Saturday, 26 March 2022

I need a catchy title...

... that's not globally insensitive. Not always easy. Today's project is an explosion card.  See what I mean.

    

But it is a fantastic card so let's just focus on that.  They are also easier than they look. Here is the video I made showing how they go together and a fail - so you don't have to make the same mistake.

  

The main part that makes this card pop is the folded DSP in the middle.  Here's the layout for scoring.  Depending how you choose to decorate it, you could need 2 or 4 side panels (just the front or front and inside) and 1 or 2 back panels (inside behind sentiment or on back). 


  

In the video you will see that the 6x6 DSP didn't work for a full size card but worked great for the notecard size.  Just don't fold the notecard on the existing score - make 2 new score lines as per diagram.

    

Depending how much you decorate the inside, you could write there or if you get a little carried away and put DSP everywhere because you like the DSP so much [ hypothetically :) ], just put a layer of white cardstock on the back and write there.  

    

These cards don't open fully flat, so they also happen to stand perfectly.  They will fit in a standard envelope but are a little on the thick side so would need extra postage if you are mailing them.

  

Are you going to try and make an explosion card? I would love to see what you come up with.

Happy crafting.

Tracey

Monday, 14 March 2022

top of the morning

And yes, it is a couple mornings later than it was supposed to be.  I was tournament manager for son's hockey team this weekend and was very focused and busy with that.  Totally forget to finish and schedule this blog.  On the upside - the tournament went great and all the teams seemed to enjoy themselves.


Now, who needs to make a leprechaun hat? These little treat holders are so cute and come together really quick.  Here's the video I did for 3D Thursday that will take you thru the process:



Once you have chosen your base - as I show in the video I generally use empty embellishment containers or glue dot rolls -  you may need to adjust the length of the pieces.

For these projects, cut a piece of cardstock 8 1/2" x 2" with a belt that is 8 1/2" x 1/2".

If you choose to put a piece of cardstock inside the hat to cover up the embellishment container, I suggest putting it in before you put on the side of the hat.  It can be done after but is much easier before.  Also, using dimensionals is easier as there is a big bump in the center of the plastic and this will hold the cardstock above it. For this size, a 2 1/4" diameter circle was used.

  

To decorate, put the seam from the hat side at the back and line up so decor is centered on the front.  Ribbon could also be used instead of the cardstock belt.  

Remember is you have a buckle, put the black belt about 1/4 " from the brim so there is room.  In this example from christmas, the belt on the snowman hat can go right to the bottom.

When putting on the buckle, put adhesive above and below the belt.  This is will be more secure as you are not trying to adhere on the curve.

I would love to see what you come up with for decorations and treats inside. Happy crafting and Happy St Patrick's Day!

T


   

Saturday, 5 March 2022

a "sheet load" of lunchbox cards

he he - I can't remember whose blog I read that term on but it made me laugh. And laughing is good.

This is a fun little project and the best part, it's fun for the receivers too.

These lunchbox cards aren't just good for your kids / partners lunchbox, you could put them on coworkers desks, slip them into gifts or deliveries you make, or hand them to helpful retail workers.  What else can you think of?

These projects are meant to be quick and easy - stamp an image, colour, give - but you can also stamp, add die cuts, DSP, layers or more.  Each sheet of cardstock will make 8 cards.  Here are how you score and cut the cardstock.  Remember, score first, then cut.

  

Want more details?  Here's the video I made showing the first batch of cards.



Then  after the video I made some more.  Did I mention these were addictive?  Here was batch 2.

Will you be making some of these cute little cards?  It's a great way to spread some smiles. I hope you have as much fun making them as I did.

Happy crafting.

T


Saturday, 19 February 2022

Sit right back and I'll tell a tale ...

... of how this card got made.  Who am I kidding, I can't sing.  But I can type. A few weeks ago, I watched my friend Tamara do a video where she CASEd - with a few modifications - a card she saw by a lady whose channel is called Iced Images.  Cool card I thought, I should try it.  Fast forward to last week and I keep seeing the start of the same video by Dawn Griffiths that starts automatically in Facebook watch. Generally I was just finishing up watching something else so I turned if off after 30 seconds or so.  But on the third time it popped up, I left it running as I was busy with something and I like Dawn so figured I'd see what she was up to.  Turns out, she was making a card she saw by a lady whose channel was called Iced Images.  Dawn also modified the project to turn it sideways.  This was more appealing to me - and I figured the crafting universe was trying to tell me something by continually putting this card in front of me.  So I made the card, and ya, I modified it a bit. 

This card has big impact but goes together rather quickly.  As you'll see from the samples, your choice of DSP sets the tone for the card.  Here are the two cards from my Show and Tell with Tracey video. 



You can watch a replay on my YouTube channel.


This card stands great on a desk or shelf but don't fret, it folds flat to mail.


I've made a third card as well to get some extra pictures so you might notice different cardstock colours.  Here are the supplies you need:

back piece:  

cardstock is 4 1/4" x 8 15/16" (that's just shy of 9" so the box folds up without overlap) and on the long side, score at 5"  6"  7"  8"

 DSP: main piece is 4 1/8" x 3 7/8" and the two strips are 4 1/8" x 7/8".  If your paper is directional, orient it so that the 4 1/8" measurement is side to side.

middle piece:

cardstock is 3 5/8" x 4 3/8" 

 DSP 3 1/2" x 4 1/4". If your paper is directional, orient it so that the 3 1/2" measurement is side to side.

front piece:

cardstock is 3" x 5 15/16" (that's just shy of 6" so the box folds up without overlap) and on the long side, score at 4"  4 1/2"  5"  5 1/2".

 DSP is 2 7/8" x 3 7/8". If your paper is directional, orient it so that the 2 7/8" measurement is side to side.

These 3 pieces can all be cut out of 1 piece of cardstock.

When you are putting the card together it's easier to adhere the dsp before folding the "boxes" up but, because this card folds flat for mailing, you can do it after if you forget.  Ask me how I know. 

Just remember, the dsp goes on the same side as the box on the back piece but it goes on the opposite side on the front piece. 


The  strips are not essential but I like the look.  The top one covers the front behind the middle panel (although most of it is hidden) and the the bottom on is actually the bottom of the card but you see it when you fold the card flat.

    


Once you have the dsp adhered, fold two of the scored sections over and then fold the main card piece over onto them - this way the box will be square. It's easier to see in the video but hopefully the pics will help this make sense.


  

Once the 3 pieces are prepped they get layered on centering the pieces.


Then you adorn the front as desired. Make sure if you are going to hang any embellishments past the edge of the front layer (I love this look), you keep them inside the edge of the back layer so the card will still fit in an envelope.

And here's the final product.  I snuck in a retired heart but otherwise the products are all current - mostly from the Jan-Jun mini.  I hope you enjoy trying this fun fold yourself.



Happy crafting.

Tracey






Saturday, 29 January 2022

I love a man in a kilt

But what about giving a man you love a kilt .. gift card holder.  That's todays project and it's super cute. 


  

This was originally a birthday card present but needing more pictures, I created a valentine one.  If you've every been to Scotland you would have seen kilts of all colours, patterns (not just plaid) and styles (dress,utility, mini). I figure that means you can make this gift card holder with any DSP you want.

Start with a base piece of cardstock 9 3/4" x 2 3/4" - then score on the long side at 1 1/4" and 5 1/4". 

Make 2 sets of inserts for the inside: coloured layer is 4" x 2 1/2" and the white layer is 3 7/8" x 2 3/8". 


You will also need layers for the fold over pocket piece.  Coloured layer is 2 1/2" x 1" and the dsp layer is 2 3/8" x 7/8". This could also be cardstock but I like to bring a little of the plaid into the inside.

Place both layers down before adhering the pocket.  You want to make sure the tear and tape is all the way to the edge - or hang it over the edge and just fold it back on itself. Once you fold up the pocket, you can add the small plaid layer and any embellishments.

 

To make the kilt for the front, start with a piece of dsp that is 6 1/2" x 4 1/2".  If orientation of the paper matters, the long side is the top.  Score on the long side at:

1/2"   1"   1 1/2"   2"   2 1/2"   4"   4 1/2"   5"   5 1/2"   6"

The outside edges will be folded under to cover the back of the flare because you can see it from the inside. The rest alternate up and down:

The pleating is easier to show than explain I think so I made a little video, using a bigger piece of cardstock so it's easier to see.  You are basically keeping the score lines but manhandling the sections in between to get a little shape.  As I say in the video, practice on a piece of paper you don't like first and then on the good piece. 


 

Once you have the pleats done you adhere the kilt to the front.  You need enough adhesive to catch all the pleats.  When placing down the kilt, start with the bottom corners and make sure you have the tucked under piece secured in the adhesive and the lay down moving up. The flared corners will overhang the cardstock by about 1/4" but the top will line up with the sides. 


The paper is designed to go past on the top and you can trim this off before applying the belt. You can give the bottom a trim if needed as well.  Apply double tear and tape on the belt to hold it down over the pleated edge.  Put down one strip, peel the backing and then overlap the second strip. 


  

The sporran is just free hand cut - I do it in one piece and fold the flap over (then trim as I never cut evenly) but you could also do 2 pieces.  The tassel is free hand from the bakers twine and the "button" can be any embellishment or brad.

And there you have it, a kilt - not a skirt!  Although with different paper and a little different embellishing, you could make a skirt. Or maybe the bottom of a wedding dress? Have fun playing with the possibilities.

If you need help or clarification, feel free to reach out. Happy crafting.

Tracey




I think it's called a double step card.

So here's the thing, I did try to google and find out what this fun fold was called. Do you know what happens when a crafter googles car...