Wow! Embossed Heart Valentine's Card

It's hard to believe that Valentine's Day is next week, it seems to have come round so quickly, so I thought I'd better get crafting, making a card for my Hubby.

I die cut three hearts from a sheet of card,  I glued two together and set aside for later.  With the remaining one, I had a play with several colour of Wow! Embossing Powders getting a lovely melted mingle of colours.  I used "Love is the drug", "Earthtone Blueberry", "Rich Gold" and "Silent Night" (which has some glitter in with the embossing powder.  

Between each colour, I heat set then once cool, applied more embossing ink before applying the next colour. The more times I did it, the longer the powder would take to become liquid, but when it did, the heat gun was able to move the colour around the heart.

For the final coat, I used Wow! Clear embossing powder to give an extra glossy finish to the heart.  Once it was dry, I glued it to the other heart(s) so that it had a strong base, then added foam pads to the base of the heart.

I then moved on to the card base, creating a card blank measuring four inches square.  Using the same white card, I die cut two squares one with a plain edge and one with a stitched edge.  

I adhered the plain square on to the prepared card blank. I then put the stitched edged square through a Cuttlebug embossing folder with a small dot designs and ran it through the Big Shot. I then adhered the embossed square over the plain one on the card base.

In my craft stash, I found some white die cut leaves using the Sizzix/Stampin' Up "Pretty Pines Thinlits Die Set", so I used those and glued them into position on the card.  

Before I added the heat embossed heart, I stamped the words  "Love You" using the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words - Encouragement" stamp set, stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

Finally, I popped the heat embossed heart in the middle of the card and added some sticky backed gems to some of the foliage.

Playing with techniques for Tag 23 & 24

You may remember that I took part in Karen Telfer's "24 Days of Tags 2022" challenge.  Tags 23 and 24 used the same technique but one had a more vintage look and one was pastel colours.  I decided to expand my play session by trying the technique out on different types of card, including Kraft card stock.

The first thing I noticed using Kraft cardwas that the embossing doesn't look as obvious as it does on the white card, likely due to the weight of it being less and also the fibres within it.  The Kraft card also absorbed the colours of the inks.  I used "Rusty Hinge" and " Cracked Pistachio" Distress Oxide inks, but you can barely see either.

I decided to decorate this experimental background, creating this tag.  I splattered black, white, brown and blue Posca Pen paint across the surface.

I added a band of Washi Tape on the lower third and inked the edges of the tag using Versfaine Clair "Warm Breeze" ink.  I then stuck some paper roses and leaves on to the tag.  Finally adding some pearls and beads to embellish the surface.

Day 23 and 24 of Karen Telfer's "24 Days of Tags 2022"

Here's they are the last two tags of the Karen Telfer's "24 Days of Tags 2022" challenge.   If you would like to see Karens demo, then click this link.

Day 23 - the pink/puple tag, I used three Distress Oxide Ink colours:  Picked Raspberry, Wilted Violet and Blueprint Sketch with a Provocraft/Cuttlebug embossing folder, with a bird and scroll design.  I splattered a white Posca Pen across the surface to life it a little. I used a Tim Holtz Idea-ology sticker saying "do your best" in the bottom corner.

Day 24 - the vintage looking tag, I used Cracked Pistachio, Rusty Hinge and Frayed Burlap Distress Oxide Inks with another Provocraft/Cuttlebug embossing folder with a music design.  Again I used a Tim Holt Idea-ology sticker saying "Contented Spirit" and splattered a brown Posca pen across the surface of the tag.

Day 22 of the "24 Days of Tags 2021" with Karen Telfer

This is my Day 22 tag, with a prompt of "A little bit of everything", and I have certainly put lots on this tag. 

For the base of this tag, I have used the Tim Holtz "Gingham Layering Stencil - THS134" with Mowed Lawn Distress Oxide Ink.

The snowman and the Christmas tree are both Card-io stamps, stamped in Versafine Calir inks and coloured with Posca Pens.

I've used a Cuttlebug embossing folder for the dry snowflake embossing.  I've used an Anna Griffin stamp for the Cherub, heat embossed using Wow! Rich Gold embossing powder and heat set.

I did cut the snowflakes, which were a Cuttlebug thinlet die... not seen the light of day for a couple of years at least!

I've used assorted other stamps I found in my stash.  For the sentiments, I used the Simon Says Stamp "Tiny Words - Christmas" stamp set with Versafine Clair "Shady Lane" green ink.  I think the string of lights embellishments are by Papermania/Docrafts.

Day 9 of "24 Days of Tags 2021" challenge with Karen Telfer

It's Day 9 of the "24 Days of tags 2021" challenge with Karen Telfer.  Today we use embossing folders. I've made two different tags.

For the first, I have used a Crafters Companion embossing folder called "Scandinavian Xmas", which I then covered in "Festive Berries" Distress Oxide ink.  I then used a small Cuttlebug embossing folder for the central image which I die cut into a circle and then layered on top of a disc of Funky Foam to create a 3D look to the tag.

For the second tag, I used another Crafters Companion embossing folder, with Cosmic Shimmer gilding wax over the higher elements.  I then used a Clarity stamp word sticker.

Embossed and die cut Anniversary Card

Another anniversary card. There seem to be a lot of them to make at this time of the year!

I've used an old Provo Craft/Cuttlebug Embossing Folder that I've had for years to create the embossed border.

I've used the Julie Hickey "Happy Profile Die Set" for the central "happy" word.  I have stamped the "anniversary" sentiment using Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink. 

 

World Card Making Day 2021

Last Saturday was "World Card Making Day 2021".  I had planned to have a day of crafting, but you know how things go, life kind of happens so my card making didn't happen.

Sharon Everett of "The Kraft Kabin" had arranged lots of tutorials by different names from the British card making world to provide free live or video tutorials, which she hosted on a Facebook group.

Today, I found time to make a card, loosely following a tutorial by Martine Smith.  I didn't use the products she used, but used some similar from my existing stash.

For the base, I used a Provocraft Cuttlebug embossing folder of holly.  I used the flat side to coat the area in two shades of Distress Oxide Inks:  Antique Linen and Tea Dye.

I then used a Crafters Companion "Script stamp" with Memento "Rhubarb Stalk" red ink.  Next I die cut some holly and fir branches using a Sizzix/Tim Holtz thinlet set (658759).  I found some paper poinsetta flowers and layered them up.

I used a Simon Says Stamp for the "Yuletide Greetings" sentiment and then die cut it into a banner, I then assembled the foliage, flower and greetings together.

Day 22 of Karen Telfer's "24 Days of Tags 2020" - white on white

This is the tag I have made for Day 22 of Karen Telfer's "24 Days of Tags 2020" challenge, with a prompt of "White on White".

For my tag, I have used a good thick card Paper Mill Direct, Supersmooth 300gsm throughout, this gives a nice firm feel to the tag.  I used an old Cuttlebug embossing folder for the scrolled background. I then adhered a line of lace.

I die cut the word "jolly", the fir cones, the bow and the Holly using Stampin' Up and Sizzix/Tim Holtz products, layering and using foam pads to add texture and dimension.

 

Hero Arts "High Heels" Birthday Card

A quick card I made using a Cuttlebug embossing folder for the background.  

I stamped the shoe on white card, the stamp is part of the Hero Arts "High Heels" stamp set, using Versafine Clair "Charming Pink" ink.  I then cut the shape using my Brother Scan n Cut SDX1200 machine.  

Wild Rose Studio "Bella Sleeping - New Baby Card

I needed to make a new baby boy card, so used one of my "Wild Rose Studio" stamps to be the main image of my card.

The stamp I used is called "Bella Sleeping" which I stamped in Versafine Clair "Morning Mist" grey ink.

I coloured the image using a paint brush and my water colour pencils.

I used a Cuttlbug embossing folder with a daisy design for the background.

The sentiment is from a Personal Impressions stamp set called "Double Sayings", stamped in Versafine Clair "Nocturne" black ink and die cut using a Simon Says "Nested Banners" die set.

Week 33 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2019

The prompt for Week 33 is "Numbers"

For my tag, I decided to go for a really clean look, only using black and white.

I used a Cuttlebug number embossing folder for the central panel, then printed the "...age is just a number" sentiment on the computer and adhered to the base of the tag.  I used a Stamper's Anonymous stamp for the edge detail.

I then die cut the two black numbers and used foam pads to give a 3D look to the numbers.  Finally, I ran a black ink pad around the edge of the tag.

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Click here for more details about the challenge.

Click here to go to the challenge Facebook Group.

Birthday Card (Cuttlebug Embossing Folder)

This was a nice quick make card for a teenage boy - I always struggle with making male cards, but this could actually be for anybody.

I used a Cuttlebug Embossing Folder through my Big Shot machine to achieve the textured word background.

Using Versafine Clair Ink in the shade of "Blue Belle" I stamped the sentiment using two clear stamp sets from Spellbinders STP-008 and STP-002.  I mounted the sentiment on foam pads to give more of a 3D look.

Design Team Make - My Time To Craft Challenge #390 - Men Only

I made this card for the "My Time To Craft Challenge Blog" #390 with a theme of "Men Only".  If you have a minute, please do pop over to check out the fab makes by my Design Team colleagues.

This was a really quick make.  I had a decoupage kit with a few bar room bits left on it, which were ideal for this prompt.

I layered up the four sections with foam pads to provide dimension.  I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder to create the birthday background.  I used a Stampin' Up stamp from their "Endless Birthday" stamp set to stamp the word "Celebrate", I then cut one end into a banner.

Birthday Gatefold Card

I seem to be on a roll making gatefold cards.  I love them.  I made this card for my friend who is celebrating her birthday.  

The paper I have used is one of those 12x12" sheets which you put off using as you like it so much.  Today I bit the bullet and made something with it.  The paper is actually from a stack called "Mix & Match Pink Highlights" by Craft Sensations, I don't recall where I purchased it from.

I scored a sheet of 6"x12" thick card at 3" and 9" intervals to create the gatefold.  I then covered each surface (with the exception of the central back area) with patterned paper.  

I die cut a stitched square, stamped the "Happy Birthday" sentiment using a Papertrey Ink stamp set called "Stylish Sentiments"

For the front sentiment decoration, I cut a circle of co-ordinating cardstock, then cut another circle in a light shade.  Using a Spellbinder die from the "Royal Circle" set, I cut the green shape.  I cut a smaller round circle and popped it through the Big Shot in a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  I then stamped the sentiment.  I used a stamp from a Stampin' Up set called "Dragonfly Dreams" and then cut it into shape using a Spellbinder die from their "Victorian Tags" set.  I layered all these elements.  Some with sticky foam pads for a 3D look and some flat to add dimension.

Week 34 - 52 Week Mini Art Card / Tag Challenge 2018

The prompt for Week 34 is "Weddings" 

My tag this week is very simple and came together very quickly (you may have already grasped this). I used a decorative border die cut in white, on top of a grey card.  I used a loop border punch for the decorative edge on the right hand side.

I already had the typed sentiment which I die cut using a Spellbinders die.  I finally added self adhesive pearls and a pretty ribbon to hang the tag.

My second tag for this challenge I die cut a large heart and coloured it with a Promarker pen.  I popped it though the Big Shot in a swirl Cuttlebug folder

Next I used two Stampin' Up sets the ladybirds are from  the "Love you Lots" set and the sentiment (I cut off the scrolls) is part of the "Happy Happenings" set.  I coloured the ladybird with Promarkers and then die cut the image into an oval shape and adhered it to the embossed heart.

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If you would like to know more about the challenge, please click on the button to the right of the "home" button for all the information you may need.  It also has the previous prompts too.

There is also a Facebook Group, so if you would like to join in and meet other like minded crafty people, please pop along - the more the merrier.  Sam x

Spellbinders "Four Seasons Silhouettes" Cards

Another die from my "happy post" the other day is this set of four season dies + a frame which I purchased from Hope & Chances website - they specialise in Spellbinders die sets and are often the first to have them in the UK.This set comprises of five dies in total.  One for each of the four seasons and then a frame.

The first card that I made was the one for Spring.  I wanted to create quite a fresh feel, so opted for an embossed white background (using a Sizzix embossing folder).  I then mounted the white die cut seasonal square on a mint coloured card,  The sentiment is from a Penny Black "Garden Friends" set.

For Summer, again I opted for a white embossed background (using a Cuttlebug embossing folder).  I used pastels with a paintbrush to apply the colour to the square die cut and then mounted it onto a pink card.  The sentiment on this card is from a Stampin' Up set called "Good Greetings".

For the Autumn season card, I went for warm shades of orange and brown.  The background of the card is a piece of craft card.  I randomly stamped different leaves onto the card (using Stampin' Up Vintage Leaves stamps).  I cut the square die in brown card this time and mounted it onto an orange shade.  The sentiment is something I have had for a while and may have come free with a magazine. Finally I added some little gem stones for interest to the background.

The Winter season is a personal favourite and I've stripped the card right back to having a plain white background, with the die cut square being mounted onto a grey coloured card.  The stamped sentiment is from a Papertrey Ink set called "Winter Hills".  For me the simplicity of this card works.  It's a quick make too, so I may make a few of these for Christmas.

Sympathy Card (Memorybox Chloe Stem 98321 die)

Another sympathy card - it has been quite a week!

I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder for the textured background for this card, unfortunately it doesn't show up too much in this photograph, which I mounted onto a dark grey cardstock and stuck to the blank card.

I die cut three seed heads using Memorybox die (style 98321) called "Chloe Stem" on my Sizzix Big Shot in the same grey cardstock.

I used a sentiment from the Stampin' Up "Flourishing Phrases" set, stamping StazOn ink onto plain white cardstock and used a die from the Spellbinders "A2 Matting Basics B" set to cut the rectangle, which I positioned in the bottom right hand corner.

Finally, I positioned and glued the seed heads, adding a little white detail using a white Signo pen and then added a few self adhesive pearls to give the background a little more interest.

Dude You Rock Card

Making cards for boys can be difficult at the best of times.  This one is for a ten year old going on 16!

I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder for the texture background.  I die cut the stars and the oval shapes and then stamped a sentiment from thePapertrey Ink stamp set called "Signature Greetings".

A Birthday Bunting Card

I made this quick little card yesterday, but didn't get round to uploading it here.

It has a Cuttlebug embossed trellis background.  The green knitted stitch area is a stamp that came free with "Creative Stamping Magazine".  The ribbon is from Stampin' up and the I suspect the sentiment came free with a magazine, but I can not remember for sure.

Noel Christmas Card

This Christmas card was quite quick to put together.  It comprises of a Sizzix Sizzlit die for the word Noel and the holly shapes.  I used a Stampin' Up "Cable Knit" embossing folder for the white background and a Cuttlebug dot embossing folder on the word Noel.