Author: birch press

  • Blended Banner Heart | By Seeka

    Blended Banner Heart | By Seeka

    Hello and welcome! Seeka here and today I’m sharing a clean and simple card featuring the Banner Heart Layer A die against a background made with the Pinpoint Contour Plate.

    I started off by using foam blending tools to blend Picked Raspberry, Abandoned Coral, and Carved Pumpkin Distress Oxide inks over a small panel of Bristol Smooth cardstock. I used the Banner Heart Layer A die to cut the panel and then used it three more times to cut white cardstock. I stacked and adhered the four outline layers together with the ink-blended die cut on top. Then, I inlaid the ink-blended fallout pieces and used clear tape on the back side of the heart to hold the pieces together.

    Next, I used the Pinpoint Contour Plate to die cut a piece of white cardstock. I trimmed the panel to about 3.75″ x 5″ and then glued the heart to it. To finish, I used foam tape to adhere the card front to light pink 4.25″ x 5.5″ card base and added a sentiment from my stash.

    Thank you so much for visiting!

    Supplies

  • Morning Rose and Triple Buds Happy Birthday | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends I am excited to be back up on the blog today to share two of the gorgeous new die sets with you. I also paired these with a previous release as well! For today’s card I am using the gorgeous Morning Rose and Triple Buds Contour Layers die set. I had a lot of fun on today’s card, so let’s get started!

    I started by die cutting each layer of the rose. I chose 3 colors of pink card stock from the Berry Red paper pad collection from Memory Box. I die cut each layer using a different shade. I had a light, medium, and darker pink shade. I die cut 2 roses and 2 of the triple buds. Next I die cut 3 leaves from the Winsome Rose and Leaves Contour layers. For the leaves and the stems on the triple buds I used card stock from the Lush Green paper pad from Memory Box.

    Once all my flowers, stems, buds, and leaves were die cut I added ink blending to each layer. On the layers I used a combination of Distress Oxide inks and Dye Inks. I used a blending tool, as well a finger blending tool to add ink to the corners. I love the added texture and depth this provides to the flowers, leaves, stems, and buds.

    Next I adhered all the layers together using liquid glue. Once these images are die cut they are so easy to adhere together, the die provides outlines for you on where to glue the layers down. They are so easy to use. Once everything was adhered together I added a bit more ink to the edges of the flowers, leaves, and stems using the inks I shared above.

    Next I chose a background from my stash. I love creating gelli prints and found a background that had shades of pinks and greens, I thought this coordinated well with my images. I wanted to add a bit more texture to the background using the Pinpoint Contour Plate. I ran the gelli print and die through my die cutting machine. Next I trimmed the panel using my paper trimmer. I then added a few metallic gold splatters to the background for added texture. I dried these with my heat tool, then adhered the panel to an A2 card base.

    Next I placed the flowers, buds, stems and leaves onto the card front. I then adhered the images down using foam tape and liquid glue. To complete my card I chose a sentiment from my stash. I had a lot of fun with these 2 new products. Thanks so much for stopping by today! I will be back soon with more crafty inspiration!


    Supplies


    57493 Morning Rose and Triple Buds Contour Layers
    57511 Pinpoint Contour Plate
    57497 Winsome Rose and Leaves Contour Layers
    sp1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack
    sp1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack
    sp1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack
  • Make Your Patterned Paper Shine

    Make Your Patterned Paper Shine

    Hello, Birch Press friends! This card has been in my head for awhile now, and I finally made it. I love plaid for the holidays, so I really wanted to incorporate some of this beautiful paper from the Christmas Jolly paper pad.

    I started by choosing which paper from the Christmas Jolly pad to use. I knew that I wanted to angle the paper on my card base, so I found a pattern that worked perfectly for that. I made sure to carefully trim it at the top so that it was even with the angled lines in the design. I then adhered it to a white A2 card base and added a thin strip of glossy black card stock to divide it from the white space.

    Next, I die cut the layers for the Meridian Ornament. I used white card stock for Layer C, black glossy card stock for Layer B, and Gold for Layer A. I also traced the shape of the ornament onto a piece of red card stock, fussy cut that out, and adhered it to the back of the ornament so that it showed through the cutouts in the white layer. I love how the gold layer enhances and pulls your eye to the thin, shiny lines of gold foil in the plaid paper.

    For the ornament topper, I used the die from Set A of the Radiant Ornament Layer Set. For the sentiment, I used the “joy” from the Find Joy and Outline set. The words are connected in this die set, but I simply cut them apart and made the “j” into a lower case j. I used a tiny round die from my stash for the “tittle” (dot) over the j. Don’t be afraid to alter your die cuts to fit your designs!

    To finish my card, I added some flat gold discs to the centers of the red floral design in the ornament and then added black gems on top of those. I also added some gold thread through the ornament topper.

    Thank you so much for joining us today. I hope this card inspires you and brings a smile to your face!

    Wishing you a crafty day,
    Allison


    Supplies


    57470 Meridian Ornament Layer Set
    57452 Find Joy and Outline
    sp1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack
    fp1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad 6×6 pack
    SH44004 Black Glossy Paper

    Supplies


    pp1019 Christmas Jolly 6×6 pack
    jwl004 Autumn Fairy Jewels

  • Merry Christmas Wreath | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty readers! There are only six days left until Christmas, so hopefully your last holiday card is in the mail by now! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today sharing the last of my Christmas card inspiration for 2022 using the Holly Wreath Plate Layering set.

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.

    To create this card, you will need the following products from Birch Press Design:

    ~Holly Wreath Layering Plate

    ~Lush Green 6″ x 6″ paper pack

    ~Handwritten Merry Christmas and Outline die

    ~Twinkling Jewel Glitter Pad

    ~ Red Rhinestones (or clear ones and use your Copic markers to color them!)

    Now I had created a video showing how I made this card, but technology seems to hate me today and it’s floating somewhere in cyberspace that is not YouTube where I uploaded it! Arghhhhh!

    Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day! I wish you all the love, peace, joys and magic of the holiday season. May you carry that with you today and every day.

    Crystal

    Supplies

    57450 Holly Wreath Plate Layer Set

    57478 Handwritten Merry Christmas and Outline

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    GP1003 Twinkling Jewel Glitter Pad

  • How to Use Color Mood Boards for Inspiration Part 2 | by Colleen Balija

    How to Use Color Mood Boards for Inspiration Part 2 | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends,

    I’m back with another post on how to use Color Mood Boards for inspiration!!! In my post earlier this month, I shared a mood board and card that was inspired by it. Today I’m going to share a completely different card using that same mood board! My hope is that you will see how inspiring it can be to create TONS of unique cards with just one color mood board! Here is my card below.

    And, here is that Color Mood Board in which I was inspired to create this card ealier this month! Again, I found this through DT Crystal Komara!

    The first step was to plan the layout of my card. I found a card on Instagram where I just fell in love with the layout and design elements, so I used that card as my starting point. Since I didn’t want to CASE the card, I used just the background design ideas from it.

    Next, I chose the Birch Press Designs dies I wanted to use for my card.

    Birch Press Designs just released a beautiful, layered floral called Morning Rose & Tripe Buds Contour Layers. In addition to this die, I used Wispy Blooms Contour Layers die to compliment the Morning Rose.

    Following the Color Mood Board, I used ink colors in similar shades and applied them directly to white cardstock. Then I splattered gold metallic ink and water over it to add interest. Once my card panel was fully dry, I die cut the layers of my flowers and buds and adhered it all together. All the flowers are coordinated with the same colors from the Color Mood Board for cohesiveness. I added more gold splatters to the flowers after they were die cut. You can see in the photo below how pretty the colors work together!

    The next step was to work on the background! I die cut the brand-new Pinpoint Contour die plate onto a 5.5×4.25 white card panel and adhered it to a white card base. This is a beautiful die that creates a design without die cutting it. It’s perfect for a background!

    Next, I trimmed 2 more card panels – one in white and a larger one in black. I inked up the white card panel using teal shades of ink, similar to the Color Mood Board. I went from lightest in the center to darkest on the outer part. To add interest, I used Layer A of Herbarium Layer Plates as a stencil and inked through it to create an abstract design over the teal ink! It was subtle enough to add interest without competing with the focal point! I also added gold splatters.

    I adhered the inked-up card panel to the larger black card panel, and then adhered both to the card base so that enough of the Pinpoint Contour die was peeking out from behind. You can see all that lovely detail in the photo above!

    Finally it was time to add my flowers over that beautiful card base! I “staged” everything exactly where I wanted it and then adhered it all down with liquid glue once I was satisfied with placement. The Morning Rose flower was popped up on foam tape. I finished with a gold foiled sentiment from You Are Loved.

    As a refresher, here is the card that I made from my last blog post, so that you can see how different that card is from today’s card!

    The colors are similar of course, but the layout and design elements are different! Color Mood Boards are coordinated for you so that the colors will work together nicely. That’s really important, as too much color can take away from the beauty and cohesiveness of a card! So, you can feel free to use all the colors on the mood board with whatever design elements you choose!

    You can find Color Mood Boards by googling them, by searching for them on Instagram, or by creating your own! I also frequently refer to color mood boards designed by Sarah Renae Clark, whom you can find on Instagram. She creates a multitude of mood boards for every season and every reason!

    Thanks for stopping by today!

    Supplies

    57511 Pinpoint Contour Plate

    57493 Morning Rose and Triple Buds Contour Layers

    BPF509 You Are Loved Noted Script Hot Foil Plate and Die Set

    57506 Wispy Blooms Contour Layers

    57458 Herbarium Plate Layer Set

  • You Have My Hearts | by Toni M Maddox

    You Have My Hearts | by Toni M Maddox

    Hello, Birch Press fans! Toni here with you today sharing a trio of sparkly Valentines using the new Banner Heart Layering Dies and You Are Loved Hot Foil Plate & Die.

    Let’s start with the last card I made which is my personal favorite. I love those pastels with the gold so so much!

    But, I actually started with the black and red card below. As you can see from the layers, you end up with perfectly useable diecut negatives which I absolutely could not let go to waste so the next thing you know I’m using those bits for more cards.

    The combinations of the glitter, mirror and regular cardstock are truly endless. Pair that up with using the hot foil negative and it just goes on and on.

    I hope you enjoyed today’s cards and have a great rest of your week!

    Supplies

    BPF509 You Are Loved Noted Script Hot Foil Plate and Die Set

    57510 Banner Heart Layer Set

    57153 Hugs Sugar Script

    57384 Pinpoint Radial Plate

    FP1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

    FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

  • Glittery Snowflake Hugs | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends! I am excited to be up on the blog today! For today’s card I had a lot of fun creating a glittery snowflake card to share a hug this winter! So let’s get started!

    I started with Herbarium Plate die set. I dry embossed layer A onto a piece of white card stock. I then used several shades of Distress Oxide Ink to add color to the embossed background. Once I had the colors I was looking for, I trimmed the panel a little smaller than an A2 card base. I then set this aside.

    Next I die cut the Snowy Circle die set. I started with Layer C with white card stock, then Layer B using a blue from the Stormy Blue paper pad, and for Layer A I used the Festive Glitter Pad. Once all the layers were die cut, I adhered them together with liquid glue.

    I wanted to add a bit more dimension and interest to my snowflakes, so I chose to the use the leaves from the Dainty Rose and Leaves Contour Layers die set. I love using my dies in different ways and I encourage you to look through your stash too! I die cut the leaves using a blue from the Stormy Blue paper pad. I then added a bit more texture to each leaf using inks. I applied a bit of darker blue in the nooks and crannies of each leaf using a finger dauber. Once dry, I added a silver/white embossing powder for added texture.

    Once the leaves were complete, I used my finger to shape the leaves a bit to add more dimension. Next I glued down my Herbarium Plate embossed panel to an A2 card base using liquid glue. I then added foam tape to my Snowy Circle. Before adhering down the snowflake, I determined the placement of my leaves. I then adhered the Snowy Circle and leaves to my card front using a combination of liquid glue and foam adhesive.

    To complete my card I chose a sentiment from the Sugar Script Sentiments 1 Hot Foil Plate and die set. I foiled the Sending Hugs onto a piece of white card stock. I then used the coordinating die to die cut my sentiment. I die cut 2 more outlines and adhered them together with liquid glue for added dimension. I adhered my sentiment with foam tape and liquid glue.

    Thanks so much for stopping by today! I had a lot of fun and I will be back soon!


    Supplies


    57458 Herbarium Plate Layer Set
    57467 Snowy Circle Layer Set
    BPF503 Sugar Script Sentiments 1 Hot Foil Plate and Die Sets
    57499 Dainty Rose and Leaves Contour Layers
    SP1006 Stormy Blue 6×6 pack
    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad
  • Using Color Mood Boards for Inspiration | by Colleen Balija

    Using Color Mood Boards for Inspiration | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends! I hope your week is going well for you! Today I’m going to share how to find inspiration for your cards using a Color Mood Board!!! I have been using color mood boards for a few years now, and it never lets me down! It will take the most basic card and bring it to next level genius! Colors emit a powerful message, so I encourage you to use them whenever possible!

    Below is the color mood board that I used for my card in this blog post. This was inspired by my fellow design team member Crystal Komara, who shared it on her social media. I instantly fell in love with the colors and decided to use it for today’s card! The color combinations are glorious for this time of year!

    I started with String Art Frame Hot Foil plate in gold, channeling the gold in the color mood board. Then I added teal shading over the hot foil, again inspired by the color mood board. Already we’ve got 2 colors used!

    Now it was time to work on the focal point! Using the NEW Morning Rose & Triple Buds Contour Layers die, I chose the burgundy, coral, and teal colors from the Color Mood Board to apply to my flowers and buds. This is a layered die set, so 3 colors were perfect!

    In the photo below, you can see the details in my flower and buds! Let me explain how I achieved this look.

    I swiped burgundy and coral inks directly onto white cardstock. Then I sprayed the ink to lift up some of the ink with water. Next, I added gold paint splatters over both colors and allowed it to all to dry. Once it was dry, I die cut my floral layers and buds. The darkest burgundy color would be the 1st layer (the one furthest away from the eye), coral the 2nd layer, and teal the top layer. Then I adhered my layers together. I added a bit more of the gold splatter once everything was adhered together.

    TIP: Birch Press Designs does an amazing job of helping you layer these contour dies! They emboss the image that needs to be layered next over the other image. All you have to do is line it up and adhere it! I love how easy it is to do!

    Next, it was time to put everything together on my card panel that I had created earlier.

    You can see in the photo above that I left the inner circle of the background panel white. This will help draw the eye to the focal point and it leaves just a hint of white space. There is something about white space that grounds everything!

    TIP: I “stage” everything before adhering it down, just to be sure that my design items are exactly where I want them! Once I have it where I want, then I begin to adhere everything using liquid glue. Liquid glue provides wiggle room to place the design item in the exact right spot!

    I adhered the flower and one of the buds to the lower left corner of the white circle, and then added the NEW You Are Loved Noted Script hot foil plate to the upper right of the circle, tucking the 2nd bud behind the sentiment. For the You Are Loved Noted Script sentiment, it comes with a coordinating die cut, so I die cut it 3 times and adhered it together to give the sentiment some pop!

    Here is one more look at the finished card. Notice how all the colors from the mood board were used? Color Mood Boards are made to work cohesively, so you won’t go wrong using one! You can find color mood boards just about anywhere – from social media (like Crystal’s) to googling it! One other source that shares a variety of mood boards is Sarah Renae Clark. You can find her on Instagram!

    I’m so glad you joined me today! I hope that you found inspiration and use a color mood board to bring your cards to life!!!

    Supplies

    57493 Morning Rose and Triple Buds Contour Layers

    BPF510 String Art Frame Hot Foil Plate and Die Set

    BPF509 You Are Loved Noted Script Hot Foil Plate and Die Set

  • You Are Loved | By Allison Frazier

    You Are Loved | By Allison Frazier

    Hello, Birch Press friends! Have you seen the new products that were recently added to the online shop? I am featuring two of them today – the “Banner Heart” Layer Set and the “You Are Loved Noted Script” Hot Foil Plate/Die.

    This new layering heart set is just gorgeous. And, of course, it will look different every time you change up the colors. My color choices were based on the background that I created. Have you ever tried alcohol ink marbling? It’s really easy and a lot of fun. And the best part is that you never really know what you’re going to end up with. All you do is put some water in a shallow dish, add a few drops of alcohol ink, and then dip your paper in. Once you pull the paper back out, you’ll be amazed, and you’ll also be torn as to which side to use!

    For layers A and C of my Banner Heart, I chose some regular colored card stock. For layer B, I chose a beautiful aqua pearl card stock – it has a matte sheen. I also cut layer C from white card stock and kept the entire piece intact by taping the back side of it. By keeping the negative and positive pieces together, it creates a solid back which you can then adhere all of the other layers on top of.

    For the sentiment, I used Skybright hot foil, which is a pale aqua color. I love how there is a matching die for this hot foil plate. After adhering the heart and the sentiment to my card panel, I finished up by adding some jewels. The Winter Fantasy Fairy Gemstones were the perfect colors for my design.

    Thank you so much for joining us today. I hope this card inspires you and bring a smile to your face! Be sure to check out the other new products in the online store.

    Wishing you a crafty day,
    Allison


    Supplies


    57510 Banner Heart Layer Set
    BPF509 You Are Loved Noted Script Hot Foil Plate and Die Set
    sp1008 Twilight Purple 6×6 pack
    sp1006 Stormy Blue 6×6 pack
    fp1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

    Supplies


    gem102 Winter Fantasy Fairy Gemstones
    jwl001 Clear Jewels
  • Rainbow Peace Dove | by Crystal Komara

    Rainbow Peace Dove | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty readers! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today sharing a slightly non-traditional Christmas card made using some ombre colors in reds and greens accented with the beautiful Adornment Dove dies.

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock. This is my go-to cardstock for e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! Using the same Neenah white cardstock, I cut the first background from Layer C of the Flora Plate dies. Next, I cut thin strips of cardstock in reds, pinks and greens. These thin strips measured 4 1/4″ x 1/4″. I adhered the strips to the Flora Layer background using Tombow adhesive. I started with the darkest color red to the lightest pink and then from the lightest green to the darkest.

    Using the Adornment Dove dies, I cut both layers from white cardstock. I adhered both layers together with a fine tip glue and adhered the entire assembled dove to the card with 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

    Lastly, I stamped the sentiment “Peace” in Versamark ink on black cardstock. This sentiment is from the Christmas Mandala stamp set. It also has a coordinating die that I used to die cut the sentiment out. After die cutting the sentiment I adhered it to the card also using 3M foam.

    I love how this card turned out, even though I had a completely different vision from when I started. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57479 Adornment Dove

    57437 Flora Plate Layer Set

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack