Modern Stripes Handmade Card for Christmas

November 19, 2015 by Lisa Fulmer 1 Comment

Who says Christmas cards have to be red and green? Give your holiday greetings a modern spin with paper strip Christmas handmade cards. These striped triangle trees look stylish and are quick to make, plus they’re a great way to use up your pretty scrapbook paper scraps. Have fun mixing and matching all kinds of different colors and patterns – craft your stash, baby!

Supplies:

Selection of coordinating scrapbook papers
Cardstock
Glue stick
Paper trimmer
Adhesive foam pads
Non-stick scissors
Square adhesive rhinestones
Chisel-tip marker

Cut 7″ long strips in random widths of each paper. Glue each strip on a 4.5 x 7″ panel of cardstock and allow time for the adhesive to dry.

Trim the panel into four sections at 1.75 x 4.25″ each. Then cut each section at a diagonal into triangles as shown – two angled left and two angled right.

Arrange the left and right triangles into pairs to make trees. You can match the strips exactly on both sides or pair them so each side is different (as shown in the finished card at the top of the post). Ink the edges with a colored chisel-tip marker for a more finished look.

Adhere the trees to the front of a blank card (4.25 x 5.5″ folded) with adhesive foam pads for a little dimension. Add a square rhinestone accent for the tree trunk.

Comment below and let us know, what’s your favorite DIY gift idea?

Iris Paper Folded Christmas Tree Handmade Card

October 21, 2015 by Vicki O'Dell 3 Comments

I love Iris Paper Folding! It is fun and relaxing, plus it’s a great way to use up leftover scrapbooking paper. This Christmas tree pattern is easy if you have not tried Iris Paper Folding before. You can create a couple of styles with all of the same pattern/color of paper in one area or alternate them to create another look for your handmade card. If you’re looking for fun paper crafts for the holidays, then a beautiful handmade card is a great option!

Iris Paper Folded Christmas Tree Handmade Card

Supplies:

Cutting mat
Craft knife
Tape
Double sided tape
Ruler
Cardstock for face of card
Iris pattern printed out on lightweight cardstock
Blank card
3 Coordinating scrapbook papers
Bone Folder

Directions:

Print the iris pattern on lightweight cardstock or copy paper and cut it out as shown with scissors or craft knife. A ruler helps with the straight edges.

Tape the cut out pattern onto the back of the colored piece of cardstock. Using the craft knife, cut the center out of the cardstock as shown.

Tape the pattern to the cutting mat.

Tape the cut colored cardstock , face down, to the mat with the pattern in the center of the cutout as shown.

Cut 2 or 3 strips of each pattern of scrapbooking paper into 1 1/2 inch strips and fold in half lengthwise. Use a bone folder to get a sharp crease.

Begin at the #1 position and cover that portion of the pattern with paper.

Tape along the outside of the pattern where the paper will overlap to adhere the folded paper to the back side of the colored cardstock.

NOTE: The folded side of the scrapbook paper always faces the center of the pattern.

NOTE: You can cut or tear the strips of paper to the correct length. Whichever works best for you.

Cover the #2 position with the next color of scrapbook paper.

Continue until all of the numbers are covered by taping the strips of paper to one another and to the outside edge of the pattern.

Fill in the center with scrapbook paper or a bit of the cardstock.

Tape around the edge of the cardstock and center it in the middle of a blank card face. Press well to adhere.

What’s your favorite Christmas tree decoration?

Glam Up Your Handmade Greeting Cards with Decorative Trims

August 31, 2015 by Lisa Fulmer 1 Comment

I love using a set of coordinated papers to make handmade greeting cards. Everything works together beautifully, from the darks to the lights to the pretty patterns. Adding a touch of bling certainly adds extra interest to the flat cardstock, but I want to add even more personality and dimension to my DIY cards.

Ribbons and washi tape are lovely, but what I really love using are decorative trims – the kind for sewing! Decorative trims come in so many different designs and they really make your homemade cards pop with frolic and fun!

Glam Up Your Handmade Greeting Cards with Decorative Trims

Supplies:

White lacy embroidered trim
Blue folded card – 5” x 7”
Pale background cardstock panel – 4.5” x 6.5”
Patterned cardstock panel – 4” x 5”
Markers – pink, yellow, blue
Scotch tape
Paper adhesive
Clear gel glue
Self-adhesive rhinestones

1. Color a 6.5″ length of white embroidered trim with markers – just tap the color on without rubbing the delicate threads too much.

2. Ink the edges of the background panel with a marker. I really like how each layer of cardstock stands out when you ink the edges.

3. Slice the patterned panel into 4 strips (even or varied widths) and ink the edges. Glue them like windowpanes (with space in-between) to the background panel, working from the outside in toward the center for even spacing.

4. Use clear gel glue to adhere the trim to the front of the card panel. Dab a bit of glue along the edges to prevent unraveling.

5. Adhere the embellished panel to the folded card, add a few rhinestones in the flowers and you’re done!

What do you use to embellish your handmade cards?

12 Handmade Card Ideas: How to Make Your Own Greeting Cards

January 26, 2014 by AllFreePaperCrafts 1 Comment

The holiday season has come to a close, but there are plenty of occasions to celebrate in the coming months. Give the gift of a handmade card that fits any season. At AllFreePaperCrafts, we have tons of great handmade card ideas for those times you want to send birthday greetings to friends, notes of thanks to helpful neighbors, or well wishes to family members who live far away. Whether you’ve been making your own cards for years or you’re new to paper crafting, our collection of 12 Handmade Card Ideas: How to Make Your Own Greeting Cards has something for everyone. Ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced, this round-up of DIY card ideas is sure to challenge and entertain.

Make Your Own Greeting Card

It’s nice to be reminded that someone is thinking of you. Create a message that is as sentimental, funny, or quirky as you like to send to a loved one. You can plan ahead and craft a handful of these homemade card ideas in advance. That way, you can send well wishes to your friends and family at a moment’s notice. You’ll feel good knowing that you brought a smile to someone’s face.

Birthday Card Ideas

Instead of showing up to a birthday bash with a card that anyone could buy, try one of these handmade birthday cards. When it’s time to open gifts, these clever and cute birthday card ideas will keep the atmosphere fun and festive. You can even learn how to make a paper airplane that doubles as a birthday greeting!

Thank You Note Ideas

Show your loved ones how much their help means to you with some DIY thank you cards. Our collection of handmade card ideas includes elaborate cards as well as simple ones. The thing that makes them all special is the heartfelt message you write inside them. You can’t put a price on gratitude, and these thank you note ideas are absolutely priceless.

For even more gorgeous handmade card ideas, be sure to check out 12 Handmade Card Ideas: How to Make Your Own Greeting Cards. Your loved ones will cherish these beautiful handmade creations.

After you read your greeting cards, do you throw them away or keep them?

Link Love: Crafty Ways to Say Thanks

January 2, 2014 by FaveCrafts 4 Comments

Now that the holidays are over and the new year has arrived, it’s time to express gratitude. Thank you notes and gifts show how much you care and appreciate the important people in your life. There isn’t one wrong or right way to say thanks, so don’t get stuck in a rut! As long as your message comes from the heart, it doesn’t matter what materials or techniques you use.

One of the most popular ways to say thank you is by creating cards. The simple design of the Fancy Flower Thank You Card makes it a quick and simple project. The flower embellishment adds an unexpected three-dimensional element to an otherwise plain layout. The theme of flowers can also be found in the Thanks a Bunch Card. The yellow and blue papers nicely offset the black embellishments while the sentiment is both sweet and sincere. If you’re not interested in crafting with paper but want to leave a lasting impression, create a Mini Thank You Gift Tin. For this project, recycle an Altoids tin and cover it with yarn, paper and other embellishments.

Start 2014 on a positive note and show your appreciation for the gifts you received during the holiday season. Whether you are saying thank you for a physical present or just want to drop a note to someone you love, take this opportunity to get a little creative and show just how much you care. Let this spirit of gratitude permeate your entire year – you won’t regret it!

Cute and Quick Homemade Thank You Cards from Decorator’s Notebook
Hand Embroidered Thank You Cards from Creating Laura
Floral Thank You Note Sets from Apple Crate
Thank You Favor Tags from Hey Love Designs
Watercolor Wax Resist Thank You Cards from Tikkido
Easy DIY Thank You Cards with Metallic Sharpies from It’s Always Autumn
Thank You Album from Happy Hour Projects
Personalized Thank You Cards from Fireflies and Jellybeans
Printable Quilled Thank You Card and Envelope from Paper Zen

What is your favorite way to say thanks?

Gift Guide: 26 Quick Gift Ideas for Kids to Make

November 1, 2013 by AllFreeKidsCrafts 1 Comment

WIU No-Sew Fleece Blanket Throughout this week, I embarked on a crafting adventure that continued daily the instant I returned from work. It began as a mere idea on Monday, and by Friday it had transformed into the finished product. My friend is going to be a freshman at Western Illinois University, and I decided to make her a no-sew fleece tie blanket using WIU’s school colors, purple and gold. It’s an easy process that didn’t take long at all, so I was finished by Wednesday, but I felt that something was missing. That’s when I came up the idea to cut out a ‘W’ in purple felt and sew it on with a fancy applique stitch. That’s how I turned a simple, new-sew blanket into a sewing craft. Go figure! If you’re interested in making a blanket like this one and want to learn how, my craft is based on the No Sew Fleece Blanket from AllFreeKidsCrafts.com.

This craft project took a few hours to make, but if you don’t have that kind of time to spare then try these 30 Homemade Gifts for Kids to Make. Whether it’s Mother’s Day, Christmas, or your BFF’s birthday, it seems like you’re always in need of a great gift. There’s no use in spending money on a store-bought gift when you can create one that’s even better at home.

Homemade Cards

There’s nothing better than watching someone’s face light up as they open up a gift from you. If you start off your gift with a homemade card, things can only get better. Easy homemade gifts that come from the heart like the Hand Print on My Heart Card are the best kind to give to your loved ones. All of the crafts in this gift guide are kid-tested and guaranteed to be a blast. Whether you’re using fabric, tissue paper, or sparkles, these homemade gifts for kids to make will make card making so much fun.

Other Homemade Cards

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

Get in the the ho-ho-holiday spirit with these great homemade Christmas gift ideas. You won’t be spending big bucks on any of these gifts. Instead you can spend the time you save with your friends and family this holiday season. Use materials you find at your home to be a thrifty crafter. The Priceless Candle Holders are a great gift to keep someone warm. This easy homemade gift looks like a million bucks but it won’t cost a dime. Christmas is the time of giving, so make sure all of your presents are homemade gifts for kids to make.

Other Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

Homemade Gifts for Mom

You know your mom is the best, so why not give her a gift that’s as cool as she is? Use this gift guide to find the perfect craft to make with dad so you can surprise mom on Mother’s Day or her birthday. The Printed With Love Apron craft is so cute and something that she will love to wear around the kitchen or in the garden. Mom does so much for you, and there’s no better time like the present to give her a present! Say thank you with an easy homemade gift from your heart to hers. It’s a great feeling to see momma smiling and knowing that it’s because of you.

Other Homemade Gifts for Mom

Homemade Birthday Gifts

Birthdays are the best days out of the whole year. You get presents, cake, and a pinata; what’s not to love? You love getting gifts on your birthday, so make a friend’s birthday just as fun. Use this gift guide to craft a wonderful gift like the You’ve Got Mail Pinata, which is a pinata that can be mailed all over the world.

Other Homemade Birthday Gifts

What is your favorite gift that you’ve ever received?

Theresa Collins eBosser Unveling + Brand New Card Craft

September 14, 2013 by FaveCrafts 201 Comments

Papercrafters, get excited!

On September 17th at 1 pm EST , Craftwell will unveil the brand new Theresa Collins eBosser on the Home Shopping Network. In anticipation of this exciting event, FaveCrafts is participating in a celebratory blog hop! Be sure to scroll down for a list of participating craft designers and sites – we’re in great company!

We asked one of our top craft designers, Michele Kovack from Thoughts of a Cardmaking Scrapbooker, to create a card using the eBosser and we’re so excited to share her finished design.

Hi! Michele Kovack here with a tutorial for my vintage-inspired card! I love to use die cuts and embossing to give my projects for greater depth and interest, and my eBosser is perfect for both of these! I have to admit it, but I can be a lazy crafter. I hate having to turn the handle each and everytime I cut something out. I am also a multi-tasker, so while it cuts for me, I can walk away and do something else! I love that! So let’s get started, shall we?

I love the image of these two cuties by Crafty Secrets.

When I am die cutting, I often use artist’s tape to hold the die in place. Nothing aggravates me more than having that little die shift while it’s cutting!

I stacked my plates according to the directions. (They’re VERY easy to follow, I might add!)

I turned my machine on and feed the plates through.

I wanted to matte my image with this fun polka dot paper, so I chose a pretty Spellbinder’s die.

I colored my image, distressed it and added crystal effects for the bubbles.

I love using flowers as accents and used these flower dies from Spellbinders and ran it through the eBosser once again!

Here are my pieces laid out in front of me. Now it’s time to assemble the card!

I love how easy it is to cut and emboss with the eBosser! I have had other machines, but this one by far is my favorite!

In addition to the Blog Hop, Craftwell is hosting an awesome giveaway! You could win a Theresa Collins folder or eCraft ToolKits. Additionally, one lucky crafter will even receive a Theresa Collins eBosser! The first 250 people to leave a comment on EVERY Theresa Collins eBosser Blog Hop post (including this post and one from each of the bloggers below) will be entered for this giveaway. The drawing for the winners will be revealed on October 1st on the Craftwell Blog.

This is just one of the projects featured in the Theresa Collins eBosser Blog Hop from Craftwell. Head to each of these blogs below and check out projects from other top craft designers:

Craftwell Blog

Theresa Collins Design Team

Link Love: Polka Dot Craft Projects

August 15, 2013 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

How can you not smile with you look at polka dots? They seem to give a whimsical look and fun touch to just about anything. You can add character to a vase, sweater or card by simply adding a few little dots – talk about a quick and easy idea! Polka dots can breath new life into an old piece, too. Save yourself a trip to the mall or home decor store and upcycle a piece you already have on hand.

If your space is looking a little plain, you can’t go wrong with a home decor craft that incorporates polka dots. Blue and Green Polka Dot Wall Art is uncomplicated and adorable, making it an ideal project for crafts of all ages. For this project, your can use polka dot fabrics to cover a Styrofoam canvas, but you can also apply paint to acheive a unique look. Another cool home decor project to make is a Polka Dot Tissue Lantern. Start with a plain white lantern and add tissue paper – all you need is Mod Podge! The translucent tissue paper will project dots onto your wall while still providing adequate lighting for any space. You can also use buttons to create polka dots for a Fabric Button Bracelet. An empty cardboard roll serves as the base of this project, making it ideal for eco-friendly crafters or anyone on a budget.

Don’t be afraid to add polka dots to your next craft project, whether it’s a plate, bracelet or t-shirt. You’ll love the look and will want to show off your creativity and handiwork to anyone who crosses your path.

Gold Polka-Dotted Paper Mache Glass Jars from Hello Hydrangea
Pom Pom Sweater from I Wear the Canvas
DIY Polka Dot Wrapping Paper from Squirrelly Minds
Polka Dot Card from Gimme Some Style
Polka Dots Painted Bracelet from VJuliet
Painted Polka Dot Plate from Crafting In the Rain
Glitter Polka Dot Wrapping Paper from A Cozy Kitchen
Confetti Card from Mr. Handsome Face
Easy Square Top With Stamped Polka Dots from It’s Always Autumn

Sick of Boring Cards? Try This Cool Technique!

August 1, 2013 by FaveCrafts Leave a Comment

This tutorial is brought to you by Latrice Murphy from Any Occasion.

Today I have something really fun for you to try. Have you heard of molding paste? This stuff is used mostly on canvases by artists, but as a crafter, I’ve found that it’s amazing for scrapbooking and cards. With so many choices out there for masks or stencils, I’m sure you’ll find some you love to play with.

I created a bold card for you using a chevron mask. My pictures tutorial shows a second style that is larger and has a zig zag pattern. I wanted you to see the difference in the two.

Here is what you’ll need:

White cardstock
Distress Ink
Gemstones
Patterned
Modeling paste
Stencil
Adhesive
Paint spreader

First create your card from cardstock and layer bright white on top, leaving 1/8” all around.

Trim a second piece of white cardstock down to 3-¾” x 5” and tape down using washi tape or other easily removable tape.

Next, tape your mask or stencil down where you would like it.

Using a pain spatula spread your modeling paste evenly and removed the stencil.

After it has dried for about two hours, you can ink with a sponge and mist randomly with spray mists.

Lastly adhere your banner sentiment and gemstones.

Tip: This is an easy process, but drying time is long. Do a bunch at a time to have on hand when you need a quick card.

Visit my designer profile on FaveCrafts for a link to my blog, where you can see what I created with the above pieces.

Father’s Day Photo Shoot Saturday!

May 25, 2013 by AllFreeHolidayCrafts Leave a Comment

With May almost coming to a close, we’re all eager to get closer and closer to June, the first month of summer and of course, Father’s Day. That’s why we at AllFreeHolidayCrafts feel such a strong urge to share our favorite handmade Father’s Day card around, the Photo Booth Father’s Day card. This card is as personalized as they come, and it’s a whole lot of fun to make. Spend this Saturday in full-out photo shoot mode and capture a few goofy photos of the kids to make Dad the greatest card out there.

Photo Booth Father’s Day Card

The Photo Booth Father’s Day card is so much more than a handmade card for Dad; it’s a day full of photography, and dress-up fun for the kids. Follow the step-by-step directions in this tutorial to create fun and goofy props for the children and grandchildren to model with. This Father’s Day craft will fill the entire day with fun and laughter.

Once you have finished your cut-outs and props, create a simple background to re-create the feel of an actual photo booth. Then it’s time to move on to the best part; the photo shoot! Your kids and grandchildren will have so much fun dressing-up for Daddy and Grandpa’s card, you won’t believe how many great shots you’ll be able to get. In all honestly, taking pictures of the little ones has never been this easy!

This wonderful Father’s Day card is as great as they come, it’s a blast to create and will leave you with life-long memories, and photographs too! Gather up the young in’s and get started on this wonderful Photo Booth Father’s Day card; it’s perfect for your father and husband alike.

Iris Paper Folded Christmas Tree Handmade Card

What’s your favorite Christmas tree decoration?

Glam Up Your Handmade Greeting Cards with Decorative Trims

What do you use to embellish your handmade cards?

Make Your Own Greeting Card

Birthday Card Ideas

Thank You Note Ideas

After you read your greeting cards, do you throw them away or keep them?

What is your favorite way to say thanks?

Homemade Cards

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

Homemade Gifts for Mom

Homemade Birthday Gifts

What is your favorite gift that you’ve ever received?

This tutorial is brought to you by Latrice Murphy from Any Occasion.

Here is what you’ll need:

Visit my designer profile on FaveCrafts for a link to my blog, where you can see what I created with the above pieces.

Photo Booth Father’s Day Card

What’s the goofiest craft that you’ve ever started with the kids?

Crochet

Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

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