Tag: ink smooshing technique

Ink Smoosh Mixed Media Birthday card with Hexagon die cuts Ink Smooshing 101 — My Favorite Mixed Media Background Starter
Mixed Media · Tutorial

Ink Smooshing 101 — My Favorite Mixed Media Background Starter

Karen Brown1 Comment

Learn to Create Easy But Beautiful Mixed Media Cards: Part 2 in my Karen’s 3-Step Recipe Series

Mixed media birthday card featuring blue and honey gold ink smoosh backgrounds, layered stamping and stenciling, stitched hexagon die cuts, and a small bee embellishment.

Have you ever looked at a mixed media project and thought, “That’s beautiful… but I have no idea where to start”?

I’ve been there.

After years of playing with inks, stamps, stencils, and paper, I finally realized something important:

Mixed media doesn’t have to be complicated.

That’s when I developed my own simple framework that I now call:

Karen’s Mixed Media Recipe

Step 1: Create an Interesting Background
Step 2: Add 4+ Layers
Step 3: Add a Strong Focal Point

That’s it.

If you missed the introduction to this series, you can read it here:
Mixed Media Made Simple: My 3-Step Recipe for Fun & Easy Tags.

Now today we are diving deep into Step 1 — Backgrounds, and I’m starting with my absolute favorite beginner technique:

Ink Smooshing.

Mixed Media Birthday Card with 6 additional layers added to ink smoosh background. Color palette is blue, gold and cream.

Why Ink Smooshing Is Perfect for Beginners

If you are new to mixed media, this is the technique I always recommend first.

Why?

• No precision required
• Fast and easy to create
• Extremely forgiving
• Every panel turns out unique and interesting

There are no mistakes here. Just layers of beautiful, organic color.

And the more water you use?
The softer and dreamier your background becomes.

You might also enjoy watching my YouTube video: Mixed Media Tags for Absolute Beginners, where I walk you through the ink smoosh process on camera.

Let’s Talk Color (Without Adding a Step 4 😉)

You might be wondering if I should add a Step 4 to my recipe:
Use 1–3 colors.

Color restraint is absolutely important in mixed media.
Most cohesive projects use 1–3 colors. More than that and things can start to feel muddy or chaotic.

But visually, I love the simplicity of a 3-Step Recipe.

So instead of adding a formal Step 4, I treat color choice as a design principle that supports every step.

For today’s project, I chose:

• A neutral tan
• Honey golden yellow (Wild Honey Distress Ink)
• Blue Hawaii Reactive Ink

The blue feels calming.
The yellow has energy.
Together they create a beautiful balance.

When choosing multiple colors, try using colors that are next to each other on the color wheel (analogous colors). They blend naturally and beautifully.

Avoid mixing complementary colors (opposites like blue + orange, red + green, yellow + purple) unless you intentionally want a neutral brown — because they will neutralize each other quickly.

Mixed Media birthday card with heat embossing, stamping, letterpress, watercolor bleaching, splatters, stenciling.

Basic Ink Smoosh (Step-by-Step)

Ink smooshing is wonderfully simple.

  1. Dab a water-based ink (Distress Ink or Reactive Ink) onto your craft mat, acrylic block, or acetate.
  2. Spritz with water.
  3. Press watercolor cardstock into the puddle.
  4. Let it sit for 1–5 minutes.
  5. Lift and dry.

That’s it.

The result is a soft, watercolor-style panel full of movement and variation.

Practice Makes Better — We’re Making TWO Backgrounds

Since this post is all about backgrounds, I decided to create a project using two ink smoosh panels.

One panel will become the card background.
The second panel will be die cut into hexagons for our focal point.

This gives us double the practice — and far more visual interest than die cutting from solid cardstock.

Because we created both panels together, the colors coordinate beautifully.

And yes… this is where my hashtag comes in:

If you try this technique, I would love to see it.
Use #karensmixedmediarecipe so we can follow along with each other’s projects.

I think it will be such a fun way to build this series together.

5 Ink Smoosh Variations

I created five variations for this post. Not because you need to do all five every time — but to show how versatile one technique can be.

Pin this graphic for future reference

Five easy ink smooshing ideas for card backgrounds including salt texture, stamping, acetate prints, and multi-color mixed media techniques.
Ink smooshing technique with watercolor cardstock creating soft abstract card background ideas.

1. Single Color Basic Smoosh

I used a neutral cream ink.

Dab ink on mat → spritz → lay panel into puddle → weight with acrylic block → wait 1–5 minutes.

This is a total workhorse background.
Consider making extras for your premade background bin.

Process photo showing basic inksmoosh set-up
Easy neutral background that works with almost any card or tag project.

2. Ink Smoosh + Salt Texture

Create a basic panel.

While still wet, sprinkle salt.
Let dry completely.
Brush off the salt.

The salt absorbs pigment and creates beautiful mottling.

The darker the ink, the more dramatic the effect.

Instant vintage texture.

Process photo showing the Ink Smoosh + Salt Technique with tan ink on watercolor paper
Adding salt to your ink smooshing adds surprising interest and texture.

3. Multi-Color Smoosh

Start like the basic version, but add 2–3 colors in bands or random placement.

This panel is vivid and dynamic — and it’s the one I used to die cut my hexagons.

Remember:
Stick to 1–3 colors that blend nicely.

Process photo showing two color ink smoosh technique (blue and gold)
Using two colors of ink on your ink-smoosh backgrounds adds bold dynamic energy to your projects.

4. Two-Color Ink Smoosh Stamping

Dab ink onto an acrylic block.
Spritz.
“Stamp” onto watercolor cardstock.

Repeat with same or new color until satisfied.

I used tan and blue here — and this panel became the main card background.

Process photo showing Ink Smoosh Acrylic block stamping variation with blue ink on watercolor paper.
Ink smoosh stamping is a great way to have more control on your ink placement.

5. Ink Smoosh with Acetate

Dab ink on acetate.
Spritz.
Bend so only part “kisses” the paper.

This is fantastic for controlled color placement.

I also gently shook the acetate for larger splatters.

Process photo showing Ink Smoosh Acetate variation with yellow ink on watercolor paper.
By bending your ink smoosh acetate, you can add dabs of color where you want.

Shop Your Stash

I keep a bin full of premade backgrounds so I can “shop” when I start a new project.

On Background Days, I make extras.

Today I added three panels to my premade background bin.

Future Karen will thank me.

Let’s Add Layers

Layers are the magic in mixed media.

Here’s what I added to the blue and gold panel (the one I die cut from):

  1. BetterPress Number (Bold Color Mix Numbers BP-243) using Licorice Reactive Ink
  2. Script stencil on about 20% of the card
  3. Removed color through Sparkle Weave stencil using a baby wipe
  4. Stamped coffee stains with Root Beer ink
  5. Water splatters (blotted)
  6. Black splatters
Mixed Media Background panel with addtional layers: BetterPress Number (Bold Color Mix Numbers BP-243) using Licorice Reactive Ink, Script stencil on about 20% of the card,Removed color through Sparkle Weave stencil using a baby wipe,Stamped coffee stains with Root Beer ink, Water splatters (blotted), Black splatters
Adding additional layers to your ink smoosh background creates interesting depth to your finished card.

To the card background panel, I added:

• Dots and squiggles stenciled with iridescent bronze embossing powder
• Fine black splatters

Layers create depth.
Depth creates interest.

And the shine on the background is SO beautiful in person.

Process photo showing mixed media card components ready to assemble with a beautiful metallic heat embossing glow on the watercolor background panel.
Gathering your mixed media elements is always fun.

Focal Point — Hexagons

I love using shapes as focal points.

Hexagons are wonderful because they interlock — almost like puzzle pieces.

I die cut three stitched hexagons from my layered panel.

Two are stacked.
The third nestles into the “V” space.

Then I added the sweetest little bee, die cut from leftover scraps.

Because we created our panels first, the hexagons feel cohesive and integrated — not pasted on.

The blue and honey gold palette moves beautifully across the design.

Mixed Media Birthday Card with Spellbinders Vintage Lavender Fields Stitched Hexagon Die Cut Focal Point with a charming Bee.

Build Your Mixed Media Toolkit

If you’re just getting started with mixed media, here are a few of the essentials I personally use.

Die Cutting:

My Favorite Mixed Media Inks:

Essential Supplies:

Layering Staples:

If you’re building your craft room supplies, you might also enjoy my guide to the 14 Best Cardmaking Products and Supplies, where I share the tools I reach for again and again.

I have a 25 second fast paced reel of this card.

Final Thoughts

If you are new to mixed media, start here.

Ink smooshing builds confidence.
Confidence builds creativity.

And creativity builds layers.

If you try this technique, tag your project with #karensmixedmediarecipe — I would truly love to see what you create.

Next up in this series, we’ll dive deeper into layering magic.

Two mixed media art tags with ink smoosh background and die cut focal points. VIDEO: Easy & Addictive | Beginner Mixed Media Tag Tutorial
Mixed Media · Tutorial · Video

VIDEO: Easy & Addictive | Beginner Mixed Media Tag Tutorial

Karen Brown3 Comments
Easy & Addictive Mixed Media Tag Graphic with photo of two mixed media tags.

Mixed media doesn’t have to be intimidating; it’s simply the art of combining different materials to tell a story.

Today I’m sharing how to make easy mixed media tags using a stress-free, step-by-step process that’s perfect for absolute beginners. These tags come together quickly, use flexible techniques, and—fair warning—are a little bit addictive once you get started.

Video

👉 Or watch on YouTube HERE.

This post coordinates with my YouTube video where I walk through every step in real time. If you like seeing the process in action, be sure to watch the video alongside this tutorial.

When creating mixed media projects, I use my 3 Step Mixed Media Recipe.

👉 Use the supplies you have on hand, but I do have my supply list at the bottom of this post.

Mixed Media Tags for Absolute Beginners: 11 Easy Steps

Closeup of two completed vintage look mixed media tags

Step 1: Create a Simple Ink Smoosh Background

Add three shades of water-based reactive ink to your craft mat, spritz generously with water, and press the watercolor paper into the ink. Let sit in the puddle with an acrylic block on top for 1 – 5 minutes. The more water you use, the softer the panel. I used Key Lime Fizz, Pool Party and Blue Hawaii on my tags.

If you are interested in learning how to create an easywatercolor background, I have step-by-step directions in my tutorial how to make mixed media tags in 9 easy steps.

Step 2: Dry Your Panel

Let the panel air dry or speed things up with a heat tool. If it warps, flatten it under a book once dry.

Process photo of my two ink smoosh watercolor background panels.

Step 3: ViewFinder Trick

I like to use my tag die as a viewfinder to decide which part of my panel I want to feature.

Step 4: Die Cutting

Once I’m happy, I tape the tag die in place and run it through my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. It is one of the tools I rely on regularly—several of them are included in my list of the best cardmaking supplies for 2026.

Step 5: Stenciling

Now its time to start layering on top of our background. I add stenciling to about two thirds of each tag using the same reactive ink colors that I used in Step 1. You can use just about any stencil you have. I chose two very different designs and I love how they both turned out!

Close-up of my aqua blue mixed media tag with personalized die cut initials (KB) and Hero Arts rub-on Hero Transfers.

Step 6: Second-Generation Stamping

This is one of my favorite mixed media techniques.

Ink your stamp, stamp once on scrap paper, then immediately stamp onto your background.

The lighter impression adds depth and texture while keeping things loose and organic.

Use the same colors you used on your background in Step 1. This keeps everything cohesive and soft and adds subtle interest without overpowering the background.

Mixed media art tag created by layering 6 additional techniques on top of my ink smoosh watercolor background.

Step 7: Add Rub-On Transfers for Easy Texture

Hero Transfers are one of the easiest ways to add detail and interest—no drying time required. Today, I used the Grids and Icons Transfers.

Cut a small section, place it on your tag, and rub it on using a bone folder or craft stick. I like angling my transfers slightly for a more vintage, organic look.

Step 8: Add Some Grunge and Ink Blend the Edges

Ink blending around the edges of the tags adds instant definition and helps ground all those layers.

This is where everything starts to come together. I like using a darker neutral ink like Root Beer to “grunge up” the edges just a bit.

Colorful ledger style mixed media tag with die cut floral sunbursts and a cheerful orange heart.

Step 9: Add Splatters

Using a fan brush, splatter water (then blot with a cloth) and them the same inks used above. This step instantly adds movement and that “mixed media magic” feel.

Process photo showing water splatters and ink splatters on my in-process mixed media art tag.

Step 10: Add Focal Points

Now it’s time to bring in focal elements.

I used small die-cut images, lightly distressed the edges, and glued them directly to the tags. Keep the focal points simple—they should complement the background, not compete with it.

A good rule of thumb: if your background is busy, keep your focal point clean and contained.

Best mixed media art tag illustrating how to create one in 11 easy steps.

Step 11: Finish with Twine or Ribbon

Thread twine or ribbon through the top of each tag to finish them off.

This final step adds texture, softness, and makes the tags feel complete. You can also tuck tags into cards, journals, or gift packaging.

You might also enjoy another recent Mixed Media Tag Tutorial I posted last month. Or if you’d like to try a mixed media card instead, here is how I create one step-by-step, with loads of illustrative photos.

Mixed Media Toolbox

These are the supplies that I personally use:

Three cards featuring Spellbinders Classic Winnie the Pooh Birthday Collection Handmade Winnie the Pooh Cards with Spellbinders Classic Pooh Baby Collection
BetterPress · cardmaking · Die cutting

Handmade Winnie the Pooh Cards with Spellbinders Classic Pooh Baby Collection

Karen Brown1 Comment
3 Winnie the Pooh theme handmade cards for baby showers and birthdays.

There’s just something timeless about Winnie the Pooh. The gentle illustrations, the sweet stories, and the nostalgia make Pooh-themed projects extra special—and the newly released Spellbinders Classic Pooh Baby Collection captures that magic beautifully.

For today’s post, I created three handmade cards using this collection. Two are perfect for spring baby girl showers, and the third is a rustic birthday card with a mixed media twist. Even though the themes are different—Baby, Maps, and Pooh—they all celebrate the charm of the Hundred Acre Wood.

Card One: A Sweet Baby Shower Card from the Hundred Acre Wood

Handmade baby shower card featuring the Hundred Acre Wood BetterPress map from the Classic Pooh Birthday Collection, softly watercolored and accented with a die-cut high chair and pink card base.

This first card absolutely stole my heart. I started with the Hundred Acre Wood BetterPress Plate, which features a detailed map of Pooh Corner—home to Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Kanga, and friends.

I pressed the plate using my BetterPress LetterPress System and black ink onto a Bisque BetterPress A2 panel, then added soft color using Zig Watercolor Markers and a damp brush. This simple watercolor technique adds just enough storybook charm without overwhelming the delicate map details.

To give the card a baby theme, I added a die-cut high chair from the Baby Accessories Die Kit, layering it on a soft vellum die cut. The sentiment, “How do you spell LOVE?”, comes from the new Sweet Sentiments BetterPress Sentiment Set and feels just right for a baby shower.

I finished the card by mounting everything onto a pink watercolor card base, creating a soft, dreamy look that’s perfect for welcoming a baby girl.

Side-by-side photo of two handmade baby shower cards using the Classic Pooh Birthday Collection Baby Accessories dies, one featuring a BetterPress map and high chair, the other a pink stroller design.

Card Two: A Traditional Pooh Baby Shower Card with a Stroller

Pink baby shower card with a die-cut stroller, postage-style background created with the Spellbinders January 2026 Large Die of the Month, and vintage-inspired embellishments.

For my second baby card, I leaned into a more classic baby shower style, again using the Classic Pooh Baby Accessories Die Kit This one features a pink die-cut stroller (pram) accented with sweet sticker embellishments from Simple Stories Vintage Flower Shoppe.

The background is one of my favorite elements—it was created using this month’s Spellbinders Large Die of the Month Kit. The postage/polaroid-style frame makes such a versatile card base and is a true cardmaking staple. If you don’t already subscribe to this kit, it’s a fantastic one to try—I’ll link to my Hummingbird Delight post where I used the full kit.

This card feels timeless, gentle, and perfect for a traditional baby shower. I also have a photo showing both baby cards together (above), highlighting how different they can feel while still using the same Pooh collection.

Same Map, Two Completely Different Looks

Side-by-side comparison of two BP343 Hundred Acre Wood BetterPress map cards—one soft and pink for a baby shower, the other rustic and masculine with mixed media details.

One of my favorite things about this project is seeing how versatile the Hundred Acre Wood BetterPress Plate really is. In one card, it’s soft, pink, and perfect for a baby shower. In another, it’s rustic, layered, and mixed media inspired.

Card Three: A Rustic Pooh Birthday Card with Mixed Media

Handmade Winnie the Pooh 100 Acre Wood birthday card with an aged mixed media map background created using ink smooshing, brown splatters, and a navy “Let’s Celebrate” sentiment.

My third card takes the Hundred Acre Wood BetterPress Plate in a completely different direction. This one has a more rustic, slightly masculine vibe, making it ideal for birthdays beyond baby cards. This is one of my favorite crafting machines and here are my 9 tips, tricks and insights to the BetterPress process.

I created the background using an ink-smooshing technique with three shades of brown ink. After spritzing with water, I dipped a Bisque BetterPress panel into the ink and let it soak for about a minute (see two photos below) . Once dry (or heat set), I flattened the panel under a weight. I then used my BetterPress LetterPress System to press the map into my smooshed background.

Cardmaking process photo showing ink smooshing and the completed rustic background.

To add even more depth, I:

  • Ink blended darker browns around the edges
  • Added splatters using brown acrylic ink and a fan brush

My preference is to use color-coded blending brushes for ink blending. I find my brushes last longer since I only use one ink colorfamily on each brush.

BP343 Spellbinders The Hundred Acre Wood BetterPress rustic map birthday card

The result is a beautifully aged, mixed media map background. I mounted the panel onto a navy card base and added a bold navy “Let’s Celebrate” sentiment using the Hero Arts Hooray Birthday Cover Plate.

This card is heading to a friend who loves Winnie the Pooh, but it would also work wonderfully as a masculine birthday card.

I’ve included a photo (above) showing both map cards side by side, and I love how different they feel—even though they started with the exact same plate.

Key Products Used:

You might also be interested in the 14 tools that I use most often in my craftroom.

Why I Love Creating with Classic Pooh

👉 My past Winnie the Pooh Die Cut Card and BetterPress Winnie the Pooh Card have always been reader favorites, and it’s easy to see why. Pooh designs feel personal, nostalgic, and meaningful—whether you’re creating for a baby, a birthday, or someone who simply loves these classic characters.

👉 I’ll be linking to my Pooh & Piglet die-cut card from last year, which is still one of my most-loved projects. If you missed it, be sure to check it out for even more Pooh inspiration.

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · Stenciling

Hero Arts August 2025 | Light-Up Tags + Crystal Ball

Karen Brown21 Comments
Handmade Halloween tag with layered colorful tags, white heat embossed spider web on black cardstock, lit up with a hidden light, and “Boo to You” sentiment.

The Hero Arts August 2025 Release is here, and it’s packed with creative possibilities—from interactive Halloween tags to dreamy stenciled scenes and mystical vibes. I had so much fun with these kits and created two very different but equally inspiring projects.

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

🕷️ Project 1: Light-Up Spider Web Halloween Tag – August Card Kit

Let’s start with a spooky showstopper! This interactive Halloween tag uses elements from the August Hero Arts Card Kit, including the spider web stamp and Press One Light that lights up the tag.

Here’s how it came together:

  • I white heat embossed the spider web on black cardstock, die cut it, and positioned one of the included Press One Lights behind the center.
  • When you press the hidden button—the web lights up! 🕸️✨
  • I layered two tags using the Nesting Tag Dies:
    • The top tag is watercolor paper with Yellow and Orange Liquid Watercolors—so vibrant and bold!
    • The bottom tag is purple cardstock with a Hero Transfer from Collage Backgrounds 2—the script texture gives a haunting Halloween vibe.

I finished it off with a heat-embossed “Boo to You” sentiment from the kit and a touch of black hemp cord. This tag is spooky, clever, and totally kid-approved.

Hero Studio light up Halloween spider web tag created with the August 2025 Card Kit, including the Pear Blossom Press One Light.

What’s Included in the August Card Kit?

  • Abraham and Katrina 6×8 Stamp Set (used on tag)
  • Abraham and Katrina Coordinating Die (used on tag)
  • Stamping Guide for stamp set
  • Victorian Frame Die Set (used on card 2)
  • Pear Blosson Press-One Light 2 Pack (used on tag)
  • 10 Sheets of Cardstock- 1 of each color, 5.5″ x 8.5″ (Cinnamon, Terra Cotta, Carrot, Coral, Bellini, Tuscan, Mint, Waterfall, Blue Spruce, Raven)
  • Holographic Rainbow Film, 1 sheet – 5.5″ x 8.5″
  • Acetate, 1 sheet – 5.5″ x 8.5″ (used on card 3)

Receive a FREE Magic Mist Stencil when you purchase The Whole Studio!

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

Project 2: Crystal Ball Magic – August Stamp & Cut: You Are Magic

Card featuring a die cut crystal ball made from ink smooshed background and acetate layer, with the sentiment “You Are Magic” over a tone-on-tone mini rainbow background stenciled in teal and aqua shades.

This second card leans into the magical vibes with the new You Are Magic Stamp & Cut. The crystal ball die is the star here!

  • I used a leftover ink smoosh background scrap in soft blues and aquas to simulate swirling crystal magic. You can read my Ink Smoosh Tutorial HERE.
  • I die cut a circle of acetate (included in my August Card Kit of the Month) and layered it on top for a glassy, dimensional effect.
  • The sentiment “You Are Magic” is stamped and layered over the crystal ball.

For the background, I used Oceanside ColorWheel Cardstock and the Retro Rainbow Stencil from last month’s Retro Kitchen Release. I went for a tone-on-tone look using:

Mounted on an aqua card base with a few black enamel dots, this card feels subtle, sparkly, and just a little bit mystical and mysterious.

Hero Studio Blog Hop

Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Leave a comment on all stops for more chances to win!


Hero Arts
Nichol Spohr
Seeka
Rosie Lopez
Rachel Kleinman
Natasha Polite
Mindy Eggen
Michelle Short
Michelle Lupton
Lisa Tilson
Karen Brown
Jennifer Kotas
Jeannie Lieu
Charlene Madrid
Channin Pelletier
Anna Mahtani

Handmade card created from the Hero Studio August 2025 Stamp and Cut "You Are Magic" kit.

From light-up tags to dreamy stenciling and crystal energy, the August kits are perfect for stretching your creativity into fall. Which kit are you reaching for first?

Layering Stencil handmade card and video. Video: Easy Fun Card Idea
Cardmaking Video · Stenciling

Video: Easy Fun Card Idea

Karen Brown1 Comment

Watch above OR click HERE to watch video on YouTube.

Looking for an easy, beginner-friendly card idea that makes a big impact? Today I’m sharing a project using the Hero Studio July 2025 “Just Keep Going” Layering Stencils—a bold, three-layered sentiment that I paired with a coordinating ink smooshed background for a clean, summery design.

Handmade card with bold “Just Keep Going” encouraging sentiment in green, teal, and blue ink, layered over a watercolor-style ink smooshed background.

Supplies & Theme

The “Just Keep Going” stenciled sentiment is built up with three perfectly aligned stencil layers. For the sentiment and the coordinating background, I used the following Reactive Inks:

These bright, analogous colors are side-by-side on the color wheel and blend beautifully together for a unified, harmonious look.

July 2025 Layering Stencil of the Month "Just Keep Going" kit card in analgous green, aqua and blue inks.

The Background: Ink Smooshing

To complement the stenciled panel, I created an ink smooshed background using the exact same three ink colors. Ink smooshing is one of my favorite techniques—just dab ink onto a 6 x 6″ acrylic block, spritz with water, and press your watercolor paper onto the color. I flip my block and weight down with a book for 5 minutes. If there is a puddle, I dab it with a paper towel. The result? A gorgeous, watercolor-style background that’s one of a kind.

This technique is fantastic for beginners and gives your cards a fun, organic texture. It’s also a great way to bring all the color elements of your project together.

Creating an "ink smoosh" background that coordinates with your stenciled focal point

Finishing Touches

I die cut my stenciled sentiment panel using a nesting postage stamp die for extra polish. As a playful embellishment, I added a pair of sunglasses from the Hero Studio July 2025 Card Kit. The frames are cut from leftover inked cardstock, and the lenses from another panel inked with Blue Hawaii—just another way to tie everything together!

Custom coordinated ink smoosh background and bold stenciled sentiment card.

Why It Works

This card’s cohesive look comes from intentionally choosing analogous colors and using them across both the background and focal elements. Whether you’re just starting out or want a quick, cheerful design, this is a project anyone can enjoy!

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting

Hit the Road with Hero Arts! July 2025 Club Kits Blog Hop

Karen Brown20 Comments
3 fun summery cards for Hero Studio July 2025 in aqua blue, orange and white color palettes.

Pack your crafty bags, because this month Hero Arts is taking us on a road trip! I’m thrilled to be part of the July 2025 Club Kit Blog Hop where we celebrate this month’s travel-inspired theme. The kits are full of scenic surprises, clever sentiments, and summery fun—and I’m here to show you four creative ways to use them.

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

You might also be interested in my VIDEO using the July Layering Stencil Kit.

Card 1: Desert Dreams Heroscape

Road trip Heroscape card with a winding desert road, blue sky, and “just keep going” sentiment.

I started with the Card Kit of the Month, which features a stunning “On the Road” Heroscape. Imagine a desert road winding into the distance with low-slung mountains and a bright blue sky. These Heroscapes are layered stamps that create dimension and realism with every step.

I kept the palette natural and sun-drenched, and chose the sentiment “just keep going” — a perfect message for road trips and life journeys alike. Heroscapes are always crowd-pleasers and this one is no exception!

Layer stamp Heroscape of a winding road through the desert mountains from the July 2025 Hero Studio Card Kit of the Month.

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

  • On the Road HeroScape Coordinating Dies
  • On the Road HeroScape 6×8 Stamp Set
  • Let’s Go Die Set
  • Pine Core Ink Cube
  • 10 Sheets of Cardstock (1 of each color), 5.5″ x 8.5″ (Sicily, Coral, Bellini, Waterfall, Teal Topaz, Blue Spruce, Peridot, Beeswax, Saffron, Carrot) These are some of my absolute favorite cardstock colors and I used Carrot and Teal Topaz on two cards below.
  • Mirror Paper, 1 sheet – 5.5″ x 8.5″

The Whole Studio  includes ALL 5 of the monthly subscriptions in one discounted bundle. Cling of the Month, Stamp & Cut of the Month (new name for the subscription!), Layering Stencil of the Month, Fancy Dies of the Month, and the Card Kit of the Month.

Receive a FREE Everything’s Pine stamp & die set when you purchase The Whole Studio!

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

Cards 2 & 3: Cobblestone Courtyard Two-Fer

2-Fer cards using Hero Arts Cobblestone Courtyard Cling Background Stamp in aqua blue with white heat embossing, die cut hearts and scripty hello sentiment.

Next up is what may be my favorite Cling of the Month EVER: Cobblestone Courtyard. This rubber background stamp is a pattern of concentric circles that looks like a cozy plaza or mosaic.

Aqua blue and white heat embossed and ink-blended Cobblestone Courtyard background card with die cut heart window and a scripty orange “hello” sentiment..

For my first card, I stamped it in Unicorn White Pigment Ink and heat embossed with White Embossing Powder on Bristol Smooth cardstock. Then I ink blended over the top using Blue Raspberry ink to create a vibrant turquoise and white background. I polished the embossing with a microfiber cloth, and the crisp, clean results had me swooning.

I couldn’t resist making a “two-fer”: I die cut a heart (from the Heart Infinity Die set) from the center of the panel and inset a scripty “hello” from the Fancy Die Kit: Mix Tape using Carrot cardstock.

Bright summery hello card with layered die cut hearts, scripty hello sentiment, and turquoise, white and orange color palette.

For the second card, I used the leftover heart die cut and layered it over a Teal Topaz heart, then a smaller white heart, and finally topped it with the turquoise Cobblestone heart. Another “hello” sentiment (this time in Woodland cardstock) finishes the look. The swooping tails of the sentiment are so charming! Two cards with a fresh, summery vibe!

📼 Card 4: Mix Tape Magic

Summery aqua ink smoosh card background with a die cut retro cassette tape and scripty hello background.

For my final card, I had fun with the Fancy Die of the Month: Mix Tape. This playful set includes a cassette tape die with the word “hello” cleverly shaped from the tape itself. I used this hello sentiment on three of my cards today.

I placed the cassette on a handmade ink-smooshed background using Blue Raspberry, Splash, and Pool Party inks. I wanted my background to look like a shimmery swimming pool. Want to try ink smooshing? Here’s how:

Ink Smooshing Quick Steps Tutorial:

  • I liberally inked a 6×6″ acrylic block with Blue Raspberry, Pool Party and Splash inks. This is the panel I used for my background.
  • I spritzed the ink with water and “smooshed” the block onto a piece of watercolor paper
  • I weighted the inked block with a book for 5 minutes
  • I uncovered my panel.  If the ink pooled, I dabbed with a paper towel.
  • I made a “second generation” panel for a future project by taking a piece of Bristol Cardstock and soaking up the excess ink on my work space. So this is another Two-Fer!
Retro cassette tape card with ink-smooshed blue background and whimsical “hello” shaped like audio tape.

The retro vibe of the tape plus the dreamy summer colors made this card a total blast to create.

You might be interested in another popular Ink Smooshing post I wrote.

GIVEAWAY 

Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Saturday, July 5th at 11:59pm PT, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week. Leave a comment on all stops for more chances to win!
  

BLOG HOP ORDER

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

🚗 Final Thoughts

Whether you love to layer, emboss, smoosh or die cut, the July 2025 Hero Arts Club Kits have something inspiring for every type of cardmaker. Don’t forget to follow along the Blog Hop to see even more road trip-ready inspiration. Thanks for stopping by—and remember: Just keep going!

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 · Stamping

Fabulous Floral Backgrounds | Ink Smooshing + Stamping Tutorial

Karen Brown1 Comment
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!

cardmaking · Mixed Media · Stamping

Hero Arts | Man Card Monday | Ramen Birthday Card

Karen Brown1 Comment
Man Card Monday masculine birthday card for the Foodie

Ramen Card for the Foodie in Your Life

Masculine cards can be tricky, but when I saw Hero Arts Ramen Stamp and Die Bundle, I knew it would be the perfect set for my son-in-law’s birthday. He is a real foodie and I love the fun sentiment included!

How to Make an Ink Smoosh Background

I started by making my “Ink Smoosh” background. I dabbed Fawn, Papaya, Fog, Paradise and Pool Party inks in separate pools on my craft mat and spritzed with water. I then dipped a piece of watercolor paper in the puddle and let it dry. I did this four times.

Next, I stamped my images and then colored in with Artist Alcohol Markers. Die cutting was next. I also used my Rounded Rectangles Infinity dies to trim my background, mat and card base. The final step was to assemble my card.

Graphic Mixed Media birthday card for the masculine Foodie in your life.
Products Used:
cardmaking · Mixed Media · Tutorial

Hero Arts | 2 Fun Mixed Media Cards

Karen Brown1 Comment
Hero Arts Mixed Media Cards using CM740 Vintage Postmarks and Tickets CM739 Vintage Maps and Ledger stamps.

Hero Arts Spring Catalog Release is live and I love all the new Mixed Media products that they added to their line. I used a bunch of them on these two cards.

Today is the last day for Hero Art’s Blog Hop, which you can find HERE.

Hero Arts Mixed Media card using Vintage Maps and Ledgers stamps.

My Recipe:

Products Used:

Other Tools:  Acrylic Stamping Block

Additional Products Used On Second Card: White Wax + SA263 Mandala Flower Pattern Stencil, Blue Iridescent Embossing Powder

I am so glad you dropped by!