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! 

  

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. 

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".  

Technique: Upcycled Cards

I love the term "upcycling". Like, not only are we giving an old old object a second chance, but this chance is BETTER. Karmic upgrade. The term also seems to get a lot of hits on Etsy, and my upcycled cards, like these (from an old calendar), have gotten rave reviews.  

So how are other Etsy card artisans upcycling? 

Here are a few designs I simply adore...

These cards were crafted by PinkFlamingoCrafting from old sheet music, maps, book pages, and crossword puzzles. 

This set of cards, created by SimplySweetNothings, was upcycled from old Curious George books: I love the scenes added into the envelope backs! So cute!

And this lovely collaged crown, designed by JaneKoopman, is made from a set or authentic (and international!) stamps. Love the colors and theme! 

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!