Tag Archives: techniques

Prim House Shaker Card

Simple Stories Hearth and Home-Really Reasonable Ribbon-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

Prim House Shaker Card with Really Reasonable Ribbon Burlap String Border

Hello, Friends!  Today I have a happy little Prim House Shaker Card to share with you.  Would you like to learn how to use burlap string from Really Reasonable Ribbon  to create a fun fiber element on your cards?  Well, then, you are in luck, because that is what today’s post is all about.

I purchased this Simple Stories Hearth and Home collection a few years back so that I could create a recipe album to display in my kitchen.  Surprise, surprise…I actually DID it, and had some lovely scraps left over.  This little Prim House frame has been on my mind for a while, and I decided to dig it out the other day to use as a shaker frame.  It was a little bit plain for my tastes, so I paired it up with another chipboard frame  to try to spice things up a little.

The end result was still a little bland…but then I had a great idea…and that is what I want to share with you today.

Burlap String Borders

Don’t you  love it when a simple technique makes a big difference in a design outcome? (You could make these burlap string borders in any color of burlap string!)  Here are the quick and easy steps for adding burlap string borders to a card design.

  • First, create a 5″ x 7″ top fold card base from 110# cardstock.
  • Then create a 4 7/8″ x 6 7/8″ card front, but do not adhere it to the card base yet.
  • Now place a large chipboard frame over your background panel.  My frame was a real Plain Jane, so I tore strips of floral designer paper and adhered on the right hand side and on the bottom.
  • Next, create your shaker element using the Prim house and adhere inside the larger frame.
  • Then use Scor-Tape to adhere the loose end of burlap string to the back side of the card front.  Wrap the twine around the side and/or the base as many times as you like. (I went 5 times) then adhere the other loose end on the back.
  • Finish things off with a cute button in the corner.
  • Add a pop of color with Copper and Cream Plaid Ribbon, burlap string bow, and another button.
A Peek Inside

Dress up the inside of  your card with a little flap element and a sweet little pocket.  There’s plenty of room to add a photo behind the flap.  Maybe a first day of school photo would look cute here.  What do you think?

A printed recipe card from the paper collection makes a cute note card…or you can add your favorite fall cookie recipe here.  Then make a little tea wallet and add it to the mix.

Quick, easy and oh, so cute!  Hope you enjoyed it, too.

You can find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by, friends!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

Snuggle Up House Mouse Stamped Card

Spellbinders House Mouse Snuggle Up-Carta Bella Cabin Fever-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

Snuggle Up House Mouse Stamped Card with Carta Bella Cabin Fever

Hello, Friends!  After a lovely Thanksgiving break, I’m back to share this cute little Snuggle Up House Mouse Stamped Card.  I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving , and maybe managed to sneak a little play time in amid all the cleaning and cooking and entertaining.

The winter sweater from Carta Bella Cabin Fever seemed like a good pairing for these adorable mice.  After fussy cutting it from a 4×6 journal card, I inked the edges and added rhinestones to the collar.  Now it’s the perfect holiday sweater, don’t you think?

Stamping and Coloring

One of my goals for this year was to work on my stamping and coloring skills.  Stamping really isn’t the problem…but coloring is a big challenge for me.  I’ve tried all kinds of mediums: alcohol markers, Distress Markers, Colored Pencils, Water Color, Water Color Pencils…and I never seem to be really happy with my results.  But this time, I tried water coloring with Distress Oxide Inks and water brush pens.  And you know what?  I had fun!

First I stamped the image onto a piece of the white woodgrain patterned paper from Cabin Fever using Sepia Archival Ink. Then I immediately heat embossed with clear powder.  The light woodgrain pattern added instant background texture to the image, so half the work was done for me.

Next, I used my water brush to pick up the color directly from the ink pad.  Simply swipe the brush lightly over the pad a few times.  This seemed to pick up just the right amount of ink.  The embossed lines on the stamped image helped me keep the color inside the lines.  Distress Oxide Ink layers nicely without turning into “mud”.  That also seemed to work well for me.

A Little Mixed Media

First I tore the bottom edge of the tree stump away from the stamped panel to create a more organic looking edge.  Then I scribbled Dries Clear Adhesive along the top of the stump and sprinkled with Rajni Chawla Crystal Clear Glitter to create my faux snow.  Finally, I painted a wooden snowflake white, added Dries Clear and more glitter.  It doesn’t show up as well in the photo, but it sparkles nicely in real life.

Foam tape between my layers added some nice dimension while a perky plaid bow and jingle bells finished everything off nicely.

A Peek Inside

Adding a flap to the top half of the card creates space for a hidden sentiment panel….

…and a pocket for a little winter warm up treat on the bottom.  See how I repeated the sweater image on the inside?  That’s one of my favorite things to do.

I hope you’re enjoying a restful and joyful weekend, my friends!

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

 

 

3D Embossing Folder Techniques and Tutorial

 

3D Embossing Folder Techniques and Tutorial with Spellbinders 4 Petal Floral & Reneabouquets

Stamperia-Rose Parfum-Spellbinders-4 Petal Embossing Folder-Reneabouquets-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

Hello, Friends!  Today I have a  3D Embossing Folder Techniques and Tutorial to share with you.  We’ll be working with the newly released Spellbinders 4 Petal Floral 3D Embossing Folder, Stamperia Rose Parfum and paper pretties from Reneabouquets.  Sound like fun?  Well, then  pull on your Mixed Media Boots and get ready for another crafty adventure.

Spellbinders 4 Petal Floral Embossing Folder

Spellbinders Paper Arts-4 Petal 3D Floral Embossing Folder-Stamperia-Rose Parfum-Reneabouquets-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design-Photo 01

It is my personal opinion that 3D embossing folders give me more bang for my crafting dollar than just about any other tool in my considerable stash.  There are so  many reasons I love working with them. First, they are usually priced at a very affordable dollar amount.  Next, there is almost no end to the creative ways you can use them.  Also, you can achieve impressive results in almost no time at all.  Unlike paper, which y’all know I love, embossing folders are non-consumable.

So when I had a chance to take this lovely Floral 3D embossing folder for a test drive, I could not wait to try a bunch of different projects with it.  ( You’ll see 2 more on Monday and Tuesday of next week!)

You’ll see how I transformed a plain piece of cardstock into the shabby chic background on this 5 1/2″ square card in the video tutorial below.  Because this folder creates a 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ panel, you’ll also learn how to cut the design down to a custom size.

Shabby Chic Details

Spellbinders 4 Petal Floral 3D Embossing Folder, Stamperia Parfum, Reneabouquets-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

Oooh, how I love shabby chic details!  This floral background seemed to beg for a cascade of Strawberry Lemonade Roses, German Glitter Glass, and lots of flirty butterflies. Thankfully, I found all of the above in my stash of Reneabouquets goodies. A little treasure hunting in my embellishment stash revealed a handmade nest of speckled eggs and some soft vintage crocheted lace.

Did you notice that there is no patterned paper on this card?  Instead of using paper, I opted for layered chipboard elements from the Stamperia Parfum collection.

A Peek Inside

Here’s a sneaky peek at the inside of this card.  Of course, there’s a pocket, a tea sachet and a honey stick.  I also created a sweet little tag with another Spellbinders die. You can find it linked in the supply list below this post.

3D Embossing Folder Techniques and Tutorial on my YouTube Channel

If you’d like to see how I put this card together, and created another lovely mixed media panel, then I hope you’ll join me over on my YouTube channel.

Do you think you’ll take these techniques out for a test drive?  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section.

You can find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

 

 

Peter Rabbit’s Flower Garden for Throwback Thursday

Memory Place Peter's World Peter Rabbit's Flower Garden Card by Kathy Clement Photo 01

Peter Rabbit’s Flower Garden Spring Décor Card for Throwback Thursday

Hello, Friends!  Spring has sprung, so for today’s Throwback Thursday, we’re going to pop in and pay a visit to Peter Rabbit’s Flower Garden.  This home décor style card is made with bits and bobs left over from my Memory Place Peter’s World paper collection.   You might remember the little Peter Cottontail Folio Kit I made a while back with these sweet papers.   I still love these classic images and vintage style patterns.

Peter Rabbit's Flower Garden by Kathy Clement Memory Place Peter's World Collection Photo 01

It turns out that Peter is quite the gardener!  Look at the gorgeous array of blossoms in his spring garden!  This 5 1/2″ square top fold card is all about dimension and texture.  I used some sneaky tricks to create a dimensional scene that pops off the page.

  • First, create a 5 1/2″ top fold card base.  Stitch a layer of patterned paper onto a 5 1/4″ square of white cardstock and adhere to the card base.
  • Now, fussy cut the image from patterned paper.  Leave the bottom edge intact.  Just trim around the sides, the flowers and peter’s upper body.
  • Next, tuck the script that was around  the edges of this panel behind Peter’s body.  If you attach this paper with foam dots, it creates that extra layer of dimension .
  • Now adhere the right hand edge of the leafy area to the right hand edge of your card base.  Don’t place any adhesive on the bottom or top…just the leafy area.
  • Then repeat this same step on the left.  When you adhere it to the card base, gently push it toward the center of the image to create a bowed effect.
  • Next place a leaves, hollyhocks, beaded grass and a large blossom behind Peter’s body.

Add the rest of your flowers.  Fussy cut the label and adhere with the same “bowed” technique.  And don’t forget to add some little blue buttons, as Peter has once again lost his.

The Bow Cluster

Tie a 3″ double loop bow from Blue Topaz Argyle Print Satin Ribbon.  Top it with a Baker’s Twine bow and another flower.  I found these cute charms in my stash and dangled them from the bow cluster.

A Peek Inside

Add a pocket to the inside of the card so you can tuck in a tag and a tea bag.

And there’s room on the tag to write a wee note.

I hope I’ve shared some tips, trick and ideas that you can use in your next card making adventure.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

**Please note: Since Throwback Thursday posts feature older, retired collections and paper pretties from my stash, I may not always be able to  link to all supplies used.  Thanks for understanding!

Prima Lavender Party Dress Card Folio

Prima Lavender Party Dress Card Folio for Throwback Thursday Kathy Clement Photo 01

Prima Lavender Party Dress Card Folio for Throwback Thursday

Hello, Friends!  Today’s Throwback Thursday is a Prima Lavender Party Dress Card Folio.  While cleaning out the Closet of Shame, I ran across a bunch of lovely chipboard pieces and a flash of inspiration!  Who doesn’t love having a new party dress for spring?  I know, right?  So after a bit more digging, I decided to use this lovely, retired 2017 Prima collection for our Throwback Thursday this week.

Put on Your Party Dress

Mixed Media Techniques for Chipboard Prima Lavender Laserowe Love by Kathy Clement Photo 01

Chipboard is such a wonderful addition to a card design.  You can paint it, cover it with paper, spritz it with mist or, as I did on today’s card, alter it with embossing powder.  This is probably my favorite way to alter chipboard.  Why, you may ask?  Because it is fast, easy and looks terrific!  It will probably take me longer to tell you the steps I followed than it did for me to actually do them.  Here’s how I took this brown paper bag dress to party dress with a little mixed media magic.

  • First, tap the entire surface of the chipboard with VersaMark ink.  Be generous!
  • Next, lightly shake a closed jar of Stampendous Shabby Ivory Embossing Enamel.  This helps mix the particles evenly throughout the mix.
  • Now place the chipboard in a funnel tray or on a piece of printer paper.  Gently shake the embossing powder out over the surface.  You are aiming for even coverage.
  • Then carefully pick up the chipboard and let any loose granules roll off onto the printer paper or into the tray.  Do not tap or flick the back of the chipboard!  Just let gravity do its thing!
  • Now you want to pre-heat your heat gun for a few seconds.  Use tweezers to hold the edge of the chipboard and use the heat gun to melt the granules.  Keep the gun moving at all times.  Chipboard will burn.
  • Heat the granules until the gold flecks start to melt and puddle into the ivory granules.  Now this chip is perfectly cooked!

Take it to the Next Level

The dress is very pretty at this point.  But I wanted to take it to the next level.  So once the chip had cooled, I spritzed it lightly with some Lavender Fields Glimmer Mist that I had in my stash.  Then I gently heated the embossing enamel a second time.  The embossing medium will “open” and allow the mist to sink into the mix, creating a lovely impressionistic pattern on the dress.

I also inked the edges of the dress with Dusty Concord Distress Oxides.  Then I spritzed and flicked water to make some pretty inky puddles.  You can play with this technique.  It’s fun!

TIP:  Adhere an acetate floral overlay from the Lavender Collection to the center of the dress to create soft pattern and design.  Use a dries clear adhesive for this step.  It’s pretty magical, if I do say so myself!

Learn how I altered the chipboard doily and the background tag in the video below.

Finishing Touches

Add some pretty ribbons, trims and posies and this dress is ready for the prom!

Learn how to add these sweet charms in the video, too!

A Peek Inside

Party Dress Card Folio Prima Lavender by Kathy Clement

I decided to create a little folio inside the card base.  The top half is an accordion pull-out with a ribbon closure.

Layer up bits and bobs on the cover to create a pretty collage.

Here’s a peek at the pages inside the 4 3/4″ x 7 3/4″ folio.  Lots of lovely room for photos and journaling the story of a wedding, anniversary, prom, birthday party or bridal shower.

Party Dress Video on YouTube

Here’s a little process video showing how this card folio came together.   I hope you enjoy!

And that’s it for Throwback Thursday this week!  I’ll be adding this little ditty to my Etsy shop if you’d like to see it in real life.

I’ll add a supply list below.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

***Please note: Since Throwback Thursday posts are designed to encourage us to use up paper pretties from our stash, I use a lot of retired items in these projects.  This means I may not be able to provide a link to all the supplies used.  Thanks for understanding!