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Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Rocker Cards

R
is for 
ROCKER CARDS.

Version I

To make the basic rocker card shape use a circle die or a plate to draw round.  Here I have used a circle die with a 5.25" diameter. Score and then fold the circle in half.  Tip to make sure the card keeps it shape and does not slide open cut a small length of cardstock . I have used a piece 2.75" long and 0.5" wide scored each end at 0.25". 
 Fold the piece of cardstock in half and fold the scores each end as shown here.
 You should now have two pieces of card as shown.
 On the inside of the folded circle attach one of the tabs (using glue or ds tape in the middle and near  the bottom of the half circle.
 Attach the second tab to the other side of the circle as shown below. This will ensure that the rocker will not fall over.
 You can now add a smaller circle to the front of the rocker and decorate as you wish to finish.



Version II

This shape is a Side Stepper Rocker.
If you do not have any large circle dies then use a plate to draw round. I found a side plate that was 7.5" diameter to use for this example. Whatever size plate/circle you use add 0.5" and cut a Square of designer paper to this size. My plate is 7.5" so adding 0.5" gives me an 8" square. Here I have used plain white card to make it easier to see. 
 Place plate in centre of cardstock leaving a 0.25" on all four sides as shown below.
 Score and fold the square cardstock in half and then reopen. On the fold line measure in from the circle edge the amount you want the side step to be . Here I have used 2.5". Make a pencil mark.
 Now using a ruler draw a line down from the top of the paper to the bottom on this mark as shown below.
Now using a score board place the cardstock as shown with the line you have just drawn towards the top of the score board.
To create the folds for the stepper,  mark 1" either side of the centre fold .
 The score mark is already there at the 4"mark so now score at 3" and at 5"but only down to the line you have marked. Tip. This is why the circle has not yet been cut as it is a lot easier to score lines on a straight edge than a curve.

Fold the cardstock back in half and cut on the line down to the next score line. (This is a lot easier than trying to cut a slit in the circle.)
 You can now cut the circle out and fold as shown below with a mountain/ valley/mountain for the side stepper.  You will have a small amount of cardstock sticking out which can be trimmed away to neaten.
 Cut smaller circles to attach and finish the card as required. N.b. Be careful to place your embellishments evenly on the card to maintain the correct balance for the rocker to work.



Version III

This shape is a  Double Sided Stepper Rocker.
If you do not have any large circle dies then use a plate to draw round. I found a side plate that was 7.5" diameter to use for this example. Whatever size plate/circle you use add 0.5" and cut a Square of designer paper to this size. My plate is 7.5" so adding 0.5" gives me an 8" square. Here I have used plain white card to make it easier to see.  Fold cardstock in half at 4" on one side only. 
Now rotate cardstock so that your score line is horizontal. Draw two lines with a pencil (do not score) top to bottom at 2.5" and 5.5".

 Now rotate cardstock so that your centre score line is vertical and  using the pencil lines as a marker  score from top down to the first pencil line only at 3" and then at 5". Do the same from the second pencil line down to the bottom of your cardstock. 
n.b. Do not score the centre sections. 
 Now fold your cardstock as shown below and cut along  both pencil lines up to the score line( through the double thickness of the fold).
You are now ready to create the rocker shape so taking your saucer place it centrally (using only half of the plate) and mark round with a pencil to create the curve. 
 Cut round the curve with scissors. 
 Mountain/Valley/Mountain fold at the score lines and fold down flat. Cut away the excess on either side of the curve. 
Card shape  is now complete and you can decorate as required. n.b If card keeps sliding open then create a small tab inside the card as shown in the instructions above for Version I.
Just remember that you need to keep the rocker balanced so whatever you put on one side you need to place an embellishment on the other side to counter it as shown in the decorated card below. 


Version IV

This shape is a Side Stepper Rocker but I have created more of an old fashioned pram shape for it. Again I am using a plate to create my shape and here I have chosen a 6" diameter. This time though the side measurement needs to be the same as the plate size  so I have cut cardstock 8" which becomes the depth of the card( when folded in half) and 6" the same as the plate measurement.  Score and fold at the halfway mark which here is 4"
 Rotate card so that the fold is horizontal and draw a pencil line from top to bottom of cardstock at 3.5"
N.B.  I have changed to coloured cardstock as I am making the card in real time. 
Rotate card back so that the scored line is vertical. Now score from top of cardstock down to the pencil line only at 2", 3", 5" and 6". 
 Fold cardstock  back in half on the fold line and with the folded side to the left and the score marks at the top place your plate so that the rim is right on the edge as shown in the picture below. Use a pencil to follow the curve of the plate but stop either side when the curve reaches the side. n.b. Do not continue to the odd shapes on the left. 
 You can now see that you have a circle with a flat section in the centre at the curve. This is correct as it makes the pram shape.  
  With the folded edge of the cardstock towards you, using scissors  and on the  pencil line cut along it to the second score line as shown below. 
 And then cut away the curve. 
 Now Mountain/Valley/Mountain/Valley/Mountain fold the score lines and fold card flat. You will now see excess cardstock beyond the curves which needs to be cut away. 
 Your card should now look like below.
 This is the cardstock lying out flat and you can see the elongated shape which looks a bit like a C shape with teeth!!!
 Here is an aerial view looking down on the card shape. 
 and the card from the front showing the pram shape. 
 Just remember to balance the embellishments on your card when you decorate it so that it rocks centrally. On the card below I needed to add the two gems to the top left of the card over the butterfly before it rocked evenly. 



Wednesday, August 21, 2019

#127 Spin The Butterfly Wheel with K for Kinetic Card.

We are  now onto the 11th letter of the alphabet which is K. Winners results for #126  are in the post below. Make sure you check back as it could be you. Can I please ask that  Winners do acknowledge their prize in the comments on the Winners post as well as emailing their details to me. This way I will know to expect an email.  Please state if you are only playing for fun so that it gives someone else the chance to win.
  Please note that challenge is running for 2wks.

      Come on in.

Lets Spin the Butterfly Wheel.
Each challenge will be a letter of the Alphabet with  a choice of 3 Colours and 2 Themes all beginning with the chosen letter.
New for this Yr. The 7th element of the wheel is a card shape.
(The discerning amongst you will notice that there is now an added page along the top under the Butterfly Banner called Card shapes.)
There will be a card shape for the letter being used for each challenge and I will be showing a tutorial on this page with hints and tips for making the cards. 
The card shape is not mandatory but if you do use it you will qualify for the top prize without having to combine all of the other 6 elements onto your card. You must of course  use your butterfly.   The shapes will all be easy ones, just a different way to either fold or cut your basic cardbase. 

If you don't want to use the card shape then 
You can either choose a Theme or a Colour from the wheel + Butterfly  to be entered  for the 1st Prize.

If you use a Butterfly + a Theme + a Colour from the wheel then 
you  will  be entered into the 2nd Prize. 
Please state in your post which part of the wheel you are using to play with.

So lets get started.
The wheel is
K
and 
Kinetic Card.

N.b.  Kinetic card means a card involving a moving part.
I have made a tutorial showing how to make a very simple moving card. 
Please see card shapes tag above.

Your 6 elements are Key Lime /Kobe/Kobi/Kraft/Knots+your Butterfly.

N.b Kobe = Dark Burgundy
       Kobi = Pink Lavender
BTW. These colours really do exist and are not made up by me!


Here is my inspiration for you. 
Card uses Kinetic card/Key lime/Kobe/Kobi/Butterfly.
Card slightly open.
Card  half open.
Card fully open.

You can see more details of the card here on my blog.
Also check out the Card shapes Tab at top of page  to see how to make this very simple Kinetic  Card.

1st Prize

(for using either One Theme or One Colour with your butterfly/ies)
Please state in your post which part of the wheel you are using to play with.

 Butterfly background sheet.
   Butterfly cutouts.
  Chalk board Peg Butterfly.
3 Butterfly charms.
2 wooden pegs.
Washi Tape.


2nd Prize.
 (for using both a Theme and a Colour + your butterfly/ies )
Please state in your post which part of the wheel you are using to play with.

Crafts-Too Embossing folder
'Folk Ornaments'
+
Nellie Snellen
Butterfly Filling dies



  Top Prize.
For using the Kinetic card element + Butterfly
(It is not mandatory to use any or all of  the other elements
but I'd love to see if you do. )'


Stamps by Chloe
'Butterfly of butterflies
Stamps by Chloe
'Tiny Messages'




There will also be a Special 7 Elements  Prize Draw
for those using all of the 7 Elements.
(This is in no way compulsory just an added fun extra. 

Please be sure to read all the rules on the tab above and the new prize requirements.
Enter your creations in Mr Linky below.
Please also state if you are only playing for fun.

Happy crafting and see you soon.
N.B. Challenge is back to 2 weeks.



Winners #126

There were 47 entries this time and 15 used the Joy fold card. I'm pleased so many gave it a try. 
Lots of variations and lovely cards to choose from. 
Here is my Top 3 selection of Non- Joy fold cards.
In numerical order they are
(3)  Pinky

(26) Susan H. 

(44)  Helen Liu


My Top 3 selection of Joy fold cards.
in numerical order are
(11) Beverley S. 

(13)   Terrie

(38)  Amanda

Congratulations everyone.
Please take a bow and help yourselves to
The Top 3 
Badge from the side bar. 


1st Prize
For using either one theme or one colour +your butterfly is:-

(21) Nana Connie.


2nd Prize
For using both a theme and a colour+your butterfly. 
The winner picked by random org is:-

(39) Craftartista. 

Top Prize
For using the Joyfold card element + Butterfly.
The winner plucked from the Teacup is:-

(22). Kathy A. 


The Winner of the Special all 7 prize is:-

(36) Karen Ladd.



Nana Connie, Craftartista, Kathy A and Karen Ladd

Please get in touch using the email address in the side bar.
Can I also please ask that you acknowledge your win 
In the comments box below so that 
I know to expect an email from you.

If you are experiencing any problem in emailing me
I now have a contact form at the top of the page in the right hand column
For you to use instead. 

Hope to see you all back for # 127

Happy Crafting

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Quarto Fold Cards

Q
is for 
QUARTO FOLD CARDS.

Version I

Start with a sheet of design paper that is 8" square. Score on all four sides at 2"
 Fold two sides in (I am using a big shot so the 8" would be too wide to go through the cutting plates) and using a circle die  partially cut a semi circle on one end. I have used a 4" size die.
 You create the partial die cut by only placing half of the circle die between the die cutting plates as shown below.
 You should now have a semi circle shape on the end.
 Repeat on all four sides.
 Turn the sheet of paper over and fold the top semi circle down.
 Now fold the right hand side in as shown.
 Next fold the bottom section up as shown.
 Tuck the remaining side in by slotting under the top semi circle as shown .
 Your card shape is now  complete and can be decorated as you like.


Version II

Start with a sheet of cardstock  that is 9" x  8".
 Score on the 9" side at 3" and 6".
 Turn and score on the 8" side at 1.5" and 6.5"
 You can now cut away the 4 outside tabs as marked above  with the pencil scribble on them.
Cardbase will now look picture below.

On the two big flaps top and bottom use a saucer or a plate to draw an arc as shown below.
On the side flaps slightly taper by cutting up to the corners.

 Turn base over and decorate the outside.
 Cut the arc shapes freehand once you have adhered the design paper in place. You now need to cut a small slot in the top arc. I have used a small Sizzix framlits  die but if you do not have one you can cut the slot freehand.
 
 I have used a butterfly die for my closure. For added strength I have cut two solid and glued back to back. I have cut just one filigree for the top.
 Decorate the inside of your card as required.  Adhere the butterfly on the bottom arc  in the middle lining up with the slot on the top arc.
Carefully fold the butterfly wings up and push through the slot to close the card as shown here.
 Your card is now complete.

Version III
Start with a sheet of cardstock  that is 8" sq.(Tip. Do not use a heavier weight than 150 gsm as the folds will become too hard too crease).  In the example here I am only  using printer paper so that it is easier for you to see the folds. 
 First fold is to crease on the diagonal and then with your chosen cardstock facing you as shown below turn down the top sheet only to make the second fold. (Tip. How far down you make this fold will determine the over all look of your finished card. ) I made my fold just over 2.5".
 With the second fold still in place, fold in the left hand point ( keeping the cardstock level with the top of fold two and crease as shown below.
 Now repeat with the right hand point as shown below.
 Refold so that fold two is over the top of fold 3 and 4.  N.b. The reason I fold the top point down before the sides is so that I have the  level line of the fold to match with when turning the side points in.
Your fold is now complete and here is an example made up.  N.b. Use glue/ds tape or a glue dot to hold the fold down in place.  Here I have made a simple tag to put in the pocket that the card shape produces.  


Version IV
Start with a sheet of cardstock  that is 8" sq.(Tip. Do not use a heavier weight than 150 gsm as the folds will become too hard too crease).  In the example here I am only  using printer paper so that it is easier for you to see the folds. 

Fold your card stock in half and have facing you as shown below.  
Make your second fold by bringing the the two short sides together and crease as below.  
Now fold the top right hand corner (one sheet of cardstock only) down to the bottom left corner and crease as shown to make the third fold.  N.b. Use glue/ds tape or a glue dot to hold the fold down in place.  
Last fold is to crease  a small triangle over to meet fold 3 using only one layer of the cardstock and attach same  as with the other triangle.  This makes a pocket on the front .
N.b the back folded sheets of cardstock can be glued together for neatness. 
Your fold is now complete and here is an example made up. I have added a simple tag to put in the pocket that the card shape produces.