Paper Cuts on Cards

Handmade greeting cards are as satisfying to make as to give away. I've experimented with basic paper cutting but would love to make intricate ones that breathtakingly turn a blank sheet of paper from blah to TADA!:

via etsy

via etsy

via etsy

via etsy

via etsy

Lovely, aren't they?

I wish you all an exciting weekend!

The Pink Ribbon

Howdy! Today, another handmade greeting card.

Here's how I turned a blank piece of card stock from blah to TADA!

I filled it with all sorts of pink ribbons using watercolor.

I chose these bows in shades of pink because they remind me of sweet baby girls, little girls' pigtails and dresses, and dreamy weddings. 

And because it's Breast Cancer awareness month, these are also a symbol of courage for

each and everyone touched by it.

Paper Quilled Cards

I've been making my own handmade cards and I've been wondering how many people make theirs, too. So I trolled around Etsy and found many, many crafters committed to card making.

I was especially attracted to these cards with paper quilled designs. Paper quilling, also known as paper filigree, is a method of rolling thin strips of paper into shapes and gluing them onto a surface to form designs like flowers.

Here, have a look:   

via etsy

via etsy

via etsy

via etsy

via etsy

via etsy

Pretty, right? I like how they add color, dimension and texture to a handmade card. I would love to make my own using recycled paper, of course -- blah to TADA!

If you'd like to dip your hand into paper quilling, you may read more about it here.

Balloons and Bicycles

Card making is a low involvement craft that you can do in a few minutes. It's handmade and heartfelt.

With this as my inspiration... 

And these for my materials...

A plain canvas changes from blah to TADA!

This card is on it's way to cheer up a friend. {I hope she likes it!}

A Collection of Cards

Hello there! I hope your week is off to a productive start. I've told you before that I like making handmade cards. They're therapeutic to put together and are guaranteed to be one of a kind. 

Simple materials like watercolor, craft punches, double-sided tape and markers can transform blah card stock to TADA! 

This week, I'll show you some of the cards I've made recently.

This one is for my little niece who is turning one month old this October.

And this one is for the parents, my brother and his wife, who will mark their first month as "dad" and "mom". 

They say, "You'll always remember your first" -- whether a first birthday, first anniversary, first car, first home, first job...these are milestones worth celebrating.

A Chalkboard Vase

Today, I have a final chalkboard craft to share.

I'm turning this bottle from blah to TADA! by making it into a chalkboard vase.

After removing the label and cleaning the bottle, I put a strip of tape around its belly. Then I painted on three coats of chalkboard paint {with a one-hour drying time in between, and letting it fully dry overnight}. 

I gently removed the tape, hoping for a clean line. But the paint would cling to the tape as I peeled it off, thus the jagged edges. Oh well, it adds a homemade touch.

Because it's October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, I'm dedicating this craft to all those affected by Breast Cancer. 

I would fill my chalkboard vase with blooms and refill it often. I hope the words I write on it with chalk will tell my loved one battling the disease that we're here for her.

I would also send flowers to the primary caregivers because it's their battle, too. Emotionally and physically. 

And to all who fought the good fight, especially my dearest Auntie A and Auntie E, you will always be loved and remembered.

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Chalkboard DIY

Growing up, I had a mini chalkboard where I would practice my penmanship and draw silly doodles on. I also used it when I pretended to be a teacher with my stuffed animals as my students. Somehow, it felt powerful that I was yielding the chalk and I had everyone's attention {even if they were all inanimate}.

I'm happy that chalkboards never really went away, that's why I'm making some chalkboard-inspired crafts all this week.

But today, I'm keeping it old school.  

I'm recycling this wood backing from a damaged frame. I think it deserves a second life.

 A quick appointment with the sanding block for paint to easily adhere.

After cleaning the newly-sanded wood with a rag, apply several coats of chalkboard paint. Let this dry overnight.

 Before we can christen it a "chalkboard", a few more steps:

Apply a layer of chalk to condition the surface.

Wipe away the chalk layer with a damp cloth.

Add a hanging device -- I'm using some twine and hot glue. And now, I present to you our chalkboard:

I'd use it to make mundane chore lists more fun...just erase the completed task and move on to the next.

It's also great for making signs for any occasion. TADA!