CREATING A BRIDGE FOLD CARD & CHANGING IT A BIT - A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAYS POST

Hi Stampers!

It has been a while since I made a bridge fold card, so I thought I’d create a couple for today’s post. This fun fold card is easy to create. The bridge portion of the card can be placed at the top, bottom, or center of the card. It can be changed up a bit by angling the top of the card. The card can be all dressed up, but is a great fold for keeping things simple too. This card sits up on its own, so it is perfect for display. Best of all this card fits perfectly inside an A-2 sized envelope, so it is a perfect fun fold for Christmas cards! Let’s take a look at my sample cards:

VIDEO

CREATING A BRIDGE FOLD CARD 

AND CHANGING IT A BIT

BASIC BRIDGE FOLD CARD

CARD BASE

* Cardstock for card base - 8” x 4 1/4” scored along the 8” side at 1 1/4”, 2 1/2”, 5 1/2”, and 6 3/4”

* Cardstock for bridge - 5 1/2” x 1” - you can alter this a bit by changing the width from 1” 

to 3/4” or  1 1/4”

MEASUREMENTS FOR PATTERNED PAPER PIECES

* I cut my patterned paper for side panels to cover from top to bottom and left a small border on each side, so the panels are 4 1/4”x 1”. (For a border all around cut at 4 x 1”)

* I chose to cover the entire center panel with patterned paper. The paper is 4 1/4” x 2 7/8” (the space is 3” wide, but it fits better in the space by cutting off that 1/8”. (If you want a border around all sides cut at 4” x 2 3/4”.)

* For bridge, cut paper at 5 1/2” x 3/4” for a small border along top and bottom of bridge, or for border all around cut at 5 1/4” x 3/4”.

MEASUREMENTS FOR BACK PANEL

* This panel is for adding another greeting and room for signing your name.

* Cardstock - white or light color, cut at 4 1/4” x 3” to cover entire space, or 4” x 2 3/4” to leave a border

ASSEMBLY

* Fold on score lines - mountain, valley, valley, mountain.

* Adhere patterned papers and back panel.

* On back side of bridge, measure over 1 1/4” from the end and mark- do this on both sides

* Attach the bridge by placing adhesive from the edges of the bridge inwards, but going no farther than the 1 1/4” mark.

* Lay card flat, place left side of bridge on the base lined up with the lower left side and bottom of the card.

* Keep right side of bridge up off of card, push on left side of card down, hold in place. Line up right side of bridge along right side and bottom of card. The bridge is formed.

* Add focal image(s) and greeting.

* Add embellishments.

WARM & COZY BASIC BRIDGE FOLD CARD

SUPPLIES I USED FOR THIS CARD

* Card base and bridge - cardstock, Pool Party (Stampin’ Up!)

* Back panel _ Cardstockock - Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Other cardstock - Pool Party and Basic White for greeting and focal image, scraps of Pool Party or white for die cutting to stack focal image and greeting.

* Patterned paper - Snow Pine Lodge (Simple Stories)

* Stamp - Snowmen (Crafter’s Companion) and coordinating die; Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower) and coordinating die

* Ink - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Pool Party (Stampin’ Up), Versa Mark (Tsukineko); White Embossing Powder; Various  Stampin’ Blends (Stampin’ Up!) alcohol markers

* Embellishments - Loose White Snowflakes -7 (Stampin’ Up!)

* Adhesive - liquid glue

ANGLED TOP BRIDGE FOLD CARD

CARD BASE

* This is the only portion of the card that changes for the angled top version.

* Cut and score card base as directed for the Basic Bridge Fold Card.

* Along the 8” side of the card base on the left hand side measure down 1 1/4” and mark wit pencil.

* Do the same on the right hand side.

* Use a paper trimmer with a scoring blade and line up one of the pencil marks and the second score line in the cutting track. Cut. Do the same on the other side of the card.

* The top of the card should now be angled on the left and the right.

* Assemble the card as directed.

FAITHFUL ANGLED TOP BRIDGE FOLD CARD

SUPPLIES I USED FOR THIS CARD

* Card base and bridge - cardstock - Orchid Oasis (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Other cardstock - Basic White (Stampin’ Up) for back panel and to stamp focal images; scrap of Orchid Oasis for greeting; silver for star

* Patterned paper - see note below

* Stamps - All Ye Faithful (Stampin’ Up! - retired). Hope & Peace (Stampin’ Up! - retired) for greeting on back

* Star - punch or die

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Smoky Slate (Stampin’ Up!) for greeting on back; Versa Mark (Tsukineko). Silver embossing powder; Alcohol markers - various colors (Stampin’ Blends)

* Embellishments - Tiny pearls - 7

* Adhesive and dimensionals

NOTE

I created my patterned paper. Here are the supplies I used:

* Basic White cardstock - just plain white cardstock 1/4 sheet cardstock (5 1/2” x4 1/4”)

* Distress Oxide inks (Tim Holtz/Ranger) Uncharted Mariner and Villainous Potion; Tuxedo Black (Memento)

* Blending sponges or blending brushes

* Spritzer filled with water

* Shimmer mist of choice - I used a mister and add 1/8 tsp or so of Perfect Pearls, the fill the mister with isopropyl alcohol (it dries faster and does not interact with the oxide ink) or water.

METHOD

* I used blending sponges and applied each color of the Distress Oxide inks randomly all over the cardstock. Add some of the black ink here and there. Yes, it is okay to mix the inks. Add more of the oxide inks if need be.  Lightly spritzed the ink covered paper with water. It doesn’t take a lot. Put the piece aside to dry or use heat tool to dry it. Spritz with the shimmer spray. If the paper curls there are a couple things to do about it. Put it under some weight for a while, like a stack of books or other object with a bit of weight. Or run the piece through a die cut machine. My paper did not curl, but I was very stingy with the amount of water I used. I just used enough to get a few spots to resemble far off stars in the night sky.

BRIDGE FOLD CARDS

Thank you so much for stopping by today. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

HOLIDAY CARDS &TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR SUPPLIES - A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAYS POST

Hi Stampers!

Believe it or not, we are halfway through Stamp Happy Holidays for 2024! How is your card making going? I have a good supply of Christmas cards, but I definitely need several more, plus some tags. I also need to create a few Hanukkah cards and a few New Year’s cards. There is still plenty of time to create lots of wonderful Holiday cards, so keep stamping happy!

I thought today we’d take a look at how we can get get the most from the supplies we already own, and how we can substitute what we have for products we do not own or don’t have on hand. The cards I am sharing today were created with the idea of getting the most from my supplies. Let’s take a look:

VIDEO

HOLIDAY CARDS & GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR SUPPLIES

MUSICAL JAMBOREE FOR CHRISTMAS 

SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD

* Stamps - Musical Jamboree (Stampin’ Up!®️); Itty Bitty Christmas (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Card base - Cardstock Starry Sky (Stampin’ Up! -retired) cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Inside panel - Basic White cardstock (Stampin’ Up!) cut at 5 1/4”x 4”

* Focal panel - Basic White cardstock cut at 5” x 3 3/4” - die cut after stamping and blending background

* Glimmer paper  - any sparkling paper will work. I used a white iridescent paper I had in my scrap bin.It is cut at 5 1/4” x 4” and the center is cut out with the Deckled Rectangle die.

* Die - Deckled Rectangles (Stampin’ Up) - measures about 4 3/4 ish x 3 5/8”

* Scissors - to fussy cut fire image

* Masking paper or alternative

* Inks - Starry Sky (retired) and Smoky Slate (both from Stampin’ Up!), Memento Tuxedo Black; various colors of  alcohol markers - Stampin’ Blends (Stampin’ Up!)

* Blending Brushes - for background

* Embellishment - White Loose Snowflakes (Stampin’ Up!)

* Adhesive - I used liquid glue; dimensional for fire

TIPS TO GET THE MOST FROM THE SUPPLIES

* Use your stamps in an unexpected way! This stamp set is not a “Christmas” set, but paired with a Christmas sentiment it does double duty.

* When using specialty paper for a mat, cut the center from it, and keep to use on another project. The focal panel will cover up the cut out portion. Another alternative is demonstrated in the card above. I die cut my focal panel. Next I used the same die, centered it on the mat cut from glimmer paper, and ran it through my die cutting machine, creating a frame. I saved the cut out portion to use on another project. I adhered the frame to the card base. Next, I adhered the focal panel to the card base inside the frame for an “inlaid” look.  NOTE: The edges of my die were deckled. Before adhering down the frame and focal panel I made sure both pieces matched up.

* Masking - for this card I masked off the otter allowing me to stamp the wolf “behind it. I used masking paper to create my mask. It works just fine, but once my current supply is gone I will most likely return to my previous masking method, because it uses items I always have on hand - paper and low tack or temporary adhesive. So, masking paper is great, if you have it; if not, no worries! A sticky note works great. You can also use printer paper with a repositionable or temporary adhesive. If you have washi tape, you can hold the mask in place by taping down a part of the mask that will not be stamped over.

SUMMARY

For this card I made the most of my supplies by 

     * Using a non-Christmas stamp and pairing it with a Christmas greeting

     * Cutting a frame from specialty paper, and saving the cut out portion for another project

     * Using masking paper, because I had it, but honestly considering if alternatives work better for me. This helps me make better decisions when it comes to future spending.

COW-A-LING CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Stamp set - Christmas Cowolers (Trinity Stamps)

* Card base - Real Red cardstock (Stampin’ Up!) cut at 5 1/2’ x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Mat and Inside panel Basic White cardstock - both cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Other cardstock - Basic White cardstock for stamping and for sentiment and scrap of Real Red

* Scrap white cardstock for stacking die cuts - cut 4 of the cow image

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black; Wink of Stella (clear); Various alcohol markers (Stampin’ Blends)

* Embossing folder - Snowflake Sky (Stampin’ Up!)

* Banner Die - I have no clue where I got this die

ASSEMBLY

* Color the focal image die cut it and die cut 3 more of the shape from scrap white cardstock and cut one more from the mat centered from left to right about 1/2” from bottom. You will have 4 blank die cuts and one die cut image. Glue these together in a stack..

* Place the mat inside the embossing folder and emboss. Adhere to card base. Place adhesive on back die of stacked die cut image and put in place on mat.

* Die cut mat for sentiment and from scrap of white cardstock cut a piece that is 2 7/8” x 1/4” for sentiment, stamp sentiment. Attach to banner with dimensionals, adhere piece to card front.

* Stamp inside sentiment on inside panel and adhere to inside of card.

TIPS TO GET THE MOST FROM THE SUPPLIES

* Stacking Die Cuts - this cuts down on the amount of dimensionals or foam tape used and it puts to use panel with mistakes or oops marks or mis-cut panels. On this card all the blank die cuts I stacked are white, but black cardstock would work great too. 

* By die cutting one of the stacking images from the mat it creates a space to adhere the die cut image directly to the card base. No worries about getting enough adhesive or dimensionals to hold the image securely to the embossed panel. 

SUMMARY

* Get the most of every piece of cardstock by finding a use for those inky oops panels or mis-cut panels by saving them to die cut or punch when you want to stack your images to add dimension instead of using dimensionals or foam tape. You can also stack multiple punched or die cut shapes, adhere to the back side of images like dimensionals. Any color cardstock can be used.

* Using scraps of cardstock to stack larger die cut images cuts down on the number of dimensionals or foam tape used. 

* Remember - scraps are our friends!

SANTA SKY

SUPPLIES I USED

* Stamp set - Santa and Reindeer (Crafter’s Companion)

* Sentiment - Silly Santas - dies (Simon Hurley)

* Card base - Night of Navy cardstock (Stampin’ Up!) cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Focal panel and inside panel - Basic White cardstock cut 2 at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Other cardstock white, navy, scrap of silver cardstock for stamping, die cutting, and stacking

* Inks - Night of Navy (Stampin’ Up!); Memento Tuxedo Black; Distress Oxide - Uncharted Mariner, Villainous Potion (Tim Holtz / Ranger)

* Blending brushes or sponges to blend Distress Oxide inks

* Spritz bottle with water

* Shimmer spray of choice (homemade recipe in tips section)

* Adhesive

ASSEMBLY

* Watch the corresponding video to see how I put this card together.

* For the background I blended Uncharted Mariner and Villainous Potion randomly on the white cardstock panel. I spritzed it with water. Once it dried I spritzed it with my homemade shimmer spray.

TIPS TO GET THE MOST FROM THE SUPPLIES

* Again I used scraps to die cut pieces to stack my focal image and give it dimension. I did the same with the sentiment. I die cut the focal I age shape from the background as I did for the previous card. The image is glued directly to the card base , so no worries about adhesive sticking to the shimmer spray.

* Saving smaller scraps of specialty papers (silver cardstock in this case) paid off. I had a piece just big enough to die cut the letters for my sentiment

* I used homemade shimmer spray to add some sparkle. I am not against purchasing ones on the market, but I have supplies to make it, so why not use them first. The recipe is simple - in a Mini Mister (Ranger) or similar bottle, add about 1/8 tsp Perfect Pearls powder any color you like. I used a color called Perfect Pearl. Next fill the bottle with isopropyl alcohol or water. I use alcohol because it dries faster and it does not react with water reactive inks.

SUMMARY

* I stacked my focal image and sentiment which used scrap paper and saved on dimensionals

* Saving a small scrap of specialty paper paid off.

* I used a homemade shimmer spray made from supplies I had on hand as opposed to purchasing a ready made product.

GETTING THE MOST CARDS

I hope these tips help you take a look at your supplies and find different ways to get the most of what you have. What products can you do without, which ones do you have supplies to make, what new uses can you find for scraps? These are the questions I ask myself from time to time to make sure I am making the very best use of what I have. This helps me spend my crafting money more wisely. 

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

SUPPLY SOURCES

I use Stampin’ Up! Cardstock. I have listed the colors in supply lists. If a color is retired it is noted. 

In the supply lists I have cited the company that puts out the stamps, dies, inks, etc. Stampin’ Up! Products can be purchased from their websites. Other companies also have individual web sites, and can also be purchased from various other crafting outlets such as Scrapbook.com, Simon Says Stamp, etc.

Perfect Pearls - If you are unfamiliar with this product you can view it HERE

IT’S WORLD CARD MAKING DAY - LET’S MAKE A MULTI- WINDOW CARD TO CELEBRATE!

Hi Stampers!

Today is the first Saturday in October, and that means today is World Card Making Day! I thought we’d celebrate by creating a multi-window card. It’s easy. Let’s take a look at the sample cards:

Multi-window cards are easy to make and are very versatile. There are dies available that cut out multiple windows, but you can get the same or similar look with basic shaped dies or even punches. I chose 3 windows of the same size for each card, but more windows can be added and the sizes can be different. The images and sentiment chosen will help determine the sizes of the windows. Remember, it is okay to use just part of an image.

The circles I die cut from the focal panel were placed back in the windows either popped up on dimensionals, or adhered to the card base with the focal panel popped up. The die cut pieces can be omitted if you like.  Frames around the windows can add that little extra something to the card. Simply place the die used for the window on the cardstock and place a die that is 1/4” larger in diameter around it, and cut. Punches can be used in the same way. Punch the smaller shape first, then place the larger punch around the hold, and punch again to create the frame.

VIDEO

LET’S MAKE A MULTI-WONDOW CARD

LET IT SNOW CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Stamps - Bubble Snowmen (Woodware Craft Collection). SparklingSnowflakes (Stampin’ Up!®️ - retired); Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower)

* Card base - white cardstock (Basic White - thick) 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Focal panel - white cardstock (Basic White) and blue (Balmy Blue) patterned paper with snow-like pattern - use what you have, cut at 5 1/4” x 4”; put adhesive along the edges of the white cardstock and place the blue patterned paper on top.

* Other cardstock - white for frames, sentiments, and for stamping images

* Dies - Stylish Shapes (Stampin’ Up!) - circle dies - 1 3/4” diameter for windows; 2” + 1 3/4” diameter for frames, and 1 1/4” for sentiment

* Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black, Balmy Blue; Stampin’ Blends - Real Red, Poppy Parade, Old Olive, Granny Apple Green, Pumpkin Pie, Smoky Slate, Badic Black, Pool Party

* Temporary adhesive, liquid glue or adhesive of choice, and dimensionals

ASSEMBLY

* Cut 3 windows from the focal panel save the die cut patterned paper circles

* Die cut or punch out the frames and the circles for the sentiments

* Prepare the images and stamp sentiments.

* Put temporary adhesive on the focal panel, center it on the card front, and press.

* Place adhesive on back of die cut patterned paper and put these pieces in the windows.

* Remove panel, add frames to panel, put dimensionals on the back of panel, Arrange and attach snowmen to panel putting dimentionals behind each snowman head;  adhere this to card front.

* Adhere sentiments.

* Stamp inside the card

MAGICAL BIRTHDAY CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Stamps - Majestic Unicorn and dies (Trinity Stamps), Pirates & Mermaids (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Card base - Teal-blue cardstock (Tahitian Tide - retired) 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Focal panel - white cardstock cut at 5” x 3 3/4”

* Inside panel - white cardstock cut at 5” x 3 3/4”

* Other cardstock - white for stamping images

* Inks - Distress Oxide - Picked Raspberry, Salty Ocean, Squeezed Lemonade, Twisted Citron; Memento Tuxedo Black; Stampin’ Blends - various colors

* Blending tool of choice

* Circle Die - 1 3/4” diameter (Stylish Shapes- Stampin’ Up!)

* Adhesives and dimensionals

NOTES

* Use the Distress Oxide inks and blending tool to add color to the focal panel.

* This card is assembled as the previous card, except the only dimensionals used were for the back of the sentiment.

VIDEO CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Stamps - Silly Santas and dies (Simon Hurley) and Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower)

* Card base - red (Poppy Parade) - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Focal panel and inside panel - white cardstock, both cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Other cardstock - white and red for stamping and die cutting

* Circle dies - 1 1/4”  diameter

* Embossing folder - Snowflake Sky (Stampin’ Up!)

* Adhesives and dimensionals 

NOTE

* For focal panel - cut windows, then put panel and die cut circles in embossing folder and emboss.

* Assemble in same manner as snowmen card.

AUGMENTED VIDEO CARD

I added frames to the card. I think the frames add a lot of definition and dimension. For the frames I used a 1 1/4” an 1 1/2” diameter circle dies (Stylish Frames - Stampin’ Up!).

MULTI-WINDOW CARDS

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you have the opportunity to create at least one card today to celebrate World Card Making Day! Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

SUPPLY SOURCES

I list supply sources as a resource only. I am not affiliated with nor do I receive compensation from any company or other entity.

CARDSTOCK

* I use Stampin’ Up! cardstock. All colors used are current unless otherwise noted in supply lists.

INKS

* I use mostly Stampin’ Up! inks. All colors are current unless otherwise noted.

* For one card in today’s cards I used Distress Oxide inks. They are readily available from a number of online sites and craft stores.

STAMPS

* Stampin’ Up!   Current stamps can be viewed HERE

* Bubble Snowmen (Woodware Craft Collection); Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower), Silly Santas (Simon Hurley), Majestic Unicorn (Trinity Stamps) - all were purchased through Scrapbook.com HERE. These products are also available through other online outlets.