Do you like options? I always enjoy options - especially when it comes to card making. For example I like card layouts that work well in either portrait or landscape orientation. I really like stamp sets that have both image outline stamps and stamps to fill in the color for those images. This means I can color in the images with markers or water colors, or just stamp the color! Today we are going to talk about a background technique that gives you options, and it all starts with stripes! I call this the STRIPES TO STRIPS TECHNIQUE. Let’s take a peek at today’s cards:
VIDEO
CARD LAYOUT #2614
Remember, a card layout is a guide, but it is not set in stone. Change it to suit your focal image and / or greeting. Change the measurements of the focal panel and mat. Switch from a portrait orientation to landscape. Remember, you have options!
WHAT YOU NEED
* Cardstock
Card Base A-2 size; 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4” OR 11” x 4 1/4” scored at 5 1/2”
Mat - 5 1/4” x 4” or appropriate size for background piece
Inside Panel - white or light colored cut at 5 1/4” x 4”
Other - for focal image and / or greeting
* Striped Paper - Rectangle 5 1/2” x 4 1/4” minimum - 6” x 5” is what I use mostly.
Patterned paper striped (vertical / horizontal or diagonal)
Created with cardstock and markers (alcohol, dye ink, etc.)
Created with cardstock or watercolor paper and watercolors
* Paper trimmer
* Printer paper or scrap patterned paper (this will not be seen) 5 1/4” x 4”
* Adhesive sheet or snail adhesive
* Embossing folder (small design) and die cut machine (optional, but highly recommended)
* Stamps, inks, dies, punches, and other items needed to complete the card
WHAT TO DO
* If creating the striped paper place your cardstock / watercolor paper in landscape orientation and use the markers / watercolors to create 4 1/4” stripes across the page using 2-3 colors (more if you like)
* Put the 4 1/4” side of the striped paper at the top of the paper trimmer at 4” and cut, move to 3 3/4” and cut. Continue moving 1/4” to the left and cutting the 1/4” strips. Be sure you are cutting across the stripes.
* Place adhesive sheet or other adhesive on the printer paper (cardstock or patterned paper) and begin placing the strips an across the paper until the panel is covered. Trim edges.
* Place this panel in an embossing folder and run through die cit machine.
* Adhere panel to the mat and adhere to card base.
* Add greeting and focal image to card front.
* Stamp inside panel and adhere to inside of card.
STACKED BUTTERFLY BIRTHDAY
Striped Paper - Created with alcohol markers (orange, pink, and yellow)
Black mat- 4 1/4” x 3 1/2”
Background piece -4” x 3 1/4”
(Happy Birthday - scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
BIRTHDAY WALRUS
Striped paper - Created with watercolors (purple, pink, aqua)
Purple mat - 4 3/4” x 3 1/2”
Background piece - 4 1/2” x 3 1/4”
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
A LITTLE BIRDIE BIRTHDAY
Striped paper - Striped patterned paper
White Mat - 5 1/4” x 4”
Background piece - 5” x 3 3/4”
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
SEAS THE BIRTHDAY
Striped paper - Diagonally striped patterned paper
White mat - 5 1/4” x 4”
Background piece - 5” x 4 1/4”
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
VIDEO CARDS
I created these two cards using the strips I demonstrated in the video.
SAILING ADVENTURE
Striped paper - Created with alcohol markers
White mat - 4 1/4” x 3 3/4”
Background piece - 4” x 3 1/2”
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
BIRTHDAY BOY
Striped paper - Created with alcohol markers
Orange mat - 4 1/2” x 3 3/4”
Background piece - 4 1/4” x 3 1/2”
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
TODAY’S CARDS
I know this technique might not be for everyone. It does take a bit of patience and some extra time. I think the results are worth it. I found creating my own striped papers relaxing. Cutting the strips does not take long. It is repetitive, but I cut the strips for one card, put it together, then moved on to the next card. Why not give this background technique a try?
That’s all for today. I am so glad you stopped by. Until next time. . .
Last week my card layout featured a gate fold card. This week the card layout is identical to last week’s, but the inside of today’s card is totally different! Today’s card is one of my favorite fun folds. It is one that always impresses the recipient no matter how many times they have seen the fold. Today we’ll build on the gate fold by adding a mechanism inside. This turns the gate fold card into a shutter card. Let’s take a look at the sample cards:
I absolutely love this fun fold. I promise, it is easy to create. The inner workings of the card require several steps, but none of the steps are difficult. After you create one or two of the cards a lot of the steps will just come naturally. In the “What To Do”section, I have tried to include as many tips I could think of, and I covered some in the video. So let’s give this a try! I promise it is worth it.
VIDEO
LAYOUT # 2613
INSIDE
WHAT YOU NEED
* Cardstock
- card base cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” score at 2 1/8” and 6 3/8” on 8 1/2” side (or 2 1/8” on each end)
- inside panel - cut at 3” x 5 1/2”
- mechanism - cut 2 at 4” x 3 1/2” score along 4” side at 3 1/2”
- one piece of white or light colored cardstock at 2 3/4” square
- white or light colored cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4” for back panel (optional)
- cardstock for focal panel , focal image, etc.
* Patterned Paper
- front panels - cut 2 at 5 1/4” x 1 7/8”
- inside panel cut at 5 1/4” x 2 3/4”
* Die or punch for window - diameter or width about 2 1/2” (I used 2 1/2” and 2 5/8” circle dies)
* Dimensionals or foam tape
* Strong adhesive for mechanism tabs - tear n tape, red tape, Stampin’ Seal +, etc. Liquid glue will work just give it a little time to dry before opening and closing the card
* Tools - ruler, pencil, scissors
* Stamps, inks, embellishments, and other supplies needed to finish your card.
WHAT TO DO
* Cut and score cardstock, cut patterned paper, cut or die cut pieces for focal piece.
* Construct the mechanism pieces - find the center point of the pieces
1. Place one of the mechanism in the trimmer with the 4” side at the top and the score line to the left, move it to the 2” mark. Close the trimmer arm, place the pencil in the cutting slot and make a mark and inch or so long somewhere close to the middle.
2.Turn the cardstock so the 3 1/2” side is at the top of the trimmer with the score line at the top. Slide the cardstock over to the 1 3/4” mark, close the arm, and mark with a pencil as for the 4” side - where the two lines meet is the center point.
3. Using the scored side of the piece as the top, use a ruler to draw a diagonal line from the center point to the bottom left corner and another line from the center point to the lower right corner.
4. Use scissors and cut along the lines to remove a wedge from the piece.
5. Repeat the process for the second piece or simply use the constructed one as a template and trace the area to cut out, then use the scissors and remove the wedge.
6. Blunt the points - just cut the pointed tips of the pieces. I put one on top of the other and cut both at the same time. Just snip off a 1/4” or so. This helps the mechanism move more smoothly.
* Adhere the two patterned paper panels to the front of the card.
* Adhere the patterned paper to the 3” x 5 1/2”panel, use circle die to cut window centered top to bottom as best you can. You can save the die cut for another project.
NOTE -If you are using a circle punch, first make a template by punching the shape from a piece of scrap cardstock. Position the template on the panel where you want your window. Trace around the template. Line the punch up with the template and punch.
* Place dimensionals or foam tape along the top and bottom edges of the panel. Remove the backing from the dimensionals along the top only.
* Center the inside panel and adhere only at the top.
* Adhere the mechanism pieces.
1. Use the side of the pieces that have no pencil marks - just flip them over. Fold the score line, reenforce with a bone folder, then lie flat and place the strong adhesive on the flap.
2. Slip the piece under the inside panel, keep the tab flat with adhesive side up, place it along the edge of the score line for the card front. Be sure the mechanism is lined up with the window, and close the card front flap to adhere the mechanism to the card.
3. Repeat for other side, making certain the two mechanism pieces are evenly lined up.
* Create the center image or greeting by moving the 2 3/4” square of cardstock up under the center panel and the shutter mechanisms. The card should be open. Move the cardstock up enough so it completely fills the space. The image and / of greeting can be stamped at this point, but if that feels uncomfortable, use a pencil to outline the area where you can stamp, remove the cardstock and do the stamping.
NOTE - the area for stamping is a diamond shape approximately 2” tall x 2 1/4” wide at the points. Smaller stamps and greetings work best.
* Once the 2 3/4” piece is stamped, place regular adhesive on the back. Carefully move it under the inside panel and the shutter pieces. Once you have it where it belongs, press down to adhere.
* Remove the backings from the bottom of the inside panel and adhere to the card.
* Close the card and open to be certain the mechanism is working properly.
* Create the focal image for the outside of the card. When adhering, be sure to put the adhesive only on the back of the left side of the focal piece, so as not to glue the card together.
* If using the panel for the back of the card, stamp the greeting and / or images on it, then adhere centered to the back of the card.
BUTTERFLY SURPRISE
INSIDE
OPTIONAL BACK PANEL
(Birthday die - Moonstone Dies by Hunky Dory; Embellishments - Simple Stories;
All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
LEMON TEA CUP
INSIDE
I used no back panel for this card as I put a sentiment inside the card, and the patterned paper is light enough in color I can use the bottom area to write a short message and sign my name.
(Sentiment - Pink and Main, All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
WATERMELON THANK YOU
I liked the two patterned papers for this card. This card, like gatefolds are great for showcasing two different patterned papers!
INSIDE
BACK PANEL
Oops! I managed to get some red ink where I did not want it! I’ll figure out something to do about that.😉
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!”)
HIPPO DANCE
INSIDE
I used two colors of cardstock to create this card, and I added frames to the front and inside focal panels.
BACK PANEL
(Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
ONE MORE CARD
Can patterned paper be used to create the shutter mechanisms? I believe so. For this card I used lightweight cardstock which is just barely heavier than my patterned paper, but not as heavy as my cardstock. Light weight cardstock can be used just like patterned paper. For this card I used it like cardstock for the inside panel and the shutter mechanisms. It works great and looks great!
INSIDE
BACK PANEL
(Checked papers - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
VIDEO CARDS
FATHER’S DAY FISHIN’
INSIDE
BACK OF CARD
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
I HERD BIRTHDAY
INSIDE
BACK PANEL
(Happy Birthday - Scrapbooking.com; Cow stamp & die - Sunny Studio; Checkered paper- Pink & Main; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
TODAY’S CARDS
So what do you think? Have you made one of these cards before? I know there are a lot of steps, but as I mentioned earlier, once you create one or two, things will go more quickly and you will learn some short cuts, like making the template for the shutter mechanisms. Make it once and use it multiple times. This is one of those cards that everyone loves, especially kids. It is refreshing that in this high tech world, a very low tech greeting card amazes everyone!
Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time . . .
Do you ever feel you are in a card making rut? Do your cards just need something a bit different, but not too different? Have you considered doing something to “step up” your cards, but just don’t know where to start? This just might be the post for you!
Today I thought we would talk about little things that add a lot to a card, but are still quick and easy. These things add that extra something and really step up your card! Today’s card layout features a gate fold card. A fun fold steps up a card, and a quick and easy fun fold lets card makers relax and enjoy creating! So that’s what we are doing - stepping up our cards using those quick and easy little things that make a big difference! Let’s take a peek at the sample cards:
VIDEO
CARD LAYOUT #2612
WHAT YOU NEED
* Cardstock - for card base, for greeting and mat, and for back side of focal image, and white or light colored for inside (see layout for measurements).
* Patterned paper- for front panels and inside (see layout for measurements).
* Die cut image(s)
* Stamps, inks, markers, embellishments, adhesive, etc.
WHAT TO DO
* Score and fold card base, go over fold with bone folder.
* Adhere patterned paper panels to front of card and mat to inside of card.
* Stamp, color, die cut focal image and stamp and mat greeting.
* Adhere cardstock cut out to back side of focal image. Adhere focal image to card by placing adhesive on the back of one side of the focal image. I prefer the left side, but either side will do.
* Adhere greeting. Placement will depend on die cut image size and shape.
* Stamp inside panel and adhere to inside of card centered on mat.
* Add embellishments
TWELVE EASY WAYS TO STEP UP A CARD
1. If the back of any die cut or punched image will show, die cut or punch a second image from cardstock the same color as the card base; adhere the cut out to the backside of the image.
2. Add a little shine or sparkle with a glitter brush, glitter gems, metallic or glimmer cardstock, etc.
3. Add a patterned paper mat (5 1/4”x 4”) to the card inside and top with a piece of white or light colored cardstock (5” x 3 3/4”) for stamping and signing.
4. Stamp small image(s) on inside panel.
5. Stamp inside sentiment at bottom of panel.
6. On back of card toward bottom stamp a brief sentiment or small image, or adhere a small die cut.
7. Angle focal image and / or sentiment panel.
8. When coloring images, use different shades of a color to add highlights and shadows. It adds depth and interest to your images.
9. Add shading to your focal images. It is easy. Pick one side of the image to add shadow (deeper color) then blend it into the lighter shade of color.
10. Add hand written / drawn images or lettering to image or focal panel.
11. Stamp the greeting in an unexpected or bright color.
12. Make the card a fun fold!
BUTTERFLY SPARKLE
To step up this card I angled the butterfly, then added glimmer to the butterfly with a glimmer pen, and used some glitter gems.
INSIDE
For the inside I used a mat of patterned paper. Remember you can punch or die cut images or shapes from the center area of the mat. The holes will be covered over by a panel of cardstock. I stamped my sentiment and then stamped and colored the butterflies. Those small images add a lot to the card.
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
FEEL BETTER BASKET
I stepped up this card a bit by using some shading on the focal image. I stamped the greeting the same color as the flowers, and added embellishments.
INSIDE
I used the patterned paper as a mat, then stamped the inside sentiment at the bottom of the panel and stamped some small flowers to step up the inside of the card.
(Stamps-basket and greeting- Hero Arts; Patterned Paper - Scrapbook.com; Inside greeting, cardstock, ink, Embellushments - Stampin’ Up!)
PEEP!
I angled the focal image and the greeting, then added sparkle gems for a little something extra.
INSIDE
Once again I used patterned paper for a mat. It is such an easy way to add a little something extra. I adhered a die cut Peep and angled it.
BACK OF CARD
I adhered this tiny Peep image at the bottom of the back side of the card. It is a fun detail that adds a little zip to the card.
(Stamp and dies - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
LILACS
I used several shades of purple to color the lilacs. This variation creates depth and dimension. I also used a bit of light aqua alcohol marker to add just a hint of color to the vase.
(Focal panel image - Hero Arts; Patterned Paper - Crafter’s Companion; All other - Stampin’ Up!)
HAPPY PRESENTS
I stepped up this card by using shading techniques on the gifts and the tag. I also added the “HB2U” with a marker.
(Stamp - Colorado Craft Company; Patterned Paper - Crafter’s Companion; All other - Stampin’Up!)
VIDEO CARDS
LIGHTHOUSE CARD
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
LOBSTER CARD
(Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
TODAY’S CARDS
I like the way these cards turned out. I do think they demonstrate how simple little things can have a big impact on your cards. It’s amazing how something as simple as adding, of stamping a few images inside of a card makes such a big difference! I hope you add a few extra touches to your next card.
Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time . . .
