Ardyth, I appreciate how you give ideas about how to use what we have and also fun stuff to buy if so inclined.

I agree with using what you have. The foiling trend is beautiful but I just can’t commit to the $$ . It could get very costly. I’m finding that I’m watching more videos , like yours, who give us ideas and tricks with what we have instead of it being an advertisement. I really appreciate it and I can’t be alone in that! Thank you !! 🥰🌴

I agree. We can’t do everything, but it doesn’t hurt to try new things using the stuff you already have to determine whether you’re interested enough to purchase new things. I also agree 1) hot foiling isn’t worth the expense for me, 2) slimline cards are awkward to make and send especially when I have so many standard card making supplies, and 3) the stamping foam is so much fun! It’s inexpensive and allows me to use my current supplies in new ways! Would love to see you do a video on it!

Hi Ardyth, so happy to see someone NOT advocating hot foiling as such an absolute necessity! I can see it is pretty but apart from the added cost and the additional storage needed, it seems like such a NOT-environmentally friendly technique with all the foil you use and throw away! Like you show, there are so many other ways to add sparkle to our projects! Thank you for your ideas and inspiration. Kind regards from Germany, Nicola

I love how you "get down to business". No long conversation explaining this or that which detracts from the whole instruction. Thank you.

My best two purchases for my card making were the We’r’Memory Keepers slim line punch board and the regular envelope punch board. Making a business size 10 envelope (regular slim line) and a mini-slim line (personal envelope size) are a piece of cake if you don’t want to just doll up the standard envelopes. I have more than enough pretty patterned paper to make them with. It makes our cards just one more level unique to the recipient.

the circular stencil tool -- WOW what an amazing result!!!

As a long time card maker/stamper i have gotten a ton of inspiration and ideas from junk journal tutorials including using scraps, making my own embellishments, layering etc. there is so much to learn and so many ways of using what I’ve already got, looking at things differently is saving me time and money these days. thank you for your ideas also!

I’m not into slimline or hot foil plates, but I’m all in on the layered stencils! Love them!

I do love your practical, down to earth approach to this hobby! And, wow-the poppy stencil!

Hi Ardyth, I have an ever growing list of techniques to try, but oh my word, the poppy card is extra special. I say that because your inking style is vibrant and soft at the same time. I have been practicing but have a ways to go. My Mom was a master at growing and propagating poppies. After I lost her to cancer, her poppies never grew back, not a single one! I always knew she was special, but didn't know about her secret with the poppies. They were huge and a perfect baby pink with black sooty centers. I miss her and her poppies. This stencil set might be my Christmas request! Thanks for this fun video. I want to try everything!🌷🌷

I really enjoy your videos. One thing I like about them is that they are the right amount of time to get your points across. I also like your videos because they are jampacked with great information. ❤

Thanks for all of your comments & encouragements! Sometimes I want all the things, but I have lots of things already. Especially regarding the expensive things. I love all the final cards and how they tied the whole video together ❤

I love the Poppy ones. Really beautiful colours & blending in that

You hit this one outta the park, Ardyth. Thoughtful observations and techniques, and gorgeous cards!

I have never come across the idea of a foil-lined box for doing heat embossing - brilliant idea and one to be emulated.

Totally agree..."it is the thought that counts ". Thanks for your thoughts and ideas.

That mandala card with gel plate panel is absolutely stunning! Those colors are beautiful together! Thanks for sharing.😊❤❤

It fun to play with new stuff, but after a while most seasoned card makers know what works for them. I started out 30 years ago making 5x7 and slimline (they weren't called slimline back then) cards. I only started making A2 size cards about 10 years ago and still prefer the bigger sizes. A version of the stamping foam was available 20+ years ago. It seemed like a cool tool, but something I knew I wouldn't use. Foiling looks beautiful, but it's just too expensive to get into, especially when embossing can give you a similar look and I already have the needed supplies. Gel plate/printing, I don't really get the appeal of it, so apparently that's not for me either. Layered stencils I'm loving... LOVE the poppy one you demo! But I've noticed that prices on layered stencils have increased BIG time. I'm sorry, but $20 for a stencil set with 4 or 5 sheets of plastic is ridiculous!

That mandala was amazing! I thought I was the only one to not like slimlines 😅

great tip on the "faux foiling"

Again, such an amazing video with such beautiful design, love love love the combo brown and gold sentiment diecuts, so gorgious!, you are SO amazing in picking color combo's 😘👍

Your S'mores coloured card stock is a brilliant idea, as is your die template.

As usual, your cards are stunning! That mandala almost took my breath away! The poppies are so pretty too. Loved all this info! TFS!

Excellent video. I agree about the hot foiling. I have invested enough as a hobby card maker. I do need to try more heat embossing though so I can get better at it. I liked the idea of the foil lined box. Thanks you.

Thank you for this type of video! I know it is tempting to buy all the new tools, but I Amon a budget and love that you share how to use items you already have! It sure helps a lot!🙂💕

Loved the cards you made. I haven’t joined the hot foiling phase and probably never will. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for your ideas . I enjoy trying new techniques

Thank you so much for this refreshing video! It always helps us “seasoned” card makers to step back and rely on some tried and true techniques. Using what we already have can open up a whole new area that we may have forgotten about!

I would not have thought of pairing the mandala design with the plaid, and it’s stunning! I really enjoy your ideas!

Gorgeous mandala!

Make your own envelopes; it makes it way easier to color coordinate them. I love your presentation. Thank you and God bless

Ardyth, this video really spoke to me..I own every single product you mentioned here, including both foiling systems. All this product has weighed me down..making me less productive. I hope stampers listen to your message..use what you have!!! Jean Krainin

I am totally hooked on layering stencils and love the ones that have accompanying dies, stamps and hot foiling plates available. I am addicted to hot foiling and love the professional letterpress results. I have completely stopped making A2 sized cards and now opt for 5x7 or slimline. The slimline cards fit perfectly in an ordinary business sized envelope, by the way. I have gel plates and Simon Hurley’s stamping foam in my craft room and have never gotten around to trying them… I should rectify this situation, I know! 😂I also love using my 360 stamping tool but don’t get it out often enough. I love the cards you made with your technique examples. I always enjoy your creative and informative videos.

TFS. Love the look of cards done. Own the foiling machine but not the Geli plate or stamping foam...yet. Love that these videos are very helpful in informing people of the options out there.

Great video. Thank you for demonstrating all those trends.

Regular business size envelopes fit regular slimline cards perfectly.

I adore mini slimline! Yours is so awesome with the mandela stencil!

Stencils were so popular in the 80's. We cut our own frequently, tracing over wallpaper or fabric patterns. Walls, furniture, paper lampshades, trays. It was so popular. I really like today's versions, though. Your poppies are awesome!

Great tutorial Ardyth! And you show so many different techniques… I loved the poppy’s and the cards you made with those are absolutely stunning! I will definitely look at this video again for inspiration. Thanks 👍

I really like your idea on using embossing your sentiments. I can't see spending the money for hot foiling. Being on a limited income doesn't allow for that kind of a purchase. So thank you for showing how to get a similar affect.

Your videos are great : To the point and very informative: ( videos that take ages to get to the point drive me nuts !) I've recently got into stencils too - and I've made some of my own using some of my dies and coated card, 🤩

For me hot foiling isn’t about whether or not the recipient will now the difference it’s about how fun it is to do! I do this craft for me and my enjoyment. Getting to give it to someone else is just a bonus! As for the $$ we all spent a lot on this hobby it just depends on where we want to spend it. Happy crafting. And thanks for the great ideas!

Thanks for all the info! Enjoy making slim cards. Amazon or homemade envelopes. Bought a cheap laminator for foiling.

Hello! New here...love the embossing tip with foil behind to help heat better. Also feel like I'm in the minority with the slimline cards. Within the last year all the craft stores have ditched the envelopes 😥 I personally get sick and tired of the same A2 cards, especially when that and slimline are about the only 2 sizes (&5x7 I think) that post office doesn't charge extra for. I love watching card makers from the UK adventure into all kinds of fun sizes and wish the US would embrace variety more. And when asking UK friends if their post office charges more for 6x6 or 8x8 cards I'm told no...that's the other size craft stores quit selling is 6x6. Frustrating but I see your Instagram point. Anyway, you taught this experienced card maker a few new tricks so-Thank you!

Just stumbled on your channel.... & am I glad! Each of your creations is a stunner.... The Poppies take the first prize.... But really each one was uniquely beautiful. In my country most of these tools are imported and so makes crafting that much more costly. But I love watching yours & others videos to incorporate whatever ideas I can with whatever I have. Thank you so much

love the mandela with the gel print! you have some great ideas, and so practical :) re: the foiling machine .. i just gave out my HWEEN cards to family -- they had no idea how they were made .. that I spray-stained, inked and stamped the backgrounds (they thought that was just the paper I used) I'm thinking a LOT of the work we put into cards is lost on the recipients. LOL

Loved your video, I also like to try new things. As far as the slim line card, Close to My Heart sells them with the envelopes, as well as stamps to fit them. Just FYI.

You really nailed this one! Most of us that watch these card demonstrations do it for our fun and don't have a huge scrapbook room, etc. Things are expensive I love the look of foil but I'm not getting sucked in I love the gold embossing just as much. and all those stencils out there I just can't afford it and i don't have the space. this is one of the reasons why I love your video today

This video was so informative and your cards are fabulous!

Thank you, Ardyth! You always pack SO MANY tips in your videos! 🤩

I like your ideas. Thanks for the video. I happen to love slimline cards and you can find envelopes at the Dollar Tree.

I so appreciate the thoughts you gave us. I personally have avoided the slimline card and extensive stencil sets. Your cards were really beautiful!

OMG that Poppy card is beautiful- I had to order that stencil. Thank you for all the ideas. I agree about the regular slimline size. Its very intimidating to me. I prefer to do the mini slimlines.

❤ great cards! Thanks for new techniques!

I love your thoughts on all these, even though we have some different preferences. Differences make the world go round! For me, I love making every size card because the different proportion of each changes the way I design for the space, some more than others. Foiling for me is a no in the hot form, too much space it takes up, but I intend on trying a small selection of deco foils with some sticky stuff. Love layering stencils, even though the only set i have had a delicate piece broken off after some use. It still looks great, and several of the openings I have used to create some sea sponge like backgrounds, because that's what I thought could be a great different non flower use for it.

Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent. That was a very interesting video. I appreciate it.

I can never get too many poppies! The stencilled ones look absolutely stunning! Can’t believe you’ve not tried the stamping foam till now. I actually had a block years ago but now I have all of the new sizes and they are soooo much fun! I usually get at least 4 prints from each inking, with each one being a bit different.

Hi new friend here so pretry card good techniques 😃👍👍

Great inspirational video Ardyth. I may have to try stencils after seeing your beautiful results. I do agree with you about the slimline cards. I have never been able to get into their use.

Years ago I learnt how to foil using glue, so hot foiling is not worth the expense; however, like you, I love the Stencils 360 tool! That thing keeps paying for itself! I don't sell my creations, but it pays in the joy of creation and experimentation! Well worth the investment!

No like button? Hmmmm yes all the layering stencils are so cool, however more storage, more money 😢 need to stop somewhere but sure enjoyed seeing what’s out there! TFS really would lik3 sThe poppy one so pretty especially the colors you used!

The stencils look like fun...But, My "New trend" is using what I have already. I hope to use up, or toss, all that I have left of the paper pads I have bought in the past, and go back to my basic embossing folders, inkpads, brass stencils, dies, and Fiskar texture plates. Glue and other adhesives are what will be on my wishlists, from now on. I have noticed being so overwhelmed by having so much craft stuff, I can't focus on projects. Time to fix it!

All your projects are awesome!

Love all the ideas and the "faux foiling" technique is super clever. 👌

Beautiful Ardyth! 😍😍

I wish I had listened to this video before I invested in not 1 but 2 foiling systems..rarely get great results and I keep chasing suggestions buying even more products..you are 100% correct, heat embossing (or die cutting mirror cardstock ) is equally if not better., at least for me. Jean

Always love using what I have! Great cards❤

Yes, i also only use mini Slimline, as that fits better on a A4 paper, as there is hardly any waste, i even adjust the Slimline card so i have even less card waste

I’m with you on the fully slimlines! Love my A2s! Beautiful cards Ardyth!!

Thanks for the tips. I'm now using what I have in my craft room.

Thanks for the video. I am someone that easily falls for new techniques and products but hot foil is one I’m resisting . First of all.Ike you said I’m not that impressed with look for the cost. Plus I notice that even the most experienced crafter seems to have problems doing it cleanly without leaving residue. Then you need another tool to Clean it off. I did fall for the slimline craze and bought some expensive dies and stamps which I never use…agree with you, I don’t like the look. Now I love stencils in part because I can use supplies I already have like all my many ink pads. Never used Simons foam but it looks like an interesting product

I have no desire to hot foil and I don’t like regular slim line cards. The poppy cards are beautiful!

Loved your ideas for stamping several sentiments at the same time. The finished cards are great along with all of your ideas! 🙏

Hi Ardyth. I love watching your videos. I can always depend on you for an unbiased opinion of the products you are demonstrating and whether i think they are items i would like to try. Thanks so much. 😊🇨🇦

No foiling for me-too expensive, and embossing works similarly enough. I thought I would love the layered stencils, but after I bought one I know I will rarely want them, either. I like the detail I get from coloring with Copics better, and I don't have to clean them nor buy separate ones for each new stamp set! I'm with you on the slimline - they feel awkward! I have begun some mini-slimline to create variety for those I send cards to regularly and for some creative inspiration, but A2 size is the most practical with little waste/scraps. I've never seen the foam before...not sure why I would just use the stamp itself? As I have finally accumulated a decent amount of supplies and tools, I am trying to become more selective in what I buy and make the best use of what I already have. I even used up some of my old patterned papers last week - I do still love those for the right cards!

Great video, Ardyth! You made me want to pull our my stamping foam again :)

Thank you so much for the idea of mass producing sentiments by using the outline of the die cuts!! HUGE inspiration

Nice overview! I have a couple of sentiment dies from the pre-slimline era that I use for larger slimline cards, but I much prefer making mini-slimline cards, which are handy for leftover printed papers (remember those?). I foil occasionally, using foils I've had over a decade and sticky embossing powder or tape-I don't have space for all the accoutrements for a heat-powered approach. I didn't expect much success from stenciling, but with the available blending tools, I've come to embrace it. I especially like being able to stencil something light on the inside of the card to coordinate with the front. I've had stamping foam for a long, long time, too, but Simon Hurley has increased my use of it (as well as my having a lot of stencils and embossing folders to use with it). I like the effect of gel printing, and the convenience of small shapes, which don't require clearing off so much prep space as full-size plates (if I weren't doing so many different techniques, I'd probably enjoy those, too). The premium on work space is one reason I don't embrace that kaleidescopic stenciling tool, even though I really like those effects. (I get that out of my system doing digital designs and printing my own papers.)

Great video, Ardyth. Thanks.

I do love the new layered stencils that are coming out from various companies. It's fun to be able to use inks more instead of solid stamps. You can create depth with stenciling and shading. I love slimline cards! I love just having a different size palate, more room to play but not too much room like a 5x7, those are too hard for me to really fill out and make look nice without making them way to heavy. I don't get the stamping foam at all.

Love this video so much! I always love watching your videos, you do amazing work and always have such great tips, tricks, and suggestions! 💖

Love those poppy cards…great tips, thank you!

You always share good ideas and beautiful cards! Thanks!

I wish I could give you 100 thumbs up!! These are stunning!!! I love them all. I’m newly subscribed to your channel and I see why! 😊

I love the colors you choose! AND the methods gave beautiful results! I can’t afford the hot foil tools. But between the embossing and watercolor glitz paints, some gemstone can add sparkle my cards a little bit! Tanks for all the ideas. Your tutorials are specific , informative and quick! ( Sorry, I am sick and I am afraid I blithered”!

Great video - thanks! Just an FYI - #10 business envelopes fit slimline up to 4x9. You can find them anywhere. :)

I tried the foiling first using non-heat foil and specialty glue and later using a laminator with toner foil (and also embossing powder, which worked well) before I bought a foiling machine. I find it easier than the methods I tried first and enjoy foiling ribbon as well. At first I was worried I wouldn't use it enough to justify the purchase, but as I got used to it, I find it quick and easy, and am actually using it. If only that applied to other craft trends I tried in the past.

Some gorgeous samples :)

I love stencils! I just added to my stash from A Colorful Life designs.

I love my hot foil machine. I got it on sale at hobby lobby. I am very selective on the plates I buy because they are expensive. I use my machine a lot, because I love the look of foil. Layered stencils are a favorite also because coloring isn’t something I like to do. Great video as always, Ardyth.😊

It was nice to see so many ideas, my favorite being the Poppy stencil(s) and my least being the embossed sentiments. I’ll have to watch the latter a few more times because I’ve never seen embossing come out like that. It was so pitted, certainly not smooth. I believe you saw it as a reasonable swap for foiling. I can’t agree with that from the results I see here. There are some foiling systems that are less expensive than other, and some that are more. I’d do a full look at what’s available before I gave up on foiling altogether. The results are exquisite. I hope this makes sense. I’m beat.

Love your down to earth videos The poppy stencils are so beautiful. Can you tell me about the pad you were using to line up your stencils? I think that is something that would come in handy for me.🤠

Great techniques video. Thanks heaps 🌺

Hot foiling - I already had a laser printer and a laminating machine, bought foils with discount. 👍

For what it’s worth: slimline fit perfectly in a #10 envelope

I love your videos Ardyth, and I agree that we don't need to try EVERYTHING out there! However, I have to disagree with your analysis of the foil in the box (Warning: former science teacher here!), unless you actually feel the heat reflecting back to you? if not, I think what happens is that since the foil is a metal, it conducts the heat really well. This means that even though you may be heating in a small area, the heat disperses throughout the foil, heating the cardstock more evenly across the entire card. I worked at a craft store, and we found that when we heat embossed a bunch of images that were held down to a metal background using magnets, they hardly warped at all. Same idea, but no box. Anyway, keep the wonderful content coming!

These are fab. I never hopped on the slimline bandwagon either, I agree with you, the proportions were odd. I don't have room for hot foil stuff either...yes it's pretty but I can get a 'foil' look by cutting TH foiled paper etc. Thanks for all of the ideas.

I want you to try something. I don't have a Geli plate so I can't do it myself. Cover it in paint colors and then place a stamp on it and print the stamp. See if the colors look good instead of using ink. You may need to water the paint down a touch if it's an intricate design, but I think you'll find a new way to use that Geli pad.

I try the new trends using what I already have. You can make your own stencils with dies. I refuse to buy new products unless I know I can use it for YEARS. Remember that every company is trying to make $$$$.