Spring In Kyoto Easy Card Idea

Sometimes a single die set sparks a whole story in my head—and that’s exactly what happened with today’s card. As soon as I saw the Kokeshi Dolls Etched Dies from Alex Syberia Designs & Spellbinders, I was instantly reminded of a little wooden doll I had on a shelf as a kid. It was bright red, with delicate flowers painted on its kimono, and even though it was small, it had such personality. I knew I wanted to capture a bit of that charm in a handmade card—something unique, colorful, and full of texture. And if you’ve been looking for a fun way to use your scraps or try out your BetterPress System in a new way, this might just be the project for you.

Spring In Kyoto Easy Card Idea:

A Little Paper Piecing Magic

One of my favorite ways to stretch my supplies is by digging into my scrap stash—and this card was the perfect excuse. The Kokeshi Dolls Etched Dies are so detailed, but they’re also super forgiving. You can mix and match cardstock colors and textures, and it all just works together.

I used the Kaleidoscope 8.5" x 11" Paper 110 lb Smooth Cardstock Collection from Harmony Paper Co. for most of the doll. I picked a rich red for the kimono, a soft blue for the cuffs and flowers, and a bright white for contrast. Her hair came from a scrap of Midnight Black 110 lb Smooth Cardstock, and for her skin, I used plain white cardstock colored with my Fair Skin Triblend Marker and gave her rosy cheeks with a little Pale Pink Triblend Marker. I love this combo because it gives just enough warmth to the skin tone while still feeling soft and sweet.

Pro Tip: When working with tiny die cut pieces like these, I always keep a small craft tray or dish nearby. It keeps everything in one spot while I glue things down—and trust me, it helps avoid those little “where did that flower go?” moments.

Building a Soft, Elegant Background

With all that detail on the doll, I wanted something subtle but still interesting behind her. The Parasols BetterPress Plate felt like the perfect fit. It adds beautiful texture and a soft pattern without overpowering the focal point.

To get a more vintage vibe, I inked the plate with Old Paper Distress Ink before running it through my BetterPress System. I used Canson XL Watercolor Paper because I love the softness it brings to a pressed background—and it takes the ink really nicely without too much bleeding.

Once the panel was pressed, I trimmed it down just a bit to give it a framed look when adhered to a top-folding A2 card base made from Brilliant White 110 lb Smooth Cardstock. That little bit of white peeking out around the edges helps everything feel clean and polished.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to BetterPress, lighter ink colors like Old Paper are really forgiving. They allow you to play around without worrying about super crisp lines—and that can be a great confidence booster when you're getting started.

Just Say “Hi”

I didn’t want to overthink the sentiment. Sometimes the simplest greeting really is best. I used the Be Bold Lowercase Alphabet & Numbers Etched Dies from Spellbinders to cut out a simple “hi” from the same red cardstock I used for the kimono. It felt playful and direct—just like the doll.

To finish off the design, I added a few white gel pen highlights to both the doll and the sentiment. That little pop of brightness helps pull everything together and gives it that hand-detailed touch I always love.

Putting It All Together

This card came together as a sweet little celebration of color, culture, and creativity—and it reminded me why I love mixing paper piecing with subtle backgrounds. The Kokeshi Dolls Etched Dies do most of the work for you, and paired with the gentle texture of the Parasols BetterPress Plate, you end up with something that feels layered and thoughtful without being too complicated.

If you’re in a creative rut, try choosing one bold focal element and letting everything else support it. It’s a fun way to reframe how you design, and it’s especially helpful if you’ve got a few too many scraps and not enough ideas.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope this inspires you to try something a little different with your die sets—or even dig into your stash and find a way to bring a bit of your own story to your next card.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever made a card inspired by something from your childhood or culture. I’d love to hear your stories and see what you create.

Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my project today. Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.

Materials Used:

Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

Happy Stampin'

Rick Adkins

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Just a friendly reminder, as part of my commitment to transparency, please note that some of the links provided maybe affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is truly appreciated!

Additionally, I kindly ask that you always accept the tracking cookie for the affiliate websites. Rest assured, this will not in any way expose your computer to viruses or compromise your information. It's simply necessary for the company to attribute the sale to the affiliate, ensuring creators like myself receive their rightful commissions.

Your trust and support enable me to continue sharing creativity through my email lists, blog, and YouTube channel. Thank you for being a valued part of our crafting community!