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.

STUCK FOR A CARD IDEA? GIVE THIS A TRY - A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAYS POST

Hi Stampers!

Have you ever reached a point where you just cannot come up with an idea for a Christmas card (or any card) no matter how hard you try?  I have, many times! When I experience this challenge there is a strategy I use, and I am sharing that strategy today. I tried to come up with a snappy name or acronym, but was unsuccessful. It’s a simple 4 step strategy to help focus creativity by starting with a basic card layout  So, let’s get started. Here is a peek at my sample cards:

VIDEO

STUCK FOR A CARD IDEA? GIVE THIS A Try

MY 4 STEP STRATEGY

STEP 1 - KEEP IT SIMPLE

Start with a very basic layout. I chose this one for today’s cards.

This layout is for an A-2 size card (8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”). There is one panel (layer) that is 5 1/2” x 2 3/4” and centered on the card front. The card can be portrait oriented (above) or landscape oriented (below).

Instead of centering the panel, it can be placed closer to the top of the card (see photo below). This configuration leaves space for a greeting along the bottom of the card. This version of the layout can be turned to make it a portrait oriented card as well.

STEP 2 -USE YOUR FAVORITES

Select colors and images that are your favorites. These are colors and images are familiar and you feel comfortable with them.  Using them will help you relax and allow ideas to start coming to mind.

STEP 3 - DRESS IT UP

It’s time to focus on the panel. You can use cardstock, patterned paper, specialty paper, etc. This is also a good time to pull out those backgrounds you created but haven’t used. 

Add a bit more pizzazz

* Add texture with an embossing folder

* Spritz, sprinkle or spatter color 

* Stamp on it

* Blending brushes can be used to add soft color or color with no harsh lines

* Sponges and ink create definition and dimension by adding color along the edges of a panel 

* Add a border on each 5 1/2” side - for “how to” see SNOWMAN CHEER card 

STEP 4 -PUT IT ALL TOGETHER

Favorite color card base (yes, it can be white) + dressed up panel + favorite image (stamped or die cut, matted, etc) + greeting = a great card

MOOSE HOLIDAY CARD

INSIDE

SUPPLIES

* Card base - blue cardstock (Azure Afternoon) cut at 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2”

* Inside panel - white cardstock (Basic White) cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Panel - white cardstock cut at 5 1/2” x 2 3/4”

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

* Other cardstock blue and white for stamping and die cutting

* Stamp set - Christmas Friends ©️ Stampin’ Up! and coordinating dies

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Azure Afternoon; Stampin’ Blends - Azure Afternoon, Tahitian Tide (retired), Pecan Pie, Smoky Slate, Ivory

* Sentiment - Christmas Sentiments l from Scrapbook.com

* Die cut snowflakes -3 (can use punched ones)

* Adhesive and dimensionals

NOTE

* Color and die cut moose. Die cut 3-4 more moose shapes, stack them and adhere together. Adhere with glue or other adhesive to card front. 

* Adhere greeting to card with dimensionals.

SNOWMAN CHEER CARD

INSIDE

SUPPLIES

* Card base - Red cardstock (Real Red) cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Inside panel - white cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Panel - green cardstock (Granny Apple Green) cut at 5 1/2” x 2 1/2” plus 1 strip of gold cardstock or gold foil paper cut at 5 1/2” x 3/4”. (See note)

* Sentiment cardstock - green cardstock cut at 2” x 1 3/4” gold cardstock cut at 2 1/4” x 2”

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black; Versa Mark, gold embossing powder; Stampin’ Blends - Pool Party, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Real Red, Poppy Parade, Smoky Slate, Basic Black

* Stamps - Bubble Snowmen from  Woodware Craft Collection for image, and Holiday Cheer from Waffle Flower for sentiment

* Adhesive and dimensionals

NOTE

* For background panel I cut down a piece of 5 1/2” x 4 1/4” green cardstock I’d sprayed with Distress Oxide Spray - Tumbled Glass and Shabby Shutters. 

* Cut down this panel to 5 1/2” x 2 1/2”

* Cut the gold paper at 5 1/2” x 3/4” - cut this piece in half long ways. You will have 2 pieces that are 5 1/2” x 3/8”

* Place 5 1/2” x 2 1/2” piece face down. Place adhesive along the 5 1/2” sides of the green cardstock, place gold paper pieces face down along the edges of the green cardstock. This will form the gold edges along the green panel.

POINSETTIA GREETINGS CARD

INSIDE

SUPPLIES

* Card base - green cardstock (Shaded Spruce) cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Inside panel - white cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Other cardstock - white for stamping and die cutting

* Panel - Shimmer paper - gold (or other gold paper) cut at 5 1/2” x 2 3/4”

* Embossing folder - Merry Melody (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Dies - Nested Essentials (Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamp Set - Stylish Christmas (Stampin’ Up! retired)

* Inks -Poppy Parade, Shaded Spruce, Wild Wheat, Versa Mark, gold embossing powder

* Embellishment - gold pearls, 3

* Ahesive and dimensionals

4 STEP CARDS

I hope this gives you a usable strategy for times when you are stuck for a card idea or design. For me this 4 step method is tried and true. Maybe it will become the same for you. Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

SUPPLY SOURCES

* I list supply sources as a resource for you. I am not affiliated nor do I receive compensation from any company or entity.

* Sources for stamps, dies, embossing folders, etc. are mentioned in the supply list for each card.

* Cardstock - I use Stampin’ Up! cardstock. All colors cited in supply lists are current 

* Inks - I use Stampin’ Up! inks and Memento Tuxedo Black. All colors cited in supply lists are current.

* Alcohol markers - I use Stampin’ Blends from Stampin’ Up! Colors cited in supply lists are current with the exception of Tahitian Tide. 

IT ALL STARTS WITH THREE - A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAYS POST

Hi Stampers!

Have you ever run out of ideas for a card layout? I certainly do from time to time. One strategy I use to help me create a design is something I call “start with three.”  It is based on the rule of three.  This theory posits humans process information through pattern recognition, and 3 is the smallest number that allows for pattern recognition. We tend to see groups of 3 as pleasing to the eye and balanced. 

So, how do I practically apply this theory to my cards? Like I said, it starts with three - three images. They can be stamped or die cut, they can be the same image or different, whatever you want. The size of the images can help determine the card size. For example if the images are smaller they can be placed on a 4 1/2” square card, or a mini slimline cards. Larger images look better on A-2 cards or even a regular slimline card. Without using adhesive, place the images on the card to get an idea of what to use as a background. This also helps  to determine if other image might be added for balance and what sentiment to use. Before long the card layout is completed and you’ll find yourself wanting to make more cards!

Let’s take a look at my sample cards:

VIDEO

IT ALL STARTS WITH THREE 

A STRATEGY FOR CARD LAYOUTS

THREE BUBBLE SNOWMEN CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base Azure Afternoon cardstock 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored and folder at 4 1/4”

* Focal panel and inside panel - Basic White cardstock each cut at 4” x 4”

* Basic white cardstock for stamping and fussy cutting

* Inks - Distress Oxide - Tumbled Glass, Memento Tuxedo Black; Stampin’ Blends - Pumpkin Pie (light), Poppy Parade (light & dark), Lemon Lime Twist (light and dark), Smoky Slate (light and dark)

* Blending brush or sponge

* Stamp Sets - Bubble Snowmen, Holiday Cheer (sentiment)

* Embellishment - White Loose Snowflakes

* Adhesive. liquid glue, and dimensionals

ASSEMBLY

* Focal panel - use the Tumbled Glass ink and blending brush to add a bit of color to the center of the panel

* Inside panel - Use the Memento ink to stamp the sentiment and a snowman head. Color snowman’s nose with Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blend. Adhere to inside card

* On white cardstock stamp three snowmen, color with Stampin’ Blends, fussy cut and place dimensionals on back side. Adhere in place.

* With Memento ink, stamp the greeting.

* Adhere panel to front of card.

* Use small drops of glue to adhere snowflake embellishments to card front

HO HO HO! SILLY SANTA CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Poppy Parade cut at 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Focal panel and inside panel - Basic White cardstock 4” x 4” each

* Embossing folder - Snowflake Sky

* Basic White cardstock for stamping and die cutting, Poppy Parade cardstock for die cutting

* Ink - Poppy Parade

* Stamps set Silly Santa’s with coordinating dies

* Adhesive and dimensionals

ASSEMBLY

* Stamp the Santa image and sentiment on inside panel with Poppy Parade ink 

* Adhere inside panel to inside of card

* Emboss focal panel with embossing folder.

* Die cut Santa and Ho, Ho, Ho and background. Adhere the Ho Ho Ho to backgrounds with glue

* Adhere Santa and sentiment -pieces to focal panel with dimensionals

* Adhere card front to card base

THREE GIFTS CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

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

* Mat - Gold foil cut at 5 3/8” x 4 1/8”

* Folcal panel - Basic White cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Basic White cardstock and gold foil for stamping and die cutting

* Ink - Versa Mark, gold embossing powder, metallic gold watercolor

* Paint brush

* Stamps - Holiday Cheer and dies

* Other dies - Sending Cheer

* Embossing folder - no idea the name of this one, I’ve had it for a really long time. It is from Sizzix.

* Embellishments - Gold pearls -3

* Adhesive and dimensionals

ASSEMBLY

* For focal panel - use some water on paintbrush with gold metallic watercolor paint - ta- on paint brush with bone folder, pencil, or finger to create gold spatters on the white cardstock.

* If you like use a die to cut out center area of gold foil, then adhere focal panel to cover cut away area of gold foil.

* Stamp greeting with Versa Mark, cover with embossing powder, heat set.

* Die cut greeting, the gifts, and bows.

* Adhere bows to gifts.

* Use dimensionals to adhere gifts and greeting to card front.

* Add three gold pearls to card.

IT STARTS WITH THREE CARDS

The next time you are stumped for a card layout idea, remember - it all starts with three! Page down to find resource list for products used to create today’s cards. Thank you so much for stopping by today. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

SUPPLY RESOURCES

STAMPIN’ UP!

* All Cardstock and Gold Foil (all colors are current)

* Stampin’ Blends (all colors are current)

* Poppy Parade Ink (current)

* Sending Cheer Dies (retired)

* Snowflake Sky Embossing Folder (current)

* White Loose Snowflakes (current)

SIMON HURLEY

* Silly Santa’s Stamp Set & Dies (current)

WAFFLE FLOWER

* Holiday Cheer Stamp Set & Dies (current)

WOODWARE CRAFT COLLECTION

* Bubble Snowmen Stamp Set (current)