Today Crafty Collaborations is doing a ‘Step It Up’ blog hop for Technique Tuesday where we make 3 cards – one basic, one stepped-up, and one WOW to show you how to craft at all levels. I chose to make three cards using the Pretty Popups Dies from the Annual Catalog.
Today’s Projects – Pretty Popups
I received the middle card as a swap and it inspired me to make the WOW version on the right and then to struggle with making the basic version on the left. You’ll notice they all use the same elements – one or more of the Pretty Popup Dies, the ‘Happy Birthday’ sentiment, the Balmy Blue and Basic White color palette, and some coloring of the elements from the dies. I think anyone would be happy to get any of these cards for their birthday. Don’t you?
Today’s Color Palette
The color palette was based on the middle card which is the swap I received. And, frankly, after making so many holiday cards over the past couple of months, it was nice to make more spring-like cards. My daughter will get one for her birthday as blue is her favorite color!
Pretty PopUp Dies
The Pretty Popup Dies are standalone dies from the Annual Catalog. This means that they don’t have a stamp set that they coordinate with. They are one of the ‘hidden treasures’ of the Annual Catalog because they don’t jump out at you. And the sample that uses them is near the front of the catalog while the dies are in the back.
You’ll notice that they don’t cut out the image; they just cut out partial images so that they pop up off the page! As you’ll see in the samples, you can leave them mostly plain or you can color all of them and both look great!
Pretty Popups – Basic Card
For the basic card, I layered Basic White onto a Balmy Blue card base. The Basic White layer has the oval Pretty Popup die at the top and the ‘Happy Birthday’ sentiment from Go To Greetings near the bottom. A few of the popups were colored with Stampin’ Write markers.
Pretty Popups – Basic Inside
For the inside of the card, I added a butterfly from the dies. Of course, I had to snip it out because the die just pops it up. In other words, it does cut it out entirely. But, my paper snips fixed that problem!
You’ll also notice that I don’t have a decorated envelope for this card. When I have beginners in my classes, I try to keep it simple. Since the card used a die, no decorated envelope!
Pretty Popups – Stepped Up Card
This stepped-up version of the card is the one I received in the swap I really wish I remember who made it so I could give them credit. You can see that this also has a technique to it. The background was made by balling up some Saran Wrap and using it to sponge color onto a Basic White panel. You’ll also notice that more of the elements of the PRetty Popups die are colored in and a ribbon was added.
Pretty Popups – Stepped Up Inside
The swap also had a decorated inside using another of the Pretty Popup dies. You’ll also notice that only a few of the elements are colored in. You’ll also notice that the die is matted with a Balmy Blue panel which peeks through the popped-up element of the die. Finally, the Basic White panel with the die was punched with the Very Best Trio punch. I sure hope this punch carries over. I see lots of fun uses for it!
Pretty Popups – Stepped Up Envelope
The swap did not include an envelope but, you know me, I had to have a decorated envelope for this card. So I used the wadded-up Saran Wrap dipped in ink to create a border down the left-hand side of the envelope. This matches the Basic White panel with the same technique.
Pretty Popups – Wow Card
The WOW version has a lot going on. First, it’s square which means it costs more to mail. This one will be hand delivered so no need to worry about that. Next, the sentiment is flowier and occupies more space. You can also see there is more texture in the background. And, finally, the large, round Popup Die was used as the focal image. And that’s why the card is square. Because that round circle demanded an even border on all sides – hence a square card! You can also see that every element is colored with blends which makes the coloring more vibrant than with Stampin Write markers. More than a few rhinestones make this card really sparkle!
Pretty Popups – Wow Inside
The inside of the WOW card uses the oval die that was used for both the basic and stepped-up cards. As with the front, the inside has every element from the die colored with the blends.
Pretty Popups – Wow Envelope
Since Stampin’ Up! no longer sells square envelopes, I had to order some from Amazon. And in the US, it costs more to mail a square card because the sorting machines don’t know where the address is! I used the square die from the Pretty Popups dies and colored each element using the blends.
I hope my three projects inspire you to try to ‘Step It Up!’. I had fun trying to make a basic card – so out of my comfort zone and then a WOW card – so in my comfort zone from the pretty swap I received. But, now it’s time for more inspiration from other Crafty Collaborators. So, grab a beverage, sit back and relax, and enjoy the hop!
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November Paper Pumpkin
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Fitting Florets
This limited-time collection is one of my all-time favorites. You can see samples here and here. And my contribution to the tutorial also uses this collection. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever used every scrap of the DSP! Click here to order!
I just love how these dies do absolutely all the work! Beautiful cards!
Gorgeous cards Candi, these pop up dies are stunning x