Gnome birthday fun-fold card tutorial

 

Hello card markers,

I have a very fun birthday card for you today. It's a super colorful gnome themed card with a fun-fold page. This card is great for birthdays but can be used for other occasions too. This card has lots of layers and die cuts but is quite easy to make.

The tutorial below is for a card with a finished size of 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 (A2) but it is easy to convert to large sizes if desired.

Here's what you need to create the card:

• Card base - cut one piece 5 1/2 x 10 1/4 and one piece 5 1/2 x 4
• Score the large piece at 1 1/2, 3, 4 1/2 and 6 - accordion fold burnish fold line
• Score smaller piece on short side at 3 1/2 -fold to create a flap
• Adhere the smaller piece to the larger piece - I glued the flap to the back, however you can also glue to the front as it will be covered by a stamped piece
• Mat layers: cut two 5 3/8 x 1 3/8, cut four 1 3/8 x 1 3/8, and cut two 2 3/8 x 1 3/8 
• Background paper - I made mine own so I could match the color of cardstock I used for the base, mat layer and die cuts; cut two 5 1/4 x 1 1/4, cut two 2 1/4 x 1 1/4, and cut four 1 1/4 x 1 1/4
• Adhere the background paper to the mat layers
• To make the shutter cut-out, cut between the first three score lines. The first cut. measure down 1 1/2" from the top edge cutting from the first score to the third. Repeat the same cut from the bottom edge. The cut out section now becomes a mountain fold with the top and bottom sections remain valley folds.
• Adhere the mat and background paper pieces to the sections of the card base.
• Flap panel - cut mat layer 5 3/8 x 3 3/8 and white piece 5 1/4 x 3 1/4 - I used the same stamps and colors that I used to create the background paper. Stamp you sentiment and gnome; adhere die cuts - I used mushrooms and grass.
• Add other die cuts to the front panel including the gnome, mushrooms, grass, and birthday sign.
• To finish off the card, cut a white piece 5 3/8 x 4 1/8. This panel can also be stamped like the other panel and will be used for you personal message.

I used several leaf stamps to create the background - I created a one-sheet wonder piece and cut to the dimensions mentioned above. I used several gnome stamps sets and die sets to get the look I wanted. This card is a great way to use what you already have in your stash.

I hope you can give this card a try - lots fun to make and to receive. If you would like to purchase this card, please visit my Etsy shop - you can also see all of my handmade creations,

Happy card making,

Kathie K

Lighthouse on the beach fun-fold card

 

Hello stampers and crafters,

This is one of my favorite cards - it's fun to make and can be used for many ocassions. The z-fold design really makes the beach scene come alive.

This card is easy to make - here's how:

Cut a piece of navy cardstock 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 and score along the 8 1/2 side at 2 1/8 and 4 1/4. To create the scene, you will need two white pieces 5 3/8 x 2 and 2 pieces 5 3/8 x 4 1/8 (one piece is for the back). Sponge on sand color on the right side of large pices and sun set colors on the top. Cut four wave images - these will be layered to create a more realistic beach scene.

Add the last wave image to tbe first panel, add rocks, lighthouse and fence. For additional interest, I added a stone fence to the large panel. To finish the card, stamp images in the last large white pieces and adhere to the back.

I hope you give this card are try. If you would like to purchase this care, please visit my Etsy shop - you can also see all my handmade creations.

Happy card making!

Kathie K

Under the Sea Pop-up Diorama Birthday Card

This card definitely has the "wow factor". The pop-up diorama along with the seahorses, fish, coral and shells really make this a special card. The style of card can be used with any theme - here's how you create the pop-up diorama.

1. Cut the cardstock for the card base - 5 1/2 x 8
2. Cut another piece of cardstock for the diorama  - 5 1/2 x 8 1/2
3. Cut another piece 5 1/2 x 4 3/4 for the diorama insert
4. Score diorama piece at 1/2, 4 1/4, and 4 3/4; score insert at 1/4 and 4 1/2
5. Bernish score lines and fold to make a box.
6. Glue back flap of diorama box to the outside of cardstock base - for this card, I wanted the lighter card base color to be the background of the diorama scene
7. Glue the left small flap to card  - tip: lay card completely flat and line up the flap to the fold line on the card base; close card and glued edge will be in the correct spot.

The pop-up diorama is created when the card is opened. From here, you can add as many die cut pieces and embellishments as you like to create your own scene.

I hope you give this fun fold a try - your friends and family will love it! If you would like to purchase this card, please visit my Etsy shop - you can also see all of my handmade creations.

Make today a crafty day!

Kathie K.

Heard it through the grapevine

 Hello crafty friends,

If you like to color, this is the card for you. I find coloring to be therapeutic and really enjoy my creations coming to life through. My favorite medium to color is Copic markers using the Big & Bold stamps from The Colorado Craft Company.

This card has that Wow factor using very little supplies. Here's what you need:

1. 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 white base
2. 5 3/8 x 4 1/8 white top panel
3. white pieces for the die cut
4. Copic friendly black ink pad - I use Momento Tuxedo black
5. Copic markers - the colors I used are E53, E55, E57, YG03, YG17, YG67, BV00, BV01, BV02, BV11, V17, BV08, V09, and V15
6. Grapes Big & Bold stamps and dies set

To make the card, I stamped the grapes on a piece of Basic White cardstock and colored before die cutting. Since this is the center focal point of the card, I wanted it to have a little dimension. I die cut the image and then using the same grape die, but a white piece (no stamped image) and glued the two pieces together.

The image will be larger than the card base so some of the edges will need to be trimmed. I stamped the sentiments, die cut and popped them up on the card. To had a little sparkle, I added a few sequins in coordinating colors. 

And that is it - super easy and super fun to color.

I hope you enjoy make this card as much as I did. 

Make today a crafty day!

Kathie K.

Wave Birthday Card

 Realistic wave - looks complicated; super easy to make.

I just love making this card and watching the recipients feel the wave almost like it's real. The layered stamp set from The Ton creates this realistic wave and color combinations are endless.

Here's what you need:

• Basic Black cardstock (Stampin Up): cut 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 (card base) and a layered piece - the size will depend on the size of the die cut wave layer
• Blue layer (retired Stampin Up): 4 1/8 x 5 3/8
• Basic White (Stampin Up): scraps for tags, approximately 1/4 sheet for wave image, and 4 1/8 x 5 3/8 for inside
• Smoky Slate (Stampin Up) ink page

Stamp Sets - I like stretching my stamps sets by mixing and matching:

• Wave - The Ton
• Wave set - Stampin Up

To create the wave image, you will need three coordinating colors. Here's what I used to create this blue wave:

• 1st layer - I combined Balmy Blue and Pool Party (both from Stampin Up) to get the light aqua color
• 2nd layer - Pacific Point ink pad (Stampin Up)
• 3rd Layer - Night of Navy ink pad (Stampin Up:

Die - the dies I used are all from different sets - I liked coordinating the stitched edges:

• Stitched rectangle - My Favorite Things
• Sailing Away - Stampin Up
• Tasteful Labels - Stampin Up

Die cut all the stamped images and layer. Adhere down the inside layer and that is it! Super easy but looks like you spent hours. I hope you give this stamp set a try - just beautiful.

Make today a creative day!

Kathie K.

Your Strength is an Inspiration

I love all ocean or beach themed cards. They are perfect for any sentiment and can be used all year long. Here's my latest card that I think will be a perfect sympathy card or note card that can be sent to someone you admire.

This card is so easy to make but looks like you spent hours making and it packs a big punch. Here are the supplies I used to make this card - if you are interested in getting the same supplies, I would be happy to help you with Stampin' Up products - just us the host code provided. These products will be indicated with an SU by the name.

Supplies:

• Cardstock:
• Night of Navy (SU) - cut 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 (score at 4 1/4 and fold in half
• Bermuda Bay (SU) - cut 5 3/8 x 4 1/8 and 5/8 x 3 3/8 for ribbon
• Basic White (SU) - cut 5 1/2 x 4 /14, 5 3/8 x 4 1/8, and approx. 3 x 1 for tag
• Stamps:
• Wave of the Ocean (SU)
• The Wave (The Ton)
• By the Sea 1
• By the Sea 2
• Inks:
• Night of Navy (SU)
• Pacific Point (SU)
• Bermuda Bay (SU)
• Smoke Slate (SU)
• Basic Gray (SU)
• Wink of Stella
• Other:
• Subtle texture embossing folder to create the ribbon
• Wave of the Ocean die set (SU)
• Stitched Rectangle die set (My Favorite Things)
• Crystal rhinestones colored with Copic market B29 and BG13
• Foam dimensionals (SU)

Instructions

Stamp the front layer first using the 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 size Basic White piece. Stamp the wave from The Ton (three-layer stamp) starting with Bermuda Bay for the first layer; Pacific Point for the 2nd layer and Night of Navy for third layer. Stamp the birds using the By the Sea stamp set in Smokey Slate. Cut the panel with the Stitched Rectangles largest die.

Layer the white layer onto the Bermuda Bay piece which can then can adhered to the Night of Navy card base.

Stamp the sentiment in Basic Gray and die cut using the Wave of the Ocean die set. Emboss the smaller piece of Bermuda Bay and cut fish tails to finish the ends. Thread the piece through the open ends of the sentiment die cut piece. Add foam dimensionals to the sentiment and add to the front of the card. Add Wink of Stella to the white parts of the wave to add a little sparkle and shine.

For the inside panel, stamp images from By the Sea in Smokey Slate - use the same stamps on the outside of the envelope.

I just love this card and it was so easy to make. As a reminder, you can order the Stampin' Up products from me use this months host code 4HKYNC94 or by searching for my name Kathie Krawczyk, I would love to assist you with all your Stampin' Up products.

The card is also available on my Etsy shop here.

Thanks so much visiting by blog. Happy crafting!

Kathie K.

Asian Crane Screen Card

 Beautiful. Elegant. Classy. These are the comments I have received about this new card. This card is so versatile with sentiments and images that can be used for any occasion. And its easier than it looks.

Below are the materials and supplies I used to make this card. However, use what you have. Tip: pick a designer series or pattern paper that you like and use that for your color inspiration. I used gray, copper and gold for this card.

The finished size when folded is 8 1/2 x 3 1/2 and fits into a standard #9 business envelope. This card will need extra postage if mailed.

Supplies:

• Cardstock and paper:
• Base cardstock/Basic Grey - 8 1/2 x 11
• Top and bottom layer panels - Basic Black - cut 8 - 2 5/8 x 1 1/8
• Designer/Pattern Paper:
• Top - cut 4 - 2 1/2 x 1
• Bottom - cut 4 -  2 1/2 x 1
• 4th panel - 3 3/4 x 2 1/2
• Back - cut 3 - 6 1/8 x 2 1/2
• Back layers - Basic Black - cut 4 - 6 1/4 x 2 5/8
• Gold Shimmer:
• 1st and 4th panels - cut 2 - 3 7/8 x 2 5/8
• Scraps for die cuts
• Copper Shimmer - 2nd and 3rd panels, cut 2 - 3 7/8 x 2 5/8
• White:
• Front: 1st panel - 3 3/4 x 2 1/2, and scrap for sentiment
• Back: 3rd panel - 6 1/8 x 2 1/2
• Stamps - I used new and retired sets from Stampin' Up - All Good Things (ret), Bamboo Beauty and Crane of Fortune
• Ink - Smokey Slate (Stampin' Up)
• Border Punch
• Label Punch
• Dies - Crane of Fortune (Stampin' Up)
• Copper ribbon
• Adhesive
• Bone folder
• Dimensionals

Instructions:

1. Score along the 11" side - 2 3/4, 5 1/2 and 8 1/4
2. Use the border punch on the top edge
3. Use the label punch along the bottom edge to create the legs
4. Layer the designer/pattern cardstock pieces to the basic black layers (you should have about a 1/16" border) and one piece of designer/pattern cardstock (3 3/4 x 2 1/2) to one of the gold panels
5. Layer 1 white panel to gold layer
6. Stamp words to scrap and punch out with label punch; stamp images in Smokey Slate to the smaller white panels for the front and larger white panel for the back
7. Layer 2 smaller white panels to copper layers
8. Layer the larger white panel to black
9. Adhere the all the layered pieces to the panels as shown in the pictures
10. Die cut images from gold shimmer and arrange on the first and last panels; pop up the words that were punched out and layer on top of gold die cuts
11. Tie a bow with copper ribbon and place on last panel.

I hope you give this design a try - its so worth it and your friends and family will love it.

Here's a short video to show you how its works.

If you would like to order any of the Stampin' Products, please use this month's host code: 4HKYNC94

If you would like to purchase this card, it's available here on my Etsy shop - HandmadeByKathieK

Happy Crafting!