Tag: Spellbinders

BetterPress · cardmaking

Best Supplies for BetterPress Letterpress Projects

Karen BrownLeave a comment
BetterPress letterpress Spring Bunnies in French Blue Ink.

I love classic letterpress elegance and think this single color Easter card evokes the vintage craftsmanship of years gone by. I used Simon Hurley’s new Spring Bunnies press plates for this card. The bundle includes 12 adorable press plates with corresponding dies. 

The key to letterpress is using a thick cottony paper and Spellbinders’s cotton cardstock panels work really well. I used Spellbinders BetterPress system in conjunction with their Platinum 6 machine. My ink is the lovely French Blue from the Nature Tones Set. I matted my card with a corresponding color of cardstock from PaperTrey’s Perfect Match cardstock. 

I also have a blog post about Tips and Tricks for Using Your Better Press System that you can read HERE.

Charming BetterPress letter press Easter Bunny Card.

Supplies Used on This Card:

Best Supplies for BetterPress Letterpress Projects:

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Cardmaking Kit · stitching · Tutorial

Spellbinders | Stitching Die of the Month | February 2024

Karen Brown1 Comment
Spellbinders Stitching Die of the Month Club Card - February 2024

Stitched Floral Focal Card Front

I am so excited about today’s share, Spellbinder’s Stitched Floral Card Front. I used the February Stitching Club Kit, which is beautiful, and I think the finished card is so very special. This card is going to one of my closest friends for her upcoming birthday.

This Floral Focal Stitched Kit is now available for puchase without a membership.

New members can sign up for clubs today!

Floral stitched card

My Stitching Process:

  • The kit has 5 dies and I started by cutting all my pieces. The flower center is pink, the flower is papaya, the background is waterfall and the overlay is blue. There is a lot of stitching this month, so I die cut all the elements twice and then glued them together for a sturdy substantial panel. This die cutting didn’t take long, but I think the extra effort was worth it. I recently purchased a Platinum 6 die cutting machine, and I have to say, I pull it out instead of my Gemini Junior. I wish I had bought one earlier.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE.
  • 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 used DMC Aqua 598, Orange 741 and Pink 818.
  • 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.
Stitched card in aqua, blue, orange, yellow and pink.

A Few Notes About Spellbinders Club Kits

  • 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.

Helpful Links:

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

BetterPress · cardmaking · Wax Seals

Spellbinders Cards | Better Press Spring Collection

Karen BrownLeave a comment
BetterPress A Friend Like you card two ways.

I adore the timeless elegance of BetterPress letter press cards. Today I wanted to share two cards using the press plate – A Friend Like You. One card is pure letter press….no coloring or embellishment. The second card is loosely colored with Zig Watercolor Brush Markers. I love them both!

If you’d like to read my post on Tips, Tricks and Insights into the BetterPress system you can find it HERE.

A Friend Like You – Pressed Posey Collection

A Friend Like You - Pressed Posey Collection handmade card colored with Zig Watercolor markers.

My Process:

  • I taped a Porcelain cotton card panel to the top plate, inked my press plates (flower and sentiments are both included in the A Friend Like You press plate set) with Black BetterPress ink and ran the sandwich through my BetterPress system. 
  • For my watercolor card, I repeated step one using watercolor paper.
  • I cleaned the press plate and BetterPress platform with Ultra Clean.
  • I taped my watercolor panel to a hardboard with painters tape.
  • Using Zig markers, I applied watercolor along the etched lines and then used a water brush to move the color around. I did wet-on-dry painting. I also scribbled some watercolor on my work surface and using my water brush, I added additional color to some areas. I experimented with watercolor brushes and my round water brush and I found that I liked the result with the water brush best. 
  • I let my panel air dry.
  • For the watercolor panel, I made a card base using Stylish Ovals Nesting Dies.
  • I also used Stylish Ovals to cut down my watercolor panel.
  • For the black and white panel I die cut my letter press panel with Essential Rectangles, which unfortunately is retired. I matted with black and glued to an A2 top folding card base.
  • Zig Colors Used: cobalt, light blue, bright yellow, orange, yellow green, mid green, mustard, cool gray, light gray.
Black and white Spellbinders BetterPress letter press floral card.

Products Used on My “A Friend Like You” Cards:

Sealed Cord and Faux Seal Sentiments (BP-107)
Spellbinders Sealed Cord and Faux Seal Sentiments (BP-107) handmade card with a gold wax seal.

I wanted to make a traditional masculine card and I love how this one turned out. Minimalist yet elegant. The Sealed Cord press plates have 6 great sentiments, but I wanted to top my card with a wax seal. I used one of the included circular sentiments on a card that you can see HERE.

I love making and using wax seals. I have a blog post titled 18 Tips and Tricks For Making Wax Seals that you can read HERE. I used the wax beads and seal that were included in Spellbinders Wax Seal Starter Kit. I used a Posca Paint pen to highlight the sentiment. I haven’t tried it, but I think a Sharpie would also work.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

cardmaking · Die cutting · Stamping

Spellbinders | Simon Hurley’s Big Hugs 5 Ways

Karen BrownLeave a comment
3 Simon Hurley Big Pug Hugs Birthday Cards.

Can you have too many dog stamps? I think not! I am loving Spellbinders + Simon Hurley’s new Big Hugs stamp and die bundle. These cute critters – Pug dog, Panda bear and Zebra – are sure to be favorites in my family. I love this set so much I went a little crazy making cards! 

Pug Dog Masculine Birthday Cards

Spellbinders Big Hugs Pug Birthday Scene Card

My first card is for my husband and I wanted to make a quick little scene. I stamped and Copic colored my Pug (complete with a festive party hat), embossed a brick wall, ink blended a background and heat embossed a cute sentiment.

Products Used:

Simon Hurley's Big Hugs Pug Birthday Card

This card is for my dog loving son-in-law. I think the Pug stamp has so much personality!

Products Used:

Quick and Easy Stamped Get Well Card

Sending Pug Hugs Handmade Card

I like to keep Get Well cards on hand and this card is sure to make the recipient smile.  This card came together very quickly. I stamped and Copic colored my Pug and added a blue mat for interest. Just two Copic markers!

Products Used:

Simple Pug Dog and Panda Bear Cards

I heat embossed my last two cards. Quick and easy but the heat embossing adds so much interest. 

Two Easy Pug Dog and Panda Bear Cards with Minimal Supplies

I added a quick die cut party hat to this simple card.

Simple Heat Embossed Pug Dog Card

Easy Beginner One Layer Panda Bear Card

Easy One Layer Panda Bear Card

Products Used:

Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to know which card you like best.

Karen

BetterPress · cardmaking · Tutorial

9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress Machine

Karen Brown13 Comments
9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress Letter Press Machine System.

Hello! I am so excited about my new BetterPress Letter Press machine! I had a very crafty Christmas and received a BetterPress Letter Press System, Wax Seal Starter Kit and a new Platinum 6 die cutting machine. Today I want to share two cards I made with the BetterPress. I feel like I am gushing, but I LOVE the look and results I achieved with my new toy. I adore the lovely elegant high-end stationary look. You get an engraved like impression combined with ink stamping. 

I wanted to share a few of my insights:

9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for BetterPress Printing

  • I started by using Best Ever Craft Tape to attach my BetterPress card panel to the top plate.
  • 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 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 worked 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.

Better Press Kaleidoscope Garden Cards – BP-119

Spellbinders Kaleidoscope Garden Better Press plate + Bark ink on a letter press handmade card..

Products Used:

Using Spellbinders BetterPress letter press system on regular cardstock.

Products Used:

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Die cutting · Tutorial · Wax Seals

18 Tips and Tricks for Making Wax Seals | Spellbinders

Karen Brown3 Comments
18 Tips and Tricks for Making Cards with Wax Seals.

My Husband gave me Spellbinders Wax Seal Starter Kit for Christmas, and I have been having SO much fun! I also received a Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine and I have to say I loved the results!

In today’s post, I used three beautiful new wax bead colors: Pistachio, Velvet Rose and Ink.

Tutorial + 18 Tips and Tricks for Making Wax Seals:

  • With a Sharpie marker, I put a dot on my seal so it was easy to keep track of where the top of the design is.
  • I read that it helps reduce soot if you trim your tea candle wick, so I did this.
  • I put 4 beads in the warming spoon and it took 2 minutes to melt.
  • I poured the wax and found it is easy to make a circle pattern, but I do like seals that aren’t perfectly round.
  • Don’t press the seal into the wax, just gently position and allow gravity to work.
  • After experimenting, I found that if I wanted a thicker, more button like seal you should pour the wax and then wait 15-30 seconds before gently dropping the seal into the wax. The card with the pink seal was done this way.
  • If you like a thinner seal with a higher rim then place the seal immediately after pouring.
  • I found if I used just my thumb and pinky or middle finger that I was better able to center the seal more precisely. 
  • I left the seal in the wax anywhere from 15 to 90 seconds. The time didn’t seem to matter and no wax was ever left on the seal itself.
  • I also found it helps to move your pours around on the silicone mat so you don’t get warm spots on your work surface.
  • I also let my seal cool in between pours.
  • If you don’t like a seal, you can remelt it.
  • You can mix colors for a lovely marbled look. I really love the blue and green combination that I made which is shown in the upper left of the first photo. I also love blue and gold together and you can see two with that combination in the upper right corner on the blue card.
  • You can add flakes, glitter or pearls to the melted wax.
  • I used a paper towel to clean the spoon when changing wax colors.
  • I used a Decocolor marker on some of my seals (see the card with the green seal). I have Gold but wish I had bought silver too. Just lightly go over the raised ridges.
  • I experimented using Posca Pens too. They work, but I did like the result of the Decocolor markers better. The navy wax seal was highlighted with a silver Posca.
  • I love the Sealed Twine Die for a perfect twine look every time!
Quick and Easy Die Cut Card with Custom Handmade Wax Seal.

Each seal is so beautiful and unique!

Floral card with blue and purple flowers and Ink Navy blue Wax Seal Element.

Once, my seals were made, I got out two favorite die sets – Sealed Wildflower, and Autumn Sealed Sprigs – and started creating my floral designs. I also used the Sealed Twine die on all of my cards.

How to use wax seals on handmade greeting cards.

For two of my cards I embossed a background panel for added interest.

I’ve enjoyed my Wax Seal Kit so much that I signed up for the Wax Seal of the Month Kit.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

For this birthday card, I created an aged, rustic map background using an ink-smooshing technique and my @teamspellbinders BetterPress system with layered brown inks, splatters, and blended edges. The result feels weathered, warm, and perfect for a masculine or nostalgic Pooh card. 3This sweet baby shower card might be one of my favorite Pooh projects ever 💗 Hummingbird Delight 💛 ✨ 14 Best Cardmaking Supplies for 2026 ✨ ✨ Best of 2025 ✨ Merry Christmas from the Brown Family!🎄 #merrychristmas Looking back at the Best & Most Popular @heroarts Cards of 2025 ✨ A mixed media Valentine — Spellbinders style! Nothing cuter than a House Mouse + a giant cup of coffee! Colored with Copics and finished with a “thanks a latte” sentiment—because I never get tired of that pun 😄

Cardmaking Kit · Die cutting · papercrafting

Spellbinders Card | Stitching Die of the Month | January 2024

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Spellbinders January 2024 Stitching Die of the Month - Bee Stitched - Tutorial

Bee Stitched

I am so excited about the 2024 Spellbinders Clubs! Today I am sharing a fun Bumble Bee themed card using the January Stitching Die Club Kit and it is perfect for Spring, Birthdays, Get Well and Hello cards…I think it is so fresh and fun! This Club Kit is now available for individual purchase HERE.

I created this card over the holidays and it was ideal to work on while I sat around the fire and visited with family. 

Stitched Die Cut Card Tutorial

Stitching Tutorial:

  • The kit has 13 dies and I started by die cutting all my pieces. I wanted translucent wings, so I used nice thick Vellum Layering Paper. For the body I used Gold and Navy Cardstock. The floral pieces are from Pesto and Coral cardstock and the background panel uses Brushed Gold plus a die from the December 2022 Small Die of the Month Kit.
  • Spellbinders has a nice selection of stitching accessories in their shop that you can find HERE.
  • When I started stitching, I took two strands of Gold Floss (DMC 725), separated them one at a time, brought them together and then stroked and lengthened them until they seemed tame and ready to use.
  • 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. This is a lesson I relearned on this card.
  • When I was done, I added a bit of Bearly Glue to the ends so that they will stay in place. You can also add a backing by die cutting another Bee body. Your backing can be a different color to add more interest. 
How to make a Stitched Die Cut Greeting Card.

A Few Notes About Spellbinders Club Kits

  • 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.

Helpful Links:

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

Best Of · cardmaking · Die cutting

Spellbinders | Best Cards of 2023

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Best Spellbinders Cards of 2023

I enjoy looking back through my projects, and as we end the year, I wanted to write a post about my most popular Spellbinders cards. I loved so many of my creations, but these are the crowd favorites for 2023.

Fan Favorite 2023 Card

By far, my most popular card on Instagram, Pinterest and my blog was this pink Be Bold Blooms Hello card. I wrote a blog post on how to use this kit three ways, and all the cards were well received. You can read my original post HERE.

Be Bold Blooms Hello Card

Products Used:

Simon Hurley’s Snow Globe Christmas Card

Best Christmas Card

My most popular Christmas card in 2023 was my Simon Hurley teal Snow Globe. I call it a CAS Die Cut Card….limited color palette but high visual impact. You can read my original post HERE.

Products Used:

Awesome Oval Shaped Cards

Best Shaped Card

Shaped dies can really change the look of your cards and projects so I loved Spellbinders Stylish Ovals Collection. You can see 4 cards I created with this collection HERE.

Products Used:

Unique Bow Shaped Card

Best Card for Female Friends

This giant die cut bow kit was one of my favorite releases this year! So versatile…..perfect for the holidays, birthdays, showers, graduation etc. You can read my original post HERE.

Products Used:

I’d like to wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Karen

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Spellbinders | House Mouse Candy Hearts Vintage Look Valentine Card

Karen Brown3 Comments

There’s something undeniably captivating about a vintage valentine, where every delicate stroke of ink and carefully chosen sentiment carries a timeless charm. This new House Mouse Candy Hearts rubber stamp had a very retro look to me, so I went with an old-timey mixed media vibe.

Spellibinders House Mouse Candy Hearts (RSC-022) handmade Mixed Media Valentine Card.

Easy One Layer Vintage Look Mixed Media Valentine Tutorial:

  • I started by creating my background. I masked off a border and then used two shades of tan Distress Ink to ink blend my background. (Antique Linen and Frayed Burlap)
  • With the masking tape still on the cardstock, I then used the same tan inks to stencil and stamp bits and pieces on the background. Most of the stamping was “second generation” where I stamped first on a scrap and then onto my background so that the pattern would be subtle. I also added light stenciling to the background. Cathe Holden has some great stamps and stencils that I added here and there. I also used a bit of stamping with white pigment ink, but it is hard to see in the photograph. To finish I added a touch of Gold Wax to a few places around the border.
  • Carefully remove your masking tape. I used Post It Tape, which is the best!
  • After my background was dry, I stamped the Valentine Mouse with Versafine Black Pigment Ink.
  • PRO TIP: For a crisp look, keep the stamp in your Misti stamping platform and restamp the image after you are done coloring. You won’t believe how much this one step will elevate your project!
  • I used Faber Castell Polychromo Colored Pencils to color the mouse and candy hearts.
  • Remember to restamp the image and let dry.
  • The cute sentiment is included with the stamp set and finishes off my one layer valentine.

House Mouse Products:

One layer mixed media valentine featuring a cute mouse laying in a pile of candy hearts.

If you like this card, you might also want to visit my blog post on House Mouse Designs 3 Ways.

Thanks for stopping by!

Interested in more…You can also find me at these spots too:

@karens_mini on Instagram

Pinterest: @karenabrown

FaceBook: Karens_Mini

YouTube: Karen Brown

cardmaking · Die cutting · papercrafting

Spellbinders | All Occasion Bow | New and Unique Die Cut Card

Karen Brown1 Comment
Spellbinders All Occasion Bow die cut card.

I love versatile supplies in my craft room and Spellbinders just released a lovely All Occasion Bow etched die kit that is perfect for so many occasions. The bow is part of the beautiful Merry & Bright Collection but I will also be using it on Birthday, Wedding/Shower and Graduation cards.

Spellbinders Merry & Bright Die Cut Bow + Petite Blooms and Sentiments

My Card Process:

  • My first step is usually color selection. I have a Christmas paper sampler pack (see note below) that I thought would work beautifully for this project so I chose aqua, teal, pinks and greens from this pad.
  • I divided the All Occasion Bow dies into two piles. The bottom layers were all cut from teal and the top “highlight” die cuts were from aqua. Once I organized my dies between bottom (teal) and “highlights”, I didn’t need to think about which color paper to use and the die-cutting went very quickly.
  • I assembled my bow with foam adhessive squares, and then decided I wanted to anchor the bow with a focal point label. Spellbinders/Simon Hurley have a beautiful Playful Poinsettia Embossing Folder that I embossed and then die cut using a retired Ornamental Labels Die. This nesting die set has an interesting shape and I love the subtle interest this step adds to my card. I glued this die cut and embossed label (using craft foam and Bearly Glue) to a white A2 Top Folding Card Base.
  • Now that the basics were done, I wanted to embellish my bow with floral elements and a tag sentiment. I used Spellbinders Petite Blooms and Sentiments, which is also from the Merry & Bright Collection. I especially love the “For You” etched tag die! I like to die cut lots of elements and then I sit down and play around with different layouts. I added some enamel dots for flower centers. For the bow, I wanted to add pops of color but the bow is so beautiful I didn’t want to cover too much either. Its always a balance, isn’t it?
Spellbinders All Occasion die cut Bow + Petite Blooms and Sentiments

Products Used:

I am not an affiliate of Simon Says Stamp, but I bought the paper (Candy Christmas) I used there and I am providing a link HERE.

See ya next time!

Karen

Interested in more…You can also find me at these spots too:

@karens_mini on Instagram

Pinterest: @karenabrown

FaceBook: Karens_Mini

YouTube: Karen Brown

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