Tag: Spellbinders

cardmaking · Die cutting

Crafting Charming Scene Cards

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Cozy little scene card created with Spellbinders Home Sweet Home and Backyard Haven View die sets.

Hello Crafty Friends! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of scene cards by creating a cozy little card featuring a house, a tree, and a swing. Spellbinders just released a new Storytelling Collection and I used Home Sweet Home for this card.

This project is perfect for those moments when you want to escape into a serene, idyllic scene—no matter what’s going on outside your window. So, grab your crafting supplies, and let’s swing into some creative fun!

Why a Scene Card?

Scene cards are like mini stories captured in paper. They allow you to create a complete world on a small canvas, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of whimsy to whoever receives it. Plus, you can evoke that peaceful, happy feeling of home, making this card perfect for any occasion.

Charming Scene card with a cute little house, fence and a tree with swing.

I love creating scene cards, so I combined some of my favorite die sets on this card.

Key Products Used:

Final Thoughts

Creating scene cards is such a rewarding way to let your imagination run wild. This card, with its quaint house, sturdy tree, and gently swinging swing, is like a little escape to a peaceful place every time you look at it. So, grab your crafting supplies and start creating your own mini world on a card!

Happy crafting, and may your creative journey be as joyful as a swing on a sunny day! 🌞🌳

Karen

cardmaking · Cardmaking Kit

Crafty Advent Calendar | Sneak Peek Video | Spellbinders

Karen BrownLeave a comment

I have something very exciting to share with you today! Spellbinders is releasing their 2024 Crafty Advent Calendar for cardmakers. There are 24 crafty surprises especially designed for cardmakers and you can expect to find dies, stamps, embossing folders, stencils and embellishments inside.

There is also a !2 Days of Stitchmas Calendar available today.

I filmed a quick Crafty Advent Calendar preview that you can watch below. Don’t worry, I haven’t opened mine so I won’t be spoiling any surprises.

Buy one for yourself ……or to give as a gift.

I do think these will sell out before December 1st so don’t wait to order yours. You can shop HERE.

I love advent calendars and I can’t wait until December 1st to start opening mine. The box is HUGE!        9 ½ x 13 ½ x 1 ½”

Is there a theme?  I don’t know!

Pop by on December 1st as we open our first window together.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Die cutting · Mixed Media

Spooky Fun | Die Cut Halloween Cards

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Bold colorful handmade Halloween card backgrounds combinderd with Spellbinders Happy Haunting die kits to create 2 fun cards.

Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spirit than by creating some spooky yet charming Halloween cards? Spellbinders has just released an adorable collection called Happy Haunting that is SO fun! I created two cards today that I am going to send to my daughters. I used Witchin” Heels (S3-525) and Woof or Treat (S3-521).

Hamdemade Halloween scene card with a witch silhouette on a broom flying though a vivid sunset. created with orange and yellow liquid watercolor. Witchin' Heel by Spellbinders S3-525

Spooky (and Cute!) Card Designs

For a simple yet delightful card, I created a dramatic sunset background to contrast with my sparkly witchy silhouette. I love using Liquid Watercolors because they are so vivid.

My Design Process:

  • I started my design process by creating two bold backgrounds using liquid watercolors.
  • Witchin’ Heels background: I brushed water onto a watercolor paper panel and then used the Dandelion Yellow Liquid Watercolor eye-dropper to drop color onto the paper. I added yellow at the top and bottom of the panel and dropped Orange in the middle. I then used my mini-mister sprayer to add water to the colors, tilting different directions so that the colors blended and flowed. I repeated this process a couple of times.
  • Woof or Treat backgound: I repeated the process for my purple panel using Indigo and Neon Brights Pink Liquid Watercolors. Since I didn’t have purple watercolor I created my own by dropping a big blob of Indigo ink and then putting a smaller drop of pink in the center. I spitzed with water and then tilted to move the ink. I added several layers for an intense color.
  • I used my heat tool to speed up the drying process.
  • Below, you can see a photo of my completed backgrounds.
  • Die cutting was next. I used Black Glitter Paper for the Witch and added purple accents die cut from my purple watercolor panel. For my ghostly pup, I used khaki and added a hint of shading with a blending brush.
  • To frame my little trick-or-treater, I used my Scallop Label Infinity Dies. I also added a little dimension with foam squares and craft foam.
Adorable Woof or Treat (by Spellbinders) handmade card of a Dog trick-or-treating as a ghost with a pumpkin. S3-521

Key Supplies Used:

How to create colorful vivid card backgrounds with liquid watercolors.

Final Thoughts:

I feel like each of these cards has a little bit of seasonal magic combined with crafty love. I adore the bold colors acheived with liquid watercolors.

I hope you found some inspiration today. Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

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 Kit · Rainbow Colors · stitching

Colorful Rainbow Stitching | Spellbinders August 2024 Stitching Kit

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Rainbow colors for this stunning hand stitched greeting card created with Spellbinders August 2024 Stitching Kit of the Month.

This may be my favorite Spellbinders kit of 2024! The August 2024 Stitching Kit of the Month is perfect for cardmakers, artists or anyone that loves a colorful card. I truly love rainbow cardstock and floss….put them together and you have a real keepsake.

Spellbinders has 9 great Club Options that you might want to check out + their Deluxe Caboodle, which includes all 9 kits + a bonus gift, all at a 60% savings.

Rainbow Craft Theme Card Kit:

Handmade paint palette card created with Spellbinders August 2024 Stitching Card Kit of the Month.

Tips and Tricks for Stunning Stitched Cards:

  • I started by die cutting my Stitching Kit pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. When I got to the smaller pieces, I found it easiest to use my desktop cutter: Scout. I used leftover colorful cardstock scraps for my paint palette. Since it was long and thin, I die cut the paintbrush twice and then glued it together for a substantial base. I die cut the other pieces once.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. Today, I used used DMC 776, 725, 745, 772, 504, 800, 211, 828, 646 and metallic gold floss. I have been buying and collecting floss for decades, so some of these are vintage.
  • When I started stitching, I took two strands of floss, separated them one at a time, brought them together and then stroked and lengthened them until they seemed tame and ready to use.
  • I usually stitch with size 22 Tapestry needles.
  • 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.
  • I assembled my card with Bearly Glue.

Helpful Links:

Spellbinders Club Info:

  • Clubs Preview on the 1st of each month.
  • 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.
  • NEW for 2024: 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.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Cardmaking Kit · stitching

A Gift Inspired Delight | Spellbinders July 2024 Stitching Die of the Month Kit

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Spellbinders July 2024 Stitching Card of the Month tutorial: a beautiful blue die cut bow for Christmas or birthday cards.

This month, Spellbinders Stitching Die of the Month Kit allows us to create a very eye-catching gift bow. The kit is perfect for creating Christmas cards and decor or you can also use it all-year-round for birthdays and other celebrations. I chose to make a birthday card as I have a lot of friends with summer birthdays.

I think bows are so eye-catching on cards and if you’d like to see another I card I created featuring a die cut bow, click HERE.

A handmade card with a beautiful stitched die cut blue gift bow for Birthday Cards and Christmas Cards.

Stitching On-The-Go

Stitching kits are great when you want a crafting project “on-the-go”. I am on vacation in Colorado and I really loved stitching on the patio while I enjoyed the view of the mountains. I included a photo of my al fresco stitching below. I die cut my components before I left home and then packed my supplies in a zipper bag. My stitching went quickly and took about 30 minutes to complete.

Tips and Tricks for Stunning Stitched Cards:

  • I started by die cutting all my Stitching Kit pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. I used Arctic cardstock for my bow. I die cut the elements I was going to stitch 2 times and then glued them together for a substantial base.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I used used a buttery yellow (DMC #745) today.
  • When I started stitching, I took two strands of floss, separated them one at a time, brought them together and then stroked and lengthened them until they seemed tame and ready to use.
  • I usually stitch with size 22 Tapestry needles.
  • I changed things up this month and used good ol’ Scotch tape to attach my floss to the die cut.
  • 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.
  • To make my bow a little more stable, I added one vertical and two horizontal braces (3/8″ wide) on the back of my bow.
  • To finish my project I found some old printed paper to act as my gift wrap which I glued to an A2 Top Fold Card Base.
  • I adhered my bow to the background with Bearly Glue and Foam Squares.
  • The sentiment is a Chipboard Sticker from the Serenade of Autumn set.

Helpful Links:

Spellbinders Club Info:

  • Clubs Preview on the 1st of each month.
  • 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.
  • NEW for 2024: 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.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

cardmaking

Fast, Easy and Elegant Embossed Sympathy Card | Spellbinders

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Creating a fast, easy elegant sympathy card with 3D Emboss and Cut folders: Spellbinders Mushrooms From Me to You 3D Emboss and Cut folder.

Creating a handmade sympathy card is a thoughtful way to express your condolences, showing the recipient that you care enough to make something special. An embossed card is particularly elegant, yet it can be surprisingly quick and simple to create. Here’s a guide to making a beautiful embossed sympathy card that’s both fast and easy.

Timesaving Tips for Cardmakers:

I started with the new Mushrooms From Me To You 3D Emboss and Cut Folder from Spellbinders that has several great attributes:

  • The first is that the folder embosses and die cuts with just one pass through the machine. This is a real timesaver!
  • The second, is that there are 3 templates on the folder so you create 3 components each time! YAY for 3 Fers!

How I created this card:

  • Using my paper trimmer, I cut a white card panel that was 8 3/4″ x 5 3/4″. I think white on white is always lovely for a sympathy card.
  • I wanted to tape my dies to the embossing folder to ensure there would be no shifting during the die-cutting. Using my Best Tape Ever, I tacked the 3 dies to the inside front cover with the cutting edge toward the interior of the sandwich. Then I added my pre-cut paper panel. I also taped the folder closed at the bottom to ensure everything stayed in place.
  • I ran the sandwich through my machine and viola, 3 cut and embossed elements with one pass through my machine!
  • I wanted to keep the card simple so I mounted the largest embossed die cut on an A2 top folding card with Bearly Glue and Craft Foam.
  • I added a simple premade Thinking of You Chipboard sentiment and the card was done. I wish I timed the process, because it was VERY quick!

Time Saving Tip #1: Use premade sentiment Chipboard Stickers like the one I used on this card. I also love the Bayfair Chipboard and Puffy Stickers. Here is one of my posts that uses the Bayfair Chipboard sentiments on my kite card and I used the puffy stickers on this stitched card.

Time Saving Tip #2: Use premade card bases like these A2 Top Fold or A2 side fold.

TIP FOR SUCCESS: Keep it Simple – Elegance often comes from simplicity. Stick to a few well-chosen elements rather than overloading the card with decorations.

Helpful Links:

Time Saving Tips for Cardmakers with Spellbinders Mushrooms From Me to You 3D Emboss and Cut folder hndmade sympathy card

Creating a handmade embossed sympathy card is a meaningful way to show your compassion and support. With a few simple steps and materials, you can craft a card that is not only fast and easy to make but also elegant and deeply personal.

See you next time!

Karen

cardmaking · Die cutting

Fun Summery “2-Fer” Die Cut Scene Cards | Spellbinders Tunnel Scapes Collection

Karen Brown3 Comments
"2-Fer" backgrounds with Spellbinders Tunnel Scape Collection.

What better way to celebrate the summer season than by creating charming die cut scene cards? These delightful creations bring a touch of whimsy and cheer, perfect for sending a bit of sunshine to friends and loved ones. Today, I used Vicky Papaioannou’s lovely new Spellbinder’s collection called Tunnel Scapes.

Let’s dive into crafting our two designs: one featuring a kite soaring amid fluffy clouds, and another with two birds perched on blooming branches.

Tunnel Clouds Die Kit

Hnadmade die cut scene card with Spellbinders "Perched Bird" die set. 2 birds perched on branches with a happy sun shining down.

I always love a good scene card, so I was so excited to create with the Perched Birds die set. To really add interest and dimension, I set the stage with Vicky’s delightful Tunnel Clouds background dies which include three unique stacking backgrounds dies + the adorable sun and other celestial elements. This entire collection is so fun and creative! And, the die cuts have so much lovely detail. I used a bunch of my favorite cardstock colors for these two companion cards.

2-Fer Backgrounds

Handmade card with Spellbinders "Fly Away" kit die kit and Bayfair Chipboard "Oh Happy Day" Bayfair chipboard sentiment.

Another wonderful benefit of the Tunnel Clouds die set is that you get “2-Fer backgrounds” each time you die cut! I created my second scene with The Fly Away kite die set. They work great with the Tunnel Clouds dies or you can use them by themself. The die set also includes a plane that would be perfect for a masculine card. I thought the “oh happy day” chipboard sentiment was perfect for this card.

Happy Crafting!

Karen

Die cutting · Wax Seals

Adding a Touch of Elegance: Using Wax Seals and Infinity Dies on a Floral Handmade Card

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Adding wax seal elements to your cardmaking.

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your handmade cards, incorporating wax seals and infinity dies can elevate your designs to new heights. In this post, we’ll explore how to use these tools to create a stunning floral handmade card.

Today, Spellbinders released a wonderful new collection called Sealed 3D Botanical and I chose Scallop Labels and Tags Infinity Dies and the Forest Mushroom Wax Seal. Infinity Dies are definitely one of my most used craftroom essentials and wax seals are so interesting and fun!

Adding texture to your cardmaking with Mushroom Forest Wax Seals, Scallop Labels and Tags Infinity Dies and embossing folders.

Spellbinders 3D Botanical Collection

I knew I wanted to make a shaped floral card with a wax seal medallion on my vase. Here are step-by-step directions for this card:

  • I started by making a bunch of wax seals, which I really enjoy. If you’d like more details, I have a blog post titled 18 Tips and Tricks for Making Wax Seals that you can read HERE. I decided to use two Royal Blue seals and I planned my color scheme around the two seals. Spellbinders Wax Seal Kit is such a fun addition to any craftroom and I have really enjoyed playing with my kit this year.
  • Using my silver Deco Color Paint Pen, I added highlights to the wax mushrooms and foliage. Interestingly, the color looks a little more gold in the photographs, but it is silver in person.
  • I die cut my vase and flowers using one of my new favorites: Fresh Picked Vase. I used Cosmic Sky, Periwinkle, Charcoal and Coral cardstocks.
  • I wanted a bit more texture so I embossed my vase using my Luxe Backdrop Emboss and Cut 3D folder.
  • As I mentioned, I wanted a shaped card so I took an A2 Side Fold Card Base and die cut my white base with the Scallop Labels and Tag die. I made sure that the left cutting edge was to the left of the fold so it would stay intact. Then I cut a Periwinkle and White Mat and assembled my card with Bearly Glue and a few Foam Adhesive Squares.
  • I also made a coordinating wax seal envelop for my card that you can see below.

As I said, I really enjoy making wax seals so I made some extras for future projects. The other colors are Indigo Ink, Pistachio, Velvet Rose and Gold.

Adding wax seal elements to your envelops.

Conclusion

Using wax seals and infinity dies in your handmade cards adds a level of detail and elegance that will impress any recipient. These tools allow you to create intricate designs and sophisticated touches that make your cards truly stand out. Whether for birthdays, weddings, or just because, a floral handmade card with these elements will be cherished and remembered. Happy crafting!

Karen

cardmaking · Cardmaking Kit · stitching

Spellbinders Card | June Stitching Club | 2024

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Spellbinders "Stitched Ice Cream" Stitching Die of the Month Club Kit for June 2024.

This month, Spellbinders Stitching Die of the Month Kit allows us to indulge in sweet delights with a yummy hand-stitched Ice Cream Cone Card. Looking for a sprinkle of sweetness to brighten someone’s day? Look no further! This kit is a reminder to cherish the simple pleasures in life, to savor each moment, and to spread kindness wherever we go.

The “Wow Factor” of Hand-Stitched Cards

This weekend, I had the pleasure of crafting this luscious handmade card with hand-stitched details, and let me tell you, the experience was delightful. The card came together quickly, but it is definitely high impact to the recipient. I find I get the most ooohs and aaahs from stitched cards and the “Wow Factor” they bring is truly priceless.

Pink, aqua, white and turquoise die-cut and hand-stitched ice cream cone card.

Tips and Tricks for Stunning Stitched Cards:

  • The kit has 12 cutting dies and I started by cutting all my pieces with my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. I used Teal Topaz and Waterfall cardstocks. I die cut the elements I was going to stitch 2 times and then glued them together for a substantial base. I used White Glitter cardstock for the accent on the ice cream.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE. I used used two shades of pink: #818 Baby Pink (ice cream) and #819 Baby Pink Light (cone).
  • When I started stitching, I took two strands of floss, separated them one at a time, brought them together and then stroked and lengthened them until they seemed tame and ready to use.
  • I usually stitch with size 22 Tapestry needles.
  • I like to use 1/8th inch double sided liner tape to attach my floss to the die cut.
  • 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.
  • To finish my project I embossed Pink Sand cardstock with the Tiny Dots embossing folder.
  • The die cut sentiment is included in the kit.

Helpful Links:

Spellbinders Club Info:

  • Clubs Preview on the 1st of each month.
  • 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.
  • NEW for 2024: 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.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen