Lovely As a Tree

Lovely As a Tree – A serene scene

~ Karen Young

This serene scene is the final project from my Lovely As a Tree Papercrafting Class. It’s also a design I’ve used before, but have updated to include new colours and ribbons.

Lovely as a Tree serene scene. Designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

We begin by stamping the trees first at different heights using first and second generation images. It’s good to make sure that there is a tree that is higher than the others to use as a feature.

Next, punch a circle from a sticky-note to create a mask and place it over the feature tree.

Then it’s fun with sponge daubers and different blues to create the sky. This project uses Pool Party, Balmy Blue and Pacific Point for the sky with Night of Navy for the stamping. When you’re happy with the depth of colour, remove the mask.

Lovely as a Tree serene scene. Designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

The flock of birds from High Tide flying across the sky completes the scene.

A strip of Pool Party Shimmer Ribbon and a knotted length of Night of Navy Medium Baker’s Twine pull all of the colours together.

Lovely as a Tree serene scene. Designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

This completes the set of 6 from this class. Here they all are together.

Lovely as a Tree Class. Project designed by Karen Young at HIPPOFROG Designs Lovely As a Tree in Crumb Cake and Soft Suede. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs Lovely as a tree in shades of purple. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs Lovely As a Tree Banners. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs Lovely as a Tree grunge. Designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs Lovely as a Tree serene scene. Designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Which is your favourite?

My next Papercrafting Class is on 12th September. Click here to book your place.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the images below to go to my online store. Remember to use the Hostess Code if you are placing an order.

You can also join my team here.

Lovely As A Tree Wood-Mount Stamp SetHigh Tide Photopolymer Stamp SetWhisper White A4 CardstockNight Of Navy A4 CardstockNight Of Navy Classic Stampin' PadPool Party A4 CardstockPool Party Classic Stampin' PadBalmy Blue Classic Stampin' PadPacific Point Classic Stampin' PadSponge Daubers1-3/4" (4.4 cm) Circle PunchPool Party 3/8" Shimmer RibbonNight Of Navy Medium Baker's TwineSnail Adhesive

Lovely As a Tree – All about the grunge

~ Karen Young

The penultimate project from my recent Lovely As a Tree Class is all about the grunge.

Lovely as a Tree grunge. Designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

This uses sponge daubers for most of the inking, including colouring the tree in two colours for a natural look.

For the grunge look, screw up a piece of Whisper White Cardstock into a ball several times to create the creases. The more times the scrunching happens, the softer the fibres become and the better the overall effect.

Starting with the lightest colour of ink and a Sponge Dauber, begin by highlighting some of the creases. Then, add the darker colours to build up the layers of creases. As with my other grunge projects, a nail file is used to crack the top of the fibres around the edge to create more texture. Again, use Sponge Daubers to add more ink and highlight these areas further.

The colours for the grunge inking are Crumb Cake and Old Olive, with Early Espresso for the darker areas.

Lovely as a Tree grunge. Designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Lots of times people really overthink how to create a grunge piece. My advice is to just go with the flow and it will create itself. Just remember to leave a bit of white space.

I also know that some people have a problem creating projects like this, but it’s great to learn new techniques. Plus, it’s good to step outside of your comfort zone and learn a new skill. Even if you don’t like the design, always remember that you’re not sending it to yourself! Try and think about someone who you can send it to when you are creating to overcome any reservations.

Lovely as a Tree grunge. Designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

As the grunge layer is not a flat piece, it is stuck to the project using a few strips of Tear & Tape. At the bottom of my project, you can see that I’m showing the creases and texture instead of working against them.

For the layers, I chose Tranquil Tide as a contrast, along with a base card made from Thick Whisper White. This helps to pull everything together.

Finally, a sentiment from the Jar of Love Stamp Set and a strip of Metallic-Edged Ribbon are attached using Tear & Tape.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the images below to go to my online store. Remember to use the Hostess Code if you are placing an order.

You can also join my team here.

Lovely As A Tree Wood-Mount Stamp SetJar Of Love Photopolymer Stamp SetWhisper White A4 CardstockTranquil Tide A4 CardstockWhisper White A4 Thick CardstockCrumb Cake Classic Stampin' PadOld Olive Classic Stampin' PadEarly Espresso Classic Stampin' PadSponge DaubersSilver 3/8" Metallic-Edge Ribbon1" (2.5 cm) Circle Punch1-1/4" (3.2 cm) Circle Punch2" (5.1 cm) Circle Punch2-1/4" (5.7 cm) Circle PunchSnail AdhesiveTear & Tape Adhesive

Lovely As a Tree Banners and Leaves

~ Karen Young

Here is the 4th project from the 6 made at my Lovely As a Tree Class. This one is another ‘old’ project that has had a new colour makeover.

Lovely As a Tree Banners. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

The leaves from Lovely As a Tree are stamped randomly on the Pear Pizzazz Cardstock in Call Me Clover ink. Splats from the Swirly Bird  Stamp Set are then added.

Lovely As a Tree Banners. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Another leaf is then stamped onto a piece of Very Vanilla that is shaped using the Triple Banner Punch. The leaf is coloured using a Blender Pen.

A sentiment on Tranquil Tide using Thoughtful Banners Stamp Set and Memento Ink is place on the banner.
Lovely As a Tree Banners. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

A small piece of Call Me Clover Ribbon and a couple of strips of Lemon Lime Twist add the finishing touches.

Have you seen the special offers for this month? Check them out here.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the images below to go to my online store. Remember to use the Hostess Code if you are placing an order.

You can also join my team here.

Lovely As A Tree Wood-Mount Stamp SetThoughtful Banners Photopolymer Stamp SetSwirly Bird Photopolymer Stamp SetCall Me Clover Stampin' PadCall Me Clover A4 CardstockCall Me Clover 1/8" (3.2 mm) Grosgrain RibbonTranquil Tide A4 CardstockLemon Lime Twist A4 CardstockPear Pizzazz A4 CardstockVery Vanilla A4 CardstockTuxedo Black Memento Ink PadBlender PensBanner Triple PunchSnail AdhesiveTear & Tape AdhesiveStampin' Dimensionals

Lovely As a Tree in shades of purple

~ Karen Young

Another previous project received a new colour makeover at my recent Lovely As a Tree class. This time in shades of purple.

Lovely as a tree in shades of purple. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

The largest image from the set is stamped in Blackberry Bliss with the landscape softened using Blender Pens.

This image is then cut into three to create a triptypch. Each corner, plus the background layer is rounded using the Detailed Trio Punch.

Lovely as a tree in shades of purple. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

With the triptych biased towards the top, this leaves space for a strip of Baker’s Twine to wrap around the project. A sentiment from Banners For You cut out with the matching Bunch of Banners Framelits is then attached using Mini Dimensionals.

Lovely as a tree in shades of purple. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Don’t forget the special offers that are running this month.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the images below to go to my online store. Remember to use the Hostess Code if you are placing an order.

You can also join my team here.

Lovely As A Tree Wood-Mount Stamp SetBanners For You Photopolymer Stamp SetBunch Of Banners Framelits DiesWhisper White A4 CardstockBlackberry Bliss Classic Stampin' PadBlackberry Bliss A4 CardstockHighland Heather A4 CardstockWhisper White Solid Baker's TwineBlender PensDetailed Trio PunchStampin' Trimmer (Metric)Whisper White C6 EnvelopesSnail AdhesiveMini Stampin' Dimensionals

Lovely As a Tree in Crumb Cake and Soft Suede

~ Karen Young

At the recent Lovely As a Tree Class, I gave this project a makeover using Crumb Cake and Soft Suede.

Lovely As a Tree in Crumb Cake and Soft Suede. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

The subtle tones of all of the stamping in Soft Suede and Crumb Cake Cardstock makes this a soft and calming project. Just perfect for any occasion.

Sponge Daubers and Crumb Cake soften the edges of the layers by gently adding a touch of colour.

Lovely As a Tree in Crumb Cake and Soft Suede. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

I love how the strips of Linen Thread mirror the angle of the bottom layer. The little leaves are then added down the side using Circle punches for the layers.

Lovely As a Tree in Crumb Cake and Soft Suede. Project designed by Karen at HIPPOFROG Designs

Finally, the main focus, the stunning fir tree is attached using Dimensionals.

A really quick and simple project to make with a classy feel. This card is proof that you can take a project and adjust the colours to create something totally different.

Which colours would you use?

Don’t forget to check out this month’s special offers.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the images below to go to my online store. Remember to use the Hostess Code if you are placing an order.

You can also join my team here.

Lovely As A Tree Wood-Mount Stamp SetCrumb Cake Classic Stampin' PadCrumb Cake A4 CardstockSoft Suede Classic Stampin' PadSoft Suede A4 CardstockLinen ThreadSponge Daubers3/4" (1.9 cm) Circle Punch1" (2.5 cm) Circle PunchVery Vanilla C6 EnvelopesSnail AdhesiveTear & Tape AdhesiveStampin' Dimensionals

Lovely as a Tree Class Project – For Dad

~ Karen Young

Last week I ran a private class for some lovely ladies.  They chose the Lovely as a Tree Stamp Set and I revisited a class I’d run previously using this set as inspiration.

It was also my Father-in-Law’s Birthday so one of the projects had a dual purpose.

Lovely as a Tree Class. Project designed by Karen Young at HIPPOFROG Designs

The project is based on this one. I’ve updated the colours and design slightly.

Using the Woodland Embossing Folder and Mossy Meadow Cardstock creates a lovely background. This is then added to with tone-on-tone stamping using the small leaf. A quick colour of the leaves using a Blender Pen adds some additional depth to the design.

Another larger leaf is stamped onto Old Olive and cut out by hand. The sentiment is from Happy Birthday Gorgeous and cut from Crushed Curry Cardstock using the Classic Label Punch, biasing it to one side.

Lovely as a Tree Class. Project designed by Karen Young at HIPPOFROG Designs

The cut out pieces are attached to the back of a True Gentleman Button with a length of Linen Thread tied through it.  They are then securely fastened to the Crumb Cake Classic Weave ribbon using Tear & Tape and Dimensionals.

Lovely as a Tree Class. Project designed by Karen Young at HIPPOFROG Designs

I’m pleased to say that my Father-in-Law was happy with his card 🙂

Pop back soon to see some more projects from the class.

Visit my class timetable for details of my future classes.

Happy crafting

Karen Young HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the images below to go to my online store. Remember to use the Hostess Code if you are placing an order.

You can also join my team here.

Lovely As A Tree Wood-Mount Stamp SetHappy Birthday Gorgeous Photopolymer Stamp SetWoodland Textured Impressions Embossing FolderClassic Label PunchMossy Meadow Classic Stampin' PadMossy Meadow A4 CardstockCrushed Curry A4 CardstockOld Olive A4 CardstockTrue Gentleman ButtonsCrumb Cake 3/8" Classic Weave RibbonLinen ThreadBlender PensVery Vanilla C6 EnvelopesSnail AdhesiveTear & Tape AdhesiveStampin' DimensionalsMini Stampin' Dimensionals

Last Week’s Card & Cuppa – Autumnal Diagonal Slash

~ Karen Young

Hope you are enjoying this Bank Holiday Monday and that the weather is being kind to you.

Although it is August, it was rather autumnal when I was creating the project for last week’s Card & Cuppa.

Here it is.

Stampin' Up! Lovely as a Tree

It’s a diagonal slash card that we haven’t made for about a year, and will be great for a male or those autumn Birthdays.

Lovely as a Tree just had to make an appearance for this one.

Firstly, the leaves were stamped in Soft Suede with the smaller leaves in Always Artichoke.  Next, we coloured the leaves using a Blender Pen, before creating the slash.

Strips of Linen Thread wrapped behind the cut out leaf give a bit of texture. The sentiment finishes the project nicely.

To join us for a Card & Cuppa session, book your place by 18:00 the day before.

Happy crafting

Karen Young - HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the images below to go to my online store. Remember to use the Hostess Code if you are placing an order.

You can also join my team here.

Lovely As A Tree Wood-Mount Stamp SetConfetti Celebration Clear-Mount Stamp SetAlways Artichoke A4 CardstockAlways Artichoke Classic Stampin' PadSoft Suede A4 CardstockSoft Suede Classic Stampin' PadVery Vanilla A4 CardstockBlender Pens3/41-3/4Classic Label PunchLinen ThreadSnail AdhesiveStampin' DimensionalsMini Stampin' DimensionalsTear & Tape Adhesive

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Crafty Christmas Weekend Workouts – Week 7 Day 2

~ Karen Young

Today’s Crafty Christmas Weekend Workout is a project we made at a recent class using the Lovely As a Tree Stamp Set.

It’s a card that would be great for several ocassions, including Christmas. In fact, I think something similar to this design may end up being the Christmas Card from Chez Hippofrog this year!

Lovely As a Tree Stampin' Up!

This classy monochrome card (I’ve used Whisper White and Night of Navy) is really quick and easy to make and you could rustle up a batch in not time at all.

It’s also really economical with products too as you just need some Thick Whisper White Cardstock for the base, regular Whisper White for the stamping and the contrasting colour Cardstock, Ink and Twine. If you wanted to, you could make smaller versions using Notecards.

I love how the card looks like a present with the Baker’s Twine wrapped around it at the same angles as the offset layer.

This design could easily be adapted to use any ink colour, twine or ribbon and the stamp set could change the ocassion really easily.

Also, we’ve used a set that isn’t a Christmas Stamp Set. Don’t forget to use your non-Christmas sets for Christmas and vice-versa 🙂

Have you had a chance to check out the Year End Closeout Sale yet? Make sure you do as there a lots of items with fabulous discounts.

Happy crafting

Karen Young - HIPPOFROG Designs

To order any of the supplies used, click on the images below to go to my online store. Remember to use the Hostess Code if you are placing an order.

You can also join my team here.