Oh wow... it's that time again, where has this week gone!
The weather has been glorious for this time of year, so maybe we can keep those flowers going a little longer.
I hope you have all been enjoying working with the new October Bundle?
I have a feeling that, that cute dragonfly has been making a lot of appearances in your makes (as it has with mine).
This week I thought we add a touch of 'elegance' to our card making ~ I know everyone loves this style from time to time, for that SPECIAL card. It's the type of card you enjoy to give, when someone thinks you've spent a fortune....
Now this is a nice and simple card to make.... so just give it a go!!
You can check out all the products in this Bundle, and also all the products I've used in my project today, in the Shopping List at the bottom of this page.
To begin, for my card base, I took one sheet of White Foundations Card and folded it in half using a Bone Folder to create a neat crease. I then used a Corner Punch to round the edges of my card.
For the next step, I took a sheet of Matt Gold Mirror Card (rounding the corners as above) and adhered it to my white card base (as seen in the photographs below).
Now, taking a sheet of your Gold Silk Mirror Card, measure and cut out a mat with a wider border than previous first layer.
Using your Creative Expressions 3D Sublime Swirls Embossing Folder, run it through your die cutting machine so you get that beautiful deep pattern on your card.
TIP - The 3D Embossing Folders are compatible with most home die-cutting machines. However, the sandwich you use may vary, so please check your instructions to check.
Look how elegant and beautiful this embossed card looks now you. We will be adding more detail with some colour shortly, so pop to one side for now!
For the next part, you will need Cosmic Shimmer Metallic Gilding Polish - Purple Paradise.
Lightly rub the Polish over the raised embossed area only.
There are different ways to do this including :-
Using your fingers
With the applicator sponge inside the lid of your Metallic Gilding Polish
With a Blending Tool (Ranger or Woodware)
With a Brayer (Ranger or John Next Door)
If you've not used Metallic Gilding Polish before, it is known as "metallic card in a jar."
It dries almost immediately, so once you are ready, use your Corner Punch to shape all four corners. Attach the two mats to your card base using Ultra Sticky Double Sided Tape.
Now I know you can't wait.... so let's use the stunning dies from the Bundle!
First of all, we will be using Sue Wilson's Roxy Frame And Tags Die Set.
Take a piece of White Foundations Card (either Coconut or Bright White) and cut out the outer die in the set. You are now going to colour this using this with Distress Oxide Ink - Wilted Violet.
Once you've got an even coverage, use a Woodware Mini Water Spray Bottle to spritz water droplets onto the Oxide Ink. You will see that this reacts and creates a really lovely effect.
Now again taking your Roxy Frame And Tags Die, use the outer die to cut your Silk Gold Mirror Card. After putting it through your machine once, run it through again, but this time include the main floral part of the die set on top.
Run it through now for a third time, but this time with the small inner die and use tape to stick it in place. We can now stick the two dies cuts together with some Cosmic Shimmer Dries Clear Glue.
TOP TIP - Whilst die cutting, you may find it helpful to use some low tack tape to hold your dies in the correct position.
NOTHING GOES TO WASTE - If possible, save the little flourish piece that comes out of this die, as we will be using this for next weeks' project :-)
It's starting to shape.... and doesn't the purple and gold look regal - I LOVE IT!!!!
Moving onto our sentiment now... which we are going to stamp into the centre of our flourish.
Here I chose the sentiment "Always Be The Best" from Phill Martin's Bohemian Sentiments Clear Stamp Set from my October Bundle.
Attach the Stamp onto a Stamping Block (or Platform) and lightly press your Clear Embossing Ink Pad over the top of your Stamp and then press onto your die cut.
Sprinkle some of the Cosmic Shimmer True White Detail Embossing Powder onto the stamped sentiment. Then using your Heat Tool, melt your embossing powder and watch the magic happen... (the famous saying you will always hear on crafting TV).
TOP TIP - When using embossing powder, put a sheet of plain copier paper underneath the card / die cut you've stamped on. When you have finished, you can tip any excess powder onto the paper, and the create a funnel to pop it back into the jar.
You Roxy Frame And Tag centre piece should now have a gold detail edge and a beautiful purple centre which is stamped with your sentiment. As we want to make this stand out, attach to the front of your card using Foam Pads. (Position it more to the left, as we you need to leave room for our lovely dragonfly.
So talking of the dragonfly.... let's create this next!!
Cut the solid part of the dragon fly die in white card and colour with your Distress Oxide Ink - Wilted Violet.
Now, take a piece of Silk Gold Mirror Card and cut another solid layer.
Run through your die cutting machine again, but this time include the top layer of the dragonfly as well (you don't need the middle part for this).
Glue the two parts together, and place this on the right hand side of card using Foam Pads.
We are nearly there..... just the flowers to cut and assemble.
Again, taking your matt Silk Gold Card, cut four sets of each of the flowers from Sue Wilson's
Petite Dianthus Die Set.
Now you have the option to use the flowers flat, or if like me you prefer to give them a little shape, then you can mould them using a Shaping Pad and Embossing Tools.
Once you are happy with your flowers, assemble them by using some glue, and then attach them to your card.
Now, as you know Lynn and I love to add the all important finishing touches to our cards.
So taking some Cosmic Shimmer 3D Glue in Purple Violet, I added some accents to the centres of my flowers. Put aside to dry.
For those of you who are new to Cosmic Shimmer 3D Glue, it is an amazing product for adding detail, but also for lots of other techniques including making your own coloured pearls.
There we are...... your card is complete, so I hope you have had fun making it,
Our aim is to give you lots of inspiration with these Bundles, and I think this card has a universal appeal, giving you so many options... and maybe an introduction to some new products too!!
If you have been inspired by this make, and decide to have a go at your own design, we would love you to share it with us on our Facebook Group - Create With Craftmania And Jamie Rodgers.
I hope you all have a great week, and remember to check back here on Saturday to see Lynn's next project and blog with October's Bundle.
See you all soon, take care and keep crafting!
Ian x
CARD
OR
COSMIC SHIMMER & PRODUCTS
OR
INK PADS
OR
TAPES & ADHESIVES
OR
OR
TOOLS
such a beautiful card Ian, very elegant. I really enjoyed reading through this, thank you.
Very opulent and I do love purple lol .great card Ian 😊
Great idea but for me I would have to do it in a different colour, as a lot if people know I don't do purple lol but can see how rich it looks