the CLASSroom

In Detail: Product Reviews & News – Little B Perfect Positioner by Jean Manis

In this installment of In Detail, I’m reviewing the Little B Perfect Positioner. The Perfect Positioner is described as a clear adhesive mat designed to help keep nested dies from shifting during die cutting for any die-cutting tool platform. I’ll show how it works with both the Lifestyle Crafts Genius Platform System (no longer available) and the Sizzix Extended Multipurpose Platform in the Sizzix Big Shot Machine.

(To note: My usual die-cutting set up is the Big Shot with the Magnetic Platform and Standard Cutting Plates. I reviewed the magnetic platform in this In Detail post.)

There’s a slightly tacky adhesive on both sides of the Perfect Positioner. Measuring 12" tall x 6" wide, the positioner is printed with a ¼" increment ruler grid and 12 card template guides. 

To begin, remove the clear plastic protector from the back and adhere the positioner to the platform. Since the Perfect Positioner is not quite as long as the Genius Platform. I chose to line the bottom of the positioner with the bottom of the Genius Platform. Remove the front plastic protector. Save the protectors.

For the purposes of evaluating the Perfect Positioner, I tested several die configurations. Please note: These configurations were not chosen for their aesthetics. 

I placed a circle die from the Sizzix Circles Framelits set inside a rectangle die from the My Favorite Things Blueprints 1 set on the Genius Platform base, which is magnetic, with the cut sides up. Although I was not using the card template guides, I placed the rectangle die inside the A2 card template (which I’ve indicated in the photo with a red rectangle). The positioner’s ruler grid is drawn with black, solid and dashed lines. The card template lines are drawn with a slightly heavier-weight, black, solid line. My immediate reaction to centering the circle die was one of overwhelm, trying to distinguish which line was which. I resorted to counting squares with my fingers.

(In the In Detail post on 11 Essential Tools I describe how I use the Tim Holtz Ruler to position dies. On one side, the ruler is labeled in a standard manner from “0” to “12” inches, in ⅛" increments, while on the other side, “0” appears in the middle and the measurements go left and right from “0” to “6.” This enables one to easily center a die inside another shape.)

I covered the dies with the cardstock and the A mat, and I ran the combination through my Big Shot.

The panel cut well, and the dies did not appear to shift during either the process of placing the mat on top of the platform or running the platform and mat through the Big Shot.

The A2 card template on the positioner is drawn for a half-fold, 4 ¼" wide x 5 ½" tall card or a tent-fold, 5 ½" wide x 4 ¼" tall card. Even though there are 12 card templates on the positioner, I am only interested in using the A2 one; unfortunately it is drawn for a card that I only make about 30% of the time. Most cards that I make are tent-fold, 4 ¼" wide x 5 ½" tall.

Frustrated with the difficulty of centering the circle die in the rectangle, I discovered it to be easier to line up the rectangle die along the bottom of the grid. Because the far-left line is so close to the platform edge, I started at the 1" line. Going forward, I would ignore the card template lines entirely.

Continuing with the positioner on the Genius platform, I tested a combination of dies from the Paper Smooches Quote Tag die set. To avoid visual confusion, I placed the combination of dies where I could take advantage of one of the lines on which to place the “Hello” sentiment. I lined the top of the tag on one of the heavier card template lines. Because this combination of dies easily fit together, the placement of the dies was more straightforward than in the previous example.

I covered the dies with the cardstock and cutting mat and ran it through the Big Shot. The dies stayed in place during the die cutting.

Next I wanted to test a combination of the sentiment from the Paper Smooches Quote Tag die set inside the rectangle die from the My Favorite Things Blueprints 1 with the Genius platform using the positioner and without it. With the positioner on the Genius platform the combination cut well without shifting.

Next, I removed the positioner from the Genius magnetic platform and set up the same combination of dies on the Genius platform’s A cutting mat grid. Since I was working on the other side of the cutting sandwich, the dies were placed cut-side down on the cardstock. (There’s a grid printed on the cutting mat; within the center section, the grid has 1" increments. Therefore, for precise placement I would need to use the Tim Holtz Ruler or similar.) I positioned the magnetic platform on top of the dies, flipped the platform and pad, and ran it through the Big Shot. 

As you can see, the cardstock shifted at some point in the process.

With the positioner still removed, I die cut the same combination by placing the dies on the Genius platform (rather than the cutting mat), covering them with cardstock and the cutting mat, and running the combination through the Big Shot. Again, the cardstock shifted at some point in the process.

Judging from the die cutting results without the positioner compared to the results using it, it’s apparent that the slightly tacky adhesive of the Perfect Positioner helps prevent shifting of the dies during the die-cutting process when using the Genius platform. However, I would prefer that the positioner not include the card template lines.

For a final test, I wanted to use the positioner with the Sizzix Extended Multipurpose Platform. Normally I use Sizzix platforms with my dies cut-side down. Since the cutting plates are clear, it’s easy to see what you’re cutting. Because the Perfect Positioner cannot be cut into, I had to change my setup. With the positioner adhered to my non-cutting plate, I placed the dies cut-side up. Next I covered the dies with the cardstock and the other cutting plate and ran the sandwich through the Big Shot. The dies stayed in place.

Using my usual configuration of the Magnetic Platform and Standard Cutting Plates, I almost never have any slippage issues. Furthermore, I rarely use the Sizzix Extended Multipurpose Platform for die-cutting. I don’t see an advantage to using the Perfect Positioner with the Sizzix platforms, given that doing so requires that I have to arrange the dies cut-side up covered by cardstock. I much prefer to arrange my dies on top of the cardstock and use the Tim Holtz ruler for positioning.

I can recommend the Little B Perfect Positioner for the Genius platform, although as I stated earlier, I would have preferred that the grid not include the card templates. The Little B Perfect Positioner provides an inexpensive alternative to adhering the dies with washi tape or other temporary adhesives for placement. It's hard to predict how many times the positioner can be used before needing replacement. Over time, the adhesive will most certainly wear out, but replacements are less expensive than a roll of washi tape.

--Jean

 

Beach Scene by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom.  I have received many requests for a tutorial on how I create the appearance of sea foam on the water in my beach scenes with Liquid Applique. My project today shows step by step photos starting with the sponged ground, sea and sky background scenery and adding die cut images to complete the scene. All of the dies are from Impression Obsession and most are from the new Summer Release. 

Apply Antique Linen ink to the sandy beach area with a sponge.  Note: I like using the Color Box stylus and foam tip as it small and allows me to control the shape.

Mask off the sky area with a piece of paper or Post-it Removable Labeling Tape to sponge in the water line. I love the removable tape as it hold securely in place while sponging and can be used over and over again for future projects. 

Sponge in the water taking care not to overlap the blue on the brown sand line.

Sponge in the sky area using a cloud template and Inkssentials Ink blending tool.  Note:  This cloud template was hand cut using my snips and scrap cardstock. 

Lay the cloud template on the top of the scene base.    

Apply ink using a light sweeping up motion holding the tool slightly on it’s side.  This allows the ink to be applied to the line of the template without totally covering the whole open space.  I hope that makes sense. I tried to capture it in the photo.

Move the template down the page moving side to side and alternating the position of the ovals so they are offset to create a natural looking sky. The cloud lines are light and hard to get a good clear photo.  You can see better in the second picture below.

Apply light thin oval shaped lines of Liquid Applique on the water area to create the sea foam.

Tap the lines of Liquid Applique with your finger to smooth it out and remove bubbles.  This step will help create a smoother foam.  Heat the Liquid Applique with your heat gun.  Apply a little heavier layer of Liquid Applique along the water’s edge and up on the sand to give the appearance of the frothy waves rolling in.  It is especially important to smooth this well before heating. Note:  It is important to apply the LA in stages because if it dries too much before heating it won’t puff up.

Apply a light layer of glossy accents  on the frothy water’s edge and touches of it over some of the foam areas on the water.  Smooth lightly with your finger and then sprinkle with clear glitter and shake off excess.  I used Elizabeth Craft Designs Cool Diamond.

Cut a thin frame.  I used the Nesting Card Template dies.

Hand cut two thin strips for beach sand, sponge on brown ink and attach the larger strip flat to the front of the frame with adhesive.

Apply thin strips of mounting tape to the back of the frame and attach over the scene card base. Attach the second sand strip to the front of the frame with a thin strip of mounting tape

Parts and Pieces

Once your background scene is complete you can pick out all the parts and pieces of die cut images you would like to use to complete your scene. This is the most fun part for me. I chose to play with the Beach Chairs, the sandcastle and pale from the Mini Beach Fun Set, the Shore Birds and Sea Birds.  And I added a tiny handmade striped beach towel.

Color the gulls using  Pumice Stone and Wild Honey markers. I basically scribbled the ink on the backs of the birds.

Apply adhesive to a small piece of printer paper.  I used my ATG. Cut thin strips of red and white cardstock and attach to the paper to create a fun beach towel or blanket.  You could use a colorful piece of designer paper but I wanted to add another touch of bright red  to the project.

Cut thin strips along the edge to create the towel fringe.  I cut off the amount of towel that I needed and attached it to the arm of a beach chair with glue dots.

Assemble all the parts and pieces and begin attaching in the scene. 

Attach the  focal pieces in the scene first making sure to have balance on both sides of the scene.  I attached the chairs, bucket and sandcastle with mount tape.

Attach the birds in the sky and along the beach with mounting tape. Popping the birds up with mounting tape adds dimension to the project.

Does this make you want to take a vacation?  I sure want to. I think those gulls are hovering and hoping for a snack. 

I hope you have enjoined my tutorial and have been inspired to try you hand at making a beach scene.  I’ll look forward to seeing you next time.

Impression Obsession Dies, Beach Chairs	Impression Obsession Dies, Mini Beach Fun Set	Impression Obsession Dies, Sea Birds	Impression Obsession Dies, Shore Birds
Lifestyle Crafts Dies, Nesting Card Templates	Ink Blending Tool	ColorBox Tool, Stylus Handle, 3 pk	ColorBox Tool Foam Blender Tip, 3 pk, Oval
Distress Marker, Wild Honey	Distress Marker, Pumice Stone	Ranger Distress Ink Pad, Antique Linen	Tumbled Glass Distress Ink Pad
Elizabeth Craft Designs Silk Microfine Glitter, Cool Diamond 1 oz.	Liquid Applique, White	Accents, Glossy	Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape
A Cardstock, Neenah Heavyweight, Classic Crest Solar White 110 lb, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Robin's Egg, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Peppermint, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Banana Split, 25 pk
Sizzix Accessory, Magnetic Platform for Wafer-Thin Dies	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Tim Holtz Tonic Retractable Craft Pick	Tonic Paper Trimmer Guillotine, 8.5"
Teflon Bone Folder	Heat It Craft Tool

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Hello, Monday 08.25.2014

 

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

There are a variety of ways to shade solid stamp images--today, I'm stamping with pigment inks and then adding some shading with watercolor pencils. You could also use regular colored pencils.

Normally, I stamp colorful images onto white card stock, but for this design I thought it would be fun to switch it up and stamp onto a colored card stock!

Whenever you stamp on colored card stocks, you have to be a little careful about which inks you use--sometimes dye inks do not show up well because they absorb down into the paper, or the color is changed significantly on colored card stocks.

In this instance, I wanted the ink colors to remain as true as possible, so I used pigment inks; they sit on the surface of the paper.  Typically, most pigment inks can take a while to dry and you may need to speed heat them with your heat tool, but I used Avery Elle's pigment inks, which are fairly fast drying on porous paper surfaces.

 

I also used a gold metallic pen to add some details--it looks kind of yellow-ish on camera, but in real life, the gold is a very pretty accent and completely finishes off the card.

Enjoy the video here or in HD on our YouTube Channel. Thanks so much for watching and subscribing!

 

Happy Mundane!

 

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SUPPLIES:

 

Savvy Stamps, Flower Pod	Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Modern Leaves	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Aquamarine	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Lemon Grass
Hero Arts Pigment Ink Pad, Unicorn White	VersaMark Ink Pad	Art GRIP Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils, Set of 9, Blue	Art GRIP Aquarelle Watercolor Pencils, Set of 9, Green
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Gold Coins, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Gold Coins, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Taffy, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Taffy, 25 pk
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 25 pk	Sponge Applicator, Sponge Dauber w/ Airtight Cap	Sponge Applicator, Sponge Dauber 3 pk
Sponge Applicator, Sponge Dauber 25 pk	Hero Arts Embossing Powder, Gold	Ranger Embossing Powder, Gold	Ranger Embossing Powder, Princess Gold
Teflon Bone Folder	Hero Arts Embossing Gun	Heat It Craft Tool	Tonic Paper Trimmer Guillotine, 8.5"
Shape 'N Tape, Black	Uni-ball Impact Gel Pen, Gold	Zig Wink of Luna Metallic Brush Tip Marker, Gold	Fiskars Craft Knife, Fingertip
Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4" Squares (1/16 Thick)

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Vellum Birthday Cupcake by Sharon Harnist

Hello and happy Friday! I'm here today to share a soft look you can achieve by using Copic markers to color vellum, for this birthday cupcake card:

To get started, I stamped this fun Birthday Blueprint cling stamp by Tim Holtz with Versamark ink onto Bazzill 40 lb Vellum, then heat embossed it with Ranger White Super Fine Embossing Powder using the Heat It Craft Tool. You can switch up the embossing powder color to fit the image, season, etc.  I thought the white looked nice for the brighter, festive birthday look I was going for:

TIP: Be sure to let the heat tool run just a little while, before applying the heat to the vellum, so it has a chance to heat up. The hotter your heat tool is, the less time it will take to heat set the embossing powder and thus, help to prevent any possible warping of the vellum. Also be careful to keep the heat tool moving all over the vellum, to prevent warping. Heat the vellum from the back to help counter react any warping.

Next, I tested my Copic marker color selections on a scrap piece of vellum, then placed the test scrap under my embossed image so I could preview what the colors would look like. After making my selections of BG45, BG49, RV32, RV66, Y38 and E57, I colored the BACK SIDE of the vellum. This does two things:

1. Creates a nice soft look with no streaking showing (since the vellum isn't porous, the Copic color will pool on the surface, which can cause streaky coloring). But when viewed from the front side of the vellum, any possible streaking isn't seen.

2. Prevents any possible damage to your marker nib, by picking up the embossing powder.

You can still do a little shading -- First I colored with my lightest colors and allowed those to dry (Y38, RV63, BG45):

Then I went back with my darker Copic colors (RV66 & BG49) and just dabbed or lightly flicked on the darker color where I wanted the shading. Dabbing helps to prevent picking up the color you already layed down and removing it. 

For the candle, I didn't have a darker color to match the Y38, so I just applied a second layer of the same color and achieved some darker shading this way.

I finished the card by die cutting the vellum cupcake piece with the large scalloped frame from My Favorite Things' Blueprints 1. Bazzill Card Shoppe Cotton Candy cardstock was die cut with the stitched panel from MFT Blueprints 13 and layered onto a card base made with Neenah Solar White 110 lb cardstock.

TIP: Try the vellum piece over different card base cardstock colors, to see which color your vellum coloring looks best on. The base color can affect your Copic colors dramatically.

I attached some Lawn Fawn Let's Polka Mixed Sequins to the vellum piece, using Glossy Accents. Once those were dry, I flipped the cupcake vellum panel over and applied SMALL DOTS of Glossy Accents behind the sequins and onto some of the heavier white embossed cupcake/candle lines, flipped the vellum panel back over and adhered it to the pink card front. The small dots of Glossy Accents are plenty to hold the vellum to the card base -- large amounts may cause the vellum to warp.

I hope you'll give Copic marker coloring on vellum a try!  ~Sharon

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Simply White Sympathy by Heather Campbell

I've seen the technique of watercoloring and embossed image around for awhile now and I've been anxiously awaiting to try it out.  This technique works great for open images - where you'd typically color in the image.  

I pulled out my Wplus9 Very Vintage Greetings stamp set.  This is probably in my Top 5 list of stamps for stamps that aren't my normal style.  I love fun and cute and even graphic stamps.  These stamps are very vintage (as the name implies) which doesn't come easily for me but wow do these stamps make it possible.  Also, the sentiments are just gorgeous!

On a piece of Distress Watercolor Cardstock, I stamped with versamark and heat embossed two of the flowers in white embossing powder.  It's important to use the embossing buddy on this technique - because you don't want any strays! 

Since I knew I might want to contol the shading with a little bit of coloring, I used my Distress Markers diluted with water and my waterbrush to add the color to only the inside of the heat embossed images. 

To create watercolors with my Distress markers, I simply used my marker to color onto my acrylic block.  Then, using a waterbrush, I added a little bit of marker to turn the ink from the marker into a watercolor ready to paint onto the distress cardstock. I love how a waterbrush holds the water to bring it right to the block!

I did the exact same thing with the green to add the stem to the flower.  

I am 99.9% sure that the hardest part of this technique is the waiting.  It's SO important to let this dry naturally! 

Once it was dry, I die cut my panel with my Mama Elephant Femme Frames die...  There's also the Creative Cuts packaged set that has this Femme Frames die in it, along with a bunch of other dies that I love!

and adhered it to a card base. 

To finish the card, I added a sentiment.  Gosh, I love these sentiments. 

To give the appearance of water droplets, I added Pretty Pink Posh sequins to accent the flowers. I love love LOVE this 4mm Sparkling Clear size!  To adhere my sequins to my card, I used a dab of glossy accents!

For the final finishing touch, I added Wink of Stella White Glitter to the entire flower - oh my gosh, I never actually used the white until now and WOW am I sold on the white! GORGEOUS! 

Thank you so much for stopping by and joining me today!  I hope you have a great day! 

 

WPlus9 Design Studio Clear Stamp Set, Very Vintage Greetings	Mama Elephant Creative Cuts, Femme Frames	Pretty Pink Posh Sequins, 4 mm Cupped, Sparkling Clear	Accents, Mini Glossy
Distress Marker, Tumbled Glass	Distress Marker, Shabby Shutters	Zig Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Tip Marker, Clear	Zig Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Tip Marker, White
Tim Holtz Water Brush, Detailer Brush Nib	A Cardstock, Neenah Heavyweight, Classic Crest Solar White 110 lb, 25 pk	Distress Watercolor Cardstock	White Embossing Powder
VersaMark Ink Pad	Hero Arts Embossing Gun	Sizzix Accessory, Magnetic Platform for Wafer-Thin Dies	Sizzix Tim Holtz, Vagabond Cutting Machine
Tonic Paper Trimmer Guillotine, 8.5"	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Teflon Bone Folder

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Hello, Monday 08.18.2014

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

The Mister and I will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary next Monday... WOOT!!! :)

So, I wanted to make him a card that was a little beyond the "ordinary".  An idea on Pinterest sparked this design--which, for lack of a better word, is kind of like a rebus! The rebus was pretty popular oh, about 20 years or so ago. They were so fun, though, and I am always hoping they will make a come-back! *chuckle*

If you are too young to remember them--I am totally dating myself--ack!!!--a rebus is a type of puzzle or message that contains letters, numbers, and symbols that represent words or syllables. Some rebus puzzles (rebuses???) are quite clever and the message may not be obvious at first glance.  Anyway, I thought it would be fun to do something along these lines by taking a look at my stamp collection and embellishments to see what I could come up with! SUPER FUN!!!

Because I did not have a stamp or die for one of the symbols, I had to improvise with a chipboard sticker, which I altered to make it look metallic! By pressing the chipboard piece into my Versamark pad, I could coat it with gold embossing powder, heat it and voilá! It looks like a gold metal charm! I did the same to my little Potty People Wood Veneers, too.

Enjoy the video here or in HD on our YouTube Channel. Thank you for watching and subscribing!

 

Were you able to figure out the puzzle? Here's a clue: A figure 8 on its side is the symbol for infinity! *cheeky grin*

Happy Mundane!

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SUPPLIES:

Studio Calico Take Note, Wood Veneer, Potty People	Studio Calico Abroad, Chipboard Thickers, Everywhere Map	Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Count on It	Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Bright Days
Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, Many Thanks	Technique Tuesday Clear Stamps, Big Thanks	Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Framed Fonts	Hero Arts Embossing Powder, Gold
Shadow Ink, Soft Granite	Delicata Ink Pad, Golden Glitz	VersaFine Ink Pad, Onyx Black	Memento Ink Pad, Love Letter
VersaMark Ink Pad	Hero Arts Spray, Gold Shimmer	Pebbles Jen Hadfield Homemade, 12x12 Gold Foil	Chickaniddy 12x12 Foil Paper, Goldie Lox
A Cardstock, Neenah Heavyweight, Classic Crest Solar White 110 lb, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 25 pk	Tweezers, Stainless
Nesting Paper Punch, Circle 1/2"	Hero Arts Embossing Gun	Ranger Multi Medium, Matte Mini, 1/2 oz.	Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape
3-D Foam Squares, Mixed	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed Black	Tombow Adhesive Dot Stamp Runner, Permanent	Tonic Paper Trimmer Guillotine, 8.5"

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In Detail: Product Reviews & News – Gift Bag Punch Board by Jean Manis

Welcome to another In Detail post. This week, I’m reviewing the We R Memory Keepers Gift Bag Punch Board. For a review of the Gift Box Punch Board, check out this previous In Detail post.

The Gift Bag Punch Board comes with instructions. The scoring/creasing tool neatly stores within the punch board. The footprint of the Gift Bag Punch Board is smaller than that of the Gift Box Punch Board.

The range of gift bag sizes is limited to Small, Medium or Large. For the Small bag, you start with a paper width of 10" to create a bag that will be 2 ⅝" wide. Similarly, a paper width of 11" results in a bag that’s 3 ⅛" wide, and a paper width of 12" results in a bag that 3 ⅝" wide. These measurements are included in the instructions and they are printed on the punch board. The side panels for all three bag sizes measure 2" wide (the bag’s depth) and cannot be varied. The height of the bag depends on the height of the paper you use. Paper sizes from 4" to 12" can be used, taking into account that the bottom flaps take up 1 ¼". For example, with a 12" by 12" piece of paper, I can craft a bag that’s slightly less than 10 ¾" tall (by my measurement it’s closer to 10 ⅝"), 3 ⅝" wide and 2" deep. With a paper sized 10" by 4", I could craft a bag 2 ¾" tall, 2 ⅝" wide and 2" deep. 

After trimming my paper to my desired size, 10" by 6", I lined my paper up on the “Start Line.” Since I was using a paper with a direction, I needed to take that into consideration when I began. You begin by punching out the bag’s bottom flaps, so the paper appears to be upside down, but it’s not.

The first action is to punch with the punch mechanism. I noticed that the Gift Bag Punch Board’s punch was more difficult to press than the one on the Gift Box Punch Board. There’s a “sweet spot” that you’ll figure out once you’ve used it a few times.

After punching, use the tool to horizontally and vertically score the paper. In this case, I was making a Small bag, so I scored vertically on the “S” line.

Next, the paper is shifted to the left until the scored vertical line is aligned with the “Start Line.” Again the paper is punched. For the side panel, score the paper around the Triangle, along the Horizontal line and vertically on the Side lines. One of the Side lines is in the middle of the Triangle.

Following the instructions, I did another round of punching and scoring for the bag’s face and another round for the second side panel.

Panel after punching and scoring faces and sides

In addition to the face and side panels, there will be a tab. We’ll address that in a moment. At this point, the top of the bag can be punched for a string handle or not. We’ll get back to handles, but first we need to finish the bag.

The other side of the punch mechanism has a dual-hole punch. The instructions include a diagram showing where the bag top should be punched with the mechanism.

The tab edge is trimmed at an angle with scissors at the bottom and the top.

Crease the bag along the score lines using the bone folder. I hand creased the side panels.

Apply adhesive to the tab panel. I used 1/8" Be Creative Tape (in retrospect, I wish I’d used a slightly wider tape).  

It is recommended that you fold the bag onto itself and adhere for easy alignment.

Next apply adhesive to the bottom flap. I applied two strips of the Be Creative tape to the flap that would be covered. You’ll notice in the photo that one of the strips was too far back and not covered by the other flap. When I made another bag, I applied the adhesive to the flap that would be on top. I found taping the bottom flaps to be the most difficult part of making the bag. You have to simultaneously hold the bag in shape and tape down the flap. 

Before we move onto the options for handles, let’s talk about creating a bag where the paper size exceeds the platform size of the Gift Bag Punch Board. The platform is 7 ½" in length, so any paper larger than that will not be scored all the way from the base to the top.

After the punching and scoring are complete, the creasing for the larger paper sizes has to be done by hand.

Let’s assume that you’ve punched holes along the top for a handle. One idea is to thread ribbon through the holes and tie the loop in one corner. The ribbon should be cut to accommodate the desired handle length.

Another idea is to have separate handles. I didn’t like this solution as well since the side panel holes are left punched but empty. A workaround would be to punch a template for the placement of the holes, and use a single punch on the actual bag, but I consider that to be too much work!

The ribbon can also be run through the holes and tied in front.

You can forgo the holes entirely and simply roll down the top. You’ll need to do so twice in order to have a finished appearance.

If the overall paper size is 6" or less in height, then you can die cut the front and/or back panels for added interest to the bag. After punching and scoring, I centered a star die from the My Favorite Things Die-Namics Stax Stars set on the bag front panel and ran it through my die cutting machine.

I can envision using the punch board to create luminarias (paper lanterns) for a fireplace mantle during the holiday season. Use flameless candles inside the luminarias to create interesting light patterns through the die cut front panels.

Dies offer an option to the punch board when you have a specific bag size in mind.

The Lifestyle Crafts Bag Die creates a bag 2 ½" x 1 ¾" x 3".

The Little B Bag Template Diecreates a bag 2 ¾" x 2 ¾".

The My Favorite Things Paper Bag Treat Box creates a bag 2 ¾" x 3 ¾".

The Paper Smooches Deco Bag Die creates a bag 2 ½" x 3 ½".

The Sizzix Tim Holtz In the Bag Die creates a bag 3" x 4 ¾" x ¾".

--Jean

We R Memory Keepers Punch Board, Gift Bag	Be Creative Tape, 3mm (1/8")	Be Creative Tape, 5mm (1/4")	My Favorite Things Die-namics, STAX Stars
Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Sizzix Accessory, Magnetic Platform for Wafer-Thin Dies

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Pick a Pumpkin by Laurel Beard

We are so excited to be welcoming Laurel Beard to the CLASSroom today! Laurel is a ray of sunshine in this crafting world - her enthusiasm and energy are so contagious!

Her blog, Papercrafts by Laurel, along with her YouTube Channel, Laurel's Crafts, are a treasure trove of information. I'm not certain where she finds the time to do it all with two young children, but she does so with flair! Laurel is also founder of the Lawnscaping Challenges blog and this is where I first "met" her. It was the common love of the Lawn Fawn images that brought us together in this crafting world and I am a lucky lady to have her in my life.

For even more learning opportunities (yes, Laurel has another project AND video awaiting you) you must visit Laurel's blog, Papercrafts by Laurel! I would appreciate if you would help us thank Laurel for sharing her creativity with us here in the CLASSroom today. Please leave your comment on her post about being a guest here by August 19th to be included in the random drawing she will be hosting. As our way of thank you for taking the time to do so you will have a chance to win some of the fabulous products she used in this post! You know you are in the right place if you see the following picture.

Thank you Laurel for sharing your beautiful projects with us here in the CLASSroom today! -Ellen

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Hi there! I am over the moon excited to be here at the CLASSroom today to share with you a few projects using some creative die cutting combined with some Design Memory Craft Faber Castell products!!! If you are like me, you like to stretch your products to get the most out of them, and that’s what I did here to get the most use out of this fabulous chevron die by My Favorite Things. 

DRY EMBOSSED DIE CUTS

I decided to do some dry embossing with the die so I ran it thru my cuttlebug die cutting machine. The sandwich I used was: A plate, C plate, die face up, cardstock and two tan mats and this was the result: (if you don’t have the tan embossing mats, you can use several pieces of cardstock to act as a shim)

After applying some Gathered Twigs distress ink, I stamped the sentiment from this stamp set in Versamark ink and heat set it with Ranger Black Sparkle Embossing Powder.

I then grabbed some patterned paper scraps in my stash and die cut the pumpkin and leaves from this die set and voila, done!  

GLITTER TEXTURED DIE CUTS

Let’s move on to the next card shall we? This time, I thought it would be fun to add some texture to the pumpkin! PERFECT time to pull out the Glass Bead Glitter Gel by Faber Castell!!! I tinted the medium by smooshing some Ripe Persimmon distress ink onto my work surface (I use the Ranger non-stick craft mat) and mixed in the glitter gel with a palette knife. I then added it to some cardstock and allowed it to dry (approximately 15 minutes).  The texture and sparkle it leaves behind? WOW! 

While that was drying, I worked on my background panel. I decided to use the chevron die as a stencil so I die cut the chevron, layered it on top of my white card panel, and spritzed it with some Mister Huey’s spray. I use an old shoe box for this so I don’t have to clean up afterwords!

I stamped the sentiment with Versamark ink and then heat set it with my favorite embossing powder ever because it seems to go with everything, Liquid Platinum by Ranger. Now that the Glass Glitter Gel has dried, I die cut the pumpkin from the textured panel, grabbed some scissors and cut off his head, hahaha.....

 

Of course, I added some googly eyes and some twine for the pumpkin insides and popped it up on the misted chevron panel with some foam dimension... As a finishing step, I heat embossed the edges of my card base with some Enchanted Gold Embossing powder! To do this, I applied my Versamark pad directly to the edges of my card base, sprinkled on the powder and heat set.

SPACKLE TEXTURED DIE CUTS

And finally, my last project to share with you today! A cute little place holder or treat bag!

To create the cute little pumpkin panel, I used some Faber Castell Whipped Spackle. I tinted it with Gelatos.... The pumpkin is from the Impression Obsession stamp set I used in my first project.  Simply color some gelato onto your work surface, grab some whipped spackle and blend together.

I applied the spackle to the pumpkin using a palette knife, making sure I kept it uneven as I applied because I definitely wanted some texture and dimension.

I allowed it to dry (about 15 minutes) and then fussy cut the pumkin. For the burlap bag, I used some burlap I had in my stash (actually came in a coffee club order, ha ha) but Ellen Hutson carries these cute burlap bags which would have made things much easier for me! I cut my burlap into a circle and cinched up the top and tied it together with some twine. Then I cut a hole in the top of the pumpkin to weave the twine through and voila! As a finishing touch, I heat embossed an “L” using the same Ranger Black Sparkle embossing powder I used for the sentiment in the first card.

Be sure to head on over to Laurel’s blog for even more projects and a special card accompanied with a VIDEO! :)

Impression Obsession Clear Stamp Set: Don't Lose Your Head	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Chevron Cover-Up	Elizabeth Craft Designs Die, Pumpkin	Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, 25 pack
Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 25 pk	Distress Ink Pad, Gathered Twigs	Distress Ink Pad, Black Soot	Distress Ink Pad, Ripe Persimmon
VersaMark Ink Pad	Gelatos Designer Set, 50's Diner	Faber-Castell Textural Accents, Glass Bead Glitter Gel, 100mL	Faber-Castell Textural Accents, Whipped Spackle, 100mL
Ranger Embossing Powder, Black Sparkle	Ranger Embossing Powder, Liquid Platinum	Ranger Embossing Powder, Enchanted Gold	Hero Arts Embossing Gun
Studio Calico Mister Huey's Color Mist, Sky, That-a-Way	Viva Decor Palette Knife Set, 3 Pieces	Non-Stick Craft Sheet	Maya Road Vintage Linen Burlap Treasure Bags

InLinkz.com

Stenciling on Black by Julia Stainton

Stencils, stencils, stencils! I just can't help myself. I'm a stencil addict and keep adding more to my collection. Why? Well...they can be used over and over and over and there's so many ways to use them!

 

Usually when creating with stencils, you start with a lighter surface and add color. The other day I was doing a little experimenting and yes, you CAN use stencils on dark backgrounds. I'm loving the look! Here's how I did it...

First of all, I started off by creating this softly romantic card design.

The key to using stencils on black or other dark cardstock it to use pigment ink. Dye inks sink into dark backgrounds and you can't see them. While you can also add color with paint and/or embossing, I really wanted a soft dreamy look.

Pigment ink can be applied through the stencil using a sponge but I love these new Tim Holtz Mini Blending Tools. Apply ink to them and then lightly rub ink over stencil in a circular motion.

Designer Tip: To get a soft dreamy look, don't cover the entire background. I love just highlighting part of a stencil and allowing the color to fade off.

I've tried a few different pigment inks on these projects including Avery Elle, Memento Luxe and Hero Arts. I loved them all. One thing you'll want to know with pigment inks is that they take MUCH longer to dry. Put them aside for awhile to prevent smearing or dry them more quickly with a heat gun.

I adore these sweet little wood sentiments from Cosmo Cricket. Absolutely adorable! You may or may not be able to see in the picture but they come with tiny bumps where they were attached to the main sheet of wood. The Precision File Set makes quick work of smoothing them out with one of the many files included.

These pretty roses are lovely the way they come...all white. I wanted to add some color so I sponged them with the Rosebud Memento Luxe Ink to coordinate.

For the last step, adhere on all the wood and embellishments. I like adhering the wood especially with Glossy Accents as it holds it really well.

While I had all my supplies out on my crafting table, I decided to create another design. Nothing like procrastinating cleaning up, right? This design is a 3" x 5" tag and it's a much more masculine design.

Once again I'm stenciling with pigment ink on black. This time I've used white pigment ink for the stars.

A wood button is painted orange for a hit of color at the top of the tag.

To add in a sentiment, I first die cut an arrow from the MFT Lead the Way die set and then stamped it with a Hero Arts stamp from their Anything Can Happen Set.

Thanks for joining me today in the CLASSroom! Happy creating and have a fabulous weekend!

 

Ink Blending Tool, 1 Round	Tim Holtz Stencils, Hearts	Tim Holtz Stencils, Stars	Tim Holtz Mirrored Stars
Wood Alterable Buttons	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 10 pk	3-D Foam Squares, Mixed Black	Neutral Hemp Cord
3-D Foam Squares, Mixed	Memento Luxe Ink Pad, Rose Bud	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Lemon Grass	Seaglass Ink by Avery Elle
Sunset Orange Acyrlic Paint Dabber	laraine pearl white flowers	Gold Hearts Chipboard Shapes	Chalkboard Badges
Tiny Text Wood Charms	Precision File Set	Crystals Trinket Pins	Accents, Mini Glossy
Accents, Glossy	My Favorite Things Die-namics, Lead The Way	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal

InLinkz.com

Provence Frame and Delicate Daisies by Kittie Caracciolo

Good Wednesday morning and welcome to the CLASSroom. Have you fallen in love with all the new decorative background and frame dees on the market?  I sure have.  My project today was made using the Creative Expressions Provence set from the French Collection paired with the  Delicate Daisies from the Finishing Touches collection.  I created a foliage background for my flower using the Impression Obsession Leafy Branch. The sentiment is from the Impression Obsession Spring Medley set.

The Provence set has five dies and can create a few different backgrounds.  For my tutorial project I wanted to create a decorative frame with an opening for a sentiment.

To create the frame place lavender cardstock on the magnetic platform, arrange dies in place and cut.

To create the frame background place white cardstock and die on magnetic platform and cut .

Dust the white background with embossing magic, line the frame up over the background and stamp the sentiment with versa.  Heat emboss with gold embossing powder.

Apply thin strips of mounting tape to the back of the frame and attach to the frame background.

Attach strips of mounting tape to the frame background and attach to the card base.

Form the branch leaves with stylus and molding pad.

Cut the branches apart to use to create the foliage spray.  

Place the flower face down on the molding pad and use the small stylus to roll back the petals.

Place the flower face up and push down on the center to raise the petals.

 

 

Attach two of the largest flower sections together with glossy accents and offset the petals. Attach the two smaller flower sections with glossy accent to complete the flower.  Note:  I used the three smallest flowers in the set for this project.

Place the cut branches in place on the edge of the frame opening with glossy accents to create a sort of nest for the flower.

Attach the flower to the branches and frame base with glossy accents.

Attach a tiny white pearl to the flower center to finish.

Here’s a closer view of the floral spray.

I made a second sample to show you another version of the frame cut using both of the scrolling decorative sections in the set. I used the oval die cut from the Austrian Collection Innsbruck set for the sentiment. The sentiment is also from the Spring Medley set.

I made the flower and foliage spray a little smaller so it wouldn’t overpower the sentiment layer.

The decorative dies make such beautiful focal point and background for your card projects.  I hope you have found this tutorial inspiring.  I’ll look forward to seeing you next time. 

Creative Expressions Dies, Sue Wilson French Collection - Provence	Creative Expressions Dies, Sue Wilson Finishing Touches - Delicate Daisies, Complete Petals	Impression Obsession Dies, Leafy Branch	Creative Expressions Dies, Sue Wilson Austrian Collection - Innsbruck
Impression Obsession Clear Stamp Set | Spring Medley	VersaMark Ink Pad	Ranger Embossing Powder, Gold	Inkadinkado Embossing Magic Bag
A Cardstock, Neenah Heavyweight, Classic Crest Solar White 110 lb, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Sour Grape, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Easter Grass, 25 pk	Pearls, Snow
Sizzix Accessory, Tool Kit inspired by Susan Tierney-Cockburn	Sizzix Accessory, Magnetic Platform for Wafer-Thin Dies	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape
Accents, Glossy	Tonic Paper Trimmer Guillotine, 8.5"	ATG Kit, Advanced Tape Glider	Teflon Bone Folder

InLinkz.com

Hello, Monday 08.11.2014

(click on the pics to enbiggan)

The triangle trend is going strong--it's a great shape that lends itself well to a mod card like this one!

I really wanted to play with my embossing paste, which I haven't used in awhile. To get a multi-colored effect, I stuck with the Translucent paste so the ink colors beneath would show through.  You CAN custom tint your embossing pastes by adding a drop of reinker and mixing it quickly on your non-stick craft sheet. You can add more reinker to intensify the color, as you wish.  I recommend mixing a small amount at a time to avoid waste, unless you have an air-tight container handy to scoop up what you don't use and save for later use.

The thicker weight of Neenah's 110# card stock is awesome for embossing paste because it warps much less, if at all, in comparison to thinner weights.

For in depth/detailed information about working with embossing pastes, please refer to this In Touch newsletter article:  Texture & Dimension with Embossing Pastes.

NOTE: Although the opaque white embossing paste dries to a soft/sponge-like texture, the Translucent paste dries "rock" hard, so you may want to trim your panel down to size prior to applying it, as cutting through it can be a bit tricky.

While the paste was still wet, I showered it with sparkly Prisma glitter--I wish the camera could pick up just how cool it looks!

Be sure to clean your stencil and palette knife quickly after applying embossing pastes--I keep a dishpan with soapy water handy to toss the stencil in for easy scrubbing later, and I wipe the palette knife clean with a baby wipe the instant I'm finished.

Enjoy the video here or in HD over on our YouTube Channel. Thanks for watching and for subscribing!

 

Happy Mundane!

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SUPPLIES: 

A Cardstock, Neenah Heavyweight, Classic Crest Solar White 110 lb, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Licorice Twist, 10 pk	Heidi Swapp 3x4 Mini Stencil Kit, Patterns	Ink Blending Tool, 1 Round
Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Willow	Adirondack Dye Ink Pad, Watermelon	Hero Arts ClearDesign, Shoot for the Moon	Inkadinkado Embossing Magic Bag
VersaMark Ink Pad	Distress Embossing Pad	VersaMark Ink Pad, Small	White Embossing Powder
Hero Arts Embossing Gun	Dina Media Palette Knife (04176)	Studio 490 Embossing Paste by Wendy Vecchi, Translucent	Dreamweaver Embossing Paste, Translucent, 4 oz.
Hero Arts Ultrafine Prisma Glitter	Studio Calico Sundrifter, Wood Veneer, Shapes	Enamel Accents, Black and White	Ranger Multi Medium, Matte Mini, 1/2 oz.
Ranger Multi Medium, Gloss Mini, 1/2 oz.	Ranger Multi Medium, Matte With Brush, 1 oz.	Ranger Multi Medium, Gloss With Brush, 1 oz.	Scotch Double-Sided Foam Mounting Tape
3-D Foam Squares, Mixed	Kool Tak White Foam Adhesive, 1/4" Squares (1/16 Thick)

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Copic Marker Watercolor Rose by Sharon Harnist

Ranger recently released a new Specialty Stamping Paper (in 8-1/2 x 11 or 12 x 12 sizes) that I couldn't wait to try. It has a unique matte coated surface which is suitable for many kinds of great techniques. Think of it similar to glossy cardstock, but with a matte finish.

I couldn't wait to try it with my Copic markers. Now I know what you may be thinking -- you aren't supposed to use Copics on a coated paper, right?  Well, in this case I was pleased to see that the color went on pretty smoothly, with just a little streaking (which is what I expected) BUT not nearly as much streaking as you get when applying Copic markers to glossy cardstock. Also, as I expected, the Copic color sat on the surface of the paper for a little bit, but did dry fairly quickly. 

I also noticed when applying a darker color over my first base coat of color (the blues shown above), that the color around the edges of the darker color pooled a little (since the color sits on top of the paper, you are actually pushing the color to the edges), which reminded me of how watercolors will sometimes pool and dry with a darker around the edges. So a lightbulb went on and I played a little more, to achieve this "watercolor" look with Copic markers. (Previously when I've shown you watercolor effects with Copic, it's usually been with Various Ink Refills -- either by coloring with them using a water brush filled with Colorless Blender Solution or somehow applying Ink Refills to paper. So I'm glad to have found a technique using just the markers!).

Now I admit, this technique takes a little bit of patience and playing, but overall I was pleased with the results and will definitely try it again!  Here's what I did . . .

1. Stamp images from Clearly Besotted's Sweet Rose stamp set with Memento Summer Sky (vase), New Sprout (stem & leaves), and Dandelion (rose) onto Ranger Specialty Stamping Paper cut to a 3.75" x 5" panel. I was very pleased to find out that the wonderful permanent qualities of the Memento ink still worked the same (i.e. not reacting or bleeding with Copic markers) on the coated surface of the stamping paper:

2. I colored a base coat of B0000 on the vase. In the left photo below, I colored the bottom of the vase first, then the top. You can see that by the time I took the photo, the coloring on the bottom of the vase had pretty much dried, while the top of the vase is still a little wet. Next (right photo), I shaded around the edges, bottom and top of the vase with darker B000. You can see with these lighter colors, the shading is pretty smooth:

3. Next, I colored the leaves with a base coat of G20, then (middle photo below) flicked in darker G21:

Last photo above -- I went back with my lighter G20 and pulled the darker G21 color from the bottom of the leaf towards the top. I finished the rest of the leaves in the same manner. You can see that the G21 Copic color covered up the stamped lines, giving a nice hand-drawn or painted "no line coloring" look.

4. For the rose, I base colored it in Y13 with a sweeping motion acrose the whole rose, over the stamped lines. As you can see, no bleeding of the Memento ink. The middle photo below shows the same technique as I used above, flicking in a darker color of R21 (I was hoping for a peachy peace rose color!), and then going back with the lighter Y13 to blend:

After coloring the whole rose, I went back with R21 and defined the edges of the darker parts of the petals. I found with this third layer of color application that the color went on a little smoother, with less streaking. I'm sure due to there being a good amount of color "primer" now covering the coated slick surface of the paper.

Note: My camera REALLY singled out the separate colors here. In real life, they are lighter and you see a definite difference between the yellow and peach colors but I just couldn't get it to show in a photo! The colors are most true in the last photo below.

5. To finish my card, I used the straight line of stitching die from My Favorite Things Blueprints 13 Die-namics and cut stitched lines on all four sides of the flower panel: 

I stamped the pretty sentiment (also from the Sweet Rose stamp set) with Memento Gray Flannel ink onto the Specialty Stamping Paper and die cut it with the long curved-end die from Blueprints 13. Turn the die around to cut the other side of the sentiment. I love that this die can be used to make whatever size label frame you need! 

Both the sentinent and the rose panel were popped up on Copic Foam Tape on a Bazzill Card Shoppe Banana Split top-folded card base.

Thanks for joining me today and I hope you'll give this fabulous new Specialty Stamping Paper a try in your crafting!  ~ Sharon

 

InLinkz.com

Bear Love You by Heather Campbell

Hello and happy Wednesday!  I hope you are having a wonderful day!  Today's card is all about using watercolor to color in stamped images but stamped with color so that images appear soft.  I love this technique!

All of the stamps I used are from the Lawn Fawn Love You S'more stamp set. Since I'm using watercolors (ahem, water) it's important to use watercolor paper and waterproof ink. First, I stamped the bear in Hero Arts Cup O' Joe. 

Then, I stamped the curve to create the hill for the bear to sit on.  

I didn't have a good yellow waterpoof ink so I have to be very careful as I will be introducing water.  I just will need to make sure I don't bring the blue in the sky up to the yellow moon. 

I love love LOVE my new Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolors, which I see are back in stock now!  Words do not express just how amazing these watercolors are - they truly go on like butter!   There's even a spot on the top of the lid to create your own little cheater sheet so you know which color is which.  I also love that it's so compact and doesn't take up much space.  

First, I heat set everything - just to be safe!  Then, I went in and added the green for the hill. 

and brown for the bear.  I added all of my watercolors with a waterbrush and just used more or less water to get the color that I wanted. 

Being very careful not to let the water touch the yellow ink, I watercolored the sky and the moon. 

Once it was dry, and it's so hard to walk away and let it dry naturally but I promise it's worth it, I die cut my stamped/watercolored panel using my favorite Femme Frames die set. 

Then, I layered it all together.  The bottom scallop layer is also from the Femme Frames set.  

With all of my layers adhered, I accented my scene with my new Pretty Pink Posh 4mm Sparkling Clear sequins.  To hold them in place, I use just a drop of Glossy Accents. 

Instead of stamping or heat embossing stars, I simply added white to my watercolored sky with my trusty white gel pen. 

Here's an up close look - I love the subtle detail!

And then a healthy dose of Wink of Stella Clear glitter because I've come to the conclusion that no card is complete without it. :)

To finish it off, I added hearts above the bear's head, stamped in Avery Elle Raspberry to get a vivid heart that would almost pop off the page. 

  

I simply adore the softness of stamping with color adds to a card!  Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing part of your day with me! I hope you've had a great day!

:) Heather

Lawn Fawn Clear Stamps, Love You S'more	Mama Elephant Creative Cuts, Femme Frames	Kuretake Gansai Tambi, 36 Color Set	Distress Watercolor Cardstock
Waterbrush, Small	Uni-ball Impact Gel Pen, White	Accents, Mini Glossy	Pretty Pink Posh Sequins, 4 mm Cupped, Sparkling Clear
Tweezers, Stainless	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Marshmallow, 25 pk	Zig Wink of Stella Glitter Brush Tip Marker, Clear	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Taffy, 25 pk
Hero Arts Dye Ink, Black	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Raspberry	Avery Elle Ink Pad, Mimosa	Shadow Ink: Mid-Tone, Cup O' Joe
Shadow Ink: Mid-Tone, Green Hills	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Hero Arts Embossing Gun	Teflon Bone Folder
Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini

InLinkz.com

 

Hello, Monday 08.04.2014

Most of the cards I make are for pretty happy occasions, but now and then, as we all do, there are times when I need a design that sends care and love to someone during a difficult time.

This feather die by Memory Box and the sentiment from the Remember set by Hero Arts were exactly what I needed to convey what I felt for someone very dear to me.

Touches of gold, with the foil paper, twine and shimmer spray were the perfect compliment to the woodgrain paper and vellum feathers.

This could also be adapted to create a lovely wedding card by simply altering the sentiment.  I typically struggle with sketches but I find this layout to be a very good stand-by, when I'm having a hard time determining exactly what to do.

You can watch the process here or in HD on our YouTube Channel.  Thanks for watching and subscribing!

Do you have any stand-by formulas/combos or layouts that you rely on? 

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SUPPLIES:

 

Hero Arts Spray, Gold Shimmer	Memory Box Dies, Wild Feathers	Remember Stamp Set by Hero Arts	Essentials by Ellen: Woodgrain Embossed #110 Cardstock, White, 10 Pk
Bazzill 40 lb. Vellum, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Taffy, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Taffy, 10 pk	Chickaniddy 12x12 Foil Paper, Goldie Lox
VersaMark Ink Pad, Small	VersaMark Ink Pad	White Embossing Powder	Hero Arts Embossing Gun
Heat It Craft Tool	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Martha Stewart Scoring Board, Mini	Teflon Bone Folder
Soft Grip Embossing and Stylus	Tombow Adhesive Dot Stamp Runner, Permanent	Glue Dots Sheets, Mini	Accents, Mini Glossy
Accents, Glossy	String by the Spool, Metallic Gold

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In Detail: Product Reviews & News – Tag Die Cut Sets by Jean Manis

Welcome back to another installment of In Detail. Today, I’m taking a look at two tag die cut sets – the My Favorite Things Die-namics Tag Builder Blueprints 1 set and the Pretty Pink Posh Stitched Duo 1 set. The primary die in both sets is a 4" tall tag die.

To give some size perspective, here's a look at the tags centered on A2 card bases.

With the Die-namics Tag Builder Blueprints 1 set, My Favorite Things extends their Blueprints series to tags. I reviewed the Blueprints 13 set in a previous In Detail article. The Tag Builder set must be cut apart before use. (The Elizabeth Crafts Design Die Snips and File Set are suggested tools for this use.) The set comes packaged with a magnetic sheet. The ten-piece Tag Builder set includes the following dies: Tag 2 ⅜" x 4", Diagonal Stripe 2 ⅜"x 1 ⅞", Rectangle 1 ¾" x 2 ⅜", Circle 1 ⅜"diameter, Dotted Circle 1 ½" diameter, Tab 1 ⅜"x ⅜", Arrow ½" x ⅜",Hole Cover ½" diameter, “4U” 1" x ⅝", and Star 3⅜" diameter.

For my investigation of the Tag Builder set, I printed out the Tag Builder Blueprints 1 Sketches. Using the sketches as a guide, I played around with pieces cut with the dies from patterned paper, solid color cardstock and foil paper. I’m most likely to use gift tags during the holidays, so I used holiday colors and sentiments for these tags. The assembled tags can be used to attach to gift bags and boxes, or be attached on card bases. Please note: I didn’t glue down the pieces on the tags shown in the photos, so some elements are shifted.

The dotted circle, included in the set, does not cut; it pierces the paper and is designed to work behind the circle included in the set or on its own. I did not use the dotted circle or the arrow in any of my designs.

The pieces are scaled for tags, and as a result, several of them are quite small. Every time I used the star, I immediately put it back on the magnetic sheet, as I was so concerned I’d lose it. The pieces that I will use most from the set will be the tag and the rectangle.

Now, let’s take a look at the Pretty Pink Posh Stitched Duo 1 set. The die pieces are not attached, and therefore do not need to be cut apart. The set consists of a stitched tag die, measuring approximately 2 ¾" wide x 4" high, shown in the photo with the MFT tag, and a window pane die. The tag die does not cut a hole at the top of the tag. 

The window pane die measures approximately 2 ¾" wide by 2" tall. The window pane die does not cut on its outer edge. The six rectangle cuts, with a faux stitched edge, measure ⅞" x 11/16".

Most obviously, the tag and window pane die can be used together to create a tag with windows. You can find lots of inspiration on the Pretty Pink Posh blog showing the tag cut with windows. For example, the windows can nicely showcase smaller stamps.

Since the window pane die does not cut on its outer edge, it can be used to create windows on a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Here’s a photo showing the result of using the die on a pre-cut rectangle.

I found that the easiest way to use the window pane die was to cut the rectangle first and then the window. I used the Tim Holtz Ruler to center the die on the rectangle before running it through my die cutting machine.

With the holiday theme in mind, and my holiday papers and stamps already out on my worktable, I used the Pretty Pink Posh window pane die with the Stitched Rectangle die (4" x 5 ¼"), from the My Favorite Things Blueprints 13 set, to create a front panel for a holiday card. I placed a die cut skyline (Memory Box Cityscape Nightline and Cityscape Silhouette behind the window pane. The window pane die will be the one I use the most from this tag set, primarily to create window cards.

--Jean

My Favorite Things Die-namics, Tag Builder Blueprints 1	Pretty Pink Posh Dies, Stitched Duo 1	Memory Box Dies, Cityscape Nightline	Memory Box Dies, Cityscape Silhouette
Hero Arts ClearDesign: Naughty or Nice	Chickaniddy 12x12 Foil Paper, Silver Surfer	Heidi Swapp Believe, 6x6 Petite Paper Pack	Basic Grey 25th & Pine, 6x6 Paper Pad
Memory Box Dies, Metal Adaptor Plate	Hero Arts Embossing Powder, Silver	Ranger Super Fine Embossing Powder, 1 oz. Silver	VersaMark Ink Pad
A Cardstock, Neenah Heavyweight, Classic Crest Solar White 110 lb, 25 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Caramel Apple, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Wax Lips, 10 pk	Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Peppermint, 10 pk
Memory Box Licorice Cardstock	Sizzix Big Shot Machine, Powder Blue & Teal	Sizzix Accessory, Magnetic Platform for Wafer-Thin Dies

InLinkz.com

Stencil Trio Card by Julia Stainton

Everyone has days where they need a little pick-me-up, don't they? I've had a few days like that lately myself. Life has it's ups and downs. It's always great to have some cards on hand to encourage others. Sending our thoughts and love through the mail is what cardmaking is all about.

Today's card design is a fun layered stencil card design. I adore stencils and I love experimenting with them. Did you know that you can layer them? I mean, if one stencil is great, why not put more together? Layering is a fun way to create an interesting design.

To start off with, I like to tape my stencil to my paper layer with some Tissue Tape. Tissue tape or washi tape is great for adhering or masking and can be easily peeled off. The tape prevents the stencil from shifting when you sponge on some ink.

Here's what the first stenciled layer looks like with the stencil removed. I've sponged on the ink in two Distess Ink colors, Tumbled Glass and Shaded Lilac. I often use a couple coordinating ink colors together when stencilling a background. I like the extra dimension and interest it gives.

Next up I used the Cloud Cover Stencil by Memory Box. You can really stencil white clouds onto white paper so I decided to go with a soft pink and peach look to get the look of clouds at dawn or sunset. As you can see, I've sponged on two colors again. This time Spun Sugar and Wild Honey.

Lastly I added a dotted layer using the Tim Holtz Bubbles Stencil.

 

These are the Distress Ink colors used. I don't have a step out photo for the Squeezed Lemonade Ink but I've sponged in around some areas of the outside of the card design to symbolize sunny days are on their way.

I love this beautiful Hero Arts stamp set, Remember. It's the perfect Sympathy set but also has some great sentiments for hard times. I find writing on a card to be one of the hardest things to do. I love it that these sentiments say it for me and say it so well.

 

To add a little embellishment to the card front, there is some hemp twine swirled across the design and held in place with dots of Glossy Accents.

 

 

Supplies:

Pink Lemonade Hemp Cord	Remember Stamp Set by Hero Arts	Tumbled Glass Distress Ink Pad	Squeezed Lemonade Distress Ink
Wild Honey Distress Ink	Spun Sugar Distress Ink	Shaded Lilac Distress Ink	Archival Ink Pad, Jet Black
A Cardstock, Neenah Heavyweight, Classic Crest Solar White 110 lb, 25 pk	Sketchbook Tissue Tape	Accents, Mini Glossy	Radio Waves Stencil
Cloud Cover Stencil	Tim Holtz Stencils, Bubble	Pretty Pink Posh Sequins, 6 mm Cupped, Marshmallow	Clear Acrylic Block, 2.5 Round w/ Alignment Grid and Finger Grips

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