Butterfly Card

It’s finally here: my first card (well, anything) post — joy!

I’ve been working hard and trying to create some fun spring cards. These happen to be thank-you notes, but they could really bear any message you wanted. These butterflies are just so darn cute–they could say anything! I got the dimensional idea to make the wings stand up from Jennifer McGuire (she’s where most of my ideas come from, including my blog name. Check her out here. You’ll fall instantly in love with her style!). I have to admit, I used my Cricut for this card, but you could certainly get away making these without one — just be creative in your shape-cutting!

For this project, I used:

• Paper Products
  • Textured notecards by DCWV, from their “Box of Cards” in what I like to call “Dusty White” and “Bright Sky” (they are otherwise nameless)
  • Cardstock by Recollections, from the “Neutrals” pack in what I like to call “Chocolate,” “Silver Lining,” and “Snow White” (again, otherwise nameless)
  • Paper by My Mind’s Eye, from the Bohemia stack
• Tools
  • Butterfly Punch by Martha Stewart Crafts
  • Cricut Cartridge: Accent Essentials
    • Accents 48, 11, and 6
  • Mini Mister by Ranger
  • 1/4 inch square foam adhesives…lost the paperwork for this one!
• Stamps, Ink, and Other Visuals
  • Antique Linen Distress Ink by Ranger
  • Black ink by Color Box
  • Aqua ink by Color Box
  • Block Stamps 1 by Autumn Leaves
  • Dots and Flowers stamp by Hero Arts
  • Thank You stamp from Expressions Set by Hero Arts
  • Perfect Pearls in Perfect Pearl by Ranger (used in the Mini Mister)

I don’t think my blog will ever be used to provide step-by-step directions, but with the list of products, I hope you can all figure it out on your own, if you are so inclined. Plus, it’s way more fun to be inspired by people and then add your own twist. Your work will be much more “you” that way. And we all want our work to scream “me me meee!!!” : )

As I mentioned earlier, I was very inspired by Ms. McGuire to make these; I just LOVE her work. It’s always so clean, simple, and cheerful. As far as I’m concerned, things don’t need to be fancy to be fun or cute, which is my goal when I make cards. (That, and of course enjoying myself while I make them!)

I hope these have inspired you to usher in spring by sending someone a card of some kind. Snail mail may be slow, and it may cost more than e-mail, but let me tell you — nothing beats seeing a pretty envelope with a hand-written address in your mailbox!

Happy spring!

Here Goes Nothin'!

Getting used to this bad boy!
Trying some different things out as far as spacing.

and other things.

Now I need to try and figure out how to make a new page...

- mLe

Tips + Tricks

. : A collection of ideas:

• Don't waste precious crafting money on pre-cut and folded note cards. Standard-sized cards are half of an 8.5x11 piece of cardstock. Just slice in half, fold, and go! It's cheaper and means that your options for card base colors are vastly increased.

• Foam dots, squares, etc. are fun and add great depth and interest to cards! However, keep in mind that the Post Office takes thickness into account, along with height, width, and weight, when it comes to calculating your postage. This is not only something to keep in mind for yourself, but something to note if you ever make a set of cards as a gift; the last thing a card gifter would want for a card giftee is for them to be caught off guard at the Post Office or end up with their precious time-sensitive card back in their mailbox--yikes!

• Need a strip of paper to add as an embellishment that you want to match the background of your card/scrapbook page? No problem! And no need to waste another card to chop some up! Simply use a paper cutter to slice off a thin strip from the bottom of your card and — presto magic — a perfectly matched embellishment. This would also be a good way to make a set of cards that tie in to each other; use the strips from one color to add to the second, and use the strips from the second to add to the other! Voila: a perfectly coordinated set.

• Don’t waste time using a piece of paper as a catcher when using frequently-reached-for embossing powders or glitter. Swap that makeshift funnel for a small plastic container you would stick your leftovers in! Just dump you most-used powders inside separate containers with a spoon of some sort, and sprinkle right over the container when embossing, then dump the leftovers back inside. When you’re done, just pop the top back on; it might take up a bit more space, but it is well well worth it. (Note: got this idea from Jennifer McGuire!)

• Under the gun? Feeling uninspired for your card layout? Try taking a peek at the Hero Arts card sketch database! There are lots of great ideas to get your creativity juices flowing again! Or, you can check out their Flickr Pool too! Lots of talented people out there to help you get inspired!

This is an evolving page. Check back for updates!

Have an idea for a great tip or trick? Leave a comment with some sort of credit to the founder. If you’re cool enough, I just might add it to my page : )

Cards and Scrapbooking

Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3!