Hi Crafty friends.
I recently subscribed to the Hero Studio Stencils Subscription, and this beauty from September is my very first—and let me tell you, it made a stunning first impression! The moment I saw that cozy forest scene, with its beautiful mix of leaves and tree trunks, I knew I wanted to create something warm, soft, and full of heart.
With the seasons beginning to shift and that grateful-for-everything feeling in the air, I took this as the perfect opportunity to slow down and craft a card that simply says: “Thanks for your kindness.” Whether it’s a neighbor, a friend, or someone who’s quietly shown up when it mattered — this card is for them.
Building the Background: Layering with Purpose
What I love most about this stencil set is the four layers that work together to build a beautiful forest scene. Each layer adds depth, texture, and a new element to the design.
I started with a crisp white cardstock panel and took my time blending inks to create a subtle but colorful backdrop. Here’s the breakdown:
Stencil 1 (Bushes and leaves): I used Squeezed Lemonade Distress Oxide — a bright yellow that added a cheerful pop and met a fun color challenge I was embracing.
Stencil 2 (Offset leaves): I layered on Antique Linen to soften the yellows and bring a warm, golden undertone.
Stencil 3 (More leaves): I added Pumice Stone to bring a gentle neutral contrast that keeps the scene grounded.
Stencil 4 (Tree bark texture): For this final layer, I used Brushed Corduroy, adding a richer, deeper brown that gave the trees a warm, natural bark look.
After all the stenciling was done, I added splatters of metallic gold watercolor for a little shimmer that dances in the light. It’s subtle but makes the card feel magical — perfect for fall.
Putting It All Together: Sentiment and Finishing Touches
Once my panel was dry, I trimmed it down to 4" x 5.25" to create a slight border and adhered it to a white A2 card base with foam tape for little lift. I love this simple framing because it keeps the focus on the layered background while giving the card a polished, professional look.
For the sentiment, I used the Hero Arts Thanks Stamp & Cut. I die cut the word “thanks” from brown cardstock and stacked several layers for dimension that perfectly complements the palette.
For the sub-sentiment “for your kindness,” I stamped it in Cup O Joe ink on white cardstock, then cut a few thin strips of cardstock and adhered them together to add subtle dimension before adhering the strip flat to the card panel. This technique adds just the right amount of depth while keeping the clean, elegant look intact.
Why I Love This Card (And You Might Too)
This card felt like more than just a project — it was a moment of gratitude and reflection. Using this stencil set gave me a chance to play with color, texture, and layering in a way that felt fresh but approachable.
The Hero Studio Subscription really impressed me with the quality and thoughtful design of these layering tools. I can’t wait to see what comes next in the subscription and to keep creating cards that make people feel truly appreciated.
I hope you enjoyed this peek into my first Hero Arts stencil project and found some inspiration to craft your own “thankful” cards this season.
If you have this stencil set or have your own favorite layering techniques, please share! I love seeing your creations and hearing your stories.
Thank You for Visiting!
Happy crafting!
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