Category: Contour Layers

  • 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!


    Supplies


    cl5280D Gracious Floral Clear Stamp and Die Set

    Supplies


    57513 Curved Leaf Branch Contour Layers
    57490 Simple Butterfly Contour Layers
    42036 Gilded Grace Inside Stencil Set

    Supplies


    sp1007 Vibrant Violet
  • 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


    Supplies


    57528 Large Cosmos Contour Layers
    bpf503 Sugar Script Sentiments 1 Hot Foil Plate and Die Sets
    sp1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack
    sp1005 Ocean Blue 6×6 pack

    Supplies


    ef1026 Gracious Floral 3D Embossing Folder and Die
    drp101 Fairy Drops
  • 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.

    Supplies

    sh44002 Cream Woodgrain Paper Pack

    pp1019 Christmas Jolly 6×6 pack

    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!

    Supplies

    BPF503 Sugar Script Sentiments 1 Hot Foil Plate and Die Sets

    57513 Curved Leaf Branch Contour Layers

  • Using Color Mood Boards for Inspiration Part 2 | by Colleen Balija

    Using Color Mood Boards for Inspiration Part 2 | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends! I’m back for Part 2 of How to Use Color Mood Boards for Inspiration! If you haven’t watched my previous post, be sure to visit that one as well for more inspiration! I love to use mood boards for color, texture, and design layout for my cards. Everything is done for you, so all that’s left is for you to choose what inspires you and make your card! Here is the mood board that inspired today’s card:

    This mood board seemed old fashioned and rustic to me. I loved the hunter green from the apron, the yellow, brown, and blue from the words (lower right corner), the striking black words right above it, and the distressed shades beige from the manikin. The textures that I loved were from the manikin, the straw hat, and the large heart below the cherry apron. I wanted my card to be rustic and include a heart, flowers, and a mixed media touch with lots and lots of texture!

    Step one was to create a textured background based on my observations of the mood board. You can see in the photo below all of the subtle, effective detail to my background. Let’s talk about how I achieved this look!

    First, I duplicated the various shades of beige on the manikin using 3 shades of brown distress inks and then ink schmooshing onto watercolor cardstock. I placed the inks onto a glass media matt, sprayed with water, and then dipped the watercolor paper onto the ink. I kept repeating this process until I got the desired result. It helps to start with the lightest color of ink and heat each layer before adding the next layer. This creates a distressed look similar to the wood and manikin in the mood board.

    Next, I applied a dark teal shade of ink onto Flora Die Plate Layer B and then placed my inked-up card panel over the die plate and embossed it with my die cut machine (embossing techniques vary by machine – see the instructions for your machine on how to emboss with dies). The emboss technique creates an impression of the die onto your card panel without cutting all the way through it. When I removed the die plate, I was left with an embossed image of flowers edged with the teal ink! Then I went back over the raised image with a bright yellow ink to give the flower petals a pop of color! I adhered the card panel to a white 5.5×4.25 card base and added blue Fairy Jewels over each flower for added interest.

    Next step was to work on the flowers and add even more texture! In the photo below, you can see the color and texture with the Banner Hearts die, Mini Splendor Bevel Plates, and Phlox Blooms & Leaves dies.

    I die cut all of the above mentioned elements onto white cardstock. Then, I sprayed each of them using my Lindy’s sprays. Lindy’s sprays have subtle color variances and a bit of shine to them, so I knew they would be perfect for this mixed media project! After everything dried, I adhered the layers together. I placed the Mini Splendor Bevel Plates die over the card base about 2/3 of the way down. Then I placed the Banner Hearts die over it and to the right. I placed the 2 Phlox flowers and leaves over the lower part of the heart and finished with a “HB” (Happy Birthday) sentiment from Mod Alphabet stamp and die set. I chose that set because it reminded me of the bold yellow and blue words on the apron! Then I added “It’s Your Day” from Kind Hearts stamp to complete the sentiment.

    I love to find unique elements from color mood boards to use on my cards, and I generally get lots of comments about it! I think that’s because the mood boards really inspire me to get playful! See if you can find some unique color mood boards that inspire you to jazz up your cards! You can even use mine! Be sure to let your creative juices flow on the layout and design of your card! Thanks for stopping by today!

    Supplies

    JWL005 Christmas Fairy Jewels

    CL8159 Rainbow Days Lingo Notes clear stamp set

    57507 Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers

    8139 Mod Alphabet clear stamp and die set

    56110 Mini Splendor Bevel Plate Layer Set

    57507 Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers

    57510 Banner Heart Layer Set

    CL8163 Kind Hearts clear stamp set

    57437 Flora Plate Layer Set

  • Mixed Media Large Cosmos | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, it is Natasha here and I am back today sharing ideas on how to create a mixed media card using your dies! For today’s card I am using 2 new dies: Large Cosmos Contour Layers and Curved Leaf Branch Contour Layers. Let’s get started!

    I started by die cutting the Large Cosmos Contour Layers die using the Vibrant Violet paper pad from Memory Box. I chose 2 shades of card stock from the paper pad. Once the floral was die cut, I added dye inks to the floral for added dimension. I then spritzed the floral layers with water droplets and picked up the color with a paper towel. I then adhered the floral together using liquid glue. For the center of the floral I chose a gold card stock from the Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad. I adhered this to the center of the floral and set this aside.

    Next I started to die cut the Curved Leaf Branch Contour Layers die. I chose 2 shades of blue card stock from the Fresh Aqua paper pad from Memory Box. Once the leaf was die cut, I added 2 shades of dye ink to the leaf image. I added water droplets as well and picked up the color with paper towel. Once dry, I adhered the leaf layers together. I then added brown distress ink to the leaf edges for added texture.

    Once the flower and leaf image was complete, I started to work on my background. I chose a gelli print from my stash with similar colors. I then dry embossed the background using the Ringadings 3D embossing folder. I added a bit more texture to the folder using dye ink in a dark grey on some areas of of the raised circles, as well as a blue glaze, and foundry wax. I allowed everything to dry, once the background was dry I added a few splatters to the background.

    Next I added 2 pieces of pattern paper from the Magnolia Grove paper pack. I chose 2 colors to coordinate with my card design and tore the strips for a distressed look. I then adhered the card panel, strips of paper, leaf and floral to my A2 card base.

    To complete my card I chose the Big Hugs Sugar Script die. I die cut the hugs sentimnent 3 times out of black card stock. I then adhered each layer together using liquid glue. I added a bit of foam tape behind the hugs sentiment for added dimension.

    I hope today’s card inspires you to use your dies to create a mixed media style card!

    I will be back soon with more crafty inspiration!


    Supplies


    57513 Curved Leaf Branch Contour Layers
    57528 Large Cosmos Contour Layers
    57138 Big Hugs Sugar Script

    Supplies


    pp1022 Magnolia Grove 6×6 pack
    ef1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder
    fp1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad
    sp1004 Fresh Aqua
    sp1007 Vibrant Violet
  • Using Mood Boards for Inspiration | by Colleen Balija

    Using Mood Boards for Inspiration | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends! I love to use mood boards for my card inspiration. Mood boards can provide a new and unique way to use color, texture, and design on your cards! Mood boards can be found easily, too, by googling them or by searching Instagram, which is how I found the one that I’m using for my card today!

    What inspired me with the mood board above are the colors of green, teal, yellow, and white, the texture from the vases and pillows, the flowers, and the beautiful throw rug with daisies on them! So, from this mood board I have color, texture, and a design layout for my card! Now, let’s apply all of this to the card, shall we? This is where your own imagination comes into play! How will you use the elements from the mood board?

    For my card, I decided to use Flora Layering Plates to imitate the throw rug in the mood board, using shades of dark green, teal, and yellow. The throw rug didn’t have teal in it, but I loved the teal in the vases, so I decided to incorporate it into the Flora layers. I also love how the Flora Plates have texture in them, another feature I noticed in the mood board!

    Next, I wanted to add an element to my card that was similar to the white vase in the mood board, so I die cut a rectangle and then ran it through my die cut machine with one of the Flora Plates layers to add texture. I adhered it over the Flora background.

    Now it was time to add flowers, but the flowers in the mood board were mainly white and I wanted mine to have color to help them pop a bit from the busy background, so I used the colors from the pillows in the mood board for my flowers.

    Using Wispy Blooms Contour layers die, I die cut both flowers in white and then ink blended them in shades of yellow and coral. I used a dark green for the stem. Then I hot foiled the “Just a Note” Sugar Script Sentiment over white cardstock. I adhered the flowers in the corner over the white rectangle and applied the sentiment over the flowers to create a cluster in the lower corner.

    I finished with Fairy Jewels over the flowers just within the center of the white rectangle to bring the eyes to the center of the card.

    Here is one more look at the mood board so you can see how I used the elements on my card! Next, I want to create a background similar to that piece of furniture! I’ll share that with you at another time!

    I hope that you were inspired today to search for mood boards (you can search “mood boards” or “color mood boards”) and use them on your cards to bring them from average to WOW!!!

     

    Supplies

     

     

    JWL005 Christmas Fairy Jewels

     

     

    57506 Wispy Blooms Contour Layers

     

     

    57503 Sylvan Berries and Leaves Contour Layers

     

     

    BPF503 Sugar Script Sentiments 1 Hot Foil Plate and Die Sets

     

     

    57437 Flora Plate Layer Set

     

  • Rainbow Hello | by Toni M Maddox

    Rainbow Hello | by Toni M Maddox

    Hello, Birch Press fans! Toni here with you today sharing a card that’s perfect for PRIDE month or any occasion really.

    I cut out a bunch of the Jovial Blooms & Leaves Contour Layers in Copic-friendly cardstock and colored them up with a bunch of bright colors. I thought about sponging but really wanted bright.

    I adhered those to the bottom of the card front which I had cut from the Pinpoint Radial Plate. The curves of that reminded me of a rainbow. I added a few clouds and sentiment from the Rainbow Days (with dies) set with the bold Sugar Script Big Hello on top.

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

    Supplies

    57502 Jovial Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers

    57384 Pinpoint Radial Plate

    57201 Big Hello Sugar Script

    8159 Rainbow Days Lingo Notes clear stamp and die set

  • Happy Birthday Butterfly | by Rosemary Dennis

    Happy Birthday Butterfly | by Rosemary Dennis

    Hello! Today I have a clean and simple mini slimline birthday card to share. I used the Star Flowers Contour Layers dies along with the Glimmer Butterfly layers dies and sentiments from two different stamp sets.

    For this card I decided to use the Memory Box white woodgrain cardstock. The only thing I didn’t use it for was the card base! I die cut the the A and C layers of the Glimmer Butterfly from the woodgrain cardstock. The middle (or B) layer was die cut from vellum. I then used to shades of coral ink to ink up the centers of the top and bottom layers. Darker coral on the bottom and light coral on the top. When I had the color to my liking I used liquid adhesive to adhere the butterfly only in the center.

    I then created the flowers. All the layers were die cut from the woodgrain cardstock and then I added the darker coral to the second layer. There is a flower center die, but I decided to not use it this time. I layered the flowers and then added a fairy gem to the center of each flower that had a peachy tint to it. To make sure that the gems stayed in place I added a drop of liquid adhesive to the center of each flower.

    A piece of the woodgrain cardstock was trimmed to fit the mini slimline cardbase and then adhered with double sided adhesive tape. The large flower was added to the center of the butterfly with a drop of liquid adhesive. Once everything was dry I adhered the elements to my card front using liquid adhesive. Now it was time to determine where to place the sentiment on the card front.

    The sentiment on the card front comes from the Contempo Greetings stamp set. I decided to keep it soft my stamping it in a light gray. I then die cut it with the label die from the matching die set. I played around a little with where to place the sentiment and finally settled on the top. I added thin foam squares to the back and then nestled it into the wings of the butterfly. I don’t generally create a sentiment for the inside of the card, but for this card I did.

    The reverse side of the woodgrain cardstock is smooth and perfect for stamping on. I trimmed down a piece to fit the inside of the card and then stamped the sentiment from the Kind Hearts stamp set using the light gray ink. This piece was then added with double sided adhesive.

    I hope you enjoyed today’s project. Have a wonderful day!

    Supplies

    D2

    57505 Star Flowers Contour Layers

    CL8160 Contempo Greetings clear stamp set

    CL8163 Kind Hearts clear stamp set

    57429 Glimmer Butterfly Layer Set

  • Father’s Day Card | by Allison Frazier

    Father’s Day Card | by Allison Frazier

    Hello, Birch Press friends! Today, I am sharing a Father’s Day card using the predictable plaid paper but adding in some unexpected floral elements. I admit that, when it comes to making masculine cards, I almost always reach for plaid paper. In my defense, I love plaid, too! Especially when it’s part of a plaid paper pad from Memory Box. I decided to add in some non-traditional elements to this card by adding florals and a heart. After all, men like flowers, too! My husband and his father are avid gardeners. Without him, my yard would be full of plastic plants because this girl does not have a green thumb!

    I started my card by picking out my plaid paper. This particular piece is from the Woodsy Plaid paper pad, which I don’t think is available anymore. But, Memory Box always has some great plaid pads every season, so there is plenty to choose from. I trimmed that plaid paper down to 4″ x 5.25″, and then I used one of the dies from the Banner Heart Layer Set to cut the heart out. Any of the layers would work, since you’re just cutting the outline of the heart out. I then popped this plaid panel up on foam tape and attached it to a white panel before adhering it to my dark gray card base.

    Next, I went through my stash of floral dies to find the perfect ones that would frame the heart opening. I chose the Sylvan Berries and Leaves Contour Layers set. I cut the berries out of two shades of purple card stock, and I cut the leaves/stems from two shades of green card stock. I assembled all of the pieces with liquid glue.

    For my sentiment, I cut the Love Honey Script from black glossy card stock. I cut two additional layers out of white card stock to layer behind the black one in order to give it more dimension and stability. I left enough room between the outline of the heart and the foam tape so that I could tuck the ends of the stems behind the opening. I added liquid glue in some strategic spots so that I could also have some of the leaves and berries loose and dimensional. I added small pieces of foam behind various spots of the “love” sentiment and glued the rest of it to the plaid panel. I stamped the “you, dad” subsentiment from my stash and added that to the panel, as well. The original stamp says “I love you, dad” – I just masked off the beginning of it when I stamped it.

    To finish the card, I added some clear fairy drops around the floral elements. I hope this card puts a smile on your face and inspires you to perhaps start adding florals to your masculine cards, too! Thank you so much for joining us today.

    Wishing you a crafty day,
    Allison


    Supplies


    57503 Sylvan Berries and Leaves Contour Layers
    57510 Banner Heart Layer Set
    57311 Love Honey Script
    sp1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack
    sp1008 Twilight Purple 6×6 pack
    sh44004 Black Glossy Paper

    Supplies


    cld101 Clear Fairy Drops
  • Tranquil Thank You | by Toni M Maddox

    Tranquil Thank You | by Toni M Maddox

    Hello, Birch Press fans! Toni here with you today sharing a rather tranquil thank you card. Such a calming, spa-like color palette, don’t you agree? I don’t use a lot of blues but, man, this combo is one I love.

    I started the card by cutting out the BPD Dazzle Mini Frame Layer A in a sturdy white cardstock and adhering it to a linen textured card front.

    I cut the Sylvan Berries & Leaves as well as the Jovial Blooms & Leaves Contour Layers out of Memory Box Stormy Blue 6×6 Paper and kraft cardstocks.

    For the sentiment, I used the Thank You Noted Script Hot Foil Plate & Die with Spellbinders White Glimmer Hot Foil. It’s very subtle, both in coloring and nestled amongst the leaves.

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

    Supplies

    57502 Jovial Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers

    57503 Sylvan Berries and Leaves Contour Layers

    57406 Dazzle Mini Frame Layer Set

    BPF511 Thank You Noted Script Hot Foil Plate and Die Set

    sp1006 Stormy Blue 6×6 pack