STEPPING UP YOUR CARDS - LITTLE THINGS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Hi Stampers!

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 . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

Kim

ANOTHER IDEA FOR USING CARDSTOCK SCRAPS

Hi Stampers!

Today we are continuing last week’s theme of using cardstock scraps!  There are endless possibility when it comes to using these bits and pieces. For today’s cards we will use lots of cardstock scraps, plus punches, and /or dies to create colorful cards. I saw several cards on Pinterest that were my inspiration for today’s cards. They were created by different people, so a big shout out to all those who provided inspiration. As I mentioned, we’ll be using cardstock scraps, punches and /or dies to create the focal pieces. Believe it or not, white card bases (in general) work well for these cards. Let’s take a peek at some sample cards.

VIDEO

CARD LAYOUT # 2610

WHAT YOU NEED

* A-2 Card Base - white cardstock (or color of choice) cut at 8 1/2’x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Inside Panel - (Optional) white or light colored cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Cardstock Scraps - colors of choice

* Punches or dies - 2-3 sizes, nesting dies work well for this project. 

* Press n Seal (optional) - a kitchen / food cling wrap product made by Glad.

* Stamps, inks, adhesives, and other items needed to complete card

WHAT TO DO

* Choose your scraps - colors, sizes (use smaller scraps for smaller images and larger pieces for larger images.

* Punch or die cut geometric shapes (or other shapes)

* Arrange shapes on card base. If there are some you want to put on dimensionals, remember the placement, and set those shapes aside.

* Tear off a piece of Press n Seal, place the “sticky” side over the arrangement, gently rub. Lift up from card base and the arrangement will stay put on the Press n Seal.

* Place liquid glue on back side of arrangement. Place arrangement on card base. Rub images to be sure they adhere. Remove Press n Seal. Save to use again.

* Place dimensionals or foam tape on the back side of the shapes you set aside. Arrange them on the card front.

* Stamp greeting on card front.

* Stamp inside panel (adhere to inside card) or inside card. Use a few extra shapes to embellish inside cards. 

HOW MANY SHAPES DO I NEED?

* The size and shape of your images and number of sizes you use will determine the number you need.

* In general 5-6 of main (largest) image,1-3 medium images, and 3-5 smaller ones. These are just estimates. If you cut frames as opposed to solid images you might need more as the frames look great when overlapped!

* Be careful! It is really easy to overload the card with shapes! Ask me how I know!!!

LOTS OF STARS

(PORTRAIT)

I overlapped the top two star frames by cutting a small horizontal slit on one side of the orange star, slipped it around a side of the yellow star and glued in place. 

(LANDSCAPE)

The layout for this card looks great in landscape orientation too!

(All supplies for both cards- Stampin’ Up!)

CIRCLES

(PORTRAIT)

I added a bit of ink on some of the circles to add interest and texture.  Another idea to add interest is stamp a design on the scrap cardstock using an ink the same or close to the same as the cardstock. After stamping punch or die cut the shapes. 

(LANDSCAPE)

(All supplies for both cards - Stampin’ Up!)

HEARTS & HEXAGONS

Other examples of shapes that can be used.

HEARTS

(Heart Dies  - Hero  Arts; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

HEXAGONS

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

SOLID IMAGES

Geometric shapes work great for these cards, but so do solid shapes or silhouette shapes, like these Peeps and dinosaurs!

FAVORITE PEEPS

(Bunny Dies, greeting - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

DINOSAUR RAWR

(Dino Dies - Trinity Stamps; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARD

(Dies - Waffle Flower; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

TODAY’S CARDS

I enjoy looking at all these colorful cards, and best of all they were made from scraps! My cardstock scrap bin weighs a bit less now, and I like that I made the most of my cardstock. I also used some punches and dies I have not used in a while. Overall, I am happy with this project.  It is an excellent example of using what you have on hand to create terrific cards. So, grab your cardstock scraps, punches, and dies, and start using those scraps!

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

Stamp Happy!

Kim

SEAS THE DAY WITH EASTER FRIENDS AND FLOATING GATE FOLD CARDS

 Hi Stampers!

I enjoy creating fun interactive cards, especially pop up cards! Today’s cards were created using the Floating Gate Fold Fun Fold. This fun fold is first and foremost a gate fold card, meaning it opens from the center. When the card is opened the images inside appear to be “floating” or popping up. This fun fold is very easy to make, and is sure to put a smile on the face of the recipient.

Let’s take a look at the cards:

Be sure to watch the video below to see how to assemble the Floating Gate Fold Card and learn how to adjust the size of the “floating mechanism” to fit any size image.

LEARN TO MAKE A FLOATING GATE FOLD CARD 

VIDEO TUTORIAL

SEAS THE DAY FLOATING GATE FOLD 

INSIDE OF CARD

SIDE VIEW

SEAS THE DAY STAMP SET

OCEANFRONT STAMP SET

SUPPLIES

* SEAS THE DAY & OCEANFRONT stamp sets & BIGGEST WISH stamp set (happy birthday)

* SEA DIES

* Card base - Balmy Blue - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored at 2 1/8” and 6 3/8” along the 8 1/2” side; or score at 2 1/8” , turn paper around and score at 2 1 8” on other side.

* Balmy Blue mat - 

* Basic White cardstock - 2 pieces cut at 5 1/4” x  1 7/8”, one piece 5 1/4” x 4” for inside card, one piece 3” x 3 1/2” for focal panel, for “floating” mechanism - 2 strips 3/4” x 4 1/2” scored at 1”, 2 1/2”, and 3 1/2”, and about 1/4 sheet for stamping images

* Old Olive cardstock for die cutting

* Inks - Balmy Blue, Night of Navy, Smoky Slate, Calypso Coral, Mango Melody, Old Olive, Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie

*Blending brush

* Faux Sea Glass Shapes - 3 Old Olive

* Adhesive and dimensionals

EASTER FRIENDS CARD

INSIDE OF CARD

SIDE VIEW

EASTER FRIENDS STAMP SET

SUPPLIES

* EASTER FRIENDS stamp set

* STITCHED SO SWEETLY DIES - two largest scalloped rectangles

* So Saffron card base - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored at 2 1/8” x 6 3/8” and a piece about 4 1/4” x 3 1/4” to die cut mat

* Basic White cardstock 5 1/4” x 4” for inside card, a piece is about 3 1/4” x 2 3/4” to die cut for focal image, 2 strips for “floating” mechanism - cut at 1” x 4 1/2” and score each at 1”, 2 1/2”, & 3 1 2” and scrap to stamp 2 duck images

* Two pieces of DSP Flowering Fields (multicolored tulips)

* Inks - Daffodil Delight, Granny Apple Green, Gorgeous Grape

* In Color Jewels (2021-2023), 3- Fresh Freesia

* Scissors to fussy cut the 2 duck images for inside the card

* Adhesive

PARTY PUFFINS MAKE A WISH

INSIDE OF CARD

PARTY PUFFINS

ALL SQUARED AWAY 

SUPPLIES

* PARTY PUFFINS a s ALL SQUARED AWAY stamp sets

* Bermuda Bay card base - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored at 2 1/8” and 6 3/8”

* Bermuda Bay cardstock for mat 3 3/4” x 2 3/4”

* Basic White cardstock -  3 1/2” x3 1/2” for focal panel, 2 strips cut at 1” x 5” scored at 1”, 3” and 4” and about 1/2 a sheet for stamping images

* 6” x 6” Designer Series Paper - Brights - Coastal Cabana, cut 2 at 5 1/4” x 1 7/8”

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, Bermuda Bay; Stampin’ Blends - Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, So Saffron, Bermuda Bay, Pool Party, Flirty Flamingo, Pale Papaya, and Natural Tones 300

* Scissors to fussy cut images

* Adhesive

NOTE - I die cut the stamped square images using the Layering Squares Dies (Stampin’ Up!®️ retired item). This provided the white border around the square. If you do not have the dies or a 2” square punch; simply cut out the stamped square image with a paper trimmer or scissors, and mount on a 2” square Basic White mat.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE FLOATING GATE FOLD CARD

* Card dimensions and scoring

    Portrait Orientation - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored along the 8 1/2” side at 2 1/8” and 6 3/8” (or score at 2 1/8” from each end); fold the scored lines toward the inside of the card.

    Landscape orientation - 11” x 4 1/4” scored along the 11” side at 2 3/4” and 8 1/4” (or score at 2 3/4” from each end); fold the scored lines toward the inside of the card. 

Note - it is best to use smaller images on the floating mechanisms when creating this card using landscape orientation.

* Apply adhesive on back of left side of focal panel only so as not to adhere the card closed.

* To determine the width of the strips for the “floating” mechanism, measure the width height of the image area you will attach to the mechanism. This is not the height of the entire image. I find strips of 1/2”, 3/4” or 1” tend to work for most images.

* To determine the length of the strips  for the “floating” mechanism, measure the width (at widest point) of the image, add 3” to this number to get the length of the strip.

* Scoring the “floating” mechanism strip - score at 1” from one end, turn 180 degrees and score at 1” and 2”. The length between the sets of score lines will equal the width of your image.

* Before adhering floating mechanisms in place, check to make sure images on the floating mechanism do not go above or below the card base, and check to be sure there is clearance space between the floating images.

  FLOATING GATE GOLD CARDS

I hope you add the Floating Gate Fold card to your card making fun folds. It easy to create, and guaranteed to receive a lot of ooohs and aaaawes from the recipients!

That’s all for today. Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time…

Stamp Happy!

Kim

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