Tag: Mixed Media

Darling owl theme valentine. Spellbinders December 2025 Die of the Month | Gel Press Print Card Ideas
Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · Mixed Media

Spellbinders December 2025 Die of the Month | Gel Press Print Card Ideas

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Die cut owl with a flower crown sitting on a branch, framed inside a white Polaroid-style border with a rub-on ‘love’ sentiment. Background and card base are made from textured green, red, tan, and white Gel Press prints

If you love mixed media, adorable woodland critters, and any excuse to use your Gel Press prints, the December 2025 Spellbinders Small Die of the Month – Better Together is going to make your crafty heart flutter. This month’s kit includes two owls and two otters, but for today’s project, I kept things simple with a single sweet owl—perfect for a Valentine’s Day card for my daughter.

How to Use Gel Press Prints in Cardmaking

I reached into my stash of Gel Press prints (one of my favorite studio habits!) and created a simple but visually rich design. The card base is a greenish-yellow pulled print, while the Polaroid-style frame background uses a print with layers of tan, brick red, green, and white. The organic textures and imperfect blends from the prints give this card a soft art journal meets Valentine vibe.

For the focal point, I die cut the owl and assembled her with a tiny flower crown, then perched her on the included die cut branch. She’s framed inside a Polaroid-style photo using the Hero Arts Nesting Journaling Photo Frames, which provide the perfect amount of white space.

A single rub-on sentiment—“love” from the Hero Arts Ornate Frames Transfer Sheet (RT127)—sits on the bottom right of the Polaroid border for an easy, minimal look. Because the background is so full of visual interest thanks to the Gel Press print, the clean sentiment balances everything beautifully.

Handmade Owl Valentine Card using Spellbinders December 2025 Die of the Month Kit + Gel Press Prints.

Key Products Used


✨ Spellbinder Small Die of the Month
✨ Hero Arts Nesting Journaling Photo Frames
✨ Hero Arts RT127 Ornate Frames Rub-On Transfers
✨ Gel Press Prints (my favorite kind of stash!)

Why I Love This Project

This card is:

  • beginner-friendly
  • fabulous for using your stash of Gel Press backgrounds
  • perfect for mixed media fans and Valentine’s Day
  • totally customizable (the kit includes two owls and two otters!)

I also included a process photo showing stacks of my finished Gel Press prints. The print used for the Polaroid background is the top middle print in that photo. I love Gel Press play days, and it feels great putting those prints to use in my cardmaking.

Stacks of completed Gel Press prints in various colors. The top middle print is tan, brick red, green, and white—the print used for the card’s Polaroid background

This simple mixed media Valentine is going to my daughter—and I think she’ll love the sweet little owl with the tiny flower crown.

2 warm and cozy gelt well cards. How to Create Clean & Mixed Media Backgrounds | Hero Arts December 2025 Release & Blog Hop
Die cutting · Stamping

How to Create Clean & Mixed Media Backgrounds | Hero Arts December 2025 Release & Blog Hop

Karen Brown14 Comments
Two cozy stamped and die cut Get Well Cards; one is clean and fresh the other is an easy mixed media card.

Hello friends! Karen Brown here, and today I’m sharing two cards for the Hero Arts December 2025 Release + Blog Hop. This month’s theme—Soup There It Is—is warm, clever, and absolutely perfect for building a stash of Get Well cards. I don’t know about you, but I always seem to need get well cards, and this release is packed with comforting imagery and punny sentiments that make them so fun to create.

Hero Arts just announced a fantastic price drop on their subscription programs, making this the perfect time to sign up if you’ve been on the fence. The Monthly Card Kit is now $45 instead of $60, and the Whole Studio Subscription dropped from $75 to $55. That’s a big monthly savings and an incredible value considering how many products, techniques, and creative opportunities you get in each box. If you love building your stash, trying new tools, and being inspired each month, this is truly the best time to jump in.

My two cards today both feature the December Cling Stamp of the Month: Dotty—a fantastic, versatile background stamp that deserves a spot in every crafter’s studio. To help you get the most out of this staple, I’m showing two completely different background styles:
✨ Clean, fresh, and modern
🎨 Easy, layered mixed media

Let’s jump in!

Card 1 – A Clean & Modern Background Using Pigment Ink

Cozy Alphabet Soup "Get Well Soon" card with a charming blue and white stamped polka dot background.

For my first card, I created a crisp and contemporary background using the Rubber Cling Dotty stamped in Unicorn White Pigment Ink on Breeze Cardstock. This combination creates a soft, airy polka dot look that works for any occasion, but feels especially soothing for a get well theme.

Background Tips:

  • Pigment ink gives gorgeous coverage, but it dries slowly.
  • Speed things along with a quick blast from your heat tool.
  • Try this technique on any mid-tone cardstock—it’s a great way to stretch your ink stash.

For the focal point, I used the December Die of the Month: Alphabet Soup to create an adorable soup bowl, complete with:
🥣 a spoon
🍘 cracker-style accents
🌿 sprigs of parsley
…and swirling alphabetical noodles!

The spoon cleverly spells out “Get Well Soon”—such a comforting detail. This card feels clean, uplifting, and perfect for sending warm wishes to someone who needs a little TLC.

Stamped polka dot background on a cozy die cut Get Well card. White pigment ink on light blue cardstock.

>>> Receive a FREE Bread Bowl Stamp and Cut (see card #2)  when you purchase The Whole Studio!

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

Card 2 – Easy Mixed Media Using Dotty + Gel Press Print

Mixed media card featuring Gel Press print stamped with white Dotty pattern background stamp, distressed and ink-blended edges, brown speckles, and die-cut bread bowl with “Feel Better” sentiment.

For my second card, I wanted to show the versatility of the Rubber Cling Dotty stamp by pairing it with a mixed media background.

I pulled a Gel Press print from my stash—a great way to use your pre-made backgrounds—and stamped Dotty over the top with Unicorn White Pigment Ink. After drying with my heat tool, I:

  • Distressed the edges using a distressing tool
  • Ink blended around the outer edges for depth and warmth
  • Added Brown Acrylic Speckle (from the December Card Kit) for texture and personality. I like to use a fan brush and rotate my background for even distribution.

My focal point is the die cut from the December Whole Studio Bonus Gift: Bread Bowl, shaded with inks to mimic the look of warm crusty bread. The “Feel Better” sentiment ties the whole card together in the coziest way.

This mixed media-style card is earthy, rich, and full of character—but still incredibly easy to make.

Mixed media background card featuring Hero Arts "Dotty" red rubber cling background stamp on a distressed gel press print. The background features white circles on an aqua blue background with brown paint splatters.

Blog Hop and Giveaway: 

Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, December 7th at 11:59pm MT, 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
Seeka
Rosie Lopez
Rachel Kleinman
Nichol Spohr
Natasha Polite
Mindy Eggen
Michelle Short
Michelle Lupton
Lisa Tilson
Karen Brown
Jennifer Kotas
Jeannie Lieu
Charlene Madrid
Channin Pelletier
Anna Mahtani

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer clean and modern or layered and artsy, the Dotty Cling Stamp opens up endless background possibilities. Paired with this month’s heartwarming soup-themed dies, you can build a versatile stash of Get Well cards to share comfort all year long.

Be sure to hop along with the rest of the designers—there are prizes to be won and loads of inspiration waiting for you!
Happy crafting, friends. ❤️

Handmade mixed media card using everyday supplies + a map. Mixed Media Card Tutorial: A Step-By-Step Guide
cardmaking · Mixed Media · Tutorial

Mixed Media Card Tutorial: A Step-By-Step Guide

Karen BrownLeave a comment
How to tutorial for a tattered and torn mixed media travel theme card with a die cut bike, upcycled road atlas background and stenciled Hero Wax accent.

Today, I want to show you how to repurpose and upcycle paper to create a mixed media card.    I started with a map from an old Atlas and a brown paper shopping bag.  I used the bike stamp and die from Hero Arts June card kit as my focal point which I stamped on a panel cut from the shopping bag.

How to Create Mixed Media Cards Step-By-Step:

Above, you can see the repurposed papers that I used on my card. Here was my process:

  • I attached a piece of watercolor cardstock to the back of the Atlas page so that I would have a more substantial panel to work on.  I used Matte Medium to adhere the two pages together.  Dry.
  • To make sure there was no shine and to have the right surface texture for my mixed media project, I applied a layer of Gesso Acrylic Paint to the map. Dry.
Process photo showing how to apply Gesso to prep a mixed media project.
process photo showing stamping on a mixed media card background
  • I stenciled a few spots with the Leaves and Abstract Shapes Stencil with Root Beer ink.
  • I die cut the panel with a Nesting Postage Stamps Infinity Die and then ink blended Fawn and Root Beer along the corners and edges.  I wanted a grungy vintage look.
  • I added watered down blots of Periwinkle and Root Beer. Dab some ink on acetate, spritz with a bit of water and dab on the panel.  Tilt a bit to make it run.  Blot up if you have more ink than you want.
  • Add ink splatters with a fan brush with the same inks used above, which adds color and depth.
  • I did second generation stamping (ink stamp, lightly stamp on scratch paper and then stamp background) with Root Beer ink.  You can see I keep adding layers. 
process photo showing a mixed media background with stamping, stenciling and ink blending.
  • I stenciled Olive Hero Wax over the bottom of my map panel with the Cobblestone Stencil to simulate a road.
  • Tear the bottom left corner off the panel for a really old and tattered look.  Ink blend along the tear line.
  • After looking at my panel I decided I wanted to darken the edges even more, so I added additional ink blending around the edges and corners.
process photo showing olive Hero Wax applied through a Cobblestone stencil.

Bicycle Focal Point:

  • On a panel from the brown paper shopping bag, I stamped the bike from the Hero Studio June card kit.  I left it in the stamp positioner and colored with InkTense colored pencils. Then I restamped the bike for a crisp black look.
  • Die cut bike
  • Ink edges with root beer ink.
A process photo showing a stamped bicycle on an upcycled repurposed panel cut from a brown paper bag and colored with Inktense colored pencils. The panel will be turned into a mixed media card.

Tattered and Worn Base Mat:

  • Cut a second panel from the brown paper bag to act as a base mat.
  • Using the Rough Dot Bold Prints Stamp, stamp with Root Beer ink and Fawn Ink on the second panel (which is slightly larger than the map panel).  Dab a bit here and there, heavier in some places, lighter in others for a vintage look. 
  • In the bottom left corner add some text stamping for interest. This is where the torn edge will be positioned, so this area of the base will be more visible. I Used Vintage Postmarks and Tickets and Vintage Maps and Ledgers again and randomly added numbers etc around the perimeter of the card base.  
  • Ink the edges and corners to darken them.
Process photo showing a vintage look background card mat. The mat was cut from a repurposed upcycled brown paper shopping bag.

I love the inky grungy look of this card!

A mixed media card featuring the June 2025 Hero Studio card kit bike and hat stamps.

Use What You Have! Old maps, shopping bags, sewing patterns, dictionary pages, music books—they all bring unique texture and charm to your cards. Mixed media is about building interest through layers, so don’t be afraid to play!

BetterPress · Die cutting · Mixed Media

How to Create Mixed Media Backgrounds for Your Cards

Karen Brown1 Comment

Creating mixed media backgrounds is one of the most fulfilling ways to express creativity in cardmaking, and it’s a fantastic way to showcase your favorite tools and techniques. In this project, I flipped my usual process by starting with the background, rather than the focal point. The emphasis here is on the Script Text BetterPress Plate, an intricate design with a vintage, not-quite-legible script that adds the perfect textured backdrop.

🛠 Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Start with the Background: For this project, the focus was the Script Text BetterPress Plate. Begin by die cutting an oval template using the Scallops and Stitched Edge Ovals die set. Save the oval itself, but use the negative panel (with the oval opening) as an inking guide.
  • Ink with BetterPress: Place the panel over the Script Text BetterPress Plate and use Best Ever Craft Tape to hold it in place. Ink only the oval opening using Black BetterPress ink on Porcelain BetterPress Paper.
  • Important: Remove the inking guide before running the plate through your Platinum 6 machine.
    • 🐢 Tip: Use “SUPER SLOMO” speed to get the best letterpress impression.
  • Add a Watercolor Wash: Apply a light Salty Ocean watercolor wash to the center oval portion of your letterpressed background. Let dry completely.
  • Stamp Texture: Using Hero Arts Mixed Textures Stamp Set, ink up some paint splatter stamps with Salty Ocean and lightly mist the stamp with water for a more vintage look. Stamp the background 3-4 times.
  • Add Paint Splatters: Use a fan brush to add Salty Ocean paint splatters for added depth.
  • Distress the Panel Further:
    • Dilute Salty Ocean on your craft mat.
    • Dab a small portion the background panel into the ink pool 3–4 times.
    • Let the ink run slightly for an authentic mixed media effect.
  • Die Cut Blooms: Use the Layered Wildflower die set by Lisa Horton to create floral accents. This entire project features elements from Lisa Horton’s Wildflower Collection.
  • Sentiment Touch: Use a “For You” wax seal from a previous Wax Seal of the Month Kit.
  • Final Touches:

💌 Bonus Project: Layered Die Cut Background

For a second card using the same supplies:

  • Begin with a plaid base in navy, merlot, and aqua. This was cardstock I bought at a Cardmaking Convention.
  • Layer a Merlot scallop oval, Nautical Navy oval, and a Waterfall stitched oval using the Scallop and Stitched Edge Ovals dies and ColorWheel Cardstock.
  • Spotlight a single merlot wildflower die cut from Lisa Horton’s Layered Wildflower set.
  • Add a gold bow (included in the die set) for a subtle accent.
  • Finish with a “From the Heart” sentiment — a versatile option, perfect for sympathy cards.

I hope you found some inspiration today.

Handmade mixed media card featuring letterpress script background, watercolor textures, and layered wildflower die cuts from Lisa Horton’s Wildflower Collection.

Thanks 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 Video

VIDEO: Shimmery Snowflake Backgrounds 3 Ways

Karen Brown1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

Shimmery Hero Arts Glitz Reactive Ink Christmas Holiday Card.

Look at the gorgeous shimmer from the Glitz Inks!

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

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

Mixed Media Snowflake Christmas Winter Holiday Tag.

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

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

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

Other Supplies Used:

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

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

cardmaking · papercrafting · Rainbow Colors

Hero Arts | Sparkle and Shine: Mastering Metallic Shimmer Sprays in Your Cardmaking

Karen Brown1 Comment
Metallic Shimmer Spray + stamping: A trio of handmade cards in rainbow colors.

Hey there, crafty friends! Karen here and today, we’re diving into the magical world of metallic shimmer sprays and how you can incorporate them into your cardmaking and papercrafting projects. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, these shimmer sprays are sure to add a touch of fun and sparkle to your creations.

Today I am sharing several colorful cards. It was a play day for me as I experimented with ink sprays and a fresh new background stamp called Abstract Feather Bold Print.

Rainbow Color Shimmer Cards

Rainbow watercolor look handmade card created with metallic shimmer sprays + stamping.

My Process:

As I stated above, I wanted to try a softer watercolor look for my “Smile” card and in person, this card seems to have the most shimmer and shine. After trimming my card, I lightly ink blended the edges with Amethyst Core Ink and added my sentiment, which was die cut from Amethyst cardstock. I added Translucent Pink Enamel Dots for a little added interest.

Bold rainbow card created with Hero Arts metallic shimmer ink sprays.

Card #2 was made the same way as Card 1, except I did NOT brush water on my stamp before painting my stamp. You can really see how the amount of water used can change your project.

I finished my card with a Nautical sentiment die cut with the Smile Friend Stamp and Cut XL set plus a few Clear Hues Enamel Dots.

Minimalist Mixed Media Thank You Card

Minimalist mixed media card created with Hero Arts metallic shimmer spray, Hero Gold Paste and Hero Transfer rub-ons.

I wanted to play a bit more with my final card. I added some rub-ons from Collage Backgrounds Part 2 Hero Transfers set and then, with my Palette Knife, I added Gold Hero Paste in spots through the Leaves and Abstract Shapes Stencil. You can see a stencil process photo below. Remember to soak or wash your stencil and palette knife before the Hero Paste sets.

I stamped and die cut a sentiment from the I Appreciate You Stamp and Die Bundle set. Finally, I added a few black Neutrals Hero Hues Enamel Dots.

PRO TIP: Protect your work surface with a piece of deli paper when working with messy media. It makes for a quick and easy cleanup.

What are Metallic Shimmer Sprays?

Metallic shimmer sprays are versatile crafting tools that contain finely milled metallic pigments suspended in a liquid base. They come in a variety of metallic shades and below, you can see the six I used on my cards today. When sprayed or brushed onto paper, these shimmer sprays impart a beautiful shine and metallic sheen, adding depth and dimension to your projects.

Don’t you just love this shimmery rainbow of metallic sprays? I can’t decide which is my favorite!

Final Thoughts

Stamping with metallic shimmer sprays is a fun and easy way to elevate your cardmaking projects and add a touch of shine to your designs. Whether you’re crafting for a special occasion or just because, these metallic sprays are sure to make your creations shine bright. So, grab your stamps and start sparkling!

I hope you found this tutorial helpful and inspiring. Happy crafting!

Mixed Media · papercrafting · Tutorial

Colorful Cityscape Mixed Media Card | Hero Arts

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Cityscape Hero Arts Mixed Media Card

I recently attended Hero Arts Mixed Media Stamp Along and found it so informative! This card was inspired by @cheiron and her wonderful class. I used different products and colors so my card doesn’t look anything like Cheiron’s, but her class gave me the creative spark for my card. Sometimes it is fun to get inky and messy!

For this card, I was trying to simulate a Dove flying over a city at sunrise. I knew I wanted a bold background to contrast with the white Dove. 

My Process:

  • I put 5 sunrise colors of reactive ink (colors listed below) on my craft mat and spritzed with a bit of water and then painted bands of vertical color all over my watercolor cardstock panel. There is no right or wrong way just start painting! I dried and repeated two more times. During the process I also added drips of color.
  • I love Hero Rub-On Transfers and I added parts of the city map from Collage Backgrounds to three spots on my background.
  • Using Indigo and Splash Inks, I stamped the city grid from the Mixed Textures stamp set.
  • I added texture with the Cobblestone Stencil. In some places I used just Gold Hero Paste and on others I rubbed just a bit of Black Hero Wax on the Stencil and then added Gold Hero Paste. I really love the black wax and gold paste combined together.
  • Using a splatter box (for me a repurposed cardboard box) I added three layers of splatters and dried in between each color. White, Blue Shimmer and Orange Shimmer. I love the complexity the shimmer splatters add!
  • I trimmed my background using the Rounded Rectangles Infinity Die set and then lightly inked the edges with Indigo Core Ink.
  • I die cut my Dove and sentiment 3 times and then glued the components together.
Handmade Card with Dove and Olive Branch Die - DF192

Supplies Used:

This card has LOTS of layers, but it did not take as long to complete as I would have guessed….60-90 minutes.

What do you think?

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Spellbinders | House Mouse Candy Hearts Vintage Look Valentine Card

Karen Brown3 Comments

There’s something undeniably captivating about a vintage valentine, where every delicate stroke of ink and carefully chosen sentiment carries a timeless charm. This new House Mouse Candy Hearts rubber stamp had a very retro look to me, so I went with an old-timey mixed media vibe.

Spellibinders House Mouse Candy Hearts (RSC-022) handmade Mixed Media Valentine Card.

Easy One Layer Vintage Look Mixed Media Valentine Tutorial:

  • I started by creating my background. I masked off a border and then used two shades of tan Distress Ink to ink blend my background. (Antique Linen and Frayed Burlap)
  • With the masking tape still on the cardstock, I then used the same tan inks to stencil and stamp bits and pieces on the background. Most of the stamping was “second generation” where I stamped first on a scrap and then onto my background so that the pattern would be subtle. I also added light stenciling to the background. Cathe Holden has some great stamps and stencils that I added here and there. I also used a bit of stamping with white pigment ink, but it is hard to see in the photograph. To finish I added a touch of Gold Wax to a few places around the border.
  • Carefully remove your masking tape. I used Post It Tape, which is the best!
  • After my background was dry, I stamped the Valentine Mouse with Versafine Black Pigment Ink.
  • PRO TIP: For a crisp look, keep the stamp in your Misti stamping platform and restamp the image after you are done coloring. You won’t believe how much this one step will elevate your project!
  • I used Faber Castell Polychromo Colored Pencils to color the mouse and candy hearts.
  • Remember to restamp the image and let dry.
  • The cute sentiment is included with the stamp set and finishes off my one layer valentine.

House Mouse Products:

One layer mixed media valentine featuring a cute mouse laying in a pile of candy hearts.

If you like this card, you might also want to visit my blog post on House Mouse Designs 3 Ways.

Thanks for stopping by!

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

@karens_mini on Instagram

Pinterest: @karenabrown

FaceBook: Karens_Mini

YouTube: Karen Brown

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Super Easy Cut Collage Birthday Cards | Minimal Supplies Needed

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Cut Shapes Paper Collage Birthday Cards

Hello, I have a super quick post today sharing two fun collage birthday cards that I created by cutting wonky shapes from paper. So easy, anyone can make them and they require minimal supplies. I think they are so cheerful and happy.

I started by going through my acrylic gel press and scraped scraps but you could just as easily use ready made paper. I picked out some melon (just made these for my last post on covering journal covers: read HERE), green, blue and gray. After I was done sorting I decided to add some red to the mix too. I then cut out silly whimsical shapes and glued them onto an A2 notecard. I handlettered a quick sentiment to complete the card. Nothing precise or perfect here!

Easy DIY collage style birthday card made by cutting shapes from colored paper.

Now that I see card #2 finished, I think it has a real Eric Carle vibe.

Supplies:

  • Colored Paper or Mixed Media Scraps
  • Scissors
  • Glue (I used UHU stic glue)
  • Card Base
  • Black pen (for sentiment)

I found this cardmaking session very satisfying. What do you think? Would you try this?

Karen