cardmaking · Die cutting · Stamping

Unique Cards Inspired by Retro and Urban Vibes + Ralph Tyndall/Hero Arts Instagram Hop

Iconic GameBoy Retro Game theme shaped handmade card from the Ralph Tyndall collection from Hero Arts.

Phenom Ralph Tyndall collaborated with Hero Arts for a fun new Fall Release. I created two iconic cards that are part of Hero Arts Instagram Hop that you can participate in HERE.

You can find Ralph Tyndall’s Fall Collection HERE.

Retro GameBoy-Themed Card 🎮

As a 90s kid at heart, I couldn’t pass up the chance to create a card inspired by the iconic GameBoy! The nostalgic colors, the pixelated graphics, and that satisfying ‘click’ of the buttons—this card was such a blast to make.

Key Ralph Tyndall Supplies:

Directions for Creating the Retro Game Card:

  • Tip 1: I snipped the star, heart, pull tab and game cartridge from the die set and then die cut the rest of the elements as one piece. This ensured that I had perfect placement for the buttons and screen. If you don’t snip the above mentioned components, they will die cut the back of the card.
  • I used Mustard Cardstock for the body, Charcoal Cardstock for the rim of the screen and Vellum for the screen
  • I die cut the screen frame and buttons 3 times each and glue the pieces together for a realistic 3D look.
  • The die set has a great coordinating Retro Game Stamp Set that really makes the game come alive. I chose Winner for my Screen plus A & B, Select and Start Buttons. There are LOTS of Game related words included in the stamp set.
  • I added an Antique Ivory liner to inside of my card.
Fun handmade card for the video gamer in you life - GameBoy Retro Game die set.

This GameBoy inspired card was one of my favorites to create, and I have to say Tetris was my favorite back in the day! It’s the perfect card for any gamer or someone who loves a throwback to the good ol’ days of handheld gaming.

Urban Heroscape Card

Colorful Urban Cityscape Heroscape card featuring stamps from Ralph Tyndall.

For my second card, I went in a completely different direction with a graphic linear urban Heroscape design. Ralph designed this set too and it is called Street View Heroscape. I’ve always been fascinated by cityscapes, especially the way modern architecture plays with lines and geometric shapes. So, I wanted to create a card that captured the energy of an urban environment using simple, clean lines.

Street View HeroScape Stamps by Ralph Tyndall and Hero Arts - handmade card.

I chose not to use the base stamp because I wanted to emphasize the linear grapic look of this stamp set. The set also comes with coordinating dies that you can find HERE.

TIP: Prior to stamping the Pool Party color building, I masked the Indigo and Purple Galaxy buildings with post it notes for clean stamping.

Supplies Used:

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · stitching

Crafting a Cozy Christmas | Spellbinders October Stitching Club

Spellbinders October 2024 Stitching Club of the Month hand crafted card.

Today, we’re diving into a delightful project that combines creativity and a sprinkle of love: a hand-stitched Christmas card featuring Spellbinders October Stitching Club of the Month. The kit creates a whimsical Christmas tree under a starry night sky. Let’s get started on crafting a card that your loved ones will cherish!

Hand stitched and crafted Christmas tree card set against a starry night.

Merry and Bright Cloche Stitching Kit

  • I started by die cutting my Stitching Kit pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. I die cut the stitching pieces twice and glued them together for easier stitching. My sky is navy cardstock and the background is kraft. The stitched base element and star were die cut from Brushed Gold, which is a real staple in my craft room.
  • The Merry and Bright etched sentiment is included in this month’s kit.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I stitched the tree and base with DMC Antique Gold Thread. I hope you can see the shimmer!
  • I usually stitch with size 22 Tapestry needles.
  • I used thin double sided tape to secure my floss to the die cuts. I like that this tape is easy to hide behind the die cuts and I don’t even bother to take the top release paper off the tape.
  • Remember to keep your floss taught as you stitch.
  • When I move from one area to the next, I run the floss through the just finished stitched area to keep the thread secure. This gives a nice look on the finished project.
  • Don’t stitch with threads that are too long or they are likely to knot. 
  • When I was done, I added a bit of Bearly Glue to the ends so that they would stay in place.
  • With scissors, I cut 2 triangles that I added behind the tree to pop it up a bit.
  • I assembled with Bearly Glue and Craft Foam.

Helpful Links:

Spellbinders Club Info:

  • Clubs Preview on the 1st of each month.
  • Club members can cancel, upgrade or change clubs from the 1st-5th of each month. Popular Clubs frequently sell out during this period so club members get first dibs on everything.
  • NEW for 2024: Club Members get EARLY access to new releases on the 6th!
  • On the 6th, Clubs become available to non-members.
  • On the 27th, Club registration closes for the current month.
  • If a club did not sell out, you can buy under “Shop Past Clubs”. Past kits are available on the 10th of the FOLLOWING month.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

cardmaking · papercrafting

Cheerful Shine Bright Card | Spellbinders

Shine Bright layer stenciled card with bold die cut sentiment all from Spellbinders.

Hey crafty friends!

Are you ready to let your creativity shine? Today, we’re making a fun project that will have you glowing—literally! We’re going to create a stenciled and die-cut handmade card themed “Shine Bright.” Perfect for birthdays, encouragement, or just because, this card is sure to brighten anyone’s day. And I wanted to mention that the Shine Bright Collection was created by the great Carissa Wiley!

Colorful Analagous Stenciling

Analagous stenciling on a bright, happy, colorful chandmade card perfect for many occasions.

This card came together quickly!

  • I used the Layered Shine Bright Stencils to create my base, and I have to say the stencils lined up perfectly! I used Lemon Drop on layer 1, Creamsicle on #2, Fruit Punch on layer 3 and Taffy with the final stencil. I preplanned my colors and labeled my chosen color on each stencil so I wouldn’t get confused during my stenciling. I used Best Ever Craft Tape to both label my stencils and secure them to my craft mat.
  • Next I die cut my gorgeous sentiment. I die cut the black shadows three times and glued the layers together for nice dimension. I die cut the letters once from white cardstock. I used my Crystal Katana to pick up and place the letters.
  • I finished by using Sunset Enamel Dots embellishments.

You can buy the Shine Bright Bundle (stencil and die) or the Sentiment Dies separately.

Shine bright, and let your creativity light up the world!

Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!

Karen

Cardmaking Kit · Give Away · Special Offer

Crafting Holiday Cheer: 3 Handmade Christmas Cards You’ll Love! | Hero Studio

Handmade traditional Christmas cards created using Hero Arts October Card Kit 2024.

The holiday season is upon us, and that means one thing: it’s time to spread some festive cheer! What better way to do that than by creating your own holiday cards with the NEW Hero Studio October Release.

Plus a Special Promotion!

For just a couple of days, Hero Arts is offering a special 20% off Promo code on past kits: June – September. This includes the 5 kits and the extras that were released during those months.

Helpful Links (Be sure to use the Promo Code: CATCHUP20):

Introducing the Hero Studio October Card Kit

Adorable handmade stamped and die cut Christmas Card featuring gingerbread men and house, wreath and greenery.

I’ve created two cards with the October Card Kit and I have to say the process released my inner Elf! And those fun Peppermint Candies are included in the kit too! I love all the winter themed stamps and there are also TONS of great sentiment stamps. This is a stand alone kit that contains just about everything you need to craft LOADS of cards!

I stamped, colored with alcohol markers and die cut my elements. For the Christmas Tree card, there is an additional outline die you can use so your tree has loads of dimension. With scissors, I cut three triangles that I stacked and glued behind my die cut tree. Once my card was assembled, I added peppermint candy embellishments, which really “frosted” my card.

Stamped, colored and die cut handmade card featuring a Christmas card with pepperment candy embellishments.

Hero Arts new October Cardmaking Kit is a total game changer. Here’s what’s included:

KIT INCLUDES:
• Clear Stamp Set, 6″ x 8″
• 16 Coordinating Dies
• Hole Punch Die
• Tree Window Die
• Holiday Treats Words Cling Stamp, 6″ x 6″
• Washi Sticker Pack, 22 pieces
• Embossing & Watermark Ink Cube
• 5 Sheets Each of Kraft, White & Red Cardstock, 5.5″ x 8.5″
• Gold Embossing Powder, 0.5 oz
• White Embossing Powder, 0.5 oz
• Peppermint Clay Embellishments
(love these so much!)

Kit Cost:

  • $46 with Subscription + FREE SHIPPING!
  • $49.99 One Time Purchase (while supplies last)

The Whole Studio:

And, I’d also like to recommend THE WHOLE STUDIO, which includes ALL 5 Kits at a wonderful savings. The Whole Studio is $120 with subscription (or $138.95 One Time Purchase). That is $72 off!

Hero Arts has lots of Subscription Options so be sure to check them all out!

Let’s Get Crafty with The Holiday Assortment Stencil!

Rainbow stenciled Christmas card featuring Hero Studio's  Holiday Assortment Stencil and Holiday Messages sentiment.

I really enjoy stenciling, so I wanted to share this “Merry and Bright” card that I created using the Holiday Assortment Stencil and October Clear Stamp and Die Set (Holiday Messages Sentiments).

I chose 6 vibrant inks and starting with Lemon Drop, I worked my way around the stencil using my XL Blending Brush. I blended a bit at each color change.

The Inks that I used were: Lemon Drop, Creamsicle, Cherry, Purple Galaxy, Splash and Green Apple.

My sentiment is from the October Clear Stamp and Die Set called Holiday Messages. I backed my sentiment with a Vellum circle (die cut using the Circle Infinity Dies), which I think really adds a little something extra to the card.

Join the Blog Hop!

I hope you will join us for the Blog Hop! Each blog will feature a Holiday Theme Project (or two or three!). Be sure to leave a comment so that you are in contention for a $50 gift card.

Hero Arts

Hero Arts Creative Team:

Seeka

Rosie Lopez

Rachel Kleinman

Pocono Pam

Natasha Vacca

Natasha Polite

Michelle Short

Lydia Fiedler

Karen Brown You Are Here!

Kailash Naidoo

Jennifer Kotas

Jeannie Lieu

Ilina Crouse

Heather Ruwe

Charlene Madrid


Channin Pelletier

Special Guests:
Nichol Spohr


Kelly Taylor

Mindy Eggen

Final Thoughts

Creating your own holiday Christmas cards is a joyful and rewarding experience that brings a sprinkle of magic to the season.

Cardmaking Kit

Hero Studio Countdown Peek | October 2024

Handmade winter holiday card featruing Hero Arts Octobe 2024 Card Kit of the Month stamped and die cut Christams Tree decorated with peppermint candy embellishments.

Fa la la la la….are your ready for Christmas??? I am popping by with a quick peek at the wonderful Hero Studio October 2024 Card Kit of the Month. I can’t give too much away, but here is a bright fun card I created with the kit. The October Kit, Monthly Minis and Extraordinary Extras release on Monday! But, you don’t need to wait because you can subscribe today.

Bright cheery handmade Christmas Tree Card created with Hero Arts October 2024 Card Kit.

I’ll be back on Monday with two more Hero Studio cards + the Hero Arts Blog Hop. Be sure to come hop with us!

Meanwhile, Hero Arts has TONS of great items in their SHOP so go take a peek!

Cardmaking Video

VIDEO: Shimmery Snowflake Backgrounds 3 Ways

Are you ready to add a touch of winter magic to your card-making? In today’s video, I will guide you step-by-step through the enchanting process of creating shimmery snowflake backgrounds that will leave everyone in awe!

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

Today, we will be creating two cards and one tag using Hero Arts NEW Reactive Glitz Inks and the Kaleidoscope Snowflake Bold Print Stamp.

Adorable bright Christmas Holiday card with a "peeking penguin", shimmery background and heat embossed snowflakes.

For Card #1, My background was created with French Pink and African Violet Glitz Inks and the Kaleidoscope Snowflake Bold Print Stamp. I added a white Wood Frame and an adorable Peeking Penguin die cut to “ice” my card.

Shimmery Hero Arts Glitz Reactive Ink Christmas Holiday Card.

Look at the gorgeous shimmer from the Glitz Inks!

Snowflake Chirstmas Holiday card with heat embossed snowflakes and die cut snowflakes over a ink blended pink and purple background.

For Card #2, I did my ink blending on Peony Cardstock with French Pink and African Violet. Next, I heat embossed the Kaleidoscope Snowflake Bold Print Stamp. Then, I added Snowflakes die cut from Glitter Cardstock using the Snowflake Pattern Cover Die. Such an easy way to die cut LOADS of snowflakes!

Mixed Media Snowflake Christmas Winter Holiday Tag.

I also created a Mixed Media Tag that features Glitter die cut Snowflakes, Mini Clay Snowflake Embellishments and a Holiday Message Strips Hero Transfer Sentiment.

My background was created with Egyptian Blue and Naples Yellow Reactive Glitz inks and the Kaleidoscope Snowflake Stamp. I added a bit of Purple Galaxy around the edges.

Multiple Christmas Holiday cards and tags with Hero Arts Glitz Ink and the Kaleidoscope Snowflake Bold Print background stamp.

Other Supplies Used:

Video showing how to make Shimmery Snowflake card backgrounds for the Holidays and Christmas.

I had “Snow Much Fun” creating this trio and I hope you enjoyed the VIDEO!

cardmaking · Die cutting

Spooktacular Fun Halloween Cards | Hero Studio September 2024 Release and Blog Hop

3 fun handmade Halloween cards created with the September 2024 Hero Studio release.

Halloween is creeping around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to brew up some crafty magic with die-cut Halloween scene cards! The September Hero Studio Release is bursting with fun new products + an exciting Blog Hop, so hop along and gather tons of inspiration from some incredibly talented crafters. Let’s dive into the cauldron of creativity and get started!

Witch’s Kitchen | Monthly Mini Clear Stamp and Die Set

Witch's Kitchen  scene card | Hero Studio September 2024 | Monthly Mini Clear Stamp and Die Set Kit.

I always love a good scene card, so I had a great time playing with the September Clear Stamps and Dies of the Month. The set is called Witch’s Kitchen and there are so many fun elements to customize your project.

I started by masking 1″ at the bottom of my card. For my floor, I ink blended Granite Core Ink over the Cobblestone stencil. For my wallpaper, I ink blended Thistle Reactive Ink over the Sparkle Weave Stencil.

Next, I stamped all the stamp elements, colored with alcohol markers and then die cut. Then, I played around with layouts until I liked my spooky little scene. A little magic potion anyone???

Witch’s Kitchen: September Clear Stamp and Dies of the Month:

$27.50 with Subscription + FREE SHIPPING
$29.99 One-Time Purchase, While Supplies Last

Magical Halloween stamp and die cut Scene card created with Hero Arts September 2024 release called Witch's Kitchen.

September 2024 Card Kit of the Month

This month’s card kit is so fun! I conjured up a little trick-or-treat scene with stamps and dies included in the kit.

Silhouette Halloween Scene Card with a spooky house, trick-or-treaters and a flying witch with a purple ink blended background.

September 2024 Card Kit of the Month

I started by ink blending my background with Taffy, Thistle and Purple Galaxy inks. On a different white card panel I stamped my elements using Intense Black ink. I stamped the black several times for a dark silhouette. I stamped the moon with Lemon Drop and Creamsicle, blending a bit on the stamp before stamping. To “light” my windows, I used a yellow and pale orange alcohol marker. After I completed my little scene, I decided my card needed a frame, so I die cut one from Pitch Black cardstock using my Wood Frame Infinity Dies.

Hero Arts Hero Studio September 2024 Card Kit of the Month handmade Heroscape scene card.

What’s Inside the Kit?

Curious about this month’s kit? Let’s take a peek inside the September Hero Studio Card Kit:

Kit Cost:

$46 with Subscription + FREE SHIPPING
$49.99 One-Time Purchase
While Supplies Last

5 Wonderful Kit Options:

For this blog post, I created with two kits and two Extraordinary Extras, but there there are 5 kits plus 5 Extras available. You can also buy the Whole Studio, which includes all 5 kits at a wonderful savings.

Halloween Words Stencil + Haunted Romance Fancy Dies | Extraordinary Extras

Hero Arts Halloween Words Stencil + Haunted Romance Fancy Dies  handmade Halloween Card.

Key Products Used:

I created a sparkly background by spraying Bright Yellow + Copper and Orange + Shimmer Spray on Luxe Watercolor Paper. I spritzed extra water on the panel and tilted it from side to side to get my color moving and blending.

Once the orange panel was dry, I stenciled Intense Black Ink over the fun Halloween Words Stencil. Using my Rounded Rectangles, I die cut my background and a Pitch Black mat.

I added a Vellum element die cut with a Postage Stamp Infinity Die and added a spider web and bats from The Haunted Romance Fancy Dies. I die cut these from Glitter Black Cardstock. The sentiment is from Witches Kitchen (clear stamp set).

Fun orange Halloween card with die cut spider web and bats + stenciled shimmer spray background.

Join the Blog Hop!

Now it’s time for the Blog Hop! What’s a Blog Hop, you ask? It’s a fun, crafty event where you can hop from one blog to another, gathering inspiration, tips, and tricks from different crafters. Each blog in the hop will feature a Halloween project (or two or three!), so you’re sure to leave with your cauldron overflowing with ideas!

Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, September 8th at 11:59pm Pacific, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week.

Here’s how to join:

  1. Visit the Next Blog in the Hop: Check out the list of participating blogs (links below), and hop to the next one – Lydia Fiedler – to see what spooky creation she has brewed up!
  2. Leave a Comment: Show some love to your fellow crafters by leaving a comment on their posts. It’s a great way to connect and share the Halloween spirit!

Hero Arts

Channin Pelletier

Charlene Madrid

Ilina Crouse

Jeannie Lieu

Jennifer Kotas

Kailash Naidoo

Karen Brown You Are Here!

Lydia Fiedler

Michelle Short

Natasha Polite

Natasha Vacca

Pocono Pam

Rachel Kleinman

Rosie Lopez

Seeka

Special Guests:

Nichol Spohr

Ralph Tyndall

Mindy Eggen

Final Thoughts

Creating die-cut Halloween scene cards is a fang-tastic way to get into the spooky spirit and share some handmade love with friends and family. Plus, participating in a Blog Hop is the perfect way to find inspiration and connect with the crafting community. So, grab your dies, fire up your die-cutting machine, and let’s make this Halloween a crafty one to remember!

Happy crafting, and don’t forget to join the Blog Hop! 🎃👻

cardmaking · Die cutting

Crafting Charming Scene Cards

Cozy little scene card created with Spellbinders Home Sweet Home and Backyard Haven View die sets.

Hello Crafty Friends! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of scene cards by creating a cozy little card featuring a house, a tree, and a swing. Spellbinders just released a new Storytelling Collection and I used Home Sweet Home for this card.

This project is perfect for those moments when you want to escape into a serene, idyllic scene—no matter what’s going on outside your window. So, grab your crafting supplies, and let’s swing into some creative fun!

Why a Scene Card?

Scene cards are like mini stories captured in paper. They allow you to create a complete world on a small canvas, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of whimsy to whoever receives it. Plus, you can evoke that peaceful, happy feeling of home, making this card perfect for any occasion.

Charming Scene card with a cute little house, fence and a tree with swing.

I love creating scene cards, so I combined some of my favorite die sets on this card.

Key Products Used:

Final Thoughts

Creating scene cards is such a rewarding way to let your imagination run wild. This card, with its quaint house, sturdy tree, and gently swinging swing, is like a little escape to a peaceful place every time you look at it. So, grab your crafting supplies and start creating your own mini world on a card!

Happy crafting, and may your creative journey be as joyful as a swing on a sunny day! 🌞🌳

Karen

Die cutting · Mixed Media

Spooky Fun | Die Cut Halloween Cards

Bold colorful handmade  Halloween card backgrounds combinderd with Spellbinders Happy Haunting die kits to create 2 fun cards.

Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than by creating some spooky yet charming Halloween cards? Spellbinders has just released an adorable collection called Happy Haunting that is SO fun! I created two cards today that I am going to send to my daughters. I used Witchin” Heels (S3-525) and Woof or Treat (S3-521).

Hamdemade Halloween scene card with a witch silhouette on a broom flying though a vivid  sunset. created with orange and yellow liquid watercolor.  Witchin' Heel by Spellbinders S3-525

Spooky (and Cute!) Card Designs

For a simple yet delightful card, I created a dramatic sunset background to contrast with my sparkly witchy silhouette. I love using Liquid Watercolors because they are so vivid.

My Design Process:

  • I started my design process by creating two bold backgrounds using liquid watercolors.
  • Witchin’ Heels background: I brushed water onto a watercolor paper panel and then used the Dandelion Yellow Liquid Watercolor eye-dropper to drop color onto the paper. I added yellow at the top and bottom of the panel and dropped Orange in the middle. I then used my mini-mister sprayer to add water to the colors, tilting different directions so that the colors blended and flowed. I repeated this process a couple of times.
  • Woof or Treat backgound: I repeated the process for my purple panel using Indigo and Neon Brights Pink Liquid Watercolors. Since I didn’t have purple watercolor I created my own by dropping a big blob of Indigo ink and then putting a smaller drop of pink in the center. I spitzed with water and then tilted to move the ink. I added several layers for an intense color.
  • I used my heat tool to speed up the drying process.
  • Below, you can see a photo of my completed backgrounds.
  • Die cutting was next. I used Black Glitter Paper for the Witch and added purple accents die cut from my purple watercolor panel. For my ghostly pup, I used khaki and added a hint of shading with a blending brush.
  • To frame my little trick-or-treater, I used my Scallop Label Infinity Dies. I also added a little dimension with foam squares and craft foam.
Adorable Woof or Treat (by Spellbinders) handmade card of a Dog trick-or-treating as a ghost with a pumpkin.  S3-521

Key Supplies Used:

How to create colorful vivid card backgrounds with liquid watercolors.

Final Thoughts:

I feel like each of these cards has a little bit of seasonal magic combined with crafty love. I adore the bold colors acheived with liquid watercolors.

I hope you found some inspiration today. Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

cardmaking · Stamping

Fabulous Floral Backgrounds | Ink Smooshing + Stamping Tutorial

Two colorful floral cards using Hero Arts August 2024 Cling Stamp of the Month "Orchids" + Ink Smooshing Technique Tutorial.

Hello lovely crafters! Karen Brown here and today I am excited to share with you a simple yet stunning way to create a floral background with a gorgeous new cling stamp called Orchids.

Easy Yet Eye-Catching Ink Smooshing

Easy yet eye-catching floral background in pinks and oranges + Orchids Cling Background Stamp of the Month for August 2024.

Step-By-Step Tutorial:

I will walk you through how to make two colorful cards using the August Cling of the Month: Orchids.

  • I started by making two background panels. I took a Clear Acetate Window Card Panel, dabbed Reactive Ink on the acetate and then spritzed with water. Some spots were watery and others were a bit dryer, and think I think this combination adds more character to backgrounds.
  • I turned the acetate over, bent it so that it touched just a portion of my background, and applied a section of the diluted ink onto Luxe Watercolor Paper. I continued adding different colors until I liked the look of my panel. I wanted contrast so I made sure to leave some white space. You can see my process photo below.

Below is a photo of my completed ink smooshing. I used Fruit Punch, Creamsicle and Taffy for card 1 and Blue Hawaii, Paradise and Pool Party for card 2.

  • I let my backgrounds dry overnight but you could speed things up with a heat tool.
  • I find I get a better result if I season my cling stamps prior to stamping my project. I inked up the Orchids stamp and stamped on plain computer paper and then discarded this test paper.
  • I put my ink smoosh background and cling stamp in my stamp positioner and stamped three times with Intense Black Ink. I wanted a nice dark impression that really penetrated the paper.
  • Next, using my August Card Kit of the Month, I die cut my elements from Pitch Black cardstock.
  • I cut two 2″ x 3″ white panels, and two black mats.
  • I stamped my sentiment (also from the August Card Kit) near the bottom of the white panel and then attached my die cuts with foam squares.
  • I assembled my card, adding a bit of craft foam behind the small black mat.
Floral Background + Blue Ink Smooshing for an eye-catching Hello card with die cut accents.

Here is a final photo of both cards.

How to make colorful ink smoosh backgrounds for your handmade cards.

I hope you enjoy trying out this technique. Happy stamping!