Hello and welcome back! Today I’m sharing a card created using the Spellbinders Checkmate collection – and this one was such a fun design to experiment with.
I love that this collection is inspired by chess, but the finished cards don’t feel limiting at all. In fact, this design can easily be used for masculine, feminine, or gender-neutral cards depending on your color choices and sentiment.
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VIDEO TUTORIAL
Watch the video below or on my YouTube channel.
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CARD DETAILS
I started by creating a background using the Layered Harlequin stencil set. This stencil includes multiple layers designed to build a chessboard-style pattern. For my card, I used only a couple of the layers to keep some of the white cardstock visible. This helps create contrast and keeps the design feeling clean and modern.
For color, I went with Altenew Maple Yellow and paired it with Spellbinders Seaside Colorwheel cardstock for my die cuts. This is a classic, high-contrast combination that works beautifully for graphic-style cards.
When ink blending, I like to protect my work surface by adding clear acetate sheets around the stencil. This keeps excess ink off my mat and makes cleanup easier. It also reduces stickiness, which can sometimes make blending a bit tricky.
Once the background was complete, I moved on to one of the most interesting elements in this collection – the shadow stencil layer. This layer allows you to add shadows of chess pieces, which instantly adds depth and storytelling to your card.
I positioned a king shadow behind my main die-cut piece and blended it using Tsukineko VersaFine Clair Ink – Nocturne. You can use gray ink for a softer look, but I wanted a bold, high-contrast shadow to make the design stand out.
This simple addition completely transforms the card and helps convey a message of strength and confidence.
Next, I stamped a sentiment from the Well Played Sentiments stamp set. I chose “Hope your day’s full of winning moves” to tie in with the chess theme and reinforce the idea behind the design.
To finish the background, I added texture using the Harlequin 3D embossing folder. This step enhances the pattern and gives the card a more polished, dimensional look.
When working with embossing folders, make sure to complete all your stamping and ink blending first. Once the texture is added, it becomes much harder to stamp or blend smoothly.
For the focal point, I used the Chess & Checkers die set to create a chess piece from colored cardstock. These dies are easy to assemble and add a strong visual element to the card.
I adhered everything onto an A2 card base and finished the design with a few black enamel dots for added detail.
SUPPLIES
I’m listing the products I used below. Click on the link to go directly to the product. Where available, I use compensated affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
 Spellbinders Chess & Checkers Etched Dies Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Layered Harlequin Stencil Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Harlequin 3D Embossing Folder Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Well Played Sentiments Clear Stamp & Die Set Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Altenew 9″x12″ Ultra Sticky Mat: Grid Shop at: SSS | HA | PFS |
 Altenew Large Blending Brushes Shop at: SSS | HA | PFS |
 Hammermill White 100 Lb Smooth Premium Color Copy Pack 25 Sheets Shop at: SSS |
 MISTI Stamping Tool Shop at: SSS | SC | HA | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ | PFS |
 Altenew Pocketful of Sunshine Fresh Dye Ink (Honey Drizzle, Maple Yellow, Fresh Lemon, Citrus Burst) Shop at: SSS | HA | PFS |
 Spellbinders Platinum 6 Machine With Universal Plate System Shop at: SSS | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ | PFS |
 Spellbinders Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: SSS | SB USA | SB UK | PFS |
 Simon Says Stamp Nocturne Black VersaFine Clair Ink Pad Shop at: SSS |
