Creating Backgrounds with Gel Press

Creating Backgrounds with Gel Press

I was recently reintroduced to the Gel Press, a reusable gel printing plate.

I’d seen the Gel Press in action a few years ago and even briefly tried my hand at it.

The Gel Press is a fun and creative way to make backgrounds.

This month, the Eileen Hull Teams collaborated with Gel Press

to create some awesome samples.  Check out Eileen’s Blog Here.

gel-press-logo

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for Gel Press.  I have been provided product in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own. 

Creating Backgrounds with Gel Press

Materials Used:  (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Creating Backgrounds with Gel Press

I watched several Gel Press videos online before jumping right in.

I was impressed with the idea of using die-cuts to make backgrounds

and used a few of Eileen’s Dies to make mine.

Creating Backgrounds with Gel Press

Here’s how I made the Snowflake Background:

  • Start with several colors of acrylic paint and use a Brayer* to blend the paint onto the gel press.
  • Place the Snowflake die-cuts (cut using the Wreath & Snowflake Thinlet Die Set*) directly onto the paint.
  • Place a white piece of paper onto the gel press and press over the cardstock to remove the excess paint.
  • Remove the snowflake die-cuts.  Place another piece of cardstock over the Gel Press to pick up the remaining paint and patterns.

Creating Backgrounds with Gel Press

I die-cut another snowflake in blue and adhered it to the background to create this card.

I used the Eileen Hull Sweater Embossing Folder* to create the background layer.

Creating Backgrounds with Gel Press

I also tried the same technique using dye inkpads instead of paint.  

I used small inkpads and dabbed them all over the gel press.

Use a Brayer* to blend the inks before adding the snowflake die-cuts.

Creating Backgrounds with Gel Press

Use the Xyron Creative Station* to adhere the snowflake background paper

to Mat Board*. Die-cut the mat board using the Tiny Book Die to create

this sweet little album.  (This tiny album measures 2 1/4″ x 3″.)

Creating Backgrounds with Gel Press

The perfect mini-album to add those snowy day pictures.

Creating Backgrounds with Gel Press

Create a simple accordion out cardstock for the inside pages of the album.

Interested in learning more about using the Gel Press?  Check out this video.

Love You Forever Valentine Cards

Love You Forever Valentine's Day Cards

Spread the Love this year with handmade Valentines.

The Love You Forever Valentine’s Day cards were created two different ways

using the “Love You Forever” Die Set from the Maker’s Movement.

Maker's Movement

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for The Maker’s Movement.  I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own. 

Love You Forever Valentine's Day Cards

The first card is a clean and simple shaker card,

and the other is more of a traditionally decorated Valentine’s Card.

Love You Forever Valentine's Day Cards

Materials Used: (affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Love You Forever Valentine's Day Card

Directions:

  • This card measures 6″ x 6″.
  • Cut a 5″ x 5″ piece of white cardstock.
  • The die set comes with two different dies, the outline, and the words. Place the “outline die” onto the white cardstock and die-cut using a die-cut machine.

Love You Forever Valentine's Day Card

  •  Turn the cardstock over and adhere a piece of clear acetate onto the cardstock.
  • Cut the double-sided adhesive foam into thin strips and place it around the edges of the cardstock.
  • One of my favorite tips for die-cutting small pieces is to run the paper through the Xyron Creative Station* to add a layer of adhesive to the back before I die-cut. The paper pieces become stickers which make adhering them to cards very easy.
  • Die-cut the words “Love you forever” using cranberry paper ran through the Xyron Creative Station*.
  • Adhere the words onto the front of the acetate.
  • For the card base, cut a 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ piece of striped paper (found in the Always & Forever Paper Pad) and adhere it onto a 5 3/4″ x 5 3/4″ cranberry cardstock layer.
  • Adhere layers onto a 6″ x 6″ card.
  • Place shaker sprinkles onto the middle of the card base.
  • Remove the paper backing from the foam strips and place the white acetate layer centered on the card base.

Love You Forever Valentine's Day Card

  • To create the dimensional rose on the front of the card, “fussy cut” a large and small rose from the rose background paper found in the paper pad.
  • Place a small thin foam square under both roses and adhere the smaller rose to the top of the larger rose.  Adhere to the front of the card.

Love You Forever Valentine's Day Card

Shaker Cards are both fun to make and fun to receive. 

And I think this one is my new favorite.

Love You Forever Valentine's Day Card

A completely different look using the same Valentine die set and paper pad. 

  • I used the Xyron Creative Station* to add adhesive to the back of the “Valentine Sayings” paper, from the “Forever & Always” paper pad, before die-cutting the words.
  • This card has a lot of different layers and several dimensional flowers that help make this card special.

Snowflake Kisses

Snowflake Kisses Card

As I finished up my Christmas Cards for the season,

I thought I’d make one last card that isn’t traditionally Christmas.

I wanted to make a Winter card that would work for a Winter Birthday

or Valentine’s Day. (but could also work for a Christmas card)

Maker's Movement

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for The Maker’s Movement.  I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own. 

Snowflake Kisses Card

Materials Used:  (*affiliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support.

Snowflake Kisses Card

Directions:

Snowflake Kisses Card

  • Line up the “Snow Couple Die” over the stamped image.  Place a small piece of tape over the edge of the die to keep it in place.
  • Die-cut the Snow Couple out.
  • Use the Tombow Markers* to watercolor and color the stamped image.

Snowflake Kisses Card

  • For the frame: Cut a 5″ x 6″ piece of “Christmas Lights” paper from the Christmas Doodles Paper Pad. 
  • Place the paper into the Xyron Creative Station®* design side up. Crank the handle to move it through the machine. As it moves through, it adds a complete layer of adhesive to the back of the paper.
  • Die-cut the paper using dies from the Nested Rectangle Die Set. Adhere the frame onto a piece of “snowflake paper” from the Doodles Pad.

Snowflake Kisses Card

  • For the Card Front:  Cut a small strip of striped paper from the Christmas Doodles Paper Pad, run it through the Xyron Creative Station®* to add adhesive to the back. Die-cut the word “LOVE” using the Alphabet Dies.
  • Add thin 3D foam squares* on the back of the snowman couple and adhere inside the frame. Adhere the word LOVE over the snowman couple.
  • Adhere the frame onto a turquoise cardstock layer and a white cardstock base.
  • Finished Card Measures 5″ x 6 1/4″.

Sugar Cookies for Santa Card

Cookies for Santa Card

One of my favorite Holiday Traditions is making Frosted Sugar Cookies.

I use the same recipe year after year.

It’s a simple recipe, written on a piece of notebook paper in my mom’s handwriting.

She wrote out the recipe and gave it to me the first Christmas after I married.

It’s stained, and the edges are tattered.  (I keep it in a protective sleeve now.)

I think of her every time I make them.  (sugar cookie recipe at the end of the post)

Cookies for Santa Card

The “Cookies for Santa” card is just about as easy to make as the cookies themself.  

And you don’t have to wait for it to cool before enjoying it.

Maker's Movement

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for The Maker’s Movement.  I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own. 

Cookies for Santa Card

Materials Used:       (*affiliate link)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Cookies for Santa Card

Directions:

  • It’s important to use white pigment ink* and white embossing powder* to get the whitest white cookie outline.
  • Stamp the cookie outline with white pigment ink onto kraft cardstock.
  • Pour a small amount of white embossing powder over the stamped image, shake off excess powder.  (If you pour over a piece of scratch paper you can easily repour the excess powder back into the jar.)
  • Use an embossing heat tool* to melt the powder until shiny.

Cookies for Santa Card

  • Align the matching die with the stamped image and die-cut using the Mini Maker Die-Cut Machine.
  • The raised embossed edges make it easy to watercolor.  Use a waterbrush* along with a combination of markers and inks to watercolor the stamped images.
  • I used paper and labels from the Christmas Doodles Paper Pad for the front of the card.
  • This Christmas Card called for something a little shiny, so I added a piece of red foiled paper as a layer.
  • Adhere the frosted cookies onto the front of the card using thin foam squares.
  • Tie a red bow to finish off the card.

Snowman Cookie Tag

The Snowman Cookie Tag would look great on a wrapped plate of fresh Christmas cookies.

The base was made using a die from the Nested Arch Die Set.

USE MY SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE:  CREATIVE15 FOR 15% OFF XYRON* THROUGH 12-31-2021.

Mom's Sugar Cookie Recipe

Here’s Mom’s Recipe.  (Enjoy!)

  • 1- 1/2 c. powdered sugar
  • 1 c. butter or margarine
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 2- 1/2 c. all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  1. Cream sugar & butter, add egg & flavoring, mix thoroughly.
  2. Sift dry ingredients together and stir in.  (I dump)
  3. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.
  4. Heat oven to 375°.
  5. Divide dough in half & roll out on lightly floured pastry sheet.
  6. Roll thin, but thick enough to pick up the design with the cookie cutters.
  7. Dip cookie cutter into flour before each cutting.  Cut as many cookies from each rolling as possible.  The least amount of working with the dough gives the best cookie.
  8. Place on lightly greased baking sheet.  Bake 7 to 8 min. or until delicately golden.
  • For the Glaze I dump around a cup of powdered sugar into a bowl.  Add a dash of vanilla.    Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you get the consistency you want.  (hint:  not too runny)

Winter Snow Globe Shaker Tag Ornament

Winter Snow Globe Shaker Tag Ornament

Add a little “WOW” to your Holiday presents this year…

with a sweet Winter Snow Globe Shaker Tag Ornament.

The Holiday Shaker Tag made using The Shaker Ornament Die and a few Holiday Shaker

Sprinkles is the perfect addition for those who like to shake the presents.

Winter Snow Globe Shaker Tag Ornament

Go ahead and shake it…

The nice thing about the shaker tag is once they’ve opened the present,

they can use the Winter Globe Shaker Tag as an ornament.

Maker's Movement

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for The Maker’s Movement.  I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own. 

Winter Snow Globe Shaker Tag Ornament

Materials Used:       (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

A Tip Just for You…I love to use my Xyron Creative Station to add adhesive to the paper when creating my projects. And now Xyron has given me a “special discount code” that you can use CREATIVE15 for 15% Off Xyron* through 12-31-21.

How to make a Elegant and Easy Christmas Card

Elegant and Easy Holiday Card

Elegant and Easy, Quick and Simple…

that pretty much sums up this beautiful Holiday Card made with the Believe Die Set

from The Maker’s Movement.

Don’t tell my family, but this may be this year’s Christmas Card.

Maker's Movement

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for The Maker’s Movement.  I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own. 

Elegant and Easy Holiday Card

Materials Used:

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Elegant and Easy Holiday Card

If you’re a fan of clean and simple cards, it doesn’t get much easier than this one.

Elegant and Easy Holiday Card-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 9407

Directions:  

  • Cut a 2 ½” x 5″ piece of cream cardstock.  Place the cardstock into the Xyron Create A Sticker Mini*.  Crank the handle of the Sticker Maker to run the paper through the machine.  As it runs through the machine it adds a complete layer of adhesive to the back of the paper.
  • Cut a gold foiled paper and run it through the Xyron Create A Sticker Mini*.

Elegant and Easy Holiday Card

  • Place the “believe” die sandwiched between the Mini Maker cutting plates.  Turn the handle to run the die through the Mini Maker Die Cut Machine.
  • By running the paper through the Xyron Create A Sticker Mini* first, it creates a sticker out of the die-cut piece.
  • Cut the gold background and stars using the adhesive gold foiled paper, die, and the Mini Maker.

Elegant and Easy Holiday Card

  • Cut a 3 ¾” x 5″ cream cardstock layer.  Place the gold foiled believe background, believe words and gold foiled stars directly onto the cardstock layer.
  • Place several thin 3D foam squares* onto the back of the cardstock layer.
  • Adhere the layer onto the front of a 4 ¼” x 5 ½” cream card.
  • Tie a simple gold ribbon around the front of the card.

Warm & Cozy Snowflake Christmas Card

Warm & Cozy Snowflake Card-Sue's Creative Workshop www.sueeldred.com 6066

How to make a Warm & Cozy Snowflake Christmas Card 

using the Sweater Embossing Folder* from Sizzix* and Eileen Hull.

I have a “thing” for cable-knit sweaters. (just ask my family)

So it comes as no surprise how much I love this new embossing folder.

It’s perfect for creating quick and easy cards.

Sizzix Eileen Hull 3D Sweater Embossing Folder       Sizzix Big Shot

Materials Used:

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Warm & Cozy Embossed Sweater Card

Directions:

  • To create the embossed sweater layer, place a 3 3/4″ x 5″ piece of cream cardstock into the Sweater Embossing Folder*.  Place the embossing folder onto the Sizzix Big Shot* platform.   Crank the handle of the Big Shot* to run the embossing folder through the machine.
  • Adhere the embossed layer onto the blueberry cardstock layer. Adhere those layers onto a 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ cream cardstock base.
  • Add adhesive to the back of the wood snowflake and adhere to the front of the card. Add the adhesive pearl to the center of the snowflake.
  • Tie a small bow and glue it onto the top of the snowflake.
  • Using a computer generated font, print the words “warm & cozy” onto a piece of cream cardstock.  Cut the cardstock into a strip with a v notch on each end. Place thin foam mounting squares under the cardstock strip and add to the front of the card under the wood snowflake.

FYI…This is a thick card.  You will need extra postage to mail it.  (It might be best to hand deliver.)

Holiday Joy Gift Card/Money Holder

Holiday Joy Gift Card Money Holder

The Holiday Joy Gift Card/Money Holder is great for sticking a little money

or a Starbucks gift card.  Who wouldn’t love getting that for Christmas?

The card uses the Coffee Die Set from The Maker’s Movement.

The sleeve around the coffee cup uses the NEW Eileen Hull Sweater Embossing Plate*.

Coffee Die Set from The Maker's Movement    Maker's Movement Alphabet Die Set

Materials Used:

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Holiday Joy Gift Card Money Holder

Directions:

  • The tri-fold card was made from a 5 ½” x 9 ¾” piece of Kraft Cardstock. I scored the cardstock on the 3 ¼” and 6 ½” mark.
  • Adhere the green plaid layer to the gold cardstock layer. Adhere onto the front of the tri-fold card.
  • Assemble and adhere the die-cut pieces of the coffee cup onto the front of the card. The red plaid pieces and vellum coffee lid have been made into stickers using a Xyron Creative Station.  The “coffee sleeve” was embossed using the sweater embossing folder.
  • Remove the backing off the gridded transfer paper. Apply the transfer paper over the word “Holiday”.  Gently rub over the transfer paper to make sure the word has transferred.  Apply onto the top of the card.
  • Add clear adhesive enamel dots to the lid of the coffee cup.
  • The transfer paper is reusable. Use the transfer paper to apply the small snowflake onto the cup.
  • On the inside of the card… Open the trifold card. Adhere the thin red plaid adhesive strip to the top of the cream cardstock layer.  (Leave a 1/8” margin on the top) Trim the excess paper strip.  Using the transfer paper, transfer the word “Enjoy” under the red strip.
  • On the third-panel measure and mark 1 ½” on the outside edge of the panel. On the inside fold of the third panel, measure and mark 2 ½”.  Draw a line from the 2 ½” mark to the 1 ½” mark.  Cut along the line and the inside fold to create a diagonal pocket flap.  Adhere the thin green strip to the top of the diagonal panel and trim excess.
  • Punch a small hole in the center of the green panel and attach the small cream tag with twine. Apply the small red plaid heart to the center of the tag.
  • Add adhesive to the bottom and side of the flap. Adhere flap to the center panel.

Maker's Movement

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post for The Maker’s Movement.  I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own. 

Cozy Watercolor Leaves

Cozy Watercolor Leaves Card

I love fall, cooler weather, and changing leaves.

It makes me want to make everything in my home warm and cozy.

Grab a nice bowl of soup and a comfy sweatshirt, and it’s the perfect setting for just staying in.

M12623-Lets-Get-Cozy Die Set from The Maker's Movement

I also love the new Let’s Get Cozy Die Set from The Maker’s Movement.

A great cardmaking or scrapbooking die set for Fall or any time of the year.

Maker's Movement

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post  for The Maker’s Movement.  I have been provided product and compensation in exchange for my creative ideas.  The view and opinions are my own. 

Cozy Watercolor Leaves

Materials Used:    (*affiliate links)

*Disclosure:  This blog uses ads and affiliate links.  If you choose to make a purchase using one of the links, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) that helps offset the costs of maintaining this blog.  Thanks for your support!

Cozy Watercolor Leaves

Cozy Watercolor Leaves Cardmaking Tips…

  • One of my favorite tips for die-cutting small pieces is to run the paper through the Xyron Creative Station* to add a layer of adhesive to the back before I die-cut. The paper pieces become stickers which make adhering them to cards very easy.
  • Die-cut the leaves out of cream cardstock.
  • Watercolor the leaves using ink from an ink pad and a waterbrush. I applied the ink directly onto a lamented piece of paper (or use a non-porous surface) and picked up the ink with the waterbrush.

Cozy Watercolor Leaves

Cozy Watercolor Leaves Cardmaking Tips Continued

  • The card measures 5″ x 6 ½”.
  • Cut a moss green cardstock layer 4¾” x 6 ¼”.  
  • Using the large circle die from the die set, cut a hole in the center of the cardstock layer. Adhere the layer onto a cream cardstock base.
  • Cut the words “let’s get cozy” out of champagne luster adhesive vinyl. Remove backing from the vinyl and apply it to the center of the circle.
  • Build a layered wreath on the top and bottom of the circle. Add small dots using the small circles dies from the set to the top of the card.

Sue’s 2021 Holiday Workshop

Sue's 2021 Holiday Workshop Samples

Sue’s 2021 Holiday Workshop…

After much contemplation, I’ve decided that Sue’s Holiday Workshop will be

virtual again this year.  Fingers crossed, we’ll be together next year.

Anyway…I’m kind of excited about this year’s kit.

I’ve worked hard to find ideas to inspire you with new things to try.

Here’s how it works…

When you order a kit, you’ll get supplies to make all the projects with detailed instructions.  You’ll also gain access to a Private Facebook Group where I will share videos of the project.

Here’s what we’ll be making:

  • Snowflake Welcome Wood Door Hanger:   great for hanging on the front door or adding to the center of a wreath  (you’ll be able to choose between a white or red snowflake welcome)
  • Holiday Joy Gift Card/Money Holder
  • Merry Christmas Shaker Card
  • Warm & Cozy Embossed Cable Knit Sweater Card  
  • Flannel Embroidery Hoop Ornament  (choice of red plaid flannel (shown), red and black buffalo plaid flannel, or a soft grey plaid flannel  (more pictures coming)

Included in the Kit:

  • Card layers and Stamped Pieces, Embellishments, Shaker Sprinkles, Ribbon, Twine, 3D Foam Squares and Envelopes
  • 10″ Wood Circle
  • 2 ft. Grey and Buffalo Plaid Ribbon
  • Greenery and Jingle Bell
  • Pre-cut Snowflake Welcome cut out of White or Red Ultra Metallic Glitter Vinyl
  • Transfer Paper
  • 3″ Embroidery Hoop
  • Flannel
  • Twill Ribbon
  • Pre-Cut Removeable Vinyl Words to use as a Stencil on the Twill Ribbon
  • Pine Craft Stem and Small Berry Sprig

You will need to provide:  (not included in kit)

  • Acrylic Paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Scissors
  • Tape Runner
  • Craft Glue

The cost of the Kit is $25.00*  
*Local Pick Up Available, Shipping is an Additional $9.00

There will be a limited amount of kits available, so reserve yours today.
Holiday Workshop Kits will be available November 1st to pick up or ship.

Email: suesholidayworkshop@yahoo.com to reserve your kit.