Have we overlooked autumn altogether, or is it simply going to arrive unusually late this year? What's happening? While southwest Florida doesn't experience autumn in the same way as northern regions, I've been informed by friends that the weather there has been unusually warm, particularly in the northeast. It's not uncommon to enjoy temperatures in the 80s in November down here, but in Maine. Really? 😶
Regardless of the warm weather, I chose to embrace the 'fall spirit' and craft some notecards suitable for a cool autumn day. I'm also aiming to utilize as many embellishments as possible, along with leftover cards and envelopes. Just like with anything else, occasionally you have to declutter by combining and using items to create space for new items to be repurposed.
The initial step I took was to make a new fabric paper background. If you didn't see my blog post explaining how to complete this process, click the link below.
When making this fabric paper, I opted for muslin cloth as it is lightweight, affordable, and a personal favorite of mine. I frequently incorporate it into my projects. I began by tearing pieces from the Yellow Pages, which surprisingly are still being published. Isn't that fascinating?
After arranging everything as needed, I applied a layer of Mod Podge over it.
For a touch of vibrancy and fun, I incorporated various grocery item photos from the weekly flyers I receive on Tuesdays, along with remnants of rice paper, mulberry paper, and old labels.
In the following step, I added vintage stamps, phrases from magazines, and pieces of decorative tissue paper that I had used for decoupage. I then gently placed the white backing of designer tissues on top and applied another layer of Mod Podge. This created a kewl web-like effect.
Here's how it looked after it dried, and I ironed it.
In the end, I cut it into equal pieces, applied a clear coat, and will apply them to each card.
I decided to spice things up and play around with some blue interference. It gave it a kewl effect.
I started the construction process by pulling out some of my supplies to use. Yes, I do save those little plastic condiment containers to store some of my shiny embellishments.
Afterwards, I took out my fun 'big boy' tools, with a particular fondness for the sturdy seam roller that I 'borrowed' from Stephen. 😉 This heavy tool is ideal for ensuring that everything is flattened and smooth.
Introducing some of my stash of mulberry, handmade and rice background papers.
Before officially starting, I took out my cut piece of thin flexible cutting mat. After a while, these mats get old and deeply scored which makes them unsanitary to use for food, but not for crafting! 😁
The first thing I did was tear a piece of burgundy mulberry paper and adhere it to the card. Isn't it stunning? I think so!
Prior to adhering the fabric paper, I decided to decorate it with ribbon salvaged from a previous purchase of something - can't remember what now. LOL! While many would have likely discarded it, I prefer to keep such items as I believe they can always find a new purpose. After I added the ribbon, I added some plastic stick-on gems.
After adding on all of the embellishments that I wanted, there was still something missing.
The final touch? A hint of colorful glitter! Ohhhhhhhhh yes! So much improved, definitely. Just like adding sprinkles to a plain donut - now we're talking fabulousness!
Above is how I created the initial one, and the subsequent ones are displayed below.
Wouldn't you like to receive one of these? I would! 😍
This Week’s Tea Spilling
I was fortunate to grow up with a mother who instilled in me that if someone went out of their way to do something nice for me, or presented me with a gift, they deserved to be recognized. She taught me the etiquette of handwriting thank you cards and from the time I could hold a pencil/pen, I was sitting at the kitchen table writing them. To this day, I still follow this practice, and I have found that people truly appreciate receiving them. It also makes me feel good to let people know that I truly am thankful. The next time someone does something special for you, why not send them a card? It just might make their day! 😘
I’ll be back next Wednesday to show you what I’ve been working on. Hope you’ll stop by again for a visit.
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