Mixed Media · Tutorial · Video

VIDEO: Easy & Addictive | Beginner Mixed Media Tag Tutorial

Easy & Addictive Mixed Media Tag Graphic with photo of two mixed media tags.

Mixed media doesn’t have to be intimidating; it’s simply the art of combining different materials to tell a story.

Today I’m sharing how to make easy mixed media tags using a stress-free, step-by-step process that’s perfect for absolute beginners. These tags come together quickly, use flexible techniques, and—fair warning—are a little bit addictive once you get started.

Video

👉 Or watch on YouTube HERE.

This post coordinates with my YouTube video where I walk through every step in real time. If you like seeing the process in action, be sure to watch the video alongside this tutorial.

👉 Use the supplies you have on hand, but I do have my supply list at the bottom of this post.

Mixed Media Tags for Absolute Beginners: 11 Easy Steps

Closeup of two completed vintage look mixed media tags

Step 1: Create a Simple Ink Smoosh Background

Add three shades of water-based reactive ink to your craft mat, spritz generously with water, and press the watercolor paper into the ink. Let sit in the puddle with an acrylic block on top for 1 – 5 minutes. The more water you use, the softer the panel. I used Key Lime Fizz, Pool Party and Blue Hawaii on my tags.

If you are interested in learning how to create an easywatercolor background, I have step-by-step directions in my tutorial how to make mixed media tags in 9 easy steps.

Step 2: Dry Your Panel

Let the panel air dry or speed things up with a heat tool. If it warps, flatten it under a book once dry.

Process photo of my two ink smoosh watercolor background panels.

Step 3: ViewFinder Trick

I like to use my tag die as a viewfinder to decide which part of my panel I want to feature.

Step 4: Die Cutting

Once I’m happy, I tape the tag die in place and run it through my Platinum 6 die cutting machine. It is one of the tools I rely on regularly—several of them are included in my list of the best cardmaking supplies for 2026.

Step 5: Stenciling

Now its time to start layering on top of our background. I add stenciling to about two thirds of each tag using the same reactive ink colors that I used in Step 1. You can use just about any stencil you have. I chose two very different designs and I love how they both turned out!

Close-up of my aqua blue mixed media tag with personalized die cut initials (KB) and Hero Arts rub-on Hero Transfers.

Step 6: Second-Generation Stamping

This is one of my favorite mixed media techniques.

Ink your stamp, stamp once on scrap paper, then immediately stamp onto your background.

The lighter impression adds depth and texture while keeping things loose and organic.

Use the same colors you used on your background in Step 1. This keeps everything cohesive and soft and adds subtle interest without overpowering the background.

Mixed media art tag created by layering 6 additional techniques on top of my ink smoosh watercolor background.

Step 7: Add Rub-On Transfers for Easy Texture

Hero Transfers are one of the easiest ways to add detail and interest—no drying time required. Today, I used the Grids and Icons Transfers.

Cut a small section, place it on your tag, and rub it on using a bone folder or craft stick. I like angling my transfers slightly for a more vintage, organic look.

Step 8: Add Some Grunge and Ink Blend the Edges

Ink blending around the edges of the tags adds instant definition and helps ground all those layers.

This is where everything starts to come together. I like using a darker neutral ink like Root Beer to “grunge up” the edges just a bit.

Colorful ledger style mixed media tag with die cut floral sunbursts and a cheerful orange heart.

Step 9: Add Splatters

Using a fan brush, splatter water (then blot with a cloth) and them the same inks used above. This step instantly adds movement and that “mixed media magic” feel.

Process photo showing water splatters and ink splatters on my in-process mixed media art tag.

Step 10: Add Focal Points

Now it’s time to bring in focal elements.

I used small die-cut images, lightly distressed the edges, and glued them directly to the tags. Keep the focal points simple—they should complement the background, not compete with it.

A good rule of thumb: if your background is busy, keep your focal point clean and contained.

Best mixed media art tag illustrating how to create one in 11 easy steps.

Step 11: Finish with Twine or Ribbon

Thread twine or ribbon through the top of each tag to finish them off.

This final step adds texture, softness, and makes the tags feel complete. You can also tuck tags into cards, journals, or gift packaging.

You might also enjoy another recent Mixed Media Tag Tutorial I posted last month. Or if you’d like to try a mixed media card instead, here is how I create one step-by-step, with loads of illustrative photos.

My Supply List

Hot Foiling · Video

VIDEO: Zodiac Birthday Cards Made Easy with Hot Foiling (Pisces & Aquarius)

Pisces and Aquarius zodiac hot foil cards shown side by side, featuring bold graphic designs and personalized color palettes.

Some card ideas grab your attention… and others stick with you. With my birthday coming up this month (hello, Pisces ♓), I found myself completely drawn to Spellbinders’ Block Print Zodiac Seriesa coordinated collection of 12 BetterPress and Glimmer Hot Foil kits, one for each zodiac sign. These kits create bold, graphic, and deeply personalized cards that feel anything but generic, and they’re fast enough to make even when time (or motivation!) is limited.

To kick things off, I’m sharing my Pisces and Aquarius Zodiac cards, along with a quick 2-minute hot foiling video that shows exactly how I foiled my Pisces panel using the Glimmer Hot Foil System. If you’ve ever wanted a refresher on hot foiling—or you’re considering adding a Glimmer system to your craft room—this post is for you.

Watch the Hot Foiling Process (2 Minutes Flat!)

Or Watch on YouTube HERE.

I created a short, two-minute video that focuses only on the hot foiling process for my Pisces card. This isn’t a full card tutorial—sometimes you just want to see how the Glimmer system works, how the foil transfers, and that satisfying reveal moment.

In the video, you’ll see:

  • How I foil the Pisces plates using white foil
  • The reveal of the finished foiled panel
  • A peek at the completed card design

These Zodiac cards are very fast to assemble once the foiling is done, which makes them perfect for batching or last-minute cardmaking.

Why Zodiac Cards Are Such a Brilliant Cardmaking Idea

Handmade cards created with Spellbinders Block Print Zodiac BetterPress + Foil plates that are excellent masculine cards.

There are 12 Zodiac kits, each designed around a specific sign, and every kit includes:

  • A zodiac graphic plate (Pisces features two fish)
  • A two-line plate with the zodiac name and date range
  • A tagline plate (Pisces: Believes in Magic)
  • A placement guide so lining everything up is foolproof

If you owned all 12 kits, you could easily create a year’s worth of birthday cards—perfect for anyone and everyone. These cards are especially wonderful for masculine birthdays, which we all know can be a challenge. They’re bold, graphic, and customizable without being overly fussy.

Because the plates don’t say Happy Birthday, they’re also perfect for:

  • Birthday thank you notes
  • Just-because cards
  • Personalized notes acknowledging someone’s personality or “cosmic identity”

Nothing generic here.

Pisces Card: Birthstone Color + Polaroid Style Design

Handmade Pisces zodiac birthday card hot foiled in white on purple cardstock with a postage stamp edge frame and polaroid-style design.

For my Pisces card, I chose purple cardstock, inspired by my February birthstone, amethyst. I hot foiled the design in crisp white foil, which creates such a striking contrast against the rich purple background.

To finish the card:

  • I die cut the foiled panel using a postage stamp / polaroid-style frame from the January 2026 Spellbinders Large Die of the Month
  • The purple foiled panel becomes the “photo” portion of the polaroid
  • The white frame adds softness and a classic touch
  • I stamped a small scripty happy birthday sentiment along the bottom of the frame

The result feels clean, modern, and personal all at once.

Pisces is often described as creative, artistic, and imaginative—which made me smile. I frequently dream about cards or wake up with ideas I can’t wait to try, so this kit felt especially fitting.

Aquarius Card: Night Sky Drama with White Foil

Aquarius zodiac card hot foiled in white on black cardstock, framed with a rectangular die cut for a night sky inspired look.  Masculine Birthday card.

For my Aquarius card, I leaned fully into the zodiac theme and created a night-sky inspired design. I hot foiled the plates in white foil on Pitch Black cardstock, which feels dramatic, graphic, and timeless.

The foiled panel was framed using dies from an older Spellbinders Die of the Month kit, keeping the focus on the bold foiling and strong contrast. This card is simple, striking, and would be perfect for:

  • A masculine birthday
  • A modern astrology lover
  • Anyone who appreciates clean design

Why I Love These Zodiac Kits (And Think You Will Too)

What really stands out to me is how customized and thoughtful these cards feel. You can:

  • Use a recipient’s favorite color
  • Choose cardstock based on birthstones
  • Keep designs bold and graphic or soften them with frames and layers
  • Mass produce cards efficiently without sacrificing style

They’re quick, versatile, and incredibly satisfying to make.

Supplies Used:


More Hot Foiling Inspiration

If you enjoy hot foiling techniques, here are a few related projects you might like:

  • Fast & Easy Glimmer Background Card – In my Christmas Elf card, I used white foil on pale blue cardstock to create a snowy, wintery background. This post includes a full video tutorial.
  • One Plate, Two Techniques: BetterPress vs Glimmer – One of my most popular posts from 2025, where I used the Scattered Shells plate to show how dramatically different results can be depending on the technique.

Both are great examples of how much versatility you can get from hot foil plates.


Final Thoughts

These Spellbinders Block Print Zodiac kits make it incredibly easy to create cards that feel meaningful, personal, and polished—without a lot of time or effort. Whether you’re making a birthday card, a thank you note, or stocking up on cards for the year, zodiac cards are a smart, evergreen addition to any cardmaker’s repertoire.

And if you’ve been curious about hot foiling, don’t forget to watch the 2-minute Pisces foiling video—sometimes all it takes is a quick refresher to spark new ideas.

Best Of · cardmaking

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

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.




cardmaking · Video

Craft Lounge Live #4 Video Recap | Great Sentiment Stamps

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

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!

cardmaking · Hot Foiling · Video

Video: Make This Playful Elf Christmas Card

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.

Cardmaking Video · Stenciling

Video: Easy Fun Card Idea

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

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!

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!

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!