Category: Contour Layers

  • Vibrant Cosmos | By Seeka

    Vibrant Cosmos | By Seeka

    Hello and welcome! Seeka here and today I’m sharing a card featuring the gorgeous Large Cosmos Contour Layers die set.

    I started by cutting the four petal layers from three different colors of bright pink coral and pink cardstock. I cut the center of the flower from an orange-y yellow cardstock and then I glued the layers together.

    For the background, I used the Forest Canopy Layer C die to cut two pieces of white cardstock. I glued the die cut frames together to give the piece dimension. Next, I blended aqua ink over one end of a 4.25″ x 5.5″ panel of white cardstock and then I glued the frame over the panel.

    To assemble the card, I used foam tape to adhere the cosmos to the background and then I added a small sentiment from my stash. Finally, I glued the card front to a card base.

    Thank you so much for visiting!


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  • Summer Sky | by Toni M Maddox

    Summer Sky | by Toni M Maddox

    Hello, Birch Press fans! Toni here with you today. I love, love, love the new release. The Forest Canopy Layers dies I used here are especially amazing! I’m crossing my fingers we’ll see a layered birds release someday.

    I used Layers A & B which I sponged with Distress Oxide Vintage Photo, Mowed Lawn and Rustic Wilderness and then added limb shadows with Distress Ink Ground Espresso.

    I chose not to use Layer C so that more of the card based sponged with Distress Oxide Salvaged Patina would show through.

    I added the berries super easily with the included dies which I cut from Memory Box Sunny Orange 6×6 Paper. You know how I love that orange and aqua color combo!

    I finished the card by adding the Sugar Script Big Hugs cut from gold foil cardstock with a white underlayment.

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

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  • Phlox Blooms ATC’s | By Natasha Vacca

    Phlox Blooms ATC’s | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Crafty friends! I am excited to be back on the blog today sharing a couple of mixed media ATC’s using the Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers die set. So let’s get started!

    I started by die cut the floral images from the Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers die set. I cut enough for 3 florals per ATC. I die cut the flowers using the Vibrant Violet paper pad from Memory Box. I chose 2 shades of pink for the flowers and the center of the flower. Once everything was die cut, I used several shades of Distress Oxide ink to add more depth and texture to the flower images.

    Once the flowers were all inked up I adhered the flowers together using liquid blue. Next I heat embossed the center of the flower using a gold embossing powder and then adhered the center to the flowers. I also added a few splatters to each flower. I then set the flowers aside to work on my backgrounds.

    For the background I chose a blue panel from my stash of pre-made backgrounds. I trimmed the panel into 2 ATC’s (Artist Trading Cards). Next I chose a piece of pattern paper from the Magnolia Grove paper pad from Memory Box. I tore the paper and then adhered this to each ATC using liquid glue.

    I then added a clear crackle paste to each ATC in a couple of places. I allowed the paste to dry and when it was completely dry I added a bit of distressing using distress crayons, as well as paper glaze for added shine and texture. Next I inked up the edges of each ATC using black distress ink.

    I then added white and purple splatters to each of the backgrounds. Once the splatters were dry, I adhered the flowers using liquid glue and foam tape. I completed my ATC’s with a couple of sentiment strips and a few gems from the Fairy Jewels – Brights collection!

    Thank you for stopping by today! I will be back soon!


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  • Clean and Simple With a Twist | by Allison Frazier

    Clean and Simple With a Twist | by Allison Frazier

    Hello, Birch Press friends. Today, I am sharing a clean and simple card featuring the new Curved Leaf Branch Contour Layers set. The twist is not only in the color combination, but also in the sentiment!

    I often struggle with clean and simple, but one thing I always do if I’m going to attempt it is to pick a bold color combination. I love pink and orange together, so these colors were easy choices. I cut the main branch from hot pink card stock and the detail layers from orange. I love how Birch Press includes little “cheat sheets” with their die sets that show which detail pieces go where! After assembling the pieces together with liquid glue, I added it to a layer that I cut from white card stock – this just gives it a little bit of dimension.

    When I pulled the Jumbo Lingo Hello die set out of my stash and remembered that the detail layer cuts the letters out individually, I knew that I wanted to play with the height of the branch. I cut the letters from a dark pink glitter card stock and glued them on top of ones that I had cut from white card stock. I started to stagger the letters because the “L’s” are not as wide as the other letters, but I soon realized that staggering them also followed the curve in the branch.

    I glued all of my elements directly onto a white card base. Again, since I struggle with clean and simple, I almost embossed the background. But, I held myself back! I did add just a few orange fairy jewels around the branch, as well as a sentiment strip from my stash. I think the black and white sentiment keeps the look of the card clean, but also plays well with the boldness of the colors.

    I hope this card puts a smile on your face and inspires you to try something out of your comfort zone, as well. Thank you so much for joining us today.

    Wishing you a crafty day,
    Allison


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  • Lots of Large Cosmos | by Crystal Komara

    Lots of Large Cosmos | by Crystal Komara

    Hello Birch Press readers, this is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today showing your a whole variety of ways to use the beautiful new Large Cosmos Contour Layering dies! Initially, I had only one slimline card in mind, but I ended up die cutting soooooo many cosmo flowers that I made four cards to show you a variety of ways to use them. So, sit back and enjoy the inspiration!

    The easiest way to begin making all of these cards, is to first create the large cosmos. For the flowers, I used a combination of purple colored cardstock. Then I just began assembling the flowers following the guided image. I ended up with almost 20 flowers by the time I was done. This truly was the hardest part of the entire process. Then I just took the flowers and designed multiple layouts.

    The first card is an 8 1/2 x 3 1/2″ slimline card. It is designed to fit inside a regular #10 business sized envelope. The white base is made from 80 lb. Neenah Smooth white cardstock. I adhered four of the large cosmo flowers down the center of the card. Behind a couple of the flowers, I tucked a few leaves, die cut from the Curved Leaf die from lush green cardstock.

    I heat foiled the sentiment in purple foil on white cardstock. The sentiment is from the Sugar Script Sentiments Hot Foil plates. I added the sentiment to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

    My next card is an A2 sized card made from the same 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I matted the base with a piece of plaid foiled cardstock from sister company Memory Box. This plaid foiled paper is 5 1/4″ x 4″. Next, I die cut a large scalloped oval from white cardstock. I adhered this to the center of the card. I adhered one of the large cosmos to the lower right side of the oval. I also added a few leaves behind the flower. I heat foiled the sentiment in purple foil on white cardstock. Again, this sentiment is from the Sugar Script Sentiments hot foil plates.

    My third card for today is also an A2 sized card made from a base of 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I heat foiled a piece of white cardstock with the String Art Frame Hot Foil Plate. Once this hot foiled background cooled, I adhered it directly to the card base as my first layer. I adhered one large cosmo to the lower right side of the card and tucked one leaf under the flower. Using the Find Joy and Outline die, I die cut the sentiment from purple and white cardstock, adhering the two layers together before adhering both to the card with 3M foam adhesive.

    I hope you have enjoyed seeing a variety of cards all made in monochromatic purple and white with the new Large Cosmos die!

    Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

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  • just a note | by Rosemary Dennis

    just a note | by Rosemary Dennis

    Hello! Rosemary here on the blog today sharing a mixed media type card that I created using the gorgeous new Large Cosmos Contour Layer die set, along with Fuddled Leaf Branches Contour Layer die set and a sentiment from the Sugar Script Sentiments 1 set. Let’s have a look.

    My teammate, Natasha, creates the most amazing mixed media projects using her Birch Press products. I was inspired by her to create my card combining by clean and simple with mixed media. I used Tim Holtz distress mica sprays and distress sprays and watercolor cardstock to create my panels.

    I die cut all the pieces and them assembled them using liquid adhesive. After the pieces were dry I added Gilded Distress Foundry Wax to the edges of the petals and the leaves. I used only smallest leaf cluster from the Fuddled Leaf Branches for my card. You have to work quickly when applying the foundry wax since it dries fast. I used my ring finger to apply the wax and then heat set it with my heat tool. Heat setting serves two purposes, it gives the wax the gilded look and it permanently sets it on your project. If you don’t heat set the was, it will simply chip off.

    Once I had the gilding done, I created my background panel. I die cut cream Memory Box woodgrain cardstock and then splattered it with distress mica spray in Tart Cranberry. I had previously foiled the sentiment, so I simply had to die cut a few more blanks and then adhere them to the sentiment. I arranged the flower, leaves and sentiment to the panel with liquid adhesive. I then added my panel to an off-white cardstock base.

    Here is a close up of the flower and leaves showing all that pretty gilding and some of the mica that provides alot of shine in real life.

    I hope my card inspires you to try mixed media in a more clean and simple way. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day!

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  • Tropical Thanks | by Toni M Maddox

    Tropical Thanks | by Toni M Maddox

    Hello, Birch Press fans! Toni here with you today sharing a tropical thank you card. I guess I’m feeling the summer weather big time!

    I started the card by cutting out some Phlox Blooms Contour Layers from Memory Box Berry Red and Sunny Orange 6×6 Paper. I added some Copic airbrushing (G09, G14, YR09, and R39) shading to the blooms.

    I cut the Curved Leaf Branches from white and also airbrushed them.

    For the sentiment I used gold with the Thanks Sugar Script Hot Foil Plate & Die, adding a black shadow diecut beneath. Notice how the bloom centers are gold too? Shiny and glam are being served today!

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

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  • Mixed Media ATC’s with Curved Leaf Branch | By, Natasha Vacca

    Mixed Media ATC’s with Curved Leaf Branch | By, Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, I am excited to be back on the blog today. I love creating with dies and today I am going to share some mixed media ATC’s (Artist Trading Cards) with you! For the focal image I will be using the Curved Leaf Branch Contour Layers die set. So let’s get started!

    I started by die cutting 3 of the Curved Leaf Branch layers using white card stock, as well as a set using the Vibrant Violet paper pad. Once the leaves were die cut, I set the white leaf branches aside. I wanted to keep these one layer. On the violet leaf branch, I added oxide ink to the leaves, as well as to the top layer on the leaves. I used several shades of ink to add contrast to the leaves. I adhered on the 2nd layer of the leaves using liquid glue and then set these aside.

    Once my leaves were die cut, I trimmed 3 different gelli prints into ATC size (2.5 x 3.5). On each of the ATC’s I added a variety of texture using texture paste and crackle paste. I added the paste using a spatula to the edges, as well as used the Gilded Grace Inside Stencil Set. I chose one of the stencils from the set and added the stencil to my backgrounds and applied texture paste through the stencil. I allowed the paste to dry completely before moving onto the next step.

    Once the paste was dry, I added a bit more texture by applying distress crayons and gold glitz to the paste areas. I continued to work on the areas until I was happy with the texture of my backgrounds. Once everything was dry, I added a strip of washi tape to each ATC, with a bit of white gesso for added distressing. I also added white splatters to a couple of the ATC’s as well.

    Next it was time to adhere the leaves onto the ATC panels. Under each leaf I used gold thread and adhered this to the panel with a glue dot. I then adhered the leaves onto each ATC on top of the gold thread. I added sentiments from my stash, as well as a stamped sentiment from the Gracious Floral Stamp and die set. I trimmed the sentiments and adhered them to my ATC’s.

    I added a butterfly die cut to two of the ATC panels. I die cut the Simple Butterfly Contour Layers die set using the Vibrant Violet paper pad. I added Distress Oxide ink to each layer of the butterfly and then adhered it together. I thought this was a sweet and simple addition!

    I hope you enjoyed stopping by today and learning how to create ATC’s, as well as how to use your layering stencils to add texture!

    Have a great day and I will be back soon!


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  • Vibrant Cosmos | by Allison Frazier

    Vibrant Cosmos | by Allison Frazier

    Hello, Birch Press friends. Today, I am sharing this vibrant card using the new Large Cosmos Contour Layers set. Since tomorrow is the 4th of July, I decided to use red, white and blue! I am also using the brand new Gracious Floral 3D embossing folder for the background.

    I started out by embossing an A2 sized panel of light blue card stock with the Gracious Floral Embossing Folder. After taking the card stock out of the folder, I ran my white pigment ink pad over the embossed edges of the floral design. I then took a couple shades of darker blue ink and blended the edges of my card panel. This creates a glow effect in the middle.

    There is one die that cuts the larger petals for the Cosmos. I cut that from two different shades of red card stock and used one petal from each shade. So, one of those bottom layers is slightly darker than the other. I cut the smaller petals from a lighter shade of red. For all the petals, I inked up the edges with some dark red ink, and even a little bit of black ink for the darker petals. I cut the smallest die from white card stock – that cuts the two small pieces in the center. I ink blended the edges of the white piece with some red ink, and I ink blended the very center yellow. After glueing all the pieces together, I splattered it with white acrylic paint. I then adhered it to my panel over the large embossed flower from the Gracious Floral design.

    I hot foiled my sentiment onto black card stock with white opaque foil. You can’t even tell that it’s foil – it just looks perfectly smooth. The sentiment comes from the Sugar Scripts Sentiment 1 Hot Foil Plate set. I finished my design by scattering my favorite embellishment – clear fairy drops.

    I hope this card puts a smile on your face. Happy (early) 4th of July to those who celebrate! Thank you so much for joining us today.

    Wishing you a crafty day,
    Allison


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  • Simple Friendship Card | by Rosemary Dennis

    Simple Friendship Card | by Rosemary Dennis

    Birch Press has a new release out and today I’m sharing a simple friendship card that I made using the new Curved Leaf Branch Contour Layers die and some Memory Box patterned paper.

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    Like alot of us I have many different pads of patterned paper, but I often forget to use them. I have a lovely pad of papers from Memory Box called Jolly Christmas. I thought it would be fun to look through the pad to see if there were any that would work for diecutting the Curved Leaf Branch and I found one that would. One side is a dark hunter green plaid and the other is a lighter more aqua green. I thought the extreme contrast between the two would create a fun look and I love how it turned out!

    After die cutting the main leaf from the dark hunter green paper and the layering pieces from the contrasting paper, I die cut the leaf, again, from black cardstock three times then adhered everything together using liquid adhesive. I once, again, turned to the Memory Box woodgrain cardstock to help me create a simple background for my leave. This time I used the cream woodgrain cardstock. I die cut a rectangle of the cardstock and then adhered my leaf with liquid adhesive.

    Now it was time to decide on a sentiment. I was going to stamp one, but then decided to do some hot foiling. So I pulled out the Sugar Script Sentiments 1 set and some matte gold foil. The backside of the woodgrain cardstock is actually rather smooth and since it obviously matched the color of the background perfectly I decided to try foiling on it. And it worked. Not perfectly, but I love the little bit of distressing that resulted. You can see it in the close up photo above. I die cut the sentiment and several “blanks” to adhere behind it so that the sentiment was a little more substantial. I adhered that to the card front with liquid adhesive, as well.

    To finish off the card I tied a simple bow using some gold twine from my stash and adhered it to the leaf with a dot of glue. I also used a dot of glue to adhere down tails of the bow.

    I hope you enjoyed my project today and that you will give hot foiling on the wrong side of woodgrain cardstock a try! Might just like it! Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely day!

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