Hello Spring - Blackout Technique using watercolors | Honey Bee Stamps

Hello friends!

Today I’m sharing a vibrant spring card featuring the Blackout Technique — and I’m thrilled because it showcases some gorgeous products from the upcoming Country Cottage Release by Honey Bee Stamps! The Cottage Countryside Release will go live on 4/30 after the Live Release Party on YouTube at 8 pm EST. For those of you who love visuals, I will be sharing the Reel Here on Release night!

CARD RECIPE

Chinoiserie 3D Embossing Folder - Background

Great Greeting Spring Dies - Spring

Great Greetings Everyday - Hello

Vintage Love Gem Stickers - Bling

Bee Creative Liquid Shimmer Watercolor - Shimmer on Humming birds

Other Supplies

Bristol Strathmore Paper

Karin Brush Pro Markers 

Versafine Fine Pigment Ink - Onyx Black

Watercolor Brush

Gold Splatter

For this card, I used the stunning new Chinoiserie 3D Embossing Folder to create the background. After embossing a piece of Birtol paper, I colored the impressed images using Karin Brushmarker PROs along with a waterbrush to fill in the embossed wells. (If you'd like to see a similar technique in action, check out my earlier post HERE).

Once the background was fully colored and dry, before moving onto the Blackout step, I carefully ran the panel through my diecut/embossing machine again with the embossing folder, making sure to line it up perfectly. This re-embossing helps sharpen the beautiful details that can sometimes soften after applying water.

I then applied Versafine Fine Pigment Ink - Onyx Black by rubbing it over the entire panel, letting those bright, happy spring colors burst against the dark background. It's such a bold and stunning effect! To the background, I then added gold and white splatters.

Sentiment:
For the greeting:

• "Spring" was created using the brand-new Great Greeting Spring Dies from the Country Cottage release.

• "Hello" comes from the classic Great Greetings Everyday Die set.

I used a metallic foil cardstock for extra shine and layered the sentiments with their coordinating shadows for dimension and definition.

To complete the card, I added a few iridescent gems, and painted the bodies of the Hummingbirds with Bee Creative Liquid Shimmer Watercolor to catch the light and add a bit of playful sparkle.

I hope this card inspires you to give the Blackout Technique a try! It’s a bit messy but so much fun — and the final effect is so worth it.

Keep an eye out for the upcoming Country Cottage Release from Honey Bee Stamps — you’re going to love everything! 

Thank you for stopping by and until next time... Happy Crafting!

Ilda 🌼

Puppy Kisses and Birthday Wishes - Partial Pop Up Card | Honey Bee Stamps

Today I'm sharing an adorable partial pop-up birthday card featuring the cutest pups from Honey Bee Stamps’ latest Pet-Tastic Release! This design adds dimension and charm with a hidden spring mechanism that gives those puppies a little bounce—and who wouldn't want puppy kisses delivered in a red wagon full of flowers? Watch this come together on my Instagram 👉HERE

CARD RECIPE

Dog Gone Amazing Stamps (images)

Dog Gone Amazing - Honey Cuts (coordinating die cuts)

Sweet Stacks: Rectangles - Honey Cuts (background frames)

Itty Bitty Fall Flowers - Honey Cuts (flowers)

Horizon Slimline Borders - Honey Cuts (grass)

Vintage Gift Card Box - Honey Cuts (die used to create pop-up spring - 2 used)

Fall Is In The Air Gems Stickers - (flower centers)

North Pole Gem Stickers (tire centers)

Blending Brushes (background)

Other Supplies

Karin Brushmarker PRO  (used to color in stamped images)

Bristol Paper 

ZIG Watercolor BrusH2O Detailer (used to watercolor and blend out the Karin markers)

Gelly Roll Classic Point Pens (highlights)

Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer (background spray)

Versafine Fine Pigment Ink - Onyx Black (waterproof ink for watercoloring)

Distress Oxide Inks (Mowed Lawn, Broken China)

The Pop-Up Surprise: DIY Spring Mechanism

Now, here’s where the real fun begins—this card features a partial pop-up element that makes the puppy in the wagon come to life with a gentle bounce!

I created a spring mechanism using the connector pieces from the Vintage Gift Card Box Honey Cuts die set. Here’s how:

1. Die Cut Two Connector Pieces – I cut two identical connector pieces from the set.

2. Shape the Spring – I joined the ends to form a standing, 3D hollow rectangle.

3. Create the Spring Action – I added diagonal creases at each end of the rectangle. This allows it to collapse flat when pressed and spring back when released—just like a paper accordion!

4. Assembly – One end was glued to the card base, and the other to the grass layer. 

This clever little structure creates dimension while still keeping the card mailable—a total win!

This card is sure to bring smiles and tail wags! Thank you for stopping by and until next time... Happy Crafting!

Ilda 🐾