March Monochromatic

 Monochromatic

stamps used:  Altenew stamp co. Darling Rose, other stamps from various old companies

March is monochromatic for my local card group. I just had fun doing what I call stamp collaging.  I wanted to do a brown vintage look, and I think it works.  I have been in a monochromatic mood lately you can see more here, and way back here.  If you type monochromatic in the search box you can see even more.

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Crafters' Choice/Sweets creative card crew

 Crafters' Choice/Sweets

I'm showing 2 for 1 here in this post, because my card crew didn't meet up till February to start the new year.

January theme is Crafters' Choice so did a over to the side layer card.  At least that is what I'm calling it. It also has miter corner pattern paper layer.  I know a little confusing, but let's see if I can clarify it for you.

stamps used:  Altenew stamp co.

Over to the side layers is pretty obvious.  For the pattern paper I cut two strips about 4 1/2" long and 1"wide.  Did that just to save paper.  First I adhered a strip to the long side of the card, and cut off any over hang.  For the strip that gets adhered to the bottom of the card...I cut an angle off the edge that meets up with the strip already in place. That makes it look like a mitered corner, but it is really a faux miter.

February theme is Sweets so for this card I did an acetate card.

stamps used:  Altenew stamp co.

For this card I cut off a section of the front of the card, then adhered a piece of acetate to the front of the card. 

Hopefully you can see the acetate layer in this pic with the card open flat. To cover the adhesive I adhered a strip of gold cardstock.  Blended some color on the front of the card, and adhered the die cut cupcake overhanging the gold strip a bit.  On the inside of the card I added a piece of marbled pattern paper.

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Stair step cards

 Stair step cards

Stair step cards have been around for years.  This one is just configured a little different than in the past.  See more stair step cards here.

                                               stamps used:  Altenew stamp/die set, SU stamp set

Measurements and instructions:

base card: 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"

mini folded card: 3 1/4" x 8 1/2"  (mini card can be adjusted to basically any size)

With the 8 1/2" (5 1/2"x8 1/2") side at the top of your scoring board, score at 1 1/4", 2 1/2", and 5 1/2".  Accordion fold this card.  

On the 3 1/4" x 8 1/2" piece, score in half at 4 1/4".  

To decorate cut pattern paper to 5 1/4" x 2 3/4" and 5 1/4" x 1" for the base card.  On the mini folded card layer, and die cut as desired.

You write your message on the back of the base card or on the inside of the backside of the card.

Here are a couple more sample cards:

                                             stamps used:  Unity stamp set and Altenew stamp/die set

See more stair step cards here, in this post from 2013, see another version of stair step card here.  To see more type step cards in the search section on the side bar.

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***not affiliated with any of above companies just happy customer***

Inspiration tag

Inspiration tag

This month for my creative card crew the theme was Tags with inspirational quotations.

stamps used:  Altenew dove butterfly stamp/set, the saying is an old one on wood.

You need to click on the photo, because it is what they call landscape style.  At least I think so.  Any way I like the way it came out with the butterfly hanging or flying off the top of the tag.

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Meadow Reflection

 Meadow Reflection

stamps used:  Altenew stamp co. Meadow Reflection stamp/die set

This is an easy card.  Basically, all I did was color blend a background with two colors.  Both cards use the rectangle scallop die set by Unity stamp company.  Stamped one of the big images from Altenew Meadow Reflection stamp set with a black ink.  Any black ink would work for this card.  Added a few self sticking gems for dimension on the card.

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***not affiliated with any of above companies just satisfied customer***

Mixed Media w/Friends #21 and #22

 Mixed Media w/Friends #21 and #22

Altered jumbo playing cards

#21 by sue

Used a gel press paper I did a while back. Strip of pattern paper on the left side with some washi tape.  The big flower is Altenew Calming Reverie stamp/die set and Camellia BAF stamp set.

#21 by JAGS

TH bird (one of my favorite quirky birds). Used a stencil for the background design. TH chit chat saying.

#22 by sue

Used Gina K designs Always Delightful stamp/die set. Did some random stamping for background.

#22 by JAGS

Used Rosa Stamp.  some speciality DSP (SU). Sprayed distress and dylusions ink sprays for color.

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Roll back reveal card

 Roll back reveal card

This is a fun and simple card, so I just had to jump on the band wagon to make a few cards.  I seen this card called Roll back reveal card, Torn effect card, and the Ripped back card, so pick whatever name you want to call it ... and have some fun with it.

stamps used:  Unity stamp co. Sakura stamp set

Above card is made with a BIG, and long Sakura (cherry blossom) stamp from Unity stamp co.  For this card, and the card below, I ink blended a section on a white layer with distress oxide inks.  Yes, I pulled out my distress oxides!  Haven't used them in ages.  For the ripped layer I just gently ripped the layer back, then rolled the ripped strip into a tight cylinder.  I taped the cylinder shape to the card to make it stationery.  Next I taped the ripped layer to the layer I color blended, and stamped.  Layered that to Unity 's rectangle scallop die, and taped that to white folded card.  Stamp the envelope, and you are done.

stamps used:  Altenew stamp co. Meadow Reflections stamp/die set

These two cards above where created the same way as the Sakura card.  Basically the only difference are the layers on the butterfly cards.  They have straight cut layers ... no scallop layer.

I can see myself making more of this design card!

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Napkin journal cards

 Napkin journal cards

I decoupaged napkins onto jumbo and regular size playing cards to make journal cards.

For these journal cards I used Stampin' Up and Altenew stamp/die sets.  Also on these cards are TH vintage paper dolls over the flower napkin.  I plan on doing more napkin decoupaging once I get some more napkins with other designs.

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Mixed media w/Friends #8 & 9

Mixed media w/Friends #8 and #9

It's been a while since I showed our MMw/F cards so I decided to show two today.

 Let's start with mine.

#8 by sue

I used different collage papers, printed tissue paper, brads and a little acrylic paints. Only "one" stamp!  that's not like me but this is called mixed media.

#8 by josette

She used white gesso, texture paste, stencils and paper dolls.

#9 by sue

I used sequins waste as a stencil with clear embossing paste.

Look at the center of my card ..... that green piece. Stamps from Altenew, MFP&stamps plus die from Mama Elephant. Oh, yeah that poinsettia is from is also from MFP&stamps. 

#9 by josette

She used white gesso, distress inks.  TH chit chat, paper dolls and some sequins.

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***not affiliated with any of the above companies just happy customers***

Never-ending shaker cards

 Never-ending shaker cards

stamps used:  Altenew stamps/dies and Catherine Pooler stamps/dies

Above shakers were made using clear envelopes, that fit the front of a card ... that is the reason for calling them never-ending because they fit end to end on the front of a card.  Open a clear envelope add a piece of pattern paper or a card that is stamped.  Pour in some sequins and no hole beads then seal the envelope, and tape to front of card.  Now you can shake away!
I've been making shaker cards for years, in fact it was one of the first interactive cards I learned how to make.  Back in the day we would make shaker cards cutting out foam core with a kraft knife.  You can see here with a silent video or here's another look at shaker cards.  To see more shakers I have made just type shaker in the search box in the side bar.

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***not affiliated with above companies just satisfied customer***

Dovetail Butterflies

 Dovetail Butterflies

stamps used:  Altenew Dovetail butterflies stamp/die set and A splash of color stamp set

I had fun with these card because I used Lawn Fawn plaid stencils, and Hero Arts nested frame postage dies along with Dovetail butterflies.

basic instructions:

1.  make plaid backgrounds using Lawn Fawn plaid stencils.  Depending if you use one or both of the stencils together will create unique backgrounds.  Example: the green background used only one of the stencils, but the other two cards used both plaid stencils.

2.  Layers are die cut with either Hero Arts nesting rectangles or postage dies.

3.  stamp and die cut the Altenew dovetail butterflies then layer onto the cards.

4.  stamp sayings from Altenew A splash of color stamp set with black ink.

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***not affiliated with any of the above companies just satisfied customer***

Cupcake birthday cards

 Cupcake birthday cards

stamps used:  Altenew stamps/die set

First I wanted to say that these cards were inspired by Nicole Watt of Pixel Maven's Retreat blog.

The front of the top card is half cardstock, and half acetate which makes a fun see-thru card.  If I remember correctly the pattern paper on the inside of the card is also from Altenew stamp company.  A unique and different style card.

The bottom cards use the cupcake from Altenew stamp company, but the flowers are from Stampin' Up.  Unfortunately I do not own the dies for the SU poppies so I had to fussy cut them, but they are not hard to fussy cut out.

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***not affiliated with any of the above companies just satisfied customer***

Tent cards

 Tent cards

stamps used:  Altenew Calming Reverie stamp/die set

I do like to bring back old style cards, and/or techniques. These are called Tent cards.  

basic instructions:

1.  base card is 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" square card with a layer of Altenew Essential Rock collection paper pack. This is a top folding card.

2.  stamp, die cut the flowers/leaves from the Calming Reverie stamp/die set.  Adhere the flower to the top of the card, leaving only enough of the flower hanging off the card to make the card measure to 5 1/2" tall.  The card will measure out 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" and will fit into an A2 envelope.

3.  add self sticking gems to finish off the card.

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***not affiliated with above company just satisfied customer***

Drapery fold cards

 Drapery Fold cards

You will see samples of several cards I created using this fold below.  This drapery or sometimes called curtain fold can be made into vertical or horizontal cards just by adjusting the measurements.  Also below you will see two diagrams showing all the score, and cutting lines for this fold.  Folding for these cards is just a basic accordion fold. Please scroll down to see my cards and diagrams for this drapery fold.

stamps used:  Altenew Dovetail butterfly stamps/dies

pattern papers by Stampin' Up

This is a fun fold that has been around for years, but thought it would be fun to bring it back to life! This fold is best used with double sided pattern papers as you will see both sides.

stamps used:  Catherine Pooler Puffin stamps/die set

pattern papers by Stampin' Up

Each of these diagrams show where to score, and cut so you can make two cards out of each diagram.  You can click on the pictures to enlarge for a better view.

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***not affiliated with any of the above companies just a satisfied customer***

Playing with white ink

 Playing with white ink

stamps used:  Altenew stamp co., Judi-Kins

I am having fun using my white pigment ink for backgrounds, and making oval spots.  All these cards were inspired by Nicole Watt of Pixel Maven's Retreat blog, and you tube videos.  

Top card:

Inked big background with white in then, placed pinkish cardstock layer on stamp.  I place the card to stamp because it is a big wood mounted background stamp.  The saying is curved to fit inside the circle die, and the cupcake is mounted foam mounting tape to give a lift off the card.

Bottom cards:

Horizontal card has white pigment ink on dark blue card.  Oval is made by twisting white pigment ink pad to make the oval shape.  Leaves image is stamped with blue ink and die cut then mounted with foam tape.  The saying is embossed with white ink and powder.

Vertical card has a brown layer.  Repeat all above steps except instead of blue ink use brown ink.

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White ink fun

 White ink fun

stamps used:  Altenew stamp set and SU

These card were inspired by Nicole Watts of Pixel Maven's Retreat.  Basically what you do is stamp small images all over card layer, in this case one is black and the other is green.  Place a white pigment ink pad on the card layer and swirl it around to make an organic circle of white ink.  Stamp saying with permanent black ink then add stamped die cut leaf image with mounting tape.  

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Sketches for May

 Sketches for May

stamps used:  Altenew stamp co. and Sunday International

stamps used:  Sunday International and Unity stamp co.

I'm still doing sketches from Pixel's Maven Retreat blog.  Trying to keep up with going out of my box, because my friends know I'm not a fan of sketches.  Also using things that are already die cut from my stash instead of letting them hang around for years.  

The top card is a blended background with stripes of foil and a big flower in the corner.

The bottom card have two of the gelato backgrounds I did months ago that have been cut in half diagonal. You can see how to do the gelato background here.  The smaller rectangle is also a blended background that has been die cut.  The saying was stamped onto a scrap piece of white cardstock then cut into a banner.

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***not affiliated with any of the above companies just a satisfied customer***

Mixed Media w/Friends #3 & #4

 Mixed Media w/Friends (MMwF)

MMwF #3 by sue - stamps used: Catherine Pooler Call Me stamp/die set

For the background I swiped on some Adirondak acrylic paints, which I have had in my stash for years.  In altering these jumbo playing cards we are trying to use up our stashes ... my friend and myself who are making these cards and trading them between ourselves.  On top of the paint I added some gold foil and gold thread then glued on a pre-made cardboard tag.  The doily and phone dies were adhered to the tag.

MMwF #4 by sue - stamps used: Stampin' Up Poppies, Altenew leaves, Make an Impression saying

I had a left over piece of Herringbone technique so I used that for the base.  Again using up things from my stash, I added a chipboard star that I covered with liquid pearl paint and small beads. stamped and fussy cut the flowers but the leaves had a die to cut them out. Just adhered everything to the base card to finish it.

MMwF #3 and #4 by Josette

Josette swiped paints on her cards to make fun ocean and sky looking backgrounds.  For her ocean theme she stamped the images directly over the painted background.  For her sky background she fussy cut flowers in a jar and punched out little dragonflies to add to her card.

If you want to see more of these Mixed Media w/friends cards just type it in the search bar in my side bar.

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***not affiliated with any of the above companies just satisfied customer***

Birds of a Feather

 Birds of a Feather

stamps used:  Altenew Birds of a Feather, Camellia Build a flower

Altenew Birds of a Feather is a fun set to create different and fun fantasy birds.  I say, fantasy because I'm not sure there are birds with some of the colors I used for them.  

The top photo with the green bird has a stenciled background, saying from Birds stamp set, and also, Altenew Camellia build a flower which is a wonderful layering flower ..... and so easy to stamp all the layers.

The other two cards are more simple in design with some highlighting blending of color behind the bird.  Also added the branch from the same Birds of a feather stamp set.  The frame die cut around the orange bird is from Gina Marie die cuts.

Hope you like what you saw and come back again soon.

***not affiliated with any of the above companies just a satisfied customer***

Covered notebooks

Covered notebooks

photo #1 mini covered notebooks stamps used:  SU

photo #2 composition notebook DSP: SU

photo #3covered mini and composition notebooks stamps used:  SU, Altenew Birds of a feather

Just had some fun covering mini and regular size notebooks ... some of them composition style and other legal style notebooks.  I got them all at Dollar Tree store so not expensive at all.

Basic instructions:

1.  measure front cover of notebook ... cut DSP (decorative papers) to fit.  you can glue or use any type of double sided tape.

2.  make a pocket inside notebook (see photo #2).  glue a couple of the notebook pages together to make it stronger.....fold down the glued pages to make a diagonal fold.  diagonal fold will create the pocket.

3.  add DSP to diagonal fold pocket. add handstamped cards, bookmarks and tags to the pockets.

4.  I decorated the outsides with butterfly punch, dragonfly die and bird dies from above companies.

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