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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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  • 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!


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  • Gracious Floral | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, it is Natasha here today and I am excited to be up on the blog today! Today I am sharing a colorful card using the new Gracious Floral 3D embossing folder! This card was so much fun to create, using inks, stencils, and sprays, so let’s get started!

    For today’s card I started with a piece of Canson Watercolor card stock. I started by adding Lindy’s sprays to the card panel background. When working with sprays, I add color to the paper, allow the panel to dry, spritz with water, then pick up the color with a paper towel. I continue this process for the background until I have the colors/textures I am looking for. Once the panel was completely dry, I ran the panel through my die cutting machine with the new Gracious Floral 3d Embossing folder by Memory Box. I love the detail in this folder. Next I added color to the floral and leaves using the coordinating stencil.

    The stencil for this set is so amazing and truly so easy to use. The set comes with a coordinating guide telling you the stencil to use for each layer. I continued to add layers of color to my flower using the layering stencil using dye inks from my stash. Once the layers were complete, I spritzed the panel with water and picked up some more color using a paper towel. I love this step, as it adds more dimension to my images.

    Next I added splatters to the card panel using my dye inks, as well as white splatters. I allowed the panel to completely dry, then I die cut the panel using my deckle edge trimmer. I then distressed the edges a bit more using my distress tool. Next I darkened the edges using distress ink and then adhered the panel to an A2 card base. I completed my card with a sentiment from the Gracious Floral stamp and die set.

    Thank you so much for stopping by today! I love this collection and I hope I inspired you to get inky today! I will be back in a few days with more crafty inspiration using new dies from the latest Birch Press Designs release!


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  • A Colorful Celebration | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, it is Natasha here today and I am sharing a colorful celebration card using the beautiful Eloquent Butterfly layer dies! I had a lot of fun creating today’s card, so let’s get started!

    I started by cutting out each layer of the Eloquent Butterfly die set. I started with layer C using a piece of card stock from my scrap bin. Once the layer was die cut, I added a pink spray to the butterflies for added texture. Then I die cut layer B using the Memory Box Fresh Aqua paper pad. I chose an aqua shade of card stock from the pack. I added a blue and pink dye ink to each butterfly, spritzed with water, then added gold metallic watercolor splatters. I then die cut layer A using white card stock. I then added distress oxide ink, embossing powder, glaze, and foil to the top layer for added texture and interest.

    I then adhered each layer together using liquid glue. I then die cut the antennae for the butterfly using the Butterfly Basics die set. I die cut 2 antennae using the Memory Box Vintage Pastel Mirror pad. I then adhered these using liquid glue. I set my butterflies aside to create my background.

    For the background I chose a colorful gelli print from my background stash. I then ran this through my die cutting machine with the Memory Box Ringadings embossing folder. I added some gray dye ink to the folder as well to add texture to the dry embossed background. Next I trimmed the panel with my deckle edge trimmer, distressed the edges of the panel, and then added distress ink around the edges for more interest. I then adhered this panel to an A2 card base.

    To complete my card I adhered the butterflies to the card front, then chose a sentiment strip from my stash to complete my card. I had a lot of fun creating this colorful celebration! I hope you enjoyed it too! I will be back soon with more crafty inspiration!


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  • Sparkly Butterfly Greetings | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, it is Natasha here today to share a card with you using lots of color and sparkle! For today’s card I am using the Butterfly Basics die set! Let’s get started!

    I started by creating 2 colorful background panels using Distress Mica Stain. I used 3 different colors to create my backgrounds. I spritzed each panel, allowed them to dry, then picked up some color with water. I repeated this process until I was happy with each panel.

    Once each panel was dry, I die cut 2 butterflies using the Butterfly Basics die set. I love these large butterflies! I then die cut the antennae for each butterfly using the Memory Box Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad. I then adhered the antennae to the butterfly using liquid glue. I set these aside to work on my background.

    Next I ran a piece of white card stock through my die cutting machine with the Memory Box Geometric Crystals embossing folder. I then tore a section of the panel off for a distressed look. I trimmed the panel down and then chose a piece of coordinating pattern paper. I then adhered these to an A2 card base.

    To complete my card I added foam tape to the back of each butterfly then adhered them to my card front. I chose a sentiment from my stash and added a piece of pattern paper to compliment my design.

    I had so much fun creating today’s card! I will be back soon with more crafty inspiration!


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  • Colorful Blooms, Thank you Tag | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press Designs crafty friends! I am excited to be back on the blog today! Today’s project features a colorful tag with beautiful blooms, lots of color, and texture too! I am using a few beautiful die sets, a pre-made tag base from my collection, an embossing folder, and a gelli print! So let’s get started!

    I was on the blog last week and shared how I created these flowers, leaves, and stems! When I was working on last week’s post, I made extra flowers and leaves! I love doing this as it saves time and allows you to have more die cuts for another project. I started with 4 die collections and 2 pads of colored card stock from Memory Box. I am using the Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers, Mixed Berry Contour Layers, Delicate Floral Buds Contour Layers, and the Sylvan Berries and Leaves Contour Layers. I used 2 pads from Memory Box: Berry Red and Lush Green. I love these pads of paper! The colors are amazing and they die cut beautifully and they are super easy to add ink blending on top as well! From each of the die sets listed above I die cut the leaves and stems using 2 shades of green paper from the Lush Green pad. Then for the floral dies (shared above) I used 2 shades of pink from the Berry Red paper pad.

    After my leaves and florals were all die cut I laid them out on my ink blending mat. For the green die cuts I used a combination of a light and green dye ink. On the pink layers I used a combination of dark pink and a purple dye ink. Once all the inking was completed I added water droplets to add a bit more texture to each piece. I added the water droplets, then picked up the color with a paper towel. I set each piece aside and allowed them to dry. Once dry I adhered the leaves and floral layers together with liquid glue.

    Next I used a pre-made tag for my base of my project. I then adhered a piece of a gelli print to my tag base. I adhered this with liquid glue. I did rough up the edges using my distress tool. Next I used the 3D Embossing Folder – Geometric Crystals from Memory Box. I ran this through my die cutting machine. I then ripped a piece of the dry embossed background and adhered this to the right side of my tag. I then added a couple more pieces of gelli print to the base layer. I did rip each of these layers as I wanted a worn look to the background. I added 2 strips of washi tape to the bottom of the tag to complete the base of the tag. Once everything was adhered I added distress ink to the edge of the tag and a few metallic gold splatters.

    Next I worked on the placement of my flowers and leaves on my tag base. Once I was happy with the placement, I adhered everything down with liquid glue and foam tape. I completed the tag with a sentiment from my stash and a piece of twine on the top! I also added a few fairy drops for added interest and texture.

    I hope today’s project inspires you to use your die cuts in another way! They are so much fun and the possibilities and endless!

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


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  • You  Make Me Smile | By Jeanne Jachna

    You Make Me Smile | By Jeanne Jachna

    Hi friends! I hope you’re having a great day! Today I’m sharing a slimline card made with beautiful Birch Press Design Florals!

    Flowers are my favorite and when they’re bright and bold I just can’t resist – like a little bee and think to myself… MORE PLEASE!!!

    To get more from my panel dies I like to think of different uses for them. One example would be adding a texture pattern to another die cut – perhaps some alphabet letters. Just because the die is made for an A2 card doesn’t mean that you have to stick with that size. I trimmed the Pinpoint Contour Plate die cut panel to 3 1/2″ and layered it over a 3 5/8 X 6 1/2″ aqua panel to make a longer slimline card.

    I added the gold foil sentiment to the center of the card with adhesive foam tape so it’s raised. Next I tucked in various shades of green foliage adhered flat to the card. The florals are all adhered with adhesive foam tape. I used berries as accents to coordinate with the blue background panel.

    These gorgeous florals look amazing cut from any of your favorite shades – I made a whole bunch so all I have to do is arrange them and add a sentiment. They’re a great addition to your stash!

    Finished size: 6 5/8 x 3 3/4″

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  • Hot Foil Background Using Sprays | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press Design friends, I am excited to be back up on the blog today! For today’s card I am sharing ideas on how to use a foil background die with sprays in your collection! Today I am using 2 new dies from the latest Birch Press release, Gilded Petalpoint Hot Foil Plate and die set, as well as the Thank you Noted Script Hot Foil Plate and die set. Let’s get started!

    I started my card today using 5 colors of sprays and mixed media card stock. I added each color to mixed media card stock. I allowed the layer of color to dry, then spritzed the panel with water droplets. I picked up the color with a paper towel, then repeated the process again using the 5 colors. Once the panel was dry it was time to hot foil!

    I love the new Gilded Petalpoint hot foil plate and die set. I started with the large background foil plate and my glimmer machine. I chose a matte gold foil for the background. I foiled the background panel and then trimmed the panel using a die in my collection.

    Next I used the same matte gold foil for the center of the Gilded Petalpoint hot foil plate set. I foiled the center and then die cut the center using the included die. I added foam tape to the center die cut and set it aside.

    Next I hot foiled the Thank You Noted Script hot foil plate and die set. Once the thank you was foiled, I die cut the shadow layer of the thank you die 3 times, then adhered all the layers together. To complete my card I adhered the panel onto an A2 card base. I then adhered the center of the panel using foam tape, then adhered the thank you sentiment using liquid glue.

    I had so much fun creating today’s card! I hope it gives you some ideas on how to use your foil dies using sprays! I love the sparkle and texture these 2 products give you!

    I will be back soon with more crafty inspiration!


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  • Floral Rainbow Mini Slimline | Dilay Nacar

    Floral Rainbow Mini Slimline | Dilay Nacar

    Hello and welcome! Dee here with you today sharing a floral mini slimline card created with the Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Dies. 

    To begin, I die-cut three Splendor Mini Tiles and adhered them onto a mini slimline card base (measuring approximately 3.5” x 6”). Next, I splattered black paint on the panel, let it dry, then adhered each of the Splendor Mini Tiles to the left side of the panel. 

    Next, I die cut each of the Phlox Blooms in various colors (rainbow of course!) and adhered them with foam tape, cascading from the top. To finish, I die-cut Big Hello Sugar Script in black and adhered it to the top. 

    I hope you liked today’s card and are inspired to create, too!  


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  • Green and Gold Wishes | by April Antonio

    Green and Gold Wishes | by April Antonio

    Happy Friday! Today I’m sharing a St. Patricks’ Day inspired card using the beautiful Herbarium Plate Layer die set. Scroll down to find detailed instructions on how I pulled this card together.

    To obtain the beautiful layers of green and gold, I grabbed the Lush Green and Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 cardstock packs.

    First, I took the lime green from the mirror pad, cut it to A2 size and glued it to my A2 card base. Next I cut Layers A, B, and C using the Herbarium Layer set as follows:

    Layer A – light green cardstock

    Layer B – gold mirror cardstock

    Layer C – medium green cardstock

    I glued all three layers together using liquid glue, then put small foam squares on the back. I then took the backing off the squares and placed the entire layer onto the A2 card base.

    Adding the foam squares before putting the layers onto the card base is what helped the card to have extra dimension and highlight the lime green mirror cardstock I glued in the very back.

    For my sentiment I used the Your Are Loved Hot Foil plate. I used a gold foil on 100lb Hammermill Cardstock for the sentiment. I used the coordinating die to cut out the sentiment, adding a second cutout and foam squares behind it for extra strength and dimension.

    Lastly I added a few green dots from the Christmas Fairy Crystals set.

    That’s it! I hope this green and gold project made your day and has inspired you to take some time to create this weekend.

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