Monday, December 28, 2015

Snowman Fun Happy New Year Card

Made for the ECD Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

I wanted to make a Happy New Year card using Susan's snowman as the focal point. My idea was that he was going to spread magic in a whirlwind of good wishes, using his trusty broomstick as a wand. I know, it's kind of silly but kinda fun. The only thing that wasn't fun was gluing down the chunky glitter... a bit tedious that.

Making the Card

1. Cut blue cardstock 5 1/2 x 11 inches; fold in half to form a 5 1/2 inch square card base. Cut Soft Finish cream cardstock 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 inches; adhere to card base. Cut snowflake patterned paper, 4 1/2 x 4 1/2  inches; adhere to Soft Finish cream cardstock on card base.

2. Die cut snowman and accessories from Soft Finish cream cardstock. Note: I added transparent double sided adhesive to back of cardstock before cutting to make it easier to assemble later. Color with pencils (e.g. Prismacolor). I used mineral spirits (Sansodor) and blending stumps to blend the pencil, starting with a base color then adding color in layers (some without blending) for shading and detail. I colored the die cuts in place then removed them and added more pencil around the edges, matching the base colors I used before assembling (step 5). You may want to use black marker to color the eyes, mouth, and buttons plus a white gel pen to add specular highlights to the eyes.


3. Die cut light blue metallic Shimmer Sheetz and Soft Finish cream cardstock with Garden Patch grid. Adhere cream grid to card base angled as shown. Adhere Shimmer Sheetz squares as shown (fit one into the grid).

4. Stamp sentiment on a strip of Soft Finish cream cardstock as shown (mask "and" from "and Happy New Year" before inking; pull off mask before stamping). Cut a "V" tail into the right end. Adhere to card using dimensional tape.

5. Assemble and adhere snowman as shown. Add sequins and chunky glitter in a trail around snowman.


Supplies

ECD Supplies
Other Supplies
  • Cardstock: Blue
  • Patterned Paper: Snowflake Paper (Festivus, Recollections 6x6 Paper Pad 243184)
  • Colored Pencils (e.g. Prismacolor) Optional: Black Marker, White Gel Pen
  • Sequins: White, Blue, Iridescent
  • Chunky Glitter: Blue
  • Dimensional Tape
  • Optional: Mineral Spirits, Blending Stumps
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Monday, December 21, 2015

Copic Colored Boy with Ornament Christmas Card


Made for the Oak Tree Stamps Design Team

This is my last card for the Oak Tree Stamps design team. I'm a bit sad to say goodbye but I'm excited to be moving on to my new new design team at Imagine Crafts featuring Tsukineko. I found this cute tree background paper in my stash and decided to color the boy in the same colors.

Making the Card

1. Cut dark brown cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches; fold in half for a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch card base. Cut red cardstock with the 5 inch stitched rectangle die (long side dimensions used). Cut the tree patterned paper with the 4 1/2 inch stitched rectangle die. Adhere as shown.

2. Stamp sentiment and boy on alcohol friendly cardstock with alcohol friendly black ink. Optional: draw line for ground on each side of boy's feet. Color boy with alcohol markers.


3. Die cut boy using 3 1/4 inch stitched rectangle die. Cut red cardstock 1/8 inch larger in each dimension (1/16 inch will show around). Adhere together. Die cut sentiment with 2 1/2 inch stitched rectangle. Cut red cardstock 1/8 inch larger. Adhere together. Adhere these to card as shown.

4. Tie bow with red ribbon. Adhere buttons and bow where shown.


Supplies
  • Cardstock: Dark Brown, Red
  • Patterned Paper: Festivus 6x6 Pad by Michaels Recollections
  • Oak Tree Stamps: All I Want for Christmas
  • Alcohol Friendly Black Ink (e.g. Memento Tuxedo Black)
  • Alcohol Markers (e.g. Copic)
  • Alcohol Friendly Cardstock (e.g. X-Press It Blending Card)
  • Black Pen (e.g. Copic Multiliner)
  • Lawn Fawn: Large Stitched Rectangles Stackables, Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables
  • Embellishments: Red Ribbon, Tiny Buttons
Copic Colors Used:
Skin: E0000, E000, E00 Shading E11, E13
Cheeks: E01, E93
Eyes/Background: B41, B45
Hair: E53, E55, E57, E59
Ornament: R22, R27, R29 Top C03, C06
Ornament Top/Ground: N02, N04, N06
Pajamas: YG06, YG07, YG09

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Monday, December 14, 2015

Rudy the Reindeer Christmas Scene Card

Made for the Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

I wanted to make a winter scene for Rudy with some traditional holiday elements: snow, poinsettias, garlands, holly and berries. Susan's CountryScapes dies easily create the perfect backdrop for holiday scenes.

Making the Card

1. Cut white cardstock 7 x 10 inches; fold in half for a card base. Cut blue snowflake patterned paper 4 3/4 x 6 3/4 inches (DCWV The Christmas & Winter 180 Stack). Adhere to card base.

2. Cut white cardstock into two strips about 1 1/2 x 5 inches. Use Outdoor Edges hills die to create snow hills. Adhere to bottom of card as shown - use dimensional tape for the bottom hills to pop them up.

3. Watch this video for cutting the cardstock and assembling one of Karen Burniston's characters - you will make Rudy the Reindeer in a similar manner.


Measure and cut off amounts of cardstock in each color for the appropriate parts: black - reindeer base and hooves, dark brown - reindeer face/body, white -reindeer eyes and fence snow (CountryScapes Backyard 4 - Snow Décor), kraft - Country Fence 1, cream - reindeer antlers and flower pot (CountryScapes - Backyard 1), red - reindeer nose, green - poinsettia leaves (2 sets) and garlands. Add these to double sided adhesive. (I used the large roll.) Die cut. Assemble Rudy the Reindeer.

4. Die cut poinsettia flowers from red cardstock (8 total, cut 4 times). Shape petals by rubbing small stylus down each and rubbing in the middle to form a slight cup shape. Die cut holly leaves (Garden Notes - Holiday Holly & Berries) from green cardstock, 3 sets (15 total). Draw a line down the middle of each with the pointed leaf tool.


5. Make a wreath from the holly leaves around the reindeer's neck by gluing each in place by one end.  To add berries, use a toothpick to apply Rouge Liquid Pearls but do not add more than one in each place at a time, letting them dry in between, otherwise they will merge together.

6. Adhere each of the 5 petal poinsettia layers to 6 petal poinsettia layers, offsetting them. Add Liquid Pearls Avocado and Buttercup to centers with toothpick, a few dots (not touching) at a time, letting them dry in between applications.

7. Adhere fence, snow on fence, garlands, and Rudy as shown (optional: add dimensional tape behind Rudy's head and flower pot to pop them up). Adhere pot, poinsettias, and leaves as shown.

8. Stamp Merry Christmas sentiment in green ink where shown. Adhere snowflake embellishments where shown.


Supplies

Elizabeth Craft Designs Supplies


Other Supplies

  • Cardstock: White, Black, Dark Brown, Kraft, Cream, Green, Red
  • Patterned Paper: DCWV The Christmas & Winter 180 Stack (CP-002-00817)
  • Dimensional Tape
  • Glossy Accents
  • Optional: Clear Wink of Stella
  • Liquid Pearls: Buttercup, Avocdo, Rouge
  • Ink: Olympia Green (VersaFine)
  • Embellishments: Snowflakes


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Monday, December 7, 2015

Oak Tree Stamps Bear Holiday Card

Made for the Oak Tree Stamps Design Team

I combined two of the stamp sets from Oak Tree Stamps to create this little scene that's perfect for the holidays. The simple outlines of the bear and tree make them easy to fussy cut around to obtain this patterned layer effect.

Making the Card

1.  Cut green cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. Fold in half to create a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch base. Cut black cardstock 3 7/8 x 5 1/8 inches. Adhere to green base as shown.

2. With black ink, stamp tree (Bear Hugs) on tree patterned paper (Magical Collection by Studio Calico); fussy cut around tree. Stamp bear on brown patterned paper (I found this sheet in my stash but don't know where it came from - one of my 6x6 pads... use any medium brown lightly patterned paper for this). Fussy cut around bear. Stamp stump of tree on same brown patterned paper; fussy cut. Stamp bear on light brown patterned paper (Far and Away FA1010). Fussy cut muzzle, tummy, feet, and inside ears.


3.  Go around each cut piece with a black marker to cover white edges. Adhere parts of bear where they belong; glue stump on tree. Optional: add some pink chalk to bear's cheeks, ears, and pads of feet.

4. Cut blue snow patterned paper (Magical Collection by Studio Calico) 3 3/4 x 5 inches. Randomly stamp snowflakes (All I Want for Christmas) in embossing ink. Emboss with Silver Pearl embossing powder.

5. Cut white cardstock with snow edge (Outdoor Edges). Line up on blue snowflake paper as shown and trim from back. Stamp Merry Christmas sentiment (All I Want for Christmas) where shown.

6. Adhere to card front. Adhere tree where shown. Use dimensional tape to adhere bear. Tie bow with white ribbon. Adhere bow and button as shown.


Supplies
  • Cardstock: Green, Black, White
  • Ink: Black (Versafine Onyx Black)
  • Oak Tree Stamp Sets: Bear Hugs, All I Want for Christmas
  • Patterned Paper 6x6 Pads: Magical Collection (Studio Calico) 331570, Far and Away FA1010
  • Black Marker (e.g. Memento Marker Tuxedo Black)
  • Optional: Pink Chalk
  • Embossing Ink (e.g. VersaMark)
  • Embossing Powder: Silver Pearl (Ranger)
  • Elizabeth Craft Designs 914 Outdoor Edges
  • Dimensional Tape
  • Embellishments: Button with Snowflake, White Ribbon
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Monday, November 23, 2015

Pine Bough Wreath Tag Card

Made for the ECD Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

This elegant looking card is fairly simple to make. The trickiest part is making the pine cones but even those are pretty easy (and there's a video!). The branches flatten easily for mailing. The items that really stick up are the "berries" (half pearls). You could substitute glittery round red stickers to allow the card to flatten even more.

Making the Card

1. Cut red cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches (half of an 8 1/2 by 11 inch sheet). Fold in half. Use main Tags & More 7 - Vine die to cut top, aligning left edge along, but outside of fold (you don't want to cut the fold).

2. Cut patterned paper 3 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches to go across card front. Cut green strip 1/8 x 8 1/2 inches; cut in half. Adhere these to card base as shown.

3. Using Garden Notes - White Pine Pinecone & Bough, die cut about 14 pine bough sets from each: green and white cardstock (I cut a few more green than white). Cut apart the double boughs (you may want to trim the stems a bit as well).


4. Draw a circle where you want the wreath. I used a roll of washi tape to trace a circle. Glue pine boughs following guide line - place  2 green then 2 white (or 3 green and 2 white). Add more boughs for a fuller look.

5. Make two pine cones as shown in the video below. Optional: ink bottom of each "seed" with Walnut Stain Distress Ink and ink blending tool.


6. Adhere pine cones and red half pearls where shown.

7. Die a length of white seam binding with Evergreen Bough Distress Ink (my cardstock had more blue in it so I had to add some Stormy Sky as well). Tie through back hole. Tie white ribbon through front hole.


8. Stamp "Merry Christmas" sentiment inside, bottom right corner, in black ink.


Supplies

ECD Supplies
Other Supplies
  • Cardstock: Red, Green, White
  • Patterned Paper: Christmas Home (Teresa Collins) CH2719
  • Optional: Distress Ink - Walnut Stain, Ink Blending Tool
  • Distress Ink: Evergreen Bough, Stormy Sky
  • Seam Binding: White
  • White Ribbon
  • Black Ink
  • Red Half Pearls
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Monday, November 16, 2015

Christmas Card Featuring Anime Girl in Santa Hat

Made for the Oak Tree Stamps Design Team

Here is another design using the Oak Tree Stamps: All I Want for Christmas set. I used this cute little anime girl on a previous card, which I had watercolored. This time I'm using alcohol markers. I kept the colors pretty simple so she would really pop on the card.

Making the Card

1. Cut dark brown cardstock 4 1/4 x 11 inches. Fold in half for a card base. Cut red cardstock 4 x 5 1/4 inches. Cut star patterned paper 3 7/8 x 5 1/8 inches; adhere to red cardstock. Adhere these to front of card.

2. Die cut red cardstock with largest Spellbinders Lacey Ovals die. Die Cut gift background patterned paper with largest Spellbinders Classical Ovals Large.


3. On alcohol marker friendly paper, stamp girl on gift, "All I want for Christmas is You" sentiment, and holly & berries. Optional: add some crosshatching with a black Multiliner in heavily shaded areas. Color with alcohol markers (see list of Copic colors I used below Supplies). Add Wink of Stella Clear to hair ties, neck tie, gift bow, and berries. Cut out images with detail scissors. Use black marker (e.g. Copic Multiliner) to go around the outside to cover white edges. Add glossy accents to hair ties and berries; set aside to dry.

4. Cut out sentiment, mount on red cardstock. Adhere as shown using dimensional tape. Adhere girl on gift where shown using dimensional tape. Glue button, snowflakes, and holly & berries where shown.


Supplies
  • Cardstock: Dark Brown, Red
  • Stamps: Oak Tree Stamps - All I Want for Christmas
  • Patterned Paper: Studio Calico - Magical Collection 6x6 (331570)
  • Spellbinder Dies: S4-314 Lacey Ovals, S4-110 Classical Ovals Large (Use Largest of Both)
  • Alcohol Marker Friendly Paper (Copic X-Press It Blending Card)
  • Alcohol Markers (Copics)
  • Glossy Accents
  • Wink of Stella - Clear
  • Embellishments: Snowflake Button, Snowflakes
  • Dimensional Tape
Copic Markers Used
  • Copic Multiliner to fill in eyes, do some crosshatching, and edge once cut out
  • Skin E0000, E000, E00, E13, E11
  • Cheeks E93, E01
  • Eyes/Gift/Holly Leaves G29, G28, G24
  • Hair Y26, Y28, YR23, YR30, YR31
  • Boots/Skirt T9, T7, T5
  • Shirt/Fir T3, T2, T0
  • Dots/Hat/Tie/Hair Ties/Berries R89, R46, R81

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

Tsukineko Neon Plaid Background Cards - Video!


This is my first time using Tsukineko Radiant Neon Amplify paints. When heat is applied, they puff up giving wonderful texture and dimension, creating very exciting possibilities! In this post, you will learn how to add Radiant Neon Amplify to die cuts to give them extra oomph. The matching Radiant Neon inks, stamped in a plaid pattern, provide the perfect coordinating background.

Difficulty level: 2 out of 5
Time to create: about 45 minutes

Making the Card(s)

Video Tutorial


Step-by-Step

1. Cut black cardstock 4 1/4 x 11 inches; i.e. cut an 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet in half down the long side - I used one sheet to make two cards. Fold in half to create 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch card base(s).

2. Cut light yellow cardstock 5 x 6 inches (I also cut a white piece this size). You will cut this down later but need some extra while stamping. Tape it to grid paper using removable tape (I used Post-It tape) on the top and bottom. You may want to make guid marks on each side where you will stamp. When I didn't do so, things went a little wonky (luckily it's not too noticeable, with all that's going on on the card).

3. Stamp stripes across the card following the guides. I used a stamp press to make it easier to line up each row. Change colors and type/size to stamp between each stripe. Un-tape paper, re-tape for the other direction, then repeat the process. Cut down to 4 x 5 1/4 inches. Adhere to card base.

4. Die cut several leaf triplets from neon green cardstock. Spray with Sheer Shimmer Spritz, Sparkle. I did this on a craft sheet. I wanted them really saturated and sparkly so I dipped them in the excess spray on the sheet. Set aside to dry.

5. Die cut a bunch of different flowers from white cardstock. Mostly I chose the smallest in the sets, plus a few a bit larger. Decide which ones to layer together. Ink bottom layers well on front sides (Radiant Neon 4 Ink, Warm) but also add some on backs so white won't show when shaped. Ink top layers in another color, mostly around the edges so they won't show once the puff paint has been applied. Once dry, shape bottom layer by rubbing with back of die pick or large ball stylus.


6. Apply Radiant Neon Amplify to all top layers (matching the color you used in step 5). Apply a good even coat (you shouldn't see any cardstock through the paint). Use heat tool to puff up paint. I applied it to half the flower at a time so I could hold it with my tweezers as I heated. Add some in the center in another color then heat again. Glue top and bottom layers together, offset to show each layer best.

7. Die cut 5 copies of each sentiment you plan to use from black cardstock - I cut both "hello" and "hugs" for my two cards. Glue a for matching layers together one at a time, lining them up, to make a thick stack. The last copy is for a shadow. Apply Radiant Neon Amplify to top layer of stack and heat (again I did half at a time). Adhere the last (single) copy of word to card as shown; adhere puffy version on top but slightly offset so it looks like it has a shadow.

8. Shape leaves by running die pick or small stylus down center of each leaf. Adhere flowers and leaves as shown.


Supplies

Tsukineko
Other Supplies
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Monday, November 9, 2015

Christmas Tree with Silk Glitter Garlands Card

Made for the ECD Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

This is my first card made with the Holiday Evergreen & Trimmings dies. This realistic looking tree can be made as full as you like by layering branches. Silk Microfine Glitter adds incredible sparkle to the garlands, which look even more beautiful in person. I used a chalkboard technique for the sentiment - check it out!

Making the Card

1. Cut a piece of kraft colored cardstock to 7x10 inches. Fold in half to form a 5x7 card base. Cut pattern paper with presents at bottom to 3 3/4 x 6 inches. Cut red cardstock 4 x 6 1/4 inches for mat. Adhere pattern paper to red mat. Cut striped pattern paper 4 1/2 x 6 1/8 inches. Cut black cardstock 4 1/4 x 5 7/8 inches for mat. Adhere striped pattern paper to black mat. Adhere both to card base as shown.

2. Die cut tree twice from green cardstock and once from brown (you may need metal adaptor plate if the cardstock is thick). Cut branches off brown tree - you will only use the trunk part. Adhere trunk to one of the green trees. With other green tree, cut off each branch, making a little circular-like end where the branch meets the trunk (see photo). Add cut branches to tree, gluing ends at tree trunk. Adhere tree to matted gift pattern paper where shown, leaving branches mostly free (unglued) for a 3D look.


3. Die cut two sets of presents from alcohol marker friendly cardstock. Color with alcohol markers (Copic colors used are listed in Supplies). Let each layer dry before applying another. Use colorless blender to highlight areas and another coat of same color to darken shaded areas. The gifts are so small you really don't need to do any fancy coloring. Adhere to card where shown using dimensional tape on four. I used a double layer on two of the four to pop them up a bit more.

4. Stick one side of double sided adhesive to a piece cream cardstock. Die cut 8 garlands. Peel off backing, dip in Cool Diamond Silk Microfine Glitter, and polish with finger. Color with alcohol markers. Glue to tree as shown.

5. Cut black cardstock 1 1/8 x 2 1/4 inches. Stamp Merry Christmas sentiment in white ink (don't worry if it doesn't stamp very bright - you actually don't want it to). Add white colored pencil in some areas to give it a chalkboard look. Optional: use a craft knife to gently scrape some areas lighter as desired. Cut green cardstock 1 1/4 x 2 5/16 inches. Adhere black to green, lining up left edge.


6. Die cut small holly leaves and small berries. Draw line down middle of 3 leaves using pointed tool. On the back of each berry, rub the small round stylus to form a little cup. Glue above sentiment as shown. Adhere to top left of card using dimensional tape. Add enamel dots as shown.


Supplies

ECD Supplies
Other Supplies
  • Cardstock: Kraft, Brown, Green, Cream
  • Alcohol Marker Friendly Cardstock (e.g. 
  • Pattern Paper: Recollections - City Sidewalks 6x6 Paper Pad
  • Alcohol Markers - Copic colors used: FYG2, RV09, RV55, R29, and G19
  • Ink: White
  • Colored Pencil: White
  • Enamel Dots
  • Craft Knife (Optional)
  • Dimensional Tape
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Monday, November 2, 2015

Girl on Gift Watercolored Christmas Card

Made for the Oak Tree Stamps Design Team

This little girl was a lot of fun to watercolor! She is so joyful - the perfect choice for a Merry Christmas card. The packages at the bottom went well with the card, but if you don't have this paper, you could stamp them or even doodle them. Note: the watercolor paper is warm toned (yellowish), not white so be sure to use it for the sentiment as well.

Making the Card

1. Cut blue cardstock 7 x 10 inches. Fold in half to for a card base.  Cut red cardstock 3 3/4 x 4 3/4 inches. Cut red/white striped patterned paper 3 5/8 x 4 5/8 inches; adhere to red cardstock then to card base as shown.

2. On watercolor paper, stamp girl on present (Oak Tree Stamps: All I Want for Christmas set) using waterproof black ink. Optional: with a waterproof black pen, draw a line for the ground. Stamp Merry Christmas sentiment leaving enough space to die cut image and cut around sentiment. Watercolor image starting with lightest values, letting dry in between layers. This gives it a painterly look.

3. Die cut watercolored image using Lawn Fawn: Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables. Adhere to card base where shown.

4. Cut strip of presents from patterned paper; adhere near bottom of card. Trim excess from back of card.



5. Die cut packages using Sizzix/Tim Holtz Mini Retro Packages - large in pink and red, small in blue and pink. Cut bows from large red and small pink packages then paper piece on pink and blue packages respectively as shown. Glue a piece of cardstock on the back of each package where the ribbon cross will go: use color matching ribbon to go in the hole - cut just smaller than the package body (hint: I trace the outside of the package on the cardstock then cut just inside the line). Glue ribbons in as shown. Adhere packages where shown using dimensional tape.

6. Cut Merry Christmas sentiment out in a strip, leaving room for flag tails. Cut flag tails and trim as necessary. Adhere to red cardstock. Cut around leaving small margin of red (I trimmed the left side flush). Adhere to card where shown, using dimensional tape.

7. Adhere enamel dots as shown.


Supplies
  • Cardstock: Blue, Red, Pink
  • Watercolor Paper (e.g. Arches Hot Press)
  • Waterproof Black Ink (e.g. Versafine Onyx Black)
  • Watercolor Paints (e.g. Winsor & Newton)
  • Patterned Paper: Jolly Holiday (Recollections) 6x6 Pad
  • Oak Tree Stamps: All I Want for Christmas
  • Lawn Fawn: Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables (2nd Largest)
  • Sizzix/Tim Holtz Mini Retro Packages
  • Enamel Dots
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Monday, October 26, 2015

ECD Poinsettia Katie Label Pivot Card with Graphic 45

Created for the ECD Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

Time to make holiday cards! I know, Halloween hasn't even passed yet but I'm almost always behind on making and sending Christmas/holiday cards so I'm starting early! Maybe I'll actually get them all out on time this year! (Doubtful, but I can dream...) This card features the poinsettia flowers/dies from Susan Tierney-Cockburn from Elizabeth Craft Designs.

Making the Card

1. Cut red cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. Cut poinsettia patterned paper (Graphic 45 A Christmas Carol 8x8 pad) 5 x 8 inches. Wrap gold washi tape around near bottom as shown. Adhere to center of red cardstock - be generous with the adhesive, especially all along the outside and in center where the fold will be; remember that the label parts will need to stay together once cut as well. Fold in half. Using main Katie Label Pivot Card die, cut as directed (note: run it through 2 or 3 times due to thickness) - place the die slightly towards the top of the card to have a little more room on the bottom. Fold as instructed.

2. Using largest label die, cut two from beige holly background (Graphic 45 A Christmas Carol 6x6 pad). Adhere one label to front (left side) but leave the other off for the moment.

3. Cut 4 copies of Merry Christmas from red cardstock. Glue matching copies to each other to form thick stacks. Adhere as shown to other label. Cut two small slits where the bells will be hung. String gold thread through two small bells, tie knot at top of each. Slip these into the slots and adhere to back of label. Adhere label to right side of card as shown.

4. On a piece of cardstock at least 9 inches wide, add a line of double sided adhesive (I used 10mm size). Sprinkle with Regal Green Silk Microfine Glitter and polish with finger. Cut down to 1/8 inch strip. Add two lines of double sided adhesive to cardstock and repeat the process with True Red Silk Microfine Glitter - cutting one line 1/8 inch and one 1/4 inch. Cut two strips of Graphic 45 poinsettia patterned paper about 3/4 inch by at least 5 inches. Adhere 1/4 inch red glitter strip at top and bottom of card front: add adhesive to back, line up one side, stick down, trim on other (there should be enough for both sides). Do the same with the poinsettia strips, 1/8 inch red strip, then finally the 1/8 inch green strip - lining each flush with the previous.

5. Adhere Peace on Earth Tidings Token with dimensional tape as shown. Tie a double bow from red/white twine and glue at top of token (or tie it around token).


6. From pink and red cardstock, cut one full set plus 2 extra sets of separate petals/leaves using the Poinsettia set. From green cardstock cut double this amount (i.e. enough for two flowers). Follow instructions in video below to create two poinsettia flowers. I used Distress Inks and PanPastels as listed in supplies below. Adhere to front of card.


Supplies

ECD Supplies
Other
  • Cardstock: Red, Pink, Green, Gold
  • Patterned Paper: Graphic 45 A Christmas Carol, both 8x8 and 6x6 pads
  • Distress Ink: Forest Moss, Fired Brick, Worn Lipstick
  • Small Jingle Bells (Craft Store)
  • Gold Metallic Thread
  • Red/White Twine
  • Tim Holtz Idea-ology Adornments - Tidings Tokens (Peace on Earth)
  • Washi Tape: Gold
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Monday, October 19, 2015

Boy with Ornament Watercolored Christmas Card

Made for the Oak Tree Stamps Design Team

Introducing "All I Want for Christmas" from Oak Tree Stamps! This adorable little boy is helping to decorate, in all his wide-eyed wonder. I wanted the main focus to be on him so I decided to subtly add trees to the background rather than to the card.

Making the Card

1. Cut red cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. Fold in half for a card base. Cut black cardstock 4 x 5 1/4 inches. Cut ornament patterned paper 3 7/8 x 5 1/8 inches. Adhere ornament paper to black mat. Adhere to card.

2. Stamp boy and "Joy" sentiment in waterproof black ink on watercolor paper. I used Versafine on Arches hot press watercolor paper (love the smooth surface). Watercolor the boy, starting with the lightest color in each section, letting it dry then adding a darker shade. This gives it a certain "painterly" look.


3. Fussy cut boy. I used a craft knife for the bit between his arms. Go around edges with black marker pen from the back, e.g. Copic Multiliner with brush tip. This hides any white on the edges and gives it a polished look.

4. Cut "Joy" in a rectangle - big enough to include a flag tail. I hand cut the tail by putting a dot where I want the V to meet, then cut up to it from each side. Adhere to black cardstock, aligning edges so as to do as little cutting as possible to mat the flag.

5. Die cut tree patterned paper with Spellbinders Classic Ovals Small. Die cut red cardstock with Spellbinders Lacy Ovals. Adhere tree oval to red lacy oval. Adhere to card where shown.

6. Adhere boy and "Joy" flag to card where shown, using dimensional tape. Adhere enamel dots as shown. Tie a small bow with red ribbon and adhere.


Supplies
  • Cardstock: Red, Black
  • Watercolor Paper (e.g. Arches Hot Press)
  • Patterned Paper: Jolly Holiday (Recollections) 6x6 Pad
  • Oak Tree Stamps: All I Want for Christmas
  • Spellbinders: Lacey Ovals S4-314, Classic Ovals Small S4-112 (Largest of Both)
  • Enamel Dots
  • Red Ribbon
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Monday, October 12, 2015

Fall Leaves of Nature Tag Card

Made for the ECD Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

Happy Fall! Today I'm sharing with you this colorful Fall card. The leaves are so fun to make! Google "Fall leaves" for many beautiful examples you may use as models for your leaves.

Making the Card

1. Cut a piece of bright yellow-orange cardstock 4 1/4 x 11 inches (half of an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet). Fold in half. Optional: add a piece of leaf paper to inside flap (you could also stamp leaves and color them). With card closed, place main tag die at opening (across from fold) and cut. Trim both sides. Open card; on front side of card, line up leaves decorator die with hole and die cut.

2. Die cut a set of Woodland Leaves from white cardstock. Color using PanPastels. Draw veins using colored pencils. Use a fixative before shaping (this is optional but it will prevent some of the color from coming off onto the pad). Shape each leaf using Metal Tool Set and molding pad. Add more color if necessary.


3. Stamp quote All Things of Nature in black ink on light yellow cardstock. Using the label decorator die from the Katie Label Pivot Card, center and die cut quote. Use Distress Inks and ink blending tool to decorate the edges of label. (Optionally you could use PanPastels; be sure to use fixative.)

4. Adhere leaves, tag (dimensional tape), sequins, and buttons as shown.

5. Dye seam binding ribbon with Distress Inks. Tie ribbon through back tag hole and twine through front tag hole as shown.


Supplies

ECD Supplies
Other Supplies
  • Cardstock: Bright Yellow-Orange, White, Light Yellow
  • Fixative
  • Black Ink
  • Distress Ink: Barn Door, Spiced Marmalade, Wild Honey, Mustard Seed, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
  • Ink Blending Tool
  • Colored Pencils (e.g. Prismacolor)
  • Buttons
  • Twine
  • Sequins
  • Seam Binding Ribbon
  • Dimensional Tape
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Monday, October 5, 2015

Oak Tree Stamps Mummy Halloween Card


This cute little image of a boy dressed up as a mummy is the perfect selection for Prismacolor pencils and a Sansodor/mineral spirits blending technique.

Making the Card

1. Cut kraft cardstock 7x10 inches; fold in half for a card base. Cut black cardstock 3 7/8 x 5 inches and 4 5/8 x 6 1/8 inches. Cut spider web paper (from Boo! pad) to 3 3/4 x 4 7/8 inches. Cut cream/light orange paisley paper (from Rare Oddities pad) 4 1/2 x 6 inches. Adhere the matching sized patterned papers to the black cardstock as shown. Cut a strip of spider paper (from Boo! pad) about an inch wide.

2. Stamp mummy on white cardstock using a water based black ink that will stand up to mineral spirits and some rubbing (StazOn will probably smear). You may have to heat set it before starting.  Stamp the spider hanging off the back wrap as shown. Draw a black line and some little circles for pebbles as ground using Copic Multiliner or other black pen (test that it won't rub off first).

3. Color with Prismacolor pencils (a list of colors I used is below Supplies). Use a clean blending stump each time you switch colors (or sand off the previous color). Die cut using Small Stitched Rectangle (2 3/4 inch wide) as shown.

4. Stamp "All Wrapped Up" on white cardstock. Cut it in a strip then cut tails as shown. Adhere everything on the card as shown... from the back side of the card, cut off extra sider strip sticking out past the card edges. Adhere pumpkin embellishment.


Supplies
  • Cardstock: Kraft, Black, White
  • Pebbles Patterned Paper: Boo! 732984
  • Oak Tree Stamps: Wickedly Cute
  • Black Ink (e.g. Memento)
  • Tortillion or Stumps for Blending
  • Graphic 45 Patterned Paper: Rare Oddities 6x6 450115
  • Lawn Fawn Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables LF 768
  • Jolee's Boutique: White Pumpkin Repeats 50-21242
  • Prismacolor Colored Pencils
  • Ground Line: Copic Multiliner Black .3
Prismacolor Pencils Used
  • Face: 928, 939, PC1080, PC997
  • Wrap: 914, PC1094
  • Eyes: 904, PC103
  • Hair: 961, 962, 963
  • Ground/Shadow: 941, 946, 966, 967, 968
  • Sky: PC1079, 933, PC208
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Sunday, October 4, 2015

Missed Birthday Step-Ups T-Shirt Card


This T-Shirt stamp is the largest solid area stamp I own. It's from Stephanie Barnard (The Stamps of Life). The only ink I use when stamping large areas like this is Versafine from Tsukineko. It stamps crisp and bright every time. If I had a Misti Tool, it would have had perfectly even inking and a bit more solid color but this shows how well the ink works on a first stamp (and first try). I left the tiny offset at the top of the shirt so you can see just how crisp the lines stamp (plus I kind of like the slightly imperfect look for handmade cards).

This is the first time using the balloons background. I usually try to use more muted backgrounds so they don't distract from the main image but it was so fun I couldn't resist - perfect for a (belated) birthday card.

Making the Card

Below is a photo of some of the supplies I used on the card. I usually try to pull out the papers I plan to use - and sometimes a few of the embellishments; this makes it so much easier/faster to pull the card together. I didn't really do any coloring for this card but having the papers selected also helps when selecting the colors for the image so they can match perfectly. In this case, I just had to match the shirt ink and the crystals. Of course sometimes I tweak the papers later... this time I ended up switching out the yellow background paper, shown in the photo, for the pink background version I used on the card.


1. Using the main Step-Ups die, die cut the blue cardstock. Use the star side element to cut out each side, centering them within the edges and folds. Use the frame die that fits the star side element to cut two light blue frames; glue them behind the stars (this will be the inside of the card). Fold along the lines as instructed. Die cut pink background birthday paper with decorator die. Adhere as shown.

2. Stamp T-shirt in Satin Red Versafine ink on white cardstock. Note: I recommend heat setting after each stamping. Stamp T-shirt outline over with Onyx Black Versafine ink, then stamp "Oh, Shirt" (optionally, you could mount this inside the outline and stamp at the same time). Die cut. Add Swarovski crystals to T-shirt as shown (you could substitute other rhinestones but these shine so beautifully!).

3. Stamp "I forgot your birthday" on white cardstock with Onyx Black Versafine ink. Use the smaller label die from Sizzix Stamps - Birthday & Frames to cut it out. Doodle lines/dashes/dots around the edge of the frame in a black pen (e.g. Memento Marker, Tuxedo Black).

4. Tie a double length of red/white twine in a bow. Adhere T-shirt with dimensional tape where shown. Use dimensional tape under label but double it up where it will sit on the card base - the single layer will sit on the T-shirt. Cut off the back of the party hat button with wire cutters (sand flat if necessary). Add dimensional tape under the party hat where it will sit on the card. Adhere everything where shown.


Supplies
  • Cardstock: Blue, Light Blue, White
  • Patterned Paper: 6x6 Pad My Mind's Eye Hootenanny #6X6207
  • Sizzix Card, Kind Sentiments - Step-Ups
  • Tsukineko Inks: Onyx Black, Satin Red
  • Black Pen (e.g. Memento Marker Tuxedo Black)
  • Sizzix Stamps - Birthday & Frames
  • Stamps of Life: patterns4tshirts, tshirt2stamp, T-Shirt Dies, 
  • Hat Button: Buttons Galore & More 4168 Party Hats
  • Swarovski Crystals: pink, red, blue, clear
  • Hat Confetti, Star Sequins
  • Twine: Red/White
  • Dimensional Tape
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Saturday, October 3, 2015

Memento-Versafine Crazy Birds Halloween Card


I just love Memento and Versafine inks. Memento is great for working with alcohol markers (like Copics) but it's also wonderful for blending and painting. It does not react to water the way Distress Inks do but knowing this can allow you to create a different look. Versafine is waterproof; it's also the best ink that I've found for solid areas as well as crisp, sharp stamping.

These Crazy Birds are super fun, especially when you add in their Crazy Things! These sets have many, many stamps and dies!

Making the Card

1. When stamping, leave lots of space between the stamped images so you can cut them out. You will need to heat set everything before adding color. Stamp birds (Bird Crazy set) on heavyweight white cardstock with Onyx Black Versafine ink. The heavier weight will help keep the cardstock from warping while painting. I stamped three birds - I figured at least one wouldn't come out since I'm experimenting (and I was right). Also stamp hat and pumpkin bucket from Crazy Things.


2. Using a watercolor brush and some water, you will color the images. This technique is meant to show strokes and be rather loose. The drawn shaded areas on the stamp make it really easy to color. For the body of the bird, I used three green colors of Memento ink: Cottage Ivy for the darkest areas, Bamboo Leaves for the mid-tones, and Pear Tart for the lightest. Do this in layers, making your strokes match the contours of the bird. See the Supplies section for the colors I used for everything else. I bought Dew Drop versions of all the Memento colors - they are super handy to use as well as portable. Squish some on a craft mat or art palette then add some water (sparingly) with the brush. You may want to test it in a corner of the cardstock before painting to see how much is absorbed and how it goes on. Don't use too much water and do not wet the paper before coloring.

Note: I stamped one of the pumpkin buckets, masked it (see step 3 for masking), measured the bird stamp, penciled some guides, then stamped one of the birds over it to make it one layer. The other will have more dimension by popping the items up (plus it's easier!).

3. Stamp bird on masking paper in black ink. I use Post-it Tape. Heat set (it will probably need more time than on cardstock due to a slicker surface). Cut just inside the black line - this helps prevent a white line around the object after inking. Note: if you have the matching dies, you can cut out the bird then trim any excess as necessary. I cut off the legs and feet since they are unnecessary and will likely just pull up while inking. Place mask on one of the birds (I did the one without the stamped pumpkin bucket).


4. On a new piece of masking, draw a slight hill for the bird to stand on leaving space on top and bottom, with a flat spot in the middle for the bird's feet. Cut across the line. Place the bottom mask below the bird's feet. Using an ink blending tool and Paris Dusk ink, blend starting on the mask moving in circles off as you work your way around the bird. A little goes a long way! I made my first one way too dark (plus added purple but didn't like it). I decided to use that one for parts: die cut or use scissors to cut around the eyes, beak, and wings. Remove masks. Place the other half of the hill mask over the just inked area (starting at the bird's feet) - lined up with the ink line to protect it. Ink with Peanut Brittle across as ground then add a little Espresso Truffle under the bird for a shadow. Peel up mask. Using a black pen (e.g. Memento Marker, fine tip), draw a line between the ground and sky; add a few small circles for pebbles.


5. Stamp frame then "trick or treat" sentiment (Skull Blueprint) on heavyweight white cardstock (note: the Cobweb Blueprint has a matching "happy halloween"). Die cut with frame die. Use the same three green colors to watercolor alternating stripes across.

6. Stamp "Happy Halloween" (Halloweenies) on the edge of heavyweight white cardstock - trim to a strip then cut tails on right side. Ink lightly with Bamboo Leaves on the top and bottom edges.

7. Use 2nd largest Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables die to cut out the bird with background. Use Crazy Birds die or scissors to cut out bird without background (I hand cut my bird before remembering the die - cutting off the legs/feet to make it easier... although they need to be stamped back on later). Use Crazy Things dies or scissors to cut out witch hat and pumpkin bucket. Use Memento Marker to go around edges (from back side) of bird parts, cut out bird, witch hat, and pumpkin bucket.


8. Cut an 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of heavyweight white cardstock in half so you will have two pieces 5 1/2 x 8 1/2. Fold them in half to form two card bases. Cut black cardstock into two pieces 4 x 5 1/4 inches and one piece 2 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches. Cut bright green cardstock 3 3/8 x 4 3/4 inches. From Toil & Trouble patterned paper, cut bats/green background and black/green chevron papers to 3 3/4 x 5 inches, orange/black Halloween word paper to 2 5/8 x 3 5/8 inches, and the colored lines on black paper to 3 1/4 x 4 5/8 inches. Adhere all papers to their mats as shown.

9. If you cut off the legs/feet of the cut out bird, you will need to stamp them on the orange/black above where you plan to put the label. I used a stamp positioner, inking up just the legs, to do this. I realized that they blended too much into the background so I went over them with a green Milky pen (you could paint them with acrylic if you don't have the pen). Adhere mats to card as shown; adhere the bird, and "trick or treat" label with dimensional tape as shown.

10. To the bird with background, add eyes, beak, wings, hat, and pumpkin bucket with dimensional tape. Adhere mats, "Happy Halloween" banner, and bird as shown

11. Adhere enamel dots as shown. Tie twine around each card with a bow on the edge.


Supplies
  • Cardstock: Heavyweight White (110lb/298gsm), Black, Bright Green
  • Patterned Paper: American Crafts Toil & Trouble 340046
  • Versafine Ink: Onyx Black
  • Memento Ink: See List Below
  • Memento Marker: Tuxedo Black 900
  • Stampers Anonymous: Bird Crazy CMS212, Crazy Things CMS237
  • Sizzix Dies (Optional): Bird Crazy 660954, Crazy Things 660953
  • Sizzix Die Set with Stamps: Skull Blue Print (Trick or Treat Sentiment)
  • Paper Smooches: Halloweenies (Happy Halloween Sentiment)
  • Lawn Fawn Small Stitched Rectangle Stackables LF 768
  • Ink Blending Tool
  • Dimensional Tape
  • Enamel Dots
  • Twine: Black/Orange, Black/Green
Memento Ink (Dew Drops)
  • Bird Body: Cottage Ivy, Bamboo Leaves, Pear Tart
  • Beak: Cantaloupe, Dandelion
  • Eyes: Summer Sky
  • Pumpkin Bucket: Cantaloupe, Tangelo, Morocco
  • Witch Hat: Elderberry, Sweet Plum, Peanut Brittle (Buckle)
  • Background: Paris Dusk
  • Ground: Peanut Brittle, Espresso Truffle
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