Shadow Blocking Card Layout MADE EASY

Introducing my 3D Shadow Blocking template—your new best friend for effortless Shadow Blocking card layouts. Simply place the template on your 4" x 5 1/4" cardstock and glue one-inch squares in the designated spots. The gray 3D template works beautifully with both light and dark cardstock options.

Step 1 

• Cut your Designer Series Paper into 1" squares—12 in total
• Cut the solid shadow cardstock into 1" squares—12 in total
  
• I made a custom Brother ScanNCut/CanvasWorkspace cut file for these squares after accidentally cutting some of my DSP incorrectly. Once you make a mistake, all the pieces for the card end up in the trash. If you're interested to purchase the cut file, please EMAIL me before you purchase the template. Please note, it's not included with this template.
  

Step 2 

• Cut a piece of cardstock measuring 4" x 5 1/4". 

Step 3 

• Adtech Crafter's Removable Glue Runner on Amazon HERE. I'm an Amazon Affiliate Associate and I receive a very small commission and it doesn't cost you anything. Once you purchase this temporary adhesive you'll ask yourself, why didn't I think of this!
• Apply temporary adhesive to the back of the 4" x 5 1/4" piece. Place it on a surface to keep the cardstock from moving around.
• Apply temporary adhesive to the wrong side of the 3D template. 
• Use any cornering tool in your craft space, a Paper Pumpkin box would work. I used my 3D Layering Aligning Platform equipped with magnets and magnet knobs. This helps gluing the cardstock and DSP pieces perfectly spaced and straight - like an extra pair of hands. Will be available soon; if you would like one, please EMAIL. It is not included with this template.

Step 4

• Heads up—mistakes are part of the journey! I made quite a few at this part of the card layout. Don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t perfect. I mistakenly switched the placement of both the DSP and solid cardstock pieces AND I mistakenly glued the DSP upside down. AND AND AND. The worse mistakes I made - see Step 1; destroying my beautiful DSP. 
• Glue down all twelve of the 1" shadow cardstock pieces first (ignore that I didn't do that in the picture below.) Most of this layout found on Pinterest positions the shadow under on the left side, but I prefer it on the right—both options are work with the template.
• Glue down all twelve of the 1" DSP pieces. 

What are those black things? They are magnetic knobs. For more information, see below **

DONE!

Step 5

• Choose a card base in the same color as your solid shadow cardstock layers for a cohesive look.

Pictured here is my 3D Layering Aligning Platform along with my L square layering guide to perfectly place your layers of cardstock together. If you are interested in purchasing one, please EMAIL me with the subject line of Layering Aligning Platform.

** My blog post with information about my magnetic Stampin’ Up! Glass Mat 2.0 that I use in my craft studio HERE. Magnetizing the glass mat has truly been a game changer for my projects. If you combine it with my 3D Layering Aligning Platform with magnets underneath, you'll be in Crafter's Heaven!

The Shadow Blocking Template is only $9.95. Shipping (United States) without a tracking is $3.00; arriving within five business days. Click the Buy Now button. 

If you do not see a Buy Now button that means I am out of stock. Please email me with the subject line 3D template. 

Having a tracking number is expensive. I will send you a copy of the label when I drop it off at the local postal store. I have shipped hundreds of packages I've never lost a package. If you want Priority Mail, insured - please EMAIL me BEFORE purchasing.

New Tips and Old Tips Revisited

Over my 20 years of paper crafting, I've learned some tips that have been game changers for me. Some are tips that I started 20 years and still use them. 

• Die-cutting cutting pads, two pads + a little extra time = NO WARPING!
• Use one pad as the bottom pad - where the die cuts into the pad
• Use one pad that NEVER gets die cut into, label it DO NOT CUT
• Every other pass through your die cut machine, rotate and flip your pads. Don't switch pad positions, just flip and rotate the pads. 
• EVERY OTHER PASS THROUGH is the key.  Yes it takes time, but so worth the money. Now you have more money to spend on Stampin' Up! Products.  You're welcome!
• I stopped during this with the Brother Switch embossing machine - it was a nightmare.

• Cutting your 12" x 12" Designer Series Paper
• If you need a 3 7/8" layer for one card, cut the DSP at 4" x 12". It is more likely you will use the remaining 4" piece on another project.
• If  you need a 2 7/8" layer for one, cut the DSP at 3" x 12". It is more likely you will use the remaining 3" piece of another project

• Storing your Designer Series Paper with scraps
• Before opening your DSP, loosely apply clear packing tape as indicated here. Wrap it around the back just 2" on each side. This allows you to keep your DSP together along with the scraps in the original package. Keep the thicker white cardstock that your DSP comes in for stability while it is stored. I place scraps smaller than 12" x 6" pieces in the back behind the thicker white cardstock.
• I also tape my 8 1/2" x 11" cardstock this way
• Create a file type label with any punch you have.  Attach it to a 12" x 12" piece of heavy cardstock. My DSP is filed alphabetically in an armoire. 

• Color Combinations
• Check the back of a package of SU DSP, the colors that coordinate well are listed there. You don't have to use the DSP to know what colors coordinate.
• Color Coordinating for Dummies - my favorite website, Create, Ink, Color Lab

• Know What You Have
• Create a digital document with digital pictures of your stamps and dies
• Add in descriptions
• Use the "search" feature in that document
• Stamp inventory check out my pdf and Word Document I use HERE. 

• Ribbon Embellishments - Do you struggle like I do making your ribbon embellishment behind a sentiment?
• I use Press'n Seal to create ribbon and flower layout designs.  Simply create your ribbon zigzag, with the sticky side down of the Press'n Seal, apply that to your ribbon.  Apply adhesive to where you want to place the embellishment and press your work onto your card.  Gently pull back the Press'n Seal and presto - truly a work of art.

• Getting it Straight
• Place a Silicone Craft Sheet on top of the  layer to prevent adhesive such like Dimensionals from being placed crooked on your card.  Move the craft sheet as you slowly attach the card layer

• Keep it steady and straight
• Check out my blog post HERE.
• If you have seen my GLASS MAT 2.0. The magnetic knobs holds these in place PERFECTLY
  

• Lint rollers are not just for clothes
• 
  What are all those SU Dimensionals doing all over my desk? I have a lint roller on my desk to pick up along with the little scraps of paper. THIS brand is what I use. 

• Another pair of hands
• I use temporary glue runner to hold my pieces together while designing a card. It comes off easily. You can purchase a package of four HERE. At one point they offered a single, for the price of two I would pay more than the four pack.
  
  
  

These are my Amazon Affiliate links, they don't cost you anymore but I receive a small commission. In case you are wondering, I haven't had a customer purchase anything on Stampin' Up! for a decade. I pay for the card supplies for the ideas I post. Please consider using my Amazon Affiliate; I would be grateful.

My Best Tip Ever!

Stampin' Up! Glass Mat

This post needs to be repeated - I have never crafted so well with any other tool than this.

I purchased the Stampin' Up! glass mat and decided to supercharge it with magnets! The magnets are a game-changer; they help keep your card layers perfectly aligned during gluing, eliminating any shifting or slipping. If you don’t have a glass mat, you’re missing out on how easy cleanup is; I simply wipe mine with alcohol prep pads (HERE) for a quick, spotless finish. 

Magnetic Glass Mat

To magnetize my glass mat, I attached two steel metal plates to the back using clear shipping tape from Amazon HERE.—just be careful with the sharp edges. You can find these steel plates on Amazon as well, linked HERE. 

I used magnets with knobs, which I purchased in two sets; one set might be perfect for you. You can buy the magnets HERE. To protect the paper from the knobs, I laminated business cards and glued the knobs on top.

These are my Amazon Affiliate links, they don't cost you anymore but I receive a small commission. In case you are wondering, I haven't had a customer purchase anything on Stampin' Up! for a decade. I pay for card idea I post. Please consider using my Amazon Affiliate; I would be grateful.

You can get the Glass Mat directly from Stampin’ Up!; just choose me as your Demonstrator, Beth Adams. Click HERE to buy. When you purchase from me, you get to choose either one of my DSP tutorials or three individual card designs ($4.95 each) from my blog. I’ll follow up with you after your purchase.

This Tip Deserves an Entire Post

Is your card layer always moving around when you are trying to add another card layer? All you need is graph paper, laminating pouch, and repositionable mounting squares. I drew a rectangle that represents an A2 (5 1/2" x 4 1/4") card layer on both sides and then laminated. it There is 1/8" graph paper available, I have that as well.

After laminating, I place mounting square on top to hold the cardstock down. You can also apply a mounting square to the back to hold it onto your work surface. Laminating machines are not terribly expensive: Amazon and Scotch brand. I have owned my Scotch brand laminator (not this one) and it has never disappointed me. I purchased it in 2010.

This can last for years. For easy cleanup use alcohol wipes.

I have seen so many YouTube videos showing how to think "out of the box" and use a laminator machine for your crafting. 

These are my Amazon Affiliate links, they don't cost you anymore but I receive a small commission. In case you are wondering, I haven't had a customer purchase anything on Stampin' Up! for a decade. I pay for card idea I post. Please consider using my Amazon Affiliate; I would be grateful

Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper Tutorial is Available

It is ready! Ten card designs, FIVE* are fun folds

Nine plus One

1. Three Little Inches
2. Swing Arm Fun Fold * 
3. Gatefold Gone Wild Fun Fold *
4. Leaflet Fun Fold *
5. Four Panel Card Layout
6. Quick, Easy and Budget Friendly Fun Fold *
7. Angled Fun Fold *
8. Simple Meets Elegance
9. Shadow Blocking
10. Quadrilateral Layout

*Fun Fold

The fifteen-page tutorial includes downloadable files that you can use with any Designer Series Paper. The files are YOURS forever! Whenever you purchase a tutorial from me, I highly suggest that you make a sample with your ugly paper. I store a sample with the tutorial in a sleeve protector. I personally have three three-inch binders with all of card layouts.

This tutorial is for anyone that makes cards, you do not need a BSNC to make the cards. I also offer cut files using Brother ScanNCut and Canvas Workspace that does most of the cutting for you. That is why everyone needs a Brother ScanNCut. The savings alone is tremendous, but better yet; it will save you so much time. The cut files are available for $3.00 each; normally $4.95 - $6.95 each. The offer for a reduced BSNC files expires one week after your purchase of this tutorial. 

What machine do I use? This is my Amazon Affiliate account for the Brother ScanNCut Brother ScanNCut machine I use; the cut files can be used with any model. I learned how to use my BSNC machine by following Papered Chef on YouTube. As for designing cut files, I taught myself how to use the software CanvasWorkspace. It took me two years to figure it out, and I still spend a lot of time perfecting my designs.

Tutorial $10.95 - Thank you for supporting my work

Once I receive notification from PayPal, I will respond within six hours

Fall in Bloom - FREE FILE

Why does it feel like fall? The schools in this area, started back on August 3.

Products used

• Very Vanilla cardstock
• Card base measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
• Score at 4 1/4"
• Card layer (inside) measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• Scrap for sentiment
• Copper Clay cardstock
  
• Card layer measures 3 5/8" x 4 7/8"
• Card strip measures 1/4" x 4 3/4"
• Card layer (inside) measures 5/8" x 5 1/4"
• Scrap for sentiment mat
• Pattern Paper
• Card layer measures 1" x 4 3/4"
• Card layer measures 2 1/2" x 4 3/4"
• Card layer (inside) measures 1/2" x 5 1/4"
• Stamp set
• Cinnamon Cider ink
• No die or punch was used - Don't buy expensive dies!
• Created in CanvasWorkspace and cut with Brother ScanNCut machine
• For more information, click HERE
• White crochet thread
• Dimensionals

Please leave a comment FIRST before downloading this file. This brings traffic to my blog which supports my work. 

Downloaded file HERE

Perfectly Placed Diagonal Strips

This is one of my most requested patterns. I created a template guide that helps perfectly glue down your strips of pattern paper.

Products Used

• Real Red cardstock
• Card base measures 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
• Score at 4 1/4"
• Basic Black cardstock
• Card base measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• 
  Card layer (inside) measures 5/8" x 5 1/4"
• Basic White cardstock
  
• Card layer inside measures 4" x 5 1/4"
• Sentiment strip is 1/2"
• Pattern Paper strips are 1/2"
• Refer to tutorial for perfect placement template
• Stamp set
• Memento Tuxedo Black ink
• No dies was used for the tools
• Brother ScanNCut machine
• Black jewels

An example using a number of different pattern paper

Use this Buy Now Button to purchase written tutorial - $4.95

Would you like the CanvasWorkspace File? Click the Buy Now Button below to receive BOTH the cut file and written tutorial - $7.95

Stampin' Up! and Crafts by Beth Sale - Brushed with Beauty Designer Series Paper Tutorial - 27% off

    STAMPIN' UP! IS HAVING A SALE ON BRUSHED WITH BEAUTY DESIGNER SERIES PAPER

MY TUTORIAL CAN BE YOURS, FREE WHEN YOUR PURCHASE FROM ME

OR

IT'S ON SALE - A $35 VALUE FOR $10.95 

I am sure you'll love this ten-card tutorial using the Brushed with Beauty Designer Series Paper.

Bendi Fun Fold Card

I didn't use any fancy dies or stamp sets. I used flowers, birds, banners and butterflies for embellishment, you don't need the expensive dies and stamp sets.

The fun fold cards each has a link to the diagram. The Fun Fold diagrams range in price from $3.95 to $4.95. For only $14.95 $10.95 you will receive a tutorial that includes diagrams. Total value of the diagrams alone is over $35.00. The cost to you is less than $10. For two cups of coffee or one kid's meal you can have this awesome tutorial..

Fun Fold Cards - Eight

1. Sliding Message Fun Fold
2. Accordion Fun Fold
3. Sidewalk Fun Fold
4. Angled Fun Fold
5. Standing Step Fun Fold
6. Wiper Fun Fold
7. Bookbinding Triangle Fancy Fun Fold
8. Bendi Fun Fold

Card layouts with diagrams

1. Seven Panel Show Off Card Layout

Sneak Peek

Wiper Fun Fold

Sidewalk Fun Fold

I do not have an automated system that mails you the file instantly when you purchase. No need to email me, the file links will be sent to you within 24 hours.

Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper Tutoral - Sneak Peek

So now we know...

painterly /pān′tər-lē/

adjective

- Of, relating to, or characteristic of a painter; artistic.

- Having qualities unique to the art of painting.

- Of, relating to, or being a style of painting marked by openness of form, with shapes distinguished by variations of color rather than by outline or contour.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition 

It is almost ready! Ten card designs, five are fun folds

Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #1 - Three Little Inches Goes a LONG Way

Three little inches - Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper

Stampin' Up! Products

• Cardstock
  
• Basic White
  
• Misty Moonlight
• Petal Pink
• Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper 
• Charming Sentiments stamp set
• Sentiments Silhouettes dies
• Sentiment mat was created by me
• Brother ScanNCut check out my how to HERE
• Pearl Basic Jewels
• Dimensionals

Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper - Card #3 - Gatefold Gone Wild Fun Fold

Stampin' Up! Products

• Mossy Meadow cardstock
  
• Cardbase Component A measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4"
• Cardbase Component B
• Flirty Flamingo cardstock
• Scrap for butterflies
• Petal Pink cardstock
• Basic White cardstock
• Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper
• Beyond the Horizon stamp set
• Paper Pumpkin March 2022
• Mossy Meadow ink
• Butterfly Gala stamp set
• Calypso Coral ink
• Tailored Tag punch
• Pearl Basic Jewels

Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #4 - Leaflet Fun Fold Card

Stampin' Up! Products

• Old Olive cardstock
• Basic White cardstock
• Flirty Flamingo cardstock
• Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper
• Delightful Doxen stamp set
• Old Olive ink
• Painterly Pears dies or BSNC
• Circle dies
• Gold rhinestones

Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #5 - Four Panel Card

Stampin' Up! Products

• Misty Moonlight cardstock
• Card base measures 8 1/2” x 5 1/2"
• Scored at 4 1/4"
• Basic White cardstock
• Flirty Flamingo cardstock
• Petal Pink cardstock
• Painterly Pear Designer Series Paper
• Botanical Prints and Butterfly Gala stamp sets
• Misty Moonlight ink
• Butterfly Duet punch
• Pearl Basic Jewels

Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #6 - Quick, Easy and Budget Friendly Fun Fold

Painterly Pears Deisgner Series Paper Tutorial Sneak Peek

Stampin' Up! Products

• Mossy Meadow cardstock
• Cardbase
• Basic White cardstock
• Darling Duckling cardstock
• Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper
• Flourishing Phrase stamp set
• Mossy Meadow ink
• Circle, Painterly Pears and Spotlight on Nature dies
• Gold rhinestones
• Dimensionals

Budget Friendly - No discount

Workshop Friendly - Deduct your discount

 

This card layout will be included in the complete Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper Tutorial to be released soon. I will make the AWESOME card layout with measurements FREE when you follow my Facebook Page.

Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper Tutorial - Card #7 - Angled Fun Fold

Stampin' Up! Products

• Petal Pink cardstock
• Cardbase – 11” x 5 1/2”
• Follow directions on diagram
• Basic White cardstock
• Old Olive cardstock
• Refer to the directions
• Painterly Pears Designer Series Paper
• Refer to directions
• Forever Lovely stamp set
• Old Olive ink
• Painterly Pears dies or use BSNC
• Pearl Basic Jewels
• Dimensionals
• Place strips of Dimensionals that lay across both the stem and pear for added support. Do not put them on the tip of the leaf that will keep the card closed.

* I created a cut file on Brother ScanNCut’s software CanvasWorkspace. Those files are for my personal use. I created them with stamps I own; the stamp images are copyrighted by Stampin’ Up! I do have a tutorial that shows how I turn my stamp sets into faux dies. For more information, click HERE.

To be truthful, the pears on the DSP could have been easily cut without the dies using BSNC. All you need is space between images, BSNC creates a border. That is a huge savings!

The Brother ScanNCut files for this layout are available for an additional $3 per file.