Cards using pleated paper

I've seen some very pretty cards using pleated paper so I thought I would give it a try.  The main thing that I discovered was that I prefer larger pleats - it does a better side of showing the under side of the paper.  I scored at 1"then added a 1/2 inch then 1" then 1/2" and so on until I have the number of pleats that I want.  For portrait cards, I like using paper that was 3"tall.  This allowed me to have a ribbon across the pleated paper and a sentiment at the top.

For the Christmas paper, instead of ribbon, I used the zip strip at the top of CTMH papers.  I cut the bird from a scrap piece of paper.

Below is one of Mary Ellen's pleated cards.  She cut the flower from a scrap piece of paper.

Below is a wedding card that Ally made from the For Always paper.  She used the zip strip instead of ribbon.  I like the splash of color the red hearts give the card.

The next two cards were made by Dawn.  Very similar but also very different.  I think the mustache on the Father's Day card gave it a nice touch.

Below is another card of Mary Ellen's - this one for Father's Day.  I like how she put the pleated paper in the center of the paper, with the zip strip at the top.  And how cute is the puppy!!!

Scraps and embossing folders

I have a bad habit of keeping way too many scraps.  I hate to throw away good paper, regardless of size.  This means every once in awhile I need to come up with projects to use up some of my scraps.  Our April gathering was the perfect opportunity.  I put together some cards, some partially put together cards and some kits that were just pieces.

Okay, if I'm being honest, my original plan was to make cards centered around quotes that I have on various stamp sets that I never end up using.  Below is my first card....

My next card, I used some scraps to build the background that went behind the quote.

Then I had fun with the background paper...  Add some rick rack and a flower and it wasn't about the quote any more.

And if you make cards with squares then it only makes sense that you have to make a card with circles.  I actually like the way this one came out.

Below are the cards that the ladies came up with....  I am always surprised at how many different ideas they come up with.

Didn't they do a great job?!?!?!

CTMH Spring Critters stamp set and thin cuts - Easter Cards

My Easter cards were made with the CTMH Spring Critters stamp set and thin cuts... and the CTMH Kaleidoscope paper pack with Playful Puffies and sequins for embellishments.

More Box Cards

I love box cards but I only make them for special occasions or milestone birthdays.  I like the idea of keeping them special.  It may sound crazy but....

The box card below was made with CTMH Spring Critters stamp set and thin cuts.  I think they are so cute!   My next post will show my Easter cards using the thin cuts as well.

Christmas card with CTMH Diffuser

I've seen different ways to make a diffuser to use with embossing folders but when CTMH started offering diffusers, I immediately bought both the circle and the square.  I think this is such a great idea and it's so easy to use.  I stamped the "Let it Snow"in the area that the diffuser left un-embossed (is that even a word?!?!?).  I think my Christmas card design came out simple and elegant.

Inking Embossing Folders

We all know how much texture embossing folders can add to our projects but inking the folders before running the paper and folder thru your cuttlebug gives you a whole new look.  I had made several hot air balloons with my cricut and I had a cloud folder - once I inked the folder, I loved the results.

Next, I had this really cool paw print folder.  Again, I wasn't sure how I was going to use it but once it was inked, the paw prints just 'popped'.  I added the dog silhouette that I had cut with my cricut, added some red and white chevron washi tape.  I think this card is sooo cute!

With the holidays coming, I needed to start thinking about Christmas card ideas.  I thought this snowman was so cute and I liked the blue background.....

but.... when I used a darker blue ink, I thought the image looked even better.  The dark blue makes it look like a night sky.  The card probably needs a little saying (similar to the above card).

Then I started looking at other Christmas folders.  I've had the folder below for years and never found a good way to use it - there is so much detail.  By inking the card in red, the words and images are so easy to see.  I had to add a bow tie to the snowman.

Cards Using Pictures

My friend, Jenn, gave me copies of some of her pictures.  She asked me to see what I could do to turn them into cards.  I especially had fun with her rose pictures.  I was determined to come up with different ways to take the 'same' picture and make them different.