ThePowerOfACard: Criss Cross Cards Featuring Designer Series Paper

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Criss Cross Cards Featuring Designer Series Paper

A few months ago, a friend of mine made a criss cross card and I thought it would be fun to do one too. My first one was the same orientation as hers and I loved it because it was fun and different. But then, I wondered how it would look in a vertical orientation - I liked that one too! And then I did one that opened upward! So many different options to showcase our beautiful Designer Series Paper. Thank you Kelly Acheson for the inspiration!

Gather your supplies:

Cardstock: Thick Basic White 5-1/2" x 8-1/2"; Night of Navy 2-1/2" x 2-1/2"; Basic White 2-1/4" x 2-1/4"; (2) Hues of Happiness DSP 3-7/8" x 5-1/8" (Depending on which pattern you select, you may only need one of these.)
Stamp Set: Happiness Abounds
Ink: Night of Navy, Melon Mambo
Dies: Stylish Shapes
Punch: Decorative Circle
Adhesive and Tools

Before I show you how to make the card, I have two diagrams that will help you cut your cardstock correctly. I explain it in my video, but I think you'll find the diagrams pretty self explanatory.

One other consideration before you cut the DSP is to look at the pattern of the paper and see if it is directional. Before you cut this piece, decide which orientation you want your card base and cut that. This will help you visualize how to cut the DSP so that it looks best.

Now, let's get started with the vertical variation of the criss cross card! Score and fold the card base, giving it a good crease with the bone folder. Then cut off a triangle by placing the top crease point and outside corner in the groove of the cutter as shown in the diagram. Flip the triangle over and position it criss cross on the top triangle flap.

Cut the DSP rectangle in half on the diagonal so that it will fit the triangle front flap (watch my video if you are uncertain on which direction to cut this). I decided not to use the reverse side of my paper, so I used a second DSP rectangle for the second triangle. Because of this, I had to cut the diagonal in the opposite direction. That is why I like to cut the base first and place the two triangles near their final position because it helps me cut my paper properly.

Adhere the two triangles of DSP to the card base and white triangle. The loose triangle can either be positioned on top of the card front, or behind, depending on which side you want to see more of. I chose to put it behind, so I lined up the bottom and right edge with my card base, then closed the card flap over it. I put my bone folder (you could use a piece of paper) along the flap edge to give me a visual stopping point for my glue. Open the card, add your glue to the portion to the left of the bone folder, then close the card to get perfect alignment and just the right amount of glue.

All that remains is to add our sentiments. Cut a circle from the white square (don't you love the details from the Stylish Shapes Dies??) and a Decorative Circle from the Night of Navy square. On the circle, stamp one of the flowers with Melon Mambo ink, stamped off to make it lighter. Add the sentiment with Night of Navy and layer this on the Decorative Circle. Pop this up with Dimensionals where the two triangles come together.

This variation is horizontal, but opens upward rather than sideways. I really like each one - which is your favorite?

Of course, I had to make a variety of samples to show just how fun this card layout is! The first one features the He's the Man Suite (and was my husband's father's day card). The DSP worked so well by just flipping the paper over. I like when that happens.

This one uses the Cheerful Basket Bundle and Tea Boutique DSP. I love how the kitten is looking adoringly at the butterfly. I also like that this shows another option - you don't have to use a label or basic shape for the center of your card. It's just as easy to use something else. The only thing I did was to cut another kitten in white to glue behind the colored one since the blends bleed through and I thought it looked nicer to have a clean white back.

The next two samples feature new products available July 1st. The first one is a Sale-a-bration (SAB) item you can earn for free in July and August. It is called Wonderful World and has both a stamp set and DSP and you can get this free for a $100 purchase during SAB. The second one uses the Handmade Wishes Bundle and the Boughs of Holly DSP. This paper is simply gorgeous and I love how this turned out. And it's not hard to make either, so you could mass produce them for Christmas this year.