Cerulean Charm and Checkmate Birthday Card

A project from our live show ONE DAY SPECIAL - Join Toni for her brand new launch - Broadcast 30th May 2025 · 30/05/2025 · watch it from 17:30

Create an elegant birthday card using the Cerulean Charm paper collection and Checkmate stamp set. This sophisticated design features soft purple florals layered with navy stamped elements on a white panel, creating beautiful depth and dimension. The project combines fussy cutting, stamping, and layering techniques to achieve a polished, professional finish.

You will need

Stamps By Me - Cerulean Charm Paper Collection - 070224BSEE IT Imala - A5 Stamp - Check Mate - 170823HSEE IT

DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE (PDF)

Step by step

1. 

   Stamp the Checkmate design onto white card stock using navy ink. Test the stamp first to ensure good coverage before stamping onto your card.

   ▶ watch this step (17:45)
2. 

   Carefully fussy-cut around the stamped chess piece images using small scissors, moving the card rather than the scissors for better control.

   ▶ watch this step (20:45)
3. 

   Select a darker patterned paper from the Cerulean Charm collection to use as your card base. Trim the paper to A4 size if needed.

   ▶ watch this step (26:00)
4. 

   Cut a white panel from the Cerulean Charm papers. Adhere it down one side of the card to create a colour break.

   ▶ watch this step (28:30)
5. 

   Fussy-cut the flower and leaf elements from the Cerulean Charm embellishment sheet, leaving a small white border around each piece for a decoupage effect.

   ▶ watch this step (31:30)
6. 

   Using small scissors, cut into the petals of the floral images to create dimension. This will allow the flowers to be raised and layered on the card for added depth.

   ▶ watch this step (33:00)
7. 

   Adhere the white stamped panel flat to the card base. Layer the fussy-cut purple flowers and green leaves on top, using foam pads for some elements to create dimension and depth.

   ▶ watch this step (37:00)
8. 

   Apply white ink around the edges of the stamped Eiffel Tower and silhouette elements using an ink pad. Gently dab the ink to push the images back slightly and create contrast against the darker background.

   ▶ watch this step (38:30)
9. 

   Position the completed card on your craft mat and smooth it down with your hand to ensure all elements are securely adhered. Add any final embellishments such as a small gem or sparkle detail to complete your Cerulean Charm birthday card.

   ▶ watch this step (41:30)

Tips from the show

• Leave a small white border when fussy-cutting to create a soft halo effect similar to a die-cut piece.
• Don't cut all the way into fine details as it will make the pieces too flimsy; go in as far as you dare whilst maintaining structure.
• Use white ink to push back darker stamped elements and create contrast on busy backgrounds.

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly