If there's a common thread throughout this small series of Happiness Card tutorials, it's that the cards themselves aren't impossible to reproduce. In truth, even though most of what I make is on the complicated side, with a little extra time and a sizable stash of odds and ends, it's totally doable. The kicker is figuring out how to start; choosing colors, deciding on papers, pulling embellishments, etc. I mostly work from instinct. There's never a set plan. I might sacrifice five minutes upfront to Pinterest for a burst of inspiration, but other than that, the goal is to start something because nine times out of ten, it's initiating the creative process that takes the greatest amount of effort...at least for me. I'm a gal who is full of excuses, but we'll save that topic for different day. For now, let's just move on, shall we?
The challenge to this card is getting all the layers added in the right order so as to avoid ripping things apart later on. Can't tell you the number of times I've ruined a perfectly decent project that way. Pay close attention to the instructions. Today, we're playing with Circles and Folders!
Most of the supplies used to construct the card are from Crate Paper's newest collection, "On Trend". The collection is expected to release mid-August, possibly sooner. :))
There are three main components to this card.
1. A "On Trend" Journal Card
2. Hand-trimmed section of Crate's "On Trend" patterned paper
3. October Afternoon Mini Lt. Blue Folder
Everything about this card is kind of "off-key", meaning that a predominant portion of the design elements are either tilted at an angle, or are intentionally mismatched. So, forget straight edges and all that other business. And also, only use a paper trimmer when you absolutely have to.
Adhere the patterned paper to the journal card with a small torn section of washi tape. Lay the folder on top the two items, but don't adhere it down just yet. It's location is reliant on the positioning of other neighboring pieces. There's also an item or two to place beneath it.
Moving along, take a large circular label (Recollections/Michaels Craft Store) and punch the center from it with the help of a Spellbinders medium sized pinking circle (JoAnn Crafts). Back the open area with neutral patterned paper (Crate Paper/On Trend) and a die-cut floral arrangement (Crate Paper/On Trend).
*Crate Paper's collection kits include a die-cut paper version of their chipboard designs. If you prefer to skip the bulk of chipboard (such as in this instance), a paper option is available.
Position the background paper and floral arrangement on top the mini blue folder, though don't adhere quite yet. Set it aside temporarily.
Because Crate Paper's chipboard frames are usually grouped together to save on space, occasionally, a thin outline/separation area is included between one or two of the frames. I happened to use one here and in doing so, backed it with dark patterned paper (Crate Paper/On Trend) and placed on top of it, On Trend's "Hello" multi-layered sticker.
Now go ahead and adhere down the pre-designed circle from before onto the mini blue folder, with the addition of a "hot pink clock" (Crate Paper/On Trend). I layered the clock in black cardstock. The clock is tucked ever-so-slightly beneath the flowers - look closely :)
*Adhere the folder down, as well. Tuck the lower portion behind the top-most layer of the "hello" sticker.
Tie a small bow around the deer and position it with glue dots. Add a third section of smaller chipboard circles (Crate Paper/On Trend) and adorn with a small rhinestone.
Apply and overlap two of the On Trend border stickers (Scallop Stripe/Pink Florals) as shown. Cut a small snippet of gold washi tape and add that as well.
You can either maintain the card "as is", or continue to implement more layers. I felt the card benefited from an extra couple of sheets of paper; green-yellow cardstock, medium green-blue cardstock, yellow striped patterned paper (Crate Paper/Paper Heart), and black cardstock.
Apply a thin layer of "Antique Linen" Distress Stickles along the length of the washi tape. Let it dry for a minimum of three hours. If you don't like the look of Distress Stickles, try Stickles Glitter instead. Either/or is a quick, convenient means of upgrading Washi Tape...hey, does anyone know if there's actual glitter washi tape out there? That would be a really cool idea!!
*Glitter Washi-Tape - for it, or no? Just a small sprinkling would do the trick ;) Or, how about confetti and glitter between two strips of semi-opaque washi-tape? Must try that out myself....
Don't forget to decorate the inside of the folder. Most my folder is taken up by the photo, and journaling. I positioned one small hand-made embellishment piece to the inside - Small Alpha "p" (Crate Paper/On Trend Chipboard), and a bi-layer/pop-dotted, small ornate patterned paper piece (Crate Paper/On Trend).
Once you finish the card, clip it to your board - you don't want to lose it!
~
However you go about choosing to express an instance of happiness, it doesn't always have to be on a grand scale. Skip the card format if you're limited on time. Not every addition to the board has to be sizable, nor does it have to something you've made.The sole purpose of this project is to identify what makes you happy, and then run with it so that later on, when life throws you a curve ball, you have a couple of escape routes at your disposal. Personally, nothing beats a cup of ice cream and a warm blanket at the end of the night following a long day's work. Pure relaxation.
Night everyone! Hope you're enjoying the weekend thus far!
