Written in Wood - Engagement

When it comes to cards for couples - like engagement card for example, I like to keep it simple. I feel it needs to appeal to both man and a woman. And in this case I wanted to go for something romantic in a less conventional way. So here it is - written in wood. Like initials carved in a trunk of a tree to stay.

I used kraft cardstock for the base and the panel. I used some yellow, orange and light brown ink for some colour variation. I couldn't decide whether I should use background die or embossing folder for the woodgrain effect. So I did both and compared the overall look. I went with the die in the end, but here are pictures of both.

 I used Lil'inker Designs Stitched Woodgrain cover die. It's such a cute die and it was perfect for the card - did you notice the little heart in the pattern? I then die cut a heart shape and positioned it over cream card with the names of the couple printed. I mounted the panel on a craft foam for some dimension.

For the sentiment I used Mini Shadowed Sentiments by Sue Wilson. I used gold mirror cardstock for the shadow and cream for the sentiment. However the gold looked a bit too shiny and new for the rustic design I was going for and I wanted to make it look a bit tarnished. I used Antique Paste by Pentart which is a brilliant medium and can be used in many ways. If anything needs to look vintage, shabby chic or rustic - Antique Paste is your guy. I just rubbed some all over the die cut with a bit of sponge paying particular attention to the edges and let it dry. It muted the shine and gave it an antique gold effect. Depending on what it is applied with it can also leave some marks - like scratches or rust effect. 

Here's a close up of the finished sentiment. I should've taken a picture before I used the Antique Paste but I didn't think of it at the time.

I decided to add some dainty green branches with leaves for a bit of colour and interest. 

And here it is - the finished product.

The client was very happy with the final result and I hope the couple were too! 

https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Lattice Cards

I really enjoyed making these. It's not a new technique and I've made cards see through or lattice cards before. I like the final result so much, I had to do it again and play around with it a bit. I used the layering dies for this. However any background dies could be used, as long as they're not solid.

I came across this technique on Jennifer McGuire's blog and YouTube channel. I love Jennifer, she's one of my cardmaking gurus. Here's link to this particular technique.

Note: I apologise for the quality of the photos in this post. I make cards for sale and these sold out so quickly I didn't really get the opportunity to take nicer pictures. I also wanted to deliver them to my clients as soon as I could as some of them may need to post them in the current situation, rather than hand deliver.

I die cut layering background die from coordinating cardstock - I used these beautiful shades of green and glued them together. I also die cut all 3 layers from white cardstock to form the back of my card and glued them together as well. I then scored the top frame of the die and attached it to the from green panel, so that it forms a top opening card. I used the oval stitched die for the sentiment and also as a space for the personal message inside.

The other dies I used had a lot more empty space and I decided to fill it with vellum, so they're not completely see through. And they can be lit up from behind, which makes them look like a lantern or stained glass.

https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

More Shaker Cards

I did go a bit mad on shaker cards. But this is the last batch.

I used the same die as previously on one card and a different die from the same set, but this time I cut it out of mirror cardstock. I love the effect of an intricate die with mirror cardstock, this precious metal jewellery look. I used quite feminine paper with blue flowers and damask pattern. I distressed the smaller one of the cards for a bit of shabby chic look and kept the other one pristine and clean.  I'm not great with words, so I'll let the cards speak for themselves.

https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Shaking up Mother's Day - again

I did mention in my last post that I went a bit mad on shaker cards. Here's more.

I used retro style patterned paper this time and placed sentiments inside the shaker window.
I used a round die to cut out the centre and die cut the shape from white cardstock. I coloured then with pearlescent watercolour paint.

https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Shaking up Mother's Day

I took a looong break from the blog and also from crafting. I had to pack my craft stash away to make space for baby stuff. Yes, I became a mother. My little one is now 18 months old and I'm finally back to crafting.

And since Mother's Day is less than a month away I thought I'd share some card ideas for this special occasion.

I went a bit mad on shaker cards. I just LOVE a good shaker. And they aren't hard to make, once you practice a bit.

Here is the first lot.
I used  round dies with flowers. I cannot for the life of me remember where I got them - they were in my stash for a while but I just never got to use them. And for this I cut them out of mirror cardstock. I used double sided adhesive, I don't think I'd have the patience to apply glue, even with the precision applicator. I cut the opening in the card panel using the same die to make sure the die fits and lines up perfectly. Once I had acetate at the back of the panel I stuck the die cut at the front of the shaker window. For the back I used fun foam or double sided foam tape. I find tape so much easier as it already has adhesive. But then again - fun foam guarantees smooth surface and no dents. So here's a perfect solution - double sided foam sheets (Stix2 or Crafter's Companion) - on my shopping list already.
I used a sequin mix of light green and peachy pink. I thought it was a nice colour combination for the spring.
I combined white and ivory cardstock for a bit interest as the cards are simple enough. I mixed and matched with silver and gold and used different sentiments - some stamped, some die cut and some printed. So even though I made them in a batch they are all different.

I really like that large "thanks" die - it works so well on this card. I cut it three times and stacked them for added dimension and it helped it stand out a bit more. This die is from My Monthly Hero kit from a couple of years ago (if I remember correctly), but here is a similar one.

Which one is your favourite?


I'll be sharing more Mother's Day shaker cards next time - stay tuned!

https://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/simon-says-anything-goes-70/

http://happylittlestampers.blogspot.com/2020/02/hls-february-cas-challenge.html

Manly Man Birthday

I always have a problem with creating cards for men. And when it came to making a birthday card for my father in law I had to think long and hard. In the end I took his profession as inspiration - he is a carpenter.
I opted for texture and dimension to add interest to the card - no fancy embellishments here!

I used two embossing folders - brick and wood. I added dome ink to both (Hero Arts Bold Ink in Carmel) to emphasise the texture with colour. For the brick background I just cut the paper to size, but for the wood I cut three 2cm strips and ran them through BigShot next to each other. I then ensured there were in correct order when mounting them on a card.

I cut out the sentiment and used 3 layers of copper embossing powder - this makes it look like it's actually made of metal.

I mounted everything on a craft foam to give it dimension and glued the sentiment across the three "boards".

I also added a little fun detail - fake screws on either side of the wooden strips. I used dimensional fabric paint in pure gold metallic (works great on paper as well!). And since it has some elasticity to it when dry I was able to use my craft knife to make dents in it so the little drops resemble screws.

And here it is - a Birthday card for a hard working man. 

And incidentally Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge is all about Birthdays! have a look at the lovely creations and entries here. 

My Monthly Hero

So finally after months of looking at all those awesome card kits I've decided to order one. My Montly Hero for March really caught my eye - it's perfect for s starter or just to restock those basics. Because craft stash is a bit like wardrobe - you need basics you can build on. I had to wait a bit longer to receive mine - it had to cross the Atlantic Ocean to get here. And when I finally got it I could not wait to use all the supplies. Ok, I did wait. but only because it was so nicely packaged, all wrapped in tissue and tied with a pretty ribbon (both of which can be used for crafting - bonus!).

So once I've had enough looking at it I finally went ahead and used it. Since the kit is full of basics the card is pretty basic too. I used craft cardstock as a base and only added white. The only exception are the leaves and the middle of the daisy.

I've cut the hello twice and doubled it for dimension.I used Stitched Daisies to create a flower - I cut out all 3 sizes and glued them on top of each other and slightly offset. I curled the petals a little (by carefully running scissors at the back of each one) for added dimension and more realistic look. I also added Wink of Stella to the petals.
At the bottom I used White Unicorn ink from the card kit and a stencil to create a pattern and add interest to the card.

And since the cards features flowers (ok, one flower, but why should that not be enough?) I've decided to submit it to Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge. Have a look at all the wonderful entries - it's a great inspiration.