Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell
Cardmaking,  Die Cutting,  Glimmer Hot Foil

Happy Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

Some of my happiest memories are those times when friends and family gather for celebrations. We celebrate birthdays and holidays of course but we also have the habit of festive half birthdays, gotcha days for adoptive kids, summer solstice and the first ripe berry of the year and so much more.

Because life’s so busy, all my die and glimmer plate designs are meant to work well without fuss. Layering with simple shapes, adding a word or two makes great cards with these designs. Or cut them from bright card stock and use for party coordinates like buntings, napkin rings and name tags. Children can color plain white die cuts and glue onto a card or use for a wide variety of projects. My sweet 6 year old buddy uses my dies as a vehicle for masses of glitter. Not my favorite look but she and her friends spend hours in my studio crafting, which delights me. I’m a thrifty crafter so I frequently use up precious scraps I love on the small dies or as trim on the edges of a project and change the look by using different color schemes- always simply because I’m in a perpetual hurry.

Here’s a little bit about each of the pieces in this group:

Happy Wishes

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

I snipped this piece with ordinary scissors like everything I design. When Spellbinders turned it into a die, I loved it so much I started using it for a hundred things… over and over on a long bunting at a rehearsal dinner in my garden, hanging in the cherry tree from brightly colored ribbons, as a topper on a naked cake, wrapped around votives on tables in the terrace. It’s all occasion and just quirky enough to say “handmade”.

We Bring Happy Wishes

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

I’m a romantic. So when my neighbor kids were playing with the bunny and being more than a little naughty sneaking off with the birthday cake I thought it was so sweet I just had to grab my scissors and cut out the scene full of joy.

Sending a Happy Birthday

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

I’ve always loved dies you can combine in multiple ways, so this one really pleases me. I used a small box as a little stage and combined these die cuts with others to make a puppet show theater for a birthday gift. You can cut these of watercolor paper and paint them… It’s great fun to think of all the ways you can combine the little pieces.

Sunface Glimmer Hot Foil Plate

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

Isn’t the simple joy of sunshine one of the happiest things around? I love the celestials, all things sky make you feel wonderful. And being able to foil or emboss a happy sun is enough to make anyone smile.

Birthday Animals

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

When I found a bag of plastic animals at the thrift store I went crazy making them paper hats and sculpting a tiny table and cake from marzipan candy. I invited my favorite children and we had an unbirthday party. Not ready to leave the fun yet, I cut out the pieces from paper, and they make a festive party for children of any age.

Baby’s Garden Glimmer Hot Foil Plate

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

Detailed and sweetly joyful, just the size for cards and tags, you can foil or emboss a very simple piece and it looks absolutely fresh as a morning in the garden. If there’s anything that gives a splendid result in no time, it’s the glimmer foil plates.

Let’s All Party

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

I designed these small dies to combine into an endless number of scenes cut from paper, tissue, lightweight felt… even fondant frosting sheets. Easy enough for a child but versatile enough for the expert maker. Don’t stop at just the scene on the packaging; invent your own party. Fun for kids crafting.

Vine Glimmer Hot Foil Plate

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

I like lovely images that work for all occasion so this ticks all the boxes for me. I like the shine I can get printing this on vellum and wrapping around candles, and the design can be used as a border on cards, envelope flaps or small signs. Pairs well with metallic inks for a coordinated, sophisticated look.

Baby’s Birthday Hot Foil Plate

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

When I was invited to a first birthday party I whipped up some disposable baby bibs (don’t tell, but I used a waterproof puppy training pad from the dollar store!) I edged them with vintage bias tape and tiny bright pompoms… and this baby print on the front. Easy ideas like this make the best gifts! I love to use my dies and plates for cards but I never stop there.

Oh Happy Day

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

I’ll admit I’m all about versatility, speed and value. This glimmer plate will hot foil or emboss a sentiment that works for any occasion because I know I’m not the only one who makes cards, tags, and other projects to tuck into a juicy stash I can pull from when I need something right now. Words and image are separate for more versatility.

Celebrate with Cake

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

I designed this die to use for birthdays, weddings (just leave the candles off), for any time you’re celebrating with cake. Which in my group of friends is almost any time. When asked for my gluten free lemon cake recipe, I’m decorating the recipe cards using this die.

It’s Your Day

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

This design is so versatile I use it for everything- leave off the words to make name tags and award badges (glue a pin and ribbons to the back), napkin rings, and signs to identify food on a buffet (tape onto a toothpick) besides the obvious gift tags and cards. I handmade 50 for a bridal dessert party with a Great British Bake Off theme and they were such a huge hit we turned them into a die. I think you’re going to love this one.

Birthday Banner Glimmer Hot Foil Plate

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

When I bought a friend a small bouquet at my local store I wished I had a pretty tag lightning fast that would dress it up- preferably something shiny and elegant. I didn’t have just the right thing so I designed this, which can also be used to emboss. I probably shouldn’t admit how much I love it but I do!

Bird in Heart Glimmer Hot Foil Plate

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

I don’t think anyone ever felt too loved, do you? I use designs like these to send messages that remind friends how wonderful they are, to decorate a package when I don’t have time for fancy fussing (which is nearly always). A roll of white paper and an elegant shiny design like this make my simple packages both fast and chic.

Birds Forever Glimmer Hot Foil Plate

Spellbinders - Happy Die & Glimmer Plates Collection Introduction by Sharyn Sowell

Birds are perfect for any occasion- weddings, showers, birthdays and “you matter to me.” Use the two pieces separately or together for happy votive candles, place cards, napkin rings, name tags, menus… in other words cards plus all the happy little

2 Comments

  • Surekha Galagoda

    Dear Sharyn
    what an amazing lady. I am honored to know your name. Thanks for the inspiration you give. Love you always. I love the cute cards too. tc stay blessed. Love and Hugs from Sri Lanka.If you are visiting Sri Lanka or Christchurch New Zealand after December Pls let me know. I will come and meet you.Love you so much , .

  • Barb MacAskill

    I totally adore this collection! My favorite is the Oh Happy Day set! Sooooo cute! Can’t wait to get my taxes back soI can gee the Hot Foil machine, foils and a few hot foil plates! TFS!

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