Altenew | November 2026 Inspiration Challenge

Hello there, I am delighted to be hosting the Altenew Inspiration Challenge this month. Every month, Altenew have an inspiration challenge and a DT member or guest picks a photo and creates a project based on the colours in the photo. 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.

We then encourage you to create projects based on that colour palette too! The photo that I chose is of a white hydrangea in my garden. 

I absolutely love the purple/blue ones (of course!) but there is something so pretty about white flowers! As you can see, there are some flecks of pink on the flowers, so I have used those as one of my colours too! 

Although Altenew do have products with hydrangeas, I decided to use the Altenew Craft-A-Flower: Calla Lily Layering Die Set instead for my project, keeping the flowers white, with the shadows in pink. I die cut the layers first from wite cardstock and then added ink blending in the shadows using Altenew Baby Pink Fresh Dye Ink and a Mini Blending Brush. 

I added ink blending to the stems and leaves using Altenew Green Valley Fresh Dye Inks - Grass Field, Shadow Creek and Mountain Pine. The stems and leaves were adhered flat to an A2 sized card base made from Altenew Crafty Necessities: Jet Black Cardstock using Altenew ClearFix Glue. 

I adhered the layers of the flowers together and then adhered them to the card. For some shine, I splattered Altenew Iridescent Shimmer Ink Spray on top and set it aside to dry. I stamped the 'just because' sentiment from Altenew One-Go: Friendship Flowers Stamp Set onto more Jet Black Cardstock using Altenew Embossing Ink. 

I applied Altenew Pure White Crisp Embossing Powder and heat set. It was cut into a strip and adhered to the card using Altenew Black Instant Dimension Foam Tape. To finish, I added a few white gel pen dots. 

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.

I hope you will be inspired by my colour combination and play along! All the details for the challenge are here. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Spellbinders | Create Your Way Everyday with Simple Copic Colouring

Hello there, I am delighted to be over on the Spellbinders Blog today sharing a card using the Thanks in Bloom Press + Foil Plate from the Create Your Way Everyday Collection. This collection was released alongside the new Glimmer II Hot Foil System and this was the first card I made using the new glimmer machine.

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.

As you can see from the peek above, I kept my card very simple. I hot foiled the Spellbinders Thanks in Bloom Press + Foil Plate onto a panel of white cardstock using Spellbinders Matte Gold Glimmer Hot Foil Roll. The image was cut into an arch using the Spellbinders Essential Arches Etched Dies and coloured very simply using Copic Markers (the colours that I used are listed below the supplies area). The sentiment is from the Spellbinders Signature Sentiments Press + Foil & Die Set. 

With regards to the new Glimmer II, I think it is fab! I will say that there was a problem with my old machine and it wasn't foiling properly, so in comparison, this one was always going to better but I do think having the whole platform heat up, rather than it being a coil underneath, makes for a better foiled impression, especially with larger plates. It is helpful not having a docking station now, as I know a lot of us did struggle with that. I am, however, still getting used to having to unplug it each time I run it through my die cutting machine and remembering to plug it back in afterwards, but I am sure I'll get used to it soon! Otherwise, I think it is great! 

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.

COPIC MARKERS: Petals - RV55, RV52, Y11. Leaves and stems - YG17, YG23, YG01. 

For more photos and step by step instructions on how I made the card, please head over to the Spellbinders Blog. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! 

Hero Arts | Home for the Holidays

Hello there, today I have two cards to share using the Hero Arts Home for the Holidays collection that was released back in July. As you can tell, I am a little behind with releases at the moment, but sometimes it is nice to not rush the releases each month and to use them at a later date. So I hope you don't mind seeing the inspiration at a later date too! 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.

The main focus of the collection are the wreath dies. There is a large wreath and a little one (I used the large one today and the little one here) and also accessories for the wreath. I decided to use the accessories for a separate card instead, creating a little winter village! 

I started off my first card by using the Hero Arts Front Door Layering Stencils. I wanted my door to be black, as that is what I have in real life! It is quite tricky to achieve that in ink blending with four different layers but I tried my best, using just one ink - Altenew Jet Black Fresh Dye Ink. It was then cut into an arch shape using the Spellbinders Essentials Arches Etched Dies. 

I created an arch shaped card base and adhered the door panel on top. I then die cut the large wreath from the Hero Arts Winter Wreath Die Set from Spellbinders Peridot and Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock. I cut the top layer twice and the bottom layer once. I added ink blending to them with Altenew Green Valley Fresh Dye Inks and then adhered them one on top of another before adhering to the door. 

I die cut the bow from Spellbinders Lavender ColorWheel Cardstock and added ink blending on top with Altenew Enchanted Garden Fresh Dye Inks. It was adhered to the top of the wreath. I die cut the berries from Altenew Moonstone Cardstock and adhered them to the wreath too. To finish, I stamped the 'Merry Christmas' from the Hero Arts Season's Greetings Stamp Set onto white cardstock using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. It was cut into a strip and adhered to the card. 

I kept the second card very simple! I die cut the houses from the Hero Arts Winter Wreath Accessories Die Set from Spellbinders Fairy Tale, Lavender and Lilac ColorWheel Cardstock. I cut the different parts apart (roof and door) from the houses using scissors, so that I could mix and match! I then cut the berry die from Spellbinders Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock. 

I wanted to make them look like little wreaths hanging on the doors, so I punched a teeny tiny hole in the middle (not quite centred but actually I don't mind that!) using a handheld punch and adhered them to the doors. I also added vellum to the back of the houses to show through the windows. The trees were die cut from Spellbinders Peridot and Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock. 

I created an arch shaped card base using the Spellbinders Spellbinders Essentials Arches Etched Dies and then stamped the 'Season's Greetings' sentiment from the Hero Arts Season's Greetings Stamp Set on top using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. I like to have two of these types of sentiment sets -  I keep one as is (all one stamp) and I cut the other I cut up into separate sentiments, that way I can get more from my sets! The trees were adhered to the card using liquid glue and the houses with thin foam tape. 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the projects. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.

I really like the shape of arched cards and I think they work particularly well for these designs. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Spellbinders | Dear Santa Envelopes

Hello there, today I have two cards to share using some dies from the Dear Santa Collection that was released back in July. I shared a look at the Dear Santa Kit here. Today I am using two die sets, plus a new sentiment press plate (as well as an older one!). 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.

The Spellbinders Happy Post Envelope Etched Dies can be used to create either an open or closed envelope. As you can see, I used in both ways on my cards! There are also two wax seal options in the set too - a star and a heart. Such a cute detail! 

I started off with the first card using the open envelope. I die cut the envelope from Spellbinders Chiffon ColorWheel Cardstock and the letter inside from Spellbinders Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock. I assembled it using Bearly Art Glue and then adhered it to a white US A2 sized card base using thin foam squares. 

I die cut the foliage from the Spellbinders Festive Floral Mix Etched Dies from Spellbinders ColorWheel Cardstock. I used Tutu for the poinsettia and smaller flower, Blush for the bud flowers, Rainforest and Peridot for the leaves, pine frond and holly, Waterfall and Teal Topaz for the other pine frond and foliage, and Classic White for the flower centres. 

I adhered them to the card using Bearly Art Glue. I hot foiled the Spellbinders Holiday Banner Greetings Press + Foil Plate onto white cardstock using Spellbinders Opaque Black Glimmer Hot Foil Roll and the Spellbinders Glimmer II Hot Foil System. It was die cut out using the coordinating die and I adhered the 'Merry Christmas' one to the card (cutting off the other banner edge). To finish, I embellished with Spellbinders Silver Mix Color Essentials Gems. 

My second card uses the same Spellbinders Happy Post Envelope Etched Dies but this time with the envelope closed. I cut it from Spellbinders Chiffon ColorWheel Cardstock and the wax seal from Spellbinders Tutu ColorWheel Cardstock, using Classic White for the string/ribbon. 

It was assembled and adhered using Bearly Art Glue. I die cut the Spellbinders Festive Floral Mix Etched Dies from Spellbinders ColorWheel Cardstock. I used Blush and Classic White for the small flower, Blush for the flower buds, Peridot for the flower bud stem, Rainforest for the holly, and Waterfall and Teal Topaz for the other foliage. 

I used the envelope as a guide for the placement of the foliage, adhering them down using Bearly Art Glue. I then adhered the envelope on top with thin foam squares. I hot foiled the Spellbinders Merry Messages Plate onto white cardstock using Spellbinders Silver Glimmer Hot Foil Roll. It was die cut out and the 'season's greetings' one adhered to the card. To finish, I embellished with Spellbinders Silver Mix Color Essentials Gems. 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the projects. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.

I really love this colour combination for Christmas! Although I do like traditional red and green, I do tend to favour more non-traditional colours. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day! 

Hero Arts | Have a Cool Yule

Hello there, I hope you are well! Today I have a card to share using the Hero Arts Have a Cool Yule Die that was released as part of the Vintage Vinyl collection. I have paired it with a newer snowflake press plate for a clean and simple card! 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.

I started off my card by creating the background. I pressed the Spellbinders Winter Peace Press + Foil Plate onto a panel of Spellbinders Fairy Tale ColorWheel Cardstock. I made sure to add a shim (a piece of scrap watercolour paper) into the Spellbinders Letterpress Betterpress System as the ColorWheel cardstock is standard cardstock and you need a bit more thickness to get a good impression. 

I added ink blending towards the top of the panel, fading out to the colour of the cardstock at the bottom, using Altenew Enchanted Garden Fresh Dye Inks (Wisteria, Hydrangea & a little Ultraviolet at the top). It was adhered to a US A2 sized white card base using tape runner adhesive. I die cut the Hero Arts Have a Cool Yule Die from white cardstock for the base/shadow, and Spellbinders Lilac ColorWheel Cardstock for the word. I cut the word three times. 

I added ink blending to the top layer, using Altenew Ultraviolet Fresh Dye Ink, an adhered the layers one on top of another, using liquid glue. It was then adhered to the card. I die cut the holly leaves from the Spellbinders Parcel & Post Christmas Decorations Etched Dies from Spellbinders Waterfall & Teal Topaz ColorWheel Cardstock, and the berries from white. They were adhered to the flourish on the 'e'. To finish, I added Star Dust Stickles to the berries and embellished the card with Spellbinders Silver Color Essentials Gems. 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.

Unfortunately, the photos don't do the card justice at all! It is so much prettier in real-life! Thanks so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the day! 

Spellbinders | Snow Globe Scenes

Hello there, I'm delighted to be over on the Spellbinders Blog today sharing a card using the new City Skating Scene Etched Dies that are an add-on to the already released Snow Globe Etched Dies that Simon Hurley and Spellbinders released back in 2023. In the new collection, as well as the skating scene, is another scene (Holiday Truck Scene), as well as some fun rectangle dies and a background type die. 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.

The peek above shows the Spellbinders Skating Scene Etched Dies inside the Spellbinders Snow Globe Etched Dies. In my original card that I made back in 2023, I masked off a moon and I really liked how that looked, so I did it again for this card. However, in hindsight, this scene is higher up in the snow globe, so the buildings do cover a lot of it. I used Distress Inks for the sky, adding in white gel pen dots for the snow. I also added ink blending on the ice rink and tree to blend in a bit with the scene. 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.

You can find more details on the card in the blog post here, including a photo step by step tutorial. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day! 

Pinkfresh Studio | Take Good Care

Hello there, today I have a card to share using new products from the Gather & Bloom October 2026 Release. I already shared one card here using the release, and today I have another to share that is part of an Instagram hop. 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.

I started off my card by placing the Pinkfresh Studio Dragonfly Floral Frame Stencils onto a panel of white cardstock, one by one, and adding ink blending using Pinkfresh Studio Inks and 1/2" Blending Brushes. The set creates a floral frame with the dragonfly inside, but I am just using the dragonfly itself today. 

I used Turquoise and Paradise inks for the body and wings of the dragonfly, and Detail Black ink for the eyes. It was then die cut out using the Pinkfresh Studio Dragonfly Floral Frame Coverplate Die. I die cut the dragonfly again twice, from white cardstock, and adhered them behind the inked one for dimension. 

I took a panel of white cardstock and die cut three circles from the Pinkfresh Studio Double Stitched Circles Dies into it. I placed it on top of a card base and lightly drew around the inside of the circles with a pencil so that I knew where to stamp inside the openings.

I then masked off the circles, one by one, erased the pencil lines and then stamped the floral image from Pinkfresh Studio Heirloom Cottage Stamp on top using Pinkfresh Studio Detail Black Hybrid Ink. The aperture panel was then adhered on top of the A2 sized white card base using thin foam tape. 

I lightly curled up the dragonfly's wings and then adhered it to the card using Pinkfresh Studio Precision Clear Craft Glue. I stamped a sentiment from the Pinkfresh Studio Autumn Sips Stamp onto black cardstock using Versamark Ink. I applied white embossing powder and heat set. It was cut into a strip and adhered to the card. To finish, I embellished with Pinkfresh Clear Drops: Ice. 

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.

If you would like to follow along with the hop, please head to my Instagram page here and Pinkfresh Studio's here. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day! 

Pinkfresh Studio | Gather & Bloom October 2026 Release Blog Hop + Giveaway

Hello there, I'm delighted to be joining Pinkfresh Studio today to celebrate the Gather & Bloom October 2026 release with a fun blog hop. I am using the new Sweet Bloom suite today which is a stencil and die suite, and I went a bit moody with my colour palette! 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.

I started off my card by placing the Pinkfresh Studio Sweet Bloom Stencils onto a panel of white cardstock, one by one, to add ink blending with Pinkfresh 1/2" Blending Brushes and Pinkfresh Studio Inks. 

I used Hydrangea and Opulence inks for the petals and Detail Black ink for the leaves and stems. I then die cut it out using the Pinkfresh Studio Sweet Bloom Die which adds lots of detail to the image with cut and embossed lines. 

I took a panel of white cardstock and cut one of the Pinkfresh Studio Nested Hexagons Double Stitch Dies in the centre (but a little lower vertically). I placed the image inside the aperture and held it in place with low-tack tape. The panel and image were then adhered to a US A2 sized white card base with thin foam tape. The low-tack tape was then removed. 

I stamped the 'happy birthday' sentiment from the Pinkfresh Studio Petite Florals Stamp onto white cardstock using Pinkfresh Studio Detail Black Hybrid Ink. It was die cut out using the coordinating die and then the die cut again from white cardstock and adhered behind the stamped one (for dimension), before adhering to the card. To finish, I embellished with Pinkfresh Studio Iridescent Dew Drops. 

BLOG HOP:

As mentioned, this blog post is part of a fun, inspirational blog hop. Please click on the other participants in the hop below to visit their blogs. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

GIVEAWAY:

Pinkfresh Studio will give away five $50 gift cards along the hop, selected from the comments left along the hop at random. They will also give away the full release over on the Pinkfresh Studio blog and YouTube Channel. Winners will be announced on the Pinkfresh Studio Giveaway Page on 2nd November 2026. Please make sure to check if you are a winner and claim your prize within two weeks.

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.

Sadly, I had a lot of trouble photographing this card. It's been dark and rainy here the last week and a half and it's not ideal for photos, so I apologise for that! Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a great time on the rest of the hop and a wonderful day! 

Spellbinders | One More Bite

Hello there, I am delighted to be over on the Spellbinders Blog again today sharing a card using the Snack Goals Collection. This collection is an add-on to the already released Chompster, which features in the Just Add Cake Card Making Kit. There are new foods to eat, new hats to wear, new sentiments, and also Christmas and Halloween sets. I used the Christmas one here. My card today uses a new cake and hat for a birthday card. 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.

As you can see in the peek above, I went with my favourite colours! I used purple shades for Chompster, the hat from Top It off Etched Dies is in pink shades, and the cake from One More Bite Etched Dies, also in pink. I wouldn't advise her to eat the cake with the candle still on it but I felt it needed it for the birthday theme! The sentiment that reads 'birthdays happen treats help', from the Snack Goals Clear Stamp Set, was simply stamped beside her. 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.

For a full step by step tutorial, as well as more photos, please head over to the Spellbinders Blog. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a great rest of the weekend! 

Spellbinders | Fall Adventures

Hello there, I'm delighted to be over on the Spellbinders Blog today sharing a card using the new Fall Adventures Collection by Allison Frazier. This collection is an add-on to the already released Summer Camp Collection. The new accessories fit both the Woodland and Trailside Trios. 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.

As you can see from the peek above, I went with autumnal colours, but with a bit more of a corally-pink twist! I used Terra Cotta for the squirrel, trying to depict the native red squirrel, which sadly, we don't have many around here now. I haven't seen one since I was a child here in London. They are all grey now. I love the grey ones and have loads that frequent my garden, but I would love to see some red ones back too! 

I used the squirrel from the Spellbinders Woodland Trio Etched Dies and dressed her up in dungarees/overalls from the Spellbinders Harvest Style Etched Dies. The hay bales, pumpkins, apples, and leaves are from the Spellbinders Harvest Days Etched Dies. The sentiment, that I simply stamped below the scene to ground it, is from the Spellbinders All About Fall Clear Stamp Set. 

SUPPLIES:

 

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.

For a detailed step by step on how I made the card and lots more photos, please head over to the Spellbinders Blog. Thank you so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day! 

Hero Arts | Kitty Squeezer

Hello there, today I have a card to share using the Hero Arts Kitty Squeezer Die Set. The kitty has arms that open so that you can pop something underneath for him/her to hold. In the set are autumn themed products, but the cat be holding anything you like, even a gift card fits! I decided to have him holding a wreath! 

PLEASE NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. Please see below for my full disclosure.

I started off by die cutting the Hero Arts Kitty Squeezer Die Set cat from Spellbinders Matte Metallic Onyx Treasured Cardstock, Chiffon ColorWheel Cardstock and Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock. His eyes, ears and nose pieces were adhered to the main layer using liquid glue. 

I then die cut the smaller of the two wreaths from the Hero Arts Winter Wreath Die Set from Spellbinders Peridot and Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock. The bow was cut from Spellbinders Teal Topaz ColorWheel Cardstock. I adhered the layers together and then adhered it behind the cat's paws. 

I added a panel of Spellbinders Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock onto a US A2 sized (4.25" x 5.5") white card base and then the cat was adhered on top using thin foam tape. I stamped the sentiment from the Hero Arts Season's Greetings Stamp Set onto white cardstock using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. 

It was cut into two strips using the Hero Arts Sentiment Strips Die and adhered to the card with foam tape. To finish, I embellished with Spellbinders Aquamarine Color Essentials Gems. 

SUPPLIES:

Here are the links to what I have used on the project. Affiliate links are used on some products. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on my link, I receive a small commission with no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support when using these links. Please click on the logo below the product to shop at your favourite store. All products were personally purchased except marked with an asterisk (*) which were kindly sent to me to use. You can read my full disclosure here.

I love that the cat can be used all year round to hold different objects! Thanks so much for stopping by today, I really do appreciate it. I hope you have a wonderful day!