Altenew AECP Clean & Simple Boutique Cards

Hello friends! Thank you for joining me along my AECP journey, today I am sharing a card for the Clean and Simple Boutique Cards module. This is my third module, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the classes so far. I highly recommend this class, if you’re trying to take your cards to the next level or make them more professional looking. Let’s take a look at my card, and then I will go more into detail about the class and how I made it.

The Clean and Simple Boutique Cards class is made up of 6 different lessons which focused on how to make your images be the focal point, while maintaining simple designs. I often struggle with “space” on my cards, so I really had to look at keeping it simple, but having a bold, professional style. Lesson 3 really stood out to me because adding foiling or metallic accents screams high end and elegance.

I learned a few do’s and don’ts along the way while creating this card and hope my tips help you when you try foiling. I first started out creating this card by stamping the outline images of the Nature Blossoms stamp set with Versafine Clair Nocturne ink and clear embossed each image one at a time. It is very important to use an anti static tool so that your powder doesn’t stick in unwanted areas, because later that is where the foil will be.

Once happy with my arrangement and the embossing was complete, I used the 2nd most solid stamp of the blossom and leaves to stamp the insides layers. For the leaves, I chose Minty Mint ink using only one layer. You will notice, the blossom was actually stamped with 2 different layers. I started out with the Coral Berry ink with the intention of only using the 2nd most solid stamp, but I felt like I needed a little more color and definition. To correct that I stamped the most solid layer in Pink Peach ink.

As I stated before, one of the key factors in lesson 3 was to add metallic elements, and I chose foiling to do this. Remember how I embossed the outline layers? That’s what my foiling will stick to get that great shine. I made sure to heat my laminator for 20 minutes to get it thoroughly heated, because the embossing powder will melt while in the machine causing the foil to transfer. This is where I messed up a little bit, but was able to fix it with a white plastic eraser. I would have been devastated at this point if I had ruined the card. It is VERY important to dust your card panel before applying the foil and running it through the laminator because transfer foil sticks to dust/ or toner. When revealing my foiling, I found I had foil shadowing throughout my card because I did not dust my panel. I panicked for a minute, but then took the eraser to the panel lightly and was able to remove the over foiling.

To finish off my card, I stamped the sub-sentiment and embossed it and then added the Hugs die cut to nestle around the smaller one. Just one more tip, to take your cards to the next level, try stacking your die cut sentiments so that they are thicker and more bold. In this example I used three layers. To add just a bit more metallic shine, I used a champagne colored acrylic paint to add splatters, and a few gold sequins.

I’d really love to know what you think of the card, and if I succeeded in taking it up a notch or two?

Please head over to Instagram and hop along with the AECP family and learn about our journeys. Did I mention there will be prizes along the way? You will find all the details over there, but please note, the hop ends May 6, 2021.

Just a small disclaimer! All items used in all of my projects are (or have been) purchased with my own funds, but this does not include design team items that I have received or otherwise stated.

Challenges entering:
Color Throwdown 640
Creative Fingers
Your Next Stamp
Just Add Ink
World Wide Open DT Challenge

Until next time… keep crafting!!!!