Thank You Gatefold Card with Hero Arts

Hi everyone! The challenge at a2z Scrapbooking this month is Fun Folds so I decided to make a gatefold card.  I've never made one before and I am seeing so many beautiful new dies that are coming out that can be used as the flaps for gatefold cards I thought that perhaps I should try my hand at one!  I hope you enjoy my creation!

What I Used to Make my Card:
Water Color Paper {8 1/2 x 11"}
White Card {4 1/4 x 5 1/2"}
Scrap Light Blue, Dark Blue, & White Card
Oxide Inks in Shades of Blue & Purple
Hero Arts White Detail Embossing Powder, #PW122 
Versamark Watermark Ink Pad, #VC250
Hero Arts Lucky Star stamp set, #CM315
Hero Arts Lucky Star die set, #DI586
Hero Arts Ink in Intense Black, #AF345 
Hero Arts Thanks Stamp & Cut, #DC152
Die-Namics Stitched Fishtail Sentiment Strips Dies

Watercolor Paper {I use this} for stamped images

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Adhesive & Watercolor Brush of Your Choice

The first step I took when making this card was making the gate-fold out of watercolor paper.  I cut the card to fit on an A2 base, which was cut out of white card.  I left the folds long, so the dimensions of the gatefold are 4 1/4" high by 11" long.  I just folded the panels around the piece of white card I used for the base {where I eventually attached the watercolor gatefold.}  I used Oxide Inks in shades of blue and purple to make both sides of the watercolor paper look like a night sky.  This took me the longest as I would add the ink to the paper, spritz with the Distress Sprayer and then either use my heat gun to dry, or leave the paper to dry on its own.  Since I hadn't used this watercolor paper before {in fact, I'm not even sure of the brand; it was just mixed in with my loose card stock}, I didn't want to take the chance of the paper pilling or ripping from too much work, so I took about three days to build up the color to match a summer night sky.  The paper also cracked some when I folded it so I filled in the white with a few of the same inks to have it blend in as much as possible.  Like I said, I did both sides of this paper so I think it was important to take my time to get the colors just right.

Inside the Card

While my gatefold paper was drying in between building the colors, I stamped the people and the cat onto watercolor paper and colored them with my markers.  Once they were dry, I figured out where I wanted to place them and stamped the stars and the saying with Versamark Ink, embossed them with white detail embossing powder, then attached the figures so they would appear to be looking up at the sky.  The set comes with an adorable dog as well as the cat but I wasn't happy with how it came out when I colored it.  Next I attached the watercolor panel with all of the people and embossing inside to the single piece of white card.  I really wanted this card to fit in an A2 envelope so I could mail it without it costing too much.  While all the card construction was done and sitting under the tile to dry, I made the band that holds the gatefolds closed.  This band is called a belly band {I have absolutely NO idea why} and I made mine out of a strip of white card that I had lying around.  There are no absolutes for the band and, while a lot of folks use ribbon, I wanted to add a word die as sort of the reason I was sending the card.  I cut the word thanks out of dark blue card, made a fishtail banner out of white card and used a bit of light blue scrap to add some interest {and to separate the white banner from the white of the band}, then attached all of that to my band.  I like that I can always make another band for this card if I decide to send it for another reason and that was the main reason I used the sentiment inside the card that can be used for any reason.  

That's how I made my first gatefold card.  I'm excited to try and make one with the fancy gatefolds now that I've gotten over my fear {I fear every new technique I try; I find if I just don't think about it and dive right in, my fear goes away regardless of how the project comes out.}  I hope you will join us at a2z Scrapbooking this month and show off your favorite Fun Fold card!  Thanks so much for reading all of my ramblings.  

Don't forget to use my discount code CHRISTI15 to get 15% off your purchases of $25 or more before shipping cost.  Also we are the exclusive retailer of Hero Arts digital stamps {and we also carry Sugar Tree Digital Stamps}, so if that is your preferred method of stamping, please go take a look.  Thank you so much and see you soon!  Fondly, Christi

 
I am entering my Thanks Gatefold Card in the following challenges:
Creative Fingers Challenge - #162, Anything Goes
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge - #426, Anything Goes
Happy Crafter - M, Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon - #493, Look Up, Way Up
Ike's World - #119, Die Cuts
Classic Design Team Challenge - #4, Anything Goes

Hello

Hello, crafty people!  Today I am sharing a card I made using a layering color set by Hero Arts.  They have so many new sets out now with the new catalog; I'm just waiting to get my new goodies!  Have you seen the new catalog yet? You can check it out by clicking this link HERE.  For this card I used a set that's been around for a bit, read on for more information. 

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Purple Panel
White Card {panel and scrap}
Hero Arts Color Layering Nasturtium stamp set, # CM266
Hero Arts Color Layering Nasturtium die set, # DI472
Hero Arts Inks in Passion Flower, Amethyst, Mint Julep, Moss and Lavender
Hero Arts Hello Stamp & Cut set, #DC151
Dimensional Dots

For this type of set having a stamp positioner is invaluable, regardless of the type.  I used my Tim Holtz platform and stamped the flower onto white card using passion flower ink and then filled in the details using amethyst.  Then I stamped the leaves beginning with mint julep ink and detailing with moss ink.  One of the wonderful things about this particular set is you don't have to align the stamps perfectly. I can never seem to get them lined up properly, even though the stamps are clear and I use my platform.  But it sure beats when I used to stamp using Stampin' Up! two step stamping!  Those stamps were wood mounted and it was literally a hit or miss if I got them even close!  Do you have any tricks that you use when layering stamps?  I'd love to hear them!  All of the inks I've used I've gotten from the My Monthly Hero kits; I've checked out a LOT of subscription services and I think that My Monthly Hero is by far the best deal out there! {I get no compensation from saying this; I just think it's true!}

I then stamped "hello" right onto the white card panel, stamped the butterfly using lavender and amethyst inks, and cut it out.  I wasn't going to use the butterfly but I got a spot on the card that needed to be covered up and the butterfly ended up being handy!  Just to add a bit of interest, I mounted the butterfly on a dimensional dot.  Lastly, the white panel was adhered to the purple card, then the purple card was trimmed and mounted onto the white card base.  To me this card just screams spring and, since we have had more snow now than in years, I am longing for some warmer weather!  I hope you enjoyed my card and I'd love it if you'd become a follower - I am on almost every social media except YouTube {I just can't make a good video yet!} and which ever you choose, let me know in the comments so I can follow you back.  Have a GREAT day. ~Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Shopping our Stash - #391, Celebrating Friendship
Unicorn Challenge - M, #41, Spring
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Feminine/Girly
Creativ Fusion Arts & Crafts - M, Spring
Crazy4Challenges - #474, Flowers
CARDZ TV - #84, Anything Goes
Cut it Up! - #169, Hello Spring!
Craft Rocket Challenges - #57, Flowers
The Flower Challenge -#30, Anything Goes

May All Your Wishes Come True - Hero Arts Kit

I've been lucky enough to be able to subscribe to what I think is hands down the BEST paper kit out there, My Monthly Hero by Hero Arts.  I've tried other kits and, while there is nothing wrong with them, the one thing I like best about My Monthly Hero is that they include dies in their kits.  Not too many kits give you stamps {and a FULL set of stamps, not just two or three individual stamps}, dies, paper - you can count on those each month.  In addition you might get some ink cubes, glitter, embossing powder, glimmer spray or lacquer, stickers, gel pens - basically if you want or need it for paper crafting, it's included.  Can you tell I'm a huge fan?  On top of ALL that, they release companion products; other stamps, dies, stencils and more!

Here is a cute, clean and simple card I made with the December 2018 kit:

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

My Monthly Hero Kit, Hero Arts, January 2019
Tutti Designs Scalloped Stitched Nesting Dies, #TUTTI-419
Dimensional Dots
Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust Clear Glitter Pen {I got mine in the MHK December 2018}

This card was a cinch to make!  First, I stamped all of the elements on watercolor paper with the Jet Black ink, colored them, and once they fully dried, cut them out with the matching dies.  I took a plain, white, A2, card blank and cut out the scalloped circle for the front.  I mounted the mouse with dimensional dots and glued the little dandelion parachutes right onto the card.  Lastly, the sentiment was stamped.

That's it!  There isn't much room on the inside to write anything more than a small salutation, but you could always go on to the back of your card if need be.  

I'm following the dandelion craze of late {as my credit card can attest} and I'm gathering quite a few stamp sets but this is one of my absolute favorites.  I love how each piece of the dandelion has it's own die so you can add as many seed bearing, umbrella, feathery bristles as you want either by stamping directly or cutting them out.  I looked up what these little floating, feathery, parachute things are actually called and technically they are called a 'pappus,' which I never knew.  All I knew is my dad used to have a fit when I blew all the fuzzies off the dandelions!  Feel free to look it up yourself and check out all the different ways people describe them.  Now you can say you weren't wasting time online because you actually learned something!  I personally like "seed bearing parachutes" which was what one person called them.  

Well, I hope you enjoyed my card.  I truly appreciate each and every comment, and if you do leave one, please leave your personal blog address so I can stop by and oooh and ahhh over your creations!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my cute little mouse card in the following challenges:
A Place to Start - M, Inspirational
613 Avenue - M, Anything Goes TWIST: Use an animal
Crazy for Challenges - #472, Show a Pet on your Card {while *I* don't own a mouse, I know people who have - and I had a hamper once, hope it counts!}
Cardz TV - Anything Goes
Creative Fingers - M, #158, Anything Goes
Creative Friday - #224, Use Only 3 Colors {Black, Gray & Pink}
Mod Squad Challenge - Only Name Brand clear/rubber stamps
Die Cuttin' Diva's - #408, Random Acts of Kindness
The Cat's Pajama's - #354, Furry Friends {graphic below}
Sparkles Monthly - M, #113, Include an Animal 

I just have to say it is so weird to enter these animal challenges with a MOUSE instead of a CAT {like I typically do!}  My furbabies forgive me though, I think they do. . .  

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Sending Love and Hugs

💖💗💘💝 Happy Valentine's Day! 💝💘💗💖

One layer cards are not easy for me; I think my fear is a throwback to the old days when we had no choice but to use rubber stamps on wooden blocks.  You couldn't see exactly where you were stamping, and then if the image didn't come out, well, there were no MISTI's or Platforms, so unless you could use a stamp positioner, you got one chance at a good image and if that image missed a line, or an entire section, your one layer card now became a two layer card so you could cover your mistake.  Or, even more often for me, trash.  

I could never make them work. - I still can't understand them.  I have 2 of them; one is the good old L shape and the other is like a prototype of the platforms, but we had no magnets and you had to have set it up beforehand.  I think you use acetate somehow.  

Since it is possible to over stamp on an image now without all the fuss, I can actually make one layer cards like this one and not have to pray that I've inked the images perfectly!  Here is my card:    

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Simon Says Stamp Beautiful Flowers Stamp and Die set, #set330bf
Prismacolor Pencils
Studio Katia, Clear Round Dots, Mix 1, #SK2410
Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Tim Holtz/Tonic Stamping Platform

I am very pleased with this card.  Making one layer cards is still something I struggle to do, even with all the help the new stamp positioners give you.  I stamp the image, color it, and then stamp my sentiment, often times to notice after it's stamped that the words are crooked.  Maybe that is because I'm crooked {I am literally crooked - I suffer from scoliosis, it reared it's ugly head very late in life and, while I had major surgery about 7 years ago, I've noticed that my upper torso, shoulders and such, are starting to get crooked again.  Guess it's time to go back to the doctor!} or maybe because I don't pay enough attention to the grid on the positioner.  Anyway, this card is fine!  I stamped the flowers, colored them with colored pencils, added some clear dots, then stamped the sentiment.  I didn't use any blender, I just kept coloring over and over and I am tickled by the flowers.  Not a lot of highlights but still very nice in my book!  

What do you think?  Were you stamping back when every stamp was wood mounted and you had to use one of those impossible old stamp positioners? What do you think of the new positioners? Do you have one and, if so, which one?  I'd love to hear your comments on how you insure everything is straight on your creations.  Have any tips?  Please leave your answers in the comments.  I do read each and every one of them and I thank you for taking the time.  Until I see you again, take care!  Fondly, Christi

I am entering my card in the following challenges:
Creative Inspirations - M, Love
TTCRD - Anything Goes
Mod Squad - Floral
The Flower Challenge - #29, Use Your Latest {this is the latest floral stamp}
Crafting by Designs - Love is in the Air
DL Art - M,  Always Anything Goes
Crafty Cardmakers - #227, Love, Love, Love

Have a Magical Winter Season

If you visit this blog regularly you know how I just adore Lawn Fawn.  I've had this set since it was introduced {last winter} but hadn't made anything with it until recently.  And I went a bit overboard; once I got started, I couldn't stop and ended up making three cards!  Instead of doing a separate post for each card, I decided to do just one.  So here is a picture of all 3 cards together:

Now in order to tell the cards apart, the first one is Landscape, the second is Portrait, and the third is Three Fairies.  I wanted to let you get a better look at each card.

What I Used to Make my Cards:
Each of the three cards uses the following:
White Card Base
Lawn Fawn Frosty Fairy Friends stamps, #LF1224
Lawn Fawn Frosty Fairy Friends dies, #LF1225
Watercolor Paper {I use this}

Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

Zig Clean Color Brush Markers

Wink of Stella in Clear {all of their wings sparkle}

Dimensional Dots

Gelly Roll Gel Pens, Stardust Pack

For the first card, Landscape, I also used the following:              

The Landscape Card

Distress Ink in Broken China

Petal Point Pad, Alchemy, the Silver Ink

Lawn Fawn Starry Skies die, #LF1377

Silver Glitter Paper

The first thing I did when making this card {after the fairies were all stamped, colored, and cut} was stamp the sentiment onto the card base using Broken China ink.  I cut some stars out of silver glitter paper and glued them in various places around the card and stamped the wand swirls in silver ink.  

I used dimensional dots to attach this fairy to the card, placing her appropriately so that the wand swirls and stars were in the correct areas.

The Portrait Card

For the second card, Portrait, I used the following products:

White Scrap {for embossing folder}
Darice Scroll Background Embossing Folder, #1216-62
Distress Ink in Broken China

For this little fairy, first I stamped the snowflakes and wand swirls in Broken China and stamped the sentiment in Jet Black ink, then I dry embossed the background.  I attached the background paper to the white card base and finished the card by using dimensional dots to adhere the fairy.  

Finally for the third card, Three Fairies, it was time to have some fairies hanging out together outside their home.  I picture them practicing flying and getting those wand swirls perfect.

For this last card I used these additional products to make my card: 

Three Fairies

Scrap White Card {for banner}
Spellbinders Shapeabilities Vintage Pierced Banners, #S4-820
Distress Ink in Broken China
Light Blue Cardstock
Darice Embossing Folder Snowflake Trim, #1219-135
Stickles Glitter Glue in Crystal

Step one in constructing this card was running the light blue card through my Big Shot to dry emboss the paper.  I glued the background paper to the white card base and made the banner out of scrap.  The sentiment was stamped onto the banner after it was cut, and then it was assembled.

The fairy house was water colored like the fairies and I added a bit of glitter glue to the roof and the tip of the front door.  I was trying to give the illusion of snow, but since I used a clear glitter glue you can't really see it, even in person.  So we will just say it's ice; works for me!  The fairy that carries a muff is now holding a star leftover from the first card and another star has been added to the top window of the house.  

I hope you enjoyed my cards; these fairies are adorable.  ~Christi

I am entering all of the cards in the following challenges:
Fashionable Stamping - #143, Anything Goes
The Fairy & the Unicorn - M, Anything Goes
The Crafters Cafe - Fairy Tale {hope my fairies count!}
Friendship Challenge - #38, Anything Goes with Snowflakes
Just for Fun - Use Blue & Silver {entry 2}
Sweet Stampers - #28, Winter/Snow
Alphabet Challenge - W is for Wings
Fab 'n Funky - #425, Fantasy Figures
Lil Red Wagon - #482, Winter Blues
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes
Frilly and Funkie - Winter Blues

Love has Four Paws

Good morning! I'm so glad you stopped by and I hope you like my most recent card for Die Cut Diva's.  This month's theme is Anything New and this image, provided by our sponsor, Bugaboo Digi Stamps is brand new; at least to me!  You still have a little time to enter this month and I hope to see you there!

What I Used to Make my Card:
White Card Base
Pink Card
Alcohol Ink Markers
Bugaboo Valentine Pup Set, #BUGVALPUPSET
Kat Scrappiness, Pet Sentiments dies
Darice Mini Hearts embossing folder, #1219223 {retired? Still available}
Tutti Scalloped Stitched Nesting Circles, #TUTTI-419
Altenew Enamel Dots, Red Cosmos, #ALT2591
Wink of Stella, Clear
Gelly Roll Gel Pen, Clear
Gelly Roll Gel Pen, White, #10 {I highly recommend the 3 pack}

I had printed this pup out on two different type of paper just to see if different

If you look close you can
see the sparkle on the
heart and a few around
the puppy.

paper printed better - I could see no difference.  I just grabbed the image closest to me and started to color away with my hodgepodge of alcohol ink markers; the reason I don't note the colors I've used is because I have such a mix of the markers half the time I'm not even sure which manufacturer I'm using!  The picture was colored and I added the white dots around the smaller heart {which is a different color than the large heart - I'm not sure if that is clear on your monitor}, some clear Wink of Stella around the large heart and I added some little sparkles around the dog with my clear gel pen.  

Once the image was colored I concentrated on the rest of the card.  I like the light pink background but it lacked something; the card needed more interest so I embossed the background paper with the mini hearts folder.  I trimmed that paper down and adhered it to my card base.  I then cut the dog out using the stitched scalloped circle die and cut the love out twice, using white and red card.  I inlaid the paw with the red pieces and glued that to the card.  Finally, just to add a bit more embellishing I finished off the card with three enamel dots on the lower right side; one of them blends in very well with

Another Look

the pink card so you might have to look for it.  

I am becoming more comfortable with using digital stamps and I still plan on learning how to use my alcohol markers properly.  I realized while coloring this image that alcohol ink markers use color to highlight and blend not a blender.  Might not sound like a breakthrough to you but I was happy; I felt as if I cracked one of the many secrets of using these markers.  I'd love to hear your secrets to using alcohol markers, please leave me a comment {complete with your info so I can return the blog love and visit you!} with your breakthroughs or tips and tricks, I could use all the help I can get!  As I said, there is still a bit of time to enter this Die Cut Diva's challenge, using the theme of Anything New,  but if you can't make this one there will be a brand new one tomorrow.  I hope to see you there! Fondly, Christi

I am a day late in adding my card to some challenges! I forgot I had this card scheduled :)
2 Crafty Critter Crazies - #23, M, Anything Goes w/ a Critter
Pearly Sparkles Challenge - #37, M, It's a LOVE thing
Dies R Us - #114, Use the Color Red
Color Crazy Challenge - Anything Colored Goes (week 4)
Creative Friday - #223, Love is in the Air
Cut it Up - #166, Hearts
Kat Scrappiness Challenge - Hearts