Simply Dramatic

This time I punched out hearts from the coordinating patterned papers, rather than from one sheet of paper. They fit perfectly into the dry embossed pattern of the Quickutz embossing folder. I can't take credit for using the embossed paper "sideways". Thought this was a great idea and shows the versatility of one folder. The white embossed layer on the white cardstock layer is quite elegant.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Papers: white cardstock (stash), patterned papers (Basic Grey)
Accessories: embossing folder (Quickutz), embossed heart punch (Martha Stewart)

Go Vertical

For a different "slant" on things, I stamped the sentiment horizontally instead of vertically. The strip of brown glitter underlines the words, guiding the eye to the design title. Trimming the heart die off at the edge of the card also provides movement in the design and leads the eye from top left to bottom right.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Hero Arts
Ink: Colorbox Queue
Papers: white cardstock (stash), patterned papers (Basic Grey)
Accessories: brads (stash), double sided tape (stash), glitter (Martha Stewart), Spellbinders Regular & Scalloped Hearts

Hang In There

A hanging element on a card provides movement to design.
For a change from satin and gros grain ribbon, I used velvet. I was pleased that this ribbon did not add extra bulk to the card.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Autumn Leaves
Ink: Colorbox Queue
Papers: white cardstock (stash), patterned papers (Basic Grey)
Accessories: velvet ribbon (Walmart), brown ribbon (stash), folk heart die (Sizzix)

Making the Same Die Cuts Unique

Though I wanted to make a balanced arrangement with four framed hearts of the same size, I cut out each heart with the pattern of the paper in mind. Also pay attention to the colours in the patterned paper, getting a bit of each in each die cut, if possible. This adds interest to the design while maintaining some consistency.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Papers: white cardstock (stash), patterned papers (Basic Grey)
Accessories: Spellbinder Label & Heart dies, ribbon (Costco)

The "F" Word

As we have seen, Valentines don't necessarily have to have hearts or "love" on them. After all, didn't we all start exchanging these cards with our friends in elementary school? There's no better way to personalize the notes than by incorporating "Friend" into the design. I used a simpler patterned paper to cover a chipboard letter so that it would work with the other patterned papers in the pad. Glue stick was my adhesive of choice and I sanded the edges of the chipboard letters with the Basic Grey File Kit (it's worth every penny). The design in the patterned paper in the first card filled the space in the top left hand corner. For the second card, I used buttons for balance.

Natalie

Card Recipes
Stamp: Stampin' Up
Papers: white cardstock (stash), patterned papers (Basic Grey)
Ink: Staz On Timber
Accessories: paper flowers (Prima), pearls (Kaiser), ribbon (stash), chipboard letters (stash), Martha Stewart border punch, Spellbinders Labels, buttons & embroidery thread (stash)

Cut It Up

To continue with a design in multiple pieces, I cut a strip of patterned paper in 4 equal parts, adhering them to the face of the card in subsequent order. Not only does this allow parts of the card to create one element in an interesting way. Furthermore, the eye is drawn from the left to the right side of the card, to the sentiment below. Another simple and sophisticated idea.

Natalie

Card Recipe
Stamp: Stampin' Up
Papers: white cardstock (stash), patterned paper (Bazzill)
Ink: Colorbox Queue

Design Continuity

Noting the maroon line in the patterned heart, I chose a flourish of similar "weight" to enhance the card front. In addition, by using inks and an embellishment matching a colour found in the patterned paper, the design appears coherent.

Natalie

Card RecipeStamp: Technique Tuesday
Papers: white cardstock (stash), patterned papers (Bazzill)
Ink: Colorbox Queue
Accessories: brad (Bazzill), Spellbinder Scalloped Hearts