Crafty Cornerstones

Bright & Cheerful Birthday Card with Color Block Arches

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Bright & Cheerful Birthday Card with Color Block Arches

Using Spellbinders Color Block Accent Arches and a stash favorite for a fun, versatile design

There’s something so satisfying about creating a card that works for anyone—and today’s project does exactly that! This bright and cheerful birthday card combines bold color blocking with a sweet focal image to create a design that’s perfect for all ages.

Mixing New Favorites with Stash Treasures

For this card, I pulled together a mix of newer supplies and some “oldies but goodies” from my stash. If you’re anything like me, you probably have some amazing supplies tucked away that deserve a little love!

The standout element that really pulls this card together is the Spellbinders Color Block Accent Arches. These were originally released as an add-on to the Spellbinders Just Add Cake Celebration Box, but they truly shine as a standalone set. When paired with the Spellbinders Essential Arches, you can create a bold and eye-catching layered effect.

Creating Oscar the Bird

The star of this card is Oscar, from the Spellbinders Free Hugs Oscar Dies—a fun and whimsical character that instantly brings personality to your design.

I die cut all of Oscar’s pieces from a bright yellow cardstock in my stash. To add depth and interest, I used Concord and 9th Pimento Ink to ink blend highlights. By varying the pressure and layering the ink, I was able to achieve a beautiful range of tones.

For his feet, I used white cardstock and added shine with a black glaze pen—such a simple detail that adds a lot of character!

Building the Scene

Oscar needed a perch, so I reached for the Spellbinders Flying High Die Set. I cut the branch from tan cardstock and added depth with dark brown ink blending.

Once all the pieces were ready, I assembled Oscar and set him aside while working on the background.

Layering with Color Block Arches

For the background, I dug into my scrap bin and found two shades of green that complemented each other—and Oscar—perfectly.

  • The top layer was cut using the Color Block Accent Arches
  • The back layer was cut using the Essential Arches

These layers were adhered together to create that bold color-blocked look.

Adding Texture and Dimension

For the base, I used white cardstock and the largest die from the Essential Arches set to create both the card front and the card base. When cutting the base, I left the top edge slightly over the fold to keep it intact.

The front panel was embossed using the Spellbinders Shady Leaves 3D Embossing Folder February 2026, adding subtle texture and interest without overwhelming the design.

Bringing It All Together

Before assembling, I stamped the sentiment directly onto the green panel, positioning it toward the bottom to leave space for Oscar and his branch.

Then it all came together:

  • Green layers adhered to the embossed white panel
  • Branch attached with liquid adhesive
  • Oscar popped up with 1mm foam tape for dimension

A Card for Any Occasion

I absolutely love how this card turned out! The bright colors and clean design make it perfect for just about anyone—male or female, young or old. It’s exactly the kind of versatile card I love having ready in my stash.

Question for You

Do you find yourself reaching for older supplies in your stash, or do you tend to use your newest goodies first?

Thank You for Stopping By

Thank you so much for spending a little creative time with me today at Crafty Cornerstones. Your support means so much! If you choose to shop through my affiliate links, it helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing inspiration with you—at no additional cost to you.

Supply List

Other Crafty News and Deals

Concord & 9th New Colors

Concord & 9th Launched 6 new colors! Grab the Color Club kit for a few swatches or the entire new line of colors!

Spellbinders April Clubs are open!

Click the image for more information

Altenew – Minimalist Majic: Less Is More

What is Minimalist Majic?

In a world of “more is more,” this class teaches the sophisticated art of restraint. It’s perfect for crafters who want to create elegant, modern cards that look professional but don’t require a mountain of supplies.

The Details:

  • Pre-recorded Lessons: Direct from industry favorites Charlene Madrid, Lea Lawson, and Michelle Short.
  • The Grand Finale: A 90-minute live session with Maryam Perez for real-time guidance and exclusive bonus techniques.
Early Bird Special Offer:
  • Register by April 17, 2026 to snag a discount!
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