Goodbye Ordinary Cards, Hello Stunning Nature-Inspired Creations!

Last Updated: June 13, 2024

Crafting the perfect handmade card can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when you're looking to create serene, nature-inspired designs.

Unique 3D handmade greeting card with 3 koi fish and a stenciled water background

If you’re feeling limited in your card designs, we’ve got just the thing to spark your creative juices! Our new Peaceful Pond Bundle is here to guide you on a journey of tranquility and artistic expression.

A collage of handmade cards featuring cute koi fish from Altenew Peaceful Pond Complete Bundle

In this blog post, we’re sharing a few easy handmade card ideas featuring the Calming Koi Stamp and Die Set and Water Builder Stencil, plus sharing top tips and tricks so you can make the most out of these new crafting supplies. Let’s get started!

Cute handmade greeting card idea with koi fish and embossed vellum

What is included in the Peaceful Pond Bundle?

Have you ever wished you could capture the serene beauty of a peaceful pond in your handmade creations? Introducing the Peaceful Pond Bundle - a must-have set that will transport your DIY crafts to a tranquil, aquatic haven.

At the heart of this bundle are the Calming Koi Stamp and Die Set, a set that's sure to steal your heart. The 3" x 4" stamp set features the most adorable koi fish designs, plus a delightful array of playful sentiments that will add a punny twist to your greetings. Pair these charming stamps with the Calming Koi Layering Dies, and you can create captivating koi images that radiate serenity.

DIY greeting card with a stenciled water background

But wait, there's more! The true magic of this bundle lies in the Water Builder Stencil. This unassuming stencil packs a serious punch when it comes to creating realistic water textures. 

Simply ink, rotate, and ink again, and you'll be rewarded with a mesmerizing water effect that will add depth and dimension to your crafting projects. Keep playing with the stencil, flipping and rotating it, to achieve even more stunning water-inspired designs.

We can already picture the beautiful handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and other crafty creations you could make with the Peaceful Pond Bundle. It's the perfect way to add a calming, aquatic vibe to your crafty projects. Dive into this fin-tastic collection and let your creativity flow like the gentle currents of a peaceful pond!

Handmade greeting card with stenciled water background and the sentiment "sending good vibes"

What makes this bundle a must-have for cardmaking?

If you’re struggling to achieve realistic water and ripple effects, the Water Builder Stencil provides a simple yet effective solution, allowing you to layer and blend colors to create captivating aquatic backgrounds.

The Calming Koi Complete Bundle offers uniquely designed stamps and coordinating dies you won’t see anywhere else! Not only does it allow you to capture the essence of koi fish, but it also empowers you to bring these majestic creatures to life on your handmade cards with ease.

DIY encouragement card with a pink flamingo, tropical flowers, and a stenciled water background

Sometimes, you run out of card ideas. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. You can watch as many cardmaking video tutorials and browse Instagram and Pinterest as many times, but nothing pops out. The Peaceful Pond Bundle combines the power of two different products, opening up a world of possibilities for you to explore. From serene pond scenes to intricate koi portraits, the creative potential is endless.

6 Easy Handmade Card Ideas with Peaceful Pond Bundle

beautiful handmade card idea with 2 koi fish and a stenciled pond image in the background

1. Create a serene pond scene using the Water Builder Stencil and Calming Koi stamps/dies, layering colors and textures to achieve a natural, lifelike appearance.

Cute handmade greeting card idea with 3 koi fish and a stenciled and embossed pond image in the background

2. Experiment with different techniques such as ink blending, watercoloring, and embossing to breathe life into your koi fish designs.

DIY encouragement card with 3 pink koi fish and water lilies

3. Pair the Peaceful Pond Bundle with other Altenew products, like floral stamps or leaf stencils, to craft stunning nature-inspired card compositions.

Clean and simple card design with 2 koi fish swimming in blue waters

4. Explore various card layouts and designs, from traditional A2 cards to unique shapes and sizes, to showcase the versatility of this bundle.

5. Use embossed vellum to create the illusion of koi fish underwater! Watch Lydia’s video tutorial below by clicking the image. You can also watch it on YouTube in HD.

Easy cardmaking trick with embossed vellum - video tutorial

6. Use vellum to cut out the bottom layer and top fin layer to create a beautiful flowy look! You can also use patterned paper or glitter cardstock for extra pizzazz.

Clean and simple handmade greeting card with koi fish images

Bring the Beauty of Nature Into Your Crafts with the Peaceful Pond Bundle

There's no denying the power of a few unique crafting supplies to transform your projects and take your cardmaking skills to the next level.

Stenciled water background inside a greeting card with 2 koi fish images

Whether you're looking to add a serene, aquatic vibe to your cards or simply want to break free from the monotony of ordinary card projects, this bundle is your ticket to elevated creativity. With easy-to-follow techniques and endless design possibilities, the Peaceful Pond Bundle is a must-have addition to your crafting arsenal. 

Find more handmade card ideas and crafting tips In the Craft Room!


2 comments


  • Altenew

    Thank you, Debbie! Glad you liked them. Hope you got inspired to re-create these cards with the new Calming Koi Set! :) Happy crafting!


  • Debbie S. SCHENZ

    Gorgeous card designs and Gorgeous cards. Love them! 🧡🩷


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