Spotlight On . . .

This and That

Here is a fantastic project by Amanda using Shelly's Images "Carrot Patch" digi stamp.

 

 

 

We hope this cute fancy fold card will inspire your projects.  Be sure to click on our "Spotlight On" category in the side bar for more great projects.  Or click on the specific Holiday or project type that you are working on for more great ideas and inspiration.

Tutorial Tuesday - Gate Fold with Hanging Embellishment

I love folded cards.  I really love any card that has a little surprise. 

Today I would like to show you how to make a Gate Fold card.  The finished card is the card I made for my husband for Valentine's Day this year.  I hope you enjoy the tutorial.

Start with a piece of cardstock that is 12 inches x 6 inches.  These dimensions will create a card that is 4 x 6 inches.  For my card base I chose to use Bazzill Raven.  Score at 2", 4", 8", and 10".  Fold as shown in the picture.  Meaning the 2" and 10" scores will be a mountain fold, the 4" and 8" scores will become valley folds.

This picture shows the folds.  For my card I am using the "Key to my Heart" set from Shelly's Images.  This file is available in a .svg format on request.  I cut the heart using Make the Cut and my Cricut.  Make the Cut is an amazing program that allows many different file formats to be cut.  If you are interested in a tutorial about using files with Make the Cut please comment to this tutorial.  I cut the heart shape out in two different sizes using Crimson Bazzill cardstock.

I wanted to dress my hearts up a little so I used my mini VersaMark stamp to cover the non textured side of my Bazzill.  

Sprinkle Clear Embossing Powder over the heart.  I used the Clear powder from Ranger.  I always sprinkle glitter and embossing powder over my trusty magazine page that is folded in half.  The magazine page is great because static doesn't collect my powders.  And the fold is perfect for pouring the powder back into my container.

Set the powder with heat tool. 

Now cut the papers that you will need to decorate the front of the card.  I used Bazzill Crimson again along with EK Success Red and Gold (I used the gold side).  Go ahead and cut 4 of the Crimson here since you will need them for a step a little later.  

Decorate the lock and key from the Shelly's Images "Key to my Heart" set. I used Copic markers and a Prisma black pencil to color my key and lock.   I chose Y21 and YR24 Copic colors to color the lock and key.  Color the key hole with the black PrismaColor and then finish with the blending stub and odorless paint thinner.

Cut out the pieces.

This picture shows the gold and red papers added to the front of my card.  The hearts are also added.  I placed them so that they over lap a little when the card is closed.  And the lock is added to the front of the big heart with Pop Dots to add a little dimension.

Now punch a hole in the blank middle section on each side.  I used the smallest hole punch that I have for this.  When I make a card like this again I will punch a little more toward the back of the card.  My punch for this card is a little forward of middle. 

Time for my confession.  :)  The picture I took to show you how to adhere the string was SO blurry.  I threaded two strands of gold string through the left side of the card and held it in place with a glue dot.  Then I added one of the Crimson Bazzill pieces that we cut earlier.  This is MUCH easier than trying to tie the ends of the string.  

Repeat for the other side.  You want your key to hang nicely on the string, but not sag down below the bottom of the card when closed.  Now cut the cardstock to decorate the back of your card.  Ok....you're right....this would have been easier before I attached the key.  But it is still possible here.  Cut a piece of gold and black to the dimensions shown and add to the inside of the card.

All finished....and what a pretty card!  

Tuesday Tutorial - Diamond Fold Card

I am excited to show you how to make the diamond fold card today.  It is so fun and different.

I saw this card on a video awhile back and cannot find the link now to give credit to the original inspiration for my card.  

Picture #1

 Start with a piece of cardstock that measures 7 1/8 by 10 1/2 inches.  My finished card is about 3 1/2 by 7 1/8 inches.  Mark along the 10 1/2 inch side at 1 3/4 inches, 3 1/2 inches, 7 inches, and 8 3/4 inches.  Score along each of those marks.
Picture #2

 Fold along the score lines as shown in the picture.  Use your bone tool to make nice crisp folds along those scores.
Picture #3

This step is optional.  But I found it helpful.  I made a mark at 1 3/4 inches at the top and bottom of my card. This will help with the next folds.  Once you begin to fold you will see that your fold really can't be any larger due to the original folds.

Picture #4

 With the card opening down begin to fold the corners to the center of the top and bottom.
Picture #5

 This is what your card base will look like after you have completed all four folds.  Again...use your bone folder to make those folds nice and sharp.
Picture #6 

 Unfold all of the folds and open your card base out flat.  You will see little triangles.  Fold these triangles down as shown here.  Once all corners are folded lay your card down flat and again use the bone folder.  This will help your card stand up nice.
Picture #7

 All of the folds are now done and you are ready to start decorating your card.
Picture #8

 I chose to use Bazzill Pine Cone brown on the front diamond and the two side flaps.  I used the front of the card as a pattern and traced with a pencil.  Then I cut along the pencil lines.

 For the side flaps the brown cardstock mat measures 6 7/8 inches by 1 5/8 inches.  The patterned paper measures 6 5/8 by 1 3/8.  I used Basic Grey Two Scoops paper for the front and K & Company paper for the two side mats. (Oh....and I chose to decorate this side of my card.  But try turning the card around to see the interesting folds on that side.  Either side could be decorated.)

I hope this tutorial inspires you to make your own Diamond Fold card.  If you do create one please come back and share your projects.  We would love to see what you make.