Set Me Free Bird Shaped Card with Stencil System

A project from our live show HOBBYMAKER TV - Join us for the latest show - Broadcast 2 p.m. (UK) 7th May 2026 · 05/07/2026 · watch it from 54:00

Create a stunning shaped bird card using a six-stencil layering system with vibrant watercolour effects in pinks, purples, and golds. This project features a three-dimensional bird design with silhouetted foliage and architectural elements that can stand freely on a table or be mounted on a card base. The main techniques include layered stencilling, watercolour blending, and die-cutting to achieve a striking dimensional effect.

DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE (PDF)

Step by step

1. 

   Prepare your card stock and follow the six-stencil system numbered 1-6 on the back of the die. The system includes coordinating dies and stencils for layering floral designs.

   ▶ watch this step (54:00)
2. 

   Apply stencil one to your card stock using your chosen colours, following the system guide on the back of the packaging.

   ▶ watch this step (54:30)
3. 

   Work through stencils two through six in sequence, layering the colours to gradually build up the hummingbird and floral design on your card panel.

   ▶ watch this step (54:45)
4. 

   Use the detailed bird die from the stencil and die set to cut out the coloured bird image. Carefully remove the die-cut bird shape from the card.

   ▶ watch this step (55:00)
5. 

   Use the exterior die from the Set Me Free stencil and die set to cut the outer shape of your card. This creates a shaped card that will stand upright on a table.

   ▶ watch this step (55:15)
6. 

   For a flat card design, use only the stencils from the Stamps By Me set without cutting. The stencils can create beautiful images on their own when used with inks or other colouring mediums.

   ▶ watch this step (55:30)
7. Apply glitter paste through the hummingbird stencil to create a sparkly layer. Allow to dry, then cut out the detailed overlay using the coordinating die. ▶ watch 55:45
8. Add white gel pen highlights to the bird and floral elements to enhance details and create additional dimension. Focus on areas that would naturally catch light to make the design pop. ▶ watch 56:00

Tips from the show

• You can make three cards at once by stencilling all layers on three pieces of card stock
• The stencil system is numbered so you can follow the exact colour progression shown on the die
• You can use tropical colours, muted vintage tones, or any colour palette you prefer

More from this show

• Reflection Collection Lake Scene Card
• Timber Embossing Folder Textured Background
• Daffodil Dreams Shaped Card with Stencil Layering

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly