Tuesday 5 October 2021

Because

Literally months ago, I started making some cards to use as notelets, to send with prizes or 'just because'. I recently finished making the last ones, 10 all the same:

I used:

- 5" x 5" square white card blank

- piece of white card covered with Altenew 'Painted Fantasy' washi tape, then trimmed to 4" x 4"

- wrapped a strip of plain vellum across the lower part of the panel, using red line tape to adhere it to the back

- die cut the word 'because' out of gold mirri card - using a 'because' die by Lil'Inker Designs (bought in a sale when they announced they were closing down) 

- added the die cut 'because' to the vellum using a glue pen

- mounted the panel onto a marginally bigger square of SU's 'Certainly Celery' card, using Collall All Purpose glue

- mounted those panels onto a marginally bigger square of gold mirri card

- and finally added the completed panel to the card front - finito!

The light here was dreadful when I took this photo - but, I suddenly remembered that the desk lamp I bought about a year ago not only dims but the 'warmth' adjusts in steps as, well from crisp daylight white to a cosy warm setting. I keep meaning to ask Len how that works - but it's jolly useful. I generally like a warm light if I'm not taking a photo, colouring or matching stuff and it's great to have the option.

I've seen folk using vellum on top of bold patterns and wanted to have a go for ages. And right now am crackers (who just said 'we know you are'?) over so many of the lovely wide washi tapes on the market.

I'd like to add this card into Darnell's current NBUS challenge #31 HERE. The washi tape and the sentiment were having their first outing - and my card was inspired by a card Darnell sent to me for my Birthday, last September! See, I don't rush into things very often.

Speaking of rushing, my comments are lagging, even for Challenge #412 and I do so apologise, but with good reason in some ways. I was given a super (hinted at, I cannot lie) Gemini Junior die cutting/embossing machine for my Birthday by Len a few weeks ago. I think the agonised moans and groans using the Cuttlebug from in here helped! So, have been clearing out bookcase shelves to make space for either the machine as a die cutting dedicated space and/or some reorganising in the craft room.

Today, Monday, I posted several books onto a local Facebook free 'give or need' (they call it a 'whisking' site) - and they went just like that, clicks fingers in a snappy fashion! I now have a direct link with the lady concerned and she will take all the books we wish to give and she will either keep, re-offer for free on a whisking site or take them to local charity shops. She never resorts to recycling or landfill so it's a win, win for us - even IF she does sell some of them on, and I do know that some are slightly more rare/valuable ones. I'm getting more SPACE to play, and that's worth a lot of money in my 'book'! Snigger - that pun just popped out, I promise!! So, if I'm a bit quiet - that's the bombshell that just landed in my lap and I really can't let the chance pass.


 

31 comments:

  1. Beautiful card, Di! I too love that big washi tape, and the vellum adds a great amount of softness and delicateness to an already pretty card. Glad you're getting some room in your room and enjoying your new present

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  2. Love my Gemini Junior Di, but also use my Cuttlebug still... depends what I am wanting to cut. And a belated Happy Birthday from Down Under.
    Love your wee cards - they are gorgeous, and I admit, those washi tapes look amazing... probably just as well for my budget that USPS are not sending parcels addressed to 20 nations, ours included, due to lack of transport (blame Covid!)
    Stay safe
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  3. Anyone would be happy to receive a pretty 'because' card like that - lovely idea. How great that you have a Gemini machine to saved your poorly shoulder from the handle-turning. I've had (and still having) great fun and much use from mine which I've had for some time. Well done for having a clear out too - something VERY long overdue here I must say 😉

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  4. That’s a lovely, striking card made gorgeous by its glitzy sentiment. Just lovely Di.

    Good luck with the decluttering to create craft room space.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  5. Such a beautiful card Di and the touch of gold gives your card the perfect finish. I think the vellum works really well against the bold background. It all comes together to create a super card x

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  6. So pretty is your card Di what a great idea too ....talking of clutter l have recently de-cluttered my craft not got a decent craft room but l still managed to clear a lot out and it still didn’t look much smaller so good luck Di xx

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  7. Love this card Di...everything about it! Beautiful. Well done on the sorting front too. xx

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  8. A very pretty card and your gold sentiment looks fab on the vellum. Have fun reorganising your craft room x

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  9. Very pretty card. Happy Birthday to you. Keep us posted on how you like the Gemini Junior. I have been eyeing one but it is getting very mixed reviews on Amazon. So I will be interested in how you like it.

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  10. Apparently, I don't do enough shopping for craft supplies, because I had no idea washi tape was available that wide. It looks fab, and I'm always a fan of using a little vellum, so I like that touch too.

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  11. This is a beautiful "just because" card Di! I can't believe that is washi tape! I need me some of this wide washi, but I think I have said that before. lol Maybe one day...Happy belated birthday Di!!! How fun Len got you a Gemini Jr! You will have to let us know how you like it. Glad you are making space and being able to play! Hugs, Brenda

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  12. Beautiful washi tape! Love the gold sentiment on vellum across the top of it. Lucky you getting the Gemini Junior - what a fabulous birthday present!

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  13. A gorgeous card Di. Love the gold sentiment and the band of vellum is lovely. Big hugs, Carol S.xxx

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  14. Such lovely notelet, and the vellum stripe looks great!
    Well done on reorganising your craft room, I would have time enough to do the same on mine.
    Hugs

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  15. Oooh LOVE it! I would never have guessed that was washi tape!

    Bonus points to Len for such a fab birthday gift! I quite fancy one of them myself, maybe Santa will sort himself out as my Cuttlebg is definitely on its last legs;) Hope you have lots of fun playing with your new toy (are the cutting plates the same size as the Cuttlebug?)

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  16. My Cuttlebug could be replaced, but do I use it often enough? a few more hints, it is coming up for Christmas after all? Anyhow, I love the washi tape, I thought it paper and I love the vellum over it, a Gorgeous card Di.
    Faith x

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  17. ooh so pleased you got a gemini - you will love it and so easy for you. Good to pass on books, I managed to get a lot taken by a charity the other week through a friend as I do have a lot with reviewing.

    This is a gorgeous card, love that sentiment, looks like embossing.

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  18. Beautiful card, Di! Conversely to you, I've just had to upsize my machine from a regular Big Shot to their Plus, so had to find space for it! xoxo

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  19. Beautiful. Everything just seem to be in the right place. Definitely an eye-catcher.

    Hugs,
    Eemeli

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  20. This is so pretty! Good luck with your Gemini!!
    Lia xx

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  21. Beautiful card, Di. The floral design on the washi is lovely and it's very effective used like that. I've just had a lovely time going back through your blog and catching up. I was so surprised to see that Dudley is three years old! Where have all those years gone?!?! Have fun with your new Gemini. Take care. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

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  22. I've found vellum to be wonderful in toning down those patterns that are just a little bit too loud or bold, but pairing it with a delicate floral is just as effective. Hope you are up and running with your new Gemini in no time, and kicking it in just in time for Christmas projects and cards!

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  23. I have to start with your card or I will forget in my becitement about your other news. I love the design you came up with for the beautiful wide Washi tape, Di! The mat layers make it even more beautiful and, of course, the vellum/gold sediment works perfectly. Thank you for sharing with everyone at NBUS!

    Now then! Congratulations on the Gemini Jr. OMG, I hope by now you have finished your reorg and are whipping through your dies because you love it and can't stop! I felt like an idjit for not buying one years earlier. It's a bit of a faff, as you would say, flipping the plates this way and that, but it does matter and it soon becomes second nature. JM has lots of great videos about using the machine. I had a learning curve with using the 3D embossing folders. I'm sure others have offered, but let me know if you have any questions! Yay for you!! Hugs, Darnell

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  24. Very pretty Di, can't believe that's washi tape!.........vellum looks cool........have fun with your new machine, I hope it helps you a LOT! xxx

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  25. Gorgeous card Di, the washi tape is beautiful. The vellum strip with the gold sentiment is just perfect. Have fun with your new die cutting machine. xx

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  26. Congrats to your lovely spotlighted card makers, and a big hug to Sarn for her win! Cute how Dudley likes to play with the cores of paper rolls! BTW, still waiting for the Bunny, but not surprised as cargo ships from abroad are stacked in our ports waiting months to be unloaded and delivered! It will get here eventually I'm sure :)

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  27. Wow, what a gorgeous card this is, beautiful!!

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  28. Pretty card. Love the vellum.

    Great pun. Who could resist. [Bunny]

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