A Way With Words Shimmer Sheetz Soft Finish Cardstock

Because – Photo Cards

February 4, 2017

Photo Cards by Judi Kauffman

 

The newest dies in Suzanne Cannon’s A Way With Words collection, like all of the others that came before them, make me so happy! A single word can express so much.

I started with ‘Because’ for my project. With that word on the front, all that’s needed is the rest of the thought on the inside of the card: Because…you are my friend, Because…I know you’re going through a tough time, Because…you’re my favorite teacher! You get the idea.

Our friend Guy grows the most amazing plumeria plants at his place in Florida, some of them reach almost to the roof. He frequently shares his photos because he knows how much I love flowers and he said I could use them for some cards any time I want. (You guessed it: ‘Because you are my friend’ will be heading his way!)

Photo cards are so easy and you know my mantra: Easy Isn’t Cheating! If you don’t have a color printer, head to the nearest store with a self-service machine in their photo department. I’ve made photo prints at a drug store open on Thanksgiving Day and in a grocery store in California! And what a bargain.

 

Here’s the recipe:

 

  1. Choose a photo print and coordinating cardstock in two or more solid colors. Have some Clear Double Sided Adhesive Tape at the ready. Optional: Mix in patterned papers.
  2. Die cut the photo print using whatever shape you choose – rectangle, square, circle, oval. Tip: Hold the die over the print and move it around until you get precisely the section you want positioned inside the die shape. Use removable low-tack tape to hold the die in place while cutting the photo. (I chose Postage Stamp Rectangles)
  3. Add a narrow solid color cardstock border using another die from the same set or from a different set. (I chose Stitched Rectangles and Buttercream Soft Finish Cardstock)
  4. Add a second border, or several, or layer the matted photo onto a tent- or side-fold card base. (I went for a 6 1/8” x 4 7/8” Bright Orange Soft Finish Cardstock top-fold card base)
  5. Die cut a sentiment that coordinates with the photo and is what you want to say to the recipient. Back the cardstock or Shimmer Sheetz with Clear Double Sided Tape before cutting to help stabilize the word(s) and make it(them) easy to position on the photo. (I die cut ‘Because’ from Orange Iridescent Shimmer Sheetz for a pop of sparkle and embellished it with red half-pearls to pick up the colors at the center of the flowers)

Tips and a reminder:

Choose a photo that has an area where the word or words will fit without getting too confusing and without blocking the important parts of the photo that need to remain visible. Just because I chose a one-word sentiment doesn’t mean you have to! (Note that I picked a word that fit well over the dark green leaves.)

Die cut tracing paper shapes to use for planning and sizing the layers and for figuring out where to cut the photo prints. Keep the tracing paper pieces in a folder to use for future projects.

Don’t forget that a metal adaptor plate or Big Shot machine with Precision Base Plate is REQUIRED for die cutting Shimmer Sheetz. Review Els van de Burgt’s video tutorial if you are new to this technique.

See! I told you it was easy…

Get those photos out of your phone.

Get them printed.

Go forth and make some fabulous photo cards!

SUPPLIES –

Elizabeth Craft Designs:

Because’ die (A Way With Words collection)
Shimmer Sheetz in Orange Iridescent or color of choice
Stitched Rectangles die set
Postage Stamp Rectangles die set
Soft Finish Cardstock in Buttercream and Bright Orange or colors of choice
Clear Double Sided Adhesive Tape

Other:
Adhesive-backed half pearls in red or color of choice (or other low-relief embellishments)
Die cutting machine with metal adaptor plate (or Big Shot with Precision Base Plate)

 

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  • Ana Rogers February 7, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    Some great and diverse ideas.
    I love all things “stitched ” dies so this challenge really appeals to me.

  • Sallyann Mettler February 4, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    Loved your takecon this
    I have made photo cards before and have been pleased with the results but had not thought to layer die cut words
    Just lovely. My mind turns to possible sympathy cards.

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