February 22, 2011

words

Words are powerful things. They tell stories of our lives when we look at our scrapbook pages. They take us to a far away places when we read a good book. They cut like a knife when used against us in hurtful ways. They make us smile when we read a handwritten note from a friend.
To me, there is something so special about sending and receiving cards from friends. We can email, Facebook, text and twitter but it's not the same as getting a card in the mail with wonderful words from a friend. Today I took some time to make some special cards for some special people. Knowing that I make others feel good makes me feel good inside.

In my last post, I made these embellished sacks to have handy in my stash. I love to use them for thicker cards that have raised embellishments....or embellishments that hang over the edge of the card and won't fit into a regular envelope. Such is the case with the cards I made today. They both raised embellishments that hang off the card. I'll be using a few of my gift sacks to package up my cards at the end of my post.
I knew that I wanted to make cards of encouragement today + I wanted to use more butterflies like I did on my embellished sacks. Lisa Johnson's set Flutterby Friend was just perfect. The butterflies coordinated with my dimensional embellishments and the sentiments were just what I was looking for. I stamped my images and colored them with the Copic markers shown below. Orange was my accent color for the day so I added orange glitter to the little butterflies and stitched around my focal piece with orange thread. So fun to get out my Copics and just color today.
I also created some dimensional butterflies by stitching together layers of punched butterflies and a scalloped circle. By leaving the threads long I created tails and antennas for the butterflies. Colored rhinestones finish off the butterflies. I also stitched a few small butterflies to Pink Parcel Tags so that my card would have a grouping of three butterflies.
Here I'm using Chocolate Baker's Twine to finish off my card. I like to use the twine in place of ribbon sometimes when I want a lighter feel to my cards. I tucked a snippet of lace from the thrift shop over the twine before tying a bow. This adds another accent of orange to my cards.
Nothing better than a little stack of cards, especially when they were created with someone special in mind.
For the base of my cards I used Fine Linen cardstock. A soft color that I love to use as a neutral lately. The butterflies were made from the Signature Series: Butterfly die, then a Martha Stewart scalloped circle punch then a Martha Stewart small butterfly punch on top. You can see the butterfly tails and antennas that were created by leaving the threads long. Love that whimsical feel.
At the bottom of my cards you can see the stitched layers, including some vintage wallpaper that I cut with a PTI scalloped border die.
On the inside of my cards I typed a note to my friends then added more machine stitching at the bottom. The words *flutter by* from the Flutterby Friend set were stamped along the bottom. I stamped the image three times without re-inking the image to create a faded out look.
If you'll remember on my embellished sacks, I sprayed some White Tags to use as little name tags. I used one of my alphabet sets to personalize the name tags with my friends' names. I love how personal this makes a gift or card.
I tucked my finished cards inside the brown paper sacks, then added the glittered clothespins and dainty doilies and my completed tags from yesterday.
A fun little bundle of mail to send out for sure. I tuck these inside bubble mailers for mailing.
How about you? Have you sent out some encouraging words lately?

18 comments:

Jennifer said...

this was just the reminder i needed to make some cards this week and send some encouraging words to the ones i love. thanks for the inspiration...

Jean Franks Beck said...

GORGEOUS!!! Wow. Love, love, love all the special little details - these just tickle me. ;)

Merian Candioli said...

Wonderful and well done. Perfect and encouraging.

Hugs from Brazil...

Teri said...

Love these!! Yes, I've sent encouraging words out lately, I agree, there's nothing quite like getting a card or letter in the mail! I love the internet and blogging, but there's that extra special something with a card, especially a handmade one!!! Love your blog, Mish!!
Hugs,
Teri

Sarah O. in TN said...

Yes, I love sending my handmade cards...it's such an easy way to let someone know that they are worth the effort. Sent two out just yesterday, in fact! Keep up the groovy work, girlie!

Ruth S said...

Love your sweet, caring cards Mish! I managed to do a spot of crafting last night and made a get well card for my b-i-law who's recovering from a knee surgery. Kind thoughts and a bit of colouring love to say we're thinking of him. (Though my colouring is a poor neighbour compared with yours!!!)

suezie said...

Hi Michelle - another fab project - I just love your ecclectic kinda take on things :-) Thought I'd share this link for a fabby vintage apron - know how you love these. Such a cool idea - go check it out! Hugs. http://myvintagemending.blogspot.com/2011/02/ucreate-with-me-apronvintage-style.html

Beth Norman said...

How special. Your friends will love a card. I think I should do the same today. Your cards are gorgeous and thank you for the inspiration I needed.

Jennifer aka Scrappin' Aggie said...

Another beautiful post of your projects! Thanks for the reminder to send cards just because!!

Alicia said...

Love how you used the small circle in the butterfly layers. It adds even more dimension but doesn't detract from the butterfly shape.

Sonya said...

Super cards--your friends will love them. Such a great post!

Susan T said...

These are beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration.

Anonymous said...

Mish, wanted to send out a BIG thank you for all the posts. You create such beautiful and unique cards and projects. Thanks for the wonderful ideas, I look forward to reading your blog daily!

Donna

Melissa said...

Sending you a hug...cause I love ya...and you're my buddy...and your work is soooooo darling!
Melis

Kim H. said...

Hi. I know you don't know me but I enjoy your blog so much! I love your style and creativity and just really love all that you make. I am not sure if your post on "words" is connected to Lillybean's post on "mean people" but if it is - I am so sorry for you guys. I have no idea who needs to feel compelled to be cruel but I feel sorry for you and for them. Because they have to live with themselves every day being so mean. You provide something to us blog followers that keeps us motivated. Keeps me getting up in the morning and looking for posts before work...after work... before I go to bed... I am addicted to seeing what you come up with next...because it will be the next thing I try! Do you know that I sewed on a card for the first time because of you! :) I tried it (broke my first needle) got a stronger one and tried again. It was one of my favorite cards and I sew alot now because of it! So anyway....I just felt the need to tell you guys that mean people are just that..."mean" and I wish we could get them to stop hurting others with no regards to anyone else but themselves. You are appreciated by so many....the few rotten apples... just throw them out. You can't change them. The rotten smell will not go away unless you throw it away. :)

Donna K said...

what a pretty card - as usual. I love your style and this one makes me want to whip up a few cards and send them to people I know will appreciate them. thanks for always having such an upbeat post. you're the best!

Anonymous said...

You are such a talented artist and I love your blog. Your fun, friendly personality and beautiful projects make it one of my favorites. I visit regularly but rarely leave comments so I just wanted to let you know that you are admired and appreciated.

Anne Tussing said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these cards and gift sacks! They are just so sweet and adorable:)

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