Glitter paper - a must have

Hello crafty friends,

I have been experimenting with glitter paper lately and have just fallen in love with it. In the past, I reserved my glitter paper for Christmas cards. And then I started out by adding accents to my cards like in the Valentine's Day card below. I used a heart-shaped die to make the embellishment - it cut beautifully (I have to admit, I was a little worried). Using glitter paper really made the heart pop and added a very special touch to the card.

Here's another example using pink glitter paper - who knew all of these non-holiday colors were available!

When I was designing a 25th wedding anniversary card, I decided to add more than just a hint or small accent of glitter. Cards below used background dies from Spellbinders and the cards turned out great if I do say so myself. Beware - its addicting.

I have learned a couple of things about glitter paper.  Not all paper is the same.  Some have a looser bond and tend to "shed" leaving glitter behind.  I did have to clean my Big Shot cutting plates after using the red glitter paper. My favorite brand is Misscrafts Soft Touch Glitter Cardstock (Amazon carries it; 10-sheets for $9.99).  In my opinion, this is the best quality - little to no shedding and the sparkle is outstanding.

Do some experimenting yourselves.  And save ever scrap - even the smallest touches (center of flowers, stars, snow, lights, etc) add that special touch to any project. What have you tried -please share.

Happy crafting!

Kathie K.

50th Wedding Anniversary Card Tutorial

Hello fellow card makers!

Happy Sunday to everyone.  I apologize for not keeping up on blog posts - the start of fall has me really hopping. I finally am able to take some time and post about some of the fun projects I have been working on.

I have been getting some questions about an anniversary card a made awhile ago so here's the step by step instructions on how I made it.  The card is easier to make than it looks - but that's what we are going for, right! The main idea here is to mix and match your dies to create something unique and really special.

The card is made from two different card stocks - shimmer white and shimmer gold both from Stampin' Up. I like to build my cards from the base up. For the base of the card, you will need one large piece of shimmer white that measures 10" x 7" and folded in half on the 10" side. For the next layer, cut a piece of shimmer gold that measures 6 3/4" x 4 3/4".  These two pieces make the base of your card.

The rest of the cardstock pieces will be die cut.  The first piece to die cut is a piece of shimmer white that is cut 6 5/8 x 6 - you will need some extra length for the die cut.  Trim to fit after you die cut instead of before. This way you have a little wiggle room and don't have to be exact on the placement of the die. The die I used is from the Creative Expressions, Gemini set.

For the next layer, use the oval frame from Spellbinders and the scalloped oval from Stampin' Up. I cut my gold pieces at the same time - it speeds things up a little.

The next pieces to cut are from shimmer white cardstock using the small oval frame from the Spellbinders set and large oval tag from the Spellbinders tag set.

You are now almost ready to put all the layers together.  The very last piece to do is the oval with the number 50 stamped on it.  Tip: Stamp and emboss the "50" before die cutting.  Its easier to cut around a stamped image versus fitting a stamped image on to small piece. I used Versamark ink but a gold pigment ink works really well too. I used gold embossing powder and then a heat tool. Use the oval inset from the Spellbinders tags set to die cut.

Now assemble all of the pieces.  Again starting from the bottom, adhere the large gold piece to the folded card base.  Then glue down the die cut edge piece - leave the die cut edge loose as it adds dimension to the card. Then glue down the gold oval frame and the small white oval frame on top.  Center the white tag in the middle of the frame and glue down.  Using demensionals, I like the ones from Stampin' Up, attach the gold die cut scalloped oval and then center the oval with 50. And then your done!

I really like the way the gold and white shimmer papers sparkle in the light. For this card, I left the inside blank so a special message could be written to the special couple.

The finishing touch is the gold embossed envelope.  Any ornate stamp would work - I used one from a set from my stash (sorry I don't know the brand). I used Versamark and gold embossing powder.  I really think this elevates the design of this very simple but elegant card.

I hope you try mixing and matching your die sets you already have.  This extends the value of your dies and creates something spectacular!

Happy stamping!

Kathie K.

Hello fellow stampers!

Lately, I have been attracted to monochromatic designs but haven't tried them very often.  I was going through my card lists and realized that I had forgotten to make anniversary cards for my brother and sister-in-law.  I needed something fairly quick so monochromatic seemed like the right way to go,

I made this card using a script background stamp, Make a Medallion from Stampin' Up, and Celebrate Thinlits from Tim Holtz.  I think the design is great for a couple.

Here's a couple tips:
When I make cards, I also like to include a matching envelope.  The envelope is a standard invitation size bought at an office supply store.

I die cut two "happy birthdays" and I used Stick-it paper to adhere them together.  It strengthens the words and makes it easier to attach to the card.

I hope you give this card a try.  What are your favorite monochromatic designs?

Happy Crafting!