Hi all, I hope you are doing well and finding some happy crafting time 🙂

I am here to share the Thank you/New year Cards that I made for family and friends this festive season. My daughter gave me a Bigz die: Typewriter by Tim Holtz, for Christmas and I wanted to use that as the main focus of my card.

First of all, I sketched a layout in a plain paged, A5 size journal that I have on hand all the time.

A5 journal I use.

My initial rough sketch.

I got really fed up of forgetting projects that I thought, loosing good ideas and scraps of paper that I would doodle, so I have made it a habit to keep it near me continuously  lol. I also still have random scraps of paper, now I just stick them into my journal as well!

I started by choosing my colour palette and decided upon Neutrals with hints of Purples. I then went through my paper stash and sorted out what papers I wanted to use for the first layer and the large pennant flag I wanted to layer on top. I didn’t want to use all the same paper design for every card, just the same tone. I chose to use the neutral tones for this.

The first paper layer plus flag layer.

I distressed the edges of these paper elements and then I decided I wanted to add stitched details. I picked a Lilac embroidery thread and a large needle and just went  to it. It took time but not loads and the effort was worth it  I think. I didn’t mark out the stitches first just pierced with the needle by eye. you could also get a similar look by doodling the stitches or heat embossing ‘X’ marks instead – whatever works for you!

My ink colour choice.

Before inking: Left; After inking: Right.

I like how the ink adds dimension and interest to the layers. From here, I die cut all the typewriters ready to be added, plus the ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’ sentiments. I wanted to add a pop of colour to sit behind the flagged panel. I used a coordinating washi tape – I love washi tape – so quick and easy but looks great. To add dimension I used foam squares, you could also used pieces of cardboard, cut smaller, to add lift.

Washi tape and adhesives I used.

From here on it was a case of assembling the layers and adding finishing touches. I used wet glue and adhesive foam to add the typewriter, then just wet glue for the sentiment. I added some sparkle with some adhesive gems of course! I also then added some stamping to the inside ……and then I decorated the envelopes too lol!!

I decorated the inside of the card to match.

The inside of my thank you cards.

I hope you enjoyed reading about this project – I know I had fun creating with these supplies! I will list the supplies below and here is the final image of my project:

2014/15 Thank you card.

2014/15 new years cards.

Thank you once again and Happy Crafting!!

Supplies List:

• Bigz die: Tim Holtz Alterations, Typewriter
• Lawn Fawn word dies: ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’
• Stampin’ up! Blackberry bliss ink pad and A4 card
• Distress Ink: Antique Linen and Seedless Preserves
• Stampin’ up! Gorgeous Grunge stamp set
• Kanban Stamp set – unsure of name
• 300gsm cream card- purchased at The Range
• Centura pearl card- Purchased at The Range
• Pattern papers from my stash.
• Anitas Tacky Glue
• Embroidery thread.