Guten Tags

This was my third entry in Paper Craft Magazine's online "hello-themed" Gallery Idol contest this past April. For this "card" I decided to create a series of tags, each printed with the word "hello" in a different language. I also used a technique called dry embossing using Lasting Impressions' stencils to create the various 3D elements on each tag. I added color and contrast to my images by highlighting them with ink. I also added dimension to my project by using various levels of foam tape to adhere my elements. I accented some of the bugs with vellum wings and "antennae" made from silver florist wire. Finally, I bound all the tags together with two very large brads.







Want to see more of this project? Check it out in my online portfolio!

To learn more about dry embossing, check back for a future post...

Floral Hello Card

This is another card that I designed for Paper Craft Magazine's online Gallery Idol contest in April. I had fun with the color scheme and I like the bright, cheery feel that I get from this card. I hope you like it too!

Another relatively quick and easy creation, the base of this card is a 5"x7" piece of patterned cardstock folded to reveal an inch of the coordinating inside pattern along the bottom. I adhered letter stickers to white cardstock which I then trimmed, leaving an 1/16" border around the letters. I "stitched" buttons to paper flowers with florist wire reinforced with adhesive dots. I then adhered all the elements to the card with additional adhesive dots. Finally I added rub-on swirls for an elegant, but playful touch.

Bonus Tips! I used small embroidery scissors for the fine, detail cutting. Also, When cutting out shapes with scissors, move the paper, NOT the scissors. In other words, your scissor hand should only be opening & closing the scissors in long, smooth strokes. Your other hand twists and turns the paper, guiding it into the scissors. This results in smoother, neater cuts.

Pocket Cards

I got this quick and easy Pocket Card idea from the Feb/March 2003 issue of Stamper's Sampler. It's so simple, you really don't need a template (but I'm providing the link anyway...) Simply fold a rectangular piece of cardstock in half so that the fold is at the top. Then fold up the outer corners and secure as desired.

I designed this card for Paper Crafts magazine's online Gallery Idol contest back in April. The challenge was "Hello Cards." For this entry, I went with a "stationery" theme. I used double-sided cardstock to create the card base. I then printed out "Just a note to say..." with a green background on cream cardstock to get the "reversed text" effect. I added a "hi" brad over a paper flower to complete my sentiment. Finally I secured my pocket together with ribbon and added a silver letter charm.

For the pockets contents, I created three miniature, personalized letterhead in Photoshop, which I then tucked into the pocket. I also added small images of postage stamps which I cut out of a USPS catalog, mounted on white cardstock for stability and trimmed with decorative scissors. The last of the contents of my pocket include a miniature envelope, pen and paper flowers with brad centers.

Here are some additional Pocket Cards that I have created in the past.

For this one, I used dimensional
stickers and secured it
with a trio of ribbons.

I filled the pocket of this
Mother's Day card with silk roses
and added a gold heart charm
to the ribbon closure.

Here I used vellum stickers which I backed with white cardstock for opacity. I then attached them using foam tape for added dimension.

There are so many ways to customize this card! The pocket can hold small trinkets for a birthday party or a baby shower. It can also be used to hold a gift card. How about food-themed embellishments with a restaurant gift certificate inside? So many ideas! I hope you're inspired to create your own!