Category Archives: Liberty

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

 

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: Celebrating the 4th of July with Authentique Paper

Hello, Friends!   Let’s  celebrate the 4th of July with a card salute to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness!   All this week the Authentique design team is sharing inspirational  Independence Day and Summer themed projects over on the Authentique Paper Blog.  I’m getting the party started with a festive Liberty Pop-Up Shaker Card.

Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue

  • First, create a 5″ x 7″ top fold card base from red cardstock.
  • Next, cut a background from a 4 7/8″ x 6 7/8″ panel of blue designer paper.
  • Then cut a 4 7/8″ x 2 1/2″ belly band from the stars/text panel.
  • Now stitch around the perimeter of these panels if desired.

Authentique Liberty Pop Up Shaker Card by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design PHoto 01

  • Cut (2) 2″ x 6″ fishtail banners from complementary patterns and adhere to the left hand side of the background panel.
  • Now fussy cut around the edge of the 3×4 flag image and mat on red cardstock.  Adhere in the center of the card.
Star Spangled Shaker Element

Now create the star shaker element.

  • Use a nested star die to cut 2 (3 3/4″) stars from patterned paper. Set one star aside to form the back of the shaker element.
  • Place a smaller nested die in the center of the other star and die cut to create a frame.
  • Now cut the large star a third time using clear cardstock.
  • Adhere the clear cardstock to the back of the star frame.
  • Then add 3 layers of 1/8″ foam strips to the back side of the frame.
  • Next fill the frame with your shaker elements.  Adhere the die cut star to foam tape and press in place to seal.
  • Die cut several more small stars from red and blue metallic paper.  Use these to embellish the card.
  • Finally add flowers, ribbon, buttons and letter tiles.
Stand and Salute the Flag

Create a fun pop-up scene inside the card.  You can find a tutorial for making this style of  pop up card HERE.

Decorate with more die cut stars, fussy cut elements and stickers from the paper collection.  There’s even a fun little flip down sentiment panel located at the bottom of the card.

Land of the Free Because of the Brave

My Daddy raised me to love this wonderful country and to respect its flag.  I can still see him standing with his hand over his heart any time the flag passed by.  He and my uncles served during WWII and my grandfathers and great uncles served during WWI.  Two of my brothers served in the military; one in the demilitarized zone in South Korea and the other did two tours of duty in Vietnam.  My niece served in the National Guard and supported the troops in Afghanistan.

Independence Day reminds me to be grateful for all the sacrifices that have been made so that I can enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Our history is not perfect.  No nation’s is.  But America keeps moving toward the lofty goals set forth by our Founding Fathers…and that is something to celebrate!

I wish you all a blessed, safe and Happy 4th of July!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Memorial Day Patriotic Banner and a Winner!

Authentique Liberty Patriotic Banner for Summer by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design

Memorial Day Patriotic Banner: Memories from the Past

Hello, Friends!  Today is Memorial Day:  a time to remember and honor all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.  It’s a somber day, but a joyous one as well, as we celebrate the freedom that sacrifice provided to us as Americans.  Now, more than ever, it’s good to remember the price that was paid for our freedom.  It is a thing to be cherished, guarded and appreciated every day of the year.  Coming from a family where my brothers and dad served our country, I am thankful.

Growing up in Vermont, Memorial Day meant rising early to pick lilacs.  The fragrant blooms were still heavy with dew as we gently laid them in a laundry basket to carry home.  Then the work of arranging them in big fan-shaped metal urns began.  Once that task was finished, we drove over to the family cemetery plot where we placed them on the graves of family members who had served.  We always brought along a bucket, soap and a scrub brush along with gardening tools so we could clean up the graves.  It sounds morbid, but I loved this tradition. It was heavenly to breathe in the scent of those glorious lilacs as we worked in the warmth of the sun under the bright blue sky.

After that, we would travel to the main street in our small town to observe the Memorial Day Parade.  Cars filled with Gold Star Mothers, a few marching bands, civic groups and Shriners filled the street for about 30 minutes.  Then we all traveled up to the Warm Memorial in the park where a prayer of gratitude was offered by local clergy.  As a wreath was placed on the memorial, someone always played “Taps” on the trumpet.  The haunting notes of that melody always left me with goosebumps and a tear in my eye.  How I miss those wonderful traditions!

Memorial Day Patriotic Banner: Tips and Tricks

 

Banners are one of my absolute favorite things to make.  I just wish they weren’t so hard to photograph!  But I think you can easily see that this red, white and blue beauty  made with Authentique Paper’s Liberty Collection is filled with lots of fun details.  While I don’t have a tutorial, I will share some tips and tricks with you.

  • Begin by cutting the banner pieces from red ticking canvas.  Use the Eileen Hull House Die for this step.  Lay the die on the fabric and cut around it with scissors.  Use the large die for the outer pennant, then trace around the inside of that die for the natural canvas.
  • Next, cut red glitter paper using the smaller die from the set.  To create the perforated edge, trim half the die cut holes using a pair of scissors.
  • Create smaller pennants with Graphic 45 ATC tags.  Cut covers for the tags with the G45 ATC Die.
  • Rosettes are a must on a patriotic banner.  Cut designer paper with the Tim Holtz Sizzix Rosette Die.  Top with buttons.
Memorial Day Patriotic Banner: Finishing Touches

  • Cut a 2 yard section of 1 1/2″ wide Royal Blue Plaid Ribbon.
  • Arrange the pennants along the ribbon.  Hold them in place with binder clips.
  • Now stitch the pieces onto the ribbon.  I added a border of White Ruffled Ribbon stitched with Red Zig Zag Ribbon in the center.
  • Next, tie bows between the pennants with Scarlet Checkerboard Satin Ribbon.
  • Then add images and flowers to finish the banner.

How do you celebrate Memorial Day?  I know this is not a typical year, but if it was, what would you be doing?  A trip to the beach?  Family picnic?  Back yard barbecue?  I’d love to hear your memories of Memorial Day past, and how you intend to honor the day this year.

Winner of my YouTube Throwback Thursday Giveaway

And, today is the day I announce the winner of my YouTube Throwback Thursday giveaway!  The randomly chosen comment came from Crafty Carolina Gal.  Please contact me at kathybydesign@hotmail.com with your address so I can ship your goodies off to you!

Wishing you all a blessed, happy and safe Memorial Day!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01
Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial for the Authentique 4th of July Group Post

Hello, Friends!  If you live in the US, let me wish you a very Happy 4th of July!  To help everyone celebrate this patriotic holiday, the Authentique Paper Design team is hosting a group post loaded with red, white and blue project inspiration.  My contribution is this quick and easy to make Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial.  It’s the same style and size as the Authentique Confection Waterfall Mini I shared with you all in June.  So if you’ve been wanting to whip one of these cute albums up, today is your lucky day!

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 02

The album measures 6 3/4″ x 4 3/4″ with a 1 1/2″ spine.  I’ve wrapped it with Authentique Spectrum Old Glory cardstock and decorated it with the Liberty 12×12 collection.  Since I share all the details in the video below, I’ll just share photos for you to enjoy here.

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial: The Spine

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 03

To create this festive spine, follow these steps:

  • Punch a hole in the center of the spine, about 1/2″ from the top edge.
  • Fold an 18″ length of 3/8″ wide ribbon in half.  Pull the fold through the hole, then pull the ribbon tails through that loop.  Adjust, then tie a bow.
  • Attach a vintage safety pin under the center of the bow.
  • String charms on jump rings, then slide onto the safety pin.  Close.
  • Place a Tim Holtz Remnant Rub onto the face of the white plaque before attaching to the pin.
Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial: A Peek Inside

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 04

Double waterfalls are secured with 3/8″ ribbon.

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 05

Each waterfall measures 43/4″ square.  Cut Spectrum Tricycle Red and Old Glory Cardstock to 5 1/4″ x 4 3/4″.  Score a 1/2″ flap on each panel. The liner sheets are 4 1/2″ square.  This way, you can add a 4″ x 4″ photo and still have a pretty paper border.

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 06

Create flaps with the 3″ x 4″ images from the collection.

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 07

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 08

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 10

The bottom layer of each waterfall is a double pocket with little ATC tag inserts.

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 10

Cover Graphic 45 ATC Laser Cut Banner Tags with designer paper quickly by die cutting the liners with the G45 ATC Die.

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial and Project Share on YouTube

If you’d like to see more of what’s inside the album and learn how to create it, please enjoy this YouTube video.

 

Our Family 4th of July

Independence Day is one of our family’s favorite holidays.  We all gather together for a cookout, a swim, potato salad, watermelon, games and lots of laughs.  When dusk falls, we go to a nearby park to enjoy a fireworks display.  We’ve followed this tradition for decades, and we all agree, it’s one we want to continue to observe.

We are so very thankful for those who served, suffered and sacrificed so that we can celebrate and live in freedom.  God Bless You, and God Bless the USA!

Wishing you all my fellow Americans a safe, happy and healthy 4th of July!  For all the rest of you who live outside the US…thanks for your friendship!  I appreciate you!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Authentique Liberty Waterfall Mini Tutorial Supply List

 

Authentique Liberty Patriotic Banner

Authentique Liberty Patriotic Banner

Hello, Friends!  Are you ready for the 4th of July?  It’s one of my favorite holidays.  To help you celebrate, I’ve prepared this Authentique Liberty Patriotic Banner as my contribution to the Authentique Design Team 4th of July celebration week.  (You can check out the other inspirational projects HERE.)

The large pennants in this banner all measure 5″ x 7″ and have been hand cut.  It’s really not as hard as you might think to create your own banner pennants.

  • First, cut two  5″ x 7″ panels of Authentique Spectrum Old Glory Cardstock and an additional 2 from Tricycle Red.
  • Next, bring the bottom corners of the rectangle together, but don’t fold completely.
  • Now, measure up about 1″ on the fold.
  • Next,  place on your cutting tool make a diagonal cut from the 1″ mark along the fold to the outside corner of the rectangle.  When you open this, you will have a “v” shaped pennant.
  • Use this as a template for cutting the remaining 3 banners.
  • For the second layer, cut the papers to 4 3/4″ x 6 1/2″ and repeat the above process.
Authentique Liberty Patriotic Banner: Creating Layers

Once you have cut all your pennant pieces from the Spectrum Cardstock, you can stitch the layers together, as I did here, or simply use your favorite adhesive.

Now make the small pennants by covering Graphic 45 ATC tags with patterned paper.  (Use the ATC Die).  Then place these shaped edge down between the larger pennants.

Authentique Liberty Patriotic Banner: More Tips and Tricks

Now,  stitch the pennants to a long piece of ribbon.

TIP:  Hold pennants in place with binder clips.

TIP:  To ensure that the pennants lie flat when hanging, stitch all the way across the top of the ribbon. Then stitch a second time along the bottom edge of the ribbon.  This really works, friends!

Now tie square knot bows between all the pennants.

Die cut Glory Blue and Patterned papers using a shape that you like.  This will be the next layer on your pennants.

Next, cut 4 3/4″ x 2 1/2″ panels of patterned paper from your stash.  These will be belly bands on your banners.  Fold white doilies in half and layer underneath your focal image.  Use a die to create some festive rosettes and layer these on with some patriotic buttons and charms.  Now all you need to do is add flowers and some poufy bows in the corners and your banner is ready to hang!

I’ll be back on Wednesday with more Authentique 4th of July inspiration!

I hope I’ve shared some tips and tricks that you can use the next time you want to make a banner.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Authentique Paper

Dies:

Flowers: Prima/retired

Ribbon:

Other:

 

 

 

 

Authentique Liberty Pie Shaker Card Folio

Authentique Liberty Pie Shaker Card Folio with Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hello, Friends!  Memorial Day is upon us, so I thought it would be fun to share this Authentique Liberty Pie Shaker Card Folio with you all.

Authentique Liberty PIe Shaker Card Folio by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 01

This 5″ x 7″ top fold card folio features a really fun shaker frame focal.  Here’s how I made it:

Authentique Liberty Pie Shaker Card Folio: The Ribbon

Tie a bold and beautiful Electric Blue Diamond Satin Bow and adhere it in the lower right hand corner of the frame.  This gorgeous ribbon is part of the RRR May Ribbon Club Assortment. Top this with a loopy Gold Metallic String Bow and a red posy.

Note: because so many of you ask, the die cut behind the focal image is a combination of the Heartfelt Creations Circle Basics Large and Eyelet Circle Dies.

Authentique Liberty Pie Shaker Card Folio: The Flower Cluster

To go with the pie theme of this fun card, I added some (retired) Petaloo Blueberry picks to my Little Birdie Roses, WOC Gold Bead/Berry Clusters, and Glitter Stars.

Authentique Liberty Pie Shaker Card Folio: A Peek Inside

Oh, look!  It’s a party!  Here’s a flip page and a pocket detail tucked inside the card.

To make the flip page, cut a 7 1/2″ x 6 7/8″ panel of Authentique Spectrum Tricycle Red Cardstock.  Score it just short of 5″ on the long side and fold to form a flap.  Then cut a couple of 4″ x 3″ images from the Liberty Collection and mat them on Old Glory Spectrum Cardstock.  Adhere these on the front side of the flip page, then decorate the back as you see fit.

Create a 4″ x 6″ envelope with an envelope punch board.  Adhere the envelop flap to the card base.  This is a really quick and easy way to make a flip element for a card.  Tuck the recipe inside the envelope.

To fill the bottom pocket, create a magnet!  Place 2 Large Basic Grey Magnets on the back of the mason jar image.  Stitch the image onto a panel of red canvas ticking that you’ve edged with burlap trim. Top with a double loop bow tied with 3/8″ Patriotic Plaid Ribbon.

I can’t believe the summer holidays are already upon us!  The year is really flying by!  I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have served in our military, or offered up a loved one in service.  I salute you!

Did you find some tips, tricks and techniques you can use in today’s post?  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below! To check out another fun patriotic card made with the Authentique Liberty Collection, Click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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