Tag: Vintage Look

Two mixed media art tags with ink smoosh background and die cut focal points. How to Create Easy Mixed Media Tags for Beginners (Step-by-Step Tutorial + Video)
Mixed Media · Tutorial · Video

How to Create Easy Mixed Media Tags for Beginners (Step-by-Step Tutorial + Video)

Karen Brown4 Comments
Easy & Addictive Mixed Media Tag Graphic with photo of two mixed media tags.

If you’ve ever wanted to try mixed media but weren’t sure where to start, this is the perfect beginner-friendly project.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create easy mixed media tags using simple supplies and a few layering techniques that are both fun and surprisingly addictive.

These tags are a great way to experiment with color, texture, and stamping—without feeling overwhelmed.

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.

When creating mixed media projects, I use my 3 Step Mixed Media Recipe.

👉 You can find the tools I use most often on my Favorite Cardmaking Supplies page

Exact supplies used in this post are at the bottom of this post.

Why This Is a Great Beginner Mixed Media Project

  • No pressure to be perfect
  • Great way to practice layering
  • Uses simple, repeatable techniques
  • Each tag turns out unique

Mixed Media Tags for Absolute Beginners: 11 Easy Steps

Closeup of two completed vintage look mixed media tags
Using die-cut initials or hearts creates strong focal interest on mixed media projects.

📌 Pin this for later

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.
Ink Smoosh background panels are the easiest way to start a beginner mixed media project.

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.
Stenciling is one of the cornerstone layers for mixed media projects.

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.
Rub on transfers are one of the easiest layers to add to your mixed media tags.

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.
Ink blending around the edges of a mixed media tag add the perfect amount of vintage grunge to your projects.

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.
Splatters are the perfect finishing touch for mixed media projects.

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.

Mixed Media Toolbox

These are the supplies that I personally use:

Cardmaking Kit · papercrafting

Spellbinders April Club Kit Release – Snail Mail, Vintage Letterboxes & Stitched Stationery!

Karen Brown1 Comment
Spellbinders April 2025 Club Kit handmade cards that are watercolored and hand stitched.

Spellbinders’ latest Club Kit Release is here, and this month’s dies are packed with charm, nostalgia, and creativity! I created three unique handmade cards using the Large Die of the Month, Small Die of the Month, and Stitching Club of the Month. Each design brings something different to the crafting table—from vintage-inspired letterboxes to whimsical mail carriers and stitched stationery.

Let’s get started!

Card 1: A Vintage Farmhouse Letterbox

Vintage farmhouse letterbox card – A handmade card featuring a minty vintage-style letterbox with a die-cut letter, pink flowers, and a gold key, mounted on ribbed white paper that resembles house siding.

First up, the Large Die of the Month – a stunning vintage-style letterbox that feels straight out of a charming countryside home.

  • I custom-mixed my colors using Hero Arts Reactive Inks, blending 50% Fog and 50% Pool Party for the perfect minty vintage hue on the letterbox. Other Reactive Inks Used: Taffy, Fruit Punch, Green Apple, Blue Raspberry and. Grape Slush. The key, sentiment frame and keyhole were painted with Gold Metallic Watercolor.
  • Inside the mail slot, a sweet die-cut letter with a heart and a cluster of pink flowers peeks out, adding a touch of romance.
  • A gold letterbox key is placed on the box for extra detail.
  • I mounted everything on Stellar White Groove ribbed paper (from a Your Paper Insider subscription box) to mimic the look of house siding.

I’m a bit of a paper hoarder, so this specialty paper subscription is right up my alley! 😄

Spellbinders April 2025 Large Die of the Month vintage farmhouse letterbox Hello card.

Card 2: You’ve Got (Snail) Mail!

Snail mail delivery scene – A die-cut snail with a mail pouch and hat, holding a tiny letter with a heart seal, alongside a pink worm, tulips, and a mailbox. Sentiment reads "sending" + an enamel heart.

For the Small Die of the Month, I couldn’t resist creating a playful “snail mail” scene! This one was so much fun to put together.

  • The star is a cute little snail, delivering happy mail in style. She holds a tiny envelope with a heart seal and wears a mail pouch and hat as she crawls along.
  • I started by doing my die-cutting and then I watercolored each die cut for my happy cozy scene. I watercolored with Reactive Inks : Creamsicle, Fruit Punch, Taffy, Green Apple, Blue Raspberry, Pool Party, Blue Hawaii, Splash, Granite and Fawn.
  • She’s accompanied by a pink worm and surrounded by red and orange tulips and a mailbox—a cozy little world in miniature.
  • The sentiment is a scripty “sending” + an enamel heart.
  • I finished the card with diluted white acrylic paint splatters, adding a touch of whimsy.

The theme? A punny “You’ve Got (Snail) Mail”—a crafty nod to the classic rom-com! 💌 🐌

Spellbinders April 2025 Small Die of the Month "Snail Mail" scene card that is die cut and then watercolored with Reactive Inks and splattered with white paint.

Card 3: Stitched Notebook Paper & Die-Cut Page Tabs

Snail mail delivery scene – A die-cut snail with a mail pouch and hat, holding a tiny letter with a heart seal, alongside a pink worm, tulips, and a mailbox. Sentiment reads "sending" + an enamel heart.

For my final card, I used the Stitching Club of the Month to create a notebook-inspired stitched background—a must for any stationery lover!

  • The stitched blue horizontal lines and pink vertical margin line replicate lined notebook paper.
  • I have a Stitching Tutorial that you might find helpful.
  • The top edge is die-cut to look like it was torn from a wirebound notebook for extra realism.
  • The sentiments are die-cut page pointers die cut from ColorWheel Cardstock, reading:
    • Hello (pink)
    • Friend (blue)
    • A Note (lime)
    • For You (teal)
  • To add movement, I included a pink and teal kite, die-cut from last summer’s Fly Away Kite Kit.
  • I stitched with two pieces of floss for extra texture and die-cut the background twice (and glued together) for a sturdy base. I used DMC #162 (light blue) and #776 (pink) floss.

This design is a fun way to send a cheerful, handwritten-style note in card form!

Spellbinders April 2025 Stitched Die of the Month Kit Card featuring a background that looks like notebook paper with die cut page pointer sentiments and a die cut kite.

Helpful Links:

Final Thoughts

This month’s Spellbinders Club Kits are filled with endless creative possibilities—from elegant vintage letterboxes to playful snail mail and nostalgic stitched stationery.

Which card is your favorite this month? Let me know in the comments! 💌 ✂️

cardmaking · papercrafting

Fast, Fun & Fabulous: Cardmaking with Printed Paper & Stickers

Karen BrownLeave a comment

Some days, you want to craft without fuss—no fussy cutting, no intricate techniques, just pure creative fun. That’s where printed paper and stickers come in! These supplies make it easy to create layered, dimensional cards that look anything but basic. Bonus: they’re beginner-friendly and perfect for a cardmaking party!

>>>You may also be interest in my Flower Shoppe Cart Card from the same collection.

I have links to the products used at the end of this post. Each of my cards features 3-5 layers, creating rich dimension in no time. Let’s take a look!

Card 1: Lavender Rain Boots in Bloom

This sweet card features a pair of lavender chipboard rain boots, filled with flowers. The background is a vintage-look mint printed paper, layered over a lavender and white polka dot card base.

✨ Details that make this card shine:

Card 2: Framed Florals & Soft Details

For this design, I used a chipboard galvanized bucket filled with soft pink, coral, and muted red flowers. The postage frame die cut background adds a touch of vintage charm.

🖌 Layers & Textures:

  • The background is a vintage lined school paper
  • The card base is chiffon and brown plaid printed paper
  • The layered elements make it feel warm and rustic

Card 3: A Galvanized Bucket of Blooms

This card carries over the chiffon paper and lined school paper from Card #2, tying the collection together. The chipboard enameled pitcher works well for a Get Well Card.

💖 Finishing Touches:

  • Chipboard butterflies and hearts for a sweet, dimensional effect
  • A vintage look frame that enhances the soft, romantic feel

Printed cardstock gives you instant color, pattern, and texture, while chipboard stickers add depth and detail without extra effort. These elements are substantial and high quality, making them perfect for layering without feeling flimsy.

The Magic of Printed Paper & Stickers: Products Used in This Post

Why You’ll Love These Supplies

  • Fast & Easy: No stamping or coloring required—just layer and stick!
  • Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for all skill levels.
  • Great for Scrapbooking Too! These elements work beautifully in memory keeping.

Which card is your favorite? Let me know in the comments! And if you’ve tried crafting with stickers and printed paper, I’d love to hear your tips.

Happy crafting! ✂️✨

cardmaking · Die cutting · Stamping

Vintage Charm & Soft Elegance: Hero Arts March 2025 Release

Karen Brown1 Comment

Welcome to another exciting Hero Arts release! For March 2025, I created two unique cards that highlight the versatility of the new products. One is a vintage-inspired die-cut design featuring the Suitcase and Florals Fancy Die, while the other is a beautifully blended, pastel-hued circular stamped card. Let’s jump into the details!

Key Kits and Products Used:

Card 1: Vintage Suitcase & Florals

A handmade card featuring a cream and tan die-cut hat box-style suitcase with a teal bow and florals, set against an aqua background of stamped vintage maps and postmarks.

This card is all about vintage charm! The focal point is a cream-colored hat box-style suitcase with tan trim, die-cut from the Suitcase and Florals Fancy Die. A lovely teal bow is tied to the handle, and delicate die-cut flowers add a soft floral touch.

Hero Studio Suitcase and Florals die cut handmade "hello" card with a charming hat box luggage, teal bow, and flowers in orange and red. The background is a mixed media postage stamp theme.

Design Details:

  • Color Palette: Teal, aqua, alabaster cream, marigold, and red from the Color Wheel Cardstock Collection .
  • Background: I loosely ink blended Splash ink on white cardstock and then added Splash ink splatters on the aqua panel and A2 cardbase. I then randomly stamped the panel in black ink using the Vintage Maps & Ledgers and Vintage Postmarks & Tickets stamps. Using my Nesting Postage Stamp Infinity dies, I die-cut stamp shapes that would serve as my background.
  • Framing: A vivid Blue Spruce mat behind the die-cut stamps makes the alabaster hat box pop.
  • Sentiment: A die-cut, scripty “hello” (Friend Words Sentiment Dies) that complements the vintage theme. Two black enamel dots in the center of the flowers continues the bold color palette.
Pro Tip: 
A deep Blue Spruce background mat is key to making lighter elements like the alabaster suitcase stand out.

Color Swatching:

To help with color coordination, I also swatched my cardstock colors using the Spellbinders Color Swatch Petal Dies—a handy way to visualize your palette before committing to a design!

Color Wheel Cardstock Colors used: Alabaster, Terracotta, Poppy, Cranberry, Carrot, Teal Topaz, Blue Spruce, Fern and Brushed Gold.

You can find the entire Color Wheel Collection HERE.

Card 2: Pastel Bow-Themed Circular Card

A round handmade card with a stamped and Copic-colored bow pattern transitioning from yellow to pink, coral, lavender, and blue. The card base is deep charcoal gray.

For my second card, I went with a soft, rainbow gradient-colored design that’s easy to recreate. This is a DIY card that’s great for beginner cardmakers, offering a fun way to experiment with color blending and shaped card designs. The 6 x 6″ Bold Print makes stamping so easy! The bows are already laid out perfectly, so no need to spend time arranging your dies.

Design Details:

  • Stamp: The “Bows” Bold Cling Stamp stamped on smooth white cardstock and colored with pastel Copic markers.
  • Color Gradient: Blends from creamy yellow at the top to soft pinks, corals, lavender, and blues at the bottom.
  • Card Shape: Using my Nesting Circle Dies, I die cut a circle from my Copic colored panel. To make my card base, I die cut two circles from Charcoal cardstock, scored the back one at 3/4″ and then glued the tops together. To make this card even easier, you could make a traditional A2 rectangular card, which would exclude using infinity dies.
  • Finishing the Card: I added a small “for you” heat embossed sentiment and some Clear Enamel Dots.

Pro Tip:

Use craft foam behind your card panels for a polished, professional look with added dimension!

An easy DIY stamped card with 10 girly bows of different shapes and sizes, Copic colored in a rainbow gradient.

Final Thoughts

Both of these cards showcase the March 2025 Hero Arts release in different ways—one with vintage textures and layers, the other with simple stamping and coloring. Whether you’re a fan of intricate die-cutting or quick, colorful stamping, there’s something in this release for you!

Let me know in the comments—which card style do you love most? And don’t forget to check out the full Hero Arts release for more inspiration!

cardmaking · Die cutting · Stamping

Unique Cards Inspired by Retro and Urban Vibes + Ralph Tyndall/Hero Arts Instagram Hop

Karen Brown1 Comment
Iconic GameBoy Retro Game theme shaped handmade card from the Ralph Tyndall collection from Hero Arts.

Phenom Ralph Tyndall collaborated with Hero Arts for a fun new Fall Release. I created two iconic cards that are part of Hero Arts Instagram Hop that you can participate in HERE.

You can find Ralph Tyndall’s Fall Collection HERE.

Retro GameBoy-Themed Card 🎮

As a 90s kid at heart, I couldn’t pass up the chance to create a card inspired by the iconic GameBoy! The nostalgic colors, the pixelated graphics, and that satisfying ‘click’ of the buttons—this card was such a blast to make.

Key Ralph Tyndall Supplies:

Directions for Creating the Retro Game Card:

  • Tip 1: I snipped the star, heart, pull tab and game cartridge from the die set and then die cut the rest of the elements as one piece. This ensured that I had perfect placement for the buttons and screen. If you don’t snip the above mentioned components, they will die cut the back of the card.
  • I used Mustard Cardstock for the body, Charcoal Cardstock for the rim of the screen and Vellum for the screen
  • I die cut the screen frame and buttons 3 times each and glue the pieces together for a realistic 3D look.
  • The die set has a great coordinating Retro Game Stamp Set that really makes the game come alive. I chose Winner for my Screen plus A & B, Select and Start Buttons. There are LOTS of Game related words included in the stamp set.
  • I added an Antique Ivory liner to inside of my card.
Fun handmade card for the video gamer in you life - GameBoy Retro Game die set.

This GameBoy inspired card was one of my favorites to create, and I have to say Tetris was my favorite back in the day! It’s the perfect card for any gamer or someone who loves a throwback to the good ol’ days of handheld gaming.

Urban Heroscape Card

Colorful Urban Cityscape Heroscape card featuring stamps from Ralph Tyndall.

For my second card, I went in a completely different direction with a graphic linear urban Heroscape design. Ralph designed this set too and it is called Street View Heroscape. I’ve always been fascinated by cityscapes, especially the way modern architecture plays with lines and geometric shapes. So, I wanted to create a card that captured the energy of an urban environment using simple, clean lines.

Street View HeroScape Stamps by Ralph Tyndall and Hero Arts - handmade card.

I chose not to use the base stamp because I wanted to emphasize the linear grapic look of this stamp set. The set also comes with coordinating dies that you can find HERE.

TIP: Prior to stamping the Pool Party color building, I masked the Indigo and Purple Galaxy buildings with post it notes for clean stamping.

Supplies Used:

cardmaking · Stamping

Spellbinders | DIY House Mouse Card: Stay Cool with this Adorable Creation!

Karen Brown4 Comments
Whimsical House Mouse stamped card with a cute mouse chilling in front of a fan with a vintage look and Copic coloring.

Hey, crafty friends! Today, I have a super fun and enjoyable cardmaking project to share with you, featuring everyone’s favorite little critters – House Mouse – and the NEW Stay Cool stamp set. This time, we’re creating a whimsical card with the cute mouse chilling in front of a fan, perfect for sending a refreshing message to someone special. What makes this card extra special is its minimalist vintage look, achieved through a limited color palette of blues and tans. So, let’s dive in and get crafting!

House Mouse: Stay Cool (RSC-028)

Masculine House Mouse Stay Cool stamped critter card.

“Stay Cool” is also perfect for creating a good “Man Card” and I plan to give this creation to my husband. Wouldn’t this make the cutest postcard?

My Design Process:

  • Stamp House Mouse: I stamped my panel with the Stay Cool stamp and my Misti stamping tool.
  • Color Your Mouse: Now comes the fun part! I used Copic markers but you can also use your colored pencils or watercolors to bring your adorable mouse to life. I found this stamp easy to color because of all the shading detail.
  • Add the Sentiment: Stamp or adhere your chosen sentiment. I selected “You are the coolest”. This adds a sweet touch to your card and ties everything together. This stamp set also has two other fun sentiments: “take time to just chill” and “I am your biggest fan”.
  • Finishing Your Card:
    • I used a corner rounder on the edges of my background and kraft card base.
    • In keeping with the vintage vibe I was going for, I added some subtle ink blending around the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink.
    • I added some Craft Foam and assembled my card.

Products Used on my House Mouse Card:

I really love the House Mouse series and I have past blog posts with a few other charming stamp sets. If you would like to see my House Mouse Valentine, click HERE. And I have three adorable House Mouse cards that you can see HERE.

This House Mouse card with its darling mouse enjoying a cool breeze is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. So, grab your crafting supplies and get ready to create something truly special!

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

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