Orchid Background Embossed with Big Shot

I was making an orchid for a 60th birthday card and was cutting 84lb Cover Starwhite Flash Pearl with the Silhouette SD. Normally I'd cut something thinner to make it easier on my machine, but I didn't have a lighter weight paper on hand that matched.

Due to the thickness, I set it to cut 3 times at full strength. It cut nicely enough until it snagged somewhere and then all the remaining cuts were off, ruining my design and card stock.

So I tried again, this time with 2 cuts at full strength. It didn't snag or misalign, but this time it didn't cut all the way. So for the entire design I had to manual cut the remaining fibers and at times my patience ran out and I yanked the bit out, leaving little torn bits behind. Looking at it with my Type A personality meant I wasn't happy with the bits. But which do I try again?

My friend recently bought a Big Shot and it came to my rescue! I used the same sheet I had just manually weeded and cranked it through, bits and all.

Seconds later a beautifully embossed texture has appeared on the front of my card without any bits hanging around, making the subtle backdrop I wanted, without all the drama.

So, how many more sleeps until Christmas...

The orchid and leaves are made of Stardream paper. I dotted the deep purple paper with a gold ink pen.

Paper Orchid Cards and Party Favor Box

Thanks so much everyone! I've been buoyed by your enthusiasm over my paper orchids. The set is finally done and listed in my Etsy store. I've enjoyed learning about the amazing colors orchids have to offer. Now that they are in my radar, I can't help but notice them in florist shops.

Since I don't have an embosser, I make my own version by cutting the Asian inspired lattice pattern out of paper, then gluing the paper on top of my card. Even my hubby was fooled and had to take a second look, wondering how I achieved the subtle pattern. It's difficult to see the white on white card, but you can see it better with the pink on pale pink card on the right.

It took a bit of time to list this in my store because I wanted to make protective boxes for the cards. This box works for both the horizontal and vertical card. When the cards are nestled inside, it reminds me of peering through the decorative windows in Asian gardens and admiring the view on the other side.

Since I use my blades until they are very dull, I end up plucking/weeding quite a bit with the lattice. So I added very tiny rounded corners to help my machine cut smoothly, making weeding easier - these are bonus files which you can choose to use if you prefer it as well.

As a child I loved attending weddings and collecting the party favors, imagining my own one day. The tapered box in this collection has little feet that raise the box up. To help guests open the lid, there is a half moon tab along the lid lip. I couldn't decide which I liked best - the straight or diagonal placement of the blossom. There are step-by-step photos to assemble every piece you see here.

Thanks for visiting!





Cecelia

Paper Orchid Sneak Peak

Thank you to those who have been asking about my paper orchid pattern. I had hoped to have it ready last week but after finishing my square card I realized it needs a protective box while being handed to the recipient.

Since I don't have much experience with orchids until my first one last year, I never knew they grew in so many amazing patterns and colors until I started researching how to show different decorating options.

I also wanted to give a 2nd card option that was faster to make but had a nod to the orient. So until I finalize everything, please bear with me, and thank you for your patience!