Hello friends! Welcome to the Papercrafters Unite Against Racism Instagram Hop. I'm honored to join the papercrafting community once again to stand in solidarity with BIPOC, AAPI, Indigenous, Palestinian, and all oppressed communities in the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality.

Migration Is Beautiful

When I saw this phrase, it stopped me in my tracks. As someone who loves butterflies and incorporates them into my mixed media work, the connection felt immediate and profound. Migration—in all its forms—is an act of courage, survival, transformation, and hope.

The monarch butterfly travels up to 3,000 miles in its migration, following an ancient instinct passed down through generations. Families cross borders seeking safety, opportunity, and a better life for their children. And collectively, we continue the long migration toward justice, equity, and true equality. All of these journeys are beautiful. All of them matter.

The Card

For this project, I created a mixed media card featuring a bold butterfly die cut layered over vintage ephemera and an inky textured background. You can find a list of all of the supplies I used at the bottom of this post.

Creating the Background

I began by stamping a combination of ledger and script stamps onto Distress Watercolor Cardstock using Distress Archival Ink in Frayed Burlap. The stamps I used are Tim Holtz On The Farm and French Marketplace. Next, I added texture by applying Distress Textures Paste through the Tim Holtz Blossom Layering Stencil.

Once the paste was dry, I sprayed the paper with a combination of Distress Spray Stain in Tumbled Glass and Speckled Egg, plus a touch of Distress Oxide Spray in Speckled Egg. I finished by inking the edges with Distress Ink in Vintage Photo.

The Vintage Ephemera

The ephemera pieces were stamped onto Distress Watercolor Cardstock using Distress Archival Ink in Frayed Burlap. The stamp set used is the Tim Holt Field Notes. Before stamping, I ink smooshed the paper into Distress Ink in Old Paper to create a vintage effect. I then trimmed around the images with scissors and inked the edges with Vintage Photo.

The Butterfly

For the butterfly, I used the Tim Holtz Perspective Butterfly Die. I cut it once from Distress Black Heavystock and once from Distress Watercolor Cardstock. I carefully saved all the negative pieces from the watercolor cardstock die cut and adhered both the die cut shape and the negative pieces to white cardstock using a fine-tip liquid adhesive. Using scissors and a craft knife, I carefully trimmed around the entire piece.

Next, I used a waterbrush with Distress Ink in Crackling Campfire and Spiced Marmalade to watercolor the butterfly. Once the ink was dry, I layered the black die cut on top. I used a black marker to color around the edges of the die cut to cover any white showing, then adhered the completed butterfly to my background.

The Meaning

The layered, textured background represents the complexity of these issues. Nothing about this work is simple or one-dimensional. The vintage elements remind us that while this fight is long-standing, the urgency remains constant. And that vibrant butterfly? It's a reminder that migration, movement, change—and the people who embody these journeys—are not just necessary. They're beautiful.

Showing Up: The Ongoing Work

Anti-racism isn't a single moment or event. It's ongoing work that requires consistent action and commitment. Here are some of the ways I continue to show up:

• Starting conversations when I witness racist experiences or hear racist comments—even when it's uncomfortable
• Actively working to examine and change my own perceptions and biases
• Taking the time to learn how to correctly pronounce people's names—it's a basic act of respect and recognition
• Taking action through donating to organizations doing the work, signing petitions, making calls to representatives, and holding politicians accountable for their policies and actions

The goal of this hop is to continue raising awareness about anti-racism and to encourage everyone to find ways to show up for equity and equality in ways that make sense for you. Silence, inaction, and passivity are detrimental to justice. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Instagram Hop Information

The hop is taking place on Instagram starting February, 8 at 3PM ET. For a complete list of participants and more information about Papercrafters Unite Against Racism, visit @pcuar_ on Instagram.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope you'll continue this important conversation in your own communities and find ways to show up for justice and equality.

Supplies

In this brand-new live class, we'll explore creative ways to use your stamps beyond traditional stamping. You'll discover 8 techniques that transform stamps into versatile tools for creating vintage effects, soft artistic looks, bold layered backgrounds, and more. Whether you have a drawer full of stamps you rarely reach for or a few favorites you'd like to use in new ways, this class will help you get more creative mileage from every stamp you own.

Class Details

When: This two-part class is happening live on Saturday, February 21st

• Session One: 10 AM – 12 PM ET
• Break: 12 PM – 1 PM ET
• Session Two: 1 PM – 3 PM ET

Cost: $20

Can't make it live? No worries! You'll get replay access and can watch anytime that works for you.

JOIN THE CLASS

What to Expect

Whether you're new to creative stamping techniques or a seasoned cardmaker looking to expand your toolkit, this class will help you discover just how much more your stamps can do! In this class, we'll focus on creating beautiful stamped backgrounds using techniques you can mix, match, and adapt to any stamp set in your collection.

You'll Learn How To:

• Use stamps in unexpected ways to create unique backgrounds beyond traditional stamping
• Combine stamping with water techniques and ink blending to create backgrounds with depth and interest
• Work with both Distress Inks and Distress Oxide Inks to explore their unique properties and effects
• Create vintage and distressed effects with techniques like second generation stamping and faux bleaching
• Integrate stamps with other tools like stencils to expand your creative possibilities
• Build a versatile technique library you can mix, match, and adapt to any stamp set you own

What's Included

When you join Stretch Your Stamps, you'll receive:

• Comprehensive class guide filled with step-by-step instructions for all 8 techniques, supply checklists, class prep instructions, recommended substitutions, helpful tips and more
• Pre-recorded Welcome Video to introduce you to the class
• Pre-recorded Class Prep Video to walk you through setup
• Ongoing replay access to watch and rewatch anytime after the live event
• Access to the private 17turtles Classroom Creative Community for support and sharing
• Two exclusive FREE bonus guides:
  • 🎁 Stamping 101 Guide – everything you need to know about stamp types, ink options, care and storage, troubleshooting, and more
  • 🎁 Finished Cards Guide – step-by-step instructions showing how to turn your stamped backgrounds into beautiful completed cards

JOIN THE CLASS

Supplies You'll Need

To help you get an idea of the types of supplies you'll need for this class, I've put together a general supply list that you can view before registering.

Once you purchase the class, you'll also receive a detailed supply list and class prep checklist to make getting ready even easier.

I recommend shopping your stash first, but for the best results, I suggest using similar supplies for optimal results with the techniques we'll be learning.

VIEW THE GENERAL SUPPLY LIST

Where to Watch

The class will be hosted privately on YouTube. You'll receive your exclusive access links in your welcome email after purchase. Once the live class ends, the replay will be added to the 17turtles online classroom along with all class materials.

Replay Access

Replay access will be available the next day (or as soon as it's uploaded), and you can watch it anytime, at your own pace.

Class Length

Each session is approximately 2 hours, with a 1-hour break in between. I recommend reserving a little extra time at the end of Session Two in case we go over.

Refund Policy

Due to the immediate access provided, no refunds will be offered once you register.

JOIN THE CLASS

Watch the Premiere with Me!

🎥 I'm premiering a brand new YouTube video where I'm sharing a full tutorial on resist stamping using Tim Holtz stamps and Distress products. This technique is NOT part of the class - it's a bonus preview to show you the creative possibilities when you stretch what your stamps can do!

Join me for the premiere and chat with other stamping enthusiasts!

WATCH THE VIDEO

I can't wait to create with you and help you discover new ways to stretch your stamps in this exciting live class!

If you have any questions about supplies, class access, or anything else, feel free to leave a comment below or email me at juliana@17turtles.com — I'm happy to help.

Supply List

I'm excited to share a brand new mixed media spring card tutorial I created for Scrapbook.com! This card features a vintage bunny with lots of texture, dimension, and those vibrant spring colors we all love this time of year.

Whether you're celebrating Easter or simply enjoying the energy of spring, this project is packed with mixed media techniques that work beautifully together. I'm using a combination of Tim Holtz and Scrapbook.com products and a variety of techniques including embossing, watercoloring, spray inks, and a touch of glitter to create all those layers and details. Feel free to go through your stash for similar items and create along with me. You can find a detailed supply list with links at the bottom of this post.

The video tutorial walks you through every step. You'll see exactly how I build up the background, create the dimensional elements, and bring this whole card together from start to finish.

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to see how this card comes together? Head over to the Scrapbook.com YouTube channel to watch the complete tutorial! The video goes live Wednesday, February 4 at 11 AM ET.

 WATCH THE VIDEO HERE 

I hope this inspires you to pull out those spring stamps and play with some mixed media techniques! If you give this a try, I'd love to see what you create! Feel free to share your projects with me on Instagram or in the comments.

Supplies

Below you'll find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here: https://www.17turtles.com/p/affiliate-and-product-disclosure.html. Thank you so much for your love and support!

SBC Fest is for everyone—card makers, scrapbookers, and paper crafters of all kinds. Whether you're into clean and simple designs or love getting messy with mixed media, there's something for you. Plus, you can join the event LIVE to chat with instructors and enter giveaways throughout the day. It's such a fun way to connect with fellow crafters and soak up new techniques and ideas.

A SNEAK PEEK AT LAURA GRAFF'S KIT

Today I'm sharing a card I made using the kit that Laura Graff will be using for her class. This is NOT the class project—this is just one more way to use the kit. Think of it as some extra inspiration on how to use her kit and to help get you excited about her class!

KIT CONTENTS

• A2 Heirloom Patterned Paper Pad
• From The Heart Stamp Set
• From The Heart Coordinating Die Set
• Treasured Garden Die Set
• Heartfelt Blooms Rub-On Transfers
• Large Zipper Storage Pouch

The large zipper storage pouch is perfect for storing all of your materials for SBC Fest and be ready to craft alongside your favorite instructors!

 GRAB LAURA'S KIT HERE 

I love this soft, romantic color palette with the peachy florals and sage greenery from the Heirloom paper pad. For this card, I used various dies to cut and layer elements, creating dimension with the nested stitched label, butterflies, and that gorgeous floral paper. The "Thinking of You" sentiment is perfect for so many occasions, and the whole design comes together beautifully with just a bit of distressing on the edges for that vintage feel.

GET YOUR KITS & MARK YOUR CALENDAR

You can purchase each instructor's class kit separately, but if you're loving it all and are looking for a deal, you might want to consider purchasing the Ultimate Instructor Bundle, which includes ALL of the instructors' kits so that you can craft along for the ENTIRE event! Here's look at all of the kits that are included in this bundle.

 GRAB THE ULTIMATE BUNDLE HERE 

The MSRP on the Ultimate Bundle is $655. However Scrapbook.com is offering it at an amazing price  right now of only $229.99. And if you want to save even more make sure you use the code CRAFTY to save an extra 13%. This is the lowest price if will be offered prior to the start of SBC Fest, but if you wait for that it may be sold out.

Now with all that said, you do NOT need to purchase anything to play along and enjoy the event. You can always take a look at the kits and then shop your stash for similar items and play along.

I hope you'll join me and thousands of other crafters on March 13th for this amazing FREE event! Mark your calendars now, and I'll see you there!

SUPPLIES

Below you'll find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through these links—whether you purchase that exact item or something else entirely—you're supporting me at no extra cost to you. The commission I receive helps me cover the costs of my blog and other expenses, and allows me to continue providing you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement HERE. Thank you so much for your love and support!

 LEARN MORE HERE 

Do you ever feel like you're stuck in an ink blending rut with your stencils? I love ink blending - don't get me wrong - but stencils can do so much more! Today I'm sharing three completely different mixed media backgrounds that go way beyond basic ink blending, and I think you're going to love the variety of looks you can create.

In this video tutorial, I'm using the gorgeous new Beautiful Botanical Stencils from Vicki Boutin's first release with Sizzix. These botanical designs are stunning, but here's the best part - all of the techniques I'm sharing work with any stencils you already have in your stash. Whether you have florals, geometrics, or texture stencils sitting unused, this is your invitation to pull them out and play!

What You'll Learn

I'm walking you through three different mixed media stencil techniques to create unique card backgrounds:

Technique 1: Monoprinting with Stencils This technique creates one-of-a-kind prints that add unique layers of texture and interest. It's one of my favorite ways to add subtle pattern and interest without overwhelming your design.

Technique 2: Layering Texture Paste We'll explore using both translucent and opaque Distress Texture Paste through stencils to build dimension and depth. The combination of the two types of paste creates such beautiful, organic texture.

Technique 3: Distress Foundry Wax Splatters Adding splatters with Foundry Wax brings unexpected texture and visual interest to your backgrounds. It's such a fun, loose technique that adds that signature mixed media feel.

Beyond the Backgrounds

I'm also sharing the techniques I used to create the floral embellishments on each finished card. You'll see how the Vicki Boutin stamp and die sets work beautifully with these mixed media backgrounds, and how versatile these products are when you approach them from a technique-focused perspective rather than just following the "intended" use.

Shop Your Stash Approach

The beauty of these mixed media stencil techniques is that you don't need to buy anything new to follow along. Yes, the Vicki Boutin Sizzix release is gorgeous (and I'll link everything below), but these techniques work with whatever you already have. Pull out those stencils that have been sitting in your drawer, grab your texture paste, ink pads, or wax, and let's create something beautiful together.

Whether you're new to mixed media or just looking for fresh ways to use your stencils, I hope this inspires you to break out of that ink blending routine and try something new!

Watch the Full Tutorial

Ready to dive in? Watch the full video tutorial below to see all three techniques in action:

[VIDEO EMBED]

I'd love to hear which technique you're most excited to try! Leave a comment on the video or send me an email - I always love hearing from you.

Happy creating!

Supplies

Below you will find links to the supplies I used to create these cards. Affiliate links and codes are used at no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support. When you use an affiliate link or code to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This commission helps me to continue to provide free content and tutorials. Your support means the world to me. Where available, I've provided multiple purchasing options. If you have a favorite online store, I encourage you to shop there. Supporting small businesses is something I believe in wholeheartedly. However, I've also included links to Amazon for your convenience, as I understand it's a preferred shopping destination for many. Thank you for being here and for your continued support!