August 25, 2008

Instant Inspiration...Rustic Branches/October Afternoon

This day, I created just for myself. I needed a bunch of birthday cards for upcoming September birthdays so I set out to make a bunch. Check our Nichole's post HERE. She did the same thing but for thank you cards. Are YOU sending out cards? Don't forget that feeling you get when you receive a hand made card in the mail.....just for you. Other's love that feeling too and you are sure to make some one's day by sending them a card to let them know you are thinking of them.

On to my cards. Instant Inspiration.....I just started pulling out supplies from my stash that I like. I purchased all this new ribbon at Archiver's recently so that was my starting point. My October Afternoon paper was a perfect match. I just love to see these little piles of products on my stamping table.
I already knew the stamp set I wanted to use...Pine's new Rustic Branches stamp set from Papertrey Ink. She totally got me hooked on Twinkling Watercolors too. So after deciding that I was going to make six birthday cards, I went to work. I cut and embossed 6 Spellbinder's Label dies from Papertrey's Vintage Cream Cardstock. I think painted my Twinkling H2O's onto my wreath stamp until I had 6 completed images. Hint: I keep a little spray bottle handy and just keep re-wetting my Twinkling H2O's. I find that if you get the little paint really wet and let it sit a little bit, it gets a little thicker consistency. This helps it apply to the acrylic stamps a little better.
Next, I stamped the berries on the wreaths with Papertrey's Dark Chocolate ink. Then I reached for my jar of vintage buttons. This whole jar of buttons has been snipped right off of clothing, so lucky for me they're all threaded. I just adhered them to the centers of the rustic wreath and set them aside to dry. These will become my focal images.
Next I decided on specific paper and ribbon. I chose two patterns from October Afternoon and four different ribbons. It was time to assemble my cards. I cut my patterned paper into 4" squares to get maximum usage out of a 12 x 12 sheet. For my card bases, I used Papertrey's Vintage Cream cardstock.
And here's my finished cards. I did three of each design for a total of 6 cards. I love how vintage and homemade they look. I finished up the cards with a *Happy Birthday* sentiment from PTI's Birthday Basics stamp set.
Here's a closeup of the ribbon. Hint: Because this ribbon was a little pricey, I only use it in snippets, never all the way around a card. So what I did for my cards was cut enough for the card fronts only, applied a little adhesive and then stapled the ends at the edges of the cards. This holds it all in place and adds to that homey feel of the cards. The textures are amazing too!

I did the same thing for the little ribbon snippets on the focal piece. I added a little bit of adhesive and then stapled the ribbon to secure it in place.
Here's my cards, all ready to be sent out. I placed some envelopes and all of my cards into a junk store bread tin find....they're all ready to be written in, addressed and sent out. September birthday cards done!! Oh, zoom in on this photo below to see the shimmery effects of the Twinkling H2O's, it's soooooo pretty.
So, my dears, I now challenge you all to do a little mass producing of your own. Send out those birthday cards, get well cards and just plain ol' thinking of you cards to those that would really love your creations. You'll be sure to make someone's day.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love "watching" your creative process! I send cards, and this is a beautiful card set! You consistently inspire me...thanks! Love your style and the fun you have doing what you love! I'm in the process of doing a bunch right now, and it sure helps mass produce. Thanks again...love your blog!

Shelly said...

What a great post! Thanks for sharing this with us, your step-by-step explainations are great! And what a lovely end result! You've just inspired me to go and do some crafting! ;o)

Anonymous said...

These are beautiful Mish and I love the colors!!!! I guess maybe I'm feeling the autumn in the air

Eveline said...

Beautiful cards. I like the idea of making a bunch of them at the same time. Something I should do too. My mom always wants cards to send out. I will give this idea a try.
Eveline.

Dawn McVey (dawnsing) said...

Mish, these are just adorable. Love 'em! I must get me some of those dies - ack, they're the best!

Funny, I did some mass-producing of birthday cards yesterday too...guess we're all in the same mode. Hee!

Have a great day, Chickie!

Anonymous said...

I mass produced Birthday invitations yesterday.. 25 of them. I am Cuttlebugged out [for a minute anyway, LOL!] I can't wait until those label dies are available, along with all of the other new products that Spellbinders is coming out with!! They are must haves, and I drool every time you use them! :]

Such cute cards, I need to get going on building up my Birthday card stash.. Lots of Birthday's coming up!

Sew Club said...

Love these! They're perfect!

Cris A said...

These are so pretty. I wish I had your eye for detail. And I wish I had those dies!!

Denise ~ Paper Ponderings said...

Where can I buy some of your creativity? These are beautiful!!

Julia Aston said...

Love the colors you chose for these cards! the DP's complement the wreath so nicely! Good idea to create a bunch at once!

DeeDee said...

What a challenge it is too Mish....I almost never ever make more than one of a card....I just can't make myself do it....weird I know....that's just me!!! LOL! Your sets are GORGEOUS and now you are done with your September Bday cards and can move on with the next fun project....I still have almost all mine to do as of yet!!!! *grin* I love visiting you to get all inspired to create!!! HUGS!!!

glitter girl said...

I love when you mass produce! I still remember your "make 'em and mail 'em" post way back when...

Keep them coming!! Great color scheme, too...

Anonymous said...

oh, lovely, mish! the vintage feel is perfection! i just love all that yummy ribbon!
chelle

CreativeMish said...

Fabulous! Two of my favorite colors! I need to start mass producing!

Kari said...

Absolutely gorgeous!!!! I love eveything about them!!! So perfect! Great choice of colors and ribbon!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!!

Regan said...

oh WOW- these are super!!!

Elaine said...

I just adore these - so much! They are just perfect in every way, Michelle~~ I want to case, copy and create just like you! LOL The best part is that they are my favorite colors and the fabulous textures on the trims! ahhhhhh. I'm in love! ;-)

Texgirl said...

I have a dumb question. What is your favorite type of adhesive to use when adhering ribbon? I cant seem to settle on one that I like and that hold it really well.

Suzanne J Dean said...

Beautiful, little cards and my favorite colors too. Great idea to stamp with the twinkling H2O's--I've never tried that, but will have to now seeing your splendid results.

TFS--
Suzanne Dean

Debbie Olson said...

Mish, these are fabulous--so warm and homey--great job!

Unknown said...

LOVE these Mish!! Darn, my birthday's in March! :) Thanks for all the details!!

Julie S. said...

Wow. It is gratifying to know that YOU do this -- I often work in this fashion, but sometimes I let myself be guilted into "you have to make a unique card for every person" mentality and then it just goes to Heck in a Handbasket.

This is affirming and fun. And it brings me back down to Earth.

Love the colors, cards, details and sensibility.
Thanks~

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