Last week I recreated my version of Christmas cards from around 1950 -1960. For me the project was a very satisfying creative exercise, and it resulted in a few more cards I can add to my 2024 stash! The inspiration for today’s cards is another 50’s era card, but instead of focusing on the card as a whole the focus is on the layout! When I saw this card I knew I wanted to make cards using that layout!!! Let’s take a look at the cards:
Since I had no physical access to the original card, I have no idea if my measurements are equal to the original. I do think the measurements I came up with closely represents the original.
SUPPLIES I USED
* Cardstock colors - Basic Black, Pool Party, Very Vanilla, Poppy Parade (all from Stampin’ Up!®️)
* Inks - Pool Party, Poppy Parade, Shaded Spruce, and Memento Tuxedo Black (all available through Stampin’ Up!)
* Stamp Sets - Stars Are Shining, Be Jolly By Golly, Framed & Festive, Cheers to the Year (Stampin’ Up!), Cocktails & Dreams (Visible Image ®️)
MAGICAL SNOWMAN CARD
This is my recreation of the card layout. The asymmetrically cut pieces of cardstock were cut one on top of the other to insure the edges would meet up seamlessly on the card. I used the card base as a mat for the layout. Once the symmetrical pieces are cut there are enough for two cards. Simply cut two card bases and two of the strips that go along the bottom of the layout.
SUPPLIES I USED
* Cardstock - Granny Apple Green, Balmy Blue, Blueberry Bushel, Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)
* Inks - Granny Apple Green, Balmy Blue, Pecan Pie, Memento Tuxedo Black; Stampin’ Blends (alcohol ink markers) - Pumpkin Pie (light) - (All from Stampin’ Up!)
* Stamps - Snowman Magic and coordinating dies (Stampin’ Up!)
WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THIS LAYOUT
(ORIGINAL VERSION)
(Correction - for two cards you will need 2 strips of cardstock cut at 4” x 1”.)
* Card base - Cardstock cut 2 at 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 4 1/4” along the 8 1/2” side
* Strip for layout - Cardstock cut 2 at 4” x 1” (I used an embossing folder to add texture to this piece)
* Asymetrical piece #1 - Cardstock cut at 4” x 3”
* Asymetrical piece #2 - Cardstock cut at 4” x 3”
NOTE - If you plan to stamp a greeting on the card front, one of the of the asymetrical pieces should be white or a light color of cardstock.
* Inside panel - Cardstock - white or light color cut at 4” x 4”
* Other - Stamps for greetings and images, punches, dies, coloring medium, adhesives of choice
CUTTING THE ASYMETRICAL PIECES
* On one of the 4” x 3” pieces of cardstock measure and mark with a pencil at the 1 1/4” point along the 4” side (top left)
* Now on the other 4” side measure over and mark at 1 1/4” (bottom right)
* Place the second 4” x 3” piece of cardstock behind the on you just marked, be sure they are lined up as best you can
* Place the two pieces of cardstock on a trimmer line up the two marks in the cutting track, and cut.
* You will have two sets of pieces - enough for two cards - be sure to line the up so the two different colored panels form a 4” x 3” rectangle
PUTTING THE LAYOUT TOGETHER
* Complete any stamping on the panels before adhering them to the card base. Punched out or die cut images can be added once the layout is completed
* Place the 2 symmetrical pieces on the card base leaving an even border all around
* Once you are satisfied with the placement, remove one piece at a time, place adhesive on the backside of the piece and adhere it in place. I find it easier to start with the 4” x 1” strip. Repeat the process for the remaining pieces.
FINISHING THE CARD
* Stamp sentiment and or images on inside panel, then adhere it to the inside off the card
* Add any embellishment and other final touches to the card.
* This square card will fit inside an A-2 size envelope (Stampin’ Up!®️ Medium Envelopes)
THREE VARIATIONS FOR MORE OPTIONS
Now let’s take the original layout and modify it a bit to create three similar, but different layouts!
This variation of the layout simply changes the size of the cardstock for the asymetrical pieces to 4” x 4”, and omits the 4” x 1” strip along the bottom. Create the asymmetrical pieces as directed for the original layout. You will have enough asymmetrical pieces for two cards.
CHRISTMAS TREE TRIO CARD
For this card I adjusted the original layout to fit an A-2 card front.
* Stamps - Tree Angle, Snowman Magic (Stampin’ Up!)
This version of the layout is created in a similar manner to the original with the following exceptions:
* Cut the cardstock pieces as directed above. For an A-2 card - cut cardstock at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” score and fold at 4 1/4”
* Mark one piece of the 5 1/4” x 3” pieces of cardstock at 2” along the top left on the 5 1/4” side, and do the same on the bottom right. Place the second piece of 5 1/4” x 3” cardstock under the one you marked. Place the cardstock pieces in a trimmer with the two marks lined up on the cutting track, and cut.
JOYOUS CANDLES CARD
This version of the layout adjusts the size of the asymmetrical cardstock pieces, and does not use the 5 1/4” x 1” cardstock strip.
* Cut the cardstock for the asymmetrical pieces at 5 1/4” x 4”
* Mark one piece of the 5 1/4” x 4” cardstock as directed for the previous card
FOUR VARIATIONS OF ONE LAYOUT
I hope you give one or more of these layout options a try. Each adds a festive look to Holiday cards, or cards for any occasion! Thank you so much for stopping by today. Next week’s Stamp Happy Holiday project will be a fun fold card featuring a Christmas tree! Hope to see you then! Until next time…
Stamp Happy!
Kim
NOTE - I list cardstock colors, ink colors, and the names of stamp sets I use as a reference only. Most of the Stampin’ Up sets I use are retired. I encourage you to use supplies you have on hand to create your version of the sample cards.
Today we’re going to talk about gift tags, no so much making gift tags as what to do with them after they are made. I know what you are thinking. Obviously the gift tags will be placed on gifts! That is true. How about making the tags the gift? I enjoy giving my friends and family boxes of tags to use on their Christmas gifts. Everyone seems to really appreciate the tags, and they use them!!! There are many ways to package your tags for giving them as a gift. Several weeks ago I shared how I made a small folder to package a set of tags. You will find the blog post and video HERE. The tags I am sharing today are packaged in a simple box with a coordinating lid. Let’s take a look at today’s project:
I usually make 12-24 tags for each gift. I created 12 tags for my sample box, 4 of each design.
To create this project I used two bundles; the ROCKING HORSE BUNDLE and the MERRIEST TREES BUNDLE. Both bundles are found in the Stampin’ Up!®️ September - December 2023 Mini Catalog, and can also be view in the online store.
* Strong Adhesive such as Stampin’ Seal+ or Tear & Tape and dimentionals (to adhere the rocking horse)
SUPPLIES FOR BOX LINING
* All About Autumn DSP - Mossy Meadow / Gold
Cut 1 at 3 3/4” x 2 1/2” for bottom of box
Cut 2 at 3 3/4” x 7/8” for long sides
Cut 2 at 2 1/2” x 7/8” for short sides
ROCKING HORSE GIFT TAG
NOTE - for the back side of all tags I used the to / from stamp fro the Joy of Noel stamp set.
SUPPLIES
* Rocking Horse Bundle
* Very Vanilla cardstock
* Inks - same as for the box
* Linen thread 6” per tag
NOTES
Stamp and color the number of rocking horses you want. Die cut them. Next use the rocking horse die and Very Vanilla cardstock to cut out a backing for each tag. View the video to see how to adhere the linen thread and assemble the tag.
CHRISTMAS TREE GIFT TAG
SUPPLIES
* Merriest Trees Bundle
* Mossy Meadow cardstock for front of tag
* Very Vanilla cardstock for back of cardstock
* Ink - Versa Mark and gold embossing folder
* Linen thread - 6” per tag
* Adhesive
OLD FASHIONED GIFTS GIFT TAG
SUPPLIES
* Rocking Horse Bundle and Merriest Trees Dies
* Very Vanilla cardstock for front and back of tag
The box I created measures 3 7/8” long x 2 5/8” wide and 1” tall. Most tags I create will fit in a box this size, but not all. Here is how to determine the size box and lid you will need for your tags.
1. BOX LENGTH
Stack your tags. Measure the length from one end of the tags to the other. If the tags are different sizes,
be sure to measure the length of the longest tag.This measurement is the length of your box.
2. BOX WIDTH
While the tags are stacked measure the width (how tall the tags are). This is the width of your box.
3. BOX HEIGHT
Keeping the tags stacked, measure the height of the tags. This will be the height of the box. Most of the
time a height of 1” will allow room for 20-24 tags, unless the tags are heavily embellished. A height of
less than an inch can result in a box that is less sturdy, but I have made boxes the are 1/2” tall and they
held up well. I think a box that is 1” or taller looks very nice.
4. CONVERTING THESE MEASUREMENTS INTO CUTTING MEASUREMENTS
Whatever measurement you decided on for the height of you box, you will double it, and add this
measurement to both the length measurement and the width measurement. These additions allow for
the sides of the box.
EXAMPLE:
The length of my tags is 3 7/8”. I want my box to be 1” tall (measurement for the side of the box). I
need to add 2” to the length. This creates two sides of the box. The total length of my cardstock will be
5 7/8”.
The width of my tags measured 2 5/8”. Just like with the length I need to add 2” to this measurement to
allow for the other two sides of the box. The width of my cardstock will be 4 5/8”.
CUTTING MEASUREMENTS
The cardstock for my box will be cut at 5 7/8” x 4 5/8”
To calculate the cutting measurements of the cardstock for the BOX LID simply add 1/8” to the length
and width of the box cutting measurements. For the sample he cardstock cutting measurements will be
6” x 4 3/4”.
SCORING
Score all side of each piece of cardstock at 1”.
NOTCH THE LID (This makes it easier to open the box.)
Place the one long end of the lid at the top of a paper trimmer or scoring board. Use the scoring blade
or stylus to mark the halfway point of the cardstock. The lid length in my example is 6” so the
halfway point is 3”. The score mark does not have to be very long, just enough for you to know where
the halfway point is. You can mark this with a pencil if you’d rather.
Use a 1” circle punch (or punch of your choice to create a notch). Align the punch so the the place
you marked is in the middle of the circle. You will punch only 1/2 or less of the circle. (See video.)
ASSEMBLING THE BOX AND LID
If you decide to put a layer of DSP on the box lid, adhere it prior to assembling.
View the video to see how to assemble the box.
VIDEO BOX
SUPPLIES
* Box - Lost Lagoon cardstock cut at 5 7/8” x 4 5/8” scored on each side at 1”
* Lid - Basic White cardstock cut at 6” x 4 3/4” scored on each side at 1”
* DSP Layer for lid - Snowflake Magic Specialty DSP cut at 3 3/4” x 2 1/2”
Welcome to another edition of TINSEL TIME TUESDAY! Today’s project is not a card; it is a little box that can be decorated any way you like, for any occasion.
This little treat box came about when I needed a fun way to present my sister with a tube of lip balm. Yes, lip balm. For several years now my sister and I have begun the Holiday Season by presenting one another with a tube of peppermint lip balm! It’s just one of those little things that has become our tradition!
Now, back to the box - a tube of lip balm fits perfectly inside this little box, but so do small candies, such as Hershey miniatures (2 fit nicely), Hershey Nuggets, Dove chocolates, Twix miniatures, Andes Mints, etc. Besides concealing a tube of lip balm, these little boxes can dress up a Holiday table or buffet, bring a smile to co-workers’ faces, or add cute accents to gift baskets.
Here are the treat boxes I made:
Each box takes a piece of cardstock or designer series paper (DSP) cut at 4” x 2 3/4”. The cardstock is
scored along the 4” side at 1 1/2” and 2 1/2” and along the 2 3/4” side at 1” and 1 3/4”. After scoring cut the score lines along the 4” side from the edge to the 1” or 1 3/4” score line . Se diagram below.
SNOWMAN TREAT BOX
SUPPLIES
* Real Red cardstock for box.
* Basic White, Basic Black, and Smoky Slate cardstock for snowmen (make two).
* Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Stampin’ Blends: Real Red (light), Flirty Flamingo (light), Pumpkin Pie (light), Shaded Spruce (light), Basic Black (light).
* Memento Tuxedo Black m Mango Melody, and Real Red ink.
* Stamp set - Penguin Place.
* Penguin Builderunch.
* Adhesive.
CHRISTMAS TREE TREAT BOX
SUPPLIES:
* Real Red cardstock for box.
* Designer Series Paper of choice for trees (punch 2)
*Pine Tree Punch.
SNOWFLAKE TREAT BOX
SUPPLIES:
* Basic White cardstock for base (I used the thick, but he the regular Basic White works too.)
* Gold Foil.
* Stitched Snowflakes Dies (die cut 2 from the gold foil)
* Adhesive and glue dots.
HANUKKAH TREAT BOX
SUPPLIES
* Pacific Point cardstock for box.
* Silver Foil.
stitched Triangles Dies - 2nd and third smallest of the equilateral set. Place the smaller one inside the largest of the two and die cut. You will need 4 of the triangles total.
* Adhesive and glue dots.
DSP TREAT BOX
SUPPLIES
* Designer Series Paper of choice - Heartwarming Hugs used here.
* Real Red Double Stitched Ribbon - 6 inches or so for bow.
* Adhesive and glue dots.
CUTE LITTLE TREAT BOX VIDEO TUTORIAL
I hope you give this cute little treat box a try. Thank you for stopping by. Until next time…
Stamp Happy!
Kim
STAMPIN’ UP!®️ SEASONAL SALE TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY
16-18 November
10% off cardstock
15% off ink pads
20% off dies
*All items are from the Stampin’ Up! 2021-2022 Annual Catalog
Cards using Banner Year images for great backgrounds!
Yes, one more post featuring the stamp set, Banner Year! I promise this will be the last post featuring this stamp set (this year 😁). Banner Year is not the style stamp set I am usually drawn to, but I bought it and I have enjoyed using it. I believe it is a great stamp set for beginning stampers (as well as all other stampers) as it is relatively inexpensive at $17 (US), and it contains 13 sentiments and 16 images that cover autumn / fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day!That is a lot of bang for your paper crafting buck!
If you would like to view previous projects I made using this stamp set search my blog by typing Banner Year In the search window on the right column of this page.
Just to remind you what the stamp set looks like:
This stamp set is featured in the Stampin’ Up! ®️ August- December Mini Catalog on page 65. It can be purchased alone or bundles with the the Banners Pick a Punch for a 10% savings on each.
Now let’s look at today’s cards:
A Cajun Craze, Bumble Bee, and Crumb Cake color combo add a lot of fall color to this card, but the stars of the show are the squirrel, acorn, and leaf images! The “Happy Fall Y’all” sentiment adds a bit of charm, and the little linen thread bow finishes off the autumn greeting card!
A spooky Halloween greeting using Whisper White, Basic Gray, and Granny Apple Green cardstock, and Basic Gray and Memento Tuxedo Black ink. The ribbon is the Whisper White Crinkle Seam Binding Ribbon colored with thr Basic Black - light Stampin’ Blend.
How about a cute pumpkin patch for Thankgiving?For this card I used Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, and Crumb Cake cardstock. The pumpkins and the greeting are stamped with Pumpkin Pie. The Pumpkin stems are stamped using Old Olive, and the leaves are stamped with Crumb Cake. Again, I used a linen thread bow to finish the card.
This Christmas card is bright and cheery and very traditional with the Real Red and Garden Green color scheme. I tied some of the Braided Red Linen Trim (see page 9 in the mini catalog) around the sentiment panel for another pop of color.
Here is another Christmas card in Balmy Blue and Granny Apple Green, and Whisper White. The bow is made from the Whisper White Crinkle Seam Binding Ribbon (Annual Catalog page 161).
* The sentiment I used on this card is from a retired set, Four the Holiday. It debuted in 2009. A current stamp set featuring the “Peace on Earth” sentiment is Dove of Hope (Mimi catalog page 13). The Yuletide Pasture set contains “Wishing You Peace Now and Always” which would work well too. (Page 28 Mini Catalog)
Finally, a card for Valentine’s Day or an any day card to give your child, grandchild, or other lived one:
Real Red, Magenta Madness, and Whisper White along with the Heartfelt Punch Pack help make this a card filled with love.
I hope these cards provide you with greatinkspirations, and help you recognize the varied uses for this terrific stamp set!
Remember tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September 2020 is the Stampin’ Up! 24 Hour Stamp Sale! Selected stamp sets from the annual catalog will be on sale for 15% off!!! The sale is tomorrow (9/23/20) only from 12 AM (Midnight) - 11:59 PM Mountain Time, or 2 AM Wednesday - 1:59 AM Thursday in the Eastern Time Zone (USA).
or tomorrow visit my online store (click on one of the catalogs on the right hand side of this blog) and click on Shop Now. Look for the Stamp Sale catagory.
Until Next Time...
Stamp Happy!
Kim
greatinkspirations.stampinup.net greatinkspirations@gmail.com. On You Tube - Kimberly Tolbert / Greatinkspirations
Have you ever ordered a stamp set you absolutely love, finally get it in your hands, and.... you find you have no idea what to do with it! I am fairly certain this happens to all card makers every now and again. When it happens to me I grab the catalog, look for card samples featuring the stamp set, and CASE one or more of the cards. It is a great way to get those creative juices flowing. CASE, yes, - Copy And Share Everything!
You can copy the the card exactly (please, remember to give credit where credit is due when posting your cards on social media.). You can copy the layout. You can copy the color scheme. You can change an element of the layout. There are so many ways to CASE!
Today I have two cards to share. I cased them from the upcoming Stampin’ Up!®️August- December 2020 Mini Catalog (formerly the Holiday Catalog). I used this cute set - Banner Year. It can be purchased separately, or bundled with the Banners Pick a Punch for a 10% savings.
Isn’t it cute? Cute images, fun fonts, and great greetings! I was so excited to get it! Then it sat on my desk, then on top of my paper cabinet, then on the shelf, and finally it was back on my desk. Today I decided the time had come. I was going to ink up these stamps!
Here is the first card I made.
This card is a CASE of a gift tag found on page 65 of the catalog. I simply turned the tag into a card.
The Basic Black card base is 4 1/4” x 11” scored at 5 1/2”. I cut 5 Whisper White strips 3/4” x 5 7/8”, and punched each end with the Banners Pick a Punch. I used Gorgeous Grape ink, and randomly stamped the spiderweb image on each strip. On a scrap piece of Whisper White cardstock I stamped 3 of the bats with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. Then I fussy cut them. I used the Stitched Nested Labels and die cut two shapes from Smoky Slate cardstock for the sentiment. I used the Memento Tuxedo Black ink to stamp the “Happy Haunting” sentiment. The strips were adhered to the card base with Stamp & Seal, as was the bottom layer of the sentiment panel. The bats and the top sentiment layer were adhered with dimensionals.
Here is the second card I made.
This card is almost identical to the sample in the catalog. It is a 4 1/4” square. The Whisper White card base is 4 1/4”x 8 1/2”, scored at 4 1/4”. The Just Jade banner is 3 3/8”x 1”, punched with the flag end of the Banner Pick a Punch. The Whisper White strip is 3 5/8” x 3/4”. The greeting is stamped using Real
Red. The card is stamped repeatedly with the holly leaf (Just Jade) and holly berries (Real Red) images from the stamp set. The Whisper White banner is adhered to the Just Jade banner using Stamp & Seal. The banner is popped up on dimensionals. The ribbon I used for the bow is different than the sample card in the catalog. I chose the Real Red Double Stitched Ribbon found in the annual catalog.
Now I have numerous ideas for other projects using the Banner Year stamp set! When you are in a creative slump, CASE a card, and get ready to bid that slump good-bye! Stampin’ Up! catalogs are great sources of inspiration. I hope my CASEd cards provide you with greatinkspirations!
Until next time...
Stamp Happy,
Kim
greatinkspirations.blogspot.com
greatinkspirations.stampinup.net
greatinkspiations@gmail.com
On You Tube - Kimberly Tolbert / Greatinkspirations