In addition to machine sewing on my handmade cards, I love adding vintage items as a focal point. We have some excellent flea markets in Ohio, and one I especially like is the Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market. The market holds outdoor Extravaganzas in May and September, with hundreds of vendors selling a little of everything. And thanks to the Midwest location, prices are great too. I love spending the afternoon meandering around the rows of antiques. Between the furniture and dishware, there are bins and bins of little antique buttons, bottle caps, metal trinkets, and my favorite – paper…
I love using unique techniques for my handmade cards, and one of my favorite embellishments is, of course, sewing! The stitches add texture and give the cards a special detail. I like using it in different ways – to frame a picture or words or to draw a shape. You can stitch little pockets and even sew on ribbon and fabric embellishments. To sew on paper, it is easiest to match the top thread with the bobbin thread and test your stitches on a scrap paper to adjust the tension. Also lengthen the stitch, because using small stitches will perforate the…
Rick rack with modern fabrics? Rick rack on handcrafted cards? Yes and yes! Rick rack is sturdy, doesn’t fray, and can be easily added to any design or pattern. And it has a certain whimsy like no other trim. Rick rack adds a special cuteness to fabric patterns, especially on children’s and kitchen items. It can create a vintage feel but can also become updated when added to modern fabrics. I keep a stash of different bright colors and like to stitch it inside seams so only one half is sticking out. This adds dainty little scallops to…
Who doesn’t love cupcakes? Cupcakes are so popular for celebration treats and themes. So when I found some colorful corrugated cardboard, it reminded me of cupcake wrappers and I decided to build some crafty versions made with the cardboard, felt, and sequins. As usual, I used my favorite large glue stick to adhere the cupcakes to my handmade paper. (How to details here.) Using glue sticks is so basic, but it really works – keeping things completely flat and edges sealed. I usually use an A2 envelope (4 3/8 x 5 3/4 inches) for my handmade cards. I…