Stamping With A Die

 

      How do you stamp with a die? Use the die to cut a funky foam shape and stamp with that. This card was made using the latest mandala die set from John Next Door - JND243 Belgravia Mandala.

     

     Using the die as a complete set I cut some funky foam, it's around 1mm thick so it cuts very well.

     Once cut and all the tiny bits were removed I covered the back with strips of double sided tape and mounted it on a circle of Stix2 Non Slip Grip. This grip was originally sold for putting on your rule to stop it slipping when measuring, but it has a fantastic 'cling' ability. There is no adhesive on this product, it just clings to a smooth surface, which means it clings to the stamp press perfectly.

     

     For the first stamping I used Distress Oxides, the ink sits on the foam quite happily without the need to prime the foam first.

     Watercolour card was best for this as the next step was to spritz it with water and allow the colours to run.

     

     To encourage the flow of colour across the card I used a hand operated air brush type gadget, it's sold for use with marker pens but without a pen it's a great way of puffing air where you want it.

     

     After the first layer was dry I selected the same colours but in Distress Ink this time. I dabbed the foam with a paper towel to remove any excess Oxide before adding the Ink to avoid any possible issues.

     The beauty of using a stamp press is having the ability to stamp in exactly the same place again, so that is just what I did, having made sure to add the colours in the same places on the foam stamp.

     With the Ink stamped over the Oxide it now looked like the one image had bled but without loosing any definition.

     The next step, once dry, was to cut the image out with a large square die. With another slightly larger square die I cut an outer layer to be used in the mat and layer process.

     With the die set still taped together from cutting the foam I cut the stamped panel to get all those lovely little gaps to drop out.

     I had to be careful to keep the various pieces of the mandala together and the right way around in the square while poking out the tiny bits.

     I taped the layers together on the back to make it easier to stick down over a gold pearl circle, this gave me a warm shimmer of gold through all those beautiful gaps, it reminded me of a peacock tail.

     I wanted a mat layer but nothing I had was just right, so out came the Oxides and Inks again, this time to go around the edge of a white mat layer to tone it in with the image panel. This layer was just large enough to cover the whole left in the big square, then all I had to do was match up the colours and stick this on top of the large square. It all sounds complicated but it really wasn't, if it had been it would probably have ended up in the recycle box!

     A few small gold pearls added around the mandala lifted the image panel and the addition of four corners cut from the same gold pearl card finished it off. With the pattern and the gold I didn't feel it needed a greeting on the front, that will have to go inside when required.

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - #168 Anything Goes

A Bit More Time To Craft - #146 Anything Goes

Creative Fingers - #218 Anything Goes

Love To Craft - #64 Anything Goes

Crafts Galore Encore - #93 Anything Goes

A Perfect Time To Craft - #11 Anything Goes

The Creative Crafters - #45 Anything Goes

The Crafters Cafe - #277 Anything Goes

Heartfelt Thanks

 

      A new challenge starts today over at Not Just Cards. I have used a brand new stamp and embossing folder set from John Next Door.

     I love the media plates so I decided to use the heart on this card. I used some of the new I-zink Pigment Petals on the media plate and a hard brayer to smooth the ink.

     The stamp that comes with the folder is designed to be 'backwards', this is so that when you stamp inside the folder and then emboss the writing will come out the right way round. This backwards writing makes it perfect to use on a media plate too, so that's what I did. In darkish blue ink I stamped the media plate so the writing would only be within the heart.

     

     I then used the folder to emboss the large words across the heart, with a small stamp from stash that just seemed perfect for this, I'm sorry but I have no idea what brand it is.   

     To get a mat layer that co-ordinated with the soft colours on the heart I decided to use a piece of white card and the same inks to make my own. No matter how many sheets of coloured card I have, I never seem to have the perfect shade.

      There are lots of inspirational projects over on Not Just Cards so please pop over and take a look, why not join us with your project, we'd love to see what you've made.

Materials List
PCD303 - Embossing Folder with Clear stamp - Thank You
CAT054 - Pigment Ink Petal - Winter Colours
JLGP006 - Media Plate - Heart

S57410 - Finger Daubers
S57262 - 3D PVA Glue

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Aud Sentiments - Anything Goes with A Sentiment

DL Art Thankful Thursday - #267 Thankful

Lemon Shortbread - #128 Anything Goes

Tuesday Throwdown - Anything Goes

Dream Valley - #232 Embossing Wet or Dry

Snow Happy

     This month at Christmas Craft Creations we are looking for shaped cards. I did try a different shape but it all went horribly wrong, so here's another snowglobe. 

     As before I cut a white card blank and stuck all the globe elements on to it, including a full circle of blue card to hide the fold on the white card and make the circle of the globe complete. The die used for the snowglobe is by John Next Door. It isn't just for Christmas cards, a crafting friend has made some very nice birthday cards with photographs, it's also perfect for popping a unicorn or a castle inside.

      As we are now closing in on Christmas rather quickly being able to make some quick and easy recycled cards is very handy. Please pop over to Christmas Craft Creations and show us what you can make.

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

ABC Christmas - S - Snowy

Christmas Crafts All Year Round - 2 Things Beginning With S   Top pick

Winter Wonderland - Snowmen and Snow     Top 3

CraftyHazelnut's Christmas - Anything Christmas

Christmas With The Cuties - Bling It On

Merry Little Christmas - Anything Christmas

Crystal Forest

     This project was the first one I made with the new Jane's Tree die set from John Next Door, I loved the idea of having a 3D tree. I have used a few of his other die sets to make the complete project, all part numbers are listed below.

      Using a strong white card I cut two of Jane's Tree and two of each of the larger deer from Four Seasons, plus two base pieces from the Large Lantern die set.
      I cut down the centre of one tree to the middle and up the other tree to the middle, then I slotted them together. They were then stuck onto the completed base card, glued and covered with clear glitter.
      To make the deer stand up I stuck each pair together at the top and inserted an acetate bracket between their feet.
      There is also a small pine tree from Finlay's Trees and two sets of flowers from the Four Season's set, all of these have been left as plain card - no glitter.

       The Large Lantern is cut from snowfall acetate and assembled with redline tape. Once all the plants and animals were stuck to the card base I slid it inside the lantern, stuck it down and tied the top shut with a small length of string.
      To decorate the top and hide the string I made a big bow using wire edged silver ribbon and die cut some of Lesley's Twigs, a piece of ivy and a couple of Pinstripe Poinsettia.
      These were all stuck on with hot glue, the large flower at the front and the small one at the back.   

      To finish off around the outside I die cut some icicles in plain white card and stuck them upside down, all the way around the base to look like snow covered grass.
      I did toy with the idea of adding a small light in the top, but didn't have much time to puzzle over how to fit it or how to switch it on and off, so I'll have to try that on another one sometime.
      I think this would make a nice table centre, if you have inquisitive little fingers around it's quite safe as it's all inside the acetate case and if it is dropped it won't shatter.
      Jane's Tree die set, plus a few others, will be on Hochanda on Sunday, so keep a look out for the Crystal Forest.

Materials List
JND195 - Jane's Tree die set  : centre tree
JNDCC019 - Large Lantern
JND190 - Pinstripe Pionsettia Die
JNDCC017 - Poinsettia Die (solid shape)
JND187 Twig die set
JND124 Ivy Corner die
JND196 Finleys Trees : small tree 
JND194 - Four Seasons : deer & shrubs
CTGFP-10 Monochrome Glitter Card : white
CAT002 - Glue Glaze pen
S57085 - Ultra Clear Tape : Redline tape
S57262 - 3D PVA Glue

I would like to enter this project in the following challenges:

Merry Little Christmas - Anything Christmas

As You Like It - Favourite way to add ribbon & why.....a bow to hide something
Crimbo Crackers - Anything Christmas #214
The Holly & Ivy - Anything Christmas     Top 5
Classic Design - Anything Goes
Worldwide Open Design Team - Anything Goes for a DT  (Lockwood Angel)

Trees and Stars

     Next Sunday will see the release of the third Christmas collection from John Next Door. This card is made with the Jane's Tree die set.

     I cut three trees in dark green card, making sure it was green on both sides. It is possible to score down the middle of these die cuts if you are careful, the tree is not symmetrical so you will need to fold them so the animals match on the sides to be glued together.
     After slowly folding and gluing the trees I cut the frame into a piece of the new Waterfall gold glitter card, it needed something subtle to fill the open spaces at the top either side of the tree so I used a star die. To make the stars stand out I put a piece of gold mirri card behind the Waterfall card.
     To bring a little more green into the picture I used a mat layer in the same card onto a white card blank. For the greeting, which also comes in the die set, I used a shaped die and backed it with a little more green card before mounting it on foam pads.
     A  nice easy card with dimension, the only bit to take time was the tree folding, but done slowly it works very well. The Waterfall card is gorgeous and comes in a mixed pack of gold and silver, it has a softer effect than the usual glitter card or plain mirri card.


Materials List
JND195 - Jane's Tree die set
CTGFP-09 Waterfall Glitter Card
LKK-A441 - Moss Linen Card
CAT002 - Glue Glaze pen
S57262 - 3D PVA Glue

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

ABC Christmas - P..Pine Trees  (sort of)

The 12 Months Of Christmas - Shimmer and Shine

CraftyHazelnut's Christmas - Anything Christmas 

The Holly and Ivy Christmas - #77 Anything Christmas

Pink Poinsettia Cracker

     The cracker die used to make this is last years Faceted Cracker from John Next Door but the glitter card, the twig die and the poinsettia overlay are new this year.
     I forgot to take any construction pictures but it's really very easy to put together as long as you use redline tape, especially if using glitter or mirri card.
     This glitter card is a new shade for this year adding to the non shed range from Craft Artist, it's called Gold Blush and has an 'old rose' kind of tone to it. It matches very well with Shell Pink linen card also from Crafts Too. For this project it is teamed up with Mouse Grey linen card and a rose gold mirri card I found in my local craft shop.
     The cracker is cut from the glitter card and assembled, it's tied up with silver organza ribbon. For the poinsettia I have cut the base petals in Graphite glitter card with the new Pinstripe Poinsettia die overlay in shell pink. I had to use Glue Glaze to get the card to stick to the glitter card, it's a very strong glue.
     The twigs are cut from rose gold mirri and the ivy leaves are cut from Mouse Grey linen card with a hint of silver gilding polish around the edges. The centre of the flower is a bobbly gem from my stash, no idea where or when I got it. All the foliage and flower are stuck on to the cracker with hot glue.

Materials List
JND139 Faceted Cracker die
JND190 - Pinstripe Pionsettia Die
JNDCC017 - Poinsettia Die (solid shape)
JND187 Twig die set
JND124 Ivy Corner die
CTGFP-07 Blush Glitter Card
CTGFP-10 Monochrome Glitter Card
LKK-A450 - Shell Pink Linen Card
LKK-A451 - Mouse Grey Linen Card
CAT002 - Glue Glaze pen
S57262 - 3D PVA Glue

I would like to enter this cracker in the following challenges:

Jingle Belles - Use Cardstock-no patterned paper......I hope glitter card is allowed

CraftyHazelnut's Christmas - Anything Christmas

Fezziwigs Festive Frolics - Wrap It Up .....a cracker to hold a small gift

Crimbo Crackers - #213 Anything Christmas

Deep In the Woods

     The theme this month at Christmas Craft Creations is Animals, any animal you wish in a Christmas setting. I love deer so I have used a new die set from John Next Door called Four Seasons, it doesn't have to be a Christmas card as this set has tree trunks and separate foliage so the choice is yours.

     I have also used the little woodland scene from Sam's Circles at the back of this box card because it completed the herd of deer.
     I cut each layer of the set in shades of blue, beginning with the lightest at the front, with a white box to hold the layers. I used the last layer to help me line up the woodland circle.
 

     I started by gluing a light blue circle of card behind the woodland circle, this came from the off cut on the first layer. This layer was then stuck on to a white layer for the back of the box.
     Each layer had two strips of foam tape on each side making it a 6mm gap between layers. This I did carefully and slowly to make sure I got it right.....that tape is very sticky, so no room for error.
   

     The front cover of the box had a rectangular aperture cut in it, with sides wide enough to fold round the thick sides and reach onto the back.
     I wanted to put the stag on the front opening so I had to cut him with a tab across the bottom, then I could stick him inside the opening to keep it neat and tidy. If you want to miss part of a die you can move it around so one of the cutting plates is not covering the die, that's what I did with the stag.
     When the box card was all stuck together I could see the white tape at the top, I didn't like that so using some alcohol markers I coloured the foam in different shades of blue to make them blend in with the card.
     It needed some decoration on the frame but not much, eventually I settled for a little bit of the mini ivy, a holly sprig and some of Lesley's Twigs all in white.

Materials List
JND183 - Sams Circles
JND187 - Lesleys Twigs
JND 194 - Four Seasons     
JND135 - Holly die
JND129 - Mini Ivy
S57262 - 3D PVA Glue

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Merry Little Christmas - Anything Christmas

2 Crafty Critter Crazies - Feature A Critter    Top 5

Lemon Shortbread - Anything Goes #126
Crafty Animals - Anything Goes Including An Animal
Love To Craft - Anything Goes

Sam's Circles Forest

     This card has the third centre that comes with Sam's Circles die set by John Next Door. It can be used any time of year, not just Christmas, there are deer, birds and a bunny so it would be rather nice for a Spring card too.

     For this one I decided to use John's Box Scene die from a couple of years ago, the star lattice panel doesn't fit the box front to cut direct into the box but it will fit just inside with a tiny trim.
     To get a little depth I stuck the lattice inside the box on foam tape, this way it sits away from the front but not all the way at the back.
     I cut a gold pearl paper backing sheet and stuck this down on the bcaking card ready to line up the woodland scene. I stuck a green backing on to the woodland scene, placed the lattice on top and made sure I lined it up in the right place before gluing down the deer scene on to the gold backing.

     The box was then built around the backing panel to show the deer sitting happily in the middle of the circle opening. To make the box stand up I have made my own easel and stuck it on the back.
     To decorate the front I have die cut some of the new Lesley's Twigs, along with pine cones, a pine branch and mistletoe, a couple of tiny pearls for berries keeps the festive decoration simple.
     This card would be alright for hand delivery, it's a bit deep for postal as it would have to go large letter and be well packed. I don't always put a greeting on this type of card as some recipients like to use them each year as a decoration, there is plenty of room to write on the back.
     Come and join us at Not Just Cards with your project, it doesn't have to be Christmas, it doesn't have to be a card either, just something you have made.


Materials List
JND183 - Sams Circles
JND187 - Lesleys Twigs
JND137 - Christmas Elements   (pine cone & mistletoe)
JND052 - Square Scene Box
S57262 - 3D PVA Glue

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

ABC Christmas - Pinetrees, Quiet & Robins 

Christmas Cards All Year Round - Autumn Colours

Merry Little Christmas - Anything Christmas

Quilted Bauble

     This card is made using just one of three different centres you get with Sam's Circles die set from John Next Door, it's a new set for this year but it will co-ordinate with some of last years dies.

      I cut the lattice centre in gold mirri card, then using the same die I embossed a circle of purple pearl card. The circle die is included in the set so you will get a perfect match with the other centre pieces.
      Using your die to emboss is a great way of getting that quilted look, especially on pearl card, it seems to stand out more when the light catches the pearl sheen.
     You may have to play around with your 'sandwich' of layers in your machine but the main one you will need is some form of silicone mat, this will squish allowing the die to emboss but not cut.

      I did the same with the main lattice die to emboss it, this time on a piece of white pearl card.
      The gold layer was stuck on to purple with tiny pearls added to each star. A die cut bauble cap was added to the top of the circle and then it was stuck on to the quilted background with foam tape to give the impression that it's hanging there.
      The background was added to a narrow gold mirri layer and then stuck on to the white card blank. Using the new Pinstripe Poinsettia I cut some flowers in white card ready to be stuck over the pearl white solid poinsettia from 2018. A little bit of mini ivy in white and a couple of Lesley's Twigs in gold mirri and a tiny gold pearl finished off the small floral embellishment. A die cut greeting in gold mirri completed the card.

Materials List
JND183 - Sams Circles
JND187 - Lesleys Twigs
JNDCC017 - Poinsettia Die (solid shape)
JND190 - Pinstripe Poinsettia
JND129 - Mini Ivy
S57262 - 3D PVA Glue
Stix2 Pearl Card

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

The 12 Months Of Christmas - Shimmer and Shine

CraftyHazelnut's Christmas - Anything Christmas

Crimbo Crackers - Anything Christmas

Merry Little Christmas - Anything Christmas

Girlz Creative Crafts - Christmas In July

Blue Noel

     This sample was made using the new Sam's Circles die set from John Next door released last Sunday. It has several options for the centre piece, I chose the townscape for this card.

      Using white card I die cut the star panel with the townscape in the centre, then I cut the NOEL in the space under the town. I also cut a flying Father Christmas in white card to add to the sky.
      I mounted the die cut panel on to some blue mirri card, I thought this looked like a night sky but with added bling. Once the main panel was mounted I turned my Father Christmas over and stuck him down so he flies up from the town.
      This panel was then mounted on foam tape over a white card blank, giving a little bit of depth, it could be posted but with the flowers it will probably end up being hand delivered.

      The flowers were made using white card and the solid Poinsettia from 2018 and a stamen die in pearl silver paper for the centres. I like to shape my flowers just a little, I think it makes them look a little more real.
      I have cut Lesley's Twigs in silver mirri card and a pine branch in pearl blue card, the foliage extends the floral decoration with too much fussiness and as John says the twigs allow you to get a base to work on for your arrangement.
      Everything is stuck together with 3D PVA as it's nice and strong, I know Craft Artist glue is very good but I am a loyal supporter of this super strong PVA from Stix2 as it's never failed me yet.

Materials List
JND183 - Sams Circles
JND187 - Lesleys Twigs
JNDCC017 - Poinsettia Die (solid shape)
JND115 - Cornflower   for the stamen centres
S57262 - 3D PVA Glue
Pinebranch and Noel from stash

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Ike's World - S is for Show Us Christmas In July

The Holly and Ivy - Anything Christmas Goes

Die Cut Divas - Christmas In July

Merry Little Christmas - Anything Christmas Goes

Dream Valley - Christmas In July

The Paper Girls - Christmas In July

CraftyHazelnut's Christmas - Anything Christmas

Pinstripe Poinsettia Tree

     A new Christmas tree for 2020 using the new Pinstripe Poinsettia die from John Next Door, this Pinstripe die fits perfectly with 2018's solid Poinsettia die.

      Using the solid die I cut several flower sets in gold pearl paper, then with the new Pinstripe die I cut the same number of sets in red card.
      For this project I only used the third and fourth size flowers from the set, the other sizes will be used for another project later. Each red layer was stuck on to a gold layer, after this I stuck one smaller flower on to one larger flower, making a total of nine flower sets.
      For the base of the flower ball I used a polystyrene ball which I coloured red with an alcohol marker. Each flower set is glued in place as well as having a long pin stuck through the centre in to the ball, this does mean it is not suitable for children.

       Like last years trees I chose to use a wooden cotton reel for the pot the tree would be planted in. The trunk is a small thick twig cut from the garden some months ago, there is a little paper wrapped round the twig that sits in the reel to keep it tight, as well as a little strong PVA to hold it in place.
      The soil is some brown flower granules stuck on with PVA and for the pot decoration I have cut some of the Poinsettia Leaves, but this time in dark green stuck over a pale green band of paper around the reel.
      The flower ball was then pushed on to the twig and glued in place. To finish, each flower had a small gold pearl gem stuck over the pin head

2019 Poinsettia Trees

Materials List
JND190 - Pinstripe Pionsettia Die
JND192 - Poinsettia Leaves
JNDCC017 - Poinsettia Die (solid shape)
Cotton Reel / Twig / Polystyrene ball
Card/Paper
S57262 - 3D PVA Glue

I would like to enter this project in the following challenges:

ABC Christmas - N is No Fuss/O is Over The Top   Over The Top

CraftyHazelnut's Christmas - Anything Christmas

The Holly & Ivy - Anything Christmas

Crimbo Crackers - Anything Christmas

Merry Little Christmas - Anything Christmas

Die Cut Divas - Christmas In July

Dies R Us - Christmas In July

Ike's World - S is Show Us Christmas In July

The Paper Girls - Christmas In July

Pinstripe Poinsettia Bauble

     This decoration was made with the two largest flower sets left over from making the Pinstripe Poinsettia Tree. The dies used are a combination of the new Pinstripe Poinsettia from John Next Door being released on Sunday and the solid Poinsettia die from 2018.
     When making the tree I only used the third and fourth size flowers, this uses the first and second largest flowers. I have stuck the smaller of the two petals on to the largest, added a nobly gem in the centre and then glued the two flower sets back to back.
      The acrylic baubles were from Aldi last year, they have a speckle of gold glitter in the plastic which adds to the festive sparkle. I put the twin flower set in the bauble, it fits quite snugly so it doesn't move about. I ran a small bead of 3D PVA around the edge of one half and closed it, the glue dries clear so it doesn't show.
      I had fun and games trying to tie two similar ribbon bows to go on the top, bows are not my thing so it was a challenge. The bauble comes with a hanging thread so all I had to do was use hot glue to fix the bows on top and it was done.
   

Materials List
JND190 - Pinstripe Pionsettia Die
JNDCC017 - Poinsettia Die (solid shape)
Plastic bauble
Card/Paper/Ribbon/Gems
Hot Glue - Stix2
S57262 - 3D PVA Glue

Craft Artist Autumn Pigment Petals

     This card is another of the samples made for John Next Door and his new Craft Artist Pigment Petal ink pads. I love using the media plates and these inks work well on them.

      Using the Autumn set of inks I inked up the media plate with a graduating colour change, then with a hard brayer smoothed it out across the plate. This was then stamped on to white card, it was paler than I wanted so I inked the plate again, brayered and stamped a second time.
      Using a stencil and the gorgeous new blending brushes, I inked the media plate through the stencil. Then with stencil removed I stamped the card again, this gave me a subtle pattern across my background. I didn't think that I needed any more brushes, sponges or pads for blending but these brushes are so very soft and this is what makes them a real must for stencils, I'm hooked.

      With all the work on the media plate finished I moved on to stamping a single flower, from an old Woodware set, in brown. I didn't add a greeting as I did't think it needed it.
      I added a dark brown mat layer to the image panel and started to look for a suitable coloured layer, nothing in the stash stood out so it was on to making one. Using some basic white card I cut the right size layer and then used the inks and a synthetic sponge to colour it. This is a better way to work really as it gives you a perfect colour match to your image.
      With all the layers added it was then onto a white card blank. To add that little point of interest, I die cut one of John's butterflies in the same brown card as the surround and stuck it near the edge of the oval.
      There is always a need for a few simple, blank cards in your stash and this is a great way to make them while experimenting with media plate techniques.


Materials List    Available from your local craft shop
CAT053 - Craft Artist Pigment Petal - Autumn
CAT013 - Craft Artist Blending Brushes 
JLGP004 - Media Plate set of 4
JNDAD008 - Small Butterflies
S57262 3D PVA Glue by Stix2

I would like to enter this card in the following challenges:

Colour Crazy Craft - Anything Colouring Goes

As You Like It - Summer or Autumn  Autumn for the gorgeous colours

The Sisterhood Of Crafters - Ink It Up

Inkspirational - Painting or Colouring

Allsorts - Flowers All Over