Pinterest

Saturday 25 January 2014

An Accordion Birthday card

Hello Blog friends both new and old.  Thank you for the wonderful response to my Tag Holders in my last post and I was thrilled that a few of you have visited Helen to buy the pattern.  You really will enjoy making the holders.

I do not normally blog family cards but when I was parceling up a card to send to my lovely Brother in Canada, I thought it fitted well into a couple of challenges that are currently running.  My older Brother is a larger than life character and having spent the whole of his adult life in the Canadian Navy he is quite a tough guy - but he has a big soft heart.  I miss him terribly as he lives 5,000 miles away and we do not get to meet up as often as we would both like so we tend to wear our hearts on our sleeves when we send cards to each other.  Anyway, on to the card which I think he will love.  These cards are always difficult to photograph because of their large size and today is a very grey and rainy day!  Click on the photos for a larger view.




I kept the design fairly simple as it is for a man. I embossed the outer frames with a Tim Holtz embossing folder and then after joining the four pieces together, the base card was painted with Walnut Stain Distress Paint but it was a little dark, so I painted over this with Antique Linen Distress Paint and then again with Broken China Distress Paint.  In real life the three colours are visible here and there on the frame.  I decided against any further treatment because I liked the 'worn' look that the three colours created.

The sentiment reads - Just a note to say, although an ocean apart, you are always in my heart.  Happy Birthday Big Brother.

The inside frame was coloured with Walnut Stain Distress Marker to create frame for the toppers.



The toppers were coloured with Walnut Stain and Broken China Distress Ink and then I spritzed and flicked water to create a more aged background.

On the first mat I added  mini Feather and Inkwell dies, coloured and edged with Black Soot Distress ink and paint.

For the second mat I coloured a mini Globe die cut which was coloured with Salty Ocean Distess paint for the water and the land masses were coloured with Peeled Paint Distress paint.  The outer edge of the globe is coloured with Brushed Pewter Distress paint.  I love the way the mini Movers and Shapers dies fit the accordian card mats so well.


A mini heart die has been added to the third mat and a birthday sentiment to the last mat.


This is a close-up of the heart, for extra interest I cut out a 'brother' definition from a dictionary, coloured this with Festive Berries Distress ink and edged it with Black Soot Distress ink.  I went around the edge of the heart with a charcoal pencil to give it some depth.

I would like to enter the following challenges:

The challenge at Frilly and Funkie is Warmth of Winter where you are to make something to warm the heart of someone dear.  As well as an opportunity to be a Guest Designer there is a $25 prize for a randomly chosen winner to spend in the Funkie Junkie Boutique.

Simon Says Monday Challenge is 'A' and as mine is an accordion card and therefore appropriate for the challenge.  Winning entries are Spotlighted and there is a random prize draw of $50 to spend at Simon Says Stamp.

Edited:  I have just seen that Inspiration Emporium have started up their challenges again and would like to add this, if possible, since it is all about die cuts (Dieing for 2014) and I have plenty on this card.

Thanks for looking and hopefully commenting, enjoy the rest of your weekend and I hope to see you again soon.  Hugs,  Anne xx

53 comments:

  1. This is absolutely stunning Anne. Your design and detailing is wonderful and I love the way you have added the wording.
    Your brother is going to be be thrilled to receive such a special card made with so much love.
    hugs Sue xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. You and this accordion die were clearly made for each other, Anne... every time you create a card with it, there's something magical about it. I love the colours and the clean lines of this, and then all the great detailing: the lovely inky spritzing on the panels and embossed frames, and beautiful dies to illustrate the heartfelt words. A wonderful card for your brother!
    Alison xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anne what an inspiration you are! I am about to embark on my first adventure with this die as soon as I get up from this chair. I love the dark frame pulling your design together so perfectly. As mine is a class project you have provided a perfect time solution for me too.
    Your brother will be I am sure totally delighted. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hello Redanne this is stunning. So much going with lots of different techniques and yet so well laid out. Your brother will love this, and the card shows how much you carex

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Anne - wonderful accordion card - I really hope you win the challenges - your card is just so perfect for them. I love that heart especially - its wonderful. Not long now until the crafting weekend - I can hardly contain myself! Hugs rachel xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Anne, my dear friend, I dont care how tough your brother is, he is going to be so touched by the lovely wording you have put onto this lovely accordian card. You are quite right those movers and shapers do fit perfectly onto the mats of the card as if they were made for it. Hugs Mo x

    ReplyDelete
  7. The love for your brother Anne comes shining through both in your heartfelt sentiment and the wonderful way you have put this card together. I adore it and I am sure your brother will too.
    hugs {brenda} x0x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Magnificent card Anne. I always love how you create these wonderful cards and make them your own. The personal message is sure to reach his heart and I think this one will definitely be treasured. Enjoy yourself next weekend too. Hugs Rita xxx

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is fabulous Anne, I always love what you create using this die. Your brother is going to love it I'm sure.
    Like you I miss my big brother ...... mine doesn't live as far away as yours though, he's only across in the UK but I don't see him as often as I'd like. Enjoy the rest of the weekend ..... hugs Linda xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Now that is definitely going to warm the heart of your brother Anne. I love your embossed and weathered frames which work so well with the spritz/flick backgrounds. Your choice of die toppers is perfect and the little touches, like the dictionary page and the pencil edging give it such a professional finish. Thank you so much for joining us at Frilly and Funkie and for sharing this fabulous and very special card. Jenny xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is gorgeous,love the design...fabulous layout.xxx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Gorgeous card - I love the colours, the design. I didn't think I 'needed' the inkwell dies but I am now thinking that I do!! I am sure your brother will love the card.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh Anne, what a wonderful post! I really got a picture of your brother and I just bet he will love this card! It is stunning all round! I love the idea of embossing the outer frame and the 3 colours of DP work beautifully together. The way you have decorated each of the panels, looks fantastic too. I never knew all the mover and shaper dies existed in a mini version too. I always get lost with Tim Holtz sizes, both the stamps and the dies. I need to pay more attention, so thanks for that bit of information too....Have a wonderful Sunday and I think the photos are stunning, despite the difficult circumstances.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Anne, loved today's post and I am sure your brother will be thrilled with his card..it's totally inspired and absolutely stunning. I love the embossed frame of the card and may well be borrowing that when I next use this die. When I first got it, I thought I would need to by another die to mat and layer the panel, but was fortunate to discover one of my spellbinders labels dies fitted really well, hugs Carole Z X

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wonderful card - I'm sure your brother will love it. You've used a great mix of colours and dies and great words too. Elaine x

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a beautiful Birthday card for your much loved dear Brother Anne... the detail & design is fantastic.. he will treasure this I'm sure... simply perfect... Hugs May x x x

    ReplyDelete
  17. A lovely card with such a personal touch that expresses your love for your brother - how can he help but treasure it. I admire the four-fold design and the cutwork which make it very special.

    ReplyDelete
  18. another fabulous card and I am sure this will be treasured what a great make ! sorry for the lack of comments life has been a bit hectic so playing catch up! hugs trace x

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thank you so much for showing us this lovely card and for telling us about your brother, I really enjoyed the read. Good look with the challenges. Fingers crossed you will win.
    Love Lynn xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh Anne - You are definitely the Queen of this type of accordion card. This style can be tricky but you have the perfect style - I treasure the one you made me - the one for your brother is just as outstanding and I know he will love it. He does sound like a hearty soul!
    I went and bought the plans for the tag holder - absolutely perfect for Tim's tags. Thank you for sharing that Sugar!! Hope all is well with you and our motto for this year is "Just Do It But Don't Fall" !!
    Sandy xx

    ReplyDelete
  21. Now you've gone and brought tears to my eyes, sweet Annie! BB is going to adore this tender and special card and treasure it always, along with all the others you have made him. Having a sibling love like that is magical and moving. Love and hugs, Darnell

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh this is so gorgeous Anne and your brother will love it, your post brought a lump to my throat. I love that die I'm guessing its one of Tim;s lol and my grand calibur is about to die so which machine would I need to cut his dies Anne??? lots of hugglesssss Sue xxx

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a brilliant card, so much work and love put into it, he is sure to love it. I can just imagine him telling everyone what his lil' sis made him! Big hugs, barb xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hello Miss Anne, eeekkksss this accordion card is singing with LOVE, beautiful frame, the colors all blended and with the water spots, beautifully embellished, oh Anne he is going to looooove it, thanks so much for sharing it, my DS is over the pond many miles away, it does make out time together extra special, filled with wonderful memories, he will be show it off, I know I would, have a wonderful week, ((( BIG HUGS )))...

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anne, I guarantee your brother will love this! My youngest brother is 3000 miles away from us here on the East Coast of the USA, and we don't see him often, so I totally understand the 'hearts on the sleeve' comment you made. Your card was very masculine, even with the sentiment you chose, and how inspired to use the brother definition with your heart. Always enjoy reading how you painted & colored with all the TH paint elements & inks, and this one's going to be a winner at each of these challenges. It really speaks to those of us with brothers & families far apart. Hugs & TFS

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a wonderful card Anne. Your brother will just love it. I really like how you used a dictionary definition of brother for the heart. What size embossing folders do you use Anne? I'm finding the ones I have don't cover anything bigger than a small card and trying to mathc it up is a nightmare, haha. :o) x

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wow Anne I can see you put your heART and soul into this fabulous card!

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is such a fabulous card! Love the beautiful texture and colors. Thank you so much for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. A truly great card which I just know will fill your bro with joy.
    Hugs, Neet xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is such a lovely and creative card, Anne!! Everywhere you look there is another detail to catch the eye Thank you so much for sharing it with us at the Frilly and Funkie Challenge!!
    Hugs,
    Nancy
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi Anne, fabulous card which I'm sure your brother will absolutely love. I have a sister who I'm very close to & can't imagine what it would be like if she lived far away. Love seeing your projects with the accordion die, might have to purchase one for myself!
    Amy x

    ReplyDelete
  32. An amazing card Anne and I am sure your brother will love it. The attention to detail is always very prominent in your artwork, texture is another key factor which is why they always stand out.

    My husbands brother and his wife have just emigrated to Canada. So adventurous at their time of life.

    Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi there Anne - I saw this over on Simon Says challenge and thought I would check it out. You really can tell how much you miss your brother with this wonderful card. I love the paper 'engineering' and the die cuts are perfect. I've never see this die myself but it certainly does a wonderful job.

    Hugs to you Sue Pxxx

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anne, you really do amazing and stunning accordion cards! This is just so perfect for your brother so far away and what a lovely birthday surprise! Love how you tied in all the dies for the distance theme, but close to heart! Beautiful! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I love your card! I especially love how you decorated each panel to match your sentiments!
    So now I am really going to appreciate how close my brother is. He lives out of town, but not that far. I miss seeing him though!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Just love your accordion card creation Anne, so clever how you have married the die cuts and words together to achieve something from your own heart. I'm sure your brother will feel the love you have put into his card when he receives it.
    Hugs Lottie x

    ReplyDelete
  37. I'm sure your brother is going to love this fabulius card Anne. I've really liked these accordian cards since I saw the first one on your blog and bought the die just before Christmas but I've yet to use it. Must rectify that asap.

    Hugs
    Lesley Xx

    ReplyDelete
  38. Can you believe I still don't have this die...ugh! Your accordion cards are always fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh, Anne, this brought tears to my eyes! It's obvious that the miles don't diminish the affection between you. I'm sure he'll love it!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant, your brother will love it.
    You brought a lump to my throat reading your post.
    My sister and I are so close I could almost feel the distance between you and your brother.
    Hugs

    Patricia xx

    ReplyDelete
  41. Ranger should be paying you Anne for brilliant display of their products. Your crafting is always so clean and technically perfect yet filled with great heart and wonderfully emotive touches. I love each and every page and especially love how your used the dictionary definition here. I have no doubt that your brother will be very touched - it's truly beautiful. Nicola x

    ReplyDelete
  42. Anne, this is so much more than a card. We can tell this was made with such love and attention to detail such as the brother definition on the heart which is a most beautiful touch.
    Your brother will treasure this.
    Wishes
    Lynne

    ReplyDelete
  43. Such a beautiful card Anne! Surely your brother will treasure this as it is such a work of art and obviously made with a lot of love! Love all the die cuts you used and the beautiful background!

    ReplyDelete
  44. You really are the mistress of the accordion card Anne, the heart and globe look brilliant x

    ReplyDelete
  45. Your Brother will be so pleased to receive this, it's awesome! I particularly love the heart! I keep thinking about buying this accordian die, do you know if it will work with the Cuttlebug or would I need a Sizzix machine? Sorry to be a pain, I hope you don't mind me asking? Also what is the actual die name? Thank you xx

    ReplyDelete
  46. Beautiful card, beautiful sentiment and I think your brother will love it. Outstanding work Anne xx

    ReplyDelete
  47. Anne, Thanks for your visit, and nope, I don't want you to have to write a recuperation note either, from falls on ice. Been there, done that, 3 yrs ago, and a repaired knee meniscus to prove it. I am one nervous lady anytime somebody mentions ice! Hugs & hope you're staying warm as well.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Great card Anne, never get bored of using that die. Craftychris was asking about the die, I always use mine with a Cuttlebug and it cuts perfectly.
    Sending hugs, Angela x

    ReplyDelete
  49. ...simply stunning Anne, a keepsake card your Brother will cherish and a delight for us to feast our eyes upon, yummy colours and textures and the heart really pops out, hope you guys get together sometime soon...Mel:)xx
    Thank you for dropping by my blog your words are very much appreciated X

    ReplyDelete
  50. back to say thanks for joining us at Frilly and Funkie this time x trace x

    ReplyDelete
  51. My goodness girl...this card is wonderful!
    Loved the step by step...the grungy look is fabulous and the flicked waterdroplets sure gave a feeling of the oceans apart.

    This is going to be treasured by your big brother...

    On another note, I just walked back from the mail...guess what finally was htere. I often think our postie saves up the mail for different routes and delivers it all at once. we will have nothing for nearly a week and then a deluge. My enighbours say the same.

    They contracted out mail delivery and it now goes to a superbox 4 houses down the street. So it is entirely possible. He also has the added annoyance of folding every single thing I get in half! Even though I have had a card added to my mailbox asking him not too. I used to give chocolatesand a card, to the old mail lady but not this fellow!

    In this weeks deluge, there was a lovely yellow envelope and I was beaming as I retrieved it. I knew right away what it was!!! Love it and thanks a million. I have a plan for it already...

    Will be posting the shoes stamp cards soon. They are all coloured and I finally have some new paper packs that will show them off nicely!

    Thanks again my friend!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it!

If you are at all concerned at how data from my blog is collected and/or used, please read my Privacy Policy at the very bottom of my page.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Labels