Not going away anytime soon (Part II)

Ahhhh these patterns make me so happy!  I love that there are designs and colors that aren't too "girly" depending how you pair them- so I was able to use the decorative tape for both guys and gals.

These tapes were perfect for labeling gifts that were mailed this last Christmas, replacing tags/ribbons/bows that could be smashed or separated.  On the green cards above, the recipients peeled back the tape to reveal the gift certificates behind the white paper.

Because zig-zag stitching is much prettier than glue

Still obsessed

Still on a sewing/stitchin' kick!  To be honest, I did take a little break.  Because I could not get the machine to work, and I was getting the teensiest bit frustrated with it.  After a little sabbatical, I went in with a cool head and figured out the problem fairly quickly- and sewed these and a few other cards in one sitting.

Oh and as you can see, I am still loving the washi/decorative tape too.  If I received an envelope sealed with these colorful tapes, I would be smiling in anticipation.  It's the little things that count sometimes.

p.s. We decorated paper stockings at work today.  I am so used to incorporating stitching into my projects lately that I was tempted to bring my stocking home to add a little special touch.  Don't worry, I didn't succumb.  I made do with what I had there.

Correspondence Basket

I put together a "Correspondence Basket" for our church basket auction in September.  I wanted to include some watercolor pieces, but I have sold out of those cards- so I printed off some copies at home and added a little stitching detail.

Current obsession: striped bakers twine.  Rather than spend the money at a scrapbook store, I found a package of twelve colors at TJ Maxx.

Easy quilt cards- trim paper, adhere with tape, sew!

I've been fairly absent on here- with my hands in a few freelance and personal projects, I haven't had time to post.  That just means that I've got a stockpile of pictures to share!

***

Turning to a wedding invitation for inspiration can be helpful when making a card- mostly when choosing colors or fonts.  If the look of an invitation sets the mood for the rest of the celebration, shouldn't the card reflect that as well?

Although I love perusing Archiver's and Hobby Lobby for fun papers and decorative elements- I can many times feel just as creative utilizing what I already have on hand at home.

Oh and I appreciate any opportunity to dip into my washi/decorative tape collection!

For "the Mama"

It can be so nice sometimes to take a break from the computer, and that's why I enjoy making cards with more textural elements, such as layering paper and sewing  (see previous post).

In progress:

Voila!  Birthday card for MIL that matches zebra pattern bracelet and tissue paper.

Time to play

I love the combined textures of thread and paper.

The tan colored base for the first card and the mint paper were finds at porridge papers, right here in Lincoln.

I am a huge fan of gray right now, and I love the cool combination of these two colors.  Here are some close-ups to give you an idea of how textured the paper is.  (Also shows the back of the card.)

Golden Birthday, Part II

Of course, if you know R, she likes fun gifts but also more elegant ones.  Thanks to a few favorite blogs, I found just the right inspiration.

Design Sponge is one of the first blogs I discovered, and my go-to place for variety in posts.  I was enamored by these Anthropologie cards the site featured, and was inspired to create my own gilded stationery for R.  I love the combination of gold detail and juicy summer color blocks.

Maybe a month or so ago I started following The Small Things Blog, then found out her sister has a blog called From My Grey Desk- where I saw this post featuring her five favorite things from the past week.  The "Q & A a Day" book seemed perfect for R.  When I found the book at Barnes & Noble and saw the gold-edged pages, it became even more fitting.

I enjoy receiving and giving themed gifts like this.  Having a theme can help bring everything together and shows the thought behind some of the choices.

I had a different post planned for today- but then my mother, one of my faithful blog followers (I have two), e-mailed me some pictures and included one of the card/packaging for her Mother's day gifts.  

So, thanks, Mom, for the photo of your Chevron card (and polka dot washi tape- another current obsession!)  Most of the time I am trying so hard to get the card made and mailed in time, I don't always remember to document- even though that is one of the main purposes of this blog.

Just like my last post, this one takes a winding little path.

Months ago I was playing with wedding invitation designs.  This is one of the samples I came up with:

I didn't get to see it used as a wedding invitation, but I have started using the Chevron design more for smaller projects.  It has really made a resurgence in scrapbooking, home decor and even nail (as in, manicures) design.

For commissioned work, I came up with this note card design.  The client wanted to give personalized note cards as a high school graduation present; and after discussing the project, this seemed perfect.  The design is clean, not too girly, but has some color.

I've since tweaked the colors and sizes for other cards, including a birthday tag and gift tags (Mother's Day and pregger roomie gift, both not pictured).

I'm working at saving time when I can use designs I already have versus creating something new, and utilizing Chevron right now when it is still so popular allows me to focus on those "something new" details for other projects.

For a fun but simple card/tag, I combined two of my favorite things right now: Chevron design and washi tape!

I enjoyed putting this piece together, although it was a real challenge at first.  Amanda sent me some great inspiration and then let me have fun.  This is an example of what I really love to do- combine different media and try something new.  

I used some watercolor element from a previous project for the background, as well layered color, texture and font; I sketched the nest, scanned and manipulated it in Photoshop, creating more depth with colors and gradients within the nest.

So this is what happens when you don't blog for almost three weeks- everything has changed on the blog!  Post settings, editing, everything.  I hope I can make it!

It's amazing to me that it is the last day of April.  During this last month I have celebrated National Card and Letter Writing Month.  I celebrated in two ways; first, I attempted to write one postcard, card or letter every day.  Second, I gave away stationery every Monday to Facebook friends via the LKP Design page.

Four of the five weeks, I gave away stationery I already had on hand- three photography sets and one watercolor.  Last week, though, I had some fun with supplies I had on hand and a tree drawing from library book invitations for a May wedding.  I'll post the invitation pictures after the wedding.

Hello old friends*

*Archiver's, scrapbook supplies, Ree


For the first time since I've lived in Lincoln, my aunt and I went to a Scrap Mania at Archiver's in Omaha. This trip was the last of our Christmas gifts to Ree. We had a blast! She worked on a scrapbook- but sadly I didn't have any photos for inspiration. Don't fear, I was productive. I made thank you cards for Christmas and Birthday gifts.

Here are the necessary tools (this was the least amount of materials I have ever brought along!). Of course you must spread everything across the table. Do NOT cross your side!

Of course snacks are necessary. Ree made chicken wraps for our supper and we snacked on Girl Scout cookies, fruit snacks and yogurt.

Funsies

Remember how much I love simplicity? Especially, for example, when making birthday cards for kids. They aren't going to be impressed. The parents aren't going to keep them. Why not just make a tag but add a little something fun? Washi tape!


It's all the rage on the blogs I follow for DIY (do it yourself) bridal and baby showers. I finally ordered something similar through amazon.com and this is my first application. Maybe I'll try something more adventurous next time. For this tag, simple is good.

All my little pretties

Working on library book invitations for a client. Love the rich colors!

Finishing touch

We had a family wedding last night, and I was lucky enough to work on the design for the invitations, programs, and the last piece- thank you cards. Shhh, the cards were a surprise! But I'm sure the couple is too busy honeymooning it up to check this blog...

Before and after

Before: 4.25x5.5 postcard for a specific event




After: this new 5.5x8.5 is for designed with room to print information for each individual party.

You are cordially invited...