Halloween Happenings

I find Vintage Halloween images both fascinating and beautiful - it is always interesting to see how our forefathers interpreted the holidays with dramatic graphics and bright colors that Anna Griffin brings back to us each year.  With the popularity of "easel cards", I created a black cardstock shadow box, then added elements from both the Vintage Halloween Card Kit and her newest Halloween Die-cutting Set, the New Easel Hinge Die along with a Frame Die, Word Die and Tag Dies for the sentiment. TIP - sometimes I make a "template sample" of 3D cards out of scrap cardstock (a piece I will never use - LOL) just to be sure my measurements, scores and folds are correct - I always have it as a reference.  Remember to create multiple layers for special effects, experiment, play and enjoy!

Above is a close up of the card front, below shows side view with easel back.  Begin by cutting the black cardstock large enough to score 1/2" inch for all sides plus 1/2" to wrap around front/top - basically your card size plus one inch (this is a standard 5"x 7" card so my cardstock piece was 6"x 8").  Score all four sides 2 times at 1/2", then fold to form a box shape, next clip the corners to fold into box ends - NOT a triangular corners - adhere and/or paper glue corners to shape and secure.  Add the center back print to box - this was a small print and needed to be moved upward to fully see, the fence covered the open area below.  Next, add your fencing with foam squares on top of the background, then the front frame, which has been added to another piece of black cardstock, center trimmed away, then adhered to the box frame top.  Additional embellishments, pumpkins and bats are adhered into place where desired - enjoy!  NOTE - fine lines on embellishments were freehand using a 008 fine line permanent black pen, bat eyes were done with a white gel pen. Enjoy!

Some of my personal favorites from this years Dies collection:

Here are some personal favorites from last year's card collection:

     

     

Embossing with Cutting Dies

With all of the beautiful new foils that Anna Griffin now has available, along with her large variety of cutting dies, I am pleased to share with you a technique she asked me to teach at her Create Event in Atlanta last November, using the ever popular Cuttlebug.  There are a variety of these type techniques, this one works best with symmetric designs (same on both the right and left sides) and accompanying concentric (background mat/shadow layer) cutting dies, as detailed in the instructions below.  I do hope you will share and use on your upcoming holiday cards as well as throughout the year.  Enjoy!

Step #1 - choose your cutting die - I know I am repeating myself, but this is most important - a die set that is symmetric (the same on both right and left sides) with the accompanying concentric (background mat/shadow layer) and a piece of the foil color cardstock you desire.  It is best to use the heavy weight Anna foil cardstock as it will not tear so easily when embossed in this way.  Cut the foil to completely fit over the die.

Step #2 - cut the mat/shadow layer first as you normally would, shown below:

Step #3 - place the matching decorative cutting die, with cutting edges up, directly on top of the thick, white "A" Plate, then the mat foil cutout face down on top of the decorative die - remember there will be a slight edge around the mat piece which is larger than the design die - a bit of washi tape will hold it in place without harming the foil surface (photo to left below):

          

Step #4 - stack the plates and material in the following order bottom to top (as shown in photo to right above) - A Plate - design cutting die with edges upward - cardstock mat/shadow layer face down -  green rubber mat - B Plate, another B Plate - roll through the Cuttlebug.

Step #5 - remove the stacked plate layers and carefully retrieve the "embedded" cardstock out of design cutting die as shown below.  IF any part of the design tears, turn it to the back, smooth down a bit and tape over.

You should now have a completed embellishment.  Here are some additional samples using Anna's wonderful Christmas Embellishment Dies.  I have also made cards using the Frame Dies, as well as a Valentine card which required "fussy cutting" because they do not have a matching concentric mat/shadow layer die, another option for you to consider.  Remember perfection sometimes take practice, enjoy the process!

     

Paper Arts Cruise 2019

Now is the time to take advantage of payment plans for my Paper Arts Cruise next March 2019.  We will have 3 full days of classes using ALL ANNA GRIFFIN PRODUCTS, to include a 12"x 12" Album, cards and other surprise projects.  There will be a open craft room for you during the entire cruise with 1/2 of a 6' table, however, we will NOT have night or in port/on land classes so you can take advantage and enjoy the amenities of the ship, shows and islands.
Your spouse and family are welcome to join us, just remind Cruise & Crop when you sign up so they won't be charged a class fee.  Your class fee will include all project materials (a basic supply list will be sent to you), full written instructions with photo guides, an exclusive name tag and tote bag with product surprises, plus tickets for wonderful door prizes during classes.  There are only 50 seats at the tables and payment plans are still available.  Please call Cruise & Crop directly at 1-800-645-1481 to reserve your space as price varies on cabin selection.

A Florida Favorite Necklace

Summer is here in all its HOT glory but events go on and my jewelry stash comes out.  This is a necklace I designed several years ago with a Tim Holtz watch and other findings, combined with treasures, trinkets, shells and charms I have collected in years of coming to and now living in Florida.  The "map beads" are strips of color photo copies rolled up to reveal a meaningful town/city name to me.  The piece was featured in Belle Armoire Jewelry by Somerset Publishing a year or so ago, I hope you enjoy and are inspired.

     

Vintage Dad Cards

Today I am sharing with you some of my card samples for Anna Griffin using the new Vintage Dad Decoupage Diecuts.  These are such fun, and depending on the sentiment attached to front, can vary to birthday's, trips or just keeping in touch - enjoy!

Fathers Day Cards

To inspire your creations, here are a few samples of my Fathers Day cards for Anna Griffin using Frame Dies and the beautiful new Laurel Dies on top of the Perfect Cards For Him, embossed layers, new Metallic Matte Gold cardstock, along with our ever popular For The Boys diecut pack - enjoy!

Happy Mothers Day

Mosaic Cards

Hello everyone, hope you are having a delightful Spring!  Mothers Day is just around the corner and I wanted to share two cards using a mosaic technique, also known as paper puzzling.  I taught a similar design at the Anna Griffin Create event several years ago, it takes a few minutes to do, but well worth the effort.
Basically, you cut multiple colors of papers (in this case pastel metallics and pearls), KEEP ALL THE CUT OUT PIECES in separate little piles.  If you have a 2-part die set with a base shape, diecut your paper and run through a Xyron to make it sticker back - NOTE - make sure the Xyron side will be face up when finished so the flower frame and parts will be stuck down in the correct position. Peel paper backing off the base shape with the design frame, then re-assemble the design pieces into the frame (just like a puzzle) to the sticky back side. The completed designs are then mounted on cards with 1/4" foam squares.  The "Mom" word die, curly ques and bow are from one of Anna's earlier Spring sets, the 2017 word dies would be beautiful as well.  Experiment and enjoy, above all, have a wonderful Mothers Day!