Tag: mixed media

  • The Butterflies & The Bees | by Crystal Komara

    The Butterflies & The Bees | by Crystal Komara

    Hello friends and happy Tuesday! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today sharing a vibrant card made with some of the latest products from Birch Press Design – the Honeycomb Plate, the Block Print Buzzing Bumblebee and the previously released Butterfly Basics.

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 110 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock. I created an alcohol ink background using Butterscotch Ranger Adirondack alcohol ink on Yupo paper. Once that alcohol ink dried, I used the new Honeycomb Stencil and sponged Versamark ink over the alcohol ink. I then applied gold embossing powder and heated that with a heat tool being careful not to burn the synthetic Yupo paper.

    Using the Butterfly Basics, I die cut the first layer of the two butterflies from a piece of the alcohol ink background. I then die cut the second layer from white cardstock and adhered the two layers together with a fine tip liquid glue. Using the Block Print Buzzing Bumblebee, I die cut the bumblebee from yellow cardstock and then used a fine tip sharpie to “color” the black body. I die cut the wings from vellum cardstock.

    I adhered everything to the card and then splattered the entire image with an espresso (dark brown) ink.

    The “thank you” sentiment is a foil greeting from sister company Memory Box. You can find those sentiment strips here.

    I hope you have enjoyed this vibrant butterflies and bees card. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day.

  • Enjoy the Moment – A Spring-Summer Tag | Sandhya Iyer

    Enjoy the Moment – A Spring-Summer Tag | Sandhya Iyer

    Hello Birch Press Design friends! Sandhya here, and I’m buzzing by with a bright and cheerful spring-summer tag that’s sure to bring a smile to your face! With warmer days ahead, I was inspired to create a tag full of color, texture, and a bit of whimsy using some of my favorite new dies from Birch Press Design.

    Here’s a quick rundown of the featured products:

    Honeycomb Cut Out Die – the star of the background, adds depth and pattern

    Rosebud Arch Contour Layers Die Set – for the soft, dimensional blooms and leafy vines

    Block Print Buzzing Bumblebee Die Set – these adorable bees add the perfect whimsical touch

    To begin, I cut two tag bases from cream-colored cardstock and rusty red-colored cardstock. Any generic large size tag dies or readymade tags should work for this. I cut the honeycomb panel out of the cream tag and softly ink-blended the edges for a warm glow. Then I added some scripty stamping details to add a vintage effect. I backed the honeycomb layer with a red layer to give my tag a vibrant focal point.

    Next, I die cut and assembled the florals and vines as well as the bees. The bee-wings were die-cut from vellum cardstock to give them realistic wings and a soft texture. I cut the bee bodies from yellow cardstock and added the black portion with an alcohol marker.

    I then tucked in leafy stems and rosebuds to build a garden around the honeycomb. I carefully added the bees and a chipboard sentiment from my stash to complete the top layer.

    Finally, I used some crinkled ribbon to tie a blow and connect the 2 tag layers. I hope this project inspires you to check out the fun new bee themed release and create some fun summer projects. Happy crafting!

    Supplies:


    57594 Honeycomb Cut Out
    57598 Block Print Buzzing Bumblebee
    57561 Rosebud Arch Contour Layers

  • Just a Note | Sandhya Iyer

    Just a Note | Sandhya Iyer

    Hello friends, Sandhya here! I’m excited to share a vibrant and cheerful card featuring the Block Print Radiant Butterfly, Block Print Scalloped Butterfly, and Just A Note Scripted dies from Birch Press Design. This project combines layered die cuts, subtle textures, and a bright color palette to create a card perfect for sending a thoughtful note.

    For the background, I used a piece of watercolor paper ink smooshed with Distress Inks to achieve a soft, organic texture. The soft pink hues and subtle splotches created a unique, artistic effect that makes the background truly special. I added a hint of scripty stamping to enhance the background.

    Next, I focused on creating the butterflies. For the Block Print Radiant Butterfly, I selected shades of pink and yellow cardstock, and assembled the pieces to form a dimensional butterfly. Similarly, I crafted the Block Print Scalloped Butterfly using pink and yellow hues from Memory Box paper packs, following the same process of die-cutting and layering using foam tape for dimension.

    For the sentiment, I used the Just A Note Scripted die to cut the phrase from white and matching pink cardstock. I adhered the pink layer ovr the white so that just a slight sliver of the white shows through like a shadow.

    With all the elements prepared, I assembled the card by arranging the butterflies and sentiment on the inked background, adhering them with a combination of liquid glue and foam tape for varying heights. I finished off with a few iridescent sequins.

    I hope this project inspires you to experiment with layering dies and vibrant color palettes in your card-making endeavors. Happy crafting!

    Supplies:


    57544 Just A Note Scripted
    57600 Block Print Radiant Butterfly
    57602 Block Print Scalloped Butterfly
  • Butterfly Birthday Card | Sandhya Iyer

    Butterfly Birthday Card | Sandhya Iyer

    Hi, crafty friends! Sandhya here, and I’m thrilled to be back on the Birch Press Design blog today with a card that is all about texture, dimension, and a touch of elegance. This butterfly-themed birthday card was such a joy to create, and I hope it inspires you to play with layers and die-cutting in your own projects!

    For the background, I used a Gelli print on deli paper to achieve a soft, organic texture. I adhered the deli paper to a piece of white cardstock to give it stability and enhance the colors. The soft pink hues and subtle variations from the Gelli print created a unique, artistic effect that makes the background truly special.

    For the focal element, I used the Birch Press Design Block Print Scalloped Butterfly Die, layering different shades of pink and yellow to give it a bright and cheerful look. I love how the delicate cutouts in the butterfly wings add an airy, elegant feel to the design.

    To add a bit of greenery and movement, I tucked in some die-cut leaves from the Birch Press Design Rosebud Arch Contour Layers Dies behind the butterfly. Then, I added a few loops of gold thread to bring in a hint of shine and sophistication.

    I wanted to keep the sentiment simple yet elegant, so I used a foiled ‘Happy Birthday’ sentiment strip from the Memory Box Greeting Tabs. Finally, I embellished the card with a few iridescent flatback pearls for a soft, glistening effect.

    This card is perfect for birthdays, but you could easily swap out the sentiment for a ‘Thinking of You’ or ‘Congratulations’ greeting. The combination of gelli printing texture, layered die-cuts, and a soft color palette makes it a versatile design for many occasions!

    I’d love to hear what you think! Do you enjoy working with Gelli prints, embossing folders, and layering dies? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag me @sanjuscreations if you give this technique a try!

    Happy crafting!

    Supplies:

    57602 Block Print Scalloped Butterfly
    57561 Rosebud Arch Contour Layers
    st007 Happy Birthday Foil Greetings Black Tabs

  • Purple Pumpkin | by Crystal Komara

    Purple Pumpkin | by Crystal Komara

    Hello friends!

    Supplies

    57481 Adornment Pumpkin

    57507 Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers

    57426 Eloquent Butterfly Layer Set

    57501 Tiny Tuft Flowers and Leaves Contour Layers

    SP1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack

    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

    57525 Oval Leaf Branches Contour Layers

    SP1008 Twilight Purple 6×6 pack

  • Butterfly Pumpkin | by Crystal Komara

    Butterfly Pumpkin | by Crystal Komara

    Hello and welcome to November!

    Supplies

    57481 Adornment Pumpkin

    57507 Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers

    57426 Eloquent Butterfly Layer Set

    57501 Tiny Tuft Flowers and Leaves Contour Layers

    SP1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack

    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

    57525 Oval Leaf Branches Contour Layers

    SP1008 Twilight Purple 6×6 pack

  • Forever Grateful | by Crystal Komara

    Forever Grateful | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty friends! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today sharing the first of a few fall themed pumpkin cards that I have made featuring the Adornment Pumpkin Set.

    The Adornment Pumpkin Layer Set is one of my go-to products for fall cards. I love the large size of the layering pumpkin. Plus, it comes together easily with only two dies – a solid inside layer and a thin outline layer. For this card, I combined it with a variety of other products from Birch Press Design to include:

    ~Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers

    ~Tiny Tuft Flowers and Leaves

    Card details:

    There is a lot to this card, so let’s break it down:

    1. To create the pumpkin, using the Adornment Pumpkin die, I die cut the large solid pumpkin from the 6″ x 6″ Gladiola paper pack from Memory Box Company. I die cut the outline layer from white cardstock. I adhered the two together with a fine tip liquid glue.
    2. Using the Phlox Blooms and Leaves contour layer set, I die cut a bunch of flowers from a mustard orange and rust colored cardstock. I also cut the inside of the flowers from chocolate brown cardstock and the center of of the flowers from gold glitter cardstock. For each flower, I layered the three colors togethers with a fine-tip liquid glue.
    3. Next I simply die cut a bunch of orange, yellow, mustard, gold and brown leaves from the Tiny Tufts Flowers and Leaves contour die and tucked them in and around the pumpkin.
    4. I splattered gold paint all over the card for some “distressing” or a “mixed media” look.
    5. Lastly, I stamped the sentiment “forever grateful” using the Brush Sentiment stamp set. I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink and heat embossed it with white embossing powder. I used an oval punch to punch the sentiment out and adhered it to the card using foam adhesive for added dimension.

    I know at first glance that a lot of these intricate layered cards can seem intimating, but all it really entails is a LOT of die cutting. My little tip* – I don’t even count or measure as I’m die cutting, I just keep cutting until it seems like I have a lot. Any extra pieces can be used on the inside or saved for another card!

    Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57481 Adornment Pumpkin

    57507 Phlox Blooms and Leaves Contour Layers

    CL8158 Brush Sentiments clear stamp set

    57501 Tiny Tuft Flowers and Leaves Contour Layers

    SP1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack

    GP1006 Festive Glitter Pad

    Supplies

    PP1027 Gladiola Plaid 6×6 pack

  • Rustic Thank You Tags | By Sandhya Iyer

    Rustic Thank You Tags | By Sandhya Iyer

    Hello, friends! This is Design Team member Sandhya Iyer and I am sharing a pair of rustic thank you tags. These tags feature the Evening Moths die set and Thank You Foil Greetings Black tabs.

    I used Index flash cards to create my tags. First, I added a generous layer of crackle paste on 2 flashcards and set them to air-dry. What I had in my stash was ‘Golden’ brand, the cracks were very fine and barely noticeable. So after the tags dried, I crumpled them and added more interest. I ink blended around the edges with Rustic Hinge and Vintage Photo Distress inks and added black and white splatters to create an interesting background.

    Next, I die-cut the Moth Layers out of watercolor cardstock. I pulled out Distress Oxide inks and used detail blending brushes to ink the wings and body layers of the moth. I have a picture showing the colors I used to create my rustic and vibrant color combos. Then I assembled the little moths and added some detail to the wings using gel pens.

    Next, I inked the edges of another pair of index cards and adhered them to the back of the prepared backgrounds to make them more sturdy. I also added gold eyelets to the tags to harmonize with the sentiment tabs’ gold.

    I arranged the moths to my liking and adhered them with some foam tape. Finally, I added the sentiment tabs and colorful/jute twine to my tags. I finished off with a few little sprigs of dried baby’s breath tucked under the sentiment tabs.

    This brings us to the end of today’s post. Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you have fun crafting today!

    Supplies:

    57568 Evening Moths
    ST005 Thank You Foil Greetings Black Tabs
  • A Blue Hibiscus Summer | by Crystal Komara

    A Blue Hibiscus Summer | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty readers! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here sharing a very detailed card using the beautiful Tropical Hibiscus Contour Layers. Now, contour layering dies have been around for a while now, but in all honesty, it’s taken them a little while to grow on me. I go through my love ’em and hate ’em phases. Well, I am currently in my die cutting era right now! I can’t stop, because each card comes out so elegant and gorgeous, it just makes all that die cutting and piece work worth it!

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I then cut a 5 1/4″ x 4″ piece of royal blue cardstock and adhered it directly to the card base.

    Next, I went to town just die cutting all those hibiscus layers (from three different colors of blue) and then the leaves in two shades of green. Really, I don’t measure or count anything as I’m doing all that die cutting, I just keep cutting and then put it all together in the end. Yes, I always have leftover and mismatched pieces, but I just add a couple of the “extras” to the inside of the card and any leftover pieces go in my scrap bin for another time.

    Once I adhered all the flowers and leaves together and situated them on the card in a visual appealing way, I added the sentiment. I used the Big Hello Vintage Sentiment die. I die cut the bottom layer from white cardstock and the top layer from royal blue cardstock. I adhered both layers together with a fine-tip liquid adhesive. Lastly I adhered the entire sentiment to the card using 3M foam for added dimension.

    Now, is this card “perfect” – goodness NO! I bet you didn’t realize that I splattered silver ink all over the card when I intended on splattering gold. Do I love it? No. But there was already so much work done that I wasn’t about to start all over. And, let’s be real, no one would ever know but me! Shhhh. . .

    Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57486 Tropical Hibiscus Contour Layers

    57550 Hello Vintage Sentiment

    SP1005 Ocean Blue 6×6 pack

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    SP1002 Sunny Orange 6×6 pack

  • Just a Little Something | by Crystal Komara

    Just a Little Something | by Crystal Komara

    Hello crafty friends and happy August! Where did the summer go already!? This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here today sharing a vibrant alcohol ink card featuring the Floral Star Layer set. Because this background has so much intense color, you might not even notice that I used just three layers of white on that Floral Star.

    Card details:

    This A2 card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock. I pulled a scrap piece of a previously made alcohol ink background from my stash and splattered some white and gold ink all over the alcohol ink. I cut it down to 5 1/4″ x 4″ and adhered it directly to the white cards base.

    Next, I die cut all three layers – Layer A, Layer B and Layer C of the Floral Star Layering set from white cardstock. I adhered the three layers together using a fine-tip liquid glue. Then I adhered the full die to the center of the alcohol ink background.

    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 used the coordinating die to die cut the sentiment out. I adhered the sentiment to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

    I LOVE using alcohol inks on my cards, they are a great way to add visual interest and unique designs. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    8160 Contempo Greetings clear stamp and die set

    56118 Floral Star Layer Set