Beccy's Place

Technique Class - Topper Cards

2012-02-03T06:17:00.153+10:00

Topper or Over the Edge cards are basically cards that have a part of the design that extends beyond the usual straight edges of the card, generally at the top. There are many different ways to make these cards but the tutorial I would like to share with you today uses Spellbinders Nestabilities (you can substitute your favourite dies or shape cutters).

Requirements:
Labels 16 die by Spellbinders
Standard Circles (large) by Spellbinders
Border punch of choice
2 pieces of red cardstock measuring 4" x 4 1/2"
2 pieces of white cardstock measuring 4" x 2"
1 piece of white cardstock measuring 4" x 8"
1 piece of green cardstock measuring 3 1/2" x 3 1/2"
Small square or circular image
Adhesives
Green ribbon
Sentiment Stamp + Ink

1. We'll start by making the small frame for the image. Use the second largest Labels 16 die and the 4th largest Standard Circle die to cut a frame from the green cardstock. You can make both these cuts at the same time by lining the dies up on the cardstock as shown in the picture below. Make sure the circle die is centred nicely inside the labels die.

2. Once you've made the cuts, it's nice to finish the frame with an embossed edge, so run it all back through the Cuttlebug (including the dies) with the rubber shim. Reserve the circle cut from the centre of the frame for another project. (I have a draw full of reserved pieces!)

3. Adhere the frame around the image. I used a combination of repositionable glue and double-sided tape.

4. Fold the white 4" x 8" piece of cardstock in half so you end up with a card measuring 4" square.

5. Use the largest Labels 16 die to cut out a shaped card making sure you don't cut all the way through the folded edge. Look closely at the photos below, you will notice that the die hangs over the folded edge just a little bit. This will ensure I have a folded card after the cut is made and not two separate pieces of cardstock.

6. Use the largest of the Labels 16 dies to cut a shape from the white cardstock measuring 4" x 4". Emboss the edges by running it back through the Cuttlebug with the rubber mat.

7. Adhere the die cut shape to the front of the shaped card you cut earlier. This will hide the flat folding edge.

8. Use your border punch to add a decorative edge to both pieces of white cardstock measuring 4" x 2". Adhere them to the bottom of the red cardstock using double sided tape.

9. Align the two pieces of red cardstock and secure them with a piece of tape. (Remove some of the stickiness from the tape first so that you don't rip your cardstock when you attempt to remove it. You can do this by sticking it to your clothes a couple of times until it is less tacky - notice the blue fuzz from my pants!)

10. You want your entire card to measure 6" long. It's easiest to get this measurement by laying your card on a cutting mat and lining the edges up with the lines on the mat. Start by placing the centre top of the white shaped card at the very centre of your mat - 6" from the sides and 6" from the top and bottom. Use some more tape to hold it in place (put the tape on the inside of the card as you will need to slide the red pieces of cardstock inside).

11. Place the two pieces of red cardstock inside the shaped card, sliding them around until the white decorative edge at the bottom of the red cardstock sits flush along the 0" line on your mat. This will mean your completed card will be 6" long. Use some double-sided tape or glue to adhere the white shaped card to the red cardstock where they overlap.

12. Now it's time to add the embellishments. I heat embossed a sentiment on to the red cardstock, just below the white shaped card, then tied a green ribbon around the bottom.

13. Add the framed image to the centre of the white card with foam tape and you are done!

More Strawberries!

2012-02-02T06:53:00.015+10:00

These are Tent Topper or Over the Edge cards, which basically means that a part of the design goes beyond the usual straight edges of the card. I have a tutorial here for a basic Tent Topper card, but I will also be posting instructions for one of these cards tomorrow.

Strawberry Cards

2012-02-01T06:45:00.001+10:00

I really love strawberries, they always make me think of warm spring days and the comforts of home. I remember my Mum making strawberry jam when I was a child, the whole house filled with the sweet aroma of cooking strawberries and sticky sugar. I love the bright red colour of the fruit contrasting with the white flowers and dark green leaves, and of course, the taste. There's nothing like a big, juicy strawberry picked straight from the garden.

Open For Business

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000+10:00

I'm very excited to announce that my digital stamp store is now OPEN!

The address is www.beccysplace.com

As an opening day gift, I'd like to give you all this little Carnation Fairy. He's available for purchase from the store, along with all his friends, but you can download him here for free.

Right now there are only 14 digital stamps available for purchase in my shop, but I have many more to upload over the next few weeks, so please stop by often. I will post regular updates here on my blog... along with projects, tutorials and freebies as usual.

I'd like to thank my wonderful family, friends and all of you in blogland who have supported and encouraged me over the last few years. I'm really enjoying this new challenge and looking forward to seeing where it takes me.

The Countdown...

2012-01-30T19:00:00.010+10:00

Just 12 hours until the official opening of my new digital store!!

Flower Fairies

2012-01-29T22:38:00.001+10:00

The first series of drawings for my new online store will be these cute little Flower Fairies. I've drawn one for each month of the year, beginning with carnations for January. To make the cards, I simply added some text about the birth month next to the fairy and finished each with some matching cardstock. When I had completed all twelve cards I bundled them up and tied them with a piece of organza ribbon to give away as a little present.

Calendar Page

2012-01-28T06:52:00.010+10:00

I also started to make myself a little desk calendar, but only got as far as January - which is now almost over!! I think I'll have to add this project to next year's to do list.

Jovial Santa

2012-01-27T10:32:00.001+10:00

For Christmas, my friend Penny gave me the most gorgeous Santa stamp from La Blanche. I made these cards the day after I received the stamp - and yes, I did open it before Christmas... but who could wait?!

I got lots of different looks depending on the mediums and techniques I used, which were heat embossing, distress inking and double stamping.

Melbourne and Back

2012-01-26T22:30:00.000+10:00

Hello everyone, I'm back!!

We made it through another Christmas Day at our house, a really wonderful family vacation, and the first day back at school. I've posted a few photos from our trip down to Victoria, along the Great Ocean Road, back up through New South Wales and into the Blue Mountains. We took three weeks and travelled by car for over 5000km (3000miles)... and "Oh!" the sights we've seen. Wonderful!

My Big Announcement

2011-12-15T16:37:00.000+10:00

After much encouragement and support from dear friends and family I am about to embark on a new venture - my very own digital stamp store! Needless to say, I'm very excited, but also a little nervous. There's still lots to be done and even more for me to learn but I think I'm up for the challenge!

I'd like to take the opportunity now to thank you all for your support, your comments and compliments over the last couple of years, you've really given me the motivation to continue. In all the time that I've been running this blog I've never had a single negative comment, message or email and I think that just goes to show what a wonderful world we crafters share!

I'll be taking a bit of respite over the Christmas and New Year period to catch up with my family, eat, celebrate, eat, do some shopping, some more eating, a little bit of cooking followed by more eating - I'm sure you can all relate! Somewhere in there we're planning a road trip down to Melbourne with the kids and Jeff's mum (who is coming all the way from Oregon in the U.S.).

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace,
The gladness of Christmas give you hope,
The warmth of Christmas grant you love.
~ unknown

Cheers,

Beccy Muir

Technique Class - Box Cards

2011-12-12T15:52:00.000+10:00

Today's project is perfect for this time of the year when you are giving little gifts to friends and colleagues. Box cards contain not only your holiday greetings but also have room for a little treat... I've seen them filled with candy canes, chocolates or little handmade gift tags.

1. Start with a piece of cardstock measuring 8" x 12". Place it horizontally (landscape orientation) on your scoreboard with the wrongside facing up. Score at 3.5", 4", 7.5", 8" and 11.5".

2. Turn the cardstock 90 degrees so it is vertical (landscape orientation) on your scoreboard. Score at 0.5", 1", 7" and 7.5".

3. This part is a little bit tricky, so make sure you understand what you are cutting before you start. You want to end up with a piece of cardstock that looks like the one below. I used a craft knife and metal ruler to cut away the excess cardstock, but scissors would also work well.

4. I found the box folded better if I cut off a very narrow piece of cardstock from the far right side. You can see in the photo below just how narrow the piece is. You don't have to be too precise since this edge will be folded inside the card.

5. Fold and crease all the score lines.

6. I used a little corner cutter to round off the edges of the top and bottom flaps making it easier to open the box and giving and neater appearance.

7. Use your favourite tool to cut an opening in the cardstock. It can be any shape you wish but make sure you stay within the fold lines.

8. Cut a piece of clear plastic or acetate to fit over the aperture you cut in the cardstock. For a great effect, run the piece of plastic through your favourite embossing machine.

9. Use some double-sided tape to secure the piece of plastic to the cardstock, completely covering the aperture.

10. Add some more double-sided tape to the underside of the far right flap.

11. Remove the backing paper from the double-sided tape, then fold the box along the score lines. Secure it to the first narrow area of cardstock on the left side. This will give you the basic box shape.

12. Trim about 0.25" from the little taglets at either end of the box. This will make it easier to close the box.

13. Close the ends, add some embellishments and you're done!

Let it Snow!

2011-12-01T06:45:00.000+10:00

This is an anything but a card project I made a few months ago for a challenge at Card Camp. I made it by cutting eight large snowflakes from the Snowflake Pendant dies by Spellbinders, then threaded some beads through the centre and added a piece of string at the top for hanging. Believe it or not, it now takes pride of place in my 8 year old son's bedroom, hanging from his light fitting!

The Family In Colour

2011-11-28T06:28:00.000+10:00

Here's my coloured version of Family Reunion. I used a variety of copic markers to give a nice, bright, vivid look to this picture. And yes, Dad is wearing a quilted hat band... did I mention how much I love quilts??

Family Reunion

2011-11-27T07:11:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #193
Oh the joy of posing for holiday photos!

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Lady with a Hat

2011-11-23T07:14:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #192
I thought I'd best put up an offering that isn't Christmas inspired for a change. Although, if you coloured her dress red and added a tiny piece of holly.....

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Joyful Gingerbread

2011-11-20T06:49:00.001+10:00

Free Printable #191

Here's a buddy for the Jolly Gingerbread man. Looks like blissful ignorance might be a requirement for baked holiday products!

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And In Colour...

2011-11-17T07:04:00.000+10:00

I printed and coloured this image at a fairly small size, around 2 inches I think, which means that the scan isn't all that wonderful. However, if you're only after a little image this coloured version should work well. My apologies to those who want something larger... but it is a good opportunity to drag out your art supplies!

Technique Class - Tent Topper Cards

2011-11-15T09:57:00.006+10:00

Tent topper cards, also known as over the edge cards, are really easy to make and can be modified to suit any occasion. The one thing you need to remember when making these cards is that the finished product may not be a standard size and may require a special envelope.

REQUIREMENTS:
Cardstock (approx. 8" x 6")
2 nesting die cut labels - any shape
patterned paper (approx. 7 3/4" x 2 3/4")
sentiment stamp
embellishments of choice

1. I really don't like making my own envelopes so I made sure my finished card would fit nicely inside a standard envelope, in this case business size, by laying the elements of the card on top of the envelope and taking measurements.

2. Fold the card blank in half longways to create a card that measures approximately 8" x 3".

3. Adhere the patterned paper to the front of the card, leaving a small border around all four sides.

4. Adhere the larger die cut shape to the centre top of the card, overhanging by the desired amount. (Remember to check that the completed card will fit inside your envelope before securing the die cut shape.)

5. Adhere the smaller die cut shape to the centre of the first and embellish as desired. Have fun!

Patterned paper: Crate Paper
Sentiment: Hero Arts
Die cut shapes: Nestabilities
Die cut bicycle and scrolls: Cricut
Flowers: Flowersoft
Rhinestones: Kaisercraft

Jolly Gingerbread

2011-11-14T06:56:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #190

I really love the expression on this little fellow's face... he really doesn't have that much to look forward to, but yet he smiles anyway! Or maybe it's just blissful ignorance??

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November Christmas Cards

2011-11-12T06:31:00.002+10:00

This month over at CCAYR we used a sketch as the basis of our Christmas cards. I decided to go back to one of my favourite Christmas designs from last year, the Christmas Goose, who proudly illustrated day six of the 12 days of Christmas.

Mum's Quilted Coat

2011-11-09T06:31:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #189

I actually think I prefer the quilted version of this image to the plain coat... which won't come as much of a surprise to those of you who know how much I love quilts!

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Mum's Coat

2011-11-07T06:46:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #188

I think this little girl looks as though she is making a wish upon the first star, but my ten year old daughter assures me she is actually outside looking for Santa!

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Cupcakes!

2011-11-05T10:25:00.000+10:00

Last weekend my sister-in-law hosted a cupcake decorating party. I have to admit that I wasn't all that enthused when she invited us... cake decorating really isn't my thing... but we went along to support her (and on the off chance that we might actually get to eat said cupcakes!). Well, we had a blast! It was so much fun sitting at the table decorating these little cakes using a variety of pastes, icing and butter cream as well as tools, piping bags and cutters. My daughters thought it was fantastic and sat totally enthralled for two and a half hours! Plus, we got to take home six cupcakes each... much to the delight of my hubby and eight year old son.

My twelve year old showing off her beautiful cupcakes.

My ten year old with her wonderful creations.

The cupcakes I decorated... not so different from decorating cards really.

Case Card

2011-11-04T09:52:00.003+10:00

This week's Card Camp challenge was to create a card based on a sample card put into our gallery. Although the example was made using lots of beautiful coloured Christmas papers, I decided to go neutral again with one of my favourite types of card - white on white.

The textures were created with Sizzix and Cuttlebug embossing folders, the sentiment is from Kaisercraft and the snowflake was cut with a Martha Stewart punch.

Coloured Version

2011-11-03T07:09:00.000+10:00

Here's a coloured version of yesterday's digital image.

Bearing Gifts

2011-11-02T06:30:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #187

Now, what else is a snowman able to give for Christmas other than some hand-made, meticulously crafted, perfectly spherical snowballs? He even went to all the trouble of tying a bow around the big one!

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October Christmas Cards

2011-10-31T23:09:00.004+10:00

My five Christmas cards for this month are based on the October challenge at Christmas Cards All Year Round, to craft cards using traditional Halloween colours. I mostly went for a combination of purple and green with some red and black thrown in for good measure.

Cardinal and Holly

2011-10-23T06:48:00.001+10:00

Free Printable #186

I love this time of the year. Christmas is rapidly approaching, the shops are starting to fill with decorations and holiday foods and I'm in the mood to celebrate the season!

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Take Your Pick

2011-10-21T16:39:00.002+10:00

Thanks for all your emails and comments about the new format, your responses have been mixed. After a few problems, and a very sensible request (good idea Teri!), I've decided to put up both formats for you to choose between - PNG and JPEG. Now it's up to you to get crafting!
Cheers,
Beccy

Agapanthus Card

2011-10-21T07:11:00.002+10:00

Over at Card Camp, Jennie keeps us on our toes with weekly card-making challenges. One of our recent tasks was to make a card with an "A" item on the front, which sounded simple enough until I went looking through my stamp collection and came up with zilch! Not a single image that started with A... not even a lousy apple! So I had to drag out the distress inks and water brush to create a little picture I could use on the front. After quite a bit of messing about, these pretty agapanthus eventually bloomed from my brush.

Just add colour...

2011-10-20T07:24:00.000+10:00

This peony flower is slightly different to the digital image I posted earlier. This is the original, hand-drawn copy prior to being re-done in my drawing software. I've coloured it with distress inks and a water brush.

Peony Flower

2011-10-20T07:21:00.004+10:00

Free Printable #185

THE PNG VERSION:

THE JPEG VERSION:
copyright Beccy Muir 2011

New Format

2011-10-19T16:07:00.002+10:00

The images that I've been creating lately in my drawing software are saved as PNG files rather than JPEGs. This allows me to save the pictures with a transparent background, rather than a white one. Please let me know if there are any problems you come across while trying to save, print or use the images and I will check with my live-in computer technician (and head cookie test person) to see if we can figure out what's going on.

Cheers,
Beccy

Peonies in a Vase

2011-10-18T06:41:00.004+10:00

Free Printable #184

I've been spending a lot of time recently messing around with my drawing software in an attempt to figure out how to use it better. I don't know if it's just me, but boy, does it seem complicated! Anyway, I managed to produce this drawing of a vase of peony flowers.

THE PNG VERSION:

THE JPEG VERSION:

copyright Beccy Muir 2011

Spooky...

2011-10-14T07:13:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #183
Now it just wouldn't be Halloween without a Jack-o-lantern somewhere in the mix!

Scream...

2011-10-12T07:37:00.004+10:00

Free Printable #182

This is the second picture in my Halloween series. Believe it or not, she actually started out as a voodoo doll, but I just couldn't make her spooky enough!

Screech...

2011-10-10T06:18:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #181

I have a series of three little Halloween pictures to share with you this week. As you can see, I've added some shading to the image, which is something I don't generally do. I'm happy with the way they came out though, and I think the cross-hatching will help those who might not know quite where to place the shadows when colouring. The three images could be used together on a single project, which would look pretty cool, or as individual pictures. I will include a coloured version of each picture for those who don't have the time or inclination to colour-in.

Link Up For Pink

2011-09-30T07:00:00.004+10:00

There are very few people in the world who have remained untouched by cancer, either from personal experience or in supporting a family member or friend through the different stages of dealing with this insidious disease.

Click on the "Link Up For Pink" logo above to join Yolie, Celeste and Gaby in raising awareness of the many issues surrounding cancer care, detection and early intervention.

Feel free to open these heart images in your own picture / photo editing software to recolour as desired. MS Word has picture editing which allows you to change colours and even skew the picture.

Magnolia

2011-09-29T06:35:00.003+10:00

Free Printable #174

I used this image on a card I made back in August, but there are lots of beautiful magnolia images on the web if you need some help with colouring.

Altered Oil Lamp

2011-09-26T06:49:00.001+10:00

Recently I was looking at a post by Ingvild Bolme (if you don't know her work then do yourself a favour and drop by her blog!). She decorated a lovely glass bottle with alcohol inks, various trinkets, flowers and chipboard, which provided me with the inspiration to try something similar...

Now I happen to have a small collection of lovely old oil and kerosene lamps collected from various second-hand and antique shops over the years. They really aren't worth much in terms of dollar value, but I like them and enjoy displaying them in my home. Anyway, this one little lamp caught my attention as the perfect item to alter and I decided to take some step-by-step photos to show how easy the process really is.

Technique Class - Joyfold Card

2011-09-23T06:20:00.011+10:00

Joyfold cards are basically two cards rolled into one. You can get some really great results using a variety of contrasting papers on the different panels of the card and you can also experiment with shape, size and fold placement for unique looks.

Requirements:
White cardstock 41/4" x 10"
White cardstock 3" x 8"
Patterned paper 4" x 33/4"
Patterned paper 4" x 53/4"
Patterned paper 33/4" x 23/4"
Choice of embellishments

1. Start with the 41/4" x 10" piece of cardstock. Measure 6" from one of the short sides, score and fold. You should now have a folded card that has a back measuring 41/4" x 6" and a front measuring 41/4" x 4".

2. Fold the 3" x 8" piece of cardstock in half to make a folded card measuring 3" x 4".

3. Adhere the 4" x 53/4" patterned paper to the inside of the larger card leaving a small border as shown in the picture below.

4. Adhere the small 3" x 4" folded card to the inside of the larger card. Centre it over the patterned paper and make sure it opens from the left hand side as shown below.

5. Adhere the 4" x 33/4" piece of patterned paper to the front flap of the large card.

6. Fold the front flap of the small card over the front flap of the large card. Adhere the 33/4" x 23/4" piece of patterned paper to the front flap of the small card.

7. Now add the embellishments and you're done!

September Christmas Cards

2011-09-18T06:51:00.002+10:00

More cards for my ever expanding Christmas card stash. Although I haven't counted, by playing along at CCAYR each month I will now have a minimum of 54 cards! Not too shabby for the middle of September.

The image on these cards is another old rubber stamp I pulled out from the bottom of my collection. I think I would have bought it about 12 years ago, which makes it perfect for the September challenge of using only old stash you've had for at least a year.

Tulip Card

2011-09-16T06:52:00.002+10:00

I made this card for a kit swap we currently have running over at Card Camp. The image is an old rubber stamp I've had in my stash for years, and I mean YEARS! I've always loved it but for some reason haven't given it as much use as I should have...

Embroidered Cats

2011-09-14T06:49:00.000+10:00

There's nary a skerrick of paper to be found in today's post... just kitties as far as the eye can see! These little ladies and gents are made out of felt and pretty fabric that I stitched, stuffed and then embroidered.

A Generous Gift...

2011-09-07T07:14:00.003+10:00

Jennie, a lovely and generous friend, sent me this wonderful iris stamp set (by Heartfelt Creations) all the way from the U.S. I had a great time stamping and colouring the image and then putting it together with some cardstock and ribbon to create this nice, clean and simple card.

Heart Blessings

2011-09-06T06:42:00.001+10:00

I'm feeling rather girly lately and have broken out all the more feminine papers and embellishments I have in my hoard of treasures. I also found this wonderful title on one of my cricut cartridges, Lyrical Letters I think it was, and thought how nice it would be on a little album using my favourite colour combination of pink, green and white.

Technique Class - Rocker Cards

2011-09-02T06:23:00.005+10:00

Today I'm going to show you the most basic type of rocker card... just a single cut and you are done! The idea of the rocker card is to make a card that rocks from side to side when you stand it up by shaping the bottom edge. Once you understand this basic principle you can go on to make a much more involved card with shaped cardstock, embellishments, weighted ends or even moveable parts!

1. Start with a standard card blank, mine measures a little over 6" x 8" but you could use just about any size you like.

2. Fold the card piece in half as if you were making a regular card. Turn it to a landscape orientation (long ways) with the open edges facing you. With the card folded, use your favourite tool to cut a section from the opening edge of the card leaving an even curve.

3. When you stand your cut card blank on it's opening edges it should rock when touched.

4. Decorate as desired and you are done. How easy is that?!

Rocking Horse

2011-08-31T06:21:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #173
copyright Beccy Muir 2011

Baby Cards

2011-08-29T10:48:00.003+10:00

I made these two cards using a new digital image I drew over the weekend. The first card is for a challenge over at Stampland, and the second will form part of my instructions on how to make a rocker card - which is exceedingly easy by the way!

I am planning to donate both of these cards, along with a few others I've made, to Charlie Bear's Gift, a wonderful online charity auction that is raising money for the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital Foundation.

Blue Hydrangea Card

2011-08-29T07:04:00.000+10:00

I LOVE this beautiful hydrangea paper and decided it would be perfect for a boxed card (big surprise huh?). I combined it with some Very Vanilla cardstock, although I think white or even a light blue would have looked wonderful too.

Birthday Wishes Stamp: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: K & Co Cottage Garden Collection
Punches: Martha Stewart
Rhinestones: Kaisercraft
Embossing Folder: Couture Creations
Glitter: Stickles
Cardstock: Very Vanilla Stampin' Up

A Note On Card Folds...

2011-08-28T10:24:00.003+10:00

I've had a couple of people comment and send me emails about the card fold list I have on my blog. I just want to remind everyone that it is a work in progress... a very slow work in progress! The cards I have under "A" have all been done, and there are odd cards throughout the list that I have also made tutorials for, but everything else is currently gracing my "to do" list.

Miss Verity Rose

2011-08-27T06:25:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #172

Remember when little girls wore pretty gingham dresses with lacey white petticoats, patent leather shoes and straw hats adorned with flowers? Remember how their hair shone golden in the sunlight with their cheeks flushed pink in excitement? Remember their sweet singsong voices, impeccible manners and girlish giggles? ... No, neither do I, but if it ever did happen I imagine it would looks something like Miss Verity Rose.

More Cards...

2011-08-25T10:25:00.002+10:00

I wanted to post a thank you to Suzanne for her card fold ideas:
Teardrop Card
Kinetic Card
Bookatrix Card
Triple Easel Card
Twisted Easel Card
Thanks Suzanne, I have added them to our list!!

Piggy-back Bear

2011-08-24T07:01:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #171

I just love how this little teddy is snuggled in against his girl!

Nell's Cottage

2011-08-23T06:39:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #170

I don't know how many of you remember the image I drew called Nell on a Bicycle, but I have decided that this is the house that she would probably live in. Nell was based on my late grandmother, who also lived much of her early life in a rural setting - complete with thunderbox and all!

One last card...

2011-08-22T07:31:00.001+10:00

The Card Camp challenge this week was to make a Christmas card that contained no red or green in the design. I used this little house again, coloured with distress ink and a water brush. The circle frame was cut with a Nestie and the pine needles around it were cut with a Martha Stewart punch.

To all those readers who asked about this digital image - I'm just in the process of cleaning it up and will have it up for you to use tomorrow.

August Christmas Cards

2011-08-20T06:58:00.000+10:00

My Christmas card stash is growing nicely thanks to the monthly challenges at Christmas Cards All Year Round. I've been keeping up with my five cards, and every now and then I even manage six or seven!

Little Hobo

2011-08-19T06:05:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #169

This little fellow very nearly ended up in the bin, but his sweet face saved him and I persisted with the design until he kitted-out and ready for travellin'.

Birdhouse with Vines

2011-08-15T06:59:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #168

This little birdhouse would look great decked out in Christmas colours, with a little bit of snow here and there and a beautiful red cardinal perching on the roof. Or perhaps a more rustic look with lots of distressed colours and streaky colouring...

Technique Class - Boxed Cards

2011-08-14T06:23:00.007+10:00

I enjoy making dimensional cards full of handmade flowers, loads of embossing, ribbons and pearls, but their bulk makes them very difficult to package, and you can forget about using a standard envelope! What you need is a custom made, matching box that not only houses your beautiful card, but also becomes a work of art in itself.

1. Measure your card. Your box will need to be slightly bigger than the card - just enough that you will be able to put the card in easily, but not so big that the card then slides around inside. I generally add 1/4" to the height of the card and 1/4" to the width of the card to get my box dimensions. I like my boxes to be about 3/4" deep, which has so far been enough to accomodate any of the embellishments I've used on my cards.

2. Okay, now for the maths... My finished card measures 8 1/4" x 4". I want my box to be slightly bigger than my card so I will add 1/4" to both the height and the width bringing the total to 8 1/2" x 4 1/4".

3. We now need to add in the measurements for the depth of the box. These will be the sides that fold up. As I said in step one, I like to make my boxes about 3/4" deep, which means we need to add that measurement to each of the four sides. That will bring the total measurement to 10" x 5 3/4".

4. Using the final measurements you figured out in step three (in my case 10" x 5 3/4"), cut two pieces of cardstock - one for the base and one for the lid.

5. Place one of the cardstock pieces on your scoreboard and score each of the four sides at 3/4". This will be the base of your box.

6. The lid of the box needs to be slightly wider than the base or it won't slip on properly. On my scoreboard I have an extra little line on the left hand side that is a fraction of an inch away from the O. I line my cardstock up with this mark and then score at 3/4". Turn the cardstock 90 degrees, line it up with the same mark and score at 3/4". Repeat for the other two sides. You will now have marked the lid of your box that will be slightly wider and slightly longer than the base. Set it aside while we complete the bottom of the box.

7. Have a look at the corners of your cardstock where the score lines intersect. To help with the folding and construction of the box we're going to cut away one of the score lines on each corner with a small pair of scissors. Remove the score line up to where it intersects the second score line as in the pictures below.

8. Fold along the score lines.

9. Add some glue or double sided tape to the small tabs you formed on each corner of the box. Adhere them to the inside of the box forming nice, straight, square corners.

10. The base of your box is now complete.

11. To make the lid, remove the score lines in each of the four corners as we did in step seven. Now we are going to cut out a section of the lid so that we can see through to the card inside. I often cut out the aperture with a craft knife and ruler to give me a simple rectangular window, but now and again I get fancy and pull out a nestability to do the job. It really doesn't matter what shape you choose to make the window, but try to leave at least 1/2" between the edge of the window and the score lines.

12. Now fold up and adhere the tabs of the lid in the same manner as you did the base.

13. Adhere a piece of plastic to the inside of the lid with double sided tape. (If I may briefly get upon my soapbox... consider going green and harvesting some plastic from packaging around your home - ironically, I found my plastic on an old package of Christmas cards I purchased years ago! There's really no need to go out and buy transparencies or acrylic sheets when so many of our everyday items come prepackaged in plastic. Not only does it save money, but also our world.)

14. Now the fun part! Get out all your punches, rhinestones, pearls, stickers, bits, bobs, thingamadoodles and whatsamacallits and decorate the edges of your completed box.

Technique Class - Shaped Cards

2011-08-13T06:08:00.003+10:00

Shaped cards are literally cards that are shaped to resemble something other than the standard square or rectangle. I have seen cards cut to look like teddy bears, castles, cars and even a big pencil. You are only limited by two things - your imagination and the need to retain a goodly section of the fold between the back and front of the card.

1. Decide on the size of card you wish to make and source an appropriate piece of cardstock. Score and fold it in half as you would for a standard card.

2. Using a pencil, draw an outline of the shape you wish to cut. Remember to include a portion of the fold in your design or you will end up with two separate pieces of cardstock rather than a folding card.

3. Use a knife or scissors to trim away the parts of the card you don't need. As you can see, I decided on a three tiered wedding cake for my card. It's a nice simple shape that allows for quite a lot of the fold to be retained.

4. All that's left now is to decorate your card!

Design Previews

2011-08-12T09:04:00.004+10:00

It always amazes me that one small and seemingly insignificant action on my part can have such a huge impact on someone else... Yesterday I received a phone call from a lady in one of my card groups who had just received a birthday card I sent to her earlier in the week. I have to admit that after dropping it in the mail box I promptly forgot all about it as I went about my day. To her though, receiving that card meant a whole lot more. It meant that someone was thinking about her, that someone remembered her and for a moment it eased the lonliness of living by herself. Now, I don't mean to get too philosophical here, but we do tend to take our small actions for granted, don't we?

Okay, on to the reason for this post... There is another lady out there who needs some support right about now. You can read about Lyndall and her family right here, and then if you would like to commit a small action, you can purchase one of the digital designs from the same site by clicking on the tab at the top of the page marked "Digi Images". They are only $2.00 each, which might not seem a whole lot, but to someone out there it is a show of love and support that is really needed right about now.

Mummy's Boy

Ready for Market

Magnolias with Candle

Miss Lyndall and Lady Melissa

Lotus Flower

2011-08-12T07:07:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #167

Magnolias

2011-08-11T17:37:00.002+10:00

I drew some magnolias earlier in the week for a special cause and liked them so much that I thought I'd draw another image and use it on a card. And as it happens, they are perfect for this weeks challenge at Stampy Land, which is to make a pink and green card!

I coloured the flowers with Aquarelle water colour pencils and an aqua brush, mounted them on some Nestabilities die cuts and finished it off with a cuttlebug embossing folder and a couple of border punches.

Thinking Of You

2011-08-10T06:56:00.005+10:00

This is very similar to the last boxed card I made, just with a different sentiment and slightly different embellishments. I've tried to make them a little more special by adding an embossed panel to the back of the card as well as a punched, bordered or embossed insert in the middle.

I've had quite a few people ask for instructions on how to make a boxed card, so in the next few days I'll attempt to put something together for you... right now I have a number of other projects I need to complete, if only to make some room on my desk!

Birdhouse with Addon

2011-08-09T06:50:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #166

Yep, it's another birdhouse... and this one has plenty of room for granny too!

Front Door

2011-08-07T06:43:00.002+10:00

Free Printable #165

This picture was lots of fun to draw, and enjoyable to colour too. I used various copic markers to colour the image, but I think it would look fantastic coloured in distress inks or pencils, particularly if you wash out the colours and give it a really aged look... I think I may just head back to my craft room for another go!

Have a look at this...

2011-08-05T14:23:00.003+10:00

I just wanted to share a link to a beautiful card made by Jennie Williams. As she explains in her post, she saw the card somewhere in her online travels but didn't bookmark the site and so has attempted to case it from memory. I'm not sure how close she got to the original, but I think her version is brilliant.

Gumnut Blossoms

2011-08-04T07:34:00.002+10:00

Free Printable #164

Gumnut blossoms are iconically Australian and the inspiration for the very famous (at least Down Under) children's book series, illustrations and characters by May Gibbs.

Best Wishes Boxed Card

2011-08-02T07:06:00.000+10:00

At the risk of becoming repetitive, I have yet another boxed card to share with you. This one actually uses some colour, as you can see, with a piece of patterned paper (Butterfly Garden Collection by Pink Paislee) and cream cardstock. I think I actually like this better than the white on white and, dare I say it, I don't think this will be the last boxed card I make. Indeed, I feel another obsession coming on!!

Best Wishes stamp: Stampin' Up
Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee "Butterfly Garden Collection"
Punches: Martha Stewart, Carl
Pearls: Kaisercraft
Embossing Folder: Sizzix
Glitter: Stickles "Clear Rock Candy"
Cardstock: Stampin' Up "Very Vanilla"

Flannel Flowers

2011-08-01T06:27:00.002+10:00

Free Printable #163

Flannel flowers and wattle are native Australian plants. Although there's not a lot of colour to a flannel flower, in an arrangement of very bright flowers and deep green foliage, they are very striking.

Folk Art Basics Class

2011-07-31T23:37:00.000+10:00

Some months ago I did a post about a decorative painting class that I was teaching in our village. Anyway, we're now about three quarters of the way through and the ladies in the class are doing extremely well with their paintings and their technique. These photos are of my Mum, who has been doing the class along with us, and were taken about 1/2 hour apart.

We still have a little way to go yet, but everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and there has been plenty of laughter... always important when learning something new!

There will be a few more photos on our new Community Centre blog if anyone is interested in having a look:

http://loganvillagecommunitycentre.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday Daddy

2011-07-30T06:43:00.001+10:00

Free Printable #162

It's my darling husband's birthday today and I'm quite certain that he will be presented with all sorts of wonderful, homemade treasures from our children! Although our girls are actually quite adept in the kitchen, I couldn't help but design this sweet little girl presenting a rather lopsided, but love-filled, cake to her Daddy for his birthday.

Not Beary Happy

2011-07-29T06:36:00.002+10:00

Free Printable #161

To be honest, I've had this design for about six months but have been reluctant to post it for you. At first I thought this little guy was cute, but I soon came to wonder what his look of dismay was all about. He kind of looks as though he's been jilted, or perhaps he inhaled a bee while smelling the daisy! Anyway, I hope you can forgive me for making him look so mortified... I'd really love to see what designs and occasions you come up with for this little fellow.

Birdbath Card

2011-07-28T06:57:00.000+10:00

This is another boxed card created with the birds and birdbaths cut for me by my friend Penny. The window in the box was cut with a Nestability and then I attached a ribbon around the lid for decoration... it doesn't actually hold the box closed. The rest of the embellishments were created with punches and dies, pearls and glitz.

Sea Shell Card

2011-07-26T22:12:00.003+10:00

I decided to join in on the very first challenge over at Stampy Land, a lovely new blog I was referred to by one of the ladies at Card Camp. This week's challenge was to create a card with the theme "A Day At The Beach"... nice and easy and definitely do-able.

I used an old Stampin' Up stamp for the image and coloured it with distress inks, deepening the shadows and recesses of the shell with black ink. I layered up two of the images with foam tape to give extra dimension, then embossed and cut the rectangle with a Nestability. The white cardstock was embossed with a cuttlebug folder and I also added some machine stitching around the edge of the second mat. The sentiment is computer generated, printed on the card before stamping and colouring.

Peach Pie

2011-07-26T06:31:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #160

I would like you all to know that I am always available for warm, fresh peach pie with whipped cream!

Technique Class - Notebooks

2011-07-25T07:24:00.001+10:00

Today I want to show you how easy it is to make your own notebooks using left over notepaper or exercise books from the kids, a couple of pieces of cardboard and a binding machine.

Requirements:
2 thick sheets cardboard of the same size for the cover (mine is 5" x 8" but you can make yours larger or smaller. I also made a mini notebook measuring 2"x 4")
Notepaper
4 sheets lightweight cardstock in a single colour (I used cream)
Binding machine + bindings
Glue, double sided tape
Ruler, pencil, eraser
Scissors, craft knife, cutting mat
Stylus
Bone folder
Embellishments of choice

1. Make sure your cardboard pieces are the same size, trim if needed. For the cover you can use sheets of chipboard or even pieces of cereal box sandwiched together to create a thicker more sturdy piece of cardboard. (Remember to use acid free products if you are creating a photo album or photo journal.)

2. Trim the lightweight cardstock so that it is about 3/4" bigger all round than the cardboard covers. (Remember that 3/4" all around means your cardstock will need to be 1 1/2" longer and 1 1/2" wider than the cardboard). Use a glue stick to adhere the cardboard to the centre of the lightweight cardstock.

3. Use a stylus to score the lightweight cardstock around the edges of the cardboard. This will give you a nice neat fold when you are covering the cardboard.

4. Fold the lightweight cardstock over all the edges of the cardboard, pressing the creases well.

5. Use a bone folder to crease each of the corners following the contours of the cardboard. Do this for each of the four corners.

This is how each corner should look after creasing:

6. Fold the corners of the lightweight cardstock onto the cardboard as shown in the picture and secure with double sided tape or glue.

7. Use your bone folder again to press the creases and contours back in around each corner. This will give you a much neater finish.

8. Now fold up each of the four sides, securing with double sided tape or glue.

9. Cut pieces of lightweight cardstock that are about 1/4" smaller all around than the covers. (Remember that 1/4" smaller all around means your lightweight cardstock should be 1/2" smaller in width and 1/2" smaller in length than the covers.)

10. Round the corners of the lightweight cardstock if desired, then glue them securely onto the centre of the cover so that the cardboard is no longer visible. This will be the inside of the book cover.

11. Now you need to cut some notepaper to size. I used some exercise books the kids had left over from last year, reserving the cardboard covers for later projects! The notepaper inside your book should be the same length as your covers or very slightly smaller. Don't make the mistake of cutting them a lot shorter or you will find that the pages sag. The width is up to you - I made mine about 1/2" narrower so that I could put tabs in my book to divide it into sections.

12. Time to punch and bind! Follow the manufacturers directions for the particular machine you are using.

13. All that's left now is the decorating... and that's the fun part!

Birdie Apartments

2011-07-24T07:15:00.002+10:00

Free Printable #159

My husband's grandmother was a keen collector of decorative bird houses and had quite a few around her house. I always loved looking at them and the wonderful ways they would be decorated.

Boxed Birdcage Card

2011-07-22T06:55:00.003+10:00

My good friend Penny very kindly cut out dozens of little birdcages, birds, trees and bird baths on her cricut machine for me. I used one of the cages and a few of the little birds, along with punched flowers and leaves, a Nestability, edge punch and embossing folder to create this boxed card. I added some Stickles, dimensional magic, pearls and ribbon to help break up all the white, without actually introducing a new colour.

Ribbon Embroidery

2011-07-20T06:22:00.003+10:00

Free Printable #158
I love ribbon embroidery, from the way a completed stitchery looks to the process of actually sitting down and stitching. I really enjoy going on the hunt for the silk ribbons I want too, particuarly when you find skeins of hand-dyed ribbons that have a beautiful combination of colours in the one length.

Hibiscus

2011-07-19T06:45:00.002+10:00

Free Printable #157

Hibiscus flowers are great for colouring since they have such large open petals. This first image I coloured using distress inks and a water brush. I don't think I quite managed to get the vibrancy of colour you'd typically associate with hibiscus flowers, but it's not too bad. The second image was coloured with copic markers, and while the vibrancy is there, I think it might be lacking a little depth. A few more shadows and highlights could probably fix that though. Anyway, have a play around with the image and different mediums and see what results you get. Have fun!

Apple Basket

2011-07-17T15:14:00.002+10:00

Free Printable #156
What could be more country than a basket full of apples and fresh apple butter? Enjoy!

July Christmas Cards

2011-07-11T11:06:00.003+10:00

My Christmas card stash is growing nicely thanks to the monthly challenges at Christmas Cards All Year Round. We're just over half way to the holidays and I have well over thirty cards made and ready to send!

Birthday Cards

2011-07-07T07:17:00.000+10:00

I'm continuing the quest to use up some of my scraps... I'm sure they're multiplying in my drawer! This time I've stamped the same image on different coloured pieces of card, cut them into little squares and arranged them on a piece of white card. An accent colour in the background and a contrasting piece of ribbon brings it all together nicely.

Card Camp Turns One!

2011-07-06T06:23:00.002+10:00

Our Yahoo card-making group - Card Camp - is turning one year old this month, so to celebrate we're all making cards with a birthday theme. I decided to go through my scrap drawer and pull out a variety of green patterned paper offcuts that I've been keeping. I arranged them in a rough circle and stitched over the top with some nice heavy cotton.

Bumble Bee

2011-07-05T07:02:00.002+10:00

Free Printable #155

This is the funky little bee I used for yesterday's spinner card tutorial. I've also included a version I coloured with copic markers.

Spinner Cards

2011-07-04T07:10:00.000+10:00

Get ready for a bit of interactive fun with these great spinner cards that topple and slide as you tilt the card to the right or left. They are sure to be a hit with whoever receives them and can be easily personalised by choosing a spinner that appeals to your recipient.

Requirements:
Coloured card blank folded in half
Piece of white cardstock 5 3/4" x 4"
Two small coins (eg: Australian 5c piece or U.S. penny)
Small coloured and cut out image (I used a little bee)
Pencil, ruler, eraser, black pen
Craft knife, scissors
Double sided tape
Foam tape or large foam dots
1/2" circle punch or craft knife and scissors
Narrow (less than 1/2" tall) sentiment stamp
Stamp pad
Assorted flowers and brads

1. On the piece of white cardstock, measure down 3/4" from the top and draw a line across the cardstock. Draw another line 1/2" below the first. Measure 3/4" from each side edge and draw lines. You will end up with a 1/2" wide box across the top of the cardstock that is 3/4" from each edge as in the photo below.

2. If you have a 1/2" circle punch, punch out two circles on either end of the box. Don't worry if you can't reach all the way to the box, just put the punch as far over as it will go. For those of us who don't have a punch, simply round the ends of the box using a circle template, a large pen lid, a bottle top - anything circular.

3. Use a craft knife and/or scissors to cut out the box with the rounded ends.

4. Lay the white cardstock centred over your card blank and lightly trace around the edges of the box.

5. Use a narrow stamp to add a sentiment inside the window you created by tracing the shape of the box. I just used a pen to write the words I wanted.

6. You can add some more stamps or penwork to the white cardstock. I dotted a whimsical border with a black pen.

7. Choose an assortment of flowers or embellishments for the front of your card. Alternatively you could stamp and colour images of your choice or use some appropriate patterned papers.

8. To make the spinner, add a large circular piece of foam tape to one of the coins. The foam tape needs to be big enough to hold the two coins together, but not so big that it takes up the entire surface of the coin. If you don't have circular foam tape, simple cut off the corners of a square piece and roughly round it out like I did.

9. Add the other coin on top to make a "sandwich".

10. Use nice strong double sided tape to adhere the coins to the back of your small coloured image.

11. Place the bottom of the back coin over the bottom of the slot you cut into the white cardstock.

12. Bend the top of the white cardstock slightly until you can get the top of the coin to pop through as well. You should now have a coin on either side of the window with the foam tape forming a channel for the spinner to slide along.

Front view:

13. Use foam tape to attach the white cardstock to the card blank. You will need quite a lot of foam tape around the window to ensure there is enough support for the coins, which are actually quite heavy. Make sure you place your foam tape far enough away from the window for the spinner to move freely.

14. Centre the white card over the card blank and press together firmly.

15. Tilt the card from side to side and watch the bee spin back and forth!

Circle Cards

2011-07-01T21:30:00.000+10:00

Circle cards are fairly easy to make and would probably fall into the "shaped cards" category, since, obviously, they are shaped like a circle! You just need to remember when cutting your circle card that you must not cut all the way through the folded edge or you will end up with two separate circles instead of a card. And yes... I am speaking from experience, albeit quite a few years ago.

Requirements:
A5 card blank
Folding / creasing tool
Circle cutting tool (I used Spellbinders dies)
Various paper and embellishments for decorating

1. Fold your card blank in half and crease the fold firmly.

2. Place your cutting tool onto the folded card ensuring that some of the cutting edge actually misses part of the fold. If you don't leave in this little bit of fold you will end up with two separate pieces of cardstock and not a joined card.

3. Cut the card using your tool of choice. If you don't have a cutting tool, simply use a compass or a saucer or other round object, trace a circle on your folded card, making sure you leave some of the fold in place, then cut the circle with scissors or a craft knife.

You can see the part of the card where the circle cutter missed actually forms the card fold.

4. To give your card a completely circular front you can cut out another circle the same size and adhere it to the front of your card.

5. Decorate as desired.

Triple Scoop Icecream Cone

2011-06-29T07:30:00.001+10:00

Free Printable #154

Icecream Card

2011-06-27T12:18:00.003+10:00

The challenge this week at Card Camp was to create a card using neopolitan colours - pink, brown and white. Well, I was instantly transported back to my childhood when Mum used to bring home a 4 litre bucket of neopolitan icecream from the shops. What joy! The only problem was all that darned pink icecream that was left after we'd scoffed the rest. You know, it's only now that I'm a mother myself that I wonder why she didn't just buy one tub of chocolate and one of vanilla... I really must ask her.

Berry Branch

2011-06-24T07:00:00.000+10:00

June Christmas Cards

2011-06-22T20:52:00.002+10:00

The June challenge over at Christmas Cards All Year Round was to create five cards with a design of your own choice - anything goes! I drew this little berry branch a couple of weeks ago and thought it would look lovely for Christmas. Teamed with the black and red colours the overall design has a very oriental air I think.

Double Gatefold Card

2011-06-22T07:12:00.002+10:00

At my card club recently we did a shoe box swap where we brought along card kits we had put together for the other members at our table. The idea was to pass the kits around so that everyone made a card from each person at the table, resulting in a nice little stash by the end of the day. I decided to make this double gatefold card using punches, butterflies and patterned papers.

Requirements:
A4 cardstock base (8 1/4" x 11 3/4")
Patterned paper 8" x 3 3/4"
Two strips of green patterned paper 8" x 2"
Small offcut of white cardstock
Vine punch (I used a Martha Stewart punch)
Lattice border punch (I used a Martha Stewart border punch)
Small flower punch (I used an EK success punch)
Self adhesive pearls (I used Kaisercraft pearls)
Paper butterflies (I used Collections Elements Creative Butterflies)
Sentiment stamp (I used Stamping Up Sincere Salutations)
Score board and score tool
Foam mat
Ink pad
Double sided tape
Small foam dots
Wet glue (I used Glossy Accents)
Glue pen (I used Zig Squeeze and Roll)

1. Use the score board and scoring tool to score the cardstock at 1 7/8", 3 7/8", 7 7/8" and 9 7/8". Fold the card in the following way, from left to right: mountain fold, valley fold, valley fold, mountain fold. Open the card back out.

2. Use the border punch to punch a decorative edge down both short sides of the cardstock.

3. Use the vine punch to punch two vine strips from the green paper.

4. Put glue on the back of the stems of the vine (don't worry about adding any glue to the leaves), and adhere the vines as close as possible to the punched edges of the card.

5. Ink the edges of the 8" x 3 3/4" piece of patterned paper and adhere it to the centre panel of the card - you will have a little border around all four edges.

6. Stamp a little sentiment on the bottom of the panel to the right of the centre panel.

7. Punch 10 - 12 little flowers from the scrap of white cardstock.

8. Place the flowers on the foam mat and shape each by pushing a stylus down firmly in the centre of the flower until the petals fold upward.

9. Use wet glue to adhere the flowers to the vine. It is best to group them randomly and offset the two sides so that when the card is closed the flowers aren't all in one place. Add a pearl to the centre of each flower.

10. Cut out two or three butterflies. If you don't have printed butterflies you could stamp and colour some in or download some of the free digis or clip art from the internet.

11. Apply a couple of foam dots on the back of each butterfly wing. Add some wet glue down the centre of each body.

12. Press the butterflies on to the vine in various places. The body should be flush with the card while the wings will be raised by the foam dots.

Fold the whole thing back together and you're done! The card should fit nicely into a standard DL sized envelope or you could get super creative and make your own.

The Fair Came To Town...

2011-06-21T15:57:00.002+10:00

Last weekend the Papercraft Fair, known in my house as the wandering Shangri-La, rolled into Brisbane to tempt and delight paper artists. Among the purchases I made were these gorgeous little chipboard houses complete with embellishments and in one of them, a shadow box.

So, the plan is this - to create seasonal houses to hang on my walls for Christmas, Easter and a few in between. I figure if I make the plan known I might actually have half a chance of getting it done!

A-Frame Card

2011-06-19T07:16:00.003+10:00

Okay, I have to admit that I feel kind of sheepish making a full tutorial about these types of cards since they are so basic to make, but hey, I'm whole heartedly committed to the cause!

1. Begin with an A4 sized piece of cardstock. Cut the cardstock in half longways so that you are left with two long strips. (I'm fairly sure that "A4" is not an internationally recognised paper size, but the measurements are approximately 21cm x 29cm or 8¼" x 11¾").

2. Now score and fold the cardstock in half so that it resembles an A-Frame or a sandwich board.

3. Decorate as desired.

Birdhouse With Heart and Bow

2011-06-18T06:34:00.000+10:00

Free Printable #152

This is the birdhouse image used in the Z-Fold card tutorial. I've also included the coloured version that was done with copic markers. Feel free to use either on your handcrafted projects.

Technique Class - Z-Fold Card

2011-06-16T06:52:00.000+10:00

I really enjoyed making this card because it was quick and easy but had a really interesting look to it when finished.

1. Start with a sheet of A4 cardstock - the completed card will fit nicely into a DL sized envelope.

2. Cut a section from the top length of the cardstock at an angle. You can make the angle as shallow or as steep as you wish, but out of interest, my cut goes from the top right hand corner to 2" down from the top of the left hand side.

3. Score and fold the card into three equal sections. Starting from the shorter edge I measured and scored at 3 7/8" and at 7 3/4" then trimmed a tiny amount from the longest edge to make them all even. The first fold is a mountain fold, the second is a valley fold.

4. Then it's a simple matter of decorating your card blank. I scalloped along the top edge, added some patterned paper, ribbon, picture and a sentiment.

Cherry Branch

2011-06-14T06:17:00.003+10:00

Free Printable #151

This is the cherry branch I used on the aperture card I made a few days ago for one of the card fold tutorials. The coloured version was done using copic markers - feel free to use either for your own personal creations.

Technique Class - Aperture Card III

2011-06-12T06:12:00.000+10:00

This technique is a little trickier than the previous two, and in my opinion, doesn't give quite as nice a finish as the easier techniques that have less bulk in the front of the card. You will often find these card blanks pre-cut and folded in craft stores but it is possible to do it yourself with a few basic tools.

1. Start with an A4 sheet of cardstock folded into three equal sections.

2. Cut a hole, or aperture, from the middle section. This can be in any shape you wish and in any position so long as the cut doesn't cross either fold line.

3. Now you can decorate from the back of the aperture. I chose to add a mat and then some spotted craft coloured paper, which I secured from the back.

4. Add some adhesive to the back of the first panel, then press the two sections together. The patterned papers will now be hidden inside the front of the card.

5. Once you have sealed the front closed your card will look like an ordinary card blank ready for decorating.

6. Decorate with embellishments and stamps as desired.