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.
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.
For a second card using the same supplies:
I hope you found some inspiration today.
Thanks for stopping by!
Buckle up, cardmakers—because today we’re putting the pedal to the cardstock with a sleek and fun masculine birthday card featuring the Speedometer from the Classic Road Legends collection by the incredibly talented Mindy Eggen! This is Mindy’s debut collection with Spellbinders, and it’s already racing to the top of my favorites list.
The star of the card? A bold, retro-inspired die cut speedometer with some of the coolest sentiments I’ve seen in a while.
I wanted to create something unique and masculine with a fresh, modern color palette—so I went with monochromatic aquas and teals, using Adriatic, Paradise, and Arctic cardstocks from Hero Arts. To give the speedometer some shine and dimension, I added silver cardstock accents, and then for a bit of unexpected flair, I die cut the needle in coral cardstock—it’s just the right pop of contrast!
This die set includes tons of clever sentiments like:
Perfect for Father’s Day, birthday cards, or anyone who appreciates a good throwback moment.
Once I finished assembling the speedometer, I mounted it onto a clean white background embossed with the Spellbinders Scribbled Letters Embossing Folder. The subtle texture adds just enough interest without taking the spotlight off the die cuts.
This card is headed straight to my brother for his birthday—he’s a car guy, and I think he’s going to love it!
Masculine cards can be a bit of a creative challenge, but this design was a total joy to put together. The bold shapes, retro vibes, and clever details made this one of my favorite guy cards I’ve ever made!
Today, we’re soaring high with a sweet and sunny scene card, perfect for celebrating birthdays or welcoming a baby boy into the world! 🌤️🎈
This design features a playful little boy flying his kite beneath a big smiling sun and a puffy white cloud—an instant mood-lifter in card form. All the elements were crafted using the brand-new Up and Away die set from the Sky is the Limit collection by none other than the crafting wunderkind himself, Simon Hurley.
The card showcases a bright and breezy color palette, with Waterfall and Teal Topaz cardstock stealing the spotlight. These shades of aqua and teal give off major sky-blue vibes that feel both fresh and fun.
For the sky, I created a soft, dreamy wash using Pool Party Reactive Ink on watercolor paper. I used a flat brush for that gentle sweep—like a serene spring sky just waiting for a kite to dance across it.
Every piece on this card—from the kite and the boy to the sun and cloud—is die cut and carefully layered for a dimensional scene that really pops. The clean lines and whimsical style of the dies make them a joy to work with. And let’s be honest: the Up and Away set is pure magic!
This one’s going into my “make again soon” pile—because how can you not love a card that makes you want to run outside and fly a kite?
Happy crafting, and may your skies stay sunny! ☀️🪁
Oh my goodness, I just got my new Spellbinders Color Wheel Cardstock, and I am having so much fun! If you’ve ever wanted to truly get to know your cardstock colors, swatching is the way to go. Not only is it an incredibly helpful reference for future projects, but I also found the process to be calming, relaxing, and—bonus!—it sparked my creativity in ways I didn’t expect.
I ordered the 48-pack sampler to start, and I used the Spellbinders Color Swatch Petal Dies along with color name stamps to create my swatches. I decided to organize them in rainbow order, making it easy to compare shades and find the perfect hues for my future projects. There’s something so satisfying about seeing all the colors lined up in perfect harmony!
For organization, I put my swatched colors on a ring, which makes flipping through them a breeze. I also documented my process in a reel showing my die-cutting, stamping, and assembly. If you’re on the fence about swatching, trust me—it’s worth it!
There are some shades I already know and love, but this swatching process introduced me to some stunning new favorites. I’m still deciding whether to order the 5-pack of each shade or just stock up on my must-haves. Either way, I now have a better sense of which colors I’ll be reaching for the most!
To put my swatches to use, I created a card using my newly organized colors. You might recognize this one—it’s the Hero Arts Suitcase & Florals Card that I recently shared in another blog post. Seeing the colors in action really drives home how valuable swatching is!
Click HERE to read my blog post about creating this Vintage Suitcase & Florals Card.
Swatching might seem like a simple task, but it’s an absolute game-changer for crafting. Not only does it help you choose colors with confidence, but it also makes designing so much easier. Have you ever done a cardstock swatch? If not, I highly recommend it! Let me know in the comments which Spellbinders colors are your favorites!
Happy crafting! 🎨✨
Today I’m sharing two bright and happy cards featuring the brand new Starburst LetterPress Plates from the Hero Arts Lovely LetterPress Collection. These four festive plates are perfect for birthdays, graduations, congratulations, or any occasion that calls for a little extra cheer. If you love fun pops of color and crisp, luxurious impressions, this set is a must-have!
For the first card, I chose a vibrant Leaf Green BetterPress Ink for the sentiment, which reads “sending smiles” from the Best Wishes LetterPress Set. To surround it in celebratory style, I pressed three starbursts in Hydrangea and Wild Berry.
The end result? A card bursting with joy and perfect for any feel-good occasion!
My second card flips the color focus for a totally different feel using the same design.
Whether you love greens, blues, pinks or berries, these plates play so well with all your favorite BetterPress Inks.
These cards were made using the Spellbinders BetterPress System with Porcelain BetterPress Paper, and inked with vibrant shades of BetterPress Inks. My Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine helped apply perfect pressure, and the Hero Arts Rectangle Infinity Dies made trimming panels a breeze.
Pro Tip: You don’t need to overload the ink! These plates are so well-designed that a light inking creates beautifully crisp results every time.
Be sure to check out my 9 Tips and Tricks for Your BetterPress System blog post for all my favorite ways to get flawless results with every press.
And don’t forget—these colorful cards are part of an Instagram Hop! Follow along for even more creative inspiration and enter for a chance to win: Instagram Hop Link.
Which version is your favorite: Wild Berry Smiles or Aqua Cheers? I’d love to know in the comments!
Happy pressing, friends! 🌟
Talented cardmaker Yana Smakula has done it again! Her new Yana’s Daisies collection for Spellbinders is a fresh take on classic florals, and I was thrilled to get my hands on a few advance products for this launch.
I created two stunning daisy-themed cards using:
🌼 Daisy Trio Etched Dies – A gorgeous, detailed die set perfect for layering.
🎨 Daisy Trio BetterPress Plates & Stencil Bundle – For an elegant, high-contrast letterpress effect. (Link for BetterPress Plates without stencils.)
For this card, I used Yana’s Daisy Etched Dies and three premium papers from my Your Paper Insider subscription—because who doesn’t love a little happy mail surprise?
✂️ The Process:
🌼 Layered, Not Inlaid! After debating between inlaying or layering, I chose to layer the Sunflower Yellow petals onto the Wrought Iron Raw outlines—and I LOVE the result! I used Bearly Art Glue and a Ninja sticky wand for precision placement.
📜 Background Paper: I wanted something special, so I chose Blue Confetti Wildflower paper from my paper subscription. It’s 100% recycled and embedded with wildflower seeds—a perfect pairing for this floral design!
For my second card, I wanted to go for high contrast and a bold graphic style, so I turned to the Daisy Trio BetterPress plates. You might be interested in my post: 9 Tips, Tricks and Insights Into Spellbinders BetterPress System
🎨 The Process:
📏 The Frame: I die-cut a white stitched frame (November 2024 Stitching Die of the Month) twice and stacked them for dimension.
✉️ Finishing Touches: A black foiled “Hello” (BetterPress sentiment) and three white enamel dots added the perfect crisp, modern touch.
For my third card, I experimented a bit. I wanted to try a BetterPress fade, so I inked my plate with Hydrangea BetterPress ink, but added less ink at the top and bottom. I used Taffy Reactive Ink and the coordinating stencils for my pink accents.
This collection is an absolute must-have if you love florals with a modern, sophisticated edge! The detailed etched dies are perfect for paper piecing, and the BetterPress plates create stunning impressions with minimal effort.
Which card do you love most—the layered daisy trio or the bold graphic BetterPress look? Let’s chat in the comments! 💛🌿
Spellbinders’ latest Club Kit Release is here, and this month’s dies are packed with charm, nostalgia, and creativity! I created three unique handmade cards using the Large Die of the Month, Small Die of the Month, and Stitching Club of the Month. Each design brings something different to the crafting table—from vintage-inspired letterboxes to whimsical mail carriers and stitched stationery.
Let’s get started!
First up, the Large Die of the Month – a stunning vintage-style letterbox that feels straight out of a charming countryside home.
I’m a bit of a paper hoarder, so this specialty paper subscription is right up my alley! 😄
For the Small Die of the Month, I couldn’t resist creating a playful “snail mail” scene! This one was so much fun to put together.
The theme? A punny “You’ve Got (Snail) Mail”—a crafty nod to the classic rom-com! 💌 🐌
For my final card, I used the Stitching Club of the Month to create a notebook-inspired stitched background—a must for any stationery lover!
This design is a fun way to send a cheerful, handwritten-style note in card form!
This month’s Spellbinders Club Kits are filled with endless creative possibilities—from elegant vintage letterboxes to playful snail mail and nostalgic stitched stationery.
Which card is your favorite this month? Let me know in the comments! 💌 ✂️
A few months ago, a follower asked me for wedding card inspiration, and I couldn’t resist diving into the timeless elegance of Spellbinders’ Copperplate on Your Wedding Day Collection by Paul Antonio. This collection, featuring gorgeous calligraphy BetterPress plates, was the perfect starting point for creating romantic, foiled wedding cards.
For both cards, I used Peach Satin Matte Foil on smooth white cardstock. I embossed Bellini cardstock, creating a soft, monochromatic look that feels warm and sophisticated. The large, scripty sentiments—”Always and Forever” and “On Your Wedding Day“—take center stage, adding a touch of calligraphic artistry.
To enhance the elegance, I embossed the backgrounds with the Scribbled Letters Embossing Folder—a new favorite in my craft room! The subtle texture adds depth without overpowering the delicate foiling.
For the “On Your Wedding Day” card, I die-cut the sentiment using the Scallop Labels Die, which frames the lettering beautifully. I also added a few die-cut flowers in Bellini and Chiffon cardstock, softening the design with delicate floral accents.
✨ Trim and round the edges of the foil before using a Glimmer Machine to prevent unwanted over-foiling marks.
✨ Roll slowly through the Platinum 6 Machine for even pressure and a crisp foiled impression.
These simple steps make a huge difference in achieving that professional, high-end look!
I love how these cards turned out—elegant, timeless, and perfect for celebrating love. Whether you’re making wedding cards for a special couple or building your card stash, this collection is a dream for anyone who loves calligraphy and foiled details.
There’s nothing quite like sending a little handmade kindness when someone isn’t feeling their best. Today’s card features the always-adorable House Mouse stamps in a sweet and simple Healing Thoughts Get Well design. With its soft monochromatic colors and heartwarming scene, this card is as charming as it is easy to make!
The stamped image showcases an adult mouse with a cast on his left leg, while a juvenile mouse signs the cast with a giant purple crayon—adding a little heart for extra love. It’s a scene that captures both the innocence and warmth of these stamps so well!
To keep the design clean and simple, I used the Nesting Postage Stamp Infinity Die to cut out the panel and mounted it on a Passion Flower lavender card base. The soft lavender hue adds a soothing touch, making this card perfect for lifting someone’s spirits.
The sentiment, “Sending Healing Thoughts,” ties everything together beautifully—because sometimes, a thoughtful card is just the thing to brighten someone’s day.
There’s just something irresistible about House Mouse stamps! 🐭💜 These little critters bring so much warmth, charm, and personality to every card. Whether they’re getting into mischief, sharing a sweet moment, or—like in today’s card—spreading a little cheer, they always manage to bring a smile.
I love how these stamps work for so many occasions. Their soft, sketchy details make them a joy to color, whether you go for bold tones or a simple, monochromatic look like I did here.
House Mouse cards are always a hit with recipients, and I can’t wait to share more of my little mousey creations with you!
Having a few Get Well cards on hand is always a great idea, and this quick and easy House Mouse design is perfect for the job! Sometimes simple is best, and this card proves that a heartfelt sentiment and a sweet image can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.
Do you love House Mouse as much as I do? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out these previous House Mouse creations:
kennyscards.com 