Holidays by Hand: My Papercraft Experiment
This week’s Holidays by Hand host is Rachel at smallnotebook.org. Visit her blog for more fun papercrafting ideas!
I have a lot of scrapbook paper around. In the spirit of frugality, simplicity, and re-purposing, I decided that I would try to use some of it to make holiday gifts this year.
My idea was to make monogrammed notecards. I gave it a go this weekend and I think they’re turning out pretty well.
These “prototype” cards were very simple to make. I decided to use size A2 envelopes (4.375″ x 5.75″) , so the flat size of the cards is either 4″x11″ or 8″x5.5″ (depending on orientation) and the folded size is 4″x5.5″. I used my 1-1/2″ circle die cutter (a glorified hole punch) to punch a circle in the front of the note, and then I stamped the inside back with a single letter in a complementary color. I also experimented with stamping a monogram on card stock, cutting it out with my die cutter, and then adhering it to the front of the card. (That’s the card with the yellow paper with red flowers and a “J” on the front).
It’s a little tricky to get the monogram in just the right place, especially if you’re not an experienced stamper, (and I’m not) but clear acrylic stamps make this a lot easier. Of course you can use any number of die cut shapes and sizes, as well as styles and sizes of letter stamps. I’m also planning to make one set of notes for Vintage Girl’s birthgrandma using a dragonfly stamp and iridescent ink on solid color cards.
For the monogrammed notes, my plan is to make sets of 6-8 notes in different designs, each with a matching envelope, tied together with ribbon. I think they’ll make very nice gifts, and it feels good to use craft supplies I already have to create something new. Plus I’m having a great time getting back to the craft table – too much blogging means very little crafting these days!
Holidays by Hand is a six-week festival featuring handmade holiday gifts. If you’d like to join in, the contact information for each blogger host is here.
November 11th, 2008 at 5:14 am
[...] Stars by Lost Button Studio This Adorable Notebook from Simply Vintagegirl Handmade Monogrammed Notecards from Vintage Mommy Check these out and more great ideas at Small Notebook [...]
November 11th, 2008 at 6:19 am
These are great. thanks for the inspiration…..
November 11th, 2008 at 6:28 am
You’ve made this look so easy!
I’m going to have to try it.
The Other Lauras last blog post..Behold the Power of the Internet
November 11th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Wow, I so admire people who are crafty!
Lizs last blog post..Rise and Shine
November 11th, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Thes are fantastic!
Mrs. G.s last blog post..Denial
November 11th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Thanks for all the enthusiasm! Now I guess I’ll have to get busy and finish making all the rest . . . and yes, it really was pretty easy.
Vintage Mommys last blog post..Holidays by Hand: My Papercraft Experiment
November 11th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
[...] Hand-made Monogrammed Notecards – from Vintage Mommy [...]
November 11th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
LOVE this idea! I think this might be something that even I could pull off…thanks!!
Courtneys last blog post..Not many winners around here
November 12th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Thanks for reminding me I have a ton of patterned paper that I haven’t used, this would be a great way to use it up. I already planned on making cards to give as a gift to the grandparents in the family. But this will make it even easier.
Peggys last blog post..don’t know what happened…
November 13th, 2008 at 5:56 am
Hi, I’m here from Small Notebook. These are super cute. They’d be great for a few friends of mine. Thanks for the great idea!
Marys last blog post..Slacker.
November 13th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
I love the cutout for the monogram to show through. Very cute idea! I think the orange card might be my favorite, but I’m also loving the card with the J. Good thing you’re going to make sets so recipients will get to enjoy each design!
Rachels last blog post..Don’t Sneeze on Me! Staying Well During Cold and Flu Season
November 21st, 2008 at 9:42 am
Now why didn’t I think of that? Thanks for sharing your idea. I think it’s great – and I also have a bunch of un-used scrapbook paper that needs to find a project or a new home. This may just do the trick.
ICLW
Stephanies last blog post..It’s ICLW Week Again
November 21st, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Cute cute CUTE! Got an Etsy shop? If not, you should!
(Here from ICLW)
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