Tag: Spellbinders

Christmas Crackers die cut handmade card. 4 Tips for Christmas Cardmaking
cardmaking · Die cutting · Tutorial

4 Tips for Christmas Cardmaking

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Bright, colorful Christmas card with a blue "dimpled" background, purple and orange die cut Christmas Crackers and a folliage accents.

Featuring the Christmas Cracker Die Set + Dimpled Embossing Folder

The holidays are the perfect time to get crafty, and Spellbinders’ new Christmas releases make it so much fun! Today I’m sharing a festive card I created with the Christmas Cracker Die Set from Yana’s Christmas Collection and the Dimpled 3D Embossing Folder from Suzanne Hue’s Texture and Foliage Collection.

Along the way, I’ll walk you through 4 tried-and-true tips that will make your holiday cardmaking easier, more enjoyable, and more beautiful.

Tip 1: Use Quality Cardstock

Handmade Christmas card featuring a colorful die cut Christmas cracker in shades of purple, orange, blue, and green. The background is embossed with a dimpled 3D pattern, and some die cuts are raised on foam for added dimension

The foundation of any good die cut is quality cardstock. Thin or flimsy paper isn’t substantial enough for die cutting. For this project, I used Spellbinders’ Color Wheel Cardstock—which is heavyweight, smooth, and cuts like butter.

Here are some of the gorgeous shades I pulled:

  • 🌊 Cascade
  • 💜 Fairy Tale
  • 🌸 Lavender & Lilac
  • 🌞 Beeswax
  • 🍊 Carrot
  • 🍎 Pomegranate
  • 🌿 Peridot & Rainforest

Together these created a vibrant, cheerful, and slightly unexpected holiday palette.

Tip 2: Swatch Your Cardstock

Handmade die cut Christmas card using Spellbinders Yana's Christmas Cracker set with the Dimpled 3D Embossing folder.

Having your cardstock organized and swatched makes choosing colors so much faster. I’ll link HERE to a post where I go into detail on how I keep my swatches handy and easy to use.

For this project, I flipped through my swatches until I landed on the perfect non-traditional holiday mix. Seeing them side by side helped me visualize how the colors would work layered on the Christmas cracker.

Products Used:

Tip 3: Use Color Inspiration

Handmade die cut Christmas Card created with the non-traditional colors of blue, purple, orange, red and green.

When in doubt, let a color system do the heavy lifting! For this card, I turned to Color Cubes Volume 2, specifically palette card #252, which inspired the purple, red, orange, yellow, blue color mix. I also own Volume 1. You can find the Color Cubes Bundle HERE.

I’ll also link to a previous blog post that features Spellbinders’ Color Deck System, another fabulous way to spark ideas when you feel stuck or want to try something different.

Click HERE if you’d like to see another Christmas Card using the same #252 Color Cubes palette card.

Tip 4: Add Texture and Dimension

Die Cut Christmas cracker card with loads of texture, dimension and vivid colors.

Flat die cuts are nice, but texture and lift make a card pop. For this background, I embossed a panel with the new Dimpled 3D Embossing Folder—a subtle yet impactful pattern that catches the light beautifully.

I also used foam squares behind some of the cracker die cuts to add depth and shadow. Craft foam also works great, especially on larger die cuts. The best glue for smaller die cuts is Bearly Glue. I love the fine nozzle! Simple details like these can make your handmade card feel polished and professional.

Adorable Pupkin (Dog in a Pumpkin Costume) die cut Halloween Card. Halloween Card | Spellbinders Pupkin
cardmaking · Die cutting

Halloween Card | Spellbinders Pupkin

Karen Brown2 Comments

Sometimes the cutest cards come together quickly—and this one might just be my favorite of the season! I couldn’t resist Spellbinders’ new Pupkin die set, which features an adorable dog all dressed up as a jack-o’-lantern and carrying a tiny skull-shaped trick-or-treat bucket. Cuteness overload!

This card is extra special because I made it for my daughter in memory of her sweet, goofy lab, Tank, who once rocked his very own pumpkin costume. ❤️

I layered several color coordinating mats from past Small Die of the Month and Large Die of the Month kits and I used ColorWheel cardstock and Sand for my pup’s body. The vibrant layers really make our little Pupkin pop! This design is fast, fun, and easy to assemble—perfect for Halloween cardmaking sessions.

Two cute aquatic fish theme die cut cards Spellbinders August 2025 Club Kits: Under the Sea Magic!
Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · stitching

Spellbinders August 2025 Club Kits: Under the Sea Magic!

Karen Brown1 Comment
2 colorful aquatic theme die cut scene cards featuring bright bold colors, a graphic look and LOTS of fish.

This month’s Spellbinders Club Kits dive deep into all things aquatic—and let me tell you, these kits are fin-tastic! 🐠💦 From vibrant fish to stitched sailboats, the August kits are perfect for summer crafting or anytime you want to send a smile that makes a splash. I created three nautical-themed cards using the Die of the Month, Large Die of the Month, Stitching Die of the Month, and my Caboodle Bonus Gift.

🐟 Card 1: Colorful Coral Reef Scene (Die of the Month + Caboodle Bonus Gift)

Die cut coral reef scene with colorful fish on Oceanside blue background. Made with Spellbinders August 2025 Die of the Month and Caboodle Bonus.

This card is bright, whimsical, and just so much fun to put together! I started with a rich Oceanside cardstock panel for the background “water.” Then I built a vibrant underwater world using the Die of the Month and my Caboodle Bonus Gift for even more fishy flair. I skipped the scuba diver die cuts and instead filled the scene with colorful fish in pink, coral, orange, purple, yellow, white, and aqua, all cut from my scrap bin. 🌈

TIP: Many of the elements are quite small—my Bearly Art glue with the fine-tip nozzle was essential for precise placement. I love that this card feels playful and full of life without being fussy!

Die cut card with lots of cute colorful fish swimming around a coral reef.

🐡 Card 2: Make a Splash with the Large Die of the Month

Pink fish in a plastic bag on blue background with “Make a Splash” sentiment. Made with Spellbinders August 2025 Large Die of the Month.

This Large Die of the Month card features the cutest little pink fish swimming home in a plastic bag! It’s such a clever, nostalgic design. I layered the fish-in-bag die cut over another Oceanside background and added a pink string “tie” at the top of the bag. The sentiment “Make a Splash” is included in the kit and absolutely perfect. It’s a great all-occasion card—birthday, congratulations, or just because.

If you like the graphic look of these first two cards, you might be interested in reading my post: What’s Brewing.

Darling "fish in a plastic bag" die cut card card in pinks and blues.

🚢 Card 3: Stitched Sailboat on the Sea (Stitching Die of the Month)

Stitched and die cut brown sailboat with red and yellow flags on blue sea and “Born to Shine Year After Year” sentiment. Made with Spellbinder's August 2025 Stitching Die of the Month.

My final card gives major paper boat vibes, thanks to the Stitching Die of the Month. I die cut the boat from brown cardstock and stitched the details with marine blue embroidery floss. The little red and yellow pennants waving from the mast make it feel festive and fun. 🌊 I added a blue die cut sea, a white die cut cloud, and hot foiled the uplifting La Dolce Vita sentiment:
“Born to shine year after year.” ✨

Stitching Tip: I die cut the boat twice and layered the pieces together before stitching for extra sturdiness. I used two threads of floss for the perfect amount of detail.

Masculine die cut and hands-stitched boat card perfect for birthdays.

These cards came together so easily and would be adorable for summer birthdays, kids’ celebrations, or just brightening someone’s day. Don’t forget—this is all part of the August 2025 Club Kit Release, and if you’re a Deluxe Caboodle subscriber, you get everything plus the bonus die, and save a whopping 58%!

Helpful Links:

How to choose color in cardmaking. How to Choose Colors for Handmade Cards
cardmaking · Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting

How to Choose Colors for Handmade Cards

Karen Brown2 Comments
Card featuring a layered five-point barn star die in rich purple and lavender with orange and lavender greenery embellishments, placed on a script BetterPress background in soft purple ink and mounted on a purple card base. Gold glimmer sentiment reads 'Enjoy Today to the Fullest.

Choosing the right colors for your handmade cards can feel like a creative puzzle—fun but sometimes a little overwhelming. Whether you lean toward classic Christmas colors or love a bold non-traditional palette, color selection sets the tone for your entire project.

Today, I’m sharing two recent cards using the Spellbinders July 2025 holiday releases, and both were inspired by two different color systems: the Color Cubes and the Spellbinders Color Deck System. Each approach helped me craft a distinctive look—from rustic purple barn stars to pastel hot cocoa mugs. Let’s dive into the color magic!

Card 1: Barn Star Wreath – Bold & Non-Traditional

Die cut 5 point Barn Star Wreath card in non-traditional Christmas colors of purple, orange and soft blue.

For this card, I used the Barn Star Wreath Die from Annie Williams’ Country Christmas Collection—but with a non-traditional twist! I selected Color Cube #255 (from Sarah Renae Clark’s Color Cubes) as my palette guide, which includes rich purples, vibrant orange, and soft blue tones.

Color Cube Bundle: Volumes 1 and 2

The Barn Star is a beautiful layered die cut—mine has a deep purple top layer with delicate flourish cutouts over a lavender base. I added die cut lavender greenery and an orange accent for contrast. The background features a BetterPress Script Text Plate pressed in Thistle Reactive Ink on white watercolor paper (yes—it worked beautifully even without BetterPress ink!).

I layered everything on a purple A2 card base, then added a gold Glimmer sentiment—“Enjoy Today to the Fullest”—from the La Dolce Vita BetterPress Sentiments set.

This card includes a little of everything:
✔ Die cutting
✔ Bold Colors
✔ BetterPress background
✔ Glimmer Hot Foiled sentiment

With Color Cubes, you can search by Color, Keyword or Collections. For this card I looked at cards that had the color orange and used the keyword “fruit”. Card #255 was just the non-traditional look I was going for!

Color tip: Don’t be afraid to break the “holiday rules” with color. Purple and orange may not scream Christmas—but together they create a rustic, modern, and cozy vibe.

Cocoa Cups – Inspired by the Spellbinders Color Deck

Winter card with repeating die cut hot cocoa mugs in pastel shades including pink, yellow, lavender, and blue, each topped with a glittery snowflake. Mounted on a white background and created using the Spellbinders Color Deck Holiday Expansion palette.

My second card showcases Spellbinders’ beautiful Color Deck System and Color Deck Bundle, specifically the Holiday Expansion Pack. These 5″ x 4.5″ cards are packed with inspiring palettes—each one practically begging to be turned into a card!

I paired this with Spellbinders’ Color Swatch Petal Stack, which helped me identify and swatch my main colors. The cardstock came from the Color Wheel Sampler:
🌸 Chiffon
🎀 Tutu
🌞 Beeswax
💧 Cascade
🌿 Lavender
🌸 Orchid
🍂 Fawn
💜 Mulberry
🌌 Cosmic Sky

My layout features a pattern of repeating die cut cocoa mugs (from the July 2025 Large Die of the Month Kit) in these pastel shades, each topped with a sparkly glitter snowflake. It’s a playful winter card that also works perfectly for a cozy coffee theme year-round!

Color tip: Using a pre-designed color system (like Spellbinders’ Color Deck or a sampler set) takes the guesswork out of color combos. It’s especially helpful when mixing a lot of hues on one card.

Hot cocoa coffee theme die cut card with a pattern Rainbow hued mugs using Spellbinders July 2025 Large Die of the Month kit.

🧠 Other Color Selection Tips:

🎨 Google Image Search
Search terms like “Christmas color palettes” or “winter pastel colors”, then switch to the “Images” tab. Seeing real-life examples can help spark ideas.

🎨 Color Wheel Strategies

  • Analogous Colors: Colors next to each other (e.g., blue, teal, green) for a harmonious look.
  • Complementary Colors: Opposites on the wheel (e.g., purple + yellow) for bold contrast.

🎨 Neutrals
When in doubt, mix brights with soft neutrals like kraft, white, cream, or gray for balance.

Whether you’re swatching, color-scheming, or just winging it, choosing colors can be one of the most satisfying parts of cardmaking. Try something unexpected—you might just love the results!

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · stitching

Spellbinders Club Kits – July 2025

Karen BrownLeave a comment

It’s Christmas in July, and the Spellbinders July 2025 Club Kits are brimming with cozy, colorful holiday cheer! This month’s kits are full of winter charm—perfect for kicking off your holiday cardmaking early. I had such a blast creating with these kits, and I’m excited to share four festive cards with you today.

Card 1 – Large Die of the Month: “Warm Cocoa Wishes”

An assortment of brightly colored cocoa mugs with glittery snowflake toppers, some mugs trimmed at the edge for a dynamic layout. The sentiment reads 'Warm Cocoa Wishes

Spellbinders Large Die of the Month Kit had me smiling from the start. I created a festive card featuring a rainbow of die cut cocoa mugs, each one topped with glittery snowflakes and arranged in a playful display across the card front. The mugs have adorable little handles—some hanging over the edges for a casual, cozy feel.

Warm Cocoa Wishes die cut winter card with rainbow colored mugs of cocoa with glitter snowflakes created with the Spellbinders July 2025 Large Die of the Month Kit.

Each mug is a different bright color, bringing a fun and modern twist to the wintery theme. The sentiment “Warm Cocoa Wishes” ties everything together. This card feels like a cheerful hug in mug form!

Cocoa and Coffee themed die cut winter card with fun rainbow colored cups.

Card 2 – Stitching Die of the Month: Peppermint Diamonds

A hand-stitched card with geometric diamond pattern on frosty blue paper over teal background. White floss stitching and peppermint candy embellishments decorate the design. Gold glimmer sentiment reads 'Sending warm thoughts your way.

The Stitching Club this month features a lovely geometric diamond design that reminded me of snowflakes and vintage quilting. I stitched the design on a frosty blue overlay using two strands of white floss. Underneath, a teal base peeks through, adding subtle contrast.

Striking hand-stitched card created with Spellbinders July 2025 Stitching Die of the Month Kit.

For embellishments, I added peppermint candies for a sweet holiday touch. A foiled gold glimmer sentiment—“Sending Warm Thoughts Your Way”—adds shine and warmth. This card would be perfect tucked in with a winter care package.

Winter snowflake theme stitched handmade card in frosty blues, teals with pops of red and white.

Card 3 – Die of the Month: Penguin Mug

A bold, graphic card featuring a die cut penguin mug with whipped cream on a vibrant Teal Topaz background, accented with hot pink and yellow. 'Merry Christmas' sentiment adds festive cheer

Next up is the absolutely adorable Spellbinders Small Die of the Month Kit penguin mug die. I went bold with my color palette to create a graphic, eye-catching card. The black and white penguin sits against a rich Teal Topaz background, with accents of Wild Berry (hot pink) and Saffron (yellow) for a fun pop.

The whipped cream topper adds texture and playfulness, and a bold “Merry Christmas” sentiment finishes it off. This little guy is equal parts charming and striking—a new favorite!

Vibrant Die Cut Penguin Mug Christmas Card created using the July 2025 Small Die of the Month Kit from Spellbinders.

Card 4 – Bonus Caboodle: Gingerbread Man Postage Card

A die cut gingerbread man with white icing and peppermint cheeks/buttons, layered over a teal nesting postage stamp background and mounted on a white card base. Sentiment reads 'Falalalala.'

And finally, I couldn’t resist using the Caboodle Bonus Gift—a gingerbread man die that’s almost too cute to handle. I gave him white piped icing details, and the peppermint cheeks and buttons add whimsy and color.

Spellbinders Deluxe Caboodle Kit – Get All 10 Kits, $315 value for just $130!

He’s layered on a Teal Topaz nesting postage stamp die cut background, mounted on a clean white A2 base. The sentiment “Falalalala” adds just the right festive flair to finish off this cheerful design.

July 2025 Spellbinders "Caboodle" bonus card featuring a darling gingerbread man.

Helpful Links:

Each of these kits brought something fresh and delightful to my crafting table this month. Whether you’re a cocoa-lover, penguin fan, or peppermint enthusiast, there’s something in July’s kits to spark your holiday creativity.

4 unique handmade cards created from Spellbinders July 2025 Club Kits.

Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments—and don’t forget to grab your kits before they melt away!

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.
Lemon theme handmade die cut card Spellbinders | Lovely Lemons: Die Cutting, Ink Blending & a Touch of Gold
BetterPress · cardmaking · Die cutting

Spellbinders | Lovely Lemons: Die Cutting, Ink Blending & a Touch of Gold

Karen Brown12 Comments

Today I’m sharing a bright and cheerful card that was pure joy to create—inspired by my three beloved Meyer lemon trees! I’ve cared for these trees for over 15 years, and each winter they gift me with sunny, fragrant lemons. As I wait for this year’s green fruit to ripen, I crafted a lemon-themed card that celebrates the zest of life and all things citrus.

Key Products:

🍋 The Card Details:

This design features two Citrus Spritz die cut lemons, softly ink blended for dimension and realism, along with a few complementary die cut leaves and tiny blossoms.

The background uses the Script Text BetterPress Plate, inked up in Hydrangea BetterPress Ink. I used a simple oval mask while pressing, to keep the impression focused and centered. I then die cut the panel using a Scalloped Oval die from the Scalloped and Stitched Ovals Die Set. You can find step-by-step instructions in my recent blog post.

For the sentiment, I went for a touch of European flair with “Ciao Bella” from the La Dolce Vita BetterPress Plates. But instead of pressing, I used my Glimmer Hot Foil System to gold foil the plate. I love that the BetterPress plates can pull double duty as hot foil plates! This is a quick and easy way to make LOTS of sentiments at once.

The finished card is matted on a vivid blue cardstock that picks up on the hydrangea tones in the background. The result? Fresh, bright, and irresistibly cheerful.

📷 Behind the Scenes:

I am also sharing a process photo showing how I organize my die cuts using the Spellbinders lidded Combo Craft Stax Tray Set. It’s a game-changer for assembly!

And here is a photo of one of my Meyer Lemon Trees. The lemons are green now, but come November, they will ripen into lovely fragrant yellow fruit perfect for cooking.

📌 Related Inspiration:

cardmaking · Cardmaking Kit · stitching

Spellbinders | June 2025 Club Kit Cards

Karen BrownLeave a comment
4 Spellbinders June 2025 Club Kit Cards in a fun nautical theme featuring a walrus wearing a rain slicker, die cut seaside village, cheery little sailboat and a stitched Captains Wheel with Captain Seagull.

The June 2025 Spellbinders Club Kits are making waves—and honestly, the buzz is real. This release might just be the best in a long time. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to dive into the Deluxe Caboodle (all the kits plus the bonus item and a hefty 58% savings!), now’s the time to anchor your subscription!

Set Sail with the Spellbinders June Club Kits!

This month’s kits are delightfully nautical and full of personality. I had so much fun creating four playful and unique cards that capture everything from charming seaside scenes to silly sea life.

Card 1 – Graphic Nautical with the Die of the Month

Bold inky blue background with a die cut walrus in a yellow raincoat and red hat next to a seagull holding a flag. "Ahoy!" sentiment. Spellbinders June 2025 Die of the Month Kit card in a bold graphic style.

Minimal color, maximum charm.
I created a bold and graphic card using the Die of the Month kit. The dark Oceanside cardstock background makes the characters pop—a seriously adorable walrus in a bright Beeswax yellow rain slicker and Poppy red beanie, alongside a flag-waving seagull in matching nautical flair. The clean white “Ahoy!” sentiment lets this duo shine.

The walrus was die cut from Fog and Anchor cardstocks and softly ink blended on the muzzle for extra dimension. All the cardstock is from the Color Wheel Sampler Pack.

Who knew a walrus could steal the show?

A fun die cut card featuring a Walrus wearing a yellow raincoat and red beanie with a seagull perched on his head: Spellbinders Die of the Month Club Kit for June 2025.

⛵ Card 2 – Cheery Sailboat with the Caboodle Bonus

Small mint green notecard with a red, white, and yellow sailboat on blue waves and the sentiment "sending a wave." Spellbinders June 2025 Deluxe Caboodle bonus gift.

This month’s Deluxe Caboodle Bonus Gift is a sweet little die cut sailboat, and I couldn’t wait to take it for a spin!

I crafted a bright red, white, and yellow boat cruising on gently layered waves of blue-green and white cardstock. Becuase the mast is somewhat delicate, I die cut the boat twice and glued together for a sturdier focal point. The wave dies are part of the Large Die of the Month Kit. The background is a soft mint green, die cut with my go-to Postage Stamp Infinity Dies. The sentiment, “sending a wave,” perfectly matches the cheerful tone. The card is slightly smaller at 4½ x 5″—perfect for a quick note.

Adorable die cut sailboat note card with a "sending a wave" sentiment using the June 2025 Spellbinder bonus gift from the Deluxe Caboodle.

🏠 Card 3 – Rainbow Coastal Village with the Large Die of the Month

A die cut seaside village scene card with rainbow sherbet-colored houses, blue waves, and a “just for you” sentiment. Spellbinders June 2025 Large Die of the Month kit.

Next up: a charming seaside scene built with the Large Die of the Month kit. I assembled four tiny houses in sunny rainbow sherbet hues nestled beside rolling waves. It’s a joyful and relaxing little coastal village, with a “Just for You” die cut sentiment on top.

Once again, the background is mint green, die cut with my postage stamp die for that crisp framed finish.

Spellbinders June 2025 Large Die of the Month card featuring a tiny village of rainbow colored cottages with rolling waves.

⚓ Card 4 – Stitched Captain’s Wheel with a Playful Seagull

Card with a Stitched captain's wheel on an aqua stenciled background with a seagull in a red and white striped shirt and “ahoy” sentiment. Spellbinders June 2025 Stitching Die of the Month Kit.

Stitch lovers, you’re going to adore this one! I used the Stitching Die of the Month to create a weathered captain’s wheel, stitched with DMC 437 (tan) using two strands of floss. I doubled up the die cuts for stability before stitching.

The background is stenciled using Hero Arts Pebbles and Stones Stencil with Splash ink, giving the look of water or bubbling seafoam. A goofy seagull in a red and white shirt and cap is perched just off center on the wheel for a fun focal point. The included “ahoy” sentiment completes the look.

Spellbinders June 2025 Stitched Die of the Month with Captain Seagull perched on a stitched Captain's Wheel with an aqua and white stenciled background.

Helpful Links:

Whether you’re here for the critters, the stitching, the sea breeze vibes—or all of the above—the June 2025 Club Kits deliver something truly special. ⚓💙

cardmaking · Stamping

Spellbinders | House Mouse | Sneak Peek

Karen BrownLeave a comment

You probably already know that I am a BIG fan of the House Mouse series. Today, I am on Spellbinders Blog with 3 darling cards. I couldn’t wait to get my hands (and markers!) on the newest collection called Rare Bloom. These stamps are crisp, deeply etched, and beautifully detailed—making them an absolute joy to color and create with.

I’d love for you to pop over and read my Blog Post: Whimsy & Cheer: 3 New House Mouse Cards.

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!