Monday

Inspire Me Monday: Adding Dimension

Hello Friends, How was your weekend? Let me introduce myself. My name is Kathy Racoosin, and I have been blogging for 7 years at The Daily Marker. I am so delighted to be here today for Inspire Me Monday. I must admit I am a feeling some stage fright. I would like to show you that adding dimension to your cards with just a little fussy cutting can add some impact to your card.
Die-cutting a few circles, you can create a wreath. It’s the perfect “frame” to add dimension and set off the beautiful images from Power Poppy, like this vignette from the Bottlebrush Holiday clear stamp set.


I have a collection of bottlebrush trees except they aren't the yummy vintage ones. I have long admired the beige “antique” trees so that was the look I was going for today. 



If you want to see a few tips on creating my card, watching the video might be helpful. :)


Check out your stash for two circles that will work together create a round open wreath. 


Stamp the bottlebrush tree onto the wreath repeatedly with some Bamboo Leaves ink from Memento (Copic-friendly) The great thing is you can place the tree on the thick or the thin part to fill in the gap. No need for measuring. 


Color your wreath with some vintage-looking colors. The gaps between the stamped trees looks like wrapped ribbon so don't be shy adding some color here.


Sometimes it’s a good thing to stamp a few extra images just in case. At this point I wasn’t sure how strong I wanted the lines to be for the center of my wreath. 


I settled on the soft lines of the Memento Ink called London Fog. Not shown is another bottlebrush tree that I stamped and colored so that I can pop up later on my card. 


Cutting into and around the images make it easy to cut out. Stamp the sentiment in the grey ink. A large blob of Glossy Accents were added to the small ornaments on the tree and Wink of Stella was added to the large ornaments and the banners. 


For the background I chose a stencil with a geometric pattern. Using a light and relaxed hand when inking up the stencil will give you a softer color. Once the stencil is removed add more distress ink to the corners to draw the eye into the center of the card where your focal point is. 


Foam on top of foam gives you dimension galore. It’s best to select only one of the images to have double foam tape. The bottlebrush tree is the lucky one :)


Making a layered card for someone special is worth the extra effort when you have a little extra time. Thanks for your visit today it’s always appreciated. 

Fondly, Kathy


134 comments:

Anonymous said...

So pretty...love the step by step....going to watch the video now....Jan D., FL

stamping sue said...

terrific!!! like that you used a tree to make a wreath. thanks for sharing
stamping sue
http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Just watched the video...you made me think about cutting out that tree....wonder if using deckel scissors would work? Hummmm I struggle with vintage....you make it look so easy. I think I don't select the right colors....maybe I'll give it another try. TFS You made me laugh when you said you were in the car. LOL Jan D., FL

Texas JennyWren said...

Cute card. Thanks for the tips for the wreath. great video. Happy Monday!!

Jung A said...

This card is stunning. Love all the dimensional layers, and love how you created the wreath!

Unknown said...

Never thought of making a wreath using two circle dies. Great idea!

Unknown said...

Kathy is SO BEYOND talented!!!! What a BEAUTIFUL inspiring card!!! Loved the images!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for providing stepped out photographs to supplement the video! Great take on this stamp set!
Donna

Karine said...

Amazing card! Love the dimension!

Marcia said...

So love those bottlebrush trees and glad they come in various sizes.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the excellent tutorial.
Your card is so delightful.
Takes me way back in time.

Marissa said...

Kathy is so wonderful! Thanks for having her!

Unknown said...

So pretty, love the video! TFS!!!

Connie said...

This is great, Kathy! I especially love how you used the tree to make the wreath.

stampwithsandy said...

Wow, this is stunning Kathy! I love that bottlebrush tree the best and I also think I need that bick stencil. Thanks for sharing the video, off to watch that now!

Berina RGA said...

Beautiful work Kathy!! Love how you've created the wreath.. Nice idea!!
-Berina
Moxie Craftie

Pam T. said...

Beautiful card! I wasn"t familiar with this stamp line but I will dedinitely be placing an order. They have some beautiful sets.

Marianne said...

See, I told you not to be nervous, and I was right. Your rocked these stamps, Kathy. Also love how you stretched the tree stamp to use it for your wreath!
Marianne x

Susie Sonnier said...

Great idea of using the tree stamp for the wreath

Kailash said...

Fabulous idea and design on your card, love the pretty colors too!!!

Satori said...

Wonderful card details! Great inspiration with the creative way to extend the tree stamp into a wreath!

Unknown said...

How awesome that PowerPoppy has Kathy Rac for their guest. She's an incredible colorist, and with her attention to details makes creating her cards an art form. Beautiful card Kathy.

MelissaF said...

Beautifully colored card with this awesome stamp set, love this card and stamp company!

Unknown said...

Beautiful card!! Thanks for sharing your tips on coloring and dimension!!!

Jeannie said...

Hi Kathy! What a beautiful, soft, and sweet creation! I just love the soft feel of it and how it is all popped up too. Really, really amazing!

Jeannie T.
Dragonfly Journeys

Holly Saveur said...

Gorgeous card and great tips!

Linnea S said...

luv how you think outside the box! using a stamp for its texture and not just the shape = genius!! :)

Deb said...

Wonderful Christmas card and a great tutorial, thanks so much! Deb xo

Late Blooming said...

Aren't you smart. doing the wreath this way is cool. Now I will look at my stamps in a new way. Thanks for sharing your down time with us.

Unknown said...

What a cleaver way to get more mileage from stamps. From now on, I'll be looking at my stamps differently, looking for "out of the box" ways to use them. Thanks, Kathy!

Lynndee said...

Love how you used the tree to create the wreath, what a great way to stretch your stamps! I will definitely be looking at my stamp stash in new ways! Thank you for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

No need to be nervous, Kathy! Love this card. Thanks for the video, too.

Linda M said...

Beautiful card--as usual! Your videos are always so helpful. Thanks for the great ideas.

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, Kathy, you never disappoint, and I totally LOVE how you've made the wreath using the bottle brush tree! You are amazing, and I so love how you think out of the box. You inspire me so, and I so appreciate your voicing over this video while on vacation (didn't bother me at all). Your work and coloring is amazing, and I'm delighted that you'll be here on Mondays once a month for Power Poppy! Sending hugs and wishes for a wonderful vacation!

Debbi said...

What a great tutorial! Thank you for the inspiration.

Debbi said...

What a great tutorial! Thank you for the inspiration.

TK said...

This is great! I love the card, but I love the fact that you played with different colors on the tree stamp to see which worked best!

Diane Jaquay said...

So pretty, love the wonderful dimension on this, and of course it's colored beautifully!!!

bev p said...

you are a genius! love the texture on the wreath, so clever of you to figure that one out! it's beautiful, and so are the stamps. thanks for the introduction to another "wish list" product!

Eileen said...

Beautiful images and I love the non-traditional holiday colors. You never disappoint, Kathy!

Unknown said...

Genius way to make the wreath! Lovely stamp set. Your card is good inspiration for using the stamps and for making holiday cards!

Birgit said...

Thank you so much for your tips and trix! And I must say that I love your soft color combination:)

Birgit said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Deb Kane said...

Wonderful card!! and thanks for both step-by-step photo instructions and the video.

Robin Patrick said...

So, I'm just not here yet, not skilled enough to get this kind of finished effect. But I plan to get there and am enjoying every lesson I get. Your work amazes me.

Robin Patrick said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
craftylady1952@gmail.com said...

Great card, Kathy. I really think the wreath making idea is very clever. I Iove dimension on cards, but too much can make them hard to mail. But when I know I will be hand delivering, I say the more dimension the better.

craftylady1952@gmail.com said...

Great card, Kathy. I really think the wreath making idea is very clever. I Iove dimension on cards, but too much can make them hard to mail. But when I know I will be hand delivering, I say the more dimension the better.

Michelle t said...

Beautiful card, I love your coloring. Michelle t

Jill said...

Love your card and thanks for the tips and video!!!

Laura said...

I going to go look at my stamps and see what I can see on my other stamps. Thank you Kathy!

Roxy said...

Wow the card is fabulous and so r you coloring in your car....that is dedication:). Love the wreath you made what a great way to stretch the beautiful stamps. Love the card and Power Poppy always has exceptional images.

Unknown said...

Your card is gorgeous, Kathy. I love the softness of the coloring and images. Sublime!

Unknown said...

Great card. Always love Kathy's coloring and card creations, just amazing.

Rush'd Lady said...

You are so dedicated Kathy! Love where your recording studio is! LOL! Hope you will have a wonderful visit with your family. And I really like the vintage look of the stamps, but I'm not into clears. I prefer rubber. Hope you aren't offended.

Crystal DeJesus said...

Kathy you did an awesome job as a guest blogger, who would think otherwise? Great card!

Unknown said...

Beautiful card Kathy and thanks for the step by step. Love the vintage look.

Unknown said...

Beautiful card Kathy and thanks for the step by step. Love the vintage look.

Flo said...

Love this card and the stamp set too.

Judy said...

Love the bottlebrush trees! They made an amazing card. Thanks for sharing the video.

Mary Holshouser said...

I love to fussy cut - even with all of the dies available.
You can get a closer cut and get exactly what you want.
Love this project.
thanks for sharing.

Crafting With Jack said...

Beautiful card Kathy, love your chosen colours and the stencilled background.

Dawn S. said...

Beautiful card! Thanks for the video and all the tips.

windinstarsranch said...

Love this card the beautiful antique look of it, the colors and the way it is framed on the stenciled background. Lovely.

Unknown said...

Wow, Kathy, that card is gorgeous! Thank you for the detailed instructions and especially the tips on making the wreath. I hope Marcella will invite you to the Power Poppy blog regularly.

Whimsey said...

Soooo gorgeous Kathy; sorry your movie program is shutting off all the time, but I LOVE the card; the colors are soooooo gorgeous!

Verna Angerhofer said...

Beautiful card and love the idea of a wreath made that way.

Leanne said...

Lovely card! Thanks for sharing the instructions.

Patti P. said...

So happy to see you at Power Poppy today, Kathy. Your work always inspires me to color more. Thanks for taking time out of your vacation to share this project with us. Beautiful card and great way to stretch our stamps.

Jean said...

Such a gorgeous card! Your cards are works of art!

Unknown said...

OH MY GOSH!!! This is such a beautiful card. I love the soft colors. I love the trees too and how you used them to also make the wreath. Makes them so versatile. And the blue background makes the wreath stand out so well. Your design is great...love the baubles..your coloring is great as usual. TFS your take on these stamps

Barb said...

Your card is lovely, Kathy! The colors are just beautiful! You've created a stunning wreath to encircle the sweet vignette. It's nice to see you here at Power Poppy, I look forward to joining you each time you visit. I love your style!

Sabrina said...

Oh how beautiful!!!!

Carol Casavant said...

I love wreath designs...!!! Yours is awesome and so is the coloring...!!!

D.Ann C said...

Great coloring and I love the blue brick background, too!

gabriella said...

Love the coloring and the different memento inks all give such different looks.

Aileen said...

Love the soft colours and the brick wall. That has really become a popular background lately. The stamp set is so pretty, love the baubles.

Jessica said...

Great stamp sets, a little different. The soft coloring is very eye catching.

cghundley said...

Wonderful way to make
the lovely wreath with
the pretty items in the
center.
Carla from Utah

mtscrapgal said...

Thanks to Kelly for the textured wreath. Neat stamp combination.

Helena (Gvendalen) said...

Beautiful card Kathy. Love the coloring and all memento inks and the vintage look.

g said...

just beautiful & what a great video! i'm excited to check out these gorgeous stamps!

ldiggs said...

I just love how you made the wreath using the tree stamp! You are so creative, and I appreciate it when you give us ideas to stretch or stamps! 😊

ldiggs said...

I just love how you made the wreath using the tree stamp! You are so creative, and I appreciate it when you give us ideas to stretch or stamps! 😊

SHartl said...

What helpful tips and hints on how to make your card. I never even thought to use circle dies like that for a wreath but it looks awesome! I love the way your wreath frames the focal point. So pretty!

jeanchaneyaz said...

Wonderful card. Very helpful video too!

Karenladd said...

Kathy always gives the best tutorials and all those little tricks that make crafting easier. I like the way you stamped the main image in different ink colors and then chose the gray instead of black. I sometimes stamp something in black and then feel it's too defined. Great idea to use gray instead and one I'll have to remember. This card is so sweet and fun!

Becca Yahrling said...

Beautiful project! For some reason, I get a beach vibe from this ... and I love it!

Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes said...

So happy to see you here at Power Poppy, Kathy! Creating a wreath frame is pure genius! I love the way you used the tree stamp for texture on the wreath. As always, your Copic skills are amazing. So much inspiration today! ♡

Unknown said...

Thanks Kathy for all the great ideas and tips. Love the bottlebrush tree stamp!

Janet D. said...

Thanks for the tutorial on this beautiful card!

Pocono Pam said...

Awesome tutorial Kathy! Beautiful card!

mbchoj said...

Great card! So easy and looks great.

Patti Willey said...

Really who sees a wreath out of this Bottle Brush Tree Stamp? You're a genius! Love the texture and the collage you've placed inside your straw wreath! Congratulations on your Inspire Me Monday post!

Glennis F said...

Looks wonderful Kathy

Linda S. said...

Truly beautiful work today, Kathy. I so appreciate your taking the time and expense of doing videos, and for giving us all the hints and how-to techniques. I need to check out Power Poppy as they are new to me. I know, I know, I do live under a rock!

Maureen said...

WOW! What an amazing card! Love that you used the tree on the ring - I never would have thought of that and it's just perfect!!

Sue D said...

Very pretty. Love how you made the wreath.

Lindarub said...

Love how you made wreath and techniques.

deb c said...

I love finding new companies! Thanks Kathy!! Love your card and thanks for the inspiration!

Unknown said...

I just discovered Power Poppy last week and LOVE their stamps! I am hoping they will sell them wholesale one day so we can have them in our local stamp store in Orange, CA. Thank you Kathy for this card and a new way to use our existing dies for a new look!

Unknown said...

I love this company and I love Kathy. I get e-mail's from her and from Power Poppy. I know I shouldn't spend anymore on stamps but I love so many of them here. I want at least one, maybe a second one for my niece who loves to stamp and color too. Why does everyone have to make such great stamps? I need to win lots of money so I can afford to buy all the stamps I like. My job doesn't pay nearly enough.

Mary B. said...

I was so taken by this design and how you colored it that I just purchased the stamp set! This is the first time I've ordered from Power Poppy and I'm so looking forward to receiving the stamps. I love all the different samples of cards made from the different sets, and was very pleasantly surprised at the reasonable shipping costs!

Marcella Hawley said...

Kathy, I honestly don't know how much more we could love you, woman! The card is scrumptious. And: your video contained about 700 invaluable tips, each one more creative and cool than the next—plus here you were going on zero sleep, recording in your car, while trying to go on vacation. THANK YOU SO MUCH for contributing to Inspire Me Monday! We are beyond excited that you are here, and look forward to every single post you make!! Viva la Kathy!

Anneleise said...

What a great way to make something so special! I never would have thought that is how you made the lovely creation. Thanks for a wonderful tutorial!

Unknown said...

STUNNING card! Also, as always ;-), great tips, tricks & techniques.

Diane said...

Beautiful card and great tips! I just recently discovered Power Poppy through your blog and I am now a fan. Thank you!

Rufus said...

Another gorgeous card, Kathy. I love how you created the wreath out of the bottle brush tree. Hope that the rest of your vacation is a bit more relaxing!

Kiwi said...

Wonderful card Kathy! You never cease ti inspire Me!

Linda said...

Beautiful card and great instructions

Yvonne Hond said...

Wow what a nice card! So clever to make advantage of the tree in another way, never thought of that before.

Yvonne Hond said...

Wow what a nice card! So clever to make advantage of the tree in another way, never thought of that before.

Pat said...

Such a gorgeous card! Thank you for sharing the process of creating this beauty!

Stamped Impressions said...

Thanks for sharing all the tips and beautiful card!

Teresa R said...

What a gorgeous card! Thanks for showing us how you put the card together

Mary-Anne V said...

Wow what a great picture tutorial for this fabulous card!

Dot J Freel said...

I loved the colors you used and how you made your own wreath!

KathyB said...

You definitely have inspired me! Beautiful card. It's a stamp set that wouldn't really catch my eye, but I LOVE the way you have used it here. Gorgeous!

Diane Quinlan said...

What a great idea! I love the look of the tree and ornaments! Thanks so much for your inspiration!

Danielle Dietz said...

Beautiful card! Thanks so much for sharing the tutorial. :)

Kris in Alaska said...

Wowsers! You rocked this set!

KT Fit Kitty said...

I love what Kathy has made. Beautiful coloring! Thank you for the video.

Edith said...

Kathy, this looks beautiful. Love how it turned out!
Thanks for the video!
Edith

Cathy said...

Thanks for the inspiration and great instructions to make your own wreath! Loved the card.

Allyson Kettler said...

I thought the way you used the circle dies to make your wreath was super creative! I will definitely be trying that out at home

Milka Gubo said...

Gorgeous card and amazing wreath! Thank you for sharing how to... :-D

Silvia sencaka said...

Thank you for the tutorial! I am learning so much!

Brandi R said...

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL card! Love the colors. Love the design, LOVE this card!!! ♥

patrap777 said...

Hi Kathy,
I love what you did in the coloring and adding dimension to this card. Your coloring is lways so beautiful and you inspired me to try and get that same vintage look.
Great job as always,
Pat

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

wow, that wreath looks amazingly real!

snazzyjj said...

Beautiful work. Love how you made the wreath.

Marty said...

Love your work, as always, Kathy! I am eager to try making a wreath as you have shown here.

beth said...

Beautiful card. And so many great tips.

TracyM #6773 said...

DELIGHTFUL card - LOVE ALL of your BEAUTIFUL layers and colours!!!
FABULOUS video too - THANK YOU for sharing :)