Ink, Paper, Scissors

Love Garden

2012-01-27T07:07:00.003-05:00

The heart images turned this floral, all occasion card into a Valentine.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: heart (PSX), stems & leaves (PTI), sentiment (MSE)

Papers: off white cardstock (Core'dinations), red cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (MME Lost & Found Market Street) and DCWV Mod Retro (lined)

Inks: Colorbox Chalk Warm Red, Memento Pear Tart

Accessories: brads (stash), Spellbinder Doubled Ended Tags & Standard Circles Large, border punch (MS), jute (stash)

Post It Note

2012-01-26T07:06:00.003-05:00

The antique "Post Card" image lent itself to antique lace and neutral colours.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Alpha Stamps

Papers: kraft cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (Basic Grey Bittersweet)

Ink: Colorbox Chestnut

Accessories: lace (stash), brads (stash), Spellbinder Classic Hearts, paper flowers (CTMH), button & embroidery floss (stash), corner punch (Marvy)

Heartlines

2012-01-25T07:04:00.006-05:00

Though I often use embossing folders, I don't usually think to use the border ones. To get the pattern vertical, I had to place the folder first on one side of the cardstock and then on the other, putting the paper through the BigShot twice. This is another great way to use up small scraps of coordinating patterned papers.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (Basic Grey Perhaps)

Accessories: border embossing folder (Cuttlebug), heart punch (Marvy)

Just the Ticket

2012-01-24T07:00:00.002-05:00

The simplicity of this card provided a perfect base for the detailed ticket. Stamped images from various companies can be used on the Tim Holtz ticket die. The solid stamp was created using fun foam and a Spellbinder Classic Heart die.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: heart (made from fun foam), ticket (Stamper's Anonymous)

Papers: off white cardstock (stash), patterned (Basic Grey Perhaps)

Ink: PSX Wood Rose

Accessories: Tim Holtz ticket die, ribbon (stash), Spellbinder Classic Heart die

Bingo!

2012-01-23T07:03:00.004-05:00

This is just one of many ways a Bingo card can be used in a card design. The "14" was perfect for a Valentine so I highlighted it by sweeping a firm ink pad across the raised number, after covering the remainder of the die cut to make sure that ink didn't end up elsewhere.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Hero Arts

Papers: kraft cardstock (Bazzill), patterned papers (Basic Grey Bittersweet)

Ink: Memories Crimson

Accessories: ribbon (stash), Spellbinder Classic Hearts and Nested Frame dies, Bingo embossing folder (Sizzix)

In the Books

2012-01-22T06:59:00.006-05:00

Patterned papers of ledgers are also in many product lines at this time. The lines provide a comfortable guide for layout placement of the card's different components. The "Happy" and the "Valentine's Day" stamps were from two separate sets. Use combinations of different stamps to get different results.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: sentiments (CTMH), border (Sandy Lion)

Papers: kraft cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (MME Lost & Found Market Street)

Ink: Distress Vintage Photo

Accessories: Spellbinder Hearts, heart punch (Marvy), label (SU), ribbon (stash), button (Nadine K.), embroidery floss (stash)

From Days Gone By

2012-01-21T06:58:00.005-05:00

As a lover of antiques, I had to have this label stamp from Inkadinkado. Its style warranted a soft patterned paper, sheer ribbon and delicate flowers.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Inkadinkado

Papers: off white cardstock (Core'dinations), patterned (Basic Grey Bittersweet)

Ink: Colorbox Chestnut

Accessories: flowers (I Am Roses), ribbon (stash), Spellbinder Classic Rectangles Large, buttons (stash)

A Sparkling Salutation

2012-01-20T06:56:00.004-05:00

Here's another nontraditional Valentine's Day card icon. Cupcakes are still a popular icon and I enjoy incorporating them into my card designs whenever I can. Who doesn't like cupcakes?! The circle and scalloped circles dies were adhered to the cardstock with repositionable tape at the same time, cutting the frame in one pass through the BigShot.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: Inkadinkado (image & sentiment)

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), shimmery pink cardstock (Bazzill Pink Cadillac), patterned (Basic Grey Bittersweet)

Ink: Colorbox Chalk Dark Brown, Memories Crimson

Accessories: Spellbinder Standard Circles Small, Big Scalloped Circles Small and Doubled Ended Tags, brads (stash), glitter (Art Institute Valentine & MS pink)

All Torn Up

2012-01-19T06:55:00.003-05:00

I had to have this border punch when it came out for purchase. The EK Success Binding Edge punch gives anything character. I crumpled the cardstock to make it look as though the paper was actually torn from a book.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Verve

Paper: off white cardstock (Cor'dinations), red cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (MME Lost & Found Market Street)

Ink: Colorbox Chalk Warm Red

Accessories: ribbon (stash), bird punch (Marvy), Spellbinder Classic & Scalloped Hearts, border punch (EK)

In Print

2012-01-18T06:54:00.002-05:00

Print or text patterned paper is wonderful for card making because of its small pattern size. Aged patterned paper works well on a kraft card base. Other elements in the card can be distressed to match using Distress Inks.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: kraft cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (MME Lost & Found Blush)

Ink: Distress Vintage Photo

Accessories: button (Nadine K.), ribbon (Fabricland), Spellbinder Classic Hearts & Standard Circles Large

Just My Type

2012-01-17T06:52:00.007-05:00

Love, love, love stamps with coordinating dies! A number of companies are now producing compatible products, including Heartfelt, Verve, Papertrey Ink and Just Rite. This one is from My Favorite Things. I heat embossed the typewriter with black embossing powder to give it a realistic shine. Don't limit yourself to hearts and cupids to make Valentine cards.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: My Favorite Things

Papers: patterned (MME Lost & Found Madison Avenue), white cardstock (Georgia Pacific)

Ink: Colorbox Black

Accessories: black embossing powder (stash), ribbons (stash), heart punch (Marvy), dies (My Favorite Things)

Back to Business

2012-01-16T06:50:00.004-05:00

Managed to get crackin' and will be posting some Valentine cards for you. In making this card, I discovered that Distress Ink in Festive Berries is the same colour as Mel's Diner Glimmer Mist. I first inked the embossed paper, but thought a Valentine needed a little sparkle, so I sprayed it with the Glimmer Mist. This coordinated with the glittery heart sticker that fit perfectly into the paper pattern. I cut the bottom of the embossed paper off so the solid cardstock would better support the checked ribbon.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: red cardstock (Bazzill), white cardstock (Georgia Pacific)

Ink: Distress Festive Berries

Accessories: embossing folder (Cuttlebug), ribbon (stash), Glimmer Mist (Mel's Diner), sticker (Martha Stewart)

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T12:23:00.001-05:00

Best Wishes to you and yours. Unfortunately, the holiday season did not afford me any crafting time. Consequently, I don't have anything new to share, but hope to get some new cards posted within a week or so.

Thanks,

Natalie

Mod Santa

2011-12-31T06:48:00.002-05:00

This modern Santa went well with this modern patterned Christmas paper.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Stampendous (?)

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), green & red cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned (K & Co.)

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: Spellbinder Labels 1, ribbon (Fabricland), buttons (stash), chalk (Pebbles Inc.), markers (Copic)

And the stockings...

2011-12-30T06:47:00.002-05:00

I can honestly say that I created this card from scratch. Should have, however, put a piece of white cardstock on the tops of the stocking before adhering the Flower Soft so it wouldn't be as transparent. I knew the sheet of wood grained patterned paper that I had would come in handy some day. Still looking for burning logs to fill the fireplace.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Impression Obsession

Papers: Core'dinations Distress Fired Brick, wood patterned paper (Paper Pizzaz), other patterned papers (BG Eskimo Kisses)

Inks: Distress Walnut Stain, Staz On Timber

Accessories: stocking die (PTI), Polar White Flower Soft, brads & jute (stash), Bricked embossing folder (Sizzix)

Strung Tree

2011-12-29T02:45:00.002-05:00

Same tree, decorated with the same string of clear beads.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: blue & green cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (BG Eskimo Kisses), doily (Wilton)

Ink: Distress Peeled Paint

Accessories: string of beads (Linda G.), sticker (Stampendous), Sizzix Bigz tree die

Another Beaded Border

2011-12-28T06:43:00.002-05:00

Instead of paper or ribbon for a border, this time I chose a string of clear beads. I used double sided tape to adhere it to the cardstock.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: green cardstock (Lasting Impressions), patterned (Webster's Pages)

Ink: Distress Peeled Paint

Accessories: Sizzix Bigz Tree die, beads (Linda G.)

Row on Row

2011-12-27T06:42:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the blurry scan, but the knot in the bow was the culprit. I've made a card of this design before in red, white and black, which was very popular. This is my Christmas version of the same card.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Wendy B.

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), burgundy cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (BG Eskimo Kisses)

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: Spellbinder Labels 1, ribbon (Fabricland), button & yarn (stash), border punch (EK), Copic markers

My Favourite Christmas Card

2011-12-26T06:40:00.004-05:00

This would be my first choice out of all of the cards I've made this season. Not an original idea, but my own version of it. I didn't have a cardinal, so I created one by cutting an extra piece of cardstock for the top of his head and colouring his "face" in black.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Studio G

Papers: green & red cardstocks (Bazzill), white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (BG Wassail)

Inks: Distress Shabby Shutters & Peeled Paint, Memento Rhubarb Stalk

Accessories: Spellbinder Labels 5 & Bird Sanctuary, ribbon (Fabricland), fern punch (MS)

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:37:00.003-05:00

I used the word dies with patterned paper for a different twist.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: burgundy cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (MME Lost & Found Christmas)

Accessories: word die (PTI), bird embellishment (K & Co.), word sticker (Karen Foster)

Light It Up

2011-12-24T06:36:00.002-05:00

I used my new Sizzix tree die with solid cardstock, but had to decorate it with rhinestones.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Rubber Stampede

Papers: green & red cardstock (Bazzill), patterned paper (K & Co.)

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: rhinestones (Kaiser), Sizzix Bigz tree die, Spellbinder Long Rectangles Small

Happy Holiday

2011-12-23T06:35:00.003-05:00

Added a little sparkle to this word die by covering the dot for the "i" with garnet Stickles.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: PTI

Papers: green cardstock (stash), patterned (Daisy D's), white cardstock (Georgia Pacific)

Ink: Bazzill Juneberry Dye

Accessories: ribbon (stash), Spellbinder Megal Ovals Large, word die (PTI)

Very Merry

2011-12-22T06:33:00.006-05:00

Here's the second of 3 words in the Papertrey Ink set of word dies.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: PTI

Papers: bone cardstock (stash), red & green cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (Making Memories)

Ink: Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate

Accessories: word die (PTI), holly punch (Marvy), 1/4" circle punch, button (Nadine K.)

Seasonal Die Cut Words

2011-12-21T06:32:00.004-05:00

I love, love, love the new Papertrey Ink word dies that coordinate with a set of their word stamps. Mixing fonts is something new and fun.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: PTI

Papers: bone cardstock (stash), red & green cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (Making Memories)

Ink: Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate

Accessories: word die (PTI), button & yarn (stash), poinsettia embellishment (K & Co.)

Jumbo Poinsettia

2011-12-20T06:30:00.003-05:00

I created a fuller poinsettia by doubling the second and third layers of the flower. Distress Inks softened the edges of both the flower petals and the leaves.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: PTI

Papers: bone cardstock (stash),green & red cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned (Making Memories)

Inks: Distress Shabby Shutters & Fired Brick

Accessories: Spellbinder Poinsettias, button (Nadine K.)

Wool Felt Trees

2011-12-19T06:28:00.004-05:00

Here I've combined two things that I love--wool felt and my new tree die. Buttons go hand in hand with felt, so no better way to embellish this tree.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: red & green cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (Daisy D's)

Accessories: wool felt (PTI), buttons (stash), border punch (EK)

Super Snowflakes

2011-12-18T06:16:00.006-05:00

I found these larger snowflake embellishments on sale after Christmas. You can find card embellishments in all kinds of places. I tied the ribbon to the hole in the snowflake so that it could dangle freely and give the card motion.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: green cardstock (Bazzill), white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (Daisy D's)

Accessories: ribbon (stash), Spellbinder Fleur de Lis Squares, snowflake

Santa Post

2011-12-17T06:53:00.004-05:00

Couldn't wait to use this new image just as it was meant to be used--as a canceled stamp.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Inkdadinkado

Papers: green cardstock (stash), patterned (Daisy D's)

Ink: Brilliance Pearlescent Poppy

Accessories: ribbon & buttons (stash)

A Candy Cane Kiss

2011-12-16T06:52:00.005-05:00

Wendy's candy cane confetti came in handy when I needed something to top my bow. Adhered two together with Glossy Accents.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: blue cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (K & Co.)

Accessories: dry embossed image (Judy G.), ribbon (Fabricland), Spellbinder Ovals & Scalloped Ovals, holly sticker (K & Co.), Glossy Accents

Cheque It

2011-12-15T06:50:00.003-05:00

Originally I cut this card base 8 1/2 inches wide, to fit some envelopes I purchased. However, I found this a long card base to work with. Consequently, I cut the base to fit a cheque envelope and the area is much more accommodating. It allowed me to use a scrapbooking border sticker.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: ?

Papers: green & red cardstock (Bazzill)

Ink: Encore Gold

Accessories: stickers (Karen Foster)

NOEL

2011-12-14T06:49:00.004-05:00

I'm still on the fence about highlighting the dry embossed NOEL on this card. Darker cardstocks tend to make dry embossing more difficult to recognize.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: green & red cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned paper (?)

Accessories: stencil (Lasting Impressions), Spellbinder Scalloped Rectangles, ribbon (Fabricland)

Frosted Snowman

2011-12-13T06:48:00.004-05:00

The white paper I punched the snowman out of is a piece of handmade paper I received. These types of paper add beautiful texture to anything.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: green & pink cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned (K & Co.), white (stash)

Accessories: buttons (stash), Spellbinder Labels 21, ribbon (Fabricland), snowman punch (EK)

Candied

2011-12-12T06:47:00.004-05:00

Because part of this dry embossed image was on a white background, I needed to highlight the raised areas. I placed the brass stencil back onto the dry embossed paper and carefully sprayed over the stencil with Glimmer Mist. Using the mist sparingly ensured that excess liquid did not build up on the surface of the stencil and drip onto the paper.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), red cardstock (scrap), patterned (Reminisce)

Accessories: brass stencil (Lasting Impressions), Glimmer Mist (Santa Baby)

All in the Family

2011-12-11T06:44:00.006-05:00

I tend to use this stamp every Christmas. The vintage look of it worked with this patterned paper by Webster's. Stamping with a crackled background stamp over the image makes it look even more vintage.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: PSX

Papers: off white cardstock (Staples), patterned (Webster's)

Inks: Staz On Timber, Distress Vintage Photo

Accessories: Spellbinder Labels 18, Copic markers

Ink the Pink

2011-12-10T06:43:00.002-05:00

I enjoy making cards of different colours for the same occasion. The pink and green make a "fresh" Christmas card. Though the pink paper was simply a distressed pattern, I enhanced it by randomly stamping the poinsettias and flowers all over it.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: SU

Papers: green cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (BG Sultry)

Inks: ColorBox Dusty Plum, PSX Sentiment Wood Rose

Accessories: Spellbinder Rectangles, button (Nadine K.), ribbon (Fabricland)

Paper Buttons

2011-12-09T06:40:00.003-05:00

Without the perfect button on hand, I decided to make one out of patterned paper. After punching out the circle, I inked the edges to give it a finished look.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Inkdadinkado

Papers: green cardstock (stash), patterned (MME Union Square)

Inks: Encore Gold, Distress Tea Dye

Accessories: Fine Gold embossing powder, ribbon (Fabricland), circle punch (Marvy)

Pink Wreath

2011-12-08T06:39:00.002-05:00

Here's a unique take on a wreath--pink and sparkly. Rhinestones would have competed for competition with the glitter embossing powder, so I chose pink pearls instead.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: wreath (Hero Arts), sentiment (PTI)

Paper: kraft cardstock (Bazzill)

Inks: Colorbox pink and Staz On Timber

Accessories: Rose Quarts Embossing Powder (PSX), pearls (Kaiser), ribbon (stash)

Poinsettia Wreath

2011-12-07T06:38:00.006-05:00

I stamped the wreath twice, turning the stamp just slightly and not reinking it when stamping it the second time. Did not emboss so I could stamp directly on the wreath with the small poinsettia stamp.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: wreath (Hero Arts), small poinsettia (Studio G)

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), red cardstock (Bazzill)

Inks: Brilliance Pearlescent Poppy, ColorBox Evergreen

Accessories: embossing folder (SU), ribbon (Fabricland), brads (stash)

Berry Wreath

2011-12-06T06:36:00.004-05:00

I decorated this wreath with berries (pearls). Glitter embossing powder gives it a little sparkle.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: image (Hero Arts), sentiment (PTI)

Paper: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific)

Inks: ColorBox Evergreen, Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: pearls (Kaiser), ribbons (stash), Shimmering Leaves embossing powder

Solid Trees

2011-12-05T06:33:00.006-05:00

I love how some of the newer stamps are mostly solid, with some pattern within the design.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: SU

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), green cardstock (Bazzill Weeping Willow)

Ink: Pine Tree (Memories Dye)

Accessories: embossing folder (SU), ribbon (Fabricland)

Chalk/Ink?

2011-12-04T06:32:00.006-05:00

I chose chalk over Distress Inks for this resist because I wasn't drawing the ink tool from the side of the paper and was worried about getting sponge lines with the distressing tool. After stamping and heat embossing the wreath in white, I applied the chalk.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: image (Hero Arts), sentiment (Penny Black)

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (MME Union Square)

Inks: ColorBox Frost, Encore Gold, Distress Vintage Photo

Accessories: white embossing powder, rhinestones (Kaiser), jute (stash), bird die (Sizzix Bigz Caged Bird)

Hanging Ornaments

2011-12-03T06:30:00.003-05:00

Saw this idea to use pearls to hang ornaments and thought it was so elegant.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Flourishes

Papers: red cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (BG Figgy)

Ink: Adirondak Raisin Dye

Accessories: string of pearls (Wendy B.), Spellbinder Classic Rectangles Small & Circles, ribbon (stash)

Icy Blue

2011-12-02T06:29:00.006-05:00

An icy blue colour is always nice to incorporate into Christmas cards, mimicking the frost of winter weather. This blue is already found in the patterned paper used for the ornament.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: Impression Obsession

Ink: ColorBox Robin's Egg

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), green cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (BG Figgy)

Accessories: Spellbinder Standard Circles Small, Copic markers, Fiskars border scissors, silver cord (stash)

Triple Threat

2011-12-01T06:28:00.003-05:00

This background was created by repeatedly stamping a swirl. It provided the perfect design to "hang" 3 ornaments.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: sentiment (Imaginisce), image (SU)

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), blue & red cardstocks (Bazzill)

Ink: ColorBox Robin's Egg Blue

Accessories: Spellbinder Standard Circles Small

Just Circles

2011-11-30T01:26:00.002-05:00

The next best thing to having an ornament stamp and matching punch is using Spellbinder Circle dies and patterned papers.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Impress

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (BG Wassail)

Inks: ColorBox Dark Moss & Deep Green

Accessories: ribbon (stash), fabric label (Making Memories)

Chunky Glitter

2011-11-29T06:23:00.003-05:00

I was pleased to learn that chunky glitter is still translucent enough to reveal the stamped image under neath, while giving the card more texture than regular glitter.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Just Rite

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), green & red cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (Reminisce)

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Distress Tumbled Glass

Accessories: Spellbinder Circles & Scalloped Circles, ribbon (Fabricland), glitter (Elmer's), Copic markers

Sepia/Black?

2011-11-28T06:21:00.003-05:00

The card idea I copied used black ink to stamp the image. I thought sepia might be a good idea, however, I think the black might have worked better with the red and white flower and twine.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Inkadinkado

Paper: kraft cardstock (Bazzill)

Ink: ColorBox sepia

Accessories: twine (MS), flowers & brad (stash)

Peaceful Dove

2011-11-27T01:17:00.002-05:00

This cut out from an old Christmas card lent itself to tiny alpha stickers. The watermelon Bazzill cardstock was a perfect match in colour to the switch in the image.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: watermelon & kraft cardstocks (Bazzill)

Accessories: Birds & Swirls embossing folder (Cuttlebug), ribbon (stash), tiny alpha letters (MLS), Spellbinder Rectangles

Who's Driving?!

2011-11-26T01:14:00.002-05:00

Here's another card front, which was significantly smaller than a standard card base, so I matted it with black paper. This brought out the character in the image. I'm still debating whether or not a small sentiment should be added to this...

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), black cardstock (stash)

Still Believing

2011-11-25T06:53:00.005-05:00

I matched the dark blue cardstock to the dark blue in the card front I took from a commercial card. This enhanced the gold frame around the image.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Paper: blue cardstock (Bazzill)

Scrawny Santa

2011-11-24T06:51:00.003-05:00

Can't say I'd buy a die like this again. The many small parts took some time to assemble. The die cuts had to be made several times in order to get the pieces in different colours. Lesson learned.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), red cardstock (Bazzill), black cardstock (stash)

Ink: Colorbox

Accessories: santa die (?), border stickers (?)

"Regifting"

2011-11-23T06:49:00.004-05:00

I've "regifted" another card by mounting a card front on a new card base.

Natalie

The Supporting Cast

2011-11-22T06:48:00.003-05:00

Dry embossed image without colour can get lost on a card front. A richly coloured patterned paper behind the image can give it what it needs to stand out.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (BG Wassail)

Ink: Distress Walnut Stain

Accessories: brass stencil (Lasting Impressions)

Building an Image

2011-11-21T06:47:00.003-05:00

It took 3 different stamps and 4 colours of ink to build this image, but it was well worth it. Try using different combinations of your stamps to create original images.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: berries (SU), branch (Impress), acorn (Hero Arts), sentiment (Hero Arts)

Papers: off white cardstock (Staples), green cardstock (Bazzill)

Inks: ColorBox Warm Red & Dark Moss & Olive Pastel & Dark Brown

Accessories: ribbon (Fabricland)

poinsettia

2011-11-20T06:45:00.005-05:00

I appreciate that these poinsettia stamps by Heartfelt were made to be used with the Spellbinder Blossom 2 dies.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: Heartfelt

Papers: cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned (BG Wassail)

Inks: Distress Aged Mahogany, ColorBox Chalk Deep Green, CTMH Topiary, Copic markers, pearls (Kaiser)

Rudolph to the 9's

2011-11-19T06:44:00.004-05:00

Dressed Rudolph up for Christmas with some clear rhinestones.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Inkdadinkado

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), burgundy cardstock (Bazzill), silver cardstock (stash), patterned (stash)

Ink: Distress Aged Mahogany

Accessories: sticker (Stampendous?), rhinestones (Kaiser), border punch (EK), Spellbinder Rectangles, silver cord (stash)

Ornamental Buttons

2011-11-18T06:43:00.004-05:00

To continue with a folk theme, I used buttons to decorate this Christmas tree.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Hero Arts

Papers: cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned (BG Wassail)

Ink: Adirondak Raisin Dye

Accessories: tag die (Quickutz), Spellbinder Pennants & Scalloped Pennants, cord (stash), buttons (stash), brads (stash)

Blinged Out Snowman

2011-11-17T06:41:00.003-05:00

To give this "man" a little more pizzaz, I decorated him with a swirl of rhinestones.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: green cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (BG Wassail)

Accessories: snowman punch (EK), snowflake (stash), button (stash), rhinestones (Zva)

Oh Deer!

2011-11-16T06:40:00.003-05:00

To bring attention to the deer in the patterned paper, I used Glossy Accents to give his eye dimension and shine. For a change, I strung pearls on the tree, instead of lights.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: cardstock (Bazzill Juneberry & Sparkle), patterned (BG Eskimo Kisses)

Ink: Distress Peeled Paint & Aged Mahogany

Accessories: tree punch (EK), string of pearls (Wendy B.), Glossy Accents, Spellbinder Classic Ovals Large, brads (BG)

Assorted Trees

2011-11-15T06:38:00.003-05:00

Here I used the Nested Pennants and a variety of patterned, coordinating papers for a grouping of trees.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Paper Inspirations

Papers: cardstock (Bazzill Seabreeze), green cardstock (Bazzill), burgundy cardstock (scrap), patterned (BG Figgy)

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: border punch (EK), Spellbinder Nested Pennants & Petite Scalloped Circles Large & Standard Circles Small & Classic Ovals Large, ribbon (Fabricland)

Another Framed Scene

2011-11-14T06:36:00.004-05:00

Since these types of detailed images don`t lend themselves to colouring, I try to showcase them by framing them with patterned paper.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: ?

Papers: green cardstock (Bazzill), off white cardstock (Staples), patterned (MME Christmas)

Ink: Adirondack Raisin Dye

Accessories: Spellbinder Petie Ovals Large & Fancy Tags, Copic marker

The 25th

2011-11-13T18:35:00.004-05:00

I love to incorporate these large number dies into the theme of a card whenever I can.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: red & green cardstocks (Bazzill), white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (Reminisce)

Accessories: metal embellishment (Making Memories), number dies (PTI), flower punch (MS), border punch (MS)

Spellbinder Pennants

2011-11-12T06:33:00.005-05:00

As soon as I saw these dies, I knew exactly what I was going to do with them--make Christmas trees! There are a number of different ways to use these dies, the first of which is with patterned paper. Just be sure to be cognizant of the pattern in the paper so that lines which are supposed to be vertical are not slanted, making the tree look like it`s falling over.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Hero Arts

Papers: cardstock (Bazzill Pomegranate, Dark Olive), patterned (BG Figgy Pudding), white cardstock (Georgia Pacific)

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: Spellbinder Nested & Scalloped Pennants, Long Classic Rectangles Small, ribbon (stash), oval punch (SU), star sticker (K & Co.)

All Dressed Up

2011-11-11T06:32:00.003-05:00

Dry embossing is still one of my favourite techniques. I used a brass stencil and shims to get a crisp image with my Big Shot. I think the rhinestones make perfect tree ornaments.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: PTI

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), green cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (Reminisce)

Ink: Verafine Onyx Black

Accessories: ribbon (stash), rhinestones (Kaiser), star brad (stash), stencil (Lasting Impressions)

Holly, Holly

2011-11-10T06:30:00.004-05:00

This embellishment was on one of the cards my family received last year. It was too nice to toss so I double matted it to showcase it.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: cardstocks (Bazzill), patterned (Reminisce)

Accessories: Spellbinder Squares and Lacey Squares, button & embroidery thread (stash)

It Doesn't Get Any Easier

2011-11-09T06:28:00.004-05:00

This was a card I received last year. I merely cut off the card front and trimmed it to fit a new card base. I inked all edges of the trimmed piece to hide any of the white core.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Ink: Colorbox

Recycling

2011-11-08T06:25:00.010-05:00

Over the next few weeks you will see many Christmas cards, a few of which I made with items recycled from last year. This fabric ornament was on a gift tag. I couldn't just throw it in the garbage and was pleased to find it was a perfect fit for a standard sized card front.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: PTI

Papers: off white cardstock (Staples), gold cardstocks (stash), patterned paper (Anna Griffen)

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black

Accessories: border punch (SU), brads (stash), ornament (stash)

Smaller Portions

2011-11-07T06:27:00.004-05:00

This card was made for my God daughter's wedding. Since the bridesmaids wore purple, I made the flower out of the same colour of felt. Though I didn't know how I was going to incorporated this piece of dry embossed paper, due to it's size, I used a portion of it when cutting it to fit my card front. It isn't always necessary to use the entire image of an embossed design.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Inkadinkado

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), silver cardstock (stash)

Ink: PSX Royal Purple

Accessories: felt (stash), Sizzix Tattered Flowers Die, stick pin (Jenni Bowlin), button (stash), ribbon (Fabricland), embossing folder (Cuttlebug), embroidery thread (stash)

Midnight Owl

2011-11-06T07:04:00.003-05:00

This ticket image made the perfect size hanging sign for this card design. Once sanded, the underlying colour of the Core'dinations cardstock is revealed, bringing the embossed image to life.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Stamper's Anonymous

Papers: black cardstock (Core'dinations Black Soot), orange cardstock (Bazzill), grey cardstock (stash)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: embossing folder (Cuttlebug Owl Flourish), Spellbinder Elegant Posts, rhinestones (Kaiser)

Scaredy Cat

2011-11-05T07:00:00.003-04:00

This cat die cut was the perfect fit for my new Hallowe'en sentiment.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Impression Obsession

Papers: orange cardstock (Bazzill Yam), yellow cardstock (Bazzill Dandelion), black cardstock (stash), patterned (Heidi Grace)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: ribbon (Fabricland), Spellbinder Witch's Brew and Petite Ovals Large and Labels 21

Patterned Pumpkins

2011-11-04T06:55:00.003-04:00

This was a great opportunity to use paper piecing. I first stamped the linear pumpkin image on the striped patterned paper and then cut them out to adhere to the image already stamped on the yellow cardstock.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Inkadinakdo

Papers: black cardstock (Stash), yellow cardstock (Bazzill Dandelion), patterned (Heidi Grace)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: lace ribbon (stash), Spellbinder Labels 18 and Classic Ovals Small

No. 31

2011-11-03T06:50:00.003-04:00

I love using these numeric die cuts from Papertrey Ink. Next time, however, I would have chosen a smaller patterned paper so that the die cuts would stand out more.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Hero Arts

Papers: orange cardstock (Bazzill Yam), patterned (Heidi Grace), black cardstock (stash)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: Papertrey Ink number dies

Pumpkin Carving

2011-11-02T06:46:00.004-04:00

The design of this card and the size of the pumpkin warranted a 6 X 6 card base. The "not so busy" patterned paper allowed me to stamp my smaller sentiment directly on it.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: image (Studio 12), sentiment (Flourishes)

Papers: orange cardstock (Bazzill Mango), black cardstock (Stash), patterned (Echo Park)

Inks: Versafine Onyx, PSX Sunflower, ColorBox Lettuce

Accessories: border punch (EK Success), ribbon (Fabricland)

Pointing Something Out

2011-11-01T06:34:00.002-04:00

On another card, I appreciated how the point of the witch's hat drew my attention to the sentiment on the card. Placement is everything!

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: Flourishes

Papers: green cardstock (Bazzill Parakeet), black cardstock (stash), patterned (Echo Park)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: Spellbinder Classic Ovals Large and Scalloped Ovals, ribbon (Fabricland), markers (Tombow N97, Marvy 87 pumpkin and 63 wine)

Happy Hallowe'en

2011-10-31T06:29:00.004-04:00

I loved the card I made for Christmas using this die and couldn't wait to create something for Hallowe'en. This patterned paper is the perfect back drop for the sign.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: CTMH

Papers: cardstock (Bazzill Mango), patterned (Basic Grey Eerie)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: brads & rings (stash), die (Sizzing Hanging Sign), chipboard (DCWV)

Broomsticks and ...

2011-10-30T06:21:00.003-04:00

The patterned background if this card is actually made from three strips of scrap paper. I balanced the elements on the front of the card by using 5 of complimentary sizes: a broom, a bow, a sentiment, a hat and the brads.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: Flourishes

Papers: off white cardstock (Core'dinations), patterned (MME)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: brads (stash), markers (Marvy 87 pumpkin, Tsukineko 7 pansy, Tombo 991), Spellbinders Classic Squares Large and Large Rectangles and Labels 1

In Print

2011-10-29T06:10:00.004-04:00

I really like the results of stamping solid images on text. Because this image wasn't completely solid I had to make sure that it was well inked with a substantial amount of colour.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: image (PSX), sentiment (Impression Obsession), flourishes (Sandylion)

Papers: grey cardstock (Bazzill Boulder), patterned (MME Mischievous)

Inks: Distress Wild Honey, ColorBox Olive Pastel Chalk and Amber

Accessories: buttons (stash)

Mr. Bones

2011-10-28T06:50:00.003-04:00

I chose this image, not only because I like to use a variety in my card making, but because it's unlike many others. It's more of a vertical image than horizontal. Keep this in mind when making your stamp choices too.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: image (Studio G), sentiment (Flourishes)

Papers: green cardstock (Bazzill Leapfrog), black cardstock (stash), patterned (Basic Grey Eerie)

Ink: ColorBox Frost, Versafine Onyx

Accessories: ribbon (stash), white embossing powder (?), Spellbinder Nested Frame Dies and Classic Ovals Small & Large

Just Boo-t-ful

2011-10-27T06:42:00.004-04:00

I gave this card dimension by first stamping the boots on one piece of rectagular, orange cardstock and then stamping the same image again on a piece of white cardstock. After heat embossing, colouring and cutting it out, I adhered the cut out to the rectangle with foam squares. Heat embossing provides boundaries for colouring images. To avoid smearing on the shimmery cardstock, I stamped with Staz On ink.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: Stampendous

Papers: black cardstock (stash), orange bling cardstock (Bazzill Tootsie), patterned (?), purple cardstock (Bazzill)

Ink: Staz On Jet Black, ColorBox Black

Accessories: ribbon (Fabricland), Black Sparkle embossing powder (PSX)

A Wooden Haunted House

2011-10-26T06:37:00.005-04:00

I made the same die cut, but gave it a wood grain texture using an embossing folder. There are many ideas for using the same die so they are well worth the investment.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Papertrey Ink

Papers: black and yellow cardstocks (stash), patterned (Cosmo Cricket Matilda)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: brad (MM), Spellbinder Nested Frame Dies, embossing folder (Sizzix Woodgrain)

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

2011-10-25T06:30:00.003-04:00

What do they say? Go big or go home? So I went bigger and die cut a house out of sparkly patterned paper.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Papers: black cardstock (stash), patterned papers (K & Co.)

Accessories: cat die (Spellbinder Witch's Brew), spooky house (Sizzix), letter stickers (MLS)

Die Cuts from Patterned Paper

2011-10-24T06:25:00.003-04:00

Just to give my die cut hat and shoes a little more pizzaz, I cut them out of patterned paper with a pattern of glitter on it.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Flourishes

Papers: black cardstock (stash), patterned papers (Debbie Mumm plaid and stripe, Basic Grey Ambrosia gold)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: Spellbinder Witch's Brew and Standard Circles Large, black rhinestones (Kaiser),

A Missing Person

2011-10-23T06:17:00.004-04:00

Using a sentiment in the place of a body seemed like such a good and unique idea.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: image (Stampendous), sentiment (Inkadinkado)

Papers: black cardstock (stash), purple cardstock (Bazzill Velvet), patterned (BoBunny)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: markers (Tombow N79, Marvy 83 Butterscotch, Copic Chartreuse YG13), Spellbinders Witch's Brew

Curtains

2011-10-22T10:55:00.003-04:00

When I got this sentiment in a set from CTMH I knew there was no better way to use it than with this image.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: image (Stampendous), sentiment (CTMH)

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (DCWV Midnight Spell), black cardstock (stash)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: ribbon (Doodlebug), border punch (EK Success), Spellbinder Petite Ovals Large, markers (Tombow N79 & 6, Copic Chartreuse YG13, Marvy 87

Hats On!

2011-10-21T06:47:00.003-04:00

I merely cut a hat out of a piece of patterned paper, taking advantage of the stripe for the brim of the hat.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Papertrey Ink

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), patterned (DCWV Midnight Spell)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: Spellbinder Stars, brads (BoBunny)

A Recycled Border

2011-10-20T06:41:00.003-04:00

I keep all of my paper scraps from the same product line together so that even the smallest piece won't go to waste. I had a strip of green paper left over from trimming down a piece of patterned paper and it worked perfectly as a border on this card.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Hero Arts

Papers: off white cardstock (Core'dinations), orange cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (DCWV Midnight Spell)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: Spellbinder Fancy Tags 2, button (stash)

Hanging Chandeliers

2011-10-19T06:38:00.003-04:00

Another popular image these days is the chandelier. I thought this patterned paper was the perfect background to support this sentiment.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Inkadinkado

Papers: white cardstock (Georgia Pacific), pink cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (DCWV Midnight Spell)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: ribbons (stash), Spellbinder Classic Ovals Large and Labels 5

Wicked, Darling

2011-10-18T07:31:00.002-04:00

When I saw this CTMH witch, I just had to have it. She adds a little "sassy" to Hallowe'en.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: CTMH

Papers: black cardstock (stash), off white carstock (Core'dinations), patterned paper (MME Mischievous)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: Spellbinder Megal Ovals Large and Nested Frame Dies, ribbon (stash)

A Little Rustic

2011-10-17T06:24:00.004-04:00

I liked the pumpkin image so much I thought I would use it again!

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Papertrey Ink

Papers: kraft cardstock (Bazzill), , orange cardstock (Bazill), patterned (MME Mischievous)

Ink: ColorBox Dark Brown Chalk

Accessories: Spellbinders Labels 16, ribbon (Fabricland)

A Sign of Hallowe'en

2011-10-16T06:17:00.004-04:00

This set of stamps from Papertrey Ink is so versatile. A hanging sign can be made for almost any card theme. I love that the pumpkin stamps the reverse image; this allowed me to use a piece of the orange background paper for the pumpkin sign.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: Papertrey Ink

Paper: black cardstock (stash), patterned (Basic Grey Ambrosia), text (old dictionary), kraft (Bazzill)

Inks: Versafine Onyx, ColorBox Ochre, Distress Pumice Stone

Accessories: ribbon (stash), Spellbinder Circles, Fiskars patterned scissors

What a Hoot!

2011-10-15T07:12:00.001-04:00

Recently owls have also been a popular icon. For a change from the traditional Hallowe'en images, I thought I would use this one on a card.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: image (Impression Obsession), sentiment (Stampin' Up)

Papers: black & yellow cardstocks (stash), orange cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (Debbie Mumm Harvest & Holiday)

Inks: ColorBox Creamy Brown Chalk, Distress Mustard Seed

Accessories: Spellbinder Circles Small and Small Labels

Half & HaLf

2011-10-14T07:08:00.002-04:00

I found a partial dry embossed image and, rather than waste it, put it to use on the front of this card. For balance, I stamped the bats directly on the card front and "tied" the sides together with a punched out moon.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Inkadinkado

Papers: Bazzill cardstocks

Inks: Distress Black Soot, Versafine Onyx

Accessories: Cuttlebug embossing folder, Marvy circle punch

For Sure Wicked

2011-10-13T06:25:00.003-04:00

I thought this Spellbinder die cut perfectly framed this sentiment. Keep sentiment sizes and shapes in mind when choosing die cut shapes.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: CTMH

Papers: off white cardstock (Core'dinations), patterned (DCWV Midnight Spell)

Ink: Verafine Onyx

Accessories: ribbon (Fabricland), Spellbinder Long Classic Rectangles Small and Labels

A Wild Ride

2011-10-12T06:17:00.007-04:00

Using coordinating patterned papers from the same product line always makes card designing easier. Combing various patterns adds interest to the layout. Colouring my image with matching markers pulls everything together. A spritz of Glimmer Mist on the stamped and coloured image toned down the brightness of the white cardstock.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Stampin' Up

Papers: white cardstock (stash), black cardstock (stash), patterned papers (Basic Grey Eerie)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: Spellbinder Labels 16 and Circles, ribbon (stash), markers (Copic prune, buttercup, yellow green & cool gray 3, Marvy butterscotch), Glimmer Mist Granite

Smokin'

2011-10-11T07:13:00.003-04:00

This is likely the fastest card I have ever put together. I used a patterned paper from a pad and trimmed it to fit the card base. I inked the edges of both the patterned paper and the card base for consistency. I took advantage of the "white space" to stamp my sentiment.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Flourishes

Papers: off white cardstock (Core'dinations), patterned paper (DCWV Midnight Spell)

Inks: Distress Black Soot, Versafine Onyx

Sparkly Spider Webs

2011-10-10T06:51:00.003-04:00

I brought the web to life by using Black Diamond Stickles. A dimensional glue dot worked well for holding the 3D spider.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Studio G

Papers: black cardstock (stash), patterned (DCWV Midnight Spell)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessoriess: plastic spider (stash), Black Diamond Stickles

A Bejewelled Haunted House

2011-10-09T06:50:00.003-04:00

I took this card "to another level" by cutting out a second house from another sheet of patterned paper and adhering it to the full piece of patterned paper with foam squares. For a stained glass window effect, I filled in the windows with Stickles.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamp: Stampin' Up

Papers: black cardstock (stash), patterned papers (DCWV Midnight Spell)

Ink: Versafine Onyx

Accessories: Lime Green Stickles

Put a Flower on the Page

2011-10-08T06:14:00.004-04:00

Walnut Stain Ink, wood grain embossed paper and kraft cardstock were intentionally used for a consistent theme. Punching the edge of the patterned grid paper made it realistic too.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: images (Heartfelt Creations), sentiment (Hero Arts)

Papers: kraft cardstock (Bazzill), patterned (MME), burgundy carstock (stash)

Ink: Distress Walnut Stain

Accessories: border punch (EK Success), Spellbinder Blossom 2, embossing folder (Sizzix Woodgrain), rhinestones (Kaiser), jute (stash)

"Planting" A Large Floral Image

2011-10-07T07:09:00.004-04:00

I thought that the grid patterned paper grounded the large floral image. Stamping the image and the sentiment in the same colour of ink (which is also found in the patterned paper) pulls the elements of the card together.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: image (PSX), sentiment (CTMH)

Papers: off white cardstock (Core'dinations), patterned (DCWV Mod Retro)

Inks: ColorBox Celadon, Distress Antique Linen

Accessories: fabric brads (K & Co.)

A Statement Corner

2011-10-06T07:04:00.002-04:00

I've had this corner stamp in my "to do" box, so I thought I should use it as planned. A statement corner is enhanced by a substantial ribbon and bow of the same colour. This Christmas card could be done in different colours for a card of another theme.

Natalie

Card Recipe

Stamps: image (BoBunny), sentiment (Studio G)

Papers: kraft cardstock (Bazzill), red (stash), off white (Staples)

Ink: ColorBox Chianti

Accessories: Spellbinder Small Labels and Ovals Large, ribbon (Fabricland)