Spellbinders Blog

Hi folks, Kavya from @handmadebykavya here with a fun tutorial to take your paper flowers to the next level. Today’s project uses a bunch of products from the STC Serenity Garden release! This release is packed with the most beautiful floral dies. There are a few steps involved, but I promise the result is absolutely worth it. Let's get started!

Instructions

We are going to start by creating a base for your floral vase. For my project, I am using a 5”x7” canvas panel that I painted black. Next, we are going to use the Medallion 3D embossing folder (this has since retired but feel free to use any embossing folder in your collection) to emboss a piece of Blue Spruce cardstock. Punch the edges of cardstock using the 3-in-1 Notch Punch. Ink blend the edges of the cardstock using black dye ink to give it some dimension. Now, we are going to construct our paper vase. Start by taking a 4.5”x 3.5” cardstock in the color Windy. Score it at 0.75” intervals widthwise and then a single 0.5” score lengthwise. Ink blend the edges using Faded Jeans distress ink. Cut the slits at the bottom and roll it to make a pentagonal prism. Round the edges of the flap and adhere them to form the base of the vase. [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-9.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-10.webp"] Adhere this on your canvas panel and embossed cardstock to base to form the vase to hold your flowers! [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-11.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-12.webp"] Now, we are going to die-cut our flowers and foliage using various shades of green, pink, and cream cardstock. I used the following dies with the following colors of cardstock:

• Field Notes Wildflowers for the stems cut out of Fern
• Petals of Astrantia cut from Mulberry and Tutu
  • Center of Astrantia cut from Alabaster and Linen (not from Spellbinders)
• Leaves from Tassel Flower and Ladybug, Poetic Foliage and Primrose

[gallery type="rectangular" link="file" size="medium" ids="kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-13.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-14.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-15.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-16.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-17.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-18.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-19.webp"] Now blend ink your leaves. Use a dark green ink on the edges and a lighter green toward the center. You can also drag the brush along the center line to create a subtle veining effect. This makes such a difference in the finished look! [gallery type="rectangular" link="file" size="medium" ids="kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-20.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-21.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-22.webp"] Shape your leaves by folding along the center and gently pushing the tip downward. Paste these leaves on some of the stems we cut earlier. [gallery type="rectangular" link="file" size="medium" ids="kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-23.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-24.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-25.webp"] For the flower petals,  I'm using a deeper pink ink on the edges of the petals to add depth and dimension. Work from the edges outward with a light circular motion. Now let's shape our flowers! Place your flower petals on a molding mat and use a stylus or ball tool at the center of the flower to gently curve the whole flower upward. Then, use your hand to curve the petals downward. This gives them that gorgeous three-dimensional look. Adhere a few layers to make them look realistic! Assemble the center of the flower as shown below.   Assemble your layered flowers by stacking the petal layers and the center piece. Adhere this flower to a stem along with a few leaves to create a single floral stem. [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-29.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-30.webp"] For the Tassel Flower, I cut the stem out of mint color cardstock. The Tassels were cut using streamer paper because it is easier to mold and lightweight. Fold the Tassels twice to form “quarters”. [gallery type="rectangular" link="file" columns="2" size="large" ids="kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-31.webp,kavya_n_kavya-n-2026-stc-serenity-garden-32.webp"] To assemble the Tassel flower, I took the large and medium-sized fringes and layered them on top of one another and placed it behind the stem. Place your stems in the flower vase, and that’s it; you are done! That’s it! I hope you like this card! Can’t wait to see what you all make. Happy Crafting, Kavya [spellbinders-supplies]CS-8-126,CS-8-130,CS-8-120,CS-8-139,CS-8-104,CS-8-141,S5-711,S4-1482,S3-558,S2-447,T-071,S4-1369[/spellbinders-supplies]

Other Supplies

Black paint, 5”x7” canvas panel, Distress Oxide Ink Colors that coordinate with the cardstock colors you picked!

Read more

Hello crafty friends! I’m Bonnie Crane, and I’m thrilled to be joining you as a guest designer for Spellbinders. Spring always has a way of turning my thoughts toward flowers and time spent in the garden. It feels like the perfect season to draw inspiration from the Spellbinders Serenity Garden Collection by Susan Tierney-Cockburn. For this card, I’ve showcased the beautifully detailed Astrantia bloom, complemented by two additional florals from the collection - Primrose and Tassel Flower - creating a soft, layered bouquet.

ASTRANTIA

1. Die Cutting

• Cut small florets from Blush cardstock.
• Cut large petals twice from Chiffon cardstock.
• Cut floret stems (both sizes) and flower centre from Rainforest cardstock (2 cuts per stem size).
• Cut three leaves from Rainforest cardstock.

2. Shape the Florets & Stems

• Dot florets in the centre with Copic R35; cup each using a small ball tool.
• On the back of each floret stems, press the two rounded ends with a small ball tool.
• Use a medium ball tool to depress the centre of each floret stem layer.

3. Assemble Floret Cluster

• Adhere the two larger stem layers and two medium layers together; offsetting the stems.
• Use tweezers to adhere two florets to the two small raised cups on the end of each stem.

4. Shape the Two Large Petal Layers & Assemble Flower

• On the back, add a central vein to each petal using a leaf tool.
• Flip over; pinch along the vein with tweezers and twist petal tips.
• Cup the centres with a medium ball tool, then adhere the layers together, offsetting the petals.
• Adhere the medium and small floret clusters to the centre of the petals.

6. Create the Flower Centre

• Use the small ball tool to cup the end of the tiny stems and grasp the “handle” with tweezers.
• Apply adhesive along the base, wrap around the nose of the tweezers, and slip it off.
• Fluff the stems and adhere to the centre; finish off the small stems with remaining florets.

7. Shape the Leaves

• Add a central vein on the back using a leaf tool.
• Pinch along the vein and twist tips with tweezers for a natural look

PRIMROSE

1. Die Cut the Pieces

• Cut three flowers from Tuscan cardstock, using two petal layers and one centre for each bloom.
• Cut two sets of leaves from Fern cardstock.

2. Shape the Petals

• Place the petal layers face up on a molding mat.
• Using the loop tool, pull from the petal edges toward the centre several times to create a nice cupped shape.

3. Layer the Petals

• Use the small ball tool in the centre of each petal layer to cup them.
• Adhere one petal layer onto another, offsetting the petals.

4. Create the Flower Centres

• Hold the “handle” of the die cut with tweezers and apply adhesive along the band.
• Twist the band around the tip of the tweezers and slip it off.
• Adhere the centre to the petals.

5. Add the Prills

• Apply adhesive around the flower centre.
• Add yellow prills.

6. Add Detail to the Petals

• Apply Splatter White (opaque paint) to the outer edges of each petal using your fingertip.

7. Shape the Leaves

• Use the leaf tool and trace the etched lines to increase definition.
• Use tweezers along the main vein to crease the leaves upward.
• Curl the edges downward for added dimension.

TASSEL FLOWERS & LADYBUGS

1. Die Cut the Pieces

• Cut the petal layers and flower centres from Violet cardstock: four large, three medium, and two small for each bloom.
• Cut two flower stems and two sets of leaves from Fern cardstock.

 

2. Shape the Stems and Calyxes

• Two stems are required. Use a medium ball tool to cup the three calyxes on each stem.
• Shape one stem from the front and the second from the back.
• Adhere the stems together so each calyx forms a cup to hold the flower.

3. Prepare the Petals

• Each petal has a V-shaped cutout at the tip.
• Cut each petal lengthwise in half, including the small petals on the flower centre die cut.

4. Shape and Assemble the Petals

• Cup all petal layers using a medium ball tool.
• Adhere the layers together, starting with the largest and working to the smallest.
• Offset the petals as each layer is added.
• Use the ball tool after each layer to deepen the cupping as you build the flower.

5. Create the Flower Centre

• Hold the “handle” of the flower centre die cut with tweezers and apply adhesive along the band.
• Roll the band around the tip of the tweezers and slip it off.
• Adhere the centre into the middle of the layered petals.

6. Adhere the Flowers

• Squeeze the petal layers together.
• Apply adhesive inside both calyx cups and insert the flower.

7. Finish the Flowers

• Once dry, fluff out the petals to add fullness and dimension.

PULLING THE CARD TOGETHER

1. Create the Card Base

• Use the largest die from the Playful Stitched Panels die set to cut a shaped card base from white card stock.
• Place the die slightly over the folded edge to create a hinge at the top.
• Cut an additional panel from Chiffon cardstock and adhere it to the front.

2. Add the Embossed Panel

• Cut a smaller panel from Indigo cardstock and black foam using the same die set.
• Emboss the Indigo panel with the Ode to a Poet 3-D embossing folder.
• Adhere the embossed panel to the foam layer, then centre it on the card base.

3. Create the Floating Sentiment

• Use the Layered Happy Birthday die set to cut the script from Indigo cardstock and black foam.
• Cut the shadow layer from vellum paper.
• Apply adhesive to the back of the Indigo script and the front of the foam script using Tombow adhesive and allow it to dry until it is in its tacky state.
• Adhere the vellum shadow on top of the foam script.
• Align and adhere the Indigo script on top of the vellum shadow.
• Adhere the completed sentiment to the lower right-hand corner of the card.

4. Arrange the Flowers

• Begin by adhering the tassel flower to the Indigo panel.
• Add the Astrantia, tucking leaves around the bloom.
• Create a spray of leaves in the bottom left-hand corner and adhere the three primrose flowers to complete the arrangement.

5. Add the Finishing Touches

• Embellish with Aura Opalescent Sequins.
• Add Nuvo Crystal Drops in Morning Dew to the sequins.

If you are a lover of flowers like me, the Serenity Garden Collection will capture your heart. Happy Spring, and thank you so much for your visit! [spellbinders-supplies]S5-711,S4-1482,S2-447,E3D-168,S5-747,S1-188,CS-8-108,CS-8-103,CS-8-119,CS-8-140,CS-8-120,CS-8-117,CS-8-134,SCS-186,SCS-328,ANC817,SCS-151[/spellbinders-supplies]

Other Supplies

Foam Molding Mat, Leaf Mat, Small & Medium Ball Tool, Loop Tool, Leaf Tool, Tweezers, Nuvo Crystal Drops Morning Dew, Copic Marker R35

Read more

Hello there, Michelle Short here to share a step-by-step tutorial with you using the Simon Hurley Cascading Coneflowers collection. My focus today is sharing how to add interest to die cuts in an easy way, whether that be adding ink blending, layering, or simply by adding interest to the background of a clean and simple card. These easy steps really help to make die cuts pop!

DIE CUTTING THE DIES

Die cut the dies from Wild Coneflowers Etched Dies (please add permalink):

PLEASE NOTE: The dies are shown in the photo facing upwards, so that you can see which die is cut from which cardstock. When die cutting, you need to have the cut side facing down onto the cardstock.

1. Place two sets of flower petal dies onto Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock and hold in place with Best Ever Craft Tape.
2. Place flower centre dies onto Beeswax ColorWheel Cardstock and hold in place with Best Ever Craft Tape.
3. Place two stems and two leaves dies onto Peridot ColorWheel Cardstock and hold in place with Best Ever Craft Tape.

4. Run through Platinum Six Die Cutting Machine using the following sandwich (bottom to top):

• A Platform Base
• B Platform Top
• C Cutting Plate
• Cardstock with die on top
• C Cutting Plate

TIP: Holding dies to cardstock using low-tack tape helps to prevent them from shifting when running through the die cutting machine. If the dies shift, you can end up with double cut lines on the die cuts.

ADDING INK BLENDING TO DIE CUTS

1. Place flower petals onto Sticky Mat to hold in place while adding ink blending on top.
2. Take a blending brush and press into Bermuda Core Ink to pick up the ink.
3. Using circular motions, blend the ink onto the die cuts. Focus the ink where the shadows would be (at the base of the petals).
4. Remove die cuts and clean mat (please note these inks will stain the mat, but this does not affect the performance of the mat).

5. Place stems and leaves onto Sticky Mat.
6. Add ink blending to the top and bottom of the stems, and base of the leaves, using Green Hills Core Ink.
7. Remove die cuts and clean mat.

8. Place flower centres onto Sticky Mat.
9. Add first layer of ink blending to the base of the centres using Butter Bar Core Ink.
10. Add second layer of ink blending to the base of the centres using Papaya Core Ink and a Mini Blending Brush.

TIP: Whilst the die cuts look great without it, adding ink blending to them helps to make them look more rounded and not flat.

DIE CUT ASSEMBLY

1. Add Bearly Art Glue onto the back of the top layer of the large flower, in the centre.

2. Adhere to base layer.

3. Apply glue onto the back of the flower centre.
4. Adhere to flower.

5. Apply glue onto the back of the base of flower centre.
6. Adhere at the bottom of the flower centre.

7. Repeat process for the smaller flower.

TIP: Tweezers are really helpful to pick and place die cuts down. You can hover the die cut above where you want to place it before adhering down to get the correct placement.

BASE PANEL

1. Take 4.25” x 5.5” panel of Cosmic Sky ColorWheel Cardstock and temporarily adhere to scrap paper or Sticky Mat.
2. Using a Large Blending Brush, apply Nautical Core Ink to the bottom of the panel. As there is less ink on the brush, bring the brush upwards to fade the ink to the colour of the cardstock.
3. Repeat the process to add as many layers as needed to make the bottom of the panel darker than the top (note: as the ink dries, it will lighten up slightly).

4. Using a brush, add a small amount of Splatter White Opaque Watercolor onto a non-stick mat.
5. Spray a little water on top and mix together with brush to make the consistency thinner and easier to splatter.

6. Place cardstock panel inside Splat Box (or other box to protect work surface from excess splatter).
7. Load up brush with paint. Position brush above but slightly downwards where you want the splatter to fall and tap brush to release the paint onto the panel.
8. Set aside to dry.

SENTIMENT

1. Die cut ‘hello’ word die from Big & Bold Sentiments Etched Dies (please add permalink) three times from Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock using the same die cutting sandwich as step 1.
2. Use Precision Tool to poke out the inside pieces of the letters.

3. Add small dabs of glue onto the back of one of the die cuts and adhere on top of the other.
4. Repeat the process for the other die cut, so that the hello is three die cut layers high.

TIP: Stacking die cuts is an easy to way for the die cut to have more impact. This die cut would be impossible to adhere with foam tape, so by adding the layers of cardstock, it adds the dimension.

CARD ASSEMBLY

1. Apply Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the now dry splattered panel.

2. Create an A2-sized card base (4.25” x 5.5”) from Cosmic Sky ColorWheel Cardstock.
3. Adhere panel on top.

4. Add small dabs of Bearly Art Glue onto the back of the stem that is leaning towards to the left.

5. Adhere to card but before sticking down the bottom of the stem, tuck base of leaf underneath.

6. Repeat process for the other stem and leaf.

7. Flip card over and cut off excess stems from the bottom of the card using Shears.

8. Apply Foam Squares to the back of the flower heads. You may need to cut some smaller to fit.

9. Remove backings from foam squares.
10. Adhere flowers to card.

11. Add small dabs of glue on the back of the ‘hello’.
12. Adhere to card.

TIP: If you add too much glue onto the back of die cuts, dab off the excess onto scrap paper. This prevents it from oozing out the sides.

13. To finish, embellish with Denim Color Essentials Gems.

As you can see, the card is simple in design but by adding ink blending onto the flowers it makes them pop from the background, the sentiment has more impact because it is dimensional, and adding the splatter and subtle ink blending to the background helps to add interest. Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today, I hope you have a wonderful day! [spellbinders-supplies]S4-1540,S4-1539,SCS-328,SCS-342,CS-8-123,CS-8-115,CS-8-118,CS-8-133,CS8-8-148,PE-104,T-098,T-034,T-045,T-060,T-042,T-043,T-058,SCS-123,PCG02E,SCS-272,SCS-121,ALT8942[/spellbinders-supplies]

Other Supplies

AF684 Bermuda Core Ink, AF662 Green Hills Core Ink, AF651 Butter Bar Core Ink, AF640 Papaya Core Ink, AF706 Nautical Core Ink, Tim Holtz Splat Box

Read more