It's a new week so it is time for a new bundle. This week I will be using the Linked Together Bundle from Stampin' Up! This bundle is unique in that it not only includes a stamp set and dies, but it also includes Decorative Masks. Such fun!
The stamps included in the Linked Together stamp set are all sentiments. Some can be used alone and others are meant to be mixed and matched with each other. The first thing that drew me to this bundle was the dies. The die set includes this die that sort of looks like lattice, but there are also a couple of additional dies that are very versatile shapes. There are also some daisy-type flowers in two different sizes and a couple of leafy stems which are always useful. Come back on Wednesday to see the additional dies in use.
The set of 5 masks can be layered or used alone. To create the softly colored ombre background behind the die cut lattice I used one of those masks. I had "Wedding Card" in mind when I designed this card. But choose different sentiments and it could easily be any type of card that you needed.
My purpose for this card was to play with the masks and the lattice die. I quickly learned that the masks do not exactly "match" the pattern of the lattice. I'll be honest, this kind of bothered me at first, but after I completed the card, I liked that the cross-hatched ombre background I had created using Blending Brushes and Lemon Lolly, Bubble Bath and Lost Lagoon ink did not align with the crosshatch lattice of the die cut.
This card uses only Basic White cardstock. I chose subtle ink colors for my ombre background, but try brights or regals and the card would have a totally different feel.
The inside is also all white. Using the same Distressed Tile embossing folder that was used on the card front I partially embossed about 1" of the left edge of the Basic White message layer. This provides a little texture and dresses up the inside to coordinate with the front.
The cards this week have all used a different technique as their basis. Monday we had the cute Circle-Cut Fun Fold. Wednesday I used the "new-to-me" Bargello Technique. Today's card uses a Technique that I first used many, many years ago.
In fact it had been so long since I had used this technique that I could not remember how it was done! It was also WAY BEFORE I started creating tutorials for each of my cards, so, I had to do some research and experimenting to relearn it.
This is a great technique for those that like to send cards but like to keep them flat enough so additional postage is not usually required.
This technique that I'm calling Dry Embossing with a Shim creates a flat space in the middle of your embossed layer. So you get the pretty effect of embossing with your embossing folders, but you don't need to add an additional layer on top of it for your stamped images or sentiment.
For this card I used the Starstruck Sale-A-Bration (SAB) embossing folder and a shim that I made with the Nested Essentials Dies. If you look closely you will see that the area where I stamped my toadstools, bug, and sentiment is NOT embossed. But rather it is flat -- ready and waiting to be stamped.
To learn how I did that, watch this Learning with Friends video.
As I mention in the video creating your shim is the most "critical" part of the technique. And the thickness that you will need can be different depending on which Die Cutting & Embossing Machine you may have. You may need to do some experimentation for your particular machine. For my Stampin' Cut & Emboss machine I found that a shim that was approximately 1/16" thick seemed to work best. Also, depending if you are using a standard embossing folder or a 3D embossing folder your sandwich will need to be adjusted. Grabbing some scrap paper and running tests is my best advice.
For the inside of this card, I stamped a couple more toadstool trios and another little bug. Choosing color combinations for the bug was also something I needed to experiment with. My bug has a Crushed Curry body and his back shell is Cajun Craze. I've never seen a bug this color, but you gotta do what you gotta do to make your bug color-coordinate with the card and look cute. Live bugs aren't cute! Stamped bugs can be. LOL
Today's card uses some more of the Toadstool Gardens Designer Series Paper (DSP). This DSP is one of my favorite Sale-A-Bration items.
For this card I used the Bargello Technique and the "backside" of several DSP designs. I refer to them as "backside" because they are more all-over patterns rather than the more scenic sides which I usually think of as the "front" side of the paper. In reality, there is no "front" or "back" side to Stampin' Up! Designer Series Paper.
The Bargello technique is a
needlework or quilting method that uses strips of fabric or paper to create a
zigzag pattern. The technique can be used to create quilts, cards, and
other art.
Can you see the vertical "zigzag" pattern in the background of the card?
I stumbled across this technique so decided to see if I could figure it out. It is not difficult and is a wonderful way to use up those DSP scraps. There are some helpful tips and tricks that I learned the "hard" way. But you can take advantage of my stumbling-along learning by watching this video that I made for my Learning with Friends Technique Video Series.
The little toadstool patch focal point was quick to stamp, and the Terrific Toadstools Builder Punch make it easy to cut them out!
The "diamond" for the toadstool patch was made with a square Stylish Shapes die. Sometimes a diamond shape is a little more interesting than a square, so just rotate your square and you have a diamond. Add 3 Brush Brass Butterflies for a little bling and the focal point was complete.
The inside of the card was finished with a strip of the Toadstool Garden DSP and a little more stamping. I usually avoid much texture on the inside of the card because I want it to close nicely for mailing, but I couldn't resist adding another little Brushed Brash Butterfly. These embellishments are flat so I didn't think it would cause any issue with closing the card.
If you would like a written tutorial you can download a PDF at this link and I hope you will watch the video to learn the Bargello Technique.
New SAB items were added this week, so be sure to visit my store to check them out. There is only about 3 weeks left in Sale-A-Bration so don't miss out!
A list of the products I used for today's card is shown below:
This week I am going to be sharing cards made with the very cute Terrific Toadstools Bundle. The toadstool stamps are so cute, and if you love punches, you will love this Bundle.
You may have first seen this Circle Cut Fun Fold on my Learning With Friends video series. It is such a unique fun fold and is so much easier than it looks. If you missed the video, you can watch the replay below.
This fun fold reminds me of a cute little purse and don't these Terrific Toadstools look cute decorating the handle?
The Designer Series Paper is called Toadstool Gardens. It is a Sale-A-Bration (SAB) item and can be selected as a FREE item when you place a $60 order. Sale-A-Bration runs through the end of February and these items are available while supplies last, so don't wait too long. This DSP has been very popular!
The inside of the card was stamped with some more of the Terrific Toadstools.
There is not a lot of room on the inside, but there is plenty of room for your note of thanks!
Use this link to download a written tutorial that includes a list of the products used, all the cutting and scoring dimensions for the fun fold, as well as step-by-step written directions for those that learn best through reading rather than watching a video.
I hope you will give it a try. As you will see in the video, it is so much easier than it looks!
A list of the products I used is shown below. For those that would like more information or want to place an order click on the image of interest.
