Let's make a super cute handmade fun fold card that's perfect for birthdays and celebrations! Today's card starts with an envelope - but the surprise is that the envelope IS the card! Whether you like to make envelopes with a scoring board, a metal die, or a template and scissors, you can make this fun fold birthday card today!
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There are lots of ways to make your own envelopes to coordinate with handmade cards. Created from cardstock, patterned paper, or recycled magazines, the possibilities (and sizes) are endless. Scoring boards are a great option for creating envelopes, as well as die cutting, and stencils/templates that make a variety of envelopes. Once you cut out your envelope shape, you're all set to make this fun fold exploding envelope card!
I like to use my scoring board for envelopes. You'll find my simple envelope tutorial, using a scoring board, HERE. Start there to learn how to make the base of this envelope card.
Whether you start with a scored, die cut, or hand cut envelope - you'll do everything except adhere the envelope flaps together. And that, my friends - is your card base! How simple is that? Let's take a look at some ideas for decorating your exploding envelope card.
Think about the surface of this new card base as one whole shape - don't just decorate the center, decorate the flaps too. To create this idea, die cut a rectangle to make a little pocket in the center for a gift card. This becomes your focal point to decorate around. Add all your favorite stamps and dies to embellish. I started with some stamped stars in the background. Then I added die cut and stamped balloons and gifts to fancy it up!
When you're all done with the inside, simply fold it up (remember, no glue!) and add a ribbon or twine to hold the envelope closed. Add a fun tag and some more stamping or embellishing if you'd like.
Want to create a fun new handmade card with your embossing folders? Try this idea using scraps of paper and your favorite embossing folder for a striped rainbow card for any occasion!
This blog post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links I receive compensation at no cost to you. Thank you from the bottom of my crafty heart!
Today's projects feature some crafty goodness from Spellbinders. I'm totally in LOVE with our beautiful, fresh ColorWheel Cardstock colors. Today's project is a great way to showcase some of your favorite colors!
Let's take a look at the striped embossed technique on today's first card. It's quite easy, and it's a great way to use up scrap paper. Here we go:
Trim a white cardstock rectangle just smaller than a card base. (4x5.25")
Trim strips (or collect scraps from your stash) of any colors of cardstock. You can eyeball the sizes and trim as needed or if you like to be precise, here are the measurements I used (from top to bottom, in inches: 1.25", 1.5", 1", .75", .75")
Lay the strips right next to each other and tape them to each other with washi or Spellbinders Best Ever Craft Tape (it's like washi, but better!!!) You can use your white panel to eyeball the size and arrangement. You'll be adhering the strips to that panel later.
Next, lay the taped strips in an embossing folder and run through die-cutting machine.
Finishing off this card is simple because the embossed rainbow stripes are the star of the show. Don't even bother removing the washi tape from the back, and just adhere the taped pieces to the white cardstock panel. Then, add that to your card base. A die cut sentiment and a few sparkly gems complete this card.
Let's look at one more card using this same technique. This card is a 5x7 larger format card, but the technique is all the same!
Before you go, let's look at one more card featuring the Simply Perfect collection you saw above! This one features some sweet die sets that you'll use all year long. The Kaleidoscope Plaid Die Set was released at Christmastime but we're giving it a springtime twist this season. Let's take a look at this clever die set.
The Kaleidoscope Plaid set (no longer available) is made up of three dies. Die cut each in a different color and layer them to achieve this amazing plaid panel. Four panels will fill a normal card base, or use just one like I did on this card. They fit perfectly on slimline cards and gate fold cards too! The possibilities are actually endless with this cool set.
I paired the plaid panel with a fun floral die set called Simply Perfect Layered Blooms. This set can be layered and used in so many ways. Then I finished off the card with another scripty sentiment. I think what I love about all of these new products the most is that they can be mixed, matched, layered and put together in so many ways. They are truly versatile products we'll use again and again. And the new cardstock - dang, you guys, it cuts, embosses, die-cuts, and stamps SO nicely.
Supplies on Today's Cards:
Simply Perfect Florets Embossing Folder from Spellbinders
Have you ever made a circle-shaped handmade card? It's easier than you may think and you'll have a blast with this unexpected shape for a card base. Today, I'll show you how to make one with simple diecutting, and we'll look at three different ideas for circle-shaped cards.
This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, I may receive compensation at no cost to you. Thank you from the bottom of my crafty heart!
Here are the super simple instructions:
Die cut two circles that are the same size. (Think about what size circle you want your card to be.)
Next, fold the top edge of one circle down and crease it. (See photo below.) Use a scoring board and/or a bone folder for a super crisp fold.
Add adhesive to the folded flap, and stick the other die-cut circle on top.
Embellish and create as desired.
Today I've created three different varieties of circle shaped cards. The first one, Hello Sunshine, is fun for spring and summer cards and the pinked edges are a perfect finishing touch from this die. (The pinked edges help the card to stand up straight too!) And how sweet is that smiling sunshine?
The graduation card I made features simple stitched circle dies - I'll admit that although I love this card, the smooth circle die doesn't stand up as easily. But it's certainly not a deal-breaker, and this is a fun card to pin to a bulletin board or place on the fridge. I love the detail of the graduates coming just off the top edge of the card base.
Remember, any circle can become a cute circle shaped card. For the scalloped card below, I made a mini-card. I used a smaller circle size which would make a darling tag or mini card to tuck in a gift, lunchbox, or suitcase. Again, the design is SUPER simple, because with this fun unexpected shape, it doesn't take much to make these cards look great!
Today's post is part of Impression Obsession's Die Cut Obsession Days. The IO designers are sharing fun ideas with dies and diecutting, and I hope you'll stop by all of the blogs to be inspired today! Head to the Impression Obsession blog to find links to everyone participating. And then . . .go try a circle shaped card! (Be sure to share it with me too, I'd love to see what you create!)
I love using the Magic Mat with my die cutting machine, because it alleviates those pesky cutting lines on the underneath side of die cut shapes. You know, the ones from your best used cutting plates?
Hello dear friends, I have a REALLY fun cardmaking project to share with you today. It begins with a simple handmade envelope using a scoring board. But this envelope will contain an unexpected surprise. (No, it's not filled with cash OR a glitter bomb.) Let's take a look and I'll show you all the tips, tricks, and the secret inside!
This blog post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links I may receive compensation at no cost to you. Thank you from the bottom of my crafty heart!
Getting Started - How To Make An Envelope
Have you ever made your own envelopes using a scoring board? I'm a big fan of my FSJ Scoring Board but you can use any brand of scoring board you have. Each one is a little different, but if you need a refresher/want to learn more about the FSJ Journey Scoring Board, click here for my simple tutorial.
To begin this project, make an envelope in any size you'd like. (TIP: Don't have a scoring board? Gently disassemble any envelope you have and use it as a stencil to make your own from scratch!) This one is a standard envelope for a 4.25x5.5" card. It's fun to play with different sizes though! Once you score and fold your envelope - don't seal it up. Why? Because it's time to add the surprise inside....
Let's Look Inside
The envelope IS the card on this fun handmade project and there are so many surfaces to create with. Does this feel overwhelming? Let's think about it - the main rectangle of your envelope is the same size as a card. So tackle the layout as if you're creating a card. As you're creating, think about the flaps and how to incorporate them into your design. Your exploding envelope can be packed with embellishments, die cut shapes, stamped images, pockets and more - or you can keep it pretty clean and simple.
I love to add mini envelopes and pockets to add a gift card, notes or even photos. These exploding envelopes are really fun to theme for birthdays and graduation too. After you're done decorating the inside of the envelope, fold it up and then decide how to handle the front. I like to wrap a strip of patterned paper around it like a belly band or maybe some fabulous ribbon with a big bow. For this card, I added a great big die cut flower too. The recipient can just slide the band off and open the envelope.
Would you like some more inspiration? This is an Easter Exploding Envelope that I created for FSJ + Spellbinders. Don't miss the video tutorial below, where Kim Kesti demonstrates how to create it, just in time for Easter!
Here's what the envelope looks like when it's closed up. I love the big pinwheel on the front of it! Just make a paper belly band to wrap around it, and then embellish with a puffy bow, paper flower or pinwheel!
Don't miss this video from Spellbinders where Kim Kesti walks you through this project!
Get the Goods!
Looking for dies and supplies to make an exploding envelope? Check out my supply list for the goodies I used - some of them are even on clearance so it's a great time to grab them. Thanks SO very much for coming by today. If you try out this fun handmade craft, I hope you'll share a link with me in the comments. They are such fun! xoxo
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