Tuesday 25 August 2015

Batch baking Christmas cards

I realised that my target of 12 Christmas cards per month might not be hit in August, so had a little bit of a batch baking session. I made six cards, three of each colourway:
I used:

- 4" x 5.5" white card blanks

- pearlescent white 'Centura' card, deep red satin mirri card and gold mirri card for the candles and entwining ribbon - die cut using a Memory Box 'Tall Taper Candle' die (having backed the card with Stick-It adhesive sheet

- plain white card onto which I layered and pieced the candle and entwining ribbon

- deep red satin mirri card and gold mirri card to back the image layer

- layered everything up using Collall All Purpose glue

- to finish off I added a gold peel off sentiment, at that point after what seemed like hours of work, no way was I gonna risk stamping and embossing in gold!

After uploading the photo I noticed that although the 'entwined ribbon' on the left card is gold all the way, the reddish hue in the bottom part of the gold mirri is the reflection of the top I was wearing when I took the photo! Apart from setting up the camera, running out of the room and taking photos remotely it's just something I have to live with I suspect - unless anyone has any easy solutions? Anyone suggesting 'Don't use shiny mirri card' will be immediately sent to stand on the naughty step!! ;)

And, although I do love this die, so much so that I gave one away as a Playground prize back in August last year, there's definitely a knack to using it if you want to fill in the candle and ribbon with die cut pieces. I think it looks really elegant with just the outline, but this time round wanted to experiment a bit.

I've found the same problem it with some other dies too - if you're not careful when assembling the die outline and 'filling in' pieces, the outline could be slightly distorted which ends up causing problems with unwanted overlapping or even gaps.

My way round this was to cut all the pieces I wanted to use, sort out what was what and line them up in little rows. Then, I carefully peeled off about a third of the protective backing from the adhesive which was on the die cut outline, starting from the bottom - and stuck that bottom third onto the card panel I was using. That gave me something of a starting point for the bottom half of the candle and two of the ribbon twists. Then it was just a case of carefully working up the length of the outline, peeling off about a third of the backing again, gently applying the outline and adding in the inserts - and the same for the top third.

By doing the process in stages (OK, so it takes a little bit longer but so worth it!) you're applying the framework of the image bit by bit rather than in one fell swoop where there's much more chance of distortion. Ask me how I know this :)

I just KNEW I'd read thoughts about using this die elsewhere, and just found it over at Cathy's blog. Her solution would work wonderfully well too - especially if you're gluing the pieces in place rather than using the sticky adhesive backing.

I'd like to enter these cards into Rudolph Day for August over at ScrappyMo's, where it's always 'anything goes'.

And of course, I deliberately used gold on the cards so I could play along over at Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge this week (use some gold) - and I'm also entering into Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra for August, where it's also always 'anything goes'.

Di
x

40 comments:

  1. WOW! These are so elegant and beautiful. Perfect cards!!!
    Lynn

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  2. Beautiful cards Di, yes I was the lucky winner of this die as a playground prize. I've since bought some sticky sheets and am going to try your method too, Cathy x

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  3. Two beautiful cards Di (well, six actually!). :) Sounds like a lot of work and fiddling to make sure the outline doesn't distort and the pieces fit properly. But so worth it ... they are gorgeous and elegant. I'm sure they will be treasured by those that receive them. xx

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  4. Absolutely gorgeous...each one! I will have to say that the red one really shines out strongly though. And appreciate you taking the time to share your little tips for making the inlay process look more even. This is one lovely die, and you used it to the max! TFS & Hugs.

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  5. Hi Di,
    these are so stunning cards for the Rudolf challenge.
    I love their elegant design, and your wonderful colour choices.
    Thank you for the insight on the tips to make this perfect.
    Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

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  6. These are such elegant card Di and thanks for the tip for lining up, I bought a really pretty MB Christmas corner die last year but had that very problem with it.

    B x

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  7. What stunning cards, and I agree with Mary H, the red one really leaps out from the page. At first glance I thought you'd used mega-sized peel offs and then I had a light bulb moment - now we use such delicate outline dies and back the card with Stick It, we are in a way creating our own peel offs. And that means if I dig out all the 20 year old outline peel offs that are rotting away in the depths of my stash (I only ever seem to use borders, corners and words now) I might be able to give them a fresh lease of life.... watch this space....

    Thanks for the mega-long comment on my blog! I didn't realise you were from an Army family. I was an army wife for many years, until Mark left the forces, stationed mostly in the Far East. And I can really identify with your Mum - I think all of us army wives were secretly slightly jealous of the army, as it seemed to command more loyalty from our men whether for business or pleasure, than we did. I'm sure we had the "It's the army or me!" row many times - thank goodness he chose me!

    jane

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  8. Two fabulous cards and thanks for your tip about assembling the candles. I don't have this die, but I have a similar one so will give it a go! I have tried to use the Stick It sheet before, but found that it pulled away from the back of my die cut so I ended up gluing it anyway - is there a tip on how to prevent this?
    Kath x

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  9. Lovely elegant cards Di, and thanks for sharing your learning! Xxx

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  10. And it's FAB-u-LOUS, two smashing makes here, Di

    Kathyk

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  11. Your card are so pretty! This i s a lovely die...
    Thanks for the tip about the sticky bits warping. I know exactly what you mean and will try your idea and pop over to the link you mentioned and read that tip as well!

    Thanks for taking part in the August Rudolph Days Challenge.

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  12. These die cut festive makes are superb Di. Love 'em. And congrats on getting several made.

    Happy Rudolph Day!

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  13. They are two really elegant cards Di. That is a beautiful die. I've only recently learned about putting the adhesive paper on the back for die cutting. I was interested in reading how you did yours and for your detailed advice.

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  14. Two lovely cards Di...very classic.....love them both. As for the red reflection...you could ..take your top off..hmm! or wear a gold one!! :)

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  15. Gorgeous cards Di....love both colour ways....very classy....Joolsx

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  16. Very elegant cards. I love the inlaid look but the outline is gorgeous too. Either one is a beautifiul card. That would be a nice Thanksgiving card too. Here come the holidays! It seems like we just had them, or is that showing my age.

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  17. Wow! They seem ZEN cards! So minimalist and elegant! Wonderful makes, Di!

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  18. Just found your wonderful blog and would love to subscribe by email. Not seeing that option here- am I missing it or could it be added. I can do Bloglovin', but to really see your cards and challenges regularly, I need it in my email mailbox:)

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  19. Oops- I did follow by Bloglovin' and see they have an email feature now? Did not know that. Will wait to see if I did it right and if the blog posts now come in my mailbox.

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  20. This MB candle die is a beauty Di and I love the two toned mirri card effect, and yes taking photos of mirri is the most difficult task and some shadows are inevitable I think. Thank you for your tips on applying large thin outlines like these which go out of shape quite easily and will remember this for future reference. Two beautiful elegant cards. x

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  21. Very very elegant! Two stunning cards, Di!

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  22. Quite simply beautiful Miss Pixie! Love everything and every detail, they are so classy too, way to go! Karen x

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    1. After reading the post again as much as I love it there is no way I would have the patience to sit and fit it, you have patience that I do not have Karen x

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  23. Bet you knew I would and I do, love both of these cards, either colour way looks fabulous.
    I haven't used mine since the time we both used it at the same time (that it not the reason I haven't used it) but I really, really must use it again.

    Kath x

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  24. These are fabulous cards for Rudolph day Di, so elegant. Carol x

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  25. Beautiful cards DI, I love this die and the way you have used it.
    Jean x

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  26. Ooooo. These are lovely Miss. Super elegant.
    Hugs
    xx

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  27. Beautiful, elegant candles Di. I am way off my target, so I will need to do some big batch runs as soon as the weather cools down a bit. Kate x

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  28. These are simply gorgeous Di! The negative/positive colors look incredibly elegant together, and thanks for the tips on assembling!!

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  29. These are beautiful! I love that die!

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  30. These cards are so elegant and rich, Di! What a wonderful flat card for Christmas with a ton of interest and gorgeousness. As for the reflection problem with mirri card, I take my photos naked and there's no color reflection from clothes. (Well, you did ask!) Hugs, Darnell

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  31. Some of my all-time favorites, Di! Now I "need" that die!

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  32. Fabulous cards, DI. They look so elegant with the addition of the mirri card. I've been drooling over this die since I saw it used on cards last year. It's just crept higher up my wishlist after seeing your cards. xx

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  33. Love the batch baking, Di. Thanks for entering both of my CHNC challenges with your lovely crafting - hope to see you again soon. x

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  34. These were so lovely that it came as NO surprise to hear that they won over at CHNCC - Congrats

    Kathyk

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  35. Really lovely elegant looking cards Di xxx Congrats too on your win xx

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  36. Wow Di these are very classy looking. Love the colours of the mirror card. I have some in green but must get myself a pile of red. Hugs Mrs A.

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  37. Beautiful Christmas cards. Thanks so much for joining us at Crafty Hazel Nuts Christmas Challenge Extra.
    Hugs
    Fiona DT x

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  38. These are so elegant! Beautiful cards. Thank you for the explanations and tips.

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