Shimmer Sheetz

Shimmer Sheetz Sunday: Nine-Patch Cards

July 16, 2017

Nine-Patch Cards: Shimmer Sheetz Plus!
By Judi Kauffman

Just like nine-patch quilt blocks, nine-patch cards are a great way to use up scraps. In this case, it’s one-inch squares cut from alcohol ink-altered Shimmer Sheetz, embossed and embossed and sanded Shimmer Sheetz, and pieces of hand-painted and ink-altered paper and cardstock, set atop squares of solid color and patterned cardstock.

The cards are 5” x 7”, each includes a row of three adhesive-backed gems as a visual anchor.

No instructions this time! Just some tips and options to get things rolling:

It’s easier to add Clear Double Sided Adhesive Sheet or Tape to the back of the Shimmer Sheetz, cardstock or paper BEFORE cutting the squares than to back them one at a time, after they’ve been cut.

Cut a LOT of squares so you can try out a wide variety of combinations.

Go for lots of contrast in both color and texture, or not. Trust your eye, and have FUN!

Make square cards or gift tags instead of vertical side-fold style. Instead of nine squares, go for sixteen. Instead of a square ‘patch’ use rows of squares (four by six, three by seven, or whatever you like).

A single row of seven or eight squares makes a terrific bookmark; two by three works well for an Artist Trading Card!

Instead of the trio of gems, add a die cut or hand-stamped greeting below the nine-patch.

Embellish some or all of the squares with dimensional elements. For example, make a flower for the center square, the four corner squares, or the center square in each of the outer rows. Or add interesting buttons, die cut dragonflies, small shells or other low relief items. (If the embellishments are fragile, hand-deliver the card or make sure it’s well-protected for mailing!)

Supplies:

Elizabeth Craft Designs:


Other:

Adhesive-backed gems and/or half-pearls

Cardstock in solid colors

Patterned papers

Hand-painted or gel-printed cardstock

Alcohol inks and applicator tool (to alter Shimmer Sheetz)

Sanding block

5” x 7” ivory cards with envelopes

Ruler, craft knife, cutting mat

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  • Kirsty Vittetoe July 17, 2017 at 12:51 am

    Fabulous cards, love the texture!

  • Jean Marmo July 16, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    Oh Judi – these are so fun!

  • Lucy Schmidt July 16, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    I’ve just been reorganizing all my herringbone quilt cards into one folder, then found this post in my inbox. Yowzers! What an impact. I will definitely be trying this out in several of the suggested permutations. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration. I’ll work on some test projects with excess watercolor and painted papers before using my precious Shimmer Sheetz. Simply gorgeous!

  • Paula Lewis July 16, 2017 at 4:39 pm

    It is fun to see a quilting technique adapted to a modern product. Love the cards.

  • Sallyann M. July 16, 2017 at 4:37 pm

    These are so lovely and could be used for almost any occasion.
    Thanks for the inspiration

  • Toni Pestro July 16, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    Those are beautiful cards, Judi! The shimmer sheetz really add a lot.

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