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Forever Fern Diagonal Gatefold Card

Gatefold cards are one of my favorite cards to make. Today I tried my hand at making a diagonal gatefold card. I used products from the Forever Greenery Suite by Stampin’ Up!

Beautiful elements right?! For my Forever Fern Diagonal Gatefold Card I used the Forever Greenery Designer Series Paper, the Forever Fern stamp set and the Greenery Embossing folder from the suite along with dies from the Stitched So Sweetly dies and a bit of Just Jade 1/4″ ribbon.

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I received several comments during my Coffee & a Card Facebook Live about how pretty this card was. You can’t miss when you use such beautiful papers like the Forever Greenery Designer Series Paper. I love it!

This diagonal gatefold card is easy to make but requires a little patience and extra attention when cutting and scoring to make the card base. Watch the video tutorial and refer to the measurements and cutting/scoring diagram and you will be making your own diagonal gatefold card in no time!

Measurements:

  • Just Jade Cardstock: 8-1/2″ x 11″ scored at 4-1/4″ on the 8-1/2″ side and scored at 5-1/2″ on the 11″ side. Cut scored card stock diagonally from top lefthand corner to bottom righthand corner to create two card bases.
  • Pretty Peacock Cardstock: 5″ x 3-3/4″ cut diagonally from top lefthand corner to bottom righthand corner.
  • Forever Greenery Designer Series Paper: 4-3/4″ x 3-1/2″ cut diagonally from top lefthand corner to bottom righthand corner. (Use one piece for card and save remaining piece for second card.)
  • Just Jade Cardstock: 4″ x 2-3/4″ (for sentiment tag)
  • Whisper White Cardstock: 3″ x 2-1/4″ (for sentiment tag)
  • Whisper White Cardstock: 5-1/4″ x 4″ (for card insert)

Make a Parisian Flourish Embossed Card

I wanted to make a Parisian Flourish Embossed card and here is what I came up with. I also tried a new technique with my rectangular shaped dies. These cards have an embossed panel using the Parisian Flourish 3D Embossing Folder and Stitched So Sweetly Dies from Stampin’ Up!

I had been itching to use the Playful Alphabet Dies and wanted to make a pretty background for the “HELLO” die-cuts. I pulled the colors for the card from the Playing with Patterns Designer Series Paper.

I showed how to make this card on today’s Make-it-Monday Facebook Live. Watch the video replay below to learn how used a Stitched so Sweetly Die to create the angled embossed panel.

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I started with an 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Coastal Cabana card stock folded in half to create the card base. Next an 4″ x 5″ piece of Whisper White card stock was embossed the the Parisian Flourish 3-D Embossing Folder then die-cut per the video. The piece of Playing with Patterns Designer Series Paper for this card measures 4″ x 3-1/2″.

These cards have clean lines and use bright colors with fun patterns. One of the gals on my Make-it-Monday Facebook Live described the card as a “Happy Card” which I think hits the nail on the head.

Make an Art Gallery Birthday Card!

Make an art gallery birthday card using the Dressed to Impress stamp set! I was in need of two feminine birthday cards and you cannot get any more feminine than the Dressed to Impress stamp set. Pair it with the coordinating All Dressed Up Dies and it has all the things every girl wants!

To make the card base I used an 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of Purple Posy card stock folded in half. I cut several frames from subtle card stock using the layering shapes dies from Stampin’ Up!; Layering Ovals, Layering Squares and Layering Circles.

You can make an art gallery birthday card yourself! Watch this video for all the tutorial.

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Layering Circles Dies
Layering Circles Dies

Make a Heat Embossed Die-Cut Thank You Card

I shared how to make a heat embossed die-cut thank you card on today’s Coffee & a Card Facebook Live. Have you tried heat embossing on your paper craft projects yet? It’s magic!

We embossed the large sunflower image from the Celebrate Sunflowers stamp set from Stampin’ Up! with White Stampin’ Emboss Powder onto a Misty Moonlight card front.

I used the partial die-cut technique on this card using a panel of Bumble Bee card stock layered with Flowers for Every Season Designer Series Paper. The partial die-cut technique is easy to do and it takes your card to another level. Watch this video to see how to make a heat embossed die-cut thank you card.

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Celebrate Sunflowers is one of my favorite new bundles from the new Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalog.

Here is a pop-up card I recently shared using this bundle. Visit this link to view all the details on this pretty card: celebrate-sunflowers-pop-up-card

Fancy huh? This bundle makes it easy to make a heat embossed die-cut thank you card as well as many other types of cards. It would be my pleasure to help you with your card making needs if you would like to make your own heat embossed die-cut card.

Online Card Making Classes

Did you know that for the last few months I have been offering online card making classes? We’re all spending more time at home and making handmade cards is an awesome way to relax and flex our creative muscle at the same time. You can view all my available online card making classes by clicking on this:

https://theplaidpoodle.com/online-classes/

Here are a few of the past online card making classes that are still available as virtual that you can take at your own pace. The Online Classroom includes full color photos, measurements, written instructions, supply lists and a step-by-step video tutorials.

By the Dock Card Class
Daisy Lane Card Class
Under my Umbrella Card Class

My monthly online card making classes have options to order a class kit with everything you need to make four cards. The July Card Class to Go uses the Celebrate Sunflowers Bundle from Stampin’ Up! and the cards are full of layers and lots of texture.

CELEBRATE SUNFLOWERS OPTION #1

$61 (plus $8 priority shipping or free porch pick-up) & includes a $5 Coupon Code to use toward any Stampin’ Up! purchase during the month of August!

Option #1 includes everything you need to complete all the class projects except ink and adhesive. Included are:

  • Celebrate Sunflowers stamp set
  • Sunfowers Dies
  • Paper & embellishment supplies cut & scored and ready to create four multi-layer cards – card inserts & envelopes included!
  • Access to exclusive online class. The Online Classroom Includes full color photos, measurements, written instructions, supply lists and a step-by-step video tutorial.

CELEBRATE SUNFLOWERS OPTION #2

$15 (plus $8 priority shipping or free porch pick-up)

Option #2 is the Class to Go Kit for those of you who already own the Celebrate Sunflowers stamp set and Sunflowers Dies. You will need the stamps and dies to create these projects, so only choose this option if you already own them. Your class to go kit will include: 

  • Paper & embellishment supplies cut & scored and ready to create four multi-layer cards – card inserts & envelopes included!
  • Access to exclusive online class. The Online Classroom Includes full color photos, measurements, written instructions, supply lists and a step-by-step video tutorial.

Besides your favorite adhesive you will need these additional or similar supplies to complete projects. Please let me know if I can add anything to your order when you register for class.

Registration for this class will close in four days on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Shipping during the Covid-19 pandamic has been delayed by all shippers but I hope to have class kits mailed or available for porch pickup on Friday, July 24 , 2020. 

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Class registration is easy – email me at Leslie@theplaidpoodle.com requesting Option #1 or Option #2, and I will replay with all the details. Please fee free to contact me with any questions you may have about my online card making classes.

Arrange a Wreath Reverse Easel Card

Today’s card is another fancy fold card. The fold is a reverse easel card. An easel card is a good choice when the card is as pretty as this one. I used the Arrange a Wreath Bundle from Stampin’ Up! to make this card.

The card base is an 11″ x 4-1/4″ piece of Thick Whisper White that is scored at 2-3/4″ and 5-1/2″ on the 11″ side. I folded the card in half on the 5-1/2″ score line to form the card base then folded the 2-3/4″ panel back toward the front of the card. I used a 5-1/4″ x 4″ piece of Forever Greenery Designer Series Paper to Line both the card base and the top inside of the card.

I used the large rectangle die from the Stitched So Sweetly Dies to make a panel to hold the wreath and to serve as the easel. A small strip of card stock acts as a platform to stop the easel and keep it upright. Watch this video tutorial for precise directions:

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The Arrange a Wreath Bundle has all the things you need to create a wreath for every season and every occasion. Here is a close up of that beautiful wreath that I designed to work for this time of the year.

I can’t wait to use this bundle for Christmas Cards! I even think I could add some spooky elements to make it work for Halloween. Thank you so much for stopping by. Please contact me if I can assist you with your paper crafting needs!

Celebrate Sunflowers Pop-Up Card

Today’s card is a WOW card with all the bells and whistles. I used one of my favorite new bundles, Celebrate Sunflowers, from Stampin’ Up! to create this pop-up card:

The card opens and a field of sunflowers pops up! Is that the cutest?! It was really easy to make once you know the secret. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to make your own pop-up card.

Here is a closeup photo of the card front. I love how the Braided Linen Trim can be stretched for a different look.

And here’s a bigger photo of the fun field of sunflowers on the inside of the card. The “wildly grateful” sentiment from the Lovely You stamp set seemed the perfect choice for the inside of the card.

Paper Dimensions

  • CARD BASE = 11” x 4-1/4” piece of Just Jade card stock scored at 5-1/2”
  • CARD FRONT = 5-1/4” x 2-1/4” piece of Garden Green, 5” x 2” piece of DSP
  • DIE-CUT SUNFLOWER & LEAVES = two 3-1/4” x 3-1/4” pieces of Bumble Bee card stock, 2-1/4” x 2-1/4” Cinnamon Cider card stock, scrap of Early Espresso, 2-3/4” x 2-1/4 Just Jade card stock, 2-3/4” x 2-1/4” Garden Green card stock
  • POP-UP PLATFORM = 3-1/8” x 3” Whisper White scored at 5/8”, 1-1/4”, 1-7/8” & 2-1/2” on the 3-1/8” side
  • INSIDE FLAP = 4” x 5-1/4” DSP
  • CARD INSERT = 4″ x 5-1/4″ Whisper White
  • GRASS PANELS = 1-3/4” x 4-1/4” Just Jade, 2-1/4” x 4-1/4” Garden Green
  • STAMPED SUNFLOWERS = 2-1/4” x 6”
Product List
Celebrate Sunflowers Bundle (English)
$51.25
Lovely You Cling Stamp Set (English)
$24.00
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
$6.00
Just Jade 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Bumblebee 8-1/2X11 Cardstock
$8.75
Flowers For Every Season 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$11.50
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$9.75
Cinnamon Cider 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Early Espresso 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
$8.75
Simply Scored
$30.00
Stitched Be Mine Dies
$35.00
Layering Ovals Dies
$35.00
Mango Melody Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
$9.00
Cinnamon Cider Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
$9.00
Just Jade Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
$9.00
3/16" (1 Cm) Braided Linen Trim
$7.00
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
$4.00
Stampin' Dimensionals
$4.00

Now that you know the secret I hope you will make your own pop-up card. Feel free to contact me if I can answer any questions or help you with your paper crafting needs.

Bonus Days are Back!

Bonus Days are Back!

 For every $50 you spend starting today and ending August 3rd (before shipping and tax), you’ll get a $5 Bonus Days coupon that you can use during the month of August. Choose to spend those coupons toward purchases from the new Holiday Mini Catalog that goes live on August 4th! There is no limit to how many coupons you can earn, so shop all month! 

Use Hostess Code BRCM93PR when placing your orders during the month of July and receive a free gift from me! (If your order is $150 or more do not use Hostess Code – you will qualify for your own Hostess Rewards!)

Make Your Own Envelopes

I was recently requested to demonstrate how to make envelopes that coordinate with your handmade cards. Always ready to please, I featured envelopes on today’s Make-it-Monday Facebook Live.

The technical name for this first envelope is Baronial. The Baronial envelope I made fits an A2 card (4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″). To make this envelope you will need an 8″ x 8″ piece of paper. If your card is larger adjust your paper accordingly.

The second envelope I’m sharing is called a long pocket or Policy envelope. I made two different sizes of this style; one for an A2 card and one for a slimline card. To make the first, smaller pocket envelope you will need a 10-3/4″ x 7-3/4″ piece of paper. To make a long pocket envelope for a slimline card you will require 9-1/2″ x 11″ piece of paper.

Making these envelopes is very easy and I show how to do so on this replay of today’s Facebook Live.

You don’t have to make your own envelopes to make them a little fancy. I also shared in the video how to line different types and sizes of envelopes. Wouldn’t you love to receive a card in one of these dressed up envelopes?!

Birds & Branches Slimline Card

Slimline cards are a new trend in card making and I thought I would try my hand at it. I thought a bird nest balancing on a branch up in the sky would make a great slimline card. The Birds & Branches Bundle from Stampin’ Up! was perfect for what I had in mind.

I started with a 8-7/8″ x 7-3/4″ piece of Thick Whisper White card stock folded in half to form the card base. The dimensions I chose will allow the card to fit into a #10 business size envelope.

I used the Birds & Branches Bundle from Stampin’ Up! Don’t you just love the sweet little birds and their cozy nest?

Did you notice the stitched outline on the stamped layer on the card? Did you wonder how in the heck I was able to create a stitched rectangle perfectly sized for this slimline card? If so, you’re in luck because here is a video tutorial that shows how to extend your square and rectangle dies.

The sentiment I used came from the Field of Flowers stamp set from Stampin’ Up! Isn’t that font the bomb?!

Here is a couple of cards that I have created with the Field of Flowers stamp set. I love the simplicity of this stamp set.

Here are the card dimensions and a list of products used in my Birds & Branches Slimline card.

  • Card Base = 8-7/8″ x 7-3/4″ piece of Thick Whisper White card stock scored at 3-7/8″ on the 8-7/8″ side then folded on score line.
  • First Layer = 8-5/8″ x 3-5/8″ piece of Balmy Blue card stock
  • Stamped Layer = 8-7/8″ x 7-3/4″ piece of Whisper White card stock cut with second largest Stitched Rectangle Die.
  • Birds & Nest Die-Cuts = 4″ x 4″ piece of Crumb Cake card stock.
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Thank you for stopping by my little part of the internet. I hope I may have inspired you to step out on a limb (gack!) to create your own slimline card!

Birds & Branches Birdhouse Treat Holder

I must be on a milk-carton kick because today’s project is using the same base as the watermelon treat holder I made last week, only larger. I knew I had to create a birdhouse as soon as I saw the Birds & Branches Bundle from Stampin’ Up!

Isn’t the carton the cutest?! I cut a circle in the front panel of the carton and framed it with a scallop circle for the entrance to the birdhouse. I covered the entrance with a piece of window sheet so that any treats put inside the carton will be visible.

The roof is embossed using the Pinewood Planks 3-D embossing folder and then trimmed with a 1/2″ strip of scalloped card stock. I used a paper piercer and handheld circle punch to attach the roof to the top of the birdhouse with the baker’s twine from the Flowers for Every Season Ribbon Combo Pack so that the recipient can open the box without damaging it.

Here is the video tutorial from today’s Make-it-Monday Facebook Live showing how to assemble the birdhouse milk carton. Below the video you will find the project cutting and scoring guide along with a list of the supplies used in today’s project.

Project Cutting & Scoring Guide:

  • Milk Carton = 10-1/2″ x 7″ piece of Seaside Spray card stock. Score at 2-1/2″, 5″,, 7-1/2″ and 10″ on the 10-1/2″ side. Score at 1/2″, 2″ and 4-1/2″ on the 7″ side. Trim per diagram
  • Carton Panels = four pieces of 2-1/4″ x 2-1/4″ 2020-2022 In-Color Designer Series Paper
  • Birdhouse Roof = 3″ x 5″ Flirty Flamingo card stock

Click on any of the images below for more information about that product.

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These sweet little birdhouses would be a cute way to gift someone a gift card. I would fill the carton with some wrapped candy and slide a gift card in with the candy. They would also make sweet little table favors or party decorations.

I hope this post inspires you to create a milk carton birdhouse treat holder of your own!

Learn a Faux Watercolor Technique

For today’s card I used a faux watercolor technique. It was very easy to achieve using a torn paper stencil and Stamping Sponges.

The card base and fern die-cut is made using Terra-Cotta Tile card stock and I used Bumble Bee ink for the sponged stencil. The sentiment for the card came from the Peaceful Moments stamp set.

The card recipe is below with a list of supplies used and you can watch this video tutorial to learn how I created the faux watercolor look.

Card Recipe

  • Card Base – Terra Cotta Tile 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ folded in half.
  • Second Layer – Basic Black 5-1/4″ x 4″
  • Stamped Layer – Whisper White 5″ x 3-3/4″
  • Die-cut Layer – Terra Cotta Tile 3″ x 4″
  • Card Insert – Whisper White 5-1/4″ x 4″
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I always like to stamp a little something on the insert of the cards I make and I used the small leafy branch image from the Forever Fern stamp set for this card. It’s such a sweet little touch and surprise for the card recipient.

I hope you enjoyed this faux watercolor technique and try it for yourself. I would love to know if you try it!

Make a Watermelon Milk Carton Treat Holder

Here is my latest Make-it-Monday creation. I wanted to make a party favor for our Father’s Day get-together this weekend and what’s better than a watermelon milk carton filled with sweet treats?!

I used two new In-Colors from the Stampin’ Up! 2020-2021 Annual Catalog; Magenta Madness and Just Jade for the treat holder. I used circle dies to create the cute little watermelon halves and the “YUMMILICIOUS!” tag.

I punched the watermelon “seeds” from Basic Black card stock adhered to an Adhesive Sheet with a handheld circle punch. Here is a side view of the treat box so that you can see the milk carton fold.

It’s fairly easy to make the milk carton box and it doesn’t require any special tools. You will want a trimmer with a scoring blade or a Simply Scored board to create the fold lines required to make the box. I have included a cutting and scoring guide along with a diagram and a video tutorial for you below.

Scoring Guide: Start with an 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ piece of card stock.

  • Score at 2″, 4″, 6″ and 8″ on the 8-1/2″ side of card stock.
  • Score at 1/2″, 2″ and 4″ on the 5-1/2″ side of card stock.
  • Score at 1-1/2″ and 5-1/2″ on the top of 1/2″ tab of carton.
  • Score two diagonal lines per the diagram below.
  • Trim on red score lines.
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Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you make your own Milk Carton treat box.

Two Fun Fold Cards Full of Flowers

Fun-fold cards pack a big “WOW” factor and are such a treat to receive! I enjoyed making the cards in today’s post and they were so easy to make.

This first card looks like a large matchbook. The sentiment tag is positioned just right to keep the card closed. The pretty sunflower print from the Flowers for Every Season 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper begged for me to use the Celebrate Sunflowers Bundle. It didn’t really beg me but don’t you think it was a great idea?

The second card uses paper from the Flowers for Every Season Designer Series Paper pack as well. This vibrant floral print is lively and includes my favorite new In-Color Magenta Madness! I pulled that color from the paper by adding the butterfly die-cuts.

Watch the video below to see how I put these full-of-flowers card together.

Cutting & Scoring Guide

Card #1:

  • Score 11″ x 4-1/4″ piece of Thick Whisper White cardstock at 4″ and 9-1/2″ on the 11″ side to create card base.
  • Misty Moonlight Cardstock: 4″ x 3-3/4″, 4″ x 1-1/4″ and 3-3/4″ x 1″
  • Flowers for Every Season Designer Series Paper: 3-3/4″ x 3-1/2″ and 3-3/4″ x 1″
  • Whisper White Cardstock: 3-1/2″ x 3/4″

Card #2:

  • Score 11″ x 4-1/4″ piece of Bumble Bee cardstock at 2-3/4″ x 5-1/2″
  • Flowers for Every Season Designer Series Paper: 4-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ and 2-1/4″ x 4-1/4″
  • Whisper White Cardstock: 4-1/2″ x 3-1/2″, 4″ x 3″
  • Magenta Madness Cardstock: scrap
Product List
Celebrate Sunflowers Bundle (English)
Tasteful Touches Bundle (English)
Celebrate Sunflowers Cling Stamp Set (English)
Sunflowers Dies
Tasteful Touches Cling Stamp Set (English)
Tasteful Labels Dies
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Bumblebee 8-1/2X11 Cardstock
Misty Moonlight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Magenta Madness 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Flowers For Every Season 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
Paper Trimmer
Lovely Labels Pick A Punch
Butterfly Beauty Dies
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
Stampin' Dimensionals
Mini Stampin' Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by my little spot of the interwebs. I hope you enjoyed the projects I shared today.

Make Your Own Gift Bag!

I love making my own gift bags when possible. I can customize the size of bag to fit the gift and it’s fun to coordinate everything using stamps, paper and ink.

Here are two different sized bags I made using the Dino Days Bundle from Stampin’ Up!

Aren’t they cute?! These bags are great for the little people in your life. You can easily change up the designer paper and embellishments to fit any occasion.

Here is a video tutorial showing how I created the smaller bag using two pieces of 8″ x 8″ pieces of Designer Series Paper.

Scoring Guide for an 8″ Gift Bag:

  • Score top of two pieces of 8″ x 8″ Designer Series Paper at 1″. Score the remaining three sides of both pieces at 1-3/4″.

To make a larger gift bag use two pieces of 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper and score according to the guide below.

Scoring Guide for a 12″ Gift Bag:

  • Score top of two pieces of 12″ x 12″ Designer Series Paper at 1-1/2″. Score the remaining three sides of both pieces at 3″.

The next time you need a gift bag and you’re short on time, or when you want to use what you’ve got, go explore your paper stash and make your own!

Product List
Dino Days Bundle
Dino Days Photopolymer Stamp Set
Dino Dies
Dinoroar Designer Series Paper
Lovely Lipstick 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
Simply Scored
Paper Trimmer
Layering Circles Dies
Whisper White 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Flax Ribbon
Lovely Lipstick 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Grosgrain Ribbon
Leaf Ribbon
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
Stampin' Dimensionals