Foiling AND Watercoloring using the BLOCK PRINT ZODIACS COLLECTION by Spellbinders

Hello crafty friends, I am so excited to be on Spellbinders blog today with a trio of cards using the BLOCK PRINT ZODIACS Collection.  I was inspired to create with zodiacs because they celebrate personality and individuality, making each design feel personal and intentional

I love experimenting with different techniques, and zodiacs feel mysterious and ever-changing to me. That’s why I chose watercolors—no two results are ever the same. I added foil details on watercolor cardstock using my Glimmer machine to enhance that sense of magic and depth. I used the watercolors by Pinkfresh Studio.

I have the full supplies in the description below. I appreciate if you purchace with my affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

Here is a card I created for my followers and then I will share a sneak peek of my cards on the Spellbinders blog where I have a full tutorial.

Libra Zodiac Card – Soft Celestial Ink Blending

For this card, I wanted to capture the gentle balance and airy elegance that Libra represents. Instead of going bold and dramatic, I chose a dreamy pastel palette with soft transitions and subtle texture to echo harmony and calm.

To elevate the card without adding a lot, I layered the blended panel over a subtly textured white background panel

A soft aqua card base that ties back to the main color palette. This framing keeps the composition clean while adding depth.

The contrast between soft watercolor and bold Espresso Foiling creates instant impact.  
Limiting the palette keeps the card cohesive. The arched shape adds elegance and movement.

Sneak Peek with step by step on Spellbinders  blog :

Although all three cards follow the same basic process, each zodiac sign was approached with its own color story to reflect personality, symbolism, and mood. This keeps the designs cohesive while allowing each card to feel intentional and unique.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! You can find more inspiration on my blog, Instagram and YouTube channel.

Pinkfresh Studio “Homespun with Heart” Release Blog Hop

Hello crafty friends! I’m excited to share a closer look at a few cards I created using products from the Pinkfresh Studio "Homespun with Heart" Release. This collection is perfect if you enjoy layering, delicate details, and projects inspired by handmade creativity and a touch of romantic vintage asthetic.

All the supplies are listed below. Many of you want me to share more videos, with the cardmaking process and I will be sharing one soon and link it HERE. Or subscribe to my channel: @ishaguptadesigns

First two cards focus on sewing and crafting themes, combined with soft colors and dimensional die-cut elements.

Card 1 – Handmade Sewing Tools Card 

I used sewing themed dies to build a layered arrangement featuring thread, scissors, glasses, and small sewing accessories.

• I started with a soft pink ink blended background to create a warm base.
• The panel was embossed to add subtle texture without overpowering the focal elements using the Petal Trellis coverplate.
• I used the Heritage Lace die to create decorative borders at the top and bottom. These details help frame the card while keeping the design light and elegant.

• For the sewing elements, I inked through the stencils of the Maker's Essentials, die-cut using the coordinating Maker's dies and layered using foam adhesive to create dimension.
• I finished the card with a simple “Made with Love” sentiment from the Heartmade Greetings stamp and a few Iridescent Dew drops.

Card 2 – Thread Spool Handmade Card

For the second card, I focused on Thread Spool as the main design element. I wanted this card to feel soft, playful, and slightly modern.

• I created an inked background panel and layered it with the Lacy Lattice white die-cut.
• I then layered it with a softly blended oval vellum ink background to draw attention to the focal point.
• The stamped details on the spools and the sentiment from the Heartmade Greetings stamp set.
• The thread spools were die cut using using the Thread Spool dies. I added color from the stencils from Thread Spool stencils. The threads are from the Notion Story dies and the Notion Story stencil.

• I added small tags, pins, and floral details to enhance the handmade sewing theme.
• The same “Made with Love” sentiment ties both cards together and reinforces the handmade message.
• Added a few Iridescent Dew drops for subtle shine, movement and balance.

This design shows how repeating shapes like spools can create visual rhythm while still feeling clean and structured.

Card 3 – Timeless Handmade Elegance Card

This last card leans into a romantic vintage-inspired aesthetic with subtle Victorian influence, while still keeping a clean and contemporary cardmaking approach. I used Freshly Picked (stamp, stencil and dies), Cottage Frames (stamp, stencil and dies), Room for Joy stamp and dies, Stitched Basket Weave Coverplate

The decorative layered frames and floral vignettes draw inspiration from traditional Victorian stationery and ornamental paper crafts, where framed botanical elements were often used to create elegant focal points. The soft pink blended backgrounds inside the frames help recreate that classic cameo-style look that is commonly associated with vintage paper design.

To keep the card feeling fresh and modern, I paired those ornate elements with a structured layout, bold contrast layering, and plenty of open space. The stitched background texture adds quiet detail without overwhelming the florals, allowing each framed element to stand out individually while still working together as a cohesive composition.

I love combining vintage-inspired details with modern cardmaking techniques because it creates projects that feel timeless but still current. Giveaway
Pinkfresh Studio will be giving away the full release on the Pinkfresh blog & YouTube channel.
As well as a total of TEN $50 gift cards along the hop. As usual the winners will be selected from the comments.
Pinkfresh Studio will pull the winners & post them on February 12, 2026, on their GIVEAWAY PAGE.
Don't forget to check that page & claim your prize within 2 weeks.

Here is the link to complete HOP list
CLICK TO ENTER HERE

Thank you so much for dropping by and have a wonderful weekend!

Altenew- Easy Mixed Media for Cardmakers: Slimline Floral Card

Hello everyone! I had created this card for my post as Altenew Ambassador but I got covid and couldn't post it. For this card, I wanted to combine soft mixed-media texture with bright, cheerful florals. This slimline design uses gentle ink blending, subtle texture in the background, and layered die-cut flowers to create lots of dimension without complicated steps. It’s a great project if you love colorful cards but still want something relaxing and easy to make.

All the supplies are listed below.

• Cut and fold a slimline card base (approx. 3.5" × 8.5").
• Trim a watercolor panel slightly smaller than the card front and set it aside for the background.
• Apply light watercolor wash using pastel shades (soft blue, yellow, and pink) over the panel.
• Let the panel dry completely.
• Use the Vintage Motifs stencil and apply texture paste lightly in a few areas.

• Stamp and Color the Floral Images using stencils.
• Die-cut  the image
• Arrange flowers onto the panel to guide the eye from top to bottom.
• Use foam tape behind some flowers 
• Tuck smaller flowers and leaves behind the main blooms for a natural layered look.
• Add Sentiment
• Adhere the finished panel to the slimline card base.

Thank you for dropping by and have a nice day!

Modern Mosaic Cover Plate Cards + Watercolor Backgrounds (2 Easy Designs)

Hi crafty friends! Today I’m sharing two easy cards made using cover plate dies and watercolor backgrounds — a simple combination that creates a lot of visual impact with very few supplies. I used the products by Pinkfresh Studio. 

All the supplies I used are in the description box below and I really appreciate you using my affiliate links. Thank you so much

I painted loose watercolor panels first, then layered white geometric cover plates on top for a clean, modern look. By changing just the colors and layout, you can get completely different results, from bold and dramatic to soft and cheerful. These designs are perfect when you want something striking but still quick to make.

Card 1: Galaxy Mosaic Birthday (Diagonal Design)

This first card has a bold, dramatic watercolor look with a diagonal mosaic pattern and a clean white center. I love the mysterious galaxies so simply went for it.

Step-by-Step

• Create the watercolor background. On watercolor paper, paint a loose “galaxy wash” using deep shades (blue, pink, yellow a little black).
• Let it blend naturally and dry completely.
• Add shimmer spray.
• Flick watered-down white paint or white watercolor over the panel for a starry effect. and let it dry.

• Die-cut the cover plate (Modern Mosaic) from white cardstock. I love the details and clean cut. 
• Adhere to the galaxy background.
• Cut diagonal pieces
• Assemble the card
• Stamp and die-cut your sentiment (I used a birthday greeting) from the On My Mind stamps and dies. offset with navy glitter card.

• Pop it up with foam tape in the center strip.
• To finish, add a few glitter ombre drops in Enchanted Forest, near the sentiment for balance.

Quick Tip: If your watercolor is very dark, use slightly more white splatter—it helps the background feel “alive” and not flat.

Card 2: Pastel Mosaic + Diamond Sentiment 

This second card is softer and brighter, using pastel watercolor blocks under the cover plate, plus a vellum diamond for the greeting.

Step-by-Step

• Create a pastel watercolor panel by painting a simple wash in sections using light shades (aqua, turquoise, lavender).
• Keep it soft. Let dry completely.
• Die-cut a white panel using the Modern Mosaic coverplate die.
• I left the centre square pieces inside.

• Cut the watercolor panel with Diamond Delight coverplate. This gives a beautiful detailed look.
• Layer the white panel over the watercolor cut panel.
• Adhere the watercolor panel to a silver glitter cardstock and then adhere this whole panel to a white card base.
• This adds shine without clutter.
• Die-cut a vellum diamond using the Nested Squares Diagonal stitched die.
• Stamp and die-cut the sentiment from the Heartfelt Wishes stamp and dies, offset with silver glitter card, then adhere it to the vellum.

• Adhere the vellum diamond with foam tape in the centre.
• To finish, add a few iridescent droplets around the sentiment.

If you try either version, I’d love to know: Do you prefer the bold galaxy look or the soft pastel one? Thank you for dropping by and have a nice day!

Pinkfresh Studio “Artful Foundations” Release Blog Hop

Hello crafty friends!! I am so excited to join Pinkfresh Studio "Artful Foundations" bloghop. This release is versatile as always and I love it.

For my three projects, I couldn’t resist playing with the Petal Pop stencil set and Heartfelt Chapters sentiment stamp and dies.

What I love abot the stencil set is that it comes with a background stencil too. I also want to share how this stencil can be combined with the previously released products to create beautiful, colorful cards using soft or bold colors of your liking :)

All the products are linked below and if you want me to create a video for any of the cards, do let me know.

Card 1– Soft & Cheerful

This card features a light, airy floral background created with soft ink blending for a fresh and happy feel. I used the embroidery hoop to ground the sentiment. The gentle color transitions add movement without overwhelming the design, making this card perfect for everyday encouragement or happy mail.

The tiny butterflies to add focus on the sentiment are from the Nature's Narrative dies.

Card 2 - Bright & Uplifting

The 2nd card combines a vibrant floral backdrop with a clean, stitched frame for a polished finish.

I love how the layered sentiment using glitter cardstock stands out while still allowing the background to shine.

A rectangular stitched frame, few small embellishments using butterflies, add texture and dimension, creating a balanced design that feels uplifting and versatile.

Card 3 - Bold & Joyful Gatefold Shaker Card

For the 3rd card, I leaned into brighter, more saturated rainbow colors against a dark background to really let the florals pop. The contrast adds drama while still feeling playful.

This is a gatefold card with the shaker circular window

A bold circular shaker frame highlights the sentiment, and a touch of sparkle brings in a bit of celebration—ideal for birthdays or special milestones.

Just using various color combinations, sets a different look and mood for the card, right?

Giveaway

Pinkfresh Studio will be giving away the full release on the Pinkfresh blog & YouTube channel.

As well as a total of TEN $50 gift cards along the hop. As usual the winners will be selected from the comments.

Pinkfresh Studio will pull the winners & post them on January 15, 2026, on their GIVEAWAY PAGE.

Don't forget to check that page & claim your prize within 2 weeks.

Here is the link to complete HOP list

CLICK TO ENTER HERE

Thank you so much for dropping by and have a wonderful weekend!

Pinkfresh Studio Year in Review Instagram Hop

Welcome to the Pinkfresh Studio Year in Review Instagram Hop. I’m sharing three of my cards from this year that really represent my style and the techniques I enjoyed using most.

They represent different styles: seasonal, soft floral, and clean modern There is also one card which is my own illustration...YAY!!

A mix of techniques: shaker, stenciling, stamping, embossing, die cutting, masking and mixed media

Each card suits a different occasion, showing how flexible the products are

Thanks for hopping along! Be sure to check out the next stop in the hop and see more Year in Review favorites from the Pinkfresh Studio design community.

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Video on Pinkfresh Studio YouTube Channel HERE

Thank you for dropping by. For giveaway, go to my Instagram: @ishaguptadesigns

To shop for the products visit Pinkfresh Studio and make use of the wonderful discounts.

For a limited time, enjoy 15% off storewide, and for all clearance items an extra 30% off! No codes needed—everything is already marked. Whether you’re picking up favorites, treating yourself to something new, or snagging a great deal from clearance, now is the perfect time to shop.