Nestabilities Pendant and Border dies - Chocolate Baroque Doodle Stamps

Monday does seem to come round quicklythese days!  Today for my tutorial I thought I would show you another of my DT cards, this time using one of the new Doodle stamps......

Materials used:
A4 sage green card, extra sage green, dark green and white card, decorative paper
Nestabilies Pendant and Border die: Spades
Nestabilies: Classic Squares, and Oval
CB: Doodle Rose
Creative Expression Mask : Ivy
Distress inks, Marvy la Plume pens, ribbon

Method:  Centre score and fold A4  sage green card.
With large square die emboss onto the card using the sandwich I gave you a couple of weeks ago.  - you will the recipe on my embossing page.   Or you could use a magnetic mat - you will find info and examples on how to do this in the label section on my sidebar under Magnetic mats.
Cut the second smaller coloured square and emboss with a mask or folder.
Cut and emboss the Pendant die from decorative paper.
Cut and emboss the border from the same card as the base card. (I left the cutouts in place and secured with tape).
Cut an oval from white card - colour the stamp with Marvy la Plume pens and then stamp - emboss with the mask and colour with DI's.
Assemble, threading the ribbon through the pendant and fix on the back of the square.

Hope you're still with me this take some explaining!   And,  that you are tempted to try the embossing - yet another way of using your dies -  and all your dies can be used this way!  It may sound difficult but it's really easy - trust me I'm a Cuttlebug crafter (lol).

Less is More - Challenge week 7

Hi, I have been a bit short of inspiration and energy over the last week, but managed to pull something together for this week's challenge from LIM - a masculine card.......

The sentiment is from Hero Arts (H4938) which I bought 12 months ago from the NEC  - another one of those purchases which I just had to have at the time and which has sat on the shelf since looking at me waiting to be used for the first time! 

You will perhaps recognise the car from the new Chocolate Baroque miniature stamps Curiosities.

The trees are from the EI Tall Tree theme plate (UA5SP0252)

To get this effect I stamped the car on scrap paper, then cut-out the image to use as a mask.

After stamping the car in Brown Archival ink on a piece of cream hammer card, I heat embossed the image with a clear embossing powder, placed the mask over the image and then stamped and heat embossed the trees as a background.   I love the effects you can get with this masking techique!

I used a Classic Large Oval die (size 2) to cut out the image.  By leaving the cut in the die, you can embossed the edge with a embossing pen, and  also use the die as a stensil to colour the centre panel. 

I then cut another oval in acetate, ran this through the Bug in the distress strips folder to give a more interesting look to the embellishment, and fixed with brads.  Unfortunately this was difficult to show on a photograph but it was worth the effort because of the texture and sheen that it adds!   The Bug cuts only a medium weight acetate (have yet to try it in the JT) and embossing caused no problems.  The swirls are from Marianne designs.

Another enjoyable challenge from LIS - thanks ladies for the inspiration to get off my butt!  Now what else can I do?????

Top Tip - embossing with a stylus pen

Time restraints means that today I do not have the time to do my usual tutorial, BUT since I have many new readers I'm refering back to .........20th April 2009 and a tip that I consider to be my best of 2009.  It's one that you may have missed and I want you to know about it because it's soooooo useful!

Does the embossed edge on this illustration look the same? 

 One is done using the tan mat - the other with an embossing stylus. 
 
I often use this method of embossing the edge of a cut die - it's quick; it's just as effective; it will work on most shapes and if you haven't got a tan mat you will no doubt have a embossing pen. If you would like to see the full tutorial check out this link.

Have you ever visited this site:
http://melstampz.blogspot.com/2008/03/ive-been-bitten.html  there are over 200 ways listed on using your Bug (or any other die cutting machine), and I very proud that that some of my tips are on there including this one. 

Have a good day.

Teeny Weeny Meadow Stamps from Chocolate Baroque

Hi, Monday morning and time to make my post on the Chocolate Baroque DT blog. This is a sneak peek at what I've been up to.....

I've used the new miniature stamps called Teeny Weeny Meadow - teeny they may be, but they are super to work with and certainly get the old grey matter going! Hope you'll have time to pop over to the DT blog - where you will find my tutorial - just click on the logo on my sidebar and please let me know what you think.  If you have any queries about the techniques I used - you know the rules - just shout!

Artylicious - Nestabilities - Marianne Creatables

Printing my own paper background is a new venture for me, but since I now have the Artylicious CD : Essence of Nature, today was playtime

This CD has a beautiful collection of designs,   this one called Windsong....

The butterfly is one of the Marianne Design Creatables cut in a patterned vellum and a patterned paper.

and I love the inserts you can print - althougth I might have got a bit carried away with inking!

I finished my card with a Nestabilies small plain and scalloped oval with a PC generated sentiment. With a few added swirls and a quick inking round the edge, who would think that this was just white copy paper.

The font is:  Amaze - size  18

I've received a number of queries about  fonts and printing sentiments and this is something I'm working on. 

Hope you're having a good Sunday, here in North Staffs the rain has stopped AT LAST! It's defo been one of those days when you can craft and forget about those gardening jobs waiting out there.  All in all it's been a good weekend, Dave's health is much improved - his body seems to be fighting the infection now and the DN's have been wonderfully helpful calling in daily to do his dressing.   I'm crossing my fingers and toes that the coming week be even better!  Thanks for dropping by.

                                      

Nestabilities - Oval Scallop Dies

The Cuttlebug, embossing folders, and Nestabilities are so useful in your cardmaking.

Like everyone, I feel winter is going on and on - spring where are you?   The snowdrops are beginning to show,  and I have a few early crocus popping through - they inspired me to make a bright, cheerful spring card.

Materials used:
6 x 6 card
Oval scallop Nesties
Crafts-2-You - Daisy Embossing folder
DP from HOTP
SU punch
Stamp, Promarkers, and Distress Inks

The base card

Emboss the card from the centre fold.  Punch a decorative edge. 

On the inside: punch a strip of DP and cover the edge of the card.  Die cut a scallop oval, stamp with sentiment and swirls and ink the edges with distress ink.

All you need now is an embellishment: 

  My bright, cheerful spring-like card.  

I was surprised just how positive this made me feel!

Cuttlebug Folder, Nestabilitie Oval Scallop, and stamping

Need a quick card?  BUT, also an interesting one - How's about this ....

Materials Used:
6 x 6 Cream Hammer card
CB - Swiss Dots Folder
2 Oval scallop dies
Vintage corner die
Harmony Alphabet
Decorative paper
Border punch
Stamp, ribbon and gems

 

I first embossed the front edge of the card, then covered the with DP with a shaped edge.  Any border punch would be fine, but this was actually cut with a Fiskar stencil template.

Cut and add the corners - to make these easier to fasten to the card, I always put DST (see glossary) on the back of the card before I cut. You can see this in more detail under the label : Alphabets on my sidebar.  On this card I also needed numbers, which were cut in actually the same way.

Cut 2 oval dies - one in cream card, the other in the same patterned paper.

Add your stamped image - not sure what this stamp is called or the manufacturer - there were some smaller flowers on the image, but I cut them off!  The mottled effect was achieved by using different colours of chalk and then covering with glossy accents.

This is not just a Cuttled card - it combines embossing,  papercrafting and stamping, but it's still an quick and easy to achieve card with texture, colour and interest.  Hope you like it!

Cuttlebug - Top Tip of 2009 - Die Cutting, Embossing, Stencilling with Nestabilities

Before I share with you my top tip of 2009, I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. 2010 - where will it take us with our crafting?

In January 2009 when I started this blog I had no idea or plans. I was encouraged by blog mates that this was the way to go! So go I did, and look where it got me! 297 fellow lovers of the Bug, and over 100,000 visits from across the world. I know I love my Bug, but I had no idea that there were so many of you out there feeling the same. I also did not realise that so many owners of this little Green Bug were looking for help and inspiration!

I hope that you have found a place where you can visit and browse at leisure, and also a place where you feel able to ask questions and share your own ideas and experiences.

Now for the tip that I consider to be the best idea I had in 2009. This simple way of stencilling and embossing is so useful. You do not need a Tan Embossing Mat to emboss the edges of many of your die cuts - all you need is an embossing pen. Like most good ideas - simple when you know.

From my Tutorial 20th April 2009

"Hi Cuttlers, another week - another subject - Stencilling. I'm adding this now because it follows on so nicely from the last two tutorials. Thank you Heather for your suggestion and contribution to make this an interesting and enlightening subject. Even though it says stencilling on the Nestability package, I had not thought or tried it before, but I have now and will again! Obviously, I only read what I want to see! How about you??? Have you tried this?

You will need: a stamp, card and a Nestie Die

First stamp your image or sentiment on the card, place the die over the image and cut as usual.
Sandwich: A; B; Card; Nestie cut side down; C plate


Having cut your shape, emboss. If you have not done this before - check here on last week's tutorial.


Leave the card inside the die - now you can stencil a colour(s) round your image. This will leave a white edge which gives more definition to the image - the more colour - the more dramatic the effect will be!

I used chalk and prisma pencils, but you could also use ink. I must say I found it easier with chalk, especially if you have a rubber handy!!!


Now this has to be my tip of the week! Discovered completely by a mishap embossing when not adding enough pressure by too few shims, left only a faint impression.


With the card inside the die with the cut side up image face dwn, run an embossing tool round the edge of the inside rim of the die as shown

This is what happened - a remarkably clear impression. To test this out I used a heavy weight card and ......was very pleased with the result. Let's call this a "Cheats guide to embossing".
The cuttlebug embossed and the hand embossed - can you tell?

As I said before the stencilling idea was passed on to me by my Cuttlebug Mate Heather. If you don't know Rica you should! Her crafting is exceptional. Her blog outstanding for inspiration and creativity, as you can see from a glimse at these cards where she has used chalk and ink to highlight the main image. Thanks Heather for sharing your work. "


 
It's a long post today, but I felt sure you would like to read the tutorial in full. As I said - a simple idea discovered by accident, but what an accident it turned out to be! My Cheat's Guide to Embossing just has to be No 1 Tip of 2009!

Okay 2010 - now I'm ready to move on. Thinking cap on...what's next????

Cuttlebug, Nestabilities - Ovals and Doodles

Hi there, today is the last day of my self-imposed challenge of posting a daily Cuttlebug Christmas card. It's been quite exhausting and brain stopping trying to think of new ways to use the Bug, folders and dies! But, now that I have 30 cards in my stock, all different, I can see that it has worked out well, and the effort has been worthwhile.

So for today's 30th card:

This card was made especially for Andrea. Andrea is a very talented crafter who has helped and encouraged me to stamp and colour. If you have not seen any of her work - pop over to her blog and be inspired!  Thanks Andrea for your patience, understanding, support and for passing on your crafting skills.

For the card:
6" x 6" square white linin card
Basic Grey papers
Various stamps
Nestie Ovals
Nestie Doodles
Fiskar Snowflake punch
bits and bobs from stash

The paper I used was a plain BG paper, which I stamped over with a script, a crackle, a snowflake and a Christmas stamp. I have discovered that this is an area of crafting that I enjoy and hope to follow up in the new year. You can get a truly individually look with this kind of stamping. 

The Red BG paper I embossed with the CB script folder and mounted on gold mirror card.  Two scraps from the same paper pack made the border.  I follow the the crafters motto - Waste not - want not! 

On the inside of the card, two further scraps made a colourful border.

Back to the front:  On the border - 2 dies from the Doodle set.

Assembled: 

I was pleased with the results of my stamping, and it looked so okay that Andrea thought that the paper came that way!  Success, impressed the teacher!!

I hope you have found ideas and inspiration to complete your Christmas cards.  I have linked the various techniques to previous tutorials to help you understand and master new skills.    On my Tippy Thursday post, I will be doing a question/answer spot. So, if you have a question please contact me via the comments link - if I don't know the answer, I'm sure I'll have blog mates who will. 

Thanks for your support over the month - it's been fun!

Spellbinder - Ovals and Squares - Make your own corners

Hi there, my 28th Christmas card is a fun card for my Granddaughter.  Snowmen, Teddy, Cat and of course Glitter.  Having included all these necessities, I even managed to sneak in a couple of Cuttlebug touches for you!

The Nestie Ovals speak for themselves, but if you look at the corners....these are not punched, but cut from a Nestie Square.  If you would like to see how to do this....check it out here

 

and my card....

Caitlin is very excited because she is going to be Mary in the school's Nativity play. Her Grandad asked "Is there a donkey...Yes...what's do you call this donkey...Josh...Is he a good donkey...No...He tried to strangle me!" Kids!! Hope he's better behaved on the day!!!

Are you getting those Chrissie cards done? Not long now!

See you tomorrow with No.29.

Spellbinder - Die cuts

Hiya, Today I thought I would show you this card (No.19) and the way that I have used the Spellbinder Oval Classic Standard and Scalloped die.

The materials used:
Cardstock 6" x 8"
Spellbinder - Ovals
Papers: Basic Grey
Stamp: Inkadinkado
Bits and Pieces

I like this style of card made by making a 2" front flap -  it shows off two of these lovely papers from BG. Some of the stamping on the ground paper has been added by me!!

On the close-up of the embellishment you will see that I have chalked the edge of the oval.  You can add colour to a dit cut in two ways:

1.  With a sponge or cut and dry foam - drag the colour in from the edge until you have sufficient shading.

2.  Leave the shape in the die and use as a stencil - chalk or ink - when the die is removed you then have a white edge and colour as well.

Drop by tomorrow and see the cards I'm taking to a sales day at the Hospital.  To all the kind crafters who donated cards, I will let you know how I got on on Wednesday. 

If you read my post yesterday re tips on embossing folders, I have added a couple of very useful tips which I forgot about at the time of writing - namely embossing larger cards and using an MFP. Can't think why I forgot these two because they are so helpful in extending the useage of your folders!

Cuttlebug Oval Nestabilities

Are you busy? I am! When short of time and I have cards to make, my tip is to look for a beautiful paper, this will be your 'more' and you will need 'less'!

This card says it all.....
This card started out as a 4" x 4" White linen card. The golden holly design is a beautiful vellum, when overlaid on the white card - stunning!

Vellum being difficult to stick, I made the card a tent fold and wrapped the covering over to the back and fastened with DST and finished with a thick line peeloff, then fastened again on the front inside. Using an insert the adhesive is not noticeable.

Since the Vellum made such a statement, all I needed was a simple sentiment - a white oval Nestie on a scallop gold mirror mat. Under the mat, a mesh gold ribbon, and small gold beads twisted on fine wire completed my card.

Simple, quick and easy and yet a classic Christmas card - My No.15.

Cuttlebug Tutorial - Christmas No.10

On my CCC No. 10 I've gone for bells! A week ago I showed you how to use the Bell Wedding Folder to make a tag and then a card. Today something different with the same folder.
To make this card I used:
4" x 6" Red Hammer Card
CB Wedding Bell Folder
Score Board
Nestie Classic scallop oval
stamped image, ribbon

You will see from this picture how to achieve a border with a small 2" square folder. I always use a MFP (see link or glossary) because this avoids any crease and folder marks on the card.
Unfortunately, not a good picture but I think you will be able to see NO crease or folder lines.

Fortunately, this is a better picture. and you can see how I completed the embossing.

You can also use the folder to emboss inside or on the back of the card.

Back to a poor picture, not sure whether it's the light or camera.

I'm not too happy with this! I like the embossing but the image is not right and it needs a bit of tweaking, but the card does illustrate how to use a small folder to emboss, so it serves its purpose.

Back tomorrow with hopefully something better photed. Have a good Saturday, I'm off to a craft demo, but I'm leaving my purse at home!