Turning wrapping paper into cards

Remember my visit to the Geffrye museum, where I bought this stunning notebook? Well I also bought this gorgeous wrapping paper there too, with absolutely no intention of using it for wrapping paper, despite how lovely it would be to receive a gift wrapped in this.

I had something else in mind entirely. 

But before I get onto that let me share with you that folded wrapping paper is one of the things I dislike immensely. It's a small thing but one that really annoys me. I didn't want this one rolled either as it would be too awkward to carry and continue to take pictures of the museum (there'll be another post on this at some point), I asked the man in the shop if I could fold the paper myself.

He looked a little bemused by my request but agreed nonetheless and carried on taking my card payment. And I set to work folding it neatly so that none of the "seed packets" had a fold in. Suddenly I was aware I was being watched and I looked up to see the man in the shop watching intently, looking even more bemused than before.

Worried that I'd offended him somehow I asked if everything was ok. Thankfully it was but he said he'd never seen someone fold wrapping paper with such care and precision. I imagine he thought me a right nutter, so I explained that I planned to make some cards with them. I'm not sure this did anything to change his opinion of me, but I was happy that the folds were where I wanted them to be and ready for the project I had in mind.

So far I've only made a few into cards, but there's plenty more to come I'm sure.

Each has a slightly different feel, which I'm happy with. I've experimented with texture on the Watercress and Peas card by adding black and cream tulle as a background. And on the Okra card I've sponged one corner for a bit more interest. I'm pleased with how each of them have turned out, and now I just need to be brave enough to part with them when the time comes!

And you never know I may get all inventive when I eventually send them and add either a few seeds or perhaps a recipe. I'm sure there'd be more that I could add too.  I'd love to know what you think and if you have ideas for complementary inclusions.

Cards for Mother's Day

I decided to make cards for Mother's day this year, and well you know how much I like simple cards so you'll not be surprised to learn these have a simple design too. I've made two, one for my mum and one for my MIL and you'll never guess what, but the day I made them MOH came home clutching shop-bought cards. They were ditched though for the home-made ones.

1. First make a template by printing MUM in large capital letters that will fit onto your card blank and glue to some scrap card.

2. Cut these out and you have your templates. I made two Ms so I could see the placement on the card, but you could make one and use it twice if you were short of card.

3. Draw around the MUM template onto scrapbook paper and cut those out too.

4. Stick the letters onto the card and leave to dry under a large, heavy book.

5. When dry decorate with some sparkly gem flowers, or anything else you fancy - some small ribbon bows or sequins would also look good. 

And then I did it all again from step 3 making a pinker version.

These were easy to make and I think both versions look effective; I like the blue and yellow MUM card for how striking it is using one design, but I also like the pink one too for it's mix and matchiness.  Which do you like?

A handmade Valentine card

I like handmade cards and this year for Valentine's Day I thought I'd carry on the tradition I started last year (with the lino print handmade card) and make my own.  I originally thought I may try something I'd seen on Pinterest which involved putting wool in glue and then shaping the gluey-wool into hearts and bought some wool in preparation, on eBay no less. However it seemed a bit messy for me and as the day approached I started to have second thoughts.  Left looking for alternative inspiration, would you believe it an email popped into my mailbox from Love Knitting urging me to knit a quick heart - well, it seemed just the inspiration I needed so I dug out my knitting needles.

The heart was quick to knit - intact I knitted eight of them in a couple of hours last Thursday afternoon, and for the record I only sent one Valentines Card!  I had hoped to make an impromptu garland with the remaining hearts but was stumped for the actual garland part as I didn't want to use a length of wool, or string, or ribbon.  On Friday morning I knew exactly what I wanted to make the garland and that was a crochet hook... I can't crochet, well not anything that is recognisable but my forte is a crocheted string.  Or it would have been if I'd found a crochet hook.  I looked in all of the usual places and some of the more unusual ones too before giving into the thought that I'd put the small selection of hooks that I did have in the charity shop bag, because I never used them.  So my garland was scuppered for this year, next year I'll be more prepared!

So I chose my best heart-shaped heart and weaved in the ends.  I'd left them long enough that I used one of the ends to sew the heart to the card.  I used a darning needle which was sharper than I expected so real blood, sweat and tears went into the production of this card.

It's quite a simple design, but it's the simplicity that I like.  That's clearly a theme because if you remember my 2014 Christmas cards they were simple too.  I decided to add a kiss in the bottom right corner, though I was conscious of how it would look on the reverse. 

I like the detail of the running stitch heart visible on the inside of the card

And I think it held it's own alongside the card MOH bought me.  Actually I think he does well choosing cards I like and I was spoilt this Valentine's Day with a pink champagne afternoon tea to be booked for a future date and a pair of pink cycling gloves, which I shared on my Facebook page.  In return he's now expecting two new tyres for his bike - how romantic - for the other love of his life!

For the hearts destined for the garland after weaving in the ends, I added a loop to attach them to the garland.  It's just that I'm saving the garland for next time!

Did you make anything for your Valentine?