Technique: Baker's Twine!

I have seen so many creative crafters incorporate baker's twine into their designs. I love how the utilitarian feel of the twine compliments the whimsy of the cards... Here are a few of my favorites from around Etsy!

These note cards from DeLorenzoArt have such great color combinations. This artisan feature's today's tool of the trade--baker's twine--in many of her designs, to fanciful effect! I adore the simplicity of letting the contrasts of pattern and color steal the show. 

This cards, from SeredipityCards, uses the baker's twine with a tiny crocheted flower and button for exquisite detailing! I love how she loops the twine through the button and ties it off in a tiny bow; such great layering! 

Finally, here are some mini cards using baker's twine -- designed by ElisabethStudios! I love how the tiny heart seems to be hanging from the twine: Such a simple but powerful design element! 

  

Philly Phind: PABD Elegance

Today's post features Round #2 of Philly Phinds, where we spotlight Etsy shops based in the City of Brotherly Love (like mine!). One Philly shop producing lovely items is PABDElegance. Shop owner Patricia uses stamps, die cuts, washi tape, baker's twine--and so much more!--to create bright and lovely greeting and note care designs. Here are a few of my faves... (and if you're planning a wedding, check out her other shop, PABDEleganceWeddings!)

This aquatic card is simple and soothing. The soft teal of the hand-painted background reminds me perfectly of a tropical sea, and the rustic twine and burlap accents let the color speak for itself.

This intricate item is truly a work of art! A bright and modern color scheme blend perfectly with the vintage feel of the lace, and the delicately folded pinwheel make certain this card will be treasured long after its received!

It can be hard to find a card geared toward a more muted (dare I say "masculine") palette, but this one suits that need perfectly. A simple pattern of circles and starbursts, in a bright but sophisticated combination of navy blue and lime green, accent this birthday note.   

Technique: All about the Details

I'm always looking out for ways paper crafters are making themselves stand out from the bunch. Today's post will feature great ways to add an extra handmade touch to your cards, giving customers that extra reason to choose handmade over Hallmark. 

A few extra details I've been dabbling with lately include: lining the inside of the card, lining the inside of the envelope, and adding some pizzazz to the envelope with embossingl. Let's take a a look at how some Etsy superstars have envisioned these features!

This card is one of many featured on KristinLeeCards' Etsy shop that adds that extra sprinkle of detail to the inside of the card. In addition to the clean white liner, this card extends the seasonal cheer by sprinkling a few color-coordinated snowflake stamps! Love her stuff. 

Here's a wonderful lined envelope from SweetPiperLaneDesign: The simple bumblebee embossed note is really brought to life by the pop of floral color lining the kraft brown envelope.  

This set of six mini cards by WallridgeFarms - simple in their design - are brought to the next level with the addition of accompanying envelopes (in a gorgeous ivory!) embossed with a botanical image. 

Happy Birthday, Montrose Paper Crafts!

This week marks the one-year anniversary of MPC going live on Etsy, and we are celebrating with a 20% off sale on everything in the shop! Stop by and support Montrose Paper Crafts and save! 

Technique: Heat Embossing

Last week, I posted about embossing paper -- that is, pressing it so that there is a raised image or impression. This post will focus on a different type of embossing -- using ink and embossing powder, along with a heat tool, to created that raised look. 

I received my heat tool as a Christmas present this past year, on recommendation from some other crafters. I have been experimenting with it since, to varying degrees of success! I'm slowly learning what types of inks and powders work best.  My biggest success was a set of embossed wedding invitations I made for a friend, using a set of nautically themed stamps, clear embossing ink, and gold embossing powder. 

I just love how this technique makes the finished product looked polished and professional. 

Here is your daily dose of inspiration from the pages of Etsy showing how other paper crafters using this technique with aplomb!

This sweet note card from KrystalsJewelNDesign uses the simplicity of brown kraft paper and the glossy contrast of embossed red and glittery black to achieve a striking effect. 

Another simple but eye-catching design, by eikenottdesigns, features a lovely pine branch stamp in a rich green hue. I love how the texture and richness of the embossing elevates what would have already been a fine little stamped note card into something luxurious!

Finally, these gorgeous note cards from PumpedonPaper -- The intricate stamped design really gets the attention it deserves once its embossed, and the single pearled bead in the center of each just makes it "pop".  

DIY Destination Wedding: Table Paper Craft Brainstorm!

So my fiance and I are planning our wedding for next June in the lovely Isla Mujeres, Mexico. We can't wait to share this island we love with our family and friends! I'm of course starting  to design and make all my paper crafting goods: Save the Date cards went out in the mail yesterday (post to follow!) and now there are the actual invitations, table numbers and cards, bunting banners, etc! Of course I turned to the Etsy community for inspiration, as well as poking around other corners of the web...

These unique table place cards caught my eye - So unexpected and whimsical!

Designed by MamaTita.

Simple but striking, I like these table numbers because they're beachy without being cheesy. Designed by DecadentDesigns.

 

Rustic beach wedding garland designed by LazyCaterpillar: Love the texture!

Snapshots from my Craft Room...

Here are some snapshots of my craft room organization!