Greeting Cards

 Hi Scrappy Friends,

I wanted to talk you this month about something that means a lot to me and I have become passionate about. It's sending out "handmade greeting cards". The best definition of greeting card I could find is this: A greeting card is an illustrated message that expresses either seriously or humorously, affection, goodwill, gratitude, sympathy or other sentiment.

Who doesn't love to open the mailbox and find a handmade greeting card? Doesn't it just make your day? Someone thought especially of you. They took the time to create something special, address it and send it your way. Once you have it, it becomes a treasure, are you like me, do you save them? I have boxes of special cards that I have received. Cards with my grandmother's signature or the scribbles that used to be my son's signature's are priceless. 

We live in a world of mega technology that is rapidly replacing our card making. I am super guilty of checking my Facebook page everyday just to see who's birthday it is. In two seconds, I can wish them a happy birthday and great day. We can shoot an email or text greeting in an instant. While it is always heart felt, its not a keepsake or treasure. I know we are all busy, our lives get consumed and days just run into weeks. But, we are scrap bookers, card makers, artists and creators, we can do better.

This year of 2020 has been very challenging. I don't no anyone it hasn't effected in one way or another. For some it has been illness, loss of love ones, loss of jobs, depression and isolation. There is NO better time to get back to the practice of sending our handmade greeting cards. I bet you can think of three people right this second that could use a pick me up. How about Thanksgiving, who are you grateful for? Take the time to let them know just how much. And Christmas is a wonderful time to send a greeting and a wish for a much better - happier -healthier New Year. 

If I were to describe the Doodle Bug store to someone, the first thing I would say is, it's a scrapbook store, but in reality approximately half of it could be described as a card making store. Stamps, ink, die cuts, embellishments, kits, cards, envelopes its all right there waiting for you. 

There are 3,648 people that "like" the Doodle Bug on Facebook. What if everyone of them sent one just one handmade card to someone. That is 3,648 smiles. We need that. I'm challenging you to dig out your old address book and send out a card. Post it on the Doodle Dish, that will help encourage someone else to do it too. If you need a card yourself or know someone that needs more than the one card you can send, please give Hannah your address she will give it to me, I would love to send one to you or someone in need of one. My goal is to send as many cards as I can in 2021.

I am attaching some of my personal favorite card making supplies below. 

Remember, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much!" (Helen Keller)

https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/SHOP-BY-VENDOR-or-DESIGNER.htm?search_keyword=slim+line

https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/SHOP-BY-VENDOR-or-DESIGNER.htm?search_keyword=gina+k

https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/SHOP-BY-VENDOR-or-DESIGNER.htm?search_keyword=fawn+lawn

https://www.thedoodlebuginc.com/shop/SHOP-BY-VENDOR-or-DESIGNER/Tim-Holtz.htm?search_keyword=stamps

Create fun slimline cards step by step with Abby

 Today I will be sharing with you my love of creating with multiple companies to create a look I love.  

New Penny Black and Lawn Fawn recently hit the shelves at the Doodlebug, Inc.  I instantly fell in love with the Halloween gate die and the "sugared" stamp set from Penny Black.  Also ideas of all the cuteness I could fit into the flaps of the "lift the flap tree backdrop" from Lawn Fawn. 

 To start out I cut bases using the nested slim layers die set from waffle flower. 

Then I inked the background with Catherine Pooler inks in tiki torch and sand castle using the life changing brushes.  

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I cut grassy hills using "Abbie Road" kiwi lane template and inked the edges. 

Die cut out the trees and cut apart.  Die cut out the Halloween gates.  I set out my piles to start the assembly line.  I will make one card from start to finish, then cut out multiples to assemble together.

I stamped out the images onto Gina k designs heavy base weight white using memento tuxedo black ink.  I colored them with alcohol markers.  I want to try colored pencil and gamsol next as I recently picked up some gamsol at the Doodlebug.  

I lay everything out to see the spacing before adhering in place.  

I popped up the critters using foam tape.  

I adhere it to a slimline card base from the paper cut.  I let the products do the work for me and having card bases on hand does just that. 

I stamped the greeting on the front of the card and inside the flaps

I stamp the inside of the card too.  Finishing the inside gives a completed look even with just simple stamping or going all out with a matted inside.   

 I made one with a glittered gate and changed one up with both trees on the right.  I like that all the hills are different using the kiwi lane template, gives variety and makes each one unique.

Do you like to create with multiple companies at once or just stick to one company per project?  Let me know in the comments below.

Abby