Shaped Cards

Do you ever create shaped cards, and if so, how do you make your base? I usually use cutting dies, leaving a little of the folded edge outside of the cut to form the fold. I then cut an extra, single layer of the same shape to glue onto the front of the card in order to hide the gap.

Products:

Simply Wonderful

This Cherry Blossom cut out was perfect for the 5" x 7" card I needed to create.

It fills the space nicely while still leaving room for some little butterflies and tiny pearls. 

Products:

Card Duo

It's a twofer from me today... two cards using the same images from the same stamp set. I stamped and heat-embossed them in gold, then coloured them with lovely bright hues that really pop against the black backgrounds. Definitely a bright and cheerful project!

 

Products:

Year Long Challenge - July

When I was looking for inspiration for this month’s card theme, I discovered an important day I had somehow been completely unaware of - World Chocolate Day! It falls on July 7th and commemorates the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550. I would like to reassure everyone that I have spent a significant number of kilojoules appropriately celebrating this momentous occasion.

 

Products:

Wren and Blossoms

I like to think that I don't have lots of bits and pieces lying around in the craft room. In my mind, I cut and stamp exactly what I need for my project, and then move on to the next creation. But the truth is, I have a couple of little drawers filled with stamped images, sentiments, some fussy cutting, bits of cardstock, etc... I think you get the picture. I don't visit those drawers too often, but today I decided to drag some of the bits into the light to see what I could make with them.

Floating By

This image reminds me of some of the inside jokes I share with my sister, and always makes me smile when I see it. So... this one's for you Sue! Love you xxx

Koala Hugs

Bright colours and cute stamps are the perfect antidote for cold, winter weather!

Products:

Tutorial - Surprise Pop Up Card 2.0

I created my first Surprise Pop-Up card several years ago, but thought I could tweak it a little to simplify the mechanism. I also decided to make the card into a single layer, but if you'd prefer, you can mount it onto a card front for a more traditional style.

TEMPLATE:

1. Cut a sheet of A4 cardstock in half vertically so that you end up with a piece that measures 10.5cm x 29.7cm. Score in the centre and fold in half as though you were making a tent fold card. Use a craft knife or trimmer to cut a flap in the front of the card that is 3/4" from the centre fold and 3/4" from either side. Refer to the template above for correct placement.

2. Open the card out and lay horizontally on your score board. Score 3/4" from the bottom edge, between the two cut lines (at the base of the flap you cut in step 1). Score again at 23/4" between the two cut lines, and then one more time at 43/4". Fold along the score lines. (All the score lines will be on the flap you cut in step 1. Refer to the template if necessary).

3. Turn the card around so that the centre fold is facing you (it will look upside down). Stamp a sentiment in the section indicated below. Don't add any embellishments here as you want the cardstock to slide easily.

4. Cut a large tag measuring 3" x 51/2" and round the four corners. Stamp or write the word "pull" at the top, or if you'd prefer, you could add a little pull tab.

5. Decorate the front of the card with patterned paper or more stamping.

6. Now we're going to secure our large pull tag to the narrow section at the end of the flap. I've added a series of photos below to show you how it's done...

Place a ruler or straight edge about 1/4" from the cut edge of the flap.

Use the edge as a guide for keep the large tag straight.

Add glue to the narrow strip at the end of the flap.

Line up the bottom edge of the large pull tag with the edge of the flap,

and line up the side with the ruler to keep it straight.

Turn your card over.

The easel section should retract when the tag is pulled.

7. Open the card again and place glue on the card base, around the large tag, to form a pocket (see photo below). Close the card to secure in place.

8. Time to decorate!

Add one of the long sentiments to the bottom of the card, just over the cut line.

Keep the adhesive on the frame, around the bottom and side edges as shown below.

The easel should slide easily behind the sentiment panel.

I find it easiest to glue my images together first, then secure them to the easel.

Eucalyptus

One of my favourite techniques is to stamp using a mix of water-based inks, and then use those same inks to add colour to the image. For this particular card, I’ve used watercolour paper, which allows me to build up multiple layers without worrying about the paper tearing.

Products:

Quick and Easy Magnolia Card

Earlier this week I showed you a technique for making quick and easy cards. One of the suggestions I made, if you don't have a coordinating ink pad, was to use Versamark ink to stamp your background. This is particularly helpful if you have a whole rainbow of coloured cardstock without matching ink pads.

Products: