Category Archives: Simple Vintage Botanicals

Simple Stories Butterfly Garden Birthday Card

Simple Stories Vintage Botanicals Butterfly Garden Birthday Card

Hello, Friends!  How about a walk through a butterfly garden with me today?  This Simple Stories Vintage Botanicals Birthday Card is soft and sweet!

Butterfly Garden Birthday Card: Building Layers

Here’s the scoop on how this card came together:

  • First, create a 5″ x 7″ top fold card base with a 1/2″ spine.
  • Next, stitch a 4 3/4″ x 6 3/4″ panel of designer paper onto a darker shade of pink cardstock.
  • Now, adhere a 3″ x 5″ strip of compatible designer paper on the left, inside the stitched margin.
  • Then stitch a 4″ x 4″ square of green gingham print onto burlap.  Trim and fringe the burlap ends.
  • Now back this piece with dimensionals.
  • Next, paint some Laserowe Love chipboard flowers with ivory paint.  While the paint is still wet, emboss with Wow Ultra Glitter Embossing Powder.
  • Then adhere the chipboard above and below the gingham square.
  • Now, die cut the wreath from pink cardstock.  Back with dimensionals and adhere in the center of the panel.
  • Next, pop a butterfly up on dimensionals.  Top with a gold foiled acetate butterfly.  (This was in my stash from long ago…not sure where it came from…but it was perfect for this project, so I added it!
Butterfly Garden Birthday Card: Finishing Details

  • Next, tie a bow with Shimmer Satin Ribbon.  Top with a loopy gold metallic string bow and a little button.
  • Finally, cluster up some Little Birdie Flowers in the corners.  Attach a tiny paper clip in one corner, and a chipboard sentiment in another.
Butterfly Garden Birthday Card: A Peek Inside

Doesn’t the inside of this card look like a summer garden party?

I’ve added a little flap feature on the top of the card.

This opens to reveal a little pocket for a tea bag.

The pocket on the bottom holds a vintage silver plate spoon and a honey stick. 

I’ve attached these to a little decorative insert and dressed them up for the party with a bit of ribbon.

Many of you have asked me where I find my spoons.  I scour thrift shops, antique stores and estate sales looking for them.  They are getting harder and harder to find, and the price keeps going up.   But I love the beautiful craftsmanship and soft patina of these vintage beauties, so I buy them whenever and wherever I find them.

This is such a lovely little gift to have on hand.  You can adapt the papers for each occasion, which is always nice.

To see other projects made with Simple Stories Vintage Botanicals, click HERE.

I hope I shared some tips, tricks and techniques you can add to your crafty toolbox.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Butterfly Garden Birthday Card SUPPLY LIST

Scatter Kindness Like Confetti Waterfall Album

Scatter Kindness Like Confetti Waterfall Album: A Scrap Your Stash Project Share

Hello, Friends!  This Scatter Kindness Like Confetti Waterfall Album is a real collection mash up!  It contains papers from Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals, Craft Consortium’s Tell the Bees, and My Mind’s Eye Madison Avenue (an oldie..but a goodie!)

Let me ask you a question.  What do you do with the little bits and bobs you have left over from a favorite paper collection?  Do you stash them in a drawer to gather dust?  Toss them in the recycle bin?  Well, I like to periodically gather them all up and create what I call a “Scrap Your Stash” project.

Scatter Kindness Like Confetti Waterfall Album: The Inspiration

Our son and his lovely wife are in the process of moving, so when Melody cleaned out her craft room, she set aside a few treasures she thought I might enjoy.  A lovely 8 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ binder was in the mix.  It was sturdy and I liked the size…but not the bright green cover or the ring binder.  So the first step in this process was removing the ring binder mechanism (not for the faint of heart, I might add) and altering the cover.  I wish I had thought to take process photos, but I do describe the process I followed in the video tour of the album below.

Since I am completely obsessed with shakers at the moment, I also altered this Tim Holtz Vignette Frame and turned it into a shaker box.  Then I combed through the odds and ends of my Little Birdie Flowers and created the pretty floral feature on the cover.

The spine is wrapped with ribbon and adorned with lots of pretty metal charms.  If you look at the back cover, you can see how I collaged a bunch of papers together.  These are all coated with Distress Vintage Collage Medium.  It did a great job of unifying all the different colors and patterns.

Scatter Kindness Like Confetti Waterfall Album: A Peek Inside

Since I got rid of the ring binder mechanism, I had to do a little repair work on the inside cover.  There were some holes and a few little tears.  Nothing that a layer of heavy kraft paper would not cover up.  In place of the ring binder, I created simple double waterfall.  This is probably the easiest way in the world to create a mini album, as there is no binding system required.  You can see how to do this HERE.

The pages are secured with a ribbon closure.  Each page measures 4 1/4″ x 6 1/4″; a nice size for photos.  And, there are 8 pages in each waterfall, giving you room for 32 photos in all.

Of course, I had to add flaps and fun belly bands and all sorts of interactive fun to the pages.  You’ll see all of that in the video tour.

Scatter Kindness Like Confetti Waterfall Album: Pockets and Inserts

Behind the waterfall cascade, I added a pair of double pockets.

The shallow side holds little 3″ x 3″ journaling folios.  Aren’t they sweet?

Scatter Kindness Like Confetti Waterfall Album: The Video Tour

I’ll share lots of tips and tricks in this project share video.  I’m sure you will find ideas that you can use to help you Scrap your Stash and make a lovely mini album.

 

I hope I shared some tips, tricks and ideas 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

SUPPLY LIST

NOTE: Since lots of these items have been in my stash a LONG time, I may not be able to provide links.  I’ll do so wherever I can, but thanks for understanding when I cannot.

Paper:

 

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Hello, Friends!  Memories often inspire my creative activities.  This Morning Meadow Mixed Media Folio came into being as I was remembering the beautiful summer mornings of my childhood.  Growing up in Vermont, summer mornings were almost always filled with light, sunshine and a cool breeze.  The lush green grass sparkled with dew so thick that to walk through it left your footprint behind.  Birds sang their joyous morning songs while butterflies flitted sweetly from flower to flower.  There was a glorious serenity so perfect and complete that I can still feel the joy of it today.  All of these memories floated through my mind as I strolled through the pages of my Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals papers, thinking of what I might like to make with it next.  Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio: Building the Base

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 02

  • Start by creating a 5 1/8″ x 7 1/8″ top fold card base with a 1/2″ spine with Whip Cream Cardstock.
  • Next, stitch a 4 3/4″ x 6 3/4″ panel of designer paper over a 4 7/8″ x 6 7/8″ panel of Tickled PInk Cardstock that is layered with a 5″ x 7″ panel of Gumdrop Green Cardstock.

That’s really all there is to the card base.  All the rest of this card is mixed media elements that I’ve layered on to create this morning meadow vignette.

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio: Mixed Media Elements

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 03

I selected two different chipboard sets from Laserowe Love. (Sadly, these did not have names, only product numbers, so I cannot link to them here. You can find Laserowe Love Chipboard in the US at The Frantic Stamper. ) To alter the chipboard, do the following:

  • First, tap the corner frame with Versamark Ink.  Then cover with Distress Tattered Rose Embossing Powder.
  • After heat embossing, let the chipboard cool.  Place small half back pearls in the centers of the flowers.  Adhere in the upper right hand corner of the card.
  • Next, sponge the meadow flowers chipboard with Versmark ink.  Then heat emboss with Distress Shabby Shutters Embossing Powder.
  • Once the  embossing powder has cooled slightly. place adhesive on one end.  Very gently bend the chipboard to create a bow in the center.  Then adhere the other side.  Hold in place for a second or two.
  • Now, tuck Spanish Moss along the bottom edge and under the bowed area to resemble meadow grass.  I like to use hot glue to hold this in place.

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 04

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio: A Peek Inside

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 05

The inside of this card folio features a flip pocket page with a tag insert.  I’ll be doing a tutorial for this type of folio soon, so stand by.

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 06

Cover G45 Ivory ATC Tags with paper from the collection, then add some small elements and stickers to decorate.  Top the tags with ribbon, burlap string bows, Little Birdie Flowers and some little bee charms.

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 08

The back side of the flip page is a sentiment that I designed on the computer, then printed out.

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 09

This sweet little silver plated tea spoon, tea bag wallet and honey stick are tucked behind the belly band.

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 10

Morning Meadow Mixed Media Card Folio Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 11

To make the belly band, cut a strip of designer paper wider than the base panel.  Score the edges and adhere behind the panel.  Then adhere the panel to the card base.  I’ve added stickers and more of that delicate chipboard to decorate the page.

To see other projects made with Simple Vintage Botanicals, click HERE.

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

Wishing you serene and beautiful morning meadows….

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Supply List

Amazing Paper Grace Adorned Note Pads

Amazing Paper Grace Adorned Note Pads with Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals

Hello, Friends!  I’m back today with another Amazing Paper Grace Guest Designer project.  Today, I’m featuring the Vintage Treasures Adorned Note Pads Dies.  So often we need a quick, affordable, yet beautiful gift.  These dies are just the ticket!

 

There’s a lot to love about the Adorned Note Pads  dies.  Measuring just 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ this little beauty is the perfect size to tuck into a purse or travel bag.  The notebook base die has a sweet little scalloped edge and creases all the fold lines for you when you run it through your machine.  Yu also get a trio of little flower dies, which I used to adorn the cover.  A smaller frame die cuts a perfectly sized mat layer.  So Becca really thought of everything when she designed this lovely die.

A 3″ sticky note pad fits perfectly inside .  And look a the cute little pen/pencil holder!  That die comes with the set, too.  This is such a handy little notebook to have on hand when you are running into the grocery store for “just 3 things” but then you get inside and can’t remember what you came in for and you end up buying the entire store.  So I guess it’s a money saver, too!  Becca has a tutorial on her blog showing you how she put this notebook together so you can check that out to see how it works.

Amazing Paper Grace Adorned Notepads: Another Thought

As I made the first notebook, a thought popped into my head for another way to use this fun die.  Why not turn it into a tea bag caddy?  So I did!  As you can see in the above photo, I simply flipped the die on its head, adding the scallop at the top.  Then I created a simple ribbon belly band added flowers and had the cutest little gift!

I used the pen/pencil holder die to create this little shaped pocket.  Then I tied one of my cherished vintage Italian Demitasse spoons to a pretty tea bag, added a honey stick and tucked it inside.  How fun is that?

This would make such a sweet little thinking of you or get well gift.  And it would also be stunning used in a place setting for ladies’ luncheon.  I can see lots of wonderful ways to use the Vintage Treasures Adorned Notebook, can’t you?

This is my final APG Guest Designer post.  What an honor!  I’ve had the best time working with these gorgeous dies, and I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

To view my other Amazing Paper Grace Guest Designer Projects, click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Vintage Treasures Amazing Paper Grace Adorned Note Pad Supply List

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio

 

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 01

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio for the RRR June Blog Hop

Hello, Friends!  Welcome to the Really Reasonable Ribbon June Blog Hop.  My project inspiration this month is this Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio.  It’s a great match up for the June Ribbon Club Assortment.

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 02

You should be coming here from Karen’s lovely blog.  You can find the complete blog hop list on the RRR Blog.  Now let’s take a closer look at the lovely ribbons used to adorn this summer folio.

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio:  Give Me the Skinny

I decided to go taller and skinner with this folio.  (If only it was so easy in real life!)  The base measures 4 1/4″ x 7 1/4″ with a 1/2″ spine.

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 03

Turquoise Plaid Ribbon looks fabulous with all the pinks and greens in this collection, so I chose to use it for the ribbon closure on the folio.  That looked so good that I decided to add a little border strip of it topped with crochet lace.  Then I created a bow cluster using Hot Pink Satin with a Silver Metallic Edge and placed it atop that border strip.  A loopy silver metallic string bow goes perfectly with the metallic edge on the satin ribbon.

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 04

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio: A Peek Inside

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 05

Flip pages add so much fun to a folio design.  I decorated this one with butterfly stamps and little sentiment strips from the paper collection.

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 06

 

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 07

Here’s a look at the fully opened folio.  As you can see, I’ve used ribbon from the Club Assortment inside, too.

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 08

The center box style pocket holds a trio of treats all dressed up with pretty ribbon.  The Tea Wallet is sporting a Turquoise Plaid Ribbon Belly Band.  The vintage silver plate spoon is held in place with a snippet of Hot Pink Satin Ribbon.  I love the color and texture these ribbons add to the interior of the folio.

Simple Stories Simple Vintage Botanicals Folio by Kathy Clement for Really Reasonable Ribbon Photo 09

Even tiny scraps of ribbon can be put to good use!  A folded scrap of Turquoise Plaid Ribbon looks so pretty tucked under the button of this stitched magnet.

On With the Blog Hop

From here, you will hop on over to  the RRR Blog, where you will answer Bonnie’s question of the month.  Maybe you will win your very own June Ribbon Club Assortment!  Yay!

Subscribing to the Ribbon Club is easy and affordable!  It’s like getting a birthday present in the mail every single month!  You can find out all about it HERE.

I hope I shared some tips, tricks and ideas 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 hopping!

Cheerio,

kathy

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