Waiting for Santa

Hi there!  It's Kim from Katydid Cards.  This is my last post for Miss Kate Cuttables.  After two and a half years of enjoying being a design team member for Miss Kate, I have decided to step down.  But I will still be sure to continue to get my Freebie of the Day and I encourage you to do the same.
And I'll see you on the Galleria as I will definitely be following to see what the design team and you fans create each month.

For my card today, I used several Miss Kate SVG files; Waiting for Santa and Dog as well as various patterned papers from the Winter Woodland Digital Collection.  As you can see, this cute little pup is waiting for Santa to come to fill his stocking with lots of goodies.

I wanted to turn this into an easel card, so I cut the base to accommodate I thought it would be fun to put a battery operated tealight candle behind the fire, so I cut a piece of vellum to fit.  As the area above the mantle looked a bit sparse, I filled a gold bowl with Poinsettia brads from Eyelet Outlet and added a candle embellishment on the right accented with another EO brad, Holly.

Here's another look from the side.  I didn't take a picture of it, but if you know about easel cards, you know this lies flat for mailing...such a cool idea!

I couldn't get the best picture of it, though I took dozens, here's the card with the tealight behind it.

As this is the end of an era, so to speak.  I took a trip down memory lane, looking at all the cards I've made using Miss Kate's files.  Some are among my favorites.  Here's a link if you want to look, too.

This Nutcracker is Sweet!

Hello folks!  It's Kim from Katydid Cards.

Check out this great Nutcracker SVG from Miss Kate Cuttables!  And while you're doing that, be sure to pick up your Freebie of the Day as well.  What a great way to enhance your SVG library at no expense to you!

This Nutcracker has lots of layers (just like all Miss Kate's files) so there's lots of depth and dimension.  I did very little else to the card; I added a mat of patterned paper from the Christmas Basics Digital Collection.   Embossing it with the Tiny Stars embossing folder further enhanced the paper.  To further embellish the Nutcracker, I added Jewel Bling from Eyelet Outlet.

 Here's a closer look at the Nutcracker.

For inside the card, I used a simple sentiment and added the Nutcracker, converted to print only and reduced in size.  I color matched the background to the patterned paper on the front.

Gobble 'til you Wobble

Hello everyone.  It's Kim from Katydid Cards. 

Today I'm sharing a card made with the adorable Turkey from Miss Kate Cuttables.  He shares the spotlight with the pumpkin from the Autumn Crow file and various patterned papers from the Sweater Weather and Summer Basics Digital Paper Collections.

I changed the turkey from standing to sitting in keeping with the theme of eating so much you can't stand it ;-).  This was easy to do by snipping off his legs and moving them.  I also changed the direction of the diagonal stripe in my Silhouette.  Finally, I altered the appearance of the dotted paper by importing it into Microsoft Works and then typing the sentiment repeatedly.   You can also see the oval jewel, colored with Copic markers, I used as the center accent.

I embossed both the feathers and pumpkin and think it made a big difference.  I also coated his beak with Glossy Accents.

Here's a look at the card from the side so you can see the easel mechanism.

The card closes flat for mailing.   Love this card fold!

Don't forget to stop in at Miss Kate Cuttables to get your Freebie of the Day!  See you soon!

Flying Witch

Hello all.  It's Kim from Katydid Cards here with you today.

I love Halloween cards, so I decided to make a few to send to special friends this year; like this flying witch.  I couldn't think of a better place to shop for cut and print files for those cards than Miss Kate Cuttables as there are just so many choices available.

Did you know that Miss Kate offers a Freebie every day?  Don't forget to pick up yours and while you're there, why not check out the Deal of the Day!  If you're not into checking in every day for a freebie, you can also get the entire month's collection of freebies at a deeply discounted price.

I started with the Flying Witch (which includes the crescent moon) and created a pull slider for her so she could fly across the ghost-filled night sky which comes from the Halloween Night Digital Paper Collection.   I changed the background color from black to purple, which is the beauty of digital paper!   After I created my slider and got everything situated as desired, I spritzed everything liberally with Shimmer Spritz.  I also coated the moon with Clear Nuvo Drops. 

The card seemed a bit lacking, but I didn't want to add anything which would keep my little witch from flying so I opted to place several Enamel Stars from Eyelet Outlet.

Here's what happens when you tug on the pull tab:

For inside the card, I made a simple panel with corresponding colors and a sentiment.

I hope you have the opportunity to make some fun Halloween cards and scrapbook pages yourself!

Grateful

Hi there!  It's Kim from Katydid Cards with you today!

I'm getting a jump on making holiday cards thanks to Miss Kate.  Speaking of which, don't forget to pick up your Freebie of the Day at the store.  Lots of great Autumn cut files and printables are coming out every day.

For my card today, I used the Fall Words cut file and the Autumn Digital Collection.

I made a simple card base, sized to fit in a business envelope.  Using an internal offset in my Silhouette, I created two mats.  The larger is cut from Copper Foil Paper from Stampin' Up.  In addition to the mat, I cut the word grateful.  The smaller is a print and cut from which grateful is cut.
I attached both to the card base and inserted the copper piece in the opening.  I was careful to save the interior pieces from the g, a, e, f, and l so I could place them back in the word.

Before I attached the patterned panel, I wrapped it with Copper Thread from Stampin' Up.  As a final touch, I added wooden embellishments also from Stampin' Up (now retired) which I colored with a Copper Leaf Pen.

I opted to leave the inside of the card blank for now as I'm undecided about whether I want to use this as a Thanksgiving or a thank you card.  I'm grateful for both...and I'm grateful you came for a visit!

Picnic Time

It's Kim from Katydid Cards with you today!

We're right in the thick of picnic time weather, so I thought I'd share a cute invitation with you today.  But first I want to remind you to pick up your Miss Kate's Freebie of the Day.

To make this invitation, I combined components from both the Picnic Time Title and Picnic Fun.  Who wouldn't want to go to a picnic if they received an invitation this cute...even the ants have arrived!

Here's a closer look at the picnic basket.  I love all those layers in the cut files!  I added a bit of Wink of Stella to the grapes and watermelon.

Inside I added a panel with all the particulars of the picnic.  With a different insert, I would work nicely as a thank you.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.   I hope you have fun picnic plans in your near future! 

July 4th Pop-Out Card

Hello everyone!  It's Kim from Katydid Cards with you today.

With the 4th of July is right around the corner, I thought I'd make a card in honor of the occasion.  Before I share it with you, I want to remind you to pick up your Freebie of the Day at Miss Kate Cuttables.

For my card, I picked the July 4th Title just to show you this doesn't have to be reserved for scrapbook pages only.  It worked perfectly on my card:

I call this card fold a Pop-Out card, though I'm really not sure of its official name.  Whatever you call it, I like that it takes no more cardstock than a standard A2 card, but its unique fold is a nice surprise for the recipient.  The card base is a cut file purchased in the Silhouette Store...did you know Miss Kate's files are available there as well?

Miss Kate has lots of digital (and now physical) paper collections to make their files.  I used a pattern from the Summer Fun Basics Collection.

I created a print and cut from the title.  The word July was cut out separately and applied it atop the printed word.  Next, I added a heavy coating of Glossy Accents.  Since I had the Glossy Accents in my hand, I went ahead and added a dollop to each of the red circles on the digital paper as well.

I had a Wink of Stella brush in my hand to add to the fireworks but stopped myself as I worried it might be too much.  Then again, I love too much on my cards, so I just might go back and add it. ;-)

School's Out for Summer

Hi there!  It's Kim from Katydid Cards with you today.

Many "back to school" cards are made using a chalkboard as a central focus, but if you're looking to stretch the use of your cut files, consider using the Back to School Chalkboard to celebrate the end of the school year as well.

But first, don't forget to pick up your Freebie at Miss Kate Cuttables.  A new file every day!
Now back to my card.  To change things up I replaced the back to school greeting with what you see below.  Did you know that Miss Kate also has a growing collection of adorable fonts?

I loved the color scheme Miss Kate used on the sample image, so I just used the same light and dark green combo.  The chalkboard itself was print and cut.  For a bit of additional authenticity, I took an Embossing Buddy to leave a little chalk dust on the board.

The file includes all the accessories.  As with all Miss Kate's files, there are lots of layers to add depth and dimension.  I added Glossy Accents to the apple to some shine!

All that's needed on the inside is a simple sentiment.

Thanks for visiting us today.  I hope you return again often.

Left the Nest

Hi there.  It's Kim from Katydid Cards.  Before I share my Miss Kate Cuttable's project with you today, I want to remind you to get your Daily Freebie.

In honor of Mother's Day next month, I decided to make a card intended for an adult to give to her mother.  The Birds on a Branch and Flourish Leaf Set worked perfectly together for the idea I had in mind.

I used the largest and smallest of the trio of birds, cut in three shades of pink.  For the leaves, I used only the outlines to create a grouping cut from the white panel containing the greeting.
I attached the panel with mounting tape and cut another set of leaves to add to the top.  I accented with Flower Jewels.  Here's a closer look at the detail on the birds and the dimension created by lifting the white panel.

Inside the sentiment plays off the mama and baby bird on the front.  I love the sentiment...I found it on the Internet

I'll see you next month with a new challenge and design team project.  I love the card I made last year for Mother's Day and I'm sharing the link should you want to see it.

Hoppy Easter!

Hi folks.  It's Kim from Katydid Cards with you today.

This month, I wanted to use Miss Kate's Hoppy Easter Title.  As I'm not a scrapbooker these days, I decided to make it into a card, with a bit of a twist.

Before I share the details with you, I want to be sure to tell you to check out the Daily Freebie at Miss Kate's.

My card is 3 1/4" x 6" into which I cut an opening using the outline of largest mat provided with this title.  On the inside, I printed the same sized mat.  My whole plan changed at this point.  I permanently adhered the card, so it wouldn't open and then added all those luscious layers provided with the cut file.

Since I love the colors Miss Kate used on this, I print and cut everything rather than cutting from cardstock.  I was careful to either sponge or run a marker around the edges to cover the white.

After I got everything where it belonged, I accented liberally with Wink of Stella.  I also added Rainbow Sparkle Jewels to the flowers and randomly on the card front.  

And here's what I did to the back, turning my card into a little picture.  The center area on the easel piece is a perfect place for a personal sentiment.

See you next month with two more projects featuring the fabulous Miss Kate's products.  In the meantime, I'm sharing the link from another Miss Kate's Easter card I made

A Tip O' the Hat

Hi!  It's Kim from Katydid Cards.  For my project this month, I decided to make a St. Patrick's Day card using a technique I've never tried previously.  Here's the flying easel card I made using the Leprechaun Hat. 

But before I share my card, though, I want to remind you about the Freebie of the Day at Miss Kate's.

I must have been feeling a little too confident because I decided not to consult any sort of tutorial before making this card.  My thought being, "I've made easel cards before...how hard can this be?"  Well...turns out I learned a thing or two from my mistakes.

I cut the opening and sized my Leprechaun hat to fit.  I ran a piece of clear thread side to side through the center.  Mistake #1.  I should have run the thread top to bottom for two reasons.  First, the weight of the hat pulls down on the thread so the hat is lower than I wanted.  Second, the hat isn't balanced so it wants to tip backward.  I had to add some additional cardstock to the bottom back of the hat as a counterbalance.

But let's talk about the hat for a moment.  There are lots of luscious layers to this, giving it great depth and dimension.  I used four shades of green cardstocks, complemented nicely by the digital patterned paper.

Here's a picture of the card, folded for mailing...and a confession of yet another mistake.  Mistake #2.

When I cut the opening, I didn't give any thought to what you would see through it...it this case the greeting and sentiment.  As I didn't take that into account, I had to add a separate piece of cardstock.

Here's the card opened, so you can see both the greeting and sentiment matted and attached to cardstock, embossed with the Simply Charmed embossing folder.  I accented the bottom of the card and the hat with Pearl Bling and a bit of Glossy Accents on the hat band buckle.

If I were smarter, I would have watched this video before embarking on this card making endeavor.  Live and learn.

You Make My Heart Saur

Hi folks!  It's Kim from Katydid Cards; happy I was invited to continue as a Miss Kate Cuttables design team member again this year.  Another year of working with great products and a great team.  This year we have a few new team members, so I'm looking forward to seeing what they create!

Speaking of creating, see what you can create using the Freebie of the Week.

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I decided to make a card celebrating love!  I worked with two adorable cut files which were "made for each other", literally.

I used Dinosaurs in Love and the You Make My Heart Saur Title, as well as a digital pattern from the Love is in the Air Paper Collection, one of my favorites.

To create the card base, I used a Silhouette store cut file.  This shaker is a little different in that it's built to the inside of the card.  I didn't want to obscure the title in any way, so I made this shaker understated, putting just a handful of hearts in various sizes.  

I converted the You Make My Heart Saur Title to print only as I didn't want the shaker contents to get stuck on anything.  I attached it to the inside of the card with mounting tape.  I adhered the acetate to the back of the patterned paper before attaching it to the card front.

I cut the dinosaurs from scrap paper...always nice to reduce the stash of scraps!  As a result, though, the light green layer was textured and the light pink was not.  I wanted to create texture, but nothing as deep as an embossing folder; so I ran it through my Big Shot between two very well used cutting plates.  The result was a subtle texture; just enough so it didn't stand out next to the green texture.

After I assembled the happy couple, I added some Wink of Stella in their spots and Glossy Accents on the hearts.  After I attached them to the card, I found the top of the card to be little "needy" so, using the heart included in the title cut file, I cut three hearts for across the top.  Of course, I just had to add more Wink of Stella to them and randomly on the plaid pattern as I'm addicted to using it.

Inside, I took pieces from the title again and created a sentiment to coordinate nicely.

Thank you for stopping by today.  If you get the chance, please come visit me at Katydid Cards to say, "hello".

Ho Ho Ho Gift Card Holder

Today I'm sharing a project made using one of Miss Kate Cuttables new Paper Die Cuts, Ho Ho Ho.  These die cuts are wonderful to work with.  They make easy work out of any project.  If you haven't looked at them yet, here's the link.  And while I'm sharing links, here's one to the Freebie of the Week.  Now let me show you the gift card holder I made.

I used almost all the pieces provided, leaving only one elf (which I'm going to use as a gift tag on one of my Christmas packages this year) and the snowflakes, which I'm saving for another project. 

Coordinating perfectly with these dies is the digital patterned paper from the North Pole Collection.  I embossed the bottom side mats with the Northern Flurries embossing folder and the mats for the top with the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder.

I wanted the Ho Ho Ho to pop, so I created little braces for it.  Here's a look at that:

When you open the box, you get a little surprise.

The contents of the box are connected to the lid with ribbon.  I ran it through a slit and attached it to the top under the mat.  The ribbon also connects each of the six panels in alternating colors.  I print and cut the mats from the same digital collection I used for the outside of the box.  Here are the first three panels.

 And here is a picture of the second three.

On the final panel, I used one of the elements of the kit as a holder for the gift card.  I just attached a little glue on either side.  On the end of the ribbon, I attached a little gift box die cut on either side.

I made this using cut file from the Silhouette store.  Intended to be a mini album, I think it makes for a unique gift card holder as well.  I know just how I'm going to use this!