Caught in a Spider's Web | Mixed Media Halloween Card with Seth Apter Dies and Distress Oxides

Hello there and welcome! Today I'm sharing my second make as part of the Seth Apter Creative Collective, which I am so excited to be part of. This is a group of six creatives hand-picked by Seth to help showcase his latest release of dies and embossing folders from Sizzix.

 

I absolutely love his style, and while it's quite different from mine, the core elements he uses are SO GOOD for layering and adding texture—two things I love to do!

Using some of the new goodies from his release, I created another Halloween-themed card because, well... Halloween! I just can't get enough of it!

Now let's get into the details!

CREATING THE BACKGROUND


I began with a piece of watercolor cardstock and embossed it using the Grid Graph embossing folder. Next, I applied Distress Oxide Sprays in Wilted Violet, Twisted Citron, Fossilized Amber, and Lucky Clover, then dried it with my heat tool. I rubbed an Archival Ink Pad in Black Soot over the embossed areas, then gave the entire panel a light misting of Distress Spritz in Hickory Smoke for a touch of shimmer and shine.

 

BUILDING THE LAYERS

For the back layer, I die-cut the Diamond District die from white cardstock, applied embossing ink, and heat embossed it using Seth Apter's Wow Embossing Powder in Amethyst Ice.

Next, I used the Stretchers die set to cut three shapes from white cardstock. I applied Distress Oxide Ink using a brayer in Wilted Violet, Twisted Citron, and Carved Pumpkin.


THE FOCAL POINT


For the main focal point, I used the Tim Holtz Witchcraft die set. I die-cut the witch from black cardstock and heat embossed it using Seth Apter's Wow Embossing Powder in Asphalt. The cat was inked with Distress Oxide Ink in Wilted Violet.

 

FINISHING TOUCHES


The final touch was the sentiment, stamped using black ink on white cardstock with the Tim Holtz Tiny Text Halloween Stamp Set. I trimmed it into small strips and inked the edges with Distress Ink in Black Soot.

I then adhered all the layers to the card base, and it was complete!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed this bit of Halloween inspiration featuring the latest Seth Apter Sizzix release. The new release is now available from your favorite retailer or Seth Apter's online store HERE.

Pretty Grunge Part 2: Mixed-Media Embellishments + NEW Sizzix Big Shot In Action

I’m so excited to share that registration is officially open for Pretty Grunge Part 2: Mixed Media Embellishments—and it’s just $20 USD!

In this brand-new live class, we’ll transform simple die cuts into dimensional, textured embellishments using Distress Inks, Sprays, embossing powders, and Luster Wax. You’ll add color, shimmer, and grungy goodness to create focal points for cards, journals, and mixed-media projects.

Pretty Grunge Part 2 Mixed Media Embellishments Class by Juliana Michaels

CLASS DETAILS:

Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: Session One: 10 AM – 12 PM ET | Focal Point Techniques
          Break: 12 PM – 1 PM ET
          Session Two: 1 PM – 3 PM ET | Layer & Sentiment Techniques
Where: Live on YouTube (private link provided)
Replay: Included—watch anytime
Price: $20 USD
 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Focal-point techniques with Distress Ink/Spray watercoloring, heat embossing, and layered die cuts
Layering tricks to add depth, contrast, and that pretty-grunge finish
Sentiment/cluster building so your embellishments work as ready-to-use focal points

 ðŸ’¡ LEARN MORE HERE ðŸ’¡


WHAT'S INCLUDED

Printable Class Guide (PDF): supplies, prep checklists, technique steps, and notes pages
Free Bonus: the 5 Steps to Creating Clusters Guide to design balanced embellishment clusters
Community Access: the 17turtles Creative Classroom Community to share projects and connect
Replay + ongoing access to all materials once the live class goes up

✨ GRAB YOUR SPOT ✨ 


SUPPLIES & PREP

You’ll see a general supply list before purchasing so you can plan ahead. After you register, you’ll get the full supply list plus a Prep Video to walk you through exactly what to stamp, cut, and organize so you’re ready on class day.

The prep for the class is crucial and highly recommended if you want to create along with me in real time.

VIEW THE GENERAL SUPPLY LIST


REFUND POLICY

Because a private live link is provided immediately after purchase, all sales are final.



PRETTY GRUNGE STYLE IN ACTION

Would you like to see Pretty Grunge style in action? Check out my latest YouTube video where I share cardmaking inspiration in the Pretty Grunge style along with a review of the new Sizzix Big Shot Machine.


Whether you joined me for Part 1 or you’re jumping in fresh, Pretty Grunge Part 2 will spark new ideas and help you build a stash of beautiful, dimensional embellishments you’ll reach for again and again.

✨ GRAB YOUR SPOT ✨ 




Can’t wait to create with you!

— Juliana 💛

A Wicked Thing Halloween Card | Seth Apter Sizzix

Seth Apter’s second release with Sizzix is now available, and I’m beyond thrilled to share that I’m part of his Creative Collective Team for this launch! I’ll be sharing two projects using his new collection—starting with today’s card and another coming very soon.

I’ve always loved Seth’s artistic style. His dies feel so organic, with shapes that flow and move in a way that makes them incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for adding texture, dimension, and interest to your projects—and that’s exactly my jam.

Handmade grungy Halloween card featuring a large layered butterfly with purple and glittered wings, a small skull centerpiece, and the sentiment “A Wicked Thing.” The textured background is bright green with embossed, distressed details, and metallic die cut accents.

The new release is now available from your favorite retailer or Seth Apter's online store HERE.


BUILDING THE BACKGROUND

For this first card, I started by embossing white cardstock with the Seth Apter Grid Graph Embossing Folder. To bring the design to life, I rubbed an embossing ink pad over the raised surface, sprinkled on Tim Holtz Twisted Citron Embossing Glaze, and heat set it. Once cool, I brushed black acrylic paint over the embossed piece, let it set for a few seconds, and then wiped away the excess with a damp towel. After it dried, I highlighted the raised areas with a touch of Sizzix Gold Luster Wax for that gorgeous grungy shine.
 

LAYERING WITH DIES

Next came the die cutting. I used the Seth Apter Stretchers dies to cut both purple kraftstock and white cardstock. I lightly sanded the kraftstock to distress it, cut it in half, and adhered it to the background. For the white piece, I heat embossed it in black for bold contrast.

I also cut the circular shape from the Seth Apter Twister die set using rose gold metallic cardstock, then sanded it lightly for texture. These elements formed the layered base for my focal point.
 

CREATING THE FOCAL POINT

The centerpiece of this card is a layered butterfly. I started with the Tim Holtz Tattered Butterfly die (a retired favorite) cut from white cardstock. To add more detail, I ran it through again with one of the speckled designs from Seth’s Paper Cutz 1 die set—this created grungy cut-outs for extra texture.

For the larger butterfly layer, I heat embossed it with Tim Holtz Seedless Preserves Embossing Glaze. For the smaller top layer, I used Seth Apter WOW Amethyst Ice Embossing Powder for a sparkly pop of purple.

The finishing touches included a small skull die cut from the Tim Holtz Vault Coffin Box set (embossed with clear powder for shine) and a stamped sentiment from the Tim Holtz Tiny Text Halloween set, heat embossed in white on black cardstock.


THE FINISHED CARD

And there you have it—layers upon layers of grungy, textured Halloween goodness! Between Seth’s organic die designs and a mix of embossing techniques, this project came together with just the right balance of spooky and stylish.


I can’t wait to share my second project with this release soon—so stay tuned for even more Seth Apter inspiration! In the meantime, I hope this card encourages you to mix, layer, and play with your favorite dies and embossing powders to create something wonderfully grungy of your own.

The new release is now available from your favorite retailer or Seth Apter's online store HERE.

Tim Holtz A5 Embossing Folders | Bigger Size, More Creative Possibilites!

Tim Holtz has just released three new A5 embossing folders—classic designs you may already know and love, now available in a larger A5 size. This new format opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities. You can use them for larger projects like journal covers or home décor, while still enjoying how beautifully they work for handmade cards.

Handmade Halloween card with a grungy embossed background in purple and brown using the Tim Holtz Numbered A5 embossing folder. The card is decorated with a die cut wreath of candy, leaves, and flowers, finished with a bold orange “Trick or Treat” sentiment and white paint splatters. 

For today’s project, I used the Numbered A5 Embossing Folder to create a grungy, colorful background for a Halloween card. Don’t worry if you only have the original size—the techniques I’m sharing work with any embossing folder.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

In my tutorial, I’ll walk you through:
  • Adding layered color to embossed paper using Distress Paints
  • Collage stamping to build extra depth and interest
  • Creating a Halloween wreath focal point with layered die cuts
  • Turning die cut candy pieces into sparkly, glossy embellishments using Glossy Accents + Rock Candy Glitter

WATCH THE VIDEO

You can either watch the video below or head over to my YouTube Channel HERE to check it out.


Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!


YEAR ROUND VERSATILITY

While I created a Halloween-themed card, this technique isn’t limited to spooky season. By simply changing your color palette and focal point, you can apply this embossed background technique to projects for any season, holiday, or occasion. Think bright florals for spring, rustic tones for fall, or festive colors for Christmas—the possibilities are endless!


Whether you’re new to embossing folders or just looking for fresh inspiration, I hope this project encourages you to explore the new Tim Holtz A5 embossing folders and discover how versatile they can be in your creative process.

Until next time, stay crafty my friend!

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and 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 to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Wicked Fun Halloween Card with Tim Holtz Mini Distress Oxide

Hello there! I’m thrilled to share that I'm up on the Ranger Ink YouTube channel again and this time I'm sharing some wicked fun cardmaking inspiration featuring the Tim Holtz Distress Oxides. If you aren't aware, Ranger Ink just released the Distress Oxides in mini size. And while they might be mini, they are mighty! They can be used in all the same great ways that you use the regular full size ink pads, but the smaller size has some benefits when it comes to certain techniques, storage and travel. In this video I'm sharing how to use them with stencils, how to stamp with them and how to watercolor with them and these are just some of them many ways you can use them.


You can either watch the video below or head over to the Ranger Ink YouTube Channel HERE to check it out.

🎞️ WATCH THE VIDEO HERE 🎞️

Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!


Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you enjoy these wicked fun Distress Oxide techniques!

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and 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 to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

New Tim Holtz A5 Embossing Folder! Faux Cobblestone + Distress Spray Fall Leaves

Tim Holtz just released two new A5 Embossing Folders, and I couldn’t wait to start creating with them! These larger-sized folders are perfect for bigger projects, but they also work beautifully on standard A2 cards.

Wicked Skull Halloween Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz A5 Embossing Folder Faux Cobblestone and Fall Leaves Spray Ink Techniques

FAUX COBBLESTONE TECHNIQUE

For today’s project, I used one of the new designs to create a faux cobblestone background. With a little Distress Embossing Glaze and Distress Paint, I transformed plain cardstock into a textured, grungy finish that’s perfect for a Halloween card. Of course, this technique would also be amazing for other themes — just switch up your colors!


DISTRESS SPRAY FALL LEAVES

Along with the embossing folder technique, I also shared how to create spray ink panels. These panels are perfect for die cutting fall leaves or adding colorful, layered backgrounds to your Halloween and autumn projects. One of my favorite things about spray inks is how easy it is to customize your color palette to fit the season or mood of your project.


Want to see the full process in action? Watch my latest video below or head over to my YouTube Channel HERE to check it out.


Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!


Whether you’re crafting for Halloween or Fall, these techniques will give your cards and projects a unique, textured finish. I hope you’ll give them a try — and don’t forget to share your creations with me!

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and 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 to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

A Wicked Fun Halloween Card | Inspired by Jenn Shurkus

I’m wicked excited to be part of the Jenn Shurkus’ 20 Years of Blogging Inspiration Party! What an incredible milestone—20 years of sharing ideas, creativity, and inspiration in the papercrafting world we all love.

Wicked Witch's Hat Halloween Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Hero Arts Witch's Hat Die Set and Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Pencils

WICKED INSPIRATION

For this celebration, Jenn invited us to choose something from her blog that inspired us and create a project based on it. As I was looking through her work, I was immediately drawn to one of her Halloween cards with rainbow details. Jenn has such a fun and colorful style, and of course, she loves to “glitter all the things!”

Here is the card created by Jenn that inspired me. You can see more details about it HERE.

Jenn Shurkus Trick Or Treat Halloween Card

WICKED FUN HALLOWEEN CARD

With that in mind, I created my own wicked fun Halloween card inspired by her rainbow elements, use of Distress Watercolors, and signature sparkle. I painted a rainbow of flowers for my witch hat and then added glittery accents to the spider webs in the background for that extra bit of shimmer Jenn is known for.

Distress Watercolors Pencils used include: Picked Raspberry, Carved Pumpkin, Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn, Mermaid Lagoon and Wilted Violet.
Distress Ink used: Mowed Lawn
Distress Mica Stain used: Wicked Elixir

Wicked Witch's Hat Halloween Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Hero Arts Witch's Hat Die Set and Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Pencils

I love how this card blends spooky Halloween vibes with unexpected pops of color and sparkle—perfect for celebrating Jenn’s milestone!

Make sure to check out the rest of the amazing projects being shared for her Inspiration Party over on Jenn's Instagram. You’ll find so many unique takes and creative spins—it’s truly a celebration of inspiration.

JENN SHURKUS 20 YEAR INSPIRATION CELEBRATION


 

And don’t forget, there will be prizes from some of Jenn’s favorite crafty brands, so you won’t want to miss it!

SUPPLIES


Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and 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 to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Grungy Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Card | Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Fall Halloween Curation

The Fall Halloween Curation by Stampers Anonymous is filled with classic Tim Holtz Halloween designs that continue to inspire fresh ideas year after year. This curated collection brings back some new to me (and maybe new to you too) stamps and stencils that are perfect additions to my Halloween crafting collection.

Happy Halloween Grungy Mixed Media Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Fall Halloween Curation and Jack O Lantern Die

GRUNGY GOODNESS

To create this card, I built up a grungy textured background using layers of Distress Sprays, Crackle Paste and Heat Embossing that give the card a rich, dimensional effect. I added some stamping details that give it even more depth and dimension. And then to finish off the background I added a touch of Distress Crayons for a truly grungy Halloween effect. The Jack-o-Lantern die cut becomes the star of the design, layered over the background for a bold, spooky focal point.

This card is the third project in my series using the Fall Halloween Curation — each one highlights different techniques to inspire your Halloween crafting. However, if you aren't into Halloween you can still find some inspiration that can be used on your next mixed media project.

You can either watch the video below or head over to my YouTube Channel HERE to check it out.

VIDEO

Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!


Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed this bit of Halloween inspiration I've shared as part of my Fall Halloween Curation series. If you missed any of the previous videos you can check them out HERE.

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and 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 to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Halloween Haunted House Card With A Twist on Ink Smooshing | Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Fall Halloween Curation

Halloween crafting is in full swing, and today I’m sharing a Haunted House Halloween card that’s full of moody layers, texture, and spooky vibes. I pulled out the Tim Holtz Fall & Halloween Curation Stamp Set along with some of his classic stencils to create an inky layered background that sets the perfect stage for this haunted house scene.

Halloween Haunted House Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Fall Halloween Curation

The best part about this project is that it’s all about building depth with layers. By combining stamping, stenciling, and inky blending, I was able to create a background that feels atmospheric and slightly eerie — just right for Halloween night.

If you’re looking to try out some mixed media techniques in your cardmaking, this project is a great place to start. I walk you through each step in my video tutorial, where I share tips on blending, layering, and keeping your background from getting muddy while still packing in the detail.

SUPPLIES & TECHNIQUES

Distress Inks for the inky background with a twist on ink smooshing
Ink blending with a stencil for added interest
Heat embossing with a stamp for another layer of fun
Stamping and more ink smooshing to add interest to the die cut focal image

You can either watch the full Haunted House Halloween Card Tutorial below or over on my YouTube channel.


Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!


Thanks so much for stopping by! Ready to create your own spooky masterpiece? I hope this card inspires you to get out your inks and start smooshing!

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and 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 to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!
    

Spooky Skull Mixed Media Halloween Card | Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Fall Halloween Curation

I’m sharing a spooky Halloween card I created with the Fall Halloween Curation by Stampers Anonymous. If you’re new to Curations, they’re thoughtfully themed seasonal collections that bring together classic Tim Holtz stamps and stencils. Many of these designs were released years ago, and Stampers Anonymous has curated them into collections to remind us of their incredible artwork and inspire new ideas with them.

Happy Halloween Spooky Skull Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Halloween Blueprint and Stampers Anonymous Fall Halloween Curation

HALLOWEEN BLUEPRINT
For this card, I went bold with a skull blueprint stamp as my focal point and built up the background with lots of mixed media layers. I used:
  • Distress Oxide Sprays for the inky background
  • Collage stamping + heat embossing for extra depth and texture
  • Die cuts to add dimension and more texture
  • Distress Inks to add color to the stamped focal image
It all comes together for a grungy, spooky Halloween vibe—perfect for October cardmaking.

You can either watch the video below or head over to my YouTube Channel HERE to check it out.

VIDEO

Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!


This is just one of the projects I’ve created with the Fall Halloween Curation, and each one explores a different technique. Be sure to check back for more seasonal inspiration! You can check out all of my Fall Halloween Curation projects HERE.

SUPPLIES
Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and 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 to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

New Color Combo, New Inspiration: Distress Ink + Eileen Hull’s Latest Sizzix Release

Eileen Hull has just released her latest collection with Sizzix, and I had the absolute pleasure of creating with some of the new products. One piece that immediately stole my heart is the Lacy Leaves 3D Embossing Folder—and it’s the star of the card I’m sharing today.

For a step-by-step look at the background technique I used with this embossing folder, be sure to check out my Gorgeous Grunge Techniques video HERE.

Although I used a very different color palette for this card, the coloring process is the same as in the video. The only variation is that I skipped the Luster Wax this time. If you’d like to add it, though, it would bring an extra layer of shimmer and interest!

Just Breathe Card by Juliana Michaels featuring Eileen Hull Sizzix Lacy Leaves Embossing Folder and Tunnel Arches Die Set

FINDING INSPIRATION IN COLOR

The Distress Ink combo I used on this project was completely new to me. My inspiration came from the color palette selector created by Lyllack.art on Instagram. She put together a fun video featuring tons of three-color Distress palettes. The best part? You can pause the video at any moment, and whichever palette you land on becomes your “creative destiny” for the day!

CHECK OUT THE COLOR PALETTE SELECTOR HERE

I loved the idea so much that I took screenshots of several palettes to keep on hand for when I needed a spark of inspiration. When I sat down to work on this card, I flipped through my saved palettes—and the combination I landed on turned into something really special.


DISTRESS INK COLOR PALETTE

The Distress Ink colors I used are Dried Marigold, Seedless Preserves and Abandoned Coral.

For this card, I used:
  • Dried Marigold – as the base for the background (step 1 in the video mentioned above)
  • Seedless Preserves & Abandoned Coral – softly rubbed over the embossed design (step 2 in the video)
I then die cut butterflies, ink blended them with Seedless Preserves, and layered them with foam tape for added dimension. The leaves were blended with Dried Marigold.

To frame the focal point, I used the Tunnel Arches die set:
  • Inner arch – cardstock ink blended with Abandoned Coral
  • Outer arch – vellum cut with the next size up
I finished the card with a simple stamped sentiment and mounted everything onto a piece of white cardstock for a crisp, clean frame.


To finish off the card, I added a stamped sentiment and adhered the background to a piece of white cardstock to frame it.


Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you are inspired to pull out your embossing folders and play AND to step outside your color comfort zone and try a new color combination! It just might end up being your new favorite!

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and 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 to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Mini But Mighty | Halloween Tags & Cards with Tim Holtz Mini Distress Oxides

Hey crafty friends! Today I’m back with another Mini but Mighty project—this time with a spooky twist. I recently got my hands on the latest set of Mini Distress Oxide Ink Pads from Tim Holtz and Ranger Ink, and I couldn’t wait to try them out with some of the new colors. Tim Holtz and Ranger Ink just released 24 more colors from the Distress Palette, so there are now a total of 48 colors of the 72 colors available. Even though these ink pads are small, they pack a powerful punch and are perfect for so many techniques.

Halloween Tags & Cards by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Stamps, Stencils and Mini Distress Oxides

For this project, I created three wickedly fun Halloween tags using the exact same techniques I shared in my Christmas Mini Distress Oxide video. The only difference? A new palette of colors and a Halloween theme! This just goes to show how versatile these inks are—by swapping out colors and imagery, you can carry your favorite ideas across seasons.

While I’m focusing on tags in the video, keep in mind you can always turn them into cards, add them to your junk journal, or use them as little handmade treats for friends and family.

Please feel free to use products from your stash to recreate something similar. However, if you are interested in any of the products I’m using, you can find the supply list with links down below. Using these links does not cost you anything extra and it helps support my business. It also allows me to continue offering free content and keep my class costs low. I appreciate your support!

Watch the full video below or click HERE to watch over on my YouTube channel.
 

Missed the Christmas version? Watch below or click HERE to watch over on my YouTube channel.


HALLOWEEN TAGS & CARD INSPIRATION

Below you can take a look at the tags I created in the video, along with a bonus option. 

Hocus Pocus Halloween Tag by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Stamps, Stencils and Mini Distress Oxides

Happy Halloween Skull Halloween Tag by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Stamps, Stencils and Mini Distress Oxides

Wicked Hipster Guy Halloween Tag by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Stamps, Stencils and Mini Distress Oxides

BONUS TAG IDEA

Here is a bonus idea using the same techniques, just slightly different colors and of course the Hipster Girl instead of the Guy.

Wicked Hipster Girl Halloween Tag by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Stamps, Stencils and Mini Distress Oxides

I hope this inspires you to give your Mini Distress Oxide Ink Pads a workout and start experimenting with seasonal twists of your own. Mini really is mighty—no matter the holiday!

SUPPLIES 

Below you can find the supplies I used to create these tags. When you shop through those links and 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 to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

Halloween & Christmas Gift Card Packages | Tim Holtz Sizzix Christmas 2025

One of the new to me dies from the recent Tim Holtz Sizzix 2025 Christmas Vault Release is the Gift Card Package Die Set. It’s designed to create a quick and easy gift card holder—perfect for holiday giving! Since I’ve been bouncing back and forth between Christmas and Halloween crafting lately, I thought it would be fun to make two versions: one for Christmas and one for Halloween. The best part? By simply switching up your paper choices, this die can work for any holiday or celebration.

Halloween and Christmas Gift Card Holders by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Sizzix Gift Card Package Die Set

CHRISTMAS GIFT CARD PACKAGE

For the Christmas version, I used a piece of patterned paper from my stash of Tim Holtz Backdrops to create the base of the package. I topped it with a coordinating solid cardstock bow and added some festive greenery using the Holiday Greens Mini Die Set (a longtime favorite of mine—so happy it’s back!). I then inked the edges with some Ground Espresso Distress Ink for a touch of grunge.

Christmas Gift Card Holders by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Sizzix Gift Card Package Die Set

The greenery was cut from shades of green and blue colored cardstock, coated with Glossy Accents and then dusted with Distress Snowflakes for a frosted effect. I added Rudolph Red Pops of Color to the berries to bring in a traditional pop of red. While the Pops of Color was still wet I applied some Rock Candy Glitter using a Glitter Duster to a touch of shimmer. To finish it off, I stamped a sentiment onto a die-cut kraft tag and tied it on with a bit of white string.


HALLOWEEN GIFT CARD PACKAGE

For the Halloween version, I followed the same process but swapped in Halloween patterned paper for the base. The greenery was cut from black, gray, and deep green cardstock, then accented again with Glossy Accents and Distress Snowflakes for a spooky shimmer.

Halloween Gift Card Holders by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Sizzix Gift Card Package Die Set

This time, I used Terracotta Pops of Color for the berries and of course dusted it with some Rock Candy Glitter. I then added a Halloween sentiment to finish it off.


READY TO GIFT

The final touch was sliding in a gift card—and just like that, these little packages were ready for gifting!

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope this gave you a bit of inspiration for using the Tim Holtz Gift Card Package Die Set in both festive and unexpected ways.

Halloween and Christmas Gift Card Holders by Juliana Michaels featuring Tim Holtz Sizzix Gift Card Package Die Set

SUPPLIES

Below you can find the supplies I used to create this card. When you shop through those links and 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 to provide you with FREE inspiration and tutorials. If you want to learn more about what an affiliate link is, you can see my full affiliate and product disclosure statement here. Thank you so much for your love and support!

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