Anniversary Gate Card

This card was inspired by a few cards I came across on the Heartfelt Creations site. I was looking for the dimensions to make a gate card, and their examples inspired me! I made this card for my in-law's 26th anniversary.

I had to make it a bit smaller than the directions said on the Heartfelt Creations site because I use a Big Kick and they use the Grand Caliber machine to cut their dies.

First I cut the black base (10 x 6.25). Then I laid the scalloped Spellbinders on the base. I used a ruler to draw a line so that I could line up all of the Spellbinders. I actually cut the base 3 times before I measured. The other 2 attempts ended up being off because I did not measure first. What's the rule? Measure twice, cut once??? Yeah... I should have followed that rule the first time. I cut the middle section first. Make sure to use a bit of tape in the corners to keep the Spellbinder in place. It'll save you a lot of time. :) Then I cut the sides one at a time. I used the line I drew to keep the pieces straight. This helped tremendously!

Next I used the second die from that pack to cut the swirled pieces. I cut the front gate pieces first. I just cut the top half circles because I knew I was going to put the rose paper on the front. I cut the inside and middle section so that they would have a long piece under them. I again measured before I cut. :)

I distressed all of the inside pieces and the 2 outside pieces with black ink. Then I put all of the pieces together. I stamped the inside images for a touch of elegance.

I cut the rose paper to fit the front of the card and attached it. To hid the seam between the paper and the Spellbinder piece, I used a little bit of Perfect Pearls where they came together.

Next I cut small flowers out of red glittery paper. These flowers are part of the Spellbinders pack. Then I attached the flowers and added pearls to the centers of the little flowers.

To make the band, I cut the paper to go around the card. Then I used a Spellbinder to cut the flowers. I used glittery paper for an added touch. I distressed the flowers, curled them, and assembled them into one large flower. I used a Spellbinder to cut the leaves. I added some green Stickles to the leaves to make them "pop".

I love the way this card turned out! It took me about a half a day to make but now that I have all of the measurements down, I should be able to make another one in much less time.