Thursday, May 21, 2026

Stage Pop-up with Piano Keys

An idea popped into my head this morning, but I wasn't quite sure how to run with it.  My new favorite Karen Burniston set is the Stage Pop-up, and I was trying to think of another set that might work with it.  I thought maybe the Piano Keys Pop-up might work, so I gave it a try.

I was making this up as I went along, but I'm not totally unhappy with the way it turned out.  Fortunately, I had just purchased some musical patterned paper from Creek Bank Creations, and it worked perfectly with my idea.  I had to cut down the piano keys to fit the size of the Stage.  As I was constructing my card, I forgot that the keys would actually be higher and the stage; but it doesn't look too bad.  The center panel was cut using the Ovals Crosshatch dies.


I used a few dies from the Music Charms on the back of the card.  I had a friend who unfortunately died several years ago, but her favorite color combination was red/black/white.  I have come to like that combination myself.



All in all, I'd say this card didn't disappoint me.  It's always fun to stretch your imagination.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Karen Burniston Designer Challenge -- Caffeinate

It's time again for the Karen Burniston Designer Challenge.  This month's theme is "Caffeinate," using something to get you going -- chocolate, coffee, tea, soda.  Even though it's May and quite warm here in Florida, I chose hot chocolate for my card.

Shortly after the Rockin' Rectangle was released, Karen Burniston made a card using that die with a clear acetate front.  I loved the way it looked and have made several cards using that technique.  My card today also uses it.


 


In addition to the Rockin' Rectangle, I also used the mug from the Tea and Coffee Pop-up, the Tea and Coffee Borders, the Coffee Charms, and the icing from the Cupcake Pop-up.  And, now that Karen has released clear stamps, I was able to find appropriate sentiments from both the Quiet Forest Sayings and the Coffee Chat sets.

By the way, if you'd like to try this clear acetate card, here's a link to Karen's tutorial:  Acetate Front Card.