Hand Painted Notecards

 

Hand Painted Notecards


This is a project that literally anyone can do.  I made these on my dining room table.  Photos are a bit shadowy because I don't have a studio or professional lights.  Just me, my dining room table, and my camera phone.  It was so easy, I had to share.  You can make one or dozens.  It's up to you!

1.       1. Gather your materials.

  • Any type of acrylic paint will do in your choice of 3 or 4 colors
  • Blank notecards and envelopes.  I used A2 size which is 4.25 by 5.5
  • Parchment paper (wax paper or butcher paper will work, too)
  • Scraper (or old store rewards card)
  • Low tack tape and/or painter's tape.  


2.      2. Tape paper to your table or workspace to protect it, although if you are using acrylic paint, it is easily wiped off of surfaces. I used painter's tape to adhere my paper.


3.      3. Tape notecard in place so that the front (the part you are painting) has protective paper  underneath it. Put a bit of tape underneath the front section so that it won’t slip as you apply and scrape the paint. I used low tack tape on my notecards so it would come off easily.

4.      4. Place drops of paint horizontally at the top of the notecard.  If you spill some like I did, just keep going.


5.      5. Take a scraper or sturdy card, place it on the notecard just above the paint, scraper side down.  Scrape from top to bottom. Repeat as needed to cover the whole card. What I liked about using an actual scraper is the width of it.


6.      6. Let the card dry overnight.


7.      7. Place the card under a heavy object to flatten it if it has curled a bit. Let it sit overnight.

8.      8. Add a sentiment if you choose.  Your sentiment can  be die cut, handwritten, or made with a cutting machine.  I used a die cut and my  Gemini Jr. Any sentiment will work with the cards from congratulations to thinking of you or even happy birthday.  The sentiment can be placed anywhere on the front or you can skip this step.


9.      9. Write a note inside the notecard and send it to someone to brighten their day or gift the blank notecard to a loved one.

Happiness really is homemade!

Craft Schooling Sunday




Quick Tip Tuesday for Cricut


 


Today's tip:  You do not need to purchase anything to learn to use your Cricut!

There are so many crafters who have created e-books, guides, getting started instructions, youTube videos, and so on.  This just isn't necessary!

If you go to learn.cricut.com, you can search for any topic.  You'll find how-tos, tutorials, and courses on literally every topic related to Cricut from how to set up your machine to how to use print-then-cut and everything in between!  

Learn from the pros and save your money and your time!

Quick Tip Tuesday - Purchasing Supplies


 Never pay full price for supplies!  

Hobby Lobby has crafting supplies on sale at least every other week, anywhere from 40-50% off.  Michaels has coupons and a rewards program.  

dickblick.com

If you are buying art supplies online, I suggest Blick.  Where I live, we don't have Blick in a brick and mortar store, so I have to purchase online.  But that's okay because EVERYTHING is discounted to near wholesale prices.  Their prices can't be beat whether you want canvases, alcohol markers, cardstock, watercolors, adhesive, and so on.  Check them out!

Another website I like is A Cherry on Top.  They have an incredible deal every day, and even if you don't want that deal, they have sales and coupons.  Sign up for emails and get 20% off your first order!

To repeat: Today's tip is to avoid paying full price for supplies!
Happy Crafting!

Easter Treat Boxes

 I have two granddaughters, one who is 4, and one who is 18 months, so I had to do something homemade for them!


I made these mini Easter baskets from cardstock, but they seem rather sturdy, probably due to layering.  The creator of the file that I used is Lucy from Paper Glitter Glue.

I put some Easter grass and a few treats in each basket and plan to drop them off when we are visiting Austin this week.  I'm sure our daughter won't mind keeping them hidden until Easter because we won't see them again before then. I love being a Grammy!  Just wish they lived closer.


I've also been writing more Escape Room games for kids as well as scrapbook layouts and card kits.  They can be found in my shop on Etsy.

Quick Tip Tuesday-Paper Crafts


For scrapbooking or card-making, my tip today is to try a new technique.  I tried inlaid die cutting this week, and I liked the results. I prefer the card on the left, though,

I also did some watercoloring on a stamped image.  I'm pleased with the look but not the way the sentiments turned out.  But I remind myself, "It's only paper!  I can do it again!" I like the lettering on the one on the left, but I prefer the background on the right. My point, though, is try something new!  You've got nothing to lose!

You could try stamping, embossing, die-cutting, watercoloring, brads, eyelets, adding ribbon or other ephemera.  Choose one new thing to try before the month ends.  Go for progress, not perfection!  Good luck and have a crafty week!

Visit Happiness is Homemade and Pinterest for inspiration.

Crafts For All!

 I would like to invite you to join the Crafts for All Facebook group!  You can share projects, ask questions, post pictures.  Whatever you want.  Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro at whatever craft you enjoy, you are welcome.  Come join us!