Category Archives: Simple Stories

Simple Stories Baking Spirits Bright Cookbook Cover

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Simple Stories Baking Spirits Bright Cookbook Cover-Kathy Clement-Kathy by Design

Simple Stories Baking Spirits Bright Cookbook Cover and Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipe

Hello, Friends!  I thought I’d pop in today and share how I put together this Simple Stories Baking Spirits Bright Cookbook Cover.  Last year I decided I really needed to update the “made from scratch” cookbook that I’ve been using for the past 30+ years.  Many of the pages were falling out, the spine was crumbling and it was just a general mess.

While I was editing the recipes, I decided I wanted to have 2 separate binders: one for my everyday recipes, and one dedicated strictly to my holiday recipes.  Christmas baking is a very big deal in our family.  When our first son was born, I started a tradition of baking each family member’s favorite cookie at Christmas time.  Not a big deal, as our family consisted of just Dale, Peter and myself.  But then along came Liz…followed quickly by Kimberly and Andrew and finally Joel.  Oh, and my mom moved in with us, too.  So that meant 8 different kinds of Christmas cookies each year.

Then, the kids got married, so their spouses had to have their favorites…and then…the grandchildren…so you get the picture.  I make about 12 different kinds of Christmas cookies every year.  And of course there are the special breads and main dishes and sides that we enjoy at various parties and holiday meals.  See why I  needed a separate cookbook?

Double Duty Kitchen Decor

The cookbook looks super cute displayed in the vintage hutch that sits in the eating area of our kitchen.  The Simple Stories Snap Binder even matches the color of the hutch!  When Sophie and I were decorating for Christmas yesterday, she said, “Nan, you really should decorate the cover of this recipe album and put it in the hutch.”  So I did.

Because this is a “working” binder, I kept the embellishments a little simpler.  No big bows or fancy floral displays on this creation.  Just a few stickers from the paper collection, some cute kitchen embellishments and a simple ribbon border dress the cover up nicely.

Here’s a look at the spine.

TIP: Cut chipboard to fit inside the  metal label frame.  Now you can adhere the cute sticker to the chipboard and dress up the spine.

The ribbon border runs all the way around the base of the album.  And I could not resist adding this sticker to the back cover.

Simple Stories Baking Spirits Bright Cookbook Cover Process Video on YouTube

This isn’t really a tutorial, because I don’t really teach you anything.  But I do invite you to watch me dress up the cookbook cover.  If you’d like to join me, please enjoy this video on my YouTube channel.

 

My Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipe

Since we’re talking Christmas and cookies and all things yummy, I thought I’d share my favorite Christmas cookie recipe with you.

Gingersnaps:  Soft and chewy, old fashioned flavor.  I like to double the spices.

  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup molasses (I like Grandma’s Molasses)
  • 2 1/4 cup Unbleached All Purpose Flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • Coarse sugar like turbinado for rolling
  • Mix shortening, brown sugar, molasses and egg thoroughly in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients except granulated sugar. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  • Heat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Dip tops in granulated sugar. Place balls, sugared sides up, 3 inches apart on cookie sheet.
  • Bake 10 to 12 minutes or just until set but not hard. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

I hope you enjoy!  What’s your favorite Christmas cookie?

You can find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by, friends!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Marvelous Medallion Garden Party Card

Amazing Paper Grace Marvelous Medallion Garden Party Card Simple Stories Vintage Cottage Garden by Kathy Clement Photo 01

Amazing Paper Grace Marvelous Medallion Garden Party Card

Hello, Friends!  What could be more fun in the middle of winter than a Marvelous Medallion Garden Party Card?  I can almost feel the sunshine on my shoulders, how about you?  Today I’m introducing you to the Amazing Paper Grace February 2022 Die of the Month from Spellbinders.  Ooh-la-la!  This die is so beautiful when paired up with Simple Stories Vintage Cottage Fields paper collection!

Amazing Paper Grace Marvelous Medallion Die by Kathy Clement PHoto 01

Here’s how this card came together:

  • First, create a 6×6 top fold card with 1/4″ spines on the top and bottom edges.
  • Next, cut mats from white and peach cardstock.
  • Now cut a 5 1/4″ square of patterned floral paper and adhere to the mats.
  • Next, die cut the background medallion piece from melon cardstock.
  • Then die cut the top piece from cream cardstock.  Adhere the two pieces together. Place 1/8″ foam strips on the outer edges of the die cuts and glue to the sides of the card.
  • Now tie melon seam binding through the openings between the die cuts and tie a bow.

Making the Flowers

Every good garden party needs flowers!  The Marvelous Medallion set has 2 sizes of petal dies, foliage and stamen dies.  (I did not use the stamen dies on these flowers.)  You will want to die cut lots and lots of petal layers from your cardstock scraps.  Brush the edges with Abandoned Coral Distress ink to add some shading and detail to the flower edges.  My stamens are a blend of peach and mango small stamens.

A Peek Inside

You can see that I used the filigree banner die and another die cut medallion base to decorate the pocket and top half of my card.

Then I used my scraps to “gift wrap” some chocolate, a tea bag, and a honey stick.  It’s always nice to tuck a little note card into a pocket, so I made one of those from scraps as well.

How to Get the Die & More Samples

You can join the Amazing Paper Grace Die of the Month Club HERE. Members receive an expertly designed die set each month, complete with inspiration. Plus, members get store savings, extra deals, gifts, and more.

You might want to pop over to the Amazing Paper Grace Blog to see the gorgeous samples Becca has made with this new Die of the Month.  She’s got some great ideas to share with you.

You can find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Be Grateful Shaker Easel Card

Simple Stories Autumn Splendor Be Grateful Shaker Card by kathy Clement Photo 01

Be Grateful Shaker Easel Card with Simple Stories Autumn Splendor

Hello, Friends!  After I finished this week’s Throwback Thursday project, I decided to make this Be Grateful Shaker Easel Card.  After all, the papers, leaves, flowers, etc. were already out on my desk. The old mojo was flowing, and it was not quite time to fix dinner.  Plenty of good reasons to make “just one more” card with this lovely fall collection.  Do you ever do that?  I find it so tempting to ignore the load of laundry that needs to be folded in favor of working with a favorite paper collection.  Once the idea popped into my head to make a shaker card, well, let’s just say the laundry got folded later!

 

Putting It Together

Here’s how this cheery fall card came together:

  • First, cut a 5 1/2″ x 11 panel of kraft cardstock.  Score at  2 3/4″ and 5 1/2″ to form an easel card base.
  • Next, cut a 5 1/4″ square  of patterned paper to line the interior of the card base,
  • Then cut a 6 1/2″ x 3″ panel of kraft cardstock.  Score 1/2″ on the sides and bottom, trim out the corners, and fold the flaps to  create a pocket/brake for the easel.
  • Now cut a 5 1/2″ x 6 1/4″ panel of kraft cardstock. This will be the card front.
  • Next cut 5 1/4″ x 6″ and 5″ x 5 3/4″ mats with green and bittersweet cardstock.
  • Now top the layers with a 4 3/4″ x 5 1/2″ panel of the floral print.
Making the Shaker Element

Simple Stories Autumn Splendor Shaker Easel Card by Kathy Clement Photo 01

Oh, how I love a shaker frame on a card!  Especially when it is wrapped with knitted trim and wooden buttons! Here’s how I put this one together.

  • First, trace the outside edge of the frame onto a piece of clear acrylic cardstock.  Then trim along the traced lines.
  • Next, adhere the clear cardstock (acetate) to the back of the chipboard frame.
  • Now, place 3 rows of 1/8″ foam strips around the sides of the frame.  Be sure not to leave any gaps where beads or glitter might escape.
  • Then,  lightly sand the top, bottom and right hand side of the Simple Stories Autumn Glory Frame.  This will help the glue grab the surface of the frame.
  • Next, place 1/4″ Scor-Tape on the frame, and adhere strips of textured trim over it.
  • Now,  lightly fray the edges where the trim meets in the corners.
  • Then top the corners with inked and threaded wooden buttons.
  • Next, adhere the 2×2 image from the paper collection on the card front base.
  • Now place your mix of sequins, buttons, beads and rhinestone leaves on the card base.
  • Finally, remove the liner tape and press the frame in place.
A Peek Inside

Don’t you just love it when a card element can perform double duty?  The stopper for this easel card is also a pocket! Now this pretty card can function as a gift!

Turn a 3×4 image into a mini folio and tuck it inside the pocket.

Add a mini Lindt chocolate a fancy herbal tea bag inside the folio pocket.  And there’s plenty of room to tuck a honey stick inside the larger pocket.

This would make a great fall birthday card, or a thoughtful get well card.  As you can tell, I’m hanging on to my fall papers as long as I can.  They are just so lovely to work with! Keep an eye out for Christmas projects starting this week, though.  (But you never know when I will give in to the temptation to make just one more autumn creation!)

You can find a linked supply list below the post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Thanksgiving Treat Tags Tutorial

Thanksgiving Treat Tags Tutorial Simple Stories Autumn Splendor by Kathy Clement PHoto 01

Thanksgiving Treat Tags Tutorial with Simple Stories Autumn Splendor for Throwback Thursday

Hello, Friends!  For this episode of Throwback Thursday, I have a Thanksgiving Treat Tags Tutorial to share with you.  We’re playing with our Simple Stories Autumn Splendor Collection, Graphic 45 Large Kraft Tags, G45 Large Tag Die, Prima Autumn Sunset Flowers and bits and bobs from my stash.

Thanksgiving Treat Tag Tutorial Simple Stories Autumn Splendor by Kathy Clement Photo 02

These little treat pockets are quick and easy to make, which is always nice during a busy holiday season.

Graphic 45 Large Kraft Tag Treat Pocket by Kathy Clement Photo 01

Each tag is filled with a tea party for one.

Thanksgiving Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 01

These make adorable place cards on a Thanksgiving table.

Graphic 45 Large Tag Die Simple Stories Autumn Splendor by kathy Clement Photo 01

If you are hosting a Thanksgiving buffet, the pocket is a great place to put napkin and silverware.  You could tuck in a little Andes Mint treat along with the flatware to make it extra special.

The tutorial below will show you how to transform that large kraft tag into a nifty pocket.

Quick How-To Guide and Measurements

You are going to love how easy this project is to make.

  • First, place a G45 Large Kraft Tag on your scoring tool so that the rounded edge is on the left.
  • Now score the tag at 5 1/2″ and again at 6 1/2″.  Fold and burnish the scored lines. Fold the bottom end of the tag up to form a pocket without sides.
  • Then die cut patterned paper with the G45 Large Tag Die.  Try to use paper that has a non-directional pattern on the back side.
  • Now cut the tag liner at 5 1/4″.  Adhere the top half of the liner to the tag base.  Trim 1/8″ off the bottom piece that has the square corners.  Then place the rounded corners on the left hand side of your scoring tool and score at 2″.  Set this piece aside.
  • Next, cut (2) 2″ squares of heavy kraft cardstock.  Score 1/2″ flaps on both sides.  Fold and burnish the scored lines. These are the sides for your tag pocket.
  • Then adhere the 1/2″ flaps to the back side of the pocket flap and to the tag base.
  • Now line up the rounded corners of your tag liner with the rounded corners of the pocket and adhere.
  • Finally, decorate your tag with ribbon, flowers, ephemera and charms.

You could easily use this same design for  Christmas party, Baby Shower, Birthday or Bridal Shower, too. One of the other things I love about this project is that you can use up scraps of designer paper to dress up the tea party goodies.

So dig into your stash of fall papers, and let’s get started making these clever tags!

Thanksgiving Treat Tags Tutorial on YouTube

 

I hope you enjoy making these tag pockets.  I can think of so many fun ways to use them.  What will you do with yours?  I’d love to hear in the comment section below.

Happy Throwback Thursday!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Choose Happy Slimline Shaker Card

Simple Stories Farmhouse Garden Slimline Shaker Card by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 01

Choose Happy Slimline Shaker Card for Really Reasonable Ribbon

Hello, Friends!  Today we’re going to Choose Happy with a Simple Stories Farmhouse Garden Slimline Shaker Card.  Gorgeous aqua ribbon from the Really Reasonable Ribbon June Ribbon Club are the perfect color match for this pretty botanical card.

Rows of Ribbon

If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, you know how much I like to use ribbons as a border on a card.  Here you can see that I’ve actually created rows of ribbon on each end of this 8 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ slimline card.  On the right, Tropic Swiss Dots Satin makes the row of black buttons pop off the page.

Next, I built my own key embellishment with a large key and a bronze bee charm.  First I rubbed the key with Little Birdie Patina Wax.  Then it was the bee’s turn to get a vintage finish.  Finally, I super glued the bee t the key to create my own custom embellishment.

The flower cluster on the left is backed by a double row of ribbon.  First I attached Tropic Diamond Satin Ribbon with 1/2″ Scor-tape.  To add another layer of interest, I attached Tropic Swiss Dot Satin with 1/4″ Scor-Tape.  Next, tie a black burlap string bow to ground all those tropical hues.  Brush flowers with more of the Patina Wax and adhere on top of the bow cluster.  Finally, tap a resin keyhole with wax and tuck it into the bow arrangement.

The Shaker Window

Create the shaker window from one of the journal cards in the paper collection.

  • First, use a craft knife to cut out the white center of the journal card. This is easiest when you cut from corner to opposite corner in each direction.  Then you can get in with your scissors and neatly trim out all the white.
  • Then adhere a panel of clear cardstock (acetate) to the back of the frame.
  • Now add 3 layers of 1/8″ foam tape around the opening .
  • When your background is ready, you simply place your shaker elements on the background, then adhere the frame on top.  I built a little scene inside my window using the ephemera from the collection.  Then I added a few Reneabouquets Tiny Treasures Butterflies to the shaker mix just for fun.
A Peek Inside

Did I forget to mention that this is a tea party in a box?

No chocolate in this tea party because the weather is just too hot to send chocolate through the mail.  So I put in an extra pretty little spoon that my friend Sara Emily sent me in the mail.

I just love making these tea party in a box cards.  They make the best little gifts!

Did I share some ideas and tips that you can use in your next craft adventure?  I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below.

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

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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