Category Archives: Valentine’s Day

Love Sweet Love Valentine’s Day Banner

Authentique Romance Valentine's Day Banner by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Love Sweet Love Valentine’s Day Banner with Authentique Romance

Hello, Friends!  This Love Sweet Love Valentine’s Day Banner is the perfect way to get ready for Love Month!

Banners make every day feel like a celebration, don’t they? Authentique Paper’s fabulous Romance Collection adds vintage charm and style to this frilly creation!  Since banners are one of my favorite things to make, I thought I’d share a few tips and tricks to help you make your own.

Love Sweet Love Valentine’s Day Banner Tips and Tricks

  • First, figure out how many pennants you want to add to your banner.  Working with odd numbers (3, 5, 7) always seems to work best for me.
  • Machine stitch banners to ribbon to create a banner that will last for years.  If you don’t like to sew, you can also use cute wooden clothespins to attach your pennants to the ribbon.
  • For an extra dose of vintage romance, stitch lace over the ribbon.

  • Next, mix and match the shape and size of your pennants.  I used a combination of hand cut pennants and vintage tag pennants.  The contrast in shape adds so much to the final creation.  But you can also make them all the same if that is your preference.
  • Add die cut hearts as layering elements.  This helps draw the eye to the focal image.

  • Create lots of dimension with fussy cut images.  Separate layers with foam adhesive tabs or waste chipboard.

  • Mix and match textures for lots of visual interest.  This resin bird cage plays beautifully with paper flowers, delicate lace and paper elements.

  • Soften angles by adding a circular element to your design.  Die cut circles from patterned paper, then adhere to lacy paper doilies.
  • Fussy cut flowers play nicely with paper flowers, too.
  • Do you spy the heart shaped wood buttons?  This introduces another contrast in texture.
Banner of the Month?

Last year, I created a little Authentique Desk Calendar for each month of the year.  Many of you have contacted me to ask me if I would be willing to do something similar in 2021.  Well, I’ve been thinking about this for weeks, searching for a paper collection that would work.  But no luck!

So, what if we did a little banner of the month instead?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments about this below.  It seems like it would be fun to dress our homes up with a cheery little banner for each month of the year. Tell me what you think!

And that’s it for me today, friends!  Look for a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Little Birdie Crafts True Love Desk Folio

Little Birdie True Love Desk Folio by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Little Birdie Crafts True Love Desk Folio Tutorial: February Guest Designer Spot

Hello, Friends!  Today I have a romantic, feminine Little Birdie Crafts True Love Desk Folio Tutorial to share with you.  This is the feminine version of the Classic Gentleman Gift Folio I shared with you in January.  I thought it would be fun to show you the softer side of this practical little desk companion.

True Love Desk Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design for Little Birdie Crafts Photo 01

Ooh la la!  Paris, anyone?  Pink roses, too?  Sign me up!

Desk Folio 2.0

The best thing about this little folio is how quickly it comes together.  Since there is always room for improvement, I did  tweak the basic design for this folio just a bit.  For one thing, it’s taller.  I find the Junior Legal Pad fit better when papers are cut to 8 1/2″ tall instead of the original 8″.   And, I added a ribbon closure to add even more girly-girl charm to the design.

Here are the basic measurements for the folio base and pockets.

  • First score a 12″ x 8 1/2″ panel of designer paper at 5 1/2″ and 6 1/2″ to form the cover.
  • Next, score a 6 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ panel at 1/2″ and 1″ to form the right hand flap page.
  • Now cut liner papers for the 3 inside panels to measure just under 5 1/2″ wide x 8 1/2″ tall.  The width of the liner paper has to clear the scored spine so that the folio will close  neatly.
  • Then score a 6 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ panel of designer paper so that you have (2) 1/2″ flaps on each side and on the bottom.  Follow the video tutorial to see how to turn this into a box pocket.
  • Now score a 6 1/2″ x 5″ panel of designer paper with 1/2″ flaps on the sides and bottom.  Then follow the video tutorial to see how to make this into a slash pocket.
  • The spines measure 7/8″ x 8 1/2″ for the larger spine and 3/8″ x 8 1/2″ for the thinner spine.
  • If desired, wrap the center of the folio with ribbon.  Leave the ends long enough to tie a bow.

Dress it Up!

Now comes the fun part: dressing up the cover!

  • Mat a 5″ x 8″ panel of the pink heart paper on medium weight chipboard. Brush the edges with ivory chalk paint.  Then adhere to the cover.
  • Next, cut a 3 1/2″ x 6″ panel of the Eiffel Tower design paper.  Brush the edges with chalk paint and adhere as seen in the photo.
  • Then adhere the Little Birdie Chipboard on the left hand side of the folio cover.
  • Now cut a 2″ x 1 1/4″ scrap of the pink text paper and adhere above the chipboard.  Top with black buttons.
  • Arrange Pearl Pink Rosalind Roses and foliage on the cover of the folio.
  • Fussy cut some elements to tuck in with the floral arrangement.
A Peek Inside

I don’t know about you, but I hate it when a paper pad gets rolled up corners and wrinkled edges.  The flap page on the right helps to protect the pad beneath.

Here’s the folio fully opened.  You can see the box pocket on the left and the slash pocket on the right.

Create a cover for a 3″ x 5″ sticky note pad and tuck it in the box pocket along with a pen.  The slash pocket is a great spot to stash receipts.  But I filled it with a tea bag, chocolate treat and a honey stick for the gift presentation.

Little Birdie Crafts True Love Desk Folio Tutorial on YouTube

Are you ready to make this little desk folio?  Then click play and follow along with this YouTube tutorial.

If you  missed the Classic Gentleman Gift Folio, you can find that video HERE.

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

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Butterfly Kisses Shaker Easel Card Tutorial

Throwback Thursday Authentique Adore Butterfly Kisses with Reneabouquets Beautiful Board by Kathy Clement Photo 01

Throwback Thursday: Butterfly Kisses Shaker Easel Card Tutorial

Hello, Friends!  What could be more romantic than a Butterfly Kisses Shaker Easel Card Tutorial?  Welcome to Throwback Thursday!  This week, we’re pulling Authentique Paper’s 2015 Adore collection out of the Closet of Shame.  Although this is a Valentine collection, I think this card would work for just about any situation.  Are you ready to get your craft on?  Then let’s dig in!

Building the Base

Authentique Adore Shaker Easel Card by Kathy Clement Photo 01

I think you are going to like this easel card base, as it’s a little different from what I usually do. That’s because I found a scrap of pink cardstock in the storage envelope when I rescued this pretty collection from the COS.  And since Throwback Thursday is all about using your stash, that’s exactly what I did!  Here’s how to make the base for this card.

  • First, score a 7″ x 12″ panel of pink cardstock at 2 1/2″, 5″ and 10″.
  • Now fold along the scored lines to create a 7″ x 5″ top fold easel card with a 2″ pocket on the inside. (Watch the video to see this done.)
  • Next, cut a 6 7/8″ x 4 7/8″ panel of designer paper to  line the inside panel of the card. Then cut 1″ x 1 7/8″ gussets for the sides of the pocket.  Fold the gussets in half and adhere to make the pocket.  Again, watch the video to see how this is done.
  • Line the pocket with a 7″ x 1 7/8″ panel of rose patterned paper.
  • Line the easel folds, inside and out, with 7″ x 2 3/8″ panels of designer paper.
  • Now create the focal image.  Mat a 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ panel of designer paper on two shades of pink cardstock.  Stitch around the perimeter, if desired.  This adheres on the front of the easel.
  • Then mat a 3″ x 4″ on 2 shades of pink cardstock and adhere alongside as seen in the video.
Creating the Shaker Frame

Die cut clear cardstock with a Spellbinder’s Large Standard Circle Die.  Adhere this on the back of the Reneabouquets printed beautiful board frame.  Add 3 layers of 1/8″ foam tape.  Add your shaker mix to the 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ focal.  Then adhere the frame.

TIP: Just for fun, add some Reneabouquets Tiny Treasures Butterflies to the shaker mix.  They “flutter” around when the card is shaken, which is really fun.

Add a cascade of Little Birdie Candy Roses and more Reneabouquets butterflies to the sides of the frame.

Creating the Stopper

The pocket serves as the stopper, or brake, for this easel card mechanism.  Dress it up with a heat embossed Beautiful Board Border.   I used Wow Vintage Romance Embossing Powder here and on the Reneabouquets Filigree Heart.

Heat emboss the Reneabouquets “Love” Beautiful Board Sentiment with Antique Gold Embossing Enamel.

A Peek Inside

Here’s a look at the inside of the card.

Plenty of room to tuck in a little tea wallet, vintage demitasse spoon, chocolate and honey stick.

Butterfly Kisses Shaker Easel Card Tutorial on YouTube

I hope you enjoy this Throwback Thursday video tutorial.

I’ll share a linked supply list below.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Classic Gentleman Valentine Notebook Folio

Little Birdie Classic Gentleman Collection Little Birdie Craft Dies Masculine Valentine Notebook Gift by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Classic Gentleman Valentine Notebook for Little Birdie Crafts

Hello, Friends! How about we make a Classic Gentleman Valentine Notebook with some of my new Little Birdie Crafts goodies today?  It’s a little bit vintage, a little bit steampunk, and a quick and easy project for your favorite fella.  I’m thrilled to be a Little Birdie Crafts Guest Designer again this term. This is my first project, and I hope you will have fun making it, too!

I don’t want to rush the season, but we will blink twice and Valentine’s Day will be upon us.  We all love frilly, frou-frou, pink Valentines.  But most guys don’t!  So this is the design I came up with for my sweet husband.  (Did you know he composes, arranges and performs all the music on my YouTube channel?)  He’s such a great guy, and I just really wanted to bless him with something special on Valentine’s Day.  Dale loves to write things down in notebooks, so I designed this 5 1/2″ x 8″ folio especially for him.  Since he’s a generous soul, I don’t think he will mind if I share it here with you.

Getting Started

  • Begin by cutting 4 sheets of 12×12 Classic Gentleman papers to measure 12″ x 8″.
  • Score the text collage sheet at  5 1/2″ and 6 1/2″.  Then fold along the scored lines to form  a 5 1/2″ x 8″ notebook or folio.
  • Next, cut the dapper gents patterned paper to 5 1/2″ x 8″  Ink all the edges with Ground Espresso Distress Ink.
  • Now use the Little Birdie Filmstrip Die to cut a frame from your scraps.  Adhere as seen in the photo.
  • Then, fussy cut the walking stick silhouette man, top hat, and playing cards from the cut apart page of the paper collection. Then use the Cogs and Wheels die to cut a bunch of gears from your scraps.
Little Details

  • Next, trim the 4″ x 6″ Clock and Gears Journal Card to measure 4″ square.  TIP:  if you just cut the bottom off the card, then glue the 4″ x 2″ scrap back behind the 4″ square, you can keep the framed edge all the way around the card.
  • Then trim the clocks from the second 4″ x 6″ card.  Place foam adhesive or other dimensionals on the back and adhere over the clocks on the 4×4 card.
  • Cut the Primed Chipboard Vintage Keys apart and ink them with Ground Espresso. Then apply Little Birdie Metallic Wax in Gold, Silver and Green to create a worn, vintage finish.
  • Adhere the 4″ x 4″ clock panel to the notebook base.  Then embellish with the keys, fussy cuts and die cut pieces using the photos as a guide.
The Spine

Since most men are not crazy about ribbons and bows, you need to find a good alternative for adding texture.  Little Birdie Flat Braided Twine looks (to me) like a watch fob, which makes it perfect for this project!  Simply punch holes at the top and bottom of the spine, then run the braided twine through and tie in a knot or shoestring bow.

A Peek Inside

Create a box pocket on the left hand side of the notebook.  I tucked in one of my hubby’s favorite chocolate bars and a nice gel pen.  The inside panel is lined with a 5 3/8″ x 8″ panel of the designer paper.

On the right, I decided to make a flip page.  Here’s how to do that:

  • First, cut an 11 1/2″ x 8″ panel from a 12×12 sheet of Classic Gentleman.
  • Now score it at 5 1/2″ and 6″.  Fold along the scored lines so that the patterned paper is on the inside and the blank white side is on top.  You will have a 1/2″ spine on the right of this flap.
  • Cover the blank flap page with a 5 3/8″ x 8″ panel of designer paper.  Decorate with a 4×6 journal card and the Die Cut Time Pieces.

Now you have the perfect spot to adhere a junior legal pad in the center of the notebook.  The flap cover will protect the pages from getting all wrinkled.  It also provides a great spot for a slash pocket to hold receipts and other “stuff.”

Classic Gentleman Valentine Notebook Tour on YouTube

To help you get a feel for the function and flow of this little project, I’ve prepared a short video walk through with tips and tricks.

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

Also, I have a little unboxing video and giveaway of the Little Birdie Dies used in this project HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Red Roses and Ribbon True Love Folio

True Love Card Folio Echo Park Amour Collection by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 01

Red Roses and Ribbon True Love Folio for the RRR Blog Hop

Hello, Ribbon Lovers!  This Red Roses and Ribbon True Love Folio is my inspiration piece for the Really Reasonable Ribbon January Blog hop.  You should be coming here from Ginny’s gorgeous blog.  “Be My Valentine” is the  name of this month’s beautiful Ribbon Club Assortment.

You really can’t go wrong with so many beautiful ribbons to choose from!  But for this 6×6 folio, the 5/8″ Poppy Red Satin with a Grosgrain Edge fit the bill perfectly!  Because this ribbon is soft and silky, it ties beautiful bows!

It also works great as a border when layered with the 3/8″ White Satin with Red Dots ribbon from the collection.

TIP: Add interest to a floral cluster with Beaded Berry Stamens.  Simply tuck them in filler with your red roses.

True Love Shaker Frame

Here’s how I turned this Reneabouquets Beautiful Laser Cut Frame into a Shaker Element.

  • First, heat emboss the frame with Versamark Ink and Shabby White Embossing Enamel.
  • Next, die cut an oval from clear cardstock (acetate) and adhere to the back of the frame.
  • Then adhere 3 layers of 1/8″ foam tape around the inside edge of the frame.
  • Now place your shaker elements on the card base over the area where you intend to adhere the frame.
  • Position the frame over the shaker mix and press in place.
A Peek Inside

Creating the inside of this folio was such fun!  There is a lot of room to add interactive element like this kinetic waterfall feature.

Pull the tab on the bottom of the waterfall and the pages flip.

There’s even a secret message hidden at the bottom!

Tie some ribbon around the top of this little magnet insert to add style and texture.

Flip the magnet pocket page open to reveal another waterfall and a treat pocket.

This Echo Park Amour collection is older, but classic.  I love anything with Eiffel Tower images.

Tuck a tea wallet and a chocolate treat in the center pocket.  It’s such a lovely way to say “Be My Valentine!”

Video Walk Through

So many of you asked for a video walk through of this project that I put a quick one together for you on my YouTube channel.  Enjoy!

On With the Hop!

Now hop on over and see what paper pretties Cheryl has created to inspire you.  Then be sure to visit the RRR Blog and answer Bonnie’s question of the month.  You might be the lucky winner of your very own February Ribbon Club Assortment.

Are you a member of the Really Reasonable Ribbon Club?  It’s a great way to build up your ribbon stash!  You can find out all about it HERE.

Do you send Valentines to friends and family members?  I think it’s time we start spreading around as much love as we can, as often as we can, to as many people as we can!  How about you?

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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