Make 3 Stunning Kyoto Cards with Me!
May 15, 2025
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Are you ready to elevate your crafting game with a touch of Japanese elegance? The Spring in Kyoto Collection by Alex Syberia Designs is here to inspire you like never before. This debut collaboration with Spellbinders allows you to create beautiful, intricate handmade cards that exude charm and cultural flair. From detailed Kokeshi dolls to graceful fans and bows, this collection combines timeless elegance with whimsical creativity.
This guide will walk you through how to craft three stunning cards using elements from the Spring in Kyoto Collection. Whether you’re making a birthday card or a heartfelt “Miss You” note, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions and supply lists.
The Kokeshi Doll Birthday Card
Bring a smile to someone’s face with this adorable Kokeshi Doll birthday card. It features intricate layering and bright pops of color, showcasing the charm of the traditional Japanese doll.
How to Make the Kokeshi Doll Birthday Card
- Die-Cutting the Doll Pieces
- You can use the DIY Color Deck for inspiration and help with color palette choices. As you can see in the photo, I selected the Koi artwork as my guide for these cards
- Use the Spellbinders Kokeshi Doll Die Set to cut the doll’s main body and intricate kimono layers from your selected cardstock. Opt for bold, contrasting colors to make your Kokeshi doll stand out.
- To add dimension, cut a second set of hair and kimono layers, then use foam tape to adhere them.
- Adding Facial Details
- Use the doll’s die-cut face or draw on facial details with a fine-tipped pen. Match the expression to the card’s tone for a personal touch.
- Creating the Background
- Use the Parasols BetterPress plate without ink to impress the beautiful parasol images on Bisque BetterPress cardstock.
- Create a monotone background by blending each layer of the coordinating stencil using varying degrees of pressure to control the tones. Be sure to use the lightest pressure for the largest designs.
- Add some gold shimmer spray to bring out the images. The subtle texture will enhance the overall design without overpowering the focal point.
- Assembly
- Adhere the doll, secure a “Happy Birthday” sentiment (use a coordinating die from the Kokeshi Dolls BetterPress set), and add embellishments like rhinestones or die-cut sakura (cherry blossoms).
The Kokeshi Doll Birthday Card Supply List:
The Fan and Bow Miss You Card
Sometimes, a simple yet elegant “Miss You” card says it all. This design combines a detailed fan and bow, capturing the sophisticated essence of Kyoto.
How to Make the Fan and Bow Miss You Card
- Create a Design for Your Fans
- Many Japanese fans feature lovely floral designs. We’ll watercolor paint the Cherry Blossoms BetterPress designs to create a multi-layered fan.
- Die-Cutting the Fan and Bow
- Use the Spring in Kyoto Fan Die Set to create a multi-layered fan. Or, you could also choose papers with metallic finishes for a touch of luxury.
- Die-cut a bow using the same tones or a complementary shade.
- Building Your Composition
- Arrange the fan and bow on your card front, framing them with foliage or sakura die cuts. Consider layering elements for added depth.
- Creating the Base
- Go with a textured neutral background. We’re going to use the Floral Fans 3D Embossing folder to create a lovely coordinated background. And, we’ll jazz it up with some gold shimmer spray.
- Adding a Sentiment
- Press the “Miss You” from the Blossoms and Sentiments BetterPress plate set on brushed gold cardstock. Die-cut it using the coordinating die, layer it up with a second die-cut from poppy cardstock. Then, adhere it near the fan for a balanced design.
The Fan and Bow Miss You Card Supply List:
The Kokeshi Doll Hello Card
Send warm greetings with this playful and heartwarming “Hello” card that uses BetterPress plates for crisp impressions.
How to Make the Kokeshi Doll Hello Card with BetterPress Plates
- Creating The Doll
- Select a Kokeshi Doll design from the Spring in Kyoto Collection’s BetterPress plates. This tool will give you detailed, professional-quality printing.
- Color the doll using alcohol markers.
- Add a little shine with a gold metallic marker.
- Creating the Layered Background
- Trim a piece of poppy cardstock to A2 size (4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ and attach it to a white card base using a tape runner.
- Trim the other half of the gray embossed panel that we used for the first card to 4″ x 5 1/4″. Lightly swipe your candied apple ink pad across the embossed cardstock to color the cherry blossoms red. Fasten the embossed panel centered on the card base using a piece of white liner trimmed to size.
- Die-cutting
- Die-cut the Kokeshi Doll shape and pop it up with foam squares or strips over your embossed design to create dimension.
- Die-cut your sentiment from brushed gold and three more from white cardstock. Layer them together using liquid glue
- Adding Details
- Apply “Hello” with liquid glue. If you like, accent the card with delicate embellishments, like pearls or washi tape, to enhance the design.
The Kokeshi Doll Hello Card Supply List:
Explore the Full Collection
The Spring in Kyoto Collection by Alex Syberia Designs for Spellbinders opens up endless possibilities for your papercraft projects. From intricately designed dies to versatile BetterPress plates, you’ll find everything you need to create cards infused with Japanese-inspired elegance.
Check out these supplies and the rest of the Spring in Kyoto Collection at Spellbinders Paper Arts.
Get Crafting Today
I hope these tutorials inspire you to bring your creative ideas to life using the Spring in Kyoto Collection. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, sending a thoughtful note, or simply saying “Hello,” these projects are sure to captivate and inspire.
Now it’s your turn! Gather your supplies, grab some coffee, and start crafting your next masterpiece. And, for more card inspiration, you can check out our Seasonal card idea and Occasion card ideas.
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ABOUT AUTHOR
Teri Duncan
Teri has over 30 years of experience as a cardmaker. Her work has appeared in Spellbinders Paper Arts’ blog as well as with some of their products and on Altenew’s blog. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, stained glass, and teaching. She and her husband live in Crystal River, Florida with their three dogs and a cat.
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