Cosmos going to seed
The idea came to me in late July. I started collecting Cosmo seeds to give as gifts for the holidays. This prolific annual grew in abundance throughout the summer. It was such a pleasure watching the plant bloom and bloom. I want to share that with others.
Cosmos are easy to grow and spectacular to behold.They grow in planters or directly in the ground, and thrive with little fuss. It’s a cheerful gift for the middle of winter: the promise of spring blooms.
I’ve been mulling over design ideas, and finally hit on the perfect one. I created a five-panel accordion card using Creative Memories software. Starting with a basic design, I added photos to the front panels, leaving a placeholder on the last panel for the packet of seeds. I included planting instructions and additional photos on the reverse side of the panels.
Cosmos Seed Card – Front Panel
Cosmos Seed Card – Back Panel
I bought a packet of 50, 3.5 inch square glassine envelopes for the seeds. The back panel is 4 inches square. They are the perfect.size.
I can’t wait to order the sample card to be sure all the details came together. In the meantime I’m making envelopes for the cards using last year’s garden calendar. I’m having so much fun.
Are you giving gifts from the garden this year?
Resources:
- Creative Memories StoryBook Creator 4.0 digital software
- Paper Source 3.5 x 3.5 Glassine envelopes (for seeds)
My Beloved Cosmos:
Gardening Nirvana 
Alys – you’re so clever! They’re such a lovely idea and I’m sure people will adore them! I’m trying to collect cosmos seeds but everything is absolutely wet through so I’m not holding out much hope. I’ve already discarded one batch that had furry mould growing on the side 😦
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Thanks so much, PJ. I just ordered the sample card. I hope it turns out okay.
Sorry to hear about the soggy seeds. I guess there isn’t much to be done about it, is there? 😦
They do self seed, so no doubt you’ll have them all over the garden this time next year. Perhaps you can put an umbrella over the plant?
Kidding!!! I hope you get a few more dry days, though.
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What a nice idea!
I love cosmos, they are so pretty and delicate but tough enough to hold up to the heat of summer.
Cheers,
Laura
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Thanks, Laura. They are a hardy plant indeed. Sturdy stock with delicate flowers with just the tiniest set of roots. Amazing.
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Awesome!, I really fancy the accordian design, versus just a two fold card. The pictures and artwork are perfect. Your seed gifts will be so personal. I could see using the idea for so many other gifties. Where are you getting them printed? Will it be a double sided 20″ x 4″ layout that you’ll score and fold yourself?
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Thank you!
I ordered them directly through Creative Memories, and yes, they’ll be printed on both sides. On card, printed with an envelope, is $3.95, but the price quickly goes down with quantity. I ordered one to be sure it all layed out correctly. I’ll give you a more detailed update when it arrives.
Please tell me what else you would do with this card? You have such creative ideas.
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Ohhh, I’ll watch for that. They are going to look so professional. You have such great choices for shopping in the States. I’ve done some ordering a few times and the Duty and Tax is a killer. Not to mention Canada Post is out of control. I mailed a parcel recently and was quoted $34.00 for 3 day deliver…WHAT? nuts.
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Wow! That is steep. I wonder if CM is also in Canada. All the product comes in English and French, so I assumed they had an international presence. Let me dig a little…
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Wow! That is steep. I wonder if CM is also in Canada. All the product comes in English and French, so I assumed they had an international presence. Let me dig a little…
They are in Canada, too. Would that make a difference, or is based on the country of ownership?
http://www.creativememories.ca/
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Thanks for sending the link Alys, you’re always so considerate. Hey, they do seem to be in Canada. I’ll have to take time to snoop around. I have so many digital elements I’ve downloaded, I just have to start using them….I can’t seem to resist all the goodies at the scrap store. 🙂
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I understand! Once I step foot in a craft store, stationary store or paper place…I’m doomed. A gal and her money will soon be parted.
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Yep, We are two peas in a pod. 🙂
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It’s a lovely, cozy pod, too.
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O you….:-)
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