Everyday Expressions

Hi Everyone, and thank you joining me again today! As you know, I’ve been participating in the Altenew Educator Certification Program, and this card is homework for the last class in the first level, Easy Die Cutting Techniques, taught by the fabulous Yana Smakula. Seriously, Yana is one of my favorite designers! You can find her blog HERE.

Technique: Inlaid and negative die cutting techniques.

I began by stamping a gorgeous new stamp set released in December, Frosted Garden onto shimmering pearl white Crafter’s Companion cardstock with black VersaFine ink and heat embossed Altenew clear embossing powder. (I ordered this set the first day of release while we stood in line at Animal Kingdom at Disneyworld in December. I have learned that if you don’t order things immediately, they sell out quickly.)

Next, I used the coordinating dies to cut out the floral images, and replaced the die cut flowers by inlaying them back into the cardstock. However, I did not replace some of the cuts to leave negative space, and adhered the cardstock to a red panel. I love the effect this created! What do you think?

I used Altenew red cosmos artist markers and scribbled onto cardstock in an ombré effect. (I know! It seems to be my thing lately! LOL!) Then I die cut halftone hello thanks sentiment from the colored cardstock. Next I used the same die, cut five pieces of black cardstock, and glued them together with the colored sentiment on top. Finally, I glued this onto the stamped and die cut panel.

Finally, I added some dimension with a layer of craft foam behind the red panel before taping it all to a black Simon Says Stamp heavyweight card base. I used Wink of Stella on the red cardstock and the sentiment, and finished with some clear droplets from Pretty Pink Posh.

Tips:

Sometimes simplicity in design calls for dramatic color combinations. Red, black, and white always say drama!

Combine easy die cutting techniques for extra WOW effect. Here, inlaid and negative techniques look very interesting.

Instead of using black embossing powder that can get messy, I usually use black VersaFine ink and heat emboss with clear embossing powder.

Little details make a big impact: Embossing basic black stamped flowers adds interest. Wink of Stella adds sparkle. Clear droplets add dimension and a hint of glam.

Trick:

Leaving just a tiny bit of negative die cut space adds flair and artistic style to a card!

So simple, yet so dramatic! What do you think? I like this so much, I might create several for gift card sets or just to keep in my stash. Thanks again for stopping by! Love and artsy hugs!

Erin