Important Crafty Chat + 5 Background Die Techniques

Hello! Today I am sharing 5 card ideas (with many background techniques)… and some thoughts on using crafting as therapy.

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

[If the video isn’t showing up, click HERE to watch it. All supplies are linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you and product disclosure is below. As always, I appreciate your support of my videos! The earnings from the release of this video will be donated to Global Empowerment Mission to help those in the Ukraine crisis.)

I hope this video was helpful!

Here are the cards from my video along with the main products featured. For the full supply list, scroll down to the thumbnails at the end of this post.


View Card Bookmark Card JUST A NOTE BIRD CARD – Cutting + embossing with a background die.
Size: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
Featuring:
Pinkfresh Floral Grid Coverplate Die (PNK)
Pinkfresh Perfect Sentiments Stamps (PNK | SSS)
Pinkfresh Perfect Sentiments Die (PNK | SSS)
Pinkfresh Botanicals and Butterflies Stamp (PNK)
Pinkfresh Botanicals and Butterflies Stencils (PNK)
Pinkfresh Botanicals and Butterflies Die (PNK)
Spellbinders Embossing Mat (SSS | SPL)
• Additional supplies linked in the thumbnails at the end of this post.

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink


View Card Bookmark Card CARING HEART CARD – Inking over a die impression.
Size: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
Featuring:
Pinkfresh Hearts and Stars Coverplate Die (PNK)
Birch Press Folk Art Heart Dies (BRC)
Hero Arts Gold Embossing Powder (SSS)
Spellbinders Embossing Mat (SSS | SPL)
Spellbinders Aqua Platinum 6 Die Cut Machine (SPL)
• Additional supplies linked in the thumbnails at the end of this post.

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink


View Card Bookmark Card FRIEND BIRD CARD – See-through card front.
Size: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
Featuring:
Pinkfresh Daisy Chain Coverplate Die (PNK)
Pinkfresh Songbirds on Branches Hot Foil Plate (PNK)
Pinkfresh Songbirds on Branches Die (PNK)
Pinkfresh Songbirds on Branches Stencils (PNK)
Pinkfresh Essentials Blanket Stitched Circle Dies (PNK)
Pinkfresh Blooming Branch Stamps (PNK | SSS)
Glimmer Hot Foil Rolls (SSS | SPL)
Spellbinders Aqua Platinum 6 Die Cut Machine (SPL)
Spellbinder Glimmer Machine (SSS | SPL)
• Additional supplies linked in the thumbnails at the end of this post.

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink


View Card Bookmark Card BEST HELLO CARD – Faux die cut inlay.
Size: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
Featuring:
Pinkfresh Daisy Chain Coverplate Die (PNK)
Simon Says Stamp Detail Floral Heart Die (SSS)
Pinkfresh Scripted Greetings Dies (SSS)
Spellbinders Aqua Platinum 6 Die Cut Machine (SPL)
Spellbinders Embossing Mat (SSS | SPL)
Studio Katia Blue Azurite Pearls (SSS)
Studio Katia Bluebell Pearls (SSS)
Simon Says Stamp Metallic Cornflower Envelopes (SSS)
Lucy’s Cards Soft Snowball Pearls (SSS)
• Additional supplies linked in the thumbnails at the end of this post.

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink


View Card Bookmark Card THANKS SMILE CARD – Layered foil, inked and die cut background.
Size: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
Featuring:
Pinkfresh Geo Tiles Hot Foil Plate (PNK)
Pinkfresh Geo Tiles Stencils (PNK)
Pinkfresh Geo Tiles Die (PNK)
Pinkfresh Chrysanthemum Slimline (PNK)
Glimmer Hot Foil Rolls (SSS | SPL)
Spellbinders Aqua Platinum 6 Die Cut Machine (SPL)
Spellbinder Glimmer Machine (SSS | SPL)
Pinkfresh Scripted Greetings Dies (SSS)
Memory Box Polished Foil Paper (SSS)
• Additional supplies linked in the thumbnails at the end of this post.

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Important Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Hope this video was helpful. Take care.


SUPPLIES

Want to find the products I used? I have listed them below. (Compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you. Thank you for your support! Affiliate and product disclosure can be found  at my disclosure page. All products were personally purchased except the Pinkfresh products which were provided/sponsored by the company with no expectation. As always, I was not paid to do this post nor am I on any design teams. I only use products I love!) Click on the icons below each product picture to go to a favorite store.

Pinkfresh Hearts and Stars Coverplate…
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Daisy Chain Coverplate Die
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Floral Grid Coverplate Die
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Geo Tiles Die
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Geo Tiles Hot Foil Plate
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Geo Tiles Stencils
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Songbirds on Branches Cling…
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Songbirds on Branches Hot…
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Songbirds on Branches Die
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Songbirds on Branches Stencils
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Botanicals and Butterflies…
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Botanicals and Butterflies Die
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Botanicals and Butterflies…
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Spark of Goodness Cling Stamp
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Lily Frame Stamps
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Lily Frame Dies
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Chrysanthemum Slimline
[ PNK ]
Pinkfresh Blooming Branch Stamps
[ PNK | SSS ]
Pinkfresh Perfect Sentiments Stamps
[ PNK | SSS ]
Pinkfresh Perfect Sentiments Die
[ PNK | SSS ]
Pinkfresh Scripted Greetings Dies
[ SSS ]
Pinkfresh Essentials Blanket Stitched…
[ PNK ]
Simon Says Stamp Detail Floral Heart Die
[ SSS ]
Birch Press Folk Art Heart Dies
[ BRC ]
Spellbinders Aqua Platinum 6 Die Cut…
[ SPL ]
Spellbinders Embossing Mat
[ SSS | SPL ]
Spellbinder Glimmer Machine
[ SSS | SPL ]
Glimmer Hot Foil Rolls
[ SSS | SPL ]
Brutus Monroe Stick and Stamp Mat
[ SSS | BMR ]
Tim Holtz Brayers
[ SSS ]
Pinkfresh Ink
[ PNK | SSS ]
The Ink Stand
[ SSS ]
Rabbit Hole Designs Bitty Blender Brush
[ SSS | THR ]
Altenew Mini Ink Blending Tool
[ SSS ]
Altenew Ink Blending Tool
[ SSS ]
VersaMark Ink
[ SSS ]
Hero Arts Gold Embossing Powder
[ SSS ]
Bearly Art Precision Glue
[ SSS ]
Bearly Art Rubber Stopper
[ SSS ]
MISTI Stamping Tool 2.0
[ SSS ]
Trinity Stamps Pick Up Stick
[ SSS | TRN ]
Lucy’s Cards Soft Snowball Pearls
[ SSS ]
Studio Katia Champagne Pearls
[ SSS ]
Studio Katia Blue Azurite Pearls
[ SSS ]
Studio Katia Bluebell Pearls
[ SSS ]
Memory Box Polished Foil Paper
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Metallic Ecru Envelopes
[ SSS ]
Simon Says Stamp Metallic Cornflower…
[ SSS ]


Leave a Comment

50 thoughts on “Important Crafty Chat + 5 Background Die Techniques”

  1. Thanks so much for sharing how crafting helped you through some tough times. For someone who says that they are not good with words, you do an amazing job of touching our hearts with such clarity. Thanks for your kindness, your crafty tips and your beautiful self. Take good care. 🙂

  2. Thank you so much for such a beautiful reassuring message you shared with us.
    Praying for your friend and all those effected by what’s happening in Ukraine right now.

  3. Dear Jennifer, thank you so much for your honest revelation about personal struggles as well as insightful comments on dealing with these struggles. There is nothing so wise as someone who has found a way through… and nothing so kind as sharing these personal moments to help others. Bless you.

  4. These are Gorgeous!!! Crafting is my therapy also!! I too have struggled with all of the things you have. Thanks for sharing all of this and making people like us not feel alone in our day to day fight with our mental issues!!! <3 <3 <3

  5. I just wanted to say how inspiring your words of wisdom for using card making as a form of Art Therapy are. This is the reason I took up card making, so you words resonated with me. Please keep up the thoughtful work as I enjoy your videos immensely.

  6. Thank you for your honesty, compassion., and good sense. I get so twisted around a need to be “productive” that making cards has become a drudgery. That, as you gently pointed out, is not the point of a hobby. But you’ve shown me a way out – lists! I’ve already started mine. Woohoo!

  7. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of creativity and some of your personal journey. You are such a gift to all of us!

  8. Thank you Jennifer for doing the cards in yellow and blue. It is a very hard time right now and i pray every day for peace. I live in Switzerland and I am very near to the happening. For me at the moment it is very helpful to help in person when Ukraine people arrive. You cannot believe what they went through to get here. I hope your friend Jana is ok? If she needs shelter in Switzerland or Germany – please let me know 🙏

  9. All of the cards are so pretty but the last one in the video is my favorite!!! Thank you for sharing your personal life as well, I struggle with depression but my son who is Bipolar really struggles daily with this, I do find crafting of any kind helps me. Look forward to the auction of the cards.

  10. I loved your perspective on our hobby. Lately I’ve been wondering if I am letting it occupy too much of my time. There is nothing I would rather do and I feel indulgent. However, hearing you put words to the fact that the joy we feel creating cards is passed to others, helped validate my decision to keep it up. I send out virtually ALL my cards. The only ones I keep are ones that just don’t pass muster, and even those sometimes get sent out in a pinch. I send a weekly card to a friend of mine who had a stroke and a card every other week to some other folks who are older and having transitions in their lives. Keeping that schedule requires weekly effort, (I work full time) plus the regular birthdays, get wells, and sympathies. I agree with Rebekka too – watching you is part of the therapy. You do an awesome job and I loved hearing how you manage stressful times. Keep up the good work.

  11. Beautiful cards…..beautiful words…..beautiful soul! (((hugs))) I also feel that crafting makes for a happier marriage too! 😉 I just donated a tote full of cards to the local Assisted Living Place, maybe 150 of them I am trying to send more and more out each year, I’m doing well at that too! Better to send than to hang on to them.

  12. As a person who also suffers from depression and anxiety I understand all to well what you were saying. Your words of encouragement and your wonderful talent filled me with happiness. You are a blessing. If I go on I will just start crying. But thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the inspiration and happiness you bring during this difficult time in our world. Sending a big hug.

  13. Jennifer I too have been very worried about Yana. I donated directly to her PayPal account. She is raising money to help locally with supplies of food etc. For anyone who wants to know more about Yana’s situation and how they can help along with Jennifer, go to her blog: Yana Smakula. Her latest post has details in the comments section of how to donate to her directly as well as indirectly. Thank you for sharing your struggles, Jennifer. God Bless you and your family and all the people in Ukraine.

  14. Hello Jennifer thank you for your lovely post. You are so much more eloquent than you think that you are! I love hearing you when you were at your most genuine. And thank you as always for the great crafty tips. Please keep posting on how we can help you Yana and People of Ukraine.

  15. What is the brand of tape you are using to hold your dies? Loved your video. We need these ideas to process what is happening in our world.

  16. I have been thinking of Yana too! Jennifer so happy you are using your platform to speak openly about anxiety. It is So Important. So many people have this ( in all its many forms) . I and my kids all have times they deal with this and I try so very hard to teach them that it is Ok. It is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of…I just want to model for them that there is very good help to be had…whether it is through drugs or counseling! NO MORE STIGMA! About this! Thanks for being an example of that!!!
    I personally have no trouble giving my cards away….that’s what I make them for….just wish there were more opportunities here in Canada to share them.
    Can’t wait to buy a Share Handmade Kindness tee….waiting for Canadian shipping to be available!

  17. Wow Jennifer! Not only are your cards beautiful but your mind is as well. You’ve managed to put into words how I’ve always felt about my crafting, without even knowing it. I treasure all your videos over the years, you’ve taught me so much. Thank you.

  18. Wow Jennifer! Not only are your cards beautiful but your mind is as well. You’ve managed to put into words how I’ve always felt about my crafting, without even knowing it. I treasure all your videos over the years, you’ve taught me so much. Thank you.

  19. Gorgeous cards Jennifer, especially the one with the gold.
    Thank you so much for your great chat, so glad you also
    share the “dark part” of your live and how you coop with it.
    I saved this chat because it did me a lot and I want to hear
    it again and again when I need it.
    I’m so grateful for all you do for this awesome community.
    Stay safe and have a wonderful weekend.

  20. Jennifer thank you so much for this uplifting video! I loved how you expressed yourself with some times in our lives we are down and need an out and need something just for ourselves to make us feel better. Just loved your video you did today and what your words and beautiful cards represent.

  21. I needed this video! I was told by someone close to me that my cards weren’t fancy enough and it hurt my feelings. But I get overwhelmed when I try shopping for tools or supplies to make my cards fancier. Thank you for validating that I don’t have to move out of my comfort zone if I don’t want to. And I keep rereading the text my friend sent me after I mailed her a card when she was going through a rough patch. It says, “I LOVE YOU and the cards you make!!!”
    Thank you for all the inspiration and encouragement.

  22. I needed this video! I was told by someone close to me that my cards weren’t fancy enough and it hurt my feelings. But I get overwhelmed when I try shopping for tools or supplies to make my cards fancier. Thank you for validating that I don’t have to move out of my comfort zone if I don’t want to. And I keep rereading the text my friend sent me after I mailed her a card when she was going through a rough patch. It says, “I LOVE YOU and the cards you make!!!”
    Thank you for all the inspiration and encouragement.

  23. It is one of the most difficult things in the world to be truly open and vulnerable as you were. Thank you so much for your honesty and willingness to share your experience for the benefit of others. It will resonate with so many that have had similar experiences but may never feel comfortable to be so vulnerable themselves to share.
    Thank you for your generous gift of sincerity. You are truly wonderful and as others have said above, your videos are very therapeutic and I enjoy them so much for the creative inspiration, the “eye candy” and for your kind and caring outlook as you narrate and encourage us. Take good care.

  24. Hi Jennifer

    I have just watched yourYou Tube video on creating stained glass cards and must say that I am inspired. The video features a selection of designs but my favourites have to be the daffodil and the cross (He is Risen) designs. Absolutely gorgeous. You say that you use Copic Markers, as a beginner to this technique would the Shuttle Art markers create a similar effect?
    You have a very calm and clear way of presenting the videos with step by step methods which are fabulous to watch. Very much appreciated that you share your love of crafting. God Bless you.

  25. Thank you Jennifer for several years now your videos have become my Theraphy, you are in inspiration to us all. This video was was so helpful in so many ways. I have watch several times. What is happening in Ukraine so heartbreaking it can overwhelm you praying it will end. These cards are so beautiful I really enjoyed that you did them in yellow and blue blessing to all the Ukrainians.

  26. Thank you Jennifer for your insight and inspiration. I too have had post partum depression after the birth of my second child. It took me a year to recover after several different treatments which all gave me side effects. Thank the Lord I got better after asking for his help. Your talent is a blessing. Thank you !

  27. Beautiful Cards!!!
    Could you please advise on the paper brand and colour you used for the 4th card: “Hello” die cut on yellow heart? I love those colours, specially the “corn blue”. I will greatly appreciate it!!!
    Thank you so much!!!

  28. Beautiful Cards!!!
    Could you please advise on the paper brand and colour you used for the 4th card: “Hello” die cut on yellow heart? I love those colours, specially the “corn blue”. I will greatly appreciate it!!!
    Thank you so much!!!

  29. Dear Jennifer: I so enjoyed your latest post in which you talk about your own struggle with anxiety and depression. For me, you are a mentor and a guide through today’s struggles. I strive to follow your campaign for handmade kindness. You set an example I think is so very important. I just wanted you how much I admire you and appreciate what you give to the world of crafting. Thank you!

  30. Dearest Jennifer, thank you so much for sharing these wonderfully beautiful cards that seem to come straight from your heart to touch ours. Thank you as well for sharing your story. In many ways, I am the same when things are not okay I have to craft or paint and it is always good to know that my crafts can also put some kindness out into the world. In this case, I do have many colleagues who migrated from Ukraine and their parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, nieces, cousins… are in the Ukraine and I made card to give to them to let them know that they and their loved ones are in my thoughts. It isn’t much, but it still meant a lot to them.
    Now, if only world leaders could be convinced with handmade cards!
    All the best to you and yours, to Yana and all the Ukrainian people!

  31. Thank you for always being an inspiration to me! My card making Pinterest board is filled with your cards to try out new techniques and products. I love crafting but I am such a perfectionist that it often takes the fun out of creating. I usually only create for specific events, so I need to find time to create more regularly to practice new techniques and discover what works best for me. Definitely tricky with so many options!

  32. Thanks for your generosity. I had not yet placed an order for anything from the new Pinkfresh release so I did it from this page. I know it doesn’t help much but every little bit counts, right? 🙂 Thank you so much for this post. Even some of us who normally don’t have issues with depression and anxiety have struggled the last couple of years and now, just as we are getting a little relief from Covid, we are watching what is happening in Ukraine. It is heartbreaking. I have followed Yana for years and have been keeping her, her family, and all the people of Ukraine in my thoughts and prayers. Like you I find making and sending cards does help, at least when I can calm myself down enough to make them. I like the idea of the two lists and will give that a try. Now I’m off to try to make a card for a friend who’s going through a rough time. Maybe I will try making it blue and yellow.

  33. I have never even met Yana Smakula, and yet she was the first person that I thought of when I heard the news. I pray for her safety each day. I have been following her for several years and when you know of someone living in the middle of it all, it makes the situation half way around the world seem very close. I too have been relying on crafting to calm me and get me through the current days. Thanks for sharing and inspiring me and many others.

  34. The commentary accompanying your video was very meaningful to me and, as always, I very much appreciate you and your ways. Thank you for reminding me that I make cards to spread joy, to let people know I think of them and to stay in touch with my large, far-flung family. You bring US, your followers, joy. Words are not enough to thank you, but, thank you.

  35. Thank you so much dear Jennifer for your kindness and giving spirit! You truly are an inspiration, much deeper than your outstanding cardmaking designs and techniques. Your videos are an escape! Take care!

  36. Jennifer, thank you so much for the very inspiring video and for your beautiful cards! I think you are a wonderful human being!

  37. I was wondering what is the thing you use on the misty, I’m assuming it’s to press harder for the ink to adhere.

  38. Thank you, Jennifer. I don’t have words to express how much I appreciate this post and your message. Truly. Thank you.

  39. Jennifer, you are such a blessing. Thank you for being so open and sharing your heart with us. I’ve struggled too and it’s nice to know that we are not alone. Sending you tons of love. You always inspire me with your beautiful creations.

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