Welcome to the Card Template challenge – a new monthly challenge here at The Hybrid Chick.

Each month, a new card template will be posted here on The Hybrid Chick (it’s also posted in our Challenge forum at The Digichick). Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to create a card using the template provided. As with any template, we want you to be inspired so feel free to improvise on the template a little to your liking.

For those of you who keep saying “I don’t do Hybrid” or “I can’t do Hybrid”, I say give the card template a try. Think of it as a mini layout – simply add your papers, elements and a few shadows. print, cut and fold. There you go… a digital card.

Next time, try cutting out one or more “parts” of the card and using some glue dots or 3D foam to adhere it to your card for real dimension. Maybe tie some ribbon around your card. And guess what? You’ve just created your first Hybrid project!

Are you ready for our first Card template? Here it is – a very simple template to get you started.

You can get the template (which includes a psd file, png files and a sketch copy) HERE

Here is my card that I created from the template – I used Sherwood Studio Together at Last patterned papers and Arty Pants Card Sentiments digital stamps:

How about some fantastic samples of what can be done with the template from the team?

Melissa created this beautiful card using Dani and Mari’s Bee Happy kit:

Cathrine, of Paper Garden Projects, created this sweet, sweet card using her own Folk Art Love kit:

Sharon created this wonderful baby card (that I want to steal from her!) using the kit Brady’s Room from Wishing Well Creations:

Cathy created this stunning card using Vanilla Noir by Quirky Twerp:

and finally, Joana’s beautiful card using the Feb. boutique collab A Love Story and Arty Pants Valentine Sentiments both of which are new releases today!

So, what are you waiting for??? You CAN do it, I know it!

I decided to create a decorative heart garland with photos and pretty paper with just a few supplies that I had on hand. I created two types of heart ornaments, single photo heart ornaments and double heart patterned paper ornaments,  with Sugarplum Paperie’s Chocolate Kisses kit and strung them together.

Here are the supplies that I needed:

• 4×6 prints with 6 2×2 pictures
• Double sided patterned papers or cardstock
• Ribbon
• Hole punch
• Attachments (Stapler or Tape)

To create a photo heart ornament:

Cut the 4×6 prints down the center to create two strips of 2 inch x 6 inch and cut the patterned paper to strips of 4 inch x 6 inch

Adhere the strips of patterned paper to the back of each 2 inch x 6 inch photo strip. Place two photo strips facing each other and attach at the top. Note that I trimmed a bit of the side of my pictures so that the paper would frame the edge

Fold the strips over and attach at the bottom

To create a double heart ornament:

Cut the patterned paper to strips of 2 inch x 6 inch and 2 inch x 4.5 inch.

Place the two patterned papers facing each other, layer the solid cardstock on top of each side and attach at the top.

Fold the shorter pieces of solid cardstock over and adhere at the bottom to create the first inner heart. Repeat with the patterned papers to create the outer heart.

Hole punch each heart and string together to form your garland.

Personally, I’m not ready to think about Easter and the DigiChick designers haven’t started creating their Easter kits yet, so today I’m going to show you how I altered this simple little white lantern into a sweet little Valentine’s Day decoration for my home.

Supplies used

• small Rotera lantern from Ikea
• Valentine Retrospect digital scrapbook kit by Quirky Twerp
• Fiskars paper trimmer
• stylus or bone folder for scoring
• Zots sticky dots adhesive
• scalloped border punch
• scalloped circle punch
• small circle punch
• Epson matte presentation paper

First, I measured one pane of the lantern to determine how to create my document. The pane measured about 3″ high by 2″ wide. I created one clipping mask on my document that was the size of four blocks, and one that was the size of two blocks. I also created a clipping mask that was 11″ high x 1.5″ wide to use as my strip of paper for my accordion flower. Finally, I created a 2.125″ square that contained the letters LOVE and the white paper from the kit.

I printed the document and then cut apart each piece. I turned my scalloped circle punch upside down so I could make sure my letters were in the center of the circle.

To create my accordion flower, I started by punching one long edge of my paper strip with the open scallop border punch.

Next, I used my stylus to score in between each scallop. I used the groove on my Fiskars paper trimmer to guide the stylus in a straight line.

Once the whole strip had been scored, I folded the strip up as though I were making a paper fan. Then I placed several small Zots sticky dots on one end of the strip.

I attached the short ends of the strip to form a circle. Then I pushed the middle together and held it in place by adding a Zots 3-D Sticky Dot to a small circle I had punched out.

I attached another circle to the front with the same 3-D sticky dot. Then I attached the LOVE scalloped circle on top of the accordion flower. I set the completed embellishment aside while I fitted the inside of the lantern with the paper I had printed out.

I took the 8″ rectangle of paper and scored it at 2″ intervals. I folded the paper and then placed it inside the lantern. It was a little too tall, so I had to trim a tiny sliver of paper off the bottom. I placed the paper back into the lantern, and used sticky dots on the four outer corners to adhere the paper inside.

After that paper was secured, I took the smaller rectangle and fitted it to the door of the lantern, adhering it in the same way, with small sticky dots on the outer four corners of the paper.

The lantern looks pretty sweet with just the pretty paper inside the glass, but I wanted to take it a step further in its beauty, so I added the accordion flower. I also decided at the last minute to add a ribbon and flower cluster to the top of the handle.

I just tied a bow with some ribbon, added a red felt brad to the center of two six-petal white flowers, and then added a flat-backed pearl to the top of the brad. I placed a sticky dot on the back of this cluster and added it to the handle.

And there you have it – a sweet little lantern all dressed up for Valentine’s Day! This project was so quick, easy, and inexpensive and I love how it turned out!

During a recent shopping trip I found the coolest paperweight at the dollar store.  It was backed with a not-so-desirable photograph of a butterfly, but I knew that with a little hybrid magic, I could make it into something spectacular!  For a buck, I was willing to give it a shot!!  So scour your local bargain shops and find yourself a paperweight and play along.  I’ve even seen these at my local craft stores, but your cost would go up, obviously.  Let’s get craftin’, shall we?!

You’re going to need:

• a glass paperweight
• clear glue of your choice (I used Tombow’s Mono Aqua Liquid Glue, what I happened to have on hand)
• digital designs
• felt or cork (optional)

If you want to kick it up a notch (and this tutorial assumes that you do), add to your list of supplies:

• packing tape
• either a laser printer or the ability to make a laser copy of your designs
• popsicle stick or strong nails

I’m using Mari Koegelenberg’s beautiful kit, All Spice.  Be still my beating heart!  I just love the colors in this kit!

1)  The first thing you’ll want to do is prepare your paperweight for crafting.  This may include removing the artwork that’s backing the paperweight using alcohol or Goo Gone to remove any remaining adhesive and washing/drying your paperweight.  I had already removed my butterfly and cleaned my paperweight before writing this tutorial.  I’m so sorry that I’m not able to share that lovely piece of artwork with y’all

2)  Measure your paperweight (approximate is fine).  It’s hard to photograph glass I’ve discovered, but just to give you an idea – - my paperweight is roughly 3 inches tall x 3.5 inches wide.  It is rounded and is beveled so that the back (where the design goes) is slightly smaller than the front.

3)  Begin laying your design out in Photoshop, creating for yourself a shape that is the approximate size of your paperweight.  I created a half-circle that was roughly the size of my paperweight.  Clip all your papers and design elements to this shape.  Once you have your design just as you’d like it, print onto cardstock.  Inkjet or laser prints will work just fine.

4) Any additional elements that will be applied to the front of your paperweight should be chosen, sized appropriately and printed with a laser printer on plain copy paper.   A laser copy will also work.  We’ll be using an image transfer technique for the front pieces and you will need a laser copy/print for this part of the tutorial.

5) Trim all design pieces (paperweight back, design elements for the front).  I didn’t photograph this (sorry!), but I laid my paperweight down on the paperweight back design piece, traced with a pencil and then cut out.

6) We’re going to first apply our art to the back of the paperweight.  Begin with applying a generous amount of clear glue to the back side of your paperweight.  This can be done in several ways, but I prefer to use more glue and clean up any that oozes out rather than not have enough to adhere my image.  Apply your clear glue as shown below.

7)  Place your printed design FACE DOWN onto the glued surface.  Next, flip your paperweight over.  Glue will ooze out somewhat.  It’s okay.  I’ve got damp paper towels on hand.   I like to use the weight of the glass and press and smooth out any bubbles.   By having the paperweight face up, you can see any bubbles quite well (see photo below).  Position the printed design just as you’d like it and then flip the paperweight back over. 

Note:  If you let the paperweight dry face up, the glue could stick to your work surface.

8)  While the first part dries a bit, we’re going to work on the top design.  Trim your pieces, leaving just a bit of white space, and place them face down on a piece of packing tape.  Flip your tape over and with a popsicle stick, burnish the tape so that the design is firmly adhered to the tape.

9)  Trim your pieces again, removing excess tape.  Soak in warm water for 5 minutes.

10)  Remove papers from water and begin gently rubbing the back of the design to remove the paper.  With gentle pressure and rewetting as necessary, the paper fibers should come off entirely and leave behind a clear “rub-on.”  Trim closely leaving just a bit of clear tape around your transparent design.

11)  Apply your rub-on to the front of  your paperweight with a bit of clear glue.  Again, have a damp paper towel on hand to remove any glue oozes.

12)  Let everything dry.  If you would like to back your paperweight with felt or cork, just trim your material of choice to size and apply with adhesive.  I chose not back my paperweight as I plan on displaying it upright at my desk.  Enjoy  your creation!!

Supplies:

• Happy Holly Days Add-on Paper Pack by Karen Lewis
• Every Day of the Year : Papers by Sugarplum Paperie
• Every Day of the Year : Solids by Sugarplum Paperie
• Circle punch
• Sewing machine
• Scissors or die cut machine

The first step was to select and print my favorite solid and textured papers and I used a variety of different patterns and colors from Happy Holly Days Add-on Paper Pack by Karen Lewis, Every Day of the Year : Papers by Sugarplum Paperie and Every Day of the Year : Solids by Sugarplum Paperie. I printed them double sided.

I used my 1 inch circle punch to punch out  red circles for the holly berries and used my Silhouette to cut out the holly leaf shapes. You can also cut the leaves out freehand. The number of each shape that you will need to cut will depend on how long you want your garland to be and how much space you would like in between each shape. I used about 6 berries and 4 leaves per 12 inches.  Once you have cut out all of your shapes, lay them out in rows, laying two of each shape on top of each other and alternating between a berry shape and leaf shape.

With a sewing machine, sew each shape down the center.

Fold out each shape for additional dimension and step back to enjoy your newest festive decoration.

Happy crafting!

Supplies:

• Happy Holly Days Designer Kit by Karen Lewis
• Paper Trimmer
• Circle Punch
• Brown Ink {ink dauber optional}
• Glue
• Chipboard Letters
• Spray Adhesive
• Glitter
• Small Clothes Pegs
• Jingle Bells {purchased from The Dollar Store}
• Baker’s Twine

Print out your paper to start.  I chose 4 different paper patterns to use for my banner and required 2 sheets of each pattern except for the green stars {where I only required 1 sheet}.

Cut out the banner shape with a digital cutter {or draw your own template}. Mine measures approximately 3 inches x 5 3/4 inches for the inner banner.

Note: The Digichick shop also has a banner template set called Banner Set 1 by The Cutting Files for those of you who need or want help creating your banner.

Once I had the inner banner shape, I inked the edges with brown ink to give it more definition {I like to use the ink dauber for this so the ink has a softer edge}  Then, glue the inner banner shape on to a second piece of paper and trim around it leaving a 1/4 inch border.

To create the paper accordion flowers, cut 2 strips of paper approximately 1 inch x 8 inches for each flower.  Fold the strips accordion style {see picture 1}.

Glue the 2 strips together forming a circle {see picture 2}. Punch a 2 inch circle out of scrap paper to attach your flower to. Apply glue to the circle.  Fold your accordion circle inwards to create the flower and glue to the paper circle.

Using the ink dauber, ink the edges and top of the accordion flower with brown ink.

Punch a 2 inch circle with coordinating paper and attach it to the front of your flower.

Add glitter to your chipboard letters using spray adhesive.  Adhere to the circle on the front of the flower.

To hang the banners, I cut some baker’s twine and just used small clothes pegs to attach them. I strung some large bells in between each of the letters and attached it all onto my mirror.

I hope you like my banner and if you create one of your own, I’d love to see it so link me up!

Jenn

Switch plate covers are such a neat, unexpected way to add a bit of personality to your room. Let’s get started, shall we?!

You’re going to need:

• Fleury Kit by Wendy Page (or digital kit of your choice)
• Mod Podge (I used Glossy)
• pencil
• cutting mat & exacto knife (and/or sharp pointed scissors -  I love my CutterBee scissors!)
• paintbrush
• switch plate
• recommended: spray sealer

1. Remove your switch plate from the wall and take a quick measurement of it. It doesn’t have to be exact. Just make sure you’re giving yourself about 1/2 inch larger than your measured size to allow for the paper to fold over onto the back.

2. Create a new document in Photoshop (or other program), create a box that is the size of your switch plate measurements.  Mine was approx. 5×5 inches.  Clip a paper onto your box and adjust as necessary.  You may want to resize your 12×12 paper or move it around on the canvas until you’re happy with the scale and position of your pattern.  Print and cut out.  I used regular copy paper.  You would not want cardstock or a thick paper as it would make it difficult to adhere to the rounded corners.

3. Put your paper face down and center your switch plate face down on top of that. With your pencil, trace around the opening for the switches. I also made little pencil marks on the corners of my paper to indicate about where the corner of the switch plate was. It’s not an exact science, trust me.

4. Now, you’ll want to do some cutting. I do not cut out the space for my switches, I use my pencil lines as a guide and I cut an “X” inside the rectangle (see photo). Then, I cut a little triangle off each corner of my paper. It makes the edges less bulky in a bit.

Note: You may want to lightly sand your switch plate here.  I didn’t do this step, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea if you were so inclined.

5.  Brush a light coat of Mod Podge on the back side of your paper and on the front side of your switch plate.  After applying Mod Podge to both surfaces, I find it’s easiest for me to leave the paper face down and then place the switch plate face down on top of that (using the switch openings as a guide for placement).  It seems that I have better success with centering things just so this way.

6. Smooth out any bubbles. Fold the “X” in and behind the openings for the switches. I trimmed mine just a bit as you can see in the picture. Lastly, work all the way around the edge of your switch plate to adhere your paper to the edge and corners. I like just a wee bit of paper to fold around to the back side. Do be certain that you’ve glued it well enough.

7. You might notice that I haven’t cut any holes for my screw openings just yet. I actually like to do those last. I prefer to cut them from the paper once it’s already on the switch plate rather than trying to line up those circles when I’m Mod Podging (yes, it’s a verb!). If you gently press with your finger, you’ll see a nice indentation where the screw will go. You can trim that away easily with your exacto knife. The screw will hide any little imperfections later.

8. Now, you’re all set to cover this baby with a couple coats of Mod Podge. I like to use something to elevate my switch plate off my work surface (enter handy plastic cup). Depending on where your switch plate is located and what kind of use you think it’ll see, I would definitely recommend a nice sealer that will protect your work and allow for easy cleaning with a damp rag later.

Enjoy your fun little creation!!  I made a matching outlet cover as well (but that didn’t photograph well), and I’m on the lookout for more rooms to personalize!  The great thing about this project, aside from being quick and easy, is that it’s so budget friendly.  Plain plastic switch plate covers are quite cheap at your local home improvement store.  Swap ‘em out whenever you get the urge!

SUPPLIES

• DIGITAL KITS – A BUSHEL AND A PECK BY SARAH JONES,   BRADY’S ROOM BY WISHING WELL CREATIONS
• BLUMENTHAL CRAFTER’S IMAGES PHOTOFABRIC COTTON TWILL
• INKJET PRINTER
• FELT
• SEWING MACHINE OR NEEDLE AND EMBROIDERY FLOSS
• POLYFILL STUFFING AND/OR FUSIBLE BATTING
• CARD STOCK

Begin by choosing some simple elements from the digital kit. I say simple because it is easier to stitch around smooth edges  rather than fussy, complicated ones.  I picked some sweet animals from BRADY’S ROOM BY WISHING WELL CREATIONS, and an apple from A BUSHEL AND A PECK BY SARAH JONES.  I made them about two inches in height so they would fit well on a greeting card but they can be made just about any size. Follow the printing directions on the package of photofabric.

Cut out the images leaving about a 1/4 inch margin around the image.

There are two different looks you  can achieve depending on which type of batting is used.  First I will show how to get a flatter, quilt type of look.  Trim a piece of iron-on batting so that is fits right inside the image and iron it onto the wrong side.

Place the image batting side down onto the felt and pin in place.

Using either a machine or needle and embroidery floss, stitch around the edge of the image just inside the margin along the actual image. I used a small stitch (a two on my machine) and went slowly.  Not difficult – it just takes some patience. Trim the felt leaving a thin overhang around the image. I also stitched around the inner part of the apple on this one to enhance the quilted effect.

This gives a puffed but still a bit flat piece.

Alternatively, if you want something with a bit more dimension, try this technique.  Place the image directly on to the felt without adding the iron on batting.  Stitch and trim as on the apple. Turn the image to the felt side and make about a 1 inch vertical cut of the felt only.

Add a little bit of polyfill until it is as puffy as you like. I used the end of a paint brush to sort of push in the stuffing to the edges.  Do it gently so as not to push through the felt.

Sew up the back.

How cute are those little animals?

They are just a bit thicker than the apple but still fit nicely on a card.  These would be perfect for a baby scrapbook page too!

Thanks so much for visiting today and if you make some puffies be sure to share in THE DIGI CHICK GALLERY!

Your party centerpiece doesn’t need to take a lot of time or expensive materials. You can impress your guests without breaking the bank.

I’m going to show you how to create this fairly easy hot air balloon centerpiece for under $3.

Supplies:

• Stacy Molter Designs’ Flower Pot Templates & Cutting Files
• Americana Celebration Digital Kit by Etc. by Danyale
• Epson Matte Presentation Paper
• adhesive tape runner
• ink – for edges and stamping
• 12 inch wooden skewers – painted white
• 9 inch wooden embroidery hoop – I used the inside hoop, painted white
• low temp. hot glue gun
• 12 inch Royal blue balloon
• Supplies to decorate your hot air balloon – I used 3D foam dots, white curling ribbon, button die from Stampin’ Up!, Banner die and alphabet stamp from My Favorite Things, white string or twine, shredded paper

Let’s get started….

1. Open Stacy’s flower pot template in your photo editing program (Stacy also includes cutting files in .dxf, .jpg, .png and .svg format).

2. Choose the paper for the “basket” of your hot air balloon – I used the striped paper from Danyale’s Americana Celebration Kit. I rotated and resized the paper to fit each side of her template. I recolored the cutting lines to a red a few shades darker than the stripes in the paper.

3. Print the finished template on Epson Matte Presentation paper using your printer’s best print option. I also printed a few squares/strips of the dark red and dark blue papers as well as a few stars to use to decorate my hot air balloon.

4. Score and crease the folds of the template. Ink all of the edges before assembling the template.

5. Using an adhesive of choice, assemble the flower pot. Fold the top edges of template to the inside to create a finished look around the inside edges.

6. Apply hot glue to the bottom of the painted wooden skewers one at a time and quickly position in the inside corner of the flower pot.

7. Now comes the tricky part – positioning the wood embroidery hoop on top of the skewers. Hold the hoop above the four skewers to get an idea of how it needs to be to be centered. Apply a small blob (good technical word there huh? LOL) to the top of one of the skewers and position the hoop horizontally – hold in place about 5-10 seconds to allow hot glue to cool. Be careful not to burn your fingers!!!

8. Hot glue the hoop to the skewer in the opposite corner and then the remaining corners. Hoop not centered over the skewers to your satisfaction? Hold a skewer in one hand and gently pull at hoop to remove from skewer. Gently pull off cooled hot glue. Re-hot glue.

Remove all hot glue boogies from your project!

9. Decorate your hot air balloon to your liking.

For the top of mine, I hot glued some curling ribbon to the hoop just above where the skewer is glued to the hoop. I used a button die in my Big Shot to create buttons using the dark red paper I printed. I tied some white embroidery floss in the center of my buttons before positioning the buttons on the hoop over top of the ribbon.

I decorated the “basket” of my hot air balloon by using a banner die on the dark blue paper strip I printed and also on some of the scrap white presentation paper remaining from cutting out the template.

I stamped a “U”, a “S” and an “A” on each of the stars I printed and then cut out the small stars. I adhered the stars to the banner with 3D foam squares. After tying some of the white embroidery floss between two skewers, I positioned each of the banner pennants so that they look like they are hanging from the white floss.

10. Finally, just before the start of your party, blow up the balloon as big as you can get it. Tie a knot and position the balloon in hoop. Fill the basket with shredded paper, candy, etc.

So, let’s see some other ways you can use a hot air balloon centerpiece….

How about as a centerpiece at the next baby shower you host? Simply by changing the papers I used and a few of the decorative elements, I came up with this:

Here’s a better photo of the basket:

I think this looks so dreamy and just perfect for a baby shower! Think how beautiful your baby shower tables would be with pink ones on half of the shower tables and blue ones on the other half. The pink and white striped paper was made for my by Donna of Quirky Twerp.

Or how about just for a fun centerpiece for a birthday party (or even a non-traditional baby shower)?

I was inspired to create this one by that fun orange argyle paper made by Laura of Wishing Well Creations.

I hope you enjoyed my tutorial and, if you are inspired to create your own hot air balloon, I’d love to see it!

LuAnn

Supplies:

• Patisserie : Encore : Kit by Sugarplum Paperie
• Flower Pinwheel template by Stacy Molter
• Pencils
• Brads
• Glue
• Trimmer
• Scissors

The first thing I did was poke a hole in my pencil for the pinwheel to sit in.

Next step is to cover my pencils. You will need at least 6.75″ x 1.5″ of paper to cover the pencil completely. I found that rolling the paper around my pencil before gluing really helped.

I used craft glue and a sponge brush to coat my paper and then wrap my pencil.

I wanted to add a little sparkle to my pinwheel, so I added a glitter glaze from Making Memories.

While the pencils are drying, I cut the pinwheels apart. I resized the pinwheels to 4″ x 4″ — I personally would not resize them any smaller. Before cutting them apart, I poked all my holes in the paper. I also printed the patterned paper on both sides.

Once the pinwheels are cut out, you will layer two of them together with the spokes up.

Using a small brad, attach the pinwheel to your pencil.

To form the pinwheel, bring each spoke to the center one at a time and layer it on another small brad till all the spokes are on the brad. Then secure the brad.

I also printed an embellishment to stick on the front of the brad using a glue dot. Once that was done, this is what I ended up with.

My pinwheels spin nicely too. If you find they don’t spin freely, you need to adjust the brad that is attached to the pencil until it spins.

I gave these to my daughter, she loves them! Would love to see your pinwheels too.