Today, I’m sharing a square card featuring the Flower Cart die set from Spellbinders’ Vintage Flower Shoppe collection. With a retro French inspired flower cart, coral, pink, blue and white blooms, and ink-blended details, this project is bursting with charm!
I fell in love with the Flower Cart die set the moment I saw it—there are so many creative possibilities! For this design, I started by die-cutting all the elements and then ink blending them to add depth and dimension. The soft shading makes the hand cart and baskets of coral, pink, blue and white blooms pop beautifully!
To give the cart a little extra personality, I added black enamel dots as the wheel nuts—a tiny detail that makes a big difference. And of course, the “Fresh Flowers” sign ties everything together with a market-fresh feel.
My completed card is 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ and the Teal Topaz background mat is 5 1/4″ x 5 1/4″.
Try It Yourself!
The Vintage Flower Shoppe collection has so many ways to mix and match floral elements. What colors would you use for your dream flower cart?
There’s something special about bringing a little piece of the ranch indoors—especially when it comes in the form of charming letterpressed art. Today, I’m excited to share two BetterPress projects straight from my little hacienda, featuring Clover the cow and Cotton Ball the lamb from Spellbinders.
Clover isn’t just any cow—she’s inspired by a real-life, flower-munching culprit from my own yard. And yes, she was eating flowers from my garden!
The BetterPress version of Clover captures her mischievous spirit, complete with a whimsical flower wreath perched atop her head.
After BetterPressing Clover, I added soft watercolor washes that brought her to life, highlighting her gentle eyes and the delicate petals in her floral crown. What’s more, the print looks stunning even without the watercolor—just the crisp, tactile impression of the press is beautiful on its own.
Introducing Cotton Ball the Lamb
Not to be outdone by Clover, Cotton Ball the lambis equally charming with her own flower wreath. She’s the picture of pastoral sweetness, and the BetterPress captured every curl and detail of her woolly coat. Watercoloring Cotton Ball was a joy, blending soft pastels to match her gentle personality.
Framed with Love
Both prints sit in 4″ x 5″ easel frames that add a touch of ranch-inspired warmth to my home. The textures from the letterpress, the soft watercolor hues, and the rustic frames create an inviting, homey feel that reflects life on my little hacienda.
Try It Yourself
Whether you’re inspired by ranch life or just love the charm of whimsical animal art, BetterPress projects like Clover and Cotton Ball are a joy to create. The prints are beautiful whether you choose to watercolor them or leave them as crisp, letterpressed pieces.
Get ready to fall in love with theSpellbinders February 2025 Club Kits! This month’s releases are packed with charm and creativity, and I’m thrilled to share two whimsical scene cards that will have you reaching for your die-cutting machine in no time.
Easy Stitched Die Cut Bunny Card Full of Charm
This first card features the Stitching Die of the Monthpaired with the Large Die of the Month, creating a darling stitched frame. Inside the frame, a sweet die-cut bunny dressed in a spring green dress steals the spotlight. She’s holding a delicate flower, making this design ideal for Easter, baby showers, or even get-well cards. The soft blues, vivid greens, and warm yellows lend a fresh spring vibe, while the stitched frame adds texture and an elegant touch.
The second card takes a playful turn with a pair of olive green shoes, complete with stylish blue and olive anklet socks. The SmallDie of the Month works its magic, letting you create a unique scene where die-cut flowers are tucked into the patterned socks. You’ll spot the calves of a lady walking confidently into spring, and the sentiment “Hello” ties everything together. Perfect for birthdays, get-well wishes, or just saying hi, this design showcases the versatility of these dies.
Quick Notes About This Card:
I started by looking through my patterned paper for some fun “sock material”. I chose this eye-catching circular pattern, but a small floral or plaid would also work great!
Once I had my socks, I pulled together other colors that would work well for my scene. I frequently use my Color Cubes when selecting my color palette.
Both cards highlight the magic of die-cutting, with intricate details and stitching that bring each scene to life. Whether it’s the textured frame around the bunny or the whimsical floral shoes, these designs are sure to inspire intermediate and advanced crafters alike.
Hello, hello! Today’s card features Spellbinders Large Die of the Month Kit for January 2025. The Botanical Atrium, is a die-cut lover’s dream with gorgeous floral details, a luxurious gold frame, and a fresh aqua-and-coral palette.
Creating With the Large Die of the Month Kit | January 2025
I used shiny gold cardstock to make the atrium stand out against a crisp white background, and wow—does it ever pop! Inside the frame, delicate coral and aqua florals cascade in a lush arrangement, creating a playful yet refined design. I’ll be using the florals on loads of future cards!
It’s a great time to buy paper because Spellbinders is having a Paper Party Sale until January 26th!
Textured Touches: The Brick Background
To add a subtle yet striking detail, I stenciled a brick pattern on the white background using grit paste. Just here and there, mind you—like peeking through a garden wall. This little bit of texture gives the card depth without taking attention away from the gorgeous die-cut elements. It’s understated but oh-so-effective!
January 2025 Papercrafting Kits and Blog Posts
This year, I’ll be creating with 3 Spellbinders Kits each month. I’ve already published two posts that you might enjoy reading:
I’m sharing a colorful and versatile “hello” card featuring the January 2025 Small Die of the Month Kit from Spellbinders. This $15 kit ($27 value) features a stunning die-cut dragonfly, a lovely scripty sentiment, and I added a playful pink Eyelet Scallop Border to complete my card. With gradients of pink and fresh green taking center stage, this card is perfect for any occasion where a cheerful greeting is in order!
Bold, Bright, and Beautiful
By layering gradients of pink and green Cardstock, I brought this little beauty to life, creating dimension and a sense of movement. The result? A dragonflythat feels as light and airy as the real thing.
LINK to Spellbinder’s Small Die Card of the Month Kit.
Tips for Creating the Perfect Dragonfly
Choose Gradient Cardstock: Using gradient shades of pink + green gives the dragonfly a cohesive, polished look. I used Hero Arts Cardstocks in Peony, Ultra Pink, Plum and Meadow and added a scrap of fog gray. The border is die cut from Ultra Pink Cardstock.
Helpful Tools: I found my Ninja Jewel Picker to be quite helpful in placing my die cuts. I used my 9″ Sheers for trimming the border and my Platinum 6 for all my die cutting.
Gluing Order: For the wings, I started gluing the bigger outer pieces and worked my way toward the smaller pieces.
Add A Colorful Border and Die-Cut Edge: Die-cut borders in bold colors provide a playful frame that complements the dragonfly and makes your design pop. I used the new Eyelet Scallop Border dies to create an interesting border and edge.
Stack the Sentiment: The scripty “hello” sentiment adds a playful and welcoming touch. I added a slightly offset plum hello shadow behind the Ultra Pink sentiment to add some dimension.
Keep It Crisp: A white background ensures the colorful elements remain the focal point of the card.
You might also like to read my recent Stitching Club of the Month Post: Ladybug
If a club did not sell out, you can buy under “Shop Past Clubs”. Past kits are available on the 10th of the FOLLOWING month.
Charming Simplicity: The Second Card
For the second card, I focused on creating a minimalist yet striking CAS design. Featuring an Ultra PinkEyelet Scallop Border and edge, this card radiates charm with its simple yet bold details. The lovely “hello” sentiment (January Small Die of the Month Kit) perfectly complements the intricate border. The crisp white background ensures the vibrant pink tones remain the star of the show. This design proves that sometimes, less is more when it comes to crafting heartfelt greetings!
Why These Cards are So Versatile
Sometimes you need a card that works for just about any occasion, and these dragonfly and scallop border designs fit the bill. Whether you’re saying hi to a friend, sending encouragement or thanks, or just want to let someone know you’re thinking of them, these cards are perfect picks.
Until next time, keep crafting, keep smiling, and keep sending those handmade hellos! 🌸✨
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.
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!
Card 1:Watercolor Wonder
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!
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
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.
Welcome, welcome! Today, we’re diving into the world of handmade cards inspired by the regal charm of playing cards. Our stars of the show? The Queen of Hearts and King of Hearts, reimagined with a dreamy color palette of lavender, plum, and aqua. These cards are extra special because they’re personalized to look like my daughter and son-in-law, making them a true celebration of love and individuality. These cards are perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a touch of royal flair.
These cards were so fun to make! You can personalize the peeps in so many different ways…favorite colors, hair and eye color, props….
I used Cardstock in the following colors: Passion Flower, Amethyst, Plum, Antique Ivory, Cup O Joe, Periwinkle and Meadow plus Brushed Gold accents.
Queen of Hearts: Elegance in Lavender
This Queen of Hearts card is a tribute to my daughter, featuring elements that reflect her grace and personality.
King of Hearts: Bold and Regal
Inspired by my son-in-law, this King of Hearts card brings a bold and charismatic vibe to the design.
Crafting these playing card-themed designs has been such a delightful journey of personalization and creativity. Whether you’re celebrating a couple you adore or channeling your own inner royalty, these projects are a great way to share the love. So, what will your Queen and King of Hearts look like?
Sometimes, a handmade card can transport us to a place of pure nostalgia and joy. That’s exactly what this Winnie the Pooh-inspired birthday card does! With die cuts, soft ink blending, and a cheerful color palette, this whimsical creation captures a moment straight out of the Hundred Acre Wood.
This card brings to life a heartwarming scene of Winnie the Pooh and Piglet holding hands, walking side by side. The duo is accompanied by a playful orange balloon on a string, gently floating above. A honey pot rests on the ground, completing the sweet and simple vignette. The background features softly ink-blended green grass, framed by a charming postage stamp-style border in periwinkle blue, adding just the right touch of whimsy.
Techniques for Dimension and Charm
The die cuts are the stars of this card, and a touch of light ink blending adds depth and dimension to each element. Winnie the Pooh’s honey-colored body gets a subtle gradient to make him pop, while Piglet’s pink details are gently shaded for softness. The balloon shines bright in orange, with its string creating a delightful sense of movement.
The grass is ink blended in gentle greens, giving the scene a soft, storybook feel. Meanwhile, the periwinkle frame ties everything together with its postage stamp shape, reminiscent of a cherished letter from the Hundred Acre Wood.
Why This Card is a Classic
This Pooh-themed birthday card is more than just a greeting; it’s a tiny piece of nostalgia wrapped in creativity. Perfect for anyone who loves the timeless tales of Winnie the Pooh, this card is sure to bring a smile to their face and a touch of magic to their special day.
Today’s card is for a friend’s birthday, but I think it would also be great as a Get Well Card.
Get ready to fall in love with stitching! Today, we’re exploring how to create a charming handmade card featuring a stitched ladybug and an elegant stitched oval frame using Spellbinders January 2025 Stitching Die of the Month. This project is a delightful mix of texture, color, and whimsy, making it perfect for a wide range of occasions.
I started by die cutting my Stitching Kit pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. I die cut the Sand stitched oval frame twice and glued them together for easier stitching. Next, I cut my lady bug components plus the sentiment (included in kit) and flowers.
Prepping your stitching pieces: I use the piercing/pokey tool to ensure clean stitching holes on the die-cut pieces. This will make stitching a breeze.
Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I stitched with DMC Gold and 839 Brown threads. I hope you can see the shimmer on the ladybug!
I used thin double sided tape to secure my floss to the die cuts. I like that this tape is easy to hide behind the die cuts and I don’t even bother to take the top release paper off the tape.
Remember to keep your floss taught as you stitch.
When I move from one area to the next, I run the floss through the just finished stitched area to keep the thread secure. This gives a nice look on the finished project.
Don’t stitch with threads that are too long or they are likely to knot.
When I was done, I added a bit of Bearly Glue to the ends so that they would stay in place.
Adhere the stitched oval frame to an aqua cardstock background for a beautiful pop of color. Place the stitched ladybug at the center of the frame, creating a striking focal point. I assembled with Bearly Glue .
Here is a photo of me stitching in front of a crackling fire—it’s the perfect way to add warmth (literally and figuratively) to your crafting session. I always like to pick a cozy or picturesque spot to stitch.
Why You’ll Love This Card
This project combines the tactile joy of stitching with the charm of die-cut details. The vivid red ladybug against the aqua background is eye-catching, while the stitched elements add a handmade touch that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re crafting for a birthday, thank-you note, or just because, this stitched ladybug card is a creative way to show you care.
Club members can cancel, upgrade or change clubs from the 1st-5th of each month. Popular Clubs frequently sell out during this period so club members get first dibs on everything.
Club Members get EARLY access to new releases on the 6th!
On the 6th, Clubs become available to non-members.
On the 27th, Club registration closes for the current month.
If a club did not sell out, you can buy under “Shop Past Clubs”. Past kits are available on the 10th of the FOLLOWING month.
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.
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!
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.
kennyscards.com 