Category Archives: Shabby Chic

Shabby Chic Throwback Thursday Tutorial with Reneabouquets

Julie Nutting French Flea Market Spellbinders Picot Petite Circles Spellbinders Picot Petite Ovals Reneabouquets Printed Beautiful Board for Throwback Thursday Kathy Clement Photo 01

Shabby Chic Throwback Thursday Tutorial with Reneabouquets

Hello, Friends!  Welcome to this Shabby Chic Throwback Thursday Tutorial!  Today we’re working with some gorgeous Reneabouquets Printed Beautiful board and Julie Nutting’s 2017 French Flea Market Collection from Photo Play.  We’re going to chat about some important design principles while we make a beautiful card together.

Julie Nutting French Flea Market Card with Reneabouquets Printed Beautiful Board by Kathy Clement

Does this ever happen to you?  See a gorgeous paper collection.  Fall in love with gorgeous paper collection.  Allow the gorgeous paper collection to fall into your cart.  Take the gorgeous paper collection home.  Put it neatly away.  Forget about it for 4 years.  Find it while you are cleaning out the Closet of Shame.  That’s pretty much how this card unfolded.   Please tell me I am not alone in this.  But better late than never!  Let’s dig in and get our craft on!

Card Making Design Principles to Remember

Many people tell me that they struggle when it comes to working with patterned papers.  So I thought that in today’s video tutorial I’d share a few simple principles that I follow when selecting patterned papers for a card.

  • Begin by finding a good background paper.  You want something that sets the tone for your card.  For instance, a bold geometric print would not work very well with these Shabby Chic images.  But this soft floral print is perfect.
  • Now, pick a couple of patterns that play well with the background.  I chose a neutral toile and a very soft script.  The toile is a large print, so you might think it shouldn’t work.  But because it is such a neutral color, it blends beautifully.  And the soft script pattern reads almost like a solid.  So these three patterns harmonize well together.
  • Then you need to add a pop of color.  So I chose the large rose print and die cut it with an oval shaped die.  The rounded corners provided visual relief from all the square corners. That is also a good tip to  keep in mind.
  • The final layer is the soft microdot print.  I chose this panel because it allows my focal images to pop.

Make sense?

More Design Tips

Another great tip for card design is to add dimension to your individual layers with foam tape or waste chipboard pieces.  This depth lends the illusion that you could walk right into the vignette on the page.  You also want to think about texture when making a card.  Machine stitching, mulberry flowers, shell buttons, metallic string, and ribbon all have different textures.  Mixing textures makes for a more interesting card design. I’ll share a few more design tips in the video tutorial below.

A Peek Inside

Don’t you just love this paper collection?  I can’t believe it took me so long to use it.  (She hangs her head in shame.)

A magnetic flap element gives me a spot to add a journal card .  You can tuck a photo or write a note here.

The pocket is the perfect spot to tuck in a little gift ensemble.

And this little tea wallet is not just a stylish addition to the card.  It’s a great way to clean up some paper scraps!

Shabby Chic Throwback Thursday Card Tutorial on YouTube

If you’re ready to see this card come together, please enjoy this YouTube tutorial.

I hope you enjoyed making this pretty card with  me.

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

To see previous Throwback Thursday projects, please click HERE.

To leave a comment on this post, click on the blue REPLIES button located beneath the title at the top of the page.  I always enjoy hearing from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

Please note: Throwback Thursday projects use older, retired paper collections, dies, stamps, etc.  Many times these items are no longer available for purchase.  If an item used on this card is not listed below, it is because I could not find it for sale online.  Thanks for understanding!

 

Spellbinders March 2020 Clubs Inspiration Blog Hop

Stamperia Ceremony Shaker Card Folio Spellbinders APG Elegant Infinity Die of the Month by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Spellbinders March 2020 Clubs Inspiration Blog Hop and Giveaway! Two Chances to Win!

This hop is now closed.  The randomly chosen comment came from MaryH.  Thank you for  hopping!

Hello, Friends!  Welcome to the Spellbinders March 2020 Clubs Inspiration Blog Hop!  You should be coming here from Brenda’s Blog.  If so, you are right on track.  But don’t worry…I have a complete hop list at the end of this post.  This inspiration blog hop is loaded with great ideas for using the Spellbinders March 2020 Club Kits.  You will want to visit all the blogs in the list, then comment on the Spellbinder’s Blog to let them know you completed the hop. To celebrate this release, Spellbinders is giving away a $50 gift certificate to 5 lucky blog readers – selected from the comments on the Spellbinder’s blog. Hop along for additional chances to win. Giveaway closes on Sunday, March 22nd, 11:59 pm EDT. The winner will be announced in the blog hop post the following Tuesday. The winner is responsible for shipping cost, duties and taxes.

Spellbinders is also allowing me to pick a random comment from my blog to receive a $25 gift certificate. I will  announce the winner at the top of this post blog on 3/22/2020.  If you are the lucky winner,   contact Spellbinders at socialmedia@spellbinders.us by  3/29/2020 with the subject line Spellbinders March 2020 Blog Hop Winner from the Kathy by Design Blog.

Please note, store credit (gift certificate) cannot be applied to Club Subscriptions. Store credit can be applied to shop past Club products, Club extras and regular releases.  

Stamperia Ceremony Love Card for the Spellbinders March 2020 Clubs Inspiration Blog Hop

Amazing Paper Grace Die of the Month Elegant Infinity Spellbinders March 2020 Club Inspiration Blog Hop Stamperia Ceremony by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

I decided to go dreamy and romantic with the Amazing Paper Grace Elegant Infinity Die of the Month Club.  The versatility of this die allowed me to use the square and circle dies to create a lovely shaker frame for this Stamperia Ceremony card folio.  Here’s how:

  • First, die cut the frame from both patterned paper and cream cardstock.
  •  Next,  adhere the die cut layers together to create a sturdy and functional shaker frame.
  • Now, adhere clear cardstock to the back of the die cut frame.  Use an adhesive that dries clear, and wipe off any smudges that might occur.  I use Art Institute Dries Clear Adhesive.
  • Next add  3 layers of 1/8″ foam strips to the back side.
  • Decide where you want to place your shaker frame.  Then place your sequin mix in the center of that area.
  • Finally, adhere the square frame as a diamond to create visual interest.
Finishing Details

I love the fact that this die comes with every element to perfectly finish the card design.

  • Die cut the corner pieces from cream cardstock and the sentiment from gold foil for extra elegance.
  • Next, cut patterned paper with the 2 floral from the collection to create perfectly coordinated flower clusters.

TIP: Cut flower layers from scraps of your patterned paper!

Finish things up by die cutting the sentiment from a bit of Gold Foil paper.

A Peek Inside

The Elegant Infinity Dies found a home on the inside of this card as well.  Die cut the square frame without the inner circle and medallion piece.  Then mat on soft pink cardstock to create an elegant note card.  Die cut the corner piece from cream and patterned paper.  Adhere them together, staggering the edges a bit to create a elegant corner pocket to hold the note card in place.

This vintage button from my stash adorns a little photo folio.

 

Spellbinders March 2020 Clubs Inspiration Blog Hop: On With the Hop

Now let’s get on with this Spellbinders March 2020 Clubs Inspiration Blog Hop!  Here is the list of blog participating in the hop.  The next stop  is Linda Parker’s blog.   You’ll find the complete hop list below.

Spellbinders Blog

Yana Smakula

Nichol Spohr

Tina Smith

Bibi Cameron

Jean Manis

Henriëtte van Mierlo

Daniel West

Gemma Campbell

Dina Kowal

Virginia Lu

Jenny Colacicco

Jill Hilliard

Joy Baldwin

Jennifer Snyder

Marie Heiderscheit

Ashley Tucker

Svitlana Shayevich

Rebecca Luminarias

Brenda Noelke

Kathy Clement

Linda Parker

Varada Sharma

Hussena Calcuttawala

Jeanne Jachna

Michelle Short

Yasmin Diaz

Laurie Willison

Ilina Crouse

Laura Volpes

Alicia Havranek

Channin Pelletier

Michelle Zerull

Annie Williams

Sheri Holt

Norine Borys

Ivana Camdzic

Desiree Kuemmerle

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and inspiration you can use in your next crafty adventure!  If so, I ‘d love to hear from you in the comment section below.  You’ll also find a linked supply list below this post.  To see another project made with the APG Elegant Infinity Dies, click HERE.

Thanks for hopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

Beachy Blues Digital Collage Card

Gecko Galz Guest Designer: Beachy Blues Digital Collage Card

Hello, Friends!  Today I’m guest designing for the fine folks at Gecko Galz.  This Beachy Blues Digital Collage Card has me dreaming of the walking barefoot along the shore.  It’s the perfect card for Gecko Galz August Shabby Chic Seaside Challenge.

I’ve combined some old Pion Design papers up with a gorgeous digital image from By the Shore and the beach clock from Time Flies.  The end result is a dreamy beach scene.  Little Birdie flowers, blue micro gingham ribbon and lots of pretty shells that I gathered along our North Carolina shores frame the card.  I feel like I could just walk right into the image on this card front.

TIP:  Thin white acrylic paint with a little water, then spatter lightly all over the card front.  It adds such a lovely shabby finish to a card,  To me, the spatters look like bubbles in the water.

Beachy Blues Digital Collage Card: A Peek Inside

Of course, there are pockets inside the card.  You have to have a place to tuck in all those beachy treasures!

I’ve stitched a little shell bookmark and topped it with some natural fibers, charms and ribbon.

This darling magnet features another image from the By the Shore Digital collage sheet.  Stitching natural fibers around the edges give it just the right beachy finish.

I hope I shared some tips, tricks and techniques 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 Confection Sweet Treats Tutorial

 

Authentique Confection Sweet Treats Tutorial

Hello, Friends!  Have you seen the darling new Authentique Confection Collection?  Oh  my goodness!  Is it ever cute!  Today I’m sharing a TRIO of Authentique Confection Creations with you as well as a shaker box tutorial.  Lots of photos and info ahead, so grab a snack and a cuppa and let’s get started!

Authentique Confection Double Waterfall Mini Album with Shaker Box Cover

How sweet is this little 6 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ double waterfall mini album?  I’ve used an Amazing Paper Grace Vintage Treasures Die (Brillante Rondelle) for the shaker box, then surround it with hot pink buttons that look like candies, Little Birdie Vivid Palette Posies, novelty buttons and pink gingham ribbon.  This would be such a cute way to document a birthday party, wouldn’t it?

The spine is wrapped with satin ribbon.  I’ve hot glued a couple more buttons to the tails, just for fun.

Double Waterfall Mini Album with Shaker Box Cover:  A Peek Inside

Inside, you will find mirror image waterfalls, each measuring 4 1/2″ square.  Confetti style grosgrain ribbon serves as a closure.

TIP: Use scraps of Spectrum Tickled Pink Cardstock  to create little 3 1/4″ x 4 1/4 folios. Top these with images from the collection.

Line the inside with 3″ x 4″ panels of designer paper.

The waterfall will hold sixteen 4″ x 4″ photos.

TIP: Score a 1/2″ flap on the side of a cut apart image.  Adhere behind the designer paper liner to add a fun interactive element to your album.

Double Waterfall Mini Album with Shaker Box Cover: How to Make the Waterfalls

There is no binding system for this album, which makes it very quick and easy to assemble.  Here’s how:

  • First, cut (10) 4 3/4″ x 4 1/2″ panels of Authentique Spectrum Tickled Pink Cardstock.
  • Next, score a 1/2″ flap on the left hand side of each panel.
  • Fold and burnish along the scored line.
  • Now, center and adhere the first flap on the far left hand side of the album base.
  • Then, flip the page open.  Line the folded edge of the next panel up with the bottom edge of the first.  Repeat this until you have added 5 panels to each side.  Keep  everything straight and centered!

The 5th flap (the one on the bottom) will be a little too long.  No worries!  Simple fold the edge back 1 1/2″ .  Now you have a fun double pocket feature on each side of the album!  Line the base page with designer paper.  Then adhere just the sides of that 1 1/2″ flap to the album base to form a pocket on the top.  Then adhere just the top and bottom edge of the waterfall panel to the album base to form a little tag pocket.

Tuck 3″ x 4″ photo mounts and decorated tags into this double pocket feature.

Authentique Confection Project #2:  Gift Card Wallet

The next project is an adorable gift card wallet.  This measures 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ with a 1/2″ spine.  You can make this with one sheet of Hot Fudge Cardstock:

  • First, place the long side of one sheet of Hot Fudge Cardstock against the rail of your scoring tool.
  • Make the first score line at 4 1/2″.
  • Score again at 5″.  This forms the 1/2″ spine.
  • Now score a final time at 9 1/2″.
  • The 1 1/2″ flap becomes the pocket.

Mat the donut image on a scrap of Tickled Pink Cardstock.  Adhere just 3 sides to form a little tag pocket.

Create a couple of cute folios to tuck into the larger pocket.

Use scraps of designer paper to create an inner pocket to hold gift cards, or small sweet treats.

Authentique Confection Project #3: Loaded Envelope with Shaker Frame

Loaded envelopes are so much fun to create!  Adding a shaker frame really makes it feel like a party is about to happen.  For this project, I combined both Authentique Party and Authentique Confection with the Eileen Hull Mailable Frame Die.  Since I share this in the tutorial video below, I won’t go into a lot of detail here.  But i will share the photos.

I had loads of fun creating little goodies to tuck inside this envelope!

This G45 Large Ivory Tag is covered on both sides.  The magnetic folio on the reverse side is a great place to write a little note.

These mixed media tags are made with G45 Square Ivory Laser Cut Tags (retired) and Distress Oxide Inks in  Picked Raspberry, Spun Sugar, Mustard Seed, Mermaid Lagoon and Cracked Pistachio.  Each tag is covered on the back side as well.

Here’s the Eileen Hull Mailable Frame Die again…this time serving as an envelope with a window opening.

And it wouldn’t be a Kathy by Design creation without a little tea, honey stick and vintage silver plate spoon, would it?  I’ve also covered individually wrapped Biscoff Cookies with designer paper.

Authentique Confection Sweet Treat Project Share and Video Tutorial

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

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Supply List

Beautiful Authentique Poised Card Folio Tutorial

Beautiful Authentique Poised Card Folio Tutorial for Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hello, Friends!  Today I have a shabby chic Beautiful Authentique Poised Card Folio Tutorial to share with you.  The April Ribbon Club from RRR is the perfect playmate for the yellow/gray tones in Authentique Paper’s Poised collection.  Take a look:

Authentique Beautiful Poised Card Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

 

 

How shabbylicious is this?  Here’s how to create the cover of this 5″ x 7″ top fold card folio.

  • First, use steel grey cardstock to create a 5″ x 7″ top fold card base with a 1/2″ spine.  You can find a tutorial for doing this with one sheet of 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper HERE.
  • Next, cut a 4 7/8″ rectangle of Poised 5.  Do not adhere it to the card base at this time.
  • Now cut a 4 7/8″ x 5″ panel from the reverse side of Poised 5.  Mat just the top and bottom edges with steel grey cardstock.  Center this on the first panel.
  • Then,  cut a 3″ tall belly band from Poised 2.  Once again, mat just the top and bottom edges and center on the Poised 5 panel.
  • Die cut a doily, or cut a ready-made doily in half. Adhere each half above and below the belly band.
  • To add extra detail, stitch around the perimeter of these panels on your sewing machine.
Beautiful Authentique Poised Card Folio Tutorial: Creating the Card Focal

Authentique Beautiful Poised Card Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 02

 

  • Begin by cutting a 4″ square panel from Poised 2.  Double mat this on both Lemon Drop and Steel Grey cardstock.  Then stitch around the perimeter.
  • Next, back this panel with foam dimensionals or waste chipboard. Center and adhere over the doily/belly band layer.
  • Now, die cut a Stitched Oval from Poised 6. Back this with dimensionals and adhere in the center of the Poised 2 panel.
  • Then fussy cut the silhouette image from Poised 6.  Leave a little grey border around the edge as you fussy cut.  Back with dimensionals and adhere in the center of the oval.
  • Note: I tapped the flowers with Art Institute Dries Clear adhesive, then sprinkled with Art Institute Angel Dust Glitter.
Beautiful Authentique Poised Card Folio Tutorial: Bow Cluster

Authentique Beautiful Poised Card Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 03

 

To create the bow cluster:

  • First, select a few yellow flowers from your stash and arrange them along the left hand side of the card.
  • Next, use your Zutter Bow it All Tool to tie a Charcoal Shimmer Satin Ribbon 3″ double loop bow.   Tuck this slightly below the largest flower, using hot glue to secure in place.
  • Adhere a fancy button over the knot.
Beautiful Authentique Poised Card Folio Tutorial: Finishing Touches

Authentique Beautiful Poised Card Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 04

 

To create the banner element:

  • First, punch out all the banner letters from the Poised 12×12 Components Sheet.  Mat these on scraps of the Steel Grey and Lemon Drop cardstock.
  • Next, place foam dots on the back sides of the “B” and the “Y” pennants. Adhere these letters to the top of the card as seen in the photo.
  • Now, use adhesive to attach the corners of the “A” and “U” pennants. Back with foam dots and place as seen in the photo.
  • Then place foam dots behind the “E” and the “T” pennants.  Attach these so that they overlap the tops of the other pennants, as seen in the photo.
  • Tie 1/2″ bows with some twine and adhere in the corners.
  • Then attach bitty buttons using hot glue to secure.

Authentique Beautiful Poised Card Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 05

To finish, punch out the sentiment from the Cardstock Components sheet.  Back the bottom edge with dimensionals and adhere as seen in the photo.  Add a mini paper clip in the top right hand corner.

This completes the card cover.

Authentique Poised Card Folio Tutorial: A Peek Inside

Authentique Beautiful Poised Card Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 06

Add a couple of pockets inside the card.  To make the side pocket on the top of the card, I simply cut my designer paper 1 3/4″ wider than the card base, scored, folded and adhered the top and bottom edge.   The side pocket holds a magnet made with the large sentiment panel from the collection.  I simply inserted a large Basic Grey Magnet between my designer papers and some cardstock, and stitched this up on the sewing machine. Top this with Yellow/Grey Chevron Stripe Grosgrain Ribbon and a posy.

Fill the bottom pocket with 2 little treat folios.

Authentique Beautiful Poised Card Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 07

 

To make the folios,  cut cardstock scraps to measure 8 1/4″ wide by 3 1/4″ tall.  Score at 4 1/8″ and fold.  To make the pocket inside, cut a 5 1/2″ x 3″ panel of paper, score at 4″ and fold to create a  pocket.  If you are using a vertical image, orient the paper in portrait mode.  For a horizontal image, orient in landscape mode.  Then tuck in your treats!

Authentique Beautiful Poised Card Folio Tutorial by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 09

A card folio like this does double duty as a gift, especially when you tuck in a little honey stick to go along with the tea.

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 Poised Card Folio Tutorial: Supply List