Author Archives: kathycNC

About kathycNC

Married to the love of my life for 43+ years, mom of 5...Nan to 3 gorgeous grandgirls. I have a passion for paper and a heart to educate and inspire through one of a kind, handmade paper art for all occasions. If you'd like to add my artwork to your home, please visit my Kathy by Design Etsy shop.

Carta Bella Christmas Ornament Card

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Throwback Thursday Carta Bella Christmas Ornament Card Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Carta Bella Christmas Ornament Card for Throwback Thursday                                                                        PLUS Organizing Tips and Making a Card Background from Scraps

Hello, Friends!  For this installment of Throwback Thursday we’re going to make a Carta Bella Christmas Ornament Card.  This quick and easy holiday card is a Christmas “mash up” project made with 3 different Carta Bella Christmas collections.  You will learn how to make a darling Christmas ornament embellishment using dies and scraps.  The best part?  The ornament detaches from the card front and can be hung on the tree.  I’ll also be sharing tips for organizing your little bits of designer paper.  And, I’ll show you how to use skinny scraps to make a beautiful wintry card background.  So let’s get started!

How to Make a Christmas Ornament Card

  • Begin by creating a 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ top fold card base from a sheet of black cardstock.  Simply cut the paper on the short side at 5 1/2″.  Then score in half at 5 1/2″.
  • Next, cut a 5 1/4″ square panel of red cardstock to serve as a mat.
  • Now, measure out some paper scraps that are 5″ in width.  The height is not as important, because as you will see in the video tutorial, we are going to stitch panels of paper together.

Now that your base panel is prepared, you can start adding designer elements.

  • First, trim down a 3″ x 4″ image from the collection to measure 2 3/4″ x 3 3/4″.  Mat this on a scrap of red foil cardstock.  This helps the image to stand out on the card front.
  • Now prepare your ornament embellishment.

  • Die cut scraps of designer paper and thin chipboard with an ornament die.
  • Now figure out the placement of the ornament on the card base.
  • Once you know where the ornament is going to be placed, adhere a small magnet on the back side of the chipboard ornament.
  • Then cover the front and back of the ornament with the designer papers.
  • Place the magnet that will sit on the card base on the back of the ornament.  It will automatically attach to the die beneath the patterned paper.
  • Now remove the adhesive from the magnet and press the ornament in the spot where you want it to rest on the card base.
  • Cover the magnet on the card base with a decorative tag.  Now the ornament can be detached from the card, but the card will still look finished.
Finishing Touches

  • Now add a bow cluster on the left hand side of the sentiment.
  • See how I changed my mind?  I covered the border in the video with another tag.  Then add bows and buttons to the sides to finish it off.
  • Finally, sprinkle some sequins around to add just the right amount of sparkle and shine.
A Peek Inside

Finish the inside of the card with a pocket, sentiment card and a little gift card wallet.

Tuck a gift card or small treat inside and you are good to go!

Carta Bella Christmas Ornament Video Tutorial on YouTube

I hope this Throwback Thursday has inspired you to break out your paper scraps and make something beautiful.  I’ll show you how I used that paper pieced card background in a project later this month.  I think you’ll be surprised!

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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NOTE:  Throwback Thursday projects use older collections and scraps to make new projects.  For this reason, I cannot always link to product that might be out of stock or retired.  Thanks for understanding.

 

 

Amazing Paper Grace December 2020 Club Kit

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Stamperia Sweet Christmas Stained Window Shaker Card Amazing Paper Grace December 2020 Club Kit by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Amazing Paper Grace December 2020 Club Kit: Stamperia Pink Christmas Stained Glass Shaker

Hello, Friends! Let’s start the month off with an Amazing Paper Grace December 2020 Club Kit sample. Something about this Rose Garden Promise Die made me think of stained glass windows in the New England church where I grew up.  I had some fun figuring out how to use my mixed media supplies to replicate the look of lead glass stained windows on this Stamperia Pink Christmas shaker card.  Since I thought you might like to know how to achieve this effect, too, I’ve outlined the steps below.

How to Make a Stained Glass Window Shaker Card

  • First, die cut the Rose Garden Promise from heavy kraft cardstock. Remove all the pieces from the frame.
  • Next, brush the frame with Stamperia Sparkling White Glamour Gel.  If you do not have this product, mix pearl mica powder with gel medium and stir to combine.  The effect will be similar.
  • Now, while the gel is still wet, sprinkle the entire frame with Tim Holtz Speckled Egg Embossing Glaze.  Tip off the excess and heat emboss.  The end result is a sort of metallic patina finish that I think resembles lead glass windows.
  • Next, back the frame with a 5″ x 7″ piece of clear cardstock.  Use Dries Clear Adhesive so that any spill-over will not show.  Wait for the glue to dry.
  • Then die cut the frame again from pearlized white cardstock.  This time, leave all the inside pieces in place.
  • Now, carefully remove the flower petals and leaves from the frame and adhere them inside the stained glass window.  I used Dries Clear Adhesive for this.  The process takes a bit of time, but I love the end result.
  • Once all the pieces are in place and the adhesive has dried, place 2 rows of 1/8″ foam tape on the back side of the frame.
  • Then cut a 5″ x 7″ panel of patterned paper from the Pink Christmas pack. Fill the frame with your shaker mix, then adhere the patterned paper over the foam tape.
The Details

Now layer up flowers, chipboard pieces, foliage and ribbon to finish the card design.

A Peek Inside

Adhere the frame that was cut from the pearlized white cardstock inside the card as seen above.

Create a little gift card wallet/note card from one of the post card cut aparts in the collection.

You can tuck this in a simple pocket along with a treat, if desired.

I really like this die, and have found a few different ways to use it.  I’ll be sharing at least one more project with you on the 10th.

Sign up for the Amazing Paper Grace Club Kit HERE.  The Rose Garden Promise Die will be the first Club Kit you receive.

I’ve also listed this pretty card in my ETSY SHOP.

As always, you’ll find a linked supply list below the post.

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas you can use in your next crafty adventure.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Heartfelt Creations Black Friday Blog Hop

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Heartfelt Creations Elegant Gateway Trifold Card Heartfelt Creations Alumni Hop Heartfelt Creations Wild Roses Collection by kathy Clement kathy by Design PHoto 01

Heartfelt Creations Black Friday Blog Hop: Elegant Gateway Dies and Accents
   

Hello, Friends!  Welcome to the Heartfelt Creations Black Friday Blog Hop!  Today we are helping roll out the brand new Elegant Gateway Dies and Accents Collection.  If you love intricate dies, trifold cards and shaped card bases, then you are going to be thrilled with this new collection.  You can see all the dies and accents in this collection HERE.  Each member of the Heartfelt Creations Alumni Team is featuring a project made with one of the dies from this collection.  I’ve had a sneak peek, and I know you will want to see all of their amazing creations!  You’ll find the complete hop list below.

This hop starts now and runs until 11:55PM on Monday, November 30th.  One comment will be randomly chosen from a mystery blog to receive a $25 Heartfelt Creations Gift Certificate!  All you have to do is hop and comment!  The winner will be announced on the Heartfelt Creations blog and Facebook page on Wednesday, December 2nd.  We will also contact the winner via email and I will name the winner at the top of this blog post at that time.  Now let’s get this Black Friday party started!

Scalloped Flourish Gateway Die with Wild Roses Trifold Card

My project for the Black Friday Blog Hop features the elegant Scalloped Flourish Gateway Die and the Wild Roses Paper Collection.  Here’s how I put the cover together.

  • First ink all the edges of a 5″ x 7″ Gateway Fold Card Base with Worn Lipstick, Bundled Sage and Scattered Straw Distress Inks.  Lightly mist the edges with water to create a spattered background.
  • Next, Die cut a panel of rose colored card stock.  Trace around the inside edge of this same  die onto patterned paper from the collection.  Cut out and mat on the colored cardstock.
  • Now cut all the pieces of the Scalloped Flourish Die from white cardstock.  Pop the scalloped edge up on foam tape.  Then adhere the rest of the pieces inside.
Wild Rose Cascade

TIP: Short on time? Just die cut the printed flowers from the 12×12 Wild Rose paper pad!  The flowers are already “stamped” and colored for you.  Simply die cut, shape and layer. Add some extra mixed media spa treatments to the leaves and petals.  This will not only save you loads of time, but both sides of the paper are already colored.

  • Next die cut all the Small Wild Roses and Foliage from the printed page in the Wild Rose Paper Collection.
  • Then shape the leaves and petals in the Small Wild Rose Shaping Mold.
  • Next, assemble the petal layers using Dries Clear Adhesive to hold them in place.
  • Now brush the edges of the petals with Distress Ink to highlight the creases.
  • Then apply Nuvo Mousse to the leaves and the petals to add shimmer and shine.
  • Then use a Crop-A-Dile punch to make a hole in the center of each shaped flower and insert Wild Rose stamens and Prills to finish the flowers.
  • Adhere the flowers in a cascade down the side of the card.  Tuck in bead/berry/stamen clusters as accents.
A Peek Inside

I was blessed to receive an Elegant Gateway Cling stamp Set in my box. Here’s how I put them to use:

  • First, stamp the sentiment onto vellum using Jet Black Archival Ink.  T
  • Next, heat emboss  with clear embossing powder.
  • Now adhere the vellum sentiment  with Dries Clear Adhesive. The edges of the vellum seem to disappear.

First create a pocket in the center of the trifold.  This is a great spot to tuck in a little decorative tag.

Now add a pocket on the back side of the Elegant Gateway Fold Card.  This is the perfect place to tuck in a treat.

On With the Hop!

Now hop on over and see what paper pretties Sarah Miller has in store for you!   Here’s the whole hop list:

Kathy (you are HERE) ♥ Sarah  ♥ Vicki  ♥ Sandy  ♥ Candy  ♥ Kerry  ♥ Magdalena  ♥ Emily   ♥  Amarilys  ♥ Lisa   ♥ Oksana ♥ Alissa   ♥ Carole  ♥  Piyanki

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks so much for hopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Happy Thanksgiving Photo Folio

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Happy Thanksgiving Photo Folio Authentique November Calendar by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 01
Happy Thanksgiving Photo Folio with Authentique November Calendar Collection

Hello, Friends!  I just wanted to pop in with this little Happy Thanksgiving Photo Folio and wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving Day.  The Authentique design team is sharing a special Thanksgiving  group post over on the Authentique blog.  I know you’ll enjoy taking a look at all the wonderful projects and thankful thoughts that are there.

Authentique asked us to share what we are thankful for. I always have to think this one through, as I have so much to be thankful for: my darling husband, our precious children, sweet grandchildren, home, food, and all the rest.  But this year I find myself very thankful for the gift of memories.  There is a quote from James Barrie (author of Peter Pan)  that says,  “God gives us memories so we might have roses in December.” This has never been more true.

Why I Love Thanksgiving

If I had to choose just one holiday celebration per year, Thanksgiving would always be my choice.  I love everything about this holiday!  What is not to love about a day specifically set aside to reflect on all the blessings in our lives?  We spend time with our family and/or friends.  The kitchen glows with warmth and delicious aromas fill the house.  And then…there is pie!  Does it really get any better than that?

Growing up in Vermont, Thanksgiving was a big deal.  We all gathered at my grandmother’s home, perched on a hillside in a small town.  The whole clan was there: great grandparents, great aunts and uncles, aunts and uncles, and cousins.  It was a great big noisy crowd of people who all loved one another and gathered to give thanks.

And man, those ladies could cook! The table fairly groaned under the weight of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and all the fixin’s!  Then there were the breads…yes…breads, plural!  My mom’s homemade yeast rolls, sticky buns, cranberry bread, banana bread, date nut bread and more.  All of that followed by an amazing array of pies, all baked from scratch.

The ladies would wash up the dishes…all done by hand in my grandmother’s farmhouse sink and dried with flour sack towels.  The men would break down the enormous dining room table then take a nap.  Us kids?  You would either find us out rollicking in the snow or playing dress up and dancing in Grammy’s attic.

So many of these dear loved ones are no longer with me.  But they are fully alive in my memory.  And that is what I am thankful for this year.

Back to Live Action

This little 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ folio is made from one sheet of 8 1/2″ x 11″ cardstock.

  • First, cut the cardstock in half at 5 1/2″.  You will have (2) 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ panels.
  • Next, join the two panels together with 1/4″ Scor-Tape.
  • Now score this long panel at 5 1/2″,  and 11″.
  • Fold on the 11″ score line.
  • Score again at 5 1/4″.  This third panel needs to be a little bit shorter so it will fold inside the folio.
  • Decorate the cover with patterns and images from Authentique’s November Calendar pages.
  • Paint a chipboard frame with copper crackle texture and adhere over a 3″ x 4″ image.
  • Now die cut a bunch of fall foliage and wheat sheaves. Spritz the leaves with Bronze Perfect Pearls Mist.
  • Create loopy burlap string bows.
  • Add some Fall Chrysanthemums and rose buds.
A Peek Inside

Create a flap page on the right hand side of the folio.  Top this with a little 3 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ sentiment folio.  There is room inside for 2 more photos or journaling.  Fold the top of the right hand panel down.  You will adhere this to make a slash pocket.

There is room for a 4 3/4″ wide folio inside this pocket.  Fussy cut the turkey from a 4″ x 6″ image and layer it up on the cover.  Now you have room for 3 more photos here.

Look for a supply list below the post.

Now I’m hanging up my scissors and putting on my apron.  It’s time to bake some pies!  I wish you all a warm, memorable and very Happy Thanksgiving, my friends!

Cheerio, 

kathy

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Stamperia Winter Botanic Photo Folio

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Stamperia Winter Botanic Photo Folio

Hello, Friends!  Let’s start the week off beautifully with a Stamperia Winter Botanic Photo Folio.  If you love poinsettias (and I do!) and you love Old World style (yes, that, too!) then I think you will love this project.

When I was a little girl, my grandmother decorated her Christmas tree each year with bubble lights.  I can remember thinking that they were the most magical ornaments I’d ever seen.  Some sort of liquid in the lights bubbled up inside a candle shaped bulb.  Here’s a picture I found on Pinterest.

Something about the cover on this 7″ x 6″ x 1″ folio reminds me of those bubble lights.  Not sure why, but I love that it does!

Winter Botanic Photo Folio Cover

  • First, create a 7″ x 6″ x 1″ folio base by joining panels of cardstock together.  (You can find a tutorial for a similar folio base HERE. The dimensions are different, but the basic construction is the same.)
  • Next, heat emboss Reneabouquets Large Simply Beautiful Frame with WOW! Sparkling Snowflakes Embossing Powder.
  • Now back the frame with clear cardstock.  Adhere with Dries Clear Adhesive and let set.
  • Then attach 3 layers of 1/8″ foam strips around the perimeter of the frame.
  • Layer panels of designer paper alternately with red, green and gold cardstock.  The final panel is a card front cut from the Winter Botanic paper collection.  Place your shaker mix in the center of this image.
  • Now press the frame in place.
  • Heat Emboss Reneabouquets Snowflakes and the Holly Flourish Garland with Dazzling Diamonds.  Layer these on the frame and tuck in with the Floral Cluster.
The Spine and Back Cover

Wrap the spine with fabric to strengthen it.  This festive burlap panel adds texture and shine, too.  Punch a hole at the top and thread through a little clock key and some Glass Fairy Orbs.

TIP: Layer scraps of patterned paper on the back cover to create a Christmas quilt.

A Peek Inside

Finish the inside of the photo folio in any way you wish.  I chose to add a belted waterfall feature on the left and a box pocket on the right.  However, you could easily add the waterfall to both sides of the album.

The patterns in this collection are so very beautiful that I did not embellish them in any way.

Create a pocket behind the waterfall.  This is a great place to tuck in more photos and a little accordion style folio.

To make this folio, simply cut this panel from the 12×12 pad.  Then score between the images.  Fold and hold it in place with a little paper clip embellishment.

There is loads of room in the box pocket to add little gifts.  I stitched up a quick bookmark.  Then I added a crocheted snowflake ornament, demitasse spoone, cookie, peppermint stick, and other treats inside.

I had enough scraps left over to make an additional photo wallet.

Stamperia Winter Botanic Photo Folio Video Tour

If you would like to see this project in live action, I’ve created a short video tour with tips and tricks for you.

 

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use when making your own Christmas gifts.  I think this folio would also make a great little recipe album!  Once the treats are gone from the pockets, you can tuck recipes in their place.  It would also make a wonderful Heritage Christmas Folio.  How would you use it?  I’d love to hear in the comment section below.

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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