ROCKING BABY CARD

SCALLOP CIRCLE BABY CARD

This is another really simple card that looks a lot harder to construct than it actually is.

I've started with a square base - a singlefold card from Regal Craft Cards.  By overlapping the fold just a little bit with a scallop edged circle die, and then running it through the Go Cut and Emboss machine, I've created a Scalloped Circle card.

Its then just a matter of decoration.  I've used a leftover motif die-cut from a Sparklelight sheet and various other nesting scallop circle shapes, and added a little assembly of a silk flower, twine and lace at the top.

I like that the card will still stand but will rock gently (it seems appropriate for a baby card) but if you prefer your cards to be well- grounded you can always remove a small section at the bottom to create a flat base.

FOLD OVER CIRCLES

FOLD OVER CIRCLES

Not all that long ago, we used to make this type of card using a metal template, taped to paper and cut with a craft knife.  For people like me who are, at best "OK on a good day" with a knife it was best avoided.

Nowadays however, its easy - just arrange your nesting dies one inside the other at approximately equal distances apart - (use a magnetic sheet or a bit of removable tape to keep them in order if you want), on top of your A and C plates (in most die-cutting machines)

Next, line up the top cutting plate (the B plate in a Cuttlebug or Go Cut and Emboss) with a point half way along the nested dies, and run it through your machine.  Only the part of the circles covered with the top plate will cut, then just fold over every second semi-circle cut and that's it!

Double sided paper with a different paper underneath works well.  You can stick the circles down, although I prefer to leave them unattached to add dimension.  Of coursse,you don'e need to use circles at all - any nesting dies will work.  Mount the whole design on a Regal base card and there you are!  What used to take hours can be happily finished in under 10 minutes - the most time-consuming part is chosing the paper.

GREETING CARDS WITH A TASMANIAN THEME

POSTCARDS PLUS

Regal Craft cards sell stepper cards and cards with Tasmania cut-outs as well as a large range of postcards.

Marilyn has combined all three to produce these cards which are great for sending to the mainland or overseas, or even for those who just love Tassie!

FRIDAY UPDATE

There are \some lovely new Fabscraps papers that have recently arrived at Regal craft Cards. One set features the cutest little creatures ever (tiny rabbits with balloons, flying piglets, mice with drums etc) and are ideal for baby cards and albums for boys or girls (and for grown-ups who love cute things too!) 

The other set of paper is interesting - two of us both love one side and not the other - the only thing being that each likes a different side.  This is good if you're buyin the paper - a little something for everyone.  One side of the paper has a shabby chic theme with flowers, whitewashed furniture, peeling wallpaper etc. whilst the other is neutral geometrics featuring woven textures.  No prizes for guessing which one I like!

We're spoilt for choice at the moment, as Regal also has the two April releases of dies, stencils, papers, pads, collectibles, stamps etc from Kaiser.  You can look at them on line on the Kaiser site, or come into the shop.  One is a traditional vintage set in neutral grey/ivory colours, the other is "on trend" in both design and in it's green, peach and mustard/gold colourway.

BIRTHDAY CARDS WITH MOTORBIKE STICKERS

StickerCollage

Marilyn (top card) and I have used different approaches but similar products to make these two cards, which each feature Sprarklelight motorbike stickers (available from Regal,

Marilyn has mounted the stickers on blue card backing, the words come from one of the Kaiser pads, and black adhesive pearls, silver sequin waste and a greeting sticker (coloured blue to Match) complete the card.

The second card uses a piece of lapis lazuli shimmer card from which stars in various sizes have been cut.  The panel has been mounted over silver glitter card, using foam tape to add dimension, and the stars have been outlined with a silver paint pen.  A small orange ribbon has been added to the corner (the complimentary colour to blue)to pick up the colour in the bike rider's hat.

Both card bases are, of course, from Regal Craft Cards

Die cut background

ZIG ZAG FOLD FOR GIFT CARDS

ZIG ZAG CARD FRONT

ZIG ZAG CARD INSIDE VIEW

Sharon has folded one of Regal's zig zag cards (ZDL) in a slightly different way to make a DL sized card with an internal pocket just the right size to conceal a present such as a gift card or money.

By simply folding the front panel in, and securing the side and base with double-sided tape, the pocket is created, then all that is left to do is decorate the card.

Regal make the ZigZag cards in white, dk green, red and ivory, and the Sparklelight 3-D sheet from which the little girl was taken is also available from them.

AUSTRALIANA DIES

SIMPLE CARDS WITH AUSTRALIAN DIES

Two very simple cards feature this week.  The first, with the die positioned on the inner panelbehind the oval cut-out has been made with the Ultimate Crafts "Small Grass Tree Tag" set which includes not only the grass but two oval nesting dies as well.

The second is also from the Australiana range and shows an example of how the Old Farm Card tag set can be used.  In this instance the set includes the wagon, a separate wheel, and two nesting tag dies.

At the time of writing, both die sets were available from Regal Craft Cards, which is where both the base cards were purchased.

A WORK OF ART

RECESSED FRONT OF ARTWORK

I've titled this post "A work of Art" which it is.  Janet has created the most lovely example of how a shaker card can be adapted to be so much more than the name suggests.

I am not even going to begin to describe all the different layers and techniques that she has incorporated into this card (which is really suited to display all year round, rather than just a quick single occasion appearance).  Take the time to look carefully and see what ideas you could incorporate into your own projects.

I haven't included a picture of the back panel, which is just as extensively decorated so better still, if you are able, come into Regal Craft Cards, where we have it on display and have a look for yourself! 

INSIDE VIEW

BOX CARD USING REGAL ZIG ZAG CARDS

FRIENDSHIP BOX CARD

Every month at Regal, we chose a card and each of us makes an example.  It's always interesting to see how different ideas can be, using a single card base and fun to pick who made each card.

This is one of mine, and it was for the Zigzag card (DLZ) challenge.  I used two ivory cards, and overlapped the back and front panels to make a box card.  I then added some "rungs" by cutting strips of card to fit inside, with ends bent down to make tabs, which were taped to the sides.

As I was using a thin acetate to make the strips to support the heards (to give the impression of floating), I didn't make them very high above the sides of the card (also so that the card would fit into an available envelope), but if you like a higher look, just use thicker co ordinating card to make the supporting strips.

I've used some Kaiser paper for the decorations, and by careful die-cutting have (I think) managed to give the impression of lots of different patterns, even although it was a single sheet.

This is the sort of card to give to someone who loves cards not the person who displays them for a day and throws them in the recycling (unless of course you enjoy crafting so much that you don't card). but its a fun make, plus its a design that could easily be adapted to show off photos e.g. of the family, and remain on semi-permanent display.

ZFOLD CARD FOR GENTLEMEN

FRONT OF Z FOLD CARD

THE OPEN CARD

When I'm at work, I often get told that we "don't do enough men's cards." 

All I can say is we do our best - if you use the side menu on the blog you'll find quite a few examples that will hopefully give you some inspiration.

This card, by Janet, is a work of art in its own right but if you look closely there are lots of little elements within it that could be used to make a great "man's card".  Fussy cut elements, mixed colour coordinated patters, inked edges and matching ribbon trim just for starters.  Masculine cards don't need to be brown and they don't need to be simple (of course, they can be, and there's nothing wrong with that), so if you want to put in a little extra time and effort you might find some ideas here!

Z fold cards can be brought from Regal Craft Cards, so all you have to do is get started with the fun bit!

TWO MEN ON A FENCE

MULTI-USE TWO MEN ON A FENCE CARD

This is sort of a five and a bit minute "wonder" - it certainly won't take too long to make.

All you need is a base card from Regal Craft Cards and the Paper Roses die (which can also be ordered from them), a little white ink and some paper.

I put down the lightest green paper first and then lay the straight edges of darker green at an angle each side just slightly over the top, and trimmed to the edge of the card.  That way you don't have to measure or cut neatly!  I fussy cut a hill from dark navy cardstock, and die cut the men, stuck them in place and then sponged in some white clouds.  Technically "sponged", I actually used my index finger which I find worked just fine!

That's it.  You could easily add a greeting if you wanted, either on the bottom edge or in the sky space, and you could send the card for just about any occasion - everything from birthdays to greetings from Tasmania, to Fathers' Day.  Add a heart in the middle (the gender of the folks on the fence is not clear) for Valentine's or engagement, or stick down a couple of bunnies in the paddock and a tiny egg or two for Easter.  There's lots you could do with this basic design.

LAYERED DIE-CUTGREVILLEAS

CARD WITH DIECUT GREVILLEAS

I think that this is another one of those cards that looks much nicer "in the flesh" than on screen but.......

The die set is from Ultimate crafts (ULTI57478) and includes the two frames as well as the grevillea.  At the time of writing Regal still had some in the shop.  They are always happy to post any of their stock, even if it does not appear on the website.

I've cut three grevilleas from different pearlised metallic papers, added highlights with metallic pens and then mounted them on Kaiser papers.  Stickers, a ribbon strip, punched circles and a little pre-made bow were added.

Finishing touches were rounding the cornerS of the Regal Kraft base card, and inking the edges with sepia ink.

This is a floral card that isn't overly feminine so it would be suited to just about anyone, including frineds who live overseas as there aren't that many dies available that feature Australian flowers..

PAPER WEAVING

PAPER WEAVING ON A DIECUT SHAPE

I get a little bit of teasing at work because I'm forever rummaging through the printery bins fishing out little bits of scrap paper that "might be useful".
Every now and again I have to actually make a card to demonstrate that said bits of paper can indeed be put to good use!

As you've probably guessed this is one of those cards.  I've used a die from Ultimate Crafts (there was still one left at Regal last time I looked) to cut a white background, and blue surround, and then threaded the narrow little off-cuts in and out of the holes in the background in both directions, leaving the ends untrimmed.  .  The result is a fun card, perhaps for a teenager or someone who likes a little bit of disorder.

The base is a textured single fold card from Regal Craft Cards. Put a fairish old amount of double sided tape on the back to make sure everything stays in place when you stick the woven motif down.  I've just added a happy birthday sticker and a little group of three sticker stars to finish.

STENCILLED ROSE CARD

STENCILLED ROSE CARD

Tania has made this lovely stencilled card, with a Kaiser template and sponged on ink - first using darker shades for detail through the stencil and then adding colour with lighter applications.

Paper flowers and die cut embellishments complete the card.

Much of what you see on-line using stencils at the moment is on the "arty" side, using texture pastes, sprays etc but this card illustrates how effectively stencils can be used in the more traditional style of card.

Regal craft cards have lots of stencils currently in stock if you'd like to try for yourself, plus of course a huge range of base cards!

HEART DOORS

I've used clear stickers this time to match the card I've made using a simple colour scheme of white, purple and gold.

The base is a square card from Regal craft cards, and the topper is cut with  the Kaiser "Ornate Doors" die, with some pretty foiled paper behind the centre.  An embossed gold heart with a rhinestone at its centre completes the design.

At the time of writing this post, all of the materials can be sourced from Regal.

SIMPLE GATEFOLD CARD

GATEFOLD OVERLAP CARD

This is another example of an overlapping card - a little simpler than last week's example.

Start with a gatefold card base (these are not in Regal's catalogue but do appear as specials from time to time).   Adhere patterned paper to a piece of card and die-cut a heart.  Position the heart half way onto one side and stick it in place, leaving the otherside unstuck to overlap the other side of the card.

All  you need to do then is add a bit of decoration.  As you can probably tell, I made this card in a bit of a hurry - mainly to illustrate how well the white greeting stickers (STIC3) coloured with marker pens!  Hasty design aside, its a really nice format for a card, and it sits well when opened so the challenge is to use your own design and make a really lovely example.

OVERLAPPED CARDS

FRONT OF CARD

FRONT PANEL LIFTED

I don't know if there is an "official" name for this style of card, but it basically involves one larger card and one smaller, with the back panel of the smaller card attached to the inner part of the larger one so that the fold is just over the edge, hence you need to open the smaller card to access the inside of the larger one!  if that doesn't make sense, hopefully the pictures will make it clearer.

The front panel of the larger card has been decorated with a die-cut background and greeting (both cut from gold mirror card), whilst the smaller card has been covered with washi, and embellished with a diecut flourish and a wooden flower, coloured with layers of embossing powder and attached with a white split pin.

This style of card is great for "surprises" - for example, a gift card could be attached to the front, but hidden under the smaller card.

POSTCARD SWING CARD

OPEN SWING CARD

SWING CARD FRONT

Regal make these lovely swing cards already cut, folded and ready to decorate, as well as the stickers, papers and even the postcard, so if you are looking for a quick to make card which has great impact, gather your supplies and have fun!

CARD FEATURING A METAL FLOWER

METALLIC FLOWER EMBELLISMENT

If you're like me, the combination of summer and Christmas has resulted in more than the usual amount of potentially useful craft items.

Soft drink cans are a case in point. As long as you use the fairly thin ones and proceed carefully, it's possible to both die-cut and emboss them to make embellishments.

The red flower on this card has been made from a diet coke can and a floral nesting die.  As there was a lot of red on the can, I was able, by careful positioning of the die to avoid having to colour anything.  (The stamen was cut from a silver section, and the whole stack held together with a silver split pin).

Mostly, the reverse side of a softdrink can is silver, however, so if you do need to add colour, the marker pens that you use to colour rhinestones and peel-off stickers can be used.

Thin aluminium is easy to shape so adding additional dimension is really easy.

The background is just metallic pens through a floral stencil onto black card, and I've added a bit of curling ribbon to make it match in, as the gold pen seemed to dominate.

HOLLY CHRISTMAS CARD

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS CARD

OK, so if you are still making cards by this time of the year you are after something super quick to finish, and here it is!

Sharon has used a Regal holly cut-out card, put some patterned green paper underneath, and then added some gold greeting stickers and stars and a few red rhinestones and well....it's finished!

Unfortunately Regal will not be re opening until January 2nd but its an idea to keep in mind if you have to make a lot of cards next year, or if perhaps you'd just like to get the Christmas Cards out of the way in January.

Just think how proud of yourself you can feel for the rest of the year, especially in December when many more of us are in panic mode!

CHRISTMAS TREE CARDS

CHRISTMAS TREE CUT OUT CARDS

By this time of year, if you haven't already made your cards its time to get busy.

These two examples are both quick to make and really pretty too.

Sharon has used a gold base card.  You can buy gold cards in both single and three panel versions from Regal (which is also where the foiled white paper came from), or if you are in a huge hurry, you can get cards with the tree already cut out in white, red or green.

Sharon has put paper under the cut out panel of one card and used the shape for the other.  She has crimped the tree, but you could equally well emboss it, decorate it in other ways or just leave it plain. Adhesive pearls and fabric stars comple the cards.

If you are well prepared and use pre-cut cards,  you could just about finish both of these in under ten minutes - great if you still have a lot of cards to make before the big day!

PHOTOSLOT CHRISTMAS CARD

Postcard Christmas Card

Sharon has combined a few elements to make this super-quick Christmas card.

First take a postcard (this one is available from Regal, as is the base card), slot it into a photoslot card.  Add (optional) decoration and off you go!

Regal's photo slot cards are designed to take a 6" x 4" (15cm by 10cm) photograph so if you have something special that you want to share it's still not too late to get some printed and posted for Christmas.

It's the ideal "handmade" card when you don't have time to make a handmade card!

TWO DIFFERENT STACKER CARDS FOR CHRISTMAS

TRADITIONAL STACKER CARD

These cards show a couple of different ways to assemble a stacker card - the traditional approach of stacking the layers one on top of the other from largest to smallest, and an alternative which is to do the same but to offset each layer a little (as shown in the bottom card).

The white card is one of Regal's lattice cards, folded a little differently to usual, whilst the brown card is a Kraft brown singlefold square, also from Regal.

The stacked designs are both off the same sheet (HA111), which, as you have probably guessed already, is currently in stock exclusively at Regal Craft Cards.

OFFSET STACKER CARD

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM AUSTRALIA

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM AUSTRALIA

If you haven't already taken care of the Christmas card situation for overseas friends and relatives, you need to start giving the situation some serious thought now.

As time is of the essence, another quick card from Sharon is in order.

Regal make these Australia cut out cards in three colours - white, green and ivory, so all you need to do is pop some pretty paper in the aperture and embellish if desired (Sharon has used a paper poinsettia and leaves from Green Tara).

This card has been made in traditional Christmas colours but you could go for an outback palette of ochre, gold and burnt orange if you wanted something really different, and add a die-cut Australian animal or plant (Ultimate Crafts make some good ones) as embellishment.

Regal do some state cards as well, so if you want to be very geographically specific its worth contacting them to ask about availability.  I know that there are certainly Tasmania cut-outs.

CHRISTMAS PRESENT CARD

CHRISTMAS PRESENT CARD

As you've probably guessed by now, Sharon did the Christmas demonstration for Regal Craft Cards back in September, and we can now all enjoy a selection of her cards.

This is another quick card - just the sort of thing that's needed as Christmas gets closer.

She has placed a piece of decorative paper under the cut-out of one of Regal's square windowpane card (XSWP2), and covered the central cross with strips of shiny metallic paper, to make a "present."

A paper bow finished the project.  Sharon has cut her own, but you could use a diecut or even real ribbon as an alternative.

You could easily adapt this card for many different occasions simply by changing the colour choice.