More Love
by Judi Kauffman
Though Valentine’s Day is in the rear view mirror, I kept going with cards that use the ‘love’ die from the Baby Love set. I’m getting ahead for weddings and anniversaries. And I needed a special box for a pair of earrings I’m giving to a friend.
I’m nowhere close to done with that ‘love’ die. I’ve yet to use it with the word ‘Baby’! And I’m still happily choosing patterned papers and cutting leaves and flowers to make more of the Pitcher Cards…
Instead of specific instructions for each project, I’m going to provide some tips, design strategies, and a supply list so you can duplicate the cards as shown.
I hope you’ll use the ideas as a jumping-off point for cards with a similar feel in a totally different color palette or a different size. After all, no two people have the same stash of patterned papers, not everyone likes mixing together as many patterns as I do.
TIPS AND DESIGN STRATEGIES
Star Pillow Box (4”):
Position the word ‘love’ before arranging Adhesive Velvet die cut leaves. Velvet Adhesive Sheets have a bit of stretch and are therefore easy to curve around the box.
Ready to Bloom Card (4.5” x 6.75”):
By fussy-cutting patterned paper that matches the outer border to fit behind each bud two things happen – the background doesn’t show through the open areas in the buds and the repetition enhances the design. Adhere the patterned paper behind the buds with a tiny bit of Kids Choice Glue, applied with a toothpick or corsage pin. Use snippets of foam tape to add dimension when adding the flower stem to the card front.
Lace Heart Card (4.75” x 5”):
Adding the word ‘love’ twice to the right side of the heart picks up the color from the outer border and fills what would otherwise be a flat, empty space. If you prefer the heart to be plain, use the word ‘love’ toward the bottom right.
Pitcher Cards (4.25” x 8.5”):
Create a ‘still life’ with the pitcher sitting on a table. Checkered or floral patterned paper makes a perfect tablecloth. After inserting the stems into the top of the pitcher, add a piece of Shimmer Sheetz or cardstock to create the inside lining of the pitcher. (Without this piece the background paper would show and would look strange.) Optional – Add pattern to the pitcher with an embossing folder, as shown. Alternatively, cut the pitcher from tone-on-tone patterned paper. With so much pattern going on, a plain cardstock pitcher would look TOO plain (to my eye, but perhaps not to yours!).
All Projects:
Go for lots of contrast! Or not… You’re in charge here.
Matte or Sparkly? One of the Pitcher cards stars Shimmer Sheetz, the other is cardstock (except for the lining of the pitcher).
Flat or Folded? If you make flat cards (as shown) back with solid color cardstock for stability and send with a die cut Card Stand/Easel for easy display. Folded cards made with 2-sided patterned paper will need a solid color cardstock lining!
Size? Stick with a standard size (these are otherwise); start with an envelope and work from there (didn’t do that either), or make the cards in whatever dimensions you like (you can always find or make an envelope to fit!).
Accent with a trio of Glitter Dots Peel-offs – one each of the largest three on the sheet, arranged in order of size. There are four sizes on the sheet; omit the smallest.
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
A metal adaptor plate or Big Shot machine with Precision Base Plate is REQUIRED for die cutting Shimmer Sheetz. If you are new to this technique, please review Els van de Burgt’s YouTube tutorial to ensure the correct cutting ‘sandwich’ in your machine.
SUPPLIES
Elizabeth Craft Designs:
Shimmer Sheetz in Green Iridescent, Fire Opal and Peridot Gemstone
Soft Finish Cardstock in Olive Twist
Adhesive Velvet Sheets in Red and Black
A Way With Words – Baby Love die set (only ‘love’ used for the projects)
ModaScrap – Star Pillow Box die
ModaScrap – Lace Heart die
ModaScrap – Leafy Branch 2 die
ModaScrap – Leafy Branch 4 die
ModaScrap – Ready to Bloom die
Susan’s Garden Club – Garden Notes Pottery Pitcher die
Optional: Card Stand/Easel die (to mail with flat cards)
Clear Double Sided Adhesive Tape
Glitter Dots Peel-offs in Red
Heart Strings embossing folder
Beacon Kids Choice Glue (for Ready to Bloom card)
Other:
Foam dots or tape (for Ready to Bloom card)
Cardstock in light tan and shades of red
Assorted patterned papers
(polka dots, checkered, and cherries – BoBunny Kiss the Cook collection; orange and lime patterns from my stash)
Toothpick or corsage pin (to apply Kids Choice glue)
Thanks.. I’ve already subscribed to ECD posts on YouTube…I’ll look forward to any others I can view!
Great idea…thanks for the tip. I would also appreciate a notice on any tutorial that you think would be helpful.
Naomi,
If you are asking about tutorials here on the Elizabeth Craft Designs blog, and particularly ones that I’ve posted, I’m the guest designer for two Sundays every month so if you scroll back you’ll see a lot of projects. I usually try to include the ‘why’ of doing something as well as the ‘how’ (and that means my posts are often long with a lot to read, but I always hope they’re useful! But if your question was more general then maybe you’ll want to subscribe to the ECD YouTube channel so you get videos as well as photos and written text!
Your talent is so appreciated!! I’m learning not to be afraid of combining unusual patterns, papers, designs to my projects. This just renewed my strength and interest in being truly creative!
Your note was the best gift that a teacher like me could ever receive, Naomi! Trust your eye and your own color sense. There’s no right or wrong, it’s about seeing what you like and then doing it! One tip if I may play ‘teacher’ for a moment: Think of the colors as if they were on a black and white television set – some dark, some light, and some medium in ‘value’ on the gray scale. That is always useful. And if you have strong large patterns in one area, go for smaller or just slightly muted ones in another area. Example: Light pitcher against bright red dotted background. Red pitcher against light green background.
Thank you all for the kind words! Yes, come to think of it they do look like quilted wall hangings. Patterned papers instead of patterned fabrics, but that same kind of style. (My background is in textiles and I’m the granddaughter of a tailor so it probably happens without a conscious plan to create that style.) I’m so glad the idea for a themed gift box will be useful.
Hi Judi, A plethora of beautiful and pretty ‘Works of Art’. Truly gorgeous !!
Lots of love from Patricia xx
Oh I love that you mentioned a box for a special set of earrings…cuz I bought the ghost die earrings a while back as idea for Halloween…how fun to present in a themed box! Thank you so much!
LOVE the pitcher! Such a beautiful scene you created!
“love” these! <3
so beautiful they look like mini quilted wall hangings!