Hi there and welcome! Today's Papertrey Ink Tips & Tricks post is all about the layers of fall, autumn leaves, textures, pattern, and dimension. My first card shows all of these in a variety of ways. I know layers aren't for everyone, but for you layer-lovers like myself...this post is for you!
I started my card with a basic white card base. I then selected two prints that compliment each other, but needed a bit of softening. That's where the magic of vellum comes in to play...I LOVE vellum for this reason. It softens and tones things down, while letting color and pattern still show through very subtly. And, it creates it's own layer of softness...a textural addition.
I've used several different dies on this card, including the following: Limitless Layers: 2 1/2" Circles, two of these cut, one from White cardstock, the other from a pink glitter cardstock I had on hand. Did you know that glitter carries a form of weight and dimension? Look at all of the depth you can see in just the bit of glitter showing on this card...because of the sparkle and shine, our eyes naturally pick up on the variations in color, therefore creating depth. A great way to add some layers :). Next came a die cut doily, using the Doily Details die, in Vintage Cream. Just the shift from white to cream, creates a subtle change in color variation, creating a fun layer.
I then added a cluster of die cut leaves, each cut from a different element, Autumn Rose felt, patterned paper, and vellum. I used the Leaf Prints dies along with Leaf Silhouettes dies. Felt of course adds texture and touch-ability. Patterns carry their own detail and texture. I like to combine smaller prints with larger, so they balance each other out and not compete. By separating patterns with a solid, such as the felt leaf, you can break up the busyness a bit and only see a portion of the bold pattern showing in the background. I then finished my card with die cut flowers, using the Ruby Rose dies. These were cut from fabric and trim in cream, creating texture and softness. I stamped a Double Ended Banner using a sentiment from the Rustic Wreath stamp set and attached it with a stick pin.
My next card uses more of my favorites...layers, softness, dimension, etc. I'll walk you through my creative process as I set about putting this card together for you.
I started with the Shape Up Series: Pumpkin Die Collection and Shape Up Series: Pumpkin Sections Die Collection. My base was cut from Kraft and my top layers from Vintage Cream cardstock.
I went ahead and cut my pumpkin sections, leaving them attached to the base so I could do a bit of stamping before separating them.
I used the Fair Isle Borders stamp set, because of the wonderful, warm texture this set adds. I used Fine Linen ink.
Next I added a vine to my pumpkin, using Spring Moss ink and the Harvest Berries stamp set.
I then added each section to the Kraft base, distressing the edges with Vintage Touch ink first.
It was then time to add my layers using leaves from different die collections, cut from different elements. Once again, I used the Leaf Prints dies along with the Harvest Berries, and the Branching Out dies. I used vellum and gold glittered cardstock using these two dies, and then pink patterned paper and cream burlap using the Leaf Prints dies.
After I attached my leaves, I created a junk bow, using different textural elements...Fine Line Swiss Dot Satin, silk fabric, twill, and trim. I crisscrossed three of these strips, with the fourth strip under them all, vertically. This fourth, vertical strip is the one I use to secure the others, forming a messy, shabby, junk bow :).
All that's left is to trim the ends whatever lengths you prefer.
I then attached my junk bow to the top of my pumpkin, just under the stem, embellishing the center with a cream button.
To finish my pumpkin, I added berries in Autumn Rose from the Harvest Berries stamp set. I used a bit of Diamond Stickles glitter to make them shine a bit. And then tucked in my sentiment from the Pumpkin Patch stamp set, stamped on a die cut Tag Sale: Quilted die. I have a favorite color of color mist, that is the prettiest shade of soft pink, and decided to coat my pumpkin with a bit of that to add one more layer.
Hope these projects get you ready to create this weekend...I'll be throwing on my autumn layers to stay cozy and warm. Thanks for stopping by!
Melissa
So beautiful! I just love the soft white pumpkin. Thank you so much for such great instruction, I have learned so much.
Posted by: lb | October 16, 2015 at 04:25 AM
Both projects are just fabulous Melissa!
Posted by: Silke Ledlow | October 16, 2015 at 04:37 AM
I love, love, love your creations. You have an instantly recognizable style! I mail 99% of the cards I make and would like to know how you would mail the cards you make with all those beautiful layers. Also, you really need a different name for your bows. They are hardly "junk"! I refer to them as bits and bobs bows. Thank you for sharing your skills.
Posted by: Mary Ann G. | October 16, 2015 at 04:51 AM
very inspiring!
Posted by: Cyndee | October 16, 2015 at 05:18 AM
I love your process and have been wanting a tutorial on "junk bows". Adorable.I go to your picture on PTI first so I can see what wonderful creative cards or projects you have made. thank you
Posted by: Margaret Flynn | October 16, 2015 at 05:22 AM
You have made layering an art form!! Truly amazing. When you break it down into its constituent parts it seems so easy. I am absolutely terrible at layering (clothes or cards!) - this tutorial is really helpful, thank you!
Posted by: Jenny C | October 16, 2015 at 05:25 AM
Beautiful projects and very educational post!
Posted by: Sharon B | October 16, 2015 at 05:26 AM
Such a beautiful card! Thank you so much for sharing your technique. BTW you are the queen of enabling me to buy dies, especially tags and now branching out. I'm kicking myself for not getting the Quilt Tag last night lol.
Posted by: Ohhh Snap | October 16, 2015 at 05:29 AM
Guess I'm too late to order the pumpkin sections :-( Love the pumpkin card and love layering on cards too!
Posted by: Gigi | October 16, 2015 at 05:48 AM
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE them!
Posted by: Holly Saveur | October 16, 2015 at 05:57 AM
Joy in the morning with Melissa, and her creative genius! Lovely!
Posted by: Nancy Penir | October 16, 2015 at 06:05 AM
Thank you for sharing this with us. It really is helpful to read and see your thought process. And I love the junk bow!
Posted by: Jude | October 16, 2015 at 06:20 AM
Oh, oh, oh, that pumpkin card! I would have never thought to use those stamps on it, and those oh- so-soft colors. This card is a stand-out beauty, and I will be following your lead this Thanksgiving. Thanks again for all your luscious inspiration.
Posted by: Marcie Rhys | October 16, 2015 at 06:23 AM
Absolutely gorgeous...love your projects!
Posted by: ~amy~ | October 16, 2015 at 06:24 AM
Beautiful love the pumpkin such a soft look.
Posted by: Ericka S | October 16, 2015 at 06:25 AM
So pretty, another smile on my face.
Posted by: Patty J | October 16, 2015 at 06:29 AM
Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Vickie | October 16, 2015 at 06:29 AM
Love your step by step process Melissa. You are one of my favorite designers....always true to your style, and always full of heart.
Posted by: Denise | October 16, 2015 at 06:36 AM
Love those step by step, and its the first time I heard of a junk bow, quick foray into google and I'm much the wiser.
They're fab and now I can use bows, never really got the bow thing and seeing these gorgeous cards I am inspired. Thank you.
Posted by: Christine | October 16, 2015 at 06:54 AM
I love your pretty autumn layers Melissa!! Your pumpkin is stunning, oh my goodness!!!
Posted by: Lisa Elton | October 16, 2015 at 06:54 AM
OH Melissa this is GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS!! What a treat for us that you posted this the day after the release, thank you!! I love your tips and tricks post, this is perfect!!
Posted by: Nancy Guse | October 16, 2015 at 07:05 AM
Melissa, this is such a beautiful card, but I just have to CASE that fabulous pumpkin! Oh my, is that ever elegant and perfect for me to send to my niece and her DH whose wedding anniversary is on Halloween. Their wedding was gorgeous (not Halloweenie) but they used pumpkins for decorations so I usually try to send a card with some sort of pumpkin (not a Jack o'Lantern) on it. Thank you so much for the steps to make this beauty! Hope you don't mind if I CASE you :)
Posted by: Cindy H. | October 16, 2015 at 07:22 AM
Adorable creations.
Posted by: Ann Custer | October 16, 2015 at 08:08 AM
Such soft and beautiful creations.
Posted by: Jan B | October 16, 2015 at 08:38 AM
Your cards give us the idea of softness & coziness for the autumn season, one of my favorite times of the year. Thank you for sharing with everyone!
Posted by: Cindy Gratton | October 16, 2015 at 08:50 AM