Can you believe December is less than one week away? I am very close to having all the Christmas cards I need for this season. I hope you are close as well. If not, it is okay. There is still time to create and mail festive Christmas cards. Today’s card idea is perfect when you need to create a stack of cards and you have limited time. Today’s sample cards are tent topper cards, sort of - they are a slight variation of a tent topper card I was taught to make years ago. Let’s take a look:
TENT TOPPER CARDS
The basic tent topper card I was taught to make consists of a square card base (8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 4 1/4”) and a focal image on a circle or square, or other shaped die cut. The focal image is affixed to the card base so as to make the card 5 1/2” tall. These cards fit perfectly inside an A-2 sized envelope (Stampin’ Up! ®️ medium sized envelope). Here is a sample of a basic tent topper card:
BASIC TENT TOPPER CARD
SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD
* Stamp set - Beary Cute
* Card base - Balmy Blue cut at 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 4 1/4”
* Other cardstock - Basic White - cut two at 4” square (one to mat dap for front of card, and one for inside panel; scrap for focal point - die cut with Stylish Shapes Dies - circles, 2nd largest; Balmy Blue scrap - cut with Stylish Shapes Dies -circles, largest
* DSP - A Walk In the Forest - Balmy Blue with trees, cut at 3 3/4” square
* Ink - Pretty Peacock - achieve variation in color by Stampin off on scrap paper, then stamp the image on the cardstock
* Embellishment - Adhesive backed Glitter Sequins - blue, 8-9, or embellishment of choice
* Adhesive and dimensionals
VIDEO
TRY A TENT TOPPER CARD FOR SENDING CHEER
SENDING CHEER TENT TOPPER CARD
SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD
* Sending Cheer Bundle
* Card base - Poppy Parade - 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 4 1/4”
* Other cardstock - Basic White - cut one for card front mat and one for inside panel - 4” square; scraps of Basic White to stamp the gingerbread men and for the greeting; Poppy Parade - scrap to die cut hearts and larger scraps to die cut 2 gingerbread man shapes for back side of focal images
* DSP - Merry Bold & Bright - Fa La La La La pattern cut at 3 3/4” square
* Inks - Pecan Pie, Early Espresso, Poppy Parade; Stampin’ Write Marker or Stampin’ Blends - Real Red;
White gel pen
* Adhesive and dimensionals and liquid glue to adhere hearts
MERRIEST TREES MERRY CHRISTMAS TENT TOPPER CARD
SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD
* Merriest Trees Bundle & Rocking Horse (greeting)
* Card base - Balmy Blue - 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored & folded at 4 1/4”
* Other cardstock - Basic White - cut 2 at 4” square - one for focal panel mat and one for inside panel, large piece to stamp and die cut tree, and scrap for greeting Balmy Blue - large scrap to die cut tree shape
* DSP - A Walk In the Woods - snowflake pattern 3 3/4” square
* Ink - Balmy Blue
* Stylish Shapes Dies - largest banner
* Embellishments - Rhinestones - 8-9
* Adhesive and dimensionals
WARM WISHES TENT TOPPER CARD
SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD
* Merriest Trees Bundle and Beary Cute stamp set (greeting)
* Card base - Garden Green - cut at 8 1/2” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 4 1/4”
* Other cardstock - Basic White - cut two at 4” square, one for focal panel mat and one for inside panel, scrap for greeting; Garden Green - piece to die cut tree for back side of focal piece and piece to mat greeting
* DSP - A Walk In the Forest - striped pattern cut at 3 3/4” square; Die cut tree from this pack of paper
* Stylish Shapes Dies - circles 3rd and 4th smaller
* Adhesive and dimensionals
TENT TOPPER CARDS
Thanks for checking in. I hope you will give the tent topper card (or a variation of it) a try! This card style is great for Christmas cards, but it work well for all occasion cards! That is it for today. Until next time. . .
NOTE - The Stampin’ Up! September - December 2023 Mini Catalog sales period will soon. Some items used to create the cards might no longer be available.
I have a lot of foiled papers! A lot!!!! If you gave been creating cards for long, I bet you have a little stash of foiled papers too! It’s time to pull out those shiny papers and put them to work!
Today I am sharing a couple of card ideas and ideas for tags, and each project (with one exception) uses foiled papers! Here is a look at my sample projects:
VIDEO
USING FOILED PAPERS FOR PROJECTS THAT
SHIMMER AND SHINE
FAUX ORNAMENT CARDS
SUPPLIES FOR THESE CARDS
* Stamp sets - Christmas Classics (greeting) and Joy to You (inside greeting)
* Card bases - Granny Apple Green / Melon Mambo cardstock- 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”
* Basic White cardstock - 2 pieces per card, layer for front of card and one for inside panel - 5” x 3 3/4”
* Foil paper - Melon Mambo and Granny Apple Green
* Metallic Woven Ribbon - Sweet Sorbet & Parakeet Party, about 24” each
* Reach for the Stars Dies - circles - 2nd, 3rd, and 4th largest
* Snowflake Sky embossing folder
* Adhesive and dimensionals
NOTE
* Die cut circles from the foil paper first, then emboss them.
* Use ribbon to create bows, attach bows with glue dots. Use a paper piercer or other tool to fold the glue dot in half, then fold it in half again.
DIE CUT POSITIVE & NEGATIVE CHRISTMAS TREE CARDS
These cards are sort of a “two for one” type of card as the positive image (die cut tree) and the negative image (layer with space where shape was die cut) are used to create two cards. For the first the Christmas tree shape is die cut from the center of the mat layer. Next I used an embossing folder and embossed the mat layer including the die cut part. (This will be used for the second card.) Then I die cut the Christmas tree image from a piece of foiled paper. I adhered the mat layer to the card base. Then I placed dimensionals on the back side of the foiled paper die cut and lined it up on the mat layer. Die cutting the shape from the mat layer leaves a bit of an impression that serves as an “outline” for the foiled tree image. This adds a bit more dimension and definition to the tree.
The second card is created using the tree image die cut from the mat layer of the first card. The tree is adhered to a mat layer using dimensionals.
SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD
* Stamp sets - Rocking Horse (greeting) and Joy tonYou (inside greeting)
* Card base - Shaded Spruce cardstock- 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”
* Inside panel - Basic White cardstock 5” x 3 3/4”
* Mat - Gold Foil - 5” x 3 3/4”
* Tree - Joyful Specialty DSP about 4” square
* Other cardstock for greeting - Basic White 2 1/2” x 3/4”; Shaded Spruce 2 3/4” x 7/8”
* Card base - Garden Green cardstock - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”
* Inside panel - Basic White cardstock - 5” x 3 3/4”
* Mat layer - Gold Foil - 5” x 3 3/4”
* Top mat layer - Garden Walk DSP - Garden Green diagonal stripes pattern
* Christmas Tree die cut from previous card mat.
* Ink - Garden Green
* Embossing Folder - Merry Melody
* Embellishments - Festive Pearls - gold - 17
* Adhesive and dimensionals
SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD
* Stamp sets - Rocking Horse and Joy to You stamp sets
* Card base - Lost Lagoon cardstock cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”
* Inside panel - Basic White cardstock cut at 5” x 3 3/4”
* Mat layer Basic White cardstock cut at 5” x 3 3/4”; die cut tree from center, then emboss mat layer
* Foil tree - Snowflake Magic Specialty DSP about a 4” square
* Greeting cardstock - Basic White 2 7/8” x 1” ; Lost Lagoon 3 1/8” x 1 1/4”
* Ink - Lost Lagoon
* Dies - Merriest Trees
* Embossing Folder - Snowflake Sky
* Embellishment - Festive Pearls, green, 3
* Adhesive and dimensionals
NO FOILED PAPER, BUT STILL SOME SHINE
This card breaks the rule for this post - no foil!!! It does use the die cut from the background panel of the previous card.
SUPPLIES FOR THIS CARD
* Stamp sets - same as for previous card
* Card base - Lost Lagoon cardstock cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”
* Inside panel - Basic White cardstock cut at 5” x 3 3/4”
* Mat for focal image - One Horse Open Sleigh DSP cut at 5” x 3 3/4”
* Die cut tree image from previous card’s mat layer - I used a sponge dauber and ink to color the tree
* Ink - Lost Lagoon
* Embossing Folder - Snowflake Sky
* Embellishment - Festive Pearls - Silver - 9
* Adhesive and dimensionals
TAGS
* For all tags I used the Tailor Made Tags Dies. If you do not have these dies, you can create tags with a similar look. See video and refer to Template chart found further down this page.
* The tag measure about 2” x a bit less than 4”, and consist of two layers; the foiled paper and Basic White cardstock.
* I cut the Specialty DSP (foiled paper) in strips 2” wide x 12” long, and strips of Basic White cardstock 2” wide by 11” long. I lined up the top end of the foiled paper with the top end of the cardstock, placed my die at the top of the stacked papers, secured it with low tack tape and ran it through the die cut machine. Keeping the papers together, I repeated the process. Next I separated the remaining foiled paper from the cardstock. ( I saved the remaining piece of cardstock to use for sentiments and the like.) I lined up the remaining foiled paper with another strip of cardstock and repeated the process.
* When using the Tailor Made Tags Dies and cutting both layers of the tag at the same time I found the faux stitching around the edge of the tag die pressed the two pieces of paper together and held well enough I needed no adhesive to hold the two layers of the tag together. Adding the ribbon to the top also helped hold the two pieces together.
* For all tags I used the To/From stamp from the Joy of Noel stamp set.
* For each tag the ribbon is cut at 6” long, doubled, slipped through the hole and the tails pulled through the loop.
* Some supplies I used for these tags are no longer available. Use what you have in your stash. In general my projects are created using items that can be ordered from Stampin’ Up!®️, but sometime I use retired items. I believe in practicing what I preach, and I do encourage you to take the ideas I show and create them using what you have on hand.
JOYFUL CHRISTMAS TAGS
SUPPLIES
* Joy of Noel Bundle (NOEL)
* Joyful Specialty DSP
* Gold Glimmer Paper (no longer available) - Alternative: More Dazzle Specialty Paper
* Basic White cardstock
* Crumb Cake Ink (to stamp NOEL) and to stamp the to/from on back of tags
* Ribbons - Any gold ribbon you have on hand. I used the Gold & Silver 1/8” Trim (online Exclusive), gold: Cherry Cobbler Metallic Ribbon, Shimmer Ribbon in gold (both retired). Alternative - Simply Elegant Trim - gold.
SNOWFLAKE MAGIC TAGS
SUPPLIES
* Joy of Noel stamp set for to/from
* Ink - Lost Lagoon
* Ribbon - Gold & Silver 1/8” Trim (silver) and Simply Elegant Trim (silver)
* Snowflakes - use any snowflake punch or die you have on hand.
* Gems - Rhinestones Basic Jewels
SHINING CHRISTMAS TAGS
SUPPLIES
* Joy of Noel stamp set
* Shining Christmas Specialty DSP (no longer available)
* Ribbons - Real Red & Burlap Combo Pack (Real Red); Braided Linen Trim (Mossy Meadow), Taffeta Ribbon (Real Red), Crinkled Seam Binding Ribbon ( White) all three are retired.
Today I am sharing three of my “go to” card layouts. I created three sets of sample cards, and kept the focal images similar for each card in the set. Let’s take a look at the sample cards:
HALLOWEEN CARDS
THANKSGIVING / HARVEST CARDS
CHRISTMAS CARDS
For my sample cards I chose to use the Pick of the Patch Bundle for the Halloween cards and the Thanksgiving / Harvest cards. For the Christmas cards I used the Merriest Trees Bundle and the Beary Cute Bundles. All products are found in the Stampin’ Up! September - December 2023 Mini Catalog, and in my online store HERE.
BASIC LAYOUT - We all frequently use this layout and various renditions of it. Start with an A-2 card base (front of card measures 5 1/2” x 4 1/4”) at either portrait or landscape orientation. Add a piece of patterned paper (DSP) cut at 5 1/4” x 4”, then add a focal image and a greeting.
SIDE BAR LAYOUT - Start with an A2 card base at either portrait or landscape orientation. Add a strip of DSP that is 1”, 1 1/4”, or 1 1/2” wide, or other width of your liking, and mat it to a piece of contrasting cardstock that is 1/4” wider than your DSP. The length for both the DSP and the cardstock mat will be equal to the length of your card - 5 1/2” for portrait orientation and 4 1/4” for landscape orientation. To complete the card add a focal panel and a greeting.
THREE SCRAP STRIPS LAYOUT - Once again it all starts with an A-2 card base. The next step is to cut three strips of DSP and mat them with contrasting cardstock. There are two options for strips, long or short. The long strips are evenly adhered from left to right across a card base with the 4 1/4” sides at the top and bottom, and the 5 1/2” edges being the sides of the card. Once adhered the card can be oriented in either direction. The short strips are adhered evenly across the card base with the 5 1/2” sides at the top and bottom and the 4 1/4” edges being the left and right sides of the card. Here are the measurements for the strips and their mats - remember to cut three of each:
SHORT STRIPS LONG STRIPS
MATS - 3 7/8” x 1 3/8” MATS - 5” x 1 1/8”
DSP - 3 3/4” x 1 1/4” DSP - 4 7/8” x 1”
HALLOWEEN CARDS
BASIC LAYOUT
SIDE BAR LAYOUT
THREE SCRAP STRIPS LAYOUT
SUPPLIES USED FOR THESE CARDS
* Pick of the Patch Bundle
* Card bases and cardstock for mats and frames - Basic Black and Cajun Craze
* Inside panels - Very Vanilla cut at 5 1/3” x 4”
* DSP - Them Bones
* Focal panels cardstock - Very Vanilla,Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wheat, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake
* Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Gray, Cajun Craze, Crushed Curry, Pool Party; Stampin’ Write Marker - Crushed Curry to color crow beak
* Blending brush - use with Pool Party ink to add a bit of color on the Very Vanilla cardstock
* Dies - Stylish Shapes - squares and circle
* Adhesive, dimensionals, and glue dots (attach stems to pumpkins and Early Espresso “stem” to sign
THANKSGIVING / HARVEST CARDS
BASIC LAYOUT
SIDEBAR LAYOUT
THREE SCRAP STRIPS LAYOUT
SUPPLIES FOR THESE CARDS
* Pick of the Patch Bundle
* Cardstock for card bases - Copper Clay and Very Vanilla
* Inside card panels - Very Vanilla cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”
* DSP - Them Bones
* Cardstock for focal panels - Very Vanilla and Copper Clay, Pumpkin PieCrushed Curry, Wild Wheat, Crumb Cake, Mossy Meadow
* Cardstock for card bases and focal panels and mats - Mossy Meadow, Misty Moonlight,and Very Vanilla
* Inside panels - Very Vanilla cut at 5 1/4” x 4”
* DSP - Beary Christmas and A Walk In the Forest (die cut bears and trees from this)
* Ink - Misty Moonlight
* Dies - Deckled Rectangles, Deckled Circles, Stylish Shapes (squares)
* Embellishments - 2023-2025 In Color Dots - Boho Blue
* Adhesive and dimensionals
Today, Saturday 7 October 2023 is World Card asking Day. I hope you had the opportunity to make a card or two, and maybe even get together with friends to create cards together. If you missed World Cardmaking Day it is okay, any day can be a great day to make cards! The most important thing to remember is once you make your card, send it to someone to brighten their day.
Thank you so much for stopping by! Until next time. . .
