Monday, May 27, 2013

Patriotic Accordion Card

Hi everyone! I apologize for my long absence this month. My daughter got married on the 19th and life has been a little crazy. The wedding was amazing - I have a fun project and lots of pictures to share with you tomorrow!

Today, I thought it would be nice to create something patriotic to honor those who've served in the military. Having a son who is currently in the Air Force, and lots of friends and family who have served, I know firsthand the sacrifices military men and women make, plus the toll it takes on their families. I am so very proud of and thankful for our military!

When thinking about what type of card to make, I immediately thought of Karen Burniston's Accordion 3D die. I love using it as a base for all of my favorite dies and stamps from Tim Holtz. While I was working on this today, I took a few pics along the way to show you how I made it. I hope you're inspired to make one yourself!

Begin by cutting four panels from kraft cardstock, using the Accordion 3D die. Cut four panels from Tim Holtz' Seasonal Paper using the companion Bracket Frames and Label die. Using the same die, cut three labels from blue Core'dinations paper. Emboss with the Americana Texture Fade and sand lightly.

Next, cut three small stars from chipboard using Tim's Star Bright die. Trim off the tabs on each star and fold along the score lines.

Coat the stars with Ranger's Glue 'n Seal and cover with silver Stickles dry glitter. Let dry. (BTW, how pretty is that glitter?! I absolutely adore that stuff!)

Cut the letters 'USA' from kraft cardstock and red kraft Core'dinations using the new Sizzix Block Talk alpha die. Adhere to each other, offsetting the red letter slightly to the right. Use a foam square to adhere the star to the embossed label. Glue the letters onto the stars using a heavy, quick-setting glue like Beacon's 3-in-1.

Adhere Seasonal Chitchat stickers to a scrap of blue Core'dinations and trim as shown. Apply Glossy Accents and let dry.

To decorate the front, emboss a piece of red kraft Core'dinations with the Stripes Texture Fade. Adhere to the front of the first panel. Stamp the Statue of Liberty onto a label cut from white cardstock with Jet Black archival ink. Ink edges and layer to center panel. Adhere the Chit Chat stickers to the front as shown. Cut three stars using the Mini Old Glory star die and attach to the bottom of the center panel with Idea-ology Tiny Fasteners.

Decorate each panel with the coordinating patriotic paper and adhere the panels together. Glue the decorative center panels as shown.

Edit 7/4/16: The Karen Burniston Sizzix dies I used have been discontinued. She has a very similar version that is available at Elizabeth Crafts Designs now. The method will be slightly different from the tutorial, but enough is similar that you should be able to recreate the card with no problem!

All the supplies I used can be found at Elizabeth Craft Designs and Simon Says Stamp via the links below.



Thanks so much for stopping by today! I've had reports that some of you who have subscribed to my posts aren't getting them by email. If you have a second, please let me know if this is happening to you and I'll try to figure out what's going on. If you're on Facebook, feel free to send me a friend request. I always share on FB when I have a new post, so it's a great way to keep in touch!

18 comments:

  1. Your do wonders with that accordion die Shelly. This is beautiful! I love it! What a nice tribute to those in the military, my husband is also in the Air Force.

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  2. Happy Memorial Day and thank you to all our military and families. Love everything about this project but especially those glittery stars - neato!

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  3. Great card Shelley! I love all the cards you have made with that die!

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  4. Shelly

    I have been missing your posts - knew something big must have been going on in your life.
    Congrats on the card, love it. Also congrats to adding a new son-in-law to the family.

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  5. Oh that is fabulous Shelly ... love what you did with the Texture fade panels... just AWESOME !!!

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  6. What a beautiful, patriotic piece of art! I love your accordion cards and have to add that die to my wish list!! =)

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  7. Congratulations on your daughters wedding. I figured that was what was keeping you away from blogging. Always love your accordion cards. The patriotic theme fills me with pride and is a wonderful tribute to those who have died serving our country. Thank You for the tutorial.

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  8. Love it!! and a big THANK YOU to your son for serving.

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  9. I was thinking about you the other day, remembering your daughters wedding and that the likely reason for your creative absence. So glad that your mojo came back with you :). I bought Karens pop up die because of you and I am really tempted by the accordian one now, but must settle down and create a few pop ups first!

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  10. Wowzer...another fantastic accordion card!! LOVE the Patriotic theme, perfect!

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  11. Gorgeous project and very well done, as usual!

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  12. Fantastic card, Shelley! I am going to make it - it'll be perfect for my husband's 4th of July birthday. He and I are both so proud of our military forces and we thank your son for serving. Congratulations on your daughter's wedding. I know how it gobbles up all your time though.
    God bless our armed forces.

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  13. Love this card, Shelly! I got the accordian die and am having sooo much fun with it. Made a couple of graduation and BD cards. It has to be my most favorite die of the bunch!!! If I get a chance, I'll try and post one. Spring/Summer time is just crazy around here....

    Congrats on your daughter getting married. Can't wait to see your photos and hear more about it. Have a good rest of the week:)

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  14. Thank you so much for sharing this Fabulous Accordian fold die. I am also going to make it. God Bless Our Military and God Bless America.

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  15. Beautiful card Shirley and a great tutorial.

    Greetings Janny

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  16. What a wonderful piece. Full of great inspiration. Thank you so much.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate your comments so much!