Hometown Paper Collection Pre-CHA Release

Last weekend, while we were at Art at the Edge, I had a little special gift for everyone who attended...everybody at the event received some samples of a brand new product line I've been working on for the past few months...

And, somehow, a few pics got posted and before we knew it, we had people from all over the country, and all over the world, asking where they could get this new product. 

It's called "Hometown." It's a collection of craft papers, designed using images from the small river-town where I live, Newburgh, Indiana.  The collection is reminiscent of life in a simpler time, with images of historic homes, vintage patterns, and local landmarks and is rooted in home, history and family. It's a beautiful collection of craft papers that will be perfect for home decor projects, mixed media projects, heritage scrapbook layouts, handmade cards, and especially masculine cards.

 

We hadn't planned to release the collection until January 2015 at the Craft and Hobby Association Show in Anaheim California, but because we've had so many folks asking, we decided to do a limited, Pre-CHA release.  A limited number of sets will be available in late November. I can't give out all the details yet, but I wanted to give you a little peek and a little heads up that the Hometown Collection will be available in late November. Keep an eye out at your local scrapbook stores and art supply stores...I think you're going to love the nostalgic feel of this collection. 

I can't wait for you to see it!  

Handmade Vintage Style Card

Admittedly, I am not the best card maker in the world, I rather ply my trade to canvas, books, inks and paints...but like anything, with practice you get better.  I'm getting lots of cardmaking practice lately..I'm beginning to have a little more faith in my abilities. This is a simple vintage style card, that's clean and simple...fresh vintage.  

It's just a couple Spellbinders die cuts, layered on paper, a stamped image, and some pearl embellishments to finish.  This card is kind of special, it's my mom's birthday next week, so I wanted to send something handmade.  I like the way it turned out.  

And what's cool about the photo above?  I found the antique spool in the photo in my great grandmother's sewing machine drawer...so the antique spool matches the stamped image on the card.  There's no doubt my mom will see the connection when she gets this card.  

Cardmaking, like any art is a skill...it takes time to develop a skillful eye and careful hand...I'm glad I am getting to practice my cardmaking techniques lately...it's giving me more confidence to create and make cards. 

Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you enjoyed this clean and simple vintage card.  

'til next time, 

Ken

Handmade Card: Sending Out Love

Hi again blog friends, it's that time of year when we're all very busy with shopping, holiday parties, making Christmas cards, and celebrating the season, but with the tragedy this week in Connecticut, and the grief we're all sharing, I just wanted to take a minute to send out a little LOVE in the way of a simple handmade card.



Cardmaking does not need to be overly complicated or difficult.

To create this card, I used the Spellbinders Card Creator Die Templates to cut my layers.  Using the Card Creator you can Choose your design, Assemble your pieces, Refine your details, and you are Done.

Create the basic layers for the front with  Spellbinders Card Creator A-2 Matting Basics A and
Spellbinders Card Creator A-2 Fancy Postage Stamps.  They are prefect for A2 sized cards.  I used sheet music and a red and white dotted patterned paper to get this look.

Then lightly ink the edges to give the card a vintage feel.  I used Stazon Timber Brown.  It goes on easy and dries very quickly. Then I glued all the layers together.



Cool Cardmaking Tip:
Emboss your envelope.  It really makes your card pop.  Your envelope is like the "gift wrap" of your card. Make it special.  And it looks REALLY cool.



Next create a small address label for the address.  I used Spellbinders Card Creator A-2 Fancy Postage Stamps die template.  And lightly ink all the edges.



Then finish with a handmade Spiral Blossom and a sheer metallic ribbon loop.  It's very elegant. If you are concerned about a very dimensional flower on your card, here's a tip: before you affix your flower to your card, turn it upside down on your work surface and lightly mash it down with the heel of your palm.  It will flatten slightly and curl the petals back naturally, and gives you more surfaces to ink.

Tools and Supplies I Used:
A-2 Kraft Card and Envelope
Spellbinders™ Grand Calibur
Spellbinders Card Creator A-2 Matting Basics A
Spellbinders Card Creator A-2 Fancy Postage Stamps
Spellbinders Spiral Blossom One
Spellbinders Mbossabilities Venetian Side A
My Minds Eye 6×6 Paper “The Station”
Tsukineko StazOn Timber Brown
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Almost Black
Ribbon
Adhesive





So, here's sending a little LOVE your way today...make sure to do something nice today...compliment s complete stranger, pay some one's toll, or say Merry Christmas to someone you don't know, hug a friend or call a dear old friend just to say hi,  just put a little love out into the universe...little ripples create big waves.

Sending love and hugs your way,
Ken