October 22, 2008

New Home Cards

My realtor friends wanted some card refills so I was happy to oblige. I'm glad to hear that their business is doing well enough to have the need for *congratulations on your new home* cards. I was absolutely thrilled when Nicholed designed the Papertrey stamp set called Boards and Beams. The details on the houses are fabulous and the sentiments are perfect too. I needed to do a little mass production so there wasn't time to color all of the stamped houses individually. So instead I decided to do some paper piecing. I simply stamped the house image onto polka dot patterned paper by My Mind's Eye with Palette Black Noir ink. The design of the polka dot patterned paper was simple enough that it did not take away from the architectural details on the house. I cut out the houses with a sharp pair of fine tip scissors. I did use some Copic markers on the roof and window shutters to add a little bit of detailing. Next I popped the houses up on pop dots and adhered them to a few rectangle layers of cardstock. By stamping the tree image directly onto the cardstock and then placing the house in front, I created some perception of depth in my focal images. I adhered some Spring Moss Grosgrain ribbon to the focal pieces by cutting notches in ribbon then stapling directly to the cardstock. I used PTI Kraft cardstock for my card base and PTI Polka Dot Basics in white ink for the background. I was able to create a nice little stack of cards pretty quickly. By keeping the design the same, I saved time because I could easily get my production line going. Same size pieces, same length of ribbons, same size of patterned papers, same size cardstock mats, etc.
So whatever kinds of cards you're making, remember to do some mass production sometimes. You'll be glad you took a little extra time to make a few more cards for your stash.

18 comments:

Chelsea said...

I love those houses and the layout that you used. I'm sure the realator will LOVE them!!!

Karen said...

These are great. When looking at that stamp set you think that it has to be colored. Paper piecing it is very attractive. The trees in the background and house in the foreground adds so much interest to the card. I will have to remember that. Thanks so much for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I usually read thru google reader, but today opened up your blog...love the halloween header! "a little bit of bat." hahahhaha.

lovely cards. I have some mass producing to do today and I'm going to use your idea. thanks for sharing!

happy haunting!
Janet

Michelle Quinno said...

They're beautiful! You gave me a great idea for a gift for our wonderfully patient realtor! Now I just have to buy a house stamp.

DeeDee said...

Of course I LOVE these cards Mish and YES, I have been taking your advice and using the "assembly line" method...works great when you have several of the same item to get done!!! Your friend will love their new cards!! HUGS!!!

Paula Barin said...

I really like that stamp. Great idea to stamp on polka dot paper.
Very pretty cards.

Mary said...

Now how cool is that! I am totally going to have to make some of these up for friends buying new homes!

Sandy said...

Adorable cards!! I love the polka dotted houses.

Sew This N That said...

Great use of paper, Michelle, it looks great with the cute little houses :0)
**Hugs** Heather x

Mary Jo said...

Great cards! I love reading your blog. You have so many creative ideas. So much inspiration! Thanks you!

veronica said...

love that paper!

glitter girl said...

These are soo adorable. You always come up w/ brilliant ideas! I am making a bunch of cards and using your 'quickie glue pen around the edges' idea to add glitter.

Oooh, I keep meaning to ask - are you taking your girls to see HSM3??? I loved reading about your celebration w/ them for HSM2. . . (or was it 1?). Anyhoo. . . have a great night!

Anonymous said...

Oh, these are perfect!!! The house looks awesome in polka dots...when I first read that I had my doubts, I must admit.

Anonymous said...

Michelle, these are awesome! You are amazing and always come up with fabulous creations!!

Anonymous said...

Michelle, these are awesome! You are amazing and always come up with fabulous creations!! CherylQuilts at SCS (goofed up the new comment process)

Julia Aston said...

I love how you printed the house on the dp - so much easier than coloring in on so many cards when making multiples! I love the colors and dots!

Justine said...

I like that you simplified the houses a bit. W/out the Copic markers those can be quit intimidating.

Anonymous said...

Your mass production cards are so inspiring, Michelle! All the cards are just darling and I love the little differences in each.

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