So simple. Huge wow!

 

This very simple birthday card packs a big punch. The decanter and rocks glasses actually look like they are made from glass. I add texture to the background so the shelf looks like its attached to a stucco-like wall.

Here are the supplies and measurements:

• Black cardstock: 
• 4 1/4 x 11, scored at 5 1/2
• 5/8" x 3 1/2 for sentiment
• Gray cardstock: 4 1/8 x 5 3/8
• White card stock: 
• for the front 4 x 5 3/4
• for the inside 4 1/8 x 5 3/8
• 1/4 sheet for die cuts of decanter and glasses
• 1/2" x 3 3/8 for sentiment
• Wood grain cardstock or paper scraps for shelf (use dies and cut two, attach together to make shelf)
• Momento Black ink pad
• Light gray ink pad (I used Smokey Slate from Stampin' Up)
• Copic markers
• Nuvo Crystal Glaze for the glass look
• Textured embossing folder
• foam dimensionals or tape
• Glue dots

First, stamp and color the decanter and glasses. Once the the ink has dried, cover each pieces with the thin coat of the crystal glaze. This should dry for 24 hours for the best result. I usually make multiple sets at one time so they are ready when I need a birthday card.

Using the embossing folder, emboss the small white cardstock panel which can then be attached to the gray panel. Layer the small white strip after stamping the sentiment onto the small black strip. This can be attached to the embossed layer in the bottom right-hand corner. 

Once the glaze has dried, cut out each piece and mold them to the shape you like. I like making the glasses curve a bit and bend the decanter on the corners to give it a 3D look. Add foam tape to the back of the shelf and place on the left above the sentiment.

For the glass pieces, I like the illusion that the pieces are sitting on the shelf away from the wall. Here's how you do that:

• Place 2 foam pieces (double thickness) at the top of the decanter and attach glue dots to the bottom outside corners; attach the glue dots to the shelf keeping the decanter bent and attach the foam piece to the white background.
• For the glasses, the first one should have one layer of foam adhesive at the top and glue dots at the bottom; the second glass, attach a double layer of foam adhesive at the top and a single layer at the bottom; both glasses should be attached to the shelf and the white background.

And lastly, stamp an image of the glass on the envelope and inside panel in gray ink.

That's all there is to this card. The textured background and raised elements really give this card a huge wow factor. I hope you give it a try.

Cheers!