"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.

Cherish the Memory Store

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.

Cherish the Memory 

Tropical Summer themed Card for Cherish the Memory

 

 An Inspirational "Getaway" card
using Studio Light "Memories of Summer" Paper Collection

 

An Alternative to Post Cards

Most people send postcards from exotic places they are visiting when it comes to a tangible card form, but the reality is most of us nowadays use social media to share pictures of family at the pool or if you are travelling solo, pictures of your toes in the sand. Personally, the only time I have ever sent a postcard to someone is when they requested one, but I felt like it lacked something. Sure, it's perfect when you want something fast and simple to buy, but what if you were a crafter and wanted to make something a little more memorable? 

Cherish the Memory sells these fantastic 3D pre-die cut ephemera pieces that literally require just your hands to punch out! Meaning, you have the choice of bringing a few pages with you for some tropical crafting fun or a quick crafty make for when you come home from vacation, need some crafty time and or don't feel like unpacking just yet. The links to what you need to make this card is listed below.

Layering for Photos

What I love most about these ephemera pages is that there's quite a variety of ephemera that resemble photographs, which you can easily use as a decorative item on your card or for an easy way to layer a real photo on top of, to create dimension. I particularly liked the "Building Sandcastles" sentiment, because it brought me back memories of my childhood where my mom bought my sister and I pails and shovels to use on the sand at the beach...perfect for when you have photos of some fun in the sand!

Last not but not least, the flowers. There is a generous assortment of die cut flowers to choose from and these were particularly lovely as they were of the tropical kind! A great way to add a tropical or feminine touch to any card depending on how many you choose to use. There is no limit!

I hope you have enjoyed my post. The links to these Studio Light papers are linked below!

Cherish the Memory Store

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!

Vintage Pink Gingham Vinca Card

A 6x6 Dimensional Card using Lemoncraft's House of Roses Paper 

for Cherish the Memory

Hey there! Welcome to my blog post!

I love red and pink. I love both of them together, but out of the two if I had to choose one I would most certainly pick pink! A super bright fuchsia pink! I try to work in colors other than pink because it is one of the many ways I challenge myself as an artist. So, when I was sent this paper collection by Lemoncraft called House of Roses from Cherish the Memory, this girly girl was delighted! As usual I will post links at the end of my post on where to purchase.

So I went with simple design again with this card. Much like the last card, I wanted to keep it a neat and fast to make project. Coming up with the layout took me less than ten minutes and about half an hour to assemble! Oh! And while watching my soap opera! Talk about multitasking!

Using an image from the Vintage Time collection fussy cut page, I centered it as the focal point for my card. Since the card's theme is predominantly pink, I thought this white bouquet of gorgeous vincas would be the perfect contrast against the pink gingham background.

In addition to the contrasting white bouquet, layers were added underneath to make the focal point sort of pop up quite literally from the rest of the card. Remembering to keep the card simple, I limited the dimensional element only underneath the bouquet.

The lovely postcard you see in the background is from the ephemera pack which I have linked below. It is the second layer from the background paper to make it appear as if it was the postcard that was somewhat "wrapped" with the burlap floral ribbon, ready to be delivered.

Without adding too many patterns, I used similar patterned papaer to the gingham using dotted paper from the House of Roses paper pad to buffer the imagery between the layers. What this does is help hide some of the post card and ties the main ephemera piece to the background so that it all stays connected. I believe strongly in having my pieces all connect in design similarities so that there is harmony. This also helps the beige colored die cut heart circle stand out from the postcard with pink peeping through.

I used cute little white flowers that matched the bouquet and adhered tiny little pink pearls to make them match the vincas and decided to adorn the corners for consistency. 

For dimension in most of my projects, I use foam tape, but I hate to rely solely on foam tape so I always make sure to use any elements that might help me get that extra "oomph" in my layering. In this case, I tore the petals off of a large paper flower (If you gasped, I understand completely, but sometimes you need to improvise!) and glued the petals around the die cut heart frame to match the florals in the background. Again, I did this to create that connection for consistency and to also make the pink centers of the vincas pop. 

Lastly, I added two gemstones to counterbalance the vertical burlap strip. I love using these gems because it adds this beautiful light catching sparkle that rhinestones have. I always try to make my projects sparkly when I can!

Thank you SO much for checking out my blog post on this feminine vintage floral card! If you like my work please know that you can get these posts e-mailed to you by subscribing! Check out the links below if you are interested in creating with these gorgeous papers.

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!