Category Archives: Microcosmos

Dragonfly Season Gatefold Card Folio

Dragonfly Season Gatefold Card Folio with Really Reasonable Ribbon and Reneabouquets

Hello, Friends!  Summertime is Dragonfly Season. These dazzling beauties hover in the sweet summer breeze and fill our hearts with delight.  I tried to capture the feeling of a perfect summer day in this Dragonfly Season Gatefold Card made with Really Reasonable Ribbon’s July Ribbon Assortment and some paper pretties from Reneabouquets. Let’s share a cuppa and take a closer look at the details and elements in this summery creation.

The Basics

Here’s how I created this gatefold card base.

  • First, cut a 12×12 sheet of white cardstock to measure 11 3/4″ x 7 1/4.
  • Now place the long side on your scoring tool and score left to right at 2 3/4″, 3″, 8 1/2″ and 9″.
  • Then fold along the scored lines to form a 5 1/4″ x 7 1/4″ gatefold card.  You will have 1/4″ spines on the left and right hand sides of the card base.
  • Line the card with Ciao Bella Microcosmos papers.  You will need (2) 2 3/4″ x 7 1/4″ panels for the front, (2) 2 5/8″ x 7 1/4″ panels for the inside, and (1) 5″ x 7″ panel for the center.  The 4 spines are 3/8″ x 7 1/4″.
The Shaker Element

True confession:  I love the way this shaker frame turned out.  It makes me think of a dragonfly hovering over a bird bath or fountain.  It takes a minute or two to put together, but the effort is definitely worth it!

  • First, heat emboss a Reneabouquets Simply Beautiful Frame with Versamark Ink and Stampendous Aged Silver Embossing Powder.
  • Next, dry brush a little chalk paint over the frame to soften it.
  • Once the paint is dry, die cut an oval from clear cardstock, (acetate) and adhere to the back of the frame with Dries Clear Adhesive.  Use a damp paper towel to clean up any excess adhesive.
  • Now back the frame with 3 layers of 1/8″ foam strips.
  • Locate the oval dragonfly image from the paper collection.
  • Then place your shaker mix and some glitter glass in the center of the image.
  • Now center the prepared frame over the image and gently press into place.
  • Embellish with a Reneabouquets Dragonfly.
  • Then heat emboss a resin crown with Diamond Dust Embossing Powder and adhere it on the top of the frame.
Finishing Touches

This card was a little “blah” until I added the Turquoise Taffeta bows and flowers .  Then everything popped!  The Silver Metallic String Bows echo the silver in the shaker frame, adding just the right touch of sparkle. I also heat embossed Reneabouquets Tiny Butterfly Flourishes with Diamond Dust Embossing Powder and added them to the corners.  Can you say yummy?

A Peek Inside

Gatefold cards are so dramatic to open!  You can see how I added a Large Sugar Bee Corner from Reneabouquets to the right hand flap.

Ciao Bella Microcosmos Dragonfly Shaker Card by Kathy Clement Photo 01

Add a sentiment panel on the right and create a box pocket in the center of the card.

Turquoise Taffeta Ribbon adorns both the book mark and the mini folio that are tucked into the pocket.

Did you think I forgot to add tea?  You know me better than that!  Here is the tea wallet and vintage silver plate demitasse spoon.  Now we’ve got a gift on our hands!

Of course there is room to add a gift card in with the tea bag if you should decide to do so.  But I think this gift is complete as it is.

You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.  And if you would like to purchase this card, you can find it in my Etsy Shop.

I hope I’ve inspired you to break out your ribbons and embellishments today and make something beautiful.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

Summer Songbirds Shaker Card Folio

Summer Songbirds Shaker Card Folio for the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop

Hello, Friends!  This Summer Songbirds Shaker Card Folio is my inspiration piece for the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop.  You should be coming here from Karen’s lovely blog.  This month we are featuring the Sunflower Assortment of Ribbons from the August Ribbon Club.

The Yellow Gold Delicate Stitched Satin Ribbon in this assortment makes me think of daisies and buttercups.  It’s a perfect match for these Ciao Bella Microcosmos papers and  Reneabouquets chipboard.

Tall and Skinny Accordion Fold Folio

This tall and skinny accordion fold folio is a cinch to make:

  • First, cut a 12″ x 8″ panel of white cardstock.
  • Next, score at 4″ and 8″.
  • Now accordion fold

It really is just that easy!

The great thing about this style of card (besides how easy it is to make) is how great it looks when displayed.

Create the shaker box this way:

  • First, heat emboss a chipboard frame with Shabby Ivory Embossing Enamel.
  • Next, back the frame with a clear cardstock (acetate sheet) circle cut slightly larger than the opening in the frame.
  • Now apply 3 layers of 1/8″ foam tape to the back side of the frame.
  • Place sequins on the card base, then adhere the foam strips.  Press gently to seal all the edges.
  • Attach the printed beautiful board topper with foam tabs to add extra dimension.
  • Yellow Gold Delicate Stitched Satin Ribbon ties all the colors together perfectly.
A Peek Inside

Create a pocket for each panel inside the card.  Then add little tags, folios and treats to turn the card into a gift.

Hook a trio of tags together with a small “O” ring.  Then tie a small piece of Yellow Gold Checkerboard Satin Ribbon to dress up the presentation.   Dress up a tea bag with designer papers and a belly band.  The tuck a vintage demitasse spoon and honey stick inside the belly band.  Use an envelope punch board to create a 3″ x 4″ mini envelope to hold a circular image.

The back side of the folio has two more pockets.

Fussy cut images from the paper collection to create bookmarks and a gift card wallet.

Write a personal greeting inside this 3″ x 4″ note card and your gift is ready to give!

On With the Hop

Now hop on over and see what paper pretties Cherry has in store for you.  Then be sure to finish up the hop over on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog.  Answer Bonnie’s question of the month to be entered into a drawing for your very own Sunflower Assortment of ribbons.

If you’re not a member of the ribbon club yet, now is a great time to join.  You can find out all the details and subscribe HERE.

Enjoy the rest of the hop!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy