Adding color to dry embossed backgrounds

Hi stampers,

In my many years of card making, I would have to say dry embossing tools are the most improved. I loved them then and I love even more now. I've been playing around with adding more dimension and looks to my dry embossed backgrounds. There are many blogs and videos about adding color to the negative space of the embossing folder, but that doesn't bring the embossed areas to life.

For this card, I wanted the background to look like aged stone or a stonewall that maybe found in the Italian country side. For this card I sponge a couple of different earth tone colors - some areas darker than others. I think the background turned out great!

One of my other favorite embossing folders is the Tim Holtz tree branches. For this background piece I used a soft gray with a very light hand and sponged just the tops and edges of the branches.  I really think this adds even more dimension.

Super easy coloring technique to really bring those embossed areas to life.  Adding dimension to your cards will add that wow factor that your friends and family will really appreciate.

What other coloring techniques have you tried? Please leave me a comment - I would love to hear your ideas too!

Happy stamping!

Kathie

Die Cut Gatefold Cards

Hello stampers and card makers,

I've been working on a friend's wedding invitations and wanted to show you how they turned out. This gatefold design is so pretty and elegant, but I do have to say they do take some time to complete. In the end my friend (the bride) is very happy with them and they were fun to do.

The invite inside the die-cut wrapping is removable. Here's of photo of just the gatefold wrap. The base and the sides have been die cut.

The design uses three different die cutting sets. Below are the instructions including sizes of the finished invitation.

Here's what you need:

• White cardstock - cut 1, 5 x 7, cut 1, 6 3/8 x 4 1/8, and cut 2, 3 1/4 x 7
• Colored cardstock (this invitation used Pool Party from Stampin' Up) - 4 15/16 x 7
• Black cardstock - 6 1/2 x 4 1/4
• Ribbon
• Half-back pearl
• Background die - I combined Swirling Grace and Victorian Crosses from Spellbinders
• Border die - I used Gemini Dies from Creative Expressions
• Adhesive - I used Tombow mono liquid glue

The finished invitation measures 5 x 7 and fits nicely into a standard sized envelope (don't need to special order envelopes this way). 

For the gatefold, use the background die on the white 5 x 7 piece and the border die on the 2 - 3 1/4 x 7 pieces.  Once the side pieces have been die cut, score 1/4" on the straight edge and fold. Glue the fold edges to long sides of the base to make the gatefold. I used a Big Shot to die cut my pieces. You could cut a piece that is 7 x 11 and use one of the larger die cutting machines. You  would than score at 3" and 8". This is where the panels would fold.

The invitation can be made by printing or handwriting the wedding day specifics on the remaining white cardstock piece.  Glue the white piece to the black piece and center that on the colored cardstock piece. 

To add the extra touch of elegance, make a small bow and adhere to the front of the left panel.  Place a half-back pearl in the center of the bow and you are done.

Here's another example of the same style but the color in on the outside of the gatefold.

This design could also be used for wedding and anniversary cards. Any special couple would love to get one of these cards.

I hope you give this a try.

Happy stamping!

Kathie K.

Gold Mirror Paper Accents

Hello fellow card makers,

I just love using gold, silver or copper mirror paper on my handmade cards - as layer borders or die cut accents.  The wine themed card below were a perfect match to gold mirror paper. The accents a somewhat subtle but you really get a bang for your buck.

The cheers sentiment was cut twice in gold mirror paper and it really pops off the card front. And it looks great with the gold cording.

This paper is very easy to work with and it die cuts beautifully.  I hope you add mirror paper to your next project.

Happy stamping,

Kathie K