punches

We just received some of the new Cuttlebug A2 embossing folders, borders and cardmaking combos and couldn’t wait to share some of the cards I made with them. These new embossing folders are absolutely irresistible! I love how you can mix & match from the embossing border sets and the cardmaking combos. It makes them so versatile.

Hope these cards give you some ideas and inspiration.

I made this card in soft colors using Bazzill cardstock in aloe vera, horizon & white. First I embossed the white cardstock with the leafy branch embossing folder and then I used a sponge tip applicator to add sage VersaMagic chalk ink to the leaves. This chalk ink blends beautifully and I found that I could create shading on the leaves just by going over some of the areas a second time. The key here is to use very little ink and go lightly.

The border and corner embellisment were punched from horizon cardstock using the Paper Shapers Corner Adorner punch, Square Steps. It’s really easy to do and I hope I can describe it here so that it makes sense. Just cut a 1-2″ strip of cardstock the length you want your border. Carefully remove the ‘wings’ from your punch and turn it upside down so you can see the bottom. Line up the edge of the punch with the outer edge of your paper and make sure that the long edge of the cardstock is against the bottom of the punch, then squeeze. Now, move the punch along and line it up again with the side of the area you just punched and squeeze. Continue moving along until you have punched your border. To make the corern piece I just punched a corner slot with the wings on the punch and then trimmed it detach it from the rest of the cardstock. Just for fun I added a latte self-adhesive pearl in the corner.

The ovals were cut using the Big Shot and Spellbinder Nestabilities S4-112 Classic Ovals, Small and S4-113 Scalloped Ovals, Small and stamped with a saying from the Melissa Frances clear stamp set ‘Simply Said’ using aegean blue VersaMagic chalk ink. And for a little more pizzaz I added pearls instead of brads.

A little ribbon from on the side to finish it off and you have a simple, elegant card that would work for many different occasions.

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The second card was made with a whimsical stamp set from Amy Smyth called The Flourish Pack. I love this set! It’s got lots of little birds, butterflies, flowers and flourishes that are great for watercoloring. I cut the scalloped circle first from Bazzill white cardstock with Spellbinders Nestabilities S4-124 Classic Scallop Circles, Large and then stamped the bird with black StazOn ink and then watercolored the bird. The pink frame was cut with Nesties set S4-114 Standard Circles, Large from petalsoft cardsstock. If you need help with cutting frames using your Nesties check out my post about Nestabilities and chocolate. Are you just a little bit curious?

To make this card background I embossed white cardstock with the argyle embossing folder and then used pixie dust VersaMagic chalk ink applied direct to paper from the pad to highlight the raised areas. Again, a light touch is best otherwise you’ll get ink where you don’t want it.

A little ribbon and some layering and this card was done. It would be an easy one to adapt to a baby theme, get well or thank you. Flowers, die cuts or more embellishments could be added to give it a whole new look.

There are more card and scrapbooking projects on the way so check back soon!