Craft Lounge Live #4 Video Recap | Great Sentiment Stamps

November 9, 2025December 10, 2025 Karen BrownLeave a comment

Pink baby card with die-cut tags, bows, and flowers made using Hero Arts Just Because Stamp & Cut set.

Hello crafty friends! Karen Brown here with a fun recap from Craft Lounge LIVE #4! If you missed our live session, no worries — you can still catch the replay right here 👉 Watch the rerun on Facebook.

The Hero Arts Collective Facebook group is the place to stay connected, share inspiration, and see what’s new in the Hero Arts world.

Channin, Natasha, Michelle, and I had such a great time chatting and crafting together! We all worked with products from the Best Ever Collection, and even though we started with the same collection, our projects turned out completely different:

🎁 Channin created a beautiful stack of gift boxes.
🎨 Natasha made a stunning mixed media background.
🧝‍♀️ Michelle designed an adorable “peeking elf” card.
👶 And I crafted a sweet pink baby card!

My design features two stamped and die-cut tags and bows, embellished with three dainty die-cut flowers. The sentiment — “Just a little something for baby” — comes from one of my favorite sets this season, DC329 Just Because Stamp & Cut. I die cut the tags and a soft pink frame from Tutu ColorWheel Cardstock, then stamped in crisp black ink for a clean, cheerful look.

Screen shot of 4 Hero Arts Creative Team members participating in Craft Lounge LIVE #4, — Screenshot

I’ll be taking this card to a baby shower later this month, and I know I’ll be reaching for these sentiments again and again. The “birthday,” “thank you,” and “just because” options in this set are so versatile — perfect for every occasion!

Screenshot collage of Channin, Natasha, Michelle, and Karen (Kenny's Cards) from Craft Lounge LIVE #4. — Screenshot

Thanks to everyone who joined us live — and if you couldn’t make it, grab your favorite drink, tune in to the replay, and enjoy an hour of crafty conversation and inspiration. 💕

Link to: Craft Lounge LIVE #4

Photo of handmade Baby card with stamped tags with black sentiment reading “Just a little something for baby."

Hero Arts August 2025 | Light-Up Tags + Crystal Ball

August 1, 2025August 1, 2025 Karen Brown21 Comments

Handmade Halloween tag with layered colorful tags, white heat embossed spider web on black cardstock, lit up with a hidden light, and “Boo to You” sentiment.

The Hero Arts August 2025 Release is here, and it’s packed with creative possibilities—from interactive Halloween tags to dreamy stenciled scenes and mystical vibes. I had so much fun with these kits and created two very different but equally inspiring projects.

>>>> Hero Arts Club Kits Overview <<<<

🕷️ Project 1: Light-Up Spider Web Halloween Tag – August Card Kit

Let’s start with a spooky showstopper! This interactive Halloween tag uses elements from the August Hero Arts Card Kit, including the spider web stamp and Press One Light that lights up the tag.

Here’s how it came together:

I white heat embossed the spider web on black cardstock, die cut it, and positioned one of the included Press One Lights behind the center.
When you press the hidden button—the web lights up! 🕸️✨
I layered two tags using the Nesting Tag Dies:
- The top tag is watercolor paper with Yellow and Orange Liquid Watercolors—so vibrant and bold!
- The bottom tag is purple cardstock with a Hero Transfer from Collage Backgrounds 2—the script texture gives a haunting Halloween vibe.

I finished it off with a heat-embossed “Boo to You” sentiment from the kit and a touch of black hemp cord. This tag is spooky, clever, and totally kid-approved.

Hero Studio light up Halloween spider web tag created with the August 2025 Card Kit, including the Pear Blossom Press One Light.

What’s Included in the August Card Kit?

Abraham and Katrina 6×8 Stamp Set (used on tag)
Abraham and Katrina Coordinating Die (used on tag)
Stamping Guide for stamp set
Victorian Frame Die Set (used on card 2)
Pear Blosson Press-One Light 2 Pack (used on tag)
10 Sheets of Cardstock- 1 of each color, 5.5″ x 8.5″ (Cinnamon, Terra Cotta, Carrot, Coral, Bellini, Tuscan, Mint, Waterfall, Blue Spruce, Raven)
Holographic Rainbow Film, 1 sheet – 5.5″ x 8.5″
Acetate, 1 sheet – 5.5″ x 8.5″ (used on card 3)

Receive a FREE Magic Mist Stencil when you purchase The Whole Studio!

Hero Arts has many different Monthly Kits that you can subscribe to including:

The WHOLE Studio – All 5 Kits (a 40% savings: $130 subscription + Free Shipping)
Card Kit of the Month ($60 Subscription + Free Shipping)
Stamp and Cut of the Month ($27.50 Subscription + Free Shipping)
Fancy Studio Dies of the Month ($25 Subscription + Free Shipping)
Cling Stamp of the Month ($20 Subscription + Free Shipping)
Layering Stencil of the Month ($17.50 Subscription + Free Shipping)

Project 2: Crystal Ball Magic – August Stamp & Cut: You Are Magic

Card featuring a die cut crystal ball made from ink smooshed background and acetate layer, with the sentiment “You Are Magic” over a tone-on-tone mini rainbow background stenciled in teal and aqua shades.

This second card leans into the magical vibes with the new You Are Magic Stamp & Cut. The crystal ball die is the star here!

I used a leftover ink smoosh background scrap in soft blues and aquas to simulate swirling crystal magic. You can read my Ink Smoosh Tutorial HERE.
I die cut a circle of acetate (included in my August Card Kit of the Month) and layered it on top for a glassy, dimensional effect.
The sentiment “You Are Magic” is stamped and layered over the crystal ball.

For the background, I used Oceanside ColorWheel Cardstock and the Retro Rainbow Stencil from last month’s Retro Kitchen Release. I went for a tone-on-tone look using:

Bermuda
Fog
Contour

Mounted on an aqua card base with a few black enamel dots, this card feels subtle, sparkly, and just a little bit mystical and mysterious.

Hero Studio Blog Hop

Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Leave a comment on all stops for more chances to win!

Hero Arts
Nichol Spohr
Seeka
Rosie Lopez
Rachel Kleinman
Natasha Polite
Mindy Eggen
Michelle Short
Michelle Lupton
Lisa Tilson
Karen Brown
Jennifer Kotas
Jeannie Lieu
Charlene Madrid
Channin Pelletier
Anna Mahtani

Handmade card created from the Hero Studio August 2025 Stamp and Cut "You Are Magic" kit.

From light-up tags to dreamy stenciling and crystal energy, the August kits are perfect for stretching your creativity into fall. Which kit are you reaching for first?

Cardmaking Video

VIDEO: Shimmery Snowflake Backgrounds 3 Ways

September 30, 2024December 23, 2024 Karen Brown1 Comment

Are you ready to add a touch of winter magic to your card-making? In today’s video, I will guide you step-by-step through the enchanting process of creating shimmery snowflake backgrounds that will leave everyone in awe!

If you are having trouble viewing the video, click HERE to watch on YouTube.

Today, we will be creating two cards and one tag using Hero Arts NEW Reactive Glitz Inks and the Kaleidoscope Snowflake Bold Print Stamp.

Adorable bright Christmas Holiday card with a "peeking penguin", shimmery background and heat embossed snowflakes.

For Card #1, My background was created with French Pink and African Violet Glitz Inks and the Kaleidoscope Snowflake Bold Print Stamp. I added a white Wood Frame and an adorable Peeking Penguin die cut to “ice” my card.

Shimmery Hero Arts Glitz Reactive Ink Christmas Holiday Card.

Look at the gorgeous shimmer from the Glitz Inks!

Snowflake Chirstmas Holiday card with heat embossed snowflakes and die cut snowflakes over a ink blended pink and purple background.

For Card #2, I did my ink blending on Peony Cardstock with French Pink and African Violet. Next, I heat embossed the Kaleidoscope Snowflake Bold Print Stamp. Then, I added Snowflakes die cut from Glitter Cardstock using the Snowflake Pattern Cover Die. Such an easy way to die cut LOADS of snowflakes!

Mixed Media Snowflake Christmas Winter Holiday Tag.

I also created a Mixed Media Tag that features Glitter die cut Snowflakes, Mini Clay Snowflake Embellishments and a Holiday Message Strips Hero Transfer Sentiment.

My background was created with Egyptian Blue and Naples Yellow Reactive Glitz inks and the Kaleidoscope Snowflake Stamp. I added a bit of Purple Galaxy around the edges.

Multiple Christmas Holiday cards and tags with Hero Arts Glitz Ink and the Kaleidoscope Snowflake Bold Print background stamp.

Other Supplies Used:

Cozy Study Stamp and Die Set (sentiment)
Swirly Christmas Tree Stamp and Die Set (sentiment)
Opaque White Acrylic Spray (splatters)
Neutrals Enamel Dots (eyes)
StampWheel
Glassboard Studios Craft Mat (Get 20% off with code: KENNY20)
Crystal Ninja Katana Jewel Pick-up Tool
Clear Embossing and Watermark Ink
Detail White Embossing Powder
White Unicorn Pigment Ink
Clear Embossing Powder

Video showing how to make Shimmery Snowflake card backgrounds for the Holidays and Christmas.

I had “Snow Much Fun” creating this trio and I hope you enjoyed the VIDEO!

Cardmaking Kit

Introducing 5 NEW Exciting Hero Arts Subscription Card Kits | June 2024

June 3, 2024June 4, 2024 Karen Brown18 Comments

4 handmade cards and tags created with Hero Arts NEW Studio Subscription Card Kits - June 2024.

Elevate Your Crafting Experience

Calling all crafters and cardmaking enthusiasts! Welcome to the June release, where we are bringing the boldness of urban textures in the signature Hero Arts style and quality! Get ready to ignite your creativity and elevate your crafting experience with the brand new lineup of Hero Studio cardmaking kits. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your crafting journey, these 5 new kits offer something for everyone. Let’s dive in!

Studio Card Kit of the Month

A vibrant handmade card with rainbow colored clouds created with the June 2024 Hero Arts Studio Card Kit.

I started by creating with the new Hero Studio Card Kit, which is full of wonderfulness! This month’s theme is Urban Skyline.

For my first card, I used the HeroScape layering cloud stamps to create a dramatic sunrise. I laid down and blended LOTS of ink for a really saturated look. I love color and thought the cloud layering stamps would make a stunning, almost abstract background.

What’s Inside the Kit?

Curious to know what treasuries await you in this cardmaking kit? Let’s take a peek inside The Hero Studio Card Kit:

KIT INCLUDES:
Urban Sky HeroScape Clear Stamp Set, 6” x 8”
Neighborhood Message Clear Stamp Set, 4″ x 6″
Coordinating Dies
City Stencil, 6×6 (with 3 Fall-Out City Skylines)
5 Ink Cubes (Peony, Pitch Black, Dusty Blue, Stonewash, Amethyst)
2 Sheets each of Silver Foil, Silver Glitter, Silver Cube & Pitch Black Cardstock, 5.5″ x 8.5″
2 Sheets City Textures Hero Transfers

Kit Cost and Value:

$46 with Subscription, $95 Value (Cancel Anytime)
$49.99 One-Time Purchase (While Supplies Last)

How I Created This Urban Sunrise Card:

I selected the HeroScape stamp from the Hero Studio Card Kit.
My first step was to lightly blend bands ink on my background (Deluxe Smooth Cardstock) so that the cloud highlights would be slightly tinted. For my base, before I used my layering stamps, I used Lemon Drop, Taffy, Thistle and Cornflower inks.
I then used the following colors for Stamp 1: Cornflower, Thistle, Taffy and Creamsicle, overlapping each color a bit. I also used a blending brush on the stamp to soften the color changes. I put down a lot of ink for a vibrant effect and I used my Misti stamp positioner so I could restamp my layers. I found a photograph of a beautiful sunrise and used it as my color inspiration.
For Stamp 2, I used Thistle, Taffy and Lemon Drop inks.
I trimmed my A2 card base and sunrise panel with my Rounded Rectangles Infinity Dies.
The kit has LOTS of sentiments and I stamped and die cut my thank you.

A colorful handmade thank you card simulating a vibrant sunrise. The card was created with the June 2024 Hero Studio HeroScape card kit.

Colorful Sunset Cityscape Tags

I also created two tags with the Hero Studio Card Kit stencils. These tags were featured in Hero Arts Countdown Hop and you can read more about my process HERE.

Colorful DIY tags simulating a Sunset over a cityscape created with liquid watercolors, a stencil and Hero Gold Wax.

Hero Studio Fancy Dies

I love die cutting, so I had tons of fun creating my window scene card with the new Hero Studio Fancy Dies. This month’s background die is called Urban Window and I think there are endless design options. I love creating scenes, so I know I will be using this die again!

A charming handmade card window scene with birds, tree branches and a potted plant.

I began by selecting colored cardstock: Peacock, Papaya, Mist, Arctic and Meadow.
My base is a leftover piece of background from a project you can read about HERE.
I die cut my window frame from Peacock cardstock and trimmed off the greenery. I die cut the window frame a second time from Meadow cardstock and layered it behind the Peacock frame, so that my branches would be green. The sky is Arctic.
I added two birds, a potted plant and a die cut sentiment to finish my scene.

FD0624 Fancy Dies of the Month (Urban Window) $25 with Subscription, $26.99 One-Time Purchase, While Supplies Last.

Hero Arts Hero Studio Fancy Die of the month (June 2024) handmade card window scene.

I have a quick reel for the Fancy Die of the Month Kit:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Karen Brown (@karens_mini)

I created with two Hero Studio kits in this blog post, but there are 5 kits altogether. You can also buy The Whole Studio!

The Whole Studio (Includes all 5 kits! $120 with Subscription. $180+ value.$138.95 One-Time Purchase, While Supplies Last)
Hero Studio Subscription Options
Hero Studio Card Kit of the Month
Clear Stamp and Die of the Month
Cling Stamp of the Month
Fancy Studio Dies of the Month
Layering Stencil of the Month

Blog Hop and Giveaway:

Hero Arts will give away a $50 gift card, drawn from the comments left across the hop. Enter by Sunday, June 9th at 11:59pm Pacific, and the winner will be announced on the Hero Arts blog the following week.

Hero Arts
Hero Arts Creative Team:
Channin Pelletier
Charlene Madrid
Dana Joy
Heather Ruwe
Ilina Crouse
Jennifer Kotas
Kailash Naidoo
Karen Brown
Lydia Fiedler
Michelle Short
Natasha Polite
Natasha Vacca
Pocono Pam
Rachel Kleinman
Rosie Lopez
Seeka
Special Guests:
Nichol Spohr
Kelly Taylor

Cardmaking Kit

Hero Arts | Sneak Peek at the NEW Studio Card Kit of the Month + Blog Hop and Giveaway

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 Karen Brown18 Comments

Sunset cityscape tag card created with Hero Arts June 2024 Studio Card Kit of the Month.

Today, the Hero Arts Creative Team is thrilled to offer you a sneak peek into their newly re-imagined subscription cardmaking kit called Hero Studio Card Kit of the Month. Each month will have a fresh beautiful collection of handpicked supplies that are sure to ignite your creativity. The kits will go live the first Monday of the month so you can view the entire kit on Monday, June 3rd at 2:00 PM PST. Or, you can pre-order today! Until then, here is your sneak peek….

To celebrate, Hero Arts is hosting a Blog Hop and Giveaway that you can find HERE.

As we countdown to the premiere, I wanted to share two sunset cityscape tags I created with The June 2024 Studio Card Kit. Liquid Watercolors make the MOST vibrant backgrounds, which is what I wanted for this project.

Crafting the Urban Skyline: A Sneak Peek into Hero Arts Studio Card Subscription Kit

My Process:

I started by using Liquid Watercolors to create my sunset background. I put a sheet of Luxe Watercolor Paper on my craft mat, brushed the paper with water and then painted bands of color with Dandelion, Orange and Brights Pink liquid watercolor.
I dried my panel and repeated step one.
I put my sunset panel on my Sticky Mat, attached the cityscape stencil to my background with washi tape and applied Onyx Pigment Ink with a Small Blending Brush to create my building silhouettes.
Using the next stencil, I applied Gold Wax to simulate lighted windows. While the stencil was still in place, I smoothed the wax with an old gift card. Work quickly so the wax doesn’t dry on the stencil. This will give you a good result when you peel back the stencil. I did let the wax set on the stencil while I finished my tags, but I soaked it for a bit and the wax washed right off.
I cut my tags with Nesting Infinity Tags.
I used sentiments included in this months kit and then added some black twine that I had saved from some packaging.

How to create a sunset handmade card background with liquid watercolors.

Here are links to all of the new Hero Studio Kits:

Be sure to stop by the other Countdown Posts, here are the links:

You are going to love this kit and I can’t wait for you to see the big reveal on Monday!

Thanks for stopping by!

cardmaking · Video

Video | Quick and Easy Monogram Gift Tags

December 11, 2023 Karen BrownLeave a comment

Quick and Easy DIY die-cut monogram Gift Tags

Hi everyone, Karen Brown here! I am one of the new members of Hero Art’s Creative Team and I am excited to share my new video (see below). I am loving the new Hero Arts Alphabet Letter Dies and I thought they would be fun and festive on my gift tags.

Watch below or on The Hero Arts YouTube Channel:

These tags combine some favorites of mine:

Die Cutting
Bright Bold Colors
Rub-On Hero Transfers
Interesting Die Cut Accents

Aqua Red and White gift tags featuring die cut Upper Case Die Cut letters that are personalized monograms for gifts.

Using the the Nesting Tag dies, I die cut 5 tags from Paradise, Cherry and Dove White Cardstock. My first card I call “Joy to the World” and I chose to use the “J” die from DF167. I cut the “J” three times from Cherry Cardstock and glued them together for a nice substantial element. For a quick sentiment, I trimmed “Joy to the World” from the White Holiday Collage Hero Transfers kit and then rubbed onto the bottom of my tag. I think it is the kid in me, but I just love doing this!

R is for Robert and I used DF168 to die cut the R. For interest, I also die cut two linear accent strips using The Hole Punch Edge Fancy Die.

B is for Brown (my last name) and since I love rub-ons so much, I covered the top tag with a Hero Transfer with text from A Christmas Carol. The “B” die is included in Letter Die set DF165.

Products Used:

Alphabet Letter Dies (Get Them All)
Alphabet Letter Sets: A-D, E-I, J-N, O-R, S-V, W-Z
Nesting Tag Set
The Hole Punch Edge Fancy Die
White Holiday Collage Hero Transfers kit
Paradise Cardstock
Cherry Cardstock
Dove White Cardstock
Compact Cutter
Metal Snippers
Hero Arts Tool Holder
Precision Glue

If you like this color combo, you might want to see this post too.

I hope you enjoyed my blog post and video!

Interested in more? Recent Instagram Posts for @Karens_mini

cardmaking · Mixed Media · papercrafting

Spellbinders | The Best of 2022

December 27, 2022February 16, 2023 Karen Brown2 Comments

LINK TO MY INSTAGRAM

At the end of the year, I enjoy looking back through my projects and this year I decided to write a post about my most popular Spellbinders projects. I loved so many of my creations, but these are the crowd favorites for 2022.

Spellbinders Layered Floral Card Creator

This first card was my most popular card on Instagram, was my most “pinned” card on Pinterest and my most read blog post! I used the November Small Die of the Month Club Kit called Layered Floral Card Creator. This set was so popular that it is sold out. Because of this, I suggest that you join the club of your choice as club members are guaranteed to receive each month’s kit. Of course, you can cancel at any time. You can see all the subscription kit options HERE.

If you would like to read my original post, you can find it HERE. I also have four other cards that were very well received in that post.

Christmas card from Spellbinders Winter Tales Collection designed by Zsoka Marko. Magical Deer: S4-1215.

My most popular Christmas card was from the Winter Tales Collection that was designed by the talented Zsoka Marko. I was instantly attracted to this die kit called Magical Deer: S4-1215. I love the Nordic look and used Scandanavian red and blue as accent colors to give the neutrals some pop.

You can read my original blog post HERE.

Spelllbinders Fan Motif Embossing Folder

Embossing folders have become so popular, and this Fan Motif was much loved by my readers and followers.