Love Under the Cherry Blossoms. by Sara Cook

Hello everyone.  I have a Valentine's watercolor project featuring the Cherry Blossom Wreath with a heart opening to the inside of the card.

Cherry Blossoms:

Gold emboss the Cherry Blossom Wreath on Membory Box Watercolor paper.  Watercolor with Zig Real Brush pens.  Use 025 and 026 for the cherry blossoms.  Use 041 and 047 for the leaves.  Apply clean water with a water brush and apply the lightest color to a non porous surface and pick up with the water brush and add to the image.  Add the darkest color direct on the image where the shadow should be.  To color the background apply grey blue, 092, to a glass surface and pick up with the water brush.  Apply to the background of the wreath.

Heart Cut out:

Take the 2nd smallest die from the Scallop Pinpoint Loving Heart Cut and die cut out the center of the wreath.  Save the heart die cut. Die cut the full wreath with the Cherry Blossom Wreath die cut, making sure the center part of the die is tucked behind the heart cut out.  Use a light blue A2 card base and temperarilly center the wreath to the card base.  Temporarily glue the heart saved from the wreath back into place.  Remove just the wreath, keeping heart die cut in place.  Position the 2nd smallest Scallop Pinpoint Loving Heart die over the heart die cut, make sure to have the card open, and run through the die cut machine.  Glue the wreath on the front of the card base, centering the hearts.  Cut off the excess of the wreath hanging off the card base.

Inside of Card:

Gold emboss Happy Valentine's Day on the inside of the card toward the top center using the Big and Little Valentine's stamp set.  Make sure it cannot be seen through the heart cut out.  Die cut the 2nd smallest Scallop Pinpoint Heart from vellum. Addd glue to the areas that will be covered by the birds.  Glue the heart through the front of the closed card.  Die cut Poppy Stamps Little Hummingbirds from white card stock.  Glue the birds over the vellum heart, positioning to see them through the heart cut out.  Gold emboss 2 of the full cherry blossoms on Memory Box watercolor paper.  Color the same way as the wreath and die cut. Glue them to either sides of the bottom of the vellum heart.  

 

 

Supplies

 

94364 Scallop Pinpoint Loving Heart Cut Out

CL5256 Cherry Blossom Wreath clear stamp and die set

CL5252

2011 Little Hummingbirds

Embossed Toilet Paper Butterflies by Trina Pham

Happy weekend everyone.  So in contrast to my last post with bright cheery rainbow colors, I am sharing a soft color palette card today featuring a super easy technique called embossed toilet paper.  A year ago when the pandemic first started, I would have never dared to waste this hot commodity. 😂 

To start, layers of toilet paper were spritz with water on each side and stacked on top of each other.  Even though the toilet paper is 2-ply, it’s not very thick, so I ended up with 10 layers.  The Gloriosa Butterfly Duo Background die was then used to die cut two butterflies from it.

Next, placed the butterflies into the Chrysanthemum Field 3D embossing folder and ran it through my die cutting machine according to the machine’s recommendations.  Set them aside to dry completely, resulting in something similar to handmade paper.

I’ve only seen this technique used as  backgrounds, but I modified it to create card elements.  Here’s a large background piece that shows the handmade characteristics better. 

To complete my card, the Twiggy Hugs was die cut from black cardstock and three times from Bristol paper.  Ink blended the top layer with Wilted Violet and Milled Lavender distress inks (DI), then heat embossed it with clear embossing powder for some shine.  Stacked them for dimension.

The Pinpoint Leaf Plate was then die cut from Bristol paper.  Ink smooshed Wilted Violet DI and added black splatters in the bottom right corner before assembling the card to finish.  I wished I didn’t add Milled Lavender DI to the top butterfly.

And that does it for me.  Thank you for joining me.  Have a wonderful weekend. 

 

Supplies

 

94519 Twiggy Hugs craft die

94381 Pinpoint Leaf Plate

94387 Gloriosa Butterfly Duo Background

EF1001 Chrysanthemum Field

Cards From Last Week's Plaid Collections Envelopes by Anne Thompson

Today I have three cards made from three of my plaid collections envelopes that I posted last Monday.  Remember these?  You can find that post here.

I thought I might begin with this envelope...

And here is the finished card, both the front and the inside.

I used a white notecard as a backdrop for the darker red plaid and used a white cardstock mat behind the brighter red plaid before layering on the holly branch and the cardinal.  I used a different red plaid for the background inside.  Then I layered on a white square on more of the bright red plaid before adding another holly branch.  In retrospect I think I should have added another white mat behind that second plaid so it would show up more.  The holly branch and the cardinal are from the Spirit of Christmas stamps and dies set.

For the second card I used leafy stems from the Berry Wreath stamp and die set on three different plaid layers.  I really like the way these three different plaids work so well with each other and the watercolored leafy stems.

I made it originally to be a top fold card, but it also works with the side fold.

For the third card I used my favorite red/orange plaid matched up with an orange striped paper on the front and a red dot paper on the inside.

Again the striped paper under the white box on the inside gets lost against the dots so I think another white mat would look better...something I'll keep in mind as I complete more cards from these envelopes.  

materials used for these cards

• white notecards and cardstock
• Memory Box WATERCOLOR PAPER WP101
• CHRISTMAS PLAID 6 X 6 PAPER PACK PP1009
• GARLAND STRIPES AND DOTS 6 X 6 PAPER PACK PP1011
• SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS STAMPS/DIES SET CL5261-D
• BERRY WREATH STAMPS/DIES SET CL5260-D
• VersaFine Clair Nocturne (black) ink
• pan watercolors and water brushes

Have you been using the plaid papers in interesting ways?  This month's challenge on the blog is Playing with Plaids.  Check out that post for more inspiration!

Happy Crafting!

 

 

 

 

 

Matching Plaids, Dots and Stripes with Watercolored Images by Anne Thompson

Now for something completely different...I am not going to show you a finished project.  Instead I'm going to show you how I approach using a variety of papers together with watercolored images because I love mixing up multiple papers on one card.  This past week I received Memory Box  6 X 6 paper pads in the mail that I had ordered--CHRISTMAS PLAID PP1009 and GARLAND STRIPES AND DOTS PP1011.  And this is what I did with them:

Let's see how I got to these ten envelopes.  You can guess from just the front covers of these paper pads how many designs and color combinations are possible:

I began by taking all of the plaid papers out of their binding and laying them out in pairs, front and back.  Then I began matching up combinations in much the same way that I play with fabrics as a quilter, considering colors, tones, patterns, textures.  As I worked through the sorting process I stopped occasionally to look for papers in the Stripes and Dots collection that I could add in for more interest.   As I worked I also began cutting the papers into standard sizes I use most...4 X 5 1/4, 4 1/4 X 5 1/2, 3 X 6, 2 X 6...and included whatever smaller scraps were left over as well.  I placed each paper collection into an envelope and set all ten of them aside.

Next I stamped a bunch of images on Memory Box WATERCOLOR PAPER WP101 using VersaFine Clair Nocturne (black) ink.  I chose the cardinal, holly leaf and berries branch, and poinsettia with coordinating dies from SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS CL5261-D.  I stamped both the smallest and the medium-sized mistletoe sprigs from MISTLETOE SWAG CL5247.  (You may have this stamp set or MERRY AND BRIGHT MISTLETOE CL5246 in your stash.  They are no longer available in the online catalog.)  And I used the smaller leafy branch and its die from BERRY WREATH CL5260-D.  With the envelopes of papers close by I chose colors from my pan watercolors that coordinated with the papers and used waterbrushes to paint the images.  I spattered some of the images with watery gold paint once they were dry.

This is one of my favorite combinations:

And another:

And just one more:

I now have ten envelopes of coordinated papers, cut to sizes I use most often, along with some already prepared watercolored images all ready to assemble into at least ten, and probably lots more, cards.  All I need to do next is pull out the box of white and holiday-colored note cards, some coordinating cardstocks if I want to layer anything, adhesives, and some sentiment stamps and inks and I'll be ready to go.  Maybe I'll start with this envelope: 

Happy Crafting!

Simple Poinsettias with Garland Papers by Anne Thompson

I have found a way to use both sides of one piece of GARLAND 6X6 paper PP1010 for one card front, layered up and embellished with a simple poinsettia...or two.

It was sort of a happy accident when I cut a 4" piece off the green fully printed floral 6" X 6" paper and found the printed corner when I flipped over the 2" strip that was left.  I adhered the larger piece trimmed 4" X 5 1/4" to a white notecard and trimmed the corner piece 1 3/4" X 3 3/4" before adding it to a piece of 2" X 4" white cardstock.  I then cut the red floral paper, corner side up and in 2", and set up the card front in the same manner as the green one.

For the red card I stamped the poinsettia from the SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS Clear Stamp/Dies Set CL5261-D using VersaFine Clair Nocturne (black) ink on Memory Box watercolor paper.  I used a couple of shades of red pan watercolors and a waterbrush on the flowers.  Once they were dry I used the coordinating die to cut them out, added three small white pearls in the center of each and attached them to the smaller panel using thin dimensional foam tape.

For the green card I stamped the same poinsettia along with the leafy branch from the BERRY WREATH Clear Stamp/Dies Set CL5260-D on white cardstock using VersaFine Clair Rain Forest (olive-y green) ink.  I cut them using the coordinating dies, attached the leafy branch under the poinsettia with a Glue Dot, and placed a cluster of very tiny gray pearls in the flower center before attaching it with foam tape to the card front.  

The Blog Challenge this month is Playing With Plaids.  While I wait for more CHRISTMAS PLAID 6X6 paper PP1009 pads to arrive in the mail, I thought I would show you what I did with the little bits I had left from the first pack.

We'll be looking for your plaid ideas!

Happy Crafting!

Spirit of Christmas Cardinals and Holly by Anne Thompson

I'm starting to build up my supply of holiday cards for December featuring great images and sentiments from the SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS Clear Stamps and Dies set CL5261-D.  (The stamps are available by themselves, CL5261, if you don't want the dies.)  I particularly like the the cardinal and the holly/berries branch and used them against plaid paper for this first card, stamping the images on white cardstock with VersaFine Clair Nocturne (black) ink before coloring them with my Prismacolor pencils and then die cutting them.  I also added Ruby Crystal Fairy Sugar/glitter glue to the berries for some extra sparkle.

I started with a dark green cardstock notecard with the plaid paper attached to white cardstock and trimmed really closely before adhering that panel to the card front.  I used dimensional foam tape to attach the cardinal at an angle and secured the holly branch and glittered berries to its body with Glue Dots.  I even added the tiniest black gem I could find in the center of its eye.

Because the inside of the card was dark green, I added a white panel and the leftover strip of the plaid paper.  I stamped "Wishing You A MERRY CHRISTMAS" on a scrap of white cardstock and mounted it to a piece of the same green cardstock as the notecard, leaving plenty of room for a brief note and signature.

The second card I made is similar...stamped and colored and die cut cardinal and holly branch against plaid paper with just a tiny bit of Goldfinch Fairy Dust/glitter glue added to the berries and a tiny black gem eye.

I used a complementary plaid on the inside and the same sentiment on a white panel.

And because I've been stamping a dozen or more pumpkins on printed papers this last week  I tried that technique on this third card.  I used an orange-y/red plaid for the cardinal and a dark green plaid for the holly, red pearls for the berries and another tiny gem eye on the bird.  I love that bird!

This time I layered the front and back patterns of one of the papers from the GARLAND 6X6 paper pad PP1010 on a Holly red notecard and added "WARMEST WISHES".  On the inside I used one of the dotted papers and a different piece from the Garland pad and added "MERRY CHRISTMAS" along the bottom edge.

materials used on the three cards

• SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS Clear Stamps and Dies set CL5261-D

• papers from CHRISTMAS PLAID 6X6 paper pack PP1009
• papers from GARLAND 6X6 paper pad PP1010
• dark green dotted paper from GARLAND STRIPES AND DOTS 6X6 paper pack PP1011
• dark green and white cardstocks
• white and Holly Red notecards
• RUBY CRYSTAL FAIRY SUGAR/GLITTER GLUE 40126
• GOLDFINCH FAIRY SUGAR/GLITTER GLUE 40118
• VersaFine Clair Nocturne (black) ink
• a variety of Prismacolor colored pencils in reds, oranges, and greens

Happy Crafting!

Thankful Harvest by Anne Thompson

I spent some time recently making cards with the new HARVEST LOVE AND KINDNESS Clear Stamp/Die Set CL5262-D.  (This set is also available with just the stamps--CL5262.)  I stamped it with VersaFine Clair Nocturne (black) ink several times on Memory Box WATERCOLOR PAPER WP101.  I'm going to show you two of the cards I made using different coloring materials.

Card One

For this card I used watercolor pencils, sometimes dipping the pencil tip in water and applying the color to the berries and leaves.  Other times I scribble-colored with a dry pencil and used a waterbrush to move the color around and soften it.  I used some red watercolor from a set of pan paints and a fat brush with lots of water to spatter the image before I die cut it.  I tried to suggest Bittersweet in its fall colors.

I added the colored image to a dark green plaid from the CHRISTMAS PLAID 6X6 PACK PP1009, mounted that on a Licorice (black) notecard, and trimmed off the little bits that extended beyond the card.  I stamped "THANKFUL" from the same stamp set on a scrap of watercolor paper, adhered it to a scrap of the dark green plaid paper, and then secured that to a scrap of black cardstock before adding it to the front of the card.

Card Two

For this card I used colored pencils on the watercolor paper because I wanted to highlight the texture of the paper.  (The other side of the paper is smooth.)  Once I finished coloring I die cut the image before adding some BUTTERCUP GLOW FAIRY SUGAR 40101 (Memory Box glitter glue) to the berries for some extra sparkle.  I oriented the spray upside down from the first card and added the sentiment in the lower right corner.

I send more cards at Thanksgiving than I do at Halloween so I know that I will make many more cards using this stamp/die set.  There is a good variety of sentiments with this set for card fronts or interiors as well as some single leaves that can be used with them or on the envelopes.  Fall is in the air!

Happy Crafting!

 

Sprinkle Dots Peony Joy by Anne Thompson

This is my last holiday card this month before I start using products from the new 2020 Christmas release which you will be able to see on the Memory Box site TODAY!  

I made today's Christmas-in-July card with Memory Box supplies from previous collections.  It all started because I had a peony left from a previous project that I wanted to incorporate, I had found a package of Holly Berry notecards with last year's Christmas stamps and dies as I was rummaging through things, and I knew I wanted to use a favorite stencil to create the background.

supplies

• HOLLY BERRY NOTECARD 22016
• WATERCOLOR PAPER WP101
• SPRINKLE DOTS STENCIL 88597
• VersaFine Clair Tulip Red Ink; fingertip dauber
• two of the MATINEE RECTANGLE LAYERS 94438
• red dot paper from COTTAGE STRIPES AND DOTS PP1004 6X6 pad
• peony stamped, watercolored, and die cut from PEONY GARDEN CORNER CL5255-D clear stamp and die set
• "joy" stamp from BOLD CHRISTMAS GREETINGS CL5233

to make this card

• Tape the stencil on top of the smooth-sided watercolor paper and apply ink using a fingertip dauber.  Trim this panel to 4 X 5 1/4 and adhere it to the front of a Holly Berry notecard.

• Using the Matinee Rectangle Layers, cut one from a piece of the Cottage Stripes and Dots red paper and a smaller one from a scrap of smooth-sided watercolor paper.

• Stamp "joy" using the same VersaFine Clair Tulip Red ink on the watercolor paper rectangle.

• Layer the two rectangles and place them in the lower right corner of the front panel.
• Stamp, watercolor, and die cut a single peony (or do what I did and use a flower left from a prior project) and glue it over the upper left corners of the two rectangles.  

And there you have it...

Be sure to look at the newest 2020 Christmas release and start writing out your wish list.  There are new dies, glitter glues, and 6X6 paper pads as well as two new embossing folders.  And keep checking the blog in the days to come for samples from the Design Team!

Happy Crafting!

Peace and the Pretty Blossom Stem Holiday Card by Anne Thompson

I'm still working on my July personal challenge to make holiday cards from Memory Box Spring 2020 and Garden Party products I have on hand with sentiments from previous holiday releases.  Today's card features the Peace Jotted Script, the Pretty Blossom Stem, and Wrapped Stitched Rectangles on a pretty piece of Garden Party paper.

materials

• white notecard
• a pretty piece of paper from the GARDEN FOLLY 6X6 PP1005
• bright red glitter paper from the TWINKLING JEWEL 6X6 GP1003
• white cardstock
• two of the Open Studio WRAPPED STITCHED RECTANGLES 30094
• PRETTY BLOSSOM STEM 94422
• PEACE JOTTED SCRIPT 94072
• white adhesive-backed pearls

In the photos above you can see how I cut everything from red glitter paper and white cardstock.  I trimmed a piece of pretty floral paper 4 X 5 1/4 and adhered that to the front of a white notecard.  I used foam tape to place the red glitter Wrapped Rectangle at an angle.  I used large Glue Dots under the flowers to attach the Pretty Blossom Stem to the white Wrapped Rectangle and then used Scor-Tape to secure that to the glitter rectangle.  The next step was to use a glue pen to layer the Peace Jotted Script, red glitter paper on top of white cardstock.  After trying a number of various placements, I used just one large Glue Dot under the "a" to attach "peace" to the panel.

To finish the card I added white pearls to the flower centers.  And on the inside I added a narrow strip of the same Garden Party paper I used on the card front.

Happy Crafting!

 

Concentric-Cutting with Square Basics by Jean Okimoto

Multi-colored diecut frames are everywhere right now and the 16-piece Square Basics set is a great way to create that look.  View Jennifer McGuire's video for her great techniques and examples.  

You won't need a special set of dies to cut frames - thick or thin.  This link to our #300-series of dies displays our nesting sets of squares, rectangles, hexagons, ovals, octagons and circles that are perfect for frame-cutting. 

Hello, Jean Okimoto here with a design that began as a trial and became a card.  Tape the 2", 1-½", 1" and ½" dies together.  Brush the remaining exposed tape with the embossing powder tool to reduce the tackiness so the tape won't damage the diecuts.  

Instead of patiently piecing strips of the Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad and diecutting them into nesting frames I diecut the glossy cover of the 6x6 pad "for practice" and decided to use it for today's card.  

Remove the frames from the die and rotate them to arrange contrasting colors.  Cut the ½" square again from another section for better color contrast. Re-assemble the pieces and tape them together on the reverse side.  Pale peach sections keep the card from looking too sweet or like a pink and blue baby card.  

Cut the butterfly print - from the Springtime Bouquet 6x6 set - with the 3" square die.  Stamp the greeting - from the Cherry Blossom Wreath Clear Stamp and Die Set - with Lilac Posies Memento Luxe and emboss it with detail clear powder.  Cut it with the 1-½" square die.

Cut the 2 small Poppystamps Intricate Cut Butterflies from the pink Delicate Pastel 6x6 sheet.  It's a set of 4 detailed butterflies...beautiful details without the little pieces!  

Attach the diecuts to a side-folded 5-¼" square white card - use foam tape for the butterflies.  Square cards require extra postage.

Revisit your stash of prints, glitter and metallic cardstock and up-cycle them into great frames.  I'll  use the blue and green frame squares for a weekend project.

Thanks for visiting!

 

Supplies

 

30088 Square Basics Set

GP1001 Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad

PP1006 Springtime Bouquet 6x6 pack

CL5256-D Cherry Blossom Wreath clear stamp set

2367 Intricate Cut Butterflies