New to cardmaking? This beginner-friendly starter kit covers the essential tools and supplies you actually need—no overwhelm, just simple, effective products to help you start creating beautiful handmade cards.
Tag: Stenciling
3 Mixed Media Layers to Try (Beyond the Basics Techniques That Actually Work)
Ready to take your mixed media to the next level? In this post, I build on my “Fab 4” layering techniques and introduce three additional layers that add texture, depth, and artistic detail—perfect for transitioning from beginner to more confident mixed media designs.
Mixed Media Layering Made Simple: The 4 Layers I Use on Almost Every Project
Learn how to build beautiful mixed media card backgrounds using four simple layering techniques. This beginner-friendly guide walks you through stenciling, stamping, distressing, and splattering to create depth and cohesion in your handmade cards.
2 Easy Stenciled Masculine Cards | Beginner-Friendly Jean Jacket Design
Create two easy stenciled masculine cards using layered jean jacket stencils and classic blue inks. These beginner-friendly designs are perfect for birthdays, Father’s Day, graduation, and more — just change the sentiment!
How to Use Analogous and Complementary Colors in Cardmaking | Tutorial
Learn how to bring your handmade cards to life using harmonious analogous colors and eye-catching complementary contrasts! In this Hero Arts tutorial, I’ll show you how I combined blues, greens, and a pop of orange with the On the Shelf Layered Stencil set to create a bold, book-themed design.
Ink Blending with Hero Arts The Tree Layering Stencil | October 2025 Release
A festive handmade Christmas card depicting a Christmas tree ink-blended using the new Hero Arts Layering Stencil: The Tree. I used analagous colors in greens, blue and aquas.
Cozy Die Cut Scene Card
A die cut card featuring a cozy bedroom scene complete with a fox holding a stuffed bunny on a brass bed. An orange tabby cat is curled up at the foot of the bed.
Christmas in July | Candy Canes, Color and Confections
Celebrate Christmas in July with the whimsical Candy Cane Season Collection from Hero Arts! I’m sharing two sweet cards that feature peppermint-themed backgrounds, layered candy canes, and cheeky sentiments using stencils, stamps, and dies. Whether you love traditional red and green or prefer a soft modern twist, this collection has something to get your holiday mojo started early!
Video: Easy Fun Card Idea
I’m working with the Hero Arts “Just Keep Going” Layering Stencils from the July 2025 Hero Studio release. I’ll show you how to create a coordinating ink smooshed background that pairs perfectly with your stenciled sentiment.
Mixed Media Card Tutorial: A Step-By-Step Guide
A step-by-step how to tutorial on creating a torn and tattered vintage look mixed media card from upcycled and repurposed atlas maps and brown paper shopping bags. The card features a die cut bike and Hero Wax Accents.
