'What you do speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you say.'
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tuesday 24 November 2009

While getting out my Christmas stamps (ooh-er – scary!!!) I noticed that I have a couple of these Simple Expression plates left, so I thought I’d do a seasonal giveaway :)

it will include the A5 unmounted Simple Expressions plate below, a fab Bradletz pack in Carnival colours (perfect for Christmas and LOTS of brads) and 12 Colorbox Pigment ink Cat’s eyes in the following colours:- Marigold, Chianti, Burnt Copper, Copper, Cocoa, Frost White, Cream White, Dusty Plum, Roussillon, Chestnut, Violet and Midnight. These are, of course all brand new. If you haven’t used pigment ink much, you really should – it’s such a treat because it blends so easily, you can emboss it easily AND – unlike water based dye inks - it’s permanent! PLUS, you’ll also get another surprise gift… a nice one :)SEChristmas4

provo-craft-art-accentz-bradletz-carnival-3010846-225-1257524973000 catseye02

If you’d like the chance to win, just post a comment here on the blog . If you’re a follower, please remind me of it in your comment and you’ll get two entries, instead of one. You can leave comments until the end of November.

IDEA FOR USING ONE OF THE STAMPS

I haven’t had any time to stamp for a while (boohoo!!) so this isn’t a new card but since this image is part of the Blog Candy I thought I’d post instructions for making it. This was pre Cuttlebug folders and I can’t help but imagine how much nicer that plain background would be if it was embossed with the dotty folder….snowman card standing up

Card upright

clip_image002

Card flat.

These really and truly ARE the same card - one scanned and one photographed - just goes to show how much difference a bit of light makes - the photo was taken in lots of light!

Before we start, you’ll need two squares (or rectangles) of coloured card to attach the images to, but they must both be exactly the same size. You’ll also need two pieces of card for the image – again, both exactly the same size. If If you’re going to add layers, as I did (it makes the card a little more robust) then you’ll also need two pieces of card which fit inside one side of the card, leaving a border all the way round AND two pieces half their width for behind the image and the inside greeting.

1 Take the two equal sized pieces of white card and stamp the snowman (or any image) as centrally as you can on both pieces. Colour with pens or your favourite colouring method. Don’t forget to add a fine line of pale blue/grey all around the inside of the snowman. It’s barely visible, but it really does make the image ‘pop’ and gives the illusion of snow. Attach one of the images to a square of coloured card.

3 Trim closely around the other image, leaving a fine white border all around. Attach this to the other square of coloured card, positioning carefully until it is in exactly the same position as the other image. Find the centre of the coloured card (top and bottom) and mark with a pencil, then cut around the right hand edges of the front image, leaving the left hand side intact and a fine edge of coloured card visible around the image.

4 This one’s only for the snowman, but if you’re using him or one like him, add Stickles to the hat brim and the bobble, then Glossy Accents to the coal nose and button and set aside to dry.

5 If you’re lucky enough to have a Scor-it, the next bit is really easy – just find the centre of the front of the folded card, score and fold back to the front side edge. If you don’t have a Scor-it, it’s still pretty easy :)

6 If you’re using them, centre one of the larger squares of white card on the inside of the coloured card and attach a white rectangle to the folded back part of the card which can be seen from the front.

8 When you open the card up, there’s now only half a front on the left hand side; stamp the greeting on another white rectangle and attach to this bit.

9 When dry, attach the first image on green card to the centre of the inside of the card. Folding the card, carefully line up the green card behind the cut out image with the one you just attached to the inside, then attach to the folded back front of the card. The image on the front of the card should cover the one on the inside if you do this right. When the card is open, you can see a bit of both images (see above) but it looks like one of those fab 3D cards.

lynne shrink snowman

These instructions make it sound really complicated but it isn’t – it’s easy peasy and one of those design ideas you’ll use over and over again once you’ve tried it because it looks as if you’ve spent ages on it, when you really, really haven’t. If anyone needs card measurements, I’ll be happy to provide them to make that first attempt really easy!

The card above was made by my good friend, Lynne – she stamped the snowmen on white Shrink plastic, coloured and heated to shrink. The central image is actually a ‘pin’ or brooch, so it’s a card AND a small gift!

17 very kind comments from lovely people:

Artyjen said...

Thanks for sharing the card how to and for the chance to win.
xoxo
I'm also a follower :)

Sally H said...

That's fab blog candy, Cath! I'm a follower already. Thanks for the chance of winning!

Chris said...

I love those stamps, Cath. He's my favourite snowman ever and will be oming out again this year - if I ever get around to making any cards that is!

Hope it's okay but I put details of your blog candy on my blog. :o)

Unknown said...

Wow Cath love your cards - brilliant - I will have to have a go at those using a different sort of stamp. I think I will try the bottom one first - need to get my fuzzy head around the top one - it is so effective isn't it.

Haven't used pigment inks before so thanks for the tips. I like the look of the shape of those, especially with the pointy ends to them, looks like they will be easier to use than the 'normal' oblong shaped ink pads. Nice looking colour too - looks like the colour it is (if you know what I mean).

It seems such a lot of things to give away - you are so very kind.

I would love my name to go into the hat with a chance to win.

I am a groupie - (I mean follower) of yours too - as are 45 other people on your list.

Thanks for all the little tutorials and tips - they really are helping me improve my work.

xx

Neet said...

Lovely work as usual. Feel a bit cheeky entering your blog candy giveaway but this old follower has not got that stamp.

JAN said...

hi Cath i am now following your blog. I love those stamps the snowman is great in fact they are a super set altogether. please enter me with a chance to win such fabulous xmas candy Jan
artbyjan@googlemail.com

Robin said...

What a wonderful and generous giveaway! I have been a follower for a while now and love your posts!!

Take Care - Robin

Ann Bletcher said...

Hi Cath. Lovely cards as usual and just at the right time as I really need some inspiration for my C cards (haven't made a one yet).
Not sure how to become a 'follower' but (as the great Brucie says) you are (in)my favourite(s).
Ann B

cockney blonde said...

Love your card Cath. I too have this plate and it will be coming out again this year. Just love the snowman. Anyone winning your offer will be chuffed to bits to own him, x

Tinkertaylor said...

I haven't got this plate but my friend has and I was so envious when she bought it. Thanks for the tutorial. I found your blog via Chris so I'll sign up as a follower now, thanks

gocanucksgo said...

Brand new follower here and i'm totally enjoying your creations so far. You're so sweet to be doing such an amazing giveaway and I your instructions for todays card. Keep up the fantastic work!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks you for this gorgeous blog candy, its so generous. I really love the cards you made with it.

Paul B said...

Lovely stamps and fantastic inspiration with it. I do follow you but using googles ireader. Every post you create is sent straight to my homepage. I wouldn't miss a single one. Love your blog :) Px

Kristy C said...

LOVE your cards Cath! That snowman is soooooooo cute! And yes I am a follower :)

Josephine said...

Beautiful card! Not a follower yet, but I suspect that might change.

Anonymous said...

Hi Cath
Just been perusing your blog, love the Christmas ATC's and everything else. Always an inspiration.
Hugs
Jean

Glennis F said...

I hope I am not too late for this. I am about to become a follower