Happy DieCember®!
The DieCember® release from Simon Says Stamp is now available! See the whole release here. I’ll be sharing some cards with it over the next few weeks.
This post uses a few of the new DieCember® release products, and I’ll be sharing more in the coming days. These cards both have some similar elements - red metallic bird, embossed background, and some new leaf dies.
Techniques:
The background texture was created with a cover die, but instead of die cutting with it I used it to emboss instead. (This is done by changing the pressure or switching plates and using the embossing setup. The exact setup varies by machine. I use the Spellbinders Platinum 6.)
I cut three branch dies; two with a light gray, and the third with iridescent silver cardstock. Especially with the pattern that this die has, it adds an elevated layer of interest.
Both the bird and the greeting are cut with metallic red cardstock. That red really stands out and provides contrast against the light and neutral colors of the rest of the card.
To bring out the sweet detail in of the scalloped edge in the layers of the bird’s wings, I mixed some matte cardstock layers (in a coordinating red) with the red metallic. That subtle variation creates a little bit more depth and contrast.
The three metallic elements form a visual triangle. This creates a strong focal point on this card, even with all the patterns. Keeping all the other elements neutral and similar in value keep the card from being busy.
Colors:
cardstock: Concord & 9th Cranberry, Sunflower, Dove. Simon Says Stamp Iridescent Silver and Red Holographic.
Techniques:
I started with the cardinal layering dies and some gorgeous metallic red cardstock.
The new Whirl Bay Leaves die made me think it could make a nice wreath, so I cut it from 3 shades of green cardstock (cutting two from the medium color) and layered them together to form a wreath. It is wider than the card, but can fit in a larger envelope, or be hand-delivered.
To add some depth and contrast behind the wreath of leaves, I ink blended some Rainforest ink onto the center area of the embossed card panel.
I placed the assembled bird and the greeting so they are tucked in among the leaves. That adds a feeling of unity to the card, making the various elements seem connected.
Colors:
cardstock: Concord & 9th Sunflower, Lemongrass, Grasshopper, Avocado, Juniper, and Mushroom. Simon Says Stamp Red Holographic.
ink: Concord & 9th Rainforest.
I’ll be sharing more cards in the coming days.
Thank you for visiting! Keep an eye out for more inspiration from this DieCember® release!
Links are below if you’re interested in any of the products I used.
*Affiliate links do not cost you any more when you shop, but it is beneficial to creators when you use them, so thanks in advance!
