Friday, November 18, 2011

Not really my thing...

Cards.
yep. not really my thing. 
I always think I'm going to like making one, but then...no, not so much.
So what to do when you're given an assignment to make some?
For me, I get everything out on the table and start praying for inspiration!

Today you will find these over on the 7gypsies blog so I thought I would show you how a non-card maker, makes a very easy Christmas card.

Decide on how big your card is going to be.  I had some kraft cards and envelopes (that I bought in bulk at Hobby Lobby) left over from last year and decided to use them again.  Easy.

Next I cut a rectangle of creme cardstock to fit on the cover of the card, yet leave some kraft showing on each side. 
Round corners.

I decided it needed some color (it was looking pretty bland) so I put the cardstock on a paper towel and gave it a quick spritz of Adirondack Color Wash in Lettuce.  The cool thing is that very piece will turn out different so every card you make will be unique.  So now time to dry it with a heat tool and move on to the next step.

Next I taped a piece of scrap paper to the work table (and I really mean scrap here because I seriously just got it out of the trash).   Then used a bit of removable tape runner to attach the green paper to the white so that it would not move while I stamp.

Oh darn, I should mention that before I taped my green paper to the scrap paper I drew some horizontal lines so I could keep my stamping in a straight line.
I used this stamp called, Christmas Greetings from 7gypsies for both of the cards that I made.
I started in the bottom right corner and stamped one word in red.  You could emboss it it you wish.
 Then I just used almost every stamp in the set to fill in the the entire paper.  I did add the 25 from the Numero stamp set.  I started with the area around the word believe and spread out from there.  You can see why I taped the paper to the desk.  Half for the card and half to test stamps or tap them off after I was done with them.  This technique works best if you have a bunch of blocks like this set.  And really, once you get one done, making more would be easy to do.  You could even have multiples taped to the desk a the same time  and complete them in an assembly line.
 Once done, I peeled it off the paper and edged it with some distress ink.
 Adhered it to the store bought kraft card.
Then I marked my card with two dots the same size as my ribbon on each side of the card front, right above the word believe (I know that sounds confusing but it's not...just keep going).
I used a X-Acto knife to cut a slit between the marks on both sides. 
Then slid the ribbon into one of the two slits, around the inside of the card and back out to the front where I tied a knot.  The band of ribbon on the inside is a great place to tuck a Christmas letter or photo.
So really I could have stopped there and been done.  But if you want to take it to the next level you can add some vintage buttons.
I just used small and really small buttons to create a Christmas trees shape then glued each down with my favorite Scotch quick dry glue. 


Card number Two:
For this card I used one of my last remaining sheets of this great recycled paper I use to buy at Recollections when they were still in business in Texas.  It came in a pack of 25 (8 1/2 x 11") and I am now down to 2 sheets. darn it.  If anyone knows where I can buy more please post a comment or email me.  Anyway, back to the card.
I had some red envelopes so I decided to make a card to fit into the existing envelope.
I cut the recycled paper into two strips, each 4 1/4 x 11". 
From the two strips of paper I cut one piece 9" long and the other 5" long as shown below.  This is how the card is laid out before you connect the two pieces with paper tape.
On one end of the 9" piece of cardstock I added 14" of green ribbon held on with grid paper tape.
 Then I scored the card at the 3 1/2" mark from the edge to create the card front.
Next I used a Martha Stewart punch to create a simple red embellishment.
Then adhered it to the backside of where I just put the paper tape, so that when the card is closed you can see the lace.
At this point I stamped the word MERRY on the front of the card using the Alphabet clearstamp.  Same set I used when I made this.
 Next punch two holes using a paper piercer for the button.
 Thread the button with wire.
 Push the wire through the card and paper tape, twist to close (but not too tight).
 Cover wire with another piece of paper tape.
Add the second smaller piece of cardstock (5") onto the the larger one you have been working with, just as it showed in the diagram at the beginning.  I used the paper tape again to combine the two pieces.
Then add a piece of polka dot paper .  I wrapped mine around the left edge about an inch.
Now when you close up the card you will be able to wrap the ribbon around then use the button as a closure.
 Like this.
 Easy.
 Here's the inside I did, but you can do whatever you wish.
 Even space for a photo in the center.
 You can decorate an envelope to match.
 I like this stamp for the back and of course add more paper tape (there can never be enough paper tape).

Well that's my foray into card making for the year!  Thank goodness it's over.
cheers!
paula


13 comments:

  1. Paula your cards are wonderful. I love the details you put into them...especially the little button tree. Happy creating...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your cards are great. I'll definitely be 'borrowing' some of your ideas. Love the ribbon and button detail and I'll have to dust off the lace punch. Thanks so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. For someone who doesn't like making cards you did a fantastic job on them!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh Paula, I just love your creations - so you :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bioy you sure coulda fooled me in that you're notsomuch a card maker! I especially love the first one. May have to steal that idea for myself.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I had to laugh when I read the title and kept laughing during the post. Last sentence is soooo what I would say every time I finish a card (glad it isn't very often)... I totally join your club of non-card makers :-D
    Though I love your cards and usually I don't share this same feeling for mines! LOL
    Take care, Vron

    ReplyDelete
  7. thanks veronica...glad to know there's another member of the non-card makers club!
    paula

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great 7 Gypsies stamped background! I like the way you built the tree from your vintage buttons, too. Nice card! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. From one "non-card maker" to another, you did an excellent job! I might have to lift your designs.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear Paula,

    There is something about your creations that make me want to go out and BUY all the product that you use and try and emulate you.....You have such a great eye for detail and color and come up with such an artistic and imaginative ways to put bits and bobs together.

    I liked your button tree .....your merry card would be great front for a folder storing Xmas lists & notes ( a bit of calm, plain & simple is a good thing at this time of year) BUT yeah, I have to agree. This is not your thing!

    Thanks for such an honest and funny posting....

    ReplyDelete
  11. Paula, I too have trouble making the cards I would like to send! Yours are great... I especially like the tree made of buttons & your use of seam binding tape. I've never seen the recyled paper, but I would love to be able to buy nice cardstock that is recycled. Isn't Michaels (based in Texas), now selling what I thought was their own brand of products under the label Recollections? I doubt it's the same and I haven't seen anything that mentions recyled, but it might be worth checking out. Again, thanks for these ideas and great explanations. Denise

    ReplyDelete
  12. cards are really pretty. I can't do clean and simple but when I see something like your cards I sure wish i could. Remember- I'm the glitter-a-holic. I may have to tone it down this year.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Paula, I will be copycat-ing again. These cards are what I would like to create if I had any card creating juices in me. I always think I will make a card but sit down and nothing happens!
    I took a good look at each picture...and the envelope.
    Thanks for wonderful help.
    Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow,
    Judy

    ReplyDelete