Back to school means schedules and homework and dance classes ….. and less time for crafting! I saw that box 5 has been shipped so I quickly opened box 4! I have to say, I was a bit intimidated when I opened the box and saw the intricate die included. I was afraid to actually try to line up multiple layers so I would have a nice, neat window as many of the demos showed, but using my Gemini made it very simple to cut cleanly – even through double layers. It really did cut through it all “like butter” as Sara would say!
Sara Davies, the owner of Crafter’s Companion, has managed to surprise me again with another extraordinary monthly kit!! This was delivered with auto-ship through HSN so I am receiving kits monthly. I am sure you can check out Crafter’s Companion website for more information too. This kit is truly a wonderful bargain. Each kit will offer different items and will show you new techniques.
This month’s kit features a stamp set along with a very detailed, 4×4, “create-a-card” die along with some mini flower and leaf dies. This kit also includes solid cardstock, patterned paper and several card blanks along with matching envelopes. Additionally, there are 3 box lids and bottoms along with acetate so you can make your own beautiful box creations. Included is matching ribbon and pearls too! I know this sounds like a lot, but there are lots of demos and samples you can use for inspiration. There is a Facebook group that you can join once you subscribe which provides lots of community support and Sara also has a monthly card kit site that you can refer to for demos and project pages.
So the create-a-card die is basically a standalone die that can be used as the main focal point of a card. Crafter’s Companion also makes create-a-card dies that are full card size (A2) so they literally are the front of a card and you don’t need anything else to make a great card. This die can be used as a square or turned and used as a diamond shape. In the first example below, I used heavy-weight, black cardstock (not included) and cut into the card and the decorative paper. I love the look of black and pink and green…..
This next card uses the same die along with the flower and leaf dies on the inside. I made several layers of the flowers, and before gluing them together, I used a stylus to shape the petals. This card style is included in the set and it is called a shadow box card. I also refer to it as a stand up diorama card (but that’s just me). As you can see I rotated the main die 90 degrees so it forms a diamond pattern.
The subscription box also comes with easel cards included. I love how easy they are to make and they have a big wow factor for the receiver. The card below is a perfect example. Other than patterned paper and a few quick embellishments, the card was quick to make but really stands out. The vellum sentiments were also from Crafter’s Companion (not in the kit).
My last card is a simple, 6×6, side-fold card; but to me, it just looks so elegant. I love the colors and the overall look. The patterned paper in this set, as always, is gorgeous. I used the same black cardstock as shown earlier and covered the window of the card so you cannot see the white card behind it. Instead of regular stamping, I used versa mark ink (wet, sticky ink) along with white embossing powder and a heat gun to melt the powder. It gives a lovely, raised texture to the sentiment.
The create-a-card dies are really wonderful to use and you don’t need to do much more to make a beautiful card. You should check out Crafter’s Companion’s site to see other create-a-card dies (I have many!!). I’ll be working on that new kit very soon and it features…… quilling! Happy Crafting!
Cards By DeCaro 