Thinking of you card featuring embossed and sanded background, reused butterflies and tracing wheel texture

This stash card  started with a white card.  I embossed a pink piece of duplex cardstock with a polka dot pattern and sanded it to reveal the white paper below.  I combined these two little butterflies which were part of a mobile which I received in a birthday card from my daughter a while back.  I die cut the body from silver card and adhered it to the pink butterfly.  I had to cut another body to adhere to the other butterfly to get the body to be long enough.  I attached them to each other using double sided tape.  I found this gray and pink greeting in my stash and cut a silver foil scallop circle (Nestibilities) to put behind it.  When auditioning the pieces on the pink layer I decided I needed to add a silver gray ribbon behind the butterfly so I added a length of it adhering both ends to the back using double sided tape, added the butterfly with 3D foam tape and then the little greeting to the lower right hand corner with double sided tape.  When I positioned this layer on my white card I found that it did not leave an even border all the way around so I added a green layer with some tracing wheel texture on the right hand side to balance the layout.  Green and pink being my favorite colour combination it was no hardship to make that happen.  Glad to have given this beautiful butterflies another life!!!!!!!!             Therese

Birthday card featuring a photo, a layered greeting and some ribbon

For this stash card I started with the photo of the zebra which I trimmed from a photo calendar that my sister gave DH last year for Christmas.  She is a photographer and puts together several photo calendars every year for sale and we are always blessed with one each every Christmas.  Making cards with the images gives them another life and reduces waste. 
The photo was trimmed to be just less than 4" and I then glued it to a black layer which fit on an A2 card with a bit of a border all the way around.  I added a strip of green scrapbook paper below the photo and put a length of black ribbon over where they met.  I dug through my stash of laser printed greetings and found this round one (Netty's Cards) that would work perfectly so I layered it onto a black scallop circle (Nestibilities) and added a embossed green circle to the middle and attached them with a large black eyelet which I set with my Cropadile.  I layered the large element to a kraft card front and then used 3D foam tape to adhere the greeting to the front.       Therese

Friends card featuring a digital stamp, ribbon and butterfly die cut

Another card for my stash!!  This one started with a panel from a used card which I cut to size and trimmed the corners with a corner rounder.  I embossed the right hand side of it using a distressed embossing folder passing it through twice to get the whole side done and adhered it to a soft green card.  I found a small piece of blue cardstock that had a butterfly opening, added silver foil to the back and a black die cut butterfly to the front (TH).  This is a set from Tim Holtz that has the solid and the intricate butterfly dies that coordinate. I used a small piece of double sided tape on the body of the butterfly to adhere it to the foil which allows the wings to be lifted for more dimension.  I tore the edges of the piece and then added more texture with my pattern tracing wheel.  I adhere this focal element to my card using double sided tape to ensure the integrity of the foil.  I found this bold greeting for Mud Maven which I had laser printed and trimmed.  I used the corner rounder on it as well and then added little ribbon flags on each side than adhered it below the butterfly on my card.  Love the colours of this card!!         Therese

A thank you card featuring a large reused layer - quick and easy!!

This card was quick and easy!!  I trimmed the rose layer from a used card, layered it onto green cardstock and then onto a pink card front.  Done!!

Therese

Birthday card featuring a cute felt owl, embossed & sanded trees and a little label greeting

My sister gave me several of these cute little felt owls a while back.  I embossed duplex cardstock with a birch trees embossing folder and then sanded it to reveal some white areas.  This duplex cardstock was much sturdier than others I have on hand and required LOTS of sanding so I expect that the black layer was fairly thick.  I like how it turned out.  I mounted this layer onto a white card, added a white die cut circle, a black branch (TH) and then the owl so he is framed by the circle.  Love it!  To finish off my card I added a little laser printed greeting which I laser printed and fussy cut.  I mounted it with 3D foam tape. 

Therese

A Thinking of you card featuring a hand decorated background, a strip with a chevron border and a little punched greeting

I had created this background a while back using some fun handmade stamps which I used on a piece of paper on which I had cleaned up some extra paint from a project.  I always clean up my palette of paint onto pieces of paper in order not to waste it and to create very unique backgrounds.  I simply cut it to size and layered it onto green cardstock and then onto an ivory card front.  Wanting to let as much of the background show as possible I decided on a simple strip of coordinating orange cardstock as my focal element.  I punched with my chevron punch  and flagged the end before mounting it to my card front.  I added the little greeting which is laser printed and then punched (Modern Label - SU).  Thinking it still needed " a bit of something" I added three little clear rhinestones below the greeting.  That was better!!!

Therese

Thank you card featuring a glazed cup of coffee, a reused layered focal element and a little greeting punchie

For this card I started with a background which was set aside after a session of refurbishing cards.  I am not sure what or if there had been a focal element but I found this little coffee cup (stamped image) which fit perfectly so I watercoloured it and mounted it over the scalloped square.  I had to trim the background to fit on an A2 card but fortunately I was able to carefully trimmed the decorative paper after I cut it to size using my exacto knife so I could replicate the bordering frame.  I mounted this large element to a yellow card front and added the little punchie greeting using 3D foam tape.  Lastly, I embellished the coffee cup image with clear dimensional paint and left it to dry which took the better part of the day.  It looks wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!              Therese

Birthday card featuring watercoloured sailboat, label greeting and some bling

This card is the first of a few cards I am making for my stash!
I laser printed a sheet of digital images and greetings on white cardstock in hopes of being able to make up a few birthday cards. 
This one features a digital image from Arthur's Clipart which I laser printed and then watercoloured.  I added some highlights in the water with a white gel pen and then added some shimmer with a clear glitter gel pen. Worked out really well!!   I mounted this image to a navy blue layer of cardstock and punched out a label opening on the bottom (Modern Label - SU).  I mounted it to a yellow card, added a little laser printed greeting punchie (Word Window - SU) and three little clear rhinestones to finish it off!!  I am really liking the larger border on this card which nicely frames the focal image.  Will have to do that more often.       Therese

Valentine card with non traditional colours, stamped tissue and ribbon

 I made this card for DH for Valentine's.  It is very non traditional in the way of colours but I like the way it turned out.    I started with a large envelope and made a card to fit in it from a subtle green cardstock.  I manually embossed the edges and the bottom with a music embossing folder (CB).  I decided to create a collage so I started with a piece of gray packaging that was printed with a bold floral/filigree pattern and tore off the bottom edge.  I dug through my heart stash and took out several in the green persuasion which I glued down.  Next, I found a book page with a love title and tore a heart from it.  I glued the large heart over my collage of the other hearts.  I took a piece of white tissue paper which I stamped in black with a heart flourish stamp in black ink and then again several more times which I embossed with clear embossing powder which created some clear sections.  Afterwards, I stamped it all over with a script stamp (SU) in black as well.  I applied white glue over all of my collage and adhered my tissue paper over it leaving some of the wrinkles and folds to add texture and finally folded the edges to the back and glued them in place as well.  I applied white glue to the front as well and mixed in a bit of glitter glue in light green which worked as well to create a bit of transparency in my tissue paper.  After it was dry, I added a ribbon, tied on a piece of raffia to simulate a bow, a little "Always" tag and some little iridescent sequins.  Finally, I added a large heart sequin over a little green heart punchie and then attached that with a small gold brad. I am happy with my collage but my grey background hardly shows through but that is the way it goes sometimes.  I glued this large element to my embossed card front to finish off my card!!  I pressed it to ensure that the layers were nicely glued to each other.  We are celebrating Valentine's tomorrow!!        Therese

A set of cards for a friend that feature paper buttons, a stamped greeting and some paper flags

 I created these four cards as a hostess gift for a friend who invited us for a meal this weekend!!

She really appreciates cards and likes to bless her friends with them so I know she will appreciate them.  To continue using my stash of large cards I chose four envelopes that were the same size in four different colours.  I created white cards for them and then created the cards to coordinate with the envelopes.  I stamped the greeting in one of the corners and then dug through my paper scraps and found small scraps in the colours that coordinated with the envelopes.  I used my chevron punch to flag the one end and then applied a piece of double sided to my card front and started applying the scraps to the tape varying their length to create a bit of interest.  I trimmed the pieces just above the tape.  Next, I dug through my cardstock stash and found a strip of cardstock that worked with my chosen papers, trimmed it to size and then embossed it with a fun embossing folder.  I glued this strip over the tops of the papers and added a paper button to which I had tied some thread/fiber with 3D foam tape.  Really happy with how they turned out!!!!!!!!      Therese

Large birthday card with an embossed label, gift wrap background and lots of glitter

I made this birthday card amidst the Valentine's cards I was making so it ended up with this red, white and black theme. 
I started with a large red envelope and made a red card that fit inside.  I added this layer of cool gift wrap that looks like weathered wood that was saved from Christmas.  I created a background by gluing strips of red cardstock onto a piece of scrap paper and die cut a large label (SX) from the panel.  I embossed it with a large embossing folder with a delicate geometric pattern.  I had to trim off the two bumps on the sides to get it to fit on the front of my card so I glued those inside the top and bottom curved areas on the label.  I added a chalk board greeting to the middle of the label and then embellished it with red and iridescent dots of glitter glue.  After it was dry I glued this large focal element to my card front sandwiching a loop of light gray organza ribbon in between.  To finish off, I flagged the ends of the ribbon.  Really happy with how it worked out.  I am enjoying the large cards but it does mean that to stick to my plan of destashing large envelopes this year I cannot dig into my stash for a last minute card!!!!                Therese

Large card featuring digital image with watercolour, stamped greeting and some ribbon

Another grandson with a birthday!!  For this card I started with green envelope and created a red card to fit inside.  I found this yellow layer in my pile of discards from used cards and it was just the right size to fit on my card!!!  I embossed it with large polka dots and sanded them to show up the white core of the card.   I am again using a laser printed image from Cre8tive Hands - a little bear this time!!  I watercoloured the image and layered it with a rectangle of blue cardstock which coordinated with the ribbon on the gift.  I distressed the edges of the blue to add texture and mimic the feeling of the sanded layer.   I added a green ribbon across the bottom section and glued the ends to the back of the yellow layer.  I rubberstamped and embossed in clear the greeting on a scrap of white cardstock and mounted it to the layer using 3D foam tape.  I adhered this large layer to the front of my red card and used 3D foam tape to mount my focal image.  I am sure they will both enjoy their birthdays!!!!  Therese

Large birthday card that features watercoloured digital stamp, fiber and some glitter

I made this card for my grandson whose birthday is coming up next week!!!!  I laser printed several images from Cre8tive Hands on a sheet of white cardstock and trimmed them out last week and I decided to use this little dog for his card. 
I started with a large envelope and I created a beige card to fit inside.  I found a piece of decorative scrapbook paper that coordinated and added a brown punched border (SU) on the right hand side.  I pierced each scallop with a push pin and then scored a line next to them.  I glued this to the back of my decorative paper.  I watercoloured my image and sponged the edge with blue to coordinate.  I added dots with a brown marker to highlight the edges.  To add texture I tied a length of orange fiber around my decorative paper layer and tied a knot on the right.  Wanting to add a bit more interest I dug through my stash of round punchies and found several that coordinated and glued them to the back of my coloured image.  I glued this large focal element to my card front over the fiber before gluing the whole thing to the front of my beige card.  I added some glitter glue in a coordinating colour to the circles' edges and one dot in the middle of the two brown ones.  Once they were dry I pressed my card a bit because the glitter glue had caused the circles to buckle a bit.  Pressing helped them to settle back into place.  This card is ready to go and will be send off when I get his brother's card ready as well.   Therese

Large birthday card featuring a large flower element background, an embossed flagged strip and some bling

My last card for my sister for this cardmaking session!!  Again, I am using an element trimmed from a large sheet of scrapbook paper.  I trimmed out the flower, layered it onto red and then onto a green card front.  I added an embossed strip of coordinating cardstock which I flagged on the end before adhering to my card front above the flower.  I sponged the edges of my laser printed punched greeting before adding it to my card front using 3D foam tape.  To finish it off I added three little clear rhinestones to the greeting!!  Done!! 

Therese

Large card featuring a cute mouse, a embellished greeting and some ribbon

What a cute little mouse!!  It was trimmed from a scrapbook sheet of patterned paper.  I trimmed the top section from another piece and added the border to the top to coordinate with the bottom section.  I added a little punchie greeting that has been embellished with clear dimensional paint which coordinates nicely.  I layered this image with red paper.  I created a large red card, embossed a brown layer of cardstock with my scoring tool to give it some texture before adhering it to my card.  I created a large flagged strip of dark brown cardstock and added a bit of red checkered ribbon to which I tied another short piece to simulate a bow.  I adhered that to my card front before adding my focal element which I adhered with 3D foam tape.  Very happy with how this one turned out.  Really enjoying making these large cards!!!

Therese

Large birthday card featuring a reused card front, layered greeting and ribbon

For this large card for my sister I reused a card front.  It was just short for the size of card I need so I trimmed the bottom portion into two pieces and added a large layered greeting to cover the gap.  Worked perfectly!!  I added a little pink ribbon to the greeting to introduce a bit more texture even though the card front has some rhinestones and lots of glitter. 

Therese

Large birthday card featuring a cute little pig, some ribbon and a layered greeting

What a fun card!!!!!!!!!  This little pig was part of a large sheet of scrapbooking paper. I trimmed it down to the size I needed for this card and trimmed off the top portion and reattached it using regular tape on the back.  I created a layered embellished greeting .  A scallop circle, a round stamped greeting (SU) in green, a flower sequin all held together with a tiny gold brad.  I added a length of green ribbon where my pieces of paper joined adhering the ends to the back.  I slipped a red scalloped circle below it and then mounted my layered greeting over the ribbon.  Everything coordinates so nicely!! 

Therese

Large birthday card that features torn paper, ribbon flags and a large reused card focal element

Another large card for my sister as I use up her stash of supplies!!  I reused a card front and used it as my focal element.  Love the flowers!!  I layered it onto a pink layer and added coordinating ribbon flags on the right hand side by added double sided tape to the back.  I created a large yellow card front, embossed the middle section and added the two sections from a strip of green paper which I tore in two - one at the top and one at the bottom.  I mounted my large focal element to my card front using 3D foam tape.   Worked out really well!!         Therese

Large birthday card featuring a reused card front, dimensional magic and some embossing

I am working on a few large cards for my sister who left some supplies here a while back and I am in the process of making her some cards with the little stash.  I reused a card front for this card.  I layered it onto a purple layer which I embossed and punched on the right hand side.  I used a zig zag border embossing folder and my scallop border punch (SU).  I used my small hole punch to punch holes in each scallop.  After layering these two I mounted the large element to a green card front.  Thinking it needed a bit of something I added rhinestones in the middle of all the flowers - some small clear ones, some larger and much more textured.  To finish it off, I added clear dimensional paint to all the balloons!!!!!  Love it!!          Therese

Valentine's heart cards with ribbon/thread, heart punchies and a postal background

A few more Valentine's cards!!!!!!!  I created this background a while back using images from Graphics Fairy and really love how well red hearts work with it.  I found these two in my stash so decided to use them for these cards.  I mounted them to black card fronts. On the left hand card I added a length of black ribbon to which I tied a short length using a single knot which nicely simulates a bow.  I dug through my little stash of hearts and found a collection for my card.  After finding an arrangement that I liked I glued them in place using white glue in a fine tip applicator which worked really well.  I left off a greeting to make this card more versatile!!
For my second card I tied on some heavy black thread wrapping it several times around my card front before tying it off.  I added six red hearts in different shades over the thread using 3D foam tape and finally added a little laser printed greeting on the bottom right hand corner.  I will have to find the digital file I created and print off a few more and see what else I can create with it!!

Therese

Valentine's card with beautiful paper, a large greetings and a layered embellishment

I continue with Valentine's cards to add to my stash!!  I used this beautiful floral gift wrap for the background on this card.  I love this paper!!!  I bought years ago and I will soon be at the end of the roll!!!!!!!  It lasted a LONG time!!!!  I have only every used it for crafting!!
I trimmed the background and glued it to a black card front.  Found the greeting in my stash, layered it with gold gift wrap and mounted it over the background.  I added a 3D embellishment  which I created using a little trimmed heart which I found in my stash layered onto a little red heart die cut.  They coordinate nicely and I really like how this card worked out.

Therese

Valentine's card that features a blingy heart, seam binding and a laser printed greeting

Another Valentine's card!!  I used a fun background from Melstampz which I printed a while back, trimmed to size and mounted to a black card.  I added a length of dark pink seam binding adhering the ends to the inside of my card using double sided tape.  I created a layered heart focal element using a glittered heart, a silver heart punchie (SU) and a little darker teal heart die cut (CB).  After gluing them all together I mounted this large element to my card using 3D foam tape overlapping the seam binding.  I added a little laser printed greeting just to the left below the heart.                Therese

Exchange cards that feature dimensional paint, Mud Maven birthday greetings and a bit of bling

I created these cards for my card exchange this month!!  I chose large yellow envelopes and created white cards to fit.  I cut two light weight yellow cardstock layers one for each card.  I dug through my scrapbook paper stash and found these two papers that I liked and coordinated well with the yellow layers I had created.  I trimmed an opening in each one to accommodate my large birthday greeting (Mud Maven) which was laser printed onto white cardstock and trimmed.  I ran my tracing wheel all over them for a bit more texture.  I adhered my decorative papers to the yellow layers which resulted in most of the tracing wheel texture fading away and added a piece ribbon to each of them before adhering these large layers to my white card fronts.  I watercoloured my greetings, added clear glitter using a Stardust gel pen and then added clear dimensional paint to the stars.  Once they were dry, I mounted them to the fronts of my cards using 3D foam tape.  I thought they still needed a bit of something so I added a wavy border around the greetings using gel pens.  That was better!!  A bit of bling on the ribbon and I was done!!  They will be off to my swap partners tomorrow as today at -35C and I have decided to stay inside!!         Therese

Valentine's card with a doily, heart focal element and some embossing and thread

It is time to think of Valentine's!!! I am making a few cards for my stash.  I started with the focal element - a vintage heart digital which I laser printed a while back.  I used my Circle cutter to trim it out of the sheet because I did not have a circle die the right size.  Worked really well!!  I layered it onto this beautiful white paper doily and wanted some contrast so I added a circle of gold foil in behind.  The foil is from Ferraro Rocher chocolates!!!  Chocolate is always good and if it provides crafting supplies that is a double good!!!  I embossed a coordinating red card front with a script stamp (SU) and embossed it with gold embossing powder to create my background.  Added gold embroidery thread to create some upward movement in the background adhering the ends in the center where they will be covered by the focal element.  I glued my large heart/doily element to my card using 3D foam tape after stabilizing it with a circle of cardstock on the back.  I found the greeting in my stash, trimmed it before layering it with red and mounting it to my card using 3D foam tape.  Worked out well!!!!!!!!!  Therese

Card kits with bright paper, a large greeting and sequin embellishments

I made up a few of my card kits from the class to add to my stash.  

On the first one I used a different label to cut the bright pieces so I trimmed the greeting to the edges of the label and mounted them similar to my second card on my original post which you can see here.  I also added a little silver butterfly punchie to the mix of embellishments.  

For the second card I pretty much made it up as I did the original ones.  I did add some dots with a clear glitter gel pen all the way around the greeting in between the sequins.  I did add some embossed lines to my third card.  Card kits really make cardmaking quick and easy!!!  With all the pieces ready to go it often is just a matter of positioning and gluing them into place.  

Therese

You warm my heart card with an embossed and watercoloured heart, thread and a sanded embossed background

Working on Valentine's cards for my stash and decided that this greeting created a card that could easily be given to any family member on Valentine's or any other occasion as well.  I used solid white core cardstock, embossed it with a polka dot embossing folder and sanded it to reveal the core.  Love the look and texture of this layer!!  I trimmed the four corners with my corner rounder punch, added gold embroidery thread from top to bottom before adhering it to a blue card front.  I mounted the heart - gold embossed and watercoloured - over the thread using 3D foam tape.  I trimmed the laser printed greeting, flagged the end and tucked it underneath the heart adhering it with double sided tape.  A cute little card!!!!

Therese

Quilted cell phone case

 I have had the fabric for this case sitting on the ironing board for several weeks now and finally took the time today to sew up this little project.  I have been using the case my sister made since I got the phone from her.  It had a button closure and I would sometimes have it hang up on the button so I decided to make myself one with a zipper instead.  I chose a piece of fabric for the inside that somewhat coordinated with the pieces I wanted to quilt on the outside and stitched strips of fabric as wide as my base adding them incrementally by sewing the first two, folding the top one down and added another strips until I had the piece completely covered. 

 I folded over both top edges on one side and stitched in one side of the zipper and then did the same for the other side of the zipper.  Fortunately, the zipper was long enough to allow me to stitch in the pocket I decided to add to my case.  I simply used a folded piece of the lining fabric, quilted it so it would keep its shape and then added fusible webbing between the two bottom edges to make that nice and neat.  Next, I stitched this edge to the middle of my case on the side I wanted the pocket.  Next, I trimmed the ends, turned it inside out and stitched them up.  I turned the case outside out and then added a line of stitching on each end on the outside which

captured the seam allowances and left the inside of my case looking neat. I have enough room inside to add my headphones when I go to the gym and also a little room on the end for my little pointer.  I did have to hand stitch one of the allowances on the inside right next to the zipper to reduce its width because it was getting caught in the zipper as I open and closed the case.   I expect it will work very well and it certainly will store in my purse's middle section very nicely. 
It took longer than I expected but that is par for the course when you are learning as you go. 
Therese

Birthday card with flower die cuts, fiber and a bit of embossing

I was working on card kits for my class  and decided that this design would not work the best so I just made up the card.  I die cut the flowers on the left hand side of the pink cardstock layer. and then stamped the greeting in dark pink.   I added a bit of stamping in pink ink and some manual embossing to add texture to the layer before backing it with a dark floral scrapbook paper.  I added the little yellow thread afterwards so used a needle to get it between the layers which worked really well.  I glued the large layer to the front of a card brown card.  I added little yellow circles to the flower centers and three brown sequins to finish off my card.  Pretty happy with it!!!

Therese

Little pick up truck cards for Valentine's and birthdays

My sister bought the stamp and die set for the little pick up truck a while back and I have used it several times to make some little trucks for my card making!!   I made several in the last few days.  I used blue decorative paper to create the sky.  It is a very subtle floral pattern and works very well as it shows a bit like clouds.  I cut rectangles and glued them to the top of coordinating cards.  I sponged a green tree line on the top right and stamped pine trees on the other three.  I also added a torn strip to those three along with another green layer which I cut with my wavy cutter.  For the one on the top right I used a diecut green border which was cut from a green cardstock collage.  It works very nicely as well to create a tree line.  I embossed the bottoms with embossing folders that would created texture to simulate a road - distressed lines and some rough texture on the edge of one of Tim Holtz embossing folders.  I watercoloured the bottom edge of the trucks to coordinate with their colour and used a clear glitter gel pen to colour the lights, hubcaps, windshield, door handle and bumper.  I mounted the trucks with 3D foam tape leaving space in the back to add my accent elements.  I used punched balloons tied with thread for one, a variety of different sized and coloured red hearts for another one and created gifts for the other two.  I took die cut rectangles and tied thread to them from bottom to top tying a bow to finish them off.  I embossed afterwards which gave them much more texture which I liked much better.  The embossing did not bother the thread.  I mounted the gifts with 3D foam tape at the top edges and double sided on the bottom edges to keep them in place.  I stamped Happy Birthday on the bottom two and just added a few birds in the sky for the top two.
In the end, the truck filled with hearts can certainly be an anniversary card instead of a Valentine's one so I appreciate it's versatility.  Really love these cards and they are great for guy birthdays!!       Therese

Large birthday card with a candle digital, ribbon and chevron embelishments

Working on family birthday cards!!  For this one I created a digital image of candles, stars and a greeting which was inspired by a card on Splitcoast Stampers.  I created it in Corel Draw and am happy with the way it turned out.  I laser printed several and trimmed this one from the sheet.  I started with a large envelope and created a beige card for fit inside.  I found this wood background paper in my stash and pieced it together to cover the front of the card.  I watercoloured my image to coordinate with the bits of ribbon I chose to create flags on it.  Once dry I added double sided tape to the back and added several lengths of ribbon which I trimmed to make a pleasing group.  I mounted my focal element to the front of my card with 3D foam tape and added the blue chevrons below.  They are punchies I found in my little container of fun shapes.  Love how it worked out!!
It is on its way today!!

Therese

January Cardmaking - bright die cuts, a large greeting and a few sequins

Our last card features a large central greeting (Desert Diva).  I downloaded the greetings and laser printed them large on white cardstock. I trimmed them to just less than a quarter sheet to leave a small border all the way around.  I die cut two pieces from some bright backgrounds made with ink on glossy photo paper.  They are only a portion of a label on one of Tim Holtz's label dies.  These were glued to the top and bottom of the card and trimmed even with the edges.  I embellished my labels for my second card with my tracing wheel, added some rhinestones and trimmed the edges to leave a border all the way around.  Next, we added fun sequins in coordinating colours using double sided tape.  Cards with large greetings are quite popular right now and I am seeing them everywhere!!  I really like these greetings from Desert Diva as they are digital and can easily be made any size you want!! 

Therese

January Cardmaking - die cut openings, thread and some sequins

For our second card I used a card off of Splitcoast Stampers which had openings on the left hand side which had been created using a large floral border die.  I do not own a border die which would be suitable so I decided to use individual dies to create a similar effect.  I used two dies from a Cuttlebug set of four hearts for this card.  I was careful not to have any extra marks on my cardstock as I die cut each individual opening.  Happy with how that worked out!!  I stamped my greeting next and then stamped a script background and a few flourishes to finish off the background.  I tied a green thread from one of the openings to the right hand side of the card and simply let the ends hang.  I used a piece of floral scrapbook paper to cover the back of the openings.  I mounted this large element to the front of a dark brown card.  To finish off the card I added three brown sequins using double sided tape.   For my second card, I used a large star die and them a long reach star punch to create the openings and backed them with gold foil from Ferraro Rocher chocolates.  I added gold embroidery thread and embossed the birthday greeting (SU) in gold.  

It was fun to use a card as inspiration and make it my own using the tools I have on hand.  This sketch is quite versatile as it can be changed up with colour, dies and greetings to accommodate a variety of occasions.    Therese

January Cardmaking - sanded background, thread and a 3D embellishment

Its is time to get back to making cards with friends!!

I started with this fun card that features a sanded background.  I embossed dark peach white core cardstock with the happy birthday embossing folder and then sanded it to reveal the core and give it a wonderful texture as well.  I corner rounded all four corners before wrapping a length of crochet thread around this layer several times and then tying and double knotting the ends over all the wraps to make a focal point.  I cut the ends short so they would be covered by my 3D embellishment.  I glued the wrapped background to a green card front before mounting my little gift embellishment with 3D foam tape.  The little gift was created using a rectangle of serendipity collage to which I tied a length of green crochet thread double knotting it at the top and adding a little bow.  I love how it turned out!!!!   I used aqua white core cardstock for my second card along with brown crochet thread and a serendipity heart in that coordinates.  I added three rhinestones to the heart for a little extra bling.  With no greeting this card can be used for Valentine's, an anniversary or a birthday card for someone you love.  

 A very versatile sketch which can be adapted for any occasion by varying the colour, embossing folder and the 3D embellishment.    Therese

Large anniversary card that features lots of glitter, beautiful ribbon and an oval laser printed greeting

An anniversary card for my sister and her husband.  I started with a large peach envelope and created a dark peach card to fit inside.  I had the dark peach glitter paper sitting on my desk from the last card I made so I decided to see if I could use it for this anniversary card.  I dug through my heart stash and I found the white glitter hear which I rescued off of a different card a while back. That would be perfect!!  I found some dark peach cardstock and traced the heart onto the back and cut it out on the outside of the line with my decorative scallop scissors.  I glued this heart accent to the peach glitter layer and thinking it needed a bit of a focal element I dug through my heart stash some more and found this white heart outline.  Perfect!!  I used a fine tip applicator with white glue in it to adhere it to my white glitter heart.  Continuing the theme I glued this layer to a white rectangle of cardstock and added a beautiful piece of salmon ribbon below it adhering the ends to the back with double sided tape.  I auditioned it on my card and decided to trim the white cardstock just below the ribbon which allowed just enough room for me to add the die cut accents which I had cut from the scraps using a TH label die to be adhered top and bottom.  Excellent!!  I adhered this large element to my peach card front before adding the laser printed oval punchie greeting (Birds cards).  I sponged the edges of the greeting, added a bit of glue below the ribbon to hold it in place before adding the greeting over it usind 3D foam tape.   I added some clear glitter dots with a gel pen to the accent pieces and I was done!!  Love it!!           Therese

Large birthday card that features a butterfly die cut, ribbon and splashes of glitter

I am working on January birthdays and this one is for my youngest sister!! 
I started with peach envelope and created an off white card to fit in it.  I had a used card sitting on my desk that I was inspired to use.  I featured this large die cut opening of a butterfly.  The original card had a string of butterflies mounted in the opening which I removed and strung onto my patio screen and I have enjoyed it for several years there especially in the summer when the breeze was blowing.  I decided to trim one of the large butterflies from the string to use on this card.  I trimmed the panel to fit on my card, added a ribbon across the top and a little laser printed punchie greeting (SU) which I watercolour to coordinate.  I watercoloured the card front in blue to create a background for my butterfly and embossed with D'vine Swirl (CB) embossing folder.  Unfortunately, I was not paying enough attention and it also embossed the outside edge.  I did run a bone folder over the embossing in an effort to remove it.  It worked a bit but I liked this card enough to just forge ahead and make it happen.  I glued my large panel to my embellished card front.  I glued the string to the back and added 3D foam tape before positioning it in the opening over the embossed space.  Love it!!  I added dots of pink glitter glue to coordinate with the antennae and set it aside to dry. I am really pleased with how it turned out!!!!!!!!!  Therese

Anniversary card with a gift wrap background, seam binding and some punchie hearts

I am working on cards for my family's special occasions!!  An anniversary card for my sister!! 
I started with a large blue envelope and made a blue card to fit inside.  I layered on a piece of beautiful gift wrap that coordinated nicely.  Digging through my stash looking for a white heart shaped paper doily I found this wonderful embossed gift wrap and decided to use it instead.  I cut one panel from the piece which was saved off of a gift a while back and layered it with the same cardstock as the card.  I glued it on my card front using glue stick.  I added a length of coordinating vintage seam binding overlapping my little square and a bit offset.  I added two heart punchies (SU) from my stash in silver and one stamped one (SU) in a delicate dot pattern.  I mounted them over the square using 3D foam tape.  The greeting (Bird's Cards) was laser printed and them punched with the large oval punch (SU).  I sponged the edges to coordinate before mounting it below the square with 3D foam tape.  It still needed a bit of something to I tied a short length of seam binding to the one on the card using a single knot.  Nicely simulates a bow and was just what this card needed to finish it off!! It is off to my sister and her DH in today's mail!!!!!  Therese

Large Christmas cards that feature ornament gift wrap, luxurious ribbon and embossed angel images

This is my final set of cards featuring this wonderful ornament gift wrap in reds, kraft and gold!!  For these two I created red cards that fit in large red cards which I picked out of my stash and added the panels of trimmed gift wrap before proceeding.  I added a length of the luxurious gold ribbon to each of them and tucked the ends to the inside securing them with double sided tape.  The images were stamped and embossed a while back and I found them in my stash!!  I ripped their edges, applied a bit of gold pigment ink and then embossed them in gold.  I mounted them to my card fronts using 3D foam tape and overlapped them over the ribbon.   I think the images were stamped in red and gold pigment ink and embossed with clear embossing powder and I really love the textured look of these cards!!     I have sixteen Christmas cards made already this year!!!!!!!!  Therese

Large Christmas cards that feature fun ornament gift wrap, angel images and layered laser printed greetings

Another set of Christmas cards!!!!!!!!!!!!  What fun I have been having!! Stash busting at its best!!

I have chosen large red envelopes from my stash and created red cards that fit in them.  I trimmed the decorative paper from gift wrap that came wrapped around our gifts during this holiday season.  The non creased sections were trimmed out and used to make these backgrounds.    I love the kraft, reds and gold colour combination.  

For the card on the left, I used a stamped angel image (SU) from my stash.  I coloured it with shimmery watercolours in red, brown and gold.  I layered it with gold and red cardstock, mounted it to my embellished card front and added a layered oval greeting with 3D foam tape.  The greeting is laser printed and punched (SU) then layered onto a red scalloped oval punchie (SU).  

For the card on the right, I also used an angel image from my stash.  This one had been stamped and gold embossed which really worked with this paper.  I coloured it with shimmery watercolours in red, gold and brown.  I layered the image in a coordinating dark red cardstock and glued it to my embellished card front.  I mounted a laser printed oval punchie greeting (SU) over a scalloped oval punchie in red and mounted it overlapping my image using 3D foam tape.  It has to be a record to have this many Christmas card made so early in the new year!!    I will try to keep it up so I can have my cards made well in time for Christmas this year!!        Therese

Another couple large Christmas cards that feature stamped & embossed images, gift wrap and textured elements

For the next set of large Christmas cards that feature this wonderful kraft ornament paper I made cards from red cardstock to fit the envelopes and adhered the trimmed decorative paper to them.  For the one on the left, I chose a gold embossed image of three trees (Magenta) from my stash that coordinated with the paper, coloured them with gold shimmery watercolour and distressed the edges all the way around.  I found the stamped greeting in my stash as well.  I trimmed it to size and flagged the right hand side before mounting it to my card front.  I decided to echo the ornament theme by adding a small ornament die cut (SX) which I embellished with a circle punchie which I embossed using an ornament embossing folder. Worked perfectly!!  I added a length of gold embroidery thread to hang it.  I adhered it over the greeting using 3D foam tape and glued the ends of the thread to the inside of the card using double sided tape.  I mounted the image with 3D foam tape to intersect with the thread and the greeting by putting it at a bit of an angle.  

For the one on the right, I used a poinsettia image combined with a tiny greeting (SU) which was gold embossed from my stash.  I used shimmery watercolours to paint the image.  Love the effect!!  I layered it onto coordinating cardstock and mounted it with 3D foam tape over a piece of luxurious gold ribbon which I mounted to the front of my card adhering the ends to the inside using double sided tape.  It has been much fun to create these large cards and using up some of my large envelope stash.   Therese