SB Advent Calendar 2024 – Day 1 Balloon
December 1, 2024
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Build-A-Wreath die sets. Every once in a while something really special happens. And when it does, it happens almost before you realize it. That is the case with me with these die sets.
They are kind of addictive.
Build-A-Wreath Etched Dies
Let’s start by talking about the Build-A-Wreath Etched Dies. This set is part of the Beautiful Wreaths Collection by Suzanne Hue. And, it has 17 dies that create an amazing wreath base in a combination of evergreen and branches, along with several flower varieties and a bow shape.
Build-A-Wreath Flower Wreath Card
I used only the flower elements for my first project. This is a quick and easy card that would make a nice gift set of notecards. The beautiful flower shapes give a precious, whimsical vibe. And, I use garden tools to shape the petals and centers to make the flowers a little more realistic.
All you have to do to make this card is blend around the edges of a white A2 (4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″) card panel with green ink. Then, go to your scrap stash to select colors that coordinate well together, and start die-cutting. HINT: I find that when I die-cut four or five of each die as I find colors that I like I end up with better, more creative results. Rather than deciding what colors to use and then die-cutting them.
If you want, add some dimension to the flowers by rounding out the centers and petals a little bit and then glue the centers to the flowers. Next, we’ll arrange the flowers in a wreath atop a pretty embossed background. And then, fasten them with liquid glue.
All that is left is to attach the whole thing to the card base with a tape runner.
Supply List
Build-A-Wreath Shaker Card
Full disclosure, my original plan was to combine the flowers from the first card with the components of this card. However, the card was so pretty with only the twig wreath that I decided to leave it this way.
This is another very quick card. You just make a faux wood background by swiping light gray ink directly onto the front of an A2 card base. HINT: it helps to mask it off at the scoreline to keep the ink from getting on the back.
Shaker Element
Next, we’ll create our shaker element by die-cutting a 2 1/2″ double ring from a foam sheet. And then attach it centered at the top of the card front. HINT: I like to keep the circle that is in the center in place until I have the ring attached. As a result, the ring doesn’t stretch out of shape as you’re working with it.
Sprinkle your favorite sequins in the center. I used tiny confetti that I had in my stash but I’ve added a couple to the supplies list for you that might be good alternatives.
Now, cut a 3 1/2″ circle from a piece of acetate. Next, remove the backing paper from the top of the foam ring and carefully lower the acetate down onto it making sure that the edges of the acetate align with the edges of the ring..
Die-cutting and Assembly
All that is left is to die-cut and arrange a bunch of brown and teal branches to cover up the ring. And then, build the white bow. Give it a little dimension with your garden tools or your fingers and then fasten it to the bottom of the wreath. HINT: I like to use liquid glue to attach all the wreath pieces and bow.
Build – A – Wreath Add-Ons
A super cool feature that Spellbinders provides is what they call Add-Ons. The Add-Ons allow you to extend a set to use for more and different cards. In this case, they offer four Add-On die sets: the Garden Wreath Add-On, Birthday Wreath Add-On, Halloween Add-On, and Christmas Wreath Add-On. And, if you love them like I do then you might want to get the bundle with all five sets that is at a discounted price.
The sets from the Beautiful Wreaths Collection are designed to make wonderful creations around the Build-A-Wreath Die Set. Each set has a theme to change the wreath design. It is a perfect offering for wreath-making creators. But, you can use many of the elements without a wreath too.
I have three cards using the Christmas Wreath Add-On to share with you.
Poinsettia Build – A Wreath Card
Poinsettia Build – A Wreath Card
It’s hard to see in the photo because the cardstock that I use for the background is a very dark green. But, I have embossed it with a lovely pine embossing folder which creates a beautiful backdrop to the poinsettias.
This is a Christmas card that is easy to put together quickly for special friends and family. Just die-cut the poinsettias from pretty bright red cardstock and the flower centers and sentiments from brushed gold. Then, to add some variation and dimension I just use the ink that is already on my green blending brush to blend a little color into the centers of a couple of the poinsettia die-cuts. I also use my garden tools to bend the petals/leaves a little. And then, I assemble the poinsettias and fasten them to the cardfront with liquid glue.
Supply List
Christmas Wreath
This is another card that you can put together pretty quickly. I use a peppermint stripe embossing folder to create the background first. Then, swipe red and green ink directly over it to create a lovely Christmasy background.
Next, it’s just more die-cutting and glue. I cut three of the shadow die in white to give the sentiment some dimension. Then, I added more with some foam squares.
Christmas Tree Card
Christmas Tree Card
My final card is an example of what you can do with the elements of an Add-on kit without using a wreath at all. I use some Christmas-themed patterned paper that I have in my stash for the background.
And then, I love to use this pretty oval to show off an element that I am featuring. I think it was exclusive for an event, but I have included one that is very similar to it in the supplies list for you. And I use it with white glitter foam to give the card a sparkly, snowy vibe.
I also painted a little snow onto the branches of the Christmas tree with white gouache. And finally, I add the tiny little ornaments and star to the tree and pop it up on top of the oval.
Are You Looking For More Cards For Fall and Thanksgiving?
Check out EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY OF AUTUMN WITH SERENADE OF AUTUMN.
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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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