Piano card for my grand daughter

We went out of town last week to see our oldest grand daughter's first piano recital.  She just started piano lessons in the fall and her teacher felt she had improved enough to participate!!  I wanted to let her know that we were proud of her and "good on her" for doing well with her piece. 
So I decided to make a musical card for her and I found this piano card  tutorial on line which seemed pretty straight forward so I decided to give it a go.  I started with a black card base.  I cut a piece of white cardstock and added black lines with a permanent marker.  I used this method of marking even spaces on a piece of paper using a ruler and it worked perfectly to define the white piano keys.  I found some small scraps of black cardstock and cut them about 2/3 of the white piece and used double sided tape to glue them over the lines.  I was sure to put them in the correct order by finding a piano on line and duplicating the pattern.  I hand drew the grand piano shape and trimmed it with scissors.  I printed the sheet music offered in the tutorial and glued it to the inside of the card.  I added a small insert on the inside front of the card to write my note!!  Very happy with how it turned out!! 

Therese

Easter card with a ribbon cross and printed greeting

My first Easter card!  I used a piece of packaging for my background - beautiful yellow and white stripes!!  There is a joint below the ribbon vertically and I angled the black gros grain just a bit so it is still covered by the ribbon.  I added a piece across horizontally to create a graphic cross on my background.  I really like the effect!!  I glued this background to a blue green card which coordinates with my greeting.  I really wanted to layer this round colour printed greeting but I could not find a layer colour that did not distract from the cross so I put it on without one using 3D foam tape to give it a bit of dimension.  A simple card with a simple message!!  Love it!

Therese

A set of handmade cards with fun background paper

 In an effort to expand my repertoire of card sketches that feature decorative paper backgrounds I decided to see if I could come up with a set of cards using four backgrounds cut from the same sheet of decorative paper.  I trimmed my backgrounds and set about finding coordinating cardstock for my card bases.  With that done it was just a matter of finding sketches that would work.

For my first card, I added a length of green ribbon and layered on a floral focal element which was constructed using diecuts/punchies.  I die cut the petalled flower and manually embossed the petals before adding a green circle punchie and then an embossed pink center.  I added a sponged laser printed punchie greeting to the lower left hand side to finish off my card. 
My second card started with the same background to which I added a dark maroon strip of embossed cardstock near the bottom.  I die cut the word "happy"(SX) in green and mounted it to the left hand side of the maroon strip which left just enough space on the right for my little "birthday" which I fortunately was able to tuck under the maroon strip. 
For my third card I chose to cover the only bright red on my background with my layered focal element which gives this one a bit of a different look.  I layered a green "hole" of a flower punchie over a maroon scalloped circle punchie and then embossed the petals before adding a pink circle punchie in the center to finish off the flower.  I added a light green ribbon across the middle of the background paper before gluing it to my green card front then adhered my focal element over the end of it using 3D foam tape.  The background paper details support the idea of the focal element being a flower. 
For my last card I decided to try a technique that I have seen quite a few times on Splitcoast Stampers  which involves cutting the decorative paper on the center about one third way in on the right hand side.  I measured 2 5/8" up and 1 3/4" from the edge of my 4" x 5.25" background and cut the paper with my exacto knife.  Next, I scored between the end of the line and both corners so I would get a neat fold.  I gently folded the flaps up and used a tiny piece of double sided tape very near the fold to keep the flaps from springing up too much - just enough dimension and texture!!  I added a ribbon across the middle from the end of the cut to the outside edge gluing the ends to the back with double sided tape.  The cardstock in the "v" needed a bit of something so I manually embossed that area with a distressed strips embossing folder.  For my embellishment I die cut a small red petal flower, added a green center and two embossed leaves before adhering it over the end of the cut with 3D foam tape. 
Very happy with my challenge and did manage to find some sketches that worked with my backgrounds.  I like that with these busy backgrounds I feel that the card don't really need greetings.  My favorite is the one with the flaps - a great sketch.  Will be using that one again!!

Therese

Card set #4 - washi tape/decorative paper backgrounds with 3D embellishments

For my final set of cards I have these warm and bright washi tapes combined with a very subtle off white and beige scrapbook paper for my backgrounds which I have mounted to off white card fronts. 
For my first card I again went with a bird theme.  I die cut a portion of the bare tree (TH) using a scrap of brown cardstock, trimmed it to fit and adhered it to my card front.  I punched a bird from red cardstock, coloured in the beak and added a tiny black brad for the eye.  I punched the wing from brown cardstock, manually embossed it and adhered it to my bird.  I added the bird to my card using 3D foam tape. 
For my second card I die cut the butterfly from yellow and manually embossed its wings, added a paper butterfly from my stash and layered onto it the brown body/antennae die cut (QK) from a different butterfly die set.  I adhered it to my card front using 3D foam tape and added a dotted flight path using a fine tipped permanent marker.  

For my third card I die cut a large flower using the Tattered Flowers die (TH) from maroon cardstock and added some texture by colour washing the petals with watercolour.  I fussy cut this cute laser printed button, used a black marker on its edges and watercoloured it yellow to coordinate with the background before adhering it to the center of my flower using 3D foam tape.  I hand cut from green scraps a stem and two leaves, glued them to my card front and then adhered my flower over the end of the stem.  To finish off my card I colour washed the stems as well for a bit more texture.  

For my fourth and final card I went back to my heart theme and layered several heart die cuts.  I started with a red heart, layered on one with musical notes and finally added a smaller one cut from gold card and manually embossed.  This heart focal element was added to my card front using 3D foam tape.  

I have so enjoyed making these four sets of cards!!!  I love the collagy look of them and that they are very versatile.  I may consider using this concept again for my card making in the future when I am looking to make cards without greetings.  I still have a small stash of washi tape that needs to be used up and certainly strips of paper would likely have the same effect.  Got some of those as well!!  

Therese

Card Set #3 - collaged washi tape with 3D embellishments

Feeling very positive about the results of my first two sets of cards (set 1) I worked on this set!!
I started by gluing my washi tape/decorative paper backgrounds to white card fronts. You can see that the decorative paper has subtle script and design elements.
For my first card, I decided on a layered heart embellishment!! It is such a versatile element appropriate for birthdays, anniversaries, thinking of you, etc.  I started with a small decorative paper die cut which I layered onto a serendipity heart die cut and then onto a large manually embossed heart die cut.  I machine stitched them together with yellow thread gluing the ends to the back with regular tape.  I mounted this heart focal element to my layered card front.
For my second card, I started with a small brown flower punchie, added it to a blue flower punchie made from hand decorated paper and then layered that over a green embossed die cut flower.  I used a manually embossed five petal punchie (SU) in white as the base and tied them all together using a tiny silver brad.   I adhered this floral element onto a manually embossed scallop circle die cut (N) with paper pierced scallops before mounting this focal element to my card front using 3D foam tape.

For my third card, I decided on another bird because it lends itself so well with the " a little bird told me..." saying which is a good lead in for almost any occasion.  I punched the bird (SU) from blue cardstock, coloured in the beak and added a tiny black brad for the eye.  I punched the wing from silver card and manually embossed it before adhering it to the bird.  I punched the branch from green cardstock, mounted it to a pierced and manually embossed scalloped circle (N) then mounted the bird above it using double sided tape.  I added the folded piece of ribbon to the back using double sided tape and then mounted the whole element to my card front using 3D foam tape.  

For my fourth card, I layered four stars  (green manually embossed, clear plastic, dark blue, lighter blue), added a green sequin and tied them all together with a tiny silver brad.  This focal element was mounted to my layered card front using 3D foam tape.  Stars are great for many occasion including birthdays, special accomplishments and new babies!!

Really loving this process and finding that these cards stand on their own without greetings.  

Therese

Card set #2 using collage washi tape backgrounds and 3D embellishments

I am working through the backgrounds I created using decorative paper and washi tape to make sets of cards for gift giving.  You can check out the first set I made here.  For these cards I used a off white and green decorative scrapbook paper that has a somewhat watercolour/tie dyed look.  I trimmed the paper to fit on my off white cards (just a bit smaller than A2), glued all my backgrounds to my cards before getting started on my embellishments.
For my first card, I took inspiration from my other set and created a layered heart embellishment.  I used a serendipity heart die cut which I found in my stash, layered on a tiny red heart die cut and then machine stitched them together using yellow thread gluing the thread ends to the back with regular tape.  I dug through my stash and found a green die cut scalloped circle which was sponged around the edges which coordinated nicely.  I manually embossed some texture using an element from one of my floral embossing folders and then mounted my heart element to it with double sided tape.  I mounted my heart focal element to my card front using 3D foam tape.
For my second card, I die cut part of this bare tree (TH) from brown cardstock and mounted it to my layered card front.  I punched the bird (SU) from blue cardstock, coloured in the beak and added a tiny black brad to create the eye.  I punched the wing from shiny silver card and manually embossed it with a round element before mounting it to my bird using double sided tape.  I mounted the bird just touching the branch using 3D foam tape.

For my third card, I thought I would give a nod to Christmas and created a little tree embellishment.  I dug the green tree from my stash (a die cut shared by a friend) added a triangle of red in behind which shows through all the opening and added the gold sequin star using a tiny gold brad.  It still needed a bit of something so I used a clear glitter gel pen and highlighted all the scallops and added dots all over the tree.  Once finished I mounted my little tree embellishment to my card front using 3D foam tape.  

For my fourth card I created a star embellishment by layering a silver sequin over, a yellow star die cut, over a clear star die cut over a manually embossed light green star die cut and holding them all together with a tiny black brad.  I layered my star onto a red circle punchie and then paper pierced around the edge with a push pin before mounting this focal element to my layered card front.  

This process has been very enjoyable!!  Looking forward to working on the other sets!!

Therese

Woven paper strips to create a background!!

This is the last kit to be made up from the bunch I found on my desk a while back!!!!!!!!!!  This one featured strips of paper, a greeting and embellishment which were laid out differently for this card.   I wove the strips together and then laid this large element over the ivory cardstock background and glued all the ends into place before trimming them off to the edge.  I mounted this background to my peach card, inserted and trimmed my greeting and mounted the 3D embellishment  ( punchie/sequin) to one end of it.  As an after thought I decided to use my tracing wheel on my greeting.  It worked out pretty well but is much more difficult to do once the greeting is already mounted to the card.  I love how this one turned out and it exemplifies the versatility of card kits!!  You don't have to follow the original instructions  - you can just do your own thing!!!!            Therese

Colour blocked background with a new greeting and some leaf die cuts

One of the last kits to be finished off from my desk.   I used this colour blocked background and relegated the chalk board greeting to my stash.  I added the embossed background to a green card front and went looking for a greeting.  I found this laser printed one (Beccy's Place) which I have found difficult to include in my cards for some reason but it worked perfectly for this card.  I trimmed the greeting and flagged both ends, layered it onto yellow and flagged both ends again before watercolouring the flower and leaves.  I mounted this greeting with a bit of 3D foam tape in the middle and double sided taper on both ends which gives just the right amount of dimension and allowed me to tuck in my leaf die cuts.  I die cut the leaves (SU) from white cardstock and tuck a full one above the greeting and trimmed off the leader from the other and tucked it below the greeting.  I glued them in place with white glue applied with my fine tip applicator.  I love how it turned out!!!!!              Therese

Cards with fun collaged washi tape backgrounds embellished with 3D layered elements

 I have decided to make several sets of cards to give as gifts and was really pondering what I should use as my backgrounds and if I should include any greetings.  Cards without greetings are always more versatile in that they will be appropriate for more occasions but they need good sketches to work.  Because I had washi tape sitting on my desk I decided to play a little and see if I could make up a few backgrounds.  In an effort to reduce the size of my paper stash I wondered if it would work to use decorative scrapbook paper for my backgrounds.  I went looking through my stash and found a few sheets that I thought might work as they were somewhat subtle in pattern and intensity of colour.

So I cut up this sheet of paper - a checkered background with quite a few different colours finely spattered over it.  Next, I checked out my washi tape supply and found a few that worked reasonably well with the paper.  I simply cut or tore the washi tape into strips and applied them to my trimmed pieces of decorative paper.   While, I was at it I made four sets of backgrounds using four sheets of decorative paper.  I put those to press and started dreaming up some embellishments that would be substantial enough to balance the backgrounds I had created, large enough that they would not need greetings and versatile enough in subject matter that they would be appropriate for more than one occasion.  I started by digging out any dies I had that fit the bill as to size and subject matter - hearts, flowers, butterflies, birds, etc.
For my first, card I layered three different sized hearts. The large one is a die cut (CB), the middle one is an embossed heart die cut (SU) and the final one is die cut (SX) cut from white solid core cardstock which I embossed and sanded.  I put just a bit of glue between them to hold them in place and machine stitched them to each other adhering the thread ends to the back with regular tape.  I glued my background to an off white card (a bit smaller than A2) and then adhered my 3D embellishment to the card front using 3D foam tape.  That worked pretty well!!  Now the challenge was to see if I could come up with a few more embellishments that worked as well.
For my second card, I cut a maroon flower (SX), manually embossed it with the Swiss Dot embossing folder (CB) using a hammer, added a manually embossed circle in the center then two leaf punchies which were also manually embossed and mounted this focal element to my card front to which I had already mounted my washi tape background.
For my third card, I mounted my washi tape background to my off white card and then worked on my embellishment. I cut this paisley pattern (SX) from both dark pink and yellow.  I swapped the pieces to create a yellow paisley with a dark pink heart and a small yellow heart and secured them with tape on the back.  The holes were too hard to situate so I simply cut a dark pink shape that was just smaller than the whole and glued it to the back and shows in all the holes.  Decided that it looked a bit like a cute bird with a heart wing and added a tiny black brad for an eye, a tiny brown triangle for the beak, swirly wire tail feathers and mounted it to my card front using 3D foam tape.  Finished it off by adding two legs with a black permanent marker!!
For the fourth card in this set, I die cut a butterfly (SX) from yellow cardstock and overlaid a paper butterfly that I had in my stash and to finish it off added a body and antennae that I die cut (QK) from a butterfly die set.  I glued them together just in the middle so the wings would be free to flutter.  Added it to my layered card front using 3D foam tape and used a black permanent marker to add a dotted flight path.
I am pretty happy with how this set of cards turned out!!  So I will continue to work on my other card sets and will share them here as I finish them up!!

Therese

A bright and colorful baby card using an ink and photo paper background

I am finishing off the last of the card kits I found on my desk.  This was a quick and easy card which was made faster because it was a kit!!  I glued the colour inkjet printed (black) digital image (Melonheadz) of a little clothesline onto the laser printed greeting layer and then mounted this large focal element to the front of a stamped pink card. The heart background (SU) was stamped in a darker pink.  I did highlight some parts of the printed image with a bit of pink watercolour.   The colourful background was created using colour inkjet cartridges and glossy photo paper.             Therese

A light hearted St. Patricks' Day card featuring an inked background

A fun and light hearted St. Patrick's Day card.  I often have to work on getting out of my comfort zone in my card making so I went with a fun inked background which I created with used ink cartridges from our inkjet printer and glossy photo paper.  It was a blast to make these papers!  You can check out the fun here.
I toned down the brightness a bit by stamping over it using a darker green ink and a flourished leaf background stamp.   I added a length of bright green organza ribbon to the background before adhering it to a green card front.  I tied on a short length of the same ribbon using a single knot which simulates a bow.  The greeting is a digital one I created last year using Corel Draw, laser printed and punched out.  I layered it onto a dark green label (SU) and then mounted it to my card front using 3D foam tape overlapping the ribbon.  As a finishing touch I added a clear rhinestone to the center of my shamrock.   Happy with my creation!!                   Therese

Cards from kits that feature a tag, seam binding and watercolour!

In a effort to finish all the card kits I found on my desk I made these two up which use the same sketch.  I watercoloured both laser printed images of flowers in a vase (Anne's Cards) and sponged the edges of the tag.  I trimmed the bottom edge of the greetings and sponged those as well before gluing them to the back of the tag.  I added the seam binding using double sided tape.  I mounted the decorative papers to the front of my coordinating cards and added the embossed cardstock strips over where they join.  I adhered the tags I had prepared onto my card fronts using 3D foam tape to get them a bit of dimension.  I trimmed the ends of the seam binding after they were mounted to the card to ensure they fit within the boundaries of my cards.  Always love how these turn out!!!                Therese

Hearts create a shamrock for St. Patrick's Day card

St. Patrick's Day is coming up next month and I thought I would get a few ready! I made a few of these last year which feature layered hearts which create a shamrock.  I punched the large hearts (SU) and sponged their edges.  I die cut the smaller hearts (CB), layered them and stitched them together.  I created a layered background using several strips of green decorative paper and adhered it to a green card front.  I positioned the hearts to create the shamrock and then hand cut a stem which I also sponged.  After I was happy with the placement I adhered them all to the front of my card and added a little clear rhinestone in the center.  I trimmed the laser printed greeting from my stash, sponged its edges and adhered it to the front of my card just below the focal element.  I added two little rhinestones to the greeting as well.  Love these heart shamrocks!!

Therese

Little truck with birthday wishes flag!!

I have several of these little truck card kits from my January class so I made one up for my stash!!  I layered the blue decorative paper to the top of the black card to create a sky.  I took the torn strip of green decorative paper and stamped it with a little plant stamp to add texture and interest before gluing it below the sky leaving a strip of black which creates the road.  I added white lines to the black strip which helps made it a highway.  I embellished the truck with a clear glitter pen to simulate shine on the windshield, head light and door handle. I coloured in the wheels with a black Sharpie and added silver card punchies (1/4") to create the look of baby moon hubcaps!!  I added four balloon punchies which I sponged on their edges with coordinating ink to give them a bit more dimension and drew in strings to the truck bed.  The greeting is a flag clipart to which I added a font greeting and laser printed.  I fussy cut it out and mounted it just behind the cab.  A totally fun card!!! 

A card featuring handmade paper as a background and focal element

I found this card kit well buried on my desk!!!!  Not sure how long ago it was created but that matters not at all because it goes together just as quick!!   I stitched the rick rack cardstock die cut to the handmade paper background then stitch all the way around and then glued it to the white card front.  I glued the yellow handmade paper circle to the pink flower die cut and then added stitching all the way around.  I adhered the flower to the card front over the rick rack border and added the laser printed greeting using 3D foam tape!!    Quick and easy!
Therese

Another set of card using the same sketch!!

I have another set of card which I created using card kits from a previous class.  Card kits make card making quick and easy!! 
For these two I adhered the decorative paper to the card fronts.  The one on the left had the two piece of paper already taped to each other to be the right size!  I layered the laser printed greeting to the strip of cardstock and tied on the ribbon.  You can see that the birthday greeting has been embellished with the tracing wheel.  The greeting elements were glued to the card fronts and the 3D embellishments were added to finish off the cards.  For the left hand card, the embellishment is a punched butterfly which has been watercoloured and inked to coordinate with the card and has had metallic thread tied around its body leaving long ends which creates its antennae. The right hand card has layered stars with a sequin and bound with a gold brad.      I love the variety of card which can be made with one sketch by just changing up the paper, greetings and embellishments!!!            Therese

One sketch - two different cards!!

I am cleaning up my desk and have made up these card kits which I found from previous classes.  I did change up the greeting on the left hand card to an anniversary one I had in my stash instead of the Valentine's one.
I started with adhering the decorative paper to the card fronts.  I embellished the greeting on the rigth hand card using my tracing wheel!  Next, I layered the greetings with strips of coordinating cardstock and tied on the coordinating satin ribbon.  I adhered the greeting element to the card about one third down from the top and added the little 3D embellishment.  For the red card I used a little red heart punchie on which I doodled swirls with a clear glitter gel pen.  For the right hand card I layered two star dies and bound them with a gold brad. These were mounted to the card fronts using double sided tape/glue dots.  Two more cards for my stash!!            Therese

Christmas cards with washi tape, embossing and die cut greetings

I usually include a few kits for Christmas cards in my classes in case anyone in the group wants them and if not, they it guarantees that I have a few Christmas cards for my stash!!  These were as much fun as Christmas cards as they were for the all occasion ones I made!  There are quite a few if you check back on the blog.
I made colour washes on white cardstock for my backgrounds using my DIY foam stamp and some ink pads.  Once dry, I added my trimmed washi tapes - all of these were handmade using decorative tissue paper and double sided tape.  You can check out the tutorial here.  I used a hammer and an embossing folder to add texture to the outside edges of my background and then glued it to the card front.  Next, I watercoloured my greeting which I created using two fonts - a regular one for the words and an image font for the little images.  I laser printed them and then die cut them using the Deco Label Thinlit set (SU).  I did add some rhinestones to the snowflakes on the blue one.  I adhered the greeting with 3D foam tape to the front of my cards.  Just realized that I forgot to add sequins to these two!!  I will rectify that when I put them into my Christmas card box!!                    Therese

DIY washi tape, colour wash, embossing and die cut greetings

I am working on clearing my desk and have made up these two cards for putting into my stash.  Really loving these!!
I started with a little colour wash on white cardstock for the background using my little DIY foam stamp.  All four of the washi tapes on the pink card are ones I made using tissue paper and double sided tape or medical tape.  The blue and green are commercial ones and the other I made using stamped pattern tissue and double sided tape.  I used different embossing folders to manually emboss the edges of both backgrounds and them glued them to the coordinating card fronts from the kits.  I watercoloured the diecut greetings which I created using both regular and images fonts.  I mounted the greetings using #D foam tape and then embellished the cards with sequins which I adhered with double sided tape.   

Therese

A few more washi tape cards with fun greetings from card kits

I have really enjoyed making these washi tape cards!!  You can check out my wahsi tape tutorial here.
I started by creating a bit of a background wash using ink and water using my handmade foam stamp.  Next, I applied coordinating lengths of washi tape.  The green on the blue card is handmade with mylar tissue and double sided tape.  All three on the "Thanks" card are handmade with decorative tissue and double sided tape.  I embossed both of them manually with a hammer using different embossing folders before gluing them to the coordinating card front from the kits. I watercoloured the fun die cut (SX) greetings (image and regular fonts) and applied them to the front of the cards using 3D foam tape.  Lastly, I finished them off by adding coordinating sequins using double sided tape to adhere them to the cards.  Love the look of these!!  Card kits made these quick and easy cards.!!!                        Therese

Two more cards that feature embossed resists with watercolour - card kits

A couple more cards for my stash that feature white embossing as a resist on watercolour paper!!  The rooster (SU) was a bit too detailed to work really well for this technique.  I added several colours - red, blue, green and yellow but because the design is too intricate there is too much white.  I went with it anyway and added some green for the grass and brown below that for the ground.  I coloured the sky blue!!!  I added a length of green satin ribbon adhering both ends to the back with double sided tape and tied on a short length with a single knot to simulate a bow.  I trimmed a laser printed greeting with decorative scissors (Deckle), sponged the edge with a bit of green and adhered it to my artwork with double sided tape by just tucking it behind the ribbon.  The ribbon was a bit loose so I added a little piece of double sided tape between it and the greeting to keep everything in place.  

The card on the right was fun to make!!  It was hard to actually see what the design was so I just added red and orange watercolour until the design show up!!  I did add a bit of black with a fine tip Sharpie in the center of the flowers and used a yellow gel pen to highlight the outside edge of the flowers as well.  I fussy cut one of my laser printed chalk greetings and edged it with a black marker.  Once I punched the holes I threaded through a gold satin ribbon and adhered both ends to the back of the watercolour paper.  Once I positioned the greeting I added 3D foam tape to the back so it would stay in place.  I tied a short length of ribbon to the one on the front with a single knot to simulate a bow.  I layered this large element to orange cardstock and then to the black card front from the kit.  

Love this technique!!!        Therese

A Lego card for my oldest grandson!!

My oldest grandson is having a Lego party for his birthday so I thought I would make him a card using that theme.  I created a background with little Lego block and watercoloured them the basic colours.  Our kids played with Lego in these colours but these days Legos come in a lot more colours as themed Lego sets are created for every occasion and many that coordinate with movie characters, etc.  Our grandchildren have a better selection of colours in their Lego boxes!!  After watercolouring all the blocks I added just a bit of colour in between to give them a place to be sitting.  I added the layered laser printed greeting with a flagged end and the mounted my little Lego to the end.  This little piece was created using a little rectangle of red cardstock and eight little pieces of round red fun foam.  These were diecut and came with a fun foam ornament kit but I expect you could use a punch and get the same look!  I like the 3D look of this piece!!  It looks so much like a piece of Lego!!  I am sure he will enjoy his fun day with family and friends!!
Therese

A penguin card for my youngest grandson!!

The penguin on this card was created by an young girl who is very creative and also loves to make cards.  I attended a meeting with her mother at their home and afterwards she was wanting each of us to take home some of her art.  I picked the penguin especially for my grandson's card.  It is made with Perler beads and was a bit thick so placed it between two layers of parchment paper and pressed it with a very hot iron which melted the beads further and reduced its thickness by half.  He is so cute!!  I decided to make it a removable element on his birthday card so he can add it to his penguin collection though quite a few of the others are stuffies!!  I punched a hole at the top, added a black ribbon hanger and mounted it to a dark gray card using double sided tape.  I glued the hanger to the inside of the card using magic tape so it would be easily removable.  I added a layered greeting to the bottom portion of my card.  A laser printing font greeting, a black strip of paper over a larger piece that has been punched on both sides with a scallop border punch.  I pierced each scallop with a push pin and mounted it to my card front.  I added a small strip of yellow cardstock to the right hand side of my card front and then a little fun heart next to my greeting!!  I am sure he will love the little penguin!!                   Therese

Wonky tree to Lovely as a tree for these Christmas cards

In an effort to finally finish off all the card kits on my desk I worked on transforming these Wonky Tree kits into something else.  These worked out better than the last ones which ended up being a complete overhaul.  I returned the navy borders and the wonky tree parts to my stash and glued the blue backgrounds to my white card fronts.  I stamped and embossed the set of trees from Lovely As A Tree (SU) in silver onto my backgrounds and then used scraps of white cardstock to create snowbanks for the bottom edge.  I stamped the greeting on the snow banks embossing them in silver as well.  I glued the snowbanks below the trees and trimmed them to the edge of the cards.  I was really tempted to add a ribbon or something above the trees but in the end talked myself out of it.  I may be inspired later to add "something" - we shall see!!  So I am doing well, that is another two Christmas cards for my Christmas card stash so I have caught up to my January and February goal for this year!!                Therese

Christmas cards with a Bethlehem die and O Holy Night greeting

I am working on getting a backlog of card kits off of my desk!!  These started their lives in the process of finishing off some Wonky Tree Christmas cards. Needless to say, that by the time I was finished I had changed all the elements and those of the wonky tree kits has been relegated to my stashes!!  Funny how the process works sometimes!!  Anyway, I am happy with the cards I got made so it is all good!!

I made these one at a time but in the end I chose the same blue cardstock for all of them because it was the best match for the decorative paper (MF) I had chosen.  The decorative paper was already cut and in my stash - a laser printed background from Morgue Files. I love how beautifully it simulates a sky!!  The little Bethlehem die cut ( Taylored Expressions) in black was mounted to a larger piece in each case and a piece of ribbon was mounted to cover the joint.  On the lower right hand one I tied on another short length of ribbon using a single knot to simulate a bow.    I glued the background on first and then added the focal element over it.  On the lower left hand card I mounted yellow cardstock behind some of the window openings which worked quite well.  On the other three I filled them in once they were on the card using a clear stardust gel pen which was much faster with almost the same effect. On the top two, I embossed the greeting - one in white and the other in silver.  On the bottom two I stamped in black Versafine on the decorative paper.  

I bought the Bethlehem die cut last year after pining after the SU set for quite a while.  The SU set had many more elements than I really wanted so I started looking for a single Bethlehem die which was what I wanted and reduced the cost of the investment.  In the end, I did buy the Nativity one as well and combined my order with my sister to cut shipping costs.  Very happy with my investment and love the look!!!  Well worth the money I spent and I look forward to using it for years to come.  

So a few more cards for my Christmas card stash which will go well to getting me caught up with my January and February cards.  

Therese

White embossing resist with watercolour on these handmade cards from card kits

I have been rediscovering my desk and found some card kits from past classes so I decided to make them up and add them to my stash!!  These cards are from this class.  With the embossing already done I simply applied watercolour, layered them and added greetings to finish them off!!  Card kits make card making quick and easy!!

I watercoloured the feather in blue and green and did the script background in blue.  After the watercolour was dry I added shimmery paint in blue and green to give the feather more glitz.  I layered this element onto green cardstock and then onto the black card from the kit.  I chose to change the greeting to this laser printed one which I fussy cut and then painted with blue shimmery paint to coordinate with the feather.  I adhered the ends of the greeting with double sided tape and added a small piece of 3D foam tape in the center to give it a bit of dimension.  Very happy with how this one worked out!!!

For the other card I was careful in my application of colour to make the images really stand out!!  I started with yellow for the squares (Magenta), then green for the leaves, and finally blue for the background.  Lastly, I used several colours to finish the flowers.  Once dry, I was careful to wipe the surface of the embossing with a paper towel to remove any colour that had dried there.  It makes the white pop!!  I added a simple laser printed vellum greeting on the upper right by folding the end to the back and securing with tape and a tiny bit of double sided below the H in Happy to keep the flagged end in place.  I glued this layer to purple cardstock and then to the black card from the kit.  It was fun to change up these kits a bit.  I do have a difficult time making exact multiples of cards!!

Therese

A joyful Christmas card!!

I have been working on clearing the back log of card kits I have on my desk from past classes.  This kit was a Valentine's one so I dug through my greeting stash and found this perfect greeting which was gold embossed.  I trimmed it a bit, layered it onto red and added some gold embroidery thread in loops on the back.  A technique which I have seen on Splitcoast Stampers lately!! I used regular tape to secure the thread on the back of the greeting.  I glued decorative paper to the front of the red card, added the gold strip then layered on the large greeting I had created!!
It is one more Christmas card for my stash!!  I have been remiss in getting my Christmas cards made for January and February so this is a start!!

Therese

Card kits available for this weekend

Knowing the praticality of card kits I have decided to put a few together for an event this coming weekend.  I know several are enthusiastic card makers and this would be a way for them to have fun making cards without buying supplies and tools!!  I simply packaged card kits that I created for this class in a cellophane sleeve, added a display tag and the instructions too.  They are all occasion cards with the papers and greetings visible with one on each side.  So we shall see!!

Therese

Butterfly die cuts, some ribbon and some bling for a fun birthday card

I am working on my card stash and decided to use this beautiful purple background paper.  I cut it to size, added a silvery satin ribbon gluing the ends to the back of the layer.  I adhered this layer to the front of a purple card.  I chose two coordinating purple cardstocks and die cut the butterfly.  This die has the solid back which I cut out of the darker colour and the two wings which I cut out of the lighter colour. I cut the body out of a dark gray.  I adhered the body to the center of the solid layer and then added the wings gluing them only at the center.  It gives the wings a bit of depth.  I added rhinestones to the back so they would show through the center of the flowers on the wings.  I adhered this large element using double sided tape overlapping the ribbon.  I punched a laser printed greeting with the Word Window punch (SU) doing one end at a time because the paper as short.  I layered it onto a dark purple Modern Label punchie (SU)  and had room to add two little rhinestones as well.  Happy to have used this butterfly for this card as it has been languishing on the shelf!!  Therese

Baby card with washi tape, sequins and a bit of watercolour

Another washi tape card!!  I sure am loving this design!!  I needed a card for a baptism today so I made up with baby one!!  I added green and blue distress ink my DIY foam stamp and stamped it onto my white cardstock which I had spritzed with a bit of water.  Quick and easy background!!  I added three strips of washi tape - the one on the left is commercial and the other two are handmade using coloured tissue/gift wrap and double sided tape.   I put the background in an embossing folder and manually embossed the edges using a hammer.  I watercoloured the laser printed die cut greeting (image font and regular font) and mounted it over the background using 3D foam tape.  I added sequins using double sided tape - five this time instead of the usual three.  I mounted this large element to a green card front. 
The congregation and the extended family were all invited to a potluck meal after mass and it was a wonderful time for everyone!! 

Therese

For a special guy on this special day!!

I chose to make another of these washi tape cards for my DH for Valentine's!!  I used a light linen distress ink and a yellow Oxide ink to make the background with my new DIY foam stamp.  I added three strips of handmade washi tape created using double sided tape and tissue paper.  You can check out the tutorial here.  The left hand one is red tissue paper stamped with black Versafine ink, the middle one is printed decorative tissue paper and the right hand one is medical tape stamped with a small heart stamp in black Versafine ink.  I really like the combination of these for this card.  After adding the three lengths of washi tape I manually embossed hearts all the way around with a hammer and then glued this large layer to a red card front.  I found some coordinating sequins in green, gold and red and added them using double sided tape.  I watercoloured the laser printed die cut greeting (SU) and mounted it to my card using 3D foam tape.  I added clear dimensional paint to the little heart greeting (image font) and while I was at it I decided to add some "drops" as well which look pretty cool now that they were dry!! 
We never go out for dinner on Valentine's Day though we usually cook a meal together at home to celebrate.  It has been a very busy weekend and the day is upon us so we will be making plans to celebrate in the next few days instead.  Our celebrations always include good food!!

Therese

Fun background paper, ribbon and some die cuts!!

For these two cards I worked with a similar sketch.  I used a chevron punch on the left hand card, flipped over the punchies and glued them back into the openings using regular tape.  I love this beautiful double sided gift wrap which I bought years ago in London!!  I layered a laser printed greeting on a black strip of cardstock and added a short length of gros grain ribbon to which I tied another short piece using one knot to simulate a bow.  I glued this whole element to a pink card front.    The right hand card has two pieces of decorative paper with a layered laser printed greeting with the same ribbon treatment over where they join.  I added a butterfly die cut (QK) with its small body and antennae die cut!!  This will work with quite a few of my butterfly punchies!!!  I added it with a little strip of double sided tape in the center to leave the wings free!!  

Nice to have a few more cards in my stash!

Therese

Two sympathy cards from card kits

I made these two cards up from card kits which I made up for last week's class.  Check out the others here and here.  I used subtle colours on the left hand card because it is a sympathy card.  I did a light blue wash on the background, added three strips of washi tape (tissue paper and double sided tape) and did some manual embossing around the edges with a hammer and a soft flourish embossing folder.  I watercoloured my die cut greeting and mounted it to the front of the card using 3D foam tape.  The butterfly is a digital stamp (SU).  

The right hand card features a quarter sheet of decorative paper trimmed to leave a bit of a border on a dark brown A2 card.  I layered the laser printed greeting over a red strip of cardstock and added the short length of ribbon on the left hand side and tied another short piece to it to simulate a bow.  The butterfly is a punchie (SU) which I embellished with a bit of stamping and then added a body from a QK die which features antennae as well.  That will die will come in handy.  Have not used that one a lot but I can see that it works very well with this punchie and probably will as well with several others I have.  I mounted the butterfly using a small piece of double sided tape in the center leaving the wings free!!  

Therese

Some fun cards that feature washi tape, sequins and a die cut greeting

A couple more of these quick and easy cards that feature some washi tape which I made myself!!  You can check out the tutorial under TUTORIALS under my header. 
For the card on the left I decided to see if I could use a landscape format instead of portrait which I what I have used on all the other ones I made.  I think it worked out well!  The three washi tapes on this card were created using tissue paper and double sided tape!!  I used my foam stamp with green Distress ink to do a watercolour background, added three strips of washi tape and then used a hammer to manually emboss the edges using the Swiss Dots embossing folder (CB).  I mounted this background to a green card, added the watercoloured die cut greeting and a few sequins to finish it off!!  The greeting is a combination of fonts - one image font for the little bird and a regular one for the words.  These greetings were fun to make!! 
Pretty much ditto for the right hand card!  I used a warm linen Distress ink with a bit of green for the background, a swirl embossing folder for embossing the edges, a handmade washi tape with two commercial ones and then added the watercoloured die cut greeting and some sequins to finish up my card.  The greeting on this one is also made up of two fonts - one image font for the cup and a regular one for the words.  The left hand strip of washi tape was made using a piece of stamped sewing pattern tissue and some double sided tape. 
I hope you will consider giving this a try!  So much fun and you probably have the supplies on hand!!

Therese

Thinking of you with seam binding, a colourful leaf embellishment and decorative paper

I needed a few cards so started with this one which features some hand stamped background paper, seam binding and a beautiful leaf embellishment. 
I started with a very neutral watercolour background and stamped the harlequin background (SU) over it using a warm brown ink.  I cut the paper down and added a darker piece of scrapbook paper which has been stamped with a shell image in a dark brown ink.  I glued both of these to the front of a dark brown card.  I cut a piece of brown cardstock, added two lines of piercings created with my pattern tracing wheel and finally added a length of beige vintage seam binding in the center adhering the ends to the back using double sided tape.  I tied a short piece to the length to simulate a bow.  I adhered this element to the front of my card over where the papers join and then added the colourful plastic leaf embellishment over it.  I used a laser printed greeting punched with the modern label punch and highlighted both ends with pieces cut from a dark brown one.  I mounted the layered greeting with 3D foam tape.                            Therese

Embossing, washi tape and a large greeting die cut

A couple more washi tape cards to send off for my February card exchange!!  

I am really loving these cards!!!  You can check out a few more here.

For the left hand card I added four strips of washi tape to my white background layer.  The yellow, red and green are handmade by me using tissue paper and double sided tape.  Check out the tutorial here.  The blue one is a commercial washi tape.  After adding the tape I used a hammer and star embossing folder to emboss some stars all the way around then glued it to a red card front.   I used gel pens and watercolour to colour my laser printed large greeting.  The rainbow stars is an image from an image font to which I added a font greeting and then digitally inserted both of these elements into a double border frame which I cut with the smallest Deco Label thinlit.  I mounted the greeting to my card and finished it off with three colourful sequins.  

Pretty much "Ditto" for the card on the right.  The greeting is laser printed and die cut with the Deco Label thinlit and coloured with watercolour and gel pen on the frame.  The "hello" is from an image font.  I used a hammer and the Swiss Dot (CB) embossing folder to add texture to the outside of my background after adding the three strips of washi tape.  All three of these washi tapes were handmade by me using tissue paper and double sided tape.  Check out the tutorial on my Tutorial Page (click on the link at the top of this page) So much fun!!  You really should try it!! I added my greeting with 3D foam tape and finished off my card by added three sequins.  

Therese

Another washi tape and sequin card

For this card I used Distress ink for the watercolour background using my DIY foam stamp. I put on three strips of washi tape - the two on the right are commercial and the one on the left is handmade by me using red tissue paper and stamped with the stems from a flower stamp using black Versafine ink.  I really like how graphic and bold it looks!!  I manually embossed  some heart shapes using a heart embossing folder. and a hammer.  They I over embossed them with the Swiss Dot embossing folder (CB) and added texture all the way around.  I adhered this large layer to a red card front.  I fussy cut a laser printed chalkboard greeting and added two little heart rhinestones which I coloured with red Sharpies to coordinate with my card.  Add the greeting to my card using 3D foam tape and finished it off with three sequins that coordinated!!  I am really loving these fun cards!! I have a few more here and here and here.

Therese

Handmade cards using images from a 4" x 6" photo calendar

I was in need of a set of cards as a gift and decided to see if I could create a set from used calendars pages I have received from my sister, Sylvia over the last few years.  I chose two tea images, a close up of a rose bud and this cool one that maybe ice on a window.  I trimmed the images to 4" x 4" and created coordinating greetings using a digital frame for the Modern Label punch (SU).  I simply added a greeting in a coordinating colour in the oval in the frame, laser printed them and punched them out.

I adhered the images to the top of a coordinating card, added a strip that coordinated and mounted the punched greeting over the strip using 3D foam tape.  I am very happy with the way they turned out and gives me another layout for using these calendar images.  I made this set of cards with these images a while back.   These images are so beautiful I am happy to be able to give them a second life!!

Therese

Washi tape, a stamped greeting and a few sequins over watercolour

I have experimenting with washi tape cards and here is another one!!  I used my DIY foam stamp to create the background using a blue Distress ink pad on white cardstock.  I stamped the little greeting in black Versafine ink once the background was dry.  I added three little strips of washi tape, two of which I made myself using double sided tape and tissue paper.   Love how it looks!  I watercoloured the greeting and added three little coordinating sequins before mounting the whole thing to a turquoise card front.   I don't believe I have ever used this stamp before so this last little cardmaking session has been good in getting the dust off some of my supplies!!!

Therese

All occasion cards created with reused calendar pages

I was needing a few all occasions cards and found an old calendar in my stash.  This one had been donated to me a while back for cardmaking so I thought I would see what I could make using it.  I started with this harbour scene which I thought would make a nice birthday card!!  I trimmed the image down to size (4" x 5.25") and punched an opening in the bottom section using the Modern Label punch (SU).  I tied a length of 1/8" ribbon between the opening and the left hand edge.  I mounted this large element to a yellow card and adhered a little laser printed greeting punchie (SU) in the opening so it was nicely framed. 

For the next two, I trimmed the images from the calendar pages.  For the hot air balloon card, I added a strip of gray and a green scalloped edged border below that to finish off my top layer.  Wanting to add texture I used my tracing wheel on the green border and pierced all the scallops with a push pin.  I mounted this layer to a blue card.  I added a little word window punchie greeting (SU) with double sided tape over the gray strip and my card was finished.  For the sailboat card, I adhered the large framed image to a yellow layer which I manually embossed on the bottom to add some texture.  At the last minute I decided to add the little laser printed font greeting to the bottom of the image so I carefully lifted the edge and inserted it using double sided tape to secure it to the back of the image and the yellow layer.  I had previously trimmed the bottom edge of the greeting with scallop decorative scissors and pierced each scallop with a push pin to add interest and texture.  I glued this large element to a red card front and I had finished another card!!

For the lake scene card, I trimmed the image to size (4" x 5.25") then simply stamped "my" with an alphabet stamp set and then mounted the "friend" die cut below it.  The die cut actually says "friends) so I simply cut off the "s" to get what I needed for this card.  I love the colours!!  I mounted this large element to a pink card and I was done!!  

For the next card I trimmed the lily pond image to 4" x 5.25" and added a length of narrow yellow ribbon before adhering it to a green card front.  I tied on an extra length of the ribbon to the one on the front using a single knot to simulate a bow.  I layered a small laser printed greeting  over a red Modern Label punchie to create my greeting and mounted it over the ribbon using 3D foam tape.  

For the next two, I used the Word Window punch (SU) to create an opening in my trimmed images (4" x 5.25") and added a length of ribbon from the opening to the left hand edge.  I tied the two ends with a double knot to finish the ribbon.  I mounted a stamped greeting from the back so that it would appear in the opening and secured it with regular tape.  I mounted my finished card fronts to coordinating cards and I had another couple cards ready to go.  

I am pretty happy with my cards and glad to have reused some wonderful art!!

Therese

Card kits - a quick way to make a handmade card

I made up this card from a kit from a previous class.  This is the last one from this class and it sure is nice to have had a few card kits around as it makes getting cards made so much faster!! 
I started with two pieces of decorative paper which I glued to the blue card front.  I added the wavy strip over where they join which I trimmed using decorative scissors and added texture with my pattern tracing wheel. FUN!  I watercoloured the laser printed and die cut sailboat image (Arthur's Clipart) and added the blue seam binding on the top securing it with double sided tape.  I added the greeting which I had trimmed with decorative scissors by gluing it to the side of the tag with double sided tape.  I adhered the tag to my card front using 3D foam tape. 
Do you every make up a few extra of a card when you are creating for putting together later?? 

Therese