Category Archives: Thank You Cards

Beachy Thank You Shaker Card

Authentique Sea Maiden Beachy Thank You Shaker Card

Hello, Friends!  If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you  know how very much I love the beach.  Two days after Valentine’s Day, Dale and I ran away to the shore to celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary.  One of Dale’s customers owns a lovely oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach and gave us great off season rates for a weekend rental.  Can you say heaven on earth?  To thank them for their kindness, I created this Authentique Sea Maiden Beachy Thank You Card.  The color palette of this paper collection matches their decor so perfectly that I (almost) could not wait to get home and make it for them.

Authentique Sea Maiden Beachy Shaker Thank You Card Tim Holtz Sand and Sea Die Vignette Frame Easel Card by Kathy Clement kathybydesign.com Photo 01

My favorite fancy fold card design has to be the easel card.  The fact that they stand upright allows them to double as home decor.  .

TIP: Score a 1/2″ spine when creating the card base to allow the card cover to fold neatly over the floral elements.

Authentique Sea Maiden Beachy Shaker Thank You Card Tim Holtz Sand and Sea Die Vignette Frame Easel Card by Kathy Clement kathybydesign.com Photo 02

Once again, I’ve used a Tim Holtz Vignette Frame as the box for my shaker element. (Learn how to create this shaker frame element HERE.)

Authentique Sea Maiden Beachy Shaker Thank You Card Tim Holtz Sand and Sea Die Vignette Frame Easel Card by Kathy Clement kathybydesign.com Photo 03

TIP: Mat the 3″ wide “stopper” for the easel with waste chipboard.  This will elevate it just enough to act as a brake when the easel card is opened for display.   You can also mat the Sea Maiden oval Cardstock Component sentiment on waste chipboard to further elevate the stopper.

Authentique Sea Maiden Beachy Thank You Shaker Card: Make Your Own Embellishments!

Authentique Sea Maiden Beachy Shaker Thank You Card Tim Holtz Sand and Sea Die Vignette Frame Easel Card by Kathy Clement kathybydesign.com Photo 04

 

It’s a snap to create this realistic looking seahorse and starfish.  Here’s how:

  • First, die cut a chipboard seahorse and starfish using the Tim Holtz Sizzix Sand & Sea Die.
  • Next, die cut a second seahorse from the pretty blue mosaic tile paper.  Adhere to the chipboard seahorse.
  • Now, Ink the edges with brown Distress Ink.
  • Then cover the entire shape with an even layer of Versamark Embossing Ink.
  • Now place the chipboard in a funnel tray or over a clean piece of printer paper.  Sprinkle on a generous coating of Emerald Creek Fractured Ice Allure Powder.  Remove from the funnel tray, gently tap off the excess and heat emboss. When finished, pour the extra powder back into the jar.
Authentique Sea Maiden Beachy Thank You Shaker Card: Dirty Sand

Authentique Sea Maiden Beachy Shaker Thank You Card Tim Holtz Sand and Sea Die Vignette Frame Easel Card by Kathy Clement kathybydesign.com Photo 05

TIP: Prevent burned fingertips by holding the chipboard between tweezers.

  • Let the seahorse cool while you work on the starfish.  Begin by sponging Ground Espresso Distress Ink all over the surface of the chipboard starfish.
  • Next, cover it with Versamark Embossing ink and heat emboss with Fractured Ice, as you did the seahorse.  The brown ink will come through the embossed layer, which looks really cool.  Set this aside and go back to the seahorse.
  • Randomly tap the cooled seahorse with Versamark.  Sprinkle on Seth Apter Dirty Sand Baked Texture.  If you get too much, brush some away with your finger.  Heat emboss as before.  Do a happy dance at the wonderful texture you’ve just created!
  • Repeat this step with the starfish, but add more Baked Sand for realistic texture.

I’ll add a linked supply list below for your convenience.

I hope this Authentique Sea Maiden Beachy Shaker Thank You Card post has given you some tips, tricks and inspiration for 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 Sea Maiden Beachy Thank You Shaker Card Supply List

Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial

Tammy Tutterow Creative Team Friday: Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial

Hello, Friends!  Do you like to make your own flowers?  I find it to be relaxing and rewarding all at the same time.  For this installment of Tammy Tutterow Creative Team Friday, I have made a Shabby Posies thank you card tutorial.  This beauty is adorned with a cascade of beautiful handmade Shabby Posies roses, a textured background that you can make yourself, and patterned papers that I rescued from the Closet of Shame.  Let’s get started!

Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial by Kathy Clement for Tammy Tutterow Designs Photo 1

This 5″ x 7″ top fold card is made with Prima’s retired Stationer’s Desk collection.  Retired collections are too beautiful to leave languishing away The Closet of Shame!

Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial Part 1:Creating the Background Layer

Do you see the pretty textured background layer?  I made this with Tammy’s Picnic embossing folder and her wonderful Big Fabric Background Stamp. Here are the steps I followed.

  • Cut a 4.75″ x 6.5″ panel of smooth white cardstock.
  • Stamp the surface in Pumice Stone Distress Ink using the Big Fabric Background Stamp.
  • Heat Emboss with clear powder.
  • Rub Fired Brick Distress Oxide Ink on the flat side of the embossing folder. (This is the surface that has the Spellbinders logo imprinted on the front.)
  • Use a Distress Spray Bottle to lightly mist the cut cardstock.
  • Place the cardstock misted side up on the bottom half of the embossing folder.
  • Run through your die cutting machine following manufacturer’s directions.
  • Spritz and flick with water.  Heat dry.
  • Use a blender tool to rub Pumice Stone DI over the embossed areas.  Spritz and Flick again.
  • Heat set. The embossed stamping will pop through the ink, which is very cool.
  • Distress Edges
  • Machine Stitch onto a slightly larger panel of designer paper.
Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial Part 2: Creating the Layers

Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial by Kathy Clement for Tammy Tutterow Designs Photo 2Now it’s time to create the lovely layers for this card.

  • Cut 3 tags from designer paper using Tammy’s Shortie Tag Die.  Set one aside for later.
  • Ink the edges of the tags with Fired Brick Distress Oxide Ink.  Spritz lightly to activate the ink.
  • Mount the tags on foam tabs.  To save money, I cut up Priority Mail boxes and use them instead.  Not only do I save money, but I repurpose an item that would normally end up in the recycling bin!
  • Add a brad to one tag and glue in place as seen in this photo.
  • Stagger the second tag and glue on top.
  • Next, I added a couple of tags from the Stationer’s Desk collection on top of this tag.
  • Now, use the pennant shaped die from Tammy’s Shortie Tabs to cut 3 little banner flags from scraps.  Glue these in place at the base of the tag that’s on the bottom
Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial Part 3: Creating the Shabby Posies Roses

Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial by Kathy Clement for Tammy Tutterow Designs Photo 3The Shabby Posie Die is probably my favorite floral die from Tammy.  It is so versatile.  For this card, I die cut my flower layers from patterned paper.  I love the depth and dimension this adds to a finished flower.  Best of all, it makes quick work of the flower making process.

Here’s how I made these Shabby Posies Roses.

  • Cut three sets of Shabby Posies from patterned paper.
  • Using the leaves from  Pom Pom Posies cut 2 sets of the double leaf die and one of the single leaf die.
  • Use a sponge dauber to add Fired Brick Distress Oxide Ink to the center and around the edges of each flower layer.
  • Lightly spritz the back of each flower layer.  This helps to break down the fibers in the paper, making it easier to shape the petals.  It also helps the layers to hold their shape as they dry, since the water releases the starch within the paper.
  • Shape the flowers and leaves with a stylus and foam mat.
  • Use smaller layers to create a rosebud for the center of one flower.
  • Once the layers are dry (I use a heat tool) assemble with hot glue, firmly pressing a ball stylus into the center of each flower as you stack them.
  • Fill the centers of two roses with hot glue and fill with glass beads.
  • Glue onto the card as shown.
  • Add ribbon and a button.
Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial Part 4: Finishing the Inside

Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial by Kathy Clement for Tammy Tutterow Designs Photo 4

Finishing the inside of a card is just as important to me as creating the outside.  I love to make cards that can double as a gift.  So I add pockets, tags, mini envelopes…whatever little treats I can think of to make the card interactive and fun.

Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial by Kathy Clement for Tammy Tutterow Designs Photo 5I created a tag pocket on the top half of this card.

Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial by Kathy Clement for Tammy Tutterow Designs Photo 6Remember that 3rd Shortie Tag we cut way back at the beginning?  Here it is now.  I’ve inked the edges, double matted it on cardstock, then stamped it with Tammy’s gorgeous Thank You Stamp.

Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial by Kathy Clement for Tammy Tutterow Designs Photo 7

It’s just the perfect size to fit on the Shortie Tag and the design is perfect for this card. Stamp in Jet Black Archival Ink, then heat emboss with clear powder to make the design pop.  Then just add a brad and a dragonfly charm to complete the tag.

Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial by Kathy Clement for Tammy Tutterow Designs Photo 8The bottom half of the card interior has layered papers topped with a postcard that’s the perfect spot to write a personal note.  And who doesn’t love to open a sweet little Window Mini Pocket to see what is inside?

Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial by Kathy Clement for Tammy Tutterow Designs Photo 9I’ve filled this one with a little tag from the paper collection.  It’s a great spot to write a note, tuck in a cash gift or any other little treat.

Be sure to stop by Tammy’s BLOG where you’ll find inspiration from the other amazing gals on the team.  I’m always blown away by the wonderful things they create with Tammy’s gorgeous designs.

I hope this Shabby Posies Thank You Card Tutorial has given you some ideas and tips 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

Supply List

Please note, wherever possible, I will link to products, but some items from my stash may no longer be readily available.  You can easily substitute with items from your stash.

 

 

Let the Words do the Talking

Frilly and Funkie Challenge: Let the Words do the Talking Watercolor Thank You Card

Hello, Friends!  It’s time for another fabby challenge at Frilly and Funkie.  This time around, the ever creative Sue is our host and the theme is Let the Words do the Talking.  Here’s what she has to say about this challenge:

Challenge Theme:Let the words do the talking – I love to include meaningful sayings on my projects, sayings that speak to me and inspire me to do the things I do. What I would love to see on your projects for this challenge are the words and sayings that mean alot to you and inspire you.

I gave this challenge some thought, and decided that one of the words that is the most important to me is “Thank You.” Keeping a thankful heart keeps me in a sunny mood, makes me feel like I’m rich as a queen, and besides, it’s just good manners. Saying thank you to others is so important, and a short little thank you note can really lift their spirits as well.  With that in mind, I  decided to create a set of thank you cards, because I never have one on hand when I need one.

Let the Words do the Talking ChallengeTammy Tutterow Thank You Card designed by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Let the Words do the Talking Challenge 01I dug my Brave Boots out of the Closet of Shame, and went to work stamping and watercoloring this gorgeous Tammy Tutterow stamp.  I do not consider myself a stamper.  Or a colorer.  And definitely NOT a watercolorer.  I love to see stamping/coloring from others, but it has been a skill that I’ve had to work hard at, and often I have been disappointed with the results.  But sometimes….you get lucky!  And I feel like I really did get lucky this go round, because I love these cards!  (Isn’t that shameful to say out loud?  But I dooooo…I really do!)

Tammy Tutterow Thank You Card designed by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Let the Words do the Talking Challenge 02I created a master board on Ranger water color.  The first step was to stamp a script stamp in Tea Dye distress ink.  Then I embossed with clear embossing powder so that the ink would not run.

Tammy Tutterow Thank You Card designed by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Let the Words do the Talking Challenge 03Next I applied Tattered Rose, Bundled Sage and Tumbled Glass Distress Inks with a sponge applicator.  Then I spritzed with water and spattered with Tattered Angels Creme de Rouge Glimmer Mist.

Tammy Tutterow Thank You Card designed by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Let the Words do the Talking Challenge 04When I was happy with the background, I stamped the image with Jet Black Archival In.  Then i got out my Tattered Rose, Bundled Sage and Tumbled Glass Distress Re-Inkers and a water brush to add the water color layer to my background.  And….I had fun!

For some reason, I seem to have the best success at coloring when I work with a water brush and re-inkers.  I’ve tried all kinds of distress mediums for water color, but I’m never happy with the result.  I shaded the left hand side of the heart, colored in the flowers, ribbons and flowers and added some splotches of water color over the master board background.  Then I used  a white Sharpie Paint Pen to add white highlights to the colored image.

Tammy Tutterow Thank You Card designed by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Let the Words do the Talking Challenge 05Finally, the edges were inked with Tea Dye, and each panel was machine stitched onto patterned paper from Graphic 45’s A Ladies’ Diary.  I custom dyed seam binding with Tattered Rose re-inker and added the bow and pearl button before gluing onto a pearl card base.

This is a different look for me…much simpler, and all the layering is in the ink instead of in the paper.  The finished product was so soft and feminine that it made my heart very happy. No two cards in the batch are exactly the same, which is really really fun.

I hope you’ll play along in this challenge.  Just create a vintage or shabby chic project where you Let the Words Do the Talking and link it up on the Frilly and Funkie Blog before 11:55PM on June 14th.  The F&F design team will pay you a visit on your blog, say lovely things and choose a winner.  The winner will earn the chance of a Guest DT spot at Frilly and Funkie, and everyone who enters and follows the rules will go into the draw for the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique. And there are Top 3 Badges for three further outstanding entries, chosen by the Design Team.

I can’t wait to see what you make!  And thanks…from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to stop by today!

Cheerio,

kathy

Product Links to the Funkie Junkie Boutique

 


Steampunk and Seam Binding Thank You Cards

Steampunk and Seam Binding Thank You Cards

Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge: Looky What I Got for Christmas!

RRRChallengeBadgeHello Ribbon Lovers! Who loves Steampunk and Seam Binding?  I do, I do!  And that’s why I created a couple of steampunk and seam binding thank you cards for the latest challenge over at Really Reasonable Ribbon.  It’s time for first challenge of 2016 where we all share our new Christmas goodies with you all.  I was a very good girl in 2015.  Well, I was good.  Well, mostly good.  OK…I tried real hard to be good, and that must have done the trick because Santa brought me the new Steampunk Debutante papers from Graphic 45 along with some fabby seam binding from RRR.

Steampunk Debutante Thank You for RRR Kathy by Design 02Oh, I had fun making this one!  I used one of the chipboard die cuts to make a frame over my steampunk lady and then filled it with a combination of Glossy Accents and copper mica chips.  I really wanted to pick up on the teal tones in the paper collection, so I combined two gorgeous shades of seam binding in my bow.  Noble Peacock is the darker shade, and Peacock Alley is the lighter shade.  They look amazing together, especially when topped with a natural burlap string bow.

Steampunk Debutante Thank You for RRR Kathy by Design 04My sentiment is held in place with copper brads.  And nothing looks better with copper than teal.  So I created a wreath of butterflies and teeny tiny teal roses and a Petaloo stem.  You can see the embedded mica chip fragments a little better in this photo.

Steampunk Debutante Thank You for RRR Kathy by Design 06I just layered more of the papers on the inside and left room for a little note.

RRR Steampunk and Seam Binding 01For this Steampunk and Seam Binding Card, I stitched the designer paper to burlap and then added my fussy cut Steampunk lady with foam dots.  The Noble Peacock Seam Binding bow is simple, and that’s just what I wanted on this card.  It adds a beautiful pop of color, but doesn’t compete with the card itself.

RRR Steampunk and Seam Binding 02Wrapping the seam binding around the card front means that you get to see it on the inside of the card, too…which is always nice!

Now it’s your turn!  We want to see what YOU got for Christmas!  Link up your project over on the RRR BLOG and we’ll be popping by to take a peek!

Oh, and Happy New Year, too!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Shabby Chic Cherries

Shabby Chic Cherries for Polly’s Paper Studio

Hello, Friends!

Today I have a shabby chic cherries card that’s a cheery and sunny as a summer afternoon.  I used the Summer Cherries Digital Collage Sheet from Polly’s Paper Studio Etsy and added in some beautiful ribbons, flowers and embellies.  I think you are really going to love this card!

Kathy by Design for Polly's Paper StudioI love combining red with aqua!  It’s fresh and summery and oh, so perfect with this pretty cherry branch image.  I created a 5″ x 7″ top fold card base using Pool Party cardstock.  Next, I embossed cream cardstock with an Embossalicious Cherry embossing folder.  Tumbled Glass Distress ink was lightly sponged around the edges to make the design pop.

red and teal cherries 03aA large banner flag was cut from the teal gingham paper (an extra piece saved from a Polly’s Creativity Kit!) .  This was matted on the Pool Party Cardstock.  Then, a Spellbinder’s Die (Labels 47 Decorative Element) was placed on top.  The focal image was matted on black and teal cardstock, layered over the text paper,  and popped up with foam dots.

red and teal cherries 03b

I created a border along the top of the card by layering Sheer Cherry Organza Ribbon over Aqua Plaid Ribbon.  Doing this adds wonderful texture and shine, and it reinforces the primary color palette.   I used my Zutter-Bow-it-All Tool to create a poufy double loop bow and topped it with more of that pretty cherry organza, topping the whole thing off with a bright red cherry novelty button.

red and teal cherries 03dI created a sort of “frame” by adding these pretty mulberry flowers, rhinestone swirl and white iridescent metallic string to the lower right hand corner of the focal image.  The White Iridescent Metallic string is one of my favorite “add-ons” because of the way it picks up the colors and reflects them.  It’s subtle, but makes a huge impact at the same time.  I also added a Graphic 45 ornate keyhole to the right of the focal image.  This draws the eye right to the focal, but also creates a sort of path for the eye to follow.

red and teal cherries 03cI’ve found a new crafty goody that I just love.  See that soft sparkle on the flower petals (and also on the cherries in the focal image)?  I used Stickles Sprinkled Sugar here.  It looks like these blossoms were dipped into a sugar bowl, and I just love the effect!

red and teal cherries 03eInside the card, I added a cream panel that was embossed on the top and bottom.  A beautiful stamped sentiment (Technique Tuesday) was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  The thank you banner is part of the Summer Cherries Digital Collage Sheet, which contains 11 images in all.

Summer is quickly fading away.  The sun is rising later and setting earlier each day.  This soft aqua and red card captures the soft blue of a summer sky and the sweet rewards that summer brings.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Wishing you a picture perfect day, filled with blue skies and sweet summer cherries!

Cheerio,

kathy

This Shabby Chic Cherries card is available for purchase in my ETSY shop.