Hello and wecome! Today I have 2 things to share: first, I’m trying to BetterPress with non-BetterPress inks (and I must say successfully!), and second, I’m joining Spellbinders for their Fave Holiday 2023 Product Blog Hop.
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I wanted to create a Christmas card that looked like a little holiday package wrapped in twine. For this, I used Spellbinders Dune cardstock (it is very similar to Neenah Kraft) and pressed the Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Press Plate in watermark and white pigment ink.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
Watch the video below or on my Youtube channel.
CARD DETAILS
BetterPressing works best on specialty BetterPress cardstock and with specialty BetterPress inks, but it also works okay on other types of thick quality cardstock and with other inks, although the impressions might not be as crisp. Using white pigment ink and watermark ink gave me unique results for my cards.
With the backgrounds done, I wrapped red twine and tied it into a large bow, I love this look. Next, I added beautiful die cuts created with the Spellbinders Christmas Bird Poinsettia dies.
The sentiments for these cards were made using BetterPress plates, but I foiled them using gold foil, I love doing this – foiling with better press plates always gives me fantastic results.
I wanted to add faux snow to my cards, so I splattered some using white acrylic paint, I went a bit overboard on the card above and also added Pearl White Stardust Butter to emphasize the snowy look.
THESE ARE THE MAIN SUPPLIES I USED
BLOG HOP + GIVEAWAY
Join us for a blog hop filled with loads of inspiration featuring Spellbinders 2023 Holiday Goodies!
Spellbinders Blog
Yana Smakula – you are here!
Tina Smith
Zsoka Marko
Sandi MacIver
Kristie Marcotte
Annie Williams
Nichol Spohr
Daniel West
Allison Frazier
Bibi Cameron
Lisa Mears
Jean Manis
Deepa Robbins
Linh Van
Vicky Papaioannou
Heejung Hunsberger
Jennifer Kotas
Mindy Eggen
Stacy Jeraul
Bonnie Crane
Michelle Short
Lien Leysen
There’s also a giveaway happening on the Spellbinders blog. Don’t miss it!
To celebrate this blog hop, Spellbinders is giving away a $25 gift certificate to 3 lucky blog readers – selected from the comments on the Spellbinders blog. Giveaway closes on Sunday, November 19th, 11:59 pm MST. The winner will be announced on the Spellbinders blog hop post the following Wednesday. The winner is responsible for shipping costs, duties, and taxes.
SUPPLIES
I’m listing the products I used below. Click on the link to go directly to the product. Where available I use compensated affiliate links which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
 Spellbinders Christmas Bird Poinsettia Etched Dies Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Press Plate Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Merry & Bright Sentiment Strips Press Plate & Die Set Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil System (Platinum) Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil Roll – Gold Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | AMZ |
 Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil System (Bronze) Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Spellbinders New & Improved Platinum 6 Machine With Universal Plate System Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Betterpress Letterpress System Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders A2 White Card Bases – Side Fold – 25 pack Shop at: SB USA |
 Neenah Classic Crest 80 Lb Desert Storm Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
 Spellbinders Poppy Field Color Essentials Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Pomegranate Color Essentials Cardstock Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Dune Color Essentials Cardstock Shop at: SB USA |
 Spellbinders Rainforest Color Essentials Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Fern Color Essentials Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA |
 Spellbinders Forest Color Essential Cardstock Shop at: SB USA |
 Stardust Butter Pearl White 1.7 Ox/50 Ml Shop at: SB USA |
 Spellbinders Clear Embossing & Watermark Ink Pad Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA |
 Vivant Red and White Cotton Twine – 54 Yards Shop at: SB USA |
 Simon Says Stamp Cardstock Gold Glitter Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Tool ‘n One – White Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Simon Says Stamp White Pigment Ink Pad Shop at: SSS |
 Tonic Studios 8.5 Inch Paper Trimmer Shop at: SC | AMZ | GBS |
 Spellbinders 9″ Pro Shears Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Glassboard Studio True White Glass Craft Mat Shop at: GBS |
 Jewel Picker Tool Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Bearly Art Mini Precision Craft Glue Shop at: SSS | SB USA | AMZ |
 White Foam Squares Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | AMZ |
Beautiful cards that look like packages.
Wow, your cards are gorgeous! The textures are amazing!
Beautiful work, as always with you! Thanks for the inspiration.
Beautiful cards! So realistic like a package
Your cards are always so beautiful but I most appreciate the time that you take to explain your techniques. I always learn or am inspired to try something new because of you!
Beautiful cards. I’m so happy I just ordered that die set
Wow- these are gorgeous!
So beautiful! What a great die set!
The package card is so cute. I love the natural look.
What beautiful cards, I enjoy watching you create!
Your cards are gorgeous! They really do look like little holiday packages 🙂