Friday 8 November 2013

Frosty Festivities

If you’re joining me from Annie at ArtyFartyAnnie then you will already know that today (in fact, the whole weekend) is dedicated to Frosty Festivities, but if you aren’t familiar with festivities of the frosty variety, then let me tell you what we have in store for you this weekend. Frosty Festivities is an annual weekend event, organised by the lovely Jennifer Grace. Over the course of the weekend Jennifer’s blog, Jennifer Grace Creates, will be home to seasonal craft projects, articles and lots of sponsored giveaways!
 
There’s also a seasonally inspired blog-hop (which includes this post from me!) full of craft projects, tutorials and giveaways. If you comment on all the blogs in the hop, finishing at Jennifer Graces Creates  (to let Jennifer know you've been all the way around) then you'll be in with a chance to win an amazing  prize of Simple Stories 'December Documented' and Elle’s Studio 'Noel' goodies, worth over £28! I’ll make sure that you know where to head to next, as soon as I’ve shown off my own little craft project!

 
These little 'mini-cards' are my favourite way to make a little something from the mess that's sat on my desk after a scrapbooking session. It's much more fun than tidying away all of those random little leftover strips of paper, stickers and die-cuts - and it's an excellent way to stretch your stash!

My favourite size for mini-card bases is 3x3. It's cute and dinky, but it's also makes it easy to find leftover pieces of cardstock large enough to turn into a card base. Alternatively, pull out a new sheet of cardstock and make eight 3x3 bases all at once. It's my favourite for such well rounded reasons! :)
 

Usually, I'll start by finding a few co-ordinating pieces of patterned paper, cutting them down into strips approximately 1cm wide. Then, using a simple old glue stick, I'll add them to the front of my mini-cards. I don't worry about lining them up with the edges of the card, as long as they look 'level-ish' then I'm happy enough. It all adds to the charm!
 
When the glue has dried, I'll run each card through my sewing machine to add a little bit of extra texture. I like the simple look of a straight stitch, but more decorative stitches do look awesome, so experiment a little. 


Once the stitching is done, it's onto the fun bit - decoration. I like to find all of the little random, leftover stickers, die-cuts and bits of bling that are left on my desk - the ones that would be such a chore to put away - and stick them on my cards. And honestly, I try not to think about it too much. There's not a lot of space to fill, so keeping it simple seems to work!

 
I've finished off this little set of cards by stamping a simple, holiday sentiment from Dear Lizzy's 'Wonderland Collection' on the inside but, most of the time, I'll be making these little cards at the end of a scrapbooking session and I won't necessarily have an occasion in mind for using them. There's no need to add sentiments until you need to send a little card - just leave them blank and add a sentiment when you're ready!

 
So, before I send you onto the next blog in the Frosty Festivities blog-hop, I just want to mention that I’m sponsoring a giveaway as part of the festivities – where you could win a £12.50 ($20.00) voucher to spend in my little etsy shop, Obstinate Pursuit. You’ll be able to use the voucher on anything in store. And, for this weekend only, I’m also offering a 15% discount on everything in store – just use the voucher code FROSTY15. Now, head on over to Dapfnie Designs for more Frosty Festivities fun!

44 comments:

  1. Your cards are so very lovely!! I love the tiny size. I need to try something in this size. Do you make your own envelopes for these?

    I'm going to check out your Etsy store too.

    Blessings ~~ dawn

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  2. Gorgeous cards....such a great way to use up scraps....I really love the stitching.

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  3. Very nice
    I am a great fan of mini cards

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  4. These are lovely - I've never made mini cards but I can see how they are a great way to use up scraps.

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  5. What an awesome idea for using all the scraps leftover on your table. I know that chaos :P I love the stitching!

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  6. I've made little cards like these but your stitching and sequins add a pretty touch.

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  7. Super cards…I love the clean style and stamping…going to have a go at making some so thank you for the inspiration :)

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  8. What a wonderful set of cards. Very well done.

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  9. Wonderful cards. Your stitching really adds the perfect touch.

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  10. I've been meaning to get my sewing machine out for ages - and this is a great inspiration.

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  11. These are so cute!! Definately going to have a go at making dinky cards before clearing my table of scraps!! I popped over to Etsy too ... your jewellery is stunning! xx

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  12. You have some great ideas there. It's good to have a few cards ready beforehand.

    Julie
    I Create Purty Thangs

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  13. Lovely cards. What a good idea. I have so many scraps like that hanging round in my room.

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  14. I have lots of cute Christmas paper...I really need to make some mini cards. Yours are darling!

    Bethany

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  15. What really great cards! 3x3's, huh?? Must try that size!

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  16. Great way to use up scraps they make such adorable little cards :)

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  17. What a brilliant idea to turn all those scraps into cute cards, love it! :o)

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  18. I love the simplicity of your cards. Have a nice weekend. Ana

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  19. These really make a cute little set of cards! I really like the size as it is indeed cute + not a lot of real estate to dress up. Thanks for the chance to win - off to look at your Etsy shop!
    LCSmithSAVED@juno.com

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  20. What sweet little cards! Cassandra D.

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  21. Gorgeous cards. Great way to use up scraps.

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  22. What a simple and attractive way to use up little scraps!! Love the look of these. Very charming.

    How lovely of you to offer us a gift voucher from your store, too.
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com

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  23. Missed you around! Or have i just been missing your posts? Whatever, it's lovely to see you and of course I should have realized you'd be involved with the wonderful event over at Jennifer's blog. I've always adored these little cards you make and this set is no exception. I might convert the idea to standard card sizes because, as crazy as it sounds, these would be considered "large" as far as post goes as the are not "standard"! Yes, it's a bit odd over here sometimes! But your examples are delightful. I'll def be running a few up!

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  24. Such a great idea - make some extra cards and don't have to worry about cleaning up. Sounds win-win to me. :)

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  25. What stunning cards...and so simple!!!!!!!!!! Will have to have a go at some this size!!! Also will save clearing my desk!! LOL

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  26. good to see you playing with paper again Clair, but your beading skills are just phenomenal! Sending hugs xxx

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  27. Great ideas for using scraps and the end results are simple but classy.

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  28. Cute little cards! Thanks for sharing.

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  29. Such pretty little cards!! I love the idea of using your scraps for cards before even putting them away. I have to give that a try!

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  30. Lovely set of cards and would make a wonderful gift for someone special

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  31. Really effective little cards TFS,

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  32. How simple yet beautiful. Inspiration indeed

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  33. Lovely cards! like them a lot :)

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  34. Mini cards!...what a great idea!
    Alison xx

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  35. If it's dinky, then I'm in! I love anything miniaturised and these are very cute indeed

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  36. I always admire your lil cards, so professional looking without too much faff & chintz.

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  37. What sweet cards! I love the stitching!

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  38. These are so sweet Clair, and I love the idea of whipping up quick cards instead of putting away scraps after a crafting session! Thanks so much for joining in with the hop and for sponsoring a giveaway! x

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  39. these are gorgeous Clair, I love all the different colour combo's. I have a pile of thank you's to make and you inspired me to make mini's..love em!!

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  40. I love the simplicity of these cards - very beautiful and stunning.

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  41. I'm totally pinching this idea, I love it! The cards are so cute but so simple too. Where do you get the envelopes from in that size? I hope you enjoyed my part in the blog hop too.

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