Showing posts with label paper art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paper art. Show all posts

Friday, August 17, 2018

"Wrapped in Adventure" Layered Card for Cherish the Memory


Layers and Distressing 

Using Studio Light's Paper Collection"Memories of Summer"



Creating Layers

Do you ever have a hard time choosing background paper from a paper pad? I know I always end up spending more time trying to choose sometimes than I'd like to admit. Anyway, so what I have been doing is just combining different backgrounds from the same paper pad by simply layering them. In a previous project, using the same "Memories of Summer" collection, I die cut portions of the background paper and 3D foam taped it to the card. In this card, (pictured left) you can see that it is adhered all to the base.


In this card, I have used three layered backgrounds. What is different about these layers? I decided to play with the contrast of using a black base for the card, and rather than distressing the backgrounds and using 3D foam tape, I have individually adhered each layer to black card stock, to help visually separate and call attention to each layer. I like to use black when the background graphics are busy in nature to be able to "pop" behind each background and to emphasize dimension. After adhering each of the three backgrounds to card stock of contrasting color, use 3D foam tape to prop each layer up on top of one another to create a tangible experience for the recipient.


Sneaking in Details

This card measures 6x6 and is a perfect size to give you plenty of room when you want to add detail. I can never add enough detail, but I strongly believe that it is okay as long as you are adding detail with a purpose. Detail with a purpose is when you tuck away details in between layers to create a connection between them, but also a fantastic way of keeping the viewer's eye busy! This collection is perfect for that, as it features die cut pages of ephemera, small flowers and travel themed accessories. This lovely collection is available at Cherish the Memory and I have provided links below. I hope you've gotten some insight on how to use layers and create dimension! Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments.










Friday, August 3, 2018

Adventure Tag : Using Details to Create Cohesiveness

Tag made with Studio Light "Memories of Summer" Paper Collection Designed for Cherish the Memory



Using small paper details to create a connection

If you love detail, you'll appreciate the small intricate die cut pieces that come with the "Memories of Summer" Paper Collection by Studio Light available at Cherish the Memory
I will have the links to the paper collection listed below.

There are a total of three layers in this card : 1. The brown wooden background 2. The light creme colored paper background (Post Card layer) 3. The photo frame. 

Starting with the embellishments at the top, you will see that they are what is connecting the background with the "Post Card" layer...and there you have it! You have created what I call a "connection" between the first and second layer. That's all there is to it! Whenever you have layers, always make sure to connect the layers with related items to the items you are using for the rest of your card, tag or canvas.



Create Cohesiveness

To create cohesiveness, one must pay attention to not just connecting the layers, but to make sure to use related items. Related items are items that fit a theme, such as the butterflies I used or in this case all the travel accessory die cuts. What I like to always remember is figure out where you would like to guide the viewer's eye when creating a layout. For instance, if you'd like the visual flow of the card to flow from the top left to the bottom right you use details following the same path.

With this collection creating cohesiveness and connecting layers is really a no-brainer. This is why I enjoy working with this collection so much because it makes project making super easy! Please feel free to ask me any questions below in the comment section. I hope you enjoyed my short blog post! Please take a moment to visit the shop links below.










Thursday, July 19, 2018

Simple Travel Themed Masculine Card


Creating a simple yet eye pleasing Masculine Card using Studio Light Paper from Cherish the Memory



If you're anything like me, you're drawn to floral, feminine, colorful designs which can sometimes pose a challenge when making a card for a man, or for a female friend who isn't into "girly" designs as you are. The "Memories of Summer" collection that you can purchase at Cherish the Memory really takes the guesswork out of picking and choosing paper for your masculine card. What is so great about this collection is that it has a good balance in range, therefore really allowing you to make both masculine, gender neutral and feminine projects without having to buy several collections!


My favorite part of the collections by Studio Light are the paper pads, which I will be providing the link to below. I love the paper pads because it comes jam packed with backgrounds, but you see that you don't have to use the backgrounds just for backgrounds. If you look at the three rectangular paper pieces, they have been die cut from the paper backgrounds in the pad to create the layering effect where I used foam mounting tape.

What I love most about this card is the use of neutral warm earth tones. Stick with natural colors such as browns and tans to get down the color scheme for a masculine card. I knew as soon as I saw the lighthouse from the ephemera pack that I would be using it, it's so pretty! The vintage plane stamp was also a really cool feature in the ephemera pages which I will also link. 

Some tips that helped me put this card together :
1. Use earth tones such as browns, tans, grays, greens and blues
2. Take items from your stash that you have found yourself neglecting and throw things together to see if they complement the card. The background paper has a wooden grain texture which I had no plans for, until this card came up!
3. Jute adds a great natural element that is gender neutral. Texture in masculine cards is your friend.
4. Keep the design simple. I struggle with simple design but simple and clean is a must to achieve that perfect look. Masculine details can be pretty powerful, and you want them to speak for themselves and not overwhelm the card or viewer.
5. It helps to choose a 5x7 layout for a masculine card, the linear layout helps create a stronger card.

I hope you found some inspiration and ideas! Check out the Cherish the Memory shop for the collection:  








Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Backyard Blossoms "Thinking of you" Card for Heartfelt Creations


One of the joys in my life is watching my planted flowers, and wildflowers bloom around this time of year! Having the chance to work with the new Backyard Blossoms collection from Heartfelt Creations  was a fun way for me to share this joy with you through my card.  Make this card with the instructions below!




About the Backyard Blossoms Collection

Summer brings with it the excitement of a new gardening season, lounging in the open expanse of the backyard and enjoying the beauty of favorite perennial blossoms dancing gently in the warm summer breeze! Among those returning favorites are the attractive, butterfly loving coneflower! Bright and colorful, these pretty flowers come dressed in a wide variety of hues and quietly display their domed centers and soft delicate petals against the backdrops of ornamental grasses and other decorative backyard plantings! Come along with us as we welcome back the summer season with a walk through the Backyard Blossoms Collection by Heartfelt Creations! Brilliantly hued, and filled with a good dose of summer sunshine, the fabulous paper collection showcases happy shades of bright yellows, pretty pinks, luscious lavenders and glorious greens and showcases lovely lace like patterns, elegant swirls and bountiful coneflower blossoms! Included in this jubilant and cheerful assembling are three exquisitely illustrated cling stamps sets with coordinating dies ideal for all of your summer themed paper craft creations! From large coneflower images, ornamental grasses, to smaller backyard blossom accents, these dynamic illustrations are ideal for creating your very own dimensional flower gardens as focal points on card fronts or as accents on scrapbook layouts! So grab your lounge chair, slather on the sunscreen and join us as we kick back and relax in the backyard enjoying our favorite backyard blossoms!



Materials and Supplies Used:

Black Archival Ink,Black Cardstock, White Cardstock, Black Satin Ribbon, Natural Excelsior, Glitter, Dimensional Foam Tape, Clear Adhesive, Double Sided Tape, Score Board, Paper Trimmer, Scissors. Kuretake Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers : No.043 Olive Green, No.041 Light Green, No.025 Pink, No.202 Peach Pink, No.061 Light Brown, No.052 Bright Yellow, No.050 Yellow, Wink of Stella Clear, Distress Tool.

Video Tutorial!

For more tips on creating with the Backyard Blossoms collection, watch the tutorial at https://youtu.be/swO34-n1HNc.



Instructions:

Cut and score a 6x6 card and a 6x6 card base out of black cardstock. Take the 6x6 background from the Backyard Blossoms Paper pad and trim the background down to a 5 ⅞ X 5 ⅞  inch square. Lightly distress the edges with scissors, or a distress tool. Use the concave die from the Decorative Medallion set and die cut the left side of the background paper. Using the same die, die cut from a separate piece of black cardstock and set aside to be later adhered.

Using the tag die from the Luggage and Tags Die set, die cut the matching background tag found in the Backyard Blossoms Paper Pad. Fold a strand of ribbon in half and loop through the hole in the tag and pull through. Cut off any excess ribbon leaving about 2 inches and set aside. Using the ticket die, die cut the yellow “Thinking of you” sentiment ticket from the Backyard Blossoms Paper Pad and set aside.

Using black Archival Ink, stamp and die cut two single coneflowers from the Garden’s Edge Coneflower set (1.75”x 2.5”) and two leafy accents (2.25” x 3”) from the same set. Stamp and die cut the smaller coneflower from the Blossoming Coneflower Set. Color as desired or use the above suggested Zig colors.

Take the 5 ⅞ x 5 ⅞ background paper from the paper pad and adhere it to the 6x6 black cardstock base without adhering the inner die cut details. Take the black cardstock Decorative Medallion die cut and adhere along the right side of the card (mirrored against the left side) without adhering the intricate details by only gluing the side. Take one of the leafy accents and tuck the bottom stems in between the background paper and the black cardstock base on the left side behind the die cut details to make it appear as if the plant is growing from the background through to the front of the paper to the left of the middle and adhere. Repeat the same step with the  other leafy accent on the right side of the middle of the card, about an inch away from the right edge of the card tucked behind the black cardstock Decorative Medallion die cut.

Take the matching background tag and adhere dimensional foam mounting tape to the back. Take one of the Garden’s edge coneflower and position it on the middle left side of the card and adhere before adhering the tag on top of it so that it looks like it is growing from behind the tag. Add the tag. Add foam mounting tape to the head of the flower to prop it up against the die cut background. Take the flower from the Blossoming Coneflower set and place foam mounting tape to all three flower heads and adhere it on the top of the tag across the center leaving the bottom stem behind the tag. Then, take the last Garden’s edge coneflower, apply foam tape to the back of the flower head and adhere the head to the bottom right corner of the tag. Tuck the stem of the last Garden’s edge coneflower so that it looks like it is growing from behind the black cardstock Decorative Medallion die cut. Take the “Thinking of you” sentiment and place it by  the middle right side of the card on top of the Decorative Medallion die cut and take a leafy accent stem and overlap it before adhering it down for a 3D effect.

It is safe now to glue down any intricate details from the Decorative Medallion die cuts that may be sticking up. Take a few strands of excelsior, fold in half and twist the bottom to form a tiny bushel and add glue to the ends. Do this twice, for each side of the tag and tuck using a chopstick or other tool behind the flower heads, stems, or wherever desired. Add glitter to the flower petals or wherever you want shine. Lastly, place four dots of Ebony black Nuvo Crystal Drops to each corner of the card and allow to dry for at least 12 hours. Enjoy!




Thank you so much for visiting! Please come back for more tutorials!

Tuesday, March 6, 2018

Lemoncraft's Vintage Time Simple Doily Card with Layers

Simple Vintage Time Card designed for Cherish the Memory
using "Gossamer Blue" Paper Pad



Once in a while, I challenge myself to stick to good old paper and adhesive for the sake of good simple design. Well, maybe with some ribbon and tiny embellishments thrown in ;) 

This card was a quick make, probably spent an hour and a half at the most with the most time consuming part being drooling at the paper choices and figuring out the layout.


Love Nuvo drops by Tonic. They are my go to product for even the simplest of projects. I love that drops can be added to even the most simplest card, and still add that detail I crave!


This little girl was my favorite feature of the collection! I knew that when I used her that I would save her for the simplest project, so that she may be the center of attention. I made sure to center her in the middle of the doily for the focal point on my card.


Flair buttons are fairly new to my crafting arsenal, but already have a hard time seeing myself crafting without them. In this case, it is a perfect embellishment over top of a ribbon bow, making it look as if it is holding the card closed.


The challenge I had with this card, for me because I'm detail oriented, was giving this card depth and dimension without making it a mixed media card, or losing it's simplicity. You can easily layer a simple card by playing with the paper itself, by using a bit of foam tape I created a "booklet" effect by placing strips of the different patterned paper in the paper pad and gave each one a different placement to make it appear as if each strip was essentially a "page" descending from left to the right. The beautiful music sheet really helped me achieve that look. To further accentuate this, I made sure the paper doily was beneath the strips.


See that little heart there? If you look closely, I have scattered and glue down little tiny hearts. They are hearts that were die cut leftovers punched out from a Spellbinders die I used for the blue rose doily behind the little vintage girl. 


Thank you for checking out my blog post on this simple card! These gorgeous Lemoncraft papers and flair button can be purchased at Cherish the Memory. Links below!







Thursday, February 22, 2018

I am a Semi-finalist for Heartfelt Creations Design Team!






If you enjoy my artwork, please be so kind as to vote for me! I would absolutely love to create for such a beautiful company!



Shabby Chic "Make today count" Mixed Media Tag

"Make today count" Mixed Media Tag

for Cherish the Memory


Using Lemoncraft's House of Roses Collection



"Make today count"



That is essentially everyone's goal, on a daily basis, right? Most of us may feel like we don't succeed in making every single day "count" but I think it's safe to say that most of us try. I like to think that every day counts, no matter what, even if we can't see how. I also think "make today count" means we should take some time every day to take a look around at the beauty in our surroundings, and I think this tag full of pretty flowers and butterflies is a great reminder to do that! This wonderful sentiment is a Tim Holtz sticker.

The House of Roses collection by Lemoncraft Papers is perfect for any lover of shabby chic! If you'd like to make this tag, the collection is available at Cherish the Memory store. I will list the links to the items at the end of my blog post.


The collection has a beautiful vintage theme, which is made up of soft shades of pink, creams, browns and greens. To showcase the softness of these colors, I decided to use black elements for contrast. To make these classic vintage colors pop, I added a cute black chipboard window frame by Creative Embellishments and used a black tag. If you don't have a black tag on hand, you can always use black cardstock paper to glue onto the tag, and make your tag thicker for more durability.


To tie the design of this retro polka dot pink background, I used a Fiskars punch called "Romantique" to make the edges match the style and soften the edges. Consider checking this punch out, it has three different edges and they are all gorgeous. I use it frequently! 

How I gave the tag texture



Background Elements


Do you see that lovely flair button? I am new to working with flair buttons and I LOVE them. They give such a new to me dimension and enhances the layers! 

To give the flowers an organic effect, I like to add materials that look like fine straw and twine. I find that using these materials helps to "fluffen" up the texture and give great dimension! Adding natural elements to any floral project really adds a realistic factor without having to go dig up anything in your garden! I personally don't have a garden, but I do own some English rose shrubs that may or may not have been such a great idea to grow here in Texas, since I can't stand to be outside most of the year. Oops.



Texture Materials : 


Ranger Glossy Accents
Nuvo Drops
Finnabair art ingredients Mini Art Stones
Faber Castell Glass Bead Glitter Gel
Pink Glitter 
Clear Gesso/Clear Gel Medium

Texture Instructions

For this tag, I wanted to create subtle texture that would connect all the elements in the tag, but not become heavy or distracting. The background is very easy to create, just apply a coat of clear gesso or clear gel medium to the background paper and allow to dry first. Take a palette knife or a spatula, then, spread the Faber Castell Bead Glitter Gel on a craft/glass mat and mix by sprinkling glitter and Mini Art stones at your own preference and apply to the desired areas. 

Tip : Use Ranger Glossy Accents to create dew drops on flowers


I hope you have enjoyed my post! Thank you so much for stopping by. I have linked the paper I used below. 













"Wrapped in Adventure" Layered Card for Cherish the Memory

Layers and Distressing  Using Studio Light's Paper Collection "Memories of Summer" Creating Layers Do you ever ...