In good taste masculine cards

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I really struggle with cards with a masculine theme, it is something I am trying to overcome as my mother always asks for masculine birthday cards. I know that there is always a need for masculine cards but I loose my mojo and end up making something that looks awful (awful to me as I am a perfectionist.)

I decided that I wanted to create a simple birthday card for my brother in laws (they are both June babies.)

I loved the in good taste paper as soon as I saw it and though that it would be the perfect DSP to use. It is a stunning combination of photgraphic imagery (mainly tiles, who knew they could make such pretty papers) and gorgeous neutral patterns. I also wanted to utilise the stamps from the Looking Up Card Kit, Happy Birthday is one of my most used sentiments but this layout would also work for Thank You cards.

This card is simple to make and could be made using any combination of card and DSP. I used the Tailored Tag Punch but any punch or die could be used to create the shape. If you do not have shapes or dies, you could also use any shape for the sentiment.

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The sketches for the card are below. You will also find a video of me making the cards (I have to confess it was recorded a while ago).

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The Dimensions are:

Metric

Base: 21cm x 14.5cm scored at 10.5cm

Layer 1: 12.5cm x 8.5cm

DSP layer: - 12cm x 8cm

Strip: 12cm x 0.5cm

I love these cards and I will be using this sketch again.

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Simple Cards using the Looking Up All Inclusive kits

I have probably said a number of times over the years, that I love the all inclusive kits from Stampin’ Up!® Not just because they contain all you need to make the cards shown in the instructions, but also offer items which can be used after all the cards are made. You will see a number of cards on Pinterest and Youtube which use the Looking Up All Inclusive stamps on cards. It is a very versatile stamp set which includes one of my most used sentiments ‘Happy Birthday.’  

I have been playing with the Looking Up All Inclusive card kit using the Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Spot, stamps and leftovers to create cards with different backgrounds. I have added a few items to the kit, but there are a few cards which just use items from the kit. All the cards use Whisper White Notecards.

The instructions are shown in the video below.

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Card 1 – Stamped Background

This card uses one of the sentiments in Momento ink and the star stamp used with the Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Spot. I have used 3 generation stamping for the star (using the stamp 3 times without reinking, to create different colours of stars on the papers.) I have added the waste from the metallic stickers to add interest to the stars. I have repeated the sentiment on the insideand repeated the star stamping.

 

Card 2 – Side Dots

This card uses one of the sentiments in Momento ink and a sponge
dauber. I have added the sentiment to the right hand side in Momento ink and tapped the dauber in the Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Spot and added spots to the left hand side of the card.

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Card 3 - Dot card 

This card uses one of the sentiments in Momento ink and a sponge
dauber. I tapped the dauber in the Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Spot added spots all over the front of the card.  I then added the sentiment to the centre of the card in Momento ink.

Card 4 – Blended background

This card uses one of the sentiments in Momento ink and a Blending
brush. I added the Bermuda Bay ink to the brush and added the ink in circles on the front of the card (remembering to add the first few circles on to scrap
paper to remove the excess ink).  I then added the sentiment to the centre of the card in Momento ink.


Card 5 – Smooshing

This card uses one of the sentiments and the smooshing technique. I added ink to a piece of plastic (I used the plastic on the stamp set) using the
Bermuda Bay Stampin’ Spot. I then sprayed the ink with water, I removed the excess water with a piece of kitchen role then smooshed the plastic on to the
front of the card. If the plastic is too wet, it will warp the note card. I added a sentiment to the centre of the card in Bermuda Bay ink. I added the excess
from the metallic stickers, as I thought that they looked like confetti. I added a sentiment to the front using the Bermuda Bay ink.

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All of these technics can be used with any colours, I think that the Smooshing card is my favourite. Which is yours?

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Cards are Looking Good with the Looking Up All Inclusive Kits

I love Stampin’ Up! All inclusive kits, they contain everything you need to make 15 cards. It contains the ink, card bases, stamps and embellishments. The only thing you need to add are a bone folder and scissors. If you like having a bit of wiggle room when you add your toppers, then I would also recommend the Multipurpose glue.

THe kit comes in a compact box which can be used to store the kit and also would work as a beautiful present box when all the cards are made. It is a perfect size if crafting space is limited (in Uni Accomodation or small areas) or for crafting on the go (I have made a kit up on the train before.) Kits are perfect for new crafters but are also useful if you want to make quick easy handmade cards that your friends and family will adore.

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The first picture shows the completed cards using the kit. The kit contains a gorgeous stamp set which has a number of very useful sentiments. I often find myself searching around for a ‘Happy Birthday’ or feel better soon sentiment and these are the perfect size for a number of uses.

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The video below shows an overview of the all inclusive kit, there is also a second video, which gives more tips on using the kits and stamp storage.

I have had so much fun playing with the kit. I have created a few alternatives which are simple but still pretty. Look out for these coming out shortly. Whats your favourite kit?

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Where to start? Part 1

Tomorrow is the launch of the new Spring/Summer catalogue, it is also the launch of Sale-a-bration! That is when for every £45 (before P&P) you spend you can choose a FREE item, did I mention it is Free!

The Sale-a-bration is the perfect time for new stampers to invest in their kits. In an earlier post I recommended buying one of Stampin Up pre made kits. But sometimes I know people would like to be creative

I would recommend the following to a new stamper:

Bone Folder: this is to fold and crease paper, an essential for cards and 3d crafts

Stampin Pierce Mat: this has a dual use but is amazing to help get clear Photopolymer images.

Dimensionals:  the original shape make it perfect to add Dimension to cards.

Tombow: this is an amazing glue, which dries clear. It can be used for cards and 3d items. 

Grid Paper: I can still get a few items skew wiff, but this helps to make things straight and you can test the straight ness of the stamps.

Whisper White Note Cards and Envelopes: these are amazing card blanks, which can be used to make quick easy cards. This set includes envelopes so there is no need to make your own.

Punches: I would recommend a few punches in the first instance. I love the Big shot and dies, but until you are really sure that card making is for you, I would recommend some punches. I love the circles, you will see lots of cards with the butterflies and for Birthday cards who can resist the Balloon Bouquet? I also recommend the Classic Label Punch (wonky words be gone!)

Guess what, if you buy all my recommendations but choose just one punch you will qualify for a Sale-a-Bration item for free! Time to start your Stampin Up! collection you wont regret it!

Tomorrow I will talk stamp sets, come back soon!