Let’s Explore v4 – Creating a Card

What inspires you?

That may sound like an odd question. But, stop and think about it.

Where do you get ideas from? What sparks the creative thoughts flowing? Have you been feeling in a slump lately?

With everything going on right now, I am sure that many are not feeling like their peppy selves or are maybe finding a hard time feeling “creative”.

Keep looking!
Keep looking for that creative spark!

A few weeks back I saw a Virtual Crop being hosted by 2 fellow Close to My Heart Consultants. This Creative Collaboration duo team is made up of Susan Williams (USA) and Chris Robertson (Canada). I signed up last minute to attend it because I saw a couple card designs that I wanted to learn to recreate. I have followed Susan Williams before and purchased several of her scrapbook and card kits in the past. So I knew it would be good!

But, what I didn’t count on was how good it was for me! It really gave me a boost to watch them create and start creating along with them.

For this event, we were given a recipe sheet. What’s that?
It’s a page that tells you all the supplies needed to recreate the projects, dimensions needed to cut for each paper, plus tips along the way.

I took that and put it into the Silhouette software and created my own cut file for this card design. I reached out to Susan for permission and today I am sharing this free card file with all of you!
Thank you Susan Williams for permission to share!

First, gather the supplies needed to complete this card. It is really not much.

Supplies:
Cardstock – several colors
Patterned paper (optional – see alternative below)
*(I am using Close to My Heart cardstock in my examples)
Stamps (optional – see alternative below)
Adhesive: Score tape or Scrappy Tape, Tape runner by 3L
Mini Stapler
Twine or Ribbon

Creating the Cut File

Next, let’s take a look at this file in the Silhouette software.

I drew the card pieces using the drawing tools on the left side of the Silhouette software and then used the Scale panel to resize each to the exact dimensions that were provided to us in the recipe.

To create the score lines, I used the line drawing tools and the Move by tool to place the score line exactly where I needed it on the card piece.

Next, with the line selected, I used the Line Style Panel to create a dashed line for the score line.

I followed the same steps to create the “faux stitching” lines. I duplicated the outside card piece shape, decreased the size, used the alignment tool to center, and then used the Line Style Panel to change it to a dashed line.

Grab the cut file HERE or click on the photo below

When you are ready to cut, open the cut file. Then choose File > Save As and save a new copy as the “working file”. This way you always have an original copy to go back to.
Now, move the text out of the way and move the pieces on and off the cutting mat as needed to cut out of each color.
I use the Textured Cardstock Setting in the software to cut almost all cardstock, but I prefer to cut smooth cardstock as textured can be a bit more finicky sometimes.

Then check out this video on how to assemble this card. I promise it is easier than it looks.

Additional options:

1. Use patterned paper
I used a patterned paper from Close to My Heart. I love their papers as they are double-sided and give you more options from one sheet of paper. But, you can pick up patterned scrapbook paper at any craft store as well.

2. Stamp sentiments on cards
I used stamps from Close to My Heart as well. If you have stamps in your stash, it’s a great time to use them.

3. Print patterned paper
Using the print and cut process along with digital patterns in the Silhouette library, print your own patterns on cardstock for the pieces as desired.
I used Sparkleberry Ink Digital Patterns in this example – find them HERE.
Or find them in the Silhouette Design Store HERE.

How do you use the digital patterns & print and cut?
Check out these posts for more information on digital patterns and print and cut:
Print and Cut Basics
Patterns and Print Bleed
Let’s Explore v4 – Pattern Fill

4. Print Sentiments with print and cut.
Following the same steps above for print and cut, I moved copied the Sentiment pieces to a new design mat and made copies. Then I filled each with different sentiments.

You could either type out the text and choose a Text Style or use designs to fill the pieces.
I used a couple different Dingbat fonts to add sentiments in the pieces.
SG Inspirational Sentiments Dingbats by Sophie Gallo – Design #276558
SG Happy Birthday Dingbats by Sophie Gallo – Design #276562
Fancy Sentiments by Sarah Hurley – Design #273562

Cut a bunch and assemble to have on hand for any occasion. Leave the sentiment blank until needed, or stock up on cards you frequently use, such as Birthday or Anniversaries.

I would love to see your card creations!
Feel free to post photos or questions on my Facebook group at 
Silhouette Secrets with EllyMae.

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

Enjoy!

**This post may contain affiliate links. What that means is that I may receive compensation if you purchase through the links I have provided. The price you pay for the product or service is not higher but I may get compensated for sharing.