Simplicity = Quiet Luxury

Hello friends!

Shop Spellbinders HERE, 

Scrapbook. com HERE and HERE 

Shop Simon Says Stamp HERE

I am back to share a project that is all about simplicity. Simple cards doesn't mean it's plain and boring. In fact, effortless elegance (simplicity) can convey a sense of quiet luxury.

 

With the right image, card stock and sentiment, Clean and Simple design is actually quite stunning.

 

You may want to ask.... what is "Quiet Luxury"?

 Quiet Luxury is about the fashion trend that is timeless, classic, understated and elegant. 

From Google search: The staples are eternal: classic loafers, timeless trench coats, impeccably tailored trousers, and crisp, logo-free tees. The color palette exudes calm—soft beiges, light creams, rich blacks, and pristine whites. And when it comes to materials, only the finest—like cashmere, silk, and Vicuña wool—make the cut.

 

 “Quiet luxury is a new term, but this emphasis on timelessness and minimalism is an integral part of French women’s lifestyle," says expert Sophie Hersan. "We love effortless elegance.”

  With that set of style in mind, how do you translate that trend into card-making? 

 

In my interpretation: products that are nonseasonal, classy and timeless. Designs are simple. They can be a focal point with/without symmetry.

*When used, these products can convey a positive impression. For example, BetterPress Die has that wow factor with a subtle imprints/ textures)

*The quality of the product should convey a sense of elegance (ex: the Spellbinders paper truly delivers) You can definitely use other brands of paper. They ALL work, but the difference is that the Spellbinders paper does make the design pop, however subtle it may be.

To elevate the design, why not take it up another level by creating a coordinating envelop? What do you think? I thoroughly enjoy learning to use BetterPress . Even as seasonal stamper like me, I find it fun  and invigorating to learn a new trick of two. 

 Scrapbook. com. check out HERE

From Spellbinders: check out HERE

From Simon Says Stamp: click HERE to check out

I appreciate that you use my affiliated link (located at the side bar) for your craft shopping. Simply click the image and check out with your loaded shopping cart.

Thanks for stopping by!

Altenew 10th Anniversary Blog Hop Day 1 + Giveaway (over $3,500 in Total Prizes)

 Hello friends!

Today is a very special day... can you believe that Altenew is turning 10!!? Yup, TEN! I am delighted to be part of this special blog hop. Hooray! 

 

Welcome to Altenew 10th Anniversary Blog Hop (day 1) ! I am excited to share 2 projects with you. I was Altenew Card Design Team member from 2017 to 2023.To this day, I am thankful that Altenew plays a big part of my crafting life. I still remember the early days of Altenew. With the amazing founders Tasnim, Jen and people behind this company, their success is no surprise!

If you stop by from Lien's Blog (Studio Kato), you are in the right place. 

All the details about this blog hop, please visit Altenew Card Blog 

Feature products: 

One-Go Sentiments Stamp  and Die Bundle 

Simon Says Stamp HERE

Modern Montera Stencil 

Archways Die Set

 

 

For my projects, I thought you might be interested to know what makes a clean and refreshing design. I have listed in bullet points and hopefully, this is easy for you to view my ideas and perspectives.

 

 

 1. simple color palette :  love colors! However, sometimes it is just nice to use few colors and mix up the shades. Green Meadows and Green Fields are my favorite green dye inks from Altenew.

 
 

 

2. allow some space in the design: the Modern Montera Stencil 

is super simple and easy to use as layering stencils. 



3. pay attention to colors and shades:  for the background, I added more green and splatter for interest. These are awesome steps to elevate your card designs.

 

 

 

4. clean background & composition: use one focal point such as the leave die from Archways Die Set helps convey the design and meaning.

 

 

5. minimum/selective use of metallic color: I use minimum gold for accents (god sequins, glad metallic thread and gold droplets ) and really make the design pop.




 Please feel free to shop through my text product links. Affiliate links are applied at no additional cost  to you.  Thank you for your support.

Prizes: $3,500 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $50 Altenew gift certificate to 10 winners, a $20 ArtistbyAltenew gift certificate to 10 lucky winners, and an online papercrafting class ($39.99 value) from Altenew Academy Online classes to 14 winners. There are also 28 awesome companies /crafty friends who are celebrating with us and they are offering the following prizes.

Save BIG on Must-Have Crafting Items! Enjoy limited-time deals on fan-favorite stamps, dies, inks, stencils, washi tapes, and more! Enjoy up to 45% off ---> weekly crafty SALE!

Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by 04/16/2024 for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 68 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew Card Blog on 04/19/2023.

Your next stop is the blog of Carol Hintermeier.

Have fun hopping! Thanks for stopping by!   

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Impressed with BetterPress

 Hello friends!

Hope this post finds you happy and healthy.  I have been playing my latest "toy":  Spellbinders BetterPress.  Perhaps you have already got a Better Press. However, if you are not sure about this extra die tool, today's post may give you some ideas and see if this is for you.

 

Shop Spellbinders HERE, Scrapbook. com HERE 

Shop Simon Says Stamp HERE

 

 I must say that I am "cheap" "thrifty" when it comes to any new supplies. Since I have already owned Platinum 6 Die Cue Machine, it really is not much more (well, ok, it is still some costs!).

 

👉👉In terms of the use of BetterPress and quality of the finished result, it is a 10 for me.

In my opinion, you can definitely use BetterPress when mass producing. It's perfect for making wedding invites, cooperate thank-yous and birthday cards. Once you tape down the paper, you can easily get impeccable results. Your cards will be handmade, but with precision and artistic results.

All you need to do is ink up the BetterImpress Die with the Spellbinders ink (or any dye ink) and run it through the Platinum 6 Diecut machine.

 

As you can see, the image is peerless and clear. I added some shine with glitter and sequins. These little touches make the cards unique and special.

 

If you are interested in getting BetterPress, click HERE

Scrapbook. com offer coupon code SPRING to take 6% OFF any order.
✨ OR! On Orders $100 or more, use coupon code SPRING to take 10% OFF.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Spellbinders Super Surprise Box is Back! Get it HERE

This exclusive FIFTEEN Piece surprise box features an assortment of past products, including: TWO Cardmaking Kits, Dies, Stamps, Embellishments & more. This bundle is valued over $290! Hurry and grab yours while supplies last.*

*Surprise box contains an assortment of past products. Many items DO NOT vary. If you purchase multiple boxes, you will receive the same items, multiple times. Specific items cannot be requested. Offer is individual consumer use only; not for distribution; excludes tax & shipping; packages include clearance items, cannot be combined with any other offer; void where prohibited; limited to stock on hand. While supplies last. All sales are final. No Returns. No Exchanges.

Thank you for stopping by!

Add a Layer of Shine

Hello friends!

I am delighted to share one of the new products from Spellbinders March release.

This Peony Celebration Die is from one of the fabulous collection. 

Shop at Scrapbook. com HERE, shop Simon Says Stamp HERE

About Peony Celebration Etched Dies: This set is from the Let’s Celebrate Collection by Yana Smakula. When cut and assembled, this set of two thin metal cutting dies creates a stunningly intricate peony bloom and leaves! If you are a fan of the Peony flower, this one is for you!

 This die set is quite straightforward. I die cut the detailed and solid pieces in white and gold. 

 After ink-blending the colors with Distress Oxide, I assembled the Peony dies. That's when I decided  to add an extra piece of gold die underneath for the extra details and shine.

 This solid piece of die is perfect for adding the dimensions without using foam tape. On top of that, the subtle shine underneath and die is outstanding! 

To show the color contrast,  I inked up the background with Vintage Photo.

 What do you think? Adding that extra gold is easier than you think. I love small details like this that makes a huge difference. I appreciate that you use ANY of the affiliated links for your craft shopping. Simply click on it before you check out.

From Scrapbook. com

Use coupon code CRAFTY to take 8% OFF any order.
✨ OR! On Orders $100 or more, use coupon code CRAFTY to take 11% OFF. 

Textured Background Made Easy

 Hello friends!

I am back to share a project with lots of textures! This was made easy thanks to the dry embossing folder I used:  Bee-Cause 3D Embossing Folder is a 5.50 x 8.50-inch embossing folder.

 This versatile 3D Embossing Folder can texturize a surface of various card sizes from A2-size (4.25 x 5.5-inch) to a Slimline Size (3.5 x 8.5-inch). For the most detailed impression, lightly mist the cardstock with water before embossing.

 This embossing folder has some empty space along with the honeycomb. I love that it has these openings as they make the design look more natural and organic.

 Shop the Carnation Die (shop Spellbinders, Scrapbook. com,  Simon Says Stamp)

 For the honeycomb, I applied Watercolor Pencils yellow onto the textured background.

  The carnations was made with color cardstock.

  Nasturtium and Galvanized Wash Bucket Etched Dies 

 

Shop Spellbinders

Shop Scrapbook. com

Shop Simon Says Stamp

 Thanks for stopping by! 

Savvy Use of Craft Supplies

 Happy March, friends!

I am popping in to do a follow-up post on my previous share. If you miss my previous post about using wax paper, you can check it out HERE.

 

Today's post is photo-heavy as I share the process photo of the use of wax/paper (aka exam room paper) with Alcohol ink.

 A little review: I created the color paper with the wax paper (I took Dr. John's exam room paper roll) and alcohol ink.  I mixed the colors a bit and let the color speak for themselves.

 I didn't follow the exact guide of assembling the carnations. However, the dies are so awesome that you do not need to follow the guide.... I simply used as many petals as I see fit.

 I love the grey bucket as Michele ( I Card Everyone) said it.... gray makes everything looks beautiful.

 The durability of these wax paper is far superior to the gift-wrapping tissue paper. It is much more sturdy and durable.

I used this gorgeous  Nasturtium and Galvanized Wash Bucket Etched Dies 

 

Shop Spellbinders

Shop Scrapbook. com

Shop Simon Says Stamp

Shop Through the Arbor Garden Collection at Spellbinders, Scrapbook. com

 

Shop the Carnation Die (shop Spellbinders, Scrapbook. com,  Simon Says Stamp).

 I find that using wax paper is a great idea. It is sturdy and the petals are strong. The non-porous side is perfect with the Alcohol Pearl (like this and this and this).

 What do you think? I am so in love with Alcohol Ink....with wax paper. I hope to come up with more ideas on using everyday items. 

Get the surprise box that's worth $290 for the price of $75 HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!