Embellishments

Hello peeps,

There was a time when all I wanted to do was to make embellishments.  Here's a sample of what I've done before:

I used lace and burlap to make these cute additions that you could add to make cards, add to journals or whatever you'd like.  A bow made of jute adds to the beauty of these little gems.  These are things I'd add to swaps.

These are little thread spools I found at Michaels - nice and empty, I added lace and miniature flowers to complete the look.  Aren't they adorable?

These are miniature matchbooks, decorated on the outside with a flip of the lid and you could add some other little tidbits that make a sweet gift for a friend.

Stay tuned for more yummies!

Happy Crafting!

 

It's October - Yay for Autumn/Fall

 Hey there peeps,

I am so glad to see the autumn season because crafting ideas get a chance to use different color bases and these are fabulous colors for whatever you are creating.

Here are the cards I've made for the month (and mailed off to my favorite card charity).

These are digital images I found using Google's clipart - aren't they perfect for the season?

I used Word to create a template and keep it handy so that I can change as needed.  The left side of the template has my name and date but the charity requests just a first name and last name initial - no other information, which makes it easier, but lets them know these are handmade.  

All of the cards need layering cardstock on the inside (a base and white card stock on top) due to the paper being so thin (something manufacturers did around 2020 because paper I had purchased before that time is thicker and it's regular weight).  But, it makes it really cute and allows me to use my die cuts to add definition to those layers.

I hope my cards are received with joy.

Happy Crafting!

Card Making Frenzy

 Hello everyone,

I try to be creative as often as possible and went on a crafting frenzy in September.  

I happened to be on the Cards for Kindness page and noticed that there was a need for certain types of cards and I'd only made a dozen of cards that were not hot on their list.  So, I took out  my card stock and went to town.  Here's what I ended up sending for the month of October:

I used pattern paper to make diagonal corners to accent the plain background and cut the flowers using my die cuts.  I had a little trouble rolling the flowers down but you can see the ones below where I improved on shaping them.

In an effort to make as many cards as possible, I try to keep a simple style to the cards but something that is appealing to the recipient.   

Making cards and donating them helps me use up my paper crafting supplies.

Do What you LOVE what you do.

Something Different

 Hello everyone,

Okay, I know I don't have any subscribers and that's okay - these posts are mainly for those that I tell about on various platforms like swap-bot.com.  If I host a swap, they can see what I make for the swap or for my partners who want to see what I create.

So, sometimes, I try to get ready for upcoming events like holidays - here's a sample of some die cuts I made and an expandable pocket to put them in that I sent to a friend, as part of a swap - these are the extras.  Notice, some of these are images are printed and embellished (the gingerbreads). 

With the elves, I printed a base for them and then used red and black cardstock for their clothes (cut and paste method).  

I did print a bunch of Halloween bits but have to cut them out - not sure what I'll do with them yet.

Stay tuned.

Veteran's Day is Approaching

 Howdy y'all,

Veteran's Day is next month and this is a great time to make cards to send to those who served and show our appreciation.

Here's what I sent to Cards for Kindness:

I took images from searching Google images as I do not have a supply of die cuts or stamps that could celebrate our heroes.  

I did layer the inside to help make the card a bit thicker as the weight of card stock is just as thin as paper.  I've decided to invest in 110lb paper for better results.  The funny part is that the colored cardstock that I purchased from Michaels when I worked there in 2017 is thicker than the cardstock I've recently purchased in the last two years.

That's what resources in the market place are doing - putting less in packages and still charging that ridiculous price that they put on the product during COVID in 2020.  Everything is too expensive.

Okay, I'm off my soapbox - this is supposed to be about the joy in card making.  I hope that you will join in and send some cards to your favorite charity so that our vets will know we appreciate them.

Happy Crafting!