Tag: printed papers and cardstock

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 · papercrafting

Fast, Fun & Fabulous: Cardmaking with Printed Paper & Stickers

Karen BrownLeave a comment

Some days, you want to craft without fuss—no fussy cutting, no intricate techniques, just pure creative fun. That’s where printed paper and stickers come in! These supplies make it easy to create layered, dimensional cards that look anything but basic. Bonus: they’re beginner-friendly and perfect for a cardmaking party!

>>>You may also be interest in my Flower Shoppe Cart Card from the same collection.

I have links to the products used at the end of this post. Each of my cards features 3-5 layers, creating rich dimension in no time. Let’s take a look!

Card 1: Lavender Rain Boots in Bloom

This sweet card features a pair of lavender chipboard rain boots, filled with flowers. The background is a vintage-look mint printed paper, layered over a lavender and white polka dot card base.

✨ Details that make this card shine:

Card 2: Framed Florals & Soft Details

For this design, I used a chipboard galvanized bucket filled with soft pink, coral, and muted red flowers. The postage frame die cut background adds a touch of vintage charm.

🖌 Layers & Textures:

  • The background is a vintage lined school paper
  • The card base is chiffon and brown plaid printed paper
  • The layered elements make it feel warm and rustic

Card 3: A Galvanized Bucket of Blooms

This card carries over the chiffon paper and lined school paper from Card #2, tying the collection together. The chipboard enameled pitcher works well for a Get Well Card.

💖 Finishing Touches:

  • Chipboard butterflies and hearts for a sweet, dimensional effect
  • A vintage look frame that enhances the soft, romantic feel

Printed cardstock gives you instant color, pattern, and texture, while chipboard stickers add depth and detail without extra effort. These elements are substantial and high quality, making them perfect for layering without feeling flimsy.

The Magic of Printed Paper & Stickers: Products Used in This Post

Why You’ll Love These Supplies

  • Fast & Easy: No stamping or coloring required—just layer and stick!
  • Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for all skill levels.
  • Great for Scrapbooking Too! These elements work beautifully in memory keeping.

Which card is your favorite? Let me know in the comments! And if you’ve tried crafting with stickers and printed paper, I’d love to hear your tips.

Happy crafting! ✂️✨

cardmaking

Ideas for Using Pre-Printed Paper in Cardmaking

Karen BrownLeave a comment

Hello crafters! Karen Brown here and I am delighted to be back on the Spellbinders Blog with some ideas for streamlining your creative cardmaking process. Lately, I have been incorporating a lot of pre-printed elements into my cardmaking and I love how this allows me to focus on the joy of designing. Today I have a “sneak peek” of one of my cards, but you can read my entire blog post HERE on the Spellbinders Blog.

Maya's Garden Paper + Spellbinders Skateboarking Terry handmade card

Supplies Used:

Please head over to the Spellbinders Blog for all the details.

Karen

cardmaking · papercrafting · Tutorial

Spellbinders + Paper Rose | Using Printed Paper in Cardmaking

Karen Brown2 Comments
Paper Rose Rainbow Wood printed paper pack is colorful and vibrant and makes a great background for cardmaking and scrapbooking.

Hello, fellow crafting enthusiasts! Let’s explore one of the most versatile and exciting elements of the craft: printed paper. Whether you’re a seasoned cardmaker or just starting out on your creative journey, printed paper can add depth, texture, and personality to your handmade cards.

>>> You may also be interested in my most recent Printed Paper Blog Post: Fast, Fun & Fabulous: Cardmaking with Printed Paper & Stickers

Today, I am using two beautiful Paper Collections from Paper Rose that Spellbinders recently started offering on their website. The Rainbow Wood pack is colorful and vibrant and the Blueprints collection is funky, interesting and adds an edgy vibe. I used similar die cut focal points for each card but changed the background to illustrate how easy it is to alter the tone of your card.

Products Used:

Unleash Your Creativity: The Art of Using Printed Paper in Cardmaking

Paper Rose Blueprints printed paper collection is funky, interesting and adds an edgy vibe to your papercrafting, cardmaking and scrapbooking projects.

Printed paper, also known as patterned paper or designer paper, comes in a vast array of colors, patterns, and themes. From elegant florals to whimsical polka dots, there’s a printed paper to suit every style and occasion. But why incorporate printed paper into your cardmaking projects?

  1. Instant Visual Appeal: Printed paper instantly adds visual interest to your cards, making them stand out and catch the eye.
  2. Time-Saving: Using printed paper as a background or focal point can save you time compared to stamping or hand-coloring intricate designs.
  3. Endless Variety: With so many designs to choose from, you can easily find printed paper to match any theme or mood, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, holiday, or just because.
  4. Versatility: Printed paper can be used in a variety of ways, from backgrounds and borders to die-cut shapes and embellishments, giving you endless creative possibilities.
How to use printed, patterned and designer papers and cardstocks in cardmaking and scrapbooking.

Now that we’ve covered why printed paper is a must-have in your cardmaking stash, let’s explore some fun and creative ways to incorporate it into your projects.

How to Use Pattern Paper

1. Background Bliss

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to use printed paper in cardmaking is as a background element. Choose a pattern that complements your card design, trim it to size, and adhere it to your card base for an instant burst of color and pattern. Whether you opt for bold stripes, delicate florals, or playful geometrics, a patterned background adds depth and dimension to your cards without overwhelming the overall design.

2. Focal Point Fun

Additionally, you can die-cut or fussy-cut designs from your favorite patterned paper and use them as the centerpiece of your card. Whether it’s a stunning floral cluster, a charming critter, or a bold sentiment, a printed paper focal point adds visual interest and personality to your handmade creations.

3. Layering Love

Layering printed paper is a great way to add depth and dimension to your cards. Mix and match coordinating patterns and colors to create eye-catching backgrounds, borders, or mats for your focal elements. Experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect balance of prints and solids to make your designs pop.

4. Embellishment Extravaganza

Printed paper isn’t just for backgrounds and layers—it also makes fabulous embellishments! Use punches, dies, or scissors to cut out shapes, borders, or accents from your favorite patterned paper and use them to embellish your cards. From flowers and leaves to banners and borders, printed paper embellishments add charm and whimsy to your handmade creations.

5. Theme Time

Take your cardmaking to the next level by choosing printed paper that fits a specific theme or occasion. Whether it’s a holiday, a season, or a special event, themed patterned paper sets the tone for your cards and ties your design together beautifully. From spooky Halloween motifs to festive Christmas patterns, themed printed paper adds instant flair and personality to your handmade creations.

Easy printed paper card and scrapbooking backgrounds from Paper Rose's Blueprints collection

In conclusion, printed paper is a cardmaker’s best friend, offering endless possibilities for creativity and expression. Whether you’re looking to add color, pattern, or texture to your cards, printed paper is sure to inspire and delight. So next time you sit down to create, don’t forget to reach for your favorite patterned paper and let your creativity soar!

Happy cardmaking!

Karen