12 Cards of Christmas 2015 - Explosion Card with Ann Butler Stamps

We're almost through with making 12 cards for Christmas, and I had SO much fun! I don't make a lot of cards and every time I'm doing this series I'm reminded how fun card making can be. It's sometimes challenging to limit yourself to a card size :)

Today's card is a really fun one with a surprise. When you open the card the paper inside "explodes" at you. I've used Ann Butler Faux Quilting Stamps to create an interesting pattern on the inside page and the Ann Butler's EZ Dee's letter stamps to add the word NOEL. Finally I used the little triangle stamps from Ann Butler faux quilting stamps to create a Christmas tree on the front of the card.

I have to say that this series has challenged me. Since I don't celebrate Christmas (I'm Jewish) I don't have a lot of Christmas craft supplies like stamps, dies, papers etc. I also don't want to buy too many supplies because my budget is limited and I'd rather spend it on supplies I can use all year long. So I need to come up with ways to use what I have in creative ways so I can create interesting cards that can inspire others.

All the cards designs can be a starting point for many different kinds of cards for every event or person you can think of. Just change the colors, patterns or sentiments but the technique and design can stay the same. So basically these 12 cards ideas can inspire you all year long!

Have fun creating!

12 Cards of Christmas 2015

It's that time of year again when you have to decide if you're sending handmade cards or bought cards. I think the choice is obvious but sometimes it's hard to be inspired. So this year I'm back with the 12 Cards of Christmas series to help you get some inspiration! Every day starting Saturday a card video tutorial will be posted on my You Tube channel. Different skill levels, techniques and supplies will guarantee everyone will find a card they like and want to make!

The first card on the series is a really fancy beautiful card that doesn't require special practice but sure makes an impression! The 3D effect is very easy to create just by created folded "walls" to hold the images in different heights. It's all a matter of creating a perspective in the image by layering the images in changing distance from the back of the card.

In this series will have a basic origami tree card so easy even kids can participate, a beautiful winter's night Christmas window with stenciling and punching. A card with tiles, which is fun and fast to make and is great for using those paper scraps. Will create a green and red card with bold letters and glittered icicles on a snowy night. Will also learn about pop-up, unique card shapes and much more!

Make sure to tune in everyday to my You Tube channel so you will not miss any card.

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

Happy Birthday Ann!

Surprise! Surprise!
We are all hopping today to wish Ann Butler a happy birthday!
This blog hop was a secret for more than a month but it's finally here!

We each made a birthday card for Ann to celebrate her special day. here's mine...

This is a turning crad. The whole card turns to reveal a hidden message under the numbers... Happy Birthday, may all your wishes come true!

Dear Ann, I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that all your wishes come true! Wish for the starts and you will surely get them!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Thanks for stopping by. Check out all the other DT and guests' cards for Ann.

An InLinkz Link-up
If you want to wish Ann a Happy Birthday too you can go to her blog and add your card.

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating! 

You Want to Make a Card?

The basis of frugal crafting is make your own supplies instead of buying them. So today let's make cards! Here's a guide to cutting typical card sizes from 8.5 x 11 and 12x12 papers.

Typical Card Sizes
A9: 5.5" x 8.5"
A7 5" x 7"
A6: 4.5" x 6.25"
A2: 4.25" x 5.5"
4 - Bar: 3.5" x 4.875"
3" x 3"
6" x 6"

Here's a table with all the cards sizes and what you need to cut either from 8.5" x 11" or 12 x 12 paper. I found this table at http://www.kgdcraftermath.com and  I thought it's really useful.

Print this out and save it. Next time that you want to make a card you won't have to go to the store and buy a card, simply cut it out of a paper in your stash! I always have a few cards ready for every occasion so I won't ve caught without one :)

Do you make cards or buy them? If you're a card maker, do you use pre cut cards or cut them yourself? What are your favorite cards to make?

Don't miss out! Keep up with all the crafty goodness by subscribing to the Einat Kessler creative newsletter

Have fun creating!

 

Let it Snow Christmas Card

Some of you may have noticed but for those who didn't I've joined the Ann Butler Designs design team. Ann is a fellow designer who has some great inks and stamps that are so fun to play with. For this Christmas card which is part of the 12 cards of Christmas 2014 series I used Ann Butler's inks and stamps to create a snowy winter scene.

I started with Ann Butler's inks I used Lilac and Aquamarine to create the background. Then I stamped the background with Ann Butler's EZ De's hearts clear stamp. I embossed some of the stamped pattern with Clearsnap clear embossing powder and the other with white powder to create an effect of falling snow.

I colored chipboard letters with the same ink colors and set the ink with a heat tool.
I created snow from white and clear UTEE and glitter mixed with glossy accents.
To assemble the card I took a Prima Marketing vine and glued it to the card. Then I added the snow on the bottom of the card and on the tree branches. I added the letters and add a little snow on them as well. To finish the card I added letter stickers to complete the sentiment.

For full instructions, tips and more watch the video tutorial.

Have fun creating!
Einat

12 Cards of Christmas

So many of you asked me to do a few tutorials with Christmas card ideas, so today I'm launching the 12 cards of Christmas 2014 tutorial series. Each day I will post a video card tutorial that is about 10 minutes long! So this year you'll be able to create all your Christmas cards in no time! All cards are easy, fun and most importantly festive and quick!

Here are a few sneak peeks of what's coming!

We'll use embossing, alcohol inks, stencils and distress inks. We'll cut, thread, punch, die cut and stamp. We'll have lots of fun and create beautiful cards!
Tune in to my Youtube channel and join in the fun...after all 'tis the season right?



Follow me on Facebook and YouTube for more crafty treats!

Have fun creating!
Einat

World Card Making Day - Card Roundup and Inspiration

World Card Making day is coming upon Saturday Oct. 4th! I don't usually make cards, but every now and then I get in the mood and cards start flying! It's a great way to use your scraps and unwanted supplies and cards are always useful, because there is always a wedding/sick friend/graduation/new baby/birthday/holidays that you need a card for!

So for your viewing pleasure and inspiration here's a roundup of some cards created by some designer friends and card makers. Each link goes to the designer Pinterest board where you can find even more card inspiration!

hydrangeahippo by Jennifer Priest

Teresa Abajo

Morena's Corner

Tracy Elsom

Einat Kessler

Follow me on Facebook and YouTube for more crafty treats!
Happy World Card making Day!

Have fun creating!
Einat

There Is No Place Like Home - House Projects

"Storms make trees take deeper roots" Dolly Parton

This quote speaks to me so loudly. In the last four weeks this is exactly how I feel. Those out there who fire rockets and want us destroyed just make me more determined! This is my home, it's the only place we have in the world. It's my family's and my friends' homes and we are here to stay.
While thinking and pondering about this I realized I made a lot of house theme projects during the years probably because this subject is important to me. I wanted to share these projects with you because I know this subject speaks to you too.

This is a layout I created with a photo of my mom and aunt when they were little girls. I created a background with bright colors as a childlike scene with flowers and a house. Happy, fun and nostalgic page.

My first video tutorial more then a year ago. Time flies when you're having fun! It's a mixed media, technique packed canvas with the house as a central focal point. If you want to revisit the video tutorial here's the link: http://youtu.be/HI0SEIGuLRI?list=PL2hIgklxaiuXMAdlaEk0ZYJEbp7RAgOuo

This a DT project I created for Susan Weckesser Inc. It's a house in a capsule of flowers and love. Note that the love breaks through the wall to the outside...

Another DT project, this time a frame cluster for family photos with a house in the center. This is a great piece for a wall in your home or as a gift.

This project was created as a workshop called House of Memories. It was a really fun workshop that produced different houses because each participant made a different roof and added different photos.

My favorite house projects are the two recycled houses from milk cartons. Both houses are photo displays for family photos. One a vintage flowery garden display and the other a spooky house for Halloween. You can find a step by step video tutorials for the Spooky House here:  http://youtu.be/E2g0qu02Pf8?list=PL2hIgklxaiuVG-o5vzJZHF8RmuPMgjPid

Finally a3D shadow frame with the famous quote: "Home is where the heart is". This project has layers of flowers as background and many 3D items and embellishments like a little high stool, shelf with books and a small garden bed with grass. There are even two quilled 3D pots with plants on the top of the frame.

To close this homey collection, a snowy card with a house in the snow for the holidays.

There are more house projects I created, many more then I realized when I started writing this post, but I think these are the top ones. Do you have any house projects? Try and create one, it'll warm your heart for sure!

Have fun creating!
Einat

One Sheet of Paper: quick projects when time is short

Sometimes time is short and you need a quick project to make as gift, or you want to have fun with some crafty friends and you want to create something easy and fast. And every now and then you simply want to make something cheap but beautiful. Well...I have an idea, use only one sheet of paper to create a variety of pretty and fast projects!

Folded Mini Album

Create a beautiful mini album by folding a 12X12 cardstock in different directions. Add a few embellishments and photos. Find the full tutorial here.

One Paper - Three Cards

We all love celebrations, events and birthdays and us crafters always enjoy giving a special card for the event. But can we make cards and save our supplies at the same time? Yes we can...just use one sheet of paper to create three different cards.

By cutting a 12X12 double sided cardstock wisely you can increase your paper "real estate" and diversity. Follow the steps of the tutorial here.

 

Window Photo Display

 

Present photos in a cute and easy display made from one sheet of paper. This display has enough room for two photos and a special window for journaling. Find a step by step tutorial with photos here.

 

 

Flap mini album

 

Create a small but sturdy mini album that can fit in a purse or a bag. A few cuts and folds and a surprising binding are all the secrets you would need to know to create this project.

 

Use a double sided cardstock and a Bind-it-All to create the album's pages and the flaps. Check out the full photo tutorial here.

 

I hope you will find these ideas useful and create a few of them. I would love to see your creations. you can post them on my  Facebook page. Also check out my  YouTube channel for more crafty treats!

 

Have fun creating!

Einat

 

 

Happy Hannukah card with Spellbinders

Hanukkah is just around the corner! In two weeks we'll light the first candle and start the eight days holiday which is one of my favorite holidays.

Here's the first card I created for the holiday, first of many I still need to do...

This card tells the story of Hanukkah through it's bright yellow and red colors which mimic the colors of the candle's fire. It will also look great next to the Menorah because it can stand on its own.

For this card I used papers from the amazing Sunset collection by Prima. I created the front of the card with one of my Spellbinders embossing folder Numbers and letters. This embossing folder I so easy to use and has such an amazing effect! I cut strips of paper to create the candles and added flames I cut from the same paper. To finish the card I added a big 8 and a title.

Don't wait until the last minute to make your holiday cards like me...

Have fun creating!
Einat

World Card Making Day - special project

Happy World Card Making Day!
It's always fun celebrating days that are all about crafting. To celebrate this special card making day I'm sharing a special card I made.

 

This is a double window folding card with a mixed media background.

 

I created the background with acrylic paints, lots of stamps and a stencil.

The two windows were not easy to create but you can watch the video to find out the solution I found for that.
I hope you'll be inspired!

Have fun creating!
Einat

Have a wonderful year card

Tomorrow Jewish people around the world will celebrate the new year.
Here's a simple card I made for the new year to give to a special someone tomorrow evening.

One of the symbols of the holiday is a pomegranate which is a seasonal local fruit. The pomegranate has a lot of seeds inside that are a symbol of the Torah's commandments. According to tradition there are 613 seeds in a pomegranate like the 613 commandments of the Torah (I counted the seeds once and there were much less seeds then that but why argue with tradition...).

One of the common blessings of the holiday is that your year may be filled with good things like a pomegranate.

I wish you all a wonderful, creative and happy year!
Einat