This month, the theme is Last Minute Gifts/Cards to inspire you with your holiday list. We really hope that you will enjoy all the amazing creations the Pals are sharing with you! As you hop from blog to blog, we would love for you to leave a comment. You will find the lineup at the end of my post to help you “hop” along from Pal to Pal.
Here’s a super sweet gift card holder and Christmas ornament. Hang a few on your tree, your mantle, or attach one to a gift box or gift bag. I was inspired to come up with this when I saw a picture on Pinterest of an envelope filled with wire pine boughs and a little gift box. It was an adorable tree ornament. I knew I could do something like it with the Leaves of Holly Bundle.
The design called for large elements. I thought the holly leaves were perfect. I die cut the gift card holder using the die from the Celebrate With Tags Bundle. Another large element for the envelope ornament.
Today’s Pieces And Parts
Lots of die cuts, a 6″ x 6″ piece of cardstock and some sparkle!
Get your cardstock and cutting machine ready to go.
The envelope is a 6″ x 6″ pirce of Kraft cardstock. I used my Scoring Tool to create the “center” of the 6″ x 6″ piece.
I scored from corner to corner, diagonally, twice so I had a scored “X” on the square cardstock piece.
Once I had my “center”, I folded the bottom up to about 1/8″ past the center mark. (This is where the two diagonal scored lines crossed in the center of the square).
Then, I folded each side in to about 1/8″ past the center mark.
With my corner round punch, I punched the top point and the bottom flap point for a rounded edge.
I used a 1/4″ circle punch to punch a hole in the top.
With the borrom flap unfolded, I folded the two sides in toward the center.
I added a thin line of glue to the bottom portion of each side, then folded the bottom flap up to adhere to the glued sides.
The envelope is finished.
Decorate The Envelope
I die cut four large holly leavea and three white twigs and attached them to the top inside of the envelope as shown.
I assembled the gift card holder, die cut the sentiment layer, and stamped the sentiment with Real Red ink.
I crumpled a small amount of tisssue paper and put it down inside the decorated envelope. This helps the gift card holder stay in place.
I added a few Adhesive Basked Seasonal Sequins for a little sparkle.
The “ornament hanger” is created with about 10″ of Silver Threaded Twine, folded in half and put through the front of the 1/4″ hole in the top of the envelope.
I glued the ends together to form a loop. The glue worked!!
I used the same Twine to make a bow for the gift card holder and attached it with glue dots.
I had so much fun putting this together, I made another one.
The complete PDF will be here on Friday morning. I’ll be sure to include plenty of pictures.
So, die cut a few large elements, attach them to the inside of your envelope, add your favorite gift card holder, and create something pretty to present to someone special.
… the only limitation is your imagination!
More inspiration awaits, so use the lineup below to visit the rest of the Design Team. The Pals are excited to show you what they’ve created! Then, please mark your calendars for our next blog hop on January 11th when our theme will be Sale-A-Bration Time. The design team will showcase projects made from Sale-A-Bration items.
This month, the theme is a Color Challenge. Using Crumb Cake, Mango Melody, Cajun Craze and Mossy Meadow, the Design Team has created some great projects you will want to see. We hope you’ll be inspired by the amazing creations! As you hop from blog to blog, we would love for you to leave a comment. You will find the lineup at the end of my post to help you “hop” from Pal to Pal.
What makes today’s card so simple and easy to put together is the combination of the Nature’s Prints Bundle amd the Deckled Rectangle Dies. They’re a winning team! I designed this card with today’s Color Challenge in mind, however the combination of these stamps and dies can be used with whatever color combination you can imagine.
Today’s Card Parts And Pieces
I cut a Very Vanilla top fold card base at 11″ x 4 1/4″ and scored at 5 1/2″.
The textured Crumb Cake layer is die cut using one of the Deckled Rectangle Dies. The layer measures 3 3/4″ x 5″.
I die cut both the Cajun Craze and Mossy Meadow layers using a Deckled Rectangle Die. They measure about 2 5/8″ x 3 7/8″.
I stamped the die cut images with Mango Melody and Mossy Meadow ink.
The sprig elements are die cuts using Cajun Craze, Mossy Meadow and Mango Melody cardstock.
I used a Blending Brush to add some ink to the Cajun Craze and Mossy Meadow DSP layers.
The small strips of cardstock are 1/4″ wide. I used them for the inside of the card.
A Simple And Fun Design Tip
When working with a color palette, it’s fun to keep in mind the “Gallon, Quart, Pint” color rule. I always do, and I also test myself after I complete my design, especially when I’m creating for a Challenge!
A Color Challenge will usually include a “Neutral”. In today’s Challenge, the Neutral is Crumb Cake. I also included Very Vanilla in my project.
In my card, the “Gallon” (or more predominant) color is Cajun Craze. I used it in the bottom offset layer, in the middle of my design for the die-cut wheat, ink splatter and little sprig under the sentiment, and at the top of my design in the sentiment ink color.
My “Quart” color is Mossy Meadow. I used it for the second off-set layer in the middle of the design, along with the die cut leaf branch in the middle of the design.
My “Pint” color is Mango Melody. I used this sparingly, Slightly less than Mossy Meadow. I stamped the large die cut with Mango Melody ink and colored a few white Classic Matte Dots with a Stampin’ Blend.
A Little Technique With A Whole Lot Of Texture
I wanted to add texture to my large Crumb Cake background layer.
With the help of my Simply Scored Scoring Tool, I was able to create a perfectly spaced, “striped” embossed look.
I placed the layer on the scoring plate diagonally, making sure one corner was aligned with one of the crevices.
I secured the layer with some low tack tape and scored at 1/8″ increments.
It sounds complicated and time consuming, but it really isn’t. Once you get going, it’s a quick process.
You can also turn your cardstock layer and create a diamond pattern.
If you score at larger intervals (1/4″ or 1/2″ for example) you’ll have a completely different look.
The scoring tool is featured on page 155 in the Anual Catalog.
And, don’t forget the inside.
Check back tomorrow. I will have a PDF Tutorial you can download and print for today’s card.
So, wander through your Bundle stash, cut a few layers, score lots of lines to create custom texture, add a few colored Matte Dots and create something you would be proud to share with someone special.
… the only limitation is your imagination!
More inspiration awaits, so use the lineup below to visit the rest of the Design Team. The Pals are excited to show you what they’ve created! Then, please mark your calendars for our next blog hop on November 9th when the theme will be Home for the Holidays.
Welcome to the Stampin’ Pretty Pals’ Blog Hop! This month, the theme is Birthday Bash. We really hope that you enjoy and will be inspired by each project we’ve created. As you hop from blog to blog, we would appreciate your comments because we enjoy hearing from you. You will find the lineup at the end of my post to help you “hop” along from Pal to Pal.
Today’s card showcases the Artfully Layered Bundle and the Artfully Composed Designer Series Paper. This amazing color combination is courtesy of the Designer Series Paper. Love the shades of Calypso Coral, Just Jade and Pale Papaya accented with Black.
Although this is a simple card, there’s a surprise inside. I couldn’t resist adding more die cuts to create a simple pop-up. Three of the die cuts from the Tropical Layers Dies attached to a square tubular base create a fun surprise on the inside.
Today’s Card Bits & Pieces
The Basic White card base is cut 4 1/4″ x 11″. Score at 5 1/2″.
Attach a 4 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ layer of Pale Papaya patterned paper to the card front.
Attach a 1″ x 4 1/4″ tropical print strip to the bottom card front.
The Basic Black card stock strip is 4 1/4″ x 1/4″. This accent strip is attached directly to the top of the tropical print layer.
Diagonally placed, the 3 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ striped patterned paper layer is adhered to the center of the card front.
The tropical vine, fussy cut from the patterned paper and the Calypso Coral stamped and die cut tropical leaf are attached to the card front.
The sentiment layer is 3/4″ x 3″ and the Basic Black strip attached under the sentiment layer is 1/3″ x 2 1/4″.
The Inside Pop-Up
To create the base for the inside pop-up, I cut a piece of patterned paper 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
On the longer 3 1/2″ side score at 3/4″, 1 1/2″, 2 1/4″ and 3″.
Burnish all score lines with a bone folder.
Add Stampin’ Seal to the inside of the smaller 1/2″ end. Fold in on all score lines to form a square. Adhere the square together.
The side of the square base with the shorter fold will be the bottom of the pop-up base. (See photo below).
Add a strip of Multipurpose Liquid Glue along the seamed bottom edge of the square base.
Center the bottom glued side of the base along the top edge of the inside fold of your card and adhere.
Fold your card over to make sure the base is in place.
Add your choice of die cuts to the front side of the base with glue dots or liquid glue.
Close and open your card to enjoy the pop up cluster of tropical leaves.
So, find an amazing color combination, add a little black, cut some layers and create something fun and ready to pop!
…the only limitation is your imagination!
More inspiration awaits. Use the lineup below to visit the rest of the Design Team. The Pals are excited to show you what they’ve created! Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our next blog hop on March 9th. Our theme will be Cute Critters. Our Design Team will create projects with animals, birds, butterflies or insects.
Welcome to the Stampin’ Pretty Pals’ Blog Hop. Our first in 2022! This month, the theme is Sale-A-Bration. We hope that you enjoy all of the projects and will be inspired by them! As you hop from blog to blog, don’t forget to leave comments because we love hearing from you. You will find the lineup at the end of this post to help you “hop” from Pal to Pal.
How pretty it is to see the first signs of Spring with Daffodils popping up! They’re such a clean, happy flower. Daffodil Afternoon Designer Series Paper is absolutely FREE during Sale-A-Bration! This paper pack was on top of my wish list. I thought it would be perfect to showcase today. There is a matching Bundle, but without a doubt, this DSP can do very well on its own.
The Bits & Pieces
The card design I created lends itself to showing off a few of the pretty patterns. I wanted you to see how you, your Paper Trimmer and Paper Snips can have a fun “Maker Session”.
Putting It Together
This card is a Mini Slimline. The Very Vanilla card base is a 7″ square scored at 3 1/2″.
The Pale Papaya polka dot layer is 7″ x 3 1/2″ and attached directly to the card base front.
The black floral strip is 1 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ and attached to the bottom of the card on top of the polka dot layer.
The diagonal stripe strip is 1 1/4″ x 3 1/2″.
The large windowpane check layer measures 2 3/4″ x 5″ . Don’t attach it to the card front until you attach the oval die cut to the left side.
The Bermuda Bay Oval is die cut with the largest die in my Stitched Shapes Dies. I placed it at the center of the large layer and offset it on the left. I trimmed off the excess from the back of the large layer, then attached the layer to the card front diagonally.
The flowers are all fussy cut from the DSP.
The black leaf sprig is die cut from the new Honeybee Blooms Dies.
The sentiment, stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento ink, is from the new Ranunculus Romance stamp set. I thought the font matched this card design perfectly.
The Basic Black sentiment strip is 1/4″ x 2 1/4″. I had to bring more black to the top of the card for some color balance. I think that little strip works well.
The Very Vanilla sentiment strip is 2 1/8″ x 5/8″.
The Matching Envelope
I created an envelope template for this card. Below are the dimensions. I prepared a downloadable PDF with images that you can find in yesterday’s post.
Start with an 8 1/2″ x 11″ piece of thin cardstock or copy paper. A thinner weight cardstock will yield a nicer envelope.
Score on the 8 1/2″ side at 2 1/4″ and 6″.
Score on the 11″ side at 1 3/4″ and 9″.
Burnish all scored lines.
Cut away all four corners.
Fold sides in toward center and adhere.
With a corner round punch, punch each corner of the bottom and top flaps.
Fold the smaller bottom flap up and adhere.
Cut a piece of patterned paper 3″ x 2 1/2″. Round the corners of this “envelope liner”. Tuck it in the top flap and adhere.
Fold down the top, lined flap.
All done!
So, cut, score, crop, attach and create a fun slimeline card for someone special.
…the only limitation is your imagination!
More inspiration awaits! Use the lineup below to visit the rest of the team. The Pals are excited to show you what they’ve created! Then, please mark your calendars for our next blog hop on February 9th. Our theme will be Birthday Bash when our team creates birthday projects to celebrate our family and friends.
Welcome to the Stampin’ Pretty Pals’ Blog Hop! This month, the theme is “My Happiest Season”. We really hope that you enjoy and will be inspired by them! As you hop from blog to blog, don’t forget to leave comments because we love hearing from you. You will find the lineup at the end of my post to help you “hop” along from Pal to Pal.
I always enjoy the change of seasons since each one has its own beauty. My happiest season, though is the Fall. I enjoy the crisp air, Fall flowers and colors. It’s also the season of Thanksgiving and gratitude!
Today’s card features the Sparkle of the Season Bundle from the new August – December, 2021 Mini Catalog. Both the stamp set and dies will have you wreath making all year. The patterned paper from the Harvest Meadow Designer Series Paper was my color inspiration. Mixing Misty Moonlight with Bumblebee and Cajun Craze makes for a fun Fall thank you card.
Here’s how I did it:
Cut a standard A-2 top fold card base 11″ X 4 1/4″ and score at 5 12″/
The thin Misty Moonlight layer is 4 1/7″ x 5 3/8″.
The Bumblebee patterned paper layer is 4″ x 5 1/4″‘
I die cut two Stitched Rectangles, one Basic White and one Misty Moonlight. The Stitched Rectangles measure approximately 2 1/4″ x 3 1/2″.
All of my card elements are die cut using the Seasonal Swirls Dies.
I used a Fine Tip Glue Pen to attach and decorate my wteath.
The sentiment layer is 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ and is attached with Mini Dimensionals.
This is a very easy card to put together. You will give your Cut & Emboss Machine a good workout, though. I guarantee you’ll have fun decorating all sorts of seasonal wreaths.
So, add Sparkle Of The Season to your Wish List and create a unique wreath!
...the only limitation is your imagination!
More inspiration awaits, so use the lineup below to visit the rest of the Design Team. The Pals are excited to show you what they’ve created! Then, please mark your calendars for our next blog hop on September 8th. Our theme will be “Focus on the Sentiment” when our Design Team creates a project showcasing a sentiment as the focal point of their project. Until then, have fun in your craft space.
I am Debbie Crowley and welcome to my blog. Here you'll find fun projects that are sure to inspire you. I hope you'll stop
by often and leave a comment or two. To contact me, you can email me at: expressivelydeb@gmail.com
Current Catalogs
What are you looking for?
The content of this blog is the sole responsibility of Debra Crowley, expressively deb.com, as an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. The use of and content of classes, services or products offered is not endorsed by Stampin' Up!
