Blog Posts - Crystal Komara

Find Joy

8/23/2023

Hello friends and happy Wednesday! Today I am sharing a card that I designed using the Lumina Layering Set from Birch Press Design. Unfortunately, when I made this card, I did not realize these plates have retired, so you are no longer able to purchase this exact die, but perhaps my card might inspire you to try a similar layering die, or use a combination of these fiery colors. I can recommend the Enchantment Plate Layer set or the Viola Plate Layer set both by Birch Press Design in lieu of the layering plates I used.

Card details:

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I then covered the white card base with a 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" piece of Basic Black cardstock. I Cut Layer A (the top layer) of the Lumina Layer Plate with yellow cardstock. I cut Layer B (the middle layer) from orange cardstock and I cut Layer C (the bottom layer) from orange glitter cardstock.

I adhere the three layers of the die together with LineCo fine tip liquid adhesive. This is my go-to liquid adhesive for card making. It is actually a well-known book binding glue, so it works exclusively well on paper products with out warping or damaging paper.

I adhered all three layers of the Lumina plate to the black background. For the sentiment, I used the Find Joy Word and Outline die. I die cut the back shadow layer from orange cardstock and the top layer from white cardstock. I adhered the two layers together and then mounted the sentiment to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

Initially when I created this card I thought it reminded me of the sun, or sunflowers, but I love how vibrant and bold the colors are against the black background.
I hope you have enjoyed today's card. Thank you for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal

Products used:

You might also enjoy:

Whimsy Stamps 1st Halloween Release

8/21/2023

Hello friends and happy Monday! Today is a very exciting day for me (because I love Halloween SOooooo much) and the owners at Whimsy Stamps, because today is our first release for the upcoming Halloween season! Let's take a look at the spooky cool products you can now find on the Whimsy Stamps website:

6" x 6" BOOkeh Paper Pack

Whimsy Stamps 6x6 designer paper packs - "BOOkeh" - designed by Deb Davis for Whimsy Stamps. © Whimsy Stamps. 30 single-sided sheets of high-quality papers with a beautiful sheen. 15 designs/2 sheets of each. Perfect for card making, scrapbooking, and or paper hoarding. Acid and lignin free. Individual sheets packaged in clear bag.

Batty Die Set

Whimsy Stamps Die Collection "Batty Die Set" designed by Deb Davis and Denise Lynn for Whimsy Stamps. This is a set of 7 dies - set includes 5 different flying bat dies and 2 dies with various sets of eyes. Create shaker cards with the negative shape space, or use the solid shapes with or without eyes for spooky and cute Halloween cards and scrapbook pages!

Boo Ghosts Stamp Set

Clearly Whimsy Stamps Collection "Boo Ghosts" image and sentiment set designed by Krista Heij-Barber for Whimsy Stamps.
High quality photopolymer clear stamps, use with an acrylic block Approximate size in inches: 4 x 6 polymer sheet.

Cat-o-Lanterns Stamp Set

Clearly Whimsy Stamps Collection "Cat-O-Lanterns" designed by Crissy Armstrong for Whimsy Stamps. © Whimsy Stamps.
High quality photopolymer clear stamps, use with an acrylic block Approximate size in inches: 4x6 polymer sheet.

Halloween Night Stamp Set

Clearly Whimsy Stamps Collection "Halloween Night" designed by Crissy Armstrong for Whimsy Stamps. © Whimsy Stamps. Coordinates with our Halloween Night Outline Die Set, sold separately.
High quality photopolymer clear stamps, use with an acrylic block Approximate size in inches: 4x6 polymer sheet.
*Note - this stamp set has coordinating outline dies (sold separately).

October 31st Stamp Set

Clearly Whimsy Stamps Collection "October 31st" designed by Deb Davis - Amped2Stamp for Whimsy Stamps.Set of 6 large sentiments all featuring October 31st to mark the haunting date of Halloween.
High quality photopolymer clear stamps, use with an acrylic block Approximate size in inches: 4 x 6 polymer sheet.

Nested Webs Die Set

Whimsy Stamps Die Collection "Nested Webs Die Set" designed by Deb Davis and Denise Lynn for Whimsy Stamps.This is a set of 5 dies - set includes web shaped dies, decreasing in size - each die cuts a solid web shape. Use to create a matte layers or windows on your projects.
Thin metal dies perfect for all your card making and crafting projects. Must be used with a die cutting machine, such as Cuttlebug, Big Shot, or Wizard. Please note, that it is common for long and/or thin die shapes to bend or warp when used in die machines. This should not cause any issue with the effectiveness of the die when used properly.

Be sure to check out Whimsy Stamps Instagram page and website to see some faBOOlous samples from the amazing Design Team using these new products!

Craft w/ Me at Butterfly Reflections, Ink

8/18/2023

Hello friends! I will begin teaching regular card making classes at the awesome Butterfly Reflections Ink store in Kingston, New Hampshire this fall! We have our first Halloween themed class designed (see image below):

*Details: All are welcome to attend, no experience is necessary. Your class kit includes everything needed to make these four cards (including a shaker card, and a wobble card), plus envelopes. Verbal and written step-by-step instruction will be provided. All you need to bring is your favorite double sided adhesive, foam adhesive, craft scissors and clear Wink of Stella (optional).

Class 1

Date: Saturday, October 28th
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Fee: $25/person

Class 2

Date, Saturday, October 28th
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Fee: $25/person

RSVP's are a MUST and space is limited, so call Vanessa at Butterfly Reflections, Ink to reserve your spot today. I look forward to creating with you!

Hello Peacock

8/15/2023

Hello readers! Today I am sharing one of my "oldie but goodie" favorite dies from Birch Press Design. (*Unfortunately this die is no longer available, sorry!) As much as I despise birds (shhhhh!), I do admire the peacock simply for the gorgeous plumage of its quills. I mean who wouldn't want to shake their booty and boom instant wow factor! : )

Just look at the detail in those feathers!

Card details:

The base of this A2 sized card was made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. On a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of the same white cardstock, I heat foiled the Gilded Grace Hot Foil plate with gold foil. I only used the large background piece (and not the center cut outs) for this card. Then I created the layers of the peacock using a variety of teal and purple cardstock from the Ocean Blue 6 x 6" paper pack and Vibrant Violet 6" x 6" paper pack. For the top layer (Layer A) and the main body of the peacock I used a teal glitter paper from the Glitzy Glitter 6" x 6" paper pack.

I then adhered the peacock to the card with 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

For the sentiment I heat foiled the Hello Sugar Script with purple foil on white cardstock. I used the coordinating die to cut it out and adhered it to the card with foam adhesive.

Swoooon, she's so pretty! Birch Press Design just came out with a whole new release geared toward the upcoming holidays and I can't wait to get into my craft room and begin creating. Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal

Products used:

Lots of Large Cosmos

7/17/2023

Hello today I am on the Birch Press Design blog sharing three ways to use the beautiful new Large Cosmos Contour Layering dies. Initially, I had only one slimline card in mind, but I ended up die cutting soooooo many cosmo flowers that I made multiple cards to show you a variety of ways to use them. So, sit back and enjoy the inspiration!

The easiest way to begin making all of these cards, is to first create the large cosmos. For the flowers, I used a combination of purple colored cardstock. Then I just began assembling the flowers following the guided image. I ended up with almost 20 flowers by the time I was done. This truly was the hardest part of the entire process. Then I just took the flowers and designed multiple layouts.

The first card is an 8 1/2 x 3 1/2″ slimline card. It is designed to fit inside a regular #10 business sized envelope. The white base is made from 80 lb. Neenah Smooth white cardstock. I adhered four of the large cosmo flowers down the center of the card. Behind a couple of the flowers, I tucked a few leaves, die cut from the Curved Leaf die from lush green cardstock.

I heat foiled the sentiment in purple foil on white cardstock. The sentiment is from the Sugar Script Sentiments Hot Foil plates. I added the sentiment to the card using 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

My next card is an A2 sized card made from the same 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I matted the base with a piece of plaid foiled cardstock from sister company Memory Box. This plaid foiled paper is 5 1/4″ x 4″. Next, I die cut a large scalloped oval from white cardstock. I adhered this to the center of the card. I adhered one of the large cosmos to the lower right side of the oval. I also added a few leaves behind the flower. I heat foiled the sentiment in purple foil on white cardstock. Again, this sentiment is from the Sugar Script Sentiments hot foil plates.

My third card for today is also an A2 sized card made from a base of 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I heat foiled a piece of white cardstock with the String Art Frame Hot Foil Plate. Once this hot foiled background cooled, I adhered it directly to the card base as my first layer. I adhered one large cosmo to the lower right side of the card and tucked one leaf under the flower. Using the Find Joy and Outline die, I die cut the sentiment from purple and white cardstock, adhering the two layers together before adhering both to the card with 3M foam adhesive.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing a variety of cards all made in monochromatic purple and white with the new Large Cosmos die!

XO, Crystal

Supplies used:

You might also enjoy:

Jump In. . . The Water's Fine

7/14/2023

Thank you all for following along for Shark Week 2023! I hope you've found the cards and theme fun. Today I will be sharing my final shark card before moving onto to other summer goodness.

My final card is a shaker card made using the Surf Shark stamp set from Whimsy Stamps.

Card details:

*All supplies are linked at the end of this post for you convenience.

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. Next I cut a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of the same white cardstock and use the A2 Antique Frames die set by Whimsy Stamps to cut the hole in the middle of the card. Behind the frame I placed a sheet of paper from the Slimline Under the Sea paper pack (cut to fit). I lined the back of the frame with 3M foam adhesive to created height for the shaker card. I placed about 2 tablespoons of sequins behind the frame before adhering it tightly.

I stamped the Surf Shark in Memento Tuxedo black ink on Neenah White cardstock. I colored it using Copic Markers and then fussy cut the image out. I adhered the image to the card using 3M foam adhesive for dimension. I also put a layer of Nuvo Crystal Glaze on the image to make it look wet and shiny.

On a thin strip of white cardstock, I stamped the sentiment in Memento Tuxedo black ink. I notched the right end before adhering it to the top left of the card. On a scrap piece of white cardstock, I also stamped the sentiment "duh duh" in blue ink and then used the Comic Speech Bubbles die set from Whimsy Stamps to die cut the sentiment. I adhered the speech bubble above the shark using 3M foam.

Thanks for following along for Shark Week 2023! Have a wonderfully creative weekend!

XO, Crystal

Supplies used:

You might also enjoy:

Shark Week!

7/12/2023

Shark Week 2023 continues today with a special Shark Week Instagram Hop! So, please head on over to my Instagram to see all the other amazing shark themed cards that were created for this event from a variety of designers. Plus, there are some jawsome prizes for all who hop along with us!

Here is the card that I created for today's Instagram hop:

Card details:

*All supplies that I used are linked at the end of this post for you convenience.

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I then cut a 5 1/4 x 4" piece of the same white cards and using the Wavy Nested Frame dies by Whimsy Stamps, I cut a large hole using the 2nd largest Wavy Nested Frame die in the center of the cardstock. I placed a sheet of ocean themed paper from the Slimline Under the Sea paper pack behind the Wavy Nested Frame die.

I created a blue alcohol ink background on white Yupo paper, using Glacier Ranger Adirondack alcohol ink by Tim Holtz. Once that dried, I die cut the letters "shark week" using the Bold ABC letter dies from Whimsy Stamps. I also die cut these letters three times from white cardstock to layer them for thickness (and a slight shadow peeking out from behind the blue letters). I adhered the die cut letters to the center of the card.

I stamped one of the shark images and the girl on the inner tube from the Snark Attack stamp set from Whimsy Stamps. I fussy cut the images and then colored them with Copic Markers. I adhered the images to the card with 3M foam adhesive for added dimension. Lastly, I added a layer of Nuvo Crystal Glaze to make it look like the images were wet.

Happy Shark Week friends! Be sure to come back on Friday for my final shark themed card!

XO, Crystal

Supplies used:

Duh Nuh

7/10/2023

Hello chum and welcome to Shark Week 2023 here on my website! I've got some jawsome cards to share with you over the next few days featuring a variety of shark themed products, so let's get swimming. . . if you dare! : )

This card features the Snark Attack stamp set from Whimsy Stamps and an aqua alcohol ink background amidst the words "duh nuh" (aka the theme music from "Jaws.")

Card details:

*All supplies are linked at the end of this post for you convenience.

The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I cut a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of the same white cardstock with an oval shaped die cut hole in the middle. On a separate sheet of 5" x 3 1/2" Yupo paper, I created an alcohol ink smooshed background with Turquoise alcohol ink from Tim Holtz. Once the background dried, I adhered it behind the die cut oval.

Using the Bold ABC letter dies from Whimsy Stamps, I die cut the letter "DUH NUH" from teal cardstock. I die cut the letters three times each in order for me to stack them for dimension (in lieu of foam adhesive). I adhered the letters across the center of the card. I stamped the two sharks in Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored them using Copic Markers. I added a layer of Crystal Effects over the sharks to give the appearance they were wet or shiny. I then adhered the sharks to the card using 3M foam adhesive for dimension. Lastly, I stamped the sentiment "tourist season is my favorite" in Memento Tuxedo black ink on thin strips of white cardstock. I adhered the sentiment strip (after cutting it in half to fit) to the lower right side of the card with foam adhesive.

I hope you'll come back tomorrow for another shark card in honor or Shark Week 2023!

XO, Crystal

Supplies used:

You might also enjoy:

Patriotic Balloon Easel Card

7/4/2023

Happy 4th of July friends! Today I am on the Birch Press Design blog with this red, white and blue patriotic themed balloon easel card.

*To make the easel fold, simply look up a tutorial on YouTube, there are a wide range of ideas, but all you need is the basic cutting instructions which are super easy!

The base of this A2 sized card was made with 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock.

Using all three layers (A, B, and C) of the Floral Balloon Layer Set, I die cut four of every balloon in red, light blue, dark blue, white and silver glitter cardstock. (I really didn't know how many balloon pieces I would need, so this gave me plenty to mix and match!) I really could have made two cards with all the pieces I had leftover.

I then began playing around with the balloons to see which colors I liked layered over each other, until I found an arrangement that was pleasing to my eye. I saved two balloons for the base of the card, to act as the "stopper" so the easel fold won't collapse once it is standing.

I die cut the Let's Party sentiment from both navy blue and white cardstock. I layered the two together with a fine-tip liquid glue and then adhered the sentiment to the card with 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your 4th festivities!

XO, Crystal

Supplies used:

You might also enjoy:

Happy 4th of July

7/3/2023

Well. . . technically it's only the 3rd of July, so happy 3rd of July! : ) We're just extending the celebrations here! But, be sure to come back tomorrow for another patriotic themed card with a fun easel fold.

Card details:

*All supplies are linked at the end of this post for your convenience.

This slimline card measures 8 1/2" x 3 1/2" and is designed to fit inside a regular #10 business sized envelope. As with all my cards, I use 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock for the card base (and nearly everything else too). Using the Slimline Stars Background die from Whimsy Stamps, I die cut it twice, once from red cardstock and once from blue cardstock. I then cut each slimline panel down the middle and assembled the card half red and half blue.

I die cut the "Happy 4th" sentiment using the Bold ABC letter dies also from Whimsy Stamps. I die cut these letter from silver glitter cardstock. I also die cut the letters three times from white cardstock to stack them for dimension (in lieu of foam adhesive which can get costly). Lastly, I stamped the sentiment in red ink and notched both ends before adhering it below the silver letters.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

XO, Crystal

Supplies used: