Category Archives: Summer

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

Beach Window Twisted Easel Shaker Card

Ciao Bella Sound of Summer Beach Window Twisted Easel Card Amazing Paper Grace Snip It Grid Calendar Die by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Beach Window Twisted Easel Shaker Card for Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hello, Friends!  What do you see out the beach window of this Twisted Easel Shaker Card?  Seagulls soaring high in the sky?  Pelicans diving into the waves?  Or maybe there’s a school of dolphins frolicking not too far from the shore.  Whatever you can imagine, you can see through the panes of my beach window card.  Even though I have not been able to “see” the sea in a long time, my imagination can take me there, and I can enjoy the beautiful coastline that I love so much.

I’ve paired up some luxurious ribbons from the July Ribbon Club Assortment with Ciao Bella’s delightful “Sound of Summer” and Spellbinders Amazing Paper Grace Calendar/Grid Die to create this magical beach scene.  Capri Blue Double Faced Satin Ribbon and Blue Variegated Shell Print Satin Ribbon match the blues in this paper collection perfectly.

TIP: Die cut burlap stars then string as a banner across the top of the window.  Silver shell charms add just a touch of sparkle.

TIP: Die cut flowers from your designer paper scraps for perfectly coordinated florals.

TIP: Alter Reneabouquets Starfish Beauty Board with Little Birdie Crafts Silver Metallic Wax. Then tuck them in with the floral cascade.  This adds a soft shimmer and texture.

A Peek Inside

This style of card is designed to serve primarily as a decorative piece.  But I did manage to add a simple pocket.

TIP: Cluster real shells, flowers, and banner flags together on the pocket flap.  Then dangle a silver seahorse charm from a mini clothespin to create a beachy vignette.

TIP: Don’t be afraid to fold a large image in half.  This 8″ x 5 1/2″ journal card converts into a lovely mini folio.  Add a fussy cut image and decorative key in the corner.  This is the image you see peeking out when the card is opened for display.

Line the inside of the folio with cream cardstock.  You can write a message here, or add photos.

I hope you enjoyed looking through my beach house window with me today.  There is something very calming and relaxing about working with these shades of blue.  If you’d like to see other projects made with the Sound of Summer collection, please click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

 

 

Prima Fruit Paradise Lovely Lemons Card Folio

Prima Fruit Paradise Lovely Lemons Card Folio

Hello, Friends!  Don’t you just love lemons?  They take center stage on this Prima Fruit Paradise Lovely Lemons card folio.  I’ve layered up pretty papers with my Amazing Paper Grace Bella Luce Oval dies to create this summery card confection.

TIP: Create realistic looking texture and dimension on your fussy cuts.  Place the fussy cut face down on a foam  mat.  Then use a large ball stylus to gently round the edges and center of the fruit and the foliage.  This actually wrinkles the paper a bit, and makes the lemons pop off the page.

Prima Fruit Paradise Lovely Lemons Card Folio: Tips and Tricks

Gold foil accents in the 12×12 Fruit Paradise Pad add a touch of elegance to this card design.  I like to save those foiled papers sparingly.  So the base layers of this card are made with papers from the Fruit Paradise A4 Pad.   This saves me money, and I can use that glamorous foiled paper where it will be seen!

TIP:  Use a “triangle” in your card design whenever you can.  It helps to move the eye around your creation so that all the elements will be seen.  On this card, I created a triangle with the placement of my flowers. Try this trick next time you are struggling with card composition.  It really works!

Prima Fruit Paradise Lovely Lemons Card Folio: A Peek Inside

Creating a box pocket inside the card allows you to tuck in some lovely goodies.  And the little sentiment pocket on the top of the card is a great place to add a greeting or a gift card.  Now your card doubles as a gift!

I’ve been on the search for more of these charming vintage silver plate spoons.  This lovely teaspoon has been polished up and made party-ready.  The diamond shape is the smallest die i the Bella Luce Oval Die set.  Die cut and emboss for maximum impact.  Then shade the raised edges lightly with a little Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  The large packet is imported vanilla custard tea biscuits to accompany the tea and honey stick.

You simply have to have Lemon Tea with a lemon themed card!  This little tea wallet is so sweet!

I can picture this card as a guest at a picnic in a field of flowers somewhere…and yes, there are gauzy white dresses in the photo!  To see more Fruit Paradise projects, click HERE. And, I’ve listed this card in my ETSY shop, should you wish to purchase it.

I hope I shared some tips, tricks and ideas that 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

 

Watermelon Friendship Pocket Card

Laserowe Love Watermelon Friendship Pocket Card with RRR Watermelon Plaid Ribbon

Hello, Friends!  Don’t you just love it when you find just the right ribbon to finish off a card?  This Watermelon Plaid Ribbon could not be a more perfect match for this Laserowe Love Watermelon Friendship Pocket Card.

This 5 1/2″ square top fold card is a real slice of summer fun.  Here’s how it came together:

  • First, cut a 5 1/2″ x 11 panel from Gumdrop Green cardstock.  Score in half on the long side and fold to make a top fold card base.
  • Next, cut a 5 1/4″ panel from Ripe Raspberry Cardstock.  Center and adhere over the Gumdrop Green.
  • Now, cut a 5″ panel from the Laserowe Love Watermelon Summer paper.  Center and adhere over the Ripe Raspberry.
  • Cut a 2″ belly band from the text pattern from Watermelon Friends.  Double mat on both Ripe Raspberry and Gumdrop Green.  Adhere in the center of the card.
  • Add a doily in the center of the belly band.
  • Now fussy cut the best friends from a small tag. Save the top half of the tag to tuck in  as a design feature.
  • Fussy Cut the large ice cream cone tag from the collection.  Double mat and adhere on the left hand side of the card. Tuck the fussy cut friends in on the right hand side of the tag and the tag top on the left.
Watermelon Friendship Pocket Card: Finishing Touches

To finish this card front off in style follow these steps:

  • First, top the ice cream tag with ribbon, burlap string and a little ice cream cone charm.  I’m not sure where this charm came from.  I’ve had it in my stash forever.
  • Fussy cut the banner, back with foam adhesive and adhere along the top edge of the card.
  • The tie 1″ burlap string bows for the corners of the banner.  Top with bitty black buttons.
  • Tie a 2 1/2″ double loop bow with the Watermelon Plaid ribbon.  Hot glue in the lower right hand corner of the tag.  Top with pink flowers.
  • Finally, run ribbon scraps through the legs of a paperclip and top with a small flower.  Add buttons.
Watermelon Friendship Pocket Card: A Peek Inside

Mat the inside of the card with more Ripe Raspberry cardstock.  Then top with panels of designer paper.

TIP: Create a quick and easy tag pocket by cutting a 5″ x 7 1/2″ panel for the bottom of the card.  Score this on the long side at 5.  Use an oval die to cut a pocket opening.  Fold the 2 1/2″ flap up and adhere the sides to form a pocket.

This is such a quick and easy card to make.  You could easily adapt this “recipe” to work with any collection you have in your stash.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

Watermelon Summer Fun Folio

Watermelon Summer Fun Folio with Really Reasonable Ribbon & Laserowe Love

Hello, Friends!  Well, summer is in full heat here in North Carolina.  And nothing is more refreshing on these sultry days than a big bowl of icy cold, sweet watermelon.  Lucky for me, I had Laserowe Love Watermelon Summer and Watermelon Friends paper collections in my stash.  I paired them up with Apple Green Organza/Satin Center and Acid Green Random Dots Grosgrain Ribbons from the RRR July Ribbon Club Assortment to make this darling Watermelon Summer Fun Folio.

The folio base is made with one sheet of 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper.  You can find a video tutorial for it HERE.   The front is a shaker frame layered up with pretty chipboard cuts from Laserowe Love. I don’t know about you, but I would love to have an icy cold umbrella drinkie inside a mini watermelon cup right about now.   Little Birdie Flowers, Ivory Burlap String, and a button from my stash are all invited to this  pool party.  Let’s take a peek inside, shall we?

Watermelon Summer Fun Folio: Party on the Inside

The fun gets started right away with a little ribbon topped tag tucked behind a chipboard umbrella drink.

The pocket page on the right holds some cute little Polaroid style photo mounts.  I’ve used more of the Acid Green Dots ribbon as a border on the pocket.

Here’s a look when everything is fully opened.  Isn’t it fun?  From left to right we have a waterfall cascade, a pocket with inserts, a dimensional tag/treat pocket, and a magnetic flap page.

Watermelon Summer Fun Folio: The Waterfall Element

 

 

Create tuck spots on the waterfall pages by adhering just the bottom edge of a tag.

 

Decorate a pocket with a little fussy cut banner.  Create the pocket page on the album base beneath the waterfall for an extra fun surprise.  The pocket holds 4″ x 4″ photo mounts.

Watermelon Summer Fun Folio: The Magnetic Flap Page

Use the tropical chipboard elements to create a little vignette on the front of the flap page.

TIP:  Create a cute turn tab when cutting the center pocket opening.  Place a Spellbinder’s Oval die about half way in the center of your pocket panel.  When you die cut, save the little half oval that the die cuts out.  Adhere the straight edge behind the designer paper panel.  Instant turn tab!  It’s a two-fer!

 

You’ll find room inside for a small photo and a tag filled pocket.  Cut fish tail ends on the Acid Green Ribbon to make a festive pocket border.

You can journal on the tags and add small photos on the back.

Watermelon Summer Fun Folio: The Dimensional Treat Pocket

Use cardstock scraps and a corner punch to create little pocket tags to tuck inside the dimensional pocket.  Decorate the pocket flap with smaller tags topped with ribbon and buttons.  And these green and pink chocolates are a perfect color match for the paper collection.   How fun is that?

You could also tuck a gift card, small photo or memento inside the pocket of each tag.  And there is ample room on the back for a photo.

This little folio comes together very quickly and makes a great summer birthday or hostess gift.  You can’t help but smile when working with the happy patterns and cute images in these two collections.

I hope you’ve been refreshed and inspired by this Watermelon Summer Fun Folio project.  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...