Category: Die Cutting - Crystal Komara

Rainbow Star Flowers

4/18/2022

Hello crafty readers! Thanks for taking the time to be here as the Design Team shares inspiration ideas, tips and tricks for creating beautiful cards using Birch Press Design products. This is Crystal Komara here with you today sharing an amazingly detailed slimline rainbow card using the Star Flowers, part of the all-NEW Contour Layering dies. Last week I shared another rainbow themed card using the Wispy Blooms Contour Layering dies, so if you missed that post, please click here to be WOW'd!

Card details:

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. I always use 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock for my bases. Then I used the Star Flower Contour dies and cut it in every color cardstock. I cut the flowers in two shades of red, orange, yellow, green blue and purple. I adhered the two layers of flowers together and added the round center piece to each flower.

I adhered the star flowers in a ROYGBIV pattern up the length of the card. I also die cut a couple green stems from the Fuddled Leaf Branches Contour Layering Dies and green cardstock. I stamped the sentiment "hello" using the Contempo Greetings stamp set. I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink on black cardstock. I heat embossed the sentiment with white embossing powder and then I used the coordinating Contempo Greetings die to cut the sentiment out. I adhered the sentiment to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

Wow! Yes, that was a LOT of die cutting and piecing together flowers but the end result was totally worth it. This card came out beautiful, if I do say so myself! Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal

I Miss Your Face

4/11/2022

Hello crafty readers! Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog and I am SOooooo excited to share this card with you! My card features the Wispy Blooms dies, part of the all-NEW Contour Layering products from Birch Press Design.

Now, I'm not gonna lie, you're going to take one look at this AH-mazing garden of rainbow delight and be WOW'd! Then, you're gonna take a second look and say "wait, did she really die cut ALL those flowers? Is she craaaaazyyyy?!" Yes and yes! : ) Do I have the patience of a saint? No. Not at all. In fact, I typically shy away from oodles of die cutting (that's all you, Jennifer McGuire!) but once I started and saw where this card was going, it was SO worth it!

Card details:

Yeah, so the basic gist of it, just keep die cutting flowers in ALL the colors of the rainbow! Then, when you think you're gonna go insane, start adhering all the layers together! But, wait. . . there's more! You've still got stems to die cut and adhere! Are we having F-U-N yet?!

Step 1: Die cut a TON of flowers using a variety of colored cardstock.

Step 2: Adhere the two flower layers together.

Step 2: Die cut a lot of stems using a minimum of 2 different colored green cardstock.

Step 4: Adhere the stems to the flowers.

Step 5: You can never have enough flowers and stems for a rainbow garden!

The base of this slimline card measures 8 1/2" x 3 1/2". I use 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth for all my white cardstock. Slimline cards are designed to fit inside a regular #10 business envelope and require no additional postage. I cut an 8 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of white cardstock and ran it through a basketweave embossing folder, then I began to adhere all the flowers to the card in a ROYGBIV pattern. Using the Contempo Greetings stamp set I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink on black cardstock. I heat embossed the sentiment with white embossing powder and then I used the coordinating Contempo Greetings die to die cut it out. Lastly, I adhered the sentiment to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

So sure, this card a LOT of die cutting and piecework, but the end result is gorgeous and I would do it all over again! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal

Thinking of Spring

3/14/2022

Hello crafty readers! Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog sharing two cards made using my favorite spring themed die from Birch Press Design called the Petal Egg Layer Set. There are just so many color combinations that could be used to create the perfect Easter card using these beautiful layering dies.

Card details:

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. Using Layer Plate C of the Butterfly Garden Layering Plate, I die cut the first layer from white cardstock. I saved some of the extra butterflies off to the side (to use as added 3D pieces at the end). Using the Petal Egg Layering Set, I die cut Layer B from purple glitter cardstock (from the Twinkling Jewel 6 x 6" glitter pad) and Layer A from white cardstock. I created a background using blue and purple alcohol inks on Yupo paper. Once this dried, I fussy cut the shape of the egg to fit it behind the egg as the third or base layer.

I stamped the sentiment "thinking of you" from the Contempo Greetings stamp set in Versamark ink on a piece of purple Vibrant Violet cardstock. I heat embossed the sentiment with white embossing powder and then used the coordinating Contempo Greetings die to die cut it out. I adhered the greeting to the front of the egg using 3M foam adhesive. Lastly, I added a couple white butterflies (from the background) to add more texture.

I created a second card using the same instructions (as above), but I simply changed out the background mat to a purple cardstock from the Vibrant Violet paper pack.

I hope you have enjoyed these Easter inspired cards. Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal

Birthday Peony

3/7/2022

Hello readers! Today I am sharing another way to use the Adornment Peony dies from Birch Press Design. Last week on Valentine's Day, I shared this very traditional card and today I chose to create a very different look using alcohol inks as the focal point behind the outline dies.

Card details:

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. Using Layer Plate B of the Flora Layering set, I die cut this layer from white cardstock and adhered it to the base of the card.

For the alcohol ink peony: On a 4" x 6" piece of Yupo Paper, I added drops of raspberry and sherbet alcohol inks and blew the ink around. Then I added drops of lime and citrus alcohol ink. Once this dried, I used the base shadow layer of the Adornment Peony dies to die cut the base out. On white cardstock, I die cut the top layer of the Adornment Peony (notice the white shadow outline around the flowers). I adhered this thin outline die using a fine tip liquid glue.

I adhered the peonies to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension. Lastly I stamped the sentiment "happy birthday" in pink ink on white cardstock. This sentiment is from the Contempo Greetings stamp set. I die cut the sentiment using the coordinating Contempo Greetings dies. I adhered the sentiment to the lower left corner also using 3M foam adhesive for added height.

I hope you have enjoyed today's card! Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal

Hugs

2/14/2022

Hello crafty friends and Happy Valentine's Day! Whether you love or hate the holiday, it is still a great reason to make cards (and eat chocolate, of course)! Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog sharing an elegant and more traditional card using the beautiful new Adornment Peony dies.

Card details:

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White smooth cardstock. Using the Pinpoint Radial Layer Plate, I die cut that first embossed layer from white cardstock. To create the peonies, I die cut the solid base layer from red cardstock (6" x 6" Berry Paper pack) and the top thin outline layer from red foil cardstock. I die cut the solid base layer of the leaves from light green cardstock and the top thin outline layer from darker green cardstock. I used the 6" x 6" Lush Green Paper pack. I adhered all the layers together with a fine tip liquid glue.

I die cut the word "hugs" using the Hugs Sugar Script dies. I cut the larger shadow bottom layer from black cardstock and top thinner outline from gold glitter cardstock. I adhered both layers together with a fine tip liquid glue and then adhered the entire sentiment over the peonies using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

Lastly, I added a couple rhinestones to the top and bottom of the card for added texture. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful love, hugs (and chocolate) filled day!

XO, Crystal

You Are An Inspiration

2/13/2022

Hello friends! Today I'm so excited to be sharing my first card using the beautiful new Truly Inspire digital stamp set from the latest release at Joy Clair Designs. Floral stamps are one of my favorites products to create with. I think it's because there is so much freedom in color - roses and carnations can be red or yellow or pink or even blue. Flowers also work for e-v-e-r-y occasion, happy or sad, good or bad, birthdays to funerals.

Card details:

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. Using an A2 lattice die from Gina Marie Designs, I also die cut the first matted layer from white cardstock. I printed out the flowers from the Truly Inspire digital stamp set (one increased to 60% and the other decreased to 30%). I printed these digital stamps on Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I colored the flowers using Copic markers and then fussy cut each flower. I adhered both flowers to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension. I cut the sentiment strip, notching the left side and adhered it over the flowers in the center of the card.

I like that this card is simple and elegant at the same time. It could also be used for so many different occasions. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day! For more inspiration, you can follow me on my website, Instagram, Facebook and on my YouTube channel.

XO, Crystal

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Thanks

2/10/2022

Hello readers! Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog sharing some quick and simple thank you cards in a variety of colors that could be used for nearly any occasion.

Each of these A2 sized cards were made the exact same way, I simply swapped out different color cardstocks to show how the cards look in alternating colors.

Card details:

The base of each card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I cut a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of colored cardstock (peach, lime and ocean) and adhered this directly to the card base. Using Layer Plate B of the new Flora Plate Layering dies, I cut three pieces from white cardstock. I die cut the word "thanks" using the Thanks Honey Script dies. I cut the bottom shadow layer from the coordinating color cardstock (peach, lime and ocean) and the top thinner layer from white cardstock. I adhered both layers together using a fine-tip liquid glue. Then I layered the entire sentiment to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

These cards were very simple to make and came together quickly, making it a great design if you need multiples! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal

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Let's Party

2/7/2022

Let's paarrrrtayyyyyyy, Birch Press Design friends! Today's I am on the Birch Press Design blog with this slimline card that is a rainbow of fun! This colorful card features the new Let's Party Sugar Script dies and the Floral Balloon Layer Set.

Card details:

This slimline card measures 8 1/2" x 3 1/2". Slimline cards are designed to fit inside a regular business envelope and require no additional postage. The base of this card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I also cut a 8 1/4" x 3 1/4" piece of the same white cardstock for the first matted layer.

To create the balloons:

From white cardstock, I die cut 5 balloons using Layer Plate B of the Floral Balloons Layer Set. Then I die cut one each of Layer A in red, orange, yellow, green and blue cardstock. I layered the two together and adhered them vertically down the card in a ROYGBIV rainbow pattern.

To create all the "party" sentiments, I die cut the thicker shadow layer of "party" in red, orange, yellow, green and blue cardstock. I die cut the thinner top layer from rainbow patterned paper and adhered the two layers together with a fine-tip glue. I adhered the words vertically down the card (over the balloons) using 3M foam adhesive. Lastly, I added the word "let's" created from layering black and white cardstock together and adhered this sentiment to the bottom third of the card.

I hope you are enjoying may of the many F-U-N new products from Birch Press Design! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal

Make A Wish

1/24/2022

Hello readers and happy Saturday! I hope your weekend is off to a great start. The weekends are one of the few times I have to craft, so you’ll most likely find me in my craft room today. I’m so excited to be sharing some of the brand new dies that Birch Press Design has to offer in January! Many of these newly released products focus on birthdays, so my first card using the new Floral Balloon Layer Set and the Make a Wish Sugar Script dies is a fun shaker card. Nothing says let’s celebrate like sparkle and sequins!

Card details:

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. Using the Pinpoint Radial Plate, I cut my first layer from white cardstock. This pinpoint die is what you see behind the balloons. I adhered this pinpoint embossed cardstock directly to the card base. I placed approximately 1 tablespoon each of black and raspberry sequins on the pinpoint embossed cardstock. I created a shaker frame using a scalloped rectangle die and a smaller scalloped rectangle die. I lined the back of the frame with clear acetate. I lined the back of the frame with thin strips of 3M foam adhesive, ensuring that every send and seal was covered so no sequins would fall out. I placed the frame directly over the sequins and pressed firmly sealing the edges.

I die cut the words “make a wish” from black cardstock and white cardstock and layered the two together with a fine-tip glue. I put the sentiment aside to save for the final layer.
Creating the balloons:
For the first (black and white balloon) I used the Floral Balloon Layer Set. I die cut Layer B from black cardstock and layered it over a piece of white cardstock that I trimmed by hand to the same shape. I adhered this balloon directly to the acetate on the front of the card.
For the second balloon (black/pink and white), I also used the Floral Balloon Layer Set. I die cut Layer A from pink glitter cardstock, Layer B from Black cardstock and then again, I layered the balloons over white cardstock and trimmed the white cardstock by hand to form the balloon shape. I adhered this second balloon over the first balloon using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

Lastly, I added the “make a wish” sentiment to the card also using 3M foam adhesive.
I hope you like today’s shaker card using some of the NEW Birch Press Design products! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal

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With Love

1/10/2022

Hello crafty readers! Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog beginning to share some Valentine's Day inspiration using the Flora Heart Layering Dies.

Card details:

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 base of this slimline card was made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. The first layer of the card is also a piece of Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock measuring 8 1/4" x 3 1/4". I ran this piece of white cardstock through an embossing folder with small cascading hearts (a retired product).

To create the two die cut hearts:

Using the Flora Heart Layering Die set, I die cut Layer A, Layer B and Layer C all from white cardstock. (I did this twice). I adhered all three white layers together using a fine tip liquid glue. Then I fussy cut a red heart background behind the layers to ensure the die cut hearts would "pop" when placed on a white background. I adhered the hearts to the top and bottom of the card using 3M foam adhesive for dimension.

To create the alcohol ink hearts:

On a 5 1/4 " x 4" piece of white Yupo paper I ink blended Ranger Adirondack Alcohol inks in the colors in Crimson, Red Pepper and Pink Sherbet. I also added in gold mixative for the swirls of metallic gold. After the ink was dry, I die cut one large heart and two smaller hearts from the Yupo Paper. I adhered the large heart to the center of the card using 3M foam adhesive. I added the two smaller hearts beside the white die cut Flora Hearts.

Lastly, I stamped the sentiment "with love" in red ink on white cardstock. This sentiment is from the Contempo Christmas Greetings stamp set. I die cut the sentiment with the coordinating Contempo Christmas Greetings die. I adhered the sentiment to the center heart using 3M foam adhesive.

I hope you have enjoyed this beautiful and elegant slimline card. While designed with Valentine's Day in mind, this card would also work for weddings and anniversaries.
Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal