Techniques

Video: Learn how to make this locking gate fold

I love the look of paper strips and pieces on a card.

This locking gate fold design has multiple pieces of patterned paper for a sweet patchwork look. My original card was created for my technique class back in May. Since then, we’ve had some products retire and we have some new products coming available in August.

A fresh take with the Whimsy & Wonder DSP

You will see that the video tutorial at the bottom of this post explains how to make the original card. Of course, that design features the retired Art Gallery Designer paper. It would be easy to adapt this design with other patterned papers, as you can see on my new design above.

The original design for my May technique class

Imagine the possibilities! Go over to my online store and have a look at some of the patterned paper options currently on sale. Be sure to check back on August 3rd to see the new fall products!

I decided to try this design using the Wonderful Snowflakes that will be available to purchase in August. Because the snowflakes are so detailed and delicate, I chose to use a rectangle stitched piece of paper as my centre locking mechanism. Only the top layer is die-cut with the Rectangle Stitched die. The two layers underneath are just cut to size, thereby saving me some time and effort.

My new design features the gorgeous Whimsy & Wonder Specialty paper in the August – December Mini Stampin’ Up! Catalogue. I also used the STUNNING Be Dazzling 6″ x 6″ paper for the narrow paper strips. These are so so so sparkly and have almost a mirror finish.

The inside of the card is just as pretty as the outside!

This card called for a sentiment on the front. The Whimsical Trees stamp set was created to coordinate with the paper, so I used Shaded Spruce ink on Basic White cardstock.

Watch the video to see how to make this cool locking card!

The video provides step by step instructions so you can make this at home. I share two different methods for the centre locking mechanism, so be sure to see the difference. If you watch the video on YouTube, you’ll also see that there are measurements and a supply list in the video description. While you’re there, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

Video: How to Make a Triple Panel Fancy Fold

It’s time to share a Technique Class project with you! This one was offered in my May class. One of the perks of attending my class each month is to receive a written tutorial and to have exclusive access to the video tutorials.

Most people who purchase the class, attend the live, virtual, step-by-step class instruction for the designs as they follow along with the pre-cut supplies included with the class. However, some people aren’t able to attend the virtual class and some aren’t able to receive the class kit (due to out-of-country restrictions). Those people rely heavily on the tutorials to complete their projects.

The videos remain exclusive to the class participants for two months. After that, my friends, the video becomes accessible to the public. Often, that means there will be products used for the design that are no longer available for purchase. However, as I have said before, I know that you’re a very clever crafter and will be able to substitute other products as needed.

Designer Series Paper Sale

As you may have noticed, this fancy fold design features the beautiful Hand-Penned Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up!. I have been enjoying working with this paper so very much. In fact, I’m a little surprised that I keep reaching for it and haven’t become tired of it! I hope you haven’t either! Lucky for us, it’s included in the designer paper sale until August 2nd!

Watch the video tutorial below to get the details on this fancy fold design.

I will let the video do the explaining today. The product list and measurements can be found in the video description on YouTube.

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Whether you have the products used for this card or not, give this fancy fold a try! At the risk of sounding like a broken record, you are a clever crafter. I’m more than confident you will make something beautiful!

Have fun and get creating!

Muddling through to Beautiful Results

Sometimes, when I do a live stream video, nothing seems to go right. It can be technical issues, clumsiness, stumbling over words, family interruptions, or any number of things that could go wrong. There have been a couple live videos in the past that I had to remove so I could either edit out the worst parts or do the entire project over again!

Most of the time, I leave-in the blunders and mishaps because … well, because they’re real. I make mistakes and fumble through in my videos, just like I do in my life! I know that some of my videos are better than others. You can always skip to the important parts. I don’t mind. (If only I could do that in my life, too!)

The video below was recorded live yesterday. I muddled through a few weird mishaps, but the final result is beautiful.

At least, I think so.

Making the card

This is the first time I’ve used the cool Paper Lattice die-cut. I like the natural fibre look. It adds such a nice texture and pattern to a project. I layered the die-cut pieces of Pattern party Designer Series Paper over the lattice and attached the them to the card base with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

I had a couple of items left over from previous projects, just waiting to be made useful.

One was a Basic White star outline, the remnants of die-cutting for the Christmas in July Stamp Camp event. That event features the Christmas Trimmings dies and coordinating stamp set.

The other was was a black label with a white, heat-embossed sentiment. This had been stamped and cut using the Many Messages stamp set and Messages dies. Because of the multi-sentiment nature of that stamp and die duo, I had sentiments at the ready!

After adhering the star and sentiment, it was time for the best part! I stamped the dragonfly image from the Dragonfly Garden stamp set on Vellum with Versamark ink. Then I could use my Black Embossing Powder and Heat Tool to make that image really pop!

Thankfully, no fussy-cutting was necessary for this dragonfly image. Instead, I pulled out the handy-dandy Dragonflies Punch for a perfect cut-out! Stampin’ Up! makes it easy, folks!

Now that the punch did all the work for me, I could colour the underside of the dragonfly wings. Pacific Point and Shaded Spruce Stampin’ Write Markers gave me just the right combination. This elegant insect is nearly the same colour as the ones we see here in my part of Canada. So pretty!

Watch the Video below to see the elements of this card come together.

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