Monday, August 13, 2012

Inspiration Hop, Day 1: Basket Additions 3, Holiday Basket and Country Roads

Good morning and happy Monday! Welcome to our first day of Gina K Designs Inspiration Hops with the design team! As you hop through the blogs, make sure to leave a comment on each of them, because we will choose a few random comments, and those stampers will each win a grab bag of deeply etched, pre-cut Gina K. Designs stamps! To see the full list of winners check the Big News forum at Stamp TV a couple of days after the hops.
Today we are sharing samples with Basket Additions 3. My design today also uses Holiday Basket, newly released in clear photopolymer. I used the matching Silhouette cut files for both Basket Additions 3 and Holiday Basket to make this cut window. I will show more about how to position the cutout on the card base in the following sample and stamp the image inside, but first I want to show you how you can fuse together the tops and bottoms from these sets into one cut!
Open both files in Silhouette Studio. Under Edit, hit Copy after selecting each image you want by clicking with your mouse (school topper and basket). Open a New file, and Paste both images in. Move them on the screen with your mouse so they are touching each other.
Now click on the eraser tool that's on the left hand side of the screen.
Now position your mouse over the line in the middle you want to get rid of, and this big gray dot will appear.
Holding down the left click button on your mouse, begin dragging across and watch the line magically disappear!
Once you've removed the entire line and have one outline for the whole thing, go just above the image top left, hold down the left click button on your mouse and drag to right right lower corner to create a box around it. Go to the toolbar at top, click Object, and then in the drop down menu, select Group. Now these images are attached and you can drag it wherever you want on the screen. (You can also do this before you erase if you want.)
Save this file if you want (ex: "schoolbasket") so that now any time you'd like to stamp these images together, whether as the cut out to stamp on or the window for the images to show through, they'll be cut as one piece! Just be sure not to change the originals, make copies first! :)
If you don't have the Silhouette Cameo, simply stamp the images on white cardstock, color and cut out, then mount on top of the red base popped up. I added some school supply touches like a rubber band and a binder clip, just dug them out of our junk drawer, love the ease, affordability and style of office embellishments! Cardstock is the new Pure Luxury Cherry Red.I also wanted to show a fun hinged card I made using the Create a Cauldron print and cut file with the Halloween image from Basket Additions 3. (If you don't have the Silhouette Cameo, simply use the digital image version and cut with scissors.)
Boo! Surprise! Cauldron and mat are Pure Luxury Smoky Slate and goo is Pure Luxury Key Lime. Patterned paper is from the Gina K Hello Sunshine pack.The top layer is attached with a brad and hidden by the bubbles. Now that I've finished this hinged card, I'm inspired to show you another hinged design using Holiday Basket, check back for that soon! :)

Next up, we have Theresa Momber's Country Roads, one of my favorite sets she's ever done! She really captured the pastoral feel of the country with the images and I love the fonts, particularly the graceful calligraphy. On today's sample, I used the covered bridge image and the matching Silhouette cut file to create a window to frame it. Using not just the cut outs themselves but the negative space as well, strategically placed on your mats and card bases, is so striking (and uses ALL your paper, no waste!)
Let me show you how! After opening the cut file, click on the bridge image and select "Copy" under Edit on the toolbar. Open a New file, then hit Paste. This will add the bridge to the new file. Considering this top fold card will be 4 1/2" X 11", position the images within 4 1/2" from the left side of the square on the mat, and the bottom half of the card, which will be the front, spanning from about 6 1/2" to 9". The grid helps you position is where you want.

Now place your cardstock (4 1/4" x 11") portrait style on your mat aligned with top left corner, hit "Send to Silhouette" and "Cut". Pull your cardstock off. Save the cut bridge for another project. Save this new file you made if you want to use it again, as "Bridge Card", or something like that.
After the Silhouette cuts it out, score at 5 1/2" as usual for an A2 card and fold. Now cut the white layer to go inside, 4" x 10 3/4" and score at 5 1/4". Adhere to inside (just the back, front is free to move)


Hold the layers down and stamp the bridge (inked in Memento Espresso Truffle) inside the cut out.
Fold back front and color with Copics. (I used most of the same colors as Theresa used in this post. I also added little darker blue stripe under the bridge to cast a shadow on the water.)
Last, add the greeting in Memento Tuxedo Black and add some trees around the window with Versamark. Create pierced rows for detail with Scor-Bug tool. Cardbase is the new Pure Luxury Honey Mustard.
http://api.ning.com/files/PsJxvi-*WJtrsT8RMY93fpIX*ncOBPlXz5QBCUxIXw9lMw1MGgzt4vrNGAam-p1JqkZyVNAlmVXhVeAhfA1Vybw7eMoRx8s-/Designteambutton.gif
Enjoy hopping with the rest of the Gina K Designs design team for inspiration with these sets:

99 comments:

  1. Wow! This post is packed full of great techniques! Gorgeous cards - LOVE you new set!

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  2. You are brilliant Mel, love love love all your cards!!!

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  3. That hinged card is so fun
    Thanks for the idea

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  4. These cards are truly inspiring. They're gorgeous. Thanks so much.

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  5. Love the new sets! the Halloween card is so cute! Thanks for sharing.

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  6. absolutely love the hinge idea - I really enjoy creations that "move"!

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  7. I am amazed at your talent - Thankyou for the inspiration

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  8. FABULOUS designs, Mel!! Great help with the cuts too! This might be my FAV basket set yet! *HUGS*

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  9. I love how you did the hinged card and the covered bridge. Great cards!

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  10. Super cards they are all great but my favorite is the Halloween card thanks for sharing these

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  11. Lots of great information in your post and wonderful cards!

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  12. Super article, Melanie -- makes me want a Silhouette! Love the bright back to school card and the fabulous hinged card for Halloween. And the Country Roads scene is so serene - terrific "h" on that font!

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  13. Wonderful cards, I love the covered bridge peeking out of the cutout!

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  14. What great tutorials! I just love the basket additions, the cauldron is just too fun and love the beautiful autumn card. So much fantastic inspiration!

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  15. What great tutorials! I just love the basket additions, the cauldron is just too fun and love the beautiful autumn card. So much fantastic inspiration!

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  16. D Wiles-dwilsew@aol.comAugust 13, 2012 at 8:43 AM

    I love the detail in the basket. You don't find many that will give you that depth appearance.

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  17. I am in awe of all of your gorgeous cards. I can tell already which sets I would love to have,. Alice Roushia

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  18. All your cards are wonderful. Love your basket stamps.

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  19. Wow such stunning cards and the tutorials are wonderful, you guys are really giving me the confidence to use my silhouette more and more, thank you so very much :-)

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  20. Amazing, thank you for the great info on the Cameo

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  21. I like all of your samples. I am very new at this but am learning more and more each day. Thank you

    Blessings,
    Kat

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  22. What fun cards. There goes my budget--I have to have Basket Additions 3.

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  23. Great cards - I can see I may have to make a purchase - I love that covered bridge :)

    thanks

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  24. holy crap! LOL!!! Your cards are stunning!!! I love how you cut on the card around the image with your silhouette! I might have to get that machine now LOL!! Gorgeous cards!

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  25. love the techniques. Thanks so much for sharing

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  26. The Halloween card is so cute with the top opening! And the covered bridge is so pretty - love the colors.

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  27. Thanks so much for the instructions. This sure helps us know how to use the stamps, the machine, and even how to make the cards without the machine. Love the cards! Great ideas for the hinged card. Thanks again.

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  28. Wow, Melanie! The cards are excellent!

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  29. Wow this new machine does awesome things and you make awesome cards Melanie!

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  30. Your basket stamps have always been one of my favorite collections, and the cut-outs you did for today are wonderful.

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  31. Love, love , love!!! Can't keep up with all the new machines though, so need to keep the cutting tools handy!! Love that hinged card!

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  32. Melanie, you are one talented lady. Love the hinged card!

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  33. Super Awesome project love the Tutorial and love the Steps on making it. the Details are Super. thanks for sharing and for the chance to win

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  34. Great cards, you rock..

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  35. WOw love this post. Some really awesome cards and I think im gonna get in trouble, I need that covered bridge stamp!! TFS :)

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  36. wow!! Must find more time for my cameo! LOVE your cards Mel, and your tips! :)

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  37. Beautiful cards, as always. Enjoy seeing the milage one can get filling baskets!

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  38. Great ideas for the Silhouette. Sure makes me want one!

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  39. You filled this post with a ton of great info! I absolutely love the caldron opening up like that!

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  40. oh my, these are awesome cards, the country roads is my favorite, love that technique too

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  41. Brilliant, as always, Melanie! And so easy to understand for those of us with NO computer knowledge to speak of. Thanks!
    I'm still praying for all of your projects, cards and otherwise. Hug your kids for me, even though that have no idea who I am! They'll be grown and gone in the twinkling of an eye. Love you!

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  42. I just love all the sets. The country roads is a gotta have set. Also the basket is great and will go on my Christmas wish list. Great job on all the cards.

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  43. Your cards are beautiful and I'll have to figures out another way to cut, maybe fuzzy cut. Great ideas. Well done.

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  44. Oh, good grief -- how clever you are! I'm totally going to do these cutouts -- thanks so much for the tutorial, Mel! Fabulous cards!

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  45. Great cards. I love the cauldron of goblins

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  46. Ohhhhhh fabulous fabulous fabulous!!!!! You are a genius I swear!!! And step by step directions too! I am sooo gonna try these!!!! And the next VSN is Back to School theme....I'm gonna use that image!!!

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  47. Love the hinged card and can't wait to try it. Great designs!

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  48. Great work Melanie! These new sets are awesome! I love the tutorials that accompany your samples. Thanks!!! Sean

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  49. The cards are so wonderful. I have to place an order soon I can see as you did such a fantastic job of creating them. You inspired me. But mine will be handcut and not done with the machine. Can't afford that and a new computer too to make it function correctly.

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  50. Love fall scenes--great cards.

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  51. Thank you so much for the detailed step-by-step. I got a Cameo JUST days ago and am hungry for any and all information I can get on ways to work with it, ESPECIALLY how to work with cut files and stamps together!

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  52. Awesome cards! Great motivators - love the bridge in the window look.

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  53. Melanie, your cards are just gorgeous. I just love that caldron, so cute for Halloween. Thanks for sharing, you have inspired me.

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  54. Wow, wow, wow! I don't know where to start! I love the cutout of the shape with it stamped underneath...amazing. And the hinged card? Ingenious!!

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  55. Beautiful cards Mel!! I really need to get a Cameo :)

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  56. Wonderful cards. I really like the hinged cards. Although I don't anticipate getting a cameo or similar machine, I enjoyed your cards and the great detailed instructions.

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  57. Wow! What amazing cards. It's clear that with the silhouette you can add so many more techniques to our cardmaking. Gorgeous cards.

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  58. Fabulous directions on using the silhouette cut the image. Beautiful cards!

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  59. Awesom! Can't wait to use them! Thanks for Sharing!
    Vicki

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  60. You will never know how much I appreciate the Cameo Instructions. I have been intimidated with mine and you make it look so easy,that NOW I am going for it. Thanks so much!!!

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  61. Oh I have so much to learn. You are such an inspiration. Really like these cards.

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  62. Wow! Absolutely gorgeous work and the cut files just make everything pop!! So amazed:)

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  63. That covered bridge stamp set is a dream!

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  64. I love these sets, especially the flowers and basket and the covered bridge.

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  65. Oh, wow, not just great cards,but great instructions! Love these new looks.

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  66. WOW ! ! WOW ! ! WOW ! ! !
    Jam-packed ---YOU have been busy.
    As usual your cards are great and your tutorials are..... W O W ! !
    Jean McGee

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  67. wow great post and lots of info. thanks for sharing.
    RosieG(gramig05)

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  68. the window is such a good idea!
    thanks!
    Holly

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  69. Way to use your Cameo! I am SO BUMMED I didn't get that one!! Gorgeous work!

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  70. Great ideas, love the way, you open the the covered bridge card.

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  71. GREAT cards! You are getting so clever with your Cameo. I've got one in the house, a replacement blade, inspiration.....now I just need some time! :)

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  72. Beautiful Cards! And wow I the use of the cut out with your Silhouette. TFS AJ~

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  73. Wow! Inspiration and education all in one. Thanks for the great info and sharing your lovely work.

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  74. Incredible post - beautiful projects with great instruction. Thanks!

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  75. These are great! I may have to start thinking about getting the silouette.

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  76. Melanie----what a stunning art and Cameo lesson!!! Thanks so much!!!

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  77. Wow Wow Wow talk about packed with inspiration! Totally love the hinged card1

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  78. Wonderful cards. Always so nice of you to share your techniques. Love both cards and must get the basket toppers.

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  79. Love the COuntry Roads stamp - what great cards - gets my card juices going !:)

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  80. Fabulous cards! Awesome new set - lots of fun and cute images!

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  81. Super cards-wow, fantastic. Thanks for sharing, particularly the tutorials; will have to try the cut-out card front--love it! Great stamps.

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  82. Just, WOW! I love that 2nd one especially! That cut out...genius! When I get my machine, will you come be my personal Silhouette trainer!?

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  83. Awesome cards! Thanks for the tutorial, now all I need is a Silhouette :). That's on top of my wish list.

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  84. Wow, all of these cards, techniques
    and stamp sets are awesome. Thanks for sharing.

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  85. Wow! I am so impressed with your creations. Especially how you made the Country Road card. Well done, Melanie :)

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  86. Wow! Beautiful cards. I love the hinge. Very creative!

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  87. Oh, my! I love the bridge card! So lifelike!

    The hinged card is cute, too!

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  88. Really nice work. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  89. Great cards and I love the tutorials! Keep them coming!

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  90. Great cards!!
    Angela
    http://angelascraftyspot.blogspot.com/

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  91. Wow - wonderful cards. I just love that cauldron! Thanks for the tutorial on the Silouette, I might just have to add that to my Christmas wish list!

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  92. Wow! What great projects. I really like all that can be done with the Silhouette. Unfortunately, that isn't going to be a possibility for quite a while. Beautiful work!

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  93. I really loved the cauldron hinged card. I appreciate directions you give along with your sample cards.

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  94. the hinge card is great and the bridge tunnel effect is amazing! You mae my night!

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  95. Your coloring on that Country Roads Set is absolutely stunning!

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Your generous feedback helps make my work and this blog better! Thanks for inspiring and motivating me! :)