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I am a craft geek! I love everything crafty. That’s one of the reasons why I started this blog. I wanted to be able to share my love for crafts with the world and hopefully spread light and kindness through the projects I share. Another reason for starting this blog was to showcase techniques I have learned as part of the Altenew Educator Certification Program. After completing 10 courses I have finally reached the end of Level 1.
The final task for Level 1 was to create a card gift set with a minimum of 6 cards (I chose encouragement for my theme) with packaging. The gift set displays 3 techniques/components from the courses in Level 1. I chose to highlight techniques from Let It Shine, Die Cutting Techniques and Clean and Simple Boutique Cards. Let it Shine is all about adding shine/glimmer to a project (who doesn’t like a little bit of shine or bling as my father would say). Die Cutting Techniques is about finding creative ways to use dies and Clean and Simple Boutique Cards showcases how cards can be made with a minimalist look but still be quite beautiful.
Before I dig in to the nuts and bolts of this card gift set, I wanted to briefly discuss some design/organization tips. The first and most important to my process is to write down my ideas. I carry around a small notebook with grid paper in it. I brainstorm, plan and sketch in this book. I carry it with me because I never know when inspiration will strike. The book helps to organize and archive my thoughts.
Tip number two is a two part. First, always use heavyweight card stock when cutting intricate dies. Second, invest in a good die cutting machine. I found that the intricate background die that I used for this project cut effortlessly with the Gemini Jr. I have (and will continue to use) a Cuttlebug, but it was no match for the Altenew Dodec Cover Die.
Tip number three is a money saver. As my stamp and ink stash grows, I of course am running into storage issues. I’ve seen a lot of wonderful tips out there for storing embossing powder. I’ve found that the small, clear acrylic make-up drawers that you can find at Dollar Tree are perfect for storing embossing powder. The drawers have the perfect depth and also have enough room to hold a small spoon (to spread the powder).
My last tip is short and sweet. Save all of your scraps! You never know when they may come in handy.
Now let’s dive into the project.
I began this card by using the Altenew Dodec Cover Die to die cut 6 pieces of Neenah Classic Crest 110lb card stock trimmed to 4 1/4 in x 5 1/2 in (I keep a stock pile of these). Each panel was then trimmed into 3 sections.
Next I used Altenew’s Citrus Burst, Wisteria and Arctic Ink Cubes and an ink blending tool to add color to a small strip of the card base.
Tip: I used a scrap piece of card stock to ensure that I had a straight line. KEEP THOSE SCRAPS!!
Aren’t these colors GORGEOUS!!!
Next, I used more scrap pieces of card stock to cut these strips using my Tim Holtz paper trimmer. They are approximately 1/4 wide and 5 1/2 long.
The strips from the Cover Die were applied directly over the inked background. The 1/4 in strips were applied directly above.
I wanted to add subtle shine to the card so I took a bottle of Shimmer Spray and sprayed some on the bottom of a paper cup.
I used a small paintbrush to apply the shimmer spray to the thin strip of card stock.
Next I stamped the word HOPE on each card using my Tim Holtz Stamp platform . Hope was also heat embossed using ranger clear embossing powder.
I chose three sentiments which I stamped and then cut out using a sentiment strip die. Craft foam was adhered to the back of each panel. Those panels were adhered to a top folding card base. Clear sequins were added for an additional touch of shine.
To create the packaging I glued two pieces of the left over die cut together end to end. They were then applied to a piece of card stock (same as referenced above) for stability and then trimmed.
They were then wrapped around a stack of six cards creating a band. A piece of twine was then wrapped around the stack and tied in a bow.
Here is the finished product. A package of HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT.
Thank you so much for sticking with me through this post. It is considerably longer than previous posts but I hope that you have picked up a tip or two to use in your own projects.
Until the next post…. Don’t forget to spread kindness! – Ouma
Disclaimer:
Disclaimer:
This post may contain compensated affiliate links. I may earn a commission in the event that you use them to make a purchase.
This post was not paid for/sponsored. All products used were purchased (by me).
Thank You for your support! – Ouma
This post may contain compensated affiliate links. I may earn a commission in the event that you use them to make a purchase.
This post was not paid for/sponsored. All products used were purchased (by me).
Thank You for your support! – Ouma
Wow, Takisha, you really have risen to the challenge! I love your partial use of the cover die and created a card set. Not only it is eye-catching , uplifting and the design is also very cohesive! I also love the packaging with the twines! Thanks so much for entering your beautiful work in Altenew AECP assignment Gallery. Beautiful colors and design. Well done on your Final Challenge!
Thank You Virginia!
Love Love Love this post!!! Thanks for sharing your organizational skills!!!