diecutting - Right as Rain

Queen & Co. Giraffe Shaker Card

Today, I’m sharing a shaker card that brings a touch of safari fun to your handmade greetings. This card features a whimsical die-cut giraffe filled with shaker elements, perfectly complemented by patterned paper that ties the whole theme together. Using products from the Queen & Company Go Safari kit. I’ve created a card that’s eye-catching and also incredibly fun to make. The cheerful sentiment “What’s Up?” adds the perfect finishing touch, making this card ideal for brightening someone’s day. I also used Foundation die sets – 3, 14, 19 – to create the paper layers and to cut my sentiment.

I cannot say enough about the patterned paper included in the kit! It coordinates wonderfully, making it easy to create the various paper layers. I embellished the card with epoxy from the Epoxy Dots Matte Bundle and stars cut from white cardstock with a die in the Foundation 14 set.

Looking for more inspiration? You can see a lion-themed card made with the Go Safari kit in THIS POST.

Lawn Fawn | Berry Sweet Card

Hello! Today, I’m excited to share a berry-themed card that I’ve crafted using a variety of Lawn Fawn supplies. Over the years, I’ve collected an array of Lawn Fawn products, and it’s always a joy to see how seamlessly they work together to bring a scene to life.

- Cover an A2-size card base with paper in the Doodlebug Gingham-Linen Rainbow Petite Prints pad.
- Cut Waterfall cardstock with the 5″ x 3 3/4″ die in the Small Stitched Rectangles set and cut with the Stitched Cloud Backdrop die. I frequently reach for this set to create card backgrounds. I discuss using cover plate dies for card backgrounds HERE.
- To create the green hill, cut SU Call Me Clover cardstock (2018-2020 In Color) with a die in the Simple Stitched Hillside Border set and the 5″ x 3 3/4″ die in the Small Stitched Rectangles set. Add to sky and add assembly to card base.
- Stamp the Berry Special images with Versafine on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper and heat set. Color the image with watercoloring mediums of choice (I used Zig and Tombow markers). Check out my “Resources for Watercoloring Stamped Images” HERE. Once dry, cut images with coordinating dies.

Strawberries (Zig 22, 412, 413); Mouse Overalls (Tombow 528); Mice (Zig 72, Tombow 772); Sign (Tombow 992, Zig 68); Bee and flower center (Zig 52); Connoisseur White Taklon Short Round Brushes sizes 2 and 4

- Stamp sentiment and cut with banner die.
- Cut white clouds with dies in the Spring Showers set.
- Add items to card with dot and foam adhesive.

Die-cut Nautical “AHOY” Card

Hello! At the beginning of the month, I shared a round-up of summer-themed cards. Inspired by the post, I created a nautical-themed card that features a charming Impression Obsession sailboat. The cheerful “AHOY” is a perfect choice for sending warm wishes to any sea lover in your life and works for a multitude of occasions.

- I used Echo Park patterned paper in my stash for the card base background. I discuss how patterned paper is a quick and convenient way to add character to card backgrounds HERE.
- While designing the card, I thought back on the impact of a frame, which I discuss HERE. I chose the Lawn Fawn Say Cheese, Again die set to cut the Polaroid-style frame.
- To create the background behind the frame, I used the now-retired, Taylored Expressions “On the Spot” embossing folder. I wrote about the use of embossing folders in cardmaking HERE.
- I cut the sailboat, waves, and cloud from a variety of color cardstocks, and assembled as required. I used the Art Impressions Journal Letter die set to cut the letters that I glue to the frame.

Queen & Co. Safari-Themed Shaker Card

Hello! Today, I am sharing a safari-themed shaker card created with the Queen & Company Go Safari kit. The kit includes a sentiment stamp set, dies to create an alligator, a giraffe, a zebra, a monkey, an elephant, a tiger, a lion, and a hippo, as well as patterned paper, foam for the shaker pieces, and toppings. (While I created this card with my four-month-old granddaughter in mind, safari animals appeal to all ages!) I also used Foundation die sets – 3, 14, 19 – to create the paper layers and to cut my sentiment. The Foundation die sets include a variety of dies to up your cardmaking game.

Go Safari kit, Foundation 19 (scallop edge, sentiment banners), Foundation 3 (mat for the lion and behind dotted strip), Foundation 14 (dotted strip), Pearls Sampler (gold pearls), Tiny Trio Epoxy Bundle (orange enamel dots)

Looking for more inspiration? I previously shared cards created with another Queen & Company kit in THIS POST. Additionally, Queen & Company has a YouTube channel, a Facebook page, and an active (private) Facebook Fan Group for inspiration.

Congratulations Cards Roundup

“Bravo!” “You Did It!” “Hooray!” Welcome to a roundup of congratulations cards. Whether it’s a graduation, a new job, a new home, or a job well done – these occasions deserve to be celebrated in style. Sending a congratulations card is a way to recognize a friend’s or family member’s achievement.

In this post, I have used cards from my blog archive as examples. Click on the card image to be taken to the original post.

Cards can be sent to congratulate graduates from preschool all the way to graduate school. Additionally, handmade graduation cards can be tailored to incorporate the recipient’s school colors.

Featuring a sports car and festive balloons, along with the heartfelt message “You’ve turned your dreams into realities,” the card below stylishly celebrates a loved one’s accomplishments.

A “You’re so awesome” sentiment accompanied by a vibrant array of colorful die-cut stars is an uplifting way to celebrate someone’s achievements.

A whimsical card featuring a fox playing a horn and a punny sentiment can be sent for a number of congratulatory occasions.

Celebrate someone’s move to a new home with style and flair with a card featuring colorful paintbrushes.

Observations I did not include engagement, wedding, retirement, or new baby cards in this round-up. I have only created a handful of those cards over the years, and I am not sure I necessarily see them as part of the congratulations category.

For which occasions do you send congratulations cards?