More Joy Fold Cards

I am enjoying making and giving these 'Joy Fold' Cards. To get more info on the specifics of what size the pieces are and how to put them together go back to the posting on Feb 1 titled "Layered Fold", or google "Joy Fold Cards".
I used the central image and the sentiments found inside this card that are found on Sweet Pea Plate #2. Both the base and center panel of this card were cut from a wine-colored card stock. I used some handmade background papers that I had laying around on the various panels of this card. I stamped the central image onto the background paper using india black ink and then trimmed before attaching to the front of the center panel.
I've partially opened the card in this photo. The butterfly closure was created with a Cuttlebug die and then embossed with another Cuttlebug embossing folder. Before embossing the butterfly I rubbed a metallic Brilliance ink pad on the folder so that the crevices of the butterfly would be metallic. I then applied clear embossing powder and heated. I attached the butterfly to the left panel using raised foam squares so that the corner of the center panel would easily fit under the wing of the butterfly and remain closed.
With this card fully opened you can see the handmade background papers I used to cover both the left and center of the base piece of the card. On the left side I cut a piece of wine-colored card stock (the same used for the base and center panel), punched decorative photo corners, and inserted a mauve-colored piece of card stock that was stamped with one of the sentiments available on this Sweet Pea plate. The simple 'Happy Birthday' sentiment was stamped inside the center panel leaving space for the person sending this card to write a personal message.

For this Joy Fold Card I used an image from the Ching-Chou Kuik Fantasy collection; it can be found on Sweet Pea Plate #21. Also, instead of creating the card in the landscape orientation, I decided to switch it up and orient the card in a portrait mode.
The base piece was cut from a rust colored card stock. I used various pieces of coordinated patterned card stock on the base and center panels of this card. On the closure for this card I cut one of the funky flowers from the patterned card stock and used raised foam adhesive squares to position the flower.

I'm holding the card partially open in this pic. I've opened the small bottom panel of the base and left the center panel closed at this point. It is easy to see the central image. I stamped her onto white card stock with India black ink and then painted her with Twinkling H2O's. I trimmed the image into a rectangle and then used a decorative corner punch. I then matted the image onto the same rust card stock that I used for the base piece of the card and used the same corner punch on that layer. Finally, I mounted the layered piece onto the front of the green center panel piece of the card.
You can also see the coordinating patterned card stock that I used on the inside of the base piece.



On the inside of the center panel of this card I stamped one of the sentiments from Plate# 21.... " Have a Magical Day". It may be a little difficult to read since I stamped it over the patterned card stock piece that I attached to the green panel. I purposely left the other side of the center panel blank so that the sender of this card could write a note to the lucky recipient.
These cards are fun to create and a breeze to make using some of the coordinating packages of card stock and scrapbook papers that are on the market now.
Make someone you care for a special card today!
Chrissy

Caterpillars and Butterflies

For these cards I used 2 images and a sentiment found on Sweet Pea plate #18.
I had created some background paper using white card stock, sponges, and various colors of Adirondack dye inks. I stamped the butterfly image onto the background, trimmed it, and then matted onto dark blue card stock. I then layered that onto a larger piece of the handmade background, and another piece of dark blue card stock. Before attaching the piece to the front of a yellow card, I punched holes and inserted a yellow brad in each of the corners. I stamped the sentiment below the matted image and ran a blue marker around the edges of the yellow card. Then I thought the perfect way to finish this card would be to cut and emboss a butterfly using my Cuttlebug and attach him in the bottom right corner.




I thought these images would be just the right size for an easel card. I've provided the basic instructions and dimensions for an easel card below, and you can view another of my easel cards on a posting from Dec 22, 2009.
I stamped the caterpillar image onto glossy card stock that was colored with alcohol inks. After trimming it I matted it onto a piece of green card stock (same green card stock that the front panel and base were cut from). I had some beautiful background paper that I attached to the front panel before attaching the matted caterpillar.

On the base of the easel card I cut a small piece of the same background used on the front panel and placed it at the bottom of the base as a matting for the green card stock that I used when stamping the sentiment. I used the same green card stock when stamping the sentiment that I used for the base and the front panel of the card. Before attaching the sentiment I trimmed using a decorative edge scissor.



Here the easel card is displayed. Two gold flower-shaped brads were placed in the base of the card so that the front panel would rest up against them. When you place these brads it is best to not secure them tightly against the card stock. Doing this will allow the brads to stick up a bit off the base so that the front panel more easily rests against them.





I created another easel card with the butterfly stamp and the same sentiment used above. I cut the front panel of the card from a dark blue card stock, along with a smaller piece which I used to mat the butterfly image. Each of those pieces was edged with a silver Krylon pen. I stamped the butterfly image onto a piece of glossy card stock that was colored with alcohol inks. Using the same light blue card stock that was used for the base of this card I cut a piece slightly smaller than the front panel and ran it through the Cuttlebug with the diamonds embossing plate. I also edged this piece with the silver Krylon pen. I layered all pieces onto the front panel and attached to the base of the easel card.
With the card opened fully you can see I've left a portion of the inside empty. A special message can be written there or another image or sentiment stamped.
I used a Cuttlebug embossing border on the bottom edge of the card. I stamped the sentiment onto a small piece of silver-blue card stock, trimmed with decorative edge scissors, and attached just above the the border with double-sided tape.

This picture shows the card displayed like an easel. The two silver flower-shaped brads are placed such that the bottom edge of the front panel of the card rests against them.
These images and sentiment are great to use for many different occasions. Check out these and all the other great stamps at Sweet Pea Stamps.
Chrissy


There are basically 2 pieces to the easel card:
- 8 1/2 x 4"... this piece is scored and folded in half and then the top half is scored and folded in half again. This is the base of the card
- 4 1/2 x 4"... this piece is the front of the card. The bottom half of this piece is what is attached to the top 2 1/8 x 4" section of the base of the card.
A brad, or a couple of brads, are placed anywhere from 1 to 2" up from the bottom of the base. Where you place the brad(s) will depend on how large the sentiment or stamped image or decoration is that you place at the bottom of the card.
To set the card up as an easel... when you open the card, flip/turn the front of the card so that the front bottom edge is resting up against the brad(s).
I hope this helps, but if it isn't clear just Google easel cards and you'll find other samples that may help you to design this type of card.

Journey to Paris

A friend of mine sent me the wonderful Eiffel tower embellishment that is in the center of this card. It is made of air dry clay and has metallic ribbons in it also. Isn't it gorgeous!!! Rather than hoard this beautiful embellishment and pack it away with the rest of my stash, inspiration struck as I knew I had the perfect Sweet Pea stamp to accompany this embellishment. The Eiffel tower image, seen in the upper right and lower left corners of this card, is on Sweet Pea plate #6. I stamped the image onto white card stock using lightening black brilliance ink and then I embossed with clear detail powder. I double mounted the image on a metallic gold piece of card stock and then a black piece of card stock. I cut a piece of white card stock to 4 x 5 1/4" and sponged on some gold ink, but not enough to cover the card. After the ink dried I ran the piece through my Cuttlebug using the script embossing folder. I swiped a black ink pad and then the lightening black brilliance ink pad across the embossed card to highlight the script. I edged the piece using a gold Krylon pen and before attaching to a black card I attached a piece of printed twill ribbon with a gold star shaped brad to the left top corner. I then attached the embellishment and 2 stamped images to the front of the card. I love it when inspiration strikes and all the pieces of a card work together so well!!!
Chrissy

More Diagonal Tri-fold cards

I had so much fun making these small diagonal tri-fold cards that I've made more of them. You can see the dimensions and more about how these cards are put together in a previous post dated Jan 25, 2010. Or, you can Google 'diagonal tri-fold cards' to get more info about them.
I stamped this beautiful butterfly collage stamp found on Sweet Pea plate #2 using black India ink onto a background piece created on glossy card stock. Sorry for the glare that appears on my picture of the card front. Before doing anything else I used a Cuttlebug border embossing folder around all 4 sides of the front of the card. I then measured and cut a piece of silver metallic ribbon and attached it to the back of the butterfly image. I then attached the image and ribbon only to the left upper triangle of the card front.

With the left front panel partially opened you can better see the embossed edges of the front panels. I like how this Cuttlebug embossed border works so well with the design of the stamp. I think it provides an elegant, yet simple, look to the card.



The inside of this card is very simple. The 2 sentiments used are also on Sweet Pea Plate #2. I stamped them onto orchid card stock and trimmed with a decorative edge scissors. This is a small card and I think too much would overpower it. After all, it's the thought that counts.... and I love the thought that this sentiment is conveying.


For this diagonal tri-fold card I've chosen a sentiment as the front of the card. This sentiment and the images inside can be found on Sweet Pea plate #17. I love this sentiment and think this card is perfect to send to a special friend for no special occasion... just as a reminder that his or her friendship is special.
After cutting and folding the blue card stock, I cut a piece of decorative paper to be slightly smaller than the front panel. I cut that piece on the diagonal and attached each of the triangles to the left and right of the card front. I stamped the sentiment onto a small piece of blue card stock and then trimmed using an EK Success border punch. I attached a sheer blue ribbon to the back of the sentiment and then attached just the left side of the piece to the front left triangle of the card front.

In this picture I've flipped open just the left side of the card so that you get a better sense of how this card is folded. And you can see how the sentiment attached to the front of the card is only attached to the upper left triangle of the front of this card.



This is the card fully opened. These angel images are also on Plate #17. The miniature images on the left and right panel are the same as the image on the center panel. I stamped the miniature images onto an alcohol ink created background and the central image was stamped onto a piece of water color paper that I had sprayed with watercolor spray I had mixed using water and pearl ex powders. I matted the central angel image onto a piece of pink card stock so that it would pop a bit off the card.

The heart collage image found in the center of this card is on Sweetpea Plate #27.
After cutting and folding the card I ripped a piece of handmade background paper that a friend had given me. This piece is actually made from a brown paper bag! I centered it across the card front before cutting it in half on the diagonal and then adhered to the card front with double sided tape. I stamped the heart collage image using india black ink onto a piece of white card stock that I had sponged with various colors of distress inks. I trimmed to slightly larger than the heart. I measured and cut a piece of purple ribbon so that it would fit around the card and tie into a bow. I taped the ribbon to the heart first and then attached the left upper portion of the heart image to the left upper triangle of the card front only.

In this picture I've opened up just the left side of the card. I used some gold metallic heavy card stock pieces on the inside and stamped 2 of the sentiments and 1 of the other images from Plate #27. The card stock really soaked up the ink so the words and images are fairly light colored even though I used black india ink.


With the card opened to it's fullest, you can see the placement of the sentiments and the image more clearly. I used another piece of the same background paper on the inside center panel. I think it helps to highlight the stamped sentiment.

Bird Collage stamp

Take a look at Sweet Pea plate #27; there are some great collage images there. Check out this bird collage image.
I stamped the image with black VersaFine onto a piece of background that I had created with various colors of inks. I mounted it onto a piece of wine colored card and then onto a piece of gold card that I ran through the Cuttlebug with an embossing folder. Before attached the entire piece to the black card, I wrapped and tied a copper colored ribbon around the bottom of the card.
Chrissy

Giving thanks

Give thanks with this special stamp and sentiment available on Sweet Pea plate #2. I love the images and sentiments that are on this plate.
I stamped the image onto a multi-colored background with black India ink and trimmed slightly larger than the image itself. I stamped the sentiment onto a small piece of gold card stock. I mounted both pieces onto blue card stock, and then edged with a black marker. I mounted the sentiment onto one more layer, the same background I had stamped the image onto. I edged the layer with black marker again. I like the polished look that the edging created. I attached both pieces to a blue card and then wrapped coordinating fiber around the spine and around the front panel of the card between the mounted image and the sentiment. And for one last little detail I attached a gold butterfly charm with a glue dot.
Chrissy

Come Softly Gift Card Holder

Gift cards are a popular choice for gift giving ideas. I wanted to create a gift card holder that would be as fun to receive as the gift card itself!
I used the Come Softly image from the Ching-Chou Kuik collection that is available on Sweet Pea Stamps Plate #25.
Before stamping the image I colored the entire gift card using a combination of distress inks and homemade pearl-ex watercolor sprays. I rubbed several distress ink pads onto a craft sheet, sprayed with water, and pressed the card holder into the mixture. After drying this application with a heat gun, I sprayed the card holder with the pearl-ex watercolor sprays. I still wasn't quite happy with the coloring so I sponged china blue distress ink around all the edges of the gift card holder. Okay, now I was happy! Once the paper was dry I stamped the Come Softly image using India Ink black. I wasn't crazy about how the coloring looked on the image so then I painted some areas using twinkling H2O's and added highlights with a glitter pen.
I used a Cuttlebug border embossing folder on the bottom edge of the front flap.
Here the top flap is opened, but the bottom flap still closed. On that bottom flap I stamped one of the sentiments that is available on plate #25.







On the inside of the top flap I attached an embossed piece. I used a piece of Core 'Dinations paper, ran it through the Cuttlebug with an embossing folder, trimmed the piece to fit on the flap, and sanded it to reveal the purple color that is on the reverse side of the paper.
With the bottom flap of the gift card holder opened you can see the center section where the gift card is placed.
Come Softly is a beautiful image to work with. Stop on over to Sweet Pea Stamps and see all the wonderful images and sentiments available.
Chrissy

Butterflies and Birthdays

I think butterflies and birthdays are a great combination... and take a look at this image from Sweet Pea plate #2!!!
On this birthday card I stamped the image onto white glossy paper that was lightly sponged with pale pinks and blues. In fact, so light that I think it may be difficult to see in this picture. I used a pink marker to add more color to both butterflies. I got out my Cuttlebug and used a butterfly die and embossing folder to create the butterfly I attached to the front of the card. I lightly rubbed a dark peony chalk ink pad across the butterfly to catch the raised areas. I also ran a piece of core'dinations black magic card stock through the Cuttlebug with an embossing folder. After the piece was embossed I sanded the piece to reveal the deep pink core of the paper. I used a decorative corner punch and attached a pink ribbon to the right edge of the core'dinations piece before assembling all the pieces onto the pink card. I used the dark peony chalk ink pad to color the edges of the pink card.


For this card I stamped the image onto a piece of multi-colored background. After trimming the image I mounted onto a slightly larger piece of dark blue card stock and then onto a piece of gold card stock. I attached the mounted piece near the top of the dark blue card. I took a strip of the dark blue card and ran it through the Cuttlebug with a border embossing folder. I attached it to a slightly larger piece of the gold card stock using matching flower brads. I then attached the strip to the bottom of the card. I like the clean and simple look of this card.





For this card I stamped the image onto a piece of alcohol ink background. After trimming the image I mounted onto a slightly larger piece of metallic silver card stock and then onto a slightly larger piece of dark blue card stock. I ran a narrow piece of the same metallic silver card stock through the Cuttlebug with an embossing border folder and then mounted onto dark blue card stock. Before attaching both pieces to the blue card, I sponged iris blue chalk ink to the blue card to add some texture to the card.

Oriental flair

This Ching-Chou Kuik image has an 'oriental flavor' to it. You can find this image on Sweet Pea plate #21.
I thought this might be a good card to use a piece of specialty card stock that I have - it is that silver glossy piece with the ginkgo's that I mounted to the gray card. On top of that I attached a piece of background I had created using glossy card stock and alcohol inks. I used a 'ticket' corner punch on it and edged with a Marvy metallic marker. I stamped the image onto white card stock using India black ink and then painted with Twinkling H2O's. I punched the corners of this piece with a smaller 'ticket' punch and then edged with the same Marvy metallic marker. Then into my stash I went and pulled out the silver fan charm. Before attaching to the corner of the card with glue dots, I strung some black and silver fibers through it.
I have a friend who loves oriental themes; I may save this card for her.
Chrissy

Layered Folds

This style of card is called a 'layered card' or 'joy fold card'. I used Ching-Chou Kuik's image found on Sweet Pea plate #21 to adorn this card. I stamped the image on white card stock with India black ink and painted with Twinkling H2O's.
Now I'll attempt to explain how the card was put together!!
The card is made of 2 pieces of card stock:
- the base (olive green) is 8 1/2 x 4 1/4" and is scored and folded 3" from the left side
- the front panel (pink) is 8 x 3" and is scored and folded in half.
I cut a piece of decorative scrapbook paper and attached to the front panel, and on top of that I attached the image. The front panel piece will open from left to right (hope that makes sense). And when the card is closed flat it lays on top of the left side (panel) of the base piece. You'll see this better in a picture I have posted further on.


I attached a piece of decorative card stock to the right panel of the base. On top of that and centered I attached the left side of the 8 x 3" piece of card stock - for this card it is the pink piece. This is where you would stamp or write the sentiment/message.







I attached pieces of decorative scrapbook paper to the inside of the front panel and to the outside of the left panel. (The flower that you see on the left panel is added later on.)




At this point you want to fold the card flat in order to determine where to place the item that will secure the front panel. For my card I used my Cuttlebug with Spellbinders die to cut and emboss 2 flowers. I punched a hole in the center for the brad and then determined where to place the flowers so that just the edge would fit over the corner of the front panel.




The last step for my card was placing some decorative scrapbook paper on the inside of the left flap. I needed to do this in order to cover up the back of the brad I had used on the front of the left flap to hold the flower petals.
I used my Cuttlebug dies and embossing folders to create a butterfly, and a spellbinders die to create a flower that I attached to the inside left panel.
There are so many variations with regard to decorating and embellishing a layered card. I love that fact that this card provides the creator and the lucky recipient with multiple layers of surprises.
If you Google 'joy fold card' you'll find more ideas and pictures that will help you to see how this card is put together.
Chrissy

Blog Hop Revisited!

Today is a recap of the beautiful creations our design team created and shared with you Tuesday. Thank you for making our first blog hop a great success!

The first card was created by Randi, she uses the Haiti Relief stamp:

The next card was created by Connie, she uses the Love is Gone image from Plate 29:

This is my rendition of Sweet Pea Stamps Love Is Gone from Plate 29 by Ching-Chou Kuik:

Supplies:
Spellbinders Labels One
Spellbinders Ribbon Tags Trio
Organza ribbon-Reasonable Ribbon
Sequin Waste-stash
Pearls-Queen & Co.
Stardust pen-Gellyroll Sakura
Rub Ons-Cosmo Cricket "Beautiful You"
Copic markers
Foam tape
Sponges, dye ink pads
corner rounder punch by SU!

Directions:

Image was masked and sponged around with dye pads & torn paper scraps, then colored with Copics
Cut with Labels One dies & adhered over sequin waste also sponged for color. Rub on words applied to ribbon tag and ribbon bits tied before affixing with foam tape. Small pearls were attached to arm jewelry and corner. Gellyroll glitter highlights added to hair & corners rounded on card.
I hope you like it. I had a blast with this beautiful image!

Our next card was created by Mag, she uses the the Fairy of the Night image from Plate 29:

These two cards were created by Jennifer, the first is Midnight Waiting from Plate 29.

This card was created with Cupcakes and Presents:

Micki uses the Cupcakes and Present sheet for this great card:

Chrissy was quite busy with the image Black Rose Fairy from sheet 29:

 

We hope you enjoyed the hop and will share with us your beautiful work during our first ever customer blog hop the second week of February - just create an ATC to share, upload it to your blog sometime between 2/7 and 2/13 and provide your link in the MrLinky tool!

January Project of the Month: An Altered Tin

Today we are featuring our Project of the Month. On the fourth Monday of each month we hope to bring you a project that will inspire you to get stamping! Our first project was created by Chrissy - enjoy!


Let me show you how this ordinary tin can become a beautiful gift!!! It's easy!!!

I started with this tin that measures 4 1/4 x 3", and 3/4" deep. Using alcohol inks and a felt applicator I applied color to the top, sides, and bottom of the tin. I actually did this twice as sometimes the first application doesn't result in the textured look I was trying to achieve. There is no need to wait between applications since alcohol inks dry so fast. By the time I was finished with the first application I was able to start on the second application. I used sail boat blue, twilight purple, and silver inks.

To decorate the top of the tin I used one of the ching chou kuik images found on Sweet Pea plate #21. I stamped the image using India black ink onto a piece of glossy card stock that I had colored with various alcohol inks. After trimming the image I used a corner rounder and then edged it with blue Marvy Metallic Markers. I attached the image to the center of the top of the tin with double sided tape. I used silver glitter glue and glossy accents to embellish several areas of the image.



I attached some decorative metallic trim all around the edge of the top cover. I used red line tape to attach the trim so that it would hold up to someone opening and closing the tin.







Before finishing off the inside of the tin I applied alcohol ink to the sides of the top and bottom using a piece of felt. I just wanted to cover the silver with a little color.
I had some white glossy card stock that I colored with alcohol inks using the 'polished stone' technique. I traced the top of the tin on the glossy card stock, cut it out slightly smaller than the tracing marks, and taped it to the inside top. I have a bunch of vellum booklets that contain pre-printed sayings and words, so I chose this saying, tore it out of the booklet and attached to the inside top using vellum tape. I placed a dragonfly button embellishment inside the top using a couple of glue dots.
For the inside of the bottom of the tin, I cut a piece of background paper I had created using white glossy card stock, alcohol inks, and VersaMark ink. I had stamped onto the white glossy card stock using VersaMark, let dry or dry with a heat gun, and then apply alcohol inks with a felt applicator. To get the piece of card stock to fit the bottom of the tin I just placed the tin on top of the paper and traced around it. Then I cut it out slightly smaller than the tracing. I attached the piece with double sided tape. I tore the vellum piece that was pre-printed with "Dream" and taped that down using vellum tape.
And now it is ready to give away!!! Fill it with a few pieces of chocolate and it makes a great gift to give and a great gift to receive!