Adding color to dry embossed backgrounds

Hi stampers,

In my many years of card making, I would have to say dry embossing tools are the most improved. I loved them then and I love even more now. I've been playing around with adding more dimension and looks to my dry embossed backgrounds. There are many blogs and videos about adding color to the negative space of the embossing folder, but that doesn't bring the embossed areas to life.

For this card, I wanted the background to look like aged stone or a stonewall that maybe found in the Italian country side. For this card I sponge a couple of different earth tone colors - some areas darker than others. I think the background turned out great!

One of my other favorite embossing folders is the Tim Holtz tree branches. For this background piece I used a soft gray with a very light hand and sponged just the tops and edges of the branches.  I really think this adds even more dimension.

Super easy coloring technique to really bring those embossed areas to life.  Adding dimension to your cards will add that wow factor that your friends and family will really appreciate.

What other coloring techniques have you tried? Please leave me a comment - I would love to hear your ideas too!

Happy stamping!

Kathie

Die Cut Gatefold Cards

Hello stampers and card makers,

I've been working on a friend's wedding invitations and wanted to show you how they turned out. This gatefold design is so pretty and elegant, but I do have to say they do take some time to complete. In the end my friend (the bride) is very happy with them and they were fun to do.

The invite inside the die-cut wrapping is removable. Here's of photo of just the gatefold wrap. The base and the sides have been die cut.

The design uses three different die cutting sets. Below are the instructions including sizes of the finished invitation.

Here's what you need:

• White cardstock - cut 1, 5 x 7, cut 1, 6 3/8 x 4 1/8, and cut 2, 3 1/4 x 7
• Colored cardstock (this invitation used Pool Party from Stampin' Up) - 4 15/16 x 7
• Black cardstock - 6 1/2 x 4 1/4
• Ribbon
• Half-back pearl
• Background die - I combined Swirling Grace and Victorian Crosses from Spellbinders
• Border die - I used Gemini Dies from Creative Expressions
• Adhesive - I used Tombow mono liquid glue

The finished invitation measures 5 x 7 and fits nicely into a standard sized envelope (don't need to special order envelopes this way). 

For the gatefold, use the background die on the white 5 x 7 piece and the border die on the 2 - 3 1/4 x 7 pieces.  Once the side pieces have been die cut, score 1/4" on the straight edge and fold. Glue the fold edges to long sides of the base to make the gatefold. I used a Big Shot to die cut my pieces. You could cut a piece that is 7 x 11 and use one of the larger die cutting machines. You  would than score at 3" and 8". This is where the panels would fold.

The invitation can be made by printing or handwriting the wedding day specifics on the remaining white cardstock piece.  Glue the white piece to the black piece and center that on the colored cardstock piece. 

To add the extra touch of elegance, make a small bow and adhere to the front of the left panel.  Place a half-back pearl in the center of the bow and you are done.

Here's another example of the same style but the color in on the outside of the gatefold.

This design could also be used for wedding and anniversary cards. Any special couple would love to get one of these cards.

I hope you give this a try.

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

Coffee Inspiration

Hello fellow card makers,

As we all know, having enough paper, stamps, dies, embellishments, markers, etc is not reality. As crafters, we always want or think we need more so when an idea comes to us, we have the stuff to execute.

Well here's a way to make your dies go a little farther.  I love making coffee themed cards and one of my favorite die sets is the  coffee cup framelits from Stampin' Up.  To make this set go a little further, I combined the large paper cup die with a large letter "C" die to make a large coffee cup.

It really makes a nice focal point for my card and you can't tell its actually two dies put together. Take a look at your dies and see which ones you can combine to make something special.

Happy card making!

Kathie K

Christmas Card Fundraiser

Hello fellow card makers,

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I find myself thinking of everything that I am so blessed to have and very thankful for.  So I am doing a very special Christmas card project this year.  I have created two different designs - see images  below - for this year's Christmas cards. This year is a little different.  I will be donating $1 from each card that is ordered to the Lydia House/.

The Lydia House is an emergency shelter for women and families that are victims of domestic violence. Some families end up staying here through the holidays and donations help bring a little holiday spirit to their lives.  The Lydia House is operated through the Open Door Mission.  Check out their website if your want to volunteer.

The first Christmas card design, Madonna and Child, has a red and gold color scheme. It is made with gold mirror paper and embossing to add a little sparkle and shine. The inside of the card reads: May the miracle of Christmas live forever in your heart.  Merry Christmas.

The second design, Woodland Winterland, use a blue and silver color scheme. The evergreen trees are adorned with silver embossing and framed with silver mirror cardstock. The inside of the card reads: May the beauty of the season bring you joy and warm memories to cherish throughout the year. Happy Holidays.

I am also offering free shipping on all orders $25 or more.  That's only 5 Christmas cards! Use coupon code Christmas2017 when you check out.

I hope you consider helping me help spread the spirit of Christmas by ordering these cards through my Etsy shop. If you prefer not order online, please email me directly handmadebykathiek@gmail.com with the quantity and design you would like or if you have any questions.

Happy stamping!
Kathie K.

Gift card holder tutorial

Hello stampers and card makers,

I have a very easy project for you with a huge WOW factor. I'm looking for ways to give gift cards that's creative and not run-of-the-mill.  Check out my coffee themed gift card holders.

The gift card holder fits into a standard A2 envelope and each holder holds a standard credit card size gift card. Below are the step by instructions and exactly what you'll need to make this project.

Materials:

•          Base cardstock (garden green), cut 5 3/8 x 6 1/8
•          Front and back cover (crumb cake), cut 2 – 2 ¾ x 4 5/8
•          Insert panel (garden green), cut 2 5/8 x 4 ¾
•          Gift card panel (white), cut 2 1/8 x 3 13/16
•          For die cuts, scraps of base cardstock and white
•          Embellishments:

·         Burlap ribbon – 6 ½”

·         Jute

·         Hemp

·         Crystal glaze

•          Dies – coffee set
•          Coffee themed stamp sets
•          Tombow Glue
•          Scoring tool
•          Scissors
•          Ink pads

Step 1: Score base cardstock at ½” along the long side; score at 1 1/2 and 4 1/2 on the short side. Trim away the 1/2” scored section on the 1^st and 3^rd panels.

Step 2: Die cut in white, coffee cup and 3-lids; in base color die cut the stopper and cup wrapper. Stamp For You on white and use a label or banner die to cut out.

Step 3: Stamp a background on the front and back cover using the same color of ink as the paper, using a collection of coffee themed stamps. Sponge same color around the edge of each panel and in the middle.

Step 4: Assemble the holder. Add adhesive or score tape to the outside of the tab at the bottom of the center panel and fold up. Add glue to the very edge of 1^st panel. Fold panels on top of tab and each other to make a sleeve. Let set for a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Using a half-circle punch, cut two slits at each end of the gift card panel. Glue on top of the insert panel centering.

Step 6: Gluing just the bottom edge, attached a coffee cup lid to both sides of the insert panel with the stopper on the top-right hand side sealing the two lids together. Set aside

Step 7: Adhere the front and back panels to the sleeve. Glue the cup wrapper to the die cut coffee cup. Attach to the very edge of the cup, the last coffee cup lid. Center the die-cut coffee cup at the very top of the front panel and glue down.  Add the embellishments to the bottom front of the sleeve. Attach a ribbon or jute string to the stopper – this becomes the pull to reveal the gift card.

Step 8: Using the same coffee theme stamps as you did for the front and back cover, stamp in the lower left-hand corner of the envelope (makes a nice coordinating envelope).

Here's a slightly different version.  This one is a thank you gift. I hope you give this a try. One tip - do all of your die cutting at the same time. This will help you keep track of your die cut pieces as well as save you a little time.

Happy stamping!

Kathie K.

Mini album - Colorado

Hello fellow stampers and card makers,

I know it's been awhile since I posted but I have been working on a very special project. I love making mini albums even though they can be time consuming, I find them so much fun to create.  My current project, however, is a mini album that includes the customer's pictures (I usually make empty albums).

I am so excited to share my finished project with you.  This album is for a couple's Colorado vacation and include over 100 pictures! The album cover closes in the front with clasps - due to the thickness, I think this will protect the pages the best.

The each page measures 7 x 10 and is made as a pocket that connects to the binding.  Each sleeve includes a large photo mat that are tabbed. Each page was made to be very interactive.  Below a few of my favorites.

I used several different papers that show case the beautiful photo from Colorado. I selected designs papers that look like different textures like river rock, wood grain, brick, reclaimed wood, etc.

I hope you like my album. It was so much fun to make.  I would be happy to share the other pages and also how I made each page.  

Happy stamping!