Tag: Notecards

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?

BetterPress · cardmaking · Tutorial

Quick and Easy BetterPress Notecards | Spellbinders

Karen BrownLeave a comment
BetterPress Tutorial detailing how to create easy and elegant letterpress notecards using Spellbinders Florals Through the Year Collection.

Nothing says thoughtful elegance like a handcrafted notecard. I really enjoy the letterpress process and I wanted to create some notecards to have on hand for the coming year. Spellbinders recently released their Florals Through the Year Collection and I think it is quite beautiful. There are 12 plates…one for each month.

I have a detailed tutorial below.

Products Used:

A Year in Bloom

Handmade BetterPress letter press floral Morning Glory card.

May Morning Glory: Symbolizes love and affection.

BetterPress takes the art of letterpress and makes it accessible for all. Its crisp impressions and sophisticated designs bring timeless beauty to your cards. Plus, the ease of use means you can create a dozen cards in a single sitting—perfect for stocking up or gifting!

Better Press Tutorial:

  • I started by using Best Ever Craft Tape to attach my BetterPress card panel to the top plate of my BetterPress System.
  • I tried several types of paper (BetterPress, Watercolor and Cardstock) and they all worked with the BetterPress. I liked cottony paper the best. My preferred paper would be the BetterPress cotton paper or a handmade watercolor paper. 
  • The magnetic lower plate works really well to hold the BetterPress impressing plate in place. 
  • I was careful to ink the impressing plate really well. I did a “Tap and Twist” technique where I tapped the ink on the plate and then twisted the ink pad a few degrees. Don’t smash and smoosh or you will wind up with little pieces of ink pad on your plate and project. I ink well because I only like to roll through the press once for each panel.
  • For smaller sentiment plates, I tapped but didn’t twist. When I twisted smaller plates they tended to move out of alignment. If the plate moves it is easy to reposition with a pair of tweezers.
  • Roll your sandwich slowly through the die cutting machine. I think “Super Slo-Mo” while doing this to help me remember to go VERY slowly. 
  • You will want a good stamp cleaner for the BetterPress and plates. I’ve used Hero Arts Ultra Clean for years and it works great.
  • Waterproof or Hybrid inks well. I used the specially formulated BetterPress Inks. Pigment ink is not recommended. You want a faster drying ink. 
  • I found that my guillotine paper trimmer worked better than my Fiskar’s SureCut on cotton paper.
Handmade BetterPress letterpress Florals Through The Year Violet (Feburary) hand crafted notecard using Spellbinders plates.

February Violets: Elegant and full of love for Valentine’s Day

Spellbinders BetterPress letterpress Floral Through the Year handmade card: Lily of the Valley for May.

Lily of the Valley: A nod to nature’s beauty in full bloom.

With a unique card for every month, you’ll always have the perfect notecard ready for any occasion. Which month’s design are you most excited to try?

Karen