Halloween Lilly Accordion Rectangle Card

Made for the ECD Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

I just love Graphic 45 papers, especially the Halloween pads! It was so much fun using the coordinating 6x6 and 8x8 Rare Oddities papers - the colors and designs, oh my! For the front of my card, I created a lily in purple and black (based on the Landini Lily images I found online) using Susan Tierney-Cockburn's beautiful Lily dies; prefect for my Halloween theme.

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Making the Card

Note: basic color and word sheets come from 6x6 Graphic 45 - Rare Oddities pad, other decorative papers (books, butterflies, etc.) from the 8x8 pad.

1. From black cardstock, die cut three copies of the main Accordion Rectangle as the card base. Also cut green newspaper print/cream background paper using main Accordion Rectangle. Adhere it to one of the black card bases then cut the connecting tabs and flap off (see instructions in packaging); this will be the last panel of the card. For the first panel, which will be the front of the card, using the decorator die (largest rectangle die), cut the purple with cream words paper from 6x6. Adhere to center (flap to right).

2. Cut leaves and stem of Garden Notes - Lily from green page. Using applicator, shade with green Pan Pastel (I folded the leaves backwards down the middle to chalk the center line). Optional: you may use Distress Ink as shown in the video - Peeled Paint should work. Cut petals and stamen from purple page. Using blending tool to add Dusty Concord Distress Ink covering the side with words and as shading to purple side of petals and stamen. Add Black Soot Distress Ink to top and bottom of both sides of each petal as well as stamen. With a watercolor brush, brush some Black Soot in stripes down the middle of each petal (I used the originally purple side of the paper as the fronts for the stripes, which will form the inside of the petals). Shape flower and assemble as instructed in video below. Note: I used black embossing powder as pollen on the ends of the stamen.

3. Using Katie Flourish Frame Edges, cut 4 long edges and 4 short from purple paper, 2 long edges and 2 short from both orange and green. Adhere purple forming frames on both sides of first panel (step 1). Adhere orange to middle (flap right) and green to last (no flap).

4. Tie two pieces of twine together into a bow. Optional: the white was too bright against the cream in the card so I used Antique Linen Distress Stain and water to antique it. Cut cream tag using small tag on the main Tags Pivot Card; trim to a single tag (note: I used a scrap just larger than the last tag). Stamp October word background with Concord Grape Distress Ink 2nd generation stamping, i.e. stamp first on a scrap then on the tag. I used Cherish the Day CTMH stamp set, but it might be difficult to find; you may substitute it with any Halloween related word stamps. Using blending tool, add some of the same ink to edges. Sand to give it a grunge look, concentrating a bit more where the "Happy Halloween" will go. Stamp "Happy Halloween" in black near bottom of tag. Adhere flower and leaves to front panel as shown - I cut the stem and pieced it so it would go in the direction I needed to put the flower in the corner and have the stem behind the tag. Adhere tag using dimensional tape. Adhere bow as shown.

5. Cut raven, cat, tree, and bats from black cardstock. Add eyes to cat with yellow or green Milky pen (or paint with acrylic). Use cream Pan Pastels to add highlights to backs of raven and cat. Also add some to the tree. Add a dot of black Enamel Accents for raven's eye. Cut pumpkins from orange paper (I also cut stem area from green, trimmed excess, then glued on pumpkins). Use paintbrush to add lines with Rusty Hinge Distress Ink. Trace pumpkins on yellow cardstock. Cut just inside the lines; glue behind pumpkins to make eyes "glow."

6. Cut pieces of 8x8 patterned papers shown on middle card - books, butterfly strip, "Bewitched" strip, and bottle label. To make the pieces fit perfectly, use the main Accordion Rectangle die to cut them: first rough cut each piece larger than where it will be placed, then looking through die, tape with Post-It or other removable tape before cutting. Adhere where shown (I glued in this order, books, bottle label - not overlapped, butterfly strip, "Bewitched" strip. Mask butterfly strip and above then stamp spider in black where shown (I found the spider stamp in the dollar bin at my local craft store - if you can't find one on a web strand, just stamp a small spider and draw a line down using a black pen). Adhere cat and raven as shown.

7. For the last panel, temporarily place tree and trim branches as desired - if any stick off the left side, cut them off (I did this after gluing). Adhere tree but don't put glue where large pumpkin will be placed; adhere pumpkin slightly under tree. Adhere small pumpkin with dimensional tape. Adhere bats where shown. For a little dimension, I bent a couple bat wings up (you could do a double layer of bats with top set of wings bent up if desired). Adhere enamel dots where shown. Assemble card as per instructions on packaging.

Supplies

Elizabeth Craft Designs

• 972 Accordion Rectangle (updated to Karen Burniston's new versions)
• 995 Garden Notes - Lily
• 989 CountryScapes - Country Critters 1 (Raven, Cat)
• 1078 CountryScapes - Backyard 3 Apple Orchard (Tree)
• 1080 CountryScapes - Build a Scarecrow (Pumpkins)
• 1082 CountryScapes - Critters 4 (Bats)
• 973 Tags Pivot Card (updated to Karen Burniston's new versions)
• 977 Katie Flourish Frame Edges
• 808 Susan's Garden 4pcs. All metal Tool Set in Luxury Case
• 810 Large Molding Pad
• Pan Pastels: Susan's Garden PanPastel Flower Coloring Kit 3 - 30117 (Green, Cream)
• Double Sided Adhesive

Other Supplies

• Cardstock: Black, Cream, Yellow
• Graphic 45 Paper: Rare Oddities 6x6 and 8x8 Pads
• Distress Inks: Dusty Concord, Black Soot, Rusty Hinge
• Embossing Powder: black
• Optional: Antique Linen Distress Stain
• Twine: White/Light Purple/Dark Purple (Tricolor)
• Happy Halloween Stamp
• CTMH Stamps: Cherish the Day #S1111 (Stamp of the Month November 2011), Just to Say from Artfully Sent Cricut Collection #D1629
• Milky: Yellow or Green OR Acrylic Paint
• Enamel Accents: Black
• Spider Stamp
• Dimensional Tape

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Paper Smooches Color of the Season Card

I just love the colors of Fall. The trees look so beautiful at this time of year. I wanted the focus of the card to be on the colorful leaves so I made the background and tree the same color, just giving the tree a little dimension by stacking die cuts.

Making the Card

1. Cut kraft cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches; fold in half to form a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch card base.

2. Die cut 3 trees from kraft cardstock. Adhere these together to form a thick stack. Adhere to card base as shown.

3. Die cut a set of leaves from the following colors of cardstock: green, yellow, yellow/orange, orange, red. Ink edges with various colors of Distress Ink using an ink blending tool.

4. Shape each leaf over foam pad using ball stylus. Use pointy end of leaf tool or die pick to draw a line down the middle of each leaf.

5. Stamp sentiment in black (e.g. VersaFine Onyx Black). Adhere leaves to tree, a few at the base of the tree, and in a swirly pattern as shown.

Supplies

• Paper Smooches Die: Fall Tree
• Paper Smooches Stamps: Fall Sampler
• Distress Inks: Walnut Stain, Aged Mahogany, Candied Apple, Spiced Marmalade, Rusty Hinge, Fossilized Amber, Mowed Lawn, Peeled Paint
• VersaFine Onyx Black Ink
• Ink Blending Tool
• Foam Pad (or Rubber Mouse Pad)
• Ball Stylus, Die Pick or Leaf Tool

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Pink Dogwood Shaker Cards

Made for the ECD Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

Dogwoods are one of my favorite trees. Every Spring I look forward to them blooming in my yard. The flowers are so beautiful! In this tutorial, I'll show you how to make two shaker cards at the same time. I used ECD's Soft Finish Cardstock for all but the stand - it has a wonderful texture and the colors are really pigmented. So lovely! The stand was made from plain watercolor paper - I just wanted a simple holder so as not to take away from the cards.

Making the Cards

1. Cut two pieces of plastic packaging just under of 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 inches (maybe 1/16 smaller).

2. Using Curvy Squares, die cut Rosebud and Perfect Pink Soft Finish Cardstock. Be sure to keep all pieces. Adhere the two largest squares to front of plastic packaging such that one has Rosebud as the outside square with Perfect Pink inside and the opposite on the other. Glue all opposite color dots into the outside frames. See photo as a reference.

3. Using the Dogwood dies, cut the following from each cardstock as listed:

• White - 18 sets of petals (with 4 in each set): 10 for flowers, the rest for shakers (I kept them sorted by kind)
• Olive Twist - 10 sets of leaves/calyx and stamen, plus 10 extra small leaves (5 each) for shakers
• Dark Chocolate - 2 branches

Be sure to keep the shaker pieces separate.

4. I recommend doing a quick Google search for pink dogwood blossoms (select the images tab).  Note the variations in the amount of pink in the blossoms - decide on how much color you would like and color accordingly. Color petals using Fuchsia watercolor pencil by drawing lines down each. Keep a white U around the middle of each tip. See photo. Add water with a small paint brush to activate the watercolor, again keeping the top middle part white. Lines should be somewhat visible. Do both sides. Tap Forest Moss Distress Ink onto craft mat or palette; add water with a small brush and paint a dab in the middle tip of each petal. Do both sides.

5. For the leaves, first apply Forest Moss Distress Ink with a foam blending tool along edges of each leaf then completely cover the backs (especially on the ones which will go in the shaker), cover all white areas of each stamen, plus the edges of each calix (the insides won't show). Use Light Olive watercolor pencil to draw vein lines.

6. Color branches with Oak watercolor pencil - I just traced the embossed lines and used a little water with a brush to go over them. Ink edges with Ground Espresso Distress Ink (hint: to apply hard-to-reach places, dab some on a craft mat and use a brush with water).

7. Shape everything as shown in the video below. Don't assemble just yet; wait until the shaker has been put together.

8. On the back of the card fronts, adhere dimensional tape around edges (backsides of frames) - leave backing on other side of tape for now. It should form a closed box in back so none of the shaker bits will fall out. Go around edges with powder to remove any stickiness. Fill each with petals, leaves, beads, sequins, etc. (be sure to set aside leaves/petals for 10 flowers first!). Cut Café au Lait cardstock to 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 inches. Peel off backing on dimensional tape and stick down such that color will show in front of card (the back will be white - this is where your message may go).

9. Adhere branches, one on each card, keeping in mind where you would like sentiment. Adhere flowers and leaves as shown in video. Note: I used White Opal Liquid Pearls on the stamen directly instead of using a Pearl Pen to make dots.

10. Die cut sentiments from White, Rosebud, and Perfect Pink cardstocks. Adhere offset with darkest on bottom as shown. Adhere to cards.

You may want to mail a stand along with the card. Check out the Card Stand/Easel by ECD - it's perfect for cards. You may optionally add this to a card base that opens in a more traditional manner by making the Café au Lait cardstock double the size in one dimension (fold in half so color is on outside).

Supplies

ECD Supplies

• Soft Finish Cardstock: White, Rosebud, Perfect Pink, Olive Twist, Dark Chocolate, Café au Lait
• 1009 Susan's Garden - Dogwood
• 1064 Fitted Frames 4 - Curvy Squares
• Susan's Garden 4 Piece All Metal Tool Set in Luxury Case
• Mini Molding Pad
• 788 Thank You
• 787 Hello
• Beacon Kids Choice Glue
• Optional: 1071 Card Stand/Easel

Other Supplies

• Plastic Packaging (Recycle)
• Distress Ink: Forest Moss, Ground Espresso, (Optional: Worn Lipstick)
• Inktense Watercolor Pencils: Fuchsia, Light Olive, Oak
• Dimensional Tape
• Powder or Flour
• Beads, Sequins, Mini Buttons, Chunky Glitter
• Liquid Pearls: White Opal

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Grunge Look Coneflowers Card

This card uses some of the Through the Lens cardstock, as a base for the flowers as well as the card background. I love working with this cardstock! It gives a unique look to everything. I used Distress Inks to add a bit more color then grunged them all  up with white acrylic paint.

Making the Card

1. Cut teal cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches; fold in half to form a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch card base. Cut charcoal cardstock to 4 x 5 1/4 inches. Sand Edges randomly and rough them up to give them a worn look.

2. Find the paper featuring the grate with blue/blue-green and burgundy colors in the Metal Through the Lens pack. Cut it to 3 3/4 x 5 inches. Ink edges with Mermaid Lagoon Distress Ink. Tatter edges.

3. Using the Coneflower set, die cut 2 sets of flowers and leaves from Stone Through the Lens cardstock (the piece with brown cracks, which is mostly light gray and has the light blue cement texture). Hint: I lined up the cracks so they would go down the middle of the leaves to look like veins. To color the leaves, use Distress Inks in Cracked Pistachio (centers) and Pine Needles (edges). Working from center to petal tips, color one flower with Cracked Pistachio, Peacock Feathers, and Mermaid Lagoon. Be sure to color the backs as well. Color the other flower with Abandoned Coral and Aged Mahogany (center to tips).

4. Die cut one center (stamen) each from light pink and white cardstock. Add Aged Mahogany to the tips of the light pink and Cracked Pistachio, Peacock Feathers, and Mermaid Lagoon (bottom to top) to the white. (Optional: you could cut both from white cardstock then use Abandoned Coral on the bottom of the one with Aged Mahogany.) Note: I cut the bottom of the stamen roughly in half so the centers will be a bit lower in the flowers.

5. Add Distress Glaze to all pieces. This will help prevent ink from leeching through the white paint.

6. Shape petals and leaves using toolkit and mini molding pad; construct flowers as shown in the video below:

7. Stamp sentiment in black ink on pink cardstock. Die cut sentiment with Katie Label Pivot Card label, mid sized (it should fit perfectly around the words). Add a little Aged Mahogany ink, mostly on the edges. Optional: Add a small amount of Antique Linen in places to give it a more aged look.

8. Add white acrylic paint to edges of everything and randomly on flowers and leaves. Cut a piece of wall joint tape to about 2 x 3 inches.

9. Adhere Through the Lens grate cardstock to charcoal cardstock, then both of those to card front. Adhere joint tape, cheesecloth, label (use dimensional tape), flowers, leaves and enamel dots as shown.

Supplies

ECD Supplies

• 1007 Susan's Garden - Coneflower
• Through the Lens Cardstock: Metal, Stone
• Seeds of Thought Red Rubber Stamp - Take Time
• 768 Katie Pivot Card
• Susan's Garden 4 Piece All Metal Tool Set in Luxury Case
• Mini Molding Pad
• Beacon Kids Choice Glue!

Other Supplies

• Cardstock: Teal, Charcoal, Light Pink
• Distress Inks: Mermaid Lagoon, Peacock Feathers, Cracked Pistachio, Pine Needles, Aged Mahogany, Abandoned Coral, Antique Linen - Optional
• Distress Glaze
• Embossing Powders: Distress Aged Mahogany, Antiquities Cobalt (used for pollen)
• Ink: Black (e.g. VersaFine Onyx Black)
• Acrylic Paint: White
• Cheesecloth
• Wall Joint Tape: White
• Enamel Dots: White
• Dimensional Tape

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StazOn Studio Glaze Papers

StazOn Studio Glaze is a translucent pigmented medium that works well on non-porous surfaces. The best results were achieved on gessoed or glossy cardstock. In the video I show how it acts on regular cardstock (not pictured above) - it's not as vibrant but it's not bad either, if you want a more muted look.

Making the Project

Watch the video for step-by-step instructions:

The papers have a wonderful texture to them. Both of the foreground pieces below were gessoed. The one at the top (between) is glossy; sorry, it's a bit hard to distinguish. The die cut pieces further below are on glossy. The biggest difference is that the glaze goes on more transparent unless applied thickly, whereas the gessoed pieces grab on to the glaze more readily. This technique could be used in mixed media projects.

These papers make great backgrounds for cards, scrapbooks, and other projects. The following pieces were die cut from Studio Glazed glossy cardstock.

I created the following card using one of the papers. Shimmer Creative Medium was added to the Studio Glaze. The dots are translucent and have a subtle shimmer.

The rest of the card was made with black cardstock, Stardream Neenah paper (Jupiter), seam binding (bow), and a die cut black clay heart (Makin's Clay, see the Clay Embellishments tutorial).



Supplies

Imagine Crafts Supplies

• StazOn Studio Glaze: Midnight Blue, Gold, Claret, Ganache
• Creative Medium: Clear, Shimmer
• Brushstix
• DoodleStix
• Palette Knives
• Brilliance Dew Drop Ink Pad: Rocket Red Gold

Other Supplies

• Gesso
• Cardstock, Glossy Cardstock 
• Craft Mat
• Dies: Alphabet (e.g. Sizzix/Tim Holtz Word Play, Word Dies (e.g. Elizabeth Craft Designs Get Well Soon)
• Stencil: Dots (e.g. Heidi Swapp 370580)

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Shimmering Chrysanthemums Card

Made for the ECD Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

Shimmer Sheetz make really beautiful flowers! Here I decided to try them with Susan Tierney-Cockburn's Chrysanthemum dies. In person you can see a lot of different colors in the iridescent finish as you turn the card. The layers of black cardstock that make up the Hello sentiment give a really nice 3D look to the greeting. The embossed velvet background adds even more dimensionality to the card.

Making the Card

1. Cut Bright Orange Soft Finish cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. Fold in half for a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch card base.

2. Cut black cardstock 3 3/4 x 5 inches. Cut yellow velvet adhesive to 3 5/8 x 4 7/8 inches. Emboss using Bouquet Embossing Folder. Peel off backing and stick to black cardstock. Adhere to front of orange card base.

3. Using Garden Notes - Chrysanthemum, die cut large and medium petals from Orange Iridescent Shimmer Sheetz and small petals from Yellow Iridescent Shimmer Sheetz. Die cut leaves and stem from Green Iridescent Shimmer Sheetz. Hint: use a Metal Cutting Plate to help cut through the Shimmer Sheetz.

4. Shape petals using ball stylus - you need to apply a bit more pressure than with card stock to get them to curl. Rub back of each petal then flip and press in center to get them to cup. Shape leaves by pressing on back with ball stylus then turn over and draw vein lines with leaf tool (pointed end). I cut off the leaf from one of the stems and glued it elsewhere. I also accidentally double cut one of the leaves but it came out OK, just smaller, so I used it. I used Glue Dots to adhere petal layers together, as well as to adhere the flower to the card.

5. Using Hello die, die cut 4 or 5 copies from black cardstock and one from Orange Iridescent Shimmer Sheetz. Glue the black copies together, lining them up to form a thick stack. Glue the orange copy on top. Adhere to card as shown.

6. Adhere enamel dots where shown. Tie two pieces of twine into a bow. Adhere where shown.

Supplies

ECD Supplies

• Soft Finish Cardstock: Bright Orange
• 1087 Garden Notes - Chrysanthemum
• E121 Bouquet Embossing Folder
• Shimmer Sheetz: Orange Iridescent, Yellow Iridescent, Green Iridescent
• Velvet Adhesive: Yellow
• Susan's Garden 4 Piece Metal Tool Set in Luxury Case
• Metal Cutting Plate
• 787 Hello

Other Supplies

• Cardstock: Black
• Enamel Dots
• Twine: Candy Corn, Orange
• Glue Dots

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Coloring Flower Die Cuts with Memento

In the tutorial video below, I show how to color and shape flower die cuts for a realistic look. The dies are by Elizabeth Craft Designs and Susan Tierney-Cockburn.

Making the Card

Start by cutting the cardstock:

Kraft card base 7x10 inches
Dark brown cardstock  4 1/4 x 6 1/4 inches
Patterned cardstock 4x6 inches
From white cardstock:

• Die cut one copy of all petal layers except the small (cut two) for the Magnolia - make 1 flower
• Die cut two copies of each petal layer for each Chrysanthemum - make 2 flowers
• Die cut one copy of all petal layers for each tulip - make 4 flowers

Die cut three sets of Ivy, plus as many leaves as desired for the flowers from green cardstock
Die cut one grapevine wreath from brown cardstock

Here's the video tutorial step-by-step:

Supplies

ECD Supplies

• 1142 Garden Notes Southern Magnolia
• 1087 Garden Notes Chrysanthemum
• 1000 Garden Notes Tulip
• 1138 Garden Notes Grapevine Wreath Oval
• 1036 CountryScapes Mini Botanicals - Clematis, Ivy
• 808 Susan's Garden 4pcs. All metal Tool Set in Luxury Case
• 810 Large Molding Pad

Imagine Crafts Supplies

• Memento Markers: Dandelion, Love Letter, Angel Pink, Lulu Lavender, Morocco, New Sprout, Olive Grove
• Memento Ink (Dew Drops): Dandelion, Cantaloupe, Tangelo, Morocco, Lady Bug, Lulu Lavender, Grape Jelly, Bamboo Leaves, Cottage Ivy
• Ink Potion No. 9
• Fantastix
• Sponge Daubers

Other Supplies

• Cardstock: Green, Brown, Dark Brown White, Kraft
• Patterned Cardstock: DCWV The Mariposa Stack 6x6 Pad CP-002-00994
• Beacon Kids Choice Glue
• Optional: Petroleum Jelly

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Clay Embellishments

Makin's Clay is a no bake polymer clay that comes in several colors. I used black so that the iridescent Creative Mediums and irRESISTible products would really stand out. Use these embellishments for decorating cards and other projects.

Making the Embellishments

The following video is a step-by-step tutorial on how to make these embellishments.

Supplies

Imagine Crafts Supplies

• Creative Medium: Iridescent-Pink, Chartruse, Turquioise, Purple; Metallic-Silver
• irRESISTible Texture Spray: Silver
• irRESISTible Pico Embellisher: Shimmer, Tuxedo Black, Wedding Dress
• StazOn: Blazing Red, Cactus Green
• Ink Blushers
• Palette Knives

Other Supplies

• Makin's Clay: Black
• Optional: Pasta/Clay Machine or Clay Roller
• Dies, e.g. Sizzix/Tim Holtz Movers and Shapers
• Stencils, e.g. Heidi Swapp (Dots/Hearts/Stars), Crafters Workshop (Butterflies)

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Hyacinth Colored with Gelatos

Made for the ECD Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

Hyacinths are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. Mine are just starting to come out. They are so beautiful and have a wonderful scent. In honor of Spring, I made this card featuring a pink hyacinth.

This is the first time I used ECD's Fitted Frames - they make great backdrops or frames for any card!

Making the Card

1.  Cut dark pink cardstock 5 x 10 inches; fold in half to create a 5 x 5 inch card base.

2. Die cut one pink and one green set of Curvy Squares. Cut the flower patterned paper to 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 inches. Adhere the frames and patterned paper to front of card as shown (note, you may want to adhere the patterned paper behind the pink curvy square before adhering the frames on top).

3. From cream cardstock, die cut at least 3 sets of Hyacinth petals in both sizes; die cut leaves.

4. Color petals with Bubble Gum and Metallic Icing Gelatos. Use damp brush to blend. You may add color directly to the die cuts or to a craft mat then apply with brush (I did a combination of these).

5. Color leaves with Metallic Mint, Iced Pear, Lime, Margarita Mix Gelatos. I applied these directly then blended with damp brush until I achieved the look I wanted.

6. Shape and assemble flower as shown in the video below, adhering to card as shown.

7. Tie pink/green/cream twine into a double bow; glue where shown.

8. Optional: add a few strips of Washi tape to inside bottom right corner; adhere heart where shown using dimensional tape.

Supplies

ECD Supplies

• 1016 Garden Notes - Hyacinth
• 1064 Fitted Frames 4 - Curvy Squares
• 808 Susan's Garden 4pcs. All metal Tool Set in Luxury Case
• 810 Large Molding Pad

Other Supplies

• Cardstock: Dark Pink, Pink, Green, Cream
• Patterned Paper: Authentique 6x6 Seasonas Essentials SEA500
• Gelato: Bubble Gum, Metallic Icing, Metallic Mint, Iced Pear, Lime, Margarita Mix
• Brush, Water
• Twine: Pink/Green/White
• Optional: Washi Tapes in Pink, Green, Cream Colors; Dimensional Tape

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Pink Magnolia Tag

Made for the ECD Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

The Susan's Southern Magnolia dies make wonderful, realistic magnolia blooms. It's also one of the easier flowers to make (compared to her other designs) since there are not as many pieces to assemble. I couldn't help making this into a pink magnolia flower - one of my favorite colors! On the real flowers, the color is mainly on the outside of the petals with white inside. Some color does come through to the inside though. Be sure to Google "pink magnolia" for some image examples.

Making the Card

1. Cut teal/white striped paper and cardstock to about 3 x 5 1/2 inches - paying attention to the pattern if you want to be precise. Ahere together. Using Flourish Tag die, center and cut near top. Trim excess so final tag is just under 5 inches long (width determined by die; trim sides flush). Optional: use a corner rounder on the bottom two corners.

2. From white cardstock, die cut magnolia petals, two copies of the small triple petals and one copy of everything else. Die cut two flower centers. From green cardstock, die cut magnolia leaves: two small plus one large. Color with pink pastel pencil on outside of petals: start lines at the base and go towards but not all the way to edge of each petal. Smudge/blend with makeup applicator or stump (you could also use your finger; it's just messier). Add light smudges inside as well, but don't use the pencil directly. You could also use alcohol markers or even watercolor pencils, water, and a paintbrush to achieve a similar look.

3. Add pink to bottom of both flower center pieces, but not to the top part... use yellow Pan Pastel on the tops. Color leaves and shape everything as shown in the video. I drew and smudged vein lines with dark green pastel pencil before adding the rest of the color and shaping.

4. Die cut the three Banners from pink triangle and turquoise papers (see Supplies) as shown. Fold, glue, and adhere to card as shown.

5. Adhere silver foil cardstock to thin craft foam. Die cut Dream, Hope, and Joy. Adhere as shown. Adhere magnolia where shown. Tie two pieces of pink/white twine through tag hole.

Supplies

ECD Supplies

• 1142 Garden Notes Southern Magnolia
• 957 Tags & More 4 - Flourish
• 808 Susan's Garden 4pcs. All metal Tool Set in Luxury Case
• 810 Large Molding Pad
• 30117 Susan's Garden PanPastel Flower Coloring Kit 3
• 1153 Banners
• 733 Dream
• 752 Hope
• 753 Joy

Other Supplies

• Cardstock: White, Green
• Paper: Heidi Swapp 6x6 Paper Pad Favorite Things 01163, Silver Foil Cardstock (e.g. Tim Holtz Kraft-Core Metallic Collection by Core'dinations)
• Pastel Pencils: Stabile CarbOthello 335 (Magenta/Pink), 595 (Dark Green)
• Distress Embossing Powder: Mustard Seed
• Petroleum Jelly
• Craft Foam (I used the thin version)
• Beacon Kits Choice Glue
• Twine: Pink/White
• Optional: 1/4 inch Corner Rounder

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Elegant Golden Roses Birthday Card

Made for the ECD Susan Tierney-Cockburn Design Team

I recently bought some FineTec mica watercolor paints. I was amazed to see how incredibly shiny and beautiful they are. The gold makes the card look really elegant. Just be aware that the paint may flake off on smooth cardstock so be sure to shape the flowers before adding the watercolor. This card could easily be made into a wedding or anniversary card just by changing the sentiment.

Making the Card

1. Cut white cardstock 5 1/4x10 inches; fold in half for a 5x5 1/4 inch card base. Go around outer three edges with Tibet Gold FineTec Artist Mica Watercolor.

2. Die cut two copies of Grapevine Wreath from white cardstock. Add Tibet Gold to parts of one. Shape by rubbing ball stylus along outside branches on both copies. Adhere copy with gold to card base then adhere white copy on top (in a different orientation so the branches will be offset).

3. Die cut label (Katie Label Pivot Card) from white cardstock. Go around edges with Tibet Gold.

4. Die cut 5 or 6 copies of Happy Birthday from white cardstock. Glue all but one copy lined up on top of one another to form a thick stack. Paint edges with Tibet Gold (try not to get any gold paint on the front or back of the words - the glue won't stick to it well). Adhere final (white) copy to top of stack.

5. Die cut roses (Garden Notes - Rose 2, Garden Patch - 1 1/2-inch & Mini Roses) from white cardstock. If you want fuller roses, just cut some extra petals. Shape petals and leaves as shown in the video below (cut leaves off stem - discard stem) and assemble flowers. Paint edges of petals and leaves with Tibet Gold. Adhere flowers and leaves as shown. Note: I used Kids Choice Glue - it works really well.

6. Adhere gold beads as shown.

Supplies

ECD Supplies

• 1139 Garden Notes Grapevine Wreath Round
• 998 Garden Notes - Rose 2
• 1001 Garden Patch - 1 1/2-inch & Mini Roses
• 768 Katie Label Pivot Card (Label)
• 738 Happy Birthday

Other Supplies

• Cardstock: White
• FineTec Artist Mica Watercolors Set of 6 Metallic: Tibet Gold
• Gold Beads
• Kids Choice Glue (Beacon Adhesives)

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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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Fancy Frame Flip-its Cupcake Birthday Card

I made this card for my husband's birthday. My hubby loves cupcakes so this was the perfect chance to use my Sizzix Framelits Die Set with Stamps - Birthday Blueprint by Tim Holtz. I added some masculine touches with the hexagon patterned paper and black tinsel twine. Hexagons are also a subtle nod to our board gaming hobby.

Making the Card

1. From cream cardstock, cut the Sizzix Fancy Frame Flip-its Card. Fold as directed. Cut another from hexagon patterned paper. Cut down the parts to fit the front and inside as shown below; adhere. Alternatively you may cut these at the same time, trim down the patterned paper to leave a border, adhere to the cream cardstock base, then fold. I prefer the latter if using thin patterned paper but the patterned "paper" I was using is really more like cardstock, making the card a bit too thick for my tastes.

2. From hexagon patterned paper, cut a label for the center backside of the flip-it (adhere to back after step 3 so it doesn't interfere with stamping). I used the Sizzix Movers & Shapers Fancy Labels Die to cut the center label but I wish I had the Framelits Fancy Labels Die Set as well so I could have crated a framed label or maybe a framed writing space. I ended up writing on the back of the card.

 3. Unfold and flatten the card. On the front of the flip-it you will stamp some gray mini blueprint cupcakes. Slide a couple sheets of scrap paper under the front label to protect the rest of the card before stamping. This makes a nice subtle background for the main cupcake.

4. On watercolor paper, stamp (with black waterproof ink) the main cupcake 3 or 4 times using Sizzix Framelits Die Set with Stamps - Birthday Blueprint. Plan out which parts will pop up on each copy. I usually make a note in pencil above each image as a reminder. Watercolor using Distress Markers (or Distress Inks) to match patterned paper. Die cut main image and all its parts. Adhere parts with dimensional tape as desired. Adhere cupcake, with dimensional tape, to front flip-it as shown.

5. Stamp sentiment on watercolor paper with black waterproof ink. Die cut. Adhere with dimensional tape as shown.

6. Decorate with sequins and Tinsel Twine as shown.

Supplies

• Cardstock: Cream
• Patterned Paper: K&Company KP Eclectic 12x12 Paper Pad
• Sizzix Fancy Frame Flip-its Card
• Sizzix Framelits Die Set with Stamps - Birthday Blueprint by Tim Holtz
• Sizzix Movers & Shapers Fancy Labels Die Set
• Stampers Anonymous Mini Blueprints 4 by Tim Holtz (CMS154)
• Watercolor Paper
• Waterproof Black Ink
• Gray Ink
• Distress Markers or Distress Inks
• Dimensional Tape
• Idea-ology Tinsel Twine: Black
• Sequins