Crystal Komara
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Kinsley Heart Plate by Birch Press Design

1/11/2021

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Hello crafty friends and welcome back from the weekend!  Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog sharing a beautiful Valentine's Day card featuring the latest new release products.  The focal point of this pink ombre card is the ink blended background peeking through the new Kinsley Heart Layering Plate. ​
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Card details: 

On a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of Bristol smooth cardstock I ink blended Distress Oxide inks in the colors Spun Sugar, Worn Lipstick and Candied Apple. I began with the lightest color (Spun Sugar) at the top of the cardstock and the richest color (Candied Apple) at the bottom. ​
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Using 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Crest cardstock, I die cut the top layer (Layer A) from the Kinsley Heart Plate. ​
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I placed this intricate heart layer directly over the ombre background adhering it with LineCo ph neutral bookbinding glue (my go-to liquid adhesive). ​
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Using the Lingo Thanks stamp set, I stamped the word "love" in Versamark ink on ballet pink cardstock and heat embossed it with white embossing powder. I used the coordinating Lingo Thanks die set to cut it out.  I also stamped the sentiment "you're in my heart" in Versamark ink on fuschia pink cardstock and heat embossed it with white embossing powder as well. I die cut one large white heart to serve as the center focal point of the card. I adhered the sentiments to the lower right corner of the heart using 3M foam adhesive. Lastly, I adhered a few iridescent sequins with glue dots to the card for added dimension and sparkle. ​
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I really like how this card came out and I think I'll recreate it in a few additional colors and send them out as MY Valentine's Day cards this year!  

XO, Crystal 

1 Comment

Petal Heart by Birch Press Design

1/4/2021

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Hello friends and happy New Year! Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog sharing some beautiful new Valentine's themed products with you and I absolutely love this new Petal Heart layering die!
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Card details: 

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. black cardstock. Using the Pinpoint Radial Plate die, I cut the background from black cardstock. I adhered this stitched background directly to the cardstock base using LineCo PH neutral bookbinding glue (my go-to liquid adhesive). ​
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Using the new Petal Heart Layering dies, I cut Layer C (the bottom layer) from a fuschia pink cardstock. Layer B (the middle layer) from flamingo pink glitter paper and Layer A (the top layer) from a blushing bride pink cardstock. Since I made two hearts for this one card, I then reversed the colors and cut Layer C in blushing bride pink cardstock, Layer B in flamingo pink glitter paper and Layer A in fuschia pink cardstock. For both hearts, I adhered all three layers together with LineCo glue. ​
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I adhered both layered hearts to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension. I used two sentiments from the Lingo Thanks stamp set. I stamped each sentiment in fuschia ink on thin strips of white cardstock. I notched both ends of each sentiment strip before adhering each sentiment strip over one heart.  Lastly, I added a couple iridescent sequins to the card using glue dots for added dimension and sparkle. ​
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I hope you have enjoyed this beautiful layered heart card!  Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal 

1 Comment

Merry Christmas Ornaments

11/24/2020

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Hello readers and happy Tuesday! Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog sharing two very traditional Christmas cards using the Marisol Ornament Layering dies and the Twinkle Ornament Layering dies. I couldn't be more excited with how elegant and sparkly these cards turned out using evergreen and cherry cardstock colors with lots of gold glitter paper. If you like a traditional holiday look, then these classic cards are sure to tickle your fancy!
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The base of each A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. Using the Pinpoint Radial Layering plate, I die cut the first layer from white cardstock. This paper pierced die provided a subtle background to allow the ornaments to "pop!"
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There was no rhyme or reason to my die cutting madness. I simply die cut each layer of the ornaments (Twinkle A, B and C and Marisol A, B and C) from Cherry, Evergreen and gold glitter cardstock and then I began adhering the layers together. When I was all done, I had four completed ornaments, or enough for two cards. ​
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Once all the pieces are die cut, I use LineCo ph Neutral bookbinding glue to adhere the three (or sometimes four layers) together. You will find that a regular Tombow adhesive runner does not work well at adhering glitter cardstock, so try a liquid glue instead.
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On a side note, these ornaments would look just as lovely if I had tied a gold ribbon to the top of each one and used them as paper Christmas tree ornaments.
I hope you have enjoyed these beautiful Christmas cards and are well on your way to creating all of yours!  

XO, Crystal 

1 Comment

25 Days of Christmas Tags

11/11/2020

18 Comments

 
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Today I am happy to be joining fellow cardmaker Tracey McNeeley for her 10th annual 25 Days of Christmas tags!  If you love Christmas tags, then you will want to visit her website every day for more tag ideas than you could ever possibly dream of all month long.   Each day this month will feature a different stamp company and that company's Design Team members will share a variety of holiday tag ideas designed to inspire you.  Plus, there will be prizes given away every day!  (Read to the end of this post for prize details.)

Today's sponsor is Birch Press Design and here are the shaker Christmas tags I created using the Mini Snowflake Frame Layer Set:
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Would you like the chance to win one of the fabulous sponsored prizes?

Then follow these important guidelines...

There are so many ways you can enter to win one of the sponsor's prizes.  Prizes will be drawn from you doing any or all of the following:
  1. Comment on the posts on Tracey's website on what you saw that inspires you.
  2. Follow the blog hop and comment along the way for another chance.
  3. Participate by creating your own tags. The rules for participating are simple, create a Christmas tag that inspired by a tag you see during the event and explain in your post the day and the designer that you were inspired by in order to be eligible for a prize. Enter as many tags as you like. 
  4. Don't have a blog but use Instagram, no problem? 
  • Create your project using these same guidelines
  • To qualify for prizes you must become a follower of Tracey's Instagram account HERE
  • Use the hashtag #25daysoftags2020 so Traceey can find you

To keep it fair for everyone, only one comment per post please. You may however create as many tags as you would like as long as you follow the rules. The more you hop along and comment and the more you participate the more chances you have of winning!

GO TO THE LINK UP HERE
Tracey will keep the link up open until one week after the event is over to give you time to finish up. The contest and linky will close December 3rd 11:59 pm  (EST)! Prizes will be announced on or before December 10th on Tracey's blog.

IMPORTANT:
To be eligible for one of the prizes your tag MUST be inspired by a tag that is featured on this blog during the 25 Days of Christmas Tags and you must mention it in your personal post.
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18 Comments

Roundabout Wreaths

11/10/2020

1 Comment

 
Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog sharing two holiday cards made using the Roundabout Layer Set. When I first received this beautiful 3-piece layering die set, my first thought was "I see wreaths!" And then that was ALL I could see! So wreaths it is. . . I kept a more traditional color combination of green and red for the wreaths and berries and added elegance with a gold foil background on one and a top layer of gold glitter cardstock on the other wreath.
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Card details: 

For this first A2 sized card, I used a garden green cardstock for the base. I die cut a scalloped rectangle from 80 lb. Neenah Solar Smooth white cardstock for the first mat.  Using the Roundabout Layer Die set, I die cut Layer C (the bottom layer) from a cactus green cardstock. Layer B was cut from a garden green cardstock and Layer A (the top layer) was cut from gold glitter cardstock. I adhered all three layers together using LineCo ph bookbinding glue. This is my go-to liquid adhesive. Using an off brand circle punch, I punched out red berries from red glitter cardstock and grouped them in clusters of three. I also added red rhinestones to the top of the berry clusters for added sparkle. Lastly, I tied a small white bow from cotton ribbon and adhered it to the bottom of the wreath using glue dots. ​
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Here is the second card I created using the same Roundabout Dies:
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Card details: 

I used 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock as the base. I cut a 5" x 3/4" piece of gold foil paper that I ran through my Big Shot machine using a distressed embossing folder to give it some texture.  Using the same Roundabout Die set, I die cut Layer C (the bottom layer) from green glitter cardstock. Layer B from garden green cardstock and Layer A from cactus green cardstock. To mimic the look of the first card, I also punched out more red berries and added rhinestones and a white ribbon to this wreath as well.
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Personally I LOVE how these Roundabout wreaths turned out. I think they have made simple, classic and elegant Christmas cards. I hope you will enjoy them too!
Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

*You can find a list of all products used by visiting my post on the Birch Press Design blog.

XO, Crystal 

1 Comment

Fall Peacock

10/22/2020

0 Comments

 
Hello friends and happy Thursday!  Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog sharing some fall inspiration.  I'm not even sure that "fall peacock's" are a thing, but I'm starting the movement. (I'm also side-Googling if any other peacock colors exist other than the blue-green hues we traditionally see). . . And if not, well, they do now!  Hey, it's 2020, stranger things have happened. . . 
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Card details: 

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah White Solar Smooth cardstock. This is my go-to white cardstock that I use for everything from card bases, die cutting, stamping and Copic coloring. The first 5 1/4" x 4" mat is a piece of miscellaneous woodgrain foil paper. I die cut a large white oval from white cardstock and adhered it to the center of the card using a Tombow Permanent Dot Runner.  Using the Regal Peacock Layering dies, I die cut the bottom layer (Layer D) from gold glitter cardstock. I die cut Layer C from cherry cardstock. I die cut Layer B from rust cardstock and finally Layer A was also cut from gold glitter cardstock. I also cut the body of the peacock from cherry cardstock. ​
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I adhered all four layers of the Regal Peacock together using LineCo pH bookbinding glue. This glue is my preferred liquid glue and holds glitter paper together much better than a dot runner. I adhered the completed peacock to the center of the oval using foam adhesive for added dimension. Lastly, I stamped the sentiment on white cardstock (using the Christmas Ornament Labels stamp set) in cherry ink and die cut it using the coordinating die. I adhered the sentiment to the lower right side of the card using foam adhesive. ​
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Hopefully I've convinced you that with a little imagination, peacocks can look beautiful in any color - even if it's not "real."
Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal 

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Christmas Ornament and Labels

9/24/2020

1 Comment

 
Hello friends, I can't believe I'm about to say the word Christmas. In September. . . . I know, I know, I hear ya, it's still kind of early (and by kind of, I mean A LOT)! But, if you hand stamp or design all of your Christmas cards, then chances are you should probably be thinking about starting now! I send approximately 100 cards every Christmas, so after today's three cards, I've only got 97 more to go!! : )

Today I am sharing this trio of cards on the Birch Press Design blog.  These cards use the new Christmas Ornaments and Labels stamp set and coordinating dies.  

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Today's trio of cards uses the brand new Christmas Ornament and Labels stamp set and coordinating dies. For these cards, I chose a traditional Christmas color palette in red, green, kraft and gold. The base of each of these A2 sized cards is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Crest cardstock. On a 5 1/4" x 4" sheet of green, red or kraft cardstock, I stamped the large background stamp in Versamark ink and then heat embossed the background with white embossing powder. I then stamped the image again on an alternating colors of cardstock. I stamped the ornament in Versamark ink and heat embossed it with gold embossing powder. I used the coordinating ornament die to cut the ornament. I adhered the ornament to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension. ​
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I die cut the top of each ornament from gold glitter cardstock. I die cut some of the leaves using green, gold or red cardstock. I tucked the leaves under the ornament topper.  I stamped the various sentiments in red, kraft and green ink on Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock and used the coordinating label die to cut each sentiment out. I adhered the sentiment banner to the center of each ornament.
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I'm looking forward to replicating these cards using non-traditional colors too. Blues, mint green and silver is another holiday favorite combination of mine. ​  Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal 

1 Comment

Slimline Pumpkin Lacework

9/3/2020

1 Comment

 
Hello readers! Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog sharing another design using the beautiful new Pumpkin Lacework stamp set and coordinating dies. If you missed my first post featuring this same stamp set, please click here. I just love this new stamp set so much that I keep finding more ways to use it!
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This slimline card measures 8 1/2" x 3 1/2". Slimline cards are designed to fit inside a regular #10 business sized envelope and require no additional postage. The slimline trend is becoming increasingly popular and many companies are now making envelopes specifically for these cards, so we have more colors to choose from other than just plain ol' boring business white!
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he base of my slimline card is made from 80 lb. kraft cardstock. I like a nice thick cardstock for the base of all my cards. Using a slimline scallop frame die, I cut the frame out of 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth Crest cardstock. This is the ONLY white cardstock I use and I buy it in bulk.
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I stamped each pumpkin in Versamark ink and heat embossed it with white embossing powder. I stamped one pumpkin on a rich eggplant cardstock, one on pumpkin orange cardstock and one on a cabana blue cardstock. I die cut the pumpkins using the coordinating Pumpkin Lacework die. I adhered the three pumpkins directly to the card base using 3M foam adhesive. I stamped three pumpkin stems in Versamark ink on espresso cardstock and heat embossed them with white embossing powder.  
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I stamped multiple leaves in Versamark ink on eggplant, orange and cabana cardstock and heat embossed them all white white embossing powder. Yes, everything on this card was embossed with white powder! I used the coordinating dies to die cut the leaves and stems and I adhered these to the large pumpkins in an array that was pleasing to the eye.

​For the sentiment, I used the Blessed Honey Script die. I cut the larger shadow portion from gold glitter cardstock and the thinner script portion from white cardstock. I adhered both layers together using a fine tip glue and then adhered the full sentiment to the card using 3M foam adhesive.

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I hope you have enjoyed this slimline card using the beautiful new Pumpkin Lacework stamp set combined with some rich and modern fall colors. Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal 

List of supplies: 

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1 Comment

Pumpkin Lacework

8/19/2020

1 Comment

 
Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year and I'm already beginning to get excited at the prospect of cooler weather, sweater season, and yes, all things pumpkin!  Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog sharing two cards made with their gorgeous new Autumn Breeze layering plates and Pumpkin Lacework stamp set.  These new dies just might be be my favorite release yet!
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Just look at that beautiful stitched detail in Layer Plate A:
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Here is the second card I created using the same Pumpkin Lacework stamp set and coordinating dies:
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Here is a step-by-step instructional video showing how both of these cards were made.   I hope you will enjoy it!
Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal 

1 Comment

Easel Card with Viola Layering Plates

7/23/2020

2 Comments

 
Hello and happy Thursday readers! Today I am sharing this card on the Birch Press Design blog.  I hope you have been enjoying some of the beautiful new release products that the Design Team has been sharing. I am always amazed by what each artist brings to the team and how we all create such unique and diverse cards using the same products. In full disclosure, I also look at something another team member has created and I say, "Well, duh, why didn't I think of that!?" : )
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This A2 sized easel card was made using all three layers of the Viola Layering Plates and lots of purple jewel toned glitter cardstock. All supplies for today's card will be listed at the end of this post. ​
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Here is a close-up of the card to show you the beautiful intricate layering dimensions and the various shades of glitter cardstock.
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I often find it helpful to see how a card was made, versus reading about the process, so I have created a step-by-step video tutorial to share with you:

These intricate layering plates from Birch Press Design are simply stunning, and while they do tend to involve a lot more die cutting, I find the end result is totally worth the hard work.  
Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal 

List of supplies:

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    Disclaimer:

    I, Crystal Komara, am solely responsible for this blog and all of its content, including, but not limited to designs, concepts, text, images and photographs. This website is for your personal enjoyment, inspiration and to help stimulate your own creativity.  

    If you use one of my posts, images, classes or designs please be sure to give credit where it is due.  Thank you!
    2019 ©


    Disclosure:

    • I participate in several affiliate programs. That means I receive a small commission when products are purchased through links at this blog (at NO additional cost to you).  The affiliate programs I use include Whimsy Stamps, Hero Arts, Gina K Designs, Avery Elle, Neat & Tangled, WPlus9, Concord & 9th, Altenew, Pinkfresh Studio, Sunny Studios, and more.
    • I do not work for any companies. 
    • I buy all of my own supplies, unless where mentioned in a post that a product has been gifted, or if I am supplied products in exchange for being on a company's Design Team.
    • I do not do sponsored posts (where a company pays me to talk about a product).
    • I do not place ads on my blog.  Ever. I hate them and I know you do too!
    Whether gifted, or from my own supply, all recommendations are based on items I use and truly love, and think you will too. 
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