Friday, December 14, 2012

Seeing [Barn] Stars


I am so excited about this technique Amber Kemp-Gerstel showcased on her blog Damask Love. You take a star die, score down the middle of each point, fold, and then bend the points towards each other (turning the mountain fold in between the points into a valley fold). Then you have a fancy, 3D barn star! What a difference it makes on a card when you otherwise would have used a flat star. 

This was so fun, I thought I'd use this technique for several different challenges to see how versatile it is. 

First up:


Very simple, the barn star colored with alcohol markers, with a white, embossed sentiment below. Of course, this one is inspired by the CAS-ual Fridays challenge to use scoring on your card.



Layering the barn stars gives another look, especially when you layer with glitter. To complete the electric orange triangle of the star and the word "shine", I added the three gemstones. I don't own this color in anything except a marker, so I colored the star, the word and the gems.


 This one is inspired by the vibrant colors pictured in this Betsey Johnson number from the Runway Inspired Challenge (great challenge, I never would have combined these otherwise!), the Moxie Fab challenge to use neon,


and the Papertrey MIM challenge to layer with glitter. The glitter looks nice in person on the shimmery silver papers.


Grouping smaller barn stars also gives a nice dimension. I had a hard time getting the card base to be flat again after embossing the sentiment. I sprayed it with water, put it between two books and stood on it for awhile (picture a circus elephant balancing on a tiny stool) ... it got better but still not perfect. Any advice for when this happens on your card base?



This card is inspired by the CAS(E) this Sketch challenge and the fresh, Christmas color scheme at The Play Date Cafe.


 The Memory Box delicate chain die looks like real metal in the foil paper. It's a fun one to touch!

Thanks for looking!
-Kelly

Supplies used (Little Card Big Thanks): 
stamps:  CAS-ual Fridays Big Thanks
dies: Papertrey Ink Seeing Stars  

Supplies used (It's Your Day to Shine): 
stamps:  Papertrey Ink Lighten Up Mini Sentiments
dies: Papertrey Ink Seeing Stars  
other: Spectrum Noir alcohol markers, Martha Stewart glitter, gems

Supplies used ('Tis the Season): 
stamps:  Papertrey Ink Think Big Favorites #20
dies: Papertrey Ink Seeing Stars, Memory Box Delicate Chain
cardstock: Papertrey Ink, American Crafts foil, Memory Box Wedding Day

 
UndertheTableandDreaming

56 comments:

  1. OMG - Overwhelmining beautiful and creative as usual. That green star practically glows and I just love the pops of colour on the silver background of the 3rd. Do tell -how do you get your embossing so clean. I just spent 1/2 hour in my room embossing in red and now have no card to show for it (and a full recycling bin!). Thanks for playing along with CAS(E) This Sketch this week, Kelly!

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  2. PS - the one thing I do that seems to help with the warping is to emboss against a piece of chipboard covered in aluminum foil. My theory (unproven!) is that then it gets heat from both sides, so it melts faster. Also, just leaving it alone overnight often helps (but I know there's often not time for that!)

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  3. Love these...that first one is FANTASTIC, just stunningly CAS and gorgeous!

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  4. Gorgeous cards, Kelly! Loved making Amber's stars, too. The warping is very minor on your card. The stars are so pretty, they take away from noticing it!

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  5. Three GORGEOUS cards Kelly - I LOVE those 3D stars too :)

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  6. Wow! Look at the glitter and the bright colors!

    ps: Thanks so much for playing with us at Runway Inspired Challenge!

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  7. All three of your cards are just gorgeous. I love that technique for stars, and may just need to try it myself. The most striking card, to me, is the last one. That delicate chain the the hanging stars is so unique and realistic.

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  8. Love the star technique and that last card is SO CUTE! Love the chain effect!

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  9. ALL your cards are AmaZinG! And such a clever technique... I'm heading over to check it out! Thanks for the inspiration!
    Thanks so much for sharing with us at CAS(E) this Sketch this week!

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  10. Wow, these are all gorgeous - I really can't choose a favourite!

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  11. These are sensational, and it 'shows to go you' what innovation does when you don't have the exact items you would like. Your use of the red is terrific. Thanks for linking to the tutorial as well. You really made the most of what barn stars have to offer.

    Thanks for taking time to share during this busy time of year!

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  12. Outstanding cards, Kelly! Totally stunning!

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  13. Fabulous stars and cards! Love that delicate chain die, must add it to my wish list.

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  14. OMG! Have you gone professional? These are off the charts! Gorgeous. I would buy them! Oh wait, I MAKE cards! Truly great job!

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  15. Winner, Winner, Winner and Winner! Four challenges, four red ribbons! You have got to be one of the most creative and resourceful crafters I know! I admire your ability improvise and make what you have on hand, work!

    Your colors are magnificant! Beautiful work!

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  16. Wow these cards are superb! I like all of them, specially the last one! The colors look simply AMAZING!! And so does the chains, must check out that die. As for the warping, I usually heat on the opposite side after embossing, it makes it a bit better.

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  17. Pretty gorgeous creations. I love these.

    Sudha
    sudha-kalra.blogspot.in

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  18. Love ,love love your neon stars on the chains! WOWSA !!!!

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  19. These turned out amazing! I so want to try this technique. Thanks for playing at CAS-ual Fridays!

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  20. Ok serious. first you show a neat technique, then you demonstrate it in like 100 cards! I love the unexpectedness of the card with the patterned paper and gitter star. the colors are so wrong yet so right. you know?

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  21. Wow Kelly!! The stars that you made are awesome!!! Thanks for sharing that technique. You are a star designer!

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  22. Wow! Gorgeous work! That 3D star with scoring is amazing! And I love that 3 star card with the chain too, thought it was a real chain! Thanks so much for scoring with us this week at CAS-ual Fridays! :)

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  23. ditto all of the above LOL - Love these stars & will definitely be trying this! The last one is truly stunning!!!!

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  24. Breathtaking beautiful Kelly!!
    Thank You~

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  25. OM Goodness, more fantastic work! These stars are amazing and I love love love the delicate chain on the last one ... it's going on my wish list! On embossing, I usually heat from both sides ... it takes a bit longer and it doesn't always stop the warping completely, but it works better for me than one sided heating. Anita :)

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  26. Love the CAS design of your card. Thanks for the technique tip - I'm gonna try this one out!

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  27. Oh yeah, that is some serious scoring awesomeness! Each of your cards is truly outstanding! So happy you played along with us at CAS-ual Fridays!

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  28. Wow! You never know what you will create when combining challenges! The stars and cards are soooooo stunning!! Love, Love, Kelly! Thank you for playing along in the Runway Inspired Challenge! Have a wonderful holiday season!

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  29. ROCK STAR! I can totally pick a fave and it's #3. That card is perfection. The gray, the neon, the 3D, the chain, the placement of the elements. And then photographing with the lime green paper in the background. You ROCK!
    As for warping - yeah it s**ks. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't, go figure. A pile of books overnite usually works - but not if you're late for a deadline or used 3D elements ;)

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  30. Hey Kelly! Thanks for linking this up to the Keen on Neon Challenge in the Moxie Fab World! I'm so glad you joined in on all the fun! :)

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  31. Love your stars, Kelly!! What wonderful cards and that delicate chain...super sweet!! Love your cards:)!! Thanks for being a part of the challenge this week at CAS-ual Fridays and for sharing your creativity:)!!

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  32. Unbelievably fantastic projects today Kelly! Love those stars! The 3rd card with the chain is my fave! Love the texture!

    As for the warping, I do the backside warming technique too (wait, that sounds a little weird;). And I also place my card directly under a large acrylic block right after I emboss (I let it cool just slightly so I don't crush the embossing if it's still soft).

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  33. Congrats on the RIC win - these cards are awesome!

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  34. Congrats Kelly!! Love the card so much!

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  35. Perfectly beautiful. Love the barn stars. Your card is lovely, thanks for putting it out there for us to enjoy at The Play Date Cafe this week!

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  36. Those barn stars are perfectly executed!! Especially love the bright colors and the chain links. Thanks so much for playing with us at CAS(E) This Sketch - we're so glad you did!

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  37. Wow, Kelly, what an amazing set of cards! Your barn stars are just fantastic, and they look so sweet as little dangly ornaments! Thank you for taking the time during this busy season to join us for this week's Play Date Cafe Challenge! Happy Holidays!

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  38. Wow,Kelly! Quite amazing...... Love these barn stars.love the tiny one too.

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  39. Congrats…. so glad you were chosen as the winner! Great job!

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  40. Gorgeous, Gorgeous, Gorgeous cards Kelly! You're rocking the blogland with this FAB stars! Thanks for sharing with us @ CASual Fridays this week!

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  41. What a surprise! Congratulations on the CTS win - totally deserved. At some point, you'll have to tell me how you attached your barn stars to the card - it looks tricky!

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  42. Well, somehow I missed all of these cards, Kelly, and ten minutes have passed as I've scrolled up and down, drooling. I have to say the card for CAS(E) This Sketch is SUCH a show-stopper and it is absolutely deserving of the WIN!! Congratulation!!

    I would like to know more, unless I'm just not reading the words, being blinded by the cards. Did you position your silver paper three different times in the BS with that MB chain die to make the three lengths? That's what I'm thinking, unless the die has three strands (I haven't seen the actual die) and, if so, your control and precision are flawless. And then, are the stars adhered by a big pop dot underneath? I'm going to make sure I'm a scubriser (well, my fingers had to let you know it's really me!) so that I don't miss your follow-up tutorial. Me, bowing!!

    Best wishes for a happy holiday to you and your whole wonderful family!!

    Darnell

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  43. What a fantastic choice by the DT on CTS, Kelly, congratulations! Anita :)

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  44. HUGE Congrats on your win too Kelly!
    Hope you and your family have a FABULOUS Christmas :)

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  45. Yay, Kelly! Congrats on your CTS win!
    And dang, now I have to get that MB chain!

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  46. Oh my, what loveliness. I, too, would like to know how you adhere the stars to the card. Your name keeps cropping up on blogs so I guess that's my clue to follow you. :)

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  47. Another shoutout and no surprise! Again, congratulations!!

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  48. Excuse me, is this 3 winners in ONE POST? You're hot! One might even say An Internet Sensation!!

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  49. All 3 cards are AMAZING Kelly! The barn stars are stunning!!! Well deserved wins! So glad you played along with us in this week's CAS(E) this Sketch!

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  50. These are AWESOME Kelly! Love the stars on those fun little chains. Congrats to you too on you Fab Four ;) Merry Christmas!!!

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  51. Sorry to keep popping back, Kelly, but I gotta congratulate you on another shoutout I just noticed at The Play Date Cafe!! These are the Holiday Cards of the Year, I'm just sayin'! Thanks for the details on how you magically crafted your beauties!!

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  52. Love the barn stars! The delicate chain card is stunning.

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  53. What great things can be done with simple means!
    This way to make a star, is really impressive and gives an amazing effect!
    Your examples show it!

    Rosi x

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I absolutely love reading comments. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to leave one! - Kelly