Birch Press Design

Tag: die cutting

  • Holiday ATC’s | By, Natasha Vacca

    Holiday ATC’s | By, Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, it is Natasha here today sharing a couple of ATC’s (Artist Trading Cards) using the Holly Sprig and Pine Needle Twigs die sets. I had a lot of fun creating these, let’s get started!

    I started by die cutting both the Holy Sprig and Pine Needle Twigs die sets using paper pads from Memory Box. I used the following pads: Blush, Greenery, Earth Neutral, and the Festive Glitter Pad. For each of the die cuts I used a combination of dye inks, sprays, as well as embossing powder to add texture to each of the die cuts. Once everything was completed, I adhered all the layers together using liquid glue.

    Next I chose a gelli print background from my stash. The background was made on my gelli plate using the Geometric Crystals embossing folder. I dry embossed the folder, then used the dry embossed panel to create prints on my gelli plate. I also kept the dry embossed panel as an extra piece for additional layers. I trimmed the panel down into 2 ATC’s. I then inked the edges using Distress Ink.

    Next I determined the layout for each ATC. I added additional texture to each ATC with a piece of cheesecloth, as well as pieces of the Geometric Embossing folder. I adhered everything using liquid glue and foam tape.

    I completed the project with 2 small sentiment strips from my stash. I had a lot of fun creating these and I hope you enjoyed them!


    Supplies


    57559 Holly Sprig Contour Layers
    57519 Pine Needle Twigs Contour Layers

    Supplies


    sp1012 Blush 6×6 pack
    sp1009 Earth Neutral
    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad
    sp1003 Lush Green
  • Holiday Hugs | by Colleen Balija

    Holiday Hugs | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends,

    With the holidays upon us, I wanted to share a festive card using the new Holiday Hugs die and Adornment Wreath die! This layered wreath can be used all year long just by changing up the colors and foliage!!! I will also be using Memory Box RingaDings embossing folder, Jolly Holly Contour Die, and Memory Box paper. All supply links for this card will be listed at the bottom of my post!

    First step was to prep my dies, so I die cut the 2 layers of the Adornment Wreath onto white cardstock along with the Jolly Holly Contour die (leaves and berries). Then I ink blended the wreath in 2 shades of brown, the leaves in 2 shades of teal, and the berries in 2 shades of red. I use 2 shades of color to bring the designs to life! Then I adhered the layers together and splattered gold ink over all of it. The gold ink adds a classy touch of glimmer! Below is a close up of the finished wreath and foliage!

    Once my focal point was completed, it was time to focus on the background. Starting with a pre-colored piece of cardstock in shades of teal and green, I embossed over it with RingaDings embossing folder and applied gold ink over the raised edges. The gold in the background helps the gold on the focal point to pop! I love the distressed look of teh background! The picture below is a good visual of it!

    TIP: Although I die cut everything in white and then added color, you could easily do the opposite by applying color to a card panel and then die cutting 2nd!

    Last step was to adhere the focal point centered over the background, placing a few of the leaves onto foam tape for added dimension. I added Memory Box red sequins over the berries for added shine! The Holiday Hugs sentiment was die cut using Memory Box’s gold and red mirrored cardstock and then placed onto foam tape in the middle of the wreath!

    I’m so glad you joined me today! Below is the full supply list!

    Supplies

    57540 Holiday Hugs Vintage Sentiment

    57512 Jolly Holly Contour Layers

    57485 Adornment Wreath

    FP1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad

    FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad

    EF1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder

  • Autumn Foliage Delight | by Colleen Balija

    Autumn Foliage Delight | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends!

    I’m back this month with another fall card, because well….I just can’t get enough of fall! Next month will be holiday cards, but this month I just want to embrace the beauty that is fall! I live in the Midwest of the United States, and we get some breathtaking colors and scents of fall! So, here is my fall card using Forest Canopy Layering dies and Thanks Sugar Script and Memory Box Cream Woodgrain paper! I will list the links to products used on my card at the end of this post!

    This card may look detailed, but it was quite easy! I started by inking up 3 watercolor card panels in my favorite fall colors using reactive inks, and then die cut the 3 layers from Forest Canopy Layering die over each of the colors. I LOVE this die set because it is just so detailed with embossed images over each of the leaves! I adhered the layered leaves together and placed them over Memory Box’s Cream Woodgrain cardstock. Then I sprayed a bit of water over the leaves to get the ink to react. I love the result! You get this really cool, distressed look that adds another level of detail to your card! You can find reactive inks just about anywhere. My favorites are Catherine Pooler and Hero Arts! I added gold splatter over the entire panel. Look closely in the photo below to see all the detail in the leaves and how the ink reacts to water!

    I originally planned to add a pumpkin over the leaves, but after seeing how beautiful the leaves turned out, I decided not to cover it up! So, now I just needed a bold sentiment that would stand out from all that glorious detail, and Thanks Sugar die was up for the challenge! Below is a good photo of that sentiment! It’s large and bold and the PERFECT touch if all you want to add over your design is a sentiment!

    For the Thanks sentiment, I die cut the bottom layer in Cream Woodgrain paper and the top layer in Festive Glitter in gold, adhered them together, and placed it over the background with foam tape. The entire panel rests on a white 5.5×4.25 card base. I love how the gold from the sentiment makes the gold splatter pop a bit more!

    Birch Press dies are so detailed that you really don’t need to add much to have a beautifully detailed card! Just a little ink, splatter, and a large bold sentiment and you’re done! Keep in mind that the Forest Canopy Layering dies can also be used for your holiday colors – just change up the color scheme! Thanks for stopping by!

    Supplies

     

     

    57148 Thanks Sugar Script

     

     

    57534 Forest Canopy Layer Set

     

     

    SH44002 Cream Woodgrain Paper Pack

     

     

    FP1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad

     

  • Warm Autumn Wishes with Adornment Pumpkin Die | by Colleen Balija

    Warm Autumn Wishes with Adornment Pumpkin Die | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends!

    With fall upon us in full swing, I wanted to make a festive autumn card using Adornment Pumpkin die set! I’ll also be using Warm Wishes layering die, Hillside Branch & Contour Layers, Adornment Oak Leaf die, Splendor Bevel Plate (Layer A only), Memory Box Cream Woodgrain paper, Memory Box Vintage Pastel Mirror paper, and Memory Box Ringadings embossing folder! All of the product links will be listed at the end of my post!

    I’ve been seeing pumpkin cards where the pumpkins have been stamped with a design, so I decided to do that with the Adornment Pumpkin! I die cut the layers on watercolor paper and sprayed them with Hero Arts Orange and Bright Yellow shimmer sprays. These sprays add a really cool shimmer that I wanted to get with my pumpkin! Next, I grabbed Splendor Bevel Plate Layer A and used it as a stencil, applying color through the die onto the top layer of the pumpkin using a darker orange ink. I applied green spray over the leaf and brown over the stem. Then I adhered the layers together and splattered gold and dark brown inks over the top. Then I set my festively decorated pumpkin aside for later! Below is a close up of the details on my pumpkin, I love it!!!!!

    Next step was to work on the foliage that I wanted to place around the pumpkin. I die cut Hillside Branch & Contour Layers and Adornment Leaf die on watercolor paper and then sprayed those the same way I sprayed my pumpkin. Then I adhered the layers together.

    Now for the background! I grabbed a colored card panel that I had in my stash (I occasionally create several background panels to be used when needed – it’s really handy!). Then I embossed the panel with Ringadings embossing folder. This folder is AWESOME! Next, I used a sanding tool to remove a layer of ink from the raised areas of the embossed image. You can see how the circles are almost white! This is an easy technique that adds another element of detail and is amazing for mixed media! I adhered the panel to a white 5.5×4.25 card base. Also, I die cut the layers of Warm Wishes using Memory Box Cream Woodgrain paper and a bronze shade from the Vintage Pastel Mirror paper. I adhered the pumpkin and tucked the foliage in behind it, and then finished with the sentiment.

    TIP: To place the letters of your sentiment in the exact position, I place the outer portion (negative) of the die over the base layer (which was the Woodgrain Cream color) but don’t adhere it! Then I add glue to the letters and tuck them inside the positive part of the die. I gently pull the negative portion off using a pick to ensure the letters stay in place and don’t lift with the outer die! Easy peasy!

    I love how the background is quite dark compared to the colorful pumpkin and foliage. That really helps the focal point to pop! Thanks for stopping by today!

    Supplies

     

    EF1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder

     

    SH44002 Cream Woodgrain Paper Pack

     

    FP1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad
     

     

    57539 Warm Wishes Vintage Sentiment

     

    57481 Adornment Pumpkin

     

    57524 Hillside Branch and Bramble Contour Layers

     

    57484 Adornment Oak Leaf

     

    56111 Splendor Bevel Plate Layer Set

     

  • Fall Adornment Oak Leaves | by Colleen Balija

    Fall Adornment Oak Leaves | by Colleen Balija

    Hey friends,

    It’s getting to that time of year when the leaves turn on the trees and we begin to crave hot cocoa and Pumpkin Spice Lattes! Yummm! Fall time of year can be messy and yet it can also take your breath away with the sights and smells! So today’s card is a tribute to all that is fall! I will be using the NEW Adornment Oak Leaf die, Membory Box Ringading embossing folder, and Memory Box Gracious Gloral stamp set.

    I started with the Adornment Oak Leaves by die cutting two of the base layers onto a card panel that I had sprayed in various autumn colors. Next, I die cut the 2nd layer using silver cardstock. I splattered white ink over the leaves to finish and set them aside to dry.

    Next, I worked on the black backdrop that would sit behind the leaves and the background. I trimmed a piece of black cardstock and then heat embossed 2 sentiments from Memory Box Gracious Floral stamp in white embossing powder. Then I added some white splatters and set it aside to dry. This technique of randomly stamping a sentiment is a great mixed media tool that is easy to do and very effective! It takes a piece of plain black cardstock and adds subtle detail and interest!

    The background panel was created using Memory Box Ringadings embossing folder, which I embossed over a card panel that was sprayed in shades of grey and tan Mica. The Mica adds texture and shine, another great mixed media tool! If you don’t have sprays, not to worry! Just use your inks and you’ll achieve a similar look.

    After I embossed the image, I went over the raised parts of it with a sander and removed some of the color. You can see in the photo below the distressed look this technique provides! And it’s so simple to do!!! By the way, you can find sanders at just about any craft store! It’s a great tool to keep in your stash!

    The last step was to put everything together. I adhered the embossed panel over a 5.5×4.25 white card base, and then adhered the black panel over it, slightly off center to the left. Then I added the 2 Adornment Leaves and a sentiment from Memory Box Gracious Floral!

    This card may look complicated, but it was so easy to create, and you can do it with your own stash! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

    Supplies

     

    EF1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder

     

    cl5280 Gracious Floral Clear Stamp Set

     

    57484 Adornment Oak Leaf

     

  • Colorful Adornment Pumpkin | by Colleen Balija

    Colorful Adornment Pumpkin | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends! As we near the end of summer and welcome fall into (most of) our lives, I wanted to share a card using the NEW Adornment Pumpkin. But…I am adding a playful twist by experimenting with color! So today I will share my version of the ideal pumpkin using Adornment Pumpkin die set, Splendor Bevel Plates, Memory Box Ringadings embossing folder, and Warm Wishes sentiment die!

    The first step was to decide on the color of my pumpkin. Using my Hero Arts shimmer sprays as inspiration, I created a fuchsia and aqua pumpkin with shimmery green foliage! To achieve that fun pop of color, I die cut the pumpkin layers onto white watercolor paper, placed them in a box that I use solely for my sprays (keeps the mess down!), and sprayed the pumpkin layers with the fuchsia and aqua sprays. When they dried, I adhered the layers together. Also, to give the pumpkin more depth and support, I die cut the base layer 2 more times and adhered them all together. Here is a closer look at the shimmer and shine of that pumpkin!!!

    Isn’t she a beauty? Next, I created the sentiment using the new Warm Wishes layered die. The base layer of the sentiment is white, and the 2nd layer is done with the green spray. I used only the negative part of “Warm Wishes”. But you could also pop the in the positive portion as well and use a different color!

    Now I was ready to work on a complimentary background!

    The background needed to be neutral since the pumpkin was so bright that you need sunglasses to look at it, ha ha! I dry embossed a piece of white cardstock with Memory Box Ringadings embossing folder, trimmed the panel to 5.25×4, and placed it over a 5.5×4.25 white card base. Then I created a geometric frame over the embossed image using Splendor Bevel Plates on black and white cardstock. I love the geometric look and the texture that both the embossing folder and dies added!!!

    The last step was to place the pumpkin and sentiment over the background that I had just created. I offset the pumpkin to the right of the Splendor Bevel Plates just for interest, and added the green stem with foam tape so it was in alignment with the pumpkin. I placed the sentiment and the leaf together at the bottom left of the pumpkin and finished with Memory Box Treasury Chest Fairy Gemstones over the sentiment.

    Next time I make a card using this pumpkin, I may play with color once again! Who says a pumpkin has to be limited to orange, right? Thanks so much for stopping by today!

    Supplies

     

    EF1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder

     

    gem101 Treasure Chest Fairy Gemstones

     

     

    57539 Warm Wishes Vintage Sentiment

     

    57481 Adornment Pumpkin

     

    56111 Splendor Bevel Plate Layer Set

     

  • Creative Use of White Space | by Colleen Balija

    Creative Use of White Space | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends! Ya know, every once in awhile I love a good card with lots of white space and a small pop of color! But, I admit, it’s hard to know how to make white space not look boring! Well, I found a surefire way to add interest to white space!!! It works like a charm every single time for me! Let me share how it’s done!

    For my card today, I’ll be using Butterfly Basics die, Pinpoint Contour Plate, Splendor Bevel Layered Plates, Kind Hearts stamp (sentiment only), and Memory Box Fairy Crystals.

    The first step is to create interest to a white background, and the best way to do this is by adding texture and layers with die cuts I die cut the Splendor Bevel Layered Plates, all on white cardstock, and adhered the layers together. These dies are made to be smaller than an A2 sized card, which is perfect for layering! Next, I die cut the Pinpoint Contour Plate onto a piece of 5.5×4.25 white cardstock. This added even more interest and texture to the background! I adhered the Splendor Bevel Layers over the Pinpoint Contour Plate and then adhered both onto a white 5.5×4.25 white card base. If you look at the photo above, you can see all the details in that background!

    TIP: Consider mixing vintage elements with modern geo elements! They work beautifully together!

    Next step was to work on a colorful focal point – the Butterfly! Using the larger of the 2 butterflies that comes with this set, I die cut the base layer with gold vellum and the top layer with an alcohol card panel that I had on hand. I only glued the center of the top layer of the butterfly and fluffed the wings out a bit to give it some movement.

    The final step was to add a sentiment from Kind Hearts stamp and adhere the butterfly and sentiment to the white card panel. I kept the butterfly in the lower corner of the card panel so that you can still see lots of that luxurious white detail!

    TIP: You could also die cut the butterfly in white and have the entire card be white. It works beautifully! Consider embossing the butterfly with clear powder to add glossy shine!

    To summarize, create interest to a white background by:

    1. Adding texture with die cuts
    2. Adding layers with die cuts
    3. Use clear embossing powder to create a clear glossy shine onto one of the layers
    4. Limit the size of the focal point so the background is the star of the show!

    I’m so glad you stopped by today!

     

    Supplies:

     

     

    57403 Butterfly Basics

     

     

    57511 Pinpoint Contour Plate

     

     

    CL8163 Kind Hearts clear stamp set

     

     

    56111 Splendor Bevel Plate Layer Set

     

     

     

    CRY101 Autumn Fairy Crystals