Tag Archives: Ciao Bella

Winter Songbirds Tea Party in a Box Tutorial

Ciao Bella Time for Home Tea Party in a Box Reneabouquets Beautiful Board by Kathy Clement Pho

Throwback Thursday: Winter Songbirds Tea Party in a Box Tutorial

Hello, Friends!  For this week’s Throwback Thursday episode, I have a Winter Songbirds Tea Party in a Box Tutorial for you.  Oh, how I love winter blues!  Ciao Bella captured them perfectly in their Time for Home collection.  I had such a wonderful time designing this week’s Throwback Thursday that I might have to bring this collection back for an encore performance!

Blue Jays were a common sight at our winter feeder when I was growing up in Vermont.  Most other birds fled our harsh northern winters, but the blue jays and chickadees bravely soldiered through all the icy blasts of winter with us.  To see a jay at the feeder on a day when it was so cold that your breath froze in the air lifted the heart.  Brilliant flashes of blue feathers against the sparkling snow broke up the monotony of our monochromatic world.  It was as though the sky came to perch on your doorstep.  What a treat!  The images in this botanical collection carry my memories right back to the hill country where I grew up.

Throwback Thursday Techniques and Details

Silver, blue and white are the perfect color palette for the wintry world we created in this Winter Songbirds Tea Party in a Box.  Carry the theme throughout your creation with ribbon, embellishments, die cuts and matting layers to make a strong color statement.

Learn how I heat emboss my Reneabouquets Beautiful Board to create this perfectly frosty finish.

Don’t be afraid to layer chipboard elements over die cut elements.  This layering creates a wonderful sense of depth and dimension.

A Peek Inside

You’ll learn how to build this box pocket and flap page in the video tutorial.  I promise you, it’s much easier to do than you think it is!

The flap page has a secret gift card pocket hidden behind it.  I decided to build the flap page when I could not bring myself to cut up this gorgeous image.

Load the box pocket up with special treats for a winter birthday, or for a Christmas gift.  I’ve tucked in a bookmark, note card, cookies, chocolate, tea bag, honey stick, mini honey dipper and one of my treasured vintage silver plate spoons.

Use the empty box pocket to store winter recipes or photos once the treats have been consumed.  The card is so pretty, you’ll want to keep it out to decorate your home long after the treats are gone!

Winter Songbirds Tea Party in a Box Tutorial on YouTube

If you’re ready to learn how to make this lovely gift, please enjoy the video tutorial below.  Have a pencil and paper handy so you can write down the measurements!

 

I’ve listed this lovely creation in my Etsy shop in case you don’t have time right now to make one yourself.

You can find a linked supply list below this post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

**Please Note: Throwback Thursday tutorials are made with favorite retired collections and supplies.  For this reason, not all materials used will still be readily available online.  I’ll link whenever possible, but if an item is not listed, it’s because I could not find it.  Thanks for understanding!

Hello, Hedgehog Card Tutorial

Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn Card Tutorial by Kathy Clement Photo 01

Ciao Bella Hello Hedgehog Card Tutorial for Throwback Thursday

Hello, Friends!  Since Autumn is officially here, I thought I’d dig into the Closet of Inspiration and Delight to put together this Ciao Bella Hello Hedgehog Card Tutorial for Throwback Thursday.  This is one of my all time favorite fall collections as it is filled with woodsy images, rustic textures and….wait for it…hedgehogs!  Oh my stars and crowns!  Does it get any better than hedgehogs and toadstools?  I think not!

Hello Hedgehog Card Tutorial Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn by Kathy Clement

It’s easy to see why I love this paper collection so much.  My imagination just runs wild every time I take it out for a play date.  Today, these handsome mushrooms caught my eye.   (My mom always called them Toadstools.  Anyone else familiar with that vernacular?)  Our handsome hedgehog is coming out to gather his dinner.  How convenient to have his garden so close to his front door.

Simple Tricks and Techniques

Simple tricks and techniques make all the difference in this 5 1/4″ x 7 1/4″ top fold card.

  • First, ink all the edges with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink.  This helps to frame each layer and keep them separate.
  • Next, lightly distress the bittersweet cardstock layer to add extra texture.
  • Then, use a craft knife to trim around the outline of the mushrooms.  I’ll share a nifty trick in the tutorial that makes that knife glide around the images.

  • Now add a little fussy cutting to add a pop of color to the card design.
  • Next, ground the corner of the hedgehog image with a twine bow.

Spatter fall flowers with diluted paint to give them that perfect touch of fall.  Yummy! Brown and Cream Tartan Ribbon is the perfect finishing touch.

A Peek Inside

Piece together compatible sections of paper from your scraps to decorate the inside of the card.  I’ll show you how to do this in the tutorial below.

If there’s a pocket…there must be something to tuck inside.  Fall teas, a little note card and a tag do the trick nicely, thank you very much!

Throwback Thursday Hello Hedgehog Tutorial on YouTube

Now if you’d like to see this card come together in real time, please enjoy this video tutorial.

This paper collection was  hard to find, even when it was newly released.  A quick Google search revealed that it can be found in bits and pieces in various online shops.  THIS LINK will take you to my page search if you wish to add it to your Closet of Inspiration and Delight.

I hope you enjoyed today’s Throwback Thursday.  I’m smack in the middle of creating my Button Farm Club Christmas card kit, so I hope I will be able to squeeze in one more Throwback in September.  Many of you wanted me to share the tutorial for the Let it Snow Folio Base.  I’m working on it!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

PS:  If you’d like to see past projects made with Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn, please click HERE.

Spellbinders Slimline Classic Shabby Chic Card

Spellbinder's Slimline Classic Shabby Chic Card Ciao Bella The Muse by Kathy Clement Photo 01

Spellbinders Slimline Classic Card with Ciao Bella The Muse

Hello, Friends!  Today I’m excited to share the newly released Spellbinders Slimline Classic Card Making Die with you.  If you are a fan of slimline cards, as I am, then this is definitely a die you’ll want to add to your crafty stash!  Elegant, easy to make cards are a snap to make when you let this amazing die do all the heavy lifting for you!  It’s one of the April 2021 Releases over on the Spellbinders page.

Spellbinders Slimline Classic….Meet Ciao Bella The Muse

I  paired these lovely Classic Slimline Etched Dies up with soft blush papers from Ciao Bella’s The Muse paper collection.  Here’s how simple it is to put this elegant card creation together.

  • First, create an 8 1/2″ x 3 1/2″ top fold slimline card base from cream cardstock.
  • Now cut an 8 3/8″ x 3 3/8″ panel  from Ciao Bella’s The Muse collection to line the card front.
  • Next, create a center panel from an 8 3/8″ x 2 3/8″ from the same collection.
  • Then back this panel with foam tape or waste chipboard.  Center it and adhere it to the first panel.
  • Now, die cut the main filigree and sentiment twice using cream cardstock.  Layer together with thin foam tabs between them to create subtle dimension.
  • Then die cut four corner pieces from cream cardstock and tuck in each corner.
  • Finally, add ivory roses and bows on each side of the die cut panel.

Place ivory flat back pearls in the corners and ends of the die cuts.  So easy, so elegant!  Who could ask for anything more?

A Peek Inside

Add a pocket inside the card.  Then create a little gift wallet with more of the designer papers.

There’s room to write a small note and tuck in a little gift.

I hope you’ll take a peek at the other slimline card dies in The Slimline Collection.  There are some wonderful options available! Spellbinders is also offering a Free Spring Blooms Bonus with a $100 purchase right now.  I guess I’d better go shopping!

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

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn

Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn Tall & Skinny Folio by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn: Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn Folio

Hello, Friends!  Fall flowers are so very lovely, especially when you  make them by hand with Spellbinders Autumn Flora by Susan Tierney-Cockburn.  When Spellbinders asked me if I would be willing to play with a couple of the floral dies from this release, I did not hesitate for a second!  I was asked to choose 2 dies from the release to use in a project of my choice.  I opted for the Coreopsis and the Gaillardia dies because I thought the size and shapes would work well together in a floral cluster.

Next, I had to decide what papers to use.  After flipping through my stash of fall designs, I decided to use Ciao Bella’s glorious “Sound of Autumn” collection. I love the vibrant hues and artsy vibe this collection provides.

Autumn Flora Tips and Tricks

First gather up scraps of designer paper from the collection.  Then die cut loads of petals and foliage from those scraps.  Your flowers will match your paper collection perfectly.

  • Begin by lightly misting all your die cut flower layers.  This will make them easier to shape.  It also releases the starch in the paper.  When the flowers dry, they will hold their shape and be much sturdier.
  • Next,  shape each petal with a the Golf Groove Flower Shaping Tools.  Place the flower layer face down on a shaping mat (linked below).
  • Now, run the grooved tools from the tip of each petal toward the center.  The petals will curl in on themselves.  That is normal.
  • Then flip the flower over and cup the center with the round end of the largest Golf Groove Tool.  The curled petals will relax and take on a pretty shape.
  • Now add more detail with a straight tweezer.  Place the tweezer in the center of each petal and gently fold up or down.  Then gently grasp the tip of the petal and twist slightly.
  • Layer the petals together.  I used two of each large layer and 2 of each small plus the little bits that go in the center of each flower.  Stagger the flower layers to create fulness and dimension.
Finishing Touches
  • If desired, you can fill the center of each flower with Dries Clear Adhesive or hot glue and Go Mango Prills.
  • Brush the edges of the flowers with Gathered Twigs Distress ink to really amp up the fall vibe.
  • Then place the flowers in a box and mist lightly with Copper Perfect Pearls Mist and Jack-o-Lantern Glimmer Mist.
  • Follow the same steps for the foliage.  I always make extra foliage!
Tall and Skinny Box Pocket Folio

This tall and skinny folio base is made from one sheet of 8 1/2″ x 11″ kraft cardstock.  Score it at 4 1/4″, 5, 9 1/4″, and 9 3/4.  Fold along the scored lines to create a 4 1/4″ x 8 1/2″ folio with 3/4″ spines on both sides. Ink the edges with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink.  Then brush a little Copper Metallic paint along the edges to add a soft autumnal glow.

Create the Frames by die cutting ivory cardstock with Spellbinders Picot Petite Ovals from Amazing Paper Grace. Back  the frames with designer paper and foam dimensionals.  Then layer them together as seen in the photo. Now you can cluster your flowers and foliage around the frames.

Our son cut me a pile of little oak branch slices.  I topped one with acorns, pollen stems, foliage, Prills and a burlap bow as an embellishment for the cover.  The acorns have been brushed with Copper Metallic paint.

Wrap the folio with ribbon to serve as a closure.

A Peek Inside

A pair of pockets fills the inside of the folio.  The standard pocket on the left holds a bookmark and a vintage silver plate demitasse spoon.

The box pocket on the right holds a tea party in a box.

It’s everything you need for a tea party for one: tea, cookies, chocolate, honey, and a little honey dipper.  There’s also a smaller 4″ x 6″  folio tucked in here.  Place photos or write a note inside.  When all the goodies have been consumed, this pocket is a great spot to tuck in some favorite fall photos.

Fall is absolutely my favorite season of the year.  And fall flowers are always extra special.  I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and flower shaping  techniques for these Spellbinders Autumn Flora that you can use in your next crafty adventure.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

To see more projects made from Ciao Bella Sound of Autumn, click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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Ciao Bella Sicilia Birthday Card

Ciao Bella Scilia Birthday Card by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Ciao Bella Sicilia Birthday Card

Hello, Friends!  Summertime is winding down, but I just had to share this Ciao Bella Sicilia Birthday Card with you.  It’s so lemon fresh and pretty!  This is the card I  made for our daughter’s birthday this past week.  She came in on Wednesday and just left a few minutes ago.  I had this waiting for her on the dresser in “her” bedroom.  It was the perfect birthday card because she loves lemons .

Ciao bella Sicilia Birthday Card by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Liz is also grows the most beautiful flowers.  She only has a small terrace on her apartment, but she has transformed it into a Mediterranean escape with herbs, roses, hibiscus and flowers blooming in abundance.  Butterflies, hummingbirds and bumblebees visit her terrace daily, so I had to incorporate those elements into the design of this 6×6 easel card as well.

The bow cluster is topped with a Reneabouquets glitter glass butterfly,  I’ve also scattered Reneabouquets Tiny Treasure Butterflies around the page to pull out the blues in the paper collection.  Pair Yellow Gold Delicate Stitched Satin Ribbon with Gold Metallic String to create a luxurious bow.

The Planter Box

To create the “planter box” on the base of the easel card follow these steps:

  • First, adhere a metal drawer pull upside down on the card base.  Use Dries Clear Adhesive or a metal adhesive.  Hot glue does not work well with metal.
  • Next, fill the cavity of the drawer pull with Spanish Moss.  This forms a great base for the flower fillers.
  • Now, tuck in some bird feathers, Queenie Moonlight Flowers and Renea Moonlight flowers to fill the planter.

The Front Pocket

Create a shallow box pocket on the card front.  Now you can tuck in a decorative tag and a little sticky note pad as a gift.

My thought was that Liz could keep the card on her work desk as a reminder that she is loved.  The note pad tucks away into the pocket, but serves a practical purpose as well.

TIP: Adhere the sticky note pad to a 2 7/8″ square of chipboard to provide a solid writing surface.  When the initial pad is used up, it’s easy to adhere a new one on top.

A Peek Inside

Leave a little  room inside the card to write a personal message.  Family birthdays (we have a LOT of them this month!) have been keeping me super busy in the studio.  I’ve missed visiting with you all here, but it’s been so good to celebrate our loved ones in small gatherings.   This wasn’t the big “milestone birthday bash” we had planned prior to the pandemic…but it was still sweet and special.  And we did our best to celebrate our birthday girl in style.  I think she left today feeling loved, appreciated and cherished.  That’s always a good thing.

I know I’ve been a bit scarce here on the blog of late.  Life has just been extremely busy.  We have harvested (and by we I mean me) more than 600 tomatoes this summer.  Those luscious tomatoes have been processed into jars of salsa, marinara and soup base that I know we will enjoy in the cool winter months. There have been 9 family birthdays!  The studio is being de-stashed and reorganized for a more efficient/less cluttered work flow. And I’ve been planning my Button Farm Club Kits and projects for the final quarter of the year.

Dale and I are planning to run away to the beach at the end of this week for some much needed R&R.  I have a post or two scheduled to go live while I am away.  But don’t worry if you don’t hear much from me.  Everything should be back to normal by mid September.  I have some fun stuff in the works for us, and life always seems to settle back to a more normal pace once summer has passed.

I’d love to hear what you all have been up to during these busy weeks.  I’d also love to know what kinds of projects/tutorials you’d like to see me work on. Won’t you please let me know in the comment section below?

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

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