SB Advent Calendar 2024 – Day 1 Balloon
December 1, 2024
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When it comes to crafting cards, using adorable animals like cats and pugs is a surefire way to create something irresistibly cute. Today, we’ll explore how to make four fun and delightful cards using the Big Pug Die set and other dies from Spellbinders’ newest collection, Bibi’s Cats & Pugs. Whether you’re a seasoned card maker or just starting out, these projects will spark your creativity and bring a smile to any animal lover or pet enthusiast.
The Charm of Cats & Pugs in Card Making
There’s something undeniably endearing about cats and pugs. Their playful personalities and lovable quirks make them the perfect subjects for card making. Utilizing die sets from Bibi’s Cats & Pugs collection allows you to bring these charming animals to life in your creations. From birthdays to “just because” moments, cards with these adorable creatures can brighten anyone’s day.
2 Darling Cards with the Big Pug Die Set
Meet the Big Pug Die Set: Cats & Pugs Collection
The Big Pug Die Set from Spellbinders is an excellent choice for creating delightful pug-themed cards. This set features a variety of dies that help you build a cute pug with different expressions and accessories. With this die set, your creative possibilities are endless, and you can personalize each card to suit the recipient’s personality.
Steps to Make the Cards
To create your darling pug cards, follow these steps:
- Select Your Cardstock: Make a top-folding A2 size card base from heavyweight cardstock like Neenah Classic Crest 110lb Solar White. Read How to Make A Card Base for tips on how to make a card base. Choose a high-quality cardstock in your favorite colors for the body parts. Or, you can do what I did and use watercolor cardstock.
- Die-Cut the Pug: Use the Big Pug Die to cut out the main pug shape. If you get everything below the top inside the card base, the die leaves just the right amount at the top to create the fold. Die-cut everything else from color cardstock or watercolor cardstock. Don’t forget the little details like the eyes, nose, and ears.
- Watercolor the Body Parts: Karin Brushmarker Pro’s create the perfect variation of colors you need to create shading and dimension. I just brush in the area that I want to be the darkest, add water to my brush, and then draw the color out.
- Assemble the Card: Adhere your pug die-cuts to the doggy shape card base. Add any additional accessories or embellishments you like.
- Personalize Your Message: Write a heartfelt message inside the card to make it extra special. Or, you can heat emboss a sentiment on one of the tags like I did for the birthday card.
Cats & Pugs: Cool Pug Card Supply List
Cats & Pugs: Pug Birthday Card Supply List
Pug Party Card with the Party Puggles Die Set, Cats & Pugs Collection
Introducing the Party Puggles Die Set
The Party Puggles Die Set is ideal for creating a festive card featuring partying pugs. This set includes dies for pugs in different poses, party hats, presents, and other celebratory elements. It’s perfect for crafting birthday cards or invitations that are sure to delight any dog lover.
Steps to Make the Pug Party Card
- Gather Supplies: Start with the Party Puggles Die Set from Spellbinders.
- Die-Cut Elements: We’re using the same technique to color the pugs as we use for the Big Pugs so die-cut them from watercolor cardstock. Use the dies to cut out party-themed elements, like hats and balloons from colored and patterned cardstock.
- Create the Scene: Arrange your pug and party elements on a coordinating background.
- Add Sentiments: Include a fun sentiment, like “Let’s Party!” or “Happy Birthday!” if you want.
- Finish with Details: Add final touches, such as glitter, gems, or enamel dots.
Cats & Pugs: Party Puggles Card Supply List
Hang in There Card with the Cheerful Kittens Die Set, Cats & Pugs Collection
Say Hello to the Cheerful Kittens Die Set
The Cheerful Kittens Die Set from Spellbinders is perfect for creating uplifting and encouraging cards. This set includes playful cat poses and elements to create a scene. These adorable cats will surely bring joy to anyone who receives a card featuring them.
Steps to Make the Card
- Prepare Your Supplies: Gather the Cheerful Cats Die Set, cardstock in your chosen colors, adhesive, and any additional embellishments you’d like to use. We’re using the same techniques as the first 3 cards so be sure to include watercolor cardstock and watercolor brush markers.
- Die Cutting: Use the Cheerful Kittens Die Set to cut out the cat shapes and accessories. And, use the flowers from the Big Pugs set with bright and cheerful cardstock to convey a positive message.
- Design the Background: Use large layering dies with colored cardstock in coordinating colors. Assemble the die-cut flowers and arrange them to create the perfect background to enhance the scene.
- Incorporate The Sentiment: Heat emboss the “Hang in There” sentiment from the Cats & Pugs Sentiments Stamp Set with white embossing powder.
- Attach the Kitten: Assemble the kitten to look like it is hanging from the sentiment using foam squares to add a little dimension.
Cats & Pugs: Cheerful Kittens Card Supply List
Tips for Creating Stunning Animal-Themed Cards
Mixing and Matching Die Sets
Don’t hesitate to mix and match elements from different die sets to create unique scenes. Combining pugs and cats can result in some playful and unexpected designs.
Adding Texture and Dimension
Use foam adhesive to give your die-cuts dimension. Embossing folders and texture paste can also add an extra layer of interest to your cards.
Customizing Colors
Feel free to customize the colors of your die-cut elements to match the recipient’s preferences or the theme of the card. The flexibility of die-cutting allows you to create truly personalized pieces.
Conclusion
Creating cards with the Big Pug Die Set, Party Puggles Die Set, and Cheerful Kittens Die Set from Spellbinders can be a delightful experience for any card maker, animal lover, or pet enthusiast. The combination of adorable pugs and playful cats provides endless creative possibilities, allowing you to craft unique and heartwarming cards that will bring joy to their recipients.
Ready to get started? Gather your supplies, follow the steps, and immerse yourself in the fun and rewarding world of card making with Bibi’s Cats & Pugs collection. Happy crafting!
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ABOUT AUTHOR
Teri Duncan
Teri has over 30 years of experience as a cardmaker. Her work has appeared in Spellbinders Paper Arts’ blog as well as with some of their products and on Altenew’s blog. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, stained glass, and teaching. She and her husband live in Crystal River, Florida with their three dogs and a cat.
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