FROM NOTECARD TO A2

My first project is a full-size thank you card as an alternate idea to the original notecard in the Expressions In Color kit.

I began by using my Paper Trimmer to cut and score a 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ piece of Soft Succulent Card. Then I folded it along the scored line and sharpened the crease with a Bone Folder to create the card base.

Next, from the kit I took the dark green notecard and cut it along the pre-scored line. I set one piece aside and placed the other, green side down, on my Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Using the small ball of the scoring stylus I scored the card at 1/4″ one the first edge, then turned the card 1/4 turn and scored again at 1/4″. I repeated this twice more so I had a scored line on each of the four sides. Then I scored at 1/2″, turned the card a 1/4 turn and scored again at 1/2″. I repeated this twice more and when I flipped to the green side the scoring seemed to be interwoven at the corners.

With the scoring complete I used Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow) to fix the panel onto my card base.

MORE PIECES

To decorate the front of the card I needed more pieces from the Expressions In Color kit. First I cut one of the green printed panels to 2″ x 3-1/4″. Then using liquid glue I mounted it onto a 2-1/8″ x 3-3/8″ layer of Soft Succulent Card.

Next I took the “Thanks” sentiment and stamped it onto one of the large rectangle strips using Evening Evergreen ink. Then with a couple of Stampin’ Dimensionals under the centre of the sentiment I attached it across the green panel.

Finally I cut one of the leaf printed vellum layers to 2-3/8″ x 3-7/8″. I stacked two Stampin’ Dimensionals under each end of the sentiment, and put more on the back of the green layer. Then I fixed the assembled layers onto the vellum piece.

For a little extra interest I took a dark Evening Evergreen Stampin’ Blends alcohol marker and coloured three of the sequins from the kit. After a minute I fixed them to the panel in a line from the top right corner.

With the layers assembled all I needed to do was attach them to the card front. Because I’d already put the layers on the vellum I could now turn it over and see where to put my Mini Glue Dots so they wouldn’t show. Then I simply mounted the assembled piece onto my card base.

Here’s a video I made some time ago explaining my method for attaching vellum when you don’t have ‘special’ vellum adhesive.

To complete my project I went back to the remaining piece of the green printed layer from the kit. I cut four 1-1/8″ x 1-1/8″ squares and cut each square across the diagonal. Next using liquid glue I fixed one to each corner of a 4″ x 5-1/4″ piece of Basic White Card. Then I glued this layer inside the card base.

The remaining four triangles were glued to the front of a Basic White Medium Envelope and my first project was done.

POST-IT® NOTES

My second project is a quick idea for decorating a 3″ x 3″ Post-It Notes pad.

I thought it would be fun to coordinate with my first project so I pulled out another green notecard from the kit.

After cutting the card in half along the pre-scored line I cut one piece to 3-1/8″ x 5″. Then with the long side at the top I scored it at 3-1/8″ and 3-1/2″. Next I folded the card along the scored lines and sharpened the creases with a Bone Folder. Then I placed the card onto the Post-It Notes pad and wrapped it around the top. Finally I fixed the small end section of the card to the back of the pad with liquid glue.

Now I wanted a base for the pad and for this I went back to the other half of the notecard. After trimming it to 3-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ I attached the covered pad about 1/4 from the top using liquid glue.

Next using Evening Evergreen ink I stamped the “for everything” sentiment onto one of the small banners from the kit. Then with some Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals I attached the sentiment to the base in front of the pad.

PERSONAL EXPRESSIONS

To decorate the top of the pad I went back to the leaf printed vellum left over from my card project. I cut this to 2-7/8″ x 2-7/8″ and set it on my desk right side up.

Then I took one of the printed leaf die-cut pieces and cut off two of the three stems. However when I placed them on the top of the pad I thought it was all a bit ‘busy’. So I decided that if ‘all card has two sides’ I’d apply that thinking to these die-cuts. So I flipped them over and, using Mini Glue Dots, attached them to the vellum white side up.

It was then that I noticed a scrap of the green notecard still left on my desk. Not wanting to let it go to waste I trimmed it to 3/8″ x 2-7/8″ . Then I glued it across the vellum and over the ends of the leafy stems.

As before, now the vellum layer was assembled I could flip it over and hide Mini Glue Dots behind the leaves and card strip. Then I attached the vellum to the green cover on the pad.

Finally I coloured two more sequins using the dark Evening Evergreen Stampin’ Blends. Once I’d added them to one end of the narrow green card strip my second alternate project was finished.

I love how these two projects turned out and they really are a pair. Imagine giving the “Thanks” card followed by the “for everything” Post-Its as a gift. What do you think?

MORE ALTERNATE EXPRESSIONS

I had a lot of fun creating these additional alternate samples. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the team were inspired to create.

Once you’ve worked your way through today’s blog hop, make sure you also check out the official Paper Pumpkin blog for even more ideas and inspiration.

Lastly, I showcased two other alternate projects in my blog post A new Paper Pumpkin resource. Do check it out if you missed it.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

You still have time to subscribe and get the July kit called The Adventure Begins. This will contain everything you need to create twelve cards (4 each of 3 designs) with coordinating envelopes. There’s adventure-themed imagery and an easy layering technique that’s perfect for beginner and experienced stampers . As always everything in the kit is cut and prepared, and it even includes adhesives to assemble the cards. The exclusive stamp set has inspirational sentiments to use with the Classic Stampin’ Spot that also comes with the kit.

The colours used in the July Paper Pumpkin kit will be Basic Black, Basic White, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, Flirty Flamingo, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, Mango Melody and Night of Navy. Make sure to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin by July 10^th to get the Adventure Awaits kit. That said, stocks may be limited towards the end of the subscription period so you might be wise to subscribe sooner rather than later.

PRODUCT LIST

Here’s a list of the additional products used to make today’s alternate projects. You should note that the kit actually included an Evening Evergreen ink spot, glue dots and Dimensionals. I’ve just included the full-size ink pad and adhesives here for reference.

When I checked this morning there were still Expressions In Color Refill Kits available for purchase by Paper Pumpkin subscribers. The refill kit contains everything from the original kit EXCEPT the ink spots and stamp set. Stocks are strictly limited so if you want one (or more) make sure you order before they sell out.