Framed Hugs

Combine rubber stamping with card making to create decorative easel frames to display special moments captured on film.



Published in CardMaker, July 2012.  Complete instructions and supplies listed on pages 64-65.



Penny Black’s Paisley Outline gives this shapely Spellbinder die cut a lovely pattern.

Tip/Hint:  For die cuts with rounded bases that will be displayed in a standing position, “rocking” can be prevented by trimming a small (horizontal) strip off of the rounded back base edge.  

Since this concept is based on a layered card design, these photographic treasures are easy to mail to friends and relatives with additional space to enclose a personal note or journaling.

  

A special thank you to Meagan Sell for sharing this beautiful photograph with me!

Share a hug today,

Elizabeth

Sent With Love

Welcome back for another Penny Black summer release.

This bird from A Flight of Thread is the perfect size to perch in a window.

To begin, an oval was die cut from the center of a white cardstock rectangle.  After applying sponged layers of Peanut Brittle, Toffee Crunch and Espresso Truffle Memento inks, Wall Paper Print was stamped over the whole piece in Majestic Blue VersaFine.
 
A small window frame was constructed from additional die cuts and sponge colored with Olive Grove Memento ink.  The decorated frame was then attached over the window opening with dimensional foam.

TIP/HINT:  To reinforce thin frame elements, die cut the same shape from cardboard (i.e. cereal box) and layer with the decorative paper die cut.

“Dry fitting” the window elements for placement allowed the position of the sentiment to be lightly marked with a pencil.  Moving the pieces aside, the sentiment was stamped in Onyx Black VersaFine and heat embossed with clear powder.  The pencil markings were then erased and the panel was attached with dimensional foam.

Several impressions of the bird were stamped on white cardstock with Onyx Black VersaFine and heat embossed with clear powder.  Select sections were watercolored with a paintbrush and ink from Memento Markers (listed below). 

TIP/HINT:  For an iridescent finish, paint the pieces with Gold Sheer Shimmer Spritz. 

Once the select pieces were trimmed and layered with dimensional foam, the embellishment was attached to the window frame.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing all the new summer releases from Penny Black over the past two weeks.

Thank you for visiting and all your lovely comments!

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: A Flight of Thread 40-139, Wall Paper Print 40-134, Lace Delight 30-115

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001

3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape

Spellbinders: Classic Ovals Large (S4-110)

Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Majestic Blue VersaFine, Peanut Brittle Memento, Toffee Crunch Memento, Espresso Truffle Memento, Olive Grove Memento, Memento Markers (Dandelion, Cantaloupe, Morocco, Summer Sky, Bahama Blue, Danube Blue, Paris Dusk, Teal Zeal, Lilac Posies, Rose Bud, Grape Jelly, Bamboo Leaves, Olive Grove, Peanut Brittle, Toffee Crunch, Rich Cocoa, Gray Flannel, London Fog, Tuxedo Black), Gold Sheer Shimmer Spritz, Clear Embossing Powder, Jumbo Sponge Daubers

Frame Card Art & Hidden Tag

Decorative card frames can be created in no time at all by combining die cuts, inks and stamps!

This antique frame was designed with Spellbinder’s Labels 22 and Large Classic Ovals.  Memento inks in Espresso Truffle, Toffee Crunch, Peanut Brittle and Angel Pink were applied to the white cardstock die cuts with jumbo sponge daubers and then stamped with Letter Background before assembly.

Penny Black’s hydrangea from Flower Festival was stamped with Onyx Black VersaFine on watercolor paper and heat embossed with clear powder.  After watercoloring and trimming the image, the flower centers were accented with a black Glaze pen.  A small sentiment from Wishes was tucked under the leaves.  The soft background behind the oval window is Penny Black’s Periwinkle cardstock.

There is a hidden tag...

A small pocket nestled between the layers helps the tag glide smoothly in and out.

For the card base, a separate die cut was scored to create a gluing tab.  Having an easel base for cards with extra layers will lend stability and keep the card from “slumping” when on display.

TIP/HINT:

For consistent and even placement of brads positioned on corners, a handmade template is a handy tool.  Mark the position of the first hole with a piercing on a “scrap corner”. 

This will become the guide for piercing for the remaining corners.  The template will need to be turned and rotated as you proceed from one corner to the next.  Align the template corner with the project corner and pierce the hole position.

A heartfelt “thank you” to all that visit as well as the readers who invite me into their homes by subscribing to my posts via e-mail.  Your kindness and support are greatly appreciated!

Smiles,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Flower Festival 30-095, Wishes 30-103, Letter Background 1999L

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Storm 01-001, Periwinkle 11-001

Canson: Watercolor Paper

Spellbinders: Classic Ovals Large (S4-110), Labels 22 (S4-346)

Sakura: Black Glaze Pen

Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Espresso Truffle Memento, Toffee Crunch Memento, Peanut Brittle Memento, Angel Pink Memento, Jumbo Sponge Daubers, Clear Embossing Powder
Other: Paper Piercing Tool

An Elf Present

I just love this new stamp from Penny Black called Little Elf Present!  It is one of those images that you just can’t wait to color.

 

Wouldn’t he be fun to alter for a birthday card too?!

This is a peek at the inside where I created a small pocket where I can tuck in a gift card.  For photographic purposes, I snuggled in a temporary gift to illustrate the pocket area.  I also left plenty of room above the insert to add a sentiment.  I usually leave the sentiments on the inside for last so I can personalize the greeting toward the recipient.

Zooming in you can see the gold edging on the dark green window mat and the sparkle gel pen used for accenting his outfit, present and tag.

I find that using different thicknesses of dimensional foam to vary the levels of the project adds a nice visual contrast.  To achieve even more combinations, I “double up” foam pieces.

I cut my framed windows by hand, but you could also use pre-cut frames or create them with a die-cutting system.

If you would like to jump in and create a frame card, here are my steps and measurements for today’s project. 

Instructions:

Pre-cut the following:

4 3/8” square card from red cardstock (This can be a left-sided or top-folded card.)

4” square white cardstock

4” square dark olive frame (with a 2 ¾” window removed leaving 5/8” sides)

4” square light olive frame (with a 3” window removed leaving 1/2” sides)

Preparing the pieces:

Rub crimson red ink on the front of the card to deepen the tone.  Edge all four sides with Delicata Golden Glitz ink.

Create a line of black dots on the white cardstock ¾” from the bottom.

Edge the inside of the dark olive frame with Delicata Golden Glitz ink.

Stamp dot border on the light olive frame with Spanish moss ink and then distress with additional Spanish moss.  (Tip: To have the pattern appear to fade out toward the perimeter of the frame, stamp the pattern first then distress.)  Add white gel pen dots if desired.

Assembly:

Center and adhere the white cardstock to the prepared card base with adhesive.

Align the dark olive frame over the white cardstock and adhere with 1/8” dimensional foam.

Align the light olive frame over the dark olive frame and adhere with 1/16” dimensional foam.

Stamp the elf with black pigment ink and heat emboss with clear powder on white cardstock.  Color and trim.  Accent hat, pom pom, boots, cuffs, skirt, tag and present with sparkle gel pen. (Gift tag stamped separately and attached with black thread.)

Attach the oh so cute elf with 1/8” dimensional foam to the outer frame.

Inside Gift Pocket:

Rub crimson red ink on a 1 ¼ x 4 3/8-inch piece of red cardstock.

Stamp border in black on white cardstock and heat emboss with clear powder.  Color and trim to 4 3/8” in length.

Attach the border to the top of the red cardstock strip.  Apply adhesive to the two sides and bottom of the strip and adhere to the inside of the card. 

The other feature I like about framed cards, is that it gives you the option to put your artwork either on top or underneath the window.  Great way to give photos too!

On Friday, I will be posting two more cards made from this same stamp!

With appreciation for all your visits and comments,

Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Little Elf Present 40-090, Fairy Christmas 30-082, Halloween Treats 30-078

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Olive Grove 04-001, 04-003; Rose Garden 14-003

Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Spanish Moss VersaFine, Crimson Red VersaFine, Delicata Golden Glitz

Copic Markers

Dimensional Foam: 3M Scotch (1/16”), 3D Dots EK Success (1/8”)

Sakura: Stardust Gel Pen, .01 Black Micron Pen

Other: Ruler, Craft Knife, Cutting Mat

Merry Everything Mim

I am looking forward to "swinging" into the upcoming holidays with this delightful elf called Mim.

Layers of Reverse Wonky Rectangles set the stage for Mim and her merry everything ornament.    

The outer frame was die cut from red cardstock and a subtle pattern was created by stamping snowflakes in crimson red and black.  To soften the contrast of the black ink, the first impression was made on scrap paper and the lighter, second impression was applied to the frame. Touches of gold ink edging and random white gel pen dots finished the embellishing before it was elevated on the front of the prepared card base. 

The elevated interior rectangle was highlighted with thatched straw ink then the Retro Pattern was stamped in Delicata Golden Glitz.

Little Mim was stamped on white cardstock with black ink and heat embossed with clear powder.  Before coloring, the sentiment was stamped inside the ornament and heat embossed with clear powder.

After “fussy” cutting the image, two layers of 1/8 inch dimensional foam were stacked to create a ¼ inch elevation.  This helped pop the image up and above the red frame.

TIPS/HINTS:

1)   To create the card base, die-cut two rectangles from white cardstock.  Score one rectangle 1 inch from the top edge.  Apply adhesive to the scored tab and attach the second rectangle on top. 

2)  Plan the placement of dimensional foam to the outer frame to leave a portion unobstructed at the top so the black string from the ornament can be wrapped around and tied in a bow.

3)  If the coloring medium has soaked through the image and is visible from the backside, color the overhanging elements (hat and pompom) with a Black PITT Artist Pen.  This pen will not soak through to the front and will give the card a finished appearance when viewed from the back.

Thank you for all your visits and comments.  They make each and every day merry!

Smiles,
Elizabeth

Supplies:

Penny Black Stamps: Little Elf Mim 40-089, Retro Pattern 40-086, Let It Snow 30-086, Winter Whites & Greens 30-057

Penny Black Mix & Match Cardstock: Rose Garden 14-003

Copic Markers

Faber-Castell: Black PITT Artist Pen

Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine, Crimson Red VersaFine, Thatched Straw VersaMagic, Delicata Golden Glitz, Clear Embossing Powder, Sponge Dauber

Sakura: White Gel Pen

Spellbinders: Reverse Wonky Rectangles S4-307

Other: Black String, Dimensional Foam (3M Scotch / EK Success)

Dreamboat

This is a little surprise that I made for my husband. 

Instead of a card, I created a small piece of “framed” art with a square Spellbinder’s Nestability.   A piece of chipboard on the base of this 3 ½ square plaque keeps the piece sturdy which also allows it to be propped up easily.

For depth, several layers of dimensional foam were used.  The sentiment and stars were the only images stamped directly on the background which was highlighted with Distress Inks.  The brush tip of the Mono Aqua Liquid Glue made it quick to coat the chipboard and attach the white cardstock base.

The boat and water are separate pieces and were water colored before trimming.  The “water” is a randomly cut piece of watercolor paper.

To keep both feelings of warm tropic sand and masculinity, the frame was distressed with Vintage Photo and Walnut Stain inks before the Paisley Outline was stamped in Vintage Photo. 

This “Dreamboat” would also be fun with a bon voyage greeting.



Have a dreamy day,

Elizabeth

Supplies: 

Penny Black Stamps:  4173J Dreamboat, Paisley Outline 40-048

Penny Black “Mix & Match” Cardstock:  Sticks & Stones 02-002

Penny Black Online Store

Canson:  Watercolor Paper

Tsukineko:  Onyx Black VersaFine, Clear Embossing Powder, Sponge Daubers

Ranger:  Mustard Seed Distress Ink, Dried Marigold Distress Ink, Vintage Photo Distress Ink, Walnut Stain Distress Ink

Tombow: Permanent Stamp Runner Adhesive, Mono Aqua Liquid Glue, Dual Brush Pens (026, 055, 515, 535, 725, 856, 985)

3M Scotch:  Dimensional Foam Tape

Spellbinders:  Small Classic Squares Nestabilities (2 ¾)

Chipboard (3 ½” square)

Framed Card Art

This was a project I created last fall for a submission.  I got to wear my "number crunching" hat while I developed and calculated all the dimensions and folds.  I was very excited about how it turned out.



Published in Scrap & Stamp Arts - September 2010



This was the most challenging part - an inset window.

I also attached a collapsible easel....

To accent the sentiment, a button was tinted with Alcohol Ink and green holographic thread was wrapped through the holes.

After stamping the background pattern in New Sprout Ink, Pear Tart Ink was blended on top.   Before assembling, the box was sprayed with Gold Sheer Shimmer Spritz.  The decorative band was also stamped with VersaMark Watermark Ink and then pounced with Gold Perfect Pearls Powder.  Lots of shimmer throughout!

Stamped segments of the flower were layered for dimension.

The flower segments were colored with Tombow Markers (DTP/direct-to-paper) and then pounced and "smooshed" with a sponge dauber and Tangelo Ink.  The segments were then sprayed with Copper Sheer Shimmer Spritz and soft bends were added.

Thank you for stopping by.  Your visits are greatly appreciated.

Enjoy your day,

Elizabeth

Supplies:
Penny Black Stamps:  4041J Purple Folds, 4069F Celebrate Life, 30-048 Illuminations, 30-009 Clearly in Love
Tsukineko: Onyx Black VersaFine; New Sprout, Pear Tart, Tangelo Memento Inks; VersaMark Watermark Ink; Gold and Copper Sheer Shimmer Spritz; Clear Embossing Powder; Sponge Dauber
Tombow: Dual Brush Tip Markers, Adhesive
Suze Weinberg: Wonder Tape
3M Scotch: Dimensional Foam Tape
Ranger: Crystal Stickles, Gold Perfect Pearls Powder, Terra Cotta Adirondack Alcohol Ink
Sulky: Green Holographic Thread