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 🐾 

Weighted Spinner Hamster Wheel Card | Honey Bee Stamps

Hello, crafty friends! Today, I’m excited to share an adorable interactive card featuring the Lovely Layers: Hamster House Dies, the Lovely Layers: Hamster, and a fun sentiment from the You’ve Got a Friend Stamp Set—all part of Honey Bee Stamps’ brand-new Pet-tastic Release!

This card is extra special because it has a spinning hamster wheel, bringing a playful, interactive element to the design. I used the Sweet Stacks: Circles to create the spinning mechanism and a clever trick to add weight, ensuring the wheel returns to its neutral position when not in motion. Want to watch this card come together? Check out my Reels HERE

CARD RECIPE

Lovely Layers: Hamster House Dies (Honey Bee Stamps)

Lovely Layers: Hamster (Honey Bee Stamps)

You’ve Got a Friend Stamp Set (Honey Bee Stamps)

Sweet Stacks: Circles Dies (Honey Bee Stamps)

Simply Spring Sticker Set (Honey Bee Stamps)

Cardstock (white and assorted colors for die-cut elements)

Acetate (for transparent wheel effect)

Foam dots/foam tape

Button (for spinner mechanism)

Dime (for added weight)

Black pen (for splatter effect)

Ink (for sentiment)

Die-cutting machine

Glue or strong adhesive

Creating the Spinning Mechanism

To achieve this fun effect, I followed these steps:

• Die-cut the front panel – I cut a circle in the top layer of the card using the Sweet Stacks: Circles Dies.
• Die-cut and assemble the hamster and wheel – I used the Lovely Layers: Hamster and Lovely Layers: Hamster House Dies to piece together the adorable hamster and its wheel.
• Make the wheel transparent – To add a realistic effect, I used Acetate as the top layer of the wheel. Since the glue dries clear, it remains unnoticeable.
• Build the spinner base – glue a button to a larger circle, set aside to dry. This will be used in the next step.
• Layer the card front – Add foam tape behind the front panel, and place the button layer behind the opening so it peeks through the die cut circle opening. Glue to the card base. The foam layer will allow for smooth movement.
• Balance the movement – To help the wheel return to its neutral position after spinning, I glued a dime to the bottom of the hamster wheel, adding just enough weight.
• Attach the wheel – Add a foam dot to the top of the button and then attach the hamster wheel on top, slightly elevating it.
• Adjust the spin – If you want less movement, use a button slightly smaller than the opening. To allow freer spinning, add foam behind the front panel for elevation.

This interactive hamster wheel card is such a fun way to bring life to your paper crafts! The Pet-tastic Release from Honey Bee Stamps is full of adorable elements perfect for animal lovers. I hope this tutorial inspires you to try making your own spinning creations!

Would you give this a spin? Let me know in the comments! Happy crafting!
Ilda 🐹✨

To make supplies easy for you to find, I have linked them above. If something is no longer available I will link to a similar product. Affiliate links may be used depending on the product linked. Please help support my blog by using these links while shopping at no additional cost to you. For more information about the affiliates I use, please visit my disclaimer here. Thanks so much for all your support!

Fin-tastic Pop-Up Aquarium Card | Honey Bee Stamps

If you love interactive cards, this pop-up aquarium is the perfect way to showcase the beautiful new Pet-Tastic Release from Honey Bee Stamps! This 3D card brings an underwater scene to life and is part of the Pet-Tastic Instagram Hop, so don't miss out on hopping along for a chance to win 1 of 2 $50 Gift Cards from Honey Bee! Also, if you want to see how this Fin-tastic Card Came together, watch my latest Reel 👉 HERE!

Let’s dive into how you can create this stunning pop-up aquarium! 

CARD RECIPE

Lovely Layers: Fish (Fish dies)
Lovely Layers: Tank (Aquarium)
Lovely Layers: Tank: Aquarium Add-On (Tank Decor)
Pet-Tastic Stamp Set and Coordinating Dies (Sentiments)

Other Tools & Materials:
Ink blending brushes
Distress Oxide inks
Bee Creative Intense Black ink (for the inside sentiment)
Bee Creative Brilliant White ink (for stamping the front sentiment)

Embossing powder (for the front sentiment)
Scor buddy board (for pop-up springs)
Acetate (for glass front, and floating fish illusion)
Spray bottle (for water splatter effect)
Chunky glitter (for iridescent aquarium rocks)
Adhesive glue

Foam (dots for dimension)

1. Die Cut the Fish and Add Color
Start by die-cutting the fish from white cardstock using the Lovely Layers: Fish dies. Use Distress Oxide inks and ink blending brushes to add vibrant color to each fish. Once colored, piece the fish layers together to create dimension.

2. Die Cut the Aquarium Layers
Die cut three black layers of the aquarium using the Lovely Layers: Tank dies. To the topmost layer, adhere a piece of acetate to mimic the glass front of an actual aquarium.

3. Create the Pop-Up Springs

For the pop-up effect, cut four strips of cardstock measuring 5" x 1". Score them every 1/4 inch and fold them into a spring-like shape. These will be used between the aquarium layers to add dimension.

4. Assemble the Background and Base Layer
Attach the back layer of the aquarium to the card base.
Blend Distress Oxide inks onto a piece of cardstock for a realistic water background.
Use a spray bottle to add water splatter effects to the blended background.
Attach some fish die cuts directly onto the background to give depth.

5. Add the Middle Aquarium Layer
Glue two pop-up springs onto the back layer and attach the second aquarium layer.
Position and adhere the castle and coral elements from the Aquarium Add-On set.
For a fun floating effect, glue a fish onto a small acetate strip and attach it between the layers.

6. Complete the Aquarium Scene
Attach the front layer of the aquarium with another set of pop-up springs.
Add final fish, coral, and decorative die cuts.
Use wood-textured embossed pieces to create the top and bottom of the tank.
Apply glue along the bottom edge, then sprinkle chunky glitter to resemble the shimmering aquarium gravel.

7. Add the Sentiments
Heat emboss the “You’re fintastic” sentiment onto the front panel using white ink and embossing powder.
On the inside of the card, stamp the “Sending birthday fishes” sentiment with black ink for a fun finishing touch.

Thanks to the springs this Card does collapse to fit into an envelope, but please note that it will still be bulky.

This pop-up aquarium card is a delightful way to bring a creative, interactive element to handmade cards. Whether you're making it for a birthday or just to brighten someone’s day, the Pet-Tastic Release from Honey Bee Stamps provides the perfect elements to craft an immersive underwater scene. Give it a try and let your creativity flow!

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

Ilda 🐠✨

To make supplies easy for you to find, I have linked them above. If something is no longer available I will link to a similar product. Affiliate links may be used depending on the product linked. Please help support my blog by using these links while shopping at no additional cost to you. For more information about the affiliates I use, please visit my disclaimer here. Thanks so much for all your support!

Quacktastic Wheel Spinner Card | Picket Fence Studios

Hello, crafty friends! Today, I am thrilled to share a super fun interactive card featuring the February release from Picket Fence Studios. This Quacktastic Wheel Spinner Card brings an extra touch of whimsy with adorable ducklings that spin around a central sentiment.

For a detailed guide on how I stamp multiple images efficiently, be sure to check out my previous blog post: Lucky Ducky Greetings with Picket Fence Studios. I used the leftover stamped images from that project to create this one! To watch this card in action head on over to my Instagram Reels for the latest video.

CARD RECIPE

You are Quacktastic Stamps - Stamped images

You are Quacktastic Coordinating Dies - Die-cut images

Scene Building A2 Stencil Set: Layers of Adventures - Background

2.0" Connected Circles Shaker Creator Die - To create rings/top circle for the Spinner wheel

2.5" Connected Circles Shaker Creator Die - To create rings for the Spinner wheel

Picket Fence Studio Black Hybrid Ink Pad - Ink

Ink Pallets - For stabilizing paper while stamping/ink blending

Life Changing Blender Brushes - Blending inks

Other Supplies
Button

Circle Die - slightly larger then the button

T Square Ruler

White 1.0 Karin DecoGel Pen 

Glue

Creating the Spinner Wheel

• Blending the Background – Using the Scene Building A2 Stencil Set, I blended out the background to create a soft sky effect with fluffy clouds and grassy fields using Distress Oxide Inks.
• Marking the Center – I used a T-Square Ruler to find the center of my card, ensuring smooth spinning action. 
• Adding the Button – The button acts as the pivot point where the rings spin. Use a small circle die (slightly bigger than the button) to die-cut the opening. Glue the background to the card base. Then glue the button to the opening, and set aside to dry completely.
• Cutting the Circles & Rings – I die-cut two rings using the same smaller circle die from the previous step and a couple of large circle dies, the 2.0" and the 2.5" Connected Circles Shaker Creator Die. The larger ring is what the Duckies are Glued to and the smaller ring is to elevate the spinner mechanism. In hindsight, they could have been the same size.

• Layering the Ducklings – Once I glued the Duckies to the larger ring, I then die-cut and adhered a blank coordinating die behind each duck to add strength and rigidity. This helps them spin smoothly without bending.
• Assembling the Spinner – Glue the smaller ring behind the duck layer to lift the spinner mechanism, allowing for a seamless rotation. Place the spinner opening over the button.
• Hiding the Button – To cover the center button, I die-cut a final circle, decorated it with stamped elements, and added the sentiment, "You Are Quacktastic" and glued it to the button.

Inside the card, I stamped the phrase "Have a Lucky Ducky Birthday" to complement the cheerful front. This makes for a delightful interactive birthday card that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!

I absolutely love how this Quacktastic Wheel Spinner Card turned out! The interactive spinning motion adds such a fun element to the design, and these adorable ducklings make it even more special.

I hope you enjoyed this walkthrough! Let me know in the comments if you try making your own spinner card. Thank you for stopping by and until next time... Happy Crafting!

Ilda 🦆

To make supplies easy for you to find, I have linked them above. If something is no longer available I will link to a similar product. Affiliate links may be used depending on the product linked. Please help support my blog by using these links while shopping at no additional cost to you. For more information about the affiliates I use, please visit my disclaimer here. Thanks so much for all your support!

Interactive Roulette Wheel Card | Honey Bee Stamps

Hello, crafty friends! Today, I’m sharing a super fun interactive roulette wheel card that’s perfect for birthdays or good luck wishes. The best part? The tiny roulette ball spins inside the window—adding a touch of Vegas-style excitement! 🎲💰 Want to watch this magical card come to life? Click HERE for my latest Instagram Reel!

CARD RECIPE

Lovely Layers: Roll The Dice - Honey Cuts - Roulette Wheel

Aces 3D Embossing Folder - Background Panel

So Lucky Stamp Set - Sentiment

So Lucky - Honey Cuts -  Sentiment Die

Sweet Stack Circle Dies - Window opening and stacked rings for Roulette Wheel

Cool Pearls Stickers - Roulette Ball

Inside: Birthday Sentiments Stamps - Inside greetings

Bee Creative Intense Black Ink - Ink

Other Supplies:

Gold Gel Pen

Foam Tape/Sheet

Acetate

Glue

Create the Background

• Use a blank card panel and place it over the card base front.
• Find a circle die larger than the Roulette Wheel and die-cut through both the front panel and the top layer of the card base to create a window.
• Emboss the top panel using the Aces 3D Embossing Folder for a fun, casino-inspired texture.
• Glue the embossed layer to the card base. This ensures that the opening aligns perfectly.

Assemble the Roulette Wheel

• Die-cut all the layers of the Lovely Layers: Roll The Dice - Roulette Wheel using various colors of cardstock.
• Add gold gel pen details to give it a realistic metallic look.
• Stack and glue the layers together.

Make It Interactive

Create the Stacked Rings

• Use the Sweet Stack Circle Dies to cut rings of white cardstock and one gold ring for the top layer. I cut 6 and then realized they were not enough to allow the ball to spin freely. I then used a craft foam sheet to create another ring for the deep frame.
• Adhere a piece of acetate to the opening to create a see-through interactive space.
• Add the gold ring on top to finish the look.

Create the Roulette Ball

• Take two white, Cool Pearls Stickers, remove their adhesive, and glue them together to make a round pearl. (The smaller the pearls the less height you will require for the frame.)
• Before sealing, place the pearl ball inside the roulette wheel and test the movement. This ensures the ball rolls properly inside the window.
• Once the ball spins freely, glue the entire assembled roulette wheel onto the opening of the front panel of the card.

Add the Sentiments

• On the front, I stamped and die cut the  "You’re my good luck charm!" from the So Lucky Set.
• On the inside of the card, Stamp "Happy Birthday" above the Roulette Wheel.
• And for some fun, I stamped the inside, using the Inside: Birthday Sentiments Stamps.

This interactive roulette wheel card is a guaranteed winner! Whether you're crafting for a birthday or sending some lucky vibes, the spinning pearl ball makes this card extra special. Try it out, and let me know what you think!

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

Ilda💖

To make supplies easy for you to find, I have linked them above. If something is no longer available I will link to a similar product. Affiliate links may be used depending on the product linked. Please help support my blog by using these links while shopping at no additional cost to you. For more information about the affiliates I use, please visit my disclaimer here. Thanks so much for all your support!

Lucky Ducky Greetings | Picket Fence Studios

Hello, crafty friends! Today, I’m sharing a fun and cheerful handmade card featuring the adorable You Are Quacktastic stamp set from the Picket Fence Studios February Release. This card is packed with dimension, texture, and bright colors, perfect for bringing a smile to someone’s face. It is also part of a 2-Day Instagram Release Hop. So if you would like to be entered to win some fabulous prizes, make sure to HOP along. I also will be sharing a Reel on how this card came together, so don't miss that either :) Now, let’s dive into the details!

CARD RECIPE

Beyond Basics: A2 Scallops, Arches and Window Coverplate Dies - Card base and Panel

You Are Quacktastic Stamps - Duckies

You Are Quacktastic Coordinating Dies - Duckies

Hello 3.0 Word Topper Die - Hello Sentiment

Scene Building: A2 Tall Grass Blades - Grass

On a Cloudy Day Stencil - Shimmery cloud accents

Sparkle - Paper Glitz

Opaque Green Grass Paper Splatter - Green Splatter marks

Ink Palette inside Misti - for stabilizing paper for Stamping

PFS Black Hybrid ink - for stamping

Other Supplies:

Copic Markers - for coloring images

White Gel pen - for highlights

Creating the Card Base

I started with a top-folding A2 card base and die-cut it using the scallop frame die. To ensure the card remained functional, I placed the die slightly over the folded edge to create a hinge. Then, I die-cut another full scallop layer and adhered it to the front for a clean, finished look.

Stamping and Coloring the Images

One of my favorite time-saving tricks for stamping multiple images at once is using the PFS Paper Inking Palette inside my MISTI tool to keep everything perfectly aligned. Instead of peeling each stamp off the carrier sheet, I place the entire set face down onto my cardstock. Then, I carefully close the MISTI lid to pick up the stamps while ensuring they stay in place.

To keep everything secure, I flip the MISTI onto the window, opening it from back to front while holding down the lid. I then tape the edge of the carrier sheet to the window, ensuring it doesn’t shift. With everything locked in place, I ink up the entire set and stamp all the images in one go using PFS Black Hybrid Ink—quick, easy, and perfectly crisp every time!

Pro Tip: Restamping for Crisp Lines

Do not remove the stamped sheet from the MISTI. After coloring the images with Copic markers, I restamped them using the MISTI to enhance the outlines. This simple trick makes the images pop and look polished!

Once everything was colored and crisp, I used the coordinating dies to cut out the images.

Building the Scene

To create a playful and whimsical background:

• I stenciled fluffy clouds using the On a Cloudy Day Stencil and added shimmer with Sparkle Paper Glitz.

• I die-cut A2 Tall Grass Blades in green cardstock and added texture with Opaque Green Grass Paper Splatter.

• The Hello 3.0 Word Topper Die created a bold sentiment, blending seamlessly into the grassy background.

Finally, I arranged my ducklings in a neat row, following their stylish mama! Everything was adhered using a mix of foam tape and liquid glue for dimension.

Inside the Card

I kept the inside simple but fun, stamping the sentiment:

“I am so proud that you have all of your ducks in a row. Have a lucky ducky birthday!”

This pun-filled message adds the perfect finishing touch!

This Lucky Ducky Greetings card was a joy to create! With a mix of layering, stenciling, and die-cutting, it’s an eye-catching design that’s surprisingly easy to make. I hope this inspires you to get crafty with the Picket Fence Studios February Release!

Thank you for stopping by and until next time... Happy Crafting and don't forget to join the 2-Day Instagram HOP and enter to win some amazing prizes!

Ilda 🦆✨

To make supplies easy for you to find, I have linked them above. If something is no longer available I will link to a similar product. Affiliate links may be used depending on the product linked. Please help support my blog by using these links while shopping at no additional cost to you. For more information about the affiliates I use, please visit my disclaimer here. Thanks so much for all your support!