Category: Love

  • Mixed Media with Dies and Pattern Paper | Natasha Vacca

    Mixed Media with Dies and Pattern Paper | Natasha Vacca

    Hello Crafty friends, it is Natasha here and I am excited to be back today! Today I am sharing a gorgeous new die in the Birch Press Collection – Wiegela Leaf Contour Layers! I paired this with a few other favorites for a fun mixed media style card! So let’s get started!

    I started with the Wiegela Leaf Contour Layers die set. I die cut 2 leaves using the new Greenery Solid Core Cardstock pack! I love these new pads! Once the leaf was die cut, I added Distress Oxide Inks to each layer of the leaf for added texture and color! I used: Pine Needles, Chipped Sapphire, Twisted Citron, & Ground Espresso. Once the inking was completed I added water droplets and picked up the color with a paper towel. Next I added Foundry Wax to sections of the leaf in the color Statue. I also darkened the edges of the leaves with a dye ink in brown. I then adhered these together with liquid glue and set them aside to dry.

    Next I die cut the butterflies using a leftover background I recently made using inks. I die cut 3 butterflies using Simple Butterfly Contour Layers. I added Foundry wax to the antennae as well for added texture. I also inked up the edges of the butterfly and adhered the layers together with liquid glue. I set these aside to work on my background.

    For the background I chose a few pieces of pattern paper from the Anemone Grove paper pad. I trimmed one panel to a bit smaller than an A2 card base. I then used my deckle trimmer on the edges for a worn look. I then tore a couple other pieces and adhered them to the left side of the panel. Next I applied White gesso to the panel in sections using a small paint brush and then a brayer. I apply the gesso in several directions for added texture. Next I added a few pieces of text washi tape on the panel. I then added ink blending to sections using Distress Oxide in Seedless Preserves.

    Next I added splatter to my pattern paper background. I used a combination of black, white, and gold splatters. Once the panel was dry I adhered the pattern paper background to my A2 top folding card base. I then adhered the leaves and butterflies to my card front. I chose a birthday sentiment from the new Greeting Tabs from Memory Box – I love these so much!!!!! I love the black with foil lettering, there are several to choose from!

    Thanks so much for stopping by today! I will be back soon with more crafty inspiration!


    Supplies


    57515 Wiegela Leaf Contour Layers
    57490 Simple Butterfly Contour Layers

    Supplies


    sp1011 Leafy 6×6 pack
    pp1026 Anemone Grove 6×6 pack
    st007 Happy Birthday Foil Greetings Black Tabs
  • Just a Note | by Crystal Komara

    Just a Note | by Crystal Komara

    Hello friends and happy week after Valentine’s Day! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara, and, as per my usual, I’m a wee bit late to the game. But, even though Valentine’s Day has passed, every day is a day to celebrate love and today’s card could be shared all throughout the year.

    Card details:

    The base of this card is made from 80 lb. Neenah White Solar Smooth cardstock. Using a sheet of red cardstock, I die cut Layer A from the Kinsley Heart Layer Plate set. I adhere this directly to the card base. I heat foiled the sentiment “just a note” using the Just a Note Script Hot Foil Plate. I used gold foil on white cardstock.

    To create the heart focal piece I used a layering heart die. Apparently the one I used must have retired, so might I suggest using the Caprice Heart Layering Die instead, which would yield da very similar look! I die cut Layer C from a bold pink cardstock, Layer B from a light pink cardstock and Layer C (the top layer) from red cardstock. I adhered all three layers together with a fine tip liquid glue. Once all three layers were adhered together, I placed the heart over a piece of gold glitter cardstock and trimmed it by hand to fit behind the entire heart.

    I adhere the heart to the center of the card and then adhered the gold foiled sentiment just slightly off center using 3M adhesive. Lastly I added a couple clear rhinestone gems for added texture.

    I hope you like this beautiful card! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    56058 Caprice Heart Layer Set

    BPF514 Just A Note Noted Script Hot Foil Plate and Die Set

    57402 Kinsley Heart Plate Layer Set

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad

  • Forest Canopy Shaker | by Allison Frazier

    Forest Canopy Shaker | by Allison Frazier

    Hello, Birch Press friends. I am excited to be on the blog today sharing this fun shaker card. I have been wanting to make a shaker card with the Forest Canopy Layer Set for awhile. When I ran across this heart-shaped confetti in my stash recently, I knew that it was finally time!

    This shaker card was really quite easy to put together. I started by die cutting my back panel with the Pinpoint Contour Plate. I set that aside and proceeded to die cut my two Forest Canopy layers. I cut a piece of pink card stock with Layer B, and I cut a piece of red card stock with Layer C. I did not use Layer A.

    I cut a piece of acetate to 4.25″x5.5″ and glued that to the back of the red layer. I trimmed the pieces off of the branches on the pink layer that hold berries, since I did not want to include berries on this card. I then glued the pink layer on top of the red layer.

    I trimmed foam tape into thin strips so that I could hide them under the thin frame that is created by the Forest Canopy layers. The one piece of advice that I have for cutting your foam tape into thin strips is to have a good pair of scissors that have a non-stick coating. I placed these foam tape strips directly onto the acetate layer. I then put my heart shaped confetti into the “well” that is created by the foam tape. Since this confetti is completely flat, I did not need to double up my foam tape. Once my confetti was in, I peeled off the release tape and added my white back panel to seal up the shaker. I then glued this onto an A2 card base.

    I used the Hugs Honey Script die set for my main sentiment. I cut the detail layer from red glitter card stock. To finish the card, I added a simple sub-sentiment strip from my stash. That’s it for my card today. I hope it brings a smile to your face. Take a look in your stash for dies to make a non-traditional shaker! Thank you so much for joining us today.


    Supplies


    57534 Forest Canopy Layer Set
    57511 Pinpoint Contour Plate
    57300 Hugs Honey Script
    sp1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack
    gp1007 Glitzy Glitter Pad
  • Sending Hugs | Dilay Nacar

    Sending Hugs | Dilay Nacar

    Hello and Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! Dilay here with you today, sharing a clean and simple yet intricate ‘sending hugs’ card. This card showcases the beautiful Banner Heart Layer Set, Kinsley Heart Layer Set, and Rose Bunch Contour Layer dies!

    To begin, I created the background by die-cutting each piece of the Kinsley Heart Plate Layer Set (A, B, and C), adhering them together, and then onto a top-folding card base.

    Following that, I cut the Banner Heart Layer Set from various shades of pink cardstock and pink glitter cardstock, then adhered the heart on top of the Kinsley Heart Layers.

    Afterwards, I fashioned a single rose using the Rose Bunch Contour Layers in various pink and teal cardstock colors. I assembled the layers and placed the rose on top of the heart. To complete the look, I added a pink foiled sentiment from the Sugar Script Sentiments 1 Hot Foil Plate and Die Sets.


    Supplies


    57399 Kinsley Heart Layer Set
    57492 Delicate Floral Buds Contour Layers
    bpf503 Sugar Script Sentiments 1 Hot Foil Plate and Die Sets
    57495 Rose Bunch Contour Layers
  • Sending Love | By Natasha Vacca

    Sending Love | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, I am excited to be back up on the blog today sharing a fun and easy card using the Banner Heart Layering die set! So let’s get started!

    For today’s card I started with the Banner Heart Layering die set. I die cut layer A and C using white card stock. I then die cut layer B using the Festive Glitter paper pad. For the glitter layer I chose a dark blue shade from the paper pad. I then ink blended layer A and C using Distress Oxides. I used a combination of Distress Oxides: Saltwater Taffy, Picked Raspberry, Seedless Preserves, Shaded Lilac, and Villainous Potion. Once the layers were ink blended I set these aside to dry.

    Next on layer B, I wanted to add a bit more texture to the glitter paper pad. I used a combination of paper glaze, as well as embossing powder! I love the texture this provides. Once the other heart layers were completely dry, I added Gilded Foundry wax to sections of the heart. I then adhered all the heart layers together using liquid glue.

    Next I chose a gelli print from my background stash and dry embossed the background using the Ringadings embossing folder from Memory Box. I then applied white pigment ink to sections of the folder and ran it through one more time. I like this effect and the random texture this provides the dry embossed background. I allowed the ink to dry, then trimmed the panel using my paper trimmer for my card base.

    I completed my card by stamping a sentiment from the Contempo Greetings stamp and die set. I stamped the sentiment in purple, trimmed using the coordinating die, then applied foundry wax and ink on the edges as well. I then adhered the card panel, heart, and sentiment to my card base.

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


    Supplies


    57510 Banner Heart Layer Set
    CL8160 Contempo Greetings clear stamp set

    Supplies


    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad
    EF1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder
  • Banner Heart Love | by Crystal Komara

    Banner Heart Love | by Crystal Komara

    Hello readers and happy Monday! This is Birch Press Design Team member Crystal Komara here today continuing all with all the love-themed cards I seemed to have made in January. And, yes we’re still two weeks away from Valentine’s Day! Today’s card might be one of my favorites because of the ink splattered black background. A black background really allows for the colors to pop!

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock. I cut a piece of black cardstock measuring 5″ x 3 3/4″ for the first base layer. I splattered this sheet of cardstock with white acrylic paint to add some dimension.

    Next, I created the two hearts that became the focal piece of this card. Using the Banner Heart Layering dies, I die cut Layer A from white cardstock, Layer B from baby pink cardstock and Layer C from a bolder magenta pink cardstock. I layered all three layers of each heart together with a fine-tip liquid glue.

    Lastly, I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink on a thin strip of magenta cardstock. I heat embossed the sentiment with white embossing powder. I notched the left edge of the sentiment strip and adhered it to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

    With a black background you could make those hearts in ANY color combination and I think it would still make for a beautiful Valentine’s Day (or love) themed card.

    Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57510 Banner Heart Layer Set

    56128 Viola Plate Layer Set

    8143 Lingo Thanks clear stamp set and die set

  • You’re in My Heart | by Crystal Komara

    You’re in My Heart | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty readers! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here today and I’m excited to start making some Valentine’s Day cards. It seemed like this holiday season I had started Christmas cards back in October, so I’m really for a change! And who doesn’t love love themed cards?

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock. I cut a 5 1/4″ x 4″ piece of magenta cardstock to use as the base layer, adhering it directly to the white card base. Using the Viola Layering Plates, I die cut Layer B from white cardstock. I layered this over the magenta pink cardstock, so the pink shows through the die cut layer.

    Next using the Banner Heart Layering dies, I die cut three hearts from dark pink, light pink and white cardstock. I only die cut Layer A from the Banner Heart dies and layered it onto a solid piece of the corresponding cardstock. I adhered the three hearts to the card using foam adhesive for added dimension.

    Lastly, I stamped the sentiment “you’re in my heart” in pink ink on a thin strip of white cardstock. I notched the left side of this sentiment strip before adhering it to the top right of the card using 3M foam adhesive. This sentiment is from the Lingo Thanks stamp set.

    I wish you all a season filled with love and happiness! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57510 Banner Heart Layer Set

    56128 Viola Plate Layer Set

    8143 Lingo Thanks clear stamp set and die set

  • Shaving Cream Banner Heart | by Crystal Komara

    Shaving Cream Banner Heart | by Crystal Komara

    Hello Birch Press Design fans and happy New Year! This is design team member Crystal Komara here today and I tried out a messy new technique over the holiday season! Shaving cream! Now, I’m not typically a “messy” technique kind of person, so this one scared me a bit, but in reality, it was not nearly as messy as I envisioned. My only tip would be to use unscented shaving cream, my card does have a bit of a medicinal smell!

    I found a whole variety of YouTube tutorials on how to make shaving cream backgrounds, but essentially I spread a 2″ layer of shaving cream into a 12″ x9″ jelly roll pan and dropped ink colors randomly over it and then used a toothpick to swirl or spread the ink around. Then I simply placed sheets of 5 1/4″ x 4″ Mixed Media paper into the shaving cream and let dry a little before wiping off the excess with a paper towel. I made about 30 backgrounds in under 30 minutes and each one has it’s own unique marbled look.

    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 everything – die cutting, card bases, card inserts, Copic coloring, etc. It’s much easier to just keep one style of paper in my craft room than trying to figure out what paper works best for what.

    I cut the shaving cream background into a 5″ x 3 3/4″ rectangle and die cut the heart out of the center of the card using the Banner Heart Layer set. I placed a piece of acetate behind the shaving cream background to create a shaker card. Next I die cut Layer A of the same Banner Heart Layering dies from a magenta pink cardstock and adhered it to the front of the acetate. Using foam adhesive I lined the back of the shaving cream background end-to-end (so no sequins will fall out) and placed about a tablespoon of sequins on before sealing the ends.

    Lastly, I stamped the sentiment “love and hugs” in black ink on a thin white strip of cardstock and adhered the sentiment strip using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension. This sentiment came from the Lingo Thanks stamp set.

    I hope you’ll give this fun (and only slightly messy) technique a try! Shaving cream is usually something everyone has on hand quite readily at home. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    8143 Lingo Thanks clear stamp set and die set

    57510 Banner Heart Layer Set

  • 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
  • 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