Good morning sweet friends I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your support on my new release on June 13th. We were tickled to introduce the Venise Lace Collection and the creative team had exquisite samples to show. Don’t forget, you have the rest of the day to leave a comment on my June 13 post and the post of each creative team member to win a die from my Vintage Elegance Collection. It feels great to have that deadline behind us and I find myself up before 5am and I’m not a morning person, traditionally. Not sure why I’m not sleeping but if it is worry, I have found the answer for that – creating. I’ve simply been playing around with dies and catching up on emails, Instagram (my current go-to for inspiration) and Facebook at those wee hours. By the way if you have a question on what I’ve used on a card, try me on Instagram – with all the notifications – it’s much quicker and easier than email.
For Day of Giving Friday I have a card with a wonderful new Quietfire Design sentiment called Moments of Silence, that fit the bill for my early morning creative session. I was loving every moment of silence – no radio, no tv, just me and my thoughts – magical. I thought it a perfect sentiment to share today along with a card that uses two of the new dies just introduced. These are two of my favorites Spellbinders S5-308 Hemstitch Squares and Spellbinders S4-789 Francesca Label – they are classic and go with just about everything in my stash. Plus I pulled out and older Favorite Spellbinders S4-505 Swirl Bliss
Instructions:
-
- Start out with a card base 5-1/2″ wide x 6-1/2″ tall.
- Add a panel cut with the largest two Hemstitch dies and matted with gold slightly larger than the hemstitch panel.
- *Tentatively adhere to the base with double stacked foam tape – lets call this Layer 1
- Cut and Emboss two Swirl Bliss pockets – tape on the back so that the pocket retains its shape.
- Insert a piece of gold paper (3-1/2″ wide by 4-1/8″ tall) by placing a pocket on left edge and right edge and push together to overlap in the middle – lets call this Layer 2
- Run a piece of ribbon the pockets threading the ribbon through the triangle holes in the pockets.
- Adhere pockets to Layer 1 with double stacked foam tape and secure ribbon to the back of Layer 1
- **Permanently adhere Layer 1 to the card base.
- Cut and emboss Francesca Label, stamp with sentiment and attach to Layer 2 with a triple stack of foam tape.
- Add bow to left hand side and pearls to embellish.
*(When I tentatively adhere something, I fold back the liner tape a bit on two pieces and let a small amount of adhesive engage because I know the layer needs to be picked back up)
**(When I permanently adhere something, I remove all the liner tape and engage knowing it should not be taken back apart)
For new readers, every Friday it’s my pleasure to give away a card. The card goes t(When o a randomly picked reader (worldwide) who leaves a comment in our conversation. Want to know more about Day of Giving, here’s a link to my FAQ’s just check out #11. You can check the list of winners HERE! (I’ll be updating the winner’s list soon).
I hope you will indulge me to answer the question this week. I’ve had a recent conversation with a reader who was a beginner and was lost making a card – your answer will help me judge how to taylor upcoming posts. Please don’t be shy – I want you to take credit for your accomplishments – if you’ve been able to follow my instructions for some time – you are probably not a beginner. For your comment: What do you consider your card making level – Beginner, Intermediate or Expert?
Stamps: Quietfire Design – Moments of Silence
Paper: Neenah Classic Crest – Natural White – Cover – 80lb smooth, Gold Poster Board, My Minds Eye
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black Ink and Ranger Clear Detail Embossing Powder
Accessories: Spellbinders S5-308 Hemstitch Squares, Spellbinders S4-789 Francesca Label , Spellbinders S4-505 Swirl Bliss PL-001 Platinum™ Die Cutting And Embossing Machine with 8.5″ Platform, Double Sided Satin Ribbon, The Paper Studio – Pearls
Have a great weekend “Gracelets”!! :-)
Hello Becca,
Congratulations on the Blog Hop. All the sample cards and makes were brilliant, but they were from your dies so no surprises there!
Today’s offering in stunning, thank you.
I have crafted for nearly 70 years but still consider myself an intermediary as there is always something to learn.
Don’t worry about sleeping, the more you worry, the less you sleep.
Love Maureen xx
WONDERFUL CARD, BECCA! I LOVE the sentiment & what you’d done with it!!!! ;) SUCH A LOVELY CARD!!!!
I tend to do easier techniques. But, I consider myself an intermediate card maker. I’ve been making cards for awhile now & have done the more difficult type of cards too, but it is the more simple techniques that I gravitate to. Mostly because the things that it takes to do those more advanced techniques COST $$$! I usually chose between images or technique supplies when I buy.
Just a lovely card Becca! To answer your question, I feel I am an intermediate card maker, most of your instructions are clear as a bell but occasionally you get a tad UN clear in writing and I can tell you are just trying to put a movement into words (which is hard)
Your creations are always so beautiful! I consider myself an intermediate card maker but I still sometimes have to actually look at the dies before I can determine what layer you are describing. That’s just me and the way I am — I tend to be more visual than instruction oriented.
Perfection!
Hi, Becca,
I just love this card! It is simply elegant! I guess that I am probably an intermediate level card maker, although, I am greatly out of practice. I have been attending school for two years and have had little time left over to craft. I am hoping to be able to do more with my cards and crafts once I get a little more room in my schedule. I have so many crafting tools and supplies that I will feel better if I am using them! I truly enjoy all of the beautiful things you make and wish that I can learn how to make such pretty cards. Your style is a favorite!
Blessings,
Kim Haygood
I have been a scrapbooker for many years but started making cards just 3-4 years ago. I love making and sending cards. The card you are featuring today is absolutely gorgeous. I have learned everything I know from watching Youtube videos and seeing various creations on blogs like yours and from Pinterest. I guess I would describe myself as intermediate because there is always something new to learn. Photographs of each step in the creation process are always helpful especially for beginners. I know at first I had some problems understanding some of the terms used in written instructions. Thanks for sharing your beautiful creations.
Love the sentiment. It is perfectly highlighted in your card design. I am an intermediate card maker. I aspire to be an expert, like you!
I just love ALL your beautiful cards. So talented!
Definately intermediate! Wish I could say expert, but I’d just fooling myself. And if I thought I was an expert, that might mean I didn’t have more (lots more!) room to learn. Love your new dies, Becca. Exquisite!
Another lovely card.I would say I am intermediate card maker. Your new Venice dies are gorgeous. Christine S.
Hi there Becca, Just popping by for a quick peek at your new creations. Your cards are always so elegant. As for your question, I would say somewhere in between beginner and intermediate. I have learned lots but I have lots to learn. HA HA… Take care sweet friend. God bless…Denice with a “c”
I so love every detail of this card the color is wonderful ! I’m so in love with this card. The words blow me away! Thanks for sharing your beautiful card!
Great card, lovely as usual. I’d consider myself an intermediate card maker.
Oh my oh my another stunning creation here Becca. It´s sooo beautiful and well made as usual.
About my cardmakinglevel, I think, I considder myself as intermediate level, even I´ve been doing it for many years by now and also held many classes, but I also know, that no matter how much we do, we can always learn a lot more, and I stioll learn lots even from complete newbies, and there´s no way, we ever get an expert like you with the level, we are on .
Hi Becca
I love it… it looks so rich… love the colours you gave used too.
Hope uu have a fabulous weekend. Sending lots of love Joanna (OurJojo)
such a simple question today yet so hard to answer. as for making cards I am intermediate to advanced. I can usually figure out what is done and copy it or find a way to use it that speaks to me. as far as coloring or original layouts i’m a beginner. I also don’t have a great sense for sizing. nothing is as simple as it seems.
your cards are gorgeous and the colors always work so well together. todays card is no exception. it is wonderful.
Hi, Becca,
The composition of your photo for today’s post is so beautiful and balanced. The colors of the heart and roses are perfect! The card’s pretty spectacular, too!
On June 2, you featured a card with a Quietfire stamp and when I linked to that site I ordered the very stamp used in today’s post. I love seeing it on today’s card.
I’ve been making cards for a long time and, with your tutelage, I have moved from intermediate to an expert card maker. Fortunately, though, there will always be new things to learn! I suspect the difficulty for a beginner to duplicate your cards is inherent in your sophisticated style. You may be able to tailor your instruction a bit but my sense is that the diversity of your design team will give all levels of card makers options that will work for them. I love seeing such great possibilities! Even though I prefer to make cards that have complexity, when time is limited it’s great to have inspiration for those times, as well.
It’s such a joy to witness what a creative and exciting time this is for you. I hope your sleeplessness has less to do with worry and all to do with being excited and inspired!
Love & blessings, Sandy
Oh Becca,
This is georgous, so soft and quiet, so basic and of course your bow just makes it perfect.
Some aspect of cardmaking, I consider myself as Intermediate but others I feel I am still a beginner. I am horrible at interpreting instructions,so that makes me say beginner. I hope someday I will be as good as you are. Some people have it; some don’t.
Hugs
Ann Robbins
Beautiful card, lovely sentiment
Really beautiful card Becca. At the risk of blowing my own trumpet, I believe I am an expert card maker but even so, there’s always something we can learn!
Doreen R
This card is absolutely stunningly beautiful. Just the other day I was trying to remember just how long I’ve been creating cards…..not an exact but over 15 years. I consider myself an expert. Becca, I absolutely love your style and am proud to admit that you have been and are still my biggest inspiration. Please keep doing what you do and thank you for sharing.
Hi Becca, you are an expert, your cards are exquisite. I am intermediate, but always doing my best. Greetings from Australia.
Rene from OZ x
Hi Becca,
I am so glad for all your success!! You certainly deserve it!
I consider myself in between intermediate and not expert but excellent, every day I discover something more and I am so appreciative of EXPERTS as you who are so selfless and are an endless source of inspiration!
Cariños,
María Alba
Morning Becca love your card this morning and I consider myself an intermediate crafter. But I am happy with that.
Hugs Trish.
Beautiful card and wonderful sentiment Becca!!!
That is a hard question…since I have over 200 first place ribbons and a number of ‘best of’, I would have to say I am an expert card maker. HOWEVER, with so much more to still learn and try, I am a beginner!!!! How’s that for an answer – LOL!
Paper Hugs,
Jan Castle
What an elegant and timeless card with a lovely sentiment. I think I’m an intermediate card maker. I love watching tutorials to learn new techniques. Bless you, Becca!
The new die is so versatile! Of course the card is so lovely… the colors dies, ribbon and sentiment!!! Thank you!!!!
I forgot to answer the question. My family and friends feel that I am an expert card maker. Guess I have to admit that I am pretty good….
Today’s card is showing off your new dies perfectly. I love the Hemstitch dies and the Swirl Bliss Pockets are a perfect foil for the lovely Quietfire sentiment.
Love the layering and elegant color combo!
I consider myself an intermediate card maker.
Awesome design! I’m in the middle…
Hi Becca thanks again for your inspiration. As a card maker for over 20 years and also a tutor at our local U3A for 10+ years I still consider myself as intermediate in experience because there is always more to learn and pass on. As for your not sleeping maybe it’s because the days are getting warmer in your part of the world don’t worry too much about it and enjoy the time doing want you feel like doing.
Good morning Becca, such a beautiful card!!! I have been crafting one way or another for about 59ish years!!! Card making 25ish but I would class myself a learner even though I’ve been told my cards are and I quote gorgeous!!!
I always say anyone can make a card with the right materials and your dies are exquisite!!!
Have a good one!!!
Loopy Lyndaxxx
I’m probably a lower Intermediate card maker. Would love to have the Hemstich Squares. I like the look and I don’t sew. Thanks for all you do, Becca.
Becca, what a wonderful card. I enjoy all of your creations.
I really like the way you make your bows.
I have had stamps for probably 30 years but I didn’t really start stamping about 20 years ago. I have taught at the local stamp store which is now closed. So I guess you could say I am an expert but just today I try to make a card that took me all day to figure out.
I was ready to give up when I thought I will try one more time & it work so maybe I am still an intermediate.
This is gorgeous card!
Love your new line of dies! Congratulations! I would consider myself? intermediate, but for those of us who haven’t had much experience layering all those beautiful dies it’s more advanced (or so it seems).
Love the colours in this one Becca! As always a beautiful card.
Depending on what sort of card I am making, the skill level changes. eg if I’m stitching it goes up but on assembling different layers it goes down!
Your cards are always so stunningly beautiful. I have learned so much from your cards/instructions. They are easy to follow and it is rare I have a problem with doing a similar card or technique. That being said, I am probably better than intermediate, but I don’t consider myself an expert… always something to learn. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent.
Hi Becca!
I just LOVE the message on your card. Your card is beautiful, as usual. I’ve been making cards for about 5 years so I consider myself an intermediate who is still open to learning new things. I have to tell you too that I love the new dies.
It’s so beautiful and delicate! Love your elegant dies, always come up with gr8 idea!
I consider myself an expert, though I am always learning!
Carol b
I guess I am intermediate. I love this card and it’s sentiment.
When it comes to card making I would consider myself as an intermediate. My husband thinks not, bless his heart. But I learned to grow and it was with wonderful people like you Becca who helped me along the way. First of all don’t be afraid of making mistakes, we all do that and you might find yourself creating something different than what you started out with.Just let your imagination fly.
Great design and yes, perfect card!
Beautiful card. Congratulations on your new series of dies. My wish list has gotten so long! You have a great new team of designers. I am an intermediate. I’ve “played with paper” for the past 19 years, and still learn more each day. I haven’t purchased a “store bought” card in 17 years!
Beautiful card beautiful sentiment!
I would consider myself at a level between intermediate and expert, for certain I am not at a level that I consider you at. Oh how I would love to spend a day watching you create!
Love this card, the hemstitch squares and of course, your beautiful bow! I consider myself to be an intermediate card maker. Someday, with more time and resources, I would like to be an ‘excellent’ intermediate. There is still so much that I have to learn.
Hi Becca,
Your cards are just so beautiful….and your bows…. amazing! I would say I am a intermediate card maker. I have learned that a card doesn’t have to be perfect, and by letting that go, my cards have improved, and so much more fun to make!
Dee
Morning Becca, Stunning !! the colours are gorgeous, the die-cuts are gorgeous and the bow is gorgeous, as is the sentiment. I love that you have used script paper for a die-cut too, how effective.
I would class myself as Intermediate, I can always understand your instructions.
Enjoy your weekend.
Lots of love from Patricia xx
This card is gerous and so peaceful:)
What a beautiful card. The saying really picked me up today. Won’t go into detail, yet what an Awesome God we have!
I would say I’m an intermediate card maker.
Hi Becca,
I was so glad to see the instructions included in this posting–beautiful card, your usual classic elegance. It’s so helpful to have the card and layer dimensions given. Your directions are very clear no matter what experience level the reader has if the reader is familiar with the dies used. If not, then any directions would be hard to follow. Is it possible to include in the post the pictures of the dies used? Some blogs do this I guess as a sales attraction and it works and is so helpful, too. KittyKraft does this for Ellen Hutson and it is beneficial. A picture is worth a lot of words.
Since I am a long time card maker I’m experienced, not necessarily an expert. Thanks for your generous sharing of your talent. I also really like the team concept–gives more ideas to your basic concepts. Barbara
Love the cream colored ribbon and the printed designer paper you used. I really love the new dies! The hemstitch squares are elegant but simple enough to use with more elaborate dies.
Card Making Level: Intermediate even though I’ve been stamping since 1998.
I would consider myself intermediate on card making. Beautiful work as always.
Ahhh, “Gracelettes” has a nice familiar [the French form of familiar] sound to it. I like this sweet title. Your card is lovely. Thank you for sharing your ideas. I just finished yesterday a special wedding anniversary card that I made with inspiration from one of your cards. The only craft items that I had that you used on your card were the Allure embossing folder and some pearls. After all the layers, adding glitter on the roses and around the second layer and one of the frames, I think my card is lovely. I think what really makes this card was your use of the pearls hanging from the bow streamers, which I also used. Thanks again for the inspiration. Now to your question. I feel I am passed intermediate at this point, but I would not say I am an expert. I still have much to learn about card making and art in general. That’s why I still need your help and inspiration. Please keep up the good work.
What a beautiful card!
Card making level: Intermediate
Another beautiful card as always.your new venise die set is so beautiful. Christine S Canada
What an amazing card! I sell cards in the fall at craft sales!
This is simply beautiful. So very elegant and yes, moments of silence are surely part of the music. So much to think about there. Have a great day Becca!
Beautiful card and love all your new dies. But I think I will say I am an intermediate card maker even though I am not afraid to go into expert. I am planning to bump up my cards . I do sell most of the cards I make so that’s always a good thing.
Hi Becca, Beautiful card as always :) You’re bows are always so heavenly. I am probably classed as intermediate, although I usually feel like a beginner. There are so many techniques I have yet to learn. I think I spend more time trying to match things together than making cards lol Not to mention my bows never look half as pretty as yours. I would love to see a tutorial on how you make them look like that.
Have a lovely weekend x
Beautifully created Becca! You are an artist when it comes to creating special cards! Altho I’ve been creating cards and learning little tips and tricks all along, but I feel like an awe struck beginner compared to you. My experiences in card making has been with fabric- cotton calico fabric became Kalico Kards! I needed nothing but fabric to be inspired, until I viewed your cards on Pinterest and they opened a whole new world for me of die cut cards. My ideal is to combine the two worlds into one, but at 79, I feel like I’m running out of time. Thank you for your impact on my world Becca! the kardlady
Thanks you SO MUCH for the step by step instructions. It has helped so much. Any chance you can add a photo of the intermediate assembly? For instance, your weaving of the ribbon through “the triangles” is hidden by the Francesca sentiment piece. I consider myself an intermediate card maker. I still have a hard time coming up with my own designs and rely heavily on inspiration such as your blog provides.
Oh Becca – I just love the Venise Lace Collection and your projects are simply stunning! Congratulations!
I think it would be hard to be an expert in every aspect of card making, unless able to master all the new techniques which are developed and have access to all the supplies needed. I’ve found those who make stunning cards with photographs or their own artwork, metal or fabric, beadwork or collage etc – so many techniques – so little time!!
Die-cutting, layering and 3-D work are my comfort zones. I teach a class and have been asked to do demos, but have not yet attempted things like working with cling film, salt and aquatints, paint fusion techniques or what I would term the very ‘arty’ type projects. I am very comfortable with complicated constructions though – must be because my father is a civil engineer! Hope that answers the question!
Hugs
Anne(UK) x
I Love the lush look of the gold background behind the cutout dies! I’m an intermediate… sometimes I hit a home run and others are just so-so.