Gap Card – Happy Paper Crafting

Have you tried embossing?

Today I will talk about two ways of embossing. There are variations and further ways to improve on these techniques but I will be talking about the basics today of heat embossing with powder and dry embossing with folders. I love both equally and have a project using both techniques.

I remember heat embossing when I was a child with my mother. We didn’t have the heat guns back then. What we used to do was turn the toaster on and hold the card stock above it. That idea still works today so if you can’t afford a heat gun just whip out the old toaster and give it a go.

To begin have a piece of a4 paper with a fold in the middle handy. Stamp your image or sentiment with the Versamark Stamp Pad. Then using one of the embossing powders cover the stamped image with powder. Tip the excess onto the a4 paper and tap the back of the card to ensure all excess has left the area around the image. Then pour the powder back into the container. By having the fold in the paper to begin with that acts as the funnel and ensure it is easy to pour back into the container ensuring you are not wasting any. Then using your heat gun heat the powder so it melts.

If you are using a toaster then do heat from underneath. Also remember when using any heat instrument keep the paper from an element as it can catch fire. Sorry just had to put that here as I don’t want to be responsible for not adding a warning.

When dry embossing most crafters will have a big shot or a cuttlebug. I have the big shot and find that it is extremely sturdy for all my needs. Do not fret if you do not own one of these machines. You can still use embossing folders. All you need is a rolling pin and a hard surface. Place your card stock in the embossing folder and press heavily on the rolling pin to add pressure as you roll it over the entire card. That is all those expensive machines are doing anyway.

Give it a go and see if you can get the same results. Have you got any other tips like this you want to share with me? Either comment below or email me at tanya.armitage@me.com and share your tips on what you use.

Below is a card that I have used both heat embossing and dry embossing on. I have left a blank space in my embossing to stamp and heat emboss the sentiment. If you would like the instructions to make it simply make a purchase from My OBA before January 31 2016and I will email them to you. There is no minimum order requirement for this.

I hope you give these ideas a go and share your thoughts below.

Happy Paper Crafting everyone

Tanya

0407581163

tanya.armitage@me.com

This card uses tone on tone and random stamping techniques. The Butterflies are attached to give the card the 3D look. Uses CTMH stamps and card stock and Cricut cartridge. It is very quick and easy. Give it a go! — Butterfly Gap Card

Hi everyone, Thank you for taking a look at my very first Blog post. I was thinking of what to share and decided to share this card. I came across the idea of gap cards in an old magazine and combined it with my love for butterflies.

When I am not scrapbooking or making gifts and cards for special occasions, I am making cards for all occasions. Besides being girly I love butterflies in my projects as they can be used for many different occasions. There have been many times where I have the intention of making a specific card for someone but sometimes time gets away from us and our plans do not eventuate. By having all occasion cards on hand I am able to use one when these instances occur.

This card is quick and easy and you can use it either this exact card or basic design for many occasions.

I began by trimming two strips from the front of a card. First 1 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ and the second at 1/2″ x 5 1/2″.

The second strip will not be needed for this card so you can save it to use on another project.

Cut Two pieces of cotton candy card stock (or any colour you choose), 1 measuring 3 1/2″ x 5 1/4″ and 1 measuring 1″ x 2″. From the first piece trim a piece off measuring 1″ x 5 1/4″. Trim a piece of colonial white card stock measuring 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″. Sponge the colonial white piece with cotton candy ink.

Stamp background using the stamp set Your Own Kind of Wonderful, I picked two butterflies and used the ‘Tone on Tone’ technique to create my own pattern (Tone on Tone is using the same ink colour as the card stock). Using the random stamping technique I stamped the butterflies alternating them. To give it a more interesting feel I stamped over the edges. I think it looks great. Remember this technique next time you can’t find the exact paper you are looking for. I then attached the these stamped pieces to the card.

From the Artiste Cricut cartridge, Cut 2 solid butterflies (accent 4 shift ‘spring’ image) and 2 filigree butterflies (accent 4 shift ‘K’ image). To assemble the butterflies you slightly bend the wings, doing this will keep the wings away from the glue and give them a 3D look. Use liquid glass or another adhesive on the underbelly of the butterfly. Attach this to the solid butterfly.

Stamp your sentiment onto the Small piece of cotton candy card stock. I embossed mine with white embossing power. Then attach to small colonial white card stock.

Line the loose piece up with the card so it reforms the original card with the 1/2″ gap. put glue on the four corners of the butterflies and place them as to join the loose piece with the main card. Using 3D foam tape to attach the sentiment to also join the two pieces. You have now completed your card. Adjust the wings of the butterfly so they sit to your desired look.

I hope you had fun assembling this card.