Posted by Hero Arts
on August 14, 2025
We were absolutely blown away by the incredible creativity and talent on display for our first ever Cardmaker Showdown Contest! A huge thank you to everyone who entered — your creativity and passion were evident in every single card. With so many stunning entries, choosing the winners was no easy task, and it reminded us once again that we have the best, most creative community out there. After much deliberation, we’re excited to introduce the standout creators who truly wowed us — let’s meet the winners!
We're thrilled to announce that the winner of this year's Cardmaker Showdown Contest is Cez Tolentino! Her stunning birthday card wowed us with its colorful floral arrangement, intricate layering, and delightful details like metallic butterflies and tiny bees. The combination of texture, color, and attention to detail made this card truly unforgettable.
We're excited to have Cez share more about her creative process and the inspiration behind this beautiful card.
"This cheerful birthday card was inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of a summer garden in full bloom. I used layered die cuts and ink blending techniques to create dimension and bring the bouquet to life, pairing soft pastel florals with golden-yellow accents for a sunny, uplifting feel. The background was gently stamped to add texture without overpowering the focal point. I added heat-embossed butterflies with attached mini envelopes for special messages, along with glossy enamel dots to tie everything together. The result is a joyful and heartfelt greeting that captures the beauty of nature in celebration of someone special."
Connect with Cez here:
With so many outstanding entries, we couldn’t stop at just one winner — so we’ve selected three additional creations for Honorable Mention.
First we have Stephanie Calvert, whose beautiful card stood out for its clean design and modern aesthetic. The bold “thanks” sentiment is perfectly balanced by the soft floral accents and geometric background, creating a look that’s both fresh and elegant. Thoughtful details like the subtle embellishments and layered textures make this card truly shine.
Connect with Stephanie here:
Next, we have Milla Kallio, whose card immediately drew us in with its elegant simplicity and striking use of color. The beautifully blended bloom takes center stage against a soft blush circle, creating a calm and inviting focal point. Paired with the delicate “hello friend” sentiment and minimal embellishments, Milla’s design is a stunning example of clean and modern cardmaking.
Connect with Milla here:
And finally, we have Meghan Kennihan, whose bold and vibrant card made a powerful impression. The rich orange stenciled background, accented with white splatters, brings an instant burst of energy. Meghan’s choice to pair it with a strong “Happy Birthday” sentiment ensures the message stands out amid the lively design. It’s a celebration on a card — fun and full of personality.
Connect with Meghan here:
Thank you again to everyone who took the time to enter the Cardmaker Showdown Contest — we were truly inspired by the creativity and heart behind every submission. It was an absolute joy to see your work, and we’re so grateful to be part of such a talented and passionate group of makers. Congratulations once again to our winners — you’ve wowed us all!
