Category: Dimension

Scene building cards

6/20/2019

Mermaids and waves for a fun summer card

Hello and thank you for visiting my blog. For this card I played around with Nuvo Embellishment Mousse, Hero Arts sand embossing powder and layering die cuts to create some texture on this scene card. This card was relatively easy to put together once each of the components was built. For the colored die cuts, I actually colored those over a year ago and pulled them out of my stash for this card. Please read on for how I built each of the card components and put them together for a fun summer thank you card. Some items used to make this card are listed at the end of the post. If you would like to build this card and purchase items through these links, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.

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One layer cards

3/3/2019

Building dimension in one layer

Although cards are a 2-D art, I really try to add dimension to my cards. I typically achieve this through layering papers, die cuts and adding sequins. In the Altenew Academy class, One Layer Wonders, the instructor pushes the boundaries for how to achieve the look of dimension in only one layer. I took this challenge on and using the idea of drop shadows and lines to build a focal point throughout the image, I built a card using only one layer of paper. To be fair, I did do all the work on an A2 panel and then attached that panel to a card base. Please read on for how I was able to achieve dimension and depth using just one layer.

Color theory in action

1/27/2019

Altenew Color Your Day

Today’s card was an exercise in instituting color theory. The instructor in the Altenew Color Your Day class follows a simple formula to determine amounts of different colors: 70-20-10. The colors in the formula could be complementary meaning that they are opposite on the color wheel, analogous meaning that they are next to each other on the color wheel, or part of a triad meaning that the three colors form a triangle within the color wheel. Adding a neutral somewhere within the formula helps to balance the colors. For this card I used analogous colors yellow and green which are next to each other on the color wheel and balanced them out with a soft cool grey. Please read on for how I made this card today using color theory and Altenew’s Bold Blossom stamp set.

Double shaker card

1/11/2019

With a twist...

Making shaker cards can be time consuming but the result is really worth it. For today's card, I was inspired by the Altenew course: With a twist, which focuses on some different takes on tried and true card making standards. Within the course, the instructor focused on using different color combinations, cutting out different parts of the card front to reveal images inside and making shaker elements on cards. For this card, I would like to show you how I put together a double shaker. A double shaker means that the shaker can be seen from both the front and inside of the card. Please read on for some tips on how to make this card.

Using Layering Stamps

12/4/2018

All About Layering 2

This is my second course for Altenew’s AECP certification program. The second course showcased many of Altenew’s layering stamp sets. Many of the layering stamp sets are very large florals and due to the intricate designs, can really be the focal point of a card. For today’s post, I am building a sympathy card with the large layered hydrangea image being the focus of the card. Thank you for stopping by and read on for how I put this card together.

Thinking Inking

10/29/2017

Texture play with ink and stencils

What I have been discovering in card making is a sense of freedom to try new things. I am more willing as a card maker to attempt a new technique or practice with a product with the understanding that I will mess up but each mistake is a step in the overall journey. To that end, I recently went to Jenn Shurkus' Creative Journey: An Art Retreat on Cape Cod. At that retreat, I was able to play with some stamps and techniques I do not normally try and get some ideas. My friend also won a Tim Holtz Plaid Layering Stencil which I am highlighting in today's card. I am also highlighting some techniques that may seem a bit daunting but I encourage you to try them and take a step forward on your creative journey.

A great background can sometimes be all you need to make your card. I started with a piece of Neenah Solar White 80lb paper cut to 5 3/4 x 4 1/2. I applied Distress Inks with my Mini Blending Tool by starting off the paper and moving in a circular motion onto the paper. This process takes patience as you build up the color layers. Wanting to create an ombre effect, I chose three pink colors: Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick and Picked Raspberry and three orange colors: Dried Marigold, Wild Honey and Carved Pumpkin. Visually dividing the paper into halves, I applied Spun Sugar to the top half, Worn Lipstick to the top third and Picked Raspberry to the top quarter of the paper. After drying the ink, I turned my paper 180 degrees and in the same manner created an ombre of Dried Marigold to the half, Wild Honey to the third and Carved Pumpkin to the quarter of the page making sure to blend between colors. I then used my lightest shade: Spun Sugar and Dried Marigold to go over their respective halves of the paper and blend them into the middle.

Encouragement Cards

8/11/2017

I am a teacher and part of that job is about being a cheerleader for your students. My students are in high school and have been reporting to me the amount of stress they have been under for college, grades and all the other stuff that we had to go through too. I wanted to make cards for my students to let them know I'm in their corner. I was inspired by Jennifer McGuire's campaign to share kindness within your community.

Altenew July Challenge

7/27/2017

Over on the Altenew blog this month, the inspirational image really resonated with me. I love roses; absolutely my favorite flower. Roses remind me of summer and my grandfather who had an amazing knack for getting them to grow; his secret was composted manure.