Hello & Happy 4th of July to all! Finally, step-by-step instructions for last week's "Mapping Happiness" card. I'm terribly sorry as to my tardiness in posting this. I've been without the usual free time the last five days because Crate Paper is in the middle of getting ready for the announcement of it's new design team, and also, it's three BRAND NEW collections!! Incase you might be interested, the team and collections premier next week, starting July 9th, at the Crate Paper blog. As always, there will be collection giveaways, so you won't want to miss out on those. And if I may suggest, get ready because the new collections are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! I'm not just saying that either! This is by far my favorite CP release ever!! Crate is modernizing & playing house using designs that are fresh, eclectic and over-the-top cool! You are going to love them! Also, an assortment of new product types are to be made available with each new collection, including a few that I can't wait to get my hands on :) I can hardly wait 'til next week - there is so much to be shared.
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Time to start the "I Love You" Happiness Card - we're going to jump right on in. If this is your first time visiting the tutorial series, I recommend a quick read HERE. There are some general tips and techniques noted, as well as a general overview of the tutorial's overall format.
I love to fill frames with random items without necessarily taking direction from a pre-established plan. One thing I've learned about this technique over the years is that anything can be made into a frame. Even if it's intended purpose is outside the realm of "framing", there's nothing to stop me from turning it into some semblance of a frame. All that's needed for the transformation is a scissors/exacto knife, ruler and pencil. Trace out the location of the frame's opening and then trim and remove.
*Quick Tip: For a quick, no-brainer frame, pull out a pre-designed journal card/die-cut with ledger lines, or a drawn rectangular area. Use them as a guide to create your own one-of-a-kind frame. Lastly, frames don't always have to be centered. One that falls slightly to the left or right is more interesting in the end. Even tiny openings trimmed from a large something-or-other are kinda fun. Take advantage of the infinite possibilities here and forget the rules. ;)
To begin today's card, start with a frame, and then add to it varying/contrasting materials. I chose a yellow envelope die-cut (October Afternoon: Nine to Five) as my frame. I trimmed the center section from the envelope with a scissors. Just after, I applied the following list of items to the frame's opening:
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- "Keep" sticker (Jenni Bowlin: Memo Hodge Podge Stickers)
- #5 Tag (Elle's Studio: Vintage Mix & Match Numbers)
- Gold Frame Transparency (Hambly: Resigned)
- "Thinking of You" rub-on (American Crafts: Original Dear Lizzy Mini Pounce Phrase Multi Mini Marks).
The frame could of easily passed on it's own, but I'm not one to give up on an opportunity to "pile" it on! Laugh. So, I brought a second frame (MME: Nostalgia Accessories Sheet) to the design. This one just happens to be a major favorite die-cut from My Mind's Eye. Love this particular die-cut set, too!! Though before having adhered the yellow envelope to it, I stacked behind the envelope a pink circle/dotted 1/2 banner combination (Elle's Studio: Retired & October Afternoon: Sidewalks Chipboard Stickers). Also, behind the envelope was a vertical striped flag (MME: Follow Your Heart/Be Amazing 12" x 12" Chipboard).
*The envelope was adhered to the second frame with pop-dots.
Finally, for an extra boost of texture, a chipboard heart (American Crafts: Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Printed Chipboard) and two pieces of ribbon were applied as shown.*When combining ribbons, try to mix and match different styles, patterns and textures. As a final touch, a ribbon and vintage glass button was stapled and sewn to the top of the card.
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Sweet & Simple. Ok, maybe not that simple, but you know what I mean. Laugh. None too complicated!! :) Another happiness card has found it's way to the Mapping Happiness Board!
It's time for me to devote the evening to a round of fireworks! Thank-you to everyone for the visit today - again, do have a safe & happy Fourth!
