4 Card Swatch #3 - Double sided paper is the card base

One 12x12 double sided paper is the base, with coordinating pieces - new or those you want to use up. The cardstock you'll need is for the white layer on the inside. 

Remember, that even though the 1st pattern is shown with holiday papers, any paper or sentiment can be used with the patterns.

All cards fit in an A2 envelope. You'll assemble the same as an A2 card: base that is cut, scored, folded; a front cover piece that is a stamped image, die cut or punch art; add ribbon or bling or none; add a sentiment or none.

With one piece of 12x12 Designer Series Paper, or any 12x12 double sided papers, make these two card designs. Add a white layer for inside.

Card Design #1

Make THREE cards out of one 12x12. With the design running horizontally in front of you, cut 1 inch off the right edge. Set it aside for a belly band or strip card pieces, later.

Cut the 12x11" piece in three, 4" x 11" pieces, making sure to note your design should be horizontal. Use one piece per card. Set two aside.

Score 3 1/2" from left, and 2" from right. That leaves you with a 5 1/2" center piece for the inside body of your card. 

If you like to know you're right on your measurements, keep this in mind: 

Designer paper - 4 x 11"; score at 3 1/2" on left and 2" on right. 3 1/2 + 2= 5 1/2. Paper size is 11 minus 5 1/2 = 5 1/2" section for card body.  The card is 4" wide, 1/4" narrower than an A2, but necessary to get three cards out of one 12x12.

Fold the left over and the right in. They should meet. At this point you could cut 1/4" off of the left piece.  

Use a punch such as this holly to create an edge or an edge die, but not necessary. Or punch a hole in each side and add a ribbon. 

Complete the front. 

Add a 3 3/4" x 5 1/4" white layer to the inside. This is also needed for stability since the card is made of paper, not cardstock. Why this size? 1/4" smaller gives a narrow edge around the white.  

Card Design #2

With this design, similar to #1, cut one 12x12 piece into three, 4x12" pieces with pattern running horizontally. Do not trim 1" off one end. Score at 6". Fold in half.

Open to the inside.  On the right edge, as shown here, score 1/2", then fold in and glue down.

              This brings contrast to the inside. 

On the left side, score 1/2" on the edge and fold to the outside and glue down. This is your card front, and this brings the inside colors to the outside.

Now fold your piece at the score line. The front should measure 5 x 4, and the back 5 1/2" x 5.

Add a white layer to the inside,  5 1/4" x 3 3/4". This is also needed for stability since the card is made of paper, not cardstock.

Add ribbon at the fold or not. Add a stamped image, die cut, punched art. Add a sentiment tag or not. Add bling or not. 

Finished size is 4 x 5 1/2".

Card Design #3

This unique card was featured on this blog as a post on NOV 1.  Click the link and see the post.  

Corner Open Card 

Card Design #4 Plus matching Gift Bag

The coordinating 3x3" card is made with a 3" piece of the 12x12 Designer paper for this gift bag. Make the bag first. 

You can find the instructions for this bag - made from 2 - 12x12 pieces of matching Designer Series Paper (Stampin' Up!) or any double sided paper - at karentitus.com

I hope you'll try some of these projects that use a 12x12 paper.   Use up your pieces that are older, or that you don't want to cut up or the abundance that most of us have.  Imagine getting a gift in a bag with a matching card. Perhaps making coordinating cards to give as a gift in this bag would be an extra surprise.  To make cards look at the blog posts for 4 card swatch # 1 or 2. 

Visit my Stampin' Up! shop over at www.susanboback.stampinup.net where you can learn more about current products & ideas, my own projects, and the new catalogs coming out in January 2023.  

I'd love to know if you make these projects, please look up cardconnoisseur on Face Book.   Thanks for stopping by. Be Blessed!sb

CORNER OPEN CARD - Fitting Florets

 

CORNER OPEN FUN FOLD Card

I was inspired by Rachel Tessman's card design. It's expected that others will Copy And Share, putting your own twist or interpretation on the design.

Choose a favorite paper with both sides that coordinate with your theme and color scheme as both sides will be showcased.

This is made with the Designer Series Paper Fitting Florets, #161814 available on NOV 1, 2022, while supplies last. The stamps and dies will be available in January 2023 in the Mini Catalog.

This paper also features a few prints that could be used for a Christmas card, while much of it would be appropriate for any season.  As with all card patterns, you can use any papers to create your own design.

I decided that this card would be perfect for my granddaughter Ilia, who’ll be turning 18 years old on November 1, and who really appreciates my hand-made cards.

The card base is made out of the Designer Series paper. What makes it so special? Its color coordinated with ALL the products Stampin' UP! carries - ink, cardstock, embellishments and more. Designer Series Paper is also known as DSP, which also happens to be doubled sided and most always is theme and color coordinated too! 

You'll need some white cardstock for the layers.

The most difficult part to this simple and beautiful card design is folding it so that each angle is absolutely perfect – so that the points come together!  (I didn’t pay attention to the accuracy the first time and it didn’t quite work.)

Scoring then folding is done first, then adding the layers and die cuts.  It’s not difficult, though it may look complicated. 

CARD PAPER SIZE – Cut your Designer paper 7” x 8 ¼” making sure to check the direction of the pattern.  Make the pattern flow in an up and down way, in other words, Portrait. 

·         SCORE this piece, 2 ¾” from the left edge from top to bottom. Turn the paper to the left and score again, 2 ¾” from top to bottom. 

Now turn the paper back to the upright (PORTRAIT) position so that you have a scored line, 2 ¾” from the left edge, and a scored line all the way across, which is 2 ¾” down from the top.

FOLD THE CARD NEXT

·         Fold the left side in (at the 2 ¾” score line. Remember that Designer paper is thinner than cardstock so don’t crease it too hard.

·         Open the left side you just folded in

·         Fold the top side down (at the 2 ¾” score line) and crease gently across.

·         Open the top side you just folded down

·         Now turn the card to the right so that the upper left corner is straight up.

·   Pinch or push the two scored lines – one from the left and one from the right at the 2 ¾” line, so that that square fold in and down.  Its kind of hard to explain.  It often will fold in on itself once you put pressure on those scored lines.  You ‘ll see more looking at the picture.  You can always go to stampyourartout.com, Rachel’s page to watch her video.

                    

    

·         Once you do this it’ll be very easy and in no time, you will have many of these card bases made.

You will decide how many layers of cardstock you want to add, which depends on how much of your Designer papers (both sides will show) that you want to show.

LAYERS – Cut (2) white or other cardstock.  These will be for the upper left square, and inside on that same upper left square.  This is a perfect place for an attention grabbing sentiment, “HEY THERE” or “JUST A NOTE”, “JUST FOR YOU”, “HELLO” etc.

·         CUT (2) 2 ½” x 2 ½” white OR Vellum OR other coordinating color; OR use no layers

"To show off the gingham side of the DSP, use a narrow white inside layer"  See the open card above.

·        CUT (1) 4 x 5 ¼” white layer for card inside.  This was on the original pattern. 

I DID NOT use this size because I wanted the Evening Evergreen gingham check pattern to show here.   If you want the same as my card, where you do not see a white layer till you open the card, then cut your white layer 5 ¼” x 2” or 1 7/8.  There’s still space to stamp a sentiment.  If you want to write more, which seems to be more widely done now, attach a white 5 ¼ x 4” layer to the back.

DIE CUTS – this card’s focal points are the die cuts you choose to put on the top, outside.  You can either fussy cut or die cut from your Designer papers, or use a punched design, or anything you choose.  Remember that it will be the first focal point when the card is opened. 

 "Include a gift card pocket on the lower left inside, but make sure it folds flat before you glue it down.  "                      

" Use Stampin Write Markers, which are water based, to add multiple colors of ink to one stamp for the look above."

Since its November, I see every new card design as a Christmas card.  This would definitely work for a card for a special someone no matter the season or sentiment, like a Happy 18th Birthday.

Go on over to Card Connoisseur on Face Book or ask to join my class page, Card Connoisseurs – card making with Susan Boback.  (Make sure you're adding and "S" to ConnoisseurS for the class page.) Post your projects there.   I look forward to seeing how you made this card design your own.

If you would enjoy community and a discount on the beautifully coordinated projects, purchase the starter kit for $99 plus free shipping and get a 20% discount with absolutely no obligation to sell or hold workshops or classes. That’s $99 for $125 of any products you want! It’s a great way to upgrade tools and order heavier supplies with free shipping.  You make it a one time purchase or decide to include your friends and neighbors in the projects. Every quarter there’s a different offer – so until Oct 31, 2022, you’ll get $155 worth of products for $99!

 It’s the reason I got the starter kit, to upgrade my tools, but the friendship, ideas, and community has made such a difference in my life. Contact me here sboback54@gmail.com or www.susanboback.stampinup.net  to see more projects, ideas, learn about me, or send me a message.

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a blessed day! sb

DOUBLE Z FOLD CARD with VARIATION

 Double Z Fold – my name for the design of this card.

Card base 5 ½” x 11”.   Cut an 8 ½” x 11” piece of cardstock on the 8 ½” side, at 5 ½”.  Score as follows.

The piece remaining is a 3” x 11” piece.   With the 3” x 11” piece, cut it at 6”, which leaves a 3” x 6” piece.  Set aside the remaining piece for use on another project.

Scoring the card base:  with the 11” side along the top, score from left to right:

1 ¾” *, 3 ½”, 5 ¼” and 7”

Score the 3” x 6” piece at 3” - in half. Each side of this piece now measures 3”x3” square*

DON’T FOLD either of these pieces just yet.

The assembly of this card will demonstrate how the layers are cut ¼” smaller than the base piece.  Once you learn and remember that the layers are ¼” smaller, you’ll be able to look at the measurements and figure out the sizes of the layers without having them written in a pattern.   Yes. You will be able to do this.

Each of the four sections that you scored, starting with 1 ¾” are equal in size: 1 ¾” wide and 5 ½” tall.   Now, keeping in mind that the layer is ¼” smaller on all sides, you can guess that the layer is 1 1/2 “ x 5 ¼”, right?  Its ok if you have to figure it out on paper.

Cut Layers:

4 – 1 ½” x 5 ¼”  Before you started your project, you would have decided on a theme, and coordinating colors.  When using the Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Papers, you’ll be able to use one piece two ways as you can which side of the paper to use.

1 – 5” x 3 ¾” white or similar pastel color

2 – 2 ¾” x 2 ¾” *

Since you haven’t folded the “Z” yet, with the card base laying flat, you can place the layers and decide which will be face forward.  You can also decide which papers you want for the 3” x 3” sides of the “Z” front.  

One thing to keep in mind before you glue on your 4 layers is that only half of the front layer will be visible because the front Z will be glued on top of it.  

After the layers are cut and you’ve had a chance to decide which ones will go on each of the 4 sections, glue them on.   Fold the Z so that when folded up, your card measures, 5 ½” x 4”. 

The next step is to add the layers to the two 3x3 piece and get ready to glue it on.   This piece attaches to the front and folds OUT, and to the 4^th 1 ¾” section. 

CAUTION: when adding glue, make sure the glue only covers  1 inch of the back of this folded piece on each end.  Its best to fold it in half, over the Z folds to see how it will fit.   The best way is to add about one inch of glue on the back of each end; place it down and sandwich the folded Z in between.   

When you stand the card up for display there should be a square shape made by the front Z you just glued on, and the Z folds of the card. 

Add the white layer on the last section.

Add an image – die cut, or sentiment tag to the front left Z OR use the Variation which is a nine-patch quilt square.

VARIATION - add a 9-patch paper quilt for the front image

The nine-patch quilt square is very easy.  Once you make one, you’ll be making more, for this Double Z fold card or many other designs.

You’ll need 5 of the same prints and 4 of the same prints – at least to start out, but you’ll get creative with your colors and prints of DSP. Below is a sample of a 9-patch paper quilt.

The nine-patch pattern is a great way to use remaining pieces of Designer papers.

Using a piece of grid paper or notebook paper which helps keep the squares straight and even:

Glue in a pattern of your choice: 9 one-inch squares such as shown in the photos.  Make sure to glue around the edges of each square so they adhere tight to each other.

Once you’ve glued them together, with your paper trimmer/cutter, even out the edges on all 4 sides.

Choose an embossing folder that will make a “quilt” pattern in the paper when its embossed.

Run it through an emboss and cut machine and presto! You have a paper quilt piece that fits exactly onto the left or right front Z for this Double Z card.

Here are some photos of the Double Z card I’ve made.   I hope you have some fun with the Z’s, choosing coordinating Designer Papers, adding an image or a 9-patch paper quilt.  

On the above example, I glued the front fold, pink cardstock, under the 1st and last designer paper layer, to make it less visible.

The view above shows where the front Z fold will rest when the card is folded flat. You'll want to make sure that it doesn't extend beyond the right edge of the card.

This view gives you an idea of how the Designer papers show when the card is on display.

These are the Stampin' UP! Products I used.  Click on each to view the product at my Stampin' UP! store.

Featured Card:

Basic White Cardstock - for inside layer

Basic Black Cardstock - for card base

Splendid Day Designer Series Paper - for layers and 9-patch quilt squares

Gold or Silver Specialty Papers Sale-A-Bration flyer for FREE products with $50/$100 orders

For the Variation card design:

Story Book Gnome Designer Series Paper

Pacific Point Cardstock

Basic White Cardstock

For the Pink Card Design:

Blushing Bride Cardstock

Abigail Rose Designer Series Paper

Sentiment - Celebrating Sunflowers 

For the Christmas card Design: 

Christmas Sentiment Stamps

Soft Succulent Cardstock

Soft Succulent Ribbon

Very Vanilla Cardstock

Gold Craft Ink

Lights Aglow Designer Series Paper

Click on any of the links to the right on this page: Catalog, Face Book page, or Clearance.  If you get a page that says "not secure" please note that it is safe and in process of being fixed.

If you are interested in how you can get a 20% discount on every order you place with Stampin’ UP! products, check out my website.  There you’ll also find projects, a calendar of activities and the latest new stamps, papers and coordinating products.

www.susanboback.stampinup.net

Thanks for stopping by! Be Blessed!  sb

A Wreath for All Seasons

    Since my love affair with paper at the age of 12, I tend to see fabric projects as paper prajects instead. This wreath kit from the dollar section at Target was my inspiration. How would it be if I re-created the leaves and flowers out of Stampin' Up! Designer Series Papers? I enjoy creating small decor' for my bathrooms where I decorate small corners, and shelves, with seasonal designs. This is a great alternative use for our beautiful Designer Series Papers.

                                       

Here's the first wreath I did, out of  the Marble Designer Papers by Stampin' Up! from Jan/Feb Sale A Bration, and a woven ribbon. At first I had no intention of making more flowers to use seasonally, but it made so much sense to do so, when I started to imagine the Highland Heather or Fresh Freesia; Poppy Parade red; along with Pumpkin, Merry Merlot or many others.  At this point I was just imagining colors, not flowers.

I made this in February, before we were supporting Ukraine with their sunflowers, but once that became a way to show support, these yellow flowers became my sunflowers for Ukraine!

WREATH Instructions - as in any project, use this as an example, but make it your own. Use your own ideas for wire, flowers, leaves.  That's what CASing is and its expected:  Copy And Share it!

Choose a craft wire for the wreath that is flexible to work with, strong to hold the flowers, but that will not snap when you're attaching the pieces. A wire clothes hanger may be to heavy, but try it!

Bend the wire to form a 7" circle across. Make sure to allow enough on the top loop for hanging it.  You can always trim off extra.

LEAVES

With Lady Bug punch, and a patterned green paper, punch 28 wings. My choice was from Home & Garden DSP.

                                            

Glue 2 wings together, back to back to create a set; then attach 2 sets (4 total) together on inside and outside of wire, spacing them around to make 7 clusters of sets. See how the photo above shows 1 set of leaves slid onto the wire, and the photo below shows the other set of leaves attached on the opposite side of the wire.  By the way, this wire became too thin to work with, so I wrapped this around the gold wire which was stronger. 

FLOWERS

Flowers are 4 or 5 punched or die cut flowers each. Layer them with dimensionals. Punch a small flower to attach on the top center for accent. Optional to add a jewel in the top center.

Attach the flowers in between the clusters of leaves by sliding onto the wire. See the photo. I'm trying to show that you slide the flower between the layers of the flower itself, and push it on as far as it will go.  The flowers are not glued on.

                                                 

Make flower buds out of woven ribbon to add more texture. Gather with needle and thread, glue edges together at the base, then attach to leaves with glue dots. 

The leaves and woven buds are permanent on my design. 

                                            

I made yellow with Marble Designer Papers to represent sunflowers or daisies. 

Use Poppy Parade for red poppies for Veterans.

Red, white, and blue (Morning Glory is one of few blue flowers) would honor U.S. national colors.

Highland Heather or Fresh Fresia would be Lilac or Hydrangeas. I haven't tried other flower dies like the tulips. 

The Pumpkin color or Merry Merlot would be perfect for fall. Pink for roses or hydrangeas, then there are the tulip dies..................now my mind is shifting to the birds!

I guess I'll have to do a second post to show the many varieties, including birds and butterflies! Stay tuned!

You get the idea of how versatile the colors would be to create flowers and nature for every season or occasion.

What are you making with DSP that's not a card?

View projects - cards and home decor' - at my Stampin' Up! website: susanboback.stampinup.net and follow Card Connoisseur On Face Book and Instagram. 

Thanks for stopping by! Be Blessed! sb

SLIM TENT Easter Friends Card

 

Inspired Tina Zinck - Slim Tent cards  

You are the artist – make it your own design! Click on the PINK words found in each post to access the links. 

This Slim Tent cards fits in an A2 envelope.

Measurements:

Card Base is 2 x 11” and scored at 5 ½”, Crumb Cake, but can be made with Basic White or Very Vanilla. 

Designer papers for front and inside area 1 ¾” x 4 ¾”. Cut 3 of Daffodil Afternoon Designer papers from Sale A Bration Jan-Feb 2022, or your choice of papers. Linen thread  or coordinating ribbon of your choice, is 18” long.  

Use Tasteful Labels die set or similar to fit.  

Stamp Set is Easter Friends from the Jan - Jun Mini Catalog 2022.

The Slim Tent card is designed to stand up, with the signature not visible. Signature can be added on the back.

Optional Assembly: Attach two chicks on the front; or two chicks on the top, inside, which would leave more space inside for your signature.  Put the sentiment on the front instead of inside.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1:  look at the double-sided Designer papers and choose the prints you’ll use on the each of the 3 parts – front, top & bottom of inside.

Step 2: before you adhere the Designer papers, attach the inside die cut/tag, making sure it will line up with the green die cut/tag that will be attached on the front.

Step 3: attach the three (3) Designer double sided papers to the front, top & bottom of inside.

Step 4:  Attach the green die cut/tag to the front, making sure it lines up and covers the tan die cut/tag. This one goes over the Designer papers, while the inside one goes under the papers.

Step 5: Stamp one of each of the three (3) chicks in colors that coordinate with your Designer papers. I stamped with Early Espresso ink on Basic White, Very Vanilla, Daffodil Delight cardstock, then cut them out, and color the beak and feet on each with a colored pencil. Attach the chicks – one on the front, two layered on the inside bottom with Tombo Multi-Purpose Glue.  (If you're new to this glue, use just a few dots - its very sticky; don't get it on your project, hands or clothing; you can reposition your image quickly if its off centered)

Step 6: tie the Linen Thread around the top front as desired. 

Step 7:  Stamp the sentiment with Early Espresso ink. Cut around the sentiment or use as a rectangle shape.  Attach to inside top.    

 

You can make this card your own design for any season or occasion.  Choose a Designer Series Paper and stamp and die sets that coordinate - one of the reasons we love Stampin' Up! products.  The die cut/tag should set out to the side, the eye-catching piece of this card.  Watch Tina Zinck's video on YouTube and see the variety of shapes she uses.

I'd love to see what you choose to put together for your version of this card. Please post a photo or send it to me in messenger.  Head over to Card Connoisseur on Face Book and post your card there too.   Note that this blog address spells CardConnoissuer a little differently that the word is spelled on the Face Book Page.

Find more of my projects at www.susanboback.stampinup.net and while you're there, check out the latest specials on products too! You might choose to hold an online workshop with your friends from around the country, or an in-person gathering - there's many ways to get free products and discounts as a customer.  If you are interested in saving 20% and more, on every order you place, join my team - click here , and share in the community of demonstrators who are hobbyists or take the business forward. I'd love to share this with you!

Thanks for stopping by.  Keep sharing what you love with others, as we "cheer up the world, one card at a time"!  Be blessed!  sb

GROVE DEER & Tools

 

GROVE DEER

This card uses the dies from the Grove Deer to create a scene – daytime or night, any season and for any occasion.  This Die sent is part of the Grassy GroveBundle which includes the Grassy Grove stamps and dies.  It is found on page 47 of the Jan – Jun Mini Catalog 2022.  The Grove Dies include the tree scene and two deer, that I’ve used in today’s card, and a deer, trees, greenery that coordinate with a cling stamp set, Grassy Grove.   Click on the PINK words which link you to these Stampin' Up! products in my online store.  

The Take Your Pick Tool is a necessity for this project, as you can see the many little bits of cardstock that need to be weeded out. 

The Mini Cut & Emboss Machine is so convenient for this die set.  I can put the two little deer in the tree scene and cut them out all at once.  For those of you not familiar with the Mini, you’ll want to own this machine (non-electric) as it is very light weight, easily portable, and small to store. 

When I first saw this die set, I thought of using the photos I once took to make photo notecards. Here's some ideas:

The size of this trees die is 3 1/16” high x 4 ¾” wide, so the card will be assembled in landscape view. Use an A2 card (4 ¼” x 5 ½” – landscape, with the fold at the top).  I used Daffodil Delight cardstock for the base; Basic Black for the Grove die and deer; and a piece of the New Horizons Designer Series Papers for the sun background.

The variations of the background are endless, depending what type of scene you are creating.

By using a 6” x 6” piece of Designer Series paper, its possible to get two backgrounds for this die out of one piece.

Before you assemble your card, try some of the papers you have behind the Grove & Deer Die cut.   Also choose a lighter background color, such as Basic White or Crumb Cake.

Here are some of the Designer Series Papers that would create beautiful backgrounds:

New Horizons, p. 43 in Mini catalog

The Abstract Beauty Designer Series Paper could look like an evening sky (in my interpretation), p. 49 in the Mini.

Specialty Papers with the white die cut could resemble a snowy sky or a heavenly s

To create depth, attach dimensionals between the die cut and background layers.

Beauty of the Earth papers can be used for various seasons, p. 10 in the Annual Catalog (soon to expire May 1, 2022)

White cardstock creates a winter scene.

The various papers make this die cut into Christmas scene. A sympathy card. A birthday card. Many More.  Its one of those designs that once you make one card with it, you don't want to do anything else! 

Here is a completed card designed by my friend Carol. Its stunning!   

 To get the most out of my die cut pieces, I often use the opposite piece as a stencil. I've done that with the black cardstock and the deer that I've cut out of it.  Then use the black piece as a stencil.  

You can tape it down with low tack tape if you want.  Use a sponge dauber to add ink, while holding the stencil piece firmly in place. 

The dauber will be easier to get the ink into the small cut out spaces instead of a blending brush. 

You could also use a Blender Pen or a Water Painter for a water color look. If you don't get too much ink on the cardstock, you can flip this stencil piece and make a deer print facing the opposite direction.   Here is the print I made on white.  

Another way to use this black cutout is as a layer itself!

 I made this bookmark with the image left from the scene above.

                                            

I'd love to see what you choose to put together for your version of this card. Please post a photo or send it to me in messenger.  Head over to Card Connoisseur on Face Book and post your card there too.   Note that this blog address spells CardConnoisSUEr a little differently that the word is spelled on the Face Book Page.

 

Find more of my projects at www.susanboback.stampinup.net and while you're there, check out the latest specials on products too! You might choose to hold an online workshop with your friends from around the country, or an in-person gathering - there's many ways to get free products and discounts as a customer.  If you are interested in saving 20% and more, on every order you place, join my team - click here , and share in the community of demonstrators who are hobbyists or take the business forward. I'd love to share this with you!

 

Thanks for stopping by.  Keep sharing what you love with others, as we "cheer up the world, one card at a time"!  Be blessed!  Sb

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