Paper Pieced Sloth Belated Birthday Card

Hello, Crafty Friends! 

Wow, has it been a while! Spring has crept its head and is finally here! Here in Texas, it went from freezing temps to rain. Warm humid air and...yup, rain... and lots of it! Which just set off a chain reaction that made every flower, weed, tree, and grass send blooming clouds of pollen into the air that has my eyes, nose, and throat hating me right now. You know what I'm talking about... the dreaded seasonal allergies!!

Allergies hit pretty bad and put me down and out for a bit. And it made me miss events and even birthdays. No one likes to miss out on anything let alone birthdays. So for today's project, I'll show you how I made this paper pieced Sloth and created a Belated Birthday Card.

Supplies Used

Xyron Creative Station Lite 

Xyron 3" Sticker Maker

Big Shot Machine (Sizzix)

Sloth (Sizzix)

Lynda Kanase - Tropicool Banner (Sizzix)

Lynda Kanase - Card Front, Tropicool Leaves Sizzix)

Eileen Hull - Bookplates, Hinges, & Labels(Sizzix)

Tim Holtz - Stitched Ovals (Sizzix)

Tropical Leaves 3D Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (Sizzix)

Sloths (Pink and Main)

Eileen Hull ColorBox Blends Inks - Frog, Leaf, Nutmeg. Golden, Ebony (Clearsnap)

ColorBox Archival Dye Ink - Wicked Black (Clearsnap)

110 lb. White Cardstock (Recollections)

Corrugated Cardstock (DCWV)

Cardstock - Moss Green, Light Green, Light Brown, Brown, Dark Brown

Vellum

Black Fine line Pen

White Gel Pen

Red Chalk

Foam Adhesive

Clear Liquid Adhesive

Paper Trimmer

Mini Mister Bottle of Water

I gathered my supplies. I wanted my finished card to be 5"x7". So, I started by first creating the background, I cut a piece of light green cardstock to measure 4 1/4"x 6 1/4". Then I lightly misted it with water. I inserted into this 3D Tropical Leaves folder and ran it through my Big Shot with a multi-purpose platform on Tab 1 and only 1 clear plate.

 Spraying your paper before you run it through will hell the fiber to relax while it's being embossed. It helps prevent tearing and gives the embossing a crisper impression.

Then, I inked over the entire raised image using my Eileen Hull ColorBox Blends ink Leaf. These inks have built-in applicators so you can ink directly onto your paper.

There's no need to wait for the ink to dry either. Next, I applied Golden lightly throughout. Followed by Nutmeg around the edges.

While the ink was drying, I worked on my sloth. I used this adorable Sloth die from Sizzix to die-cut cardstock in 3 shades of brown (light brown, brown, and dark brown). Then shaded all the die cut pieces with Nutmeg ink.

 I ran the smaller pieces through my Xyron 3" Sticker Maker and adhered his little face onto his body. Then used a fine line back pen to draw his eyes and used a make-up brush to dust his cheeks with chalk and added highlights with a white gel pen.

I wanted more of a jungle feel to my card so I die-cut these monstera leaves from moss green cardstock using 2 of Lynda Kanase's Tropicool sets (listed in supply list above).

 I inked over the edges using Eileen Hull Blends Inks in Frog for a big pop of green.

With my Sloth and Background taken care of, I assembled my card...

I cut my card panels and pieces to the following sizes...

  Card Measurements:

Base- 5"x7"

Corrugate- 4 3/4"x 6 3/4"

White Cardstock- 4 3/8" x 6 3/8"

Embossed Background- 4 1/4"x 6 1/4"

I wanted a focal point without blocking all that beautiful embossing. So I used the largest Tim Holtz Stitched Ovals to die-cut vellum.

 Then ran it through the Xyron Creative Station Lite. It gave edge-to-edge coverage that made the adhesive virtually invisible behind the vellum.

I die cut a label using Eileen Hull's Bookplate, Hinges, & Label dies from white cardstock. 

And I found the most perfect sentiment in my Sloths stamp set from Pink and Main. It read... "I'm a little slow, Happy Belated Birthday". It was just too perfect so I stamped it in Wicked Black ColorBox Dye ink. 

Look how adorable the finished card turned out...

Sometimes we're late. Sometimes we miss Birthdays. Thankfully, we have creative ways to make up for it!

I hope you enjoyed this card tutorial and it inspires you to create something... even if it is a little past due!

Until next time...

HAPPY CRAFTING!

~Mitsyana

DISCLAIMERS

This blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites, and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with each manufacturer, provider, or party in question.

This blog contains affiliate links, clicking and shopping through these links helps to support and run the Up On Tippy Toes blog at no additional cost to you.

Watercoloring with Derwent Markers

Hello, Crafty Friends! I'm back again with Team Xyron and we are winding down our week-long partnership with Derwent Academy!

Don't let their name fool you, because they offer so much more than pencils! Derwent makes an array of art supplies to suit your skill level. Ranging from the average hobbyist and beginner to the more skilled fine-tuned artist.

Today, I'll show you how I used Derwent's water soluble markers to create the gorgeous watercolored card.

First, I gathered my supplies.

Supplies Used

Derwent Academy Twin -Tip Markers

Derwent Academy Art Markers

Derwent Academy Markers Paper Pad

Derwent Academy Watercolour Pencils

Xyron Creative Station Lite

Xyron Creative Station Lite 3" Permanent Refill Cartridge

Xyron Mega Runner

Sizzix Big Shot

Clearsnap Smooch- Green Apple, Siren, Sundance

ColorBox Archival Dye Ink Pad- Wicked Black

Pink and Main Rounded Stitched Rectangles Dies

Mini MISTI Stamping Tool

Crafter's Companion- My Sunshine Stamp Set

Pental Arts Aquash Water Brush

DCWV Printed Corrugate

Brown Cardstock (Open Stock- Hobby Lobby)

Heat Tool

The focus of my card is all about the image.  I cut a piece of watercolor paper from Derwent Academy Marker Paper Pad. I cut a sheet from the pad down to a 4.25"x 5.5" piece of paper. I used ColorBox Archival Dye Ink Pad- Wicked Black to stamp the flower images onto the paper. I focused my stamping on the side and the corners diagonal from each other.

I used my glass crafting mat as a palette and scribbled a patch of color from my Derwent Academy Art Markers onto it. Then with a water pen, I picked up a bit of color and applied it to my image. I try to apply color a little bit at a time and build layers. That way I don't over saturate my paper and cause unnecessary bleeding. 

 If you are limited in marker colors, like me, and still want to add extra depth to your image, try layering over your colored image with pencils. I used Derwent Academy Watercolor Pencils to add warm orange and brown tones to deepen my image. Because these are water soluble

I can blend the color out or if I wanted to, use them dry for more detailed coloring.

I used the broader tipped side of the Derwent Academy Twin Tip Markers to scribble this beautiful orange color to create a color washed background.

 I used a heat gun tool to set the colors and thoroughly dry my card front.

Once completely dried, I added shimmer to my flowers with Smooch. I used Greeple Apple on the leaves, Siren on the base of the shadows, and Sundance in the center of the largest bloom. Then hit it with the heat tool one more time.

 Then, I used Pink and Main's Rounded Stitched Rectangles Dies and Sizzix Big Shot to die cut my image out to have detailed stitching. I also die cut a larger mat from printed corragate cardstock.

Next, I stamped my Happy Birthday Sentiment onto my cardfront with more Wicked Black ink using my Mini MISTI Stamping Tool.

 I zapped with a heat tool again before sending it through my Xyron Creative Station Lite and a 3" Permanent Refill Cartridge.

Once, the pieces were layerd together it was too large to fit through my 3" refill so I opted to attach my layered pieces to a standard A2 Card base with my Xyron Mega Runner. 

Then, I used more Sundance Smooch to add golden dots to give it a marquee lights sort of look.

And here is my finished card...

I didn't want to detract from the beautiful image and all the coloring so I optd out of adding any extra embellishments.

I think the coloring draws they eyes in all by itself. 

I love how simple and gorgeous this turned out! I hope you did too!!

Until next time...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~Mitsyana

DISCLAIMERS

This blog is sometimes compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner of this blog receives compensation for my posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with each manufacturer, provider, or party in question.

This blog also contains affiliate links, clicking and shopping through these links helps to support and run the Up On Tippy Toes blog at no additional cost to you.

4 Cards - 1 stamp set w/ Xyron & Paper Smooches

Hello, Crafty Friends!!

I back on my blog with Team Xyron!
And we have been creating up a storm with Paper Smooches!!

I absolutely love Paper Smooches' fun and cutesy designs! They make me just giddy! Just look at these cute designs and tell me that just doesn't make you go "aawwwwe"!

When I heard we were collaborating with Paper Smooches, I just knew I had to use this set. I have a hard time finding a card from my whole family. Almost 99.99% of the time I sign my cards from my whole family. This set was the perfect set for me with sentiments that included "us "and "we" to let people know that their card isn't just from one person.

Supplies Used

We Adore You (Paper Smooches)

Mega Runner (Xyron)

140 lb Mixed Media Paper (Strathmore)

Illustrator Artist's Markers (Spectrum Noir)

Birthday Wishes Stack (DCWV)

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)

Mixed Media Glue (Beacon)
Clear Embossing powder (Judikins)
White Gel Pen ( Sakura)

Twine

Buttons

With all my cards, I started by stamping my image onto mixed media paper with VersaFine Onyx Black ink. All the images I used on today's projects were all stamped one 4"x 6" piece of paper.

Then, I colored my images with Spectrum Noir Illustrator markers. I totally love the vibrancy of alcohol inks and how the strokes are almost seamless.

After coloring my images, I cut my images out by hand.

Aren't these little critters adorable?!!

I love this fun paper from DCWV's Birthday Stack. The colors are bright and cheery.
This stack has lots awesome elements and it's what I decided to build my cards with.
I simply cut out different components by hand. I even cut out the little pennant banner.

The bottom row of pictures is a row of fun borders I also cut apart. These helped make my card building a cinch!

Down below, I show how quick and easy each card was put together.

For this card, I chose this paper that actually had a cool design already printed with borders. I cut it into a 4.25" x 11" piece of paper. Creased it on the 5"x 5" mark and folded it to make a simple A2 sized card.

Easy-Peasy already, right??!

Then, I tied a piece of twine around the front flap tied it off and added a multi-loop box with a button.I took one of my cut-out elements and added foam adhesive to the back for a bit of dimension.
Then I attached it to the card front and topped it with my little cutie owls image I had stamped out earlier.

To finish this card off, I simply added a cute pennant dangling down from one side.

Super cute so far, right??!!

Well, that's card one!!

The next card has a few more steps but nothing too hard.

I started again with one of my elements I had cut out previously. In this case, it was this cute plaid tag. I used my stamping tool and VeraFine ink and stamped the 'from all of us" sentiment at the bottom center of the tag.

This paper was extremely glossy so to ensure that the ink would not smudge I dipped it in a bit of clear embossing powder and heat set it.

I adhered the card onto white cardstock using my Mega Runner and trimmed around the tag leaving a 1/8" border around the edge.

I freehand cut a little wonky heart with my scissors and added faux stitching along the edges with a white gel pen. Then added onto the little tag (along with this adorable trio from the stamp set) using more foam adhesive.

Using my Xyron Mega Runner, I mounted my tag on onto a double matted A2 sized card base. 

Mat Measurements:

4"x 5.25"

&

3.75" x 5"

To finish this card, again I topped with a multi-looped bow and button. Card #2... DONE!!

For this next card, I created a 5"x7" card base by simply folding a 10"x 7" piece of patterned cardstock in half.

I used my Xyron Mega Runner to attach the previously cut border onto the card front.

I attached my little monsters onto my tag, again backing it with foam adhesive for dimension.  I stamped the "sending birthday wishes to you" sentiment onto the tag.

Then, I  heat set it with clear embossing powder to prevent smudging.

Again I added a little swag of pennant banners across the top and button-topped, multi-looped, bow.

And... BOOM!! Card # 3 is DONE!

 This last card is also 5"x 7". I used 2 a couple of border cut-outs and adhered them together. Then I attached the borders onto the 5'x7" card using my Xyron Mega Runner. Then used the biggest of my cut-out elements and attached it over top.

I cut out two more wonky hearts using scrap paper from the previous cards I just made.
I layered and attached them and my stamped image using foam adhesive. And again topping off with a button-topped multi-looped bow.

WOOT WOOT!! 4 CARDS DONE!!

 These cards are ready for a celebration...
From all of us!!

Here are a few close-ups!

Well, I hope you enjoyed today's adventure with me!

If you would like to see more crafty goodness from my other Teamies, please check out Xyron's Facebook page HERE.

Paper Smooches also jsut released all their NEW October goodies... Check out what's new HERE.

Until next time...

HAPPY CRAFTING!!

~Mitsy

**Disclaimer***

This blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with each manufacturer, provider, or party in question.

Elphie Selfie Birthday Card & Tag

Hello Crafty Friends!! Happy Hump Day!!

I'm back again with Team Xyron today, and we have something special lined up for you!!

We will be partnering up with Lawn Fawn all week long to bring you tons of crafty fun and inspiration!!

And as an added bonus, both Lawn Fawn and Xyron are each giving away a $50 prize package which includes one $25 gift certificate and one Xyron Mega Runner.

All you need to do to be eligible to win is:

1) Visit BOTH the Xyron and Lawn Fawn on Facebook.

2) Leave a comment on one (or all) of the featured 

Xyron & Lawn Fawn collaborated projects during the entire week.

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy, right??!!

For my project I used Lawn Fawn's Elphie Selfie clear stamp set. I was lucky enough to play with set at the Xyron AND the Lawn Fawn Booth during Creativation and immediately fell in love. Not only are the characters adorable but ,with all the different sentiments included, this set is very versatile.

 I started by first stamping my images onto Strathmore Mixed Media Paper. This is a heavy duty, multi-purpose paper, that holds lots of moisture from different mediums with minimum bowing.

Then, I traced and shaded my images using Tim Holtz Distress Markers. 

I used a Aquash Water Brush pen filled with water to blend the colors out.

Next, I used a scissors to cut out the images. 

If fussy cutting isn't your thing, Lawn Fawn also make the coordinating dies for this set (HERE). I, on the other hand, don't mind hand cutting. I sometimes find it very relaxing. 

 For my card front/ back ground I cut out patterned paper from Lawn Fawn's 

Perfectly Plaid Rainbow Petite Paper Pack to the following sizes:

White cardstock Card base- Standard A2 sized card- 5.5"x 8.5" (5.5"x 4.25" folded)

Rainbow plaid paper - 4.25" x 5.5"

White cardstock- 3.75" x 5"

Blue plaid paper- 3.5" x 4.75"

Green plaid- 1" x 4.75"

I ran the blue plaid and white cardstock through the Xyron Creative Station Lite and layered them onto each other, leaving a .25" white border around the blue.

Then I applied adhesive on the 1" x 4.75" strip by running it through the Xyron 1.5" Sticker Maker (aka "X") . I attached it to the bottom of the blue paper creating a blank landscape to place my critters.

 I did not attach my landscape to the rainbow plaid at this point.

I knew I wanted a little dimension to my card so I decided to rain the landscape piece with some home made foam adhesive sheets.

To make my own foam adhesive, I simply took craft foam sheets and cut them down into two smaller pieces, and inserted it into my Creative Station lite. Once through, I trimmed the excess protective film off the sides, flipped the foam faced down and ran it through my machine again. Make sure you burnish your foam for maximum adhesion. Now both sides of the foam have adhesive on them.

I peeled back the protective film off one side of one of the foam sheets and applied it onto my landscape piece.

At the same time I was making foam I also ran through my rainbow plaid paper. This will be for when I attach the entire card front onto my plain white A2 sized card base.

Then, once that part was done, I peeled the other backing off the foam and mounted my landscape piece onto the rainbow sheet.

Now, with the left over adhesive foam sheet, I cut it into .5" strips, then down to little square and rectangles. to fit the back of the stamped images, creating little pop dots for most of my cut-outs, and attaching them to the backs.

Finally sticking them onto their little landscape. All I needed to do was peel the protective film and attach images as desired.

I had a brain fart moment and realized I forgot to stamp my sentiment. Usually I'd do this part onto my paper before doing anything else to it, just to avoid any potential accidents. But I went through with stamping anyway and just my luck... no accidents

I stamped my 'Wish Big' using VersaFine Onyx Black Ink. I love how bold and crisp it stamps.

I found some really thick dark pink and white twine that went perfect with all the colors of the card. So I decided to wrap it a couple times and tie a multi-loped bow onto my card.

I decided to make a tag with the extra paper I trimmed off making my card. These were obviously too small to make another card but big enough to make a tag. I don't like wasting perfectly adorable paper.

Putting it together was a cinch!

The created the tag by snipping off a corner to a 2"x 3.5" rectangle, I flipped it over and laid it faced down and mirroring the other side. lined up the corner to make sure they were straight and even, then took my scissors and made an identical cut. 

Then I took a .5" x 2" strip of leftover green paper and mimicked my card with a landscape view.

Next I ran my tag through my Creative Station Lite ad mounted it on white cardstock and trimmed a .25" border around it.

I also had a little ellie and a pennant leftover from my colored stamped images, to decorate my tag with.

Then,  I punched a hole at the top  of the tag and tied a bow up on top.

And for the final touch, a little faux stitching on both the card and tag, by creating dash lines around the perimeter of both.

And here is my finished Card and Tag set...

Hope you all enjoyed this project!! Thanks for stopping by!!

~Mitsyana Wright

And, just a reminder,

don't forget to enter in our awesome GIVEAWAY by visiting the Xyron and Lawn Fawn pages on Facebook!

Supplies Used

Elphie Selfie (Lawn Fawn)

Perfectly Plaid Rainbow Petite Paper Pack (Lawn Fawn)

Creative Station Lite (Xyron)

1.5" Sticker Maker (Xyron)

Other Supplies Used

Mixed Media Paper (Strathmore)

VersaFine Onyx Black Ink (Tsukineko/ Imagine Crafts)

Tim Holtz Distress Markers (Ranger)

Aquash Water Brush Pen (Pentel)

PITT Artist Pen M (Faber-Castell)

Craft Foam Sheets

Deluxe Paper Trimmer (Martha Stewart)

Scoring Board (Martha Stewart)

Cutterbee Scissors (EK Success)

Pink and White Baker's Twine

Clear Liquid Adhesive

Buttons