Saturday, October 16, 2010

~ Being a Thrifty Cardmaker ~ a "tutorial"

Hi there! So glad you dropped by. Sorry that I didn't post for the last few days; I've been super busy working on submissions for PaperCrafts ... their upcoming issue Cards and Gifts ...

But here I am today with a card to share and a "tutorial" of sorts.

I do my best to keep my crafting expenditure in hand. Sometimes it's kind of hard. And we all face this "difficulty", don't we? Show of hands please!

So I wanted to show you today how I pinch a penny, or pinch several pennies for each project I work on. Let's start here.

Do you see this 6" x 6"sheet of Webster's Pages patterned paper? from the Lullaby Lane collection ...

ThriftCard_1 

I started with a cardstock base card (13x13 cm) and this single sheet of 6" x 6" patterned paper. And came up with ... this ...

ThriftCard_3 

... good way to save those dollars AND stretch your creative juice! :)

First I trimmed out the layered sections (the clock and flower area), then I trimmed out the square section. The scraps were flipped over and fitted, then trimmed to match. It really was a squeeze; these scraps are what I was left with at the end ...

ThriftCard_2 

tiny, tiny scraps!! Looking at the card, it's pretty hard to tell that it is composed of only one sheet (I think).

ThriftCard_4 

and that's not the only way to save $$...

ThriftCard_5 

I get my silk flowers and ribbons from totally-non-craft stores - the flower was like, $2.00 for over twenty pieces, and the ribbon, less than a dollar for one meter.

and your stamps too, don't go shopping for one stamp just to fit the space on a card. The sentiment was in one line, but by carefully inking two words at a time, I fitted it onto my die-cut tag. Dies are expensive, but they are investments - no need to buy ready cut tags, right? The beautiful flourish stamp is one that I love to use over and over again, in so many different ways.

And then...

ThriftCard_6 

... make your own trinkets. I "borrowed" a sewing pin from my mom and slipped two pearl beads below it. A little liquid adhesive secures the whole thing together. So much better to do everything handmade!

Of course I am not discouraging you from shopping at your local craft store/online; I love to shop at my LSS's too, but when your budget is getting tight, or your creative juice needs to go farther ... try a thrifty card! You'll be surprised at the places you go! :)

ThriftCard_7 

patterned paper: Webster's Pages
stamps: PaperTrey Ink and BasicGrey
tag die: KCK
others: twine, kraft cardstock, silk flower, ribbon, pearls, sewing pin

Let me know your thoughts on saving on your scrap-budget! I'd love to hear how you do it.

Thank you so much for dropping by!

~ Viola




10 comments:

  1. These cards are absolutely beautiful! Such lovely colours! Thank you for the sweet comment on my blog too!!

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  2. This is one very gorgeous looking card! And I absolutely love your budget saving tips! I'm sure to keep that in mind! :) thanks for the lovely tutorial! :)
    Hugs,
    Stacy

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  3. Absolutely lovely! And love the fun use you saved your papers! :) How awesome! Thanks for sharing!

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  4. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! because now I've found yours!!! Amazing and beautiful card!!!

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  5. beautiful card and great tutorial! :)

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  6. Oh that's beautiful!! Thanks for visiting my blog....I'll definitely keep an eye on yours too!

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  7. Oh my!!!! You are sooooooooo talented!!! There's so much eye candy here:D I'll come and visit again!!!!

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  8. Hi Viola, thanks for dropping by my blog. I love your cards! And your thrifty tips too :) will be back for sure!

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  9. Love your card and your neat tips. I too like saving money in a creative way. Thanks for dropping by my blog. Will be back again.

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