Birch Press Design

Category: Crystal Komara

  • Tropical Hibiscus | by Crystal Komara

    Tropical Hibiscus | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty readers! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today and I’m so excited to be sharing my first card(s) created with the beautiful new Tropical Hibiscus Contour Layering Dies! I am so in love with this spring’s new release of the contour layering dies, they are just g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s! If you missed some of my previous posts using similar dies, check out this post where I used the Star Flower Contour Layering Dies, or, this one where I used the Wispy Blooms Contour Layering Dies. The options are truly endless when it comes to adding colored (and foil or glitter) cardstock with these 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 from card bases, die cutting, ink blending, Copic coloring, digital stamps and so much more. It is the only white cardstock (aside from watercolor paper) that I used. For the first layer, I cut a 5 1/4″ x 4″ piece of white cardstock and used the Blooming 3D Embossing Folder from Birch Press Designs’ sister company, Memory Box. To create the flowers, I die cut the Tropical Hibiscus Contour Layering dies from various shades of pink cardstock found in the Berry Red 6″ paper pack.

    I die cut the pistils or stigma of the flowers from yellow cardstock in the Sunny Orange 6″ paper pack. Lastly, I cut the leaves (also from the Tropical Hibiscus Contour Layering dies) from two different colored green cardstock found in the Lush Green 6″ paper pack. I assembled the layers of each flower and leaf together using a fine-tip glue. Then I adhered all of the flowers to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension. I stamped the sentiment “sending birthday hugs” in pink ink. This sentiment is from the Classic Sentimental Wreath stamp set. I used a 2″ circle punch to punch out the circle before adhering to the card.

    Because I had die cut so many flowers and leaves, I created a second card, only this time I used black cardstock as the base for the flowers (in lieu of white). I love a black background with floral cards, it really allows the colors to pop! I also swapped out the sentiment and used “celebrate today” from the same Classic Sentimental Wreath stamp set.

    I hope you have enjoyed these very details cards. Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    EF1014 Blooming 3D Embossing Folder

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

    57486 Tropical Hibiscus Contour Layers

    SP1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    CL8157 Classic Sentimental Wreath stamp set

  • Classic Sentimental Wreath | by Crystal Komara

    Classic Sentimental Wreath | by Crystal Komara

    Hello readers! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today. I know there is a beautiful new release of the hot foils in the shop right now, but I always love to use some of the “oldies but goodies.” Everyone seems to always get caught up in what’s the newest or latest and greatest product, but SOooo many of us haven’t even used what we already own, so that’s what I’ve been working on this month. Today’s card features the beautiful Classic Sentimental Wreath stamp set and coordinating 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 white cardstock for e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. On a 5 1/4″ x 4″ piece of white cardstock, I embossed it using the Blooming 3D embossing folder from Memory Box (a sister company to BPD). You guys, this folder is absolutely gorgeous! I cut a scalloped rectangle from white cardstock.

    On a piece of lush green cardstock, I stamped the wreath first in pale green ink and then the leaf layers in lime green ink. I used the coordinating die to cut the wreath out. I adhered the wreath to the scalloped rectangle using 3M foam adhesive. I stamped two of the flower sprigs in purple ink and used the die to cut them out as well. I adhered the two floral sprigs to the wreath and then I tied a small bow with lilac ribbon and adhered the bow to the card using a glue dot. I stamped the sentiment “thank for everything” in Memento Tuxedo black ink. This sentiment is also part of the Classic Sentiment Wreath stamp set.

    This is one of those cards that I say can be used for every type of occasion. I could easily swap out the sentiment for a sympathy, birthday or get well expression and create a variety of quick and elegant cards.

    I hope you have enjoyed the simplicity of today’s card. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    8157 Classic Sentimental Wreath stamp and die set

    EF1014 Blooming 3D Embossing Folder

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

  • Butterfly Basics | by Crystal Komara

    Butterfly Basics | by Crystal Komara

    Hello Birch Press Design readers! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today sharing a slimline card made using the Butterfly Basics die set. I have owned this beautiful die set for a while and for as much as I love butterflies, I can’t believe I hadn’t used it yet! So, while there is a whole new gorgeous release of products (to include foils!) from Birch Press Design, today I’m going back to the (butterfly) basics.

    Card details:

    The base of this slimline card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock. This slimline card measures 8 1/2′ x 3 1/2′ and will fit inside a regular #10 business sized envelope and, as such, requires no additional postage. I used a slimline die to create the first matted background.

    Using the Butterfly Basics die, I cut the large open base frame from solid cardstock. I used four primary colors (pink, blue, yellow and green). I used the following pads of cardstock:

    Lush Green

    Fresh Aqua

    Berry Red

    Sunny Orange

    I die cut the middle portion of the butterfly from glitter cardstock. I used the Glitzy Glitter 6 x 6″ pad.

    I adhered the butterfly basic together with LineCo ph neutral bookbinding glue. This is my favorite liquid adhesive and it works well when holding glitter cardstock to other paper. I die cut the butterfly bodies from black cardstock. After adhering all the individual butterflies together, I adhered them to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

    I really like the bold and bright colors of these butterflies. Due to their slightly larger dimension size, I felt like putting them on a slimline card would showcase more colors. I hope you like today’s fun card! Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57403 Butterfly Basics

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    SP1004 Fresh Aqua 6×6 pack

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

    SP1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack

    GP1007 Glitzy Glitter Pad

  • Rainbow Star Flowers | by Crystal Komara

    Rainbow Star Flowers | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty readers! Thanks for taking the time to be here as the Design Team shares inspiration ideas, tips and tricks for creating beautiful cards using Birch Press Design products. This is Crystal Komara here with you today sharing an amazingly detailed slimline rainbow card using the Star Flowers, part of the all-NEW Contour Layering dies. Last week I shared another rainbow themed card using the Wispy Blooms Contour Layering dies, so if you missed that post, please click here to be WOW’d!

    Card details:

    This slimline card measures 8 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. Slimline cards are designed to fit inside a regular #10 business sized envelope and require no additional postage. I always use 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock for my bases. Then I used the Star Flower Contour dies and cut it in every color cardstock (see supply list at the bottom of this page). I cut the flowers in two shades of red, orange, yellow, green blue and purple. I adhered the two layers of flowers together and added the round center piece to each flower.

    I adhered the star flowers in a ROYGBIV pattern up the length of the card. I also die cut a couple green stems from the Fuddled Leaf Branches Contour Layering Dies and green cardstock. I stamped the sentiment “hello” using the Contempo Greetings stamp set. I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink on black cardstock. I heat embossed the sentiment with white embossing powder and then I used the coordinating Contempo Greetings die to cut the sentiment out. I adhered the sentiment to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

    Wow! Yes, that was a LOT of die cutting and piecing together flowers but the end result was totally worth it. This card came out beautiful, if I do say so myself! Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57505 Star Flowers Contour Layers

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

    SP1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    SP1005 Ocean Blue 6×6 pack

    SP1004 Fresh Aqua 6×6 pack

    SP1008 Twilight Purple 6×6 pack

    8160 Contempo Greetings clear stamp and die set

    Supplies

    57500 Fuddled Leaf Branches Contour Layers

  • I Miss Your Face | by Crystal Komara

    I Miss Your Face | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty readers! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today and I am SOooooo excited to share today’s card with you! This card features the Wispy Blooms dies, part of the all-NEW Contour Layering products from Birch Press Design.

    Now, I’m not gonna lie, you’re going to take one look at this AH-mazing garden of rainbow delight and be WOW’d! Then, you’re gonna take a second look and say “wait, did she really die cut ALL those flowers? Is she craaaaazyyyy?!” Yes and yes! : ) Do I have the patience of a saint? No. Not at all. In fact, I typically shy away from oodles of die cutting (that’s all you, Jennifer McGuire!) but once I started and saw where this card was going, it was SO worth it!

    Card details:

    Yeah, so the basic gist of it, just keep die cutting flowers in ALL the colors of the rainbow! Then, when you think you’re gonna go insane, start adhering all the layers together! But, wait. . . there’s more! You’ve still got stems to die cut and adhere!

    P.S. – I’ve linked all the paper pads I used in the supply list at the bottom of this post.

    Start by die cutting LOTS of flowers in all the colors of the rainbow!
    Adhere the flower layers together.
    Die cut the stems.
    Adhere the stems to the flowers.
    Completed flowers with stems.

    The base of this slimline card measures 8 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. I use 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth for all my white cardstock. Slimline cards are designed to fit inside a regular #10 business envelope and require no additional postage. I cut an 8 1/4″ x 3 1/4″ piece of white cardstock and ran it through a basketweave embossing folder, then I began to adhere all the flowers to the card in a ROYGBIV pattern. Using the Contempo Greetings stamp set I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink on black cardstock. I heat embossed the sentiment with white embossing powder and then I used the coordinating Contempo Greetings die to die cut it out. Lastly, I adhered the sentiment to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

    So sure, this card a LOT of die cutting and piecework, but the end result is gorgeous and I would do it all over again! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57506 Wispy Blooms Contour Layers

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

    SP1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    SP1005 Ocean Blue 6×6 pack

    SP1004 Fresh Aqua 6×6 pack

    SP1008 Twilight Purple 6×6 pack

    8160 Contempo Greetings clear stamp and die set

  • Rose Bunch | by Crystal Komara

    Rose Bunch | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty readers! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today. I’m excited to be featuring an exciting new product today called Rose Bunch, it is part of the new Contouring Layer Die release from Birch Press Design. This is a 3-piece layering die set that will create beautiful, intricate, realistic looking flowers.

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. Using the Pinpoint Radial Plate, I die cut the first layer from black cardstock. Using the Rose Bunch Contour Layering die, I die cut the three layers from three different colored yellow cardstock using the Sunny Orange 6 x 6″ paper pad. Below I’ll show more details photos from how I die cut the layers:

    The base layer
    The middle detail layer
    Layering the bottom and middle together (using the imprinted lines to align layers)
    The top most intricate layer
    Using the included guide to help align layers

    I’ll be completely honest that while lining up the layers was easy enough, it did take a good amount of time and a fair amount of patience. Admittedly, patience in intricate things is NOT my strong suit, so it was a learning curve for me. *I also found that a fine-tip liquid glue held the layers together well, although my tip for the future would be to use adhesive lined cardstock for easier assembly.

    Using the Dainty Rose and Leaves Contour die, I die cut the leaves only using the Lush Green 6 x 6″ paper pack. I adhered the leaves behind the roses. I adhered the roses to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension. Lastly, I stamped the sentiment “thinking of you” in yellow ink on a piece of white cardstock. The sentiment is from the Contempo Greetings stamp set and it also has a coordinating die. I adhered the sentiment using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

    These new Contour Layering dies are SOoooo gorgeous! With this rose bunch you could create floral designs in every color of the rainbow leaving you with so many options. Flowery cards are also great for nearly e-v-e-r-y occasion!

    Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57495 Rose Bunch Contour Layers

    57384 Pinpoint Radial Plate

    SP1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack

    57499 Dainty Rose and Leaves Contour Layers

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    8160 Contempo Greetings clear stamp and die set

  • Thinking of Spring | by Crystal Komara

    Thinking of Spring | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty readers! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today. Today I’m sharing two cards made using my favorite spring themed die from Birch Press Design called the Petal Egg Layer Set. There are just so many color combinations that could be used to create the perfect Easter card using these beautiful layering dies.

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. Using Layer Plate C of the Butterfly Garden Layering Plate, I die cut the first layer from white cardstock. I saved some of the extra butterflies off to the side (to use as added 3D pieces at the end). Using the Petal Egg Layering Set, I die cut Layer B from purple glitter cardstock (from the Twinkling Jewel 6 x 6″ glitter pad) and Layer A from white cardstock. I created a background using blue and purple alcohol inks on Yupo paper. Once this dried, I fussy cut the shape of the egg to fit it behind the egg as the third or base layer.

    I stamped the sentiment “thinking of you” from the Contempo Greetings stamp set in Versamark ink on a piece of purple Vibrant Violet cardstock. I heat embossed the sentiment with white embossing powder and then used the coordinating Contempo Greetings die to die cut it out. I adhered the greeting to the front of the egg using 3M foam adhesive. Lastly, I added a couple white butterflies (from the background) to add more texture.

    I created a second card using the same instructions (as above), but I simply changed out the background mat to a purple cardstock from the Vibrant Violet paper pack.

    I hope you have enjoyed these Easter inspired cards. Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57369 Petal Egg Layer Set

    SP1007 Vibrant Violet 6×6 pack

    GP1003 Twinkling Jewel Glitter Pad

    8160 Contempo Greetings clear stamp and die set

  • Birthday Peony | by Crystal Komara

    Birthday Peony | by Crystal Komara

    Hello readers! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today sharing another way to use the Adornment Peony dies. Last week on Valentine’s Day, I shared this very traditional card using the same dies and today I chose to create a very different look using alcohol inks as the focal point behind the outline dies.

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. Using Layer Plate B of the Flora Layering set, I die cut this layer from white cardstock and adhered it to the base of the card.

    For the alcohol ink peony: On a 4″ x 6″ piece of Yupo Paper, I added drops of raspberry and sherbet alcohol inks and blew the ink around. Then I added drops of lime and citrus alcohol ink. Once this dried, I used the base shadow layer of the Adornment Peony dies to die cut the base out. On white cardstock, I die cut the top layer of the Adornment Peony (notice the white shadow outline around the flowers). I adhered this thin outline die using a fine tip liquid glue.

    I adhered the peonies to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension. Lastly I stamped the sentiment “happy birthday” in pink ink on white cardstock. This sentiment is from the Contempo Greetings stamp set. I die cut the sentiment using the coordinating Contempo Greetings dies. I adhered the sentiment to the lower left corner also using 3M foam adhesive for added height.

    I hope you have enjoyed today’s card. Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57480 Adornment Peony

    57437 Flora Plate Layer Set

    8160 Contempo Greetings clear stamp and die set

  • Hugs | by Crystal Komara

    Hugs | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty friends and Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you love or hate the holiday, it is still a great reason to make cards (and eat chocolate, of course)! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today sharing an elegant and more traditional card using the beautiful new Adornment Peony dies.

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock. Using the Pinpoint Radial Layer Plate, I die cut that first embossed layer from white cardstock. To create the peonies, I die cut the solid base layer from red cardstock (6″ x 6″ Berry Paper pack) and the top thin outline layer from red foil cardstock (from the Polished Foil Paper Pack). I die cut the solid base layer of the leaves from light green cardstock and the top thin outline layer from darker green cardstock. I used the 6″ x 6″ Lush Green Paper pack. I adhered all the layers together with a fine tip liquid glue.

    I die cut the word “hugs” using the Hugs Honey Script dies. I cut the larger shadow bottom layer from black cardstock and top thinner outline from gold glitter cardstock. I adhered both layers together with a fine tip liquid glue and then adhered the entire sentiment over the peonies using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

    Lastly, I added a couple iridescent round stones for added texture.

    I love, love, loooooove how this beautiful card came out and I think I’m going to try it in a few more colors (like yellow and pink) now too! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57300 Hugs Honey Script

    FP1001 Polished Foil Pad pack

    57384 Pinpoint Radial Plate

    57480 Adornment Peony

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad

  • Thanks | by Crystal Komara

    Thanks | by Crystal Komara

    Hello Birch Press Design fans! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today sharing some quick and simple thank you cards in a variety of colors that could be used for nearly any occasion.

    Each of these A2 sized cards were made the exact same way, I simply swapped out different color cardstocks to show how the cards look in alternating colors.

    The base of each card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I cut a 5 1/4″ x 4″ piece of colored cardstock (peach, lime and ocean) and adhered this directly to the card base. Using Layer Plate B of the new Flora Plate Layering dies, I cut three pieces from white cardstock. I die cut the word “thanks” using the Thanks Honey Script dies. I cut the bottom shadow layer from the coordinating color cardstock (peach, lime and ocean) and the top thinner layer from white cardstock. I adhered both layers together using a fine-tip liquid glue. Then I layered the entire sentiment to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

    These cards were very simple to make and came together quickly, making it a great design if you need multiples! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57302 Thanks Honey Script

    57437 Flora Plate Layer Set

    SP1005 Ocean Blue 6×6 pack

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    SP1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack