Peaceful Winter Card

Hi friends! I love versitile designand this card can be used for Christmas, Winter or New Year. You can also substitute what I used for what you have! Win win!

There are lots of fun techniques and money saving tips in this video!

This is a “Use what you have” type of project if I ever saw one (cuz who has time to run out for supplies this close to Christmas?)

Here is an example of how I arranged the card elements for slightly different looks.

Supplies (Affiliate links used)

• Embossing folders: The Christmas one is by Darice, the other Embossing folder (3-D) is here. *Tip, the 3-d folders are pricey so I only get generic pattern ones that can be used for multiple cards and occasions to get the most bang for my buck!
• Silver gilding polish (Cosmic Shimmer)
• Black, white and pastel purple and blue cardstock.
• Sentiment stamp
• Snowflake die (I used an old sizzix embosslets but this die set has a similar snowflake and this set has a nice variety too.
• Organza ribbon
• Gems
• Acrylic mousse
• Snowflake stencil (also the fist snowflake dies I linked to can be used as a stencil but I haven’t tried that with paste before.
• Glitter

Before I go I want to relate a funny story. A few years ago I decided that life was too crazy and busy and I didn’t want to make Christmas cards that year. My kids were little and I was overwhelmed so I let that task go and enjoyed December with my family. I believe cards should be made with joy and love, I mean, who would want one made of fatigue and spite LOL! A couple of days after that Christmas I was feeling relaxed and really in the mood to make cards so I made Happy New Years cards and sent them instead! It was a surprise to my family and friends and I think that’s good because it’s nice to have a little perk when you think the festivities have ended and you are staring down the barrel of a long Maine winter. In other words, have fun and make stuff when you want to! Happy crafting!

A Sweet Christmas Card You Can Batch Up and Send in Time for Christmas!

Hi friends! I have another card batch recipe for you tonight. I got 9 cards for this pretty patterned paper. I used an old stamp set and typical supplies you probably have on hand (or something you can make due with.) Adapt it to meet your needs and get those cards mailed! BUT that is to say only if you want to. I never want to pressure people into thinking they have to make their own Christmas Cards or send cards at all for that matter. I enjoy making my Christmas cards but there have been years when it’s just too much. Basically, if you like making cards and have time to then go for it. If you are sneaking 5 minutes of zen time with a cup of tea to enjoy a video during a hectic time that’s totally cool too. Christmas comes with a lot of joy and celebration but it can also be overwhelming and full of expectation. It’s also a hard time for many and I just want to say that you are doing great, don’t wear yourself down trying tot be perfect or please everyone. Your family and friends will love you regardless. Love yourself too. Sit back, chill for a few and watch a fun crafty video.

Cutting guide: I cut my heavyweight cream cardstock in half the long way so you get two A2 (4.25×5.5″) top fold cards per 8.5″x11″ sheet. I cut my 12″x12″ patterned paper into 9 4″x4″ squares. I cut my red cardstock to 4 1/8″x 5 3/8″ panels and then cut the red matting layer out of the center where it will be hidden by the pattern paper layer. The stamped label was cut from watercolor paper.

Supplies (Affiliate links may be used)

• Stamps (Greeting card Kids-Retired Stampin Up)
• Ink pad: Black Archival
• Watercolor paper (canson XL)
• Watercolors (Pretty Excellent Brand-They are awesome and affordable!)
• Burlap ribbon with lace trim
• Pattern Paper (The Paper Studio) similar color scheme papers here
• Red and cream cardstock

I hope you enjoyed this project! Take care and til next time happy crafting!

Snow Day & Santa Cards!

Hi friends! Today is out first “snow day” where school is canceled and we are all home. I have all my Christmas cards ready to be addressed and mailed out and I think we will decorate the inside of the house for Christmas. I think I will make some homemade pizza dough today too since we are all here and I love the smell of bread baking. It doesn’t get much more homey that that!

Today I am going to share one of this years Christmas card designs. I will warn you I am using some older product so if you want to make this card you can substitute it for stuff you have. I love using up older products and mixing older stamps with new papers and stuff. I don’t like how stamping has become so “fast fashion-like” with stamps being discontinued as soon as you buy them. You can use any frame or wreath stamp in lieu of the frame I used and stamp a Santa face if you don’t have this paper (although I just bought this sheet of paper so it should still be available LOL!) Watch the video and then make your own!

Supplies (affiliate links may be used)

• Pattern Paper: the Paper Studio (25 cents a sheet on sale)
• Kraft cardstock (lightweight)
• Cream cardstock (#110 heavyweight)
• Ink (versafine Clair ink Rainforest and Glamour)
• Embossing folder (Botanical 3D folder by Sizzix/Tim Holtz)
• Sentiment Stamp & Dies (from Poinsettia stamp set by Stampendous)
• Stamps: Sorry, I can’t find these available anywhere:( Frame Stamp & Die (from Cameo stamp set I think was from Time Holtz/Sizzix)
• Mini Bow Die (Waffle Flower)
• Other: Gems/Pearls/Rhinestones

I’ll share some other quick and easy Christmas cards and favors over the next week or so. In addition to making something meaningful crafting can give you a relaxing break from the hectic holiday season. Happy crafting!

Another free printable card kit!

Hi friends! The last free printable card kit I posted with Craftsuprint was so fun we decided to do another one! Today we will make this fast, fun and free Christmas handbag card using a free template from sponsor CraftsUPrint. You can download it for free here. Please share this link with all your frugal craft buddies and craft facebook groups. Craftsuprint wants you to tell as many people as you can about this stunning Christmas freebie.
*You do not need to create an account or sign up for anything to download the printable template. They are happy to print out the template for free and mail it to you but they do charge a shipping and handling charge up to $4.80 to post it anywhere in the world and they also include a $4 craft gift in printed requests to offset the shipping cost.

These cards are beautiful and very easy to make so print out a few extra and you can make a bunch at once and be ready for the holidays early!

Supplies:

• Printed templates (see links above)
• Double-sided tape
• Foam tape
• Wet (or hot) glue
• Any other embellishments you want to add!

Watch the video for directions or refer to the step by step instructions included in the kit. If you liked this project you may also like these other handmade purse cards designed by Sandie Burchell or any of the other printables available at CraftsUprint, they have something for every occasion and every level of crafter! Big thanks to Craftsuprint for sharing the beautiful freebie and thanks to you for crafting with me today! Happy crafting!

Get Your Craft On With This Free Printable Card Kit!

Hi friends! You are probably not thinking about Christmas Cards yet but with the heat we have been having it is kinda nice to chill out in my cool craft room and create some! Plus it’s nice to have a few done ahead of time because it gets really busy once the holiday’s roll around!

This video is sponsored by craftsUprint! Snag the free printables for today’s project video here.
*Note, you can download this kit for free. You can also get a free printed version of the 7-page template at the link above. A $4.80 postage & handling fee will apply and they ship worldwide. The printed version will also come with a craft gift worth $4. If you have trouble downloading you can contact CraftsUprint support here.

Supplies:

• Free craft printable available here
• Adhesive (strong double-stick tape, foam tape, and glue stick)
• Ruler
• Bone folder, stylus or butter knife for scoring

If you enjoyed this tutorial please check out the other On the Shelf cards and other printables CraftsUprint has to offer. These affordable templates are fun, unique and are sure to brighten someone’s day! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

5 Ways To Make Buffalo Plaid Using Supplies You Already Have!

Hi friends! Today I’ll show you how to use the supplies you already have to make buffalo plaid!

These techniques can be used on paper (we will use paper and make Christmas cards with the results) or on furniture, fabric or home decor.

Get that popular farmhouse chic look with the easy techniques in today’s video!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry  Use coupon code: LINDSAY and receive 15% off your retail order of $10 or more of peg stamps, peg stamp sets, and unmounted stamps! Coupon expires a week from this video publication. Continue to receive great deals by becoming a PegStamp VIP here. As a PegStamp VIP you’ll get a weekly deal via email plus links to fabulous tutorials by me, Lindsay the Frugal Crafter and other designers.

Supplies: (for cards)

• Gingerbread Wonderland stamp set 
• Trinkets and Wishes Stamp Set
• Winter Pine Border peg stamp set
• Holiday Garden Peg stamp set
• Dye ink pads
• Ink brush
• Bakers twine, wood embellishments, leaf and vine die cuts

For the DIY Buffalo Plaid:

• White and red cardstock
• Masking tape
• Striped stencil
• Red and black ink
• Fun Foam (aka craft foam)
• Plastic canvas and heat tool (optional)
• Chip brush (stiff bristle brush)
• Sponge blender (A make-up wedge works great!)
• Acrylic paint
• Small brayer or roller

Buffalo plaid Techniques:
1. Stencil + Ink applied with blender brush
2. Stencil and inkpad direct to paper (smudge with foam blender)
3. Stencil and acrylic paint dry brushed
4. DIY fun foam stamps to stamp plaid, Bonus! Heat foam with heat tool and press to plastic canvas for a fabric texture.
5. Ink plus small brayer.

If you are doing a home decor project paint your item your base color with acrylic paint (red or white are good bases) and let dry then use masking tape to make stripes like we did with the stencil, dry brush on the second color and let dry. Then remove the first tape and replace it going perpendicular and dry brush the second color again. Please feel free to substitute supplies for what you own. Have fun and til next time happy crafting!

 

Easy Scene Building with my NEW Clear Stamp Set from Rubber Stamp Tapestry!

Howdy friends! As I write this I am suffering with my first cold of the season. It’s snowing outside too and I have been convalescing by watching lots of Christmas DIY decorating videos on YouTube and lots of HGTV. When I feel better I am going to knock down some walls and shiplap everything LOL! Just kidding:) I will say though, that I have the christmas decorating bug big time right now. It is an odd feeling for me that returned to me last year about this time. I say odd because I used to absolutely dread seasonal decorating and I think it was because my house was so cluttered but ever since the “big declutter of 2017” I have found joy in holiday decorating and entertaining again! Why am I bringing this up you might ask. I’m not entirely certain but I think when we stamp we can do a trial run of ideas on a small scale. It’s kinda like a “vision board” when you gather ides on color, texture, layers and design elements. We can play and pretend. We can arrange a space to see what we think and try colors together with no consequences and we have a cute card to mail when we are done!

All sorts of problems can be worked through when we create whether we are painting or stamping, knitting or sewing. Stepping into the “right brain” whimsy can leave the logical side of the brain to work through whatever it is it needs to fester on while we enjoy being in the zone and creating. Remember that anytime you feel like you are being too indulgent or just “wasting time” as you create. It’s not a waste if you enjoy it. Take 3 hours to make a card if you want to, it’s your card, it’s your supplies. Supplies are only wasted if they are never used. You have my permission to get out your supplies and play, who know what it will lead to?

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry  Use coupon code: LINDSAY and receive 15% off your retail order of $10 or more of peg stamps, peg stamp sets, and unmounted stamps! Coupon expires a week from this video publication. Continue to receive great deals by becoming a PegStamp VIP here. As a PegStamp VIP
you’ll get a weekly deal via email plus links to fabulous tutorials by me, Lindsay the Frugal Crafter and other designers.

Supplies (Affiliate links used)

• Fireside Christmas clear stamp set
• Trinkets and Wishes clear stamp set
• Hello Mistletoe peg stamp set
• Christmas Traditions peg stamp sets
• Christmastime peg stamp set
• Dye ink pads
• Ink blending brush
• Sponge daubers (great deal on 40 pack!)
• Studio 71 marker set of 48
• White cardstock for markers (neenah classic crest)
• Kraft cardstock
• Washi tape
• Stencil

I hope you found this project inspiring and entertainng. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happty crafting!

Build a Gingerbread House Card {and the joy found in a scrap of mylar!)

Howdy friends! I just got my new release of stamps in the mail this week! I have 3 new Christmas clear stamp sets exclusivly with Rubber Stamp Tapestry!

I was most excited to try out this stamp set but don’t worry, I’ll give you ideas with the other ones coming up so you can have a fun time making cards, gift card holders and fun Christmas packaging with them this year! Watch the video to see how I made this card.

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry  Use coupon code: LINDSAY and receive 15% off your retail order of $10 or more of peg stamps, peg stamp sets, and unmounted stamps! Coupon expires a week from this video publication. Continue to receive great deals by becoming a PegStamp VIP here. As a PegStamp VIP
you’ll get a weekly deal via email plus links to fabulous tutorials by me, Lindsay the Frugal Crafter and other designers.

Supplies:

• Stamp sets: Gingerbread Wonderland,  (Other Stamps Shown) Fireside Christmas,
  Let it Snow, Trinkets and Wishes
• Snowflake Pegstamps
• Embossing powder (clear and bridal)
• Clear embossing ink (for embossing snowflakes)
• Versafine Clair ink (colors)
• Brown, kraft, blue and white cardstock
• Foam tape
• Glue
• Scrap of mylar, batting for some fun fiber for “smoke” in the chimney

The coolest thing about this card (to me) was stamping that sentiment inside the house at the last-minute and also finding a use for that scrap of Mylar I came across looking for papers for an unrelated project. Think of all the treasures that could be hiding in the nooks and crannies of your crafty storage. When I was little my mom use to tell us to clean our closet if we wanted a new toy because we would find something we forgot about (and we always did!) and it would be just like a new present! The best thing about these new old treasures is that they are like new goodies that are already bought and paid for so we can enjoy them without guilt. Have fun shopping your stash and til next time happy crafting!

Scene Stamping a 1 Layer Christmas Card & FUN News!

Hi friends!  I have some exciting news I can’t wait to share but first I’m going to show you how to make this Christmas Card!

Grab your stamps, ink and paper and let’s play!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry  Use coupon code: LINDSAY and receive 15% off your retail order of $10 or more of peg stamps, peg stamp sets, and unmounted stamps! Coupon expires a week from this video publication. Continue to receive great deals by becoming a PegStamp VIP here. As a PegStamp VIP
you’ll get a weekly deal via email plus links to fabulous tutorials by me, Lindsay the Frugal Crafter and other designers.

Supplies:

• Peg stamp sets: Hello Mistletoe, Christmas Traditions, Deer Forest, Small twinkle light, Branch from Cherry Blossom set
• Unmounted sets: Woods in Winter, Trees
• Inks:Memento, Versafine Clair (waterproof for focal tree in rainforest),Distress ink in Antique Linen
• Ink blending brushes
• Metallic and gel pens for making the ornaments stand out
• Waterbased markers
• Bristol board (cut 9″x12″ sheet in half to make a card)
• Post it notes, masking tape

Now for some exciting news…

I have 3 new stamp sets with rubber stamp tapestry! I am so excited to play with them. They are scene building stamps so they have made them in high quality clear stamp material so they take ink well and are easy to line up. What do you think? Click on the link to see the stamp set!

Due to the nature of building scenes I think having these as clear stamps will be wonderful! You can see all of the stamps in my collection here. I am most excited to use the gingerbread stamp set.Tune in next week to see them in action! It is so cool to see an idea go from something in my head and sketchbook to a wonderful stamp. I hope you get joy creating with them too. Have a great Saturday and til next time happy crafting!

Using freehand elements to improve your cards!

Hi friends! Have you have tried to stamp a scene with multiple images on a card and felt like everything was floating, nothing matched or it just didn’t feel whole? Today I will show you how you can add a few hand drawn elements to make your card feel cohesive and complete.

Watch the video to see how!

This tutorial is sponsored by Top Flight Stamps! SAVE 10% off your next order with coupon code: thefrugalcrafter10 *USA orders of $50+ ship free!

Supplies (contains affiliate links)

• KatzelKraft Cats
• Katzelkraft Sleigh
• Cream heavyweight cardstock
• Watercolor Paper (6″x9″ Aquabee)
• Watercolors (Pretty Excellent brand, yes, that’s really the name LOL! )includes waterbrush
• Red pattern paper
• Black Waterproof Archival ink
• ATG adhesive
• Extra Fine tip Sharpie
• White gel pen

Make sure when you are hand drawing elements that you use a pen that matches your stamping ink color and will work with your coloring medium. I used a black sharpie because it was black like my stamping ink and was waterproof so it wouldn’t smear when I painted it with watercolors. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and til next time happy crafting!