Two all occasion cards featuring masterboard butterflies, ribbon and tracing wheel texture

I continue to make cards from the masterboard I created a while back.  I cut a red cardstock layer the same size as the piece of masterboard (3 5/8" x 4.25") I had trimmed from my letter sized masterboard. I had to use a small cutting plate (broken piece) to avoid cutting more than the butterfly from my large Sizzix die (butterfly and dragonfly).  I was reasonably successful with two passes.  I embossed the red pieces - a butterfly and a layer with a butterfly opening with two different embossing folders.  I die cut some bodies from black paper, trimmed them and adhered them to the butterflies.  I swapped the butterflies and then attached them into the openings using two pieces of regular tape on the back - one on the head and the other on the tail.  This allows the wings to be pulled up to give dimension to the card.  

For my first card, I trimmed my large butterfly focal element to 4" or so, embossed an extra scrap of red cardstock with the same Swiss Dot - CB embossing folder and adhered them to a black card front.  I punched a piece of brown cardstock with a ribbon border punch and them trimmed it to size afterwards.  I inserted a blue gros grain ribbon into the slots adhering one end to the back using double sided tape and brought the other end to the front, flagged it and then stitched in place using red thread and including a tiny button.  I ran my tracing wheel on both long edges to add texture.  I  secured this layer over the gap between my pieces using double sided tape.  Love it!!

For my second card, I adhered my masterboard butterfly focal element to the front of a soft green card and added a scrap of embossed red cardstock to the right hand side.  I used a fine tip permanent marker to add some lines to the outside edges of my focal element.  

Really enjoying the process of creating these cards and really liking the texture and interest created by the masterboard collage!!

Therese

Small blue plaid flannel quilt top with a chevron pattern

I worked on this flannel quilt top yesterday and managed to get it finished by the end of the day.  

I chose to do a new to me technique.  It creates two squares which is made up of two triangles in a very easy manner.  You cut two squares the same size.  Mine are 10" square.  You lay them good sides facing each other, pin securely, draw a line diagonally from one corner to the other and then stitch on both sides of the line.  Next, you cut on the line and you end up with two squares that contain two triangles like in the photo below.  I stitched up all my squares and pressed them open.  Next, comes the fun part - laying them out and seeing what you can make in regards to a design.

I really wanted a chevron for this quilt but you can also do Flying Geese, pinwheels or diamonds, etc.  I expect there are many more that I am not aware of.  It is a fast and easy way to add some pizzazz to a quilt and not have to cut any triangles and then try sewing them together!!! Squares are easy to cut!!!!!!                   Therese

Two all occasion cards featuring die cut butterflies from masterboard, layered punchies and handmade paper

I continue to make cards from the masterboard I created a while back.  I cut a yellow cardstock layer the same size as the piece of masterboard (3 5/8" x 4.25") I had trimmed from my letter sized masterboard. I had to use a small cutting plate (broken piece) to avoid cutting more than the butterfly from my large Sizzix die (butterfly and dragonfly).  I was reasonably successful with two passes.  I embossed the yellow pieces - a butterfly and a layer with a butterfly opening with two different embossing folders.  I die cut some bodies from black paper, trimmed them and adhered them to the butterflies.  I swapped the butterflies and then attached them into the openings using two pieces of regular tape on the back - one on the head and the other on the tail.  This allows the wings to be pulled up to give dimension to the card.

For my first card, I added a gold metallic layer to my kraft colour card front.  I used a corner rounding punch on the corners of my butterfly focal element and adhered it to my card front.  I auditioned some small flower punchies and eventually added two layered flowers and three small punchies.  The layered flowers were created using two different punchies attached with brads.  They were all glued to my card front using white glue in a fine tip applicator.  

For my second card, I created an ivory card and added a layer of commercial handmade paper in black.  I added my large butterfly focal element and then added five little star punchies on the right hand side in coordinating yellow cardstock.  I adhered them with white glue from a fine tip applicator.  

Therese  

Two all occasion cards featuring butterflies from my masterboard, metallic paper and ribbon

I continue to make cards from the masterboard I created a while back.  I cut a pink cardstock layer the same size as the piece of masterboard (3 5/8" x 4.25") I had trimmed from my letter sized masterboard . I had to use a small cutting plate (broken piece) to avoid cutting more than the butterfly from my large Sizzix die (butterfly and dragonfly).  I was reasonably successful with two passes but did get a small cut on the lower right hand corner.  I embossed the pink pieces - a butterfly and a layer with a butterfly opening with two different embossing folders.  I die cut some bodies from black paper, trimmed them and adhered them to the butterflies.  I swapped the butterflies and then attached them into the openings using two pieces of regular tape on the back - one on the head and the other on the tail.  This allows the wings to be pulled up to give dimension to the card.  

For my first card, I cut a sea green card and attached a pink metallic layer which I had punched  with a scallop border punch (SU) on the left hand edge.  I added a folded label (Modern Label - SU) in brown on the lower right hand side with a copper brad to hide the extra cut.  I adhered my large butterfly focal element over the metallic paper to finish off my card.  

For my second card, I cut a light aqua card.  I trimmed my butterfly focal element to 4", added a piece of darker blue green cardstock to both the top and bottom using regular tape on the back and then added a piece of black ribbon on the right hand side to cover the cut on the corner.  I adhered this large element to my card and then tied on a short piece of black ribbon to the one on the front of the card to  simulate a bow which very nicely camouflaged the cut.  I added a tiny piece of double sided tape to keep the ribbon in place.  Finally, I to finish off my card added some dots to the edges of my blue green pieces using a fine tipped permanent marker. 

I am enjoying making cards with my masterboard pieces and making them all different. 

Therese

Two all occasion cards from masterboard featuring die cut butterflies, decorative paper and washi tape

I continue to work on making cards from the masterboard I made a while back.  I cut a green cardstock layer the same size as the piece of masterboard I had trimmed from my letter sized masterboard - 3 5/8" x 4.25". I had to use a small cutting plate (broken piece) to avoid cutting more than the butterfly from my large Sizzix die (butterfly and dragonfly).  I was reasonably successful with two passes  - a bit of a cut on the lower right hand edge.  I embossed the green pieces - a butterfly and a layer with a butterfly opening with two different embossing folders.  I die cut some bodies from black paper and adhered them to the butterflies.  I swapped the butterflies and then attached them into the openings using two pieces of regular tape - one on the head and the other on the tail.  This allows the wings to be pulled up to give dimension to the card.  

For my first card, I cut a brown card and adhered a layer of gold metallic cardstock. I passed my pattern tracing wheel on all four edges of my focal element and then layered on a piece of green and tan paper.  I adhered this large layer to the gold metallic paper on my card front.  To finish off my card I added four little black punchie circles tot he corners of my butterfly element.  

For my second card, I cut a kraft card front and added a layer of decorative paper - rubbed wax resist over an embossing plate and green watercolour.  I used a corner punch on all four corners of my butterfly focal element and then adhered it to my card front.  To finish off my card, I added two pieces of torn music washi tape to echo the music in the masterboard butterfly.  

Therese

Birthday card featurijng some serendipity squares, embossed strips and a tiny greeting with butterfly

I am working on July cards for my family and friends.  For this birthday card for my sister I stamped a butterfly (Magenta) in aqua on the front of my large aqua card which I created to fit a large envelope from my stash.  It gives the background a bit of texture without interfering with the design.  I had a white strip of star embossed cardstock which I ripped in two and then mounted to my card front.  I mounted two aqua serendipity squares over them on the left hand side using 3D foam tape.  I mounted the third square at a bit of angle, tucked in a sponged laser printed greeting and then added the little butterfly sticker.  It is fun to be making cards again and trying out new ideas and sketches.

Therese

Exchange card featuring a die cut butterfly cut from a masterboard, an embossed cardstock background and some ribbon and a die cut frame

For my second exchange card I  started with a large black card that fit in a large envelope from my stash.  I added two pieces of scrapbook paper to create my background - a gray one at the top and a blue with a gray brocade at the bottom.  To create my focal element I embossed the blue cardstock layer (sponged previously) using the Swiss Dots embossing folder and mounted the masterboard butterfly in the opening in the same way as my first card - securing the butterfly's body with regular tape to the back of the masterboard layer.  I adhered a black body die cut which had been trimmed to the perforations to my butterfly which finished off this piece.  The small cut which occurred while die cutting is masked by the embossing.  

I decided to add a wide ribbon to this card and searched for an interesting way to incorporate it.  I decided to hang it from a silver frame die cut.  I slipped the ribbon through  and then added a small piece of double sided tape to the front of the frame behind the ribbon which kept it in place. I coloured two clear rhinestones with a blue permanent marker before positioning them in the openings in the frame and securing them with regular tape on the back. Next, I adhered the frame to the front of my card close to the top using double sided tape letting the ribbon simply hang from it.  I found a small font greeting in my stash which perfectly fit in the opening of my frames so I simply sponged its edges with blue ink before adhering it with double sided tape in the opening.  I trimmed both ends of my ribbon diagonally to be just above the bottom of my card.  Finally, I added my butterfly focal element adhering it to the front of my card over the ribbon using 3D foam tape.  I found this an elegant way to using wide ribbon on my card.  I will do that again!!   Therese

Exchange card featuring masterboard background, embossed die cut butterfly and a little font greeting

Here is the first card I made with the masterboard I created a few days ago.  I trimmed the masterboard into 6 pieces and cut a blue layer of cardstock the same size as one of the pieces.  I laid them onto each other and aligned them over the butterfly on my large Sizzix die and to avoid cutting off pieces due to the proximity of the other dies I carefully positioned my small cutting plate (broken pieces) over the area I wanted to cut.  I did get a tiny cut on the lower left hand side which is covered by the greeting on my card.  I embossed the blue butterfly for this card and then added a black die cut body (on the same die) which I trimmed to the perforated edge.  I placed the butterfly into the opening of the masterboard piece and used regular tape to adhere the body of the butterfly to the back of the master board layer which allows the wings to be raised a bit to add dimension.  I decided to use a large envelope and made a kraft card to fit inside.  I added a blue colour printed background which had previously been stamped with a random texture background in a light green which worked very well with this focal element.  After adhering the background to my card front I added a strip of green cardstock to which I had added a length of narrow black ribbon gluing the ends to the back of the layer before adhering to my card front.  I auditioned my butterfly element and decided to add black to the edges to help frame it.  I ran a black permanent marker on all the edges.  That was much better!  I adhered this large element to my card front using 3D foam tape.  Finally, I added a small rectangular font greeting in blue to the bottom right corner.  I flagged the right hand edge and added three little dots with a black permanent marker on the left hand edge.  I like the way this one turned out.  One of my exchange cards ready to go!!

Therese

Two little flannel quilt tops for Project Linus

Two more little quilts for Project Linus!!  I have been working on and off on the first one and finished the top last week and then made up the grey/black and red one in fairly short order because it is all strips of fabric.  It took me most of the day yesterday but I did get both of them finished with batting, backers and binding.   I will be dropping them off to my sister's and she will drop them off with hers to the coordinator in her area.            Therese

Masterboard with collage images

I found a file folder full of collage images from a swap and was at the same time looking to do something different for my exchange cards.  After a perusal of a magazine from my collection I was reminded of masterboards which my friend, Linda, uses quite often. I decided to use the images in the file folder to recreate a masterboard.   I started with a colour printed cardstock poster from my serendipity box and just cut out images and glued them in place.  It is very much like serendipity except you are using images instead of scraps of paper.  A bit of a different look as well.  I used a few scraps of paper napkin as well which I found in my serendipity box to help create bridges in my collage.   The idea of a masterboard is that you scan it and then can print off copies for using in your art.  In my case, I have scanned it and I will be using the original for creating my exchange cards.  

Therese

Thinking of you card featuring a scrap paper collage and some butterfly stickers

My friend, Linda's husband has had knee surgery and is finally home from hospital. I thought I would make a card to let him know that he is thought of as he recuperates and heals.  

I started with an ivory card which I created to fit in a large envelope from my stash.  I auditioned paper scraps that coordinated with my butterflies until I was happy with the layout and then adhered them to my card front.  I added my sponged greeting (laser printed font punchie) and then added my three little butterfly stickers.  Thinking it still needed a bit of something I added flight trails to the butterflies and dots and dashes in orange and brown on several of the paper scraps.  I really like how this turned out.  Will consider this concept again when I am card making.  

Therese

Graduation panel card featuring a laser printed greeting layered onto double matted embossed layers

My sister has been doing night classes for a LONG time and she has finally finished her degree and graduated.  Unfortunately, due to the pandemic she did not have a traditional graduation like so many others at all levels of education.  I decided to make her a panel card and started with the heavyweight yellow panel which I cut to fit inside a large envelope from my stash.  I embossed it with clock images and then I added an embossed and sanded green layer which was embossed with the SU birch trees folder.  I trimmed the laser printed digital greeting from Desert Diva, ran my pattern tracing wheel around the edge before mounting it to a deep purple shimmery layer of paper.  I added a piece of cardstock on the back to allow me to write my message.  

I am proud of her tenacity in reaching her goal!  It has been a long road and good on her for getting it done!!            Therese

Christmas card featuring a beautiful angel painted with shimmer watercolour, a border punched layer and an aqua and gold gift wrap background

This is my last card in the bunch which I created with the reused aqua and gold gift wrap which arrived on one of our gift this past holiday season!  For this card I used an image from my stash of this beautiful angel which was stamped in brown.  I coloured it using shimmery watercolours in coordinating colours.  Love how it turned out!!  I mounted it to a piece of aqua cardstock leaving a large border on the right.  I used my MS doily punch to decorate the right hand side and then added two embossed lines using my Score tool.  I mounted my aqua and gold gift wrap background to an ivory card and then adhered my large angel layer to it. Done!  It has been great fun to play with stamps and a lot of my supplies to make these cards.  I am very happy to be so far ahead in getting my Christmas cards ready for next Christmas!!!           Therese

* I have been creating my cards during my self isolation for the Covid 19 crisis.  The sun is shining and it is a beautiful day!!

Christmas card featuring a gold embossed season of light image, ribbon and an aqua and gold gift wrap background

Another fairly quick card!!  I stamped and gold embossed the Season of Light image onto the aqua cardstock, added a layer of gold gift wrap and watercoloured the flame.  I mounted the aqua and gold gift wrap background to an ivory card and added a piece of gold shimmery ribbon to the bottom section securing the ends to the inside of the card.  I trimmed the spine with a slot punch to create the opening in which I inserted the end of my ribbon.  A very nice look for this process.  I adhered my large focal element to my card front and I was done!!             Therese

Birthday card featuring one of my own floral digital images, an embossed strip and a small font greeting

For this card I started with the colour printed background paper.  I chose a large yellow envelope and created a very light green card to fit inside.  I added a strip of dark yellow to the front flap gluing the strip of yellow to the inside of the card front.  I trimmed the decorative paper to fit the front and adhered it to the card.  I embossed a coordinating strip of green cardstock and adhered it to my card a bit to the left of center.  I found the image in my stash - this is one of my doodled images which I laser printed.  I watercoloured the image and sponged the edges with blue and brown.  I adhered it to my card using 3D foam tape.  I found a small greeting in my stash that coordinated and to set it off I added a small strip of dark yellow cardstock behind it before adhering it to my card front below my image.      Therese

Christmas card featuring a gold embossed starburst layered with gold on an aqua and gold background

I have been enjoying playing with stamps!!!!  I gold embossed this large starburst image on the aqua cardstock, trimmed it to size and then added yellow marker to colour in the center.  I layered it with gold gift wrap and mounted it to my card front which was layered with my aqua and gold gift wrap background on an ivory card.    This one was fairly quick and easy!!!

Therese

Christmas card featuring Saint Nicolas on an embossed layer, aqua and gold gift wrap background and a layered font greeting

Here is another card created with a colour printed image of a St. Nicolas from an image collection CD.  I die cut the right edge using a TH border die and then paper pierced the edge with a push pin.  I added four vertical embossed lines, three to the left of the image and one to the right, using my Score tool.  Next I added two horizontal embossed lines, one each above and below the image to frame it nicely.   I added a layered font greeting which was created with a scalloped oval (SU) cut from gold metallic paper and a little greeting punched with a large oval punch (SU).  I mounted the greeting using 3D foam tape to my layer.  I mounted this large element to my card front which consists of an ivory card and the aqua and gold gift wrap background. 

Therese

Christmas card featuring Saint Nicolas, ribbon and a small greeting

For this card I am using a colour printed image from my Christmas images stash!  These were printed from images from a CD I acquired years ago at a garage sale.  I mounted the trimmed image to a layer of the aqua cardstock and trimmed it a bit wider on the right side.  I trimmed the edge with scalloped scissors and paper pierced each scallop with a push pin.  I added one embossed line next to them using my Score tool.  I added by background to an ivory card, added a flagged gold ribbon with an echoing piece of aqua cardstock which I adhered in place on the top portion of my card.  I mounted my layered image using 3D foam tape and then added the little layered font greeting with double sided on the left and 3D foam on the right.  I love the soft colours in the image and the way it works well with the background.         Therese

Christmas card featuring aqua and gold gift wrap for the background, a gold embossed nativity layered with gold

Another card using that aqua and gold gift wrap from the past Christmas season! It is a very nice heavy weight paper which I really nice to work with.  I trimmed it to a 4" x 4" and adhered it to an ivory card.  I gold embossed this nativity stamp onto the aqua cardstock, trimmed it to size and then added a layer of gold gift wrap before adhering it to my card front.  I added a bit of colour to the center of the star and I was done!!

Therese

Birthday card featuring a watercoloured, laser printed digital background, vintage seam binding and a fun greeting

This is a birthday card for my son which I will be sending digitally as he is out of the country right now.  He is a pilot so I went looking on line for aircraft blueprint images and found several that were very good!!  This one is from Drawing Database.  There a blueprints for vehicles, aircraft and watercraft among other things.  I imported the image into Corel Draw, sized it  and then rotated and duplicated it several times to create a background I was happy with.  To add some texture, I cut and pasted the definition of airplane from an online dictionary, changed the font and sized it so it would fill the page by duplicating the text as many times as necessary.  That was what I wanted it to look like.  I printed the letter sized sheet and then trimmed out four quarter sheet backgrounds.   For this card, I watercoloured the background with blue to simulate a sky, added a piece of vintage seam binding to the middle of my background and adhered it to a blue card front.  I tied a short piece of seam binding onto the one on my card with a single knot to simulate a bow.  I found a laser printed greeting in my stash, flagged the end, sponged the edges and then ran my pattern tracing wheel on both long edges.  I mounted it over the seam binding using 3D foam tape.  I like that I can colour this laser printed background any colour  to give these images a very different feel.    Therese