Who would you send this card to? I can think of a few people who deserve to receive it!
Tuesday, 28 July 2015
Friendly Wishes Part 2!
SO - have you been wondering what the card inside the bag looked like? Well your wait is over!
So here you have it - we used the pen to marker technique to colour the stamp for the front of the card. It's such a "full" stamp that the card doesn't need much else - so just a couple of th elittle flowers to help coordinate the bag and card - a stamped message inside and the card was complete.
Who would you send this card to? I can think of a few people who deserve to receive it!
Who would you send this card to? I can think of a few people who deserve to receive it!
Sunday, 26 July 2015
Friendly Wishes
You may have noticed that the last post had a little flower in the corner - but I didn't say where it had come from. The reason for that was that I couldn't remember! It wasn't quite a senior moment - but I needed to double check before I posted!
Anyway - we used that stamp set to make this lovely little set at training.
This is a lovely alternative to presenting a card in an envelope. We used one of the new glassine bags and stamped the lovely little flower over the bag to link it in with the card. A couple of quick banners made with the triple banner punch, a punched decoration and voila! It's held together by the little peg. to be honest I was really surprised by these pegs. I've seen them around for a few years and assumed that the stampin up ones would be like those. I should have known better! They are slightly bigger and less fiddly to use - so I can see them coming into their own to help display cards at Christmas - as well as for making cards!
Fancy seeing what's in the bag? Then pop by in a couple of days!
Anyway - we used that stamp set to make this lovely little set at training.
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| Friendly Greetings |
Fancy seeing what's in the bag? Then pop by in a couple of days!
Friday, 24 July 2015
Watercolour Thank You
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| Cucumber Crush! |
SO this is one of the cards that we made at training using one of the new 2015-17 in-colours. It was the first time that I had used the new lace - and I was amazed at how soft and malleable it was. Just like my swap - we used the envelope paper as a background - it really does represent fabulous value!
Do you like the little flower - it's really sweet and looked lovely with a punched shape from the petite petals punch. This is a really easy and quick card to duplicate - so why not give it a go!
Thursday, 23 July 2015
Sea Street
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| Telford 2014 |
Did you notice that Sea Street is one of the sets on offer this week? It's such a cute set! When it first launched my good friend Fiona was asked to prepare a display using the stamps for the UK demonstrators attending the Stampin Up Regional Event at Telford. This is what she came up with - aren't they fab?!!
Wednesday, 22 July 2015
Quick Reminder
Have you checked out the latest deals yet? Don't forget they are limited numbers - so if you want something you need to act!
I'll be back with more crafty inspiration in a couple of days.x
I'll be back with more crafty inspiration in a couple of days.x
Tuesday, 21 July 2015
More Awesomely Artistic
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| Fabulous Swap |
Monday, 20 July 2015
Awesomely Artistic
So it's been a few days since my last post - apologies for that - I don't always have time to craft and come up with new things to show you. So I thought I would show you some of the creations I have made in the past.
A fairly recent past is this card - I started it at the training day in May - but it took me a little while to finish it!
I can't take credit for the basic design - that was Charlotte from the European Stampin Up Office - but as I couldn't quite remember the finished version I guess I have tweaked it a bit! I particularly liked using the burlap "ribbon" - I often overlook this ribbon but I have plans for it in the future! I shredded the edges and used some of the threads underneath the greeting. I know that idea has been around for a while - but it was the first time that I had used it. I was quite pleased with the outcome.
A fairly recent past is this card - I started it at the training day in May - but it took me a little while to finish it!
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| Finished! |
I can't take credit for the basic design - that was Charlotte from the European Stampin Up Office - but as I couldn't quite remember the finished version I guess I have tweaked it a bit! I particularly liked using the burlap "ribbon" - I often overlook this ribbon but I have plans for it in the future! I shredded the edges and used some of the threads underneath the greeting. I know that idea has been around for a while - but it was the first time that I had used it. I was quite pleased with the outcome.
Thursday, 16 July 2015
Birthday Blossoms
Ever had one of those occasions where you need a card unexpectedly? I spent the last few days at my Mum's and as always had taken a small craft kit with me so I could experiment if time permitted. I had no intention of making any finished cards.
Then Mum reminded me that it was my Aunt's Birthday in a few days. She is really poorly at the moment so I wanted to send her a nice greeting - but what could I put together? i had only whisper white card stock with me, a few inks and one stamp set. It was one of my favourites from the new catalogue that I hadn't had time to play with yet.
I remembered a card that my good friend Fiona Whitten had made with this set and so I set about casing it. (Case means to copy and share everything!) I managed to scrounge a piece of Pool Party card stock from my mum and this is what I came up with...
I kept the colour way and basic layout very similar to my friend's but added a couple of extra embellishments. I was delighted with how it turned out and I trust my Aunt will be pleased too! Thank you Fiona!
Then Mum reminded me that it was my Aunt's Birthday in a few days. She is really poorly at the moment so I wanted to send her a nice greeting - but what could I put together? i had only whisper white card stock with me, a few inks and one stamp set. It was one of my favourites from the new catalogue that I hadn't had time to play with yet.
I remembered a card that my good friend Fiona Whitten had made with this set and so I set about casing it. (Case means to copy and share everything!) I managed to scrounge a piece of Pool Party card stock from my mum and this is what I came up with...
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| Birthday Blossoms |
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
Have you got yours?
Have you checked out the weekly deals yet? They went live this morning. I am very tempted a by a couple of the items... so if you are local to me and can collect - why not piggy back onto my order and save yourselves the postage and packaging!
Tuesday, 14 July 2015
Work of Art and Wetlands
I showed you a few cards that a friend made using my Wetlands set - so I thought I would show you a card that I made with it last summer. I cased it from a card I saw elsewhere - but I can't remember who it was or where I saw it. If you know who it was please let me know so that I can give credit where it is due.
Apologies that it is not a great photo - but I hope you get the idea. I loved the way Work of Art had been combined with wetlands to evoke the image of summer. Such a simple card and so effective - the idea would work really well in a scrapbook.
And as I am showing cards using Work of Art - here is another card I made. Again a very simple idea, quick to make - but I think it works!
I used the 2014 - 16 In-colours for this card. If you'd like to get your hands on this fabulous versatile set - you can go to my shop by clicking on the link at the top left of the page.
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| Memories of Summer |
And as I am showing cards using Work of Art - here is another card I made. Again a very simple idea, quick to make - but I think it works!
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| Norts and Hearts! |
Saturday, 11 July 2015
Technique Tip
Have you ever wished that Stampin' Up! had a wider range of coloured embossing powders? Have you tried to heat emboss but the ink has dried too quickly? Well there is a simple fix to the problem that will allow you to heat emboss with ANY dye based ink just like I did with my tissue holders.
First - ink your stamp using a VERSAMARK ink pad.
Next - BEFORE stamping, ink your stamp in your colour choice, (The versamark ink layer will help to keep the stamped image wet and give the embossing powder something to grip.) and THEN stamp your image.
Cover your image with CLEAR embossing powder and heat as normal.
REMEMBER to clean your stamp - even if you intend to stamp the same image again - otherwise you will contaminate your Versamark ink pad.
So why not give it a go and open up a new world of coloured heat embossing!
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| heat embossed image |
First - ink your stamp using a VERSAMARK ink pad.
Next - BEFORE stamping, ink your stamp in your colour choice, (The versamark ink layer will help to keep the stamped image wet and give the embossing powder something to grip.) and THEN stamp your image.
Cover your image with CLEAR embossing powder and heat as normal.
REMEMBER to clean your stamp - even if you intend to stamp the same image again - otherwise you will contaminate your Versamark ink pad.
So why not give it a go and open up a new world of coloured heat embossing!
Thursday, 9 July 2015
Wetlands
I love this stamp set, but haven't had much time to play with it. So I lent it to my friend and downline Jackie for her to have a play. These are the lovely cards that she came up with - aren't they fabulous!
I know these have inspired me to use this set more - I hope it has inspired you too!
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| This was made using a mask - isn't it effective! |
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| I love the way Jackie softened the reflections to make them more realistic. |
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| Great card for a man - and I love the use of the linen thread. |
Wednesday, 8 July 2015
Don't miss out!
Last week many of the weekly deals sold out within a few hours - I've never known that to happen before!! So do be quick to check them out today! There are some REALLY good deals this week - but my favourite bargain has to be the magnetic platform for the Big Shot - you can save more than £10!
I love my magnetic platform and use it so much I'd be lost without it. If you haven't got one - NOW is the time to act!
I'll be back with some more crafting inspiration for you tomorrow.
Crafty hugs
Diane xx
I love my magnetic platform and use it so much I'd be lost without it. If you haven't got one - NOW is the time to act!
I'll be back with some more crafting inspiration for you tomorrow.
Crafty hugs
Diane xx
Monday, 6 July 2015
Make your own Tissue Holder
Ok - this might look difficult - but it really isn't! Just follow the steps in order to avoid some easy mistakes!
Step 1 - Cut your card stock to 18cm x 19cm. With the 19cm side at the top, score down vertically at 1cm, 4cm, 15cm and 18cm
Step 2 - Rotate your card so that the 18cm side is at the top. Score down vertically at 1 cm, 6.5cm, 9.5cm and 15 cm
Step 3 - cut 2 pieces of dsp/cardstock 10.5cm x 2.5cm and 2 pieces 10.5cm x 5cm. Glue these to the panels (it should be easy to see where each fits.
Step 4 - Turn the card stock so that the decorated panels are one on top of the other and with the 1cm edge at the bottom. Using an extra large oval punch, insert the card stock into the punch roughly in the centre and punch out a hole in the centre of the first decorated panel.
Step 5 - Using the diagram to help you - snip into the tabs at either side of the box. I have shaped some of the tabs by cutting diagonally. you will need to remove some panels. Take your time and do one at a time!
Step 6 - Use a bone folder to crease your score lines.
Step 7 - Decorate and cut a panel/shape of your choice that will cover the oval opening. I used Wild about Flowers stamp set and lots of Labels framelits. I chose to heat emboss my image. I will post a quick technique post explaining how you can heat emboss with ANY Stampin Up dye based ink pad tomorrow.
Step 8 - Attach your panel to the front of the box using a brad. This should allow your panel to swing open and allow access to the tissues!
Step 9 - NOW add glue to the one cm tab and join the two ends together to create a box! Fold in your tabs at both ends.
Step 1 - Cut your card stock to 18cm x 19cm. With the 19cm side at the top, score down vertically at 1cm, 4cm, 15cm and 18cm
Step 2 - Rotate your card so that the 18cm side is at the top. Score down vertically at 1 cm, 6.5cm, 9.5cm and 15 cm
Step 3 - cut 2 pieces of dsp/cardstock 10.5cm x 2.5cm and 2 pieces 10.5cm x 5cm. Glue these to the panels (it should be easy to see where each fits.
Step 4 - Turn the card stock so that the decorated panels are one on top of the other and with the 1cm edge at the bottom. Using an extra large oval punch, insert the card stock into the punch roughly in the centre and punch out a hole in the centre of the first decorated panel.
Step 5 - Using the diagram to help you - snip into the tabs at either side of the box. I have shaped some of the tabs by cutting diagonally. you will need to remove some panels. Take your time and do one at a time!
You should end up with something that looks like this!
Step 7 - Decorate and cut a panel/shape of your choice that will cover the oval opening. I used Wild about Flowers stamp set and lots of Labels framelits. I chose to heat emboss my image. I will post a quick technique post explaining how you can heat emboss with ANY Stampin Up dye based ink pad tomorrow.
Step 8 - Attach your panel to the front of the box using a brad. This should allow your panel to swing open and allow access to the tissues!
Step
10 - To stop your panel swinging too freely, place a small decoration
at the base of the panel so that it just catches - I punched some
flowers with the itty bitty accents punch and added a few basic rhinestones for some bling!
Now add your tissues!
Sunday, 5 July 2015
Did you guess right
Did you work out what they were?
Yes that's right! They are holders for the individual sized pack of tissues. I have seen these made in a number of styles - but I wasn't sure they were right for me! However, seeing the ideas put forward by others inspired me to create a tissue holder that suited me. And especially important was quick access for when my hayfever strikes!
I made them in a variety of styles using the 2015 - 17 in-colour inks and card stock, the new envelope paper and the beautiful Wild about Flowers Stamp set and lots of labels framelits.
If you would like to know how to make these little holders - I will post the instructions when I get back on Tuesday!
Yes that's right! They are holders for the individual sized pack of tissues. I have seen these made in a number of styles - but I wasn't sure they were right for me! However, seeing the ideas put forward by others inspired me to create a tissue holder that suited me. And especially important was quick access for when my hayfever strikes!
I made them in a variety of styles using the 2015 - 17 in-colour inks and card stock, the new envelope paper and the beautiful Wild about Flowers Stamp set and lots of labels framelits.
Saturday, 4 July 2015
Just to get you guessing!
I am meeting up with some other demos for a crafty training session on Sunday. As always we try to swap items that we have made so we get new samples and ideas. So I have been busy making my swaps - but I can't show them to you yet as it might give the game away for my friends!
So here is a little teaser!
All will be revealed tomorrow - and I will post instructions on how to make them next week!
So here is a little teaser!
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| Hmmm - what could they be! |
Friday, 3 July 2015
Instructions for A5 Card in a Box
So I promised you some more details on how to make your card in a box. Well here is the first stage.
Step 1 - with the A4 card in landscape position, score the vertical lines at 7, 14, 21 and 28cm.
Step 2 - turn the card to portrait position and cut a 2cm strip off the long edge
Step 3 - Score a vertical line at 11cm
Step 4 - Turn the card back to landscape and cut the shorter vertical lines (they should be 8cm in length)until you reach the centre score line
Step 5 - Remove the tab next to the vertical cut lines (measures 1.5cm x 8cm)
Step 6 - Use a bone folder to crease all your folds - remember that the "flaps" will fold outwards and the box inwards. If you wish to punch a decorative edge - do this now.
Step 7 - Using the 2cm strip - cut two sections to create your Z folds - aim to make the "tabs" either side of the 7cm panel equal sizes. I have suggested a "tab " of 1cm - 2cm depending where you want your centre bars to lie.
Step 8 - Use a strong adhesive on the remaining tab ready to join your box - if using a wet glue I would suggest waiting until you have decorated your panels.
Step 9 - Cut 4 panels 10.5cm x 6.5cm to decorate the lower sides of the box. These can be dsp or stamped/embossed card stock. If you wish to add a second layer - cut them 10cm x 6cm.
Step 10 - Cut 4 panels 7.5cm x 6.5cm to decorate the outside of the flaps. TIP - do check the panels are on the sides that will be seen before attaching them! Again if you want a second layer cut them at 7cm x 6cm.
Step 11 - Once your panels are decorated you can adhere the tab and create your box.
Step 12 - Add some glue/tape on either end of your "Z" fold piece of card and insert it into the box, just below the top surface approx 1/3 of way accross the box. Then do the same with the other piece. this divideds your box into approx 3 segments and you can attach your decorate elements to them to create the 3D effect. just remember that when you press your card flat it still has to fit into the envelope - so don't get too carried away!
I used cocktail sticks to help me gain some additional height with these balloon elements. Also sticking one element to another, as I did with the star helps to build the 3 D effect. Don't forget to add elements to your back panel and inside the front edge! Using all these surfaces helps to create dimension.
I hope you have fun as you make your very own Card in a Box. If you have any problems or questions just drop me a line at diane@craftyducks.co.uk
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| Outline of score lines and cuts |
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| You should end up with a piece of card stock that looks like this |
Step 2 - turn the card to portrait position and cut a 2cm strip off the long edge
Step 3 - Score a vertical line at 11cm
Step 4 - Turn the card back to landscape and cut the shorter vertical lines (they should be 8cm in length)until you reach the centre score line
Step 5 - Remove the tab next to the vertical cut lines (measures 1.5cm x 8cm)
Step 6 - Use a bone folder to crease all your folds - remember that the "flaps" will fold outwards and the box inwards. If you wish to punch a decorative edge - do this now.
Step 7 - Using the 2cm strip - cut two sections to create your Z folds - aim to make the "tabs" either side of the 7cm panel equal sizes. I have suggested a "tab " of 1cm - 2cm depending where you want your centre bars to lie.
Step 8 - Use a strong adhesive on the remaining tab ready to join your box - if using a wet glue I would suggest waiting until you have decorated your panels.
Step 9 - Cut 4 panels 10.5cm x 6.5cm to decorate the lower sides of the box. These can be dsp or stamped/embossed card stock. If you wish to add a second layer - cut them 10cm x 6cm.
Step 10 - Cut 4 panels 7.5cm x 6.5cm to decorate the outside of the flaps. TIP - do check the panels are on the sides that will be seen before attaching them! Again if you want a second layer cut them at 7cm x 6cm.
Step 11 - Once your panels are decorated you can adhere the tab and create your box.
Step 12 - Add some glue/tape on either end of your "Z" fold piece of card and insert it into the box, just below the top surface approx 1/3 of way accross the box. Then do the same with the other piece. this divideds your box into approx 3 segments and you can attach your decorate elements to them to create the 3D effect. just remember that when you press your card flat it still has to fit into the envelope - so don't get too carried away!
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| Decorated sides |
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| Inserted "Z" folds |
I used cocktail sticks to help me gain some additional height with these balloon elements. Also sticking one element to another, as I did with the star helps to build the 3 D effect. Don't forget to add elements to your back panel and inside the front edge! Using all these surfaces helps to create dimension.
I hope you have fun as you make your very own Card in a Box. If you have any problems or questions just drop me a line at diane@craftyducks.co.uk
Weekly Deals
Hi Folks
Well that was unexpected! Many of the weekly deals have already sold out - I can't remember that ever happening before! So you are not imagining that the number of items available has shrunk! So it might be worth acting quickly if you see something you like in the future weeks!
Also - i haven't forgotten about posting the instructions for the card in a box. the first part is written - I just need to add a few more bits and they will be good to go!
Well that was unexpected! Many of the weekly deals have already sold out - I can't remember that ever happening before! So you are not imagining that the number of items available has shrunk! So it might be worth acting quickly if you see something you like in the future weeks!
Also - i haven't forgotten about posting the instructions for the card in a box. the first part is written - I just need to add a few more bits and they will be good to go!
Wednesday, 1 July 2015
A5 Card in a BOX
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| The Birthday Card! |
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| Our fantastic entertainment - very professional! |
For those of you experienced at making such cards the basic instructions are as follows:- With an A4 sheet of cardstock orientated in landscape - score at 7cm, 14cm, 21cm and 28cm. Turn the card stock to portrait orientation and trim 2cm off the long edge - this will give you your "Z" sections. Then with the card still in the same position - score lengthways at 11cm. Cut along the score 7cm, 14 cm, 21cm and 28cm score lines from the "shorter" side to the centre score line. Then fold/decorate and glue as usual.
I will post step by step directions with pictures in the next day or so which will help make things clearer or for those new to this style of card.
Have fun xx
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