DIY Masculine Christmas Cards Featuring Authentique

 DIY  Christmas Cards Authentique with a Masculine Flair

This is the last set of projects I worked on for the Flying Unicorns.   This is Part 1 of 2.  You will find Part 2 right here.  

  The set was intended to be a bundle for sale at the Flying Unicorns.   While no longer for sale, I still decided to show my projects.  I worked too long on them to not share.  And I think they are lovely.  

 I do have some DIY tips and I do show the basics on how I created these cards, but not the step-by-step in it's entirety.    These are pretty easy cards and I think the tips are really all one needs to get the gist.  

 I am sad to see it be done and yet joyful for the experience and the magical carpet ride the Unicorns and owner, Alda Stevens , provided me over the last few years.  Certainly years of growth and stretching. 

Alda Stevens passed away in the beginning of December.  Her departure from this world leaves a void in the crafting world and in my heart and in many hearts.  

May Alda Stevens and her sparkly pink Unicorn rest peacefully forevermore.   

Part 1

Card 1 : Reindeer card

I love this card.  I adore the sweet deer chipboard piece.  This card is also very easy to create - surprisingly so.  Scroll down for the techniques and DIY instructions.   The sweet deer is from  7 Dots - Yuletide Chipboard.  

Step 1.  This is the base of my card. To start, I am using a pre-folded white card sized 5in x 6.5 in.  The Authentique paper pad is 6x6 so you may want to trim some of the excess card base to fit the 6in paper.  You can leave the excess  if you prefer.  You decide what looks best.  

I added some white cardstock between the layers to tie in with the white from the doily I am using.   

Step 2.  Glue a doily in place on the card.  I actually used two doilies on top of each other for a brighter white.  One doily is sort of see-through in my opinion.  

Step 3.  I added the embellishments:  some pine sprigs, some mini floral berries and then the flowers.  If you look closely at the deer paper, you'll see the same sort of green sprigs and red flowers.  

Step 4.  Add some dark brown ink to the edges of the chipboard for shading accents.  I chose Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Walnut Stain.  You are not looking for full stain coverage - just edge accents.  This will help make that darling deer pop on the card to become a focal point.  

Products used:
Authentique Tidings Collection  6x6
7 Dots - Yuletide Chipboard
Petaloo Darjeelings - Mini Dahlias Tea Stained Petites in Red 1465101R
Petaloo Mulberry Street - mini Delphiniums Red /yellow/Dk Blue/Green 1300-223
While Doilies
white cord
Tim Holtz Alterations Holly Greens Thinlits
Mini Red floral berries
Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut
pre-folded  white Card 5inx6.5in

Authentique Tidings Masculine Greeting Card

This card may be the easiest card I ever made and one I may love the most.  It's really strong and earthy.  Scroll down for the techniques and DIY instructions.  

Step 1.  This is the base of my card. To start, I am using a pre-folded white card sized 5in x 6.5 in.  The Authentique paper pad is 6x6 so you may want to trim some of the excess card base to fit the 6in paper.  You can leave the excess  if you prefer.  You decide what looks best.  

I chose the patterned papers I liked and ripped the papers so that the white core or the paper is showing.  That's my version of a snowy mountain.

Step 2.  Grab the chipboard and ink the edges of three trees using Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Walnut Stain.  Just a little ink to the edges.  Glue to the card.  

Variations for adding embellishments:

Step 3.  If you are a person that desires dimensional embellishments, then try adding some Petaloo floral berries topped with a jute bow from the Petaloo package.  The little touch of green is very striking against the texture from the jute bow. 

Variation #2:

Step 4.  Not feeling the green from the berries? How about dark brown berries.   The dark rich brown brings out the inked tree tips.  

Products used:
Authentique Tidings Collection  6x6 
7 Dots - Yuletide Chipboard
Petaloo Textured Burlap Picks in Pistachio 1204214
Petaloo Brown Berry Spray 
pre-folded  white Card 5inx6.5in
Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut

Winter Deer Layout with DIY Tutorial - LemonCraft Part 1

Hello, I'm here today for my last post with LemonCraft.  Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to create with such gorgeous papers.   My last post is a two part post with the first post as a tutorial featuring the new Gossamer Blue collection.   The second post is a set of cards also created using the Gossamer Blue collection - for Christmas and everyday - to show the versatility of the collection.  

This is LemonCraft - Part 1.

 You can find PART 2. of my  farewell Lemoncraft post right here. 

 Scroll on down the page and you'll find the instructions.  

I decided to give the collection a winter look.  I wanted to create a page for the photo of deer that I took from my office parking lot.  Yes - this was taken from my car in the parking lot.  They are pretty close to me - but we are friends so they won't run away from me.  

(wink). 

I have a few other products incorporated into this page - chipboards from 2Crafty, flowers from Petaloo and a die from Prima.  

This page is also available in my ETSY shop while it lasts. You can find it here. 

Instructions: 

Step 1.  Rip a 12x12 sheet of Gossamer Blue 03 , making sure the white core of the paper is showing.  Ink the torn edges. 

Step 2.  Place a sheet of white cardstock under the torn section.  Tear the piece of wood grain paper from Gossamer 02 12x12 paper and glue to cardboard.  

Step 3.  Cut the doily shape from the die cut sheet of Lemoncraft Vintage Time 007.  Add a die cut doily also.  These are going to be layered to create a snowflake.  

Step 4.  Cut the center from the doily die shape - and layer the snowflake together as shown in the photo.  

Step 5.  Tuck the snowflakes under the cardboard and on the page as desired.  Start embellishing the page.  I used chipboard deer from 2Crafty - the small deer is 2Crafty Chipboard's - Young Reindeer  and the larger deer is from 2Crafty Chipboard - Elegant Reindeer .   I inked the edges of the chipboard with Walnut Stain, Distress ink.  

Step 6.  Fold the bottom corner up and add a snowflake to the corner.  Add flowers to embellish.    

Step 7.  I added snowflake paste for some sparkle.  

Here are some close ups of the completed page - frosty and beautiful.  

You can find Part 2 - Cards right here.  

Thank you to Lemoncraft for providing me an opportunity to create with such gorgeous papers and embellishments.  Merry Christmas to all and may you all have a wonderful 2017.

This page is also available in my ETSY shop while it lasts. You can find it here. 

Lemoncraft Gossamer Blue Collection
Lemoncraft Gossamer Blue 03
Lemoncraft Gossamer Blue 02
Lemoncraft Vintage Time 007
LemonCraft Gossamer Blue 6x6 paper pad
LemonCraft Gossamer Blue 12x12 paper pad
LemonCraft Gossamer Blue Vintage Time 06
Lemoncraft Gossamer Blue Buttons
Lemoncraft Gossamer Blue Ribbons

Other Products:
Petaloo Botanica Blooms White 1102100
Petaloo Berry Spray Brown 1829-303
Petaloo Botanica Vintage Velvet Mini in Teal 1139104
Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain
2Crafty Chipboard - Young Reindeer M00353
2Crafty Chipboard - Elegant Reindeer M00093
Brown  and White Cardstock
Prima Snowflake Paste - 962906
2Crafty called "Fine Snowflakes" m00102. 
Prima Crochet Doily Die - 584054

Christmas Cards with DIY Instructions -Kaisercraft Part 2

Kaisercraft - St Nicholas Greeting Card :
Originally, this started out as a set of cards that you could make with a specialty bundle from the Flying Unicorns.  My goal was to make some cards that were for Christmas, and also some options for all-purpose cards.  
No one likes to have a stack of Christmas paper left over with  no other options for using them.  It seems like a waste of money.  

I put a ton of love and time into the last creations for the Flying Unicorn, I decided to post them.  While you no longer have an option to purchase the specialty bundle, my heart is still in the projects and I still wish the peace and joy of Christmas to all through my cards.  

This is a two part of the post featuring Kaisercraft St Nicholas collection.   
  Part 1 can be found here with a template for you to download.  

This is Part 2 

This is a card I created with the Kaisercraft St Nicholas collection.  My intention was to be able to create a card that can be used for any occasion and not solely for Christmas.  It's a very simple design - but not all cards need to be fancy.  Some just need to be made and sent.  Cards are really no good if they are not given away and sent out.  

Step 1.  These are the base layer papers I chose.  I do like to ink the edges of these papers to make them feel more finished.  

I also like using a pre-folded card because they are inexpensive and  come with matching envelope.  Card size is 5in x 6.5in and is an off-white ivory color.  

Because my cardstock is 5in x 6.5in, I did trim the card a bit to accommodate the 6x6 sized paper pad and remove the excess"white space" around the card. 

Step 2.  Cut some strips and cut a gold foil doily in half. 

Step 3.  I prefer adding ribbon to a layer before gluing the layer to the card.  I have a few reasons for doing this. 

• I like to glue the ribbon behind the layer to give the card a polish, professional clean look.   
•   It can be difficult to glue ribbon to a card without the glue seeping through or showing.  It      becomes a bit unsightly and unattractive if you can see where the ribbon is attached.  When the ribbon is attached to the back, it remains secure and eliminates the need for additional glue to hold it in place.
• And the best reason - it prevents the ribbon edges from fraying.  

Step 4.  Top with a bow and medallion.  You can add a sentiment to the medallion  if you prefer.  

Here's one last look at the card.  See how all-purpose this can be?  

Products used on this card

Paper Pack 6.5x6.5 St Nicholas Collection

Santoro Brown  organza ribbon

Prima Vintage  Emporium Flowers:  586591

Prima Gold Paper Doilies 585006
Spellbinders - Mini-Doilies

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - - walnut

Pre Folded Ivory/Cream card 5in x 6.5in

Kaisercraft - St Nicholas Festive Card :

This is another example of a card that can be easily created for any occasion if you swap out the words Merry Christmas on the vertical strip.  
This card doesn't have full instructions.   I'm really just going to show you the framework for the card.  The embellishing can easily be replicated using my close up photos.  

Step 1.  Here is the base of the card.  Cut all the pieces and ink all the edges.  

Step 2.  I added string cording before gluing the strips to the card.  

Step 3.  Here is the order I generally use when building a cluster: 

• start with the largest flower first
• follow up with smaller flowers.  
• add leaves and pine branches  
• floral berries are last because they are mean to be tucked in as filler
• finally add pearls, sequins or accent beads   

Don't forget to check out my sweet Mitten card that comes with a template you can download and instructions.  You can find them right here.

Mitten Template download can be found here

Thanks again for stopping.  May your entire holiday season be joyful and wonderful. 

Products used :
Paper Cord Ribbon-Olive Green
Paper Pack 6.5x6.5 St Nicholas Collection
 Petaloo Dahlias - Teastained White-Petites x 24 1465-105
Petaloo  Burlap Wild Sunflower Ivory 1223-200
 Spring Cleaning Clearance - Petaloo Spray Brown
Gold Sequins

Pine Punches

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - - walnut

DIY Mitten Cards with Template to Print

 Mittens Card- with Downloadable Template :

I created a sweet set of mittens that can be used as a cool unique card, or double as an ornate box topper decoration. Heck I think they would make sweet tree ornaments as well.  

 My paper for this project was Kaisercraft - St Nicholas Collection.

This is a two-part post - with other card samples and tutorials on Part 2, found here.  

I created a pattern that you can print and make your own mitten set.  It takes me quite a while to create a custom pattern so I am happy to share.  I feel like the time spent  making the pattern is more fruitful if I share.  

I enjoyed embellishing my mittens but if you prefer them to be flat for mailing, just eliminate the bulky embellishments to accommodate shipping.  I have an example of a flatter mitten if you scroll down.  

And if you scroll some more, you'll find my template and my instructions.  So let the scrolling begin!

This is my flat version for mailing to save on postage.  

Here are the Instructions: 

Step 1.  Download my custom template. The Mitten Template download can be found here.  You will need to cut both the right and left hands out for this card.  

If you notice, each hand has two mitten shapes.  One shows a folded line.  This is the base of the card.  It must be cut using a folded piece of paper.  The second form is going to be cut from patterned paper and is a bit smaller than the outside shape.  This was designed so that I did not need to fuss with perfection.  Trying to get cut paper shapes the exact size = misery.  

Mitten Template download can be found here. 

Step 2.  I used two pre-folded cards to create my mittens.  These are cream/ivory and are sized 5in x 6.5in.    Be mindful of the fold.  You definitely do not want to cut the fold.  

 Step 3.  Cut the rest of the pieces out.

TIP: Each mitten hand will have a front and a back.  If you are limited in paper then make sure you have cut one left and one  right hand using the same paper - otherwise your mittens will not match.   You can use a different paper for the flip side of the mittens. 

 

Step 4.  Ink the front and back edges of all pieces.  I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Walnut Stain.

Step 5. Time to attach the mittens together.  

You have some options so let me explain them.  

Option 1.  The mittens I made do not open.  I glued them totally shut because I did not intend them to be greeting cards - but a package decoration with a small sentiment on the palm of the mitten.   

For this option, you'll want to add the string to the inside of the mitten and glue the card closed.  

  Option 2.  This option allows for you to have both mittens open as cards.  For this card option, you'll want to add the string under the mitten layers to hid the string. 

 Option 3.  This option allows for you to have one mitten that opens as a card - and one mitten that does not open.  

Step 6.  Start embellishing as desired.  I'm going to leave the decorating decisions up to you.  

Here is the flip side of the mittens. 

Mitten Template download can be found here

Supplies for Mittens
Paper Cord Ribbon-Olive Green
Paper Pack 6.5x6.5 St Nicholas Collection
 Petaloo Dahlias - Teastained White-Petites x 24 1465-105
Petaloo  Burlap Wild Sunflower Ivory 1223-200
 Spring Cleaning Clearance - Petaloo Spray Brown
Prima Frank Garcia Memory Hardware - Grand Rosette trim 990466

Santoro Brown  organza ribbon

Prima Vintage  Emporium Flowers:  586591

Spellbinders - Mini-Doilies

Pine Punches

Tim Holtz Alterations Holly Greens Thinlits

Tim Holtz Distress Ink - - walnut