Handmade Valentine Cards

When I was in elementary school, I always looked forward to valentine's day because I got to hand out cards to all my classmates. Sometimes we made little mailboxes for our desks. I couldn't wait to open those thin paper envelopes, read the silly notes and eat the candy (especially Sweet Tarts). Today, I still like valentines day because I have my forever valentine. I also like that it's another day out of the year to tell the ones you love, how much you love them.

Rather than purchase overpriced greeting cards, I decided to go old school and make a few of my own. I was in the mood for crafting with paper and glue sticks. I made Christmas cards two years ago with paper and fabric and I loved how they turned out. I decided to combine my love for typography, sewing, fabric and specialty paper once again. 

I had some white card stock on hand and left over red envelopes. I cut the card stock to size.

Then I cut and glued some scrapbook paper to the card. 

I only had one large doily, so I cut it into 8 sections and glued one to each card, wrapping it around to the back. 

I typed up "I Love You" and "Happy Valentines Day" greetings on my computer, printing on white return address labels. I just stuck them on the card. What could be easier?

This guy was very interested in the process.

My favorite part was adding a square of burlap and hand sewing it to the card with red embroidery thread in the shape of a heart. Isn't it cute? I just love the different textures.

I signed and dated the back, which also looks cute with the heart thread and doily.

I had fun making them and I think they're better than any store bought cards! I had all of the materials on hand. You can use any combination of papers to whip up some handmade valentines, straight from your heart. They will definitely brighten your loved ones day!

Handmade Christmas Cards

This year I was excited to make my own Christmas cards. 

Shortly after Christmas last year, I found these charming ruffled Christmas cards, over at Hello Friend. I fell in love with the idea of sewing fabric to paper. Except I didn't have a vintage label maker. 

So I did the next best thing, I designed a little message on the computer and printed out the cards.

After cutting and rounding the corners, I sewed fabric, lace and ribbon scraps across the top. I really like the stitch lines. Makes them feel handmade and so unique.

I ended up making 32 cards. It was a perfect combination of my two favorite passions - graphic design and sewing. I was a little sad to see them go! I hope they brought joy to each recipient and the true message of Christmas, John 3:16. 

CD Case Scrapbook Cards & Envelopes

This is probably the project that started my crafting juices rolling, almost a year ago. I wanted to make something that incorporated an empty CD jewel case, to give as gifts. With the help of my dear friend "Crafty Christy," we put our heads together and came up with a little stationary set, of handmade envelops and cards, using scrapbook paper and card stock. We had one of those beautiful Victorian themed scrapbook pads that included matching stickers. We made templates for the cards and envelopes (after a few trial and errors...). A single square of the note card design was glued to the CD case cover, and embellished with stickers, then tied with raffia and a gift tag. We also included small stickers with the recipients initial for sealing the envelopes. I think the hardest part was choosing which design to make and which ones to give away (I wanted to keep them all!). Here are some photos of how they turned out...