Category: Craft Dies

  • Watercolor Meets Hot Foil | by Crystal Komara

    Watercolor Meets Hot Foil | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty readers! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today. I’m excited to be sharing the first two cards I created using the new String Art Frame Hot Foil plate. Now, if I’m being completely honest, these are actually the first two cards I have ever made using hot foil!! Heat foiling is very on-trend right now in the craft industry, so I succumbed to the peer pressure and bought the Gemini Foil Press (because it works with my Gemini, Jr. die cutting machine). Heat foiling is a magical process where heat and pressure are applied to a special foil to imprint on paper. Unlike heat embossing where the image is raised when Versamark ink and embossing powder are heated with an embossing gun, in heat foiling, the image is imprinted or pressed into the paper when heat and pressure are applied.

    I created two cards that are nearly identical, I simply swapped out the color combination and sentiment to achieve two unique looks. Keep reading for all the details:

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card was made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I cut a 5 1/4″ x 4″ piece of purple cardstock from the 6″ x 6″ Twilight cardstock pack. On a 5″ x 3 3/4″ sheet of white cardstock, I heat foiled the String Art Frame hot foil plate on my Gemini Foilpress machine with purple Foilpress foil.

    On a separate sheet of watercolor cardstock, I stamped the large floral image from the Memory Box (a sister company to BPD) All the Happiness stamp set in Versamark ink and heat embossed it with gold embossing powder. I colored the image using Zig Real Color Watercolor Brush markers. Once the image dried, I used the coordinating All the Happiness dies to cut the image out. I adhered the flowers to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension. I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink and heat embossed it with gold embossing powder. This sentiment is from the Kind Hearts clear stamp set. I adhered the sentiment to the card also using 3M foam adhesive tape. Lastly, I added a light coat of clear Wink of Stella to the flowers for added sparkle. *Be careful with Wink of Stella on watercolor though, because it will bleed as it is water-on-water based.

    For this second card, I used identical products as the first card, I simply swapped out the purple foil for a teal foil and I colored the flowers with teal or turquoise hued Zig Real Color Brush markers.

    Alright, so since I admitted this was my first go-round with hot foiling, I’ll also admit that I did my initial foiling wrong and ended up heat foiling the plate itself and not the paper. Note to self, read the instructions first! They do exist for a reason!! : ) But, all-in-all I was quite pleased with how my first heat foiled cards turned out and I look forward to experimenting more!

    Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    BPF510 String Art Frame Hot Foil Plate and Die Set

    SP1008 Twilight Purple 6×6 pack

    SP1005 Ocean Blue 6×6 pack

    CL5265-D All the Happiness clear stamp and die set

  • Wispy Fireworks

    Wispy Fireworks

    Hello, Birch Press Friends, and Happy 4th of July! Allison here, and today I’m sharing this festive card featuring the Wispy Blooms Contour Layers die set. I love finding new ways to use my supplies, so why not make fireworks out of flowers?

    I started my card with an A2 panel of blue card stock, which I embossed with the Ringadings 3D embossing folder. I then adhered that to a blue A2 card base.

    I cut the two wispy shapes from the die set out of white and red card stock. These extra wispy shapes are not part of the layering flowers, but they might be my favorite part of the die set. I have used them before as background texture, and I think it was back then that I got this idea to make them into fireworks. I adhered these shapes around the card panel. For some of the fireworks, I layered one of the smaller pieces onto the larger one.

    For the sentiment, I used the Let’s Party Sugar Script die. I cut the shadow out of white card stock, and the words out of red card stock. I doubled up both the shadow and the word for dimension and then glued these onto the panel at an angle.

    To finish up the card, I scattered some clear fairy jewels all around the design.

    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


    57506 Wispy Blooms Contour Layers
    57430 Let’s Party Sugar Script
    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack
    SP1005 Ocean Blue 6×6 pack

    Supplies


    EF1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder
    JWL001 Clear Jewels
  • Summer Florals | by April Antonio

    Summer Florals | by April Antonio

    Hello and happy Saturday! Welcome back to the Birch Press Design blog. April here sharing a new card project. I am really excited about today’s post because I have been struggling with incorporating more color when I use the layering dies and finally made a card that I feel matches what I saw in my head.

    Today’s card started with some inspiration from a color palette I found online that I really liked. I like to save color palettes I like to a folder on my phone, and then look them up when I need some crafting inspiration.

    The photo above is the color palette that I found. I just love the teal and pinks. Now, it’s not an exact match, but close enough for me.

    I started by pulling the Flora Plate Layer die set, and choosing three of the above colors that I thought would layer well together.

    From what I know about color (which isn’t much!) I thought the lighter colors would be best on top, and the darker colors on the bottom.

    So I purposely cut the top layer from the light blue, the bottom layer from the darker teal, and added the fuschia color in the middle of the sandwich to break up the blue colors.

    Next, I grabbed that same teal color from the bottom layer and decided I wanted to highlight it on top by using it with the Big Thanks Sugar Script. I cut the ‘thanks’ in the teal and the shadow from white in order to anchor the thanks better to the page.

    Lastly, I grabbed my Christmas Fairy Jewels pack and placed some of the teal jewels across the top and bottom rows of the card.

    That is the finished card! I really love the pierced details on this top layer, and how dynamic the fuchsia color looks as it peeks from behind the layers.

    Supplies

    57437 Flora Plate Layer Set

    57142 Big Thanks Sugar Script

    Supplies

    jwl005 Christmas Fairy Jewels

  • Golden Thanks and Soothing Florals | by April Antonio

    Golden Thanks and Soothing Florals | by April Antonio

    Welcome back to the Birch Press Design blog! April here sharing a slimline card project using the Tropical Hibiscus Contour Layers die set and the new Thanks Sugar Script hot foil plate and die set.

    I started this card off with a piece of the white woodgrain cardstock by cutting it to be slightly smaller than a 4″ x 9″ slimline card base. I love the white woodgrain cardstock because it adds some subtle texture to the design.

    Next, I used some really pretty blues from the Ocean Blue cardstock collection to cut the flower layers multiple times and colors from the Lush Green collection to cut the leaf bases out. For some reason I was compelled to cut the top part of the leaves and the flower stamen from white cardstock and ink blend them orange and green — I think I was just in the mood to ink blend!

    Next, I assembled each flower and leaf using the layers I cut out and the instructions that accompanied the die set. Then I arranged them on the card front making sure to leave space for the hot foil thanks that was foiled onto white cardstock. The hot foil is so pretty and the photos just don’t do it justice!

    Once everything was in the a place I felt comfortable with, I folded the ends of the flowers up so they curved a bit. Then I glued the flowers and leaves down using liquid glue. I made sure with the flowers to only glue the center, leaving space for the curved corners to add some dimension to the card.

    I adhered the thanks with some thin pieces of foam tape, and added a few clear dots around the card to be the ‘water droplets’.

    I really like this new Tropical Hibiscus die set, and how easily I could layer the pieces together. Also, whether you are using multiple cardstock colors, or just ink blending white pieces, the results will look beautiful.

    I hope this post has inspired you to go play with your supplies and check out all the wonderful layering dies that Birch Press has to offer.

    Supplies

    57486 Tropical Hibiscus Contour Layers

    bpf515 Thanks Sugar Script Hot Foil Plate and Die Set

    sp1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    sp1005 Ocean Blue 6×6 pack

    sh44001 White Woodgrain Paper

  • Arista Layers | By Seeka

    Arista Layers | By Seeka

    Hello and welcome! Seeka here and today I have a card featuring the Arista Layers die set. I consistently come back to this set, it’s one of my favorites from Birch Press Design!

    I started off by selecting four shades of teal cardstock (the colors in the Fresh Aqua 6×6 cardstock pad are a good option). I cut each of the three Arista layers from the three lightest shades of teal and then cut a solid circle from the darkest shade of teal. I layered and glued the three die cut pieces together and then glued the solid circle to the bottom.

    Next, I created the sentiment by cutting the detail layer of the Handwritten Hello and Outline die set from mirror cardstock (check out the Vintage Pastel Mirror 6×6 cardstock pad for good options). Then, I adhered it to the shadow layer which I cut from vellum. I glued the two layers together and then glued the sentiment to the Arista medallion.

    For the background, I dropped a few drops of several shades of teal acrylic paint onto a craft mat. I spritzed the paint with clean water and then dragged several 4.25″ x 5.5″ panels of white cardstock through the paint. By the third panel, only a few drops of paint remained on the craft mat and instead of dragging the panel through the paint, I used it to blot up the drops which created this splattered look. I used this panel for the card, saving the other two for future projects.

    To assemble the card, I trimmed a quarter inch off each end of the background and then used foam tape to adhere it to a cardbase. Last, I adhered the medallion and sentiment.

    Thank you so much for visiting!


    Supplies


  • Simple Floral Wreath | by Toni M Maddox

    Simple Floral Wreath | by Toni M Maddox

    Hello, Birch Press fans! Toni here with you today sharing a card that I would call any occasion. Honestly this is among my favorite type of card to make as I can use it for about anything: sympathy, friendship, encouragement, you name it.

    I started the card by using the Epiphany Plate Layer A with a rubber mat to emboss/impress the card front. The texture is amazing but really hard to capture in a photo.

    Next I cut out the Mandala Card Frame, using the circle as a wreath. I sponged it lightly with Distress Oxide Vintage Photo for a tiny bit of contrast against that white base. Notice now the circle fits perfectly in the Epiphany Plate center?!

    To decorate the wreath, I watercolored the Star Flowers Contour Layers blossoms with Zigs and adhered them along with a few Tiny Tuft Flowers and Leaves Contour Layers cut from Memory Box Lush Green 6×6 cardstock.

    I nestled the Big Hugs Sugar Script diecut amongst the foliage. So pretty!

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

    Supplies

    Big Hugs Sugar Script

    Mandala Card Frame

    57250 Epiphany Plate Layer A

    56098 Epiphany Plate Layer Set

    57501 Tiny Tuft Flowers and Leaves Contour Layers

    57505 Star Flowers Contour Layers

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

  • Tropical Hibiscus Friends

    Tropical Hibiscus Friends

    Hello, Birch Press Friends! Allison here, and today I’m sharing a card featuring the new Tropical Hibiscus Contour Layers die set.

    I started by cutting all of the pieces of the flowers from white card stock. I then blended Distress Ink onto the pieces, but in a very subtle way. The most intense color is on the edges of the bottom piece, the outside edges of the top detail layer, and the center. My initial inspiration for this came from images of white hibiscus that I found online.

    To add dimension, I created duplicate layers of the bottom piece and the top detail pieces, before adhering all of the layers together with liquid glue. In order to determine the layout of my design, I first selected my sentiment and, before stamping it, arranged the flowers around it. Once I was happy with the layout, I removed the flowers and stamped the sentiment with VersaMark Ink. I heat embossed it with a platinum embossing powder and then repeated the process, which really gives the sentiment more of a rounded, smooth finish.

    I adhered the flowers to the stamped card panel with liquid glue, adding foam tape to the back of the pink and blue flowers. I then mounted that onto a warm gray A2 card base. As a finishing touch, I added matching Fairy Jewels to the centers of each flower. Even though these flowers don’t have a lot of color, the texture of all the layers really packs a punch.

    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


    57486 Tropical Hibiscus Contour Layers
    CL509 Colorful Life clear stamp set
    JWL002 Pastel Jewels
    JWL003 Bright Jewels

  • Mixed Media Fun with Die Cutting | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Crafty friends – it is Natasha here and I am excited to be back up on the Birch Press Blog today! Today I am sharing a fun and easy way to use your layering dies, as well as the Simple Dragonfly Contour dies to create a colorful mixed media card! So let’s get started!

    For today’s card I started with the Grace Layering die set and a gelli print background from my stash. I chose layer A and followed the directions on my die cutting machine for creating an impression on paper using your dies. This was super easy to do and created a beautiful impression on my gel print background!

    Next I used several oxide inks from my stash and ink blended around the edges of the print. The Grace layering set created a beautiful impression on my print and I used the inks to add a bit more texture to the raised sections of the background panel.

    Once my ink blending was complete I added some distressed edges to my panel. I then added a bit more texture using embossing glaze and a crayon. Once my panel was complete, I set it aside.

    I love using die cuts and embossing powder together and the Simple Dragonfly Contour Layering dies are perfect for a colorful mixed media vibe! I die cut 3 dragonflies on white cardstock. I then adhered the dragonfly wings together using liquid glue. Then I chose 3 colors of embossing powder and heat set each of the wings and antennae. I then adhered these together with liquid glue and added foam tape behind the wings. I then adhered the background panel to an A2 card base and adhered my dragonflies to the card panel. To complete my card I added a Handwritten Thanks and Outline sentiment die. I die cut the shadow layer in white and the inner script thanks using the Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad. I adhered these together and added foam tape to the back for added dimension. I added a sub sentiment from my stash to complete my card.

    Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this card inspires you to use your layering dies to dry emboss a panel and to create a mixed media card using your dies! I will be back soon!

    57487 Simple Dragonfly Contour Layers
    57420 Handwritten Thanks and Outline
    Grace Layer A
    Grace Layer B
    Grace Layer C
    FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack
  • Tropical Hibiscus Hello by Jeanne Jachna

    Tropical Hibiscus Hello
    by Jeanne Jachna

    Hi and thanks for stopping by! Today I’m sharing a colorful card that just screams SUMMER. Living in the Midwest the only time I see beautiful hibiscus in shades of red, pink and apricot is when they arrive at the garden center this time of year.

    These pretties were really easy to assemble. The flower base is just three layers and an embossed line shows you exactly where to place each die cut piece.

    To save time on future projects I cut all the flower layers from each of the shades of cardstock and alternated the layers when I assembled them. So some have the darkest color shade on the bottom, while others have the lightest color shade on bottom. No matter what order you arrange the colors the flowers look beautiful and I have lots of flowers for other projects.

    Did you notice the pretty foil background? It was made using the new String Art Foil die along with the Glimmer Hot Foil Machine and a Matt Gold Foil. Foil dies are also fantastic for embossing backgrounds.

    Making with these florals was a sweet escape to a tropical paradise! I hope you find some time to make too!

    Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5″

    Supplies

     

     

    57486 Tropical Hibiscus Contour Layers

     

     

    Hello Sugar Script

     

     

    BPF510 String Art Frame Hot Foil Plate and Die Set

     

     

    GEM102 Winter Fantasy Fairy Gemstones

     

     

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

     

     

    SP1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack

     

     

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

     

     

    SP1004 Fresh Aqua 6×6 pack

     

  • Heart to Heart Thanks | by April Antonio

    Heart to Heart Thanks | by April Antonio

    Happy Friday! April here sharing an elegant, easy to pull together thank you card.

    To start this card I grabbed on of my favorites, the Kinsley Heart Plate Layering set. I cut out all three layers with Layer A and C cut from white cardstock, and Layer I glued all three layers together using liquid glue.

    I created an A2 card base from a piece of red cardstock, and glued the Kinsley Heart layer onto the card front. This is why the inside of the heart is red — the base is shining through.

    Next, I took the Pimpernel Contour layering set to cut the flowers from red, foil cardstock and the leaves from green, glitter cardstock. I adhered them to the lower right of the card front, ensuring I glued the center of the flowers only, to leave the petals free to bend up a little bit.

    For the sentiment, I used the Kind Hearts Clear Stamp set to heat emboss ‘thank you’ with black pigment ink and clear embossing powder. I cut this out and glued it to the center of the card front.

    Lastly, I added a couple of clear dots from the Christmas Fairy Crystals set to the center of the flowers

    That is it! The layering sets make it super easy and fun to pull together cards. I hope this inspires you to go create and have fun

    Supplies

    57402 Kinsley Heart Plate Layer Set

    CL8163 Kind Hearts clear stamp set

    57488 Pimpernel Contour Layers

    SP1009 Earth Neutral 6×6 pack

    GP1003 Twinkling Jewel Glitter Pad

    CRY102 Christmas Fairy Crystals

    FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack