ROSES AND LACE

As the easel/tilt card was a monthly challenge so there are a number of these on offer. This special card is Sharon's offering. This would make a great Mothers Day card or birthday. Lace trim and and a burgundy bow and a couple of Kaiser baby blue adhesive pearls set off the rear panel .Large pearls are used to stop the card from coming forward

Sparklelight Stacker Card

This lovely card Heather made is a simple stacker 3d from the Sparklelight range. Easy to make as all the pictures are numbered. Working from the lowest number, i.e number 1 to the highest you just line up the image so all the edges match. Use mounting squares or silicone glue {make sure it's paper glue} to separate and lift each image and give you depth.
Heather has then mounted the image onto navy and silver card to make the image pop out. The finished card is an Amethyst single fold card from Regal Craft.
There are several of these images available in the shop.

SUSPENDED DIE-CUT CARD TO SUIT ANY OCCASION

DIE-CUT BUTTERFLIES

This will take you a little bit longer than five minutes - but not much.  It's more the technique than the card (which I found in Regal's Bargain Corner) I wanted to show this week.

 Just pick a singlefold card, cover the inside right-hand panel with paper (I used plain lime green but you could use patterned paper). 

Die-cut a hole or two in whatever shape takes your fancy .  (At risk of stating the obvious, I chose two sizes of circle).

Now choose dies, that just fit over the edges of the cut apertures, so that there is enough to glue to the front of the card, but so that most of the die is over the hole,  Cut them out, fix in space. 

The finished card has a lovely 3D effect when it is opened or displayed in this way.  I used butterflies but you could equally well use tools (hammer, saw etc) or flowers, or words or anything really, as long as they fit with the holes that you cut.  As a result, you could make a card like this for any occasion!

3D FLORAL BOUQUET WITH EMBOSSED FRAME

3D FLORAL BOUQUET

Unfortunately, this picture probably doesn't show this card to best effect, however I'll explain the technique so you can get the general idea.

I began with a piece of paper featuring lots of flowers (some in repeat) - this one's from Kaiser- and fussy cut several elements from it.

I used two square dies, one placed inside the other, in conjunction with a rubber mat to emboss a frame on the front of a square white singlefold card from Regal (SPL1).

After that I arranged the cut-out flowers, leaves and butterflies on the card, and before sticking them down, shaped them (you can use a tool and a mat but I just used the palm of my hand and my fingers).  I added further dimension by positioning one cut flower over another of the same type and using various combinations of flat double sided tape and foam dots to achieve different levels.

As I mentioned, the card looks a lot better in reality.  The actual construction of the card is quite speedy, but arranging the "bits" can take some time if you're that way inclined!

LIVE LAUGH LOVE HEART CUT OUT CARD

HEART CUT OUT CARD WITH EMBOSSED BACKGROUND

Another one of Janet's pretty cards this week.  This example uses an ivory heart cut-out three panel card as a base.

It may be a little hard to see in the picture, but one of the stand-out features of the card is the background patterned paper, which has been embossed using a folder featuring fern leaves.  Die cut leaves in three different shades are on the left of the card and other embellishments are paper flowers, a printed greeting and enamel dots.

Janet has inked around the heart cut-out that surrounds a striped, unembossed  green background, with white ink, and around the greeting with a bright green, which she has also added to the flower centres

All the techniques used in the card are straightforward, but used in combination and with attention to detail has resulted in a very striking card, that attracted a lot of positive comment when it was on display.  You can make it, or a similar version too.

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.

TWO ROMANTIC COLLAGE CARDS

Janet has made two lovely cards to demonstrate how using decorative papers as inspiration can work wonderfully well when designing your cards.  In the first card, for example, she has used pink and yellow paper roses to decorate a framed element, echoing the colour of the blooms in the background paper.

A green and cream/gold theme has linked the elements of the second card.  It may not be evident from the picture, but some of the connections are quite subtle but still work to tie the components together - green chalk inked edges, small amounts of glitter in both background and toppers, mesh ribbon behind the birdcage echoing the shabby chic appearance of the script in the paper etc.  This card is on the wall in Regal, if you'd like to see the real thing.

Although both cards would be suitable for many occasions including birthdays. anniversary, engagement or wedding, mother's day and more, you could also use them as a very special correspondence card to send a "snail mail" hello to a person who is important to you.

ROMANTIC CARDS

PRETTY FLORAL CARD

PRETTY STAMPED FLOWERS

Tania has featured a stamp from Paper Roses on her pretty floral card.

The image is has been heat embossed in black, and coloured with blended pencils.  By using colours more or less opposite on the colour wheel, Tania has made the image almost leap of the page.

A selection of greet decorative papers, a plain green backing and a die-cut bow complete the picture, with inked edges helping to blend the layers.

A single fold Regal card has been used as the base.

BIRTHDAY CARD AND POST-IT HOLDER

CARD WITH MATCHING POST-IT HOLDER

Sometimes its nice to give a little gift with a card.  This example comes from one of the demos I did last year.  The card part is super simple - I've just used a pretty piece of Graphic45 paper and added a die-cut oval with coloured peel-off greeting, as the wording on the paper in the middle of the frame didn't suit the occasion.  The base is a textured ivory single fold frim Regal.

I can't give you precise instructions for the post-it folder as I just placed the post-its on a scrap piece of card and drew roughly around it, adding a flap on either side of the base and at the bottom, then neatened it up and checked that it all fitted together before using it as a template on my "nice" card.  I'm sure more formal templates for something similar are available on-line.

More G45 paper has been used to decorate the top flap, as well as a fabric flower and some little pearls.  Acutually I've just noticed that one is missing from the top rh edge already, which tends to suggest that using them for something that may well be tossed around in your handbag might not be a good idea.  Perhaps liquid pearls or similar would be better.

Probably the thing most noteable, is the closure mechanism which is just two pieces of sticky-backed magnet sheet (available from Regal).  Its easy to cut with scissors, you don't need glue, and it provides a surprisingly firm closure.  There's enough room at the top of the post-its to add a little pencil (save time looking for the right size by just sawing a big one to size).  You might want to tie it on just to make sure it doesn't go its own way.

With a different greeting this set would do for Mother's day or Secret Santa as well as birthdays.

LATTICE CARD

This is another one of those nice cards that come pre-cut from Regal so you can get right on with the fun bit.

Sharon as put some decorative paper (a fine pattern, as the one she has used is probably best) under the lattice panels, and added silver stickers onto the "bars".  Denim blue pearls in two sizes complete the card.

The card itself is made from thick textured white cardstock, and you can imagine how easy it would be to add special white papers and pearls for a wedding, or pastels for a baby or red rhinestones and gold paper for Christmas etc etc - there are so many possibilities

FLORAL SWING CARD

FLORAL SWING CARD

The good thing about this card (apart from the fact that Janet has made another gorgeous floral card) is that the swing base comes in a packet from Regal Craft cards, already cut and folded, so that you can go straight to the fun bit of decorating it!

Just add pretty papers, a pre-made paper flower, a greeting (coloured to match) and some trims tied around the thin part of one panel. Ink around the edges and your done!

It's not a quick card to make as there is a fair bit of cutting and sticking, but its not difficult.  For some of us, choosing the colours and combinations is the best bit of card making, and if you use this style as a base there are lots of surfaces to decorate!  (Don't forget there is the reverse of the card as well).  This would be an obvious choice for Mother's day or a special birthday.

BIRTHDAY CARDS (WITH CALENDAR)

YELLOW 3DROSE CALENDAR CARD

Both of these cards are essentially made in the same way.

The base is a pre-made sparkelight card with an defined oval area for decoration.  The roses are both off the same 3D sheet (SLDC48748), which is die-cut so there's no need for fiddly cutting.

The yellow rose border inside the calendar card (the date pad is from Regal - CAP1 is the code) is also on the sheet.  The other card has an apricot insert.  I've used foam dots to add height to the layers.

These are among the best sort of cards - lots of impact with not so very much effort!  You could have both of them finished inside 20 minutes.

3DAPRICOT ROSE CARD

PURPLE FAN CARD

PURPLE FAN CARD

This isn't quite a 5-minute wonder. but it's close.  Regal sell the purple fan cut-out cards ready to decorate, so all I did was add some decorative (Fab Scraps) paper underneath the aperture, then a couple of slices of the fan cut-out (which comes with the card), which I had embossed.
A few pieces of 3mm ribbon covered my messy edges and a satin flower disguised the fact I can't tie a bow to save myself!

This is a good beginner's card, suitable for lots of different occasions E.g. make a white one for a wedding, or add red, grren and gold papers and embellishments to an ivory card for Christmas

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

5 QUICK CARDS

5QUICK CARDS WITH 3D TOPPERS

I wanted to make some quick cards using the Art Deco Sparklelight 3D sheet (SLDC48750) and here they are!  I've basically just used a selection of Regal base cards and kept the "topping" super simple.

Going around clockwise from the top left hand card, I've used the Ivory textured corner oval with a gold border(XCOS51), the lattice special fold (XNO42) with one panel removed, XCOS51 again, then the scallop ivory card (XSCE2), and finally the Nightclub Purple Rectangle Two Square (XWIT2).

Once the hard work has been done with a distinctive and good quality base card it really only takes a couple of minutes for the "dressing."  I've put these cards in the 5 minute wonder category although it does rather depend on how quick you are at assembling the 3D toppers.  (They are die-cut so that certainly helps!)

"NOSTALGIC CHILDHOOD" STEPPER CAR

STEPPER CARD FOR BIRTHDAY OR MOTHER'S DAY

Unfortunately neither Sparklelight nor 3D pictures photograph easily, and I really haven't done justice to Sharon's card.

The picture sheet is called "Nostalgic Childhood (SLDC 48574) and is from Regal Craft Cards, as is the white smooth step base card (XST1)

Sharon has added words from a Kaiser Collectables pack and a "Happy Birthday" silver outline sticker as well as decorative papers and a paper daisy with an adhesive pearl centre.

This would make a lovely Mother's Day card too!

3D CARD WITH Z FOLD FRONT

Z FOLD CARD

This is a different way to use your square base cards, and its super simple!  Just fold the front panel in half (make a valley fold) then stick a shape (in this case an oval but a heart or star or any other shape will work) half onto the fold, so that when the card sits up, a 3D effect is achieved.  (See the "top view" below.

In this case I've used a textured white square card base from Regal Craft Cards, and decorated it with a 3D sparklelight picture, stuck to an oval backing.

A heart cut-out and stamped red strip decorate the back panel.  You could use this card for mother's day, valentines a birthday, or even a wedding or anniversary (perhaps replace the red with a patterned white on white).

TOP VIEW

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!

SPARKLELIGHT ART DECO LADY 3D

ART DECO LADY CARD

Another pretty card from Marilyn this week, featuring a sparklelight 3D Art Deco lady motif.

Marilyn has added specialty papers and some lovely floaty gold organza ripple ribbon to a DL card from Regal Craft Cards to make a card suitable for a special birthday.  Note how she has fussy cut "shells" from the embossed background paper to use as embellishment.

A NEW WAY TO FOLD AN APERTURE CARD

OPEN REVERSE OVAL CARD

CLOSED CARD

This week I've put up a couple of pictures of a way to use an oval aperture card, that's a little different to the norm.

The folding is easy - just add an extra fold to the middle of each of the outer panels, and fold them back in a zigzag .  The "front" of the card becomes the back and the folded side panels are now the front.!

I've used a 3D Sparklelight sheet (Regal Craft Cards have a good variety available) but instead of building all the pieces onto the base picture, I've put the base behind the oval aperture, and distributed the other pieces over the two front panels.

I've added an embossed red panel to the back of the card (you can't see it in the picture) and secured some red organza ribbon underneath so it can wrap around and securely close the card.  I've also added embossed red card to the inner halves of the folded front panels.

If you've got some half-forgotten aperture cards hiding in a drawer at home, why not get them out and play.  If not, you can always buy some from Regal Craft Cards.