When I saw the Bird on a Branch Stamp Set (PN 113266) in the Stampin' Up! Spring-Summer 2009 idea book & catalog, I fell in love. I literally squealed with delight when I saw the Birds & Branches sizzlits decorative strip die (PN 114529) in the back of the catalog. I just thought that these two items were screaming to be brought together and desperately needed to be featured side by side. The card above is my first attempt at bring stamping and die cuts together with a variety of layering techniques. I am sure you will being seeing more of this pair together as I really enjoyed playing with them.
For those of you new to crafting, creating a card, scrapbook page or painting is an iterative process. The professionals rarely whip out the perfect creation on the first try. They spend time playing around with various techniques, deciding on a layout and piecing things together until the final design is created. Then the final product is created. Okay their may be a few talented people out there who nail their creations in the first shot, but I'm not one of them.
While I show you how to create this card, I will talk about the design process, sponging and layering using the stamp off technique. I'll be sure to discuss the various products that I use as well.
Supply List
Very Vanilla 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock (PN 101650)
Bordering Blue 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock (PN 102630)
Mellow Moss 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock (PN 102898)
Chocolate Chip 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock (PN 102128)
Creamy Caramel 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock (PN 102514)
Chocolate Chip Stampin' Pad (PN 100908)
Pacific Point Stampin' Pad (PN 111837)
Kiwi Kiss Stampin' Pad (PN 111835)
Ruby Red Stampin' Write marker (PN 100075)
Cameo Coral Stampin' Write marker (PN 100074)
Bird on a Branch Stamp Set (PN 113266)
*Bird & Branches Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die (PN 114529)
Big Shot Die Cutting Machine (PN 113439)
Sponge Daubers (PN 102892)
To use the Sizzlits Decorative Strip Dies in the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine you will need the Decorative Strip Cutting Pads (PN 113479) & Extended Spacer Platform (PN 113477).
Please remember that you don't need to purchase individual packages of card stock, you can purchase card stock assortments by color family. For this card, you could purchase the Rich Regals Card Stock Assortment (PN 105567 - Qty 36 sheets or 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock) and the Earth Elements Card Stock Assortment (PN 105567 - Qty 36 sheets or 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock). The card assortment packages are a great way to play with colors.
Let's get started with the Card: (IE Tutorial Begins HERE)
Step 1: Creating the Sizzlit Decorative Strip Die Cuts.
Building the sandwich:
The picture below shows the sandwich needed for the decorative sizzlit strip dies.
Beginning with the bottom most layer first, the sandwich consists of
Extended Spacer Platform (PN 113477)
Decorative Strip Cutting Pad (PN 113479)
Sizzlit Decorative Strip Die
One Sheet of Paper or Card Stock (ONLY use 1!)
Decorative Strip Cutting Pad (PN 113479)
Tip:With Sizzlit dies ONLY use 1 sheet of paper at a time!
Tip:When using the decorative sizzlit strip dies, it is best to use 12" x 12" paper if you want the entire image from the same piece of paper (i.e. if you were using the swirly die). Here I am using 2-1/2" strips of paper to cover the areas of the die that I want a die cut from. The width of the die is 2-1/2".
For example, sheets of the Mellow Moss (leaves), Chocolate Chip (branches), Bordering Blue (birds) and Creamy Caramel (Branches) were all cut for the sections needed and placed on the appropriate sections of the die and run through the machine.
In the image above, there is a piece of Bordering Blue card stock that is 2-1/5" x ~3-1/2". This is more enough to cover the bird section of the die. This piece of Card stock was placed over the birds and the Sandwich completed. The sandwich was then run through the Big Shot Machine.
Don't forget to outline your newly created stickers with a pen.
I'll talk about how I layered the various die cuts as the we go on.
Step 2: Creating the Stamped Background for this Card.
The background of this card uses the Stamping Off Technique. This technique allows you to get several shades (or tones) of a color from a single stampin' pad.
The numbers in the image refer to the sequence the branch stamp was stamped on the card stock. You can see how the Chocolate Chip Ink used on the branch stamp gets lighter the more times you stamp with it. Please note, I did not re-ink in between stamping. I did twist and turn the stamp to make it look different, but I did not re-ink the stamp. The point is that by using the stamping off technique (or repeat stamping technique) you can get varying shades of a color.
The varying shades gives the image some depth. The lighter images appear further away than the darker branch. This is a nice simple technique to use to add a little something to your projects.
The stamping off technique was also used for the red flowers. The stamp was inked using the Ruby Red Stampin' Write marker and the Cameo Coral Stampin' Write marker. The flowers were than stamped in the same order as the branches to produce the same graduations in tones.
Step 3: Layering the Die Cuts
Remember that a design process is iterative. I began laying out the die cuts, when I decided that I wanted to add some green foliage to the background behind the die cut branches. You will notice this in the pictures as you read a long.
The branches were then removed and the green foliage stamped behind the branches. I then began cutting the various components of the branches from the previous die cuts and layering them over each other.
Step 4: Sponging Technique
The last technique used on this card front is the sponging technique. Sponge daubers were dipped on the Stampin' ink pad and rubbed along the edge of the bird.
Step 5: Stamped the inside of the card.
The inside of the card was stamped using a 2 step stamping technique. For more information on the 2-step stamping technique, please click here.
Hope you enjoyed this weekends Saturday with Sizzix!
A friend asked me to make 80 Baby shower invites for her daughters baby shower. She is leaving it up to me to select the final design. She is so supportive. She simply said that anything you make will be wonderful. I thought that you could help me out. Can you pick your favorite one & leave a comment in the comment section letting me know which one you like the best? I would really appreciate your feedback.
Card 1 - Wild About you Stamp Set from Stampin' Up!
Evidently last weeks post using the Bag with Scallop XL Sizzix Die (PN 114519) post just wasn't enough for me. I just had to find something else to do with this die. In addition to the scrapbook page, card and favor bag, the die cuts from this very versatile die have been used to create this basket!
This basket is easy to make and it can used for multiple . It would make a beautiful basket for cards at a wedding. Just imagine it all in white, decorated with scallop boarder, butterflies or your favorite flower embellishments. The little favor bags make the perfect accompaniment for wedding shower favors or wedding favors. They are also perfect for parties and little gift bags for friends and family. This basket can also be used for presenting a hostess with a cake or other present. Heck, mine will be collecting the mail. Truly you can use this for whatever purpose you see fit!
Supplies for the basket
XL Bigz Die: Bag with Scallops (PN 114519)
Extended Cutting Pads (PN 113478)
3/8" hole punch or Crop-a-dile
Scallop Border Punch (PN 112091)
5 Pieces of 12" x 12" Card stock or your Choice for Scallop die cut strips
1 sheet of 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper of your choice for weave
1 sheet of 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock for scallop trim
Sticky Strip (PN 104294) Adhesive
SNAIL Adhesive (PN 104332)
Embellishments of your choice.
Tutorial Instructions - Let's start making the basket.
Step 1: Die Cut 16 long strip with the scallop edges using the XL Bigz Die: Bag with Scallops (PN 114519). You will not need the other side of the die for this project. Cut a quantity of 8 -1.5" x 12" strips from the Designer Series Paper.
Step 2: Align them into a stack and punch a 3/8" hole in the center of the scallop as shown below using the crop-a-dile.
Step 3: Remove 2 strips from the stack. These will be used for the decorative handle later. For the stack of remaining 14 (16-2= 14) strips, insert & secure the brad in the hole.
Step 4: Fan the strips out into a circle as shown below.
Step 5: Fold all of the strips toward the center at the score mark closest to the center of the circle.
Step 6: Attache a 1.5" x 12" strip to the inside base of one of the folded arms.
Repeat Step 6 until all 3 rows are complete.
Step 7: Add Scallop embellished border. 3 - 2" Strips of CS were cut and scored and folded in have. Using the scallop border punch, scallop edges were added along the length. The score line on the scallop edge pieces were used to align to the edge of the die cut strips as shown below. Then fold, the scallop edge over and secure it in place.
The remaining 2 scalloped strips are attached to the sides and then secured in place at the tops by placing another brad or eyelet in the holes previously punched.
Let me know what you think about the basket! I'd love to hear what you think about the basket.
Today's Saturdays with Sizzix focuses on how to use the new Bigz XL Bag w/scallop PN 114519. As usually, I can't just use it for its intended purpose. The resultant die cuts made from this die can be used to create a party favor bag, a card and a scrapbook page. The pictures below show the projects that were made with this die. Intertwined in the tutorials for these projects are a few important tips for using this die.
Are you feeling the versatility of this die??? I know I am after a few minutes of playing with it, these examples were created!
Before beginning the tutorial, lets discuss the die stack. It can be difficult to ensure the proper alignment when using paper that just fits over the die cutting surfaces. Often times, more paper is wasted when trying to use paper that just fits. When using paper that just fits, you need to be extra careful that the paper does not shifts. Unwanted shifting can create an incomplete die cut. To eliminate this problem, I used remnants of some rubber and cushion from a Stampin' Up! stamp set that I recently assembled.
A long section along of stamping cushion and die was cut and adhered to the die as shown below. You can see the nice straight surface this created for aligning card stock against.
As I used this guide, I found that the cover plate should not go over it, but rather line up ~1/4" in front of it. This set-up made for perfect cuts each time using strips cut from a 8-1/2" x 11" pieces of card stock.
A die cut from the Bag w/scallop Bigz XL die are shown below.
To assemble the bag follow the steps in the picture below.
Step 1: Fold the side panel cut out along its creases.
Step 2: Fold the front panel of the bag along its creases.
Step 3: Add adhesive (Sticky Strip is shown in the pictures above) to the left side of the front panel.
Step 4: Remove the sticky strip protective cover, Align the side panel as shown in the Step 4 picture and rub the card stock to adhere.
Step 5: Using the same sequence as Step 4 adhere the bottom of the side panel.
Step 6: Using the same sequence as Step 4 adhere the remaining side of the panel.
Repeat Steps 3-6 for the right side panel.
Add embellishments as desired to create your finished bag.
The front panels of this bag were also used to create sleeves for cards and title backgrounds as well as tags for scrapbook pages. The pictures below provide ideas for using the front panel for more than just cute little bags!
For the Scrapbook page shown below, the front panel was laid across the top of the page as a background for the scrapbook page title. Another panel was trimmed and used at the bottom of the page as a tag for the date.
I hope these ideas have inspired you to create something special with your Scallop w/bag bigz die PN 114519 or perhaps buy it! . Click here to purchase on-line.
Sizzix Texture Plates are very similar to dry embossing. These plates create embossed images on paper and card stock. This tutorial is a step by step picture tutorial showing how to use these plates. The plate below is part of the Texture Plates Kit #4 (SU PN 114531).
Before going through how to set-up the texture plate for embossing, the difference between the crease pad and the silicone rubber needs to be explained. The Crease Pad is used with dies which create die cuts that require folding to create the final project.
It is easy to confuse the Crease Pad with the Silicone Rubber Pad when you haven't use them before. The Crease Pad is larger than the Silicone Rubber Pad and not as stiff as the Impression Pad. The Silicone Rubber pad which you will be using with the texture plates is extremely floppy. If the Crease Pad is used instead of the Silicone Rubber Pad, it will be almost impossible to put the sandwich assembly through the Big Shot (or BigKick). I suggest labeling the various pads to help you avoid making this mistake. The picture below shows the difference between these pads.
Let's now build the sandwich assembly for the texture plates.
Step 1: Flip the Multipurpose Platform tab to Tab 1.
Step 2: The texture plate has a different pattern on each side. Place the texture plate on top of Tab 1 with the pattern that you want to use facing up.
Step 3: Place the paper on top of the texture plate in the orientation you want it embossed.
Step 4: Place the Silicone Rubber pad over the paper.
Step 5: Place the Impressions Pad over the Silicone Rubber.
Step 6: Roll the sandwich through the BigKick or Big Shot.
You're done! Here is a comparison showing the before and after.
Below is a sample using paper which has been texturized (if that is a word) using the texture plates.
I hope this tutorial has helped those of you who wish to use the textured plates! The more I play with them the more in love I am!!!
After I initially created this post, I recieved several emails and read various post with additional tips and tricks to using these textured plates. These tips & tricks are listed below.
Use an extra piece of card stock as a shim to create a deeper impression - Glenda Trexler
Run the Sandwich through the Big Shot twice to create a deeper impression - Patty Bennett
Lighty mist the card stock with water or paper glide before embossing it, this can help create a better image - Regina Andari
This Tutorial is a case from The Holiday Mini. Items from this mini are available through January 18, 2009. Order Now if you are interested.
The following Sizzix dies were used to create this card front.
PN 113465, Sizzix Bird w/Leaves & Flower and
PN 113468, Sizzix Scallop Circle.
Various designer series papers were used with embellishments from the pretties kits and brads. The examples are shown latter in the post.
To create this card front, select the paper you would like to use for the scalloped background and the semi-circle. Cut the Scallop using the Sizzix die PN 113468. The semi Circle can be cut using scissors, the Coluzzle Cutting System (PN 102264) or the Large Sizzix Circle (Not Sold by SU). The circle measures approximately 3-7/8" in diameter.
The ribbon was cut to ~4.5". The Snail adhesive was applied to the back of the ribbon and the ribbon adhered to the front of the semi-circle. The extra bits of the ribbon were wrapped around to the back of the semi-circle so that the fringe of the ribbon would be neatly hidden away when the semi-circle was glued to the scallop circle.
TIP: Don't use glue on ribbon. It can leave ugly spots and pucker the ribbon. The picture below shows some glue spots on ribbon.
These spots were easily covered up with the placement of the bird and an added flower embellishment in the final assembly shown below.
The picture below shows the various color schemes and layouts used.
Hope you enjoy this quick tutorial. These little birds can be easily adapted to any theme or holiday.
Remember the really cute scallop punch turkey, no worries if you don't just click here for a refresher. When I first made one, I thought that the feathers would make a cute dress. From the inspiration of the Turkey, the Doily Angle was recreated into a Paper Punched Angle which of coarse further developed into the Sizzix die cut angle shown below.
If you want to create on of your own, here are the instructions.
To make the Small Doily Angle, you will need the following Punches.
Stampin' Up!
Part Number
Stampin' Up Description
Pieces Needed
109043
Scallop Circle Punch
2
110711
Boho Blossoms Punch
1
104390
1/2" Circle Punch
2
100391
1/8" Circle Punch
2
The number of paper punches needed from each punch is listed in the table above.
Let's start with the Scallop Circle Punch. You will need 2 punched scalloped circles.
1) Fold one of the Scallop Circles in half and punch 1/8" holes in each of the scalloped edges.
2) Fold the other Scallop Circle, score it along the dark black lines shown in the picture below. The gray line is a reference center line (CL). The numbers on the scallops are good reference points as well.
Punch 1/8" holes in each of the scalloped edges and then fold along the line extending from 1 to 4. Apply Crystal Effects to the scallop.
Turn the folded scallop over and align it to the folded scallop half as shown below.
Fold along the line extended to between 7 & 8 and the line extened to between 11 & 12. Place a small amount of Crystal Effects in the folds and hold them down to secure them in place.
To complete the small doily angel, A folded 1/2" circle was placed first followed by a flower from the Boho Blossom punch to create the hair of the angel. A 1/2" circle punch was placed on top for the face. ( I'm still undecided about the hallow. I would have preferred to use gold wire or avery small oval, but in the end I decided on the folding a 1/2" circle in half. This is shown in on the photo on the right. Of coarse, I'm kicking myself as I have some brushed gold card stock would have been perfect!....If anyone has some better ideas, please share!!!!)
This completes the littlest of the angles.
To create the larger angel
The following punches and dies are needed.
Stampin' Up!
Part Number
Stampin' Up Description
Pieces Needed
109043
Scallop Circle Punch
1
104401
1-3/8" Circle Punch
2
113468
Bigz Scallop Circle Die
2
100391
1/8" Circle Punch
3
101227
1/16" Circle Punch
2
The instructions are almost the sames as those used for the smaller angel except that the fold on the larger scallop is slightly different. The picture below shows the score marks needed to fold the scallop.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me. I hope you enjoyed this Tool Time Tuesday Post.
This Saturday with Sizzix started with one thing in mind. A strong determination to make a card for you using a die that I haven't used before, The Swirls Scribbles Sizzlits die!
Two Sizzlits dies were selected, the Sparkle die (PN 113444) and the Swirls Scribbles die(PN 113441). Sizzlits are just like the Decorative Strip dies in that they are meant to cut paper only. When cutting card stocks with these dies, only cut one at a time. The thinner papers like the double sided Designer Series paper may be able to handle multiple sheets, but I like a crisp edge so I only use one sheet of the thin paper as well.
This card is for you, the readers of this blog. If you don't already know, I truly appreciate you and with out you there would not be a stampthings blog. If you have any comments, or suggestions, please email me or leave a comment so that I can continue to make this blog a better place for you.
Now, let's back to the reason you are here. This card is not only pretty, but it is very SIMPLE to make. The instructions are presented in the easiest order to create the card.
The supplies needed for this card include the following:
Stampin' Up! Part Number
Stampin' Up! Description
100908
Chocolate Chip Stampin' Pad
111351
Pink Pirouette 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock
111353
Kiwi Kiss 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock
112041
Designer Series Bella Rose Paper
103875
Wonderful Words stamp set
113441
Swirls Scribbles Sizzlit Die
113444
Sparkle Sizzlit Die
109114
Pretties Kit
111367
1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon - Chocolate Chip
104332
SNAIL Adhesive (104331 SNAIL Refill)
101055
Crystal Effects
1. To create the card base, cut a piece of Pink Pirouette 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock in half to yield a 4-1/2" x 11" piece of card stock. Score the card stock at 5-1/2" along the width and folded in half. Use a Bone Folder to make the crease of the fold nice and flat.
2. Cut a 4-1/4" x 5-1/4" piece of Bella Rose DS Paper and adhere it to the front of the card as shown below using the SNAIL Adhesive.
3. Cut another piece of the same Pink Pirouette card stock into a 4" x 5" section. Flip the paper over to reveal the Chocolate Chip side. Center and adhere over the card base shown above.
4. Cut a 3-3/4" x 4" piece of Pink Pirouette card stock. Stamp "thank you" from the Wonderful Words stamp set using Chocolate Chip ink at the top of the card stock. Place the card stock 1" from the bottom and center it horizontally over the new base. Using the SNAIL Adhesive glue it in place.
5. Apply the SNAIL adhesive along the length of a piece of 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon - Chocolate Chip ~9" long. Wrap the ribbon along the bottom of the Pink Pirouette card stock to hide the bottom edge. You will want to hide the ends of the ribbon under the flower. Place on end of the Ribbon ~1" from the left side of the card front, wrap the ribbon around the inside of the card and back on the front, hiding the Pink Pirouette card stock edge.
6. To create the stems of the flower, the Swirls Scribble die is used. To use this die in the Big Shot, the Multi-Purpose Platform is used. Click herefor a previous post on using the multipurpose platform. The sandwich stack used for the Sizzlits dies is
Tab 1 of the Multi-Purpose Platform
Bottom Cutting Pads
Sizzlit Die (Swirls Scribbles) Cutting surface facing upward
One 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" of Kiwi Kiss card stock
Top Cutting Pads
FYI: The Top & Bottom Cutting are the same. For more information on the Sandwich Recipes for the Big Shot, Click Here.
Two die cuts are needed. Run each piece of card stock through the Big Shot separately as the Sizzlits are not meant to cut multiple pieces of card stock.
7. To create the flower, the Sparkle die is used in the same way that the Swirls Scribble die was used in Step #6. Four (4) die cuts were made using four pieces of 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" Pink Pirouette card stock. Again, each die cut was made one at a time, as the Sizzlits are not meant to cut multiple pieces of card stock.
To create the flower, SNAIL Adhesive was glued to the back of each Sparkle die cut. The pieces were then placed one on top of each other with a slight twist so that the "petals" of the flowers were slightly askew. Once the flower was assembled, the petals were gently pulled up to give a 3-D effect.
A dab of Crystal Effects was added to the center of the flower and a half of an off-white pearl from the Pretties kit was dropped in the center.
Obviously, too much Crystal Effects was added in this example. A q-tip was used to remove the excess Crystal Effects.
8. The large swirl sections for the Swirl Scribbles die cuts are used as stems. Adhere only the portion of the swirl which will lie under the flower to the card base. The intent is to allow the stem to flow freely adding to the 3-D effect of the flower.
9. Use Snail Adhesive on the back center portion of the Sparkle flower and place it firmly over the stem sections to create the card front shown below.
I hope you enjoyed this weeks Saturdays with Sizzix. Don't forget to go easy with the Crystal Effects (LOL) and come back for another post this Tuesday.
Welcome to Saturdays with Sizzix!! This week a simply subtle, dainty and delicate scrapbook page featuring the Swirly Decorative Strip and Sparkle Sizzlits die in honor of our little girl was created.
The techniques used to create this page include layering, stamping and journaling. The items used to create this page are listed in the table below. The finished page will display two, 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" photos and an area for journaling.
Stampin' Up!
Part Number
Stampin' Up! Description
111836
Riding Hood Red Stampin' Pad
111351
Pink Pirouette 8-1/2" x 11" Card Stock
112041
Designer Series Bella Rose Paper
104421
Canvas - Background Stamp
101586
White Vellum Card Stock
108341
Spiral Punch
113456
Swirly - Decorative Strip Die*
113477
* Extended Spacer Platform
113479
* Decorative Strip Cuttin Pads
113444
Sparkle Sizzlit Die
* The Decorative Strip Dies require the Extended Spacer Platform and the Decorative Strip Cutting Pads.
You can click on the image of the page for a larger image. I must say that this page is absolutely beautiful in person, but very hard to view the subtleties of the page.
Two begin, the piece of the Bella Rosa Designer Series Paper (DS) was torn using a Friskas tearing edge, as shown below.
The paper shown on the left in the image above, was flipped over to reveal the poke-a-dots. In the picture to the right the poke-a-dotted DS paper is aligned as desired under the pink DS paper. Once the desired overlap was obtained the poke-a-dotted DS paper was trimmed and glued to the back of the pick DS paper.
The finished strips of DS paper were then adhered to side of another piece of Bella Rose DS paper resulting in the layout shown below.
Three die cuts were than created using the Swirly Decorative Strip Die.
Pink Pirouette card stock
Pink Pirouette card stock stamped with Riding Hood Red Ink and the Canvas background stamp &
Very Vanilla card Stock.
The Very Vanilla and Pick Pirouette die cuts were laid on top of each other and added to the left side of the page over the torn pieces of paper previously added. The remaining die cut was saved for latter.
From the remaining pieces of Pink Pirouette card stock that was stamped using the Riding Hood Red and Canvas background stamp, three Sparkle die cuts were created and saved for later.
Once the adhesive was added to the die cuts the mounts for the two photos and the journal area were created. The photo mounts were created with two piece 4-1/2" x 6-1/2" of Pink Pirouette DS paper and two pieces of 4" x 6" piece of Pink Pirouette card stock. The corners of each piece of paper or card stock were rounded with a corner edge punch. The smaller piece of card stock was glued on top of the larger piece of DS paper. A 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" photo with rounded corners can be mounted on top of each photo mount. The photos that this page is intended for were not available when the page was created.
To create the journal area, three pieces of paper were used. They are listed below.
4-1/2" x 6-1/2" of Pink Pirouette DS paper
4" x 6" piece of Pink Pirouette card stock
3-1/2" piece of White Vellum card stock
The top of the pages were punched with the spiral punch to create the torn from a note book effect. The bottom of the paper were torn using the Friskas wave Tearing edge.
I like to use vellum when journaling, as you can place it over a piece of lined paper and write on it. This helps to keep the writing even as if you were writing on lined paper.
Now that the pieces are all ready, they were assembled the order below to create the finished page.
Photo mounts
Journalling area
Sparkle die cuts
The Remaining Swirly die cut
This page can be further embellished using the Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge hardware (PN 112454) or a clip from the Clips Assortment (PN 112580) on the journal portion.
Thank you for joining me for this weeks Saturdays with Sizzix.
