Running With Scissors...

Easy Photo Editing that Makes a World of Difference

Today I have something a little different to share with you.  This is info that not everybody needs or wants, perhaps, but some may find it useful.  My own photos aren’t always the best, and it's frustrating when I do essentially the same thing every time. I’m no kind of photography or technical expert, but there is one tool that has helped me more than any other.  Whatever method I use needs to be easy and quick and most of all easy.  Did I mention that it has to be easy?  So, here we go, for better or for worse.

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First things first… Pictured below is my (ahem) ultra-sophisticated photo set up.  A light box would probably be wonderful, but I don't have one and don't want to spare the space to keep one.  This is the desk where I do my stamping.  When I’m ready to take a photograph or two I pick up my mess and set up for picture taking.  I bring the poster board out of the closet, reposition one of the Ott lights, and I'm ready to go.  I do most of my photographing at night, so artificial light is a must for me.  In the past I have used fluorescent daylight bulbs with good results (much less expensive than Ott lights), but the fluorescent bulbs do need to warm up to full strength before photographing.

• I use a lightweight white poster board, curved up the back and held in place by the smaller light and my tool caddy.  The curve gives the look of infinity, but I've also arranged a white cloth napkin with some folds around the card which would hide the line if you were to have a squared off backdrop.
• I use a tripod with my camera, but any means of steadying the camera will work.
• I use the macro setting on my camera.
• When I step back and zoom in I’m more apt to get a soft focus background.  

Because folks do ask sometimes, I will share with you the different cameras whose pictures are scattered here and there throughout my blog:

• Canon PowerShot A510 3.2 megapixels
• Canon Rebel XT SLR 8.0 megapixels
• Nikon Coolpix S6000 14.2 megapixels
• Canon PowerShot Elph 310 HS 12.1 megapixels

When all is said and done, the difference in how the photos look on the web is negligible, and that’s in large part because of the photo editing software.  This is where we get down to what I really wanted to share with you.

I’ve used a variety of photo editing software, but my favorite to date is Windows Live Photo Gallery.  You can download it free at that link if you don’t already have it.  I was probably the last person to learn about it.

The following is the unedited card photo taken in the setting shown above.  Not so great.

Next is a screen shot of Windows Live Photo Gallery as I prepare to edit.  To get here, I clicked the edit tab (upper left), selected my photo, then right clicked on photo and clicked View File.  To get a closer look at this screen shot, please click on the photo.

The first thing I do is crop.  I try not to crowd the card.  I leave more space on the bottom and to one side.  It sort of leads the eye up to and along the card.  More detail about cropping with the next photo.

I had to actually photograph my computer screen to get this info to show.  A techie I’m not.  To crop, click on that little drop down arrow under “crop”, select Proportion, then Custom.  Custom will allow you to adjust all sides of the crop independently.

Once the photo has been cropped, I proceed with straightening, if necessary.  Select Straighten photo.  A grid will appear over the photo.  Adjust the slider one direction or the other to align the top of the card with the horizontal grid.  A side fold card would be aligned with the vertical grid.  Click the check mark when finished straightening.

The exposure adjustment is one of my favorite features about this software.  I mean, all that light on the subject and it’s still not enough?  Go figure.  For this card I brightened a little bit and enhanced the contrast just a smidgen.  Most importantly I moved the shadows slider all the way to the right to brighten the background and lighten some of the shadows on the card.  By doing this I can brighten the whole picture without over brightening the main subject – the card.  I can control the light and dark areas without getting any glare.  I can also darken the highlights, if need be.  Yes, this can all be done in Photoshop, but it seems so much easier here with everything in one window.

Color adjustment is easy, too, and much the same as most programs.  Once I had brightened the photo I could see the color was pretty true because of the Ott lights.  However, it did have a bit of a grayish cast, and this is so not a grayish kind of card.  I moved the color temperature slider to the right to warm up the color.  I also gave it a little more color saturation – just enough to make it look more like the real thing.

Now I’m ready to sharpen.  I keep in mind how large the finished photo will appear on the screen.  The larger the photo, the less it will need to be sharpened.  There’s a slider at the very bottom of this screen (not shown here) which will allow me to enlarge my view of the photo.  I enlarge it to approximately the size I think it will be viewed on my blog, then I proceed with sharpening.  I try not to over sharpen.  If a white halo appears around the objects in the painting, I have gone too far.  Note that sharpening can give the photo a rough or grainy appearance.  We’ll fix that in the next step.

This part is easy.  Simply click the Analyze button and it will soften the photo without compromising the clarity.  Remember, if you’d like to see a magnified view of any of these photos, just click on the photo.

Finally, you may notice the soft edges of the finished photo, below.  This is the one thing I do in Photoshop Elements, and I learned it from Amy Sheffer right here.  It’s in a Splitcoaststampers forum.  Scroll down to Post #13 for this bit of information.  If you start at the beginning of the thread, you’ll find that Amy has shared a wealth of information about how she photographs and edits her cards.  She photographs in daylight and edits in Photoshop Elements.  You may find her methods more to your liking.  I’d like to thank Amy for sharing her knowledge.

One final look at the before and after.  A world of difference.

       

Thanks so much for your time today.  If this info helps one person, it will have been worth it.

Fairy on Tiptoes

This is a project I made way back in the beginning of September.

My friend saw me coloring this Lili of the Valley fairy image, On Tiptoe, and exclaimed how the colors matched the quilt she was making for her little granddaughter, so I decided to make it up extra pretty for gift giving.

It’s colored with Copic markers on Classic White cardstock and embellished with flowers and flourishes.  The larger purple flower with the pearl center is a Prima, but the roses are a Wal-Mart find from a long time ago.  I’ll list all the ingredients in the recipe at the end, but for a quick reference, these are the Spellbinders dies I used (cut in my Grand Calibur):

• Classic Squares Large S4-126
• Lacey Squares S4-295
• Twisted Metal Tags and Accents S5-071
• Nested Lacey Pennants S5-029

The finished product is sprinkled overall with fairy dust (Stickles Stardust Glitter Glue) and the Lacey Square is dotted with a rather inexpert application of Ranger Liquid Pearls.  The fairy’s red hair -- you guessed it -- matches the hair of the adorable little girl who will receive the card and quilt.

Ordinarily I like to keep my cards envelope-able (I know, not a real word). Even if they require extra postage for hand cancelling, I like them to be ready to mail in an envelope, rather than a bubble pack or box. In this case, however, I knew the card would be hand-delivered, so I was free to indulge myself.  I made a little window box for the card:

The construction of the box is not a new concept, but I’ve included a brief tutorial with measurements, photos, etc. for the sake of keeping it all in one place (and in case I make more lumpy cards in the future, I’ll have these instructions to refer to).

Box bottom:

• Cut cardstock 6 1/2” square (to fit a 5 1/4” square card).
• Score all four sides at 1/2”.
• Cut each end to score line as shown below.

• Fold into box shape and tape closed with flaps to the inside (I used Scor-Tape).


Box top:

• Cut top 1/16” larger – 6 9/16” square.
• Proceed same as box bottom – score all four sides at 1/2” and clip ends.  Do not fold and tape yet.
• To create window, center die on box top (I used the smallest die of the Spellbinders Grand Squares LF-126).
• Cut and emboss.

• Apply Scor-Tape to inside around window.
• Cut acetate or clear cardstock (I used Flourishes Clear Cover Cardstock) 5 1/4” square.
• Adhere to inside of box top.

• Now it’s ready to tape into a box shape and decorate.

I used more roses and glitter and shapes from Spellbinders Twisted Metal Tags and Accents, as well as pearls, metallic ribbon, and the Martha Stewart branch punch.  I also embossed two of the box top surface ends with a Cuttlebug Organic Flourish border folder.  With the Grand Calibur, embossing can be accomplished by sandwiching the folder between the Grand Calibur cutting plate and a Cuttlebug B plate.  Very easy!

Thanks for hanging in there with me and my erratic posting!  Bless all your little hearts, and I’ll see you again soon.

Stamps:  On Tiptoes (Lili of the Valley fairy image), Warm Words (SU! sentiment)  Paper:   Pink Pirouette, Barely Banana (Stampin’ Up!), Wisteria (Memory Box), Flourishes Classic White cardstock and Clear Cover Cardstock, Prima Sweet Fairy designer paper  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers for coloring  Accessories:  Flowers, pearls, ribbon, decorative pearl brad, Martha Stewart branch punch, Stickles Glitter Glue, Cuttlebug Organic Flourish embossing folder, Spellbinders dies as listed above, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

The Leaves are Falling

Hello?  Is anybody out there?  Well, here we are at the first Monday in October and it’s time for me to step back into blogging.  I have to say I enjoyed my break, but I did miss communicating with you all through this medium.  Funny, how that is… it’s become such an integral part of my life.

During my break I did a little stamping, though not as much as I expected.  I found I enjoyed it more when I didn’t have unfinished business in the back of my mind, and, goodness, I do always seem to have a lot of other things on my mind!  One makes time for the things they love, however, and… well, we all know how I feel about stamping.  Now that I’m no longer designing for anyone, my only deadlines would be self-imposed, and I think I’ll not go down that road.  It’ll be free-flowing, come what may, when the mood strikes and time allows.

Since the season changed while I was lollygagging, I thought it appropriate to come back with a Fall card today.

I stamped Flourishes’ Falling Leaves on the Basketweave background and watercolored with Tombow Markers.  I used Palette Cognac for the Basketweave, and Palette Noir for the leaves.  All Palette inks are waterproof and perfect for watercoloring.

My designer papers are from the Kaiser Craft Hunt & Gather collection, including the curved border along the lower edge.  It’s one of the punch outs that come with the collection.  I sanded the edges of the designer papers, and the center chocolate panel is embossed with the Cuttlebug Argyle embossing folder.  I added Spellbinders Floral Flourishes S4-327 along one edge of the image panel, and the sentiment is cut with Labels Four S4-190.

I took pictures long the way, so I might as well share those, too.  It’s sometimes fun to see how an image evolves.

Stamped leaves, masking one.  I used a pink Post-It note for the mask.

I masked all four leaves before stamping the Basketweave background.

I cut the panel down to size and colored all leaves in a mustard yellow base.

Added gold, green, and red with center leaf in all three colors.

The finished image has a little brown shading around the leaves to add depth.  I did that with SU! Chocolate Chip and Close to Cocoa markers.

I hope you’re enjoying these early Fall days.  They’ve been incredibly beautiful here, for the most part, and all the better when savored at a slower pace.  Thank you for visiting today.  I’ll see you again soon!

Stamps:  Falling Leaves, Basketweave (both Flourishes)  Paper:  Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, 90# hot press watercolor paper, Flourishes Classic Ivory, Kaiser Craft Hunt & Gather designer paper  Ink:  Palette Noir, Palette Cognac, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron (for sponging the sentiment panel, SU! and Tombow Markers for watercoloring  Accessories:  Velvet ribbon, decorative brad, Cuttlebug Argyle embossing folder, Spellbinders dies as listed above

A Sweet Easter Treat

Hello!  I have some new stamps to play with – quite a few, actually.  I’m not sure when I’ll have time to get to all of them, and I certainly won’t want to forget the old stamps in the meantime, but I’m going to have fun slaving away in my stamp room…coming up for air, wiping my brow, diving back in…oh, what a grueling task – NOT!

Is this a sweet image, or am I imagining it?  I picked this up, along with several other items at Stamper’s Dream recently.  I was shopping with a purpose, showing great reserve, passing over several stamps I was drawn to for their beauty, and focusing only on what I felt I “needed”.  Michelle has a lot of new items in the store!  When I selected this stamp I was thinking it could do Easter for either an adult or a child, and it just happens to be beautiful, too!

It’s an Impression Obsession stamp, illustrated by Alesa Baker, called Happy Wishes.  The sentiment, also Impression Obsession, is appropriately called Sweet Wishes.  I watercolored on 90 lb. hot press watercolor paper with Tombow Markers.  There’s nothing I love more about stamping than watercoloring a pretty image and then imagining how it would look in different colors with different papers.  If I had more time I’d color up several of them and lay them out like a box of candy and devour them with my eyes.

 

A bit about the markers and watercoloring:  First of all, why use one coloring medium over another?  Well… they just look different, for starters.  Additionally, the watercolored image is very forgiving.  You don’t necessarily expect the blending to be utterly smooth and seamless like Copic Markers, for instance.  You can expect the brush strokes to show.  Some mottling of the image is acceptable.  That’s what makes it look watercolored, and a watercolored image has a unique beauty.  I wrote a tutorial here, if you’d like a little more info.

When I watercolor I stamp with Palette ink.  You can use StazOn, also, but Palette is kinder to your stamps and just as waterproof.  I always keep a scrap of the same type of paper I’m painting on for testing my colors and their blending qualities.  The more pigment a color has, the more it will bleed and blend.  If a color, such as some of the pastels I’ve used here, looks like it will need a little more help, I’ll paint the area with water first, just to dampen.  Then I’ll stroke on a little color with the marker and put the brush to it immediately.  The color blends better while the ink is still wet.  I’ll repeat this step until I’m satisfied with the result.

Most importantly, I try not to over-focus on or overwork a spot I’m not too happy with.  I’ll move on and find that the image as a whole looks pretty good.

These are the colors I used.  Sorry for the glare.  You can click for a close up and read the numbers more clearly, if desired.

Well, gee, there I go being long-winded again.  I don’t always have time to write much, but at the start of the year I promised myself I would share more information for the folks who are trying to learn.  We’ve all been there, and I’m still trying to learn, too.

Thanks so much for your time!  More stamping and less words to follow soon.  Take care!

Stamps:  Impression Obsession Happy Wishes and Sweet Wishes  Paper:  Ivory, Banana, 90 lb hot press watercolor, October Afternoon Fly a Kite designer paper  Ink:  Palette Noir, Berry Sorbet, Tombow Markers for watercoloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, flower, oval punch, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

It’s a Jungle Out There (Includes Watercolor Tutorial)

Hello, there, and welcome to a new week of stamping!  I need several cards for children so today I’ve used two stamps, quite old, from CTMH before they were even called CTMH.  They were D.O.T.S. then.  These stamps have never lost their appeal for me and so they remain in my collection.

I stamped the jungle foliage first, then masked the lower part of it and stamped the gorilla.  It’s watercolored with Tombow markers on 90 lb hot press watercolor paper.  After I finished this card I decided it was more fitting for a big kid, such as myself (ahem), so I made a second card and documented the watercolor steps.

What I like most about watercoloring with markers of any kind is the measure of control I have with them.  What I like most about Tombow Markers in particular is how the color stays true no matter how much you work them.  Green doesn’t become brown, black doesn’t become purple.  The shade will become lighter as you add more water, but the tone of the color remains intact.

I didn’t document the colors I used on the card above, but for the second card (scroll all the way down) I used these markers:

Start out with a little of the lighter green and pull it into the image with a wet brush:

It will look like this:

Add more:

Blend.  Note how the shading on the lower edge of the leaf is perhaps a little too defined:

This is when I like to color in a little more ink while the paper is still damp.  The blending is very smooth on wet paper.  Be gentle with your marker tip when doing this.  Don’t scrub back and forth.  A light scribble, a touch here and there.  When your marker tip gets wet, the color will give out, but the flow will return.  After you apply color with the marker, dab it with a wet brush to smooth the edge.  The color will blend and bleed immediately.  You want to smooth the edge, but not necessarily pull more color into your image, so use a clean wet brush to brush into, or toward the ink.  Remember, when you lift the brush it will have picked up some of the extra color, so swish the brush in your water again between each stroke.  Adding more ink:

Preliminary results (before finishing with the darkest shading):

Looks pretty good, but one thing that will really make your watercolored image come alive is the deep shading or contrast.  Add it wherever a shadow would naturally fall.  Add it to recessed areas.  The closer an object is to another, the more distinct the shadow will be.  Don’t be afraid to let that line be a little bit sharp.  In the following image, using the darker green marker, I drew a thin line along the foremost leaf edges and softened that shadow line only slightly by touching with a wet brush.  Compare the more deeply shaded results:

The gorilla (second card) is done in shades of gray, with black used only for the deepest shading.  Cute:

Cuter:

Cutest:

Here’s the finished card with the images cut out and arranged on DCWV Animal Crackers designer paper:

I popped up the leaves for dimension.  The sentiment (It’s a jungle out there) was cut from the paper.  Can you tell I had a ton of fun with these cards?  I hope the folks in the learning stages find this information helpful.  I’ll try to share more info in the future.  Got to run!  Have a wonderful day!

September CardMaps Sketches Are Here

Every quarter, Becky Fleck of PageMaps creates ten fabulous CardMaps sketches to get those cardmakers’ creative juices flowing .  Well, this month some of the Flourishes team had the honor of providing samples for Becky’s sketches.  To check out CardMaps for September, click here.   You’re sure to be as inspired as I was!

This is my sample:

I used Fine Herbs, stamped in Versamark on Classic Ivory cardstock.  I brushed soft chalks over the Versamark ink for color.  The chalks stick to the ink and at the same time create a soft halo of color around the images.  One quick spray of matte sealer ensures the chalks will stay put.

The sketch I worked with called for a 5x7 card.  Oh, my!  It’s been a long time since I made a card that big!  As it turns out, the sketch gave me the perfect opportunity to create a tri-fold card which can be signed by all the gang at work for a coworker who recently moved away – far away to the British Virgin Islands.  It’s just the right size to fold around a few 4x6 photos.  The flap is held closed with a magnetic snap, hidden between cardstock layers.

A little note about the ribbon:  It’s meant to appear to be tied around the card, but the ends are actually tucked under cardstock layers and the bow is glued on top with Aleene’s Tacky Glue.  I pinched the ribbon between the prongs of this BasicGrey Boxer Glazed Brad to make the bow.  I used 1/8” Scor Tape under the satin edges of the ribbon to hold it securely in place, leaving it free at the folds for the bending and flexing of the flaps.

The ivory cardstock is cut 7” x 11”.  Score at 4 7/8” and 9 7/8” .  The green flap is an extension adhered to the top fold of the card.  The extension is 7” x 3 1/2”.  I used a Spellbinders Ric Rac Pierceabilities border to cut the edge as shown:

After I cut the centered border, I used scissors to finish with a straight cut to each edge.

This is the inside:

In hindsight, I wish I’d added designer paper to the inside of the flap, but you know how critical we all are of our own work.  I’m sure our friend will think it’s just fine, and she’ll probably be delighted with this little package from home.

If you’d like to see a lot of Flourishes pretty today, please visit Becky’s other sample makers:

Christine Okken

Cindy Lawrence

Danielle Kennedy

Dawn Burnworth

Julie Koerber

Stacy Morgan

Barbara Anders

Betty Wright

Makiko Jones

And, again, check out the sketches here by clicking on the CardMaps link in Becky’s PageMaps sidebar.

Thank you so much for your time today!  I’ll see you again soon!

Handmade Vintage Frame

I worked on this labor of love the last few days, as time allowed.  I considered altering a purchased frame, but every now and then I feel compelled to create fully from scratch, simply for the pleasure of working with my hands and heart.  Pearl flourishes, glittered Prima roses, satin ribbon...

...and a quote from Flourishes' Falling Leaves set... My Mind's Eye designer paper and some cardstock from my stash, Spellbinders dies, and a bit of heavy cardboard...

Planning and measuring and figuring on the construction.

One of those tiny details which is barely noticed.

 
The opening is cut for a 4 x 6 photo.  I found that 4 x 6 photos are not exactly 4 x 6.  One really needs to use a photo as a guide and cut the opening slighly smaller than the photo in order to cover the edges.  The opening could be placed anywhere on the frame, not necessarily centered.  Measuring would be easier if it wasn't centered.  I haven't provided all the details and dimensions because we'd never come to the end of this post were I to get too detailed.

I cut all the frame parts from heavy cardboard.  The openings were cut with a utility knife.  The opening on the frame back is cut larger to allow insertion of the photo.  The removable back cover was made with the piece I cut from the center.  It was necessary to trim it down a little to accomodate the paper which covers the parts.

I used Mod Podge for adhesive.  Cover the entire piece, opening and all.  Cut an X through the opening and fold the paper to the back side.  Trim any points that may overhang, then adhere in place.

 

 
This is the piece I cut from the back which shows how I trimmed the corners before folding to the back.  This removable piece was lined on the inside, too.

I painted a Mod Podge finish on all exterior surfaces, then sprayed with a matte acrylic sealer.  Both of these products were purchased at Wal-Mart.

The photo turns were attached, then the front and back glued together with Mod Podge.  A little Crazy Glue along the edges assures no popping apart later.

The kick stand was attached with a hinge and brads.

The inner mat is removable.  Crystal Clear Cardstock was cut to cover the photo within the frame.

The photo is my sister at age 14.  She fell victim to a brain aneurism when in her 20's.  She was a pretty little thing, wasn't she?  We were 20 years apart in age, so I was just a little shaver when she died, but I remember her, I grew up loving her, and her picture has always been where I see it every day.

All my embellishments - Pearls, Primas, ribbon -- are from Flourishes, though some items may be temporarily out of stock.  Dawn is sharing more floral creations on the Newsletter today, too.  I don't know what she's cooked up, but I know it will be pretty and I'll be heading over there to take a look.  You may also enjoy visiting the other Flourishes girls who are sharing cards or projects: 
 

Christine Okken

Danielle Kennedy

Dawn Burnworth

Julie Koerber

Laura Fredrickson

Stacy Morgan

I'm so glad you could visit with me today.  Have a wonderful weekend!

One Large Stamp, Or a Whole Stamp Set

Hello!  I hope you all had a nice Easter.  Ours was very rainy.  In the afternoon we put on our rain gear and took Wally out for a long walk in the woods.  The moment we came inside and got all warm and dry, the rain stopped and the sun peeked out.  Never rained another drop the rest of the day.  Doesn't it figure?  That's Spring for you!

Today I have a very Spring-like sample to share.  I used a Northwoods stamp from Stampers Dream called Spring Garden and Table.  I colored it with Copic markers and matted it on Apricot and Chocolate textured cardstock.

This being a large image, there's not much required of the layout.  I even considered leaving off the ribbon but now I'm glad I added it.  Since not much of it shows, I used only short lengths and taped the ends under the mats.  The bow was tied separately and glued on afterward.

For quite some time now the trend has been toward stamp sets, rather than individual stamps.  I balked at that in the past but now I'll admit I do enjoy the variety and versatility in a set.  So, when I look at a large wood-mount rubber stamp such as this I think, "but, gosh, it's just one stamp".  Then, as I do with all large stamps, I take another look and find the variety and versatility within that one stamp.

In this stamp I found several vignettes that could be isolated from the image.  The following picture shows how I cut two at once with my oval Nesties.  There were other possibilities, as well, but this is what I chose to do at this time.  The pot of tulips could easily be cut out entirely and used on its own, too.

In fact, after I cut the two oval vignettes, I realized there were several usable images left untouched by that cutting.  So I cut them out and, from one stamped image, I wound up with an entire stamp set -- and a rather large and pretty set, at that!

 

Chances are, you do the same thing with your large stamps.  This is the first time I've sat down and split one up into a set all at once.  I've already made a card using one of the small ovals and some of the accessory images, which I'll share later this week.  I am looking at the large stamps differently these days.  You can see more of the Northwoods Rubber Stamps here, and a gallery of beautiful Northwoods samples here.  Imagine the possibilities!

Thank you for your time today!  Happy stamping!

B'kok!

I think I'll send this card to my son for Easter.  Nothing fancy -- just a chicken and a big ol' Easter Egg. 

This is one of my new Whipper Snapper stamps called Hen's Easter Egg.  I colored it with Copics on Flourishes Classic White Cardstock.  The sentiment is from one of Flourishes' older Easter sets called Easter Bunnies.  It fit perfectly in my Stampin' Up! Modern Label punch.

The white is layered on SU! Cool Caribbean and Memory Box Key Lime.  There was some space left over on the opening side, so I trimmed it with pinking shears, added a border of green underneath and pinked that, too.  When the card is closed, the inside layers add a little more trim to the border -- see the photo at the end of this post.

Just a note:  Ordinarily I like to keep my cards easily mailable.  I don't mind adding extra postage for weight, but a button tied with linen thread and glued atop three layers of ric rac is pretty bulky and could step this up to parcel status.  In this case, it will be mailed in a package, so I'm not concerned about it.  I love to embellish, but I forego a lot of the really fun stuff in favor of making cards I'm more likely to use...sigh...

In regard to a card I posted the other day, I was asked how I made the Swiss Dot border while leaving the inside area emboss-free.  I'll try to explain...

I scored the outer edges of the cardstock first, to help define the frame and act as a guide for placement of my embossing folder.  I then embossed one edge at a time.  I hope this photo helps to illustrate:

There were certain areas where the folder edge overlapped previous embossing, and subsequent passes through the Cuttlebug flattened those embossed areas a little bit.  The score lines were slightly flattened, as well:

For a quick fix of the score lines I simply scored again.  To pop up the flattened Swiss Dots I turned the panel face down on craft foam and pressed into the flattened dots lightly with one end of a tapestry needle.  Any small, blunt point would work, such as a stylus:

Here she is again!  You can see how the inside edge of the card plays with the card front in the border design:

I'm so glad you could drop in and spend a moment today.  I'll be back tomorrow with something pretty for Ruby Tuesday.  See you then, I hope!

Stamps:  Whipper Snapper Hen's Easter Egg, Flourishes Easter Bunnies  Paper:  Classic White, Cool Caribbean, Key Lime  Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Only Orange, Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Ric rack, button, linen thread, Modern Label punch, Cuttlebug Swiss Dot embossing folder, pinking shears, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

Flourishes New Store Celebration, Day 2: Celebrate!

Today's challenge is presented by the Friends of Flourishes for Timeless Tuesday.  You're all invited to get in the spirit and create a card for a celebration of any kind.  Please see the challenge details here.  My card today is for a wedding -- certainly a cause for celebration!

This card is actually a money holder.  A friend asked me to make a wedding card for her.  She mentioned she would be giving money as a gift, so I thought I'd find a special way to present it.  The cake parts (Let Them Eat Cake) are embossed in white, then colored with pale pink and blue Copics.  The heart topper was punched from a spare cake part.  The self-adhesive paper roses are from Wal-Mart.  I added Stickles glitter to make them even prettier.  You may like to click on the image for a closer look at the details.

This is the inside:

The card, when folded, measures 6 3/4" x 3 3/4".

• Cut one piece of white cardstock 7 1/2" x 11". Score lengthwise at 3 3/4" and across at 6 3/4". Cut a slit up to the crosswise fold.
• Cut a 3/4" angle in the left-side fold. The fold on the left will turn up to form a pocket for the money. The right-side fold will turn up to the card front as part of the layout. Decorate as desired. The right-side fold can be cut off if you prefer not to use it.

I made this box to hold the card:

I made the box in the same manner as in my tutorial here, but changed the measurements to fit the card.  The lid is made from Crystal Clear Cardstock.  Silver elastic cord makes sure the lid stays on, but allows access without untying.

I'll try to share more info about the box measurements and the decorative box corners at a later date, but now I'm sure you'll be busy visiting some of the other designers who are sharing samples:

Dee

Maki

Barb

Betty

Silke

Cindy H.

Christine

Cindy L.

Dawn

Stacy

Julie 

Thank you!  There's more coming tomorrow with, not only a challenge, but a preview of one of Flourishes March releases.  It's almost too much fun!  Have a wonderful day!

Stamps:  Let Them Eat Cake, Tag Lines (outside sentiment), Wedding Essentials and Flourished Elements(inside sentiment)  Paper:  Flourishes Classic White, Crystal Clear Cardstock, BasicGrey Euphoria designer paper  Ink:  Versamark, Purely Pomegranate, Pastel Copics for coloring  Accessories:  Ribbon, silver elastic cord, Kaiser pearls, paper roses, white embossing powder, Stickles Star Dust glitter, Martha Stewart Daisy Fan deep edger punch, corner punch, Textile embossing folder, Scotch brand foam mounting tape