Category: Uncategorized

  • Sending Love | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, it is Natasha here today and I am excited to share a fun card idea with you today using the Banner Heart Layering die set! So let’s get started!

    I started by choosing a colorful background from my stash for today’s card! I love to use pre-made backgrounds! It is a fun and easy way to create, as well as saving you time! The background inspired my color choices today!

    Next I started by die cutting each layer of the Banner Heart Layering die set. I used a combination of red, pink, and white card stock for the 3 layers. The pink and red card stock are from the Berry Red Memory Box paper pad collection. I die cut layer C 1 time, layer B 2 times, and layer A 1 time.

    After each layer was die cut, I added a bit of ink using a finger dauber to layer C and B. I love to add ink to color card stock. I feel it adds a bit of dimension and texture. Once these were complete, I adhered Layer C and B together using liquid glue. Next I chose an embossing powder from my stash. I embossed Layer A for each heart. On one heart the top layer has a pink card stock and the other has a white card stock. Using a different color card stock changes up the embossing powder effect!

    Once Layer A was heat embossed, I adhered Layer A to the top of each heart using liquid glue. Next I trimmed the background panel to 4 inches by 5.5 inches. I used the extra 1/4 inch strip and adhered this to the left side of the card panel. It added a bit more interest and texture.

    To complete my card I chose the You Are Loved Noted Script Hot Foil Plate and die set. I used my hot foil machine and followed the instructions for my machine. Once the sentiment was complete, I die cut 2 more shadow layers and adhered them behind my foiled sentiment for added dimension.

    I completed the card by adhering the card panel to an A2 card base, adhered the hearts using liquid and foam adhesive and completed my card with my sentiment.

    I had a lot of fun creating today’s card and I hope this inspires you to share a handmade Valentine with a family member or a dear friend!

    I will be back soon!


    Supplies


    sp1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack
    57510 Banner Heart Layer Set
    bpf509 You Are Loved Noted Script Hot Foil Plate and Die Set
  • Star Flower Thanks | by April Antonio

    Star Flower Thanks | by April Antonio

    Happy Friday Birch Press friends, and Happy New Year!

    It’s a new year so I figures it’s time to try some new things. Anyone struggle with a certain color? Have a complicated relationship with it? Well, that’s me and the color purple..no not the movie at all, the actual color. Me and purple just never seem to connect —- so, I decided to try it for today’s project.

    I grabbed the new Pinpoint Contour cover plate which I am personally in love with, and cut it out three times: twice from heavy weight cardstock, and once from the creamy purple found in the Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad. (Flashes of Prince are dancing in my head!).

    As a lot of us in this post-holiday season, I have a lot of thank you cards to send to friends and family, so I thought I could make two cards today from one cover sheet. I took the coversheet I cut from the purple cardstock and chose a point about 3/4 down the sheet and cut right along one of the pinpoint perforations — which helped it cut very easily.

    I then lined these two halves up on top of my white cover sheets to exactly the spot where I had cut it. You’ll notice on one panel I have the purple at the top, and the other it’s on the bottom.

    Next, I saved some time by cutting the all of my flowers using the Star Flowers die from white cardstock, and assembled the flowers, making sure to leave the center (or the stamen) piece untouched for later.

    I also need a title and I really like using the chunky, Thanks Honey Script word and shadow die set. I cut this from white cardstock a few times, and then once from the creamy purple and once from the shiny, metallic purple that is in the same mirror pad.

    For my assembly, I placed the ‘thanks’ along the seam where the white and purple met, and arranged my flowers around this section. Lastly, I can’t resist some level of bling, so I used the Autumn Fairy Crystals to add centers to each flower.

    Thank you for joining me today! I hope you enjoyed this exercise in color exploration with me and that you are encouraged to carve some time from your weekend to get crafty!

    Supplies

    57511 Pinpoint Contour Plate

    FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

    57302 Thanks Honey Script

    57505 Star Flowers Contour Layers

    Supplies

    CRY101 Autumn Fairy Crystals

  • Morning Rose and Triple Buds Happy Birthday | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends I am excited to be back up on the blog today to share two of the gorgeous new die sets with you. I also paired these with a previous release as well! For today’s card I am using the gorgeous Morning Rose and Triple Buds Contour Layers die set. I had a lot of fun on today’s card, so let’s get started!

    I started by die cutting each layer of the rose. I chose 3 colors of pink card stock from the Berry Red paper pad collection from Memory Box. I die cut each layer using a different shade. I had a light, medium, and darker pink shade. I die cut 2 roses and 2 of the triple buds. Next I die cut 3 leaves from the Winsome Rose and Leaves Contour layers. For the leaves and the stems on the triple buds I used card stock from the Lush Green paper pad from Memory Box.

    Once all my flowers, stems, buds, and leaves were die cut I added ink blending to each layer. On the layers I used a combination of Distress Oxide inks and Dye Inks. I used a blending tool, as well a finger blending tool to add ink to the corners. I love the added texture and depth this provides to the flowers, leaves, stems, and buds.

    Next I adhered all the layers together using liquid glue. Once these images are die cut they are so easy to adhere together, the die provides outlines for you on where to glue the layers down. They are so easy to use. Once everything was adhered together I added a bit more ink to the edges of the flowers, leaves, and stems using the inks I shared above.

    Next I chose a background from my stash. I love creating gelli prints and found a background that had shades of pinks and greens, I thought this coordinated well with my images. I wanted to add a bit more texture to the background using the Pinpoint Contour Plate. I ran the gelli print and die through my die cutting machine. Next I trimmed the panel using my paper trimmer. I then added a few metallic gold splatters to the background for added texture. I dried these with my heat tool, then adhered the panel to an A2 card base.

    Next I placed the flowers, buds, stems and leaves onto the card front. I then adhered the images down using foam tape and liquid glue. To complete my card I chose a sentiment from my stash. I had a lot of fun with these 2 new products. Thanks so much for stopping by today! I will be back soon with more crafty inspiration!


    Supplies


    57493 Morning Rose and Triple Buds Contour Layers
    57511 Pinpoint Contour Plate
    57497 Winsome Rose and Leaves Contour Layers
    sp1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack
    sp1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack
    sp1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

  • Merry Christmas Wreath | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty readers! There are only six days left until Christmas, so hopefully your last holiday card is in the mail by now! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today sharing the last of my Christmas card inspiration for 2022 using the Holly Wreath Plate Layering set.

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.

    To create this card, you will need the following products from Birch Press Design:

    ~Holly Wreath Layering Plate

    ~Lush Green 6″ x 6″ paper pack

    ~Handwritten Merry Christmas and Outline die

    ~Twinkling Jewel Glitter Pad

    ~ Red Rhinestones (or clear ones and use your Copic markers to color them!)

    Now I had created a video showing how I made this card, but technology seems to hate me today and it’s floating somewhere in cyberspace that is not YouTube where I uploaded it! Arghhhhh!

    Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day! I wish you all the love, peace, joys and magic of the holiday season. May you carry that with you today and every day.

    Crystal

    Supplies

    57450 Holly Wreath Plate Layer Set

    57478 Handwritten Merry Christmas and Outline

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    GP1003 Twinkling Jewel Glitter Pad

  • Glittery Snowflake Hugs | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends! I am excited to be up on the blog today! For today’s card I had a lot of fun creating a glittery snowflake card to share a hug this winter! So let’s get started!

    I started with Herbarium Plate die set. I dry embossed layer A onto a piece of white card stock. I then used several shades of Distress Oxide Ink to add color to the embossed background. Once I had the colors I was looking for, I trimmed the panel a little smaller than an A2 card base. I then set this aside.

    Next I die cut the Snowy Circle die set. I started with Layer C with white card stock, then Layer B using a blue from the Stormy Blue paper pad, and for Layer A I used the Festive Glitter Pad. Once all the layers were die cut, I adhered them together with liquid glue.

    I wanted to add a bit more dimension and interest to my snowflakes, so I chose to the use the leaves from the Dainty Rose and Leaves Contour Layers die set. I love using my dies in different ways and I encourage you to look through your stash too! I die cut the leaves using a blue from the Stormy Blue paper pad. I then added a bit more texture to each leaf using inks. I applied a bit of darker blue in the nooks and crannies of each leaf using a finger dauber. Once dry, I added a silver/white embossing powder for added texture.

    Once the leaves were complete, I used my finger to shape the leaves a bit to add more dimension. Next I glued down my Herbarium Plate embossed panel to an A2 card base using liquid glue. I then added foam tape to my Snowy Circle. Before adhering down the snowflake, I determined the placement of my leaves. I then adhered the Snowy Circle and leaves to my card front using a combination of liquid glue and foam adhesive.

    To complete my card I chose a sentiment from the Sugar Script Sentiments 1 Hot Foil Plate and die set. I foiled the Sending Hugs onto a piece of white card stock. I then used the coordinating die to die cut my sentiment. I die cut 2 more outlines and adhered them together with liquid glue for added dimension. I adhered my sentiment with foam tape and liquid glue.

    Thanks so much for stopping by today! I had a lot of fun and I will be back soon!


    Supplies


    57458 Herbarium Plate Layer Set
    57467 Snowy Circle Layer Set
    BPF503 Sugar Script Sentiments 1 Hot Foil Plate and Die Sets
    57499 Dainty Rose and Leaves Contour Layers
    SP1006 Stormy Blue 6×6 pack
    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad
  • Piped Icing Star | by Crystal Komara

    Piped Icing Star | by Crystal Komara

    Hello friends! Welcome back from a (hopefully) long holiday weekend. I hope you and your family and friends all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It is one of my favorite holidays of the year. And, if you are a shopper, I hope by reading this post, it means you survived the chaos and madness of Black Friday! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today. I am excited to be sharing this gorgeous card featuring the Piped Icing Star dies and a few other fabulous holiday themed products all from Birch Press Design.

    There are so many different products all used on this one card. I was really inspired by all the beautiful samples on the Birch Press Design homepage. I never would have thought of combining berries and snowflakes AND Christmas sentiments AND roses all in one card, and it works! Not only does it work, it works BEAUTIFULLY!

    I have created a step-by-step video showing I created this card, so click the YouTube link below for all the details!

    I was really pleased with how this card came out and I hope you enjoy it too! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57437 Flora Plate Layer Set

    57454 Piped Icing Star

    57500 Fuddled Leaf Branches Contour Layers

    8161 Christmas Mandala clear stamp and die set

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    GP1003 Twinkling Jewel Glitter Pad

  • Alcohol Ink Flora Hello | By Dilay Nacar

    Alcohol Ink Flora Hello | By Dilay Nacar

    Hello and welcome back, friends! Dee here today sharing this bold and vibrant card featuring the Flora Layer Plate and Big Sugar Script Hello dies! 

    To begin, I cut the Flora Layer Plate dies (layers A and B only) in white, then layer A once more from a background I created with alcohol inks in purple, turquoise, and metallic. I then stacked and adhered them together and onto an A2-sized top folding card base.

    I die cut the sentiment from the Big Sugar Script Hello in gold glitter cardstock and and the coordinating shadow layer in white, adhered them together then onto the center of the card!

    I hope you enjoyed this card and are inspired to create! Thank you so much for joining me today!


    Supplies


    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad

  • Rustic Holly Wreath | By Natasha Vacca

    Hi Birch Press Friends, it is Natasha here and I am excited to be back on the blog today. Today I am sharing a rustic inspired holiday card featuring the beautiful Holly Wreath Layering die set.

    I started by die cutting all the layers from the Holly Wreath layering die set. I die cut layer C using a gold glitter card stock from the Festive Glitter Paper pad from Memory Box. I then die cut layer B and A using the Lush Green paper pad collection from Memory Box. I used 2 different shades of green from the paper pad. Next I added a bit of distressing to both layer B and A using my oxide inks. I then adhered all the layers together using liquid glue. I then splattered my wreath using metallic gold watercolor and white acrylic paint. I set the wreath aside.

    Next I worked on my background with a piece of wood grain paper from Wood Grain White paper pack. I added a bit of distressing to the panel using oxide inks. Once this was complete, I used my distress tool to add texture to the panel edges and then added distress ink to darken the edges.

    Next I die cut a few leaves using the Adornment Dove die set. I added distress oxide inks to the leaves and then embossing powder to the leaves for added texture. I cut a few berries using the Eucalyptus Stem and Berries Contour Layers die set. I used the festive Glitter Pad and die cut the berries in red. To create the look of snow on the berries, I added a bit of embossing ink and sprinkled a white glitter powder on each berry, then heat set the powder with my heat tool.

    To complete my card I chose the Find Joy and Outline die. I die cut the sentiment 3 times and adhered it together with liquid glue. I embossed the sentiment using the same white powder as I used on the berries. I added a twine bow around the distress wood panel, tied the bow and adhered this to my card base.

    I adhered the wreath using foam tape and adhered the sentiment, berries, and leaves using liquid glue. I added a button from my stash on the bottom right corner. I had a lot of fun creating today’s rustic holiday card! The Holly Wreath layering set is truly beautiful!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, I will be back soon!


    Supplies


    gp1006 Festive Glitter Pad
    sp1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack
    57496 Eucalyptus Stem and Berries Contour Layers
    57450 Holly Wreath Plate Layer Set
    57452 Find Joy and Outline
    57479 Adornment Dove
    sh44001 White Woodgrain Paper

  • Winsome Rose and Leaves | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, it is Natasha here and I am super excited to be back on the blog today! For today’s card I had a lot of fun creating a mixed media inspired card using the beautiful Winsome Rose and Leaves Contour layers dies! So let’s get started!

    I started by creating 2 water color panels using Canson XL card stock. I added powders to the papers to create my own backgrounds. I created 2 panels, one in purple tones and another in green tones. Once my panels were dry, I die cut the Winsome Rose and Leaves using my watercolor panels. I also die cut a set of roses using the Twilight Purple paper pad from Memory Box. I wanted to create dimension for my roses and once die cut adhered these to my watercolored rose die cuts. I adhered each layer using liquid glue. Once the roses were adhered, I set these aside.

    Next I die cut the leaves using the dies included in this set. Once they were die cut I added more texture to each leaf using dye inks from my stash. I applied the ink with an ink dauber to the edges of the leaves. On the top layer I added embossing powder for added texture. I then adhered the leaves together using liquid glue. I also embossed the center of the roses using a gold embossing powder.

    Next I started to work on my background. I looked through my gelli print stash and chose a print to coordinate with my flowers. I wanted to add a bit of texture to my gelli print using the Flora Plate die set. I chose to use layer C. Following the instructions with my die cutting machine I used the plate to dry emboss the background die onto my gelli print. Next I added a bit of distressing to the panel. I used my distress tool to “rip” the edges, applied distress ink, as well as some embossing powder to various sections of the panel. I added a gelli print strip to the center of the panel following the same distressing pattern. I then adhered the card panel to an A2 card base.

    Next I adhered the leaves and roses to the card front using both liquid glue and foam adhesive. I then chose a sentiment to to complete my card. I chose the Handwritten Thanks and Outline die set. I die cut the shadow layer using a piece of the same gelli print background. I then die cut the script thanks 3 times. For the top layer I added tape to the paper prior to die cutting, as I wanted to use a glitter powder on the top layer of the word die cut. I then adhered all the layers together using liquid glue. I adhered the sentiment using foam tape.

    I had so much fun creating today’s card! I hope it inspires you to create today!


    Supplies


    57420 Handwritten Thanks and Outline
    57497 Winsome Rose and Leaves Contour Layers
    57437 Flora Plate Layer Set
    SP1008 Twilight Purple 6×6 pack
  • A Country Christmas / by Colleen Balija

    A Country Christmas / by Colleen Balija

    Hi everyone, this is my first blog post with Birch Press Designs, and I just couldn’t be any more excited! I hope that you will enjoy my cards and find inspiration to create your own version! This card reminds me of A Country Christmas with the ever-so popular black and white gingham and pastel colors. Let’s get started on how I was inspired to create this holiday delight!

    The first step was to choose my colors. I always choose colors first because it inspires the rest of the card when I take this first step. Recently I was shopping at a craft store and saw beautiful holiday table wear in black and white. I took a picture of it so that I would remember to use those colors on my next card, which turns out to be this one!

    Once my colors were selected, I chose my Birch Press Design elements to use, which were the Herbarium Layering Plates (A only) and the Holly Wreath Layering Plates. Since most of the card was going to be in black and white, I wanted the wreath to pop with a bit of color, so I used pastel shades of green, coral, and black from the Memory Box Vintage Pastel patterned paper pack. I also grabbed a black and white gingham ribbon that I had on hand and a few embellishments. Now that I had inspiration and all my design elements ready, it was time to put everything together!

    Step one was to create the background. Starting with a 5.5×4.25 white card panel, I die cut Layer A from Herbarium Layering Plates, punched out the positive pieces, and adhered it using liquid glue to a 5.5×4.25 white card base. NOTE: I use liquid glue because it gives me a little wiggle room to place my design element where I want it before it adheres permanently! When my background was finished, I set it aside to work on the wreath.

    Next step was to die the 3 layers from Holly Wreath Layering Plates using the pastel paper I had set aside earlier. The darkest color (black) was the bottom layer. I find that going from dark to light helps to add dimension because the darkest colors look furthest away from your eyes. When I was finished die cutting all 3 layers, I placed the die cuts over the images on the packaging to guide me in aligning all the layers properly. And once again, I used liquid glue to help me adhere each layer perfectly! Then I glued my finished holly wreath over the background panel I created earlier.

    Next, it was time to work on my sentiment. As you can see in the photo below, the word “Noel” is placed over the wreath! There’s a secret to helping these little guys stand out from the wreath – read on to find out!

    Using Mod Alphabet die set and Felicity Snowflake, I die cut the word Noel, minus the ‘o’, in black and pastel green. I did the same for one of the larger and rounder snowflakes. I adhered foam tape onto the back of each letter and snowflake to help it stand out from the wreath, and then I adhered it to the top of the wreath. And by the way, that’s my secret to helping the sentiment pop off the page! Foam tape is a miracle worker because it lifts the image off the page. Going back to the sentiment, the snowflake replaced the letter ‘o’ because it looks like an ‘o’. These are the details that take your card from average to WOW!

    Next, I added the Merry Christmas sentiment to the middle of the wreath using Contempo Christmas Greetings stamp and coordinating die set. I created a bow using the gingham black and white ribbon and adhered that to the bottom of the wreath, trimming the ends at an angle. I finished with embellishments that look like red berries!

    This card was so much fun to create, and I just adore the black and white touches to it! Black and white is a color combo that can never go wrong. Start with that and then add your pop of color to your own card! Thanks so much for joining me today!

    Supplies

    57453 Felicity Snowflakes

    57450 Holly Wreath Plate Layer Set

    8139 Mod Alphabet clear stamp and die set

    57458 Herbarium Plate Layer Set

    FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack