Tag: Hello Card

Handmade stenciled Halloween card and tag. A Simple Guide To Using Layering Stencils in Cardmaking
cardmaking · Die cutting · Stenciling

A Simple Guide To Using Layering Stencils in Cardmaking

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Purple and orange layered stencil card with gold foiled “Hello” sentiment, framed with vellum, lavender, and gold cardstock.

Some cards practically make themselves—this was one of them. Today I’m featuring a project made with the August 2025 Hero Arts Layering Stencil of the Month, Sunnyside Manor. This dreamy stencil has a charming layered interwoven scene that comes to life with just a few colors of ink.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Layering Stencils

If you’re new to layering stencils or just want to brush up, here’s how I created this scene using the Sunnyside Manor Stencil set:

1. Start with a Colored Card Base (Optional)

I used lavender cardstock to add an extra tone to the finished design before I ever inked. You can also use white for a clean slate.

For this version, I created a bold and beautiful palette using three shades of purple and a pop of orange. I started directly on a lavender card base, giving me a built-in fourth shade of purple before I even began inking.

2. Secure the First Stencil

Place Layer 1 over your cardstock and secure it using low-tack tape or a sticky mat to keep everything from shifting. Hero Arts Stencils have great square guides in the four corners so each layer lines up perfectly everytime! I take a pencil and mark each square before I begin.

If you’d like to see this process in one of my How to Stencil Videos, click HERE.

3. Blend Your First Ink Color

Using a blending brush, apply your first ink (I used Thistle). Blend evenly and lift the stencil carefully once done.

4. Repeat for Each Layer

Align Layer 2 (they’re clearly numbered on the lower left) and easy to line up with the square guides or by eye).

Ink with your second color: Purple Galaxy

Layer 3: Tangerine

Layer 4: Amethyst

Hero Arts inks dry quickly, but if you’re planning to hot foil or emboss over it, give the ink a moment to fully dry.

5. Add Your Sentiment:

Hero Studio August 2025 Sunnyside Manor layered stencil card in 4 shades of purple + orange.

The card has a soft shimmer, deep contrast, and that quiet elegance that stenciling always brings. I find stenciling to be my Zen moment—and this one was so satisfying.

Interested in more August Club Kit Cards, you can read my August 2025 Release Day Blog Post HERE.

Two Hero Studio Halloween cards and tags in purple and orange.

>>>> Hero Arts Club Kits Overview <<<<

Why I Love This Stencil

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly but artistically satisfying project, this one is for you.

Stenciling has become my go-to technique for beautiful, relaxing cardmaking. The Sunnyside Manor Layering Stencil is especially satisfying—the layers line up easily and the design allows for infinite color combos. Whether you go soft and serene or bold and whimsical, this stencil adapts beautifully.

Interested in seeing some other layering stencils…..click HERE.

BetterPress Modern Botanicals handmade card. Spellbinders | BetterPress Modern Botanicals
BetterPress · cardmaking

Spellbinders | BetterPress Modern Botanicals

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Trio of Spellbinders Modern Botanicals BetterPress cards in blues, tans, yellows and oranges.

Today I’m sharing a beautiful trio of cards I created using the new “Flourishing” BetterPress Plate Set from the Modern Botanicals Collection by Dina Wakley. This versatile 6-piece set features flowy greenery, abstract dots, three simple circles, and a funky half-arch — all perfect for building modern, artsy compositions with minimal effort. I trimmed each card down with Hero Arts Postage Stamp Nesting Dies.

Set of three modern handmade cards using Spellbinders Flourishing BetterPress plates with unique color combos and layouts.

While this set includes a layout template, I had fun going off-script and creating my own designs. I loved mixing up the colors, rotating the elements, and trying out different sentiments. These cards were fast, satisfying, and perfect for mass producing — ideal for gifting, sending, or just building your stash.

If you’d like to see a side by side comparison of Better Press and Glimmer Hot Foil, click HERE.

I was out of BetterPress paper (gasp!), so I reached for a nice creamy watercolor paper from my stash — and it worked wonderfully!

Key Products Used:

Card 1: Modern Thank You

A fun modern BetterPress thank you card in Azalea, Hyrdrangea blue, tan, and brown.

Inks: Hydrangea, Azalea, Tawny Brown, Saffron
Sentiment: Stylish Script – Thank You Glimmer Plate

Yes, Glimmer plates play beautifully with the BetterPress system, and vice versa! I used the Stylish Script Glimmer Plate for a touch of shiny elegance.

Modern look BetterPress letterpress thank you card with hand drawn shapes and leaves.

Card 2: Coastal Tones

Spellbdiners Modern Botanicals "Flourishing" BetterPress thank you card in muted blues, tans, yellow and orange.

Inks: Coastal, Tawny Brown, Saffron, Azalea

This one has more muted blue tones, but still feels fresh and uplifting — a great example of how changing the color palette shifts the mood.

BetterPress letterpress thank you card with a leaf, 3 circles, cluster of dots and a half circle lined arch.

Card 3: Warm Hello

Modern BetterPress letterpress card with greenery, circles, lined arch and Hello Hello sentiment.

Inks: Clay, Black, Coastal, Saffron
Sentiment: BetterPress Plate BP104 – A Friend Like You

I love how the black adds a strong graphic contrast to the natural shapes, while the warm tones bring energy and warmth.

Bold graphic Spellbinders Modern Botanicals card with Clay, Black, Coastal, and Saffron BetterPress inks and a 'Hello' sentiment

I’ll link to my popular BetterPress tutorial for tips on how to get clean, crisp impressions every time.

If you’re looking to make beautiful modern cards quickly, Flourishing is a winner. Whether you follow the included layout template or experiment like I did, you’ll end up with satisfying results and minimal mess. Modern, minimal, and totally mailable — what more could you want?

A trio of BetterPress letterpress Modern Botanical cards.
BetterPress · cardmaking · Die cutting

Spellbinders | Yana’s Daisies

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Two handmade daisy-themed cards side by side—one with die-cut florals and the other with a bold BetterPress letterpress design.

Talented cardmaker Yana Smakula has done it again! Her new Yana’s Daisies collection for Spellbinders is a fresh take on classic florals, and I was thrilled to get my hands on a few advance products for this launch.

I created two stunning daisy-themed cards using:
🌼 Daisy Trio Etched Dies – A gorgeous, detailed die set perfect for layering.
🎨 Daisy Trio BetterPress Plates & Stencil Bundle – For an elegant, high-contrast letterpress effect. (Link for BetterPress Plates without stencils.)

Card 1: Layered Die-Cut Daisies with Wildflower Background

Layered Die-Cut Daisy Card: A handmade card featuring three yellow die-cut daisies with dark outlines, mounted on a blue wildflower-seeded specialty paper background from Your Paper Insider Subscription Box.

For this card, I used Yana’s Daisy Etched Dies and three premium papers from my Your Paper Insider subscription—because who doesn’t love a little happy mail surprise?

✂️ The Process:

  • Sunflower Yellow Cardstock petals: Using my Platinum 6, I Die-cut the trio from Sunflower Yellow Cardstock and lightly ink-blended with two shades of golden brown for dimension.
  • Wrought Iron Raw cardstock: Used for the intricate daisy outlines and leaves.
  • Vellum shadow layer: Softens the look and adds elegance.
  • Paper shim tip: These dies are beautifully intricate! Adding a paper shim while die-cutting ensures crisp, clean cuts.

🌼 Layered, Not Inlaid! After debating between inlaying or layering, I chose to layer the Sunflower Yellow petals onto the Wrought Iron Raw outlines—and I LOVE the result! I used Bearly Art Glue and a Ninja sticky wand for precision placement.

📜 Background Paper: I wanted something special, so I chose Blue Confetti Wildflower paper from my paper subscription. It’s 100% recycled and embedded with wildflower seeds—a perfect pairing for this floral design!

Layered and die cut Daisy Sunflower handmade card created with Spellbinders + Yana's Daisy Etched dies.

Card 2: Bold, Graphic BetterPress Daisies

A high-contrast BetterPress letterpress card with white daisies, Leaf Green inked background, and a foiled black "Hello" sentiment. Framed in white with three enamel dots.

For my second card, I wanted to go for high contrast and a bold graphic style, so I turned to the Daisy Trio BetterPress plates. You might be interested in my post: 9 Tips, Tricks and Insights Into Spellbinders BetterPress System

🎨 The Process:

  • I used my BetterPress System.
  • Leaf BetterPress Ink: I tapped, twisted, and generously inked the BetterPress plate before running it through my Platinum 6 machine SUPER SLOW (pro tip: slow rolling = perfect impressions).
  • Coordinating stencils: I added shading in Lemon Drop and Granite to bring the design to life.
  • White daisies (un-inked): Letting the design speak for itself.

📏 The Frame: I die-cut a white stitched frame (November 2024 Stitching Die of the Month) twice and stacked them for dimension.

✉️ Finishing Touches: A black foiled “Hello” (BetterPress sentiment) and three white enamel dots added the perfect crisp, modern touch.

Bold graphic green and white Daisy BetterPress card finished off with a white die cut frame.

Card 3: Aqua and Pink Sunflower Card

Aqua, White and Pink Better Press + stenciled handmade card using Yana | Spellbinders Daisy Trio Better Press plates and Hydrangea ink.

For my third card, I experimented a bit. I wanted to try a BetterPress fade, so I inked my plate with Hydrangea BetterPress ink, but added less ink at the top and bottom. I used Taffy Reactive Ink and the coordinating stencils for my pink accents.

Bright happy aqua, pink and white hello card with giant BetterPress daisies.

Final Thoughts

This collection is an absolute must-have if you love florals with a modern, sophisticated edge! The detailed etched dies are perfect for paper piecing, and the BetterPress plates create stunning impressions with minimal effort.

Which card do you love most—the layered daisy trio or the bold graphic BetterPress look? Let’s chat in the comments! 💛🌿

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting

Blog Hop: Enchanted Paper Gardens with the Hero Studio April Release!

Karen Brown18 Comments
Hero Arts Studio: April 2025 - two whimsical die-cut cards: one featuring a lush, layered terrarium full of mushrooms, leaves, and a fluttering butterfly, and another with bold, hand-painted leaves and a cheerful “hello” sentiment. Both are packed with watercolor magic, intricate details, and playful techniques!

Once upon a time, in a land filled with ink and creativity, a whimsical cardmaker (that’s me!) discovered the Hero Studio April Release and its magical Tranquil Terrarium Kit. With a wave of my die-cutting wand and a splash of watercolor, I crafted a dreamy terrarium scene—one fit for a fairy tale!

Step into a Paper Fairy Tale: A Lush, Layered Terrarium

A handcrafted die-cut card featuring a whimsical terrarium scene with mushrooms, leaves, rocks, and an orange butterfly, all watercolored in bright, vivid hues. The background has a vintage script stencil effect, and the card base is soft Mist blue

Picture this: a tiny enchanted world encased in glass (well, cardstock), teeming with lush leaves, charming red and tan mushrooms, green grass, rustic rocks, and a tiny tree stump. Perched on a delicately curled leaf is a radiant orange butterfly, completing this little forest wonderland.

  • Die-cut magic: Every element was cut from watercolor paper, allowing for beautifully blended, organic colors.
  • Coloring adventure: I used brightly colored reactive inks to hand-paint each die cut piece, adding depth and dimension. I enjoyed painting each piece individually, but you could also paint several card panels and then die cut the elements. Reactive inks used: Green Apple, Key Lime Fizz, Blue Hawaii, Granite, Purple Galaxy, Fawn, Fruit Punch,
  • Serene background: I put a light Pool Party watercolor wash on the rounded terrarium panel. It shows up better in person and adds a lovely subtle dimension.
  • Vintage charm: The background panel features a subtle Script Stencil in tan ink, lending a storybook feel to this enchanted setting. Stencil Used: Script Stencil
  • Rounded elegance: To echo the terrarium’s shape, I rounded the corners of both the panel and card base using Rounded Rectangle Infinity Dies.
  • The final touch: Layered on a dreamy Mist blue card base, this card is a burst of color, depth, and whimsy.

✨ Pro Tip: When layering die-cut scenes, use thin foam squares on select elements (like the butterfly) to create a natural sense of depth without overwhelming the design.

Botanical terrarium card full of lush leaves, adorable red and tan mushrooms, green grass, rocks, a tree stump with a beautiful orange butterfly perched on a gently curling leaf. I die cut my pieces from watercolor paper and then watercolored the components with brightly colored reactive inks. Card created with Hero Studios April 2025 Card Kit of the Month

What’s Inside the April 2025 Hero Studio Card Kit?

  • 20 Terrarium Fancy Dies
  • Terrarium Clear Stamp Set, 6″ x 8″
  • 16 Terrarium Coordinating Dies
  • Clear Hero Enamel Dots
  • 3 Clear Card Panels, 4.25″ x 5.5″
  • 9 Sheets of Cardstock, 5.5″ x 8.5″ (Poppy, Peridot, Rainforest, Fern, Alabaster, Fawn, Truffle, Fog, Anchor)

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.

This month, receive a FREE adorable “froggy” stamp & die set when you purchase The Whole Studio!

Hero Arts has many different Monthly Kits that you can subscribe to including:

Card 2: A Bold, Botanical Hello

A bold, colorful handmade card with die cut watercolored leaves and fronds on a creamy white background. Uses Hero Studio April 2025 Fancy Dies kit.

For my second card, I embraced bold color and graphic design with the Fancy Dies of the Month Kit. This set features five striking leaf dies and a scripty “hello” with a shadow layer.

  • Hand-painted beauty: Each leaf was die cut from watercolor paper and hand-painted in vibrant greens and blue-greens. Reactive Inks Used: Splash, Key Lime Fizz, Blue Hawaii, Blue Raspberry, Green Apple. I started with the lightest color and then layered on darker shades.
  • A pop of fun: To contrast the cool tones, I painted the “hello” with Fruit Punch Reactive Ink-blended cardstock, giving it a lively coral-red pop.
  • Artful splatter: I added Licorice Reactive Ink splatters for an artsy, organic touch. I simply dabbed the ink on an acrylic block and flicked splatters on my die cuts with a fine wet watercolor brush. I turned my splatter box for even splatter distribution.
  • Design balance: The leaves are arranged in a radiating composition, leading the eye toward the bottom-right hello.
  • Crisp and clean: Everything is anchored on an Adriatic blue card base, making those greens pop!

🎨 Pro Tip: When adding splatters, dab the ink on an acrylic block and flick splatters on the die cuts with a fine wet watercolor brush. Thie results in controlled yet artistic splatters. Don’t forget to rotate your splatter box to get an even, natural distribution!

A bold handmade card with hand-painted die-cut leaves in vibrant greens and blue-greens. The sentiment "hello" stands out in a coral-red shade. The leaves have black ink splatters adding artistic detail. The background is clean white on a deep Adriatic blue A2 card base making the colors pop.

BLOG HOP!

Don’t forget, this is part of a blog hop, so there’s plenty more enchanting inspiration ahead! Be sure to follow along for more crafty adventures. ✂️✨

Giveaway:

Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, April 6 at 11:59pm PST, 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!


Hero Arts
Hero Arts Creative Team:
Mindy Eggen
Anna Mahtani
Seeka
Channin Pelletier
Rosie Lopez
Charlene Madrid
Michelle Short
Rachel Kleinman
Jeannie Lieu
Natasha Vacca
Jennifer Kotas
Natasha Polite
Karen Brown You Are Here!
Lisa Tilson
Michelle Lupton
Special Guests:
Nichol Spohr
Kelly Taylor

A Fairy-Tale Ending? Or Just the Beginning?

These cards brought to life the whimsy of a storybook forest and the bold beauty of botanical art, all with the magic of the Hero Arts April Release. Whether you love layered die cuts, ink blending, or just an excuse to play with paint, this kit delivers endless creative inspiration!

I’d love to hear your thoughts—which card is your favorite? Let’s chat in the comments!

cardmaking · Die cutting · Hot Foiling

Spring Whimsy with Hero Arts: Bold Colors, Butterflies & Birthday Cheer

Karen Brown2 Comments

Spring is in the air, and so is a burst of bold color and whimsy! Today, I’m taking a closer look at the new Hero Arts Spring Whimsy Collection with four vibrant cards featuring hot foiling, ink smooshing, ink blending, heat embossing, and die cutting. Let’s get crafty!

>>> You may also be interested in my recent video and blog post: Easy and Festive Cardmaking <<<

Card 1: Hot Foil Butterfly Elegance

This card is all about shimmer and movement! I started with an aqua ink-smooshed background—the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous, hot-foiled butterfly. The butterfly itself was hot foiled onto an ink-blended panel of soft pinks, corals, and oranges before being die cut and centered on the background.

A hot-foiled butterfly in pink, coral, and orange, die-cut and placed on an ink-smooshed aqua background.

My Process for Creating This Foiled Butterfly Card:

✨ Pro Tip: Ink smooshing is a great way to create organic, watercolor-like backgrounds.

Gorgeous Hot Foil Glimmer Butterfly card on a dreamy aqua ink smooshed background.

Card 2: Striking Ink-Blended Background & Black Butterfly

A bold ink-blended background in Fruit Punch, Creamsicle, and Taffy with a striking black die-[cut butterfly as the focal point.

For a dramatic look, I ink blended a bold background using Fruit Punch, Creamsicle, and Taffy inks. These warm hues set the stage for a striking black die-cut butterfly, creating a high-contrast, modern design.

Key Product: Delicate Butterfly Fancy Die (also used on card #1 and #3)
Bold pink, coral and orange ink blended background with a lovely die cut black butterfly focal element. Hero Arts Delicate Butterfly Fancy Die.

Card 3: Heat Embossed Floral Background + Die Cut Butterfly

A white heat-embossed floral background over a vibrant coral and pink ink-blended panel, accented with a small black butterfly and a die cut “hello” sentiment. Hero Arts Whimy Floral Bold Print Stamp.

This card keeps the same coral, pink, and orange hues but introduces texture with the Whimsy Floral Bold Print background stamp. I heat embossed the pattern in white over my ink-blended panel and added a small black die-cut butterfly and a “hello” sentiment for balance.

Key Products Used:

Hero Arts Floral Bold Print Stamp heat embossed over an ink blended gradient from soft orange to hot pink.

This next photo shows two cards I created with the Delicate Butterfly Fancy Die.

2 handmade cards featuring Hero Arts Delicate Butterfly Fancy Dies. Both cards have an orange to pink gradient color scheme with black die cut butterflies.

Card 4: Elegant Window Birthday Card

A birthday card featuring a 9-pane Hero Artd Elegant Window Die with small, Copic-colored birthday images and a stamped “cheers” sentiment with Mist blue cardstock.

For a completely different vibe, I created a charming birthday card using the Elegant Window Fancy Die. The die creates a beautiful 9-pane window, which I die cut from Mist cardstock. Each pane features a tiny, Copic-colored stamped image from the Spring Bunny Stamps, Our Day Messages, and Birthday Animal stamp sets. A simple “cheers” sentiment ties it all together.

Charming 9 window pane stamped and die cut birthday card featuring small stamped images of cake, party hats, balloon animal, duck, butterflies and flowers.

This collection is packed with so much creative potential! Whether you love hot foiling, ink blending, or stamping, there’s something here for every cardmaker. I hope these designs inspire you to play with color and try new techniques!

Four beautiful handmade cards created with Hero Arts Spring Whimsy Collection + hot foiling, ink blending, stamping, ink smooshing and die cutting.

Thank you for stopping by!

cardmaking · Die cutting · Stamping

Vintage Charm & Soft Elegance: Hero Arts March 2025 Release

Karen Brown1 Comment

Welcome to another exciting Hero Arts release! For March 2025, I created two unique cards that highlight the versatility of the new products. One is a vintage-inspired die-cut design featuring the Suitcase and Florals Fancy Die, while the other is a beautifully blended, pastel-hued circular stamped card. Let’s jump into the details!

Key Kits and Products Used:

Card 1: Vintage Suitcase & Florals

A handmade card featuring a cream and tan die-cut hat box-style suitcase with a teal bow and florals, set against an aqua background of stamped vintage maps and postmarks.

This card is all about vintage charm! The focal point is a cream-colored hat box-style suitcase with tan trim, die-cut from the Suitcase and Florals Fancy Die. A lovely teal bow is tied to the handle, and delicate die-cut flowers add a soft floral touch.

Hero Studio Suitcase and Florals die cut handmade "hello" card with a charming hat box luggage, teal bow, and flowers in orange and red. The background is a mixed media postage stamp theme.

Design Details:

  • Color Palette: Teal, aqua, alabaster cream, marigold, and red from the Color Wheel Cardstock Collection .
  • Background: I loosely ink blended Splash ink on white cardstock and then added Splash ink splatters on the aqua panel and A2 cardbase. I then randomly stamped the panel in black ink using the Vintage Maps & Ledgers and Vintage Postmarks & Tickets stamps. Using my Nesting Postage Stamp Infinity dies, I die-cut stamp shapes that would serve as my background.
  • Framing: A vivid Blue Spruce mat behind the die-cut stamps makes the alabaster hat box pop.
  • Sentiment: A die-cut, scripty “hello” (Friend Words Sentiment Dies) that complements the vintage theme. Two black enamel dots in the center of the flowers continues the bold color palette.
Pro Tip: 
A deep Blue Spruce background mat is key to making lighter elements like the alabaster suitcase stand out.

Color Swatching:

To help with color coordination, I also swatched my cardstock colors using the Spellbinders Color Swatch Petal Dies—a handy way to visualize your palette before committing to a design!

Color Wheel Cardstock Colors used: Alabaster, Terracotta, Poppy, Cranberry, Carrot, Teal Topaz, Blue Spruce, Fern and Brushed Gold.

You can find the entire Color Wheel Collection HERE.

Card 2: Pastel Bow-Themed Circular Card

A round handmade card with a stamped and Copic-colored bow pattern transitioning from yellow to pink, coral, lavender, and blue. The card base is deep charcoal gray.

For my second card, I went with a soft, rainbow gradient-colored design that’s easy to recreate. This is a DIY card that’s great for beginner cardmakers, offering a fun way to experiment with color blending and shaped card designs. The 6 x 6″ Bold Print makes stamping so easy! The bows are already laid out perfectly, so no need to spend time arranging your dies.

Design Details:

  • Stamp: The “Bows” Bold Cling Stamp stamped on smooth white cardstock and colored with pastel Copic markers.
  • Color Gradient: Blends from creamy yellow at the top to soft pinks, corals, lavender, and blues at the bottom.
  • Card Shape: Using my Nesting Circle Dies, I die cut a circle from my Copic colored panel. To make my card base, I die cut two circles from Charcoal cardstock, scored the back one at 3/4″ and then glued the tops together. To make this card even easier, you could make a traditional A2 rectangular card, which would exclude using infinity dies.
  • Finishing the Card: I added a small “for you” heat embossed sentiment and some Clear Enamel Dots.

Pro Tip:

Use craft foam behind your card panels for a polished, professional look with added dimension!

An easy DIY stamped card with 10 girly bows of different shapes and sizes, Copic colored in a rainbow gradient.

Final Thoughts

Both of these cards showcase the March 2025 Hero Arts release in different ways—one with vintage textures and layers, the other with simple stamping and coloring. Whether you’re a fan of intricate die-cutting or quick, colorful stamping, there’s something in this release for you!

Let me know in the comments—which card style do you love most? And don’t forget to check out the full Hero Arts release for more inspiration!

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · papercrafting

Spellbinders | Club Kit Cards | February 2025

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Spellbinders February 2025 Club Kit Cards: Large Die of the Month, Small Die of the Month and Stitching Die of the Month die cut handmade cards.

Get ready to fall in love with the Spellbinders February 2025 Club Kits! This month’s releases are packed with charm and creativity, and I’m thrilled to share two whimsical scene cards that will have you reaching for your die-cutting machine in no time.

Easy Stitched Die Cut Bunny Card Full of Charm

A handmade card featuring a die-cut bunny in a spring green dress holding a flower, framed with a stitched border. The background is soft blues and warm yellows, creating a fresh and cheerful scene. Spellbinders Stitching Die of the Month + Large Bunny Die of the Month.

This first card features the Stitching Die of the Month paired with the Large Die of the Month, creating a darling stitched frame. Inside the frame, a sweet die-cut bunny dressed in a spring green dress steals the spotlight. She’s holding a delicate flower, making this design ideal for Easter, baby showers, or even get-well cards. The soft blues, vivid greens, and warm yellows lend a fresh spring vibe, while the stitched frame adds texture and an elegant touch.

Key Products Used:

Notes About This Card:

Darling Spring die-cut bunny handmade card with hand stitched frame using Spellbinders February 2025 Large Die of the Month + Stitching Die of the Month Kits.

Step Into Spring with This Floral Shoes Card

A whimsical handmade card featuring olive green die-cut shoes with blue and olive anklet socks, with bright spring flowers tucked inside. The sentiment reads "Hello." Spellbinders Small Die of the Month, February 2025.

The second card takes a playful turn with a pair of olive green shoes, complete with stylish blue and olive anklet socks. The Small Die of the Month works its magic, letting you create a unique scene where die-cut flowers are tucked into the patterned socks. You’ll spot the calves of a lady walking confidently into spring, and the sentiment “Hello” ties everything together. Perfect for birthdays, get-well wishes, or just saying hi, this design showcases the versatility of these dies.

Quick Notes About This Card:

  • I started by looking through my patterned paper for some fun “sock material”. I chose this eye-catching circular pattern, but a small floral or plaid would also work great!
  • Once I had my socks, I pulled together other colors that would work well for my scene. I frequently use my Color Cubes when selecting my color palette.
  • I die cut my Small Die Kit components with my Platinum 6 System.
  • I assembled my scene with Bearly Glue, Foam Squares and Craft Foam.
  • The hello sentiment is from my January Small Die of the Month Kit.
  • I cut the buckle and bows from Brushed Gold Cardstock.
Spellbinders February 2025 Small Die of the Month handmade card complete with a pair of shoes, patterned anklet socks and die cut floral blooms.

Helpful Links:

Handmade cards created with Spellbinders February 2025 Club Kits.

Why These Cards Shine

Both cards highlight the magic of die-cutting, with intricate details and stitching that bring each scene to life. Whether it’s the textured frame around the bunny or the whimsical floral shoes, these designs are sure to inspire intermediate and advanced crafters alike.

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · papercrafting

Spellbinders | Large Die of the Month Kit | Colorful Floral Card

Karen BrownLeave a comment

Hello, hello! Today’s card features Spellbinders Large Die of the Month Kit for January 2025. The Botanical Atrium, is a die-cut lover’s dream with gorgeous floral details, a luxurious gold frame, and a fresh aqua-and-coral palette.

Creating With the Large Die of the Month Kit | January 2025

I used shiny gold cardstock to make the atrium stand out against a crisp white background, and wow—does it ever pop! Inside the frame, delicate coral and aqua florals cascade in a lush arrangement, creating a playful yet refined design. I’ll be using the florals on loads of future cards!

Key Products Used:

It’s a great time to buy paper because Spellbinders is having a Paper Party Sale until January 26th!

Textured Touches: The Brick Background

To add a subtle yet striking detail, I stenciled a brick pattern on the white background using grit paste. Just here and there, mind you—like peeking through a garden wall. This little bit of texture gives the card depth without taking attention away from the gorgeous die-cut elements. It’s understated but oh-so-effective!

January 2025 Papercrafting Kits and Blog Posts

This year, I’ll be creating with 3 Spellbinders Kits each month. I’ve already published two posts that you might enjoy reading:

  1. Hello Gorgeous! Crafting with Spellbinders Die of the Month Kit (Dragonfly)
  2. Spellbinders | Stitching Die of the Month | Ladybug

Helpful Product Links:

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.

The January Card Kit is both timeless and modern, and is a must-have for your stash. I hope you enjoyed my little creation!

cardmaking · Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting

Hello, Gorgeous! Crafting With Spellbinders Die of the Month Kit | January 2025

Karen Brown2 Comments
Spellbinders January 2025 Die of the Month - Dragonfly - handmade card in gradients of pink with a pop of green.

I’m sharing a colorful and versatile “hello” card featuring the January 2025 Small Die of the Month Kit from Spellbinders. This $15 kit ($27 value) features a stunning die-cut dragonfly, a lovely scripty sentiment, and I added a playful pink Eyelet Scallop Border to complete my card. With gradients of pink and fresh green taking center stage, this card is perfect for any occasion where a cheerful greeting is in order!

Bold, Bright, and Beautiful

A bright and cheerful handmade card featuring a die-cut dragonfly in gradient shades of pink and green, paired with a scripty “hello” and a Scallop Eyelet Border.

By layering gradients of pink and green Cardstock, I brought this little beauty to life, creating dimension and a sense of movement. The result? A dragonfly that feels as light and airy as the real thing.

LINK to Spellbinder’s Small Die Card of the Month Kit.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Dragonfly

  • Choose Gradient Cardstock: Using gradient shades of pink + green gives the dragonfly a cohesive, polished look. I used Hero Arts Cardstocks in Peony, Ultra Pink, Plum and Meadow and added a scrap of fog gray. The border is die cut from Ultra Pink Cardstock.
  • Helpful Tools: I found my Ninja Jewel Picker to be quite helpful in placing my die cuts. I used my 9″ Sheers for trimming the border and my Platinum 6 for all my die cutting.
  • Gluing Order: For the wings, I started gluing the bigger outer pieces and worked my way toward the smaller pieces.
  • Add A Colorful Border and Die-Cut Edge: Die-cut borders in bold colors provide a playful frame that complements the dragonfly and makes your design pop. I used the new Eyelet Scallop Border dies to create an interesting border and edge.
  • Stack the Sentiment: The scripty “hello” sentiment adds a playful and welcoming touch. I added a slightly offset plum hello shadow behind the Ultra Pink sentiment to add some dimension.
  • Keep It Crisp: A white background ensures the colorful elements remain the focal point of the card.

You might also like to read my recent Stitching Club of the Month Post: Ladybug

Bold Bright and Beautiful Dragonfly card crafter using Spellbinder January 2025 Small Die of the Month Kit.

Helpful Product Links:

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.

Charming Simplicity: The Second Card

Charmingly simple CAS Hello die cut card in hot pink featuring Spellbinders Eyelet Scallop Border S4-1413 from the Vivid Expressions Collection.

For the second card, I focused on creating a minimalist yet striking CAS design. Featuring an Ultra Pink Eyelet Scallop Border and edge, this card radiates charm with its simple yet bold details. The lovely “hello” sentiment (January Small Die of the Month Kit) perfectly complements the intricate border. The crisp white background ensures the vibrant pink tones remain the star of the show. This design proves that sometimes, less is more when it comes to crafting heartfelt greetings!

Why These Cards are So Versatile

Sometimes you need a card that works for just about any occasion, and these dragonfly and scallop border designs fit the bill. Whether you’re saying hi to a friend, sending encouragement or thanks, or just want to let someone know you’re thinking of them, these cards are perfect picks.

Until next time, keep crafting, keep smiling, and keep sending those handmade hellos! 🌸✨

BetterPress · cardmaking

Cozy Little Hello Cards with BetterPress: Winnie the Pooh Scenes

Karen Brown2 Comments
Step into the nostalgia of the Hundred Acre Wood with these Winnie the Pooh-inspired hello cards! Using BetterPress letterpress plates, I crafted three unique designs that bring timeless charm to life. From sepia-toned simplicity to vibrant watercolor scenes, these cards capture heartwarming moments perfect for sending a cheerful note.

Few things evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth quite like the timeless charm of Winnie the Pooh. Using Spellbinders new Friendly Moments BetterPress letterpress plates, I created three unique hello cards that capture moments from the Hundred Acre Wood. Each design features a distinct artistic style, from sepia simplicity to watercolor wonder, and they’re all perfect for sending a heartfelt note.

If you’re new to BetterPress or want to refine your skills, check out my previous blog post, “9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress Machine,” for helpful advice on how to achieve perfect impressions every time.

You might also enjoy reading my recent post: A Birthday Card Full of Whimsy: Winnie the Pooh and Piglet Scene

I have links to the key products at the bottom of this blog post.

Now let’s take a closer look at these enchanting creations!

Duo of Winnie the Pooh BetterPress handmade cards from Spellbinders Classic Pooh Collection.

Card 1: Watercolor Wonder

Hello card showing a colorful Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin scene, hand-painted with Inktense Watercolor Pencils over a black BetterPress impression.

I used a heartwarming scene of Christopher Robin and Pooh on the bridge and added a pop of color with Inktense Watercolor Pencils and a damp round paint brush. Pressed with Black ink on Watercolor Paper, the BetterPress impression provides crisp lines that beautifully anchor the soft, vibrant hues of the watercolors. And there was no ink bleeding when watercoloring with the BetterPress Inks! The river sparkles in shades of blue, the bridge has rustic wooden tones, and Pooh’s honey-yellow fur shines against the greenery. The Hello Sentiment is from A Friend Like You set. The card base is Cup O Joe, which is a perfect pairing for this scene. This card is a great way to add touch of whimsy and joy to someone’s day.

Card 2: Sepia Simplicity…So Quick and Easy to Make!
Vintage-inspired Winnie the Pooh hello card featuring Christopher Robin and Pooh on a bridge, pressed with Bark brown ink for a sepia look.

This second card exudes vintage charm with a sepia-inspired look. The scene of Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh on a bridge, gazing at a flowing river, is pressed with Bark brown ink for a classic, monochromatic feel. The texture and detail of the BetterPress plate truly shine, creating a design that’s simple yet sophisticated. Paired with a Cup O Joe card base, this card is a perfect nod to Pooh’s timeless stories.

This second card was so quick and easy to create and I think it would make a wonderful set of notecards to give as a gift.

Card 3: Polaroid Nostalgia

Whimsical Winnie the Pooh and Piglet hello card framed in a Polaroid-style die cut and colored with vibrant watercolors.

The third card captures a tender moment of Winnie the Pooh and Piglet walking down a quiet road, their backs turned to the viewer. To frame this scene, I used a Polaroid-style die cut frame and label, which adds a playful, nostalgic touch. After pressing the scene in Black ink onto Watercolor Paper, I brought it to life with Derwent Inktense Watercolor Pencils, creating a soft, storybook aesthetic. The vivid colors and the Polaroid look make this card feel like a treasured memory captured in time.

Key Products Used in the Post:

Each of these Winnie the Pooh cards brings a unique flavor of nostalgia and artistry. Which one is your favorite?