TAC Savvy Projects for People on the Go

Tune in Tuesday ~ Pastel Cards with Rita Kegg!

It's Pastels Day on TNT (Tune in Tuesdays) with The Angel Company!  I decided to do a tutorial today on how to use the Spellbinder's Nestabilities with cards using three pastel papers from DCWV Bright Stack. This is a white core paper which means when it is sanded the core shows through.  In the above card, the stamp actually goes out of the die (Labels 9) when you cut it out, like this picture shows.

I first stamped the images on white cardstock, remember to use Memento Ink if you will be coloring with your Copics.  I stamped the flower from 'Blossoms & Blessings' first, masked it and then stamped the leaves. I laid the die where I wanted it over the image and marked with pencil where I wanted the image to stick out of the die. These markings can be erased later.  I took it out of the die and cut around the image in that area. I slid it back into the die and ran it through my die cut machine first to cut it and then a second time to emboss.

To finish I colored the flower with my Copic Markers, stamped the words and mounted it onto pink cardstock that I had scored with my Scor-buddy. I first scored on the diagonal every 1/4" then changed the orientation and scored every 1/4" vertically to the first diagonal line. To make the score lines pop out I sanded them with a sanding block.  This then is all attached to a white card base.

On the back of the package for your Nestabilites it tells you how to sandwich the dies for your type of machine for either cutting or embossing.  You may have to put in an extra shim if it is not tight enough to either cut through or emboss well, every machine is a little different in how tight they are.  I cut a heavy piece of card stock into A2 side and glued them together and use this for my shim.  You may have to reposition and run through a second time or mist with water to get the look you are trying to achieve.

For my other cards I decided to use words for the focal point.  For this card I used the words from 'Joyful Notes' stamped in Noir Ink inside a frame made with Labels 9 dies.

To cut the frame, I put two of the dies together on the same paper and cut at the same time.  Below I have a picture of how I cut this frame.

You can put this on a magnetic pad or I put a little piece of tape on it to hold it in place.  After you run this through your machine to cut, then change your sandwich to emboss leaving both of the dies in place.  When you are done you will have a nice frame for your words or image.

If you want a larger frame skip a size die between.  Also notice that I changed the direction on the middle die so it does not match up with the first die.  You can even put in a different shape die if you want .... be creative with this idea!

To finish this card I took the pastel blue cardstock and scored it every 1/2" in both direction.  Then I went back and re-scored every other intersection from the first direction.  You ask why .... go back and look closer and you will see that it made the look of a basket weave!  The flowers are from Lemonade Blossoms & Buttons (G-707). I added the silver sequences from Clear and Pearl Gem Collection (D-306) with a drop of Yellow Stickles in the center and then added a bow.

I store my dies in CD cases with a magnetic strip attached. I can get two sets per case and I label it with the name of the dies on the edge.  These are then stored in a basket next to my die cut machine.  It makes them handy and easy to get to.

For my next card I layered my pastel papers together and ran that through the machine to cut and a second time to emboss to get this cool look. This time I used Label 1 die.

Here is a picture of how it will look.

To finish this card I stamped the words from the set 'Filled with Joy' with Noir ink, which happens to be the SOTM this month. You can purchase this set for $10.95 during the month of April with a $30 order.  That's a $5 savings!  On the pink background I used my Scor-bug 1/8" from each eadge and then ran a fine pointed Copic Multi liner from dot to dot to make the faux stitching look.  The flower and button are from Lemonade Blossoms & Buttons (G707).  I folded the flower in half, taped it to the back of the die cut then added the button on top.  The die cut is attached with pop dots.

And don't forget about the negatives of your die cuts!!  This cards is made with the negative of a large frame I had cut out from Labels 9.  I then embossed a smaller die from Labels 1 on white cardstock and attached it to the inside of the negative.  I love the look of different sets of dies used together!

To finish it up I stamped the words from 'Thoughts & Prayers', added dots with my Copic Multi Liner, a border of embossing with my Scor-bug on the pink and added a bow.  The pearl gem at the bottom of the card is from Clear and Pearl Gem Collection (D-306). It is all mounted to a white card base which I use for most all of my cards since I sell them.

Pull out your pastels and give some of these ideas a try or just do your own creative thing!  But be sure to post and link it here so we can all enjoy your creative effort. 

Blessings ~ Rita

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Easy Window Cards with a Window Card Tutorial

 

I LOVE this card!  {smiles}  I mean ... I REALLY LOVE IT ... I'm actually surprised by how much it has grown on me!  This card started out as a card for the Retiform Blog Hop.  I wanted to combine Retiform with a Window Card.  Unfortunately ... by the time I added all of my elements it just didn't go with Retiform so much.

 

 

My white cardstock is our Premium Cardstock and I just don't recommend this for a card base like I've done.  It was the only white I had in my studio so I used it.  Note the side of my card where the fold is.  I scored the card with my Scor-Pal, however, the cardstock still cracks when I fold it.  It does this because it is so heavy and so thick.  Ideal for many things but trickier to use as a card base!

 

If you notice the back of the card it appears that the ink is seeping through my cardstock.  That isn't the case though!  I have a lamp pointing towards the card and as a result you can see the image through my premium cardstock.

 

I knew I wanted to place my owl on Pop Dots and I soon discovered that I needed to place the owl when the cover of the card was closed.  I wanted him to 'pop' through the window.  It was soon apparant that this limited my beautiful golden background from being seen.  {bummer}

 

A few hours later I came back and looked at this card and KNEW something was missing!  You guessed it ~ Glossy Accents!  SEE the difference for yourself!

 

Glossy Accents, a white gel pen, a brown marker ... oh ... and a yellow copic marker to make my rhinestone golden!  I also sponged Tangela Memento ink on the outside petals of my flower to give it more dimension.  The finishing touches!

 

  

 

And now ... the TUTORIAL!  I picked a palette that I thought would show up well on film.  OH!  And it reminded me of the cold, harsh weather that was coming down outside ... freezing rain.  It was truly more gray outside but my insides felt ice cold blue like this card!

 

First I cut my card to size and then score it.  I DON'T fold it at this point though!  I align my cardstock with my die cut and then run it through the die cutting machine.  I scored it afterward.  Yes, it is premium cardstock which results in a harsh fold line!

 

 

Next I took a piece of scratch paper and ran it through my die cutter to make a mask.

 

I added some glue on the back of my mask to hold it in place while I work.  I let the glue dry completely before putting it on my card.  A heat tool speeds up this process {smiles}.

 

Next I position my mask on my card ... you can't see it but the card is facing FACE DOWN.  The back flap is standing straight up in the air. 

 

And then I lay the back flap onto my mask and pat it to adhere my mask.

 

I let go and it pops right up!  You can see that my mask has adhered in place.

 

When I open up the card to begin work everything is ready to go!

 

If you notice ... I stamped my image on my mask ... towards the top ... in the area I want to adhere it to the finished card.  I did this just to give me an idea of how I wanted my color to be placed.

 

I used post it notes to create a rough edge ...

 

and then I started inking ...

 

and inking ...

 

and inking ...

 

until I was okay with it.  I was wishing I had hydra sponges!

 

The BAM moment is when you remove the post it note mask!  I LOVE that!

 

Then I put my post it note mask in place and prepared for my next shade of blue.

 

Same process ...

 

YIKES!  I have a heavy hand but nothing I can do about that now!

 

 

 

For my last shade I just used the original mask I added to the card.

 

TIP:  I ALWAYS place my sponge on top of the color it goes with while I am working!  Otherwise I WILL grab the wrong sponge and {ruin} what I was trying to create.

 

After I finished I removed the main mask and then erased up any glue spots left by my Glue Marker. 

 

And then I put my mask back on because I forgot to add a touch of blue to my bottom color ... and it needed it! 

 

 

Next I set my card aside to 'settle' and began creating the frame for the front of the card.

This is how I place my dies on my magnetic sheet.  (For the first card I used the scallop circle die on the outside and a plain circle die on the inside).   

 

Then run it through your machine!  I didn't use the 'inside' pieces for this card but save those!  You can use them on future cards!

 

 

I hadn't yet tried embossing the frame and using an embossed frame on any of my window cards so I thought I'd give it a whirl.  It turned out GORGEOUS!

 

However, it didn't fit!  That little 'pinch' is just enough to make it NOT line up on your card!  So that was a no-no for this card.

 

And then I put all of the pieces together and added some Scrappers Floss!

 

 

Remember that I have a VERY bright light pointed at my card so that is why you are seeing the image on the back of the card flap.  On the actual card it is white as can be and not an inkling of ink has seeped through! 

 

 

 

 

ONE LAST TIP!  I thought I was SO clever!  I use my Glossy Accents so much that the tip tends to get clogged up now and then.  So I decided to keep my pin with my accents.  I gently pushed the pin into the plastic bottle.  About the 3rd time I was using my accents I looked down and I had DOTS of Glossy Accents randomly on my card ... here and there ... and EVERYWHERE!  What the heck!  It took me about 5 minutes to realize they were coming from my teeny, tiny pin hole!  YIKES!  Don't try this at home!

 

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

Supplies used:

happy for you owl card: premium white and brown cardstock, dandelion, cantaoupe, tangelo and tuxedo black memento inks, spanish orange, sunburst yellow, pale vermillion, pumpkin orange, limepeel, apple green, olive green, dark green, burnt ochre, dark umber and dark brown prismacolor pencils, odorless mineral spirits, glossy accents, pop dots, brown marker, white gel pen, yellow copic marker, orange flower, glue dots, scallop circle and circle nesties dies, sponge, thoughts and prayers t3343, whooo loves ya ta3324, you whoo t3393

many thanks angel kitty card: premium white and blue cardstock, summer sky, danube blue, paris dusk and tuxedo black memento ink, cool gray 10%, cool gray 20%, cool gray 30%, sky blue light, powder, blue, imperial violet, violet blue, indigo blue, mulberry and black grape prismacolor pencils, odorless mineral spirits, pop dots, white gel pen, blue scrappers floss, nesties dies, sponge, glossy accents, bless your heart ta3238 and bow chica bow wow t3230

Mischelle Smith and A BLAST From the Past ~ Random Patterns

 
I went a little crazy with this set and there are STILL more cards I want to create with it!  If only there were more cardmaking hours in the day, right?!  {smiles}

This stamp set was originally a Stamp of the Month in 2009 and has always been one of my favorites!  Here is a link to view this set and the other BLAST from the PAST I will be FEATURING on Thursday February 10th Random Images and Pea Pickin'

For this first card I wanted to keep it simple.  I used Burnt Umber Palette ink and stamped my image on Kraft Cardstock.  The brown cardstock is cut with nesties Label 3 and then cut down in the middle to fit the size of my cardstock.  (You can't see this thank goodness).  I also incorporated another favorite stamp set T3343 Thoughts and Prayers (Inspiration Book).  The chartreuse cardstock is from our Mimi paper collection. 

 

 
This next card ... I LOVE IT!  {smiles}

This color palette just makes me happy! 

Okay ~ so the first thing I did was cut off one of the 'leafs' on one of the pattern images.  I can hear you gasping and it's okay!  Sometimes ~ stamps need surgery and I want to give you permission to operate as needed!  So I cut off one of the 'leaf' images because I needed a 'leaf' for this flower!

I used Rose Bud and Pear Tart Memento Inks to stamp this card.  The black 'stitching' is a fine tip marker.  I cut the heart out of the cardstock freehand.  I turned it over so the back was up and drew a heart with a pencil.  Then I cut it out.  I sanded the inside of the heart very gently where it had a couple of rough spots.  I added my stitching lines with my marker, my polka dot ribbon, flower, button and then some bling.  Isn't this a happy card!

 

 

 

I used another favorite set ~ TA3238 Bless Your Heart (Serendipity) to stamp the greeting on the inside.

 
Next I wanted to focus on simple.  I've been trying to design 'outside my box' and it's hard!  This was a fun card though!

 

I stamped my image with Lilac Posies Memento Ink and then embossed it with Transcendence Emboss Powder.  I also embossed my saying and then disassembled it. 

I drew the stitched line by hand using a marker and a ruler.  The flower center is a button and then bling added to the button center.

 

The inside saying is embossed and the 'happy' is handwritten.

 

I used the saying from T3218 Viva La Friendship (Inspiration Book) ~ another set I LOVE!

This next card is a FAVORITE!  {I know ... they're ALL my favorites ... except the last card!}  I stamped and embossed all of my images with Transcendence Emboss Powder.  I used LuLu Lavender, Sweet Plum and Bamboo Leaves Memento Ink for this card.  The saying is from TA3238 Bless Your Heart.  After stamping my flower and leaves I cut them out.  I put my flower on pop dots and just adhered the leaves to the card base.

I used my Nesties dies to cut out the circle in my cardstock and to create the outside lavender 'window'.  This is a piece of patterned paper from our Angelee collection.

 

The center of the flower is stamped alone, cut out and then adhered to the middle of the lavender flower.  Looking at this card now I think I may go back and add a rhinestone circle in the center!  Hey ... I LOVE my bling!

 
 

 
 
The card below is actually the first one I made with this set.  I used a piece of dark plummy purple cardstock and the chartreuse cardstock I used earlier.  This was a tough color palette to photograph and you can see the variations here.  In person the palette is to die for GORGEOUS! 

I stamped my images with Spring Pansy and Purple Hydrangea VersaMagic Ink and then embossed with Transcendence.

 

 
I LOVE how I did the chartreuse pieces so that they match up on the front and inside covers.  The front is on pop dots and the inside cover is adhered directly to the cardstock.  Kind of fun and such a simple card!

 
 

 

And the card that I DIDn't want to share!  I worked on this card throughout the day and still didn't 'click' with it.  I used Purple Hydrangea VersaMark Ink on this and DIDn't emboss it.  (Because it was in the trash).  I pulled it out of the trash and was determined to finish it.  Perhaps it will speak to someone!

 
I have so LOVED using this set and have more cards in my head just waiting to get out!  This set is great for masculine and feminine type cards and the images lend themselves to both.  I encourage you to give it a whirl!

Be sure and check back M-F all through February as we will be featuring a Guest Designer and Stamp Set every day this month!  And don't forget to join us on Friday Feb 4th for our Retiform Blog Hop!

Happy Paper Crafting!

Mischelle

Supplies Card 1 ~ Brown, chartreuse and kraft cardstock, burnt umber palette ink, nesties die #3, pop dots, t3026 random patterns, t3343 thoughts & prayers

Supplies Card 2 ~ Premium white and chartreuse cardstock, black ribbon collection, 2 chartreuse flowers, black button, bling, rose bud and pear tart memento ink, black marker, pop dots, t3026 random patterns, ta3238 bless your heart

Supplies Card 3 ~  Premium white and chartreuse cardstock, lilac posies and tuxedo black memento ink, transcendence emboss powder, black marker, pop dots, black button, bling, t3026 random patterns, t3218 viva la friendship

Supplies Card 4 ~ Premium white and angelee papers, lulu lavender, sweet plum and bamboo leaves memento ink, transcendence emboss powder, standard nesties circles, classic scallop nesties, angelee ribbon, pop dots, t3026 random patterns, ta3238 bless your heart

Supplies Card 5 ~ Maggie plum and chartreuse cardstock, spring pansy and purple hydrangea versamagic ink, transcendence emboss powder, pop dots, t3026 random patterns, t3218 viva la friendship

Supplies Card 6 ~ Maggie plum and chartreuse cardstock, purple hydrangea versamagic ink, transcendence emboss powder, chartreuse flower, bling, t3026 random patterns, ta3238 bless your heart