Basic Cards with Stampin' Up

 Sometimes starting a new hobby seems daunting when you look at how others thrive at it.  But don't let that stop you from being part of the community of card makers!  Making a card is a past time, a hobby that is enjoyable.  Whether you are a master artist or a lover of color or simple art, cardmaking is for you.

Here are three cards that demonstrate how simple yet beautiful a card is.  

The first card (top left) has a tag with background stamp, sentiment and twine.  The texture of the basic white cardstock sold by Stampin' Up is quite smooth.  You could assemble this card in a short time, have several on hand, and be prepared to send a note of encouragement or a "hello" at any time.

The second card (top right) has a colored base card, and texture is added by the use of an embossing folder. The same tag is used with the same sentiment, though a piece of ribbon replaces the twine.  

The third card's design includes more components: a stamped image in coordinating colors, two colors of twine resulting in more texture. The tag is punched with a tag punch and popped up with dimensionals.

Here's the link to my online store where you'll see these products and more ideas, check out the calendar for events and be inspired.

 Www.susanboback.stampinup.net

Thanks for stopping by!  Be blessed!  sb

 

WORLD CARD MAKING DAY Projects

 

WELCOME TO WORLD CARD MAKING DAY! Did you know that you are joined by card makers all around the world today and during this week – all of us are getting together in friendship and fun to make a card!

CARD #1 This is a basic card - for beginners 

The size of the card is 4 ¼ inches x 5 ½ inches.  In the USA this is referred to as an “A2” card.  Memorize this measurement. It is equal to ½ of a standard piece of paper or cardstock 8 ½ x 11 inches. Knowing this size will help so you can cut layers which are 1/8 – ¼ inches smaller. 

FACT #1 - Out of each 8 ½ x 11 inch piece you can get two cards.  What size is an A2 card? 4 ¼ x 5 ½ inches.

Here is the YouTube link for the Origami Fold card we’re making today on World Card Making Day.  https://karentitus.com/easy-origami-fun-fold-shadowbox-cards-to-make/.

To make this card, we will use:

1 – A2 white base card – what size is it?  See Fact #1 above

1 layer size 4 x 5 ¼ - note that this layer is ¼ inch smaller on both sides than the A2 card base size.

1 – 2 ½ inch x 2 ½ inch square Gold Layer

1 – 3x3 inch square double sided (Must be double sided for this project)  for the Origami piece.  This piece is the focal point of the card. FACT #2 Double sided paper is needed for the Origami fold piece.

1 – Sentiment –  For today's projects, I've stamped 5 sentiments. Pick one. Use the remaining 4 for the next projects. (If you are making this card beyond WCMD choose a sentiment to coordinate with your paper theme.) 

1 – World cut out 

Adhesives used are double sided tape; or tape runner or Tombo glue – which is recommended as so very little is needed to stick firmly; and Dimensionals to "pop up" the world cut out in the center of the Origami square. Glue Dots are also used to attach ribbon or small die cuts.

World of Good (retired) is the Designer Series Paper that I've chosen for this card.

Kits for this project will  require adhesive to attach the layers to the card. A Dimensional is included for the world cut out.

Fold the square according to the Origami pattern. Watch the video - it is fairly simple. Here it is partially folded.

This photo shows both sides of the completed folder piece. 

Attach large layer to card base.  Attach the Origami piece to the gold square, then attach them to the layer on the card. Look at the completed card for placement. Use the "world' piece and center it on top of the origami piece. Attach it with a dimensional so that it’s raised above or “popped up”. It is difficult to see here.  

This A2 card will mail at first class for 58 cents, a regular stamp.  If any lumps or bumps of embellishments or ribbons are on the card that don't permit the card to fit through the 1/4 inch postage machine, additional postage for each ounce must be added. Or get in the habit of placing a piece of cardstock or lightweight card board over your card inside the envelope to protect it in mailing.

This is why I like the 65 lb. paper for making envelopes because it protects the card. 

No one wants to receive a card where the embellishments are sticking through the envelope or where they owe postage on it.

This is a simple card pattern for a beginner card maker, that you can use again and again:

One layer on top of the base card. Add a coordinating piece. Add a sentiment. Ribbons and die cuts can be added too, but meaningful cards do not have to be fancy or layered with many sections.

Now that you know the size of an A2 or a basic card, keep basic white cardstock on hand for your card bases.  Color cardstock can be added to every basic white card by layering.  Remember that the A2 is 4 ¼ x 5 ½ – so the first layer will measure ¼ inch smaller or 4 x 5 ½ inches.  The other factor to keep in mind is that with a white card base, you don’t have to add a white layer on the inside to stamp a message or write a note.

The goal for today around the world is to make a card and to SEND that card!  Thank you for participating in making and sending cards. I say that we are “cheering up the world, one card at a time.”

CARD #2 – PURSE/TOTE with 4 cards – all from one 12x12 piece of paper.

Tune in to Karen Titus on YouTube to make the Purse/Tote for Project #2  Please refer to Karen’s video for the instructions. You can stop a video at any point and rewatch as many times as needed.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtHKnE6vI7Y&t=1586s  @ 13:38 minutes on the video is where the Purse/Tote with Cards starts playing. Find that by sliding the red bar under the video over to this time.

Begin with a 12x12 piece of Designer Series Paper. Since Stampin' Up! products are coordinated, you don't have to struggle with matching papers and embellishments. Double sided printed papers work best for this project.

The purse and handles are made from  the 12x12, by cutting 2, 1 inch strips off of one end. That leaves a 4 x 10 section to be used on 4 cards.

I've chosen Pansy Petals Designer Series Paper for my purse/tote and cards.

From one side of the 12x12 paper, cut 2 one inch strips and set aside – these are the handles. This leaves you with a 12 x 10 piece of paper.

2.     Next, turn the paper 90 degrees so that the 12 inch side is on the top and cut it at 8 inch mark from top to bottom.  That gives you a 4 inch by 10 inch piece. This piece can be cut in four pieces to make the card fronts, but set that aside for now.

+ SEE #12 below for card instructions

3.      You have the large piece for the purse/tote.  It is an 8x10  piece and position it so the 10 inch side is along the top. (you could also make the purse/tote out of a regular piece of cardstock (8 1/2 x 11) without making the coordinating cards)

 Score from top to bottom at 4 inches and 6 inches. Scoring is done by using a stylus or score blade (depending on your tool) and making an indentation in the paper so that you can fold on this clean line/score line.  This is the tool I use for scoring.

4.       Fold towards the inside, on both of these score lines, and make those into two tabs, one on each side of this bottom part, as shown above, and you will see the purse/tote now has a bottom.

6.    When you see these being made on the video, it makes more sense.  They are 1 ½ inches into the bottom piece. You cut right on the fold/score lines on each side, and then fold that tab piece in.  

7.       The purse/tote is basically made – now you’re going to attach the sides.   Use an adhesive that is strong holding – Tear & Tape – a double sided tape; or tape runner is used. 

8   With the long edge along the top, and inside of purse/tote facing up, attach adhesive tape on the upper right edge (that will be the inside of the purse/tote). Taking both of the top edges in your hands, these are one side of the purse/tote, pull them in towards the flap and attach them together to make the side of the purse/tote.  Its kind of hard to explain. This is where watching this video will be most helpful.

9.    Repeat the same on the other side, making sure to add the adhesive strip to one of the edge pieces. These sides are not meant to be straight and square like a box; however, if you want your tote to be square and exact, you can score the sides to equal the width of the tab.

1 The last thing you have to do is attach the handles.  If you want them to curve a little you can take any straight edge like the dull side of the scissors blade, a ruler or a bone folder and run it along the full length of the handle, like you are curling ribbon.

11 The handles are attached with a brad, (4) one for each end of the 2 handles.

12FOUR CARDS:  Use 4, A2 white card bases.   With the long piece left from the 12x12,

+(as noted in #2 above)

cut it into four - 2 ½” x 4” inch pieces to make four simple cards. 

13You may wish to add color coordinated cardstock for layering:  ¼ inch or more larger than 2 ½ x  4 inches, a sentiment and optional die cuts and ribbon.

     Its up to you because you are the artist!

H     Here are some samples of what you can do with the 4 pieces.The die cuts are from the Harvest Meadow Suite

 Pansy Petals Designer Series Paper, Penquin Playmates (Fall 2021 Sale A Bration), Detailed Pumpkins, Summer Shadows Dies (Fall 2021 Sale A Bration), Gingham Ribbon.  Cardstock layers are Evening Evergreen (In-Color 2021-2023); Crumb Cake; Garden Green and can be found in the Annual Catalog.

The Gingham ribbon is so versatile as one of many that can be dyed with a marker to coordinate.

This purse/tote will make a great gift – or a great holder of craft supplies on your work table. 

GIFTIE TREAT HOLDER – A bonus pattern

This can be used for lip balm, a small candy bar, currency, anything that would fit and used for a party favor or something to give out to friends, etc.  Some people call these “gifties” and carry them in their purse for use when you want to say more than thank you. 

 Instructions:

1.        Use double sided paper.  Cut it approximate size 5 x 3 ¾ inches.

2.       The score lines in the bottom (like the purse/tote) will depend on your “gift” size.  Use ¾ of an inch.

3.       Score at 2 1/4 inches and 3 inches across the width, not the length.  This equals the ¾ inch that the “gift” will sit in.

4.       Belt Piece. Cut a piece of coordinating paper ½ inch by 3 ½ inches approximately.  This piece will be glued over the scored section so that it holds the “gift” in place.  Glue ½ inch of each end down onto the space above the scored line.  Then you may wish to cover the inside of this folder with a layer of coordinating paper so that it covers up where you attached this belt piece.

5.       Fold it in half at the score lines.  Its like a card with a ¾” flat bottom with a belt that holds in a candy or gift. 

6.       Ties: with a paper punch, punch 2 holes on each side near the short edge about one inch apart. 

7.       Put your candy or gift inside the belt.  Bring the sides up together and weave a ribbon in from each side and tie a bow. 

8.       Make several. Use up your excess papers. Carry with you where ever you go.  Use them for friends, oR to tip your server. 

If you want to:

 upgrade your tools and paper crafting supplies

learn new techniques with crafters from around the world

cheer up the world one card at a time

learn of new products before the public sees them

consider joining my team - CARD CONNOISSEURS and saving 20% for every purchase you make and buy the kit for $99! includes free shipping.

You’ll be pleased with the deals only demonstrators get, early shopping before the new products are revealed to the public, additional discounts, and the community we share with others. There's no obligation to sell or hold classes or start a business. I've found the most amazing community.  Contact me through this page or click on this link to go to my Stampin' Up! website to learn more.

Thanks for joining me today!

 

Susan Boback

Independent Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and CARD CONNOISSEUR!

www.susanboback.stampinup.net

P.S. I apologize for the numerical and other formatting errors!

Card Making - a little at a time

When you begin a new hobby, or are upgrading your supplies and tools like I did in the summer of 2020, take some time to decide your intention for getting more supplies and tools.   If you're a new hobbyist, beginner card maker, or casual paper crafter and just came to this post to discover what basic supplies you need to be a card maker, skip on down to the red words and read the supply list.  But I'm telling you, you should read the whole thing, because you might need this wisdom some day.  😀

Am I going to make cards and paper crafting projects regularly? How will I use the projects I make?

How old are the products I already have?  Will I find that using the old products and tools are more of a hindrance than a help?

Will I have the space to store them properly for care, and for use?

Am I prepared to replace the consumables (Paper, embellishments, glue, ink refills) regularly?

What is my long term goal for accumulating stamp sets, dies, and tools?

Beginning in the spring of 2020 when all of  our lives changed - we were staying home more than some of us wanted (Me!) and eventually working on projects we'd put off for that "rainy day" when we might have more time or interest (that meant now!). One of those tasks for me was out a lifetime of craft supplies and organizing my craft room. Now it wasn't just cleaning - you know, like vacuuming the corners and walls, but opening every cupboard door and drawer and box lid. Yikes!  You mean I really have had that for ten years and never opened it once?!  

I started a "I don't use this" box and another, "I guess I've realized I'm not interested in doing this anymore" box which was really hard.  It didn't fill up as quickly as I had hoped.  $300 later - the result of selling my useable craft supplies, not only gave me more space, but a new outlook as to what I really wanted to spend my time doing - making cards.  Also 2020 had opened up my mind (and probably yours, too) to the necessity of sending cards to so many people in need, as I say, to "cheer up the world, one card at a time." 

I began to watch Stampin' Up Demonstrators and others of every paper crafting product and company teaching how to make the most amazingly beautiful cards. I was still under the belief that YouTube was for wacky things and old, old television shows. Boy! was I wrong! There's probably still wacky things and old television shows, but now I was learning the latest card making techniques, and the tools and products needed to do them. I was hooked on the fun folds. Here's some samples of ones I've made:

Cube Card

and the Z folds and the pocket cards, and ......and......good thing I had already asked myself the questions, so I'd know what direction I needed to go. 

If you are at the point where you should clean out your supplies - just get started with the questions because the boxes will come next and you'll be able to fill them up. It really is freeing - yes, you can do it - tell yourself that someone else will be delighted to get a box of products for their new hobby. Why do all that, soul searching questions and boxes, you say? so I wouldn't end up with every paper crafting product from every company under the sun and in 10 years have to go through this mess again!  

 Even if you've never been a craft collector like me, and are just getting started, this post is for you too!  Here's the list of what I would recommend for a beginner card maker (or what basic supplies to keep from your lifelong list of craft collectibles). Click on each link to see the product and read the description below it.

Basic White Cardstock  $9.75/40 (U.S. prices) (you can get 80 cards out of 1 pkg)

Basic Stamp Set Or a stamp set that will give a variety of uses and icons $5.50 - 23.00

Black Ink pad $6.00

Ink Spots and Ink Refills $9.00/5 of the mini "spot" pads for you to add your choice of color; $3.75 for the refills  and two or more colors

Of course you would need envelopes for the A2 (5 1/2 x 4 1/4 inch) card.  Or make the mini slimline that uses a regular letter envelope or the slimline that uses a No. 10 business envelope.  You can make your own envelopes out of a variety of paper as long as its not too thin.  I often use old calendar pages, but make sure to use a white label so the postman can read the address clearly.  You'll find envelopes here. $7.50/40

You will need a good pair of scissors, a cutter with measurements  and adhesive and glue. This glue gives you a few seconds to reposition your item before it adheres completely.  It is very strong and also  recommended for its fine tip on one end and wide tip on the other.

 If you didn't want to invest in the ink colors, or a detailed stamp set in the beginning, you could start with the black ink pad for a sentiment, and DSP - designer series paper which is double sided, and could yield as many as 72 cards out of one 12x12 pkg. ($11.50 - $15.00)

There are two other ways to make cards without investing in too much in the beginning: kits.  The kits come with precut designs that are double sided, and of course, coordinating colors; pre-printed sentiments and tags, envelopes and all the pieces you need to make cards and for a reasonable price.

                                                                         $10/50 cards  

                                    You might also like the monthly subscription kit, Paper Pumpkin, 

                                    

This kit includes everything needed to make 6-8 themed cards.  This is also a fun activity for kids.  Get one month. Two months, six or more. Save money the more months you subscribe to.  This is also a good way to increase your variety of inks, and stamps which are not included in any other catalog.  

There's alot to think about here, but I can assure you, after making cards for 30+ years, that there is great enjoyment in making cards to include in a gift, to give to a friend, and to have on hand for the many events that surprise us which we need a card for.   

Card making - a little at a time - is how this can be done.  Some crafters fall in love and want it all, all at once. Some crafters enter the hobbyist stage acquiring a few supplies and intend to add to their collection. 

Whatever your interests or goals, I hope you find this helpful.  Come and join the community of card making. Watch videos, look at scads of designs and ideas from card makers around the world, then use your imagination to create a cheerful greeting; and help to "cheer up the world - one card at a time" as I say.   

I hope you find these suggestions helpful. (thanks for reading to the end!😮)  I'd love to know if you are a card maker. Will you share your project below?  Thanks for stopping by!  Be Blessed!  sb