Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Homemade Living Series


Thanks for visiting us today for the second week in our series.
Be sure to pop over to these two blogs today
for more insights on living homemade:


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When I was much younger, going into a card store
and picking out a dozen or so greetings was fun.
Then they got expensive.
I figured I could do it myself 
and now I've been crafting them for years.

My friend KK who lives right here in the neighborhood 
is a card-making diva.

She has all the tools needed to make any type of card
for every occasion,
including loads of talent and creativity. 
She is a crafting phenomenon.
She's teaching me to knit and she also sews 
and is a formidable gardener.
Some people just "got it".

She was kind enough to teach me 
what she's learned about card making.



It all starts with the cardstock.
You gotta have the right paper so that the cards stand up 
to the many added embellishments.



A paper cutter helps to keep lines straight
and can be measured to virtually any size you might need.
Most cards have standard dimensions,
so they easily slip right into envelopes.



There are a myriad of stamps available for special holidays or themes.



Her collection includes these letter stamps,
which help with the personalization of cards.



This punch creates a beautiful edge on the bottom of the card.



It really adds a touch of elegance.


For those who lack imagination,
there are books on the subject of card making.



KK also uses her own photographs 
taken around her home and garden.



Most of the time though, 
she uses various patterned paper to fashion just the right look.
She even embelishes with glittery adornments.



One of her favorites is this cute note card with the bold green bow.
She often recycles parts of cards she's received
to use on her handiwork.



The cupcakes as well as the message on this card are actually stickers
that peel off and are easily adhered to the cardstock.



Here is an array of butterfly-themed creations.
The possibilities are really endless.



A woman after my own heart.
Completed cards are organized by color
and stored until needed.
(We both do this with the clothes in our closets too!)

Lest you think you need a lot of equipment to do this craft, 
it's not really necessary.
KK buys all of her supplies on sale and uses coupons to boot,
so she has accumulated a nice stash of tools.



Here are a couple of my attempts.
I use a lot of scraps of paper from my scrapbooking days 
and just decorate them using fancy scissors or a hole punch.
I try to send my mom a card each week,
since she lives down south now.


Recently, friends celebrated a big anniversary,



so I made this little ditty.



Making homemade cards is worth the time and effort.
It's a fun thing to do with friends
and it helps to stir up plenty of great ideas for designs.

When was the last time you sent a card to someone
just because?


These fine bloggers will be posting their creativity next Wednesday:









Little Homestead on the Hill



barnhopimage



Our Simple Homestead Blog Hop





16 comments:

  1. These are all lovely. What a thoughtful way to show someone just how special they are.
    Store bought cards are getting outrageous. I picked up one a few weeks ago for darling hubby and about fell over---$7.99. For a card????
    I adore him, but c'mon! I had him read it on the spot....and we put it back. LOL!

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  2. Beautiful. I laughed at the "card-making diva" - I bet she gets a chuckle out of that. :) I love to make my own cards. I used to scrapbook but no more - just cards. My husband can't wait to see what I've come up with to give him for special occasions.

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    1. It's a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Enjoy!

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  3. These are beautiful! I've never been great at paper crafts, but I think I could do it now seeing these examples and your instructions! :)

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    1. It's so easy. Great for kids too, as they can use their imaginations.

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  4. Ooh, that hole punch for the trim is so pretty!

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  5. Replies
    1. Thank you. I'll be working on updating the blog. You inspired me with all of the changes you've made on yours.

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  6. These cards are amazing! I love your cute "summer celebration card." How fun! I really like the cut-outs. It makes the cards look so professional. I send cards to my 3 year old nephew whenever I can because my sister said he gets so excited when he gets mail! I'll have to try my hand at making a card for him next time :)

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    1. Oh yeah, kids love getting mail just for them. Give it a go! You could even do a bird themed line of cards!

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  7. Replies
    1. Go for it! With all of the lovely shots you've taken in your area, you could make some lovely cards.

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  8. I've been making cards for all occasions for several years now. I generally make our Christmas cards, too. My only stumbling block is sometimes the verse I want to use for particular ones. The nicest compliments I get about my cards is the person telling me they cannot ever throw my cards away....lol!

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    Replies
    1. That's a marvelous testament to your creativity!

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Thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughts!