Tag Archives: Becca Feeken

French Pastry Shop Window Card

Spellbinders Amazing Paper Grace Die of the Month June 2020 by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

French Pastry Shop Window Card with Spellbinders Amazing Paper Grace Die of the Month

Hello, friends!  Let’s gaze at the goodies inside this French Pastry Shop Window Card, shall we?  I’ve had the best time playing with the new Spellbinders Amazing Paper Grace Die of the Month!  The minute I opened the package, I envisioned an old style European shop window filled with tantalizing treats.  Imagine my surprise when I realized that this is supposed to be a calendar grid!  This sort of imagination has landed me in hot water more than once in my life, but I’m a good swimmer, so I think everything will turn out just fine!

This A2 Snip It Grid and Calendar Creator die set has 41 pieces!  You receive the gorgeous grid die, the elegant fishtail banner, a “Save the Date” banner to layer over it, 2 gorgeous floral dies and loads of letters and digits.  I’ll share a calendar creation at another time.  Today we are just going to focus on this French Pastry Shop Window Card.

Prima Fruit Paradise Shop Window

  • Begin by creating a 5″ x 7″ top fold card base with a 3/4″ spine.
  • Next, mat a 4 3/4″ x 6 3/4″ panel of Fruit Paradise Cherry Blossoms paper on a slightly larger pale pink mat.
  • Now adhere a 4 3/4″ x 3″ strip of pink gingham patterned paper across the middle.
  • Then cut 3″ x 6 3/4″ fishtail banners from the “B” sides of the paper and adhere in the center of the card front.
Creating the French Pastry Shop Window

  • Now die cut the grid from patterned paper and pale pink cardstock.  Adhere the layers so that they are slightly offset.
  • Cut clear cardstock (acetate) to fit the back side of the grid and adhere with Dries Clear Adhesive.
  • Add 2 layers of 1/8″ foam tape to the back of the shaker frame.
  • Fill the shaker frame with a sequin mix.  Then adhere Fruit Paradise paper over the foam tape sides.  Back with a piece of medium weight chipboard and adhere in the center of the card.
  • Die cut the fishtail banner and mat on pink cardstock.  Place dimensionals on the back.  Trim out and adhere.
  • Cut flower layers from your scraps.  I love when Becca includes a flower in a die set, because it is such a good way to use up those scraps.  And it allows you to perfectly match your flowers to your paper collection.
  • Adhere some ephemera bits t and chipboard pieces to the sides of the card. This will help support the flowers on the side of the card.
  • Add ribbon and you’re done!
A Peek Inside

Create a box pocket and side pocket inside the card.

Tuck a tea bag here.

Fill the pocket with lovely treats.  Now you’ve just turned this card into a gift!  I added a wrapped Biscoff cookie, a vintage silver demitasse spoon, chocolate treat, honey stick, mini note card and a bookmark made with my scraps.

Here’s a closer look at the bookmark.

You can learn more about the Spellbinders Amazing Paper Grace Die of the Month Club Kit HERE. Look for a linked supply list below this post.

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

Suddenly I feel a craving for a French Macaron!  How about you?

Cheerio,

kathy

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Kaisercraft Cherry Tree Lane Vintage Style Card

Kaisercraft Cherry Blossom Lane Sympathy Card by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Kaisercraft Cherry Tree Lane Vintage Style Card for Throwback Thursday

Hello, Friends!  For this week’s Throwback Thursday post, I have a Kaisercraft Cherry Tree Lane Vintage Style Card to share with you.  There’s no tutorial this week, but I’ll share lots of helpful tips and tricks as we take a look at this lovely card.

Thoughts on Friendship

Do you remember your first childhood friend?  I do.  Her name was Robin, and we were born in the same year.  She was born in March.  I was born in July.  She lived at the bottom of the hill.  I lived at the top of the hill.  But we both had 4 siblings and a dog.  Her’s was a big old furry sheepdog.  Ours was a mutt.

I don’t remember how we met, but we were both probably playing outside as kids used to do back when you only had 3 channels on the TV, no cell phones, and no computers to keep you inside.  How lucky we were to be able to live free of these distractions from the great outdoors!

Robin and I became best friends immediately.  We played together every single day.  If it was raining, we played indoors, but mostly we played outside, riding our bikes, playing kick ball with the other kids on the hill, jumping rope, and pushing out baby dolls down the dirt road in their strollers.  In the winter, we built amazing snow forts in the huge piles left behind from the snow plows.  These had multiple stories, carved staircases and even furniture that we shaped from the packed snow.  It’s funny how the cold does not bother you when you are a kid.

We walked to school together every single day.  When the county built a “big school” we waited at the bus stop together and sat in the same seat.  We fought, forgave, got into mischief and were as close as sisters.  Even in high school, we still waited for the bus together and talked almost every day, even though our paths were by then heading in different directions.

Fast Forward to the Present

Then we both grew up and I moved away and we lost touch.  Oddly enough, I managed to stay in touch with Robin’s little sister via Facebook.  She contacted me in early March to let me know that Robin, who had been ill for quite some time, had passed away.

All these bittersweet memories came flooding back to me.  Today, my heart is full of gratitude.  How blessed I was to have had such a wonderful childhood friend.  Robin will live forever in my heart.

I made this card for the family and wrote a note with my memories of Robin to tuck inside.  When you lose someone you love, it helps to ease the sense of loss when you know others are feeling it, too.

Kaisercraft Cherry Tree Lane Vintage Style Card: Tips and Tricks

Since I was working mostly with scraps of this collection, I had to get creative.  Here are some helpful tips.

  • The background panel of this card is actually two long pieces laid side by side with the seam in the middle.
  • Mat lots of small panels on complementary cardstock.  This way, you can build layers, and cover the seam.
  • Cut an ephemera piece in half.  Layer half at the top, half on the bottom.  This extra layer covers the seam at the top and bottom of the card.
  • Die cut layers from cream cardstock to lighten up the card, and provide visual interest.  Since I had not larger focal images from the collection, this was a good substitute.
  • Pop a small fussy cut cluster of flowers up on an ephemera frame.  Surround it with flowers, ribbon and buttons to draw the eye to the center of the card.
  • Adhere cream flat back pearls to the die cut layer.  This adds to the vintage feel of the card and provides texture and shine.
Kaisercraft Cherry Blossom Lane Vintage Style Card: A Peek Inside

  • Now cover the inside of the card with patterned papers.
  • Then cut a border sticker into 2 pieces.  Attach one at the top to cover a “short” panel of paper.
  • Next, trim around the rest of the border sticker and adhere on the bottom.  Trim around the straight cut edges to give it a more organic look.
  • Finally, sand around an ephemera tag.  Adhere just the bottom edge to create a tuck spot.  This is where you can insert your  hand written note.

If you had a best friend growing up, take a moment to give thanks for all the life lessons that friendship taught you.  I’m a better person today because Robin was my friend.  I’m thankful.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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NOTE:  Since Throwback Thursday projects often use products that have been retired, I may not be able to find product links for you.  When that happens, just use a supply from your own Closet of Shame to fill in the gaps.  

 

Amazing Paper Grace Elegant Infinity Card

Elegant Infinity Spellbinder Die of the Month Amazing Paper Grace Authentique Flawless Shabby Chic Card by Kathy Clement Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Amazing Paper Grace Elegant Infinity Card with Authentique Flawless

Hello, Friends!  Have you seen the Amazing Paper Grace Elegant Infinity Spellbinder’s Die of the Month yet?  Oooh la la!  This is one beautiful set of dies!  It pairs perfectly with the new Authentique Flawless paper collection.  This combination of pink and black makes me super happy!

Amazing Paper Grace Elegant Infinity Card: An Inlaid Mosaic Design

The star of the show is this gorgeous inlaid die cut from the Elegant Infinity Die.  Here’s how I made that happen:

  • First, die cut the medallion, the circle and the square frame from cream cardstock.
  • TIP: use a bit of washi tape to hold the dies in place once you’ve spaced them out on your cutting plate.  This keeps them from shifting and ensures a perfect cut.
  • Next, tap the die cuts with Versamark Ink and heat emboss with WOW Vintage Romance Embossing Powder.
  • Then mat the die cuts on a 4 3/8″ square of Flawless Three.
  • Mat this on both pink and black cardstock.  Place a Prima Crystal in the center of the medallion for a little extra sparkle.
Amazing Paper Grace Elegant Infinity Card: Fit for a Queen

This die is so regal, I just had to add a banner of these Flawless beauties to the card front.

Fuchsia ribbon and Iridescent Metallic String add wonderful contrast to the pretty pastel papers.

Create sweet floral clusters with the cinch and go flower dies that come with the collection.  Attach them at each end of the banner for the perfect finishing touch.

Amazing Paper Grace Elegant Infinity Card: A Peek Inside

Inside the card, I’ve created a fancy sentiment card using the corner dies.  This is so simple to do, but adds such a touch of elegance to a piece of plain cardstock.  Die cut the corners from cream cardstock.  Then adhere them to a panel of blush cardstock.  Then die cut a lacy pocket using the same dies and designer paper.

This is one of my “party in a box” cards with sweet treats tucked into a fancy pocket.  This one holds a book mark, a tea wallet, cookies, chocolate, honey stick and a sweet little vintage silver plate spoon.  This would make such a lovely sweet 16 birthday card!

A Closer Look

There are 9 separate dies that come with the set, so I can see myself using it in lots of different ways.  The little cinch and go flowers would also make wonderful roses or rosebuds.

To find out how to subscribe to the Spellbinder’s Amazing Paper Grace Die of the Month Club, click here.  You’ll find a linked supply list below this post.

Did I share some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures?  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Prima Fruit Paradise Lovely Lemons Card Folio

Prima Fruit Paradise Lovely Lemons Card Folio

Hello, Friends!  Don’t you just love lemons?  They take center stage on this Prima Fruit Paradise Lovely Lemons card folio.  I’ve layered up pretty papers with my Amazing Paper Grace Bella Luce Oval dies to create this summery card confection.

TIP: Create realistic looking texture and dimension on your fussy cuts.  Place the fussy cut face down on a foam  mat.  Then use a large ball stylus to gently round the edges and center of the fruit and the foliage.  This actually wrinkles the paper a bit, and makes the lemons pop off the page.

Prima Fruit Paradise Lovely Lemons Card Folio: Tips and Tricks

Gold foil accents in the 12×12 Fruit Paradise Pad add a touch of elegance to this card design.  I like to save those foiled papers sparingly.  So the base layers of this card are made with papers from the Fruit Paradise A4 Pad.   This saves me money, and I can use that glamorous foiled paper where it will be seen!

TIP:  Use a “triangle” in your card design whenever you can.  It helps to move the eye around your creation so that all the elements will be seen.  On this card, I created a triangle with the placement of my flowers. Try this trick next time you are struggling with card composition.  It really works!

Prima Fruit Paradise Lovely Lemons Card Folio: A Peek Inside

Creating a box pocket inside the card allows you to tuck in some lovely goodies.  And the little sentiment pocket on the top of the card is a great place to add a greeting or a gift card.  Now your card doubles as a gift!

I’ve been on the search for more of these charming vintage silver plate spoons.  This lovely teaspoon has been polished up and made party-ready.  The diamond shape is the smallest die i the Bella Luce Oval Die set.  Die cut and emboss for maximum impact.  Then shade the raised edges lightly with a little Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  The large packet is imported vanilla custard tea biscuits to accompany the tea and honey stick.

You simply have to have Lemon Tea with a lemon themed card!  This little tea wallet is so sweet!

I can picture this card as a guest at a picnic in a field of flowers somewhere…and yes, there are gauzy white dresses in the photo!  To see more Fruit Paradise projects, click HERE. And, I’ve listed this card in my ETSY shop, should you wish to purchase it.

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

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

 

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