Pages

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Super Easy Christmas Card using the Brushed Gold Cards and Envelope Sets plus the Classic Letters Stamp Set and Some Heat Embossing Tricks

If you love Christmas and making your own holiday cards, then you are for sure going to want to know about what is coming really, really soon!

On September 6 when the Sept.-Dec. 2023 Mini Catalog goes live, you will be able to purchase this lovely ready-to-use Brushed Gold Cards and Envelope Set of 20 card bases and envelopes for $12.00 USD and the order number is 162177. These Cards and Envelopes are the standard A2 size (4 1/4" x 5 1/2").

Pair this Brushed Gold Card Set and the Classic Letters photopolymer stamp set and you'll be able to whip out holiday cards pretty fast, for less than $1 per card. WOW!

The highlighted links below will take you directly to my online store to purchase that item.



I thought it was perfect to do some heat embossing on this card sample, using the technique of stamping the letters first in Shaded Spruce ink, then stamping again on top with Versamark Ink and Heat embossing with Clear Embossing Powder. That way you get a fancy look in any color you want! Thanks to the Classic Letter stamps being see-through photopolymer material, it is very easy to line them up perfectly!


Above - I used a retired stamp set called Merry Everything for the inside greeting in Shaded Spruce ink.

After I heat embossed the Merry below, I thought the card needed a little more of "something." Since the gold brush strokes reminded me of fireworks raining down, I thought the addition of a gold heat embossed star image would work nicely. This particular star came from a retired stamp set called Festival of Trees, but you can use any star stamp you have.


Some of the Products Used:

Classic Letters Photopolymer Stamp Set #161267  $25 USD
(Stamps are 1" tall.)

Versamark Ink (is a sticky ink that holds embossing powder very well)
#102283 $9.50

Images © Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Emboss Powders - Basic Set of Clear, White and Black (Lasts a very long time!)
#155554  $18

Images © Stampin' Up!

Stampin' Emboss Powders - Metallics Set of Copper, Gold, Silver
#155555  $18

Images © Stampin' Up!

Heat Tool (used to melt the embossing powder quickly)
#129053  $31

Images © Stampin' Up!


You can also stamp any holiday word up to 6 letters depending on how close you space the stamps together, in whatever ink color you would like and still do the clear embossing powder on top using the Heal Tool to set the powder. Give it a try, the magic of embossing powder was one of the first things that attracted me to cardmaking years ago.

Have fun with this easy card idea and make some handmade holiday cards the easy way this year!

Visit my Landing Page here to subscribe to my Newsletter or Shop my Online Store. Have a lovely day!


Monday, August 28, 2023

Let's Make Some Holiday Cards this Week Using the Classic Letters Stamp Set

It's Monday again, and this week's stamp set focus is the Classic Letters Stamp set in the Annual Catalog.  I am thinking Christmas cards this week, so will be working on words I can spell like JOY, NOEL, PEACE and so on. I hope you'll come back to visit and see what I design for you!


 

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Make This Center Step Fun Fold Card using Amazing Stampin' Up! Products then Give This Holiday Card to Your Wine Loving Friends!

Here's a Christmas Card idea using the Brewed for You Stamp Set and Brewed Dies that I've been highlighting on my blog this week. This Center Step Fun Fold design also has two new products, the Joy to You stamp set and the Joy for Christmas Designer Series Paper (DSP) that will be released and available to order on Sept. 6, 2023.

The main colors used in this card are Shaded Spruce and Cherry Cobbler. For fun I highlighted the "Be Merry" to go with the wine glasses. The more wine consumed, the more merry you may become! 

Using the Center Step Fun Fold design accents the bold greeting and highlights the wine glasses well. By adding the Simply Elegant Trim in Gold bows glue dotted at the bases of the wine glasses gives a little more sparkle too.


Christmas Card front view with matching envelope. So bright and festive!


Side View of the Center Step Fun Fold.


Back View to see the area you can write a personal message or add a favorite stamped holiday greeting in matching ink.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the Cutting Diagram for you to follow to prepare your 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" card base 
in Shaded Spruce.


Additional Cutting Dimensions:

With the Joy for Christmas DSP - cut the following:
2 pieces that are 7/8" square
2 pieces that are 7/8" x 3 1/8"
1 piece for middle section 3 3/8" x 4 1/8"

2 Wine Glasses
Basic White cardstock 2 1/2" x 3"
Cherry Cobbler Ink and Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Bows from Simply Elegant Trim in Gold, glue dotted on to glass.

Front Greeting
Gold Foil 2 1/8" x 3"
Basic White for main image stamped in Shaded Spruce ink is 1 13/16" x 2 11/16"
Extra Basic White scrap for emphasis piece in Cherry Cobbler ink 1/2" x 2 11/16"

Back Message Piece
Basic White cut 3" x 5 3/8"
Bonus for message portion on back if you have some - 2 pieces of DSP 5/8" x 2 7/8"

Envelope Flap of DSP - 2 3/8" x 6"


So there you have it! A fabulous and festive unique Christmas Card to make for family and friends who love red vino. This is definitely a design you cannot purchase commercially. You will be proud to give this gift of time and talent!


If you are looking for a demonstrator to help you, I would be happy to mentor you and provide you with guidance and support through my bi-monthly newsletter. Please subscribe HERE.

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Brewed For You Stamp Set & Dies Used in Two Versions of this Fractured Card Design Made the REAL Way, Not the Faux Way!

Do you ever try to build a new card design using only a picture as a reference? No measurements, No technique name? Well that's what I did with these two cards I'm sharing today. 

After I was all finished with these designs, I went to my Demonstrator Planning Place Facebook group because I knew I had seen some of these style cards there. Sure enough I found several, then followed a few links to speed watch a couple You Tube videos by other demonstrators to see how they "really" made their cards. 

Imagine my surprise when I realized I had built them in a completely different way! More paper used, more time invested, but in the long run, I think the recipients of these cards will realize they were made with lots of love with an attention to detail.

The other demos way was to put a layer of cardstock or Designer Series Paper on the card base, then use little 1/4" strips of Basic Black cardstock to make the Fractured Look. Thus the Faux Fractured look is very easy to make which would be great for a beginner card maker.

However, I am an avid card maker and I like to challenge myself, so what I did was end up with multiple layers, so my black spaces are little channels that gives dimension to the card. I'll go into more detail below.



CARD 1 - Landscape "Book" Look of the Fractured Card Design


Front View consists of  multiple Layers. Let's see how many!

1) Pecan Pie card base cut 4 1/4" x 11", scored at 5 1/2"

2) Start with a Basic Black cardstock Layer cut at 4" x 5 1/4", then mark with a pencil's light tick marks on the narrow sides at 2", and the longer sides marked at 2 5/8". The reason is to place in precisely the middle a 2" square of Basic White. Just use a little tiny piece of Stampin' Seal to hold the square in position. It helps to use your grid placemat for double checking the measurements. (DO NOT adhere this layer to the card base yet.)

3) Next are the Basic White cardstock Sections to create the channels. Cut 4 pieces of Basic White 2 3/4" x 4 1/4" and you should have enough for a second card. Pick one side of the middle square to begin on. Align the side edges of the white square with the edges of the Basic White piece creating a 1/4" gap. Part of your Basic White will hang over the edge of the Basic Black layer. Glue in place. Then repeat 3 more times until you have a "framed" center square with equal margins as shown in the photos here. When done then you may glue the center square securely in place. Once the glue is dry you will trim off the overhanging portion of the Basic White. Save those pieces for a second card.

4) Select the Gorgeous Gingham 6" x 6" Designer Series Paper (DSP) in Pecan Pie (both sides used). Cut 2 pieces that are 2" x 4" and again you will use those to create all four sections. You will also need an additional piece of the same DSP cut 1 7/8" square for the middle. Now that you have the Basic White pieces in place and trimmed off, it will be easy to place one section of the DSP 1/16" away from the Basic White edge. Adhere then trim that section off. The piece you trim off should fit closely to the opposite sides section. Take the next full DSP section and go in clockwise fashion to to repeat the process outlined already. When finished with the 4 sections, apply the opposite side of the square DSP piece to the center square section.

5) Now you may adhere your 3 layer sandwich to the Pecan Pie card front.


For the Inside Card Layer:
Basic Black 4" x 5 1/4"
Basic White 3 3/4" x 5"
Extra gingham pieces that were scraps from the trim offs for two corner accents
Stamped greeting of choice in Memento ink

Envelope Flap is 2 3/8' x 6"


Front Stamped Images:
Mugs were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
"Root Beer" filling stamped with Pecan Pie ink
Die cut out the two mugs
Place on Dimensionals

Growler stamped in Pecan Pie ink
Sentiment stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Die cut out the growler and add Basic Black Baker's Twine mini bow.
Place on Dimensionals and apply to center square first, followed by the two mugs.
Finish with Opaque Ovals in Pecan Pie as shown in photo.


Inside Layer Full View

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CARD 2 - Portrait "Tent" Look of the Fractured Card Design


This next card is made in the same basic way, but with the addition of one additional layer of 
4" x 5 1/4" Basic Black that is adhered to the card base.

Another Basic Black Layer which to build on is 3 3/4" x 5"
Then the rest of the measurements will still work for building the channels and the Fractured Look.





Front Stamped Images:
You will make a total of 4 complete filled Glasses
The glasses were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on Basic White scraps
"Beer" filling stamped with Crushed Curry ink
Die cut out two glasses, then use the inner glass die that embosses some bubbles into the stamp image and cuts out the perimeter to fit inside the glass. Adhere the "beer embossed" layer to the Glass being careful to align all black stamped images.
Place on Dimensionals

Growler stamped in Pecan Pie ink on Crushed Curry cardstsock
Sentiment stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
Die cut out the growler and add Basic Black Baker's Twine mini bow.
Place on Dimensionals and apply growler to center square first, followed by the two glasses.
Finish with 2 gold sequins from the Neutrals Adhesive Backed Sequins as shown in photo.


Are you inspired to try this avid card layout? Even with all the layers Card 1 is just at one ounce, Card 2 will require two stamps if you are mailing as it is slightly over an ounce. I hope you'll give it a try!

As a bonus for you if you live in the USA - I have prepared a product shopping list, just click HERE for Card 1 and HERE for Card 2. You can uncheck any item on the list you already have, or say add all to the cart if you are a newer card maker. 

Visit my Landing Page here to subscribe to my Newsletter or Shop my Online Store. Have a lovely day!


Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Bring On the Mugs of Root Beer with This Fun Card Design for any Root Beer Lover in Your Life Using the Brewed for You Stamp set and Dies!

Who loves Root Beer? I hope you do! You are going to have a blast when you make this fun card for the guys in your life. The Brewed for You stamp set and dies are just so easy to work with. I don't know why I waited so long to give these cuties a try. 


Here's a better look at the Brewed for You stamp set up close followed by the Brewed Dies.


Images © Stampin' Up!



Supplies and Simple Directions for this Card:

Real Red cardstock cut 4 1/4" x 11" scored at 5 1/2" plus a small scrap for the tag backing.
Basic White cardstock cut 4" x 5 1/4"
Basic Black cut 3 3/4" x 5", then embossed with the Metal Plate 3D Embossing Folder 
Adhere the Basic White and Embossed Basic Black layers together.

Additional piece of Basic White cardstock to stamp the mugs of 
root beer, the foam topper, and the sentiment tag - size 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
Stamp the mugs in Pebbled Path ink
Use Pecan Pie ink for the root beer in the mugs and the bubbly foam toppers. Die cut those out and scotch tape the foam behind the mug. Start at the top and proceed downward by using Tombow Multipurpose Liquid Glue to glue the mug/foam combo to the embossed layer.

When all the mugs have dried well to the embossed layer, then use a narrow ribbon of your choice and wrap around the white/black layers. (I used a retired copper ribbon from the Basket Weave & Metallic Ribbon Pack from several years ago.)

 Cut 9/16" x 2 3/8" Basic White cardstock for tag, then stamp sentiment in Real Red ink.
Adhere tag to scrap of Real Red cardstock and fussy cut a narrow margin around the edges. Use 2 or 3 large dimensionals to place the tag at an angle. 

Using more large dimensionals, adhere the white/black/mug layers to the Real Red card base. 
Add two copper Neutrals Adhesive Backed Sequins in the upper right corner.

For the Inner Card Layers:
Basic Black cardstock 4" x 5 1/4"

Basic White cardstock 3 3/4" x 5"
Stamp in Real Red ink the "Oh, Ale Yea!"
Use the tiny bubbles stamp with Pebbled Path ink to decorate the corners.
Then adhere these two layers together and place inside the card. 

Finish by decorating your Basic White Medium Envelope flap with a 2 3/8" x 6" Real Red piece of
the 6"x6" Designer Series Paper in Brights. Adhere then trim off excess.


This photo demonstrates how the card stands.
 

Here's the look of the inner layer and the decorated envelope flap.

I encourage you to give this layout a try. I enjoyed creating it for you.

As a bonus for you if you live in the USA - I have prepared a product shopping list, just click HERE. You can uncheck any item on the list you already have, or say add all to the cart if you are a newer card maker. 

If you are looking for a demonstrator to help you, I would be happy to mentor you and provide you with guidance and support through my bi-monthly newsletter. Please subscribe HERE.

Monday, August 21, 2023

Come Visit Here This Week as I Explore the Brewed for You Stamp Set! See You Soon!

Hi! Hello! Glad you are here! 


You'll find the Brewed for You stamp set and matching dies in the 2023-24 Annual Catalog. Be sure to check back and see what I dream up!

Visit my Landing Page here to subscribe to my Newsletter or Shop my Online Store.

 

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Try This Sweet Songbirds Tea Bag Match Book Favor You Can Make Loads of for a Tea Party, Holiday Party, or Any Occasion Really!

Gosh, I haven't shared a fun, easy little project in a long time. With Christmas on the horizon, the Sweet Songbirds stamp set, the Decorative Circle Punch and some soon to be released Joy of Christmas Designer Series Paper (DSP) inspired me to create this Tea Match Book Favor that you can adapt for most any occasion and use what you have on hand.


Follow along and make one today! Here's the basic information for constructing one.


Cardstock color of your choice - cut 3" x 8 1/2". Score at 3 1/2" and 7 1/2".
Piece of Basic White for inner layer cut 2 7/8" x 3 3/8"
Stamp sentiment of your choice in ink of your choice on Basic White piece. I used Celebrate Tags stamp set with Real Red ink.
Adhere stamped layer with 1/16" margin away from top fold as shown in photo. 


Flipping holder over, you will need two pieces of matching Designer Series Paper. I used the Joy of Christmas DSP.
Cut one piece 2 7/8" x 3 3/8" and the other 7/8" x 3 3/8". Adhere as shown in photo with 1/16" margins all around.

Create your focal point image using the Decorative Circle Punch. Finished image will be raised on dimensionals on Match Book front. I used Real Red ink, Memento Ink, and retired 1/4" black and white gingham ribbon.


Flip the project over and place a staple centered from each side and about 1/4" up from the bottom fold.
Slip the bottom of the tea bag into the bottom folded up section.


Apply one glue dot at top of Basic White inner layer to attach a tea bag top and to keep it in place.

Tuck the front flap in behind the bottom flap and there you have it! A Tea Bag Match Book Favor!

Thanks for giving this little project a go! I hope you'll make more for an easy favor to give out.

Try out this fun idea with this set too!

 Visit my Landing Page here to subscribe to my Newsletter or Shop my Online Store.


Saturday, August 19, 2023

Super Fun Fold to Try - Envelope Flap Drop Down Note Card Using Sweet Songbirds Stamp Set and Matching Songbird Builder Punch

Perhaps you are looking for a fun way to write a letter to a loved one or friend who loves birds. I have the design for you!

I know writing letters have fallen a little out of fashion, since emails are so much easier and faster to send, but trust me, making a handmade card for someone you care about is a gift all into itself. Your recipient will cherish it, as they admire the beauty and time that when into your creation, as a way they can reread the message again and again, observe your lovely handwriting, and even see what forever stamp you chose to use. This special gift of love from you will mean a lot to them.

Long ago in my youth, there was another stationary company who manufactured something they called "Just-A-Note" which was a folded over note card that could be mailed as is without an envelope. My card design today made me think of that. But with my card you will want to use an envelope so the pretty songbird stays looking beautiful.



Sweet Songbirds Photopolymer stamp set

Images © Stampin' Up!

Songbird Builder Punch


The Countryside Inn DSP pattern that I used also has birds in its design. So fun!


You will need the following to build the Folded Envelope Fun Fold Card:
4 1/4" x 5 1/2" piece of Boho Blue cardstock. 
Thick Basic White piece 5 1/4" x 8" and score it at 4"
Countryside Inn DSP 4" x 5 1/4" for envelope fold over flap


Open card is flipped over to show how the envelope flap is attached and with the DSP applied on the front drop down portion.

Countryside Inn DSP piece for front card flap is 3 3/4" x 5"

Follow diagram below to create Envelope Flap from the Countryside Inn DSP 4" x 5 1/4" you cut above.

Once flap is ready, close Basic White card, center the flap and wrap the 1" section to the back of card. Secure with adhesive. Make sure the fold line is laying smooth on the closed card.


Then adhere the piece of Boho Blue as the "official" card base.

Open card above showing space to write your special message. Moody Mauve flowers stamped in the corner.


This is the completely closed card prior to adding the bird/nest closure.


Now you can make your Songbird sitting in its nest. 

Basic White cardstock for bird and separate wing, stamped in Boho Blue ink and punched out.
Daffodil Delight cardstock for small beak punched out.
Copper Clay cardstock nest with twigs stamped in Pebbled Path ink. Fussy cut out.
On scrap of Basic White stamp leaves in Old Olive ink and fussy cut out.
On scrap of Basic White stamp flower in Moody Mauve ink and either fussy cut out or use retired 3/8" circle punch. Add one Moody Mauve dot to flower center from 2023-25 InColors Dots.
Using Tombow Multipurpose Glue assemble the bird and nest as shown in photo.

Dimensionals go on each side of the nest and at the nest bottom. Before peeling the backing off the dimensionals experiment with how the bird/nest will fit so the envelope flap comfortably will tuck in behind the bird to close.

Finish with adding a 2 3/8" x 6" piece of Countryside Inn DSP to the exterior flap of a Basic White Medium Envelope. Adhere and trim off excess.

I hope you loved creating this card and have a recipient in mind you can't wait to send it to.

Check out this post using the Sweet Songbirds set. And this post too!


 Visit my Landing Page here to subscribe to my Newsletter or Shop my Online Store. Have a lovely day!