Dies Two Ways with Birch Press Designs

Hello everyone!

I hope this post finds you well! I've made these two cards using Birch Press Design dies that can be found at Dies R Us to show how different two cards can be using the same dies, just different colors. I love the simplicity of Birch Press dies and Dies R Us has a wonderful selection; please take a look when you have a chance!

What I Used to Make Both my Cards:
White Card Base
Birch Press Designs Grandiose Dies, Bundle of 3, #56102

After making both the purple and grey layered piece I just customized each card using the items linked below. In addition to showing how colors can change a card completely, I was also going for one feminine card and one masculine card. Here is the information on each card:

Missing You {grey card}
Simon Says Stamp Floral Garden, #SSS202304 {sentiment}
Tutti Designs Stitched Nested Rectangles, #TUTTI-217 {out of stock, but other options are TUTTI-414 and TUTTI-410}
Distress Ink in Hickory Smoke
Shades of Grey Card

Once the panel was made for this card, I made a frame using the rectangle dies, to go around it. As you can see from the picture, it's very easy to do as long as you have some low tack tape to hold the dies in place. I attached the frame to the panel, the panel to the card base and then adhered the sentiment, which was stamped and trimmed.

 Just for You {purple card}
Creative Expressions by Sue Wilson, Just for You, #CEDME028
Shades of Purple Card

All I needed to make this super easy card was a sentiment, which I cut out of the darkest purple I used in the panel. I attached that to the card and it's ready to send off!

Thank you so much for stopping by to see my cards! Remember, the challenge at Dies R Us is always anything goes using a die that they stock; that leaves you with plenty of options to play! I hope that you are inspired by our creations and join the challenge!

Fondly, 

Christi

I am entering my card in the challenges below:
TTCRD - Anything Goes
Everybody Art Challenge, #492 - Dies
Always Fun Challenges, #217 - Layers
Dream Valley Challenges, #249 - Dies and/or Punches {entry #2}
Happy Little Stampers - Dies
Crafts Galore Encore Challenge, #88 - Anything Goes

Simple Slimline Thank You Card

Hi everyone! 

While I do love to get out my markers and a bunch of stamp and dies, there are times when I just need to make something a bit easier.  I love using paper packs and Birch Press Designs dies when I need to make a quick card; I especially love that the intricate nature of the dies make it look like I worked for ages to make the card, yet all it typically takes is a few turns of my die cutting machine.  This week for my Dies R Us design team post I am showing you this simple, yet elegant, thank you card:

What I Used to Make my Card:
Slimline White Card Base
DCWV Paper Stack, 12" x 12", Peri & Peach
Birch Press Designs Flora Heart Layer Set, 56120 {This is a NBUS set of Dies for me!}
(you could also use Caprice Heart Layer Set,  Dahlia Heart Layer Set or Petal Heart Layer Set)
Birch Press Designs Big Thanks Sugar Script, 57142 
Nuvo Delux Adhesive
Sequins from Stash

Once I had made my slimline card base, I set that aside and cut out a bunch of the hearts using all of the beautiful papers in the paper stack.  I recommend keeping each layer separate while you are doing this as it is easier to assemble them, I have a tendency to mix up some of the layers and don't realize it until I begin to put the layers together.  I use a toothpick to dot the adhesive onto thin die cuts like these but have found the tip of the Nuvo glue works so well with dispensing a tiny dot that I have been able to cut down on using  tooth picks! In the past I've tried the needle precision tips {and a bunch of others} but they always clog on me, not so with this glue! Putting these hearts together was a breeze! I had cut enough layers to make 5 complete hearts so I saved the other two to be used later.  I chose to use the "thanks" sentiment rather than a more formal sentiment to keep the card playful and not too elegant.  Dies R Us carries an amazing selection of Birch Press Designs Dies at the best prices I have found online - my collection is growing quite fast now!  I hope this little tutorial finds you and yours healthy and happy! 

Fondly, 

Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Addicted to Stamps & More, #405 - Use Dies and/or Stencils
Pammie's Inky Pinkies, #2119 - Anything Goes
Dragonfly Dreams - Add Some Sparkle {paper I used & sequins}
Just Us Girls, #583 - Trend Week, Layers
Carlin's Cards, #34 - Flowers & Hearts {Flowers = patterned paper}
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Anything Goes w/ Patterned Paper
Mix it Up, #49 - Anything Goes w/ 3 or More Layers {each heart is 3 layers}
NBUS Challenge, #26 - Anything Goes with Never Before Used Schtuff

Sending Hugs Shaker Card

This card has been in the works for a while and it is actually a comedy of errors.  While I am pleased with the end result, the picture I had in my mind's eye was a little different.  Here is what I used and how I made the card {including what went wrong!}

What I Used to Make My Card:
White Card Base
Dark Pink Glitter Card
Various Shades of Pink Card
Birch Press Designs Adora Die Set, #56093
Birch Press Designs Big Hugs Sugar Script Die, #57138
Birch Press Designs Just Because Stamps, #CL8124 {retired but available}
Gina K Amalgam Ink Pad in Obsidian Ink
Thick White Card
Acetate
Shaker Material from Stash {lips sequins, red cup sequins, red seed beads}

I started this card because I wanted to make a shaker card using the beautiful Birch Press Design Dies, so I cut the three layered dies out of glitter and colored cardstock, then proceeded to make a base out of five or six cuts using only the bottom die.  I used a circle die to cut a piece of acetate, attached that to the top portion of the shaker and set the 2 pieces {the top and the stacked bottom} aside to dry.  When I went to assemble the shaker itself, I could not find the bottom stacked piece.  I don't know if you have ever made a shaker card this way, using a stacked piece, but it isn't difficult.  It is time consuming, especially using an intricate die such as this. I looked everywhere; it was gone and the cats were not talking.  So I made another stacked piece and set that aside to dry.  This time when I went to assemble the shaker everything was there and I moved on.

I started this card sometime in December and when it came time to attach the shaker piece onto a card base, I decided white looked best so I glued the shaker onto a white card base.  Then came time for the sentiment.  I knew what I wanted to use.  I grabbed my Platform to stamp "sending" directly on the card and I couldn't do it.  Where I had already glued the shaker was causing the Platform to not make contact with the card.  I wrestled with this for a good amount of time, moving the card around, thinking if I wanted to risk stamping without the Platform {the old way; I am NOT good at the old way of stamping. I shudder to think of all the paper and ink I wasted trying to get a good impression.  And I can't use the old stamp positioners. I have two of them gathering dust somewhere and I just cannot get them to work properly} so I resorted to putting the entire sentiment on a separate piece of card and attaching that to the card base.  Normally I would have worked all of these tiny issues out prior to gluing anything down but because I didn't want to lose the shaker, I didn't even think of the possible sentiment issues.  To a non-crafter this is NOT a big issue.  I tried to talk to my roommate about it to get some sympathy and he just didn't get it.  Anyway, I stamped my sentiment and used the hugs die.  As a little bit of bling, I used a few of the hearts left over from making the shaker.  I can promise you I will never jump the gun like this again!  I blame the fact that I worked on it, set it aside, then worked a little more, instead of doing my usual work style and finishing the card within a week of starting it.  I would have liked the card better if the stamping and die cut were literally on the card, but it is what it is.

I know we all have little fails and I'd love to hear about some of yours below.  Maybe the one fail that sticks out in your mind is not so much for what went wrong but why.  Oh, and I did find the first stacked portion I made.  Under the paper cutter!  I still suspect the cats had something to do with it but until I install those nanny cams, I just need to move on.  Thank you so much for reading all of this and I know YOU feel for me!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp, Monday Challenge - Love/Hearts
Use Your Stuff, #145 - Hearts
Sweet Stampin'  - Love
Color Hues, #11 - Red and Pink
Dies R Us, #162 - Anything Goes
Crafting Happiness, #82 - Hearts

Sparkling Snowflake

I just love pairing Birch Press dies with some calligraphy!  I think the combination is just so elegant!  The Quietfire Design company, which is now sold through Elizabeth Designs, has all sorts of beautiful stamps, die cuts, and electronic files featuring this beautiful calligraphy {just do a search for Suzanne Cannon; she is the calligrapher behind all these gorgeous products!}

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
DCWV White Christmas Paper Stack, 12" x 12" {not on the DCWV site, but available}
Elizabeth Craft Designs, Let it Snow die, #1234 {on SALE right NOW!}
Birch Press Issa Die Set, #56082 {retired but available}

One of the beautiful things about Birch Press dies is that there are 3 layers for you to mix, match, and use as you please.  This creation only used 2 layers of the set; I die cut the bottom layer out of light grey paper and then the top out of glittery paper.  I assembled my snowflake, glued it onto my card base, then cut my sentiment from light gray paper.  This is one of the quickest cards I have ever made and I think it looks almost as good as those you can find in the store! 

I hope you are getting in some "you" time after all the craziness of the holiday season.  It feels wonderful to not have all that pressure around anymore.  I am thrilled to pieces that 2020 is gone and I am hoping that 2021 is going to be better for everyone!  Hoping you and yours are healthy, safe, & happy!  Hugs, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Dies R Us, #160 - Anything Goes
Challenge up Your Life, #131 - Snowflakes
Dream Valley Challenges, #239 - Winter and/or Snow
A Place to Start, #1 - Anything Goes
Love to Craft, #54 - Anything Goes
Happy Little Stampers - Anything Goes with Dies

Glitter Snowflakes

You must have heard of the beautiful dies that Birch Press manufactures?  They are extraordinary!  The dies are not cheap, but you can configure them so many ways that I think they are worth the price.  I don't have very many of them but I knew I needed a wintry set so I could throw together a last minute card if needed.  This lovely set is called ISSA and I think it is perfect for wintry, but not necessarily holiday, cards.  I hope you agree! 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Birch Press ISSA die set, #56082
Glitter Card in Blue and Light Blue
White, Blue and Light Blue Card
White Shimmer Card
Reverse Confetti Winter Words Die Set

Another Peek

I cut out a bunch of snowflakes with each die; in this case each die gives you three different

Just a few of the combinations

cuts, so I had plenty of options to use!  I made these two cards and I still have some left over!  Each die set I've gotten has at least two cuts to use except the larger cover dies.  One of these days, I am just going to cut out all of them and just play!  Making cards with these is almost like playing with paper dolls; you can just come up with endless combinations.  If you'd like some amazing inspiration, check out Jennifer McGuire's blog - she did a whole post on this very set - just click here to go there.

That's it for this post.  Easy, fun, sparkly cards are some of my favorites to make and receive.  I hope you like my cards, too!  Thanks so much for your continued support. - Fondly, Christi

I am entering my Glitter Snowflakes in the following challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Warm Winter Wishes
City Crafter - #442, Snowflakes
ABC Christmas - M, Y is for Your Favorite thing, Z is for Zero Embellishments
Daring Cardmakers - Snowflakes Falling
Jo's Scrap Shack -#264, Anything Goes
Creatalicious Challenge - #153, Anything Goes, OPTION: Snowflakes
Dies R Us - #111, Anything Christmas, Entry #2
Mix it Up Challenge - #20, Anything Goes, OPTION: No Stamping
HLS Anything Goes w/ Dies Challenge 

Fall Colors

It's almost officially fall here {just a few more days} but I can feel the nip in the air; at night at least.  Denver has been breaking records for high temperatures during the day for a week or so!  While on a day trip up to the beautiful Estes Park, {where the Stanley Hotel is - Stephen King got the idea for The Shining while staying there during his college days} the trees were already changing.  And we were blessed to see a moose family - bull, cow, and baby {who was hiding in the brush - could only see him when his ears moved} and my brother, who has one of those amazing cameras that I haven't a clue how to work, got the lovely picture above.  We were very close to them and it took my breath away; I could have stayed there all day!

Now that you have read more than you wanted about my trip, let's get to the card.  I recently acquired the "waves" set of Birch Press dies and I've seen a lot of examples from people using them for summer cards.  Thought I'd do a twist and use them making a fall card.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base (I actually used a 5"x 7" card, cut it down to 4" x 6")
Rust, Brown and Green Cardstock
Vanilla Card
Wink of Stella in Clear
Wave Set of Dies from Birch Press Designs, #56067

Using these dies can be challenging; they have lots of little curly ques that aren't easy to glue.  At least, they weren't easy for me to glue!  I attached each layer and let the card dry overnight under the tile on my desk.  I definitely think the results were worth the effort.  

I started with a piece of vanilla card since white looked too stark to me, and glued each layer on that.  Then I attached the panel to a white card base, trimmed it down to fit, and there you have it! I am in love with the ease of using these dies.  I liked the look of the card so much I didn't even add a sentiment!  I added some sparkle around the edge of the card for a little more interest.

Before I close, I want to send my thoughts to those affected by Hurricane Florence.  Having lived on the East Coast most of my life, I've seen the devastation these storms can cause.  Now that I live out in the middle of the country, I get a whole new experience with the tornado sirens; still scares me to pieces, but we've been lucky so far this year!  Waiting to see what Old Man Winter has in store.  Thank you for stopping by and supporting my little blog.  I appreciate it more than you know! Christi

I would like to enter my Fall Colors card in the following challenges:
Always Fun Challenges - #76, Fall Colors
Cards in Envy - Feels Like Fall
Crafty Cardmakers - #218, Autumn Colors
Make my Monday - #80, Autumn/Fall Colors
Dragonfly Journeys - #127, Fall Festival of Colors
Sunsational Stamps - M, Fall
Studio 75 - M, #7, Colors of Fall {see color badge below}
Sparkles Monthly Challenge - M, #108, Dies or Punches {I used dies}
Cute Card Thursday - #547, Dies or Punches {I used Dies}
Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday Challenge - M, Signs of Autumn
That's Crafty! - Forever Autumn
Happy Little Stampers - Anything Goes with Dies Challenge (Sept)
Mix It Up Challenge - M, Anything Goes with 3 or more Layers 

Studio 75

A Thank You Card

Remember when I made a card for Layton's Legacy?  Well, I made a few other cards as well, packaged them up, and mailed them off to Lea.  I also included this "Thank You" card to thank her for having this card/donation drive for the NICU parents at U of M Masonic Children's Hospital.  This is the card I made and sent to her.

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Birch Press Fiori Plate Layer Set
Hero Arts Thank You Pair Fancy Die, #DI192
3 Co-ordinating Colors of Card Stock {I used yellow, dark blue and light blue}
Scrap White Card for Sentiment

As you can see, this was a VERY easy card! It was the first time I had cut the Fiori plates and I really just wanted to see what they looked like in person.  But I felt the die cuts were so pretty it would have been a waste not to use it, so I turned it into a Thank You card!  I think I would have put more thought into my color choices had I known I was going to use the background but I was (and am!) so happy with the way it came out, I used it anyway.  Plus, I think the colors are sort of summery and fresh. 

All I did was attach the layered plates onto a white card base, cut the Thank You out of white card, and attach it.  I like this card so much I am going to use it for my Design Team project at Not Just Cards September Challenge! It's such a fun place to play, as the theme is always Anything Goes!  And, as the name states, you can submit ANY type of art - not just cards!  

So easy and so elegant.  These dies are pricey but I feel the versatility makes them worth it.  I've recently purchased a few other sets and I'll be sharing them soon!  Thanks SO much for stopping by and I hope to see you soon ~ Christi

PS: Hope to see you at the challenge! Remember, Not Just Cards!

I am entering my Thank You card in the following challenges:
The Crafter's Cafe - M, #203, Three of Something (I used 4 different dies)
Mix It Up Challenge - M, #17, Anything Goes w/ Option of Layering
DL Art Thankful Thursday - #235, Always a Thank You
Papercraft Business Challenge - M, Anything Goes w/ Optional Thank You
Happy Little Stampers - M, Anything Goes with Dies
Crafty Gal's Challenge - #174, Anything Goes plus 3+ Layers
Stamp, Ink, Paper - #167, Large Sentiment