Vellum Cards

Hello fellow stampers and card makers,

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. It's hard to believe it's August already. Like most of you, I love using vellum when making cards. I think it adds a little something extra - don't you agree. Here are a few of my favorite cards using vellum.

The first card is monochromatic with just one small pop of color, or in this case black, along with the peach and vellum cardstock. The flowers and leaves are created with Versamark ink and white embossing powder. Don't be afraid of embossing on vellum - you just need to be a little more careful about how much heat you are applying. I then used the matching dies to cut them out once they cooled. I then layered the flowers around the corners and added the sentiment. For me the main flower focal point was a little too transparent so that particular flower has two layers of embossed vellum.

The next example uses the same embossing technique but with a different color scheme and sentiment. But this time I added some color to the back of the embossed image. I think it gives it a watercolor look. This technique is super easy and you don't have to worry about staying inside the lines.

For this next card, I used the vellum for my sentiment - in this case, Thank You. I like that you can still see the pretty trees through the stamped sentiment. You can use any kind of black ink that you have.  I do find that Stazon works the best. You do need to let the ink the dry before handling or it will smudge.

The challenge with using vellum is the adhesive shows through. And no one wants to see that. For the first two cards, I strategically placed the adhesive in densely embossed areas to cover. For the third card, I used copper brads to attach the vellum to the card. They serve two purposes - an embellishment and adhesive.

I hope you give vellum a try if you haven't already. I just love the look and I think you will too.

Happy stamping!

Kathie K.

Die cut peacock with oval frames tutortial

Hello fellow stampers and card markers,

I have fallen in love with the Color Layering Peacock stamp and die set from Hero Arts! This is one of the easiest stamps to layer.  And with three layers of the color, the color combinations are almost endless.

The card I'm going to show you how to make has multiple layers but super easy and fun to do.

Here's what you will need to make the same card:

• Bermuda Bay cardstock - 4 1/4 x 11
• Whisper white cardstock - 4 1/8 x 5 3/8 (cut 2), 4 x 5 1/4 an scrap piece for the peacock
• mirror gold - 4 1/2 x 5 1/2
• Vellum - 1 1/8 x 4
• gold embossing powder
• Spellbinder's dies, classic ovals, Oval Ironwork, and Floral Ovals
• Inks pads: Versamark, Bermuda Bay, Island Indigo, Marina Mist, and Dapper Denim
• Ink blending tools (Smoothies, sponges, etc)
• Die cutting machine
• Embossing buddy
• Heat tool
• Crushed Curry marker
• Dimensionals

The first thing you want to do is color your background.  You want to do this first so it will have enough time to dry before embossing. Starting with the lightest colors first, on the piece of white cardstock, use a blending tool with Marina mist and then add Bermuda Bay and Dapper Denim until it is completely covered. No two backgrounds will be exactly the same. Set aside to dry.

Next, stamp the peacock starting again with the lightest colors. Use Marina Mist and Dapper Denim on the peacock head and body. Use the Crushed Curry marker to color in the beak. Line up the tail feathers and first stamp Bermuda Bay. The outline stamp will be next - use Island Indigo. Next, stamp the tail spots in Versamark. Sprinkle with gold embossing powder. Emboss.

When working with dies, I like to die cut all of the pieces at the same time. I used the matching peacock die on the peacock. I use the large die from the Oval Ironwork set on the gold mirror paper. Once that was cut, I layered on the large oval die to cut out the frame. Next, I used the large Floral Oval frame and large oval together to make the frame. You will end up with three die cut pieces for the card and two extra ovals for another project.

To finish the background, use the feather stamp with Versamark all over the background piece. Pour gold embossing powder on each image and heat emboss.

You will also need to stamp a sentiment on the piece of vellum with Versamark. Make sure you leave a border on the left side to tuck under the peacock when you assemble. Before attaching to the card, cut the right side like a banner or anything decorative.

Now you are ready to put it all together. To make the frame focal point, glue the white oval frame on top of the mirror gold frame. Using dimensionals, adhere the frame to the background. For the peacock, use dimensionals on the places of the die cut image that will actually touch the frame. Tuck under the left edge of the vellum piece leaving the rest of it loose. Then glue down the background to the card base.

Use the last piece of white cardstock for the inside of the card. Stamp feathers using the same inks as the background.  Do the same thing on the envelope. And your card is done! Wow - just beautiful!

I used a birthday sentiment but any one will work. I think my next one will be for Mother's Day.

Happy stamping!

Kathie K.

Gold Mirror Paper Accents

Hello fellow card makers,

I just love using gold, silver or copper mirror paper on my handmade cards - as layer borders or die cut accents.  The wine themed card below were a perfect match to gold mirror paper. The accents a somewhat subtle but you really get a bang for your buck.

The cheers sentiment was cut twice in gold mirror paper and it really pops off the card front. And it looks great with the gold cording.

This paper is very easy to work with and it die cuts beautifully.  I hope you add mirror paper to your next project.

Happy stamping,

Kathie K