Level 1: Final Challenge – AECP

Hello and welcome! This is my final challenge for level 1.

I was tasked with completing two set of cards. One set masculine and the other set feminine. Each set must have a cohesive theme. With this in mind, I wanted to create 2 sets, but also be able to use both sets as one set. This would also challenge me to expand my imagination in order to keep a similar theme for both sets.

I will also need to create packaging for my card sets and use a recycled element on a card set or the packaging.

My Plan

The plan was simple…at least in my head it was. 😉

For the masculine cards, I wanted to use one stamp set as the focus for each card, as well as the same die cuts. I knew there may be some deviation from this, but I wanted to ensure it would be kept to a minimum.

I did the same for the feminine cards as well – one stamp set as the focus of my cards and did my best to keep the die cutting as cohesive as possible.

Now, how do I make both sets similar enough to be used as one set? Well, I decided to use the same 4 colors for all my cards (I’m not including the black used for the tiny flower layer or some of my sentiments). I have these beautiful dye inks – Altenew’s Dark Night , Nimbus, Cloudy Sky, and Misty Morning Crisp. These colors will work perfectly with the masculine cards AND the feminine cards.

Class Components

So, with all this in mind, which 3 components from my classes do I use? All About Layering (1 & 2) was a given, considering I’d already picked out which stamp sets to use for both my feminine and masculine cards. I’m a big fan of layering stamps, especially layered flowers. I love the details that come from them and the versatility that comes with being able to use just one layer on a card. Antique Roses Stamp set is a stunning set. I love these flowers and would like to see more designs out there using this set.

For my masculine cards, one stamp set Altenew has for guys is the bow tie (2 layers) from the Thanks, Dad Stamp Set. I LOVE this stamp set. In my opinion, it’s a perfect set to create multiple variations of masculine cards.

Easy Die Cutting Techniques was an easy choice too. I love die cutting and feel like there’s so much you can do with even one die. Create stencils, window cards, and adding dimension to the simplest card can really make it pop. I’ve really grown fond of the Fine Frame Circle and Rectangle dies and utilize both dies throughout this project.

The third component? I decided to use Irresistible Inking Techniques. This class really opened up an entirely new technique that’s so versatile, I can’t believe my brain didn’t pick up on this in the past. I’ve fallen in love with taking my ink pad to my paper. Creating borders, and using the ink pad on stencils instead of a blending brush – giving the images a rougher look to them. One technique I came up with on this project was putting the edge of my ruler to my ink pad, misting the edge with water and taking the ruler-edge to my panel to create a border. I’m kind of impressed with myself and this little idea. 😊

Main Supplies

Other Stamp Supplies for Sentiments

The Cards

I’ve created 2 videos – one for the masculine cards and one for the feminine cards, as one video would have been too long. I’ve tried (key word here is ‘tried’) to keep each card demonstration under 4 minutes, but still show the process used to put these cards together. I will also show the packaging for each set at the end of each video.

Feminine Video

Masculine Video

Packaging

For the packaging I choose to use some long, paper gift bags I had lying around. I also pulled stamp-set-packaging from my recycling bin to use for the windows on the bags. My plan was to die cut circle windows and use the packaging for the window. When I die cut my circle windows, I didn’t pay close enough attention to what the die would cut, and cut the edge of the folded sides of the bag. I planned on redoing the bags for about 60 seconds, and realized I could easily cut the edges of my stamp packaging and just use my mistake as side windows. Ha! Problem solved!

A Closer Look

Feminine Cards

Click on Each Photo to Enlarge

Masculine Cards

Click on Each Photo to Enlarge

That’s all for Level 1 of the AECP. Catch you at the next level – Level 2 Beyond Basic Backgrounds

AECP Level 1 AECP Level 2 AECP Level 3 Altenew Cardmaking Challenge Christmas Copics Crepe Paper Crepe Paper Flowers Distress Oxide Inks Masculine Card Papercraft Business Simon Says Stamp Slimline Stencil Watercoloring ZIG Real Watercolor Brush Pens