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April 15, 2018

Playing Peek-A-Boo! 5 Ways To Incorporate Windows On Your Card Projects

Hi everyone!  Welcome back!  I hope you're having a fabulous April!

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In this month's edition of the Ellen Hutson In Touch Newsletter, we're talking windows.  I'll be sharing a few window card ideas in today's video tutorial and give you a few tips for creating window cards of your own.

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These projects feature the newest Leading Ladies from the Essentials By Ellen line, Hot Mess Lady and Everyday Hero Lady.  They are so much fun.  I'll also be using the Be Strong stamp set, which coordinates perfectly with these new ladies.  I've done all of my coloring with Copic Markers.

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Window cards are a fun change-up to a basic card project.  They're not difficult to create by any means and they are an easy way to step up a card design.

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Windows come in lots of shapes and sizes.  You can use almost any die to create a window on your card project.  Think outside the box and experiment with the dies you may already own.  Today, I'm using the Silver Linings Die Set to create a rectangle window, I'm using the Brushstroke Love die to create a word window and finally a basic heart shaped die to create a fun heart shaped window.

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In addition to different shapes and sizes, there are a lot of ways to use windows on your cards.  Here are a few of my favorite.

  1. Frame it up.  A framing window is used when your focal point is actually on the inside of your card.  The window creates a frame around the focal image and allows the recipient to have a peek of the focal image. Once the card is opened, the entire image is revealed.  In the card featuring my lovely super hero, I've used a rectangle to frame up my lady.  Once the card is opened, the Everyday Hero Lady, in all her caped glory, is revealed.  This window is rather large and gives a big sneak peek, but it would also be fun to create this with a smaller window, and allow the cape to be a big surprise when opened. Newsletter April 2018 Window Cards-54
  2. Suspend it.  I love to use frames on my card as a means to suspend elements.  In the heart window card, I've used the window as an opportunity to suspend my die cut greeting, making it appear as if it's floating.  I added acetate to the back of the window so I could adhere the greeting in the center. If your suspended element is big enough, you can skip the acetate and allow it to stretch over the entire window and attach it on either side.  This is a fun way to add something unexpected to your card project.  You'll also notice that I've suspended some vellum clouds in the first window card.  I love this effect. Newsletter April 2018 Window Cards-29
  3. Pattern play. In the final card project, I've used a word die to create a window.  This peek-a-boo window allows the recipient to see the patterned paper showing through the window.  At first glance, you may think it's just a little bit of patterned paper backing.  When the card it opened, a whole new element (a die cut heart) is revealed.  Allowing the pattern to peek-a-boo through the window adds color and pattern to the front of the card, as well as the inside of the card. Newsletter April 2018 Window Cards-70
  4. Shake shake shake, shake your card.  I didn't create a shaker card today, but it is definitely another fun spin on a window card.
  5. Go all the way.  Try adding a window that goes through all the panels of the card, card front and card base....all the way through the back portion of the card base.  This is always such a fun way to add another variation to your window cards.  It's like a see through card!

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As your experimenting with window cards, try something you've never tried before.  Try an unexpected shape or use a sentiment die to create your window.  Add patterned paper, dry embossing or some stamping on the inside of the card and allow it to peek through the window.  Look beyond your normal and find some fun new ways to incorporate windows in to your next card project.

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Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you've enjoyed this look at window cards and that you've been inspired in some new way!  What's your favorite way to use windows?  Let me know in the comments below!  Maybe we can inspire each other!

Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day!

XOXO

Copic Colors Used R 20, 22, 00, 11, 32   E 00, 21   YR 24, 27, 29   Y 19, 35   YG 01, 03   T 1   BG 11, 32, 13

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Posted at 12:00 AM in Copic Markers, Dies - Cutting and Embossing, Embossing, Essentials by Ellen, Tips and Techniques, Video | | Comments (2)

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December 15, 2017

How To Make Cards That Move and Shake - Featuring The Party Bundle & Bottles of Bubbly

Hello everyone!  I hope you are having a fabulous December.  There is so much to love about this season, and I'm drinking it all in.  Everything just seems a tad lighter and the party atmosphere is in the air!  And if there's anything I love, it's a party...as long as I can be home and in my jammies by 9:30 pm.  When I saw the Party Bundle available at Ellen Hutson this month, I knew my cards were going to stay true to that party spirit I feel everywhere.

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I decided that a party isn't complete without some confetti, glitter and a little bubbly (sparkling cider or champagne).  So the cards I created today are all about moving, shaking, confetti, glitter and bubbly.  I'm going to walk you through the creation of two simple cards that move and shake.  They're perfect for ANY celebration!

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There are lots of ways to make cards that have interactive elements, but I really wanted to make these cards simple and manageable.  I've created a shaker card and an Action Wobbler card to give the cards movement, without spending a ton of time creating them.  These simple additions can really be the wow factor you're looking for!  And I know the recipient always loves these types of cards.

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Both of my cards feature products from the Party Bundle and the Bottles of Bubbly die set.  I'll also be using the Cue the Confetti stamp set in my second card today.  The Party Bundle pairs fabulously with all of the products from the Essentials By Ellen December release.  I love bundles like this that act as a kit of sorts.  Just pull out the bundle and a couple of stamps and dies and you'll be cranking out the cards in no time.  I find it helps keep me focused on using the products in front of me and narrows down my focus, which makes the creating process much easier.

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I'll walk you through the creation of these cards in the video tutorial below.  Be sure to check it out.  We're going to have some fun.  I've also linked the products used in these projects below.  

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What newsletter would be complete without a few other ideas for interactive cards?  Here are some of my favorites.

  1. Make it shimmy.  Action Wobbles might be the easiest way to add a little movement to your cards, and they come in multiple sizes now!  Check out THIS hilarious booty shakin' card by Sandy....it really moooooooooves. ;)
  2. Make it shake.  Shakers are always a favorite of mine.  Let's face it, anything with sparkly things that move around are sure to grab my eye.  Click HERE to see a fabulous collection of shakers created by some of my favorite people.
  3. Make it slide.  Slider cards are lots of fun and come in many forms.  I love THIS ONE by Julie and THIS ONE by Carly.  Here's another type of slider by Julie.
  4. Make it fling.  Seriously, what could be more fun than a confetti flinging card?  The new Confetti Flinger die set from Essentials By Ellen is sure to give anyone a surprise they won't forget.  Want to see it in action?  Here's a card by Julie featuring this fun new interactive die.  I've also shared one on my personal blog.  Click HERE to check it out along with a video tutorial!  
  5. Make it pop.  A three dimensional element on the inside of the card is sure to thrill anyone.  I love Carolyn's pop up card!  You can find it HERE.
  6. Make it shine.  Real lights?  On a card?  Yes, please.  Click HERE to see a holiday card I created with Chibitronics LED lights.  Looking for non-holiday inspiration?  Check out projects from Julie, Carly, Carolyn and Karolyn.

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There are so many ideas for interactive cards, these are just a few of my favorites.  Want to see more?  Just head to The CLASSroom blog and type "interactive card" in to the search bar.  That'll keep you busy for a while.  So much inspiration there!

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What's your favorite type of interactive card?  I'd love to know.  Leave it in the comments below.  Is there one I didn't mention that you absolutely LOVE making?

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Thanks for stopping by today.  I hope you've enjoyed this look at some cards that move featuring the Party Bundle...and a whole lot of other interactive cards as well.  

Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day.

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Posted at 12:00 AM in Dies - Cutting and Embossing, Essentials by Ellen, Holiday, Tips and Techniques | | Comments (3)

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April 15, 2017

Magenta Monochrome - Featuring Reverse Confetti - April 2017 Newsletter

Happy April everyone!  Can you believe it?  Spring (and pollen) is in the air and my craving for bright bold spring colors is at an all time high.  So today, I'm taking one of my favorite brights, magenta, and creating a monochromatic card.

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Today's card features some of the latest stamps and dies from Reverse Confetti.  This is another line of stamps and dies that is fairly new to the Ellen Hutson shop.  I've been a fan of Reverse Confetti for quite some time.  I'm thrilled that it is now available in my favorite one stop crafty shop.  You can check out some of Reverse Confetti's other products by clicking HERE.  I think you're going to like what you see.

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So let's talk monochrome for a second.  What does that mean?  Well....to be technical, I looked up the definition....and here's what the almighty internet had to say. 

mon·o·chrome

NOUN 

  1. a photograph or picture developed or executed in black and white or in varying tones of only one color

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So for our purposes, it's a card, using one color.  But notice the varying tones.  Varying the tones within a color is going to keep your card from falling flat.  The Hero Arts ink cubes are perfect for this purpose.  They come in a grouping of ink pads that are varying tones of the same color.  Today, I'll be using the Floral Hues ink cubes for my color palate.  This gives me a good variance of purples to work with.  Yes, there's a pink in there, but I think you'll see as I add it that it really does mix and meld well to create a variance in my pretty purple palate.  (Love me some alliteration.)

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I'm going to show you exactly how this card came together in the video tutorial below.  So be sure you check that out.  I'll give you some tips and tricks and talk you through the entire creation of this card.

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Now you're going to notice that my card isn't ALL magenta.  Adding a little variance, and some neutrals, which for me means white and gold, keeps the card true to my style and keeps the color from being overwhelming.  

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I chose to use inked vellum for my backdrop, which lends a softness and texture to the card which wouldn't be possible with a solid colored card stock.

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I finished the card off with some sparkly Hero Arts ombre sequins.  These were the perfect finishing touch to my monochromatic card and give just the right amount of sparkle.  No card is complete without a little bit of sparkle, right?

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I hope you've enjoyed this project and that I've inspired you to try something new on your next card creation.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day!

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You can watch this video in HD on our YouTube channel by clicking HERE.  Don't forget to subscribe while you're there so you don't miss any of our card making and paper crafting tutorials.

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Posted at 12:00 AM in Dies - Cutting and Embossing, Embossing, Ink Pads, Video | | Comments (4)

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March 15, 2017

Introducing Waffle Flower - Fintastic Projects Featuring Waffle Flower's Little Mermaids

Hi everyone!  Welcome to the Ellen Hutson March Newsletter.  Spring is looming, and what screams spring more than flowers?  So I've decided to share the flower love....by introducing you to Waffle Flower, a  new line to the Ellen Hutson store.

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Waffle Flower is a company with a vibe that's all their own.  Their designs are fun, funky, whimsical and bold.  They offer both stamps and dies.  And I just know that you're going to love these stamps.

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Today, I'll be creating a couple of projects using the Little Mermaids stamp and die set from Waffle Flower.  I can't get over these adorable mer-monkies.  I love all things mermaid, and who doesn't love a cute little monkey?  Put them together and you have one of the cutest stamp sets EVUH!

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A mermaid wouldn't be a mermaid without a little sparkle.  And a card wouldn't be Carissa's without a little sparkle.  So I've decided to use some of the new Wow Sparkles Glitter to make those mermaid tails sparkle.  The Wow Sparkles Glitter is a loose glitter that can be added to any project using your favorite glitter grabbing adhesive.  I've used the Zig two way glue pen to adhere my glitter.  This makes it easy to get in to all those tight spots.

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The sentiments in the Little Mermaid stamp sets are perfect.  I love the play on words.  You are fintastic.  Pearl-fect!  Super fun!

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To make a quick and easy ocean scene for my mermaids, I used stamps from the Otter Ware stamp set and the new Tim Holtz Brushstroke stamp set.  The large circular stamp in the Brushstroke set made a quick and easy water scene.  And the waves and seaweed from the Otter Ware stamp set make the perfect accents.

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I'll walk you through both of these card projects in the video tutorial below.  Be sure to check it out.  I'll show you how these cards came together.  They're pretty quick and easy.

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Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you've enjoyed a look at Waffle Flower in action.  I think this line is a Pearl-fect addition to the Ellen Hutson store.  Be sure to check out all of the Waffle Flower products by clicking HERE.

Until next time, I hope you have a fabulous day!

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Posted at 12:00 AM in Copic Markers, Dies - Cutting and Embossing, Essentials by Ellen, Glitter | | Comments (3)

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October 15, 2015

Easy Embossing Folder Techniques

Embossing folders WEB1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Embossing folders are one of the most versatile tools a paper crafter can have; long, long ago, in a galaxy far away (just kidding!), the only way we could deboss or emboss (create recessed or raised images, shapes & patterns on paper) was to use a light table, brass stencils, and a ball tipped stylus tool. It was done manually. *insert shocked eyeballs here* Depending on the intricacy, it could take quite a bit of time to do, despite loving how it looked...

Then, along came the personal die cutting machine.  I fell for the Big Shot, and most recently, the Big Shot Plus.  The Plus takes up a little bigger footprint on my cutting table, but I'm super pleased at the wider, 9" feed and it works just as beautifully as the smaller version--possibly even better, with wider distribution of pressure across the rollers. I love that I can send a whole 8.5 x 11" sheet of card stock right through it, without having to cut it down, or worry about which direction I'm sending my project through in order to fit it.

After taking the machine for a test drive with my dies, I pulled out some embossing folders to play around with--on this machine the "tabs", now called "Adapters", are not attached by hinges to the platform and I wanted to experiment a bit to see what worked best with the various folders I have.

All of these techniques have been around for quite a while so they may not be new to you, unless you haven't yet explored embossing folders or haven't worked with a die-cutting machine like the Big Shot.

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For the We R Memory Keepers Next Level Gemstone folder (Next Level embossing folders have deeper/more dimensional patterns than most standard embossing folders) I found the following sandwich worked the best:

  • Platform, no adapter shims
  • Cutting Pad
  • Embossing folder with paper inside
  • Cutting Pad

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Trimming away a portion, following the pattern lines, makes a cool "iceberg" effect for the North Pole (sample features a coming Essentials By Ellen Stamp set).

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My little fishies needed an ocean to swim around in, so I rubbed a Distress Ink Pad against one side of the WRMK Next Level Waves folder, sandwiched a piece of watercolor paper inside and ran it through the machine; I ran a wet brush over the ink to create variations of color intensity and to give it an even more "watery" look.

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Depending on the design/pattern of an embossing folder, you could even just ink it up and press paper against it to "stamp" the pattern, without embossing at all, but it does look muy cool this way!  Again, I used the same sandwich as previously listed due to the deeper impression patterns.

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Wax resist with an embossing folder is yet another technique for transferring the pattern to paper, creating visual texture. In a nutshell:

  1. Emboss a piece of ordinary household wax paper (cut slightly larger than the embossing folder) with a folder; keep in mind that different patterns will yield different effects. This Linear folder features two smaller/more tightly patterned designs that work well for the technique--folders with wide open spaces in the pattern may not work as well; experiment to see what you like!
  2. Layer the embossed wax paper over a panel of Bristol (a heavier paper stock like this tends to work best) and then sandwich these between clean copy paper.
  3. Use a hot iron, no steam, to press and transfer the wax paper pattern to the paper, taking care not to shift the Bristol. About 7-8 seconds should do the job nicely.
  4. Blend ink over the top and watch the pattern begin to magically appear.
  5. You can transfer the waxy pattern to two pieces simultaneously, if you sandwich the embossed wax paper in between two pieces of Bristol before tucking everything inside the folded copy paper.

NOTE:  This was a standard embossing folder; the following sandwich usually works well with standard embossing folders:

  • Platform
  • Adapter Plate B
  • Cutting Pad
  • Embossing folder with paper inside
  • Cutting Pad

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You can blend ink over just a portion of the pattern to create a back-drop of pattern for your focal image.

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Combine a solid (non-aperature style) low-profile die like this Love Word Heart by Savvy Stamps with an embossing folder to create a double-embossed effect!  Note: I like using the Essentials by Ellen Letterpress Paper for this particular technique--the end result reminds me of luxurious Letterpress stationery, and the paper really enhances the whole effect.

How-to:

  1. Align the back (non-blade) side of the die to one side of the embossing folder, leaving the folder open. You may find that you prefer the raised side, or the recessed side, depending on the results.  Again, experimenting will guide you! A glue dot can help to hold the die in place and prevent it from shifting as it goes through the machine; it can be removed afterwards.
  2. Position the paper over the die/folder.  Keep the folder open.
  3. I find it helps to use removable tape to also hold the paper in place.

On the Big Shot Plus, I found I preferred the results I achieved with this sandwich:

  • Platform WITH both Adapters
  • Silicone Rubber Embossing Pad (we're using this in lieu of a cutting pad because we don't want to actually cut through the paper at all, just deboss the patterns into it)
  • Open embossing folder with the die and paper in place, blades down against the Silicone Rubber Pad
  • Cutting Pad (Yes, just one, on top)

I recommend watching the video especially for this double-embossing technique--it's just a lot easier to understand when you see it being done. :)

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By all means, use the aforementioned sandwich "recipes" as a starting point; keep in mind that every machine is calibrated slightly differently, and certain embossing folder patterns work better than others for some techniques; I was experimenting with what I had on hand and made notes for my specific products so I can refer to them easily the next time I want to repeat the technique.

If you need additional shimming when embossing, a layer of copy paper or folded copy paper can add just the right amount of extra pressure to achieve the desired results.

Below is the video showing these embossing folder techniques (also available in HD on our channel) in more detail.  and thanks so much for taking a moment to give it a thumbs up on YouTube!

There are even more ways to use embossing folders, but I hope these ideas will inspire those of you who are new to them!  I must admit, not having to wear my arm out by doing it the "old-fashioned" way is really, REALLY nice! :)

1Julie

Designer Note:  The North Pole card features a stamp set coming soon to the Essentials by Ellen line--keep your eyes peeled for it! :)

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Posted at 12:00 AM in Dies - Cutting and Embossing, Lifestyle Crafts, Tips and Techniques, Tools, Video | | Comments (6)

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July 15, 2015

Three Be-YOU-tiful Looks For The Same Die

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(click on the pics to enbiggan)

If you're anything like me, you love having different looks for the same product! The Be-YOU-tiful die is a favorite of mine because I love that the letters are joined together to create one "unit", and the lettering style itself is thicker, providing some super fun options! Each of the ideas shown could be done with any die cut word of similar styling.

 Butterflyweb1 

I wanted to create a bold statement with this design, but also wanted the coloring work to be quick and easy.  A large image, like this Stampendous butterfly and Distress Stains made this one of the speediest watercolor projects I have ever done--like, EVER!!! I did pre-clean this stamp to "season" it; initially, it was repelling the water-based Distress Stains.  A quick scrub with some stamp cleaner and patting it dry had it primed and ready to go.  Another large scale butterfly that would be awesome with this watercolor method is one by Tim Holtz, HERE.

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The beauty of using the Distress Stains for this watercolor method, is that the scrubby top made it easy to apply the color to the stamp surface, and there is no need to worry about spritzing the stamp with water!  The Stains have just the perfect wetness and consistency to just apply color and stamp! BOOYAH!   *fist pump*

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Stacking multiple die cuts of black card stock into the negative space before gluing the watercolored die cut layer on top, pops it up just enough to define it and yet still retain that crazy cool almost "camouflaged" look--the one that makes the person you give it to wonder just how in the world you did that... But, of course, we know the easy-peasy secret! *wink*

TIPS:

  • Layer your paper and die on top of 4 thicknesses of unused dryer sheets (I typically fold two in half and then stack them together) before running through the Big Shot and you will be able to eject the die from the paper without a pokey tool, and all the bits and pieces will also stick to the dryer sheet without getting lost.  
  • The gold foil accent dots on the butterfly card were achieved using the same method described below on the next card (Hint:  This Two Way Glue Pen is your friend and one of my most favorite tools... Just sayin'...)

Glittered beYOUtifulweb1

Ombré + glitter is a marvelous combo!  Here it is highlighted by a gold foil background that was created by swiping a Two Way Glue Pen, allowing the glue to dry; it will become tacky to the touch when dry and allows you to press transfer foil sheets to it--a super fun and super easy way to quickly add foil accents to your projects!  Gotta love that! 

Glittered beYOUtiful web2

Be-YOU-tiful was die cut from iCraft double-sided adhesive foam; with the sticky on both sides you can mount it, and then remove the liner from the front side to add glitter or anything else that will stick!  Be sure to watch the video to see how I mounted the die cut foam piece to the card without distorting its shape--it's a lot easier to see how it's done than try to understand a written description. :)

TIPS:  

  • To apply glitter in an ombré fashion, choose 2-3 colors that blend well from one to the next, and keep your project tilted so glitter lands as much as possible on one area at a time.
  • I like to use disposable cereal bowls lined with coffee filters, one per glitter color.  It allows me to keep the glitters from cross-contaminating, and it's easy to then funnel the glitter back into the jar when I'm finished.  It also helps keep the mess at bay. Ask me how I know... *wink* 

Debossed beYOUtiful web1

This final design is an example of "repeat impressions".  The die was "debossed" using the Silicone Rubber Sheet with the Big Shot multiple times across the surface of Letterpress Paper.  (Debossed = pressed down into the surface; embossed = the pattern is "reliefed" or raised from the surface)

Debossed 3

I made a thick, chipboard like embellishment by die cutting the shape 3x from Neenah Solar White 110# card stock and a pretty floral patterned paper, layering and gluing them all together.  It was then mounted over one of the debossed images.

TIPS:

  • I adore the debossed look on Letterpress Paper in particular, but you can also try watercolor paper or heavy weight card stocks; be aware that too much pressure can cause the paper surface to crack sometimes, so you will have to play with the amount of pressure/shims necessary with the type of paper you are using.
  • I did not have the Impressions pad handy, only the Silicone Rubber Sheet.  So, I had to modify my sandwich as follows for the above results:
    1. Multipurpose Platform Open to Tab 1
    2. Cutting Pad
    3. Silicone pad
    4. Paper
    5. Die
    6. Cutting Pad

You can enjoy the video in HD on our YouTube Channel HERE, and thank you for taking a moment to give it a thumbs up! 

I hope you enjoy experimenting with these different looks with your dies!

Thanks for joining me again this month! 

1Julie

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Posted at 03:00 AM in Adhesives, Dies - Cutting and Embossing, Essentials by Ellen, Glitter, Ranger Techniques, Tips and Techniques, Video, Watercoloring | | Comments (2)

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June 15, 2015

Masculine Cards by Carissa Wiley

Hi everyone!  It’s Carissa Wiley here and I’m so happy to be here with you to share some ideas for creating masculine projects.  These tend to be the hardest types for all of us to create, and I am no exception.  With Father’s Day just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to break ourselves out of our box and challenge ourselves to create the perfect card for the men we love!    

Fathers Day Project Photos (1 of 1)
I found as I was coming up with my ideas that I was really struggling.  And as I thought about the reason, I realized it was because I was trying to make a project that wasn’t necessarily true to me.  It dawned on me that sometimes you’ve got to just go with what you know. 

Don’t get me wrong!  I am all for experimenting and trying new things!  But if you find yourself struggling with something…you may also find that it’s because you’re trying to create something that isn’t true to who you are as a crafter.  It was at that point I decided that nothing was off limits for my “man cards”.  I was going to use things that I love (even if they’re considered girly), but I wanted to use them in a masculine way!  This opened up a whole new world for me and freed me in my creative process.

Fathers Day Project Photos (16 of 23)

In today’s masculine cards, you’ll find gold, vellum, watercolor and even sequins!  Hold on to your britches!  These twists on masculine projects may be hard to wrap your head around at first!  But I think as I walk you through the projects in the video below, you’ll find that these elements work together and still manage to create a masculine feeling card.

Fathers Day Project Photos (14 of 23)

Today’s first card features some real birch wood paper.  I love this product for creating faux wood veneer.  I mean there’s nothing more manly than real wood on a card, right?  This real wood paper is easy to die cut.  You can use it with any dies that you may already own.  And if you wanna give it an extra special finishing touch, try adding a layer of glossy accents over the top to add even more dimension and shine.

Fathers Day Project Photos (1 of 6)

For the second card I decided to add a watercolor background.  Watercolor is often thought of as a soft and feminine technique.  But when you watercolor using bold colors, you can use it for your “man cards” too!  I used the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers in Scarlet Red and Orange to create a bold orange background.  (Let’s Go Giants!) By adding several layers of color and minimizing the amount of water I used, I was able to create a watercolor background that isn’t too soft for a man card.

Tips For Creating Masculine Cards

  1. Stay true to you!  Don’t try to make something that’s not true to who you are as a crafter.  If you’re a clean and simple person, keep it clean and simple.  If you like aged and distressed, use it!  You don’t have to go outside of who you are to create something that you don’t normally create.
  2. Nothing’s off limits.  If you have particular products that you like…I say use them.  Challenge yourself to find a way to use something that you may normally consider feminine in a masculine way.  For instance, I used vellum on both cards.  I chose a die that was more masculine feeling (the speech bubble) to balance it out and keep it from feeling ultra soft and feminine.
  3. Play ball!  Choose a color palate from his favorite sports team.  I’ve shown you two projects here that feature color palettes from the Seattle Mariners and the San Francisco Giants.  No over thinking needed.  These pre-coordinated color palettes made it quick and easy to pull these cards together.
  4. Finish it off.  Just because it’s a masculine card doesn’t mean you can’t embellish!  Use glossy accents to add shine and dimension.  Add enamel dots or even sequins (GASP!) in dark colors to add the perfect finishing touch!

Fathers Day Project Photos (3 of 6)

In the video tutorial below, I’ll walk you through the entire creation of these two cards and offer you some tips and tricks along the way.  I’ve also included links to all the products used in these projects below.

Don’t forget, you can watch the video in HD by visiting our YouTube channel HERE.  And while you’re there, don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any of our video tutorials!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little lesson in manly card making!  And I hope you’re inspired to create some masculine cards for the men you love!   

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February 15, 2015

Same Dies, Four Looks

One-die_4-ways_WEB_1(click on the pics to enbiggan)

This month I wanted to share multiple looks for the same (two) set of dies--I love the whimsical and organic look of these flower dies (Flower Blossom Set 2, Set 3) by Savvy Stamps, but to be honest, I had only used them once (and that sample actually isn't shown in the photo)! Time to rectify that!

Developing different looks for the same product is super fun--sometimes one idea will spark the next and you get on a roll... I love when that happens!

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Example No. 1 - Pressure emboss the dies

I made a standard A-2 card from Letterpress Paper, used 3M Post It Tape to temporarily join the two die sets together and embossed the pattern using the Sizzix Silicone/Rubber pad and my Big Shot.  You can also use the rubber embossing mats by My Favorite Things.  The trick is getting the right amount of pressure to emboss but not cut through the paper; every die cutting machine is calibrated slightly differently, so experiment a bit to find the right combo.  On my machine, the following sandwich worked well:

  • Multi-purpose Platform open to Tab 1
  • Clear pad
  • Dies, blades up
  • Paper
  • Silicone/Rubber pad
  • Clear pad
  • Card stock shim

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Example No. 2 - Form a wreath with the individual die cuts

Black may seem an unusual color to use for "flowers", but in this instance, it works because of the modern/contemporary look and color scheme! *fist pump*

A circle die cut from some card stock scrap served as the template to trace with a pencil and then the die cut pieces were glued into place.  Some of the ends of the foliage were not glued down to the card base so they could curl up and create dimension and interest.

I custom tinted a scrap of white card stock by rubbing a Hero Arts Neon Pink ink cube against it, heat set it, and then die cut "hello" for the greeting.  A jumbo polka dot stencil by My Favorite Things was used to create the tiny black pin dot pattern (with a bullet nib Faber Castell marker)--this is a great way to get even spacing.

There are a few more great tips for this project in the video that I think you'll find useful, too! ;)

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Example No. 3 - Mat the flowers against patterned paper circles

I'm on a quest to use all the pretty patterned papers I keep collecting, so I punched some 1.25" circles from a favorite paper pad (Highline 6x6, by Basic Grey) and then attached the flowers to them with my Tiny Attacher and glue, then mounted them in grid fashion to a simple white card base. The white die cuts against the vibrant colors and patterns makes a fun, bold statement!

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Example No. 4 - Highlight a single die cut within a frame

I quickly colored one of the blossoms with Copic Markers and then set it inside a die cut photo frame.  A little bit of black watercolor spatter and glittery gold washi tape with a scallop pattern are easy ways to add texture and interest, but still let that little sprig take center stage.

You almost wouldn't guess from the samples that they were all created with the same dies! And, I'm sure, at this point, you have even more ideas spinning around in your head now! ;)

You can view this month's video in HD on our YouTube Channel, and thanks so much for watching, subscribing, and taking a moment to give it a thumbs up! We appreciate it!

Enjoy!

 

Have a fabulous day!

1Julie

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December 15, 2014

Holiday Show Stopper

Cc_show_topper_WEB_1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

3D scenes have always enchanted, and at the holidays seem even more magical to me--I love how charming they can be as home decoration.  One of my favorites are water-less snow globes--I always keep my eyes peeled for fun and different DIY ways to add these to my collection.

I've never actually made jam or jelly (OK, I can hear you guys chuckling at me, the anti-Martha!), but I often use canning jars to present home-baked goodies all year round and as luck would have it I had a few unused wide-mouthed jars in the pantry that were perfect for this project because the Cosmo Cricket Show Toppers are made to match them! SWEET!!!

I couldn't have been more thrilled when I finished this project--wouldn't they make awesome gifts any time of year, for any occasion?!  You could also tuck a gift card into an envelope and slip it into the slot, or the slot can be used to hold recipe cards while baking, or it makes the cutest photo holder!  EEP!!!

There are different styles of Show Stoppers, and each of them has a hook on the inside of the lid that could be used to dangle their Mini Mobile--imagine hearts at Valentines, clouds and stars celebrating the arrival of a sweet new baby, or balloons for a birthday! I must admit, I love the different color options, too!  

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Once you've decided what/what kind of scene you want to showcase, these really don't take long to put together!  If scene building is not your thing, then stuff it with yummy edibles, or wrap a gift card up in a fluff of pretty tissue paper and just decorate the lid!

Basic Supplies (links to specifics at the end of the article):

  • Cosmo Cricket Show Topper
  • Wide-mouth Canning Jar
  • Assorted Dies for creating a scene + Die-cutting Machine
  • Circle Dies or Circle Cutter
  • Card Stock
  • Tape Adhesive, Glue Dots
  • Scoring Tool
  • Epsom Salts (you can use Buffalo snow, but the weight of the epsom salts works much like sand would, "propping" the die cuts upright.  Plus, I just like how it looks! *gleeful grin*)

Watch the video to see how I built the 3D paper scene inside my jar of Christmas!

Yes, there was a LOT of off-camera monkey clapping. ;)

Thanks for giving us a thumbs up on YouTube!

 

Happy Christmas!!!

1Julie

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October 16, 2014

On the 1st Day of Christmas...

Chalkboard_12_WEB1

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

Advents or countdowns are such a fun way to make things extra special at the holidays, wouldn't you agree? There a bajillion different ways to do them and I must confess to being enamored--so much that I am constantly on the look-out for all sorts of variations and ideas!

While I love the more elaborate countdowns I've seen, I always have to remind myself that things get so crazy busy during the season, and the only way I'll make this kind of project is if I keep it simple!

The Twelve Days stamp set is a fun spin on the tradition of the song that counts down the days, beginning with Christmas Day and extending through the eve of Epiphany.

What you tuck inside the little pouches can reflect the lyrics of the song or slip yummy edible treats inside--personally, I don't think you can go wrong with chocolates! *chuckle*   But, you can also create notes that feature a fun activity, in lieu of tangible objects.

Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy this charming holiday craft!

Chalkboard_12_WEB2

If the chalkboard trend is over, I'm the last to know, but I honestly never tire of it and think it has universal appeal for all ages and genders! It's a great way to keep things simple but retain personality and an element of fun!

I also hope you'll take a closer look at Twelve Days, and see all the potential it has for use beyond the holidays, too... :)

 

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I'm not gonna lie, the very first time I cut apart my stamps years ago I really struggled. But, I got over it quick when I realized how much it increased the versatility of the images I wanted to use in different ways...

Like this:

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This little character just cracks me! I mixed it up a bit by using Milo's ABC's to fill up the speech bubble with some conversation... The inside of the card? It reads, "Thanks for listening". :) 

Seriously, now. That birdie is just too much fun to reserve only for Christmas, doncha think? ;)

1Julie

 

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Posted at 04:59 PM in Christmas, Dies - Cutting and Embossing, Essentials by Ellen, Lifestyle Crafts, Tips and Techniques, Video, Watercoloring | | Comments (1)

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