VELLUM PEEK-A-BOO CARD

VELLUM PEEK-A-BOO CARD

INSIDE THE CARD

We're having a bit of a "masculine" card-fest at the moment, and here's another.

A piece of decorative paper is stuck to the front of a singlefold white Regal Craft card, and a sticker is placed on top (I've used a
Sparklelight sticker from Regal SLS2009).

Cut vellum large enough to wrap around the card (i.e. the same height as the unfolded card, and every so slightly wider) and fold it in half.

Slip it over the card and mark (in soft pencil) the corders of the sticker, then remove, and either use a punch upside down or tape on a square die to cut out a window in the vellum.  (You can also use a craft knife).  Put a small piece of double sided tape just over the fold on the back of the white card, and carefully place the vellum over the top.  (You might want to do a test run first to make sure the window is in the right place).

Double sided tape can be seen through the vellum so you can either put it on carefully and leave it "as is" or add a border sticker or strip of paper over the top.  (If it really worries you, you can always sew the two layers together - three or 5 holes and some decorative thread are probably best as vellum tends to perforate with sewing machined lines)

Add a charm and greeting on the outside, and a different sticker and a paper border (matching the front of the card) to the inside and you're done.

In reality the patterned paper can be seen more clearly under the vellum on the front of the card, and the contrast between the shine of the sticker and the matte finish of the overlay is quite pronounced

PARCHMENT and PICKPOINT

SIMPLE PARCHMENT CARD

Parchment craft is often portrayed as really complicated and as something that can only be done with a huge selection of tools.  It certainly can be that way, and Regal Craft Cards do stock a great range of tools for the advanced crafter.

It doesn't have to be that way, however, and this example shows what is possible for the first time crafter, requiring only a piece of parchment paper, a white pen, an embossing stylus and a soft rubber mat.  The pattern comes from Embossing Paper the Easy Way (available from Regal).  Just trace the picture with a white pen, when the ink is dry turn it over, retrace and add detail with the embossing stylus.  Add an insert and you're done.  

Balance out the weight of the outer card and insert so that it will stand up e.g. thin parchment with thick insert etc.  There are many ways to attach the insert to the outer card.  A little double sided tape on the inner back panel will do the trick, but for this example I've chosen to tie it together with some 3mm satin ribbon.

As a bonus this week, we have some more of Sandra Bell's lovely pickpoint cards, made with a variety of coloured metallic threads which give the design a special lift.  The last three designs are from the Garden Flowers design sheet (PPF11)

FOUR PICKPOINT CARDS

PARCHMENT SAILING SHIP CARD

PARCHMENT SAILING BOAT

Kaiser products feature in this card which would be OK for a birthday, father's day or bon voyage.

The caption is from one of the papers in their Sailaway range, and both dies are also made by them.

The slightly "tricky" feature is the ship which has been cut out of parchment paper and then embossed by hand with an embossing tool on a soft mat.  I've then used a pin to add tiny holes around the outside of the main parts.

As parchment/vellum is translucent I've cut foam tape to shape and size to fit under a couple of the sails so that although it can be seen, hopefully it just looks like part of the design.

I made this card for a recent demo, but if I were doing it for an actual card. I'd probably cut a second ship from faux wood paper for the hull and masts and just use the embossed vellum for the sails.

The base card is a large textured square white card from Regal Craft Cards(XSQPL1), and I've added just a little decoration to the inner panel, as you can see from the picture.

USING A VELLUM OVERLAY

SCORED VELLUM

If you want to add a different look to an existing card, try adding a translucent overlay.
This paper (known as parchment paper or vellum, although strictly speaking it's neither of these) is available from the Regal Craft Cards website, and is useful for all sorts of things.

Most commonly used for parchment craft/"Pergamano" one of its properties is that when it stretches it goes white, which means that its great for embossing, either in a Cuttlebut/Big Shot etc., or by hand, or, as I've done here to add detail, just by using a stylus and scoring board to add some lines.

I've used thick parchment paper (its available in four thicknesses) with a paper insert (decorated with a Sparklelight sticker), but you could wrap a thinner parchment "coat" around an existing card or just attach it with split pins to the front!

TEALIGHT CARD.

TEALIGHT CARD

Continuing on with last weeks theme........Here is another way to fold an aperture card that might come in handy for all sorts of occasions.

Secure some vellum behind the aperture - I've used some pretty patterned Christina Re paper but you could use plain, or draw your own design or print out a photo or clip art!  Its important for a fair amount of light to get through, so use a fairly thin paper and don't add too much heavy colour.

Measure and fold half way along on the side panels. Measure the piece of card you'll need to fit the back (paper clip card in place, move the card to how you would like it to sit, then mark with a pencil to show where to cut).
You might want to use a metallic or gloss card to reflect more light.  (I used shiny silver).  Then add some decoration - I've kept it very low key with just three ribbon roses, but clearly you could add as much in the way of embellishment as you like.  All that's left to do is to add a battery powered tealight candle.  I WOULD NOT ADD ONE THAT INVOLVED FIRE - IT IS AFTER ALL MADE OF PAPER!!!!!!!!

You don't, of course, have to use an oval card - Regal Craft Cards have lots of different shapes available (everything from rectangles to dolphins!) or you can get blank three panel cards and use your dies to cut whatever shape you want.

I think this would not only be useful just as a card, but also as a placecard or decoration.  I have plans (whether or not they'll translate to reality is a different matter) to print out some photos and make some to put on the dresser for Christmas

PARCHMENT CRAFT CHRISTMAS CARD

PARCHMENT CRAFT CHRISTMAS CARD

Jane Ash made this beautiful parchment craft card, using a pattern from the Christmas Treasures book.  Jane is one of Regal's mail order customers from WA so it was lovely to see her in person when she visited the shop last week.

Wouldn't it be amazing to get this for Christmas!!

(Parchment paper, tool and the book are all available on the Regal website.)

PARCHMENT TRELLIS

PARCHMENT TRELLIS

Another lovely parchment craft card from Lyn Kirkham......Need I say more?

Regal have lots of books and tools if you are interested in taking up this challenging, but impressive craft.

Marlene Exton, who taught a beginners class in March, will be having a "next steps" class later on in the year.  Its too early to book just now, but I will let you know when its open.

In the meantime we'll just have to content ourselves with marvelling over Lyn's amazing work!

TWO PARCHMENT CARDS

 I think I'll just let these cards, by the obviously extremely talented Lyn Kirkham speak for themselves.

All the embossing and cutting is done by hand, by Lyn.

PARCHMENT WEDDING CARD

I don't imagine anyone would have the time to devote to making this card in December, so just rest a while, and take a few moments to enjoy looking at Lyn Kirkham;s masterpiece!!

PARCHMENT BUTTERFLY

Parchment craft is one field of card making into which I rarely stray.  I am totally in awe of this beautiful parchment card made by one of our customers, Lynn Kirkham.  Lynn has very kindly allowed us to photograph a few of her cards for the blog, so keep an eye out for other examples of her work in the weeks ahead.  (And yes, they are all as impressive as this example!!)