Tag: Video

Top 4 2025 Hero Arts Cards Top 5 Hero Arts Cards of 2025 (Fan Favorites & Personal Picks)
Best Of · cardmaking

Top 5 Hero Arts Cards of 2025 (Fan Favorites & Personal Picks)

Karen BrownLeave a comment

Best and Most Popular Hero Arts Cards of 2025

As we look back on 2025, I thought it would be fun to round up my best and most popular Hero Arts cards of the year. These projects were fan favorites, reader favorites, and in a few cases, personal favorites too.

Each card highlights a different Hero Arts release and cardmaking style—from bold graphic designs to cute scenes and clever techniques. I’ve linked each original blog post so you can dive deeper into supplies, step-by-step instructions, and tips if a particular card catches your eye.

🥇 Most Popular Card of 2025: Die Cut Valentine

Die cut Valentine card created with the Hero Arts January 2025 Card Kit featuring bold colorful heart shapes and playful design.

My most popular card of 2025 was a fun die-cut Valentine created with the January 2025 Folded Love Note Kit. The playful dies, bold heart shapes, and cheerful vibe made it perfect for modern Valentine cards.

👉 Link to original Valentine blog post

🕵️‍♀️ Fan Favorite: Miss Detective – Case Closed Collection

Handmade card featuring a stamped and die detective-themed design from the Hero Arts Case Closed Collection

The Case Closed Collection from May was such a hit, and my Miss Detective card quickly became a fan favorite. This clever, story-driven card featured a charming sleuth and bold graphic details—and it really resonated with readers.

👉 Link to original Miss Detective blog post

This collection was creative, unique, and just plain fun to work with. It’s one of those releases that sparks storytelling the moment you start crafting.

Key Products:

☕ Personal Favorite: What’s Brewing Card

Bold graphic coffee latte themed handmade die cut card created with the Hero Arts What’s Brewing Collection

This one is especially close to my heart.
Using the What’s Brewing Collection, I created a bold, graphic coffee-themed card that I sent to my daughter. With strong colors, clean die cutting, and a modern layout, this card felt fresh and fun—and it’s still one of my favorite designs of the year.

👉 Link to original What’s Brewing blog post

Coffee-themed cardmaking is always popular, and this release delivered in the best way.

Key Products Used:

🐚 Two-for-One Favorite: Scattered Shells

Two handmade cards using the Hero Arts Scattered Shells plate—one letterpress and one hot foil design using the same seashell plate.

This entry actually includes two cards, both created using the Scattered Shells plate from the Summer by the Sea Collection. I loved showing how one design can be used in different ways:

  • One card created with BetterPress LetterPress
  • One card created with Glimmer Hot Foil

👉 Link to original Scattered Shells blog post

Same plate. Two completely different looks. This is a great example of stretching your supplies and getting more mileage from your favorite tools.

Key Products:

🌸 Honorable Mention: Friendship Blooms + Video

Bold floral die cut handmade card created with the Hero Arts Friendship Blooms Collection. With corresponding video tutorial.

It was a close call for fourth place, so I added an Honorable Mention—a bold floral die-cut card from the Friendship Blooms Collection. This project focused on layering, color, and impactful florals, and it remains a go-to style for both beginners and experienced cardmakers.

I also created a video tutorial for this card if you’d like to see it come together:
🎥Link to Video Tutorial

👉 Link to original Friendship Blooms blog post

Key Products Used:

Final Thoughts

These cards represent what I love most about Hero Arts: creative variety, high-quality products, and designs that truly inspire. Whether you enjoy bold graphics, clever themes, or classic florals, there was something special in every 2025 release.

If you’re new here, this post is a great place to start exploring past projects—and if you’ve been crafting along with me all year, thank you for being part of the journey.

Pink handmade card for a Baby Shower. Craft Lounge Live #4 Video Recap | Great Sentiment Stamps
cardmaking · Video

Craft Lounge Live #4 Video Recap | Great Sentiment Stamps

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."
cardmaking · Cardmaking Video

Join Me LIVE with Hero Arts! | Craft Lounge LIVE #4

Karen BrownLeave a comment

I have exciting news to share — I’ll be joining Hero Arts for Craft Lounge LIVE #4! 🎉

This is my second time hanging out in the Craft Lounge, and I had such a great time last summer that I’m thrilled to be back again. If you love crafty inspiration, laughs, and a creative party atmosphere… mark your calendar!

Get all the details and RSVP HERE!

🗓️ Event Details

Craft Lounge LIVE #4
📅 Saturday, November 8, 2025
⏰ 12:00 PM PT
🎥 Streaming LIVE with The Hero Arts FaceBook Group: Hero Arts Collective

Who’s Crafting With Me?

I’ll be creating alongside some fabulous Hero Arts teammates:

  • Natasha
  • Michelle
  • Karen (that’s me!)
  • Channin

We’ll be crafting with The Best Gift Ever Collection, sharing projects, festive inspiration, and plenty of crafty cheer. This collection is so versatile and works year round!

Oh — and did I mention…
🎄 We’ll be wearing ugly sweaters! We hope you’ll wear your ugly sweater too! 🤣
So come ready for creative fun, holiday spirit, and at least one questionable sweater choice.

…..and there is a giveway too!

🎁 Join the Fun!

Bring your coffee, cocoa, or holiday mocktail, settle into your craft lounge, and come chat LIVE with us. I can’t wait to hang out and make some holiday magic together! ✨

👉 Hope to see you there — and be sure to say hi in the chat!

Video: Make This Playful Elf Christmas Card
cardmaking · Hot Foiling · Video

Video: Make This Playful Elf Christmas Card

Karen Brown1 Comment

Today I’m sharing a playful Christmas elf card that combines bold colors, a cheeky sentiment, and a versatile foiled background. Even better—I filmed the entire process so you can craft along step by step.

I have a list of key supplies used below the video.

👉 Or Watch the full video tutorial here!

Interesed in more of my videos? Click HERE to go to my YouTube Channel.

Key Products Used:

Adorable die-cut Christmas elf card on a hot-foiled background that simulates falling snow.

The Background – Snow or Confetti, You Choose!

I started with the Hero Arts Celebration Press Plate (part of the Yule Fuel Collection). I love how versatile this plate is—it looks like snowflakes when foiled in white but could also become a confetti background in bright colors. For this project, I went snowy, since my elf needed a winter wonderland to stand in.

Close-up of foiled snowy background created with the Celebration Press Plate. White foil dots on blue cardstock, resembling falling snow for a handmade Christmas card.

The Sassy Elf

Next came my focal point: a die cut elf from the Yule Fuel Collection. He’s cheeky, a little silly, and absolutely festive. To give him personality, I used ColorWheel Cardstock in:

  • Cascade (blue)
  • Dahlia (pink)
  • Fern (green)

The mix of colors makes him bold and fun—perfect for standing out against the snowy background.

Title: Fun & Festive Christmas Elf Card | Yule Fuel Collection Description: Create a quirky, colorful handmade Christmas card featuring a sassy die cut elf, snowy foiled background, and the playful sentiment “OMG! Santa!”. Step-by-step video tutorial included—perfect DIY holiday card idea!

The Cheeky Sentiment

Every good elf needs a punchline, and this one couldn’t be better:
“OMG! Santa!”

The die cut letters are crisp, bright, and perfectly straight across the card front (in the video, I share my favorite tip for gluing letters evenly every time).

Watch the Video Tutorial

And in my video, I show you:

  • Exactly how I foiled the Celebration Press Plate
  • How to glue tricky die cut letters so they’re straight and evenly spaced
  • My step-by-step process for putting the whole card together

 Or Watch the full video tutorial here!

Handmade Christmas card featuring a die cut elf in pink, blue, and green standing on a snowy foiled background with bold die cut sentiment reading ‘OMG! Santa!’ from the Yule Fuel Collection

Trust me—you’ll be smiling the whole time you make this card.

Layering Stencil handmade card and video. Video: Easy Fun Card Idea
Cardmaking Video · Stenciling

Video: Easy Fun Card Idea

Karen Brown1 Comment

Watch above OR click HERE to watch video on YouTube.

Looking for an easy, beginner-friendly card idea that makes a big impact? Today I’m sharing a project using the Hero Studio July 2025 “Just Keep Going” Layering Stencils—a bold, three-layered sentiment that I paired with a coordinating ink smooshed background for a clean, summery design.

Handmade card with bold “Just Keep Going” encouraging sentiment in green, teal, and blue ink, layered over a watercolor-style ink smooshed background.

Supplies & Theme

The “Just Keep Going” stenciled sentiment is built up with three perfectly aligned stencil layers. For the sentiment and the coordinating background, I used the following Reactive Inks:

These bright, analogous colors are side-by-side on the color wheel and blend beautifully together for a unified, harmonious look.

July 2025 Layering Stencil of the Month "Just Keep Going" kit card in analgous green, aqua and blue inks.

The Background: Ink Smooshing

To complement the stenciled panel, I created an ink smooshed background using the exact same three ink colors. Ink smooshing is one of my favorite techniques—just dab ink onto a 6 x 6″ acrylic block, spritz with water, and press your watercolor paper onto the color. I flip my block and weight down with a book for 5 minutes. If there is a puddle, I dab it with a paper towel. The result? A gorgeous, watercolor-style background that’s one of a kind.

This technique is fantastic for beginners and gives your cards a fun, organic texture. It’s also a great way to bring all the color elements of your project together.

Creating an "ink smoosh" background that coordinates with your stenciled focal point

Finishing Touches

I die cut my stenciled sentiment panel using a nesting postage stamp die for extra polish. As a playful embellishment, I added a pair of sunglasses from the Hero Studio July 2025 Card Kit. The frames are cut from leftover inked cardstock, and the lenses from another panel inked with Blue Hawaii—just another way to tie everything together!

Custom coordinated ink smoosh background and bold stenciled sentiment card.

Why It Works

This card’s cohesive look comes from intentionally choosing analogous colors and using them across both the background and focal elements. Whether you’re just starting out or want a quick, cheerful design, this is a project anyone can enjoy!

cardmaking · Die cutting · Video

VIDEO: Quick and Easy Cardmaking

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Fast and easy handmade card using Hero Arts Collage Backgrounds Rub-On Transfers and Magnifying Glass Die Set, featuring the sentiment "The Evidence is Clear – You're Incredible."

Hero Arts Craft Lounge Recap

Last night, I had the pleasure of joining the very first Hero Arts Craft Lounge, a FREE virtual crafting event that brought together so many creatives for an evening of inspiration, tips, and fun. If you missed it, don’t worry—you can catch the replay and enjoy the session at your own pace!

📺 Watch the replay here: Hero Arts Craft Lounge – Facebook Event

And if you haven’t joined yet, look into the new Hero Arts Collective on Facebook.

Video of creating a quick, fast and easy card using Run-On Transfers and a quick die cut focal point - a magnifying glass.

During the event, Channin Pelletier, Rosie Lopez, Michelle Lupton and I each created a unique custom card using the new Case Closed Collection. I opted for a FAST and easy card that anyone can recreate in less than an hour! And you can watch 4 different cards being created at the same time!

I used the Collage Backgrounds Hero Rub-On Transfers to create a dramatic yet effortless background. These rub-ons add instant texture and layered interest—perfect when you’re short on time but still want a showstopper.

For the focal point, I die cut elements from the Magnifying Glass Die Set and added the sentiment: “The Evidence is Clear – You’re Incredible.” The lens was die cut from vellum.

This card came together so quickly and has a sleek detective-style vibe thanks to the mix of vintage background and bold elements from the new Hero Arts release.

Cardmaking Video

Video Hop | Easy, Fun & Festive Birthday Cardmaking: Color, Shine, Celebrate!

Karen Brown1 Comment

Can you ever have too many birthday cards? I think not! Today, I’m sharing a fun, modern, and eye-catching birthday card featuring the Hero Arts Celebrate Stamp & Stencil Set—perfect for anyone on your list!

Click link to see the Hero Arts Spring Collection.

You can watch the video above, or you can click the link HERE to watch on YouTube.

Plus, this video is part of a Video Hop, so be sure to check out the other fabulous creators linked below.

A vibrant handmade birthday card featuring four colorful stenciled banners with flowers, created using the Hero Arts Celebrate Stamp & Coloring Stencil Set and Glitz Inks.

Bold Colors & Easy Techniques

For this card, I started with a large focal stamp of four birthday banners—such a fun and festive design! Instead of traditional coloring, I brought in Glitz Inks and Color Layering Stencils to add French Pink, Naples Yellow, Byzantine Green and Egyptian Blue to the banners. These inks add beautiful shimmer that makes the design pop without needing extra embellishments (but you know I couldn’t resist a few black enamel dots in the flower centers!). This is totally optional, but I used my Rounded Rectangle Infinity Dies to round the corners and trim down my panel.

Pro Tip: Glitz Inks are not only stunning, but they’re also super easy to clean up! A quick rinse, and your brushes are good as new.

Festive Birthday card perfect for men, women and children. The card features 4 birthday banners stamped and colored with layering stencils in pink, yellow, aqua and green.

Organizing My Stamps & Dies

I also wanted to share a quick tip on storing stamps and dies. I use Hero Arts Magnetic Sheets and Storage Sleeves, which help keep my dies neat, tidy, and easy to find. No more hunting for that one missing die—it’s all in one place and ready for my next crafting session! I also love their Stamp Storage Sleeves. More details in the video.

Key Products Used:

Join the Celebration! Blog Hop Order:

This card was a joy to make, and I hope it inspires you to break out your Glitz Inks and stencils! Be sure to check out the Video Hop and leave a comment on my video—I’d love to hear what you think! And tell me… do you think it’s possible to have too many birthday cards? (Spoiler: I don’t!) 🎉

cardmaking · Video

VIDEO | Spring Floral Stenciling & Color Theory: Create with Confidence!

Karen BrownLeave a comment

Welcome back, crafty friends! Today, I’m diving into stenciled floral backgrounds with a focus on color theory and shimmering inks. If you’ve ever struggled with picking colors that pop or wondered how to make your stenciled backgrounds shine, this post (and my video!) is for you!

If you are having difficulty watching the video above, click HERE to watch on YouTube.

Three Ways to Use a Stenciled Floral Background

I’m using the Spring Floral Stencil and Large and Small Floral Layering Dies from the new Hero Arts Friendship Blooms Collection to create three different looks. Each one explores color, contrast, and shimmer, so let’s get into it!

3 bold floral stenciled backgrounds turned into cards with bold die cut focal elements.

Card #1: Byzantine Green Glitz + Bold Plum Congrats

A handmade card with a shimmering Byzantine Green floral stenciled background, featuring a bold Plum die-cut ‘Congrats’ sentiment with a vellum shadow.

For my first card, I wanted a rich, elegant background with plenty of shine. I stenciled with Byzantine Green Glitz Ink, which gives a gorgeous shimmer, and paired it with a bold Plum “Congrats” sentiment. Here’s the magic:

  • The background is a mossy olive hue.
  • The sentiment is red-violet, which is directly opposite on the color wheel—hello, instant contrast!
  • The large vellum shadow behind the sentiment softens everything just enough.

✨ Pro Tip: When in doubt, check your color wheel! Using complementary colors creates high-impact contrast, making your card visually striking.

Card #2: 3. Aqua Gradient for a Fresh Take

A soft and elegant aqua gradient stenciled card featuring a layered white and aqua die-cut bloom, perfect for Mother’s Day.

For the next card, I switched things up with a cool-toned, gradient background using Pool Party, Paradise, and Blue Raspberry inks. The result? A soft, dreamy floral backdrop that’s perfect for spring!

✨ Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which colors to use, swatching your cardstock makes a world of difference! I swatched mine with Spellbinders Color Swatch Petal Dies, and it made choosing my die-cut colors so much easier.

Card #3: Layered Floral Mother’s Day Card

A Mother’s Day card with a rich plum and eggplant stenciled background, adorned with delicate die-cut flowers in shades of plum, eggplant, and white.

Since I was loving that Byzantine Green shine, I stenciled a second background—but this time, I turned it into a Mother’s Day card!

Spring Floral stenciling 3 ways for bold Mother's Day and Congrats cards.

I am so pleased you stopped by today!

Best Of · cardmaking

Best and Favorite Cards of 2024: The Year’s Most-Loved Designs

Karen BrownLeave a comment

As the year comes to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on all the creative projects I’ve shared across my Blog, YouTube channel, and Instagram. The journey has been filled with color, craftiness, and, most importantly, connecting with all of you!

Many of these items featured on my “Fan Favorites” list are currently on sale too!

  • Find Hero Arts New Year’s Eve sale items HERE
  • Hero Arts Final Sale items can be found HERE.
  • Shop Hero Arts HERE
  • Shop Spellbinders New Year’s Eve Sale HERE
  • Find Spellbinders Clearance Sale HERE
  • Shop Spellbinders newer collections HERE.

YouTube’s Card Tutorial: Most Watched Video

Best and Most Popular YouTube Cardmaking Video in 2024.

On YouTube, it was all about bringing techniques to life. Here is the tutorial that flew the highest:

Blog Post Link: Shimmery Snowflake Backgrounds 3 Ways

YouTube Link: Shimmery Snowflake Backgrounds

I created this video for HeroArts Blog and YouTube channel but I also posted on my YouTube Channel for my followers as well.

Top Blog Post in 2024

This year on my blog, I focused on techniques that ranged from beginner-friendly to advanced, and your feedback has been the cherry on top! My most read blog post this year was:

9 Tips, Tricks and Insights for Spellbinders BetterPress Machine

I received a BetterPress LetterPress system for Christmas in 2023, and I had lots of fun learning and experimenting with my new crafty toy. You can read my original blog post by clicking on the link above.

Best, Favorite, Most Popular Cardmaking Blog Post of 2024,

Instagram Reels: Quick Crafting, Big Inspiration

Favorite and Most Popular Instagram Reel in 2024.

This year, Instagram Reels became a go-to for sharing bite-sized creativity. These short videos were packed with techniques, tips, and a splash of fun. Here is my most popular 2024 Reel.

Instagram Reel Link: Floral Trove Stenciled Friend Card

Corresponding Blog Post Link: Stunning Stenciling Magic with Rainbow Colors

Instagram Highlights: Most-Liked and Commented on Creations

Instagram brought quick inspiration and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks to your feeds. Here are the top posts.

For Spellbinders, these were the fan favorites. You can find links to the corresponding blog posts below:

Best Handmade Spellbinders Cards in 2024.

And here are my most popular Hero Arts Instagram posts along with links to the correstponding Blog Posts:

Best Hero Arts Handmade Cards in 2024.

I’m so grateful to share this journey with all of you. Your comments, likes, and creations inspire me every day. Here’s to an even brighter, more colorful 2025 filled with new techniques, bold designs, and, of course, plenty of fun! Let me know in the comments—what were your favorite projects this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy crafting, and see you in the new year! ✨☕

Karen

cardmaking · Video

VIDEO: 3 Creative Ways to Stencil Butterfly Cards

Karen BrownLeave a comment
Video tutorial with step-by-step instructions on how to make 3 creative cards using layering stencils.

Hello friends, Karen Brown here with a colorful new video. Butterflies and stencils—can you name a more dynamic duo? The December (Butterfly) Layering Stencil of the Month is SO much fun!

Or you can click HERE to watch the video.

Textured Flights of Fancy

In this post/video, we’re spreading our creative wings and sharing three unique ways to stencil butterflies that’ll make your cards flutter with charm. From bold and dramatic to soft and dreamy, these techniques will have your projects soaring to new heights! 🦋✨

The butterfly outline is layer one and then there are 3 additional detail layers to add on top to customize your projects. I show you how to use all three top layers in the video.

Beautiful butterfly cards created with layering stencils + Hero Wax and Hero Paste.

I thought it would be fun to make some non-traditional Christmas cards featuring butterflies AND pastel colors. I always love to stretch my supplies beyond the predictable!

For my first two cards, I stenciled a panel of Deluxe Smooth Cardstock with a gradient of 3 colors and then added White Hero Wax (card on the left) and Hero Glitter Paste (card on the right). I used Thistle, Taffy and Creamsicle for the card on the left. For the card on the right, I wanted a frosty, icy, wintry blend so I used Amethyst, Thistle and Splash.

The mats are Amethyst with a Granite base.

I also think the duo pictured above would make great Get Well, Thinking of You or Sympathy cards.

Let Your Creativity Soar

Stenciled and Ink blended non-traditional butterfly Christmas card.

And, I had to make at least one traditional green and red Christmas butterfly card. I stenciled with Fresh Lawn and Cherry Ink, matted with Crimson cardstock and added a sentiment from the Swirly Christmas Tree Bundle.

Other Supplies Used in the Video:

Hero Studio December Layering Stencil of the Month - 3 handmade butterfly cards.

The Final Flutter

With just a stencil and a splash of creativity, you can bring butterflies to life in endless, colorful ways. So, go ahead—spread your crafting wings, experiment with colors, and let your cards shine as bright and beautiful as a butterfly in full flight. Happy stenciling! 🦋✨