Hello crafty friends, Heejung Hunsberger here, and I'm so excited to share a delightful autumn-themed card featuring the upcoming
Cuckoo Cottage Collection and the beautiful
Harvest Time die set, releasing this August! This project combines embossing, die-cutting, and a touch of watercolor for a truly unique and heartfelt card.

If you'd like to get to know me better, visit
my blog or follow me on
Instagram. Additionally, I have a
YouTube channel where I regularly post video tutorials.
Let's get started!
Step 1: Create Your Embossed Background
[gallery columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTEuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJIZWVqdW5nIEh1bnNiZXJnZXIgQ3Vja29vIENvdHRhZ2UgSGFydmVzdCBUSW1lIDEiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTIuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJIZWVqdW5nIEh1bnNiZXJnZXIgQ3Vja29vIENvdHRhZ2UgSGFydmVzdCBUSW1lIDIiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiQ3Vja29vIENvdHRhZ2UgSGFydmVzdCBUaW1lIFRoYW5rIFlvdSBDYXJkIFR1dG9yaWFsLCBTNS03MDEsIFM0LTE0NzMsIEJQLTMxNywgRTNELTExMSIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0="]
Start with a piece of white cardstock and the
Spellbinders Oak Forest 3D Embossing Folder.
Run the cardstock through your die-cutting machine with the embossing folder to create a beautiful raised texture of oak leaves and acorns.
[gallery link="file" columns="2" size="large" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTMuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJIZWVqdW5nIEh1bnNiZXJnZXIgQ3Vja29vIENvdHRhZ2UgSGFydmVzdCBUSW1lIDMiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTQuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJIZWVqdW5nIEh1bnNiZXJnZXIgQ3Vja29vIENvdHRhZ2UgSGFydmVzdCBUSW1lIDQiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiQ3Vja29vIENvdHRhZ2UgSGFydmVzdCBUaW1lIFRoYW5rIFlvdSBDYXJkIFR1dG9yaWFsLCBTNS03MDEsIFM0LTE0NzMsIEJQLTMxNywgRTNELTExMSIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0="]
Using a
Spellbinders Large Blending Brush, apply yellow and sandy-colored inks to the embossed background. Focus on blending the colors, creating a darker shade around the edges for a natural, rustic feel. This highlights the dimensional design of the embossing.
Step 2: Die-Cut Your Cuckoo Cottage Elements
- Gather your Cuckoo Cottage Die and the additional add-on die, Harvest Time.
- Die-cut all the various pieces for the cuckoo cottage from coordinating cardstock colors.
- For the tree branches, die-cut them from Fawn colored cardstock. To add depth and realism, use alcohol markers or colored pencils to shade and define the branches, giving them a more dimensional look.
[gallery link="file" columns="2" size="large" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTcuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJIZWVqdW5nIEh1bnNiZXJnZXIgQ3Vja29vIENvdHRhZ2UgSGFydmVzdCBUSW1lIDciLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTUuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJIZWVqdW5nIEh1bnNiZXJnZXIgQ3Vja29vIENvdHRhZ2UgSGFydmVzdCBUSW1lIDUiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiQ3Vja29vIENvdHRhZ2UgSGFydmVzdCBUaW1lIFRoYW5rIFlvdSBDYXJkIFR1dG9yaWFsLCBTNS03MDEsIFM0LTE0NzMsIEJQLTMxNywgRTNELTExMSIsImRlc2NyaXB0aW9uIjoiIn0="]
Step 3: Create Colorful Autumn Leaves
- Take a piece of watercolor paper and apply various autumn-inspired watercolor shades (reds, oranges, yellows, greens) in an abstract wash.
- Once completely dry, use the leaf dies from the Harvest Time set to die-cut a variety of colorful autumn leaves from your watercolor paper. This technique yields unique and vibrant leaves for your project.
[gallery link="file" size="large" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTguanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJIZWVqdW5nIEh1bnNiZXJnZXIgQ3Vja29vIENvdHRhZ2UgSGFydmVzdCBUSW1lIDgiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTkuanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJIZWVqdW5nIEh1bnNiZXJnZXIgQ3Vja29vIENvdHRhZ2UgSGFydmVzdCBUSW1lIDkiLCJjYXB0aW9uIjoiIiwiYWx0IjoiIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTEwLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiSGVlanVuZyBIdW5zYmVyZ2VyIEN1Y2tvbyBDb3R0YWdlIEhhcnZlc3QgVEltZSAxMCIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiJDdWNrb28gQ290dGFnZSBIYXJ2ZXN0IFRpbWUgVGhhbmsgWW91IENhcmQgVHV0b3JpYWwsIFM1LTcwMSwgUzQtMTQ3MywgQlAtMzE3LCBFM0QtMTExIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="]
Step 4: Assemble the Cuckoo Cottage
Begin by assembling the main structure of the cuckoo cottage using the die-cut pieces from Step 2. Layer the different elements to build the house, clock face, and decorative accents.
Step 5: Hot Foil Your Sentiment
[gallery columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTEzLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiSGVlanVuZyBIdW5zYmVyZ2VyIEN1Y2tvbyBDb3R0YWdlIEhhcnZlc3QgVEltZSAxMyIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTE0LmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiSGVlanVuZyBIdW5zYmVyZ2VyIEN1Y2tvbyBDb3R0YWdlIEhhcnZlc3QgVEltZSAxNCIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiJDdWNrb28gQ290dGFnZSBIYXJ2ZXN0IFRpbWUgVGhhbmsgWW91IENhcmQgVHV0b3JpYWwsIFM1LTcwMSwgUzQtMTQ3MywgQlAtMzE3LCBFM0QtMTExIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="]
Step 6: Assemble the Pendulum and Attach the Cottage
- To create a movable pendulum for the cuckoo clock, adhere a small circular foam sticker to the back of the pendulum piece, ensuring the top loop of the pendulum can swing freely within the foam.
- Apply additional foam stickers to the back of the assembled cuckoo cottage to give it dimension.
- Carefully adhere the cuckoo cottage, with the pendulum attached, to your embossed background, making sure the pendulum is positioned to swing.
[gallery link="file" columns="2" size="large" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTE1LmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiSGVlanVuZyBIdW5zYmVyZ2VyIEN1Y2tvbyBDb3R0YWdlIEhhcnZlc3QgVEltZSAxNSIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiJDdWNrb28gQ290dGFnZSBIYXJ2ZXN0IFRpbWUgVGhhbmsgWW91IENhcmQgVHV0b3JpYWwsIFM1LTcwMSwgUzQtMTQ3MywgQlAtMzE3LCBFM0QtMTExIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ==,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTE2LmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiSGVlanVuZyBIdW5zYmVyZ2VyIEN1Y2tvbyBDb3R0YWdlIEhhcnZlc3QgVEltZSAxNiIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiJDdWNrb28gQ290dGFnZSBIYXJ2ZXN0IFRpbWUgVGhhbmsgWW91IENhcmQgVHV0b3JpYWwsIFM1LTcwMSwgUzQtMTQ3MywgQlAtMzE3LCBFM0QtMTExIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="]
Step 7: Embellish with Harvest Time Elements
Now for the fun part: embellishing!
Adhere the die-cut pumpkins, squirrel, fox, mushrooms, and your colorful watercolor leaves around the base of the cuckoo cottage, as shown in the final card image. Arrange them to create a charming autumn scene.
[gallery link="file" columns="2" size="large" ids="eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTIwLmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiSGVlanVuZyBIdW5zYmVyZ2VyIEN1Y2tvbyBDb3R0YWdlIEhhcnZlc3QgVEltZSAyMCIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiIiLCJkZXNjcmlwdGlvbiI6IiJ9,eyJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczpcL1wvc3BlbGxiaW5kZXJzYmxvZy5jb21cL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjVcLzA3XC9IZWVqdW5nLUh1bnNiZXJnZXItQ3Vja29vLUNvdHRhZ2UtSGFydmVzdC1USW1lLTE5LmpwZyIsInRpdGxlIjoiSGVlanVuZyBIdW5zYmVyZ2VyIEN1Y2tvbyBDb3R0YWdlIEhhcnZlc3QgVEltZSAxOSIsImNhcHRpb24iOiIiLCJhbHQiOiJDdWNrb28gQ290dGFnZSBIYXJ2ZXN0IFRpbWUgVGhhbmsgWW91IENhcmQgVHV0b3JpYWwsIFM1LTcwMSwgUzQtMTQ3MywgQlAtMzE3LCBFM0QtMTExIiwiZGVzY3JpcHRpb24iOiIifQ=="]
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and are inspired to create your beautiful autumn cards with the new
Cuckoo Cottage Collection!
Happy crafting!
Heejung
[spellbinders-supplies]S5-701,S4-1473,BP-317,E3D-111,CS-8-141,CS-8-115,CS-8-120,CS-8-142,CS-8-144,CS-8-101,SCSP-001,SCS-267,GLF-002,T-60,SCS-312,GLF-002[/spellbinders-supplies]