17turtles Juliana Michaels

My New LIVE Class is Here | Pretty Grunge: Steampunk Vibes

2026-04-22T12:00:00.017-04:00

I'm SO excited to invite you to my next LIVE class: Pretty Grunge: Steampunk Vibes!

In this brand-new live class, we'll dive into the gritty, gorgeous world of pretty grunge with a vintage-industrial steampunk twist. You'll discover 8 techniques — 4 layered mixed media backgrounds and 4 embellishment combinations — that will help you create bold, textured cards that are full of personality. Whether you're new to the pretty grunge style or a returning student looking to explore a fresh aesthetic, this class has something for you.

Class Details

This two-part class is happening live on Saturday, May 9th, 2026:

Session One: 10 AM – 12 PM ET
Break: 12 PM – 1 PM ET
Session Two: 1 PM – 3 PM ET
Cost: $20

Can't make it live? No worries! You'll get replay access and can watch anytime that works for you.

JOIN THE CLASS

What to Expect

Whether you're new to mixed media cardmaking or a seasoned crafter looking to explore a bold new style, this class will help you build confidence working with multiple mediums and layering backgrounds and embellishments into cohesive, stunning finished cards.

You'll Learn How To:

Create four different mixed media backgrounds using techniques like stenciling, spray inks, acrylic paint, and embossing folders
Build layered, dimensional embellishments using die cuts, stamping, heat embossing, and more
Work with water reactive dye inks, water reactive dye sprays, and acrylic paint to create rich, moody color palettes
Add depth and texture using tools like brayers, blending brushes, texture paste, and rubbing wax
Combine stamped focal images, ephemera-style elements, and steampunk-inspired die cuts into cohesive, finished card designs
Embrace the grunge — imperfection, layering, and happy accidents are part of what makes this style so beautiful

What's Included

When you join Pretty Grunge: Steampunk Vibes, you'll receive:

A comprehensive class guide filled with step-by-step instructions for all 8 techniques, supply checklists, class prep instructions, recommended substitutions, helpful tips, and more
A pre-recorded Welcome Video to introduce you to the class
A pre-recorded Class Prep Video to walk you through setup
Ongoing replay access to watch and rewatch anytime after the live event
Access to the private 17turtles Creative Classroom Community for support and sharing
A free bonus Color Combinations Guide featuring 8 curated Distress Ink color palettes to inspire your pretty grunge steampunk cards

JOIN THE CLASS

Supplies You'll Need

To help you get an idea of the types of supplies you'll need for this class, I've put together a general supply list that you can view before registering. Once you purchase the class, you'll also receive a detailed supply list and class prep checklist to make getting ready even easier.

I recommend shopping your stash first, but for the best results, I suggest using similar supplies for optimal results with the techniques we'll be learning.

VIEW THE GENERAL SUPPLY LIST

Where to Watch

The class will be hosted privately on YouTube. You'll receive your exclusive access links in your welcome email after purchase. Once the live class ends, the replay will be added to the 17turtles online classroom along with all class materials.

Replay Access: Replay access will be available the next day (or as soon as it's uploaded), and you can watch it anytime, at your own pace.

Class Length: Each session is approximately 2 hours, with a 1-hour break in between. I recommend reserving a little extra time at the end of Session Two in case we go over.

Refund Policy: Due to the immediate access provided, no refunds will be offered once you register.

JOIN THE CLASS

Watch the Video!

Head over to my YouTube channel to watch my latest video where I'm sharing some background and embellishment techniques that capture the pretty grunge steampunk aesthetic. These aren't the techniques from the class — so there's plenty more to discover when you join me — but they're a great way to get inspired and get a feel for the style!

I can't wait to create with you and help you explore the bold, grungy, beautiful world of pretty grunge steampunk!

If you have any questions about supplies, class access, or anything else, feel free to leave a comment below or email me at juliana@17turtles.com — I'm happy to help.

Supply List

Below you can find the supplies I will be using in my Pretty Grunge: Steampunk Vibes class. Keep scrolling for the supply list for my latest video. When you shop through these links, whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, keeps my class costs low, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Pretty Grunge Steampunk Vibes Class Supply List

Pretty Grunge Goes Steampunk Supply List

Tim Holtz Distress Paints Are Back | Gel Plate Art Journal Background

2026-04-11T14:00:00.003-04:00

If you've been in the Tim Holtz world for any length of time, you probably remember when Ranger retired a bunch of the Distress Paint colors — and if you're anything like me, you were a little bummed about it. Well, the good news is they're back! And to celebrate, I decided to do something a little outside my comfort zone and create an art journal page using the re-released Distress Paints with a gel plate. Art journaling and paint aren't really my go-to — yet anyway — but that's kind of the point. Sometimes you just have to give yourself permission to play, and in my latest video that's exactly what I did.

Giving Yourself Permission to Play

I've been wanting to explore art journaling and paint more for a while now, and taking a class recently with Seth Apter really reignited that desire. When I heard the Distress Paints were coming back, it felt like the perfect push to just go for it. I'm not an expert in art journaling or paint, but I'm sharing this anyway because I think it's important to create outside your comfort zone — and honestly, I had so much fun with it. If you've been on the fence about trying something new, I hope this gives you that little nudge.

The Believe in Yourself Art Journal Pages

In the video I'm sharing the background techniques — how I used Distress Paints, stencils, a gel plate, and a brayer to build up those warm, golden, layered backgrounds you see across both pages of the spread. After filming, I went ahead and finished the pages too, and I'm sharing all of those details here.

To create the background for my art journal pages I used Distress Paint in Pumice Stone, Scattered Straw, Forest Moss, Shabby Shutters and Aged Mahogany. Head over to my YouTube channel to check out all the details on how I created the background using the paints, stencils, a gel plate and a brayer.

To add more interest to the background I added some stamping using Archival Ink in Frayed Burlap and a mix of Tim Holtz stamps including French Marketplace, Field Notes, Illustrated Garden, Flowershop and Bird Feather. I recommend using a permanent ink such as Archival Ink when stamping over paint as it will dry quickly and will be permanent.

Once the stamping was completed I went about sorting through my Tim Holtz paper scraps and ephemera pieces to create a layered cluster for each page. I also added an old book page. I used some similar pieces such as the same patterned paper, old book page and colors to keep things cohesive. I also inked the edges of the pieces with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

I also die cut a viewfinder from Black Kraftstock using the Tim Holtz Vault Picture Show Die Set, sanded the edges with a sanding disc. I cut it in half and tucked one piece into the layers of each side of the spread.

I then finished off the pages with some white ink splatters and added some Stabilo pencil work around the outer edge of the patterned paper pieces. I then went about adhering the various layers together and then finally to the page itself.

Watch the Full Background Tutorial

Ready to see all the details on the gel plate background techniques? You can watch the complete tutorial in the video below, or head over to my YouTube channel to check it out.

I'd love to know — are you a Distress Paints fan? Are you excited they're back? Let me know in the comments, and if you give this a try I'd love to see what you create!

Happy crafting!
~ Juliana

Supplies

Below you will find links to the supplies I used to create these pages. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here: https://www.17turtles.com/p/affiliate-and-product-disclosure.html. Thank you so much for your love and support!

A Graduation Shaker Card

2026-04-09T11:52:00.000-04:00

Graduation season is here, and I cannot believe how fast time flies! My youngest niece is graduating from high school this year, and of course I had to make her a card. I wanted to create something special and a little extra fun, so I went with a shaker card combining pieces from the new Scrapbook.com Graduation Bundle with some Tim Holtz Idea-ology papers from my stash.

The result is a 4.75 x 6 inch card packed with blue and gold sequins, a dramatic black silhouette graduation scene, and all the celebratory feels!

Building the Shaker

I started by die cutting a piece of blue patterned paper using the Scrapbook.com Nested Stitched Stamps die to create the shaker window. I cut a piece of acetate to fit behind the opening and adhered it to the back side of the paper. Then I added double-sided foam tape around the entire perimeter of the opening, making sure all the pieces were butted up tightly against each other to keep the sequins from escaping!

For the shaker background, I sprayed a piece of Distress Watercolor Cardstock with Distress Spray in Faded Jeans and Pumice Stone, then ran it through the Scrapbook.com Polka Dot Embossing Folder. To finish it off, I rubbed a little Sizzix Luster Wax in Gold over the embossed texture. Most of this layer ends up hidden behind the sequin mix, but it's still a fun little detail to create — and you'll know it's there! I cut this piece to fit the back of the shaker window.

Before sealing everything up, I added a mix of sequins along with some extra graduation caps die cut from black cardstock. Once the shaker was filled and sealed, I backed the whole piece with a piece of Tim Holtz Idea-ology patterned paper.

Finishing the Card

I distressed the edges of the patterned paper layer and layered it onto a piece of black cardstock. The focal image — the graduation silhouette — is die cut from black cardstock using the Scrapbook.com Graduation Bundle dies. I finished the card with a "Congratulations" sentiment stamped from the Scrapbook.com So Proud Of You stamp set.

I think she's going to love it! 🎓

If you're looking for graduation card inspiration this season, the Scrapbook.com Graduation Bundle is a great option — it includes stamps, dies, and cardstock, giving you everything you need to create a whole collection of cards. Check the supply list below for links.

Let's Chat!

I'd love to see your graduation cards! Drop a photo or a comment below and let me know who you're celebrating this year.

Supplies

Below you'll find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through these links — whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely — you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

How to Use Distress Embossing Glaze | 3 Mixed Media Techniques

2026-04-06T10:00:00.008-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of creating a tutorial for the Ranger Ink YouTube channel featuring Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Glaze, and I am so excited to share these tags with you today! The glaze is translucent, which means you can use it like a traditional embossing powder but still see color and detail through it — and the vintage mixed media results are absolutely stunning.

What is Distress Embossing Glaze?

If you've ever picked up the Distress Embossing Glaze and wondered what to do with it or how it's different from a regular embossing powder, you're not alone! The key is that it's translucent — so instead of covering your image or texture with an opaque color, the glaze allows the color and detail underneath to show through while still adding that beautiful raised, dimensional finish. Once you see it in action, it all clicks!

The Background Techniques

In the Ranger Ink video, I walk through three different ways to use the Distress Embossing Glaze — with an embossing folder, with stamped images, and combined with Distress Translucent Crackle Paste through a stencil. Each technique produces a completely different look, and I use Distress Spray Stains and Distress Paint to add color and bring out all that beautiful texture and detail. Head over to the Ranger Ink YouTube channel to watch the full background tutorial!

WATCH HERE

The Embellishments

Once the backgrounds were complete, I had so much fun layering in the embellishments to give each tag that eclectic, vintage collector feel. Each tag features a vintage portrait photo as the focal point, framed with postage stamps and layered with Tim Holtz die cuts — butterflies, florals, leaves, and architectural elements — along with sentiment labels that really bring the whole story together. The combination of the glazed, textured backgrounds with all those layered details gives each tag a rich, curiosity cabinet quality that I just love.

For the embellishments on this tag, I die cut a couple of butterflies from Distress Watercolor Cardstock using the Scribbly Butterflies die set. I sprayed them with Distress Spray Stain in Fossilized Amber and inked the edges with Distress Ink in Walnut Stain. I then layered in an antique portrait from the Tim Holtz Photomatic set, tucking a few stamps from the Tim Holtz Postmarked Sticker Book behind it. A sentiment from the Tim Holtz Quote Chips labels finished everything off perfectly.

For this tag I followed a similar process, die cutting the Tim Holtz Vault Funky Floral Wreath die set and spraying it with Scorched Timber Distress Spray Stain. The flowers and leaves were inked individually with Distress Ink in Rusty Hinge, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, Salvaged Patina, Fossilized Amber, and Walnut Stain. I then finished it off with an antique portrait, a few stamps from the Tim Holtz Postmarked Sticker Book, and a sentiment from the Tim Holtz Quote Chips labels, just as I did on the first tag.

For the final tag, I die cut the globe images using the Tim Holtz Vault World Travel die set and heat embossed them with gold embossing powder. After adhering them to the tag I trimmed off the excess. I then finished everything off with an antique portrait from the Tim Holtz Photomatic set, a few stamps from the Tim Holtz Postmarked Sticker Book, and a sentiment from the Tim Holtz Quote Chips labels.

I hope these tags inspire you to pull out your Distress Embossing Glaze and give it a try! If you have any questions about the techniques or the embellishments, feel free to leave them in the comments below. I'd love to see what you create!

Supplies

Below you'll find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here: https://www.17turtles.com/p/affiliate-and-product-disclosure.html. Thank you so much for your love and support!

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No Embossing Folder? No Problem | Faux Embossing Background Technique

2026-03-19T12:00:00.006-04:00

What if you could create a rich, textured background without an embossing folder? Today I'm sharing one of my favorite techniques using some of the newly released dies from the Tim Holtz Sizzix March release — and the best part is it works with any dies you already own.

The technique uses dies you already own and creates that beautiful raised, textured look without any special equipment. Add Distress Sprays and a little Foundry Wax and the results are stunning — this card has that vintage wanderlust vibe I absolutely love. You'll want to watch the video to see exactly how it all comes together!

The Faux Embossing Technique

The key to this technique is that you don't need specific dies — you can use whatever you have in your stash. Any die cut adhered to paper before adding color will create that raised, textured effect. For this card I used dies from the Tim Holtz Sizzix March release, which were previously released and retired and are now available again. So if you missed them the first time, this is a great opportunity to grab them!

For color I used Distress Spray Stains in Uncharted Mariner and Broken China, along with Distress Oxide Sprays in Uncharted Mariner and Weathered Wood. The good news is you don't need both types of sprays — use what you have, mix and match, or stick with one. That's the beauty of this technique: it's flexible and works with your stash.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to see the faux embossing technique in action? Watch the complete tutorial in the video below, or head over to my YouTube channel to check it out.

I'd love to know — do you have dies sitting in your stash that you haven't used in a while? This technique might be just the reason to pull them out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you're thinking of trying it with.

Supplies

Below you will find links to the supplies I used to create these cards. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Embossing Folder Background Techniques | Beginner to Advanced

2026-03-14T14:00:00.001-04:00

If you've ever wondered how to get more out of your embossing folders, this tutorial is for you! Today I'm sharing three ways to use an embossing folder to create a mixed media card background, and we're going from beginner to advanced. Each technique builds on the last, so whether you're just getting started with mixed media or you're ready to layer in some more products and push your skills a little further, there's something here for you.

Three Levels, One Embossing Folder

The idea behind this tutorial is simple — take one embossing folder and show how you can use it three different ways, each one stepping up the complexity a little. No matter which technique you choose, the Sizzix Luster Wax is the secret weapon that ties them all together — it catches the raised areas of the embossed design and makes it pop beautifully every single time.

The beginner technique keeps things simple with colored cardstock, Luster Wax to highlight the embossed design, and inked edges using Distress Ink. It's approachable, low-risk, and gives you a gorgeous result with minimal supplies.

The intermediate technique introduces Distress Watercolor cardstock and Distress Spray Stains before adding the Luster Wax and inked edges. The Spray Stains sink into the watercolor cardstock beautifully, adding depth and color before the Luster Wax works its magic on the embossed design.

The advanced technique builds on the intermediate version by layering Distress Oxide Sprays on top of the Spray Stains before finishing with the Luster Wax and inked edges. It's the same process with one extra step, but that additional layer of color adds a richness that takes the background to a whole new level.

The Focal Point

While the focus of this tutorial is the background techniques, I also walk you through how I created the die cut focal point for each card using the new Sizzix Tim Holtz Vault Picture Wheel and Handwritten Thinlits Dies. One of my favorite things about the Handwritten dies is how beautifully they layer with the Alphanumeric Stretch Upper Case dies — and you'll see exactly how I used that combination on these cards.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to see all three background techniques in action? You can watch the complete tutorial in the video below, or head over to my YouTube channel to check it out.

[VIDEO EMBED HERE]

I'd love to know — which background technique would you choose for your next card? The beginner, intermediate, or advanced version? Leave a comment below and let me know!

Supplies

Mixed Media Cardmaking Part 2 | Creating Embellishment Layers

2026-02-18T12:00:00.038-05:00

Welcome to Part 2 of my mixed media cardmaking series! In Part 1, I walked you through building a layered background with seven different techniques. Today, I'm taking you step-by-step through creating the embellishments and assembling everything to complete this card. You'll see how I stamp and watercolor flowers, create a vintage ephemera piece, and use foam tape strategically to add beautiful dimension. Plus, I'm sharing some of my favorite tips and tricks that make the assembly process so much easier!

This is Part 2 of a two-part series! If you missed Part 1 where I created the mixed media background, check it out first: Read Part 1 | Watch Part 1 on YouTube

From Stamped Images to Finished Embellishments

One of the questions I get asked most often is how to take stamped images and turn them into polished, dimensional embellishments that look cohesive with your background. The key is in the details - how you color them, how you create supporting elements like ephemera, and how you plan your placement before anything gets adhered down.

In this tutorial, I'm using watercoloring to add soft, natural color to my stamped flowers. Watercoloring with dye inks gives you so much control - you can build up layers for depth, blend colors seamlessly, and create that loose, artistic look that works beautifully with mixed media backgrounds. The best part? You don't need special watercolor paints. Regular dye inks and a water brush work perfectly.

I'm also showing you how to create a vintage ephemera piece using stamps and inks to coordinate with your main elements. These little supporting pieces add so much to a design - they give you something to tuck behind your focal images and help tie everything together visually.

And here's the game changer: my Press & Seal technique for keeping die-cut pieces exactly where you want them while you add adhesive. This trick has saved me so much frustration over the years, and once you try it, you'll use it on every dimensional project!

Creating the Embellishments: Step-by-Step

Here's how I built the layers for this card:

Step 1: Stamping the Images

I stamped the outline flowers and leaves using waterproof ink on watercolor cardstock. Using waterproof ink is essential here since we'll be adding water for the coloring - you want those outlines to stay crisp.

Step 2: Watercoloring the Flowers and Leaves

Using a water brush and dye inks, I added color to each flower and leaf. I built up layers of color for depth and let each layer dry before adding more. The key is working with a light touch - you can always add more color, but it's harder to remove it.

Step 3: Die-Cutting the Elements

After all the stamping was completed, I used the coordinating dies to cut out each flower and leaf. Having dies that match your stamps makes this process so much easier and gives you clean, professional edges.

Step 4: Creating the Vintage Ephemera Piece

I stamped a ticket image and aged it using ink smooshing and edge inking, then added water splatters for that authentic vintage look. This piece will tuck behind the flowers to add visual interest and help ground the cluster.

Step 5: Adding Dimension with Foam Tape

I added foam tape to the backs of my pieces, creating different levels of dimension. Not everything needs to be popped up the same height - varying the dimension makes the design more interesting and realistic. Now, I already had a pretty good idea of where I wanted everything to go, so I jumped ahead to adding the foam tape. But if you're not sure about your layout yet, you might want to plan your placement first before adding adhesive.

Step 6: Planning the Final Layout

Even with foam tape already on, I still played with the placement to make sure I was happy with the arrangement. This is where my Press & Seal trick comes in handy - laying a sheet over the top lets me pick up all the pieces at once without them sticking together, flip it over if needed, and keep everything exactly where I want it during final assembly.

Step 7: Adding the Sentiment and Adhering to the Background

Finally, I adhered the completed background to my card base and added a sentiment sticker. I shared my tips for getting everything straight and centered without measuring.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to see all the details, watch the watercoloring process in action, and learn that Press & Seal trick? The video walks you through everything step-by-step with all my tips for getting professional results. You can watch Part 2 below.

If you missed Part 1 where I created the mixed media background for this card, be sure to watch that first to see how I built up all those layers! You can watch Part 1 below.

What's Your Favorite Assembly Trick?

I'd love to hear from you! Do you have a go-to technique for assembling dimensional cards? Have you tried Press & Seal or do you have another method that works great for you? Drop a comment on the video or send me a message on Instagram—I always love hearing what works for other crafters!

Supplies

Below you'll find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here: https://www.17turtles.com/p/affiliate-and-product-disclosure.html. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Mixed Media Cardmaking Part 1 | Building Background Layers

2026-02-11T12:00:00.025-05:00

Today I'm kicking off a two-part mixed media cardmaking series, and I'm so excited to share my approach for creating layered backgrounds! If you've ever wondered how to layer mixed media techniques without ending up with a muddy mess, this tutorial is for you. I'm walking you through building a textured background using stencils, stamps, inks, and paste—and more importantly, I'm sharing why the order matters and how understanding your mediums can make all the difference.

Understanding Mixed Media: It's All About Planning

When it comes to mixed media cardmaking, a little planning goes a long way. The biggest challenge people face isn't the techniques themselves—it's knowing what order to use them in so you don't create a muddy disaster or lose the crisp details you worked so hard on.

Here's what I've learned: different mediums behave differently, and understanding those behaviors helps you make better decisions. Water-reactive inks (like dye inks) will reactivate when they get wet again, which means they can blend and move. Pigment inks are more permanent once they dry. And archival inks are waterproof, so they won't budge no matter what you layer on top of them.

This is why I always reach for waterproof or pigment inks when I'm stamping on mixed media backgrounds—I want those images to stay crisp even when I add more layers. But if you want a softer, blended look, regular dye inks can work beautifully too. There's no single "right" way—it's about understanding your supplies and choosing what works for the effect you want.

The same thinking applies to when you add texture paste, sprays, and inking. Some techniques need to go first (like paste through stencils—it's hard to stamp over bumpy texture!), while others work better as final layers (like shimmer sprays). Once you understand the "why" behind the order, you can experiment with confidence and even break the rules intentionally.

Building the Background: Seven Layers

For this card, I built the background using seven different techniques. You don't have to use all seven—you could pick just one or two and still create something beautiful. But I wanted to show you how layering multiple techniques creates depth and interest. Here's what I did:

Step 1: Monoprinting with Stencil

I started by applying dye ink directly to my stencil, spritzing it with water, and then pressing it onto watercolor cardstock to transfer the design. This creates a soft, watercolor-like background layer.

Step 2: Ink Smooshing

Next, I added subtle color by smooshing ink onto my craft mat, spritzing it with water, and tapping sections of my background into it. I dried this layer before moving on so the colors would build rather than blend.

Step 3: Partial Stamping for Texture

Using waterproof ink and background stamps (script and grid), I added random bits of stamped texture—not full crisp images, just hints here and there to create visual interest.

Step 4: Paste Through Stencil

I used a palette knife to spread metallic paste through my stencil, adding both texture and shimmer. This is one of those techniques you want to do after stamping, since it's tricky to stamp over bumpy paste.

Step 5: Shimmer Spray

A light misting of shimmer spray adds a subtle sparkle that catches the light beautifully in person (even if it doesn't always show up on camera!).

Step 6: Splatters with Shimmer Spray

I added a few deliberate splatters using spray ink to create organic texture and visual interest across the background.

Step 7: Ink Edges and Water Spray

Finally, I inked around the edges with a blending brush, then added water splatters with a spray bottle. As the water dried, it pulled the ink and created that beautiful vintage, weathered effect.

Again, you can mix and match any of these techniques or use just one or two. The key is going in an order that makes sense for the mediums you're working with. If you want to try all seven, just follow this sequence and you'll avoid those muddy-mess moments!

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to see all the details, tips, and why I made each decision along the way? The video walks you through my entire thought process, shows you each technique in action, and gives you all the little tips I've learned over the years. Plus, you'll see how each layer builds on the last to create that final textured background.

Mixed Media Cardmaking | Part 2

This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In Part 2, I'll take you step-by-step through creating the embellishments, plus I'll share my best tips for assembling the layers and adding dimension to complete the card. So be sure to watch for that next video!

What's Your Approach to Mixed Media?

I'd love to hear from you! Do you plan out your mixed media layers, or do you prefer to wing it and see what happens? Which of these seven techniques are you most excited to try? Drop a comment on the video or send me a message on Instagram—I always love hearing about your creative process!

Related Posts You Might Enjoy:

Happy crafting!
~ Juliana

Supplies

Below you'll find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Migration Is Beautiful: Papercrafters Unite Against Racism 2026

2026-02-08T15:00:00.127-05:00

Hello friends! Welcome to the Papercrafters Unite Against Racism Instagram Hop. I'm honored to join the papercrafting community once again to stand in solidarity with BIPOC, AAPI, Indigenous, Palestinian, and all oppressed communities in the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.

Migration Is Beautiful

When I saw this phrase, it stopped me in my tracks. As someone who loves butterflies and incorporates them into my mixed media work, the connection felt immediate and profound. Migration—in all its forms—is an act of courage, survival, transformation, and hope.

The monarch butterfly travels up to 3,000 miles in its migration, following an ancient instinct passed down through generations. Families cross borders seeking safety, opportunity, and a better life for their children. And collectively, we continue the long migration toward justice, equity, and true equality. All of these journeys are beautiful. All of them matter.

The Card

For this project, I created a mixed media card featuring a bold butterfly die cut layered over vintage ephemera and an inky textured background. You can find a list of all of the supplies I used at the bottom of this post.

Creating the Background

I began by stamping a combination of ledger and script stamps onto Distress Watercolor Cardstock using Distress Archival Ink in Frayed Burlap. The stamps I used are Tim Holtz On The Farm and French Marketplace. Next, I added texture by applying Distress Textures Paste through the Tim Holtz Blossom Layering Stencil.

Once the paste was dry, I sprayed the paper with a combination of Distress Spray Stain in Tumbled Glass and Speckled Egg, plus a touch of Distress Oxide Spray in Speckled Egg. I finished by inking the edges with Distress Ink in Vintage Photo.

The Vintage Ephemera

The ephemera pieces were stamped onto Distress Watercolor Cardstock using Distress Archival Ink in Frayed Burlap. The stamp set used is the Tim Holt Field Notes. Before stamping, I ink smooshed the paper into Distress Ink in Old Paper to create a vintage effect. I then trimmed around the images with scissors and inked the edges with Vintage Photo.

The Butterfly

For the butterfly, I used the Tim Holtz Perspective Butterfly Die. I cut it once from Distress Black Heavystock and once from Distress Watercolor Cardstock. I carefully saved all the negative pieces from the watercolor cardstock die cut and adhered both the die cut shape and the negative pieces to white cardstock using a fine-tip liquid adhesive. Using scissors and a craft knife, I carefully trimmed around the entire piece.

Next, I used a waterbrush with Distress Ink in Crackling Campfire and Spiced Marmalade to watercolor the butterfly. Once the ink was dry, I layered the black die cut on top. I used a black marker to color around the edges of the die cut to cover any white showing, then adhered the completed butterfly to my background.

The Meaning

The layered, textured background represents the complexity of these issues. Nothing about this work is simple or one-dimensional. The vintage elements remind us that while this fight is long-standing, the urgency remains constant. And that vibrant butterfly? It's a reminder that migration, movement, change—and the people who embody these journeys—are not just necessary. They're beautiful.

Showing Up: The Ongoing Work

Anti-racism isn't a single moment or event. It's ongoing work that requires consistent action and commitment. Here are some of the ways I continue to show up:

Starting conversations when I witness racist experiences or hear racist comments—even when it's uncomfortable
Actively working to examine and change my own perceptions and biases
Taking the time to learn how to correctly pronounce people's names—it's a basic act of respect and recognition
Taking action through donating to organizations doing the work, signing petitions, making calls to representatives, and holding politicians accountable for their policies and actions

The goal of this hop is to continue raising awareness about anti-racism and to encourage everyone to find ways to show up for equity and equality in ways that make sense for you. Silence, inaction, and passivity are detrimental to justice. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Instagram Hop Information

The hop is taking place on Instagram starting February, 8 at 3PM ET. For a complete list of participants and more information about Papercrafters Unite Against Racism, visit @pcuar_ on Instagram.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you'll continue this important conversation in your own communities and find ways to show up for justice and equality.

Supplies

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

My New LIVE Class is Here | Stretch Your Stamps

2026-02-04T11:30:00.003-05:00

I'm SO excited to invite you to my next LIVE class: Stretch Your Stamps!

In this brand-new live class, we'll explore creative ways to use your stamps beyond traditional stamping. You'll discover 8 techniques that transform stamps into versatile tools for creating vintage effects, soft artistic looks, bold layered backgrounds, and more. Whether you have a drawer full of stamps you rarely reach for or a few favorites you'd like to use in new ways, this class will help you get more creative mileage from every stamp you own.

Class Details

When: This two-part class is happening live on Saturday, February 21st

Session One: 10 AM – 12 PM ET
Break: 12 PM – 1 PM ET
Session Two: 1 PM – 3 PM ET

Cost: $20

Can't make it live? No worries! You'll get replay access and can watch anytime that works for you.

JOIN THE CLASS

What to Expect

Whether you're new to creative stamping techniques or a seasoned cardmaker looking to expand your toolkit, this class will help you discover just how much more your stamps can do! In this class, we'll focus on creating beautiful stamped backgrounds using techniques you can mix, match, and adapt to any stamp set in your collection.

You'll Learn How To:

Use stamps in unexpected ways to create unique backgrounds beyond traditional stamping
Combine stamping with water techniques and ink blending to create backgrounds with depth and interest
Work with both Distress Inks and Distress Oxide Inks to explore their unique properties and effects
Create vintage and distressed effects with techniques like second generation stamping and faux bleaching
Integrate stamps with other tools like stencils to expand your creative possibilities
Build a versatile technique library you can mix, match, and adapt to any stamp set you own

What's Included

When you join Stretch Your Stamps, you'll receive:

Comprehensive class guide filled with step-by-step instructions for all 8 techniques, supply checklists, class prep instructions, recommended substitutions, helpful tips and more
Pre-recorded Welcome Video to introduce you to the class
Pre-recorded Class Prep Video to walk you through setup
Ongoing replay access to watch and rewatch anytime after the live event
Access to the private 17turtles Classroom Creative Community for support and sharing
Two exclusive FREE bonus guides:
- 🎁 Stamping 101 Guide – everything you need to know about stamp types, ink options, care and storage, troubleshooting, and more
- 🎁 Finished Cards Guide – step-by-step instructions showing how to turn your stamped backgrounds into beautiful completed cards

JOIN THE CLASS

Supplies You'll Need

To help you get an idea of the types of supplies you'll need for this class, I've put together a general supply list that you can view before registering.

Once you purchase the class, you'll also receive a detailed supply list and class prep checklist to make getting ready even easier.

I recommend shopping your stash first, but for the best results, I suggest using similar supplies for optimal results with the techniques we'll be learning.

VIEW THE GENERAL SUPPLY LIST

Where to Watch

Replay Access

Replay access will be available the next day (or as soon as it's uploaded), and you can watch it anytime, at your own pace.

Class Length

Each session is approximately 2 hours, with a 1-hour break in between. I recommend reserving a little extra time at the end of Session Two in case we go over.

Refund Policy

Due to the immediate access provided, no refunds will be offered once you register.

JOIN THE CLASS

Watch the Premiere with Me!

🎥 I'm premiering a brand new YouTube video where I'm sharing a full tutorial on resist stamping using Tim Holtz stamps and Distress products. This technique is NOT part of the class - it's a bonus preview to show you the creative possibilities when you stretch what your stamps can do!

Join me for the premiere and chat with other stamping enthusiasts!

WATCH THE VIDEO

I can't wait to create with you and help you discover new ways to stretch your stamps in this exciting live class!

If you have any questions about supplies, class access, or anything else, feel free to leave a comment below or email me at juliana@17turtles.com — I'm happy to help.

Supply List

Below you can find the supplies I will be using in my Stretch Your Stamps class. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, keeps my class costs low and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

How to Make a Mixed Media Spring Card for Easter

2026-02-04T11:00:00.014-05:00

I'm excited to share a brand new mixed media spring card tutorial I created for Scrapbook.com! This card features a vintage bunny with lots of texture, dimension, and those vibrant spring colors we all love this time of year.

Whether you're celebrating Easter or simply enjoying the energy of spring, this project is packed with mixed media techniques that work beautifully together. I'm using a combination of Tim Holtz and Scrapbook.com products and a variety of techniques including embossing, watercoloring, spray inks, and a touch of glitter to create all those layers and details. Feel free to go through your stash for similar items and create along with me. You can find a detailed supply list with links at the bottom of this post.

The video tutorial walks you through every step. You'll see exactly how I build up the background, create the dimensional elements, and bring this whole card together from start to finish.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to see how this card comes together? Head over to the Scrapbook.com YouTube channel to watch the complete tutorial! The video goes live Wednesday, February 4 at 11 AM ET.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

I hope this inspires you to pull out those spring stamps and play with some mixed media techniques! If you give this a try, I'd love to see what you create! Feel free to share your projects with me on Instagram or in the comments.

Supplies

Below you'll find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here: https://www.17turtles.com/p/affiliate-and-product-disclosure.html. Thank you so much for your love and support!

SBC Fest March 2026 | FREE Online Paper Crafting Event!

2026-01-27T11:00:00.091-05:00

SBC Fest is for everyone—card makers, scrapbookers, and paper crafters of all kinds. Whether you're into clean and simple designs or love getting messy with mixed media, there's something for you. Plus, you can join the event LIVE to chat with instructors and enter giveaways throughout the day. It's such a fun way to connect with fellow crafters and soak up new techniques and ideas.

A SNEAK PEEK AT LAURA GRAFF'S KIT

Today I'm sharing a card I made using the kit that Laura Graff will be using for her class. This is NOT the class project—this is just one more way to use the kit. Think of it as some extra inspiration on how to use her kit and to help get you excited about her class!

KIT CONTENTS

A2 Heirloom Patterned Paper Pad
From The Heart Stamp Set
From The Heart Coordinating Die Set
Treasured Garden Die Set
Heartfelt Blooms Rub-On Transfers
Large Zipper Storage Pouch

The large zipper storage pouch is perfect for storing all of your materials for SBC Fest and be ready to craft alongside your favorite instructors!

GRAB LAURA'S KIT HERE

I love this soft, romantic color palette with the peachy florals and sage greenery from the Heirloom paper pad. For this card, I used various dies to cut and layer elements, creating dimension with the nested stitched label, butterflies, and that gorgeous floral paper. The "Thinking of You" sentiment is perfect for so many occasions, and the whole design comes together beautifully with just a bit of distressing on the edges for that vintage feel.

GET YOUR KITS & MARK YOUR CALENDAR

You can purchase each instructor's class kit separately, but if you're loving it all and are looking for a deal, you might want to consider purchasing the Ultimate Instructor Bundle, which includes ALL of the instructors' kits so that you can craft along for the ENTIRE event! Here's look at all of the kits that are included in this bundle.

GRAB THE ULTIMATE BUNDLE HERE

The MSRP on the Ultimate Bundle is $655. However Scrapbook.com is offering it at an amazing price right now of only $229.99. And if you want to save even more make sure you use the code CRAFTY to save an extra 13%. This is the lowest price if will be offered prior to the start of SBC Fest, but if you wait for that it may be sold out.

Now with all that said, you do NOT need to purchase anything to play along and enjoy the event. You can always take a look at the kits and then shop your stash for similar items and play along.

I hope you'll join me and thousands of other crafters on March 13th for this amazing FREE event! Mark your calendars now, and I'll see you there!

SUPPLIES

Below you'll find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement HERE. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Your favorite event of the year is back! SBC Fest will take place Friday, March 13, 2026, and you are not going to want to miss it.

If you aren't familiar with SBC Fest, it is an incredible FREE online event hosted by Scrapbook.com! It is a one-day virtual paper crafting event packed with inspiration, tutorials, and crafty fun. You'll get to learn from some of your favorite instructors—including Justin Adkins, Laura Graff, Lea Lawson, Meghann Andrew, Marie Nicole, Vicki Boutin, and Gina K!

LEARN MORE HERE

Avoid the Ink Blending Rut | 3 Mixed Media Stencil Techniques

2026-01-26T12:00:00.001-05:00

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in an ink blending rut with your stencils? I love ink blending - don't get me wrong - but stencils can do so much more! Today I'm sharing three completely different mixed media backgrounds that go way beyond basic ink blending, and I think you're going to love the variety of looks you can create.

In this video tutorial, I'm using the gorgeous new Beautiful Botanical Stencils from Vicki Boutin's first release with Sizzix. These botanical designs are stunning, but here's the best part - all of the techniques I'm sharing work with any stencils you already have in your stash. Whether you have florals, geometrics, or texture stencils sitting unused, this is your invitation to pull them out and play!

What You'll Learn

I'm walking you through three different mixed media stencil techniques to create unique card backgrounds:

Technique 1: Monoprinting with Stencils This technique creates one-of-a-kind prints that add unique layers of texture and interest. It's one of my favorite ways to add subtle pattern and interest without overwhelming your design.

Technique 2: Layering Texture Paste We'll explore using both translucent and opaque Distress Texture Paste through stencils to build dimension and depth. The combination of the two types of paste creates such beautiful, organic texture.

Technique 3: Distress Foundry Wax Splatters Adding splatters with Foundry Wax brings unexpected texture and visual interest to your backgrounds. It's such a fun, loose technique that adds that signature mixed media feel.

Beyond the Backgrounds

I'm also sharing the techniques I used to create the floral embellishments on each finished card. You'll see how the Vicki Boutin stamp and die sets work beautifully with these mixed media backgrounds, and how versatile these products are when you approach them from a technique-focused perspective rather than just following the "intended" use.

Shop Your Stash Approach

The beauty of these mixed media stencil techniques is that you don't need to buy anything new to follow along. Yes, the Vicki Boutin Sizzix release is gorgeous (and I'll link everything below), but these techniques work with whatever you already have. Pull out those stencils that have been sitting in your drawer, grab your texture paste, ink pads, or wax, and let's create something beautiful together.

Whether you're new to mixed media or just looking for fresh ways to use your stencils, I hope this inspires you to break out of that ink blending routine and try something new!

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to dive in? Watch the full video tutorial below to see all three techniques in action:

[VIDEO EMBED]

I'd love to hear which technique you're most excited to try! Leave a comment on the video or send me an email - I always love hearing from you.

Happy creating!

Supplies

Below you will find links to the supplies I used to create these cards. Affiliate links and codes are used at no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support. When you use an affiliate link or code to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This commission helps me to continue to provide free content and tutorials. Your support means the world to me. Where available, I've provided multiple purchasing options. If you have a favorite online store, I encourage you to shop there. Supporting small businesses is something I believe in wholeheartedly. However, I've also included links to Amazon for your convenience, as I understand it's a preferred shopping destination for many. Thank you for being here and for your continued support!

Craft Room Tour 2026 | Storage That Really Works

2026-01-22T12:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my 2026 Craft Room Tour! I'm excited to take you through my creative space and show you how I organize and store my craft supplies. When you compare this year's tour to 2025, you'll notice the changes are fairly subtle, but I wanted to share where my craft room stands at this stage of my creative journey. The lack of major changes really speaks to finding an organizational system that works beautifully with both my workflow and the supplies I reach for most often. That said, I'm always tweaking things here and there as my creative process evolves, and you'll catch some of those smaller adjustments as we move through the space.

One constant in my craft room? I'm still committed to regularly purging supplies. My dedicated "spare box" continues to serve its purpose, collecting items I no longer use or love. When it fills up, I find those products new homes—whether through donations or sharing them with fellow crafters who will appreciate them. This ongoing practice keeps my space functional without requiring additional storage solutions or furniture. I've discovered that having too many choices actually limits my creativity, so curating my collection allows me to work with only the products and supplies that truly inspire me.

2026 CRAFT ROOM TOUR

If you'd like to watch a video tour of my craft room, you can find that HERE or watch it below.

If you're interested in any of the storage items you see in the video, you can find links to those that are still available in the description box below. When you shop through those links, you're supporting me, and I truly appreciate that. This is just a peek at some of the storage in my craft room—for a better look at everything, I highly recommend watching the full video tour above.

Behind my desk is a wall of shelving and organization that holds all of my most-used supplies, from stamps and dies to my Tim Holtz Distress Inks and more. This unit sits to the right of my desk, which is in the center of the room as you face that wall. Here you can see my Tim Holtz Distress Ink and Distress Oxide Ink Pads stored in Stamp N Storage Distress Ink Pad Holders.

New to my room this year are the Scrapbook.com TiltBins! I'm currently trying them out to hold some of my everyday Tim Holtz Ideaology pieces, hoping that having them out where I can see them will inspire me to use them more frequently. They come in various sizes, and each size stacks together beautifully. If you don't have tabletop space for them, you can also hang them on the wall with the included hardware.

Here's a look at the Ikea Kallax unit where they sit, along with some of the other storage and organization I have in these cubes. The wood bins are from Target, but I'm not sure if they're still available.

Right behind my desk is an IKEA Billy Bookcase with a couple of shelves that hold some of my vintage treasures and handmade items. Here you can see my Totally Tiffany Stadium Organizer, which is now holding my Distress Spritz and Distress Mica Stain Sprays.

Below this is my Tim Holtz stamp set collection. I continue to use the Scrapbook.com Medium Envelope Organizer to store them, but my collection has grown beyond just these three units! You'll see additional organizers in other areas of my craft room—I have a dedicated unit just for my Christmas stamps and another for my Halloween stamps.

Below that are my Tim Holtz Sizzix dies and embossing folders, stored in my absolute favorite storage pieces in my entire craft room. These wooden drawers from Hobby Lobby are sadly no longer available.

On the other side of the room you'll find another Kallax unit with even more supplies. The ink pads are stored in Stamp N Storage Ink Pad Organizers, and this is my collection of Ranger Archival, 49 and Market, Versafine Clair, and other miscellaneous ink pads.

Here are a couple of photos showing the storage setup I have in this Kallax unit, including the Scrapbook.com Stadium Organizer, Ink Pad Holder (which I use to hold A2 size paper pads), and Skinny Stadium Organizer.

The green bins are vintage hardware bins that are heavy-duty and perfect for holding heavier items like dies. They're not the easiest to lift and carry around, but I absolutely love the vintage look. These are still available brand new—minus the rust!

Next to my desk I have an IKEA Raskog Cart loaded with all of my most-used tools. This is the Scrapbook.com Heat Tool Organizer.

In front of my desk, I have an IKEA dresser. Here's a look inside some of the drawers, which hold many of my essential craft supplies—things I need but don't necessarily use on every project. Here you can see my Distress Paints.

And here's a look at my Distress Spray Stains and Distress Oxide Sprays. I'm absolutely loving the new Ranger Distress Labels and have replaced all my old labels with these! They can be wiped clean, won't be impacted by inky fingers, and they're easily removable.

Here's a look at all of my reinkers, stored in Scrapbook.com Storage Bins—the same bins I use for all of my sprays.

Finally, here's a look inside my craft closet. I tend to keep most of my paper and cardstock on the second shelf, and I really like using drawers for my most frequently used papers. The drawers are also perfect for holding paper scraps!

Here's a look at some of the other shelves with various storage pieces, including more drawers, more Scrapbook.com Bins and Multi-Craft Storage Bins, along with more of those wood crates that hold a variety of miscellaneous craft items.

And there you have it, a quick craft room tour of how I like to store and organize my supplies. Again I highly recommend checking out the video for even more details and ideas.

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the storage and organization pieces I've shared in this craft room tour. When you shop through those links and whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely, you’re supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

My Desert Island Cardmaking Supplies: The Essential Tools I Can't Live Without

2025-12-04T12:00:00.027-05:00

Hey everyone! Today I'm sharing something I get asked about all the time - what are my absolute must-have cardmaking tools and supplies? With so many craft products out there, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what's actually worth investing in. So I'm cutting through the noise and sharing my true desert island essentials - the ones that if I could only keep a handful of items, these would be it!

What Makes Something a "Desert Island Essential"?

When I started thinking about this project, I realized that my desert island list looks very different from what someone else's might be - and that's exactly how it should be! These aren't just popular products or things everyone says you "need." These are the tools and supplies that have proven their worth in MY studio, based on how I love to create cards.

For instance, my Distress Ink palette leans heavily toward earthy, grungier tones because that's my aesthetic. If you gravitate toward bright colors or pastels, your can't-live-without ink collection would look completely different. And that's the beauty of this approach - it gives you permission to think about YOUR own essentials rather than just copying someone else's list.

I've organized everything by category - from die cutting essentials and stamping must-haves to my carefully curated Distress Ink palette, adhesives that actually work, and workspace game-changers. Whether you're looking for gift ideas for the card maker in your life or building your own cardmaking stash strategically, this video walks you through exactly why each item has earned its permanent spot on my desk.

Watch the Video

Ready to see what made my desert island list and hear why I can't live without each one? Watch the complete video below, or head over to my YouTube channel to check it out!

What Would Make YOUR Desert Island List?

I'd love to hear from you! If you had to pare down your cardmaking supplies to just the essentials, what would make the cut? What's the one tool or supply you reach for constantly? Drop a comment on the YouTube video or send me a message on Instagram - I'm always curious to hear what other card makers can't live without!

My Desert Island Cardmaking Supplies

Below you'll find all the supplies I featured in this video. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Watercoloring with Tim Holtz Mini Distress Oxides | Vintage Christmas Card Tutorial

2025-12-01T12:30:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you, but I'm super excited that the final 24 Mini Distress Oxides from Tim Holtz and Ranger Ink are here! This means the entire Distress palette is now available in mini oxide form—perfect news for those of us with "whole collection syndrome"!

Why I'm loving the minis:

They take up less space in your craft room and on your work surface
They enable techniques that are difficult (or impossible) with larger pads
When watercoloring, you're not wasting nearly as much ink
They create a beautiful creamy, dreamy watercolor effect

Watercoloring with Distress Oxides: Yes, You Can!

You might be wondering: can you actually watercolor with Distress Oxides? Yes! They're water reactive, just like regular Distress Inks. The only catch? You'll want to restamp your images after watercoloring to bring back the crisp details. The result is that gorgeous creamy, dreamy effect—dimensional watercolor with rich, opaque color and sharp definition. I'll show you exactly what I mean in this tutorial.

A Sweet Personal Touch

Before we dive into the technique, I have to share a special detail on this card. That vintage postage stamp? It's a real stamp from the Netherlands, sent to me by my sweet friend Saskia! Look closely and you'll see the stamp features my name—it's a Queen Juliana stamp (she was Queen of the Netherlands). Saskia generously sent me several of these treasures, and while I usually struggle with "ruining" anything vintage by actually using it, I forced myself to incorporate it here. It was the perfect finishing touch for my faux vintage postcard background, and I couldn't love it more!

Now let's get into the making of it!

Creating the Vintage Postcard Background

I started with Distress Watercolor Cardstock cut to 4 x 5.25 inches. I ink smooshed it into Old Paper Distress Ink spritzed with water, then dried it with my heat tool.

Next, I stamped various postcard images onto the paper using Black Soot Archival Ink and stamps from Tim Holtz, Elizabeth Craft Designs, and Gina K Designs. (I might or might not have a small collection of postcard and postage-themed stamps!) I hand-wrote a note, added a festive faux address, and stamped a postmark cancellation image in the bottom left corner to add another touch of red and create a visual triangle.

After inking the edges with Frayed Burlap and then Scorched Timber Distress Oxide, I added the vintage postage stamp and additional postmark cancellation images. I distressed the edges with the backside of my craft knife and added a few pieces of Tim Holtz Cellotape for vintage flair.

The finished background was adhered to kraft cardstock that I'd inked with Scorched Timber Distress Oxide and spritzed with water for a beautifully aged effect.

The Watercoloring Technique

Here's where the magic happens! For the focal images, I used stamps from Tim Holtz's Forest Floor 2 collection, stamping them with Black Soot Archival Ink onto Distress Watercolor cardstock.

Pro tip: I highly recommend using a stamping platform for this technique. Here's the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Stamp Your Image

Stamp your image with Black Soot Archival Ink (or any permanent, waterproof ink) onto Distress Watercolor cardstock. Leave the paper in the exact same spot in your stamping platform—don't move it!

Step 2: Prepare Your Colors

Smoosh your chosen Distress Oxide color onto your craft mat. Use a waterbrush or paintbrush with water to pick up the ink.

Step 3: Apply Lighter Colors First

Apply your lighter colors to the open areas of the stamped image. Work from light to dark for the best results.

My color choices:

Berries: Barn Door (light) and Aged Mahogany (dark)
Leaves: Shabby Shutters (light) and Forest Moss (dark)
Stem and tree slice: Frayed Burlap (light) and Scorched Timber (dark)

Step 4: Add Darker Shades

Once the lighter colors are applied, add your darker shades to the shadow areas indicated in the stamped image. This creates beautiful dimension.

Step 5: Let It Dry

Allow your watercoloring to dry completely before the next step.

Step 6: Restamp for Crisp Details

Here's the game-changer! Once your watercoloring is dry, reink the stamp and restamp your image right over the watercolored area. Look how it brings the image back to life!

Why Restamping Makes All the Difference

Because Distress Oxides contain pigment ink (along with dye ink), they're more opaque than regular Distress Inks. This creates that beautiful, creamy, dreamy watercolor effect—but it can also cover up fine stamping details. Working in your stamping platform allows you to perfectly restamp the image and restore all those delicate lines and details.

The result? Gorgeous, dimensional watercolored images with crisp definition. It's the best of both worlds!

Adding the Sentiment

The final touch was the "Merry" sentiment, which I die cut multiple times to create dimension. I used the Simon Says Stamp Festive Sentiments die set (sadly no longer available) and cut the sentiment from both black cardstock and gold metallic cardstock. I offset the gold layer slightly to create a shadow effect that adds visual interest.

Since my watercolored focal images were adhered with 1mm foam adhesive, I needed to build up the sentiment to match that same height. I die cut the sentiment several additional times from black cardstock and stacked them together using liquid adhesive. As I added each layer, I trimmed off portions depending on where they hit the other layers to keep everything level and create a smooth, even build-up.

Once all the layers were stacked and dry, I adhered the dimensional sentiment to the card using liquid adhesive, positioning it over the watercolored images to complete the design.

Give It a Try!

I hope this technique inspires you to try watercoloring with your Distress Oxides! The creamy, dreamy effect they create is truly beautiful, and the mini pads make it so easy to work with multiple colors without taking over your entire craft space.

If you give this a try, I'd love to see what you create! Feel free to share your projects with me on Instagram or in the comments.

Supply List

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Mass Producing Christmas Cards: 2 Vintage Grungy Card Tutorials

2025-11-18T12:00:00.003-05:00

I'm excited to share not one, but TWO vintage grungy Christmas cards with you today—and even better, I'm going to show you how to use compartmental cardmaking techniques to mass produce them! If you need to make multiples this holiday season, this tutorial is going to be a total game changer. I'll walk you through two different card designs that share a similar aesthetic but offer different complexity levels, so you can choose the version that works best for your time and supplies.

What is Compartmental Cardmaking?

If you're not familiar with compartmental cardmaking (also called batch making or assembly line cardmaking), it's all about breaking down your cardmaking process into individual steps and completing each step for ALL your cards at once. Instead of making one card from start to finish, then starting the next card, you do all the background stamping for every card, then all the spray inking, then all the stenciling, and so on. This approach saves SO much time and makes the process much more efficient when you need multiples.

Two Cards, Two Complexity Levels

Both of these cards feature vintage typewriters, holiday greenery, and that moody, textured aesthetic I love. The "Joy to the World" card is a bit more involved with layered techniques including Distress Spray Stains, Distress Spritz, Grit Paste, and embossing powder. The "Holiday Greetings" card gives you a similar vintage grungy look but with fewer steps—perfect if you're short on time or want to simplify your supply list.

The beauty of these designs is that you can batch make either version, or even make both cards in the same session using compartmental techniques!

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to see all the details, tips, and tricks for creating these cards AND how to approach them with mass production in mind? You can watch the complete tutorial in the video below, or head over to my YouTube channel to check it out.

I'd love to hear from you—are you planning to mass produce cards this year, or do you prefer making one-of-a-kind designs? Leave a comment below and let me know! And if you make your own version of these cards, I'd absolutely love to see them. Share your creations with me on social media!

Supplies

Below you'll find the supplies I used to create these cards. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Mixed Media Christmas Card Background Tutorial—Shop Your Stash!

2025-11-08T12:00:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited to share this mixed media Christmas card project with you today! While I'm using stamps and stencils from the Stampers Anonymous Christmas Curations, I really want you to think about what you already have in your own collection. These layered background techniques are incredibly versatile and will work beautifully with any of your favorite stamps and stencils. We'll build a gorgeous festive background together using Distress Spray Stains, Distress Spritz, and Texture Paste, and I'll also share how I finished the card plus give you a couple of alternative ideas to make it your own.

Creating the Background

The magic of this project is in the layering! I started by stamping my images onto the background using waterproof ink—this is key because it allows the stamped images to stay crisp through all the wet media we'll be adding on top.

Next, I applied Distress Texture Paste through a stencil to add dimensional interest. Once that dried completely, I layered on Distress Spray Stains and Distress Spritz to build up rich, blended color. The combination of these products creates such beautiful depth and movement in the background.

To finish things off, I added some distress ink to the edges and white ink splatters for that perfect final touch—but you'll want to see exactly how I did all of this in the video!

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to see all the details, tips, and tricks? You can watch the complete tutorial in the video below, or head over to my YouTube channel [LINK] to check it out.

[VIDEO EMBED HERE]

I'd love to see your take on this project! Feel free to use whatever stamps, stencils, and colors you have in your stash to create your own version. Share your creations with me on social media or leave a comment below—I love seeing what you make!

Supplies

Below you'll find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Thinking of You: Creating Authentic Vintage Vibes

2025-11-06T05:30:00.002-05:00

When I sat down to create the final card in this series, I wanted to celebrate something special: how the right paper collection can make design decisions effortless. The Halloween card taught character and whimsy. The Christmas card explored foundation and focal points. The Love card was all about dimension and movement. This one? It's about creating authentic vintage vibes—and how a beautifully coordinated collection does most of the heavy lifting for you.

The Scrapbook.com Oak Lane collection is a vintage lover's dream. Warm autumn tones, subtle patterns, and that perfect balance of muted sophistication. But here's what makes it brilliant: it's versatile enough to go modern and clean OR lean into full vintage nostalgia. I chose the latter, adding ephemera tickets, postage stamps, and distressed edges to amp up that collected, timeless feel.

The best part? There's an Oak Lane Bundle that includes the paper pad, coordinating die set, stamp set, and rub-ons—everything you need in one package at an amazing price. It's currently sold out (which tells you how good it is!), but you can turn on notifications to be alerted when it's back in stock. Trust me, it's worth the wait.

Vintage Vibes: Creating Timeless, Collected Designs

Let me share what I mean by "vintage vibes" and how to create them authentically.

Vintage isn't just about old-looking ephemera. It's about color palette, composition, and those thoughtful details that make a card feel collected over time rather than mass-produced. When you nail the vintage aesthetic, your cards feel warm, nostalgic, and deeply personal.

For this card, the Oak Lane collection provided the foundation: warm yellows, peachy corals, sage greens, and kraft browns. These muted, autumn-inspired tones instantly evoke that timeless, vintage feel. Then I layered in elements that amplified the aesthetic—tickets, stamps, distressing, and organic floral clusters.

The magic? Everything coordinates effortlessly because it's designed to work together. No guessing if patterns clash. No wondering if your colors are cohesive. The Oak Lane collection handles that, leaving you free to focus on composition and storytelling.

Here's how to create authentic vintage vibes:

Color Palette:

Choose muted, aged tones over bright, saturated colors
Look for warm neutrals—creams, tans, sage greens, faded florals
Cohesion is key—everything should feel like it came from the same era

Layering & Composition:

Layer ephemera like you're creating a collection of memories
Asymmetrical arrangements feel more organic and collected
Mix patterns (florals, stripes, text) for visual interest
Let elements overlap naturally—nothing too perfect or rigid

Distressing & Details:

Sand die-cut edges to reveal the white core and add wear
Use vintage-style ephemera (tickets, stamps, ledgers)
Add dimension with foam adhesive on key elements
Choose sentiments that feel timeless and heartfelt

The One Collection Advantage:

Using products from a single coordinated line eliminates decision fatigue
Patterns and colors are designed to work together seamlessly
You can focus on design instead of worrying about coordination
The Oak Lane Bundle gives you everything in one package

Building the Card

Step 1: Start with Your Foundation

I used the sage green patterned paper from the Oak Lane Paper Pad as my card base. That subtle floral pattern sets the vintage tone immediately—it's present but not overwhelming, creating texture without competing with the focal elements.

Step 2: Add Vertical Movement

I die cut a strip of the vertical striped paper and positioned it slightly left of center. Those stripes create upward movement and establish a strong visual line that anchors the design. This is where the Oak Lane Die Set really shines—perfectly coordinated patterns at your fingertips.

Step 3: Layer Your Ephemera

I added vintage tickets and postage stamps from my stash, layering them over the striped paper. This creates that collected, found-object feel that's essential to vintage design. The tickets and stamps feel like they've traveled through time, adding narrative and authenticity.

Step 4: Create Your Floral Cluster

Using the Oak Lane Die Set, I die cut flowers and leaves from various papers in the pad—yellows, peach, coral, and greens. I arranged them asymmetrically in the lower left, creating an organic cluster that feels natural and unforced. I lightly sanded the edges of some die cuts to reveal the white core and add that distressed, worn character.

Step 5: Add Your Focal Sentiment

I stamped "Thinking of You" from the Oak Lane Stamp Set on white cardstock and positioned it on a clean white strip in the center. This gives the eye a resting place and ensures the sentiment is readable against all the pattern and texture.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

I die cut the decorative bow from patterned paper and positioned it in the upper right, creating a visual anchor that balances the floral cluster below. I used double-sided foam adhesive to pop up the flowers, bow, and some ephemera elements for dimension—what pops up physically draws attention visually.

Why the Oak Lane Bundle is a Game-Changer

Here's what I love about working with a coordinated collection like Oak Lane: everything just works.

When you have the paper pad, die set, and stamp set all designed to coordinate, you eliminate hours of decision-making. No more staring at your stash wondering if this green works with that peach. No more buying dies that don't quite match your papers. No more searching for the perfect sentiment.

The Oak Lane Bundle includes:

Oak Lane Paper Pad - 24 double-sided sheets with coordinated patterns
Oak Lane Die Set - Florals, leaves, frames, bows, and more
Oak Lane Stamp Set - Sentiments perfect for any occasion
Oak Lane Rub-Ons - (I didn't use these, but they're included!)

All at an amazing bundled price. It's currently sold out, but you can enable notifications on the product page to be alerted when it's back in stock.

The versatility is the real winner here. While I leaned into full vintage with ephemera and distressing, you could use these same products for a clean, modern card. The muted palette and thoughtful patterns work across styles—it all depends on how you layer and what you add.

A Series Wrap-Up

This brings our four-card series using Scrapbook.com Exclusives to a close, and I'm so glad you've been on this journey with me:

Card 1: Halloween - Character & Whimsy (building a stage for your star)
Card 2: Christmas - Foundation & Focal Points (creating clear hierarchy)
Card 3: Love - Dimension & Movement (depth and visual flow)
Card 4: Thinking of You - Vintage Vibes (timeless, collected aesthetics)

Each card taught me something different about design principles that work across ANY style—mixed media or clean paper layers. The fundamentals don't change. Good design is good design, regardless of medium.

Working with Scrapbook.com's exclusive products reminded me that beautiful, coordinated collections aren't a shortcut—they're smart design tools that free you up to focus on what really matters: composition, storytelling, and creating cards that feel personal and meaningful.

Let's Connect!

Ready to create your own? Grab the Oak Lane Bundle (when it's back in stock!) using the supply list below.

I'd love to hear from you: Which card in this series was your favorite? Halloween's whimsy, Christmas's bold sentiment, the octopus's charm, or this vintage beauty? Drop a comment!

If you make any of these cards, please tag me—I absolutely love seeing your versions!

Thanks for following this series! Subscribe to my email newsletter so you never miss future projects, posts, or videos.

Supply List

Featured Product: Oak Lane Bundle (currently sold out - enable notifications!) Includes: Oak Lane Paper Pad, Die Set, Stamp Set, and Rub-Ons

Love You the Most! Creating Dimension & Movement in Card Design

2025-11-03T05:30:00.002-05:00

When I sat down to create this card, I knew I wanted to explore something different from the previous two in this series. The Halloween card was about building a stage for character. The Christmas card focused on strong foundations and clear focal points. This one? It's all about dimension and movement—creating depth that draws you in and flow that guides your eye on a journey.

This adorable octopus from the Scrapbook.com Coastal Charm die set became my star, but here's the thing: I didn't want it to feel overly precious or childish. The challenge was balancing that cute factor with vintage sophistication. The solution? Pull from three different paper pads to create a cohesive palette of teals, blues, and browns. Add distressed ephemera. Let a fish dictionary page tell a story that connects to the octopus. Suddenly, cute becomes charming and thoughtful.

The result is a card with serious dimension (multiple layers building depth) and natural movement (those tentacles guide your eye around the design in the most delightful way).

Dimension & Movement: Making It Work

Before I dive into the how, let me share what makes this card successful.

Dimension is the physical and visual depth you create through layering, foam adhesive, and strategic placement. Movement is the path your eye takes as it travels around the design—it should feel effortless and natural.

For this card, the octopus creates both. Those curved tentacles holding hearts? They create organic flow and visual rhythm. The multiple layers beneath—nested labels, patterned papers, ephemera—build depth that makes the whole composition feel rich and collected. When dimension and movement work together, your card feels alive and engaging instead of flat and static.

Here's how to apply these techniques:

Creating Physical Dimension:

Use multi-layer die cuts (like the 2-layer octopus) for instant depth
Layer background papers and ephemera to build richness
Add foam adhesive to key elements to create actual height
Nest shapes within shapes (labels, borders) for visual depth

Creating Movement:

Choose focal images with curves and organic shapes (tentacles!)
Position elements to guide the eye on a journey around the card
Use placement strategically—hearts at tentacle ends draw the eye outward
Avoid rigid symmetry when you want flow and energy

Balancing Cute with Sophistication:

Use muted, vintage color palettes instead of bright primaries
Add distressed ephemera and dictionary pages for storytelling
Sand edges for worn, collected character
Pull colors from multiple sources for a curated, intentional feel

In my mixed media work, I'd build this depth with texture paste and modeling paste, and create movement through paint drips or gestural marks. Here, dimension comes from thoughtful paper layering and die cut construction, while movement flows from the shapes I chose and how I positioned them. Different tools, same principles.

Building the Card

Step 1: Create Your Star with Built-In Dimension

I started with the adorable octopus from the Coastal Charm die set. The die has 2 layers, which makes it perfect for adding depth and interest right from the start. I cut the base layer from a darker shade and the top layer from a lighter shade of the same color using solid cardstock from the Festive Duo Paper Pad. This creates instant dimension and visual interest.

Step 2: Add Playful Movement

The set comes with two hearts, and I immediately thought it would be cute for the octopus to hold them—one in each tentacle. I cut them from patterned paper from the Vintage Paper Pad. This positioning isn't just adorable; it creates movement. Your eye follows those tentacles out to discover the hearts.

Step 3: Ground Your Focal Point

To anchor the octopus, I die cut 2 of the Nested Vintage Label dies from paper in the Yuletide Paper Pad. I sanded the edges of these to give them a distressed vintage feel. This creates a foundation that grounds the playful octopus while adding to that collected, vintage aesthetic.

Step 4: Build Background Layers for Depth

The background layers are where dimension really builds. I included an ephemera ticket, a border cut from blue cardstock using the Coastal Borders die set, and several pieces of patterned paper from the Vintage Paper Pad layered together. When I saw the paper with the fish dictionary piece on it, I knew it was perfect—it tells a story that connects to the octopus and adds that thoughtful detail that elevates the design.

Step 5: Create Color Harmony

Here's something important: I used 3 different paper pads for this card to get the combination of colors I wanted. Teals, blues, and browns give an otherwise cute image a touch of vintage sophistication. Don't be afraid to pull from multiple collections to create the exact palette you're after. Cohesion comes from thoughtful color selection, not from using a single product line.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

I added a couple of Tim Holtz Postmarked stickers to enhance the vintage, collected feel. The sentiment—"love you the most" from the Scrapbook.com Wordfetti Best Day Ever stamp set—finishes off the theme perfectly.

Coming Up in This Series

This is the third of four cards I'm sharing using Scrapbook.com Exclusives—each exploring paper-only cardmaking from a different angle:

Card 1: Halloween card — Character & Whimsy
Card 2: Christmas card — Foundation & Focal Points
Next: Thinking of You — Vintage Vibes (coming Thursday!)

Each card taught me something different about design principles that work across any style, mixed media or not.

Let's Connect!

Ready to create your own? Grab these Scrapbook.com exclusives using the supply list below.

I'd love to hear from you: What draws you more—cute and playful designs or sophisticated vintage aesthetics? Or do you love mixing them like I do? Drop a comment!

If you make this card, please tag me—I absolutely love seeing your versions!

Don't miss the final card in this series! Subscribe to my email newsletter so you never miss a new project, post, or video.

Supply List

Merry Christmas! Building Cards with Foundation & Focal Points

2025-10-30T05:30:00.006-04:00

When I sat down to create this Christmas card, I decided to focus on something I don't always consciously think about: foundation and focal points. What grounds the design? What draws the eye first? These fundamentals work whether you're doing mixed media or clean paper layering.

Stripping away my usual texture paste and gesso forced me to be really intentional about every choice. And honestly? That clarity felt good. Working with the Scrapbook.com Yuletide Paper Pad made the process even smoother—when you start with a beautifully coordinated collection of patterns and colors, half the design decisions are already made for you. Those rich greens and reds with vintage patterns? They work together effortlessly, leaving me free to focus purely on composition and hierarchy instead of wondering if my colors clash.

Foundation & Focal Points: Building a Strong Design

Before I dive into the how, let me share the design principle that makes this card work.

Every great card needs two things: a solid foundation and a clear focal point. Think of the foundation as your stage—it sets the tone, anchors the design, and creates visual boundaries. The focal point is your star performer—the element that draws the eye first and holds attention.

For this Christmas card, my foundation is that vintage label shape with distressed edges. It grounds everything and creates a frame. My focal point? That bold "Merry Christmas" sentiment—impossible to miss, layered for impact, and centered to create a strong, balanced composition.

When these two elements work together, your design feels intentional and professional, even when you're layering multiple patterns and colors.

Why This Card Works

Here's what makes this design successful:

Clear hierarchy — Your eye goes to "Merry Christmas" first (the focal point), then travels around the supporting elements
Strong foundation — The vintage label creates boundaries and anchors the busy elements
Contrast creates impact — Black sentiment against lighter backgrounds equals instant drama
Strategic distressing — Sanding and inking add vintage character without overwhelming the design
Symmetrical balance — The centered sentiment with florals clustered above and below creates stability and classic appeal

With that framework in mind, here's how I built this card:

Building the Card

Step 1: Create Your Focal Point

I began by die cutting "Merry Christmas" from black cardstock using the Scrapbook.com Christmas Joy die set. This is my focal point, so I made it impossible to miss—black for maximum contrast. I then die cut the shadow layer from a piece of patterned paper from the Yuletide Paper Pad to add depth and visual interest. I centered the sentiment on my foundation to create a strong, balanced composition—sometimes symmetry is exactly what a design needs.

Step 2: Build Your Foundation

The foundation anchors everything. I flipped through the Yuletide Paper Pad and selected a neutral monochromatic pattern to die cut the Nested Vintage Classic Labels. By keeping it neutral, it doesn't compete with the bold sentiment or vibrant poinsettias. It's like creating a frame that says "look here" without shouting.

Step 3: Add Definition

I inked the edges of that label with Distress Ink in Walnut Stain using a foam blending tool. This serves two purposes: it adds depth and shadow (making the foundation feel grounded), and it creates separation from the background, which helps your focal point pop.

Step 4: Choose Your Background

I selected a background paper from the Yuletide Paper Pad that had that vintage Christmas feel—rich color with subtle pattern that wouldn't compete with my focal elements.

Step 5: Create Supporting Elements

For the florals, I die cut the poinsettias and some of the greenery from papers in the Yuletide Paper Pad. I wanted a couple more solid colors for the greenery, so I went to my cardstock stash and selected a warm green and dark grey to coordinate with the other colors.

The poinsettias support the focal point—I clustered one arrangement above the sentiment and one below to create balanced, symmetrical framing. This creates visual stability while the florals naturally guide your eye to the words in the center.

Step 6: Add Vintage Character

I used a Ranger Sanding Disc—which is just a piece of fine grit sandpaper like you can get at the hardware store—to lightly sand the edges of the papers from the Yuletide Paper Pad. Those papers have a white core, so when you rub the sandpaper over it, it removes the printed color to reveal the white core. A nice touch of distress to add to the vintage vibe.

Step 7: Build Dimension

I used double-sided foam adhesive to pop up the main sentiment, the poinsettias, and the entire focal piece to add interest and dimension. This reinforces the hierarchy—what pops up physically is what should pop visually.

Foundation & Focal Points in Action

Here are the techniques that bring this principle to life:

Creating a Strong Foundation:

Use neutral or monochromatic patterns that support rather than compete
Add definition through inking or distressing edges
Choose shapes that create natural frames or boundaries
Keep it substantial enough to anchor your design

Making Your Focal Point Unmissable:

Use high contrast (like black on light backgrounds)
Add dimension with foam adhesive
Layer shadow pieces for depth
Center for classic, balanced appeal—symmetry creates strength
Make it bold enough to command attention

Supporting Elements:

Florals and greenery should guide the eye, not distract
Balance floral clusters above and below for symmetrical framing
Use odd-numbered groupings for natural appeal
Vary sizes to create flow
Position elements to reinforce your focal point

A Different Kind of Foundation

In my mixed media work, I build foundations with layers of gesso, texture paste, and stamping. Here, the Yuletide Paper Pad and thoughtful die cutting did that job. The sanding and inking? That's my nod to the distressing I'd normally do with heavy texture.

Different tools, same principle: create a strong base that supports your focal point. This process reminded me that good design isn't about the medium—it's about understanding hierarchy, contrast, and intentional placement.

Coming Up in This Series

This is the second of four cards I'm sharing using Scrapbook.com Exclusives—each exploring paper-only cardmaking from a different angle:

Previous: Halloween card — Character & Whimsy (Check it out here)
Next: Love card — Dimension & Movement
Finally: Thinking of You — Vintage Vibes

Each card taught me something different about design principles that work across any style, mixed media or not.

Let's Connect!

Ready to create your own? Grab these Scrapbook.com exclusives using the supply list below.

I'd love to hear from you: What's your favorite part of Christmas card design—bold sentiments or intricate florals? Drop a comment!

If you make this card, please tag me—I absolutely love seeing your versions!

Don't miss the rest of this series! Subscribe to my email newsletter so you never miss a new project, post, or video.

Supply List

Let's Go Ghouls! Creating a Whimsical Halloween Card

2025-10-27T07:03:00.002-04:00

I love mixed media, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't intense sometimes. The layers, the drying time, the beautiful mess of it all. So when I went to work on some projects for Scrapbook.com using their Exclusive Products, I decided to give myself permission to play a little differently. Just papers, die cuts, and the freedom to explore without overthinking it.

This Halloween card surprised me with how much I enjoyed the process. I'm not typically drawn to cutesy designs, but whimsical? That's different. This witch has character—and working with her as my focal point let me build something playful while keeping my aesthetic: vintage ephemera, intentional layering, and a color palette that feels sophisticated even in a fun theme.

These are unusual Halloween colors (peach, coral, sage) instead of traditional orange and black, but the color palette was made super easy using the Scrapbook.com Oak Lane Patterned Paper Pad.

Why This Card Works

Before I dive into the how, let me share what makes this design successful:

The illustrated witch is the star — everything else supports her rather than competing for attention
Unexpected color palette — peach, coral, and sage instead of traditional Halloween orange and black (thank you, Oak Lane Paper Pad!)
Busy vs. calm balance — the patterned background plays against that solid arched frame
Vintage ephemera grounds the whimsy — keeps it from tipping into overly cute territory

The "Character & Whimsy" Principle

Here's what I learned: when working with illustrated die cuts or character stamps, your job is to build a stage, not compete for attention. This means:

Choosing backgrounds that enhance without overwhelming
Creating frames or spaces that spotlight your character
Using repetition (notice those yellow flowers?) to tie elements together
Keeping sentiments simple and supportive

With that framework in mind, here's how I built this card:

Building the Card

Step 1: Build Your Star

The witch is the star of this show, so I began by die cutting her various pieces. Feel free to cut pieces from multiple patterns and colors and play around with combinations—I loved mixing patterns for her dress and hat. When it came time to adhere her, I used double-sided foam adhesive to add dimension.

Step 2: Choose Your Sentiment

Early on I came across "Let's Go Ghouls" from the Scrapbook.com Boo Time Stamp set, and it felt perfect—playful enough to support the witch without stealing her thunder.

Step 3: Create The Stage

Once I was happy with how she looked, I began laying out solid colors to go behind her. The Nested Notched Arches became my grounding layer—I knew patterned paper would compete too much here. Then I layered the striped paper behind the solid to create visual movement. Your eye travels up and down those stripes, which works perfectly with the vertical witch figure.

Step 4: Create The Background

At this point I began playing around with the background. I knew I wanted to use the diamond pattern as it had a vintage Halloween feel to the design, and it also wasn't overly busy so as to detract from the focal point. The spider web layer was created using the Scrapbook.com Spiderwebs A2 die. I trimmed off the border to give it a little more texture and openness to the design.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Next I began adding the florals, again using papers from the Oak Lane Paper Pad and die cutting the various pieces from multiple colors until I was pleased with their arrangement. I used double-sided foam adhesive to give them a little bit of dimension. I then finished it off by tucking in some vintage-style ephemera in the way of some Tim Holtz Tickets and Stamps.

Design Techniques Worth Noting

Creating Depth Without Mixed Media

One of my biggest takeaways from this project? You can create serious dimension with just paper:

Layer various colors and patterns to build interest
Use foam adhesive strategically—not everywhere, just on key elements that should pop
Overlap elements intentionally to create shadows and depth

The Rule of Odd Numbers

Notice those three main yellow flowers? That's not an accident. Three creates visual interest, while odd-numbered groupings feel more organic than even ones. It's a design trick that works every time.

A Different Kind of Creative Energy

Normally, I would have built my own background using stamping, texture paste, stencils, and layers of ink. And honestly? I missed having my stamps and inks in hand—that's my comfort zone.

But this process taught me to trust good patterned paper and thoughtful layering. The Oak Lane Paper Pad did the heavy lifting on color and pattern coordination, which freed me up to focus purely on composition and storytelling. Different energy, but equally satisfying.

Coming Up in This Series

This is the first of four cards I'm sharing using Scrapbook.com Exclusives—each exploring paper-only cardmaking from a different angle:

Next: Christmas card — Foundation & Focal Points
Then: Love card — Dimension & Movement
Finally: Thinking of You — Vintage Vibes

Each card taught me something different about design principles that work across any style, mixed media or not.

Let's Connect!

Ready to create your own? Grab these Scrapbook.com exclusives using the supply list below.

I'd love to hear from you: Do you prefer traditional Halloween colors (orange and black) or something unexpected like these peachy corals? Drop a comment!

If you make this card, please tag me—I absolutely love seeing your versions!

Don't miss the rest of this series! Subscribe to my email newsletter so you never miss a new project, post, or video.

Supply List

Finding Joy Through Art Journaling | An Art Journal Page with Stamps and Stencils

2025-10-23T10:47:00.001-04:00

Art journaling isn't something I do very often—that said, I have three art journals with random pages I've created over the years. Recently, I've felt a pull to do more of it. I'm not sure if it's just a creative phase I'm going through or something deeper, but the process is rewarding, and creative play is always good for the soul. We all know we need a little more joy in our lives these days.

THE SUPPLIES I USED

I used some of the new Sizzix Studio stamp and stencil sets designed by Mark Montano, but you could really use any stamps and stencils you already have on hand. There are four sets, and each includes a collection of detailed clear stamps and three coordinating A5 stencils with a variety of designs and patterns perfect for adding beautiful layers and texture. What I love about these sets is how versatile they are—you can mix and match elements across all four collections to create endless combinations.

COLLAGE STAMPING

I began with one of my favorite techniques—collage stamping—using a variety of stamps from three of the sets: Stitches, My Favorite Things, and Build It. I stamped the various images using Versafine Clair Ink in Nocturne. I love working with this ink because it's richly pigmented and dries quickly, which is perfect for layering. I didn't worry about placement being perfect; I actually prefer the organic, slightly chaotic look that comes from randomly stamping images across the page.

ADDING TEXTURE & COLOR

Next, I added some texture by applying Distress Texture Paste through a damask-styled stencil from the Build It Set. The raised texture adds such beautiful dimension to the page. I then applied Distress Oxide Sprays in Rusty Hinge and Speckled Egg over the wet paste and dried them with my heat tool. The sprays react with the paste in the most gorgeous way, creating interesting color variations and depth.

ADDING LAYERS & EPHEMERA

From there, I layered in a variety of bits and pieces from my stash, including some Tim Holtz Tickets and Paper Strips. These ephemera-style pieces are perfect for art journaling because they add that vintage, collected feel without much effort. I also grabbed some die cuts from my scrap bin—that's just a bin where I toss extra die cuts that I make but don't end up using on projects. It's one of my favorite resources because I'm always surprised by what treasures I find in there. Some of the dies I used to create them include the Tim Holtz Leaf Fragments, Seth Apter Stretchers, and Seth Apter Diamond District. I also stamped a few images onto cardstock and fussy cut them to add into the mix, giving me even more layering options.

THE FINISHING TOUCH

Finally, I finished it off with a phrase from the Tim Holtz Clippings Sticker Book. I love how the right sentiment can tie everything together and give the page a sense of meaning or purpose. Sometimes the best creative moments come when we stop overthinking and just let our hands play. If you've been feeling that same pull toward your art journal, I hope this inspires you to dust it off and see where the layers take you.

SUPPLIES

Mixed Media Christmas Card Ideas | Seth Apter + Distress Oxides

2025-10-20T11:00:00.071-04:00

I’m switching gears from spooky to merry today with a festive twist on mixed media! You may remember the two Halloween cards I recently shared using Seth Apter’s newest Sizzix release. Those designs had me completely inspired — and I couldn’t resist seeing how the same dies and embossing folder could work for a Christmas card.

His Sizzix designs are so versatile — full of organic texture and layered detail — that they’re perfect for every season. In this new video, I’m showing you how I combined Seth’s collection with a few Tim Holtz favorites to create a Christmas card that’s full of dimension, shine, and that signature pretty grunge vibe.

IN THE VIDEO

In my latest YouTube video, you’ll see how I:

Use Distress Oxides and embossing powders to build a richly textured background
Layer Seth Apter’s dies with Tim Holtz elements for a festive focal point
Add simple mixed media touches that work with any dies or embossing folders you already have

These techniques aren’t limited to holiday cards — you can easily adapt them for any season or occasion.

🎥 Watch the full video HERE or below.

Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!

MORE INSPIRATION

If you missed my earlier projects featuring Seth’s new release, you can check them out below. Each one explores a different way to use his dies and embossing folder to build layers, color, and texture — and you’ll see how easily these same techniques transition from spooky to sparkly!

Caught In A Spider's Web

A Wicked Thing

I hope these project inspire you to look at your favorite dies and embossing folders in a whole new way. With a little color, texture, and shine, you can create cards that feel festive and full of mixed media magic.

SUPPLIES

Caught in a Spider's Web | Mixed Media Halloween Card with Seth Apter Dies and Distress Oxides

2025-10-16T09:30:00.002-04:00

Hello there and welcome! Today I'm sharing my second make as part of the Seth Apter Creative Collective, which I am so excited to be part of. This is a group of six creatives hand-picked by Seth to help showcase his latest release of dies and embossing folders from Sizzix.

I absolutely love his style, and while it's quite different from mine, the core elements he uses are SO GOOD for layering and adding texture—two things I love to do!

Using some of the new goodies from his release, I created another Halloween-themed card because, well... Halloween! I just can't get enough of it!

Now let's get into the details!

CREATING THE BACKGROUND

I began with a piece of watercolor cardstock and embossed it using the Grid Graph embossing folder. Next, I applied Distress Oxide Sprays in Wilted Violet, Twisted Citron, Fossilized Amber, and Lucky Clover, then dried it with my heat tool. I rubbed an Archival Ink Pad in Black Soot over the embossed areas, then gave the entire panel a light misting of Distress Spritz in Hickory Smoke for a touch of shimmer and shine.

BUILDING THE LAYERS

For the back layer, I die-cut the Diamond District die from white cardstock, applied embossing ink, and heat embossed it using Seth Apter's Wow Embossing Powder in Amethyst Ice.

Next, I used the Stretchers die set to cut three shapes from white cardstock. I applied Distress Oxide Ink using a brayer in Wilted Violet, Twisted Citron, and Carved Pumpkin.

THE FOCAL POINT

For the main focal point, I used the Tim Holtz Witchcraft die set. I die-cut the witch from black cardstock and heat embossed it using Seth Apter's Wow Embossing Powder in Asphalt. The cat was inked with Distress Oxide Ink in Wilted Violet.

FINISHING TOUCHES

The final touch was the sentiment, stamped using black ink on white cardstock with the Tim Holtz Tiny Text Halloween Stamp Set. I trimmed it into small strips and inked the edges with Distress Ink in Black Soot.

I then adhered all the layers to the card base, and it was complete!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed this bit of Halloween inspiration featuring the latest Seth Apter Sizzix release. The new release is now available from your favorite retailer or Seth Apter's online store HERE.