Category Archives: Birds

Little Birdie Celebrate Life Mixed Media Card

Little Birdie Crafts Celebrate Life Mixed Media Card by Kathy Clement Photo 01

Little Birdie Celebrate Life Mixed Media Birthday Card

Hello, Friends!  Today we’re going to party with a Little Birdie Celebrate Life Mixed Media Birthday Card.  I’m of the opinion that one should be treated like royalty on one’s day of birth.  So I created a shabby chic birthday card that’s fit for a queen!

But that doesn’t mean this card is hard to make!   It’s all about simple layers, beautiful flowers and a few sneaky mixed media tricks.  These stress-free techniques make you look like a mixed media pro!

Quick and Easy Layers

  • Begin with a 6×6 top fold card base.  That’s easy, right?
  • Now cover the front with a 6×6 panel from Little Birdie’s Celebrate Life 12×12 pad.
  • Look through your stash for a square doily: cloth or paper is fine.  My cloth doily came from a thrift shop bin.  You could also add a square lacy die cut for this layer.
  • Next, stitch a 5″ square panel of the pink woodgrain cardstock to the doily.  Then center and adhere.
  • Finally die cut the bird image with a circle die.  If you don’t have a circle die, trace around a saucer, small bowl or other round object.  If you have an old compass in your stash, that works, too!  Back this image with dimensionals and adhere in the center of the card.
Simple Mixed Media Tricks and Tips

I love working with primed chipboard because it saves me a step.  Simply tap the chipboard with VersaMark Embossing Ink and then sprinkle with Stampendous Shabby White Embossing Enamel.  Now heat emboss until all the layers melt and blend.   I found an old Spellbinders Gilded Life Pendant in my stash.  Dry brush this with white chalk paint.  Then fill the center with some moss and wee colored eggs.  Add flat back pearls to finish.

Add a soft, shabby chic vibe to your Little Birdie Flowers by dry brushing them with white chalk paint.  When you dry brush, dip the tip of your brush in the paint.  Then swipe off most of the paint on a piece of paper or your craft mat.  Lightly feather the brush over the edges of the flower petals to give them that soft, painterly feel we love so much.

Then, dilute the paint on your craft mat and spatter it over the card front to add even more of a soft finish.

A Peek Inside

Cover the card interior with more designer papers.  Then decorate a side pocket with a 3×4 journal card and tuck in a chocolate. No birthday is complete without a bit of chocolate!  Die cut a Little Birdie Oval Tag and stamp it with a sentiment.  Then decorate with ribbon, mini key and cut apart images to finish.

Now you see how easy it is to make a birthday card that’s fit for royalty, I hope you’ll give it a try.

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

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

PS: We are still doing well….some days are better than others, but we are improving a bit every day!  Thanks from the bottom of my heart for your continued prayers!  I so appreciate you all!
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Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial

Hello, Friends!  If you’ve ever wished you knew how to create a folio, today’s post is just for you.  This Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial celebrates the beauty of winter in a fun, interactive design.

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 01

I have a thing for birds. They are so delicately beautiful…especially in the deep winter.  The Solitude Collection is filled with beautiful winter images, a rich color palette and stunning patterns.  I love it.  This 8 1/2″ x 6″ x 3/4″ folio is really simple to construct.  The base is made with just one sheet of 12″ x 12″ kraft cardstock and just a few simple score lines.  You’ll see how to make it in the video tutorial below.

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial: Cover Details

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 02

I chose this gorgeous bird to serve as the focal image for my folio.  It is double matted on Cream and Blue Linen Artisan Cardstock.  Then I placed 3 layers of waste chipboard behind it to elevate it above the rest of the design.

TIP:  Back an image with more than one layer of foam tape or waste chipboard to make it stand out.  Height = prominence in a composition.  Think of how a king’s throne is always higher than everyone else in the room.  The same is true for design.

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 03

Burlap string adds a lovely rustic touch to the design.  Since I design my cover art before I adhere it to the base, this allows me to wrap the string around the left hand side with ease.  To add to the vintage winter vibe of this project, I strung a pair of Tim Holtz vintage ice skates from the burlap string bow.

 

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 05

TIP: For maximum visual impact, cluster your embellishments together around your focal image.  This little wood slice (from my son’s workshop) serves as a base for the altered rusty birdhouse, berries and “snowballs.”  By arranging my Little Birdie Margerry flowers, woodland tree and rusty pine tree, and Noble Peacock Seam Binding Bow in the same area, the eye is drawn to the image.

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial: The Closure

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 06

Some of you have asked me how to create a ribbon closure, so I share that detail with you in the tutorial, too.

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial: A Peek Inside

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 07

The inside features a 10 page waterfall cascade with a magnetic belly band closure on the left.  On the right, you’ll find a roomy pocket with a 4 1/4″ x 6 1/4″ folio.

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 08

Each page in the waterfall has room for a 3″ x 5″ photo.  I’ll show you how to build the waterfall and the magnetic belly band closure.  You’ll also learn how to add a simple flap and/or tuck spot element.

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 09

Then we will build this delightful tab top folio with a magnetic closure together.

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 10

I’ll show you how to maximize your patterned papers and create a clever work around for short pages.

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 11

There is room for a large photo mount on the pocket page, too.  And plenty of room for extra photos in the pocket.

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial on YouTube

So are you ready to get your craft on?  I think you will really enjoy this video tutorial as I cover a lot of basic techniques that you will be able to use in any folio design for any occasion.

You’ll also see me make a really BIG mistake…and learn how to recover from it!  No one is perfect when it comes to crafting.  Mistakes happen!  The key is knowing how to think on your feet and get a project back on track when a “craftastrophe” happens!  

I’ve also created a linked supply list and a cutting guide for your convenience.  You’ll find them below the signature in this post.

I hope I’ve shared some tips, techniques and inspiration that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial Supply List

*Please note: I’ve provided product links whenever possible.  However, some items from my stash are no longer available.  Use a substitute from your own stash for these items.  Thanks!

Authentique Paper:
Other Supplies:

100# Kraft Cardstock/1 piece, 1/2″ Scor-Tape, Scoring Tool, Bone Folder, Basic Grey Small Magnets/2 positive, 2 negative; 30″ champagne netting ribbon, Noble Peacock Seam Binding Ribbon, Little Birdie Ivory Margerry Flowers, Mini Woodland Tree, Rusty Pine Tree, Rusty Snowflake, Rusty Birdhouse (retired), Tim Holtz Ice Skates (retired), Wood Slice from my son’s workshop, Picket Fence Distress Paint, Mini Pearl Prills, Berries from the floral department, Ranger Grit-Paste, Stampendous Shaved Ice, Mini Wooden Clothespin, Natural Burlap String, Art Institute Dries Clear Adhesive

Authentique Solitude Waterfall Folio Tutorial Cutting Guide


Kraft Cardstock for Covers: (2) 11″ x 6″ panels

Blue Linen Artisan Cardstock: (4) 8 3/8″ X 5 7/8″ panels, two for covers, two for inside covers

Birch Pattern Solitude Eight: 92) 8 1/8″ x 5 3/4″ panels to line inside covers

Waterfall Folio: (10) 4″ x 5 3/4″ panels of Blue Linen Artisan Cardstock

Waterfall Liner Papers: (19) 3 3/8″ x 5 5/8″ panels of various patterned papers

Belly Band: 9″ x 2″ Blue Linen.  Liners are 5 3/4″ x 1 7/8″ and you will need 2

Folio Insert: (2) 4 1/4″ x 12″ panels of Blue Linen Cardstock

Folio Liners:

  • (2) 4 1/4″ x 4 1/2″
  •  (3) 4 1/4″ x 6 1/8″
  • (3) 4 1/4″ x 5 7/8″
  • (3) 4 1/4″ x  2″ for tuck spots

Pocket Liner: Blue Linen 5 7.8″ x 2 7/8″ Liner paper: 5 3/4″ x 2 3/4″

 

Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Songbird Card Folio

Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Songbird Card Folio

Hello, Friends!  It’s time for a brand new challenge over on the Frilly and Funkie Blog.  The theme this go round is “B” Happy, and Cec is our hostess.  I’ve created a Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Card Folio that’s got some fun new twists in the design.  We’ll take a look at that in a moment, but first, let’s see what Cec has to say about this challenge.

Challenge Theme: “B” Happy
Create a shabby chic or vintage project that makes you happy and features birds, bees and/or butterflies. You must use at least one of these things with wings and it must have a place of prominence on your creation but if you wish to use two or more, please feel free to do that.

Botanical Tea Songbird Card Folio

Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Songbird Folio by Kathy Clement for the Funkie Junkie Boutique Photo 01

I know I shared a Botanical Tea tag project a couple weeks ago.  So I hope you are not tired of this collection.  It is one of my top 5 favorite G45 collections of all time.  I honestly set out to make a regular card…nothing fancy.  But as I was working, this idea began to take shape in my head (never listen to the voices….they will get you in trouble every time!).  Before I knew it, I was in the middle of making another card folio.  Now that it’s finished…I’m glad I made it.  But in the middle of the process???  Not so much!

Botanical Tea Songbird Card Folio: The base layer

Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Songbird Folio by Kathy Clement for the Funkie Junkie Boutique Photo 02This is a 5.25″ x 7″ top fold folio with a 3/8″ spine.  The background layer is  a beautiful duotone botanical print with birds, butterflies, dragonflies and clocks.  I love it when I machine stitch around a card, because it makes the piece feel framed.

The lacy corner effect comes from die cutting with Tim Holtz’ Mixed Media Die #2.  I cut through both the designer paper and the cardstock matting to reveal the white card base.  That was spritzed with Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist.  I really love this combination of stitched edges and die cut corner.

Botanical Tea Songbird Card Folio: The Focal Image

Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Songbird Folio by Kathy Clement for the Funkie Junkie Boutique Photo 03

In keeping with the challenge guidelines, I chose this sweet pink songbird to serve as the focal image.  First, I die cut the image from one sheet of Botanical Tea using a large Spellbinder’s circle die.  Then, I die cut the doily frame using Graphic 45’s Square Tag and Clock Dies.  I adhered the frame over the die cut.  Next, the second image of the pink bird was fussy cut and layered over the original with foam tabs.  I love the dimension this created.  Foliage from Little Birdie Crafts (what else on a bird card?) adds lots of lovely green leaves to the fussy cut branch.  And Gilt Trip Prills add loads of beautiful texture.

If you look above the focal image, you’ll see a metal butterfly that I altered with Distress Paints.

Botanical Tea Songbird Card Folio: The Flowers

Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Songbird Folio by Kathy Clement for the Funkie Junkie Boutique Photo 04

The flower cluster features altered metal flowers and Little Birdie Grey Printed Linz Petals.  Linda has added these fabulous metal flowers to the shop and I received some in my design team allotment package.  Before altering the silvertone flowers with paint, I used my Tonic Scissors to cut between the petals of one flower.  Then I lifted every other petal to create a sort of cup shape.  Then I painted the flowers with a combination of Antique Linen, Broken China and Tumbled Glass Distress Paint.  The two layers are adhered together with Glossy Accents.

Next, I reshaped one of the Little Birdie Flowers by sort of cupping it between my fingers. ( You can see me use this technique in my Little Birdie Video tutorials. )  Then, I adhered it in the center of the metal flower.  All the flowers are dry brushed with Antique Linen and Broken China Distress Paint and sprinkled with Prills.

The large pink rose is just fussy cut from the paper, popped up on foam tabs and shaped a bit with my fingers.

Botanical Tea Songbird Card Folio: A Peek Inside

Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Songbird Folio by Kathy Clement for the Funkie Junkie Boutique Photo 05

Inside, I’ve created a hinged waterfall feature and a fun tag pocket.

Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Songbird Folio by Kathy Clement for the Funkie Junkie Boutique Photo 06

The waterfall feature took a little figuring out, but basically, I scored a flap, then scored a second line 1/4″ to the right.  This created a little spine.  If you want to give this a try, don’t adhere your liner paper until after you’ve built the waterfall.  That way, you can run your ribbon closure behind the page, wrap it around and tie it shut.

Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Songbird Folio by Kathy Clement for the Funkie Junkie Boutique Photo 07

I’ve added some little flaps, tuck spots and journal spots inside the waterfall.  The tea cups are die cut with Tim’s Tea Time Sizzix die.  Aren’t they fun?  I wish I had a pink polka dot tea cup.  The reason I included the tea cups is that I am a real tea lover.  And since the challenge said to create a project that makes me happy…well…there had to be tea.

Botanical Tea Songbird Card Folio: The tags!

Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Songbird Folio by Kathy Clement for the Funkie Junkie Boutique Photo 09

Tags make me happy, too.  So I covered a Graphic 45 Ivory Square Tag with designer paper.  Now that I can cover these tags so easily with the G45 tag dies, I want to make tags even more often! This tag has a little pocket adorned with a fussy cut image from the collection.  Because pockets also make me happy.  Would you like to see what’s in the pocket?

Graphic 45 Botanical Tea Songbird Folio by Kathy Clement for the Funkie Junkie Boutique Photo 10

A sweet little trio of ATC tags.  How fun is that?  Oh, and there’s a honey stick in the box style pocket, too.  (I have video tutorials for how to make a box pocket, too.)

“B” Happy Challenge: Now it’s YOUR turn!

I hope you’ll play along in this fun challenge by linking up your vintage or shabby chic Bird, Bee or Butterfly inspired project at the Frilly and Funkie Challenge Blog.

The winner will earn the chance to be a Guest Designer here at Frilly and Funkie, and everyone who enters and follows the rules will go into the draw for the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique. We are also awarding Top 3 Badges for three further outstanding entries, chosen by the Design Team, because we can’t pick just one favorite!

You have until 11:59PM EDT on Tuesday, July 17th to link your project.

I can’t wait to see what you make!

I hope I’ve shared some tips, techniques and ideas that you can use in your own craft adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Product Links

 


Winter Wonderland Christmas Card Duo

Graphic 45 Winter Wonderland Christmas Card Duo

Hello, G45’ers!  Have you seen Graphic 45’s gorgeous Winter Wonderland Christmas Collection yet?  Filled with images of old barns, snow laden trees, winter songbirds and rustic patterns, it’s like taking a walk in the New England countryside of my childhood.  I recently had a chance to play with these gorgeous images and papers and worked up a Winter Wonderland Christmas Card Duo to share with you here.

A Spoonful of Christmas: Winter Wonderland Christmas Card #1

Winter Wonderland Spoonful of Christmas Card Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 1

This vintage Santa Spoon was waiting for me to grab it on one of my junkin’ adventures.  It is part of a set of 4, and I scooped them up in a New York minute!  Why I love these vintage spoons, so much, I’ll never know, but I am amassing a nice little collection to use in my crafting.

To give the spoon this frosty appearance, I added a touch of Picket Fence Distress Paint.  First, I place a small dot of the paint on my craft sheet.  Then I tap my finger into the ink.  Next, I tap most of the paint off onto the craft sheet and then just lightly dab it onto the spoon.  This way, the silver still shines through, but the edges look frosty.

Creating the Flower Clusters

A Spoonful of Christmas Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 1Poinsettia are a classic choice for Christmas, so I knew I wanted to add them to this card.  The Petaloo Burlap Poinsettia I had in my stash were too bright for this rustic paper.  But no worries…flowers can be altered to match a paper collection.

A Spoonful of Christmas Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 2

First, lay your flowers out on a craft sheet or a nice sized piece of scrap paper.  Then mix up some Lobster , Iridescent Gold,  and Bronze Glimmer Mists by rolling the bottle between your hands.  This prevents small particles of glitter from getting stuck in the spray mechanism.  Next, spritz the mists and dry gently with a heat tool.  Repeat if necessary.

A Spoonful of Christmas Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 3

Adding different textures to a flower cluster makes for an interesting and more natural looking arrangement.  Combine Vintage Velvet Dogwoods with fussy cut poinsettia leaves from the paper collection.  Then tie the whole thing together with gorgeous Vintage Christmas Plaid Ribbon and Natural Burlap String Bows.

A Spoonful of Christmas Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 4

Don’t be afraid to take your design off the edge of your card. After double matting each card layer, I shifted each one a little further to the right creating a sort of stair-step effect on the card.

A Spoonful of Christmas Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 5

The inside is simply finished with more beautiful papers from the collection.

Spoonful of Christmas Supply List

Graphic 45 Winter Wonderland

  • Winter Wonderland
  • Rustic Holiday
  • Nordic Greetings
  • Yule Post

Other Supplies

Winter Wonderland Christmas Card Duo #2: Christmas Songbird Easel Card

Winter Wonderland Christmas Card Duo Winter Songbird Easel Card by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 1

I’ve loved watching and listening to songbirds all my life.  When I saw the sweet little songbirds in Graphic 45’s new Winter Wonderland collection I nearly burst into song myself!  I knew I wanted to feature the lovely swallow from the signature page on a Christmas card. This 7.25” x 5.25” easel style card came together very quickly thanks to the gorgeous patterns and images in this gorgeous winter collection.


Winter Wonderland Christmas Card Duo Winter Songbird Easel Card by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 2
Christmas Songbird Easel Card Tips and Tricks
  1. To create a quick card focal, use a large circle die to cut the bird image from the paper collection and mat it on a decorative circle die. Back it with foam tabs or waste chipboard to really make it stand out.
  2. Tap miniature pine cones with Picket Fence Distress Paint to add a natural, wintry feel to your card.
  3. Tie a trio of small, rusty jingle bells together with burlap string to decorate the easel card stopper.
  4. To add to the rustic feel of this card, distress the edges.  I curled the corners around my piercing tool to add to the vintage design.

Winter Wonderland Christmas Card Duo Winter Songbird Easel Card by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 3 Winter Wonderland Christmas Card Duo Winter Songbird Easel Card by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 5 Winter Wonderland Christmas Card Duo Winter Songbird Easel Card by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 4

Winter Wonderland Christmas Card Duo Winter Songbird Easel Card by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 4

Here’s a peek at the inside.  Using kraft cardstock as the base adds to the rustic appeal of the card.

Christmas Songbird Supply List

Graphic 45 Winter Wonderland 12×12 papers

  • Winter Wonderland
  • Nordic Greetings
  • Yule Post

Other Products

If you’re like me, you’ve fallen in love with Graphic 45 Winter Wonderland.  I hope I’ve shared some tips and tricks that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Purple Songbird All Occasion Greeting Card

Purple Songbird All Occasion Greeting Card with Gift Card Wallet and Button Card

Hello, Ribbon Lovers!  Are you up for one more project made with the Perfectly Purple Ribbon Club Mix from Really Reasonable Ribbon?  I have had such fun with these pretty purple ribbons. Today I have a Purple Songbird All Occasion Greeting Card to share with you.  It’s beautifully vintage and loaded with goodies on the inside.

Purple Songbird All Occasion Greeting Card by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 1

The inspiration for this 5″ x 7″ top fold card came from this gorgeous songbird image.  I found the French Post Card Bird Digital Images and they just flew into my shopping cart.  This lovely wee songbird is perching in a Country Chic Digital Frame.

I’ve had loads of fun finding purple papers in my stash to go along with these pretty purple ribbons.  This card features papers from Graphic 45’s Place in Time and Secret Garden Collections.

Here’s how I made this pretty bow cluster:

  1. First,tie a 3.5″ double loop bow from  Hyacinth Taffeta Ribbon on your Zutter Bow it All Tool.
  2. Next, tie a 2.5″ double loop bow from Crosshatch on Delphinium Satin Ribbon. Hot glue this on top of the taffeta ribbon, and adjust the tails.  Hold in place until the glue sets.
  3. Finally, thread a mother of pearl button with a thin strip of lavender cardstock and glue it on top.

Decorate the tops of each tag with a snippet of the crosshatch ribbon and a pretty flat back pearl cabochon.

How to Turn a Purple Songbird Card into a Gift

Turn this Purple Songbird card into a gift by adding a pair of pockets to the inside.

The top pocket contains this pretty gift card wallet.

A small tag makes a great tuck spot, and the pocket can hold a gift card, or a tea bag.  Making the gift card wallet is quick and easy:

  1. First, cut an 8×5″ long x 5″ tall strip of lavender cardstock.
  2. Score on the long side at 3.5″ and again at 7″.
  3. Fold to form a little wallet.
  4. Place 1/4″ Scor-Tape around the front, spine and back covers.  Then secure Crosshatch Delphinium Satin to form the ribbon closure.
  5. Add a rhinestone cabochon on the front of the gift wallet.
  6. Decorate the front and interior.
  7. Use a circle punch to create a thumb hole.
  8. Glue just the top and bottom edge of the short flap to form a pocket.
  9. Cut a tag from the May pages of Place in Time.  Glue just the bottom edge to create a tuck spot.

And what paper pretties do we find in the bottom pocket?

A sweet little handmade button card and a pretty postcard.

I love anything with vintage style bird images, so this Purple Songbird All Occasion Greeting card is precisely my cup of tea.  (Pardon the pun!)

I hope you’ve found some tips and tricks that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

 

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