Category Archives: French Country

Graphic 45 French Country Gratitude Journal Tutorial

Graphic 45 French Country Gratitude Journal Tutorial for Frilly and Funkie Harvest of Gratitude

Hello, Friends! I once read that thankful people are the happiest people and I believe that to be true. So every year as the US Thanksgiving holiday draws near, I like to create a new gratitude journal. This year I have a Graphic 45 French Country Gratitude Journal Tutorial to share with you. Perhaps my tradition will catch on with you. I’m also the hostess for this 2 week challenge on the Frilly and Funkie Blog, so before I share the gratitude journal with you, I’ll share the challenge guidelines:

Challenge Theme: A Harvest of Gratitude
There is always something to be thankful for. In this gratitude themed challenge we are asking you to create a vintage or shabby chic project that portrays something that fills your heart with thanksgiving. Use harvest colors and be sure to tell us how your project reflects your thankful heart.

French Country Gratitude Journal Tutorial: The Inspiration

The older I get, the more thankful I am for the gift of memory. Often while I am in the process of creating, my mind wanders back through time. I remember people, places, and events that have enriched my life.

This 5 1/2″ x 4″ journal reminds me of an old, old book of Bible stories that my dad used to read to me when I was just a very little girl. The book was on my grandmother’s shelves and had an embossed cover. The photos were all black and white prints of wood engravings on thick papers with unevenly cut edges. I would curl up in my father’s lap (I couldn’t have been more than about 4 years old) and he would read to me in his deep, smooth voice as I snugged in as close to him as humanly possible.

Those books are now in my possession. They are one of my great treasures for they remind me of the comfort, warmth, joy and safety of those moments in my father’s lap so many years ago. I wanted to capture that memory and the thankfulness I feel for it in this little volume.

French Country Gratitude Journal Tutorial: The Album Base

The base of this gratitude journal is a 13″ x 4″ strip of heavy kraft cardstock. I buy this in bulk at envelopes.com. But you could substitute Dina Wakely’s Media Kraft Cardstock from The Funkie Junkie Boutique and achieve the same results. The album base is my own design. Page tabs and cover are made from the same strip of kraft card. You’ll learn how to do this in the video tutorial below.

Old books fill my heart with joy. I wanted to capture the worn patina and elegance of a truly ancient tome. I cut two pieces of the same heavy kraft card to measure 4 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ to layer over the front and back covers. A third piece (4 1/2″ x 4″) was scored at 1 1/2″ and 3″ to serve as a cover for the spine.

Add texture by placing those pieces inside the amazing Sizzix/Tim Holtz 3-D Botanical Texture Fade Folder. I am so happy that I purchased this folder, and I can’t wait for more to be released. Then perform a bit of paper alchemy with Seth Apter Baked Textures, Emerald Creek Embossing Powders, Distress Paints and Distress Mediums. You’ll see all of this in the video as well.

French Country Gratitude Journal Tutorial: A Peek Inside

Before you add the pages to your gratitude journal, distress and ink the edges. To make quick work of this, use Ground Espresso Distress Stain.

I’ll add measurements below the post for your convenience.

The front cover is a pocket with a little insert folio. Page one is a pull out/side pocket page.

These tip in pages have some fun surprises built in.

Here’s a peek inside the right hand tip in page.

TIP: To add extra layers to your pages without adding extra bulk, line the edges with Tim Holtz Design Tape (washi tape.) I also used this to cover the kraft spines, and I love the wonderful finished look and vintage feel this creates within the album. It’s a small detail, but it makes a bit impact.

Both page units follow the same design “recipe”: pull out page with pocket, double tip in page, side pocket, flap/insert page.

The insert pages look like a flap page, but actually pull out from between the kraft pages.

Throughout the album, I’ve added sentiments from Tim Holtz quotes stickers. These little folios, tags and inserts provide space for small photos and journaling spots.

French Country Gratitude Journal Tutorial on YouTube

This is a rather long video, but it takes a while to build an album from start to finish. I’ve edited to make it as concise as possible. Even if you don’t want to build an entire album, you will find lots of techniques and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures. I hope you enjoy!

Now it’s YOUR turn: Harvest of Gratitude Challenge at Frilly and Funkie

You are cordially invited to play along in this Harvest of Gratitude Challenge at the Frilly and Funkie Blog. To do so is easy: simply create your own vintage or shabby chic project that follows the challenge theme and guidelines. Then link your project up on the Frilly and Funkie blog by 11:55PM EST on Tuesday, November 20th.

The design team will invite the creator of our favorite project to join us for a Guest Designer spot at the Frilly and Funkie Blog. Our top 3 favorites will receive a badge to display proudly on their blog. And, everyone who enters and follows the challenge guidelines will be entered into a drawing to receive a $25 shopping spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique, the sponsor of the challenge.

You can find all the challenge guidelines and link up your project HERE.

Thank you so much for joining me today. 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.

And, if you are interested in purchasing this gratitude journal, or any of my other creations, I invite you to visit my Kathy by Design ETSY shop.

Cheerio,

kathy

French Country Gratitude Journal Tutorial: Product Links to The Funkie Junkie Boutique

Sizzix 3-D Texture Fades Embossing Folder – Botanical	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Design Tape Collector	Seth Apter Baked Texture – Patina Oxide	Emerald Creek Alure Powders – Burnt Copper Leaves	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Small Talk Stickers TH93193
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad – Ground Espresso TIM43270	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Paint – Wild Honey TDF53385	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Paint – Rusty Hinge TDF53217	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Paint – Peeled Paint TDF53156	Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Collage Medium Vintage TDA47940
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Collage Medium Crazing TDA47957	Ranger Inkssentials Mini Ink Blending Tool – With 4 Blending Foams IBT40965	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Design Ruler Clear 12 Inch TH92481	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Paper Distresser 370E	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios 8.5″ / 22cm Trimmer – 160e
Tonic 5″ titanium snips	Scor-Pal Scor-Tape 1/2″ x 27 Yards	Ranger Dina Wakley Media Kraft Cardstock

French Country Gratitude Journal Tutorial Other Products:

Little Birdie Fall Flowers: Micro Roses, English Roses, Beaded Micro Petals, Monocle from my stash (Canvas Corp?) Petaloo Botanica Pearl Sprays, Little Birdie Craft Twine, Mustard Seeds

French Country Gratitude Journal Tutorial: Page Measurements and Score Lines:

Cover: 17″ x 4″: Score at 5″. Then score every 1/2″ all the way down to 11 1/2″.
Inside Covers: 4 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Pocket for front cover: 5 7/8″ x 2 1/4″
Page Units: 2 sheets of kraft cardstock cut to 9 1/2″ x 7 1/2″
Accordion/Pocket Page: 12″ x 3 7/8″ scored at 4 1/2″, 9″
Tip in Pages: 7 1/2″ x 3 1/2″. Score left hand page at 3″ . Score right hand page at 4 1/2″
Insert Pages: 4 1/2″ x 3 7/8″
Inserts and folios: 4″ x 7 1/4″. Score at 3 1/2″

Graphic 45 French Country Vintage Valentine

Graphic 45 French Country Vintage Valentine for Frilly Funkie All You Need is Love Challenge

Hello, Friends! It’s time for a brand new challenge over on the Frilly and Funkie Blog. The lovely Zoe is our host, and the theme is All You Need is Love. I spent a delightful afternoon creating a Graphic 45 French Country Vintage Valentine. We’ll look at that in a moment, but first, let’s see what Zoe has to say about this challenge theme:

Challenge Theme: All You Need Is Love
Create a vintage or shabby chic card with the word “LOVE” somewhere on the card. It can be the focus or just a tiny detail.

Red and Black Graphic 45 French Country Vintage Valentine

This 5″ x 7″ top fold card is made with a combination of Graphic 45 Papers. I’ve used the French Country Deluxe Collector’s Edition in the background layers and chipboard frame. Black and red just work so well on a vintage Valentine! The February pages of A Place in Time DCE provided me with the images, postcards, and tags. You wouldn’t think of putting these two collection together in one project, but it really works!

Distressed layers always give a project a wonderful vintage feel. Gold mat layers add to the effect. Black jet buttons from my vintage button jar and a darling rusty heart help amp up the vintage vibe as well.

This sweet little brooch is from the Funkie Junkie Boutique. I die cut an image from one of the Place in Time tags, then glued it into the blank. Next, I clustered Petaloo Gypsy Roses all around it.

Add finishing touches with a vintage brass word charm and a houndstooth ribbon bow.

French Country Vintage Valentine: A Peek Inside

The large pocket contains a chocolate tucked into a Graphic 45 Policy Envelope.

I created a mini flap element on the top half of the card.

Here’s how to make it:

First cut out the postcard image from A Place in Time February papers.
Next, score the post card about 1/2″ to the right of center. Fold.
Mat the left hand side of the post card on black cardstock. Glue to the card base.
Now, cut out the cute Cupid image and glue in place as shown.
For the front cover, Mat the tag on black cardstock. Glue the RIGHT hand side in place, being careful not to stick it to the postcard beneath.

Now you have a secret, hidden spot to write a Valentine message.

Now It’s YOUR turn!

You are cordially invited to play along in this “All You Need is Love” challenge. To do so, simply create a vintage or shabby chic project. Then link your project up at the Frilly and Funkie blog before midnight on Tuesday, February 13th.

The Frilly and Funkie team will choose four favorite projects from your entries. Our favorite artist will be invited to join us as a Guest Designer at Frilly and Funkie. The next three winners will receive Top 3 badges to display on their blogs. Everyone who enters and follows the rules will be entered into the draw to have the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique.

I can’t wait to see what you make!

Did I share some tips and tricks today 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

Product Links to the Funkie Junkie Boutique

G45 French Country Something Old Challenge

Frilly and Funkie Something Old Challenge: G45 French Country Spoonful of Gratitude Card

Hello, Friends! It’s time for a brand new challenge over on the Frilly and Funkie Blog. Our hostess this go round is the one and only Jenny Marples. I broke out my Graphic 45 French Country paper collection along with an oldie but a goodie from my stash for this Something Old Challenge.

Something Old Challenge Guidelines from Our Hostess Jenny
I’m sure, like me, there will be lots of you who love all things vintage and enjoy nothing more than discovering old and unwanted treasure at thrift shops and junk markets. The challenge this time is to use something old either as the basis of your project or as an addition to your vintage or shabby chic creation.

An Old Spoon and a Favorite Old Paper Collection

My “Something Old” is this vintage silver spoon. And, this is the last of my stash from my beloved Graphic 45 French Country Collection. But…have you heard the news? French Country is being re-released in a Deluxe Collector’s Edition. You can pre-order it now at The Funkie Junkie Boutique.

To create this rustic, aged look on your papers, use a distressing tool along the edges. Then create little puddles of Distress Oxide ink on your non-stick craft mat and tap the paper into them. I actually spritzed some of these papers with my Distress Sprayer, then crumpled them up to age them.

Texture also helps to create a rustic, vintage feel on a card. So I added burlap, burlap string bows, and custom colored Petaloo Burlap Flowers.

The Star of the Show

The star of the show is this old silver spoon. Like many of you, I love to go junkin’. A while back, my dear husband (who is very good about indulging my obsessions) and I popped into a flea market that was going out of business. And that is where I found this gorgeous old silver sugar spoon. It is stamped on the back, which leads me to believe it is real silver. I thought about polishing it up before using it on this card, but I decided I really liked the tarnished look. It goes so well with these gorgeous vintage papers from Graphic 45. To prepare it for this card, I simply used ribbon to tie on this tag, then added a little burlap string bow and a sunflower.

A Hidden Tag Pocket

While I was fussy cutting the post card image from the signature page of the collection, I had the thought to create a hidden tag pocket on the front of the card. This is such a simple thing to do, but adds so much fun to a card. Simply stitch the post card to a piece of burlap leaving the top edge open. Instant pocket!

This G45 Staples ATC Laser Cut Ivory tag afforded me an opportunity to get in a little Distress Oxide playtime. The base color is Fossilized Amber which I accented with Vintage Photo, Peeled Paint and Fired Brick to pick up on the colors in the designer paper. Then I stamped the tag with my new Carabelle Carte Postale Stamp to add another layer of fun. For a little bling, I tied this Live, Laugh, Love brass charm onto a French Country Chipboard Tag. After gluing the chipboard to the tag, I backed it with a scrap of black designer paper to really make the laser cut sentiment pop.

A Peek Inside

I added more pockets to the inside of this 5″ x 7″ top fold card.

Paper scraps make great pockets!

And pockets are a great place to tuck in a tag! After die cutting this tag from Kraft Cardstock, I covered it with designer paper. Use sharp tiny scissors like Tim’s Mini Snips to fussy cut the sunflowers from the signature page. Then adhere them to the tag base with Distress Collage Medium. Every single little area is firmly adhered, but there is no glue residue. And I love the way these Gilded Accents Rub Ons compliment the designer paper. You can custom color this Petaloo Anemone with Sunflower Sparkle Perfect Pearls Mist and Distress Bronze Mica Spray.

The lower pocket holds an herbal teabag, a honey stick, a little chocolate treat and a recipe card that I aged with Tea Dye and Old Paper Distress inks.

Wouldn’t this card make a great hostess gift?

Now It’s Your Turn!

You can play along in this Something Old challenge by linking up your vintage or shabby chic project over on the Frilly and Funkie Blog. The challenge remains open until 11:59PM EDT on Tuesday, June 6th to link up. All the guidelines and details are available on the Frilly and Funkie blog.

The Frilly and Funkie team will choose our top four picks with the winner being invited to join us in a Guest Designer spot at Frilly and Funkie and the next three will receive badges to display on their blogs. Everyone who enters and follows the rules will be entered into the draw to have the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique.

So what are you waiting for? I know you have lots of great old “stuff” just waiting to be made into something beautiful. And I can’t wait to see what you make!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Product Links to The Funkie Junkie Boutique

( Late May Pre-Order) Graphic 45 – French Country Collector′s Edition	Ranger Inkssentials Kraft Cardstock 8.5 X 11	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Remnant Rubs – Gilded Accents TH93287 (February Pre-Order)	Carabelle Cling Stamp -Collage Carte Postale	Sizzix Alterations Tim Holtz Tag and Bookplates Die
(February Pre-order) Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Pad – Fossilized Amber	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Spray Stain – Fossilized Amber	(February Pre-order) Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Pad – Vintage Photo	Ranger Tim Holtz Mini Distress Ink Pad – Vintage Photo	Ranger Perfect Pearls Mists – Sunflower Sparkle
Message Charm Pendant – Antique Bronze “live laugh love′ – set of 4	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray – Antiqued Bronze	Burlap String – 12 Colors	Petaloo DYI Burlap Small Sunflowers x 4 – Ivory	Petaloo DYI Burlap Flowers x 11 – Ivory
Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Mini Scissors	Tonic Guillotine Comfort Paper Trimmer 8.5″ By Tim Holtz 160E	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Kushgrip Snip w/Non-Stick Blade & Cap	Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Collage Medium Matte TDAK47933 (February Pre-Order)	(February Pre-order) Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Pad – Peeled Paint
(February Pre-order) Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Pad – Fired Brick	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Paper Distresser	Ken Oliver Best Ever Craft Mat	Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer	Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad – Old Paper
Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad – Tea Dye

Graphic 45 French Country HeARTfelt Recipe Journal Tutorial

Bon Appetit! Graphic 45 French Country HeARTfelt Recipe Journal Tutorial

Frilly & Funkie Saturday Step x Step

Hello, Friends! I’m so glad you could join me here today. Have you l heard the exciting news that Graphic 45 is releasing the gorgeous French Country as a Deluxe Collector’s Edition? I’m so excited that I dug into my stash and created this French Country HeARTfelt Recipe Journal Tutorial for the Saturday Step x Step over on the Frilly and Funkie blog.

A Recipe for Success

I’m afraid that I have a brand new crafting addiction. Eileen Hull’s HeARTfelt Journal die from Sizzix is just so much fun to play with. Pairing it with these vibrant papers is truly a recipe for success!

There are so many different ways that you can use this journal. Here are a few that I came up with during the creative process.

Great gift for the new bride! Include some of your tried and true recipes and put in a basket with spices for a gorgeous shower gift.
How about the child who is moving out on his/her own? Add in all the favorite recipes from home.
Your own personal guide to fine dining! So many people take photos of their food plates. It would be fun to compile them here along with notes about the meal.
A heritage recipe book. Do you have scraps of recipes tucked here, there and everywhere? Why not create a special place of honor to preserve them?

That’s just a short list of ways that I think you could use this handy album. Do you have more? I’d love to hear about them!

Tips, Tricks and Techniques for Creating an Interactive Album

Interactive elements make me happy. It’s just so much fun to pull a tag out of a pocket, flip a page to find a little surprise, or fold paper in a unique way.

I’ve woven all kinds of fun surprises into this chunky little album.

There are tuck spots and pockets, and folios galore.

I’ve found all kinds of creative ways to use up little scraps of pretty paper. The easiest way to share all these ideas with you is via a YouTube video tour.

French Country HeARTfelt Recipe Journal Tutorial on YouTube

French Country HeARTfelt Recipe Journal Tutorial on Snapguide

If videos are not your “thing” I’ve also prepared a Snapguide tutorial. You’ll learn the basics of assembling the journal, but in this tutorial I focus on designing the covers.

Check out How to Eileen Hull HeARTfelt Journal G45 French Country by Kathy Clement on Snapguide.

I hope I’ve shared some ideas that you can put to good 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

Product Links to the Funkie Junkie Boutique

( Late May Pre-Order) Graphic 45 – French Country Collector′s Edition	(APRIL pre-order) Sizzix ScoreBoards XL Die – Journal by Eileen Hull 661906	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Adornments, Silverware	Petaloo Textured Elements Antique Blue Burlap Flowers	(February Pre-order) Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Pad – Broken China
(February Pre-order) Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Pad – Vintage Photo	Ranger Inkssentials Mini Ink Blending Tool – With 4 Blending Foams	Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer	Bronze Metal Keys Scrapbooking and Mixed Media	Ranger Inkssentials Kraft Cardstock 8.5 X 11
Scor-Pal Scor-Tape 1/2″ x 27 Yards