If you've been crafting for a while, you probably have a collection of dies that you use the same way every single time. Today I want to challenge that! I'm sharing a mixed media card made with the latest Seth Apter Sizzix release, and my favorite part of this project is how I pushed the dies beyond their intended use. Sometimes the most interesting results come from asking "what else can this do?"

Think Outside the Die

The Seth Apter Mini Pages die set is designed to create a folded mini book or page, but here I used it purely as a design element — no folding required. I layered it with the dotted die from the Seth Apter Paper Cutz 2 die set, positioning it to cut the design the full length of the Mini Pages die cut. The result is a beautifully detailed panel that looks intentional and intricate, and nobody would ever guess it started as a booklet die!

The other technique I want to highlight is using the Seth Apter Magic Mesh embossing folder on a die cut rather than on flat cardstock. I embossed the butterfly after die cutting it from the Tim Holtz Tattered Butterflies die set, and the mesh texture on those irregular butterfly edges is just chef's kiss. It adds so much depth and visual interest to the focal element.

How to Make This Card

Start with a piece of white cardstock cut to 4.5 x 6.25 inches and ink the edges with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

Cut a piece of blue kraft stock or cardstock to 2.75 x 6 inches. Stamp across the surface using the dotted stamp from the Seth Apter Viewfinder Stamp and Die Set with Twilight Versafine Clair Ink, or a slightly darker ink than your cardstock color. If you're using kraft stock, lightly sand the edges with fine grit sandpaper or a Ranger Sanding Disk. If you're using regular cardstock, ink the edges with Walnut Stain Distress Ink. Adhere this to the card front, but leave the right-hand side unattached so you can tuck the circle die cuts underneath later.

Cut circles from black kraft stock using the Seth Apter Twisters Die Set and lightly sand the edges with fine grit sandpaper or a Ranger Sanding Disk. Tuck these under the right side of the blue panel and adhere in place.

Now for the Mini Pages panel. Die cut a piece of Distress Watercolor Cardstock using the Seth Apter Mini Pages die set. Then take the dotted die from the Seth Apter Paper Cutz 2 die set and position it to cut the design across the full length of the Mini Pages die cut — you're using it as a design element here, not as a folded booklet. Use a baby wipe to apply Distress Paint in Salvaged Patina across the surface. Ink the edges and here and there over the surface with Walnut Stain Distress Ink. Adhere this layer to the card.

Next, take one of the outer dies from the Paper Cutz 2 set and cut another piece of Distress Watercolor Cardstock. Spray with Old Paper Distress Spray Stain and a little water, then dry with a heat tool. Stamp the splatter image from the Seth Apter Viewfinder Stamp and Die Set using Walnut Stain Distress Ink. Ink the edges with Walnut Stain Distress Ink and adhere to the card with double-sided foam tape for dimension.

For the butterfly, die cut a piece of Distress Watercolor Cardstock using the larger butterfly from the Tim Holtz Tattered Butterflies die set. Emboss it using the Seth Apter Magic Mesh embossing folder — this is where the magic happens, because that mesh texture on the shaped butterfly edges is incredible. Apply Distress Paint in Salvaged Patina and Uncharted Mariner using a baby wipe. Once dry, add Distress Paint in Peeled Paint here and there. When the paint is fully dry, apply Sizzix Luster Wax in Rose Gold to the raised embossed design using your finger. For the butterfly body, cut a piece of black kraft stock using a cross image from the Seth Apter Roundabouts Die Set and lightly sand the edges. Adhere both the body and the butterfly to the card with double-sided foam tape for dimension.

I tucked a few vintage postage stamps here and there for an extra pop of color and visual interest. Mine happen to be Queen Juliana stamps sent to me by my friend Saskia from the Netherlands — they're quite special to me, and yes, you can probably guess why! If you don't have vintage stamps, the Tim Holtz Postmarked Sticker Book is a great alternative and would give you a similar look.

The final touch is the sentiment, a sticker from the Minty Art Journal Essentials Paper Stickers in Black. "Be the artist of your own life" felt like the perfect note to end on for a card built around creative experimentation.

I hope this card inspires you to look at your die collection with fresh eyes! I'd love to know — have you ever used a die in an unexpected way? Tell me about it in the comments!

Happy crafting!
~ Juliana

Supplies

Below you will find links to 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!

If you've ever looked at a die and thought "I could get more out of this" — this post is for you! I am so excited to share three mixed media cards using the Gridiron Die from the new Seth Apter Sizzix release, and you guys, we are squeezing every last bit of mileage out of this one die. We're using it as a die cut, an embossing folder, AND a stencil — and the three cards couldn't look more different. 

Watch the Full Tutorial

Technique No. 1 — Die as a Die Cut

The number die cut is from the Seth Apter Borderlines Die Set, cut from Black Kraft Stock and lightly sanded with fine grit sandpaper, then trimmed and adhered above and below the flower.

For the flower, I die cut the layers from Distress Watercolor Cardstock using the Tim Holtz Brushstroke Flowers 2 Die Set and painted each layer using a water brush with Distress Paints in Seedless Preserves, Dusty Concord, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, Fossilized Amber, and Vintage Photo. One thing I've been loving about painting my die cuts lately — once the paint is dry it's permanent, so I never have to worry about liquid adhesive reacting with the ink and causing issues when I'm assembling the layers.

The ephemera pieces are stamps from the Tim Holtz Tidbits and Curator Stamp Sets, stamped with Black Soot Archival Ink onto Distress Watercolor cardstock lightly sprayed with Old Paper Distress Spray Stain, trimmed to size, and edged with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

To finish off the card I used a sentiment from the Mintay Art Journal Essentials Paper Stickers Black.

Technique No. 2 — Die as an Embossing Folder

For the full background details, be sure to watch the video! The finished card is 4.25 x 5.5 inches, layered onto white cardstock with Walnut Stain inked edges.

The wonky circle die cut is from the Seth Apter Twisters Die Set, cut from Black Kraft Stock, lightly sanded, trimmed, and adhered above and below the flower.

The off-white layers were made using the Seth Apter Viewfinder Stamp and Die Set, the same way as described for the Art Heals card above.

The ephemera pieces are stamps from the Tim Holtz Tidbits and Curator Stamp Sets, stamped with Black Soot Archival Ink onto Distress Watercolor cardstock lightly sprayed with Old Paper Distress Spray Stain, trimmed, and edged with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

For the flower, I die cut the layers from Distress Watercolor Cardstock using the Tim Holtz Brushstroke Flowers 2 Die Set and painted each layer with a water brush using Distress Paints in Mustard Seed, Fossilized Amber, Peeled Paint, Forest Moss, Vintage Photo, and Ground Espresso. I used double-sided foam adhesive to add dimension to some of the die cuts.

The ephemera pieces are stamps from the Tim Holtz Tidbits and Curator Stamp Sets, stamped with Black Soot Archival Ink onto Distress Watercolor cardstock lightly sprayed with Old Paper Distress Spray Stain, trimmed, and edged with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

To finish off the card I used a sentiment from the Mintay Art Journal Essentials Paper Stickers Black.

Technique No. 3 — Die as a Stencil

For the full background details, be sure to watch the video! The finished card is 4.25 x 5.5 inches, layered onto white cardstock with the edges inked with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

The off-white layers were made using the Seth Apter Viewfinder Stamp and Die Set, the same way as described for the Art Heals card above.

The black number die cut is from the Seth Apter Stretchers Die Set, cut from Black Kraft Stock, lightly sanded, trimmed, and adhered on top of the previous layer.

For the butterflies, I die cut the layers from Distress Watercolor Cardstock using the Tim Holtz Brushstroke Butterflies Die Set and painted each layer with a water brush using Distress Paints in Seedless Preserves and Dusty Concord. The bodies of the butterflies are cut from Black Kraft Stock and lightly sanded using fine grit sand paper. I used double-sided foam adhesive to add dimension to some of the die cuts.

The ephemera pieces are stamps from the Tim Holtz Curator Stamp Sets, stamped with Black Soot Archival Ink onto Distress Watercolor cardstock lightly sprayed with Old Paper Distress Spray Stain, trimmed, and edged with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

To finish off the card I used a sentiment from the Mintay Art Journal Essentials Paper Stickers Black.

I'd love to know which technique is your favorite — drop a comment below and let me know which one you're excited to try first!

Supplies

Below you will find links to the supplies I used to create these cards. 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!

I'm SO excited to invite you to my next LIVE class: Pretty Grunge: Steampunk Vibes!

In this brand-new live class, we'll dive into the gritty, gorgeous world of pretty grunge with a vintage-industrial steampunk twist. You'll discover 8 techniques — 4 layered mixed media backgrounds and 4 embellishment combinations — that will help you create bold, textured cards that are full of personality. Whether you're new to the pretty grunge style or a returning student looking to explore a fresh aesthetic, this class has something for you.

Class Details

This two-part class is happening live on Saturday, May 9th, 2026:

• 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 mixed media cardmaking or a seasoned crafter looking to explore a bold new style, this class will help you build confidence working with multiple mediums and layering backgrounds and embellishments into cohesive, stunning finished cards.

You'll Learn How To:

• Create four different mixed media backgrounds using techniques like stenciling, spray inks, acrylic paint, and embossing folders
• Build layered, dimensional embellishments using die cuts, stamping, heat embossing, and more
• Work with water reactive dye inks, water reactive dye sprays, and acrylic paint to create rich, moody color palettes
• Add depth and texture using tools like brayers, blending brushes, texture paste, and rubbing wax
• Combine stamped focal images, ephemera-style elements, and steampunk-inspired die cuts into cohesive, finished card designs
• Embrace the grunge — imperfection, layering, and happy accidents are part of what makes this style so beautiful

What's Included

When you join Pretty Grunge: Steampunk Vibes, you'll receive:

• A comprehensive class guide filled with step-by-step instructions for all 8 techniques, supply checklists, class prep instructions, recommended substitutions, helpful tips, and more
• A pre-recorded Welcome Video to introduce you to the class
• A 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 Creative Classroom Community for support and sharing
• A free bonus Color Combinations Guide featuring 8 curated Distress Ink color palettes to inspire your pretty grunge steampunk 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 Video!

Head over to my YouTube channel to watch my latest video where I'm sharing some background and embellishment techniques that capture the pretty grunge steampunk aesthetic. These aren't the techniques from the class — so there's plenty more to discover when you join me — but they're a great way to get inspired and get a feel for the style!

I can't wait to create with you and help you explore the bold, grungy, beautiful world of pretty grunge steampunk!

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

Below you can find the supplies I will be using in my Pretty Grunge: Steampunk Vibes class. Keep scrolling for the supply list for my latest video. 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, keeps my class costs low, 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!

Pretty Grunge Steampunk Vibes Class Supply List

Pretty Grunge Goes Steampunk Supply List

Giving Yourself Permission to Play

I've been wanting to explore art journaling and paint more for a while now, and taking a class recently with Seth Apter really reignited that desire. When I heard the Distress Paints were coming back, it felt like the perfect push to just go for it. I'm not an expert in art journaling or paint, but I'm sharing this anyway because I think it's important to create outside your comfort zone — and honestly, I had so much fun with it. If you've been on the fence about trying something new, I hope this gives you that little nudge.

The Believe in Yourself Art Journal Pages

In the video I'm sharing the background techniques — how I used Distress Paints, stencils, a gel plate, and a brayer to build up those warm, golden, layered backgrounds you see across both pages of the spread. After filming, I went ahead and finished the pages too, and I'm sharing all of those details here.

To create the background for my art journal pages I used Distress Paint in Pumice Stone, Scattered Straw, Forest Moss, Shabby Shutters and Aged Mahogany. Head over to my YouTube channel to check out all the details on how I created the background using the paints, stencils, a gel plate and a brayer.

To add more interest to the background I added some stamping using Archival Ink in Frayed Burlap and a mix of Tim Holtz stamps including French Marketplace, Field Notes, Illustrated Garden, Flowershop and Bird Feather. I recommend using a permanent ink such as Archival Ink when stamping over paint as it will dry quickly and will be permanent.

Once the stamping was completed I went about sorting through my Tim Holtz paper scraps and ephemera pieces to create a layered cluster for each page. I also added an old book page. I used some similar pieces such as the same patterned paper, old book page and colors to keep things cohesive. I also inked the edges of the pieces with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

I also die cut a viewfinder from Black Kraftstock using the Tim Holtz Vault Picture Show Die Set, sanded the edges with a sanding disc. I cut it in half and tucked one piece into the layers of each side of the spread.

I then finished off the pages with some white ink splatters and added some Stabilo pencil work around the outer edge of the patterned paper pieces. I then went about adhering the various layers together and then finally to the page itself.

Watch the Full Background Tutorial

Ready to see all the details on the gel plate background techniques? You can watch the complete tutorial in the video below, or head over to my YouTube channel to check it out.

I'd love to know — are you a Distress Paints fan? Are you excited they're back? Let me know in the comments, and if you give this a try I'd love to see what you create!

Happy crafting!
~ Juliana

Supplies

Below you will find links to the supplies I used to create these pages. 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!

Graduation season is here, and I cannot believe how fast time flies! My youngest niece is graduating from high school this year, and of course I had to make her a card. I wanted to create something special and a little extra fun, so I went with a shaker card combining pieces from the new Scrapbook.com Graduation Bundle with some Tim Holtz Idea-ology papers from my stash.

The result is a 4.75 x 6 inch card packed with blue and gold sequins, a dramatic black silhouette graduation scene, and all the celebratory feels!

Building the Shaker

I started by die cutting a piece of blue patterned paper using the Scrapbook.com Nested Stitched Stamps die to create the shaker window. I cut a piece of acetate to fit behind the opening and adhered it to the back side of the paper. Then I added double-sided foam tape around the entire perimeter of the opening, making sure all the pieces were butted up tightly against each other to keep the sequins from escaping!

For the shaker background, I sprayed a piece of Distress Watercolor Cardstock with Distress Spray in Faded Jeans and Pumice Stone, then ran it through the Scrapbook.com Polka Dot Embossing Folder. To finish it off, I rubbed a little Sizzix Luster Wax in Gold over the embossed texture. Most of this layer ends up hidden behind the sequin mix, but it's still a fun little detail to create — and you'll know it's there! I cut this piece to fit the back of the shaker window.

Before sealing everything up, I added a mix of sequins along with some extra graduation caps die cut from black cardstock. Once the shaker was filled and sealed, I backed the whole piece with a piece of Tim Holtz Idea-ology patterned paper.

Finishing the Card

I distressed the edges of the patterned paper layer and layered it onto a piece of black cardstock. The focal image — the graduation silhouette — is die cut from black cardstock using the Scrapbook.com Graduation Bundle dies. I finished the card with a "Congratulations" sentiment stamped from the Scrapbook.com So Proud Of You stamp set.

I think she's going to love it! 🎓

If you're looking for graduation card inspiration this season, the Scrapbook.com Graduation Bundle is a great option — it includes stamps, dies, and cardstock, giving you everything you need to create a whole collection of cards. Check the supply list below for links.

Let's Chat!

I'd love to see your graduation cards! Drop a photo or a comment below and let me know who you're celebrating this year.

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!