolor paper
I weighted the inked block with a book for 5 minutes
I uncovered my panel. If the ink pooled, I dabbed with a paper towel.
I made a “second generation” panel for a future project by taking a piece of Bristol Cardstock and soaking up the excess ink on my work space. So this is another Two-Fer!
The retro vibe of the tape plus the dreamy summer colors made this card a total blast to create.
Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Saturday, July 5th at 11:59pm PT, 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!
Whether you love to layer, emboss, smoosh or die cut, the July 2025 Hero Arts Club Kitshave something inspiring for every type of cardmaker. Don’t forget to follow along the Blog Hop to see even more road trip-ready inspiration. Thanks for stopping by—and remember: Just keep going!
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