Textured Thank You

This card was made using two of my most favorite card sets: Elements of Text and Textured Notes. I simply adore, doors, windows, flowers and text images for stamping. They get me every time! But no flowers today, just texture:) I was inspired by Mary Deatheridge in making this card. 

Customers who place orders with me in the month of July will receive a full tutorial for free.

Materials:

• Stamp Sets: Textured Notes Bundle, Elements of Text
• Cardstock and Designer Series Paper (DSP): Early Espresso, Gray Granite, Early Espresso
• Ink pads: Gray Granite, Early Espresso, Old Olive
• Metallic Sequins (retired)
• Exposed Brick 3D Embossing Folder
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Linen Thread

Corner Bookmark Card

 This bookmark has been around awhile. I mean seriously, you had me at origami! While teaching Gifted and Talented, I had some Japanese students several years ago. They taught me so many orgami folds and it was so much fun! I thought I was doing very well, until Jimmy He, age 10 brought me the tinest pair of cranes. They matched perfectly and I knew I had met my master. I made the cranes into earrings and got so much pleasure from wearing them. In fact, Jimmy was from China, not Japan and he taught me how to play majong. I'd been wanting to learn how to play for years, ever since I took a history class on the Roaring Twenties in college. It was a craze back then, and I wanted to learn so badly, but could never find anyone who knew how.

Free Project Sheet

Products Used:

• Florals In Bloom Designer Series Paper [165175] https://www.stampinup.com/products/florals-in-bloom-12-x-12-30-5-x-30-5-cm-designer-series-paper?demoid=2109078
• Gallery Blooms Stamp Set [165211] https://www.stampinup.com/products/gallery-blooms-photopolymer-stamp-set?demoid=2109078
• Elements of Text Stamp Set [164774]  https://www.stampinup.com/products/elements-of-text-cling-stamp-set-english?demoid=2109078
• Strawberry Slush Cardstock [164625]  https://www.stampinup.com/products/strawberry-slush-8-1-2-x-11-cardstock?demoid=2109078
• Basic White Cardstock [166780] https://www.stampinup.com/products/basic-white-8-1-2-x-11-cardstock?demoid=2109078   
• Unbounded Love Stamp Set [163378] https://www.stampinup.com/products/unbounded-love-photopolymer-stamp-set-english?demoid=2109078

Accordion Fold

 

I learned how to make this fold from Tami White and couldn't wait to try it out using our scenic DSP. This paper is called Beautiful Gallery, and has some stunning artwork in it. You feel like you're in a museum when using it, but let that stop you from using it! I accidently ordered 2 packs of it and I am so glad of that happy accident:)   

PDF Measurements and Instructions

Chick Here to SHOP WITH ME

Spotlight on Nature

 

When I read the name of this bundle, I imediately thought of the the giant search lights that are were over New York City and Chicago when I was a kid. Those rotating beams drew attention to clubs, theaters, car dealerships, grand openings etc. My Daddy trained and owned race horses so we spent the summers in big cities racing. While sitting in the grandstand watching Daddy's races with my Mom, I'd see those lights and wonder what people were drawn to them and what event it might be. I had a great childhood, growing up on a farm, but with exposure to all big cities had to offer as well. 

The spotlight in this bundle is the circle dies. There are 12 dies and patterns with six different sizes. You can use these dies to spotlight the stamps in the set in many different ways. I have three examples to show you today. All using the Spotlight in Nature bundle, but with different colors and layouts. Colors are listed below each card and a full tutorial for the last one.

You'll notice I always say, "alcohol ink markers." I already had a HUGE collection of Copic Markers when Stampin' Up! came out with Stampin' Blends. It was not difficult for me to come up with a fairly close equivilent to SU colors. I couldn't just let all those lovely Copics sit there unused. I did buy a rather nice collection of Stampin' Blends to use in my classes. Stampin' Blends are a great product, especially if you are new to alcohol inks, as they are cheaper and easier to use with a simple blending system; each marker comes in light and dark. Copics have a rather complicated blending system using the numbers and letters of the markers. Odd and even numbers two away from each other blend nicely, etc. If you too, have Copics, and would like  to know what colors are an approximation of SU colors. I made a chart (of course!). Here is a copy.  I got design inspirations from Christey Gridley and Tammy Civello. 

Cardstocks: Basic White, Berry Burst. White embossed greeting, images stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black and colored with Alcohol ink markers. Butterfly has Wink of Stella to provide some glimmer. White baker's twine.

Cardstocks: Peach Pie, Basic White. Ink Pads: Memento Tuxedo Black, Peach Pie, Petunia Pop. Colored with Alcohol ink markers. Butterfly has Wink of Stella to provide some glimmer. Unbounded Love dies, Peach Pie Bordered Ribbon, Zinnias embossing folder inked with Peach Pie then run through Cut & Emboss machine.

All Measurements in Inches

Materials:

• Stamps & Dies: Spotlight On Nature bundle

• Cardstocks: Coastal Cabana, Basic White, Shaded Spruce, Highland Heather

• Ink Pads: Shaded Spruce, Coastal Cabana, Highland Heather

• Linen Thread

• Dotted Circles 3D Embossing Folder

• Purple Fine Shimmer Gems

• Stampin' Dimensionals

Preparation:

• Coastal Cabana cs card base 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 scored at 4-1/4.

• Embossed Coastal Cabana cs panel 5 1/4 x 4 plus two embossed 1/2 x 4 strips.

• Shaded Spruce cs circle 3 1/4 die cut with the Spotlight On Nature dies.

• Embossed Coastal Cabana cs circle 2 1/4 die cut with the Spotlight On Nature dies.

• Highland Heather cs circle 2-3/4 x 2-3/4 die cut with the Spotlight On Nature dies.

• Basic White cs leaves, flowers, & butterflies – fussy cut with paper snips.

• Basic White cs sentiment panel 3/4 x 2 and use paper snips to cut both ends at a slant.

• Basic White cs inside panel 5 1/8 x 3 7/8.

• Linen Thread

Assemble Card:

1. Start with a Coastal Cabana cardstock card base. Cut a Coastal Cabana cardstock panel.

2. Diecut three circles from the Spotlight On Nature dies: Shaded Spruce, Coastal Cabana and Highland Heather.

3. Dry emboss the 5-1/4 x 4 Coastal Cabana and the diecut circle with the Dotted Circles 3D embossing folder.

4. Glue the Shaded Spruce cardstock circle to the center of the embossed Coastal Cabana panel. Then glue the embossed Coastal Cabana cardstock circle and the Highland Heather circle to the card front overlapping the Shaded Spruce circle.

5. Stamp the leaves twice in Shaded Spruce ink, the flowers in Coastal Cabana ink, and the butterfly twice in Highland Heather ink on Basic White cardstock.

6. Color the leaves and the butterflies with Stampin’ Blends and the flowers with the Coastal Cabana watercolor pencil & blender pen. Fussy cut the colored images. Add Wink of Stella to the flowers and the butterfly wings.

7. Glue the leaves to the card front overlapping the diecut circles. Add the flowers with Stampin’ Dimensionals overlapping the leaves and diecut circles. Use glue dots and a Stampin’ Dimensional to add a butterfly above and slightly tucked under the flower.

8. Tie Linen Thread in a bow and adhere on the right side of the card front. Adhere the panel to the card front with Dimensionals.

9. On a Basic White scrap, stamp the sentiment from in Highland Heather ink. Cut both sides of the sentiment panel at a slant.

10. Add the sentiment to the left side of the card front overlapping the Linen Thread and flowers & leaves with a Stampin’ Dimensionals and glue dots. Add Purple Fine Shimmer Gems to the sentiment panel and card front.    

Triple Diamond Z Fold

 I learned of this design from Sally Poole. It's simply a Z Fold with three diamonds on the front flap. I haven't put a sentiment on it yet... I think I'll use Get Well on the inside and no greeting on the outside.

Unbounded Beauty DSP, Pretty In Pink, Basic Beige and Basic White cardstocks. Country Birdhouse Dies and Notes of Nature Dies.

Cardstock Measurements:

• Card base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 score @ 2-1/8 and 4-1/4

• 2 pieces of cardstock 1-7/8 x 5-1/4 (mats for small panels)

• 2 pieces of DSP 1-5/8 x 5 (mats for small panels)

• 2 pieces of second color cardstock 1-3/4 x 1-3/4 (small diamonds)

• 2 pieces of DSP 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 (mats for small diamonds)

• Second color cardstock 4 x 5-1/4 (mat for inside panel)

• DSP 2 x 5 (mat for inside panel)

• Basic White cardstock 1-3/4 x 5 (inside panel)

• Second color cardstock 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 (large diamond)

• DSP 2-1/4 x 2-1/4 (mat for large diamond)

• Scrap cardstock (diecut flowers and leafy branch)

• Scrap of Pretty In Pink (diecut)   

Flowers For Their Garden

 How about a sweet gift to send or give to someone? Some flower seeds in a pretty floral card?  How about Zinnias? Stampin' Up!'s colors are so bright and vibrant and there are so many colors in the Zinnia DSP you can make loads of choices. 

1. Old Olive card base: 5-1/2 x 11 scored @ 4-1/4 and 8-1/2 on the long side. To cut the diagonal off the small side, make a tick mark 1" from the edge. Cut from the tick mark to the corner.   
2. Basic White both sides inside and mat on cover: 4 x 5-1/4 (3)
3. Basic White mat for small cover piece(left side): 2-1/4 x 5-1/4 make a tick mark 7/8" from the edge, then cut from the tick mark to the corner.
4. Basic White greeting label
5. Cover DSP mat 3-7/8 x 5-1/8
6. DSP mat on small left side of cover 2-1/8 x 5-1/8 make a tick mark at 3/4" from the edge then cut from tick mark to the corner.
7. DSP pocket for seed packet 1-1/2 x 4
8. Pop up small flower with mini Dimensionals cut in half, place on the right side leaving the left 'open' for the small flap to catch inside for closure.

While waiting for the UPS man to bring my Zinnia DSP, I made this one with the Painted Lavender DSP.

Magnetic Slider Card

 Oh my gosh! Could you hear me giggling a while ago? I just made the most fun interactive card! I used the Trucking Along bundle and the One Horse Open Sleigh DSP.

Magnetic Slider Card (all measurements in inches)

• Card Base: 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 score @4-1/4

• CS Layer: 4 x 5-1/4

• DSP or Embossed Layer: 3-3/4 x 5

  • add foam adhesive strips along the edges of three sides.

• White CS: 3-3/4 x 5 (glue to previous layer for added strength, then punch 3/4" circle on end)

• Cut two CS: 3-1/4 x 4-3/4 for pull out (magnets in between layers)

• Cardstock: punch out 3/4" circle for "pull" to attach on pull out portion

More More Fun Folds

 I'm on a roll y'all! I'm STILL making fun folds. My box of templates for fun folds is not stuffed full! lol

I have three cards to show you today, a Window Card, a Scene Fold and a  Spanner Card.

Window Card (all measurements in inches)

• Card Base: 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 score @ 4-1/4

• White Front: 4 x 5-1/4

• White Inside: 8 x 5-1/4 score @ 2" and 4"

• Strip on Front: 4 x 3/4 (place under greeting)

• Scrap White: greeting diecut or punch

• Cardstock: diecut with largest Stylish Shapes Circle die

• DSP: diecut with second largest Stylish Shapes Circle die

• Use low tack tape to hold white layer in place on card front, diecut circle, then emboss

Cutting Dimensions for DSP Scene Fun Fold Card:

(all measurements in inches)

• Large card base: 5-1/2 x 4-1/4

• Small card base: 5-1/2 x 4, with DSP in horizontal position, score in half at 2-3/4, fold in half with fold being on left side.

• Large DSP with “scene:” 5-1/4 x 6, with DSP in horizontal position score at 4.″

  • fold the 2″ flap to front with fold on right.

• Small DSP: 2-1/2 x 3-3/4

• Basic White: (cut 2) 2-1/2 x 3-3/4

Spanner Cared

The Squeeze Box Fold

 I love the Squeeze Box Fold for designer paper that has scenery on it. It's perfect to show of this beautiful paper!

=

Stamps	Garden Meadow
Paper	Orchid Oasis, Basic White, Meandering Meadows Designer Series Paper
Ink	Grany Apple Green, Peacan Pie, Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin' Blends
Embellishments
Tools	Garden Meadow Dies, Tasteful Touches dies (retired)

Measurements

• Card Front: 4-1/2 x 5-1/2 cardstock

  • 3 x 5-1/2 DSP

  • textured strip 1 x 5-1/2 (adhere this and DSP to the card front

• Card Back: 4-1/4 x 5-1/2

• Center Accordion Fold: 11 x 4-3/4

  • score @ 2-3/4, 5-1/2 and 8-1/4

• Inside Panels:2-1/2 x 4-1/2

  • three are cut from DSP one from white

Trucking Along Again and Fun Folds

 I'm on a fun fold kick. I've made templates for all of them so I can remake them and I have the measurements right on the templates for easy reference. The first one is my favorite! I love how when you open the panels you can see almost the entire sheet of 6x6 designer paper. I'm using the trucking along stamp set and punch. I waited so long for it I'm really having fun with it! I'm telling you these designer series papers have gone like hotcakes. I can almost guarantee that the newest one called me entering Meadows which will come out November 1st will sell out in a hot skinny minute. So if you like it order it on the 1st I'm just saying. I don't know of a name for these folds, so I just made them up! lol

Three Piece Scene Card

• Card base: 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 score @ 1-1/2 and 4-1/4
• White: 1-3/4 x 5-1/4
• DSP: 5-1/4 tall by 6" wide

1. make 1st cut 2-3/4 from left edge vertically
2. from that edge cut another piece 1-1/8

All three DSP panels make one scene

(be careful to line up front DSP over the white so the white doesn't show through, Make sure borders are even.)

Circle Flap Fold

• Card Base: 5-1/2 x 6-1/2 score @ 4-1/4
• Right Side Flap: 3-1/2 x 3-1/4 score @ 2-3/4 on the 3-1/4 side
• DSP Left Side: 2 x 5-1/4
• DSP Inside Center: 4 x 5-1/4
• DSP Right Flap: 2-1/2 x 3-1/4
• White Inside Right Flap: 2-1/2 x 3-1/4
• Inside Left Flap: white 2 x 5-1/4
• 2-3/8 Circle Punch: in DSP and cardstock; glue DSP to cardstock to have two circle thickness

Tissue Paper Watercolor Technique

 I have a fun messy technique for you. There is a video tutorial below, and also a print copy of the directions: https://app.box.com/s/t45oy6vokyh7xng5esvcedqm47da0thx

I store my embossing powders in Sistema Plastic containers https://www.amazon.com/Sistema-41524-Collection-Storage-containers/dp/B071JMJMHL/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=sistema+containers&sr=8-5 

Here are the clips I use to hold the tiny spoon in my embossing containers. 

Lattice Card

 Here is the tutorial for the Lattice Technique. I love this technique! Thanks to BiBi Cameron who developed this technique. There are written directions below and a video tutorial as well.

Materials:

Stamps: Pansy Patch stamp set

Paper: Basic White, Thick Basic White

Ink: Melon Mambo

Tools: Pansy Dies, Washi Tape or other low tack tape

Preparation:

• Thick Basic White 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 card base

• Basic White 4-1/4 x 5-1/2

• Basic White 8-1/2 x 1/2 six strips

Assemble Card:

1. Dry fit first before gluing. Place one strip with the edge on the corner of the upper right of the 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 Basic White piece in a diagonal direction. Place the next strip with a gap in between the strips approximatly 1/2 inch-ish. The last strip should touch the bottom right corner. Adjust strips as needed, leaving ends out beyond the top and bottom of the 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 cs.

2. Hold the strips in place with a clear block, then use washi tape or low tack tape to hold the strips in place. Then run adhesive across the back of the 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 cs. Fold the top strips back behind the large piece of cs and secure in place. Trim of any excess.

3. Repeat step three using the remaining strips on the right hand side.

4. Once all six strips are secured in place, trim the bottom pieces so they are flush with the bottom the larger cs.

5. Adhere the 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 with the strips to a 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 THICK Basic White cs.

6. Stamp and diecut for embellishment as desired.

Fence Technique

 We went to one of our local nurseries today (Grass Roots in Graniteville, SC) and wow! Loads of inspiration! Not only do they have greenhouses full of plants, one of them has tropical plants with parotts and other lovely birds, amongst the plants. They also have a koi pond and a river water feature. Oh and did I mention plants? Oh my gosh bazillions of plants. 

As we got home with our load of flowers to plant I thought of the fence and trellis cards with stamped or diecut flowers on them. This is a fence card. I'll do a tutorial for the Trellis card in the next couple days.

Materials:

Stamps: Quiet Meadow

Paper: Gorgeous Grape, Old Olive, Mossy Meadow, Thick Basic White

Ink: Gorgeous Grape

Tools: Meadow Dies, washi tape or low tack tape

Preparation:

• Thick Basic White card base 4-1/4 x 11 scored @ 5-1/2

Assemble Card:

1. From bottom of card front, trim off five 1/2" strips and two 3/8" strips.

1. Trim the tops of the two 3/8" strips, which will be the fence posts then set aside.

2. Add a strip of washi tape to just under front card flap, with sticky side up.

3. Lay one of the half inch strips across the bottom of the card front, lining it up at the bottom edge over the tape.

4. Add the additional four strips leaving space in between.

1. Add a dot of liquid glue along the two sides of the card to attach the fence posts (as shown with pencil dots in photo above).

2. Attach both 3/8" strips for the fence posts, and let dry. Trim the excess from the bottom. Then carefully remove the wasi tape.

3. Decorate with any diecuts or stamped diecut pieces you wish.