Love and Cherish cards set with Alicia Barry

Today I have created a sweet card set using stackable labels, words and leaves from Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts. I started with some vintage style background papers from the same collection, but in two different colour schemes. This means that they will co-ordinate together, but each stands alone as a piece of art.

 I wanted to create layers and dimension on the cards along with some texture, so to create this I have treated each chipboard layer with a different technique. The first layer of the Stackable Labels Shape Set pieces are inked with brown distress ink. This creates a matt finish that is fairly subtle. (tip: if you want to create a more vibrant colour effect using ink, paint the piece with gesso first).

The next layer is the plain label centre. For this I covered the piece in the same patterned paper as the background. This helps to create a cohesive flow across the project.

The next layer is the word from the 10 Words set. For this I used dimensional pearlescent paint which I painted on directly using the nozzle to ensure complete coverage. I kept the paint fairly think, and by pushing it around with the nozzle, I was able to create a great textured finish, along with the shimmer of the paint.

 The final layer was the Skeleton Leaves. This set is great value, as you can use the leaves as a full branch as seen, or separate them for a bunch of individual leaves. These were done as  a combination of the other techniques. First I applied ink to give some background coverage. I then added dimensional paint in two different shades, except this time I swiped it on with my finger to achieve a more variegated look. Finally I added some clear glitter glue across the top, before slightly shaping each piece and adhering to the card.

You'll notice that the rest of the card design is deceptively simple allowing the eye to focus on the chipboard cluster which I created off centre to make interesting use of the residual negative space.

Supplies used:

Stackable Labels Shape Set

10 Words

Skeleton Leaves 2

Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts tool caddy

If you could see my desk right now,  you would know just how badly I need this Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts tool caddy to get me organised. The things on my desk all have a place, but there are a handful of items that I use every single day, that are too useful to put away after a project. They are the things I need at hand all fo the time. This caddy is perfect for this as it small enough to be close by without getting in the way of my work, but big enough to hold the essentials...in fact it holds a surprising number of items right in arms reach.

I began by coating everything in gesso. This gave me nice white edges on the narrow, visible surfaces. It also gives a nice finished look to the inside of the project.  Never just assume that those parts can't be seen. Always finish off every face.

Next, I traced the sides onto card stock, cut and glued in place. You can just glue on first, the cut, but I find it hard to get a nice clean edge that way using scissors. If you do prefer this method, use a craft knife to trim. Sometimes on projects like this, I like to sand the edges once glued to ensure a nice close finish on the edges.

Once the visible sides are all covered in paper, go ahead and assemble as shown. From there it was onto embellishing. I used some fussy cut florals as my base. Even though I knew I would cover a good amount of them,  I wanted to have the leafy foliage visible. I had some die cut off cuts that I tucked into my main cluster, then adhered some gauze tucked under the edges of the cluster. To finish off and add an elegant touch, I coated Feathery Flourishes Mini in gold acrylic paint, and adhered to each side of the cluster.

You can see that I mirrored the cluster with a second one on the diagonal corner of the project, along wth a tied ribbon bow. This is a slightly smaller cluster, to compliment the large cluster without competing with it for attention.

Supplies used:

Tool Caddy

Feathery Flourishes Mini

One design, two cards.

 Every now and then, a card design really comes together. I really loved this first one that I made, so what I like to do is immediately repeat the design on a second card, but I like to substitute some of the main elements. What I ended up with is two cards that I love, that look quite different, but are actual the same design. The best part was the second one came together really quickly.

I started out with a 5x7 card base, and layered two co-ordinating patterned papers leaving a small border between them. The third layer is a journaling card from the same collection. I used foam dots on this layer to add dimension.

Both of my frames from the Filigree frames Shape Set were inked with grey ink, then randomly coated in metallic embossing powder. Some of it blew away as I heated (must need new glue), but I actually love the speckled effect that resulted from it. I backed each of the frames in a plain coloured paper to help ground them and create a base for the title.

The titles, butterflies and dragonflies have a coat of gold glitter embossing powder. These turned out even better than I imagined. I originally wanted a matt gold to mimick the gold foil in the paper, but this is what I have, and I love it. It has a really cool texture too.

The final additions were fussy cut flowers, paper roses and some gauze, along with some tiny drops of dimensional paint.

Supplies used:

Filigree Frames Shape Set

Butterflies and Dragonflies

Post settings Labels Alicia Barry, Butterflies and Dragonflies Shape Set, Filigree Frames Shape Set Published on 1/26/18, 1:00 AM Central Standard Time Permalink Location Options