Making Christmas Cards

Earlier this week I was reading Sharon's "Make Your Own Christmas Cards" post, and figured that I'd better get started on mine. I've shared some of these from time to time here, but the wannabe teacher in me thought it might be fun to show you the process step by step.

My supplies:
A. 110 pound card stock. This comes in white or colors
B. Shape templates - I found these in scrapbooking supplies
C. Shape cutter - ditto
D. Stickers, the acid free kind
E. Pre-cut trifold aperture greeting cards - available at craft stores
F. Plastic sleeves for the insets
G. Handwoven fabric scraps
H. Envelopes

The ready made trifold cards are nice, but if they can't be found, it's easy to make one's own. I used purchased invitation envelopes and so measured my card stock so that it would fit after being folded in thirds. I have to use a paper cutter as my scissors work is usually pretty crookedy.

If I'm in a hurry I eyeball folding it into thirds. Here I'm being good and doing the job properly. (Note: I'm not a lefty, but have a right-handed camera.)

Cutting the aperture is easy with the template and shape cutter. The hardest part was centering it.

Being a saver, I usually save the cut-outs. Some of the fancier shapes can be used for making cards as well.

I have mixed feelings about these clear plastic sleeves. I don't like them because one can't get a good look and feel of the handwoven sample. On the other hand, they are handy when I want to use stickers as part of my card design.

I've also used hand knitted swatches and handcrafted paper as insets.

The inset (with or without the sleeve) is glued over the aperture first. I like to use a glue stick
1) because I have it and
2) I don't make as big a mess as when I use some sort of crafters' liquid glue.

Then one end is glued on top of that. At this point I usually weight the card with a heavy book overnight, or until the glue dries.

With the plastic sleeves, I can put stickers right on top of the fabric; something I wanted to do for what I had in mind here.

On the back of the card I add a few details about the inset and then sign it. Finished!

And a few more:



No, they're not all very Christmasy, but oh well. I only give these to folks whom I know appreciate them and probably won't throw them away. A set of them makes a nice gift as well.

Related Posts:
Gallery Photos: Greeting Cards
Q & A: Trifold Aperture Card Blanks

Socks Finished !!!!!!!!!

I've just returned home from the post office where I got my Dad's socks off in time for his birthday. What a relief. The photo isn't too impressive, but the socks are pretty plain anyway, at his request.

And his birthday card:

The inset is a twill sample I wove for a design board.

It was an even greater relief that there was a few extra yards in the second skein, and so I could finish both socks. I was very happy to have m's suggestions, but was just as glad to be able to graft the toes without any further fuss. I'll remember her idea for the future however.

I stayed away from both loom and spinning wheel in order to finish the socks, but I confess that I did take an occasional break from knitting to try my hand at kitty song writing, which is popular amongst cat bloggers at the moment. I don't reckon it will be my claim to fame, but it was fun.

Now..... on to other fibery things.

© 2006 Leigh's Fiber Journal

Related Posts:
Gallery Photos: Greeting Cards
Gallery Photos: Socks
Making Christmas Cards - tutorial on making greeting cards
Q & A: Trifold Aperture Card Blanks

Birthday Socks & Birthday Card

The dyed TW yarn is spun and plied but still on the bobbin. I hope to have that ready to show by tomorrow or the next day. However, since I’m a mulit-project person, here is what I do have to show. A pair of birthday socks for my stepmom:

I hope she likes them. Her request was for a neutral color, definitely not anything wild. While the colors in these are neutral, they’re not exactly super conservative.

I had just moved here when I went looking for yarn for them. At the time I didn’t know where the LYS is, but I did find a Hobby Lobby. Their only sock yarns were pretty colorful, but I did spot this acrylic sport weight knitting yarn, which I liked. It’s knit up into a quick, cottony, comfy sock, not too wild but definitely unique. I’m not sure how well acrylic wears for socks, but according to Fiona Morris, the key to good wear is in the knitting more than in the yarn. The pattern is Lucy Neatby’s "Simply Splendid Socks" from Cool Socks Warm Feet.

And here is the birthday card I made for her:

I like these DIY trifold cards. They come with a little plastic pocket, perfect for slipping in a sample of weaving, handcrafted paper, knitting, or whatever. I weave a lot of sample strips for design boards, so these are perfect for this purpose.

Now all that’s left is getting this posted in the mail. Am I taking a risk showing off a birthday gift before it’s been given? Fortunately my stepmom doesn’t use computers!

© 2006 Leigh's Fiber Journal

Related Posts:
Gallery Photos: Greeting Cards
Gallery Photos: Socks
Making Christmas Cards - tutorial on making greeting cards
Q & A: Trifold Aperture Card Blanks