February Card Challenge, Day 28

I made it to the end of the month! I missed two days through illness but I managed to make 96 cards this month. That'll keep me going for a while! Thank you for following my journey through this month. I hope you got some good ideas from my efforts.

To finish off the challenge I've made some Impossible Cards. These are a fun card that has an auto-pop-up piece on it. It lays flat in an envelope, but pops up with a message when removed from the envelope. I have featured this in my blog previously, but I've revised the instructions a little so I'll give them to you again below.

Card 1

I used Texture Chic Specialty Designer Series Paper to make this card. You need to choose paper where the two sides compliment each other as you get to see both sides. I used a sentiment from Friends Are Like Seashells Stamp Set and some cute images from Elephant Parade Stamp Set.

Card 2

This one uses He's the Man Designer Series Paper and embellishments. I made sure to make several male cards during the challenge. The die-cut pieces in this pack made my life a lot easier.

Card 3

This one uses Enjoy the Journey Designer Series Paper and Silly Goose Stamp Set.

Card 4

I finished off with Dandy Designs Designer Series Paper. I hope you managed to get this free pack of paper. Sale-a-Bration ends today and it won't be available after today. I also used Season of Chic Stamp Set again. I stamped the flower, coloured it and cut it out. I used Stampin' Dimensionals for both the flower and the sentiment label on this card. All of the other cards are attached with flat adhesive.

Measurements and Instructions

Coloured Cardstock (card base): Cut 8" x 6", scored in half at 4".

Designer Series Paper, make sure that both sides look good together: Cut 5¾" x 3¾".

1. Stamp a sentiment onto a piece of scrap cardstock and cut/punch it out.

2. Take the DSP, score at 1⅞" and fold in half longways. Whichever side of the DSP that you want for the pop-up bit, place that side out when you fold this piece.

3. Place the DSP upside down (if it matters) and cut at 2⅞" (i.e. the middle) from the scored fold to the edge of the DSP. On the opposite side cut at 1¼" from each end from the fold to the edge, as shown below.

4. Twist the piece so that you have the following shape (with the pop-up piece in the middle as well).

5. Attach this piece to the card piece. The piece can be twisted in either direction to place the 'opening' on the left or the right. Don't put any adhesive on the pop-up piece.

6. Attach the label to the pop-up piece using flat adhesive or Stampin' Dimensionals.

7. Embellish as desired.

If your DSP isn't stiff enough, I have an alternate method in my previous blog: Impossible Card (scroll down to the end).

And that ends my February Card Challenge. Thank you for joining me. I really enjoyed it and will probably miss it tomorrow, but for now I'm happy for it to be done. I may do something similar in September and make a bunch of Christmas cards.

Happy crafting.

February Card Challenge, Day 27

I am so very thankful that I had some of Nancy Hoetker's Mystery Stamping instructions written down. This is the last of Nancy's cards that I'll be using and I wouldn't have had nearly enough designs without her.

I've made two each of the two designs. I'll provide the measurements and instructions below.

Card 1

I used Dandy Designs Designer Series Paper and Season of Chic Stamp Set. I love the bright colours together.

Card 2

This one uses Texture Chic Specialty Designer Series Paper and Something Fancy Stamp Set. It's cool how different Designer Series Paper can make such a difference to the look of the card.

Measurements and Instructions for Cards 1 and 2

Coloured Cardstock (card base): 14.9 x 21 cm (half A4)

Same Coloured Cardstock (band): 1.7 x 10.5 cm

Designer Series Paper - 4 different designs: 5 x 6.5 cm (You could just use 2 different designs and place them diagonally on the card front)

Basic White Cardstock (mats): 10 x 14.4 cm (cut two pieces), plus scrap for stamping

1. Add the four pieces of DSP to each corner of one of the Basic White layers. There will be a gap in the middle. [TIP: I used my Paper Trimmer to line everything up. I placed the white piece in the bottom left corner of the trimmer and then placed the DSP, butting both pieces up to the corner.]

2. Glue the band across the gap in the middle of the card and trim the ends to fit. You could use ribbon here instead. 

3. Add that Basic White/DSP/Ribbon layer to the Coloured Cardstock card base.

4. Stamp a sentiment on Basic White scrap and cut it out with dies or punches or Trimmer.

5. Create a mat for your sentiment layer using the Coloured Cardstock scrap. Adhere them together with flat adhesive. [Note: I didn't make a mat for Card 1 because the sentiment was so narrow].

6. Add the sentiment layer with Stampin' Dimensionals. 

7. Add embellishments, if desired.

8. Place the remaining Basic White piece inside the card with flat adhesive. You can stamp on it if you wish.

Card 3

I used Ready to Ride Designer Series Paper and Enjoy the Rhythm Stamp Set. I love the black roses.

Card 4

I used Ready to Ride Designer Series Paper again but this time I added one from the Love Cats Stamp Set.

Measurements and Instructions for Cards 3 and 4

Coloured Cardstock (card base): 14.9 x 21 cm (half A4)

Designer Series Paper: 10 x 11.9 cm

Designer Series Paper (different): 2 x 3.5 cm, cut three pieces

Basic White Cardstock (mats): 10 x 14.4 cm. 6.5 x 9.5 cm

1. Place the large DSP piece towards the bottom of the card front. There will be about 2 cm above the DSP.

2. Stamp an image and a sentiment on the smaller Basic White piece.

3. Add the 3 pieces of different DSP to the BACK of the stamped Basic White layer so that it looks like three pieces of ribbon hanging off the bottom. They can be straight, criss-crossed, however you like. I snipped the bottoms of them on Card 4 to make them look like pennants.

[TIP: To make an even V cut, snip up the centre of the piece and then cut from each corner to the top of the snip.]

4. Using Stampin' Dimensionals, add the stamped Basic White layer to the front of the card in the centre of the DSP but 5mm from the top of the card. (Note: I placed it so that the top and sides were the same distance).

 5. Add embellishments as required.

6. Add the remaining Basic White layer to the inside of the card.

Only one day to go! See you tomorrow.

Happy crafting.

February Card Challenge, Day 26

Today's card is the Zig Zag Card. It's a little finicky to make (I will apologize now for having to use sixteenths of an inch in the measurements), but looks very pretty at the end. I've used some different Designer Series Paper and stamp sets so I'll list them with the photos. I also have the measurements and instructions for these cards at the end.

Card 1

I chose to use the same DSP on the three panels for this one. This one is from Dainty Flowers Designer Series Paper. The sentiment is from Something Fancy Stamp Set.

Card 2

For this and the next two cards, I used a contrasting DSP for the middle panel (which is actually on the back of the card when it's opened out). This time I used He's the Man Designer Series Paper and one of the die-cuts from that pack as well. I placed it on the middle panel just for something different.

Card 3

This card uses Day at the Farm Designer Series Paper and Silly Goose Stamp Set. I kinda wish I'd bought On the Farm Stamp Set but fortunately the goose works well with this paper.

Card 4

Last, but not least, another card with Day at the Farm Designer Series Paper and Season of Chic Stamp Set.

Instructions

Coloured Cardstock (card base): 10½" x 8", score on the long side at 3½" and 7".

Designer Series Paper: 3¼" x 5-1/16" (front), 3¼" x 7¾" (middle), 3¼" x 6-3/16" (back).

Basic White Cardstock (insert): 3¼" x 7¾"

1. Take the card base and make a pencil mark 4" from the bottom on the left side. Cut the cardstock from that 4" mark to the top right corner of the card base. (Note: Erase all remaining pencil marks from this and the other pieces after you cut them).

2. Create one mountain fold and one valley fold. Run a Bone Folder along the edges to get a crisp fold.

3. Using the smallest piece of DSP, make a pencil mark at 3⅞" from the bottom on the left of the piece (or right if you're marking it on the back). Cut from the pencil mark to the opposite corner. Adhere to the front of the card base with flat adhesive.

Note: Check each panel against the card base before adhering it. You may find you need to trim a little bit here and there depending on how close your cuts are to where they are supposed to be. It's easy to be a little bit out. I had to trim one or two today.

4. Using the middle-sized piece of DSP, make a pencil mark at 5⅛" from the bottom on the right side (or left if you're marking it on the back). Cut from the pencil mark to the opposite corner. Adhere to the back of the card base, in the centre panel, using flat adhesive.

5. Using the largest piece of DSP,  make a pencil mark at 6½" from the bottom on the left of the piece (or right if you're marking it on the back). Cut from the pencil mark to the opposite corner. Adhere to the back of the card base with flat adhesive.

6. Take the Basic White cardstock (insert), make a pencil mark at 5⅛" from the bottom on the left side (or right if you're marking it on the back). Cut from the pencil mark to the opposite corner. Adhere to the centre panel of the card base using flat adhesive. [Note that this is a mirror image of the middle DSP piece].

7. Decorate the front of the card with a sentiment or die-cut shapes. You may also stamp on the insert if desired.

 8. This card will fit in a Slimline Envelope. 

Have fun with this one. I'll be back tomorrow.

Happy crafting.

February Card Challenge, Day 25

Today's card are another great way to use scraps (following the earlier blog of Starburst Cards). These cards use the Herringbone Technique and you can find out all about them in my earlier blog called (tada!) Herringbone Technique.

I used the Dandy Designs Designer Series Paper because they have a selection of designs using the same or coordinating colours. The stamp sets used are listed below each photo.

Card 1

Season of Chic Stamp Set

Card 2

Season of Chic Stamp Set

Card 3

Best Day Stamp Set

Card 4

Beside Me Stamp Set

That's all for today. Only 3 days left! See you tomorrow.

Happy crafting.

February Card Challenge, Day 24

Once again I've used one of Nancy's Mystery Stamping sessions for inspiration. I will place the card measurements and instructions below. As usual there are two designs and I've done a landscape and a portrait version for both. 

[Edit: I just realised that I DIDN'T make a landscape version of the second design. On card 3, I stamped the sentiment to be landscape but then placed it onto the card in portrait mode. Oh well.]

The first design doesn't use DSP, just stamping.

Card 1

I've used Elephant Parade Stamp Set for this one.

Card 2

This is the Enjoy the Rhythm Stamp Set. I'm not really sold on the layout but I didn't want to cover the drums completely, lol. This is a portrait one I did a while ago. The layout looks better, I reckon.

Measurements and Instructions for Cards 1 and 2

Basic White A4 Thick Cardstock (card base): 14.9 x 21 cm, scored at 10.5 cm (half-A4)

Basic Black A4 Cardstock (mats): 10 x 14.4 cm, 7.5 x 7.5 cm, 3.5 x 7 cm

Basic White A4 Cardstock (stamping surfaces): 9.5 x 13.9 cm, 7 x 7 cm, 3 x 6.5 cm

1. Stamp a sentiment onto the smallest piece of Basic White. 

2. On the remaining Basic White layers, stamp all over with image stamps in a variety of of colours. Fill layers completely. Your card can be landscape or portrait, so stamp accordingly. 

3. Take the Basic White sentiment layer and stamp around the sentiment using just the edges of your image stamps in a variety of colours (note: I didn't do that on today's cards).

4. Adhere all of the stamped Basic White layers to the Basic Black layers with flat adhesive.

5. Add the largest layer to the Basic White Thick card base with flat adhesive.

6. Add the square stamped/matted layer to the left side of your card using Stampin' Dimensionals.

7. Add the sentiment layer to the card front by adding a Dimensional on one side and flat adhesive on the other so that it overlaps the previous layer you added with Dimensionals.

8. Add embellishments as desired.

Card 3

This one uses Enjoy the Journey Designer Series Paper and Season of Chic Stamp Set.

Card 4

I used Dandy Designs Designer Series Paper and Adorable Owls Stamp Set.

Measurements and Instructions for Cards 3 and 4 

Coloured Cardstock (card base): 14.9 x 21 cm, scored at 10.5 cm (half-A4)

Different Coloured Cardstock (mats): 10 x 14.4 cm, 6.5 x 9 cm

Designer Series Paper: 9.5 x 13.9 cm

Basic White or Very Vanilla Cardstock: 6 x 8.5 cm, 10 x 14.4 cm, and scraps

1. Adhere the 10 x 14.4 cm coloured cardstock to the card base with flat adhesive.

2. Add the Designer Series Paper to the card front with flat adhesive.

3. Stamp a sentiment in the centre of the 6 x 8.5 cm Basic White layer with ink that coordinates with the DSP or cardstock. (I actually used black for both of my cards today).

4, Adhere the stamped Basic White layers to the coloured cardstock that measures 6.5 x 9 cm.

5. Add the matted sentiment layer to the centre of the card using Dimensionals.

6. Use scraps of Basic White (or Very Vanilla) and stamp 1-2 images. Colour if needed.

7. Use dies, punches and/or Paper Snips Scissors to cut out the images.

8. Add cut out images to the card with adhesive. If touching the sentiment layer use flat adhesive and Dimensionals so layers are balanced.

9. Add embellishments as desired.

10. Adhere the remaining Basic White piece to the inside of your card with flat adhesive. You can stamp on it first if you want.

That's it for today. See you tomorrow.

Happy crafting.

February Card Challenge, Day 23

Today's design is the Double Front Card. These are two cards in one, sort of. Each card has a front, a middle and in inside. They're very easy to make and look great (if I do say so myself). I have instructions in a previous blog: Double Front Card.

I used Dandy Designs Designer Series Paper for these cards, plus Playing in the Rain Stamp Set, Best Day Stamp Set and Elephant Parade Stamp Set. Here are my cards for today.

Card 1

I actually messed this one up just a little. The white insert should be slightly shorter than the coloured base. So the inside DSP is a little shorter than the insert. Oh well. Nobody would have known if I hadn't mentioned it, lol.

Playing in the Rain Stamp Set

Card 2

Best Day Stamp Set

Card 3

Best Day Stamp Set

Card 4

Elephant Parade Stamp Set

It's been ages since I made any of this design. They are still fun to make!

Back tomorrow.

Happy crafting.

February Card Challenge, Day 22

I've not been looking forward to this one as it's a bit fiddly to make, but it wasn't too bad after all. It's called a Twisted Pop-Up Card and I've included the instructions below. It's quite a spectacular card to open and people are always impressed when they do so.

Card 1

I used Ready to Ride Designer Series Paper and Something Fancy Stamp Set for this one.

Card 2

This one uses He's the Man Designer Series Paper and Beside Me Stamp Set. I also added some clouds from the Playing in the Rain Stamp Set. I coloured the images with Stampin' Blends and Stampin' Write Markers.

The inside pieces of DSP are supposed to be the same, but I put the adhesive on the wrong side of one of them. Turns out it doesn't really matter as long as the paper coordinates. Thankfully this one did :)

How To Make This Card

Note: the photos show a different card because I had already written instructions for a class a little while back.

Materials

• 12" x 12" coloured cardstock, or 2 pieces of A4 (card base, pup-up mechanism and focal piece)
• A4 contrasting cardstock (labels and mats, if used)
• 12" x 6" coordinating Designer Series Paper
• Embellishments, as desired

Instructions

1. Cut base cardstock (card base): 11" x 4¼", score at 5½" on the long side. Fold the piece into a top-fold A2 card.

2. Cut three pieces of DSP 4" x 5¼”. They can be all the same or all different or any combination thereof. Put two pieces aside for later (Step 9). Adhere the other piece to the front of the card and decorate the card front as desired. This can be done later but may be easier to do at this time while the card base it totally flat.

3. Cut plain cardstock for the pop-up mechanism, 3" x 8". Score down the centre of both sides, i.e. at 4" on the long side and 1½" on the short side.

4. Mark at 2½" from each corner with a pencil, at the top and bottom edge of the cardstock. Score an X from mark to mark. The centre of the X should match the centre of the cardstock where the other score lines intersect.

5. Burnish all score lines with a bone folder, folding both ways.

6.  Push the long centre score lines toward each other until they meet. Fold the sides back. The centre X should form triangles front and back, with the folded sections inside, and the folded edges together. The folded pop-up mechanism should look like the second photo.

7. Mark the centre point on the fold of the card base at 2⅛". Centre and adhere one side of the pop-up mechanism, gluing only the triangular area. Close the card to be sure the point does not interfere with the fold. Make sure that the insert is straight (check the sides of it against the sides of the card).

8. Add adhesive to the triangle facing upward, and close the card to adhere it into place. Allow the glue to dry, and test the pop-up mechanism by opening and closing the card.

9. Take the two pieces of DSP cut earlier (in Step 2) for the inside of the card (both should be 4” x 5¼"). Mark at 2” on one short side and 2” down on each side. Be aware of which way up the pattern needs to be. Cut from the side points up to the centre point to shape panels that will fit inside the card and cover up the central part of the pop-up mechanism.

10. Adhere the panels to the inside of the card.

11.  Cut cardstock for the focal piece, 3¾" x 11”.

a.      Score at 2¾" from each end on one side.

b.      Flip the cardstock to the right side and score at 5½".

12. Fold the panel into a W shaped booklet and burnish the folds.

13. Cut four pieces of contrasting cardstock, 2½" x 3½”. This, coincidently, is the same size as an ATC, so you could use ATCs you have received, or make a series of related ATCs and use them here. You could also just use pieces of DSP on the panels, if you want. 

14. To assemble the card, centre the booklet at the top of the open card (this is the back of the card front), with the opening upwards just inside the edge, and the back ‘page’ facing up. In the photo below, the top of the booklet is to the right. Place it at the top of the card so that it opens fully when the card is opened, and make sure it’s centred across the card.

15. Close the card to see where the mechanism meets the booklet. Place some adhesive on the left side of the mechanism and close the card and wait for it to dry. It's best to use Multipurpose Liquid Glue to allow for a little movement.

16. Now place the mechanism BEHIND the booklet and repeat as above.

17. Close the card, making sure the mechanism folds the right way. Press down to secure the adhesive and allow the project to dry completely.

18. Cut a piece of light or white cardstock 2" x 3" and adhere it to the bottom of the opened card (for writing your message onto).

19. Embellish as desired.

The card will fit in a standard A2 envelope. Depending on the thickness of the layers, it may need extra postage.

Have a try, it does look really good. If you have any problems, let me know and I'll try to help.

Back tomorrow.

Happy crafting.