Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 14 hours ago
Looking for a way to take your handmade cards from simple to standout? In this video, I’m sharing a creative cardmaking technique using the Spellbinders Checkmate collection—and one small detail that completely transforms the entire design.
This project combines ink blending, layered stenciling, and embossing to create a bold harlequin background with a unique twist. But the real magic happens when we add a shadow element that brings meaning and depth to the card.
This is a great technique for:
Masculine and gender-neutral cards
Bold, graphic designs
Cards with a message or storytelling element
I’ll walk you through:
How to use layered stencils to create a chessboard background
Tips for clean ink blending (and protecting your workspace)
How to add shadow effects for extra impact
When and how to use a 3D embossing folder for maximum texture
Simple ways to assemble detailed die cuts
Subscribe to my blog newsletter - eepurl.com/R_oW9
Blog Post, Images & Details: yanasmakula.com/?p=101715
▬▬▬▬▬ ● S U P P L I E S ● ▬▬▬▬▬
Disclosure: 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 Chess & Checkers Etched Dies - tinyurl.com/4vx6sk6n | tinyurl.com/4pjw5828
• Spellbinders Layered Harlequin Stencil - tinyurl.com/cfcjc5mp | tinyurl.com/4f64u2fs
• Spellbinders Harlequin 3D Embossing Folder - jdoqocy.com/click-101180221-15861759?url=https%3A%2F%2Fspellbinderspaperarts.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3D%2Fharlequin-3d-embossing-folder | tinyurl.com/3zuptede
• Spellbinders Well Played Sentiments Clear Stamp & Die Set - tinyurl.com/3n5p7mx7 | tinyurl.com/2vmjchnm
• Altenew 9"x12" Ultra Sticky Mat: Grid - tidd.ly/4dB3LbC | tidd.ly/4p5lcUY | tinyurl.com/y5jyrfh9
• Altenew Large Blending Brushes - tidd.ly/48K4EMC | tidd.ly/3JPGVjD | tinyurl.com/ycyz35aj
• Hammermill White 100 Lb Smooth Premium Color Copy Pack 25 Sheets - shrsl.com/4x1r8
• MISTI Stamping Tool - tidd.ly/45uyfqW | goo.gl/csxlFH | shrsl.com/1rd4x | shrsl.com/38qgh | shrsl.com/1q4d3 | amzn.to/2iussrs | https://collabs.shop/kjuupq
• Altenew Pocketful of Sunshine Fresh Dye Ink (Honey Drizzle, Maple Yellow, Fresh Lemon, Citrus Burst) - tidd.ly/4qpKFsZ | tidd.ly/3WOijem | tinyurl.com/4jtamudj
• Spellbinders Platinum 6 Machine With Universal Plate System - shrsl.com/3s6bv | shrsl.com/3sxpj | tinyurl.com/ysa5hey3 | tinyurl.com/yc8328du | amzn.to/3PyWfB7
• Spellbinders Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock - tidd.ly/3YOQp2O | tidd.ly/3MUgfjn | tinyurl.com/bdxk6nnu | tinyurl.com/bze66th3
• Simon Says Stamp Nocturne Black VersaFine Clair Ink Pad - tidd.ly/4mMeFMK
▬▬▬▬▬ ● F I N D - Y A N A - O N L I N E ● ▬▬▬▬▬
Blog: yanasmakula.com
Facebook: facebook.com/yana.smakula
Instagram: instagram.com/yana.smakula
Pinterest: pinterest.com/letrodectus
Looking for a way to take your handmade cards from simple to standout? In this video, I’m sharing a creative cardmaking technique using the Spellbinders Checkmate collection—and one small detail that completely transforms the entire design.
This project combines ink blending, layered stenciling, and embossing to create a bold harlequin background with a unique twist. But the real magic happens when we add a shadow element that brings meaning and depth to the card.
This is a great technique for:
Masculine and gender-neutral cards
Bold, graphic designs
Cards with a message or storytelling element
I’ll walk you through:
How to use layered stencils to create a chessboard background
Tips for clean ink blending (and protecting your workspace)
How to add shadow effects for extra impact
When and how to use a 3D embossing folder for maximum texture
Simple ways to assemble detailed die cuts
Subscribe to my blog newsletter - eepurl.com/R_oW9
Blog Post, Images & Details: yanasmakula.com/?p=101715
▬▬▬▬▬ ● S U P P L I E S ● ▬▬▬▬▬
Disclosure: 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 Chess & Checkers Etched Dies - tinyurl.com/4vx6sk6n | tinyurl.com/4pjw5828
• Spellbinders Layered Harlequin Stencil - tinyurl.com/cfcjc5mp | tinyurl.com/4f64u2fs
• Spellbinders Harlequin 3D Embossing Folder - jdoqocy.com/click-101180221-15861759?url=https%3A%2F%2Fspellbinderspaperarts.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3D%2Fharlequin-3d-embossing-folder | tinyurl.com/3zuptede
• Spellbinders Well Played Sentiments Clear Stamp & Die Set - tinyurl.com/3n5p7mx7 | tinyurl.com/2vmjchnm
• Altenew 9"x12" Ultra Sticky Mat: Grid - tidd.ly/4dB3LbC | tidd.ly/4p5lcUY | tinyurl.com/y5jyrfh9
• Altenew Large Blending Brushes - tidd.ly/48K4EMC | tidd.ly/3JPGVjD | tinyurl.com/ycyz35aj
• Hammermill White 100 Lb Smooth Premium Color Copy Pack 25 Sheets - shrsl.com/4x1r8
• MISTI Stamping Tool - tidd.ly/45uyfqW | goo.gl/csxlFH | shrsl.com/1rd4x | shrsl.com/38qgh | shrsl.com/1q4d3 | amzn.to/2iussrs | https://collabs.shop/kjuupq
• Altenew Pocketful of Sunshine Fresh Dye Ink (Honey Drizzle, Maple Yellow, Fresh Lemon, Citrus Burst) - tidd.ly/4qpKFsZ | tidd.ly/3WOijem | tinyurl.com/4jtamudj
• Spellbinders Platinum 6 Machine With Universal Plate System - shrsl.com/3s6bv | shrsl.com/3sxpj | tinyurl.com/ysa5hey3 | tinyurl.com/yc8328du | amzn.to/3PyWfB7
• Spellbinders Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock - tidd.ly/3YOQp2O | tidd.ly/3MUgfjn | tinyurl.com/bdxk6nnu | tinyurl.com/bze66th3
• Simon Says Stamp Nocturne Black VersaFine Clair Ink Pad - tidd.ly/4mMeFMK
▬▬▬▬▬ ● F I N D - Y A N A - O N L I N E ● ▬▬▬▬▬
Blog: yanasmakula.com
Facebook: facebook.com/yana.smakula
Instagram: instagram.com/yana.smakula
Pinterest: pinterest.com/letrodectus
