Hello, ladies and gentlemen (at least I hope there are some men around here too!). It's Ellen here, showing off some flocked valentine cards!! Dies always have been popular the last few years, but in my opinion, stand-alone-dies are more popular than ever lately. I particularly like to use them with the flock, simply because that makes the cards look extra special. Below I will explain with a picture tutorial step by step how I made two cards with flock and a lot of dies.

Soft and Gentle Giraffe Card

I started by creating the background for a slimline card. I cut the main piece and inked it with pink Distress ink. Afterward, I created the flocked pattern. For this, I first cut out a piece that's slightly larger than the design. I peel off the front side of the foam a placed the flock (color side down) on top of it. I did put the sandwich true a die-cutting machine to give it pressure. Next, I peeled away the flocked sheet from the foam. Afterward, I did cut my desired shape/design out of the piece of flocked foam (also with the help of a die-cutting machine). In this case, I did cut out twice the leaf pattern. I placed it on the slimline card base and chopped off the excess. Just like I explained above I applied different flocked colors and cut out different shapes. This will become the giraffe. Be sure to look down for the supplies list to know all colors that are used! It's fun to ink up the sides of the flocked pieces. This gives a bit of dimension and brings the giraffe to come to life. When you layer all pieces together, you get an adorable Valentine card. Who wouldn't like a fluffy giraffe on valentine? Maybe the coffee lovers like it to have coffee themed card...

Velvet Valentines Mug Card

We will take this card to the next level. First of all, I created the background in a similar way as above. Only on this card, the shapes are a lot tinier than the leaf pattern on the first card. It's amazing how well the flocked foam can cut out even tiny pieces. Also here I did cut out the shapes and inked the sides. Did you know you can add Glitz Glitter gel on top of the flock? It's so pretty to add a pattern to the mug. Also, this takes it to another level. Of course, the fancy mug also needs a shiny spoon. For this, I used a piece of Toner Sheet and Deco Foil Transfer Sheets in the Iridescent color. Deco Foil Toner Sheets are heat-activated transfer papers used to create custom designs. You can apply the foil by cutting out a slightly bigger shape than your design from both sheets (Toner Sheet and Transfer Sheet). Next, I did put the foil color side up on the piece of Toner Sheet and I ran it true the laminator in between parchment paper. I peeled off the excess foil and cut out the spoon shape with the help of a die-cutting machine. If you didn't like to cuddle with the giraffe, maybe receiving this elegant mug is more what you like. I hope these cards inspire you to play more with flock and your stand alone and background dies.

Supplies Giraffe Card:

Deco Foil Flock Transfer Sheet – White Latte Deco Foil Flock Transfer Sheet – Sunshine Yellow Deco Foil Flock Transfer Sheet – Tuscan Gold Deco Foil Flock Transfer Sheet – Black Velvet Deco Foil Flock Transfer Sheet – Pink Carnation Deco Foil – White Foam Adhesive Gina K. Design – White Foam Tape Gina K. Design – Adhesive Dot Runner Other Supplies: My Favorite Things - Mistletoe Cover-Up Die-namics, My Favorite Things - Joyful Giraffe Die-namics, My Favorite Things - Giraffe Greetings, Trinity Stamps - Scalloped Card Panels and Banners Slimline Die Set, Lawn Fawn Large Slimeline with Sliders Die Set

Supplies Mug Card:

Deco Foil Flock Transfer Sheet – White Latte Deco Foil Flock Transfer Sheet – Teal Waters Deco Foil Flock Transfer Sheet – Blue Sky Deco Foil Flock Transfer Sheet – Pink Carnation Deco Foil – White Foam Adhesive Deco Foil Transfer Sheet – Iridescent Deco Foil – Toner Sheet Deco Foil - Parchment Paper Gina K. Designs – Glitz Glitter Gel Turquoise Sea Gina K. Designs – White Foam Tape Gina K. Designs – Adhesive Dot Runner Other Supplies: Lawn Fawn - XOXO Backdrop Portrait Die Cus, Lawn Fawn - Outside Stitched Mug Die cuts, Lawn Fawn - Stitched Mug Frame Die Cuts, Newton's Nook Design - Love Café Stamp Set, Newton's Nook Design - Frames and Flags dies set, Lawn Fawn - Small Stitched 4 bar Rectangles Lawn Cuts