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. 

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!

Crafty Teacher: Note Cards for Students

I teach 11th and 12th grade English here in Philadelphia, and one of the most powerful teaching tools in my tool shed is the unexpected--and mailed!--note of appreciation home to a student or family.  Throughout the year, especially on those days when I'm frustrated or stressed, I try to sit down and write a few notes to the students who are working hard, being kind, or standing out in some positive way.  It not only soothes my psyche, but those students come in to my class a few days later, having received their note, with a spring in their step and renewed vigor to learn. I'm serious! They love it. I usually use little postcards from the Dollar Tree (like the ones to the left), but this year, maybe I'll step up my game. Here are some gems I found on Etsy for some super special students... 

This cute card is found on SheriWilder's Etsy shop Noteworthy. 

 

Simple and sweet, this set of 12 letterpress note cards (designed by Presse DuFour) will carry your teacherly sentiments to multiple mailboxes!

Save a stamp and just slip one of these mini cards (available from MamaJamaCrafts) onto students' desks at the end of a particularly productive class! Not only will the recipient beam with pride, but maybe it will spark some interest from the more reticent members of your class - positive motivation can do wonders (even for high schoolers!).

Philly Phind: Frankadelphia

I decided to "go local" for today's post: Meet Frankadelphia, a lovely Etsy design shop by Nicole DuCoin. She creates bold and beautiful Philadelphia-inspired items. Click on the images below to visit (and support!) this local crafter and show your Philly pride, kids!

MPC Item Highlight: Mini Note Cards

So I have been happily using up leftover paper lately making darling mini note cards. New minis are being posted throughout this month on my Etsy shop! 

They are 3x3" and perfect to have on hand when you need a last minute card to include with a gift! Think of the possibilities - all those occasions when you don't want to arrive empty handed: House-warmings, pot luck dinners, visiting a friend who needs a little pick-me-up, a quick "thanks" for a co-worker who helped you out... 

Etsy Find of the Day: Wedding Menu Stamps!

My wedding planner recently suggested, when making table place cards, to use a stamp to indicate meal choice. Since we're getting married in Mexico, and all the waitstaff may not speak English, she said this was especially important! So, I hopped right on Etsy and found this darling set of meal-designating stamps, handmade by EtchyThings! Click the image to visit this item on Etsy!

Technique: Embossing

I recently purchased a bunch of embossing folders to use with my Sizzix Big Shot, and I'm excited to try them out on note cards and mini cards. Here is my dose of daily Etsy inspiration...click on the images to link directly to these crafters' shops!

   I love the sweet simplicity of these white on white birthday cards designed by Michelle Mach. The neutral palette really lets the texture shine.

 This is a technique I've yet to really experiment with: Distressing or inking the raised edges of the embossed pattern. I love how it really brings dimension to the pattern! This simple but striking card was designed by Rush Creek Stationary. 

Here's a great alternative to stamping your message: Emboss it! These super cut mini cards feature a variety of greetings embossed into the center circles. Great idea, SimplySuzie2!

Etsy Find of the Day: Baby Nursery Quilt!

So my big project for this month is to get the baby nursery decorated... I'm loving the color combination of soft teal and buttery yellow for our little guy, with pops of green. Here is a great find from Etsy that I've both registered for and is a pretty great representation of these colors in lovely harmony... The quilt was made by FernLeslieBaby, who makes gorgeous baby goods in one of my favorite places on earth, Western Massachusetts!