Create Dimensional Keepsake Cards That Will Wow Your Recipient

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

The new Spellbinders Pink Lemonade Stand Collection is firmly in the second category. With its stand-up easel chalkboard design, customizable accessories, and endless styling options, this die set can go modern or playful, graphic or cozy, bold or soft.

Today I’m sharing 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.

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.

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.

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.

Design Details

• Lemonade Stand Easel base: Pitch Black cardstock (my favorite black—rich, crisp, and perfect for embossing)
• Chalkboard sentiment: heat-embossed coffee cup + “thanks a latte” from the Hero Arts Coffee or Tea Stamp Set
• Embellishments: small hearts and flowers from the Pink Lemonade Stand Tag accessory dies
• Color accents: hot pink, turquoise, and bright yellow
• Mounted on: white A2 card bases for maximum contrast

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.

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.

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

• a mid-assembly shot with one chalkboard drying under an acrylic block

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:

• Spellbinders Pink Lemonade Stand Die Set
• Spellbinders Pink Lemonade Stand Tag Accessory Dies
• Spellbinders Pink Lemonade Collection
• Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine

Stamps and Cardstock:

• Hero Arts Coffee or Tea Stamp Set (stamp & die bundle)
• Hero Arts Pitch Black Cardstock

Ink:

• Hero Arts Unicorn White Pigment Ink