Tag: Embossing Folder

Cardmaking Kit

Spellbinders | Stitching Die of the Month | April 2024

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Spellbinders April 2024 Stitching Die of the Month handmade card.

It’s that time of the month again….time for Spellbinders April Club Kit releases. Today, I am sharing my floral stitched card. I know I always say this, but the April Stitching kit is a real beauty.

One of the things I like about stitching is that the project is transportable. I stitched my flowers in a doctor’s waiting room and I completed the leaves in my backyard on a beautiful Spring day (see photo below).

The Deluxe Caboodle

I also wanted to mention what a wonderful deal the Deluxe Caboodle Kit is. You save 60% off all TEN kits for the month + you get a bonus gift. So, if you are thinking about multiple kits, consider the Caboodle. The current cost is $160 but the kit value is $315.

Spellbinders Stitched Wall Hanging Kit

Spellbinders Hand Stitched Card using Die of the Month Stitching Club Kit.

My Stitching Process:

  • The kit has 18 dies and I started by cutting all my pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I used DMC Gold Thread, #818 Soft Pink, #772 Light Yellow Green and #922 Light Copper for this project.
  • When I started stitching, I took two strands of floss, separated them one at a time, brought them together and then stroked and lengthened them until they seemed tame and ready to use.
  • I usually stitch with size 22 Tapestry needles.
  • I like to use 1/8th inch double sided liner tape to attach my floss to the die cut.
  • 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.
  • To finish my project I embossed white cardstock with the my longtime favorite embossing folder: Intertwined Lattice.
  • I used the Press and Seal method to keep my elements together after I arranged them. Place Press and Seal over arrangement, flip them over, apply glue, flip back over and adhere to card.

Other Supplies and Products Used:

Isn’t this a great place to stitch?

Handmade stitching card showing you can work on your stitching card anywhere including vacation or your backyard.

A Few Notes About Spellbinders Club Kits

  • 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.

Helpful Links:

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

BetterPress · cardmaking · Rainbow Colors

Spellbinders | Using Rainbow Colored Ink with Spellbinders BetterPress System

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Using Rainbow Colored ink on Spellbinders Mirrored Arch BetterPress plates.

Rainbow Colors + BetterPress

I am still in love with my BetterPress System! For my first card, I decided to create a rainbow effect with Spellbinders new plates called Mirrored Arch Nested Sprigs. They are from the Mirrored Arch Collection.

I used Mulberry and Cosmic Sky inks from The Regal Tones Ink set, Apricot from the Desert set and French Blue, Wild Berry and Saffron from Nature Tones. I didn’t have a green so I used Mowed Lawn Distress Ink and it worked just fine.

The Mirrored Arch Nested Sprigs has one main plate plus three frames that you can use to mix and match. I used all four plates for my card. I inked the plates with all my rainbow colors and ran through my BetterPress machine just once. This ensured there was no shifting. I used Porcelain Better Press paper.

I have a Blog Post titled 9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress System that you can read HERE.

Combining BetterPress with Embossing Folders
Spellbinders BetterPress Copperplate Hello, Coastal Blue ink and Luxe Backdrop and Border Emboss and Cut folder.

Spellbinders just introduced an elegant new line called CopperPlate. I love the simplicity of this line and I combined the Hello with a beautiful Emboss and Cut Folder that has two patterns plus an edge cutting die.

For my BetterPress panel, I used Coastal Blue from the Desert Ink set on Porcelain Cardstock.

I embossed two panels with the Luxe Backdrop and Border folder as I wanted to layer them so I had a second edge peeking out of the bottom. I then cut both panels with the coordinating die. I added some craft foam for added dimension.

Products Used:

cardmaking · Die cutting · papercrafting

Spellbinders Scene Card | Windows With A View

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Spellbinders Windows with a View + Backyard Haven die set + Vista View Window card for a baby shower.

I love a good scene card and when I saw Tina Smith’s Windows With A View Collection, I was immediately smitten! I needed a baby shower card and I knew the tire swing in this kit would be perfect. 

Special Scene Card for a Baby Shower

Spellbinders Windows with a View + Backyard Haven die set + Vista View Window card.

Spellbinder’s Backyard Haven View has 16 adorable dies that include the tree, tire swing, squirrel, owl, bird house, fence, bird bath + some other adorable details. So many possibilities that allow you to design a card for most any occasion….baby shower, new home, friendship, birthday etc.

The Vista View Window kit includes the 9 pane window + window box, window sill.

Friendship Card

Scene card with a brick house, window and a tree with a tire swing.

I made a second friendship card and used a “Friend” chipboard sentiment from Autumn Chipboard Stickers that I thought went well with my scene.  I love this chipboard set with its beautiful substantial elements.

Products Used:

I am so pleased you stopped by!

Karen

Die cutting · Tutorial · Wax Seals

18 Tips and Tricks for Making Wax Seals | Spellbinders

Karen Brown3 Comments
18 Tips and Tricks for Making Cards with Wax Seals.

My Husband gave me Spellbinders Wax Seal Starter Kit for Christmas, and I have been having SO much fun! I also received a Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine and I have to say I loved the results!

In today’s post, I used three beautiful new wax bead colors: Pistachio, Velvet Rose and Ink.

Tutorial + 18 Tips and Tricks for Making Wax Seals:

  • With a Sharpie marker, I put a dot on my seal so it was easy to keep track of where the top of the design is.
  • I read that it helps reduce soot if you trim your tea candle wick, so I did this.
  • I put 4 beads in the warming spoon and it took 2 minutes to melt.
  • I poured the wax and found it is easy to make a circle pattern, but I do like seals that aren’t perfectly round.
  • Don’t press the seal into the wax, just gently position and allow gravity to work.
  • After experimenting, I found that if I wanted a thicker, more button like seal you should pour the wax and then wait 15-30 seconds before gently dropping the seal into the wax. The card with the pink seal was done this way.
  • If you like a thinner seal with a higher rim then place the seal immediately after pouring.
  • I found if I used just my thumb and pinky or middle finger that I was better able to center the seal more precisely. 
  • I left the seal in the wax anywhere from 15 to 90 seconds. The time didn’t seem to matter and no wax was ever left on the seal itself.
  • I also found it helps to move your pours around on the silicone mat so you don’t get warm spots on your work surface.
  • I also let my seal cool in between pours.
  • If you don’t like a seal, you can remelt it.
  • You can mix colors for a lovely marbled look. I really love the blue and green combination that I made which is shown in the upper left of the first photo. I also love blue and gold together and you can see two with that combination in the upper right corner on the blue card.
  • You can add flakes, glitter or pearls to the melted wax.
  • I used a paper towel to clean the spoon when changing wax colors.
  • I used a Decocolor marker on some of my seals (see the card with the green seal). I have Gold but wish I had bought silver too. Just lightly go over the raised ridges.
  • I experimented using Posca Pens too. They work, but I did like the result of the Decocolor markers better. The navy wax seal was highlighted with a silver Posca.
  • I love the Sealed Twine Die for a perfect twine look every time!
Quick and Easy Die Cut Card with Custom Handmade Wax Seal.

Each seal is so beautiful and unique!

Floral card with blue and purple flowers and Ink Navy blue Wax Seal Element.

Once, my seals were made, I got out two favorite die sets – Sealed Wildflower, and Autumn Sealed Sprigs – and started creating my floral designs. I also used the Sealed Twine die on all of my cards.

How to use wax seals on handmade greeting cards.

For two of my cards I embossed a background panel for added interest.

I’ve enjoyed my Wax Seal Kit so much that I signed up for the Wax Seal of the Month Kit.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Hummingbird Delight 💛 ✨ 14 Best Cardmaking Supplies for 2026 ✨ ✨ Best of 2025 ✨ Merry Christmas from the Brown Family!🎄 #merrychristmas Looking back at the Best & Most Popular @heroarts Cards of 2025 ✨ A mixed media Valentine — Spellbinders style! Nothing cuter than a House Mouse + a giant cup of coffee! Colored with Copics and finished with a “thanks a latte” sentiment—because I never get tired of that pun 😄 Clean + modern get well card using the December Stamp & Die Kit of the Month from @heroarts Spa day, but make it die cut! 💆‍♀️🩵

cardmaking · Die cutting · papercrafting

Spellbinders | All Occasion Bow | New and Unique Die Cut Card

Karen Brown1 Comment
Spellbinders All Occasion Bow die cut card.

I love versatile supplies in my craft room and Spellbinders just released a lovely All Occasion Bow etched die kit that is perfect for so many occasions. The bow is part of the beautiful Merry & Bright Collection but I will also be using it on Birthday, Wedding/Shower and Graduation cards.

Spellbinders Merry & Bright Die Cut Bow + Petite Blooms and Sentiments

My Card Process:

  • My first step is usually color selection. I have a Christmas paper sampler pack (see note below) that I thought would work beautifully for this project so I chose aqua, teal, pinks and greens from this pad.
  • I divided the All Occasion Bow dies into two piles. The bottom layers were all cut from teal and the top “highlight” die cuts were from aqua. Once I organized my dies between bottom (teal) and “highlights”, I didn’t need to think about which color paper to use and the die-cutting went very quickly.
  • I assembled my bow with foam adhessive squares, and then decided I wanted to anchor the bow with a focal point label. Spellbinders/Simon Hurley have a beautiful Playful Poinsettia Embossing Folder that I embossed and then die cut using a retired Ornamental Labels Die. This nesting die set has an interesting shape and I love the subtle interest this step adds to my card. I glued this die cut and embossed label (using craft foam and Bearly Glue) to a white A2 Top Folding Card Base.
  • Now that the basics were done, I wanted to embellish my bow with floral elements and a tag sentiment. I used Spellbinders Petite Blooms and Sentiments, which is also from the Merry & Bright Collection. I especially love the “For You” etched tag die! I like to die cut lots of elements and then I sit down and play around with different layouts. I added some enamel dots for flower centers. For the bow, I wanted to add pops of color but the bow is so beautiful I didn’t want to cover too much either. Its always a balance, isn’t it?
Spellbinders All Occasion die cut Bow + Petite Blooms and Sentiments

Products Used:

I am not an affiliate of Simon Says Stamp, but I bought the paper (Candy Christmas) I used there and I am providing a link HERE.

See ya next time!

Karen

Interested in more…You can also find me at these spots too:

@karens_mini on Instagram

Pinterest: @karenabrown

FaceBook: Karens_Mini

YouTube: Karen Brown

Spellbinder’s Black Friday Sale

cardmaking · Die cutting

Spellbinders Cards | Be Bold Blooms Floral Die Kit 3 Ways

Karen Brown2 Comments
Spellbinders Be Bold Blooms Die Set (S5-502) handmade card.

Happy Birthday to me! I had several crafty items on my wish list that I received as birthday gifts:

I thought it would be fun to combine these products together for a birthday blog post.

Using Sarah Renae Clark’s Color Cubes and Catalogue

I love color so Sarah Renae Clark’s bundle has been so fun to explore! I started by looking for color inspiration in the Color Catalogue and then I pulled out several Color Cube Cards that I found inspiring. I like to start with the Color Catalogue where I can search by Color, Key Word or Collection. I wanted a bright springy card so I began by searching for combinations with hot pink/magenta. For my first card, I settled on combination #35. My second card uses #218.

Once I had my colors selected, I matched them up with hues in my new Papertrey Cardstock. I love that there are 36 colors in each package!

Spellbinders Be Bold Blooms handmade cards in Pinks and Yellows from Papertrey Perfect Match Cardstock.

Spellbinders Flowers | Be Bold Blooms Die-Cutting Tutorial

I started die cutting with my Be Bold Blooms kit. I love the variety of flowers included…they are fun and whimsical! I used my Papertrey paper plus some Spellbinders Brushed Gold. I like that the gold adds a rich elegance without being too shiny.

I wanted to experiment with backgrounds too. For Card 1, I “debossed” my background panel with an older Embossing Folder of the Month called Intertwined Lattice. For Card 2, I die cut a frame with an old favorite Spellbinders Essential Rectangles.

Spellbinders Be Bold Blooms Die cut handmade card in blues and yellows.

I played around with layouts and once I had the die-cuts they way I wanted I carefully applied Press-N-Seal wrap over the top, flipped it over and applied Instant Dimension Foam Tape to the bottom of each piece. All I had to do was flip it back over, place, add a bit of pressure and then gently peel back the Press-N-Seal. So much faster than laying out, disassembling, adding foam tape and then reassembling piece by piece.

Spellbinders Be Bold Blooms die cut handmade card in blues and yellows using Papertrey Perfect Match Cardstock.

I added my sentiments (hello is from a past club kit) and was done.

Elegant Die Cut floral Sympathy Card.

I needed a Sympathy Card so did another quick card with white, gold and pink die cuts.

Die Cut Sympathy Card.

Products Used:

Have a great week!

Karen

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Spellbinders | The Best of 2022

Karen Brown2 Comments

LINK TO MY INSTAGRAM

At the end of the year, I enjoy looking back through my projects and this year I decided to write a post about my most popular Spellbinders projects. I loved so many of my creations, but these are the crowd favorites for 2022.

Spellbinders Layered Floral Card Creator

This first card was my most popular card on Instagram, was my most “pinned” card on Pinterest and my most read blog post! I used the November Small Die of the Month Club Kit called Layered Floral Card Creator. This set was so popular that it is sold out. Because of this, I suggest that you join the club of your choice as club members are guaranteed to receive each month’s kit. Of course, you can cancel at any time. You can see all the subscription kit options HERE.

If you would like to read my original post, you can find it HERE. I also have four other cards that were very well received in that post.

Christmas card from Spellbinders Winter Tales Collection designed by Zsoka Marko.  Magical Deer: S4-1215.

My most popular Christmas card was from the Winter Tales Collection that was designed by the talented Zsoka Marko. I was instantly attracted to this die kit called Magical Deer: S4-1215. I love the Nordic look and used Scandanavian red and blue as accent colors to give the neutrals some pop.

You can read my original blog post HERE.

Spelllbinders Fan Motif Embossing Folder

Embossing folders have become so popular, and this Fan Motif was much loved by my readers and followers.

 You can read my original post HERE.

Patchwork Petals Quilt die from Becca Feekens Quilted Ccollection.

Becca Feeken’s Quilted Collection was just released this month but was wildly popular! There are so many possibilities and combinations and I think the dies really speak to papercrafters. On this card, I used the Stained Glass Inlay Technique with the Patchwork Petals Quilt Die Kit: S5-537

You can read my original post and see 3 other cards HERE.

Spellbinders Quilted Heart Valentine

The Blooming Heart kit has been so popular on my blog, Instagram and Pinterest.

You can read my original post HERE.

Spellbinders Strawberry Patch die kit

This Strawberry Patch die kit can be used for so many occasions and makes such a bright happy card!

I created three cards using this set that you can see in my original post HERE.

Spellbinders Stitched Ornament kit 34-1231

Stitched cards were crazy popular this year and this Stitched Ornament Kit # S4-1231, continues to be pinned and liked.

You can read my original post HERE.

Susan Tierney-Cockburn's Letter Box from The Winter Garden Collection.

The Winter Garden Collection by Susan Tierney-Cockburn was so fun and this  Letter Box is so versatile….you can use the mailbox by itself….add Christamas gifts or letters….or turn it into a birthday card by changing the colors and sentiment. 

You can read my original post HERE.

Spellbinders Stitched Fall Leaves

Here is another very popular stitched kit called Stitched Fall Leaves. The leaves are gorgeous stitched or unstitched.

You can read my original post HERE.

Spellbinders Stylized Floral Kaleidscope Slimline Kit

The Stylized Floral Kaleidscope Slimline Kit is gorgeous!

I have three cards made with this kit in my original post HERE.

Spellbindders Balloon Party Animal Die kit: S3-450

This card was so well received! I used the following products:

You can see my original post HERE. One of my closest friends loved this card and asked me to make one for her daughter-in-laws baby shower, so I have a 2nd card HERE.

Shabby Chic Christmas Tags + Cathe Holden's Christmas Flea Market Finds

These tags win the “Most Fun to Create” award. I wanted a vintage shabby chic vibe and used Cathe Holden’s  Christmas Flea Market Finds. 

You can find my original post HERE.

I love that you stopped by today and would love to hear which is YOUR favorite creation.

I hope to see you soon!

Karen

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Altenew | Craft Your Life Watercolor Flowers

Karen Brown5 Comments
Altenew Craft Your Life Watercolor Flowers Project Kit handmade card.

Altenew’s Craft-Your-Life Watercolor Flowers

I love Altenew’s Subscription kits and this month’s Craft Your Life Subscription Kit does not disappoint. It’s called Watercolor Flowers and there are two big beautiful stamps plus loads of great sentiments included.

For my first card, I used the coloring stencils and I love the graphic look on the finished card. The sentiment is included in the kit.

Using Altenew's Craft Your Life Watercolor Flowers coloring stencil.

I used Altenew Crisp Dye Inks in the following shades: Mango Smoothie, Warm Sunshine, Orange Crush, Mountain Mist, Volcano Lake, Lagoon and Mountain Pine when coloring with the stencil.

For my background, I used washi tape to tape off a border. Then, using Altenew’s Large Ink Blending Tool and Warm Sunshine Crisp Dye Ink, I blended a coordinating background. I die cut my floral panel, attached to the background with Instant Dimension Foam Tape and added Warm and Cozy Enamel Dots to the flower centers.

Yellow and aqua color scheme on Altenew's December 2022 Craft-Your-Life Project kit.

Altenew Beach Garden Set K Artist Alcohol Markers

Altenew just came out with their newest set of Alcohol Markers called Beach Garden (Set K) and I wanted to do a second card with this bright set. I love the aquas, blues, yellows and oranges. There are also some really pretty grays included. The only additional color I used on my card was a light Yellow (C004) for the buds on the right side. In addition to the regular brush, Altenew markers have a second fine coloring head for small areas. I used the fine nib a lot on this card and it is one of the reasons I usually reach for Altenew markers over other brands.

Altenew's Beach Garden (Set K) Artist Alcohol Markers.

I added a subtle background by running a bit of Embossing Paste through parts of the Bubble Wrap Stencil. I lightly heated the embossing paste. The longer you heat, the more the paste will bubble up. I assembled with Instant Dimension Foam Tape, stamped a sentiment using Altenew’s Label Love Stamp set and added Cool Summer Night Enamel Dots to the flower centers.

Altenew's Craft-Your-Life Watercolor Flowers in Orange and Aqua.

Watercolor Flowers Embossing Folder

Using 3D embossed scraps in cardmaking.

The Craft-Your-Life Embossing Folder is beautiful! I ink blended Persian Blue and Saphire Crisp Dye Inks on cardstock and then embossed it. I then added white pigment over the top of the embossing. I wanted to spotlight the embossing so I die cut 4 circular frames using Halftone Circles dies and then glued them together to form a substantial looking frame. Using one of the die cuts as a guide, I chose the portion of the embossed panel that I wanted to use on my card and then die cut a circle. I stacked the frames on top of the embossed circle and glued to a white A2 top-folding card. I added three enamel dots (Essential Black and White) to the flower centers and stamped a simple sentiment in corresponding ink. I think it makes for a fresh clean look.

Blue Ink Blending + White Pigment Ink on Craft Your Life Watercolor Flowers 3D Embossing Folder.

Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to hear which card is your favorite.

Karen

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Die Cutting + Mixed Media Cards

Karen Brown1 Comment
Distressed Mixed Media card using die cut leaves from Altenew's Tropical Mix set.

Shabby Chic Mixed Media Cards

Welcome! I had the idea for a messy mixed media card with fall-color die cut leaves on a brick embossed background. I have to say, this was a really fun creative journey.

The first card is for my friend Paul who thinks I am a mixed media artist and is always encouraging me to do more art. I especially like how the blue panel shows through the leaves on the birthday card.

Using metallic shimmer ink sprays on mixed media cards.

My process:

  • Using Altenew’s Tropical Leaf Mix Dies and Essential Sentiment Strips, I die cut three leaves and two sentiments from kraft card stock.
  • On my craft mat, I made three puddles of ink: Orange Cream Metallic Shimmer Ink Spray + Water, Warm Sunshine Metallic Shimmer Spray + water and Infusions Frankly Scarlet Colored Stain. I then dabbed portions of each die cut into each puddle of ink. I did this 2 or 3 times until I was happy with the colors.
  • Using a panel of Neenah 110 cardstock, I dabbed some Espresso Ink onto my craft mat, spritzed with a bit of water and then dabbed in my cardstock. I did the same thing with a panel of kraft paper.
  • On the Neenah panel, I repeated the process with Ocean Waves Metallic Shimmer Ink Spray plus water.
  • Using Altenew’s Brick Wall 3D Embossing Folder, I embossed the kraft panel.
  • I painted on some distressing to the brick wall panels using the left over yellow, orange and red inks. You can see I used more red on the birthday card and I really like how that panel turned out.
  • Next, I added lots of spatters using the left over red, orange and yellow ink. I also added white (Pure White Ink Spray) and black (Jet Black Ink Spray).
  • After the splatters dried, I distressed the edges with more Espresso Ink and a finger dauber.
  • I made a brown top folding A2 card base and then assembled my card. I glued the brick panel directly to the card base but used Instant Dimension Foam Tape to adhere the blue panel to the bricks. I glued the leaves at a jaunty angle and added a small bow.
Altenew's Bricked Wall 3D Embossing Folder on Mixed Media cards.

I love the grungy vintage look of these two cards.

Shabby Chic grungy distressed mixed media card with die cut leaves.

Thank you for stopping by!

Karen

cardmaking · papercrafting

Spellbinders | Floral Reflections Collection

Karen Brown3 Comments
Spellbinders Sealed Wildflower Die kit for clean and simple die cut cards.

Sealed Wildflower Die Kit (S4-1255)

I am so happy you stopped by! Spellbinders new Floral Reflections Collection is live and I LOVE how fresh the collection is. I made two cheerful cards, one for a friend’s birthday the second is ready to send for a get well.

Spellbinders Sealed Wildflower Kit S4-1255 die cut card.

For my first card, I used the Sealed Wildflower die kit (S4-1255). I felt like clean and simple was the way to showcase these lovely die cuts so I selected Waterfall cardstock for my backdrop. I kept my color palette simple: aqua, melon, dark green and white and added coordinating enamel dots to my flower centers. My sentiment was hot foiled and die cut using GLP-260: Mini Everyday Sentiments. Using an A2 top folding card base, I added my waterfall panel with craft foam for a bit of dimension.

Spellbinders "Sealed Wildflower" kit (S4-1255) on a die cut handmade card in aqua, white and orange.

Flower Frenzy Embossing Folder (E3D-048)

I adore the lovely texture on the new Flower Frenzy Embossing Folder (E3D-048). I embossed a panel of Waterfall cardstock and then die cut a tag. I die cut a second tag in white which acts as a shadow backdrop.

All I needed was one sweet grouping of flowers to embellish the tag and I again used the Sealed Wildflowers die kit. My base is an A2 top folding card and then I added a kraft background mat and enamel dots to the flower centers and mounted my tags using foam tape for dimension.

I love the texture that the embossing folder adds to the card, but by using a tag, the overall feel is still clean and simple.

Flower Frenzy Embossing Folder (E3D-048) die cut handmade embossed tag and card in aqua, orange and kraft.

I like to keep Get Well cards on hand so they are ready to send when the need arises. This card is in my desk drawer ready to go.

Embossing tags for handmade cards.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek at my die cut cards.

Karen