Hybrid Embossing Folder How-To

Curious about how a “Hybrid Embossing Folder” works? Allow me to demonstrate how-to using the new Online Exclusive Changing Leaves bundle.

The embossing folder creates amazingly detailed leaves which are beautiful both embossed (raised) and debossed (recessed). Here is a “raised” example in Granny Apple Green using the embossed design for a background on a card:

Flip the embossed paper over and paint into the recessed images using water painters and ink refills -OR- water painters with Metallic Enamel Effects for shine:

Simply stamping the images and die cutting them to use on your projects is also an option. Watch for the tip to lining up all three leaf images in the correct spot, making them easier to die cut at the beginning of this video, in which I also demonstrate all the techniques I’m sharing:

I used my stamped/die cut leaves on a floating frame card:

Finally – and this is the HYBRID VERSION – the dies snap into the embossing folder! All you have to do is add your paper, run it through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine, and out come die-cut, embossed accents! This is a bonus project that shows the detail:

I borrowed the sentiment from another Online Exclusive stamp set called Comforting Thoughts for an occasion when there are just no words to express what you are feeling for someone’s heartache.

Try dragging your ink pad across the top of an embossed/cut leaf to bring out the details (or use a brayer rolled in ink), like the Pretty Peacock leaf on the card:

The Changing Leaves bundle is $54 (US) so it qualifies for a $5 BONUS DAYS coupon when you purchase it during July 2024. Collect coupons July 3-31st, then redeem them during August!

Complementary Colors in Card-Making

Understanding a COLOR WHEEL a little bit will help you put together beautiful color palettes for your stamping projects, and today we are talking about COMPLEMENTARY colors, or colors directly across from each other on the color wheel:

When you choose complementary colors, you create HIGH ENERGY in a palette, like this turtle card made from the Playing in the Rain stamp set from Stampin’ Up! using Azure Afternoon (blue) and Pumpkin Pie (orange):

You can always add a bit of a third color (in this case, Granny Apple Green) and still keep the two main colors in focus!

One thing I love doing with a new catalog is to look for card layouts I can copy. Both of the cards I am sharing today were inspired by this card on page 152 of the annual catalog (154 in the digital version):

This next complementary color card follows the same pattern or card layout, but uses the LOVELY new Lemon Lolly color paired with Fresh Freesia, which I cannot get enough of:

This time I used the Sweet Citrus stamps and dies (my signature for creative juice) and embossed the front panel with the Raindrops embossing folder after I stamped the greeting.

All of this is shared in my weekly video, and if you are like me and want it to play faster, just speed up the playback by clicking on the gear at the bottom of the YouTube video!

Now you know a little more about complementary colors, try it yourself! Find a card design in the catalog (or use one of my previous samples here on CJBL) and re-create it with your own colors and stamps.

If you want to copy one of the cards I shared today, here are the supplies I used for both cards:

Product List

I appreciate the opportunity to serve your creative needs! Make time to stamp and find your happy place.

Gingham and Pig Tails

Did you know that I am LIVE each Monday at 12:30 on my Facebook Page? Today I showed how you can cut up your stamps to make them work better for your crafting needs and we made this stinkin’ cute card:

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Each of the This Little Piggy stamps comes with a saying attached to it, but if you order the clear mount stamp set and cut off the words, you can use the pigs alone, or mix and match with the greetings!

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Click here to order the stamp set!

Switch around the colors, and add a gingham ribbon, and you’ve got another card (which my guests created at the Card Class last Saturday): Watermarked1(2017-07-31-1300)

Because my Mother-in-Law has the largest pig collection in the western hemisphere, this card is off to thank her for the birthday gift she sent!

This Little Piggy… Says THANKS!Watermarked3(2017-07-31-1300)

Pop-Up Card on a Global (Design) Scale!

Usually I’m a simple crafter, but this card demanded to be spectacular for the Global Design Project Colour Challenge…

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The background scenery really took center stage on this card: The Hardwood and (new) Sheet Music background stamps were combined with the Layered Leaves embossing folder to create a sumptuous canvas for the Lovely Friends stamp set…but wait until you see the inside!

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Every time I open this card, I have to say “TAA DAA” out loud!!! This is the first time I was able to use the Lovely Laurel Thinlits and they were actually surprisingly simple:

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It looks daunting, but I edited a quick video to show you how easy and quick it goes together:

Click on any of the supplies to order and create a masterpiece yourself:
Product List

To Solve the "Bumpy" Mail Quandary

What is a beautiful card without a little embellishment? The problem: It costs more to mail a card with a bow or brad! I’ve been willing to pay the few extra cents to have my cards hand-cancelled at the post office, but if you are looking for an alternate way to add ribbon to a card without the extra postage, let me suggest a flat bow (or “mailing bow” as some call them). Here’s a quick tutorial for you today, using Stampin’ Up!s satin ribbon and some SNAIL adhesive:
A FLAT bow tutorial