Card Toppers - Circle Sentiment

 

 

I love to create layered card fronts. I use many elements from Anna Griffin, such as her cutting dies and embossing folders. She has such a beautiful and elegant style. I have purchased her card bases and many of her card toppers. I have also purchased some of her image sets in DS. Although her card toppers are lovely, I often do not have just the right one for a card that I am creating.

In a similar style to hers, I have started creating some card toppers that I can use to create my own special cards. I am sharing the first of them with you today. This is the “Card topper with circle sentiment – print”. You will find this file on the “Card Making” page (link in the column to the left). This design includes a center circle that you can insert your message or greeting and utilize the print then cut feature of DS to create that part. The leaf flourishes are AG images. If you do not own them, you can simply delete them and create yours without, or add some swirls or other elements that you already own.
You can upload designs to embellish the layers, cut them from printed papers or even emboss them to create your own version. I also love to create dimension by using foam adhesive.

I hope you enjoy finishing off your beautiful cards with this versatile topper. 

Gatefold Easel Card

 

 

Today I did a test of a card file I recently created. I  utilized print then cut for the patterned paper. It is one of the ones I purchased on Etsy. These are pictures of what the cutting file includes.

This is the outside of the card

This is the inside when you first open it up

This is the inside when you prop up the easel
 

I could have done a few more things in Cricut DS to embellish the card, but for this one, I then finished it with some die cuts. I also tried using magnets for the first time. I placed a magnet on each side of the card between the layers on the front. Then I placed another magnet in each side of the bow. It serves as a decorative closure to the card, but does not get in the way when you open it up and stand it for display.

The outside with the magnetic bow

Inside

Inside with easel propped up

I will add a verse panel to the back of the card. 
 

The file is on the Card Making page with the name Gatefold Easel Card. I hope you love this card design and I look forward to seeing your version if you choose to create it!

Father's Day Cards

 

 

As Father’s Day quickly approaches, many are struggling to find the perfect male-oriented card designs. I have done several. I used the shirt card on several occasions. It is a fun and easy card to do.

I have done the toolbox card, an apron card, and a grill card as well. They work great for guys with those interests. But what if he isn’t into that?

I think my favorite card for male recipients (as well as kids and teens) is the pop-up box card. They are so easy to personalize for anyone! Take a moment, jot down a few things he is interested in. I recently made a birthday card for 26-year-old bachelor. This is what I had to do. He coaches baseball and football, he hangs out with friends, has a boxer puppy and when he was 2 years old, he was chased by a big white goose – which he still hates to this day!

I pulled out some Anna Griffin die cuts that included the football, baseball, liqueur bottle, and the football stats card. Then I searched for a boxer and a goose png. I uploaded those 2 images into Cricut Design Space and created a shadow layer for them. I cut out my pop-up box card file, did a little embossing of the layers and used some gilding wax to accent them, and then assembled the card. 

I have done several versions of this card; mostly for male recipients. Regular cards generally conform to a theme. The theme of these cards is the recipient, so you can easily mix and match images that apply to their interests.

If you are struggling this Father’s Day, give this card a try!