Happy Thursday, y’all, and welcome to this week’s Happy Inkin’ Thursday Blog Hop. I promised you a fun fold this week and that’s what I’m bringing you. So thank you for stopping by my blog on your way through the hop. However you arrived here, I am happy to have you visit.
Today we were given a sketch to work with. Do you find sketches fun or challenging? I have to say that sometimes the design pops into my head when I see the sketch. That’s what happened this time, although I do admit to taking some liberties.
Today I’m using the Flowing Zinnias Suite for my card. I am not sure exactly what the description of a Clean and Simple (CAS) card is, but I feel like this might just qualify. I started with a base of Highland Heather cut at 5-1/2″ x 11″ and scored at 1-3/4″, 3-1/2″, 5-1/4″ and 7″. I started folding and burnishing at the 7″ score as a valley fold. I then folded the 5-1/4″ as a mountain fold, 3-1/2″ as a valley fold and finally 1-3/4″ as a mountain fold. It should be accordion like with the front fold folded open and the rest neatly folded underneath on the left side of the card.
I cut four panels for the accordion folds at 1-1/2″ x 5-1/4″ and used the Zinnia 3D Embossing Folder to dry emboss the four panels before adhering them to the folds with liquid glue. I cut a 6″ x 3″ panel of Lemon Lolly and scored it at 3″ before folding it in half and burnishing it with my bone folder. The folded edge of this focal point will be placed on the right when it is adhered to the card. But I’m getting a little ahead of myself.
For the front panel, I also embossed two pieces of white Fluid 100 watercolor paper, both cut at 2-3/4″ x 2-3/4″. I specifically used this paper because it’s thicker and made a deeper impression – I got this idea from the Stampin’ Up! designers. I have the Basic White embossing and the Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper next to each other on the card and yes, the Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper does emboss a bit deeper.
It might seem out of order, but at this point I worked on the inside panel. I cut a 3/8″ x 5-1/4 strip of Flowering Zinnia designer series paper and adhered it to the edge of a 3-3/4″ x 5-1/4″ inside sentiment plan. I placed this panel inside the card approximately where it will be when permanently adhered with Stampin’ Seal later and used the DSP edge as a guideline for placement of the Lemon Lolly focal point. If you use grid paper or a ruler, you will center the focal point with a 1-1/4″ margin at the top and bottom of the card.
After embossing, I used a small blending brush and some Lemon Lolly ink to add a little bit of color to the piece. Lemon Lolly can come on strong, so I added a really small amount. Using my favorite adhesive, liquid glue, I adhered the Zinnia embossed Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper to the Lemon Lolly focal point squares. To adhere the focal point to the card, I centered it on the front panel with the edge even with the DSP placed at the edge of the sentiment panel, with the accordion between the focal point. With the fun fold closed, I slipped the accordion into the focal point. I use liquid glue on about 1″ of the bottom Lemon Lolly focal point and adhered it to the 4th pane of the accordion. With the accordion and the focal point both closed, I put liquid glue on 1″ of the edge of the top panel and adhered the focal point top panel to the front fold of the card base.
Sometimes I research colors of flowers before I stamp and color them, or in this case die cut the pieces, and sometimes I use the designer series paper as inspiration. And sometimes, like today, I just go rogue and use my own color combination while sticking to the color pallette in the designer series paper. With the Simply Zinnia Dies, I die cut a base of Blackberry Bliss, added a Petal Pink middle petal layer using the Three Color Glimmer Paper and a Highland Heather top petal layer from the same glimmer paper pack. I finished the flower head off with a Petal Pink cardstock center and a ring of Lemon Lolly disk florets (yes, I looked up the names of the parts of a Zinnia). I used liquid glue to adhere all of these pieces together.
Still using the Simply Zinnia Dies, I die cut a Mossy Meadow stem and a pair of Old Olive leaves. I used the light Old Olive Stampin’ Blends along the interior cut lines to enhance the color just a little. I adhered the stem to the front of the card in a diagonal from the front fold to the focal point. I used Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the flower head and adhered them to the top right of the focal point. I added the enhanced leaves to the front of the card with liquid glue at the base only, tucking the leaf end under the stem. To finish off the front of the card, I added five (5) Lemon Lolly Adhesive-Backed Shiny Sequins.
I used the Simply Zinnia Stamp Set single Zinnia flower and stamped with Highland Heather ink, stamped off three times, in the center of the sentiment panel. I added some texture to the flower using the Simply Zinnia stamp set small stamp and Lemon Lolly ink over the flower and in the lower left corner of the sentiment panel. I wanted the sentiment and any stamping hidden by the other parts of the card. I added the Simply Zinnia Stamp Set thank you sentiment in Tuxedo Black ink stamped partially over the flower. I used Stampin’ Seal to adhere the inside Basic White stamped panel to the card base to complete the card.
For the envelope, I used a 6″ x 2-1/4″ piece of Flowering Zinnias DSP and adhered it to the envelope flap with liquid glue. I then trimmed it with paper snips. For the front of the card, I chose to go just a little “over the top” and colored the Simply Zinnia Stamp Set three Zinnia stamp after coloring it with Stampin’ Write Markers in Berry Burst, Highland Heather, Pumpkin Pie and Mossy Meadow. Years ago I won the full Stampin’ Write Markers Collection and I don’t use them nearly enough for this particular application so I always try to round out my set with new Stampin’ Write marker colors – imagine my excitement when the new core colors became available for FREE during Sale-A-Bration with a $100 order. I love the ease of coloring with the Stampin’ Write on a stamp then huffing and stamping in full color. Such a fast, easy way to stamp in multiple colors. (Note that the current Stampin’ Write Marker Collection includes the new core colors).
This card is a bit on the thick side, but it can still be mailed. You’ll likely need extra postage, though. Happy cardmaking!
Thank you for joining me for today’s blog hop. Amy Koenders is up next. Click the Next button or her name to go to her blog. If you missed stopping by a participant, click on her name in the list for her blog.
- Amy Koenders
- Mary Deatherage
- Jaimie Babarczy
- Karen Finkle
- Akiko Sudano
- Karen Ksenzakovic
- Tara Carpenter
- Terry Lynn Bright
- Carol Buckalew
- Nel Thames – This is me
I typically post card blogs on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and email a newsletter on Wednesdays. I’d be honored if you’d subscribe to my blog to receive an update when a new blog is posted and to receive my weekly newsletter. I’m looking for my 100th subscriber. My 100th subscriber will win one of my favorite things – a new in package (NIP) Cane Weave 3D Embossing Folder from the 2023-2024 Annual Catalog. Sorry, due to Stampin’ Up! rules, only U. S. residents are eligible to win the embossing folder.
Host Code
May 1 – May 31: Host Code: KGRFRDQK
If you do not already have a demonstrator, I’d be honored to be your Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.
Use my host code when you order $50 (before tax and shipping) or greater and receive five (5) handmade cards and a variety of 6″ x 6″ double sided Designer Series Paper (a $20 value) FREE from me. You will also receive the monthly online tutorial. The May tutorial features the Adventurous Sky Bundle.
***Make sure that you can see my name, Nel Thames, on the final checkout page listed as your Demonstrator when you order so that you know that you’re ordering with me and you’ll get my rewards! If you forget to add the host code I am not able to add it for you due to privacy reasons. You can call Stampin’ Up! and requested that it be added. Thank you for understanding.
Available March 5: Flowering Zinnias Suite – 163485 – $83.00
Subscribe to the April Paper Pumpkin – April 11 – May 10
Do you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin? Paper Pumpkin is a monthly subscription that provides a unique variety of paper projects for new and experienced crafters alike. Part of the fun of Paper Pumpkin is that the contents are a surprise every month.
MAY: The Best There Is
Subscribe 11 April–10 May
Make cards for Father’s Day and more to express your gratitude and admiration!
- Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs with 9 coordinating envelopes
- Precut paper pieces and butterfly designs
- Champagne foil images, sentiments, and labels
- Coordinating colors: Lost Lagoon, Moody Mauve, Basic Beige, Basic Gray
(Classic Stampin’ Spot), Basic Black, champagne foil
For more information
scan the QR code
Coordinates with the Country Woods Designer Series Paper (item 163393).
It’s easy to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin by clicking here! Supplies may be limited towards the end of the subscription period.
Starting in January 2024, Paper Pumpkin kits will coordinate each quarter and have a set of Add-On dies available for purchase while supplies last. You can find this quarter’s dies here. Please note you must be a current Paper Pumpkin subscriber to order the dies.
Retired Stampin’ Up! Products
My online Stampin’ Up! retired product store has been refreshed with additional products. I will be adding more retired products as I come across them. I have a variety of stamps, dies and embellishments. My stamps and dies are all gently used and most were purchased within the last two years (although some may be “vintage”). Dies might be on magnet cards as I did not start saving the original packaging until just recently. Designer Series Paper and embellishments are new in unopened packages unless otherwise stated.
Due to Stampin’ Up! policies, I can only ship to U. S. addresses.
Shop my online store here.
Retired Stampin’ Up! Products
My online Stampin’ Up! retired product store has been refreshed with additional products. I will be adding more retired products as I come across them. I have a variety of stamps, dies and embellishments. My stamps and dies are all gently used and most were purchased within the last two years (although some may be “vintage”). Dies might be on magnet cards as I did not start saving the original packaging until just recently. Designer Series Paper and embellishments are new in unopened packages unless otherwise stated.
Due to Stampin’ Up! policies, I can only ship to U. S. addresses.
Shop my online store here.
Stunning! Love the texture of this card.
Thank you very much, Kylie.
Just Beautiful Nel! Love the fun fold and the gorgeous flower! 😊
Thank you Akiko
STUNNING card! I love your sweet flower – and what a great fun fold!! 🙂
Thanks Mary
How pretty, Nel! Love your take on the sketch challenge with this fun fold!
Thanks so much Carol.
So pretty Nel! Great fun fold design, love the colors on your flower too! 🙂
Thanks, Amy.
Beautiful card Nel. Perfect fun fold for the sketch. Love the zinnias and that embossed background.
Thank you Karen.