Three Things I Like: Andrea Merlin

DAY THREEI thoroughly enjoyed opening all of the one-for-one swaps that were delivered to my mailbox last month.  Although it was sad that I had to mail them back out (those are the rules about a swap), it was such a treat to see so many beautiful cards with fun layouts, amazing techniques and great folds.  I studied them all with amazement and am happy I get to share them with you.

Today I want to share one of the swap cards that really stood out to me – it’s by Andrea Merlin from Johns Creek, Georgia.   Andrea’s card features a super-fun fold with images from a Nice Cuppa stamp set and Have a Cuppa Designer Series Paper.  Tucked inside is a packet of tea – a perfect gift that ties in perfectly with this suite of products.  How fun is this card?!

Andrea Merlin, Johns Creek GA, Stampin' Up!, card swap

Not only is Andrea my friend, but she is a member of my InKing Royalty Team – our community of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators – and frequently shares her amazing projects with our group.  This isn’t the first time I have received a card like this from Andrea, and I’m glad she decided to make another for this swap.  Here’s another card I received from Andrea about a month ago (side-by-side with this one):

Andrea Merlin, Johns Creek GA, Stampin' Up!, card swapNow that I’ve shared Andrea’s amazing card, I want to share my three favorite things about her amazing designer.  That’s right – I’m going to narrow it down to just three things.

Three Things I Like about Andrea’s Amazing Card

      • Double Z-Fold.  Not only is Andrea’s design of her card awesome, but this fold technique is quite amazing – and she has designed every element of her card to fit this fun fold!  The card fits in a standard envelope, but it unfolds into layers of fun.  I’m so glad Andrea introduced me to this fold and that I can introduce it to you.  She found this technique from Jan Brown, a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator in the U.K., on Jan’s blog – here’s a link to her write-up on this fancy fold: READ HER POST.  I’m sure she would love for you to visit – what a beautiful accent she has!  And here’s Jan’s video about her Double Z fold – how clever!:

    • Secret Pocket.  As I mentioned above, I love that Andrea’s “always time for tea” card includes an individual tea bag.  She created a perfectly placed pocket inside the card, making this card a perfect delivery system for tea.  Whether the recipient is recovering from illness or just a pleasant person to be around, the inside panel is perfect for this small gift.
    • Sentiment Placement.  I love how this stack of mugs that says “There’s always time for tea” coordinates so perfectly with “and spending time with you.”  I love how Andrea has paired them here – one on the outside and one on the inside YET you see them both at the same time when you open this fun card.  Although she stamped this inside sentiment in Wisteria Wonder, your eye is drawn right to it because she brilliantly placed the Melon Mambo mug by the sentiment.  Every component of this card is thought out and planned to a “tea.”  Hahahaha.  I can’t believe how funny I am!  Just a hoot!  🙂Andrea Merlin, Johns Creek GA, Stampin' Up!, card swap

Stamp Sets:  A Nice Cuppa  Papers:  Have a Nice Cuppa Designer Series Paper Stack, Wisteria Wonder, Whisper White  Inks:  Melon Mambo, Wisteria Wonder  Accessories:  Stampin’ Dimensionals

If you missed Day One or Day Two of my Spring One-for-One Card Swap, you want to check them out!  Each day is filled with great inspiration from talented paper crafters.  You can check out the other days here:

Please leave a note below to let Andrea know how much you love her creations!  She has really made some fun projects that work perfectly with this fun fold.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Brian

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12 Comments

  1. I love this fun fold card, specially the pocket on the side to tuck a gift card or, in Andrea’s card, a sweet bag of tea, what a beautiful way to send someone something really special. This card can be displayed year round to enjoy looking at it every day.
    Beautiful colors and sweet DSP, fabulous design too.
    Awesome job Andrea, thank you for sharing the video tutorial, I’m going to give this fun fold card a try.
    Hugs.
    Maria Rodriguez.

  2. I’m an avid tea drinker, so this card is just my “cup of tea!” : ) It would make a fantastic Mother’s Day card as well. Thanks so much for sharing…Brian, Andrea and Jan! <3

  3. Super cute card, thanks for sharing!

  4. Hi Brian – thanks for sharing Andrea’s card.

    Andrea – your card is so unique and amazing. I love that a card this special can still fit in a regular sized envelope. I’ll have to give the design a try. Your video made it look easy but then again, you had already done all the hard word. LOL Thank you Andrea.

  5. Double z-fold is doubly fun! Thanks for sharing Andrea’s card!

  6. This is such a fun card. Making it into a card with a gift is very clever. Thanks for the idea Andrea and thanks to you Brian for sharing it with us.

  7. So cute ! These fold type cards are always fun and I enjoy making them . The favorite part is that it folds flat to mail in a A2 envie !
    Thank you Brian and Andrea for a fun project to work on next !

  8. What amazing cards!!! Andrea’s creativity is awesome and wonderful!! I love them both! Thanks for sharing, Brian and Andrea

  9. Great cards Andrea. When I was at Brian’s last week he actually brought out the Congratulations card to show me. Very impressive !!!!

  10. Beautiful card. I will definitely get the dimensions and make a card. Thanks for sharing.

  11. Thanks for sharing such a great card, Andrea! I can’t wait to try making this style of card for several upcoming occasions! The video was very helpful — I just need to jot down some measurements & I should be ready to go 🙂

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