Welcome Back Blog -- The Future is Bright

 

October 20, 2023

Hello! Hello! I have recently started working as a design team member for Fifi the Papercrafter. I decided to start up my old blog again to run through how I make the projects using her designs as well other projects I do. To start off I will mention that I am not an affiliate to any of the companies at this time. My latest habits in my studio are that I am trying to use as much of what I already have, some products might even be pretty old.

Here is the set from Fifi's Etsy store that I am using in this greeting card: 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1587204983/industrial-steam-punk-digital-kit?ref=usf_2020

After looking through the collection, the first thing that sparked my creativity was the futuristic backgrounds. They are completely out of my comfort zone but they are beautiful and I decided to make a greeting card regarding someone's future. I think those sci-fi fans in your life will love it.

Instructions:

1. I chose one of the full page backgrounds to be the background and main focus of this card. 

I am using Silhouette Studio Software. Their software is so powerful that I don't mind using it for some design work even if I don't send it to a machine. 

I am using Silhouette's Print & Cut feature and will cut these images out with my Silhouette Cameo. Sure, I could use scissors or a paper trimmer instead. When I use this feature, I always fill the page with other images that I want for the project I am working on or maybe even some for later. For this card, I am using the graphic in the top left and I typed a front and inside sentiment that I want to use too. The other graphics are from the same design set by Fifi that sparked my interest too. 

I won't go into the specifics of how to use the software or the feature as there are many resources already available for that but please reach out to me if you need help.

Before we send this to be printed and cut let's create the sentiment shown in the above photo first.

2. When I saw the futuristic designs that Fifi released, the words "your future is bright" popped in my head and I decided to make a card with that to be for someone who is graduating, getting a new job, or any situation where their future plans get a spark. I typed "Your Future is Bright" and "Congratulations" in a font called Arcane. I have had it for years and I believe I got it from Creative Market but I could find many fonts with that name but not close to what this one looks like. Anyhow, pick one that suits you but make it a chunky one. My card is an A2 Card, 5.5" x 4.25" so size the background graphic to fit. I usually make it 0.25" or 0.5" smaller. Play with the sentiment on the graphic on the screen so that you get the size you want before printing it out.

 

 

3. The original typed sentiment is on the bottom. I did an offset to the whole design and moved the offset above it. It needs to be a little bit bigger than the main text as it will make a shadow effect on the card. On the color fill menu, I used the dropper feature to grab a blue from the sky of the futuristic design I picked for the card. Now it is a light blue color. 

4. The bottom sentiment, is filled with another one of Fifi's graphics. I opened the file folder on my computer where I have it saved. I grabbed one that looked interesting and dragged the image into the text. This fills the text with it. You can adjust that in the software that does a zoom in or out enhancement but I liked it how it is.  I didn't want these letters to be a bold, solid color. I purposely wanted them to sort of blend in a little bit and rely on the blue shadow to make it pop out a little.

5. Now move the text to the Print & Cut area with the main graphic. Fill in the rest of the area with any graphics that you would like to print and use later. I always do this as to not waster material. I picked more designs from Fifi's set that I really liked. 

6. Once the page is filled, send the whole thing to your printer to be printed on card stock. Once printed, put on a mat and have your cutter cut it out for you. I use a Silhouette Cameo.

7. Glue your letters together with the shadow piece on the bottom.Start to play around with the arrangement on the background piece. Originally I wanted to cover the person on a vehicle but then I realized that he's going somewhere, literally, and it goes along with the message.

8. Here, I taped a straight edge down so that I could use it to align the letters in a straight line across the background. I secured it to my Glassboard with magnets so it stays in place for me.

9. Once satisfied with placement, all letters get glued in place. I used Bearly Art glue with a fine tip. It's wonderful.

You can see the filled graphic in the letters better here and the blue outline that helps it stand out just enough. 

                                  

10. I decided to add a clear embossing powder to the text. It turned out bumpy, as sometimes it does, but I really liked it here.

11. My card base is size A2 and is white. I am using Distress Oxide ink to darken the edges to give it brown frame. I do not want a perfect even coat of color. I want it to vary. Once done, I glue the background to it. Then I glue the other sentiment to the inside and it's done!

Welcome back to the revival of my blog! I will see how this goes before I come with a solid schedule of how I will post things. I hope you enjoyed the quick overview of how this card went together. 

Please do something every single day that helps you Enjoy Life. Also, send greeting cards. :)

~ Paula