Cheerful Spring Bee Card with Layered Die Cuts

There’s something about spring that makes me want to buzz with excitement — sunny days, cheerful critters, and just a touch of whimsy. For this card, I had so much fun letting a sweet little bee take center stage, with bright colors and layered details that bring the scene to life. It’s simple, playful, and perfect for a quick spring project that’s full of personality.

Hi, Carrianne here! I’m excited to share step by step how I created this cheerful spring card that’s sure to make anyone smile.

Supplies & Materials

CutCardStock Cardstock Used:

Pop Tone Black Licorice
DCS Yellow Jacket
Classic Crest Solar White
DCS Raspberry Ice Pink
Pop Tone Jelly Bean Green

Other Products Used:

Elizabeth Craft Designs – Bee Die Set
La-La Land Crafts – Grass Border Dies, Stitched Cloud Border Die
C.C. Designs – Sweet Bees Stamp (sentiment)
Liquid adhesive
Foam tape

Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Cardstock

To start, I began by selecting my CutCardStock cardstock colors. For the bee, I used Pop Tone Black Licorice for the body details, DCS Yellow Jacket for the stripes and honey pot, and Classic Crest Solar White for contrast pieces. Next, the flower petals were die cut from DCS Raspberry Ice Pink, while Pop Tone Jelly Bean Green was used for both the flower stem and the grass, helping to tie the design together.

The cardstock colors selected for the project, ready for die cutting.

After selecting the colors, I placed each die onto its coordinating cardstock and ran everything through my die cutting machine. Laying the pieces out by color and shape makes assembly much easier and helps visualize the final design before gluing anything down.

Step 2: Assemble the Bee and Flower

Next, I assembled the bee using liquid adhesive, adding light ink shading to give the layers more dimension. After that, the honey pot was added to the bee’s hands for a fun detail. I also assembled the daisy, trimming the stem slightly so it stays proportional to the bee and sits closer to the ground.

All the die-cut pieces on my craft surface, ready for shading with inks and brushes.

Next, I assembled the bee using liquid adhesive, then added the honey pot to its hand for a fun detail. I also assembled the daisy, trimming the stem slightly so it stays proportional to the bee and sits closer to the ground.

The bee fully assembled and complete — all layers in place!

Step 3: Create the Background

Next, for the background panel, I trimmed Classic Crest Solar White cardstock to 4 × 5.25 inches, slightly smaller than the A2 card base (4.25 × 5.5 inches) to leave a clean border. I softly ink blended the top portion of the panel to create a subtle spring sky. Along the top edge, I added a white cloud border to balance the open space and frame the design.

All the die cut pieces on my craft surface, shaded and ready for assembly.

Step 4: Build the Scene

To start building the scene, I die cut two layers of grass from Pop Tone Jelly Bean Green cardstock and layered them together for extra dimension. The grass was adhered along the bottom edge of the panel, instantly grounding the scene.

Two layers of grass stacked together to add dimension and ground the scene.

Then, I placed the bee on the left side of the panel and popped it up slightly for added depth. The daisy was added to the right side, creating balance while keeping the layout clean and airy.

Step 5: Add the Sentiment

With the scene in place, I stamped the sentiment directly onto the background panel, positioning it to the right of the bee and just above the flower so it feels naturally part of the scene.

Step 6: Assemble the Card Base

Finally, I adhered the finished panel to a Classic Crest Solar White A2 card base that was cut to 4.25 × 5.5 inches, then scored and folded. This clean white base keeps the focus on the colorful cardstock and layered spring scene.

This clean and cheerful design highlights the versatility of colorful cardstock and layered die cuts, while keeping the layout beginner-friendly and easy to recreate.

Thanks for spending some creative time with me today! If you’d like to grab any of the supplies I used, you can shop through my affiliate links below—at no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support and hope you have fun creating!

Brutus Monroe Feathered Path Stencil | Soft Light & Quiet Flight

Hi friends! Happy Saturday!!

There are some cards that come together—and then there are the ones that feel like a moment. This one was definitely a moment.

I sat down to create without a real plan, just wanting to play with soft color and see where it would take me. As I began layering gentle greens using the Feathered Path Stencil, something really calming started to happen. The colors built from light to dark, creating a soft glow right in the center of the panel. It reminded me of those quiet, in-between moments where everything feels still and at peace.

That glow became the perfect place for a delicate origami crane. Stamped in crisp black, it almost feels like it’s floating in that light. There’s something about an origami bird that feels symbolic—like hope, movement, or simply a quiet breath.

I kept the sentiment simple and bold to balance the softness of the background, and finished the card with a few clear dew-drop embellishments for just a touch of dimension and shine.

This card was such a joy to create. It captures a feeling of calm, light, and balance—and a reminder to slow down and enjoy the creative process.

Products used:
Feathered Path Stencil (BRU7667)
Origami Flight Stamp Set (BRU3973)
Raven Ink (BRU2543)
Clear Embossing Ink (BRU2081)
Alabaster Embossing Powder (BRU2470)

Shop HERE using my affiliate link (at no extra cost to you).

Thank you so much for visiting today—I’m so glad you stopped by! I hope this card inspires you to slow down, play with color, and enjoy the peaceful moments that creativity can bring.

CHALLENGES:

SSS Monday Challenge - Beautiful Blooms

SSS Wednesday Challenge - CAS

Allsorts - #845 Things with Wings

Inspiration Station - #83 Inspired by color green

Interactive Florals: Shaker Fun with Build-A-Garden Happy Blossoms / Altenew Ambassador Card

I’m so honored for the amazing opportunity to be an Altenew Ambassador, and I’m excited to share my latest project featuring Build-A-Garden: Happy Blossoms! For this card, I wanted to combine beautiful florals with a fun interactive shaker element.

To start, I stamped the floral image and then added color using the layering stencil with Altenew Fresh Dye Inks in Summer Afternoon and Deep Blue Seas. Once the coloring was complete, I die cut the image with the coordinating die and set it aside while I worked on the shaker element.

For the shaker, I created the window using a circle die, added acetate behind the circle, and placed yellow and blue sequins inside the shaker. I then sealed the shaker with foam tape and adhered it to the card base.

Once the shaker was in place, I returned to the floral image and adhered it on top of the shaker panel, creating the focal point of the card. To finish the design, I added a few Stellar Antique Gold Sequins to the panel around the florals for extra sparkle.

The finished card feels playful yet elegant, with the blooms appearing to dance over the interactive shaker element. I love when bright, cheerful florals meet a little interactive fun!

Creating this card reminded me how fun it can be to step out of your comfort zone with color palettes and playful details. Even small touches, like sequins around the florals or a fresh combination of inks for the blooms and leaves, can make a card feel whimsical, bright, and extra sparkly.

💛 Giveaway alert! 💛 Altenew is spreading some cheer with $20 for one lucky winner — don’t miss your chance, enter on my Instagram post HERE

CHALLENGES:

SSS Monday Challenge - Beautiful Blooms

Word Art Wednesday - #742-743

Die Cut Diva's - March *Spring is Coming

Allsorts - #845 AG

Crafty Calendar Challenge - March *Spring

Hoppy Easter Card with Tape Runner Adhesive

The weather is finally starting to warm up here, and that always puts me in the mood for creating cheerful spring cards! With sunny skies, blooming flowers, and Easter just around the corner, I couldn’t resist making a sweet spring scene featuring an older set from Newton’s Nook - Hoppy Greetings and some fun patterned paper. There’s something about the combination of bright colors and playful designs that instantly lifts your mood and makes crafting extra fun.

I was also inspired by Inky Paws Challenge #250 Spring Has Sprung, so I pulled out some fun paper pads from Newton’s Nook as well to bring my idea to life. I love how challenges like this push you to play with different elements and think about layering, dimension, and color in new ways.

All products to create the card.

For this card, I started by trimming my striped patterned paper to 4 x 5.25 Coffee House Stories Paper Pad using a stitched rectangle die and then adhered the panel to a white A2 card base using Tape Runner adhesive. The soft stripes create a cheerful spring background for the rest of the design.

Applying adhesive to the panel.

Next, I cut a strip of green polka dot paper to 1.25 x 4.25 from A Dog's Life Paper Pad and added Tape Runner adhesive to the back. Before adhering it to the panel, I attached a piece of thick cardstock scrap behind the strip to give it a little extra dimension. This is a great trick when you want added depth but don’t want to use foam tape. The strip was then placed horizontally across the card front.

    

Adhering adhesive to strip and again to a piece of scrap paper for dimension.

For the focal point, I stamped and colored the adorable bunny image with Copic Markers. After fussy cutting the image, I adhered it to the card using foam tape so it pops nicely against the background.

To add a few more sweet spring details, I adhered one of the eggs with Tape Runner adhesive and used thin foam tape for the other items, like the small flower and the remaining eggs, to give extra dimension and make them pop against the background. I decided to add a small sun die above the bunny, bringing a bright and cheerful touch to the scene.

Applying adhesive to the sun.

I also added a few sequins in blue and green for a little extra sparkle and visual interest.

Using the Tape Runner adhesive made assembling the layers quick and easy. The combination of colorful layers, fun textures, and little popped-up details really brings the whole card to life—perfect for sending a cheerful hello or celebrating the season!

Don’t forget to shop Tape Runner and use code CARRIANNE10 for 10% off at checkout. 

Happy crafting!

CHALLENGES:

Inky Paws Challenge #250 *Spring Has Sprung

SSS Monday Challenge - Bit O'Green

SSS Wednesday Challenge - Bit O'Green

Word Art Wednesday - #742-743

Die Cut Diva's - March *Spring

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - #2610

Crafty Calendar Challenge - Spring

Hoppy Easter Shaker Card with Kat Scrappiness

Spring is the perfect time for a little extra sparkle, and what better way to celebrate than with a fun Easter shaker card! For this project, I created a playful design featuring adorable bunny images and a sweet shaker element using products from Kat Scrappiness.

I started by die cutting the Stitched Scalloped Collage Frame Craft Die and turning the large bottom panel into my shaker window. I adhered acetate behind the opening and filled it with the Hoppy Days Sprinkle Mix, creating a festive shaker full of spring color and movement.

Next, I layered a piece of plaid paper from the Positively Plaid – Aqua Paper Pad behind the shaker window for a soft pop of color. The collage frame was then popped up with foam tape to create the shaker space so the sprinkles can move freely when the card is shaken.

To decorate the top panels of the frame, I stamped and die cut two adorable bunny images from the Hoppy Days Stamp Set and Hoppy Days Coordinating Craft Dies. I placed one bunny in each of the top sections for a cute and balanced design. I finished the card by adding a sentiment from the Hippy Hoppity Sentiments Clear Stamps.

This card was such a fun way to combine scene building and shaker elements, and the sprinkle mix really brings the whole design to life with every shake!

Products Used:

Hoppy Days Stamp Set
Hoppy Days Coordinating Craft Dies
Hippy Hoppity Sentiments Clear Stamps
Stitched Scalloped Collage Frame Craft Die
Positively Plaid – Aqua Paper Pad
Hoppy Days Sprinkle Mix
Funnel Trays with Cap

If you’d like to see the shaker in action and watch the card come together, be sure to check out my Instagram reel Here!

If you’d like to recreate this card, you can shop the products I used through my affiliate link Here. I truly appreciate your support—it helps me continue sharing fun crafty inspiration!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope this project inspires you to create a fun shaker card for Easter or spring. Happy crafting! 

CHALLENGES:

Word Art Wednesday - #742-743

Die Cut Diva's - March *Spring is Coming

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - #2610

We Love Stamping - March *Wildlife

Stamping Sensations - March *Spring

Allsorts - #844 AG

SSS Wednesday Challenge - Make it cute

Stork Baby Card Tutorial Using Tape Runner

Creating sweet baby cards is always so much fun, and today I’m sharing a simple step-by-step tutorial for this cheerful stork baby card. With a fresh combination of lime green, soft clouds, and a cute stork image, this design is perfect for celebrating a new arrival. I used my Tape Runner adhesive throughout the project to keep everything neat, secure, and easy to assemble.

Step 1 – Gather Your Supplies

For this project, I used a white card base, a lime green mat, patterned paper from Waffle Flower Crafts Half-Half Dots – Unicorn Paper Pad, a stitched wonky rectangle die, Stitched Sun & Clouds Die from La-La Land Crafts, a stork image from Pawsome Stamps Baby, and Tape Runner adhesive to assemble everything neatly.

All products used to create card.

Step 2 – Prepare the Focal Panel

Die cut the patterned focal panel using a stitched wonky rectangle die to add a little texture and interest. Apply Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the panel so it’s ready to attach to the card.

Applying adhesive to focal panel.

Step 3 – Adhere the Mat Layer

Next, apply Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the lime green cardstock mat. This bright layer helps frame the focal panel and adds a cheerful pop of color to the design.

Applying adhesive to green mat.

Step 4 – Add the Clouds

Die cut two clouds from white cardstock using the La-La Land Crafts cloud dies—one large and one small. Add Tape Runner adhesive to the back of each cloud before positioning them on the focal panel to create a soft sky scene.

Applying adhesive to clouds.

Step 5 – Assemble the Card

Attach the focal panel to the green mat, then adhere the layered piece to the white card base. Place the stork image below the clouds using foam tape for a little extra dimension. Finish the card by stamping the sentiment “CONGRATULATIONS” near the bottom of the panel.

Finished card.

And that’s it! A bright and happy baby card that comes together quickly and is perfect for welcoming a little one.

Thanks so much for visiting and checking out my card tutorial! I hope it inspires you to create your own cheerful baby cards. 

Don’t forget to shop Tape Runner and use code CARRIANNE10 for 10% off at checkout. 

Happy crafting!

CHALLENGES:

SSS Wednesday Challenge - Make it cute

Word Art Wednesday - #742-743

We Love Stamping - March AG

Stamping Sensations - March AG

A Sweet Friendship Card with Lili of the Valley

Sometimes the sweetest cards start with the cutest little characters. Today I’m sharing a card featuring one of the adorable Cute Girls digital images from Lili of the Valley.

I imagine this sweet girl picking a cheerful bouquet of flowers on a sunny afternoon, ready to surprise a special friend with a little bundle of happiness. There’s something so heartwarming about sharing flowers—and handmade cards—with the people who make life brighter.

The sentiment on my card, “I’m Glad We’re Friends,” felt like the perfect finishing touch for this sweet image. Cards like this are wonderful for sending a little love, celebrating friendship, or simply letting someone know you’re thinking of them.

I’m sharing just one of the Cute Girls today, but there are more in the collection and they are all just as adorable!

While you’re visiting the Lili of the Valley shop, be sure to check out the fun Party Animals release as well—they’re full of personality and perfect for celebratory cards.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope this sweet little character inspires you to take a little creative time and send a handmade card to a friend who makes you smile.

CHALLENGES:

Word Art Wednesday - #742-743

Allsorts - #844

Die Cut Diva's  - March *Spring is Coming

Crafty Calendar Challenge - March *Spring

Gold Shamrock Elegance – A St. Patrick’s Day Card

Have you ever wanted a St. Patrick’s Day card that feels elegant and timeless, rather than just cute or whimsical? For this design, the rich green and black cardstock colors inspired a simple, sophisticated card that’s perfect for mailing. Hi, Carrianne here! I’m excited to show you, step by step, how to recreate this card using stamping and gold heat embossing, so you can see the versatility of CutCardStock panels.

A polished St. Patrick’s Day card with gold accents and rich green tones.

Products Used:

Pop Tone Black Licorice – CutCardStock
DCS Bonsai Green – CutCardStock

Other Products Used:

Simon Says Stamp - Shamrock Background

Simon Says Stamp - Gnome Lucky (sentiment)

Brutus Monroe - Gold Embossing Powder 

Versamark Ink

Step 1: Stamp and Heat Emboss the Shamrock

DCS Bonsai Green cardstock features a subtle texture on one side, which adds depth and character to stamped projects. To begin, stamp the shamrock image onto the textured side of the cardstock using embossing ink, then apply gold embossing powder and heat set the image. Even on the textured surface, the embossing adheres beautifully, creating a rich, elegant gold finish against the green background.

Gold-embossed shamrock on Bonsai Green cardstock.

Step 2: Trim the Focal Panel

After the embossing has cooled, trim the stamped panel to 3.75 × 5”. Trimming at this stage ensures the image is perfectly centered and allows the gold detail to remain crisp and clean along the edges.

Step 3: Create a Heat-Embossed Mat Panel

Next, cut a second piece of DCS Bonsai Green cardstock slightly larger than the focal panel (approximately 4 1/8 × 5 3/8”) to use as a mat. Rub Versamark ink along the edges of this panel, then apply gold embossing powder and heat set to create a subtle, elegant frame.

Focal panel layered onto a slightly larger embossed mat panel.

Step 4: Assemble the Card

Finally, adhere the focal panel onto the heat-embossed mat, then attach the layered panels onto a black A2 card base created from Pop Tone Black Licorice cardstock. The deep black background provides strong contrast and allows the green and gold details to stand out beautifully.

Cardstock pieces ready to assemble on black card base.

Step 5: Add the Sentiment

To finish, stamp the sentiment onto Pop Tone Black Licorice cardstock and heat emboss it in gold. Next, die cut it into a simple rectangle and adhere it to the bottom of the green panel using thin foam tape. This adds just a touch of dimension while keeping the overall design elegant and streamlined.

Layered panels adhered with sentiment in place.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this card design highlights how CutCardStock can elevate even simple techniques like stamping and embossing. The contrast between Pop Tone Black Licorice and DCS Bonsai Green, paired with gold embossing, creates a sophisticated St. Patrick’s Day card that’s easy to customize for other occasions as well.

Texture and shimmer detail of the completed card.

Happy crafting, and remember — the best projects are the ones that make you smile! If you loved this card, leave a comment below — I’d love to hear your thoughts.

— Carrianne

CHALLENGES:

Word Art Wednesday - #742-743

Allsorts - #844 AG

Stamping Sensations - March 

Inspiration Station - #83

Oh Shoot, You're Cute!

Our Colorful Options Challenge is back, and this month we’re celebrating all shades of green! From soft mint to deep forest, there’s so much room to explore and let your creativity grow with nature-inspired hues. Of course, the rainbow option is always open too if you want to mix in any colors that make you happy. 

This will also be my last month contributing to the team — it’s a little bittersweet to step away, as it’s been such a joy to create alongside this talented and inspiring group. I’ll be cheering the team and participants on as they share their amazing green-inspired projects this month.

For my card, I started by inking up the Botanical Split Background stamp from Simon Says Stamp with Hero Arts Lime Green ink and stamping it onto a white card panel. The bold botanical design fills the background beautifully, giving the card instant energy and movement without needing extra layers.

Next, I stamped the Bear Hugs image from Colorado Craft Company and colored the panda using Altenew Woodless Watercolor Pencils. To add dimension, I penciled blue indigo lightly around the edges of the panda and then used a water brush to pull the color inward, creating soft, blended shading. I added touches of black pencil for deeper shadows, repeating the process until the panda had a nice, dimensional depth. After coloring, I fussy cut the panda and popped it up with foam tape in the center of the botanical panel, which helps it stand out against the bold green background.

To frame the design, I added a thin black mat behind the panel, which ties in beautifully with the panda’s shading and the black sentiment strip. The panel was then adhered to a white A2 card base, giving the card a polished, clean finish. For the sentiment, I heat embossed it in white on black cardstock and placed it just beneath the panda. The black strip grounds the design and makes the sentiment pop, balancing the bright green and keeping the focus on the panda.

This card combines bold botanicals with soft watercolor shading for a cheerful, dimensional look. The bright lime green background makes the panda stand out. It’s perfect for sending a little “bear hug” to someone special!