Craft it Forward Button: Grab it for your own blog
In early February, I launched my first Craft it Forward. It’s been great fun having an excuse to craft all year and the pleasure of trying new things.
December’s Craft it Forward is ‘7 of Hearts’ representing my 7th work from the heart. As soon as I secure Vivien’s address, they’ll be on their way to the UK.
Vivien blogs at Where the Journey Takes me. She writes:
I live in a small old mill town nestled into the Pennine hills in Yorkshire with my long-suffering husband of thirty some years. I have two beautiful daughters who have flown the nest (most of the time!). I paint and draw (a little) when time allows, make and bake sometimes but not often enough and garden and grow things as much as possible. I recycle and up-cycle, hate waste and I couldn’t live without my time planner and lists.
Vivien is slowly renovating a quaint and picturesque cottage in Scotland, where she will eventually retire. We share a mutual love of gardening, card-making and organizing.
I crafted a set of cards from KaiserCraft’s Enchanted Garden Collection. Vivien uses flowers and butterflies in her own cards. I incorporated both into the designs, below.
Die cut butterfly using my Silhouette
Butterfly Cards
Using the same paper, I made a set of quilt cards, one of my favorite designs for the Silhouette. I enjoyed combining the geometric patterns of the card design, with the more ethereal patterned paper. Each of the six cards features a different combination of the papers.
Envelopes and card detail
Quilt cards
The last two cards feature the intricate illustrations of the Enchanted Garden designs.
Enchanted Garden Cards
I’ve kept the packaging simple, honoring her desire to scale back: they’re wrapped together with a single piece of ribbon.
What is Craft it Forward?
If you think you might like to try this on your own blog, G+ or Facebook page, here’s how it works. You put forth the offer to create a handmade item. The first five people to comment on your original post receive a handmade item, uniquely your own . In return, they agree to pay it forward, crafting their own unique item for the first five people on their list. Craft it Forward encourages community, creative spirit and camaraderie. It also encourages flexibility, so I expanded my list from five to seven based on interest in the project. Isn’t it fun making your own rules?
- Craft it Forward #1: Living Journal
- Craft it Forward #2: Flowers and Oscar Wilde
- Craft it Forward #3: Three’s a Charm
- Craft it Forward #4: Secret Garden in The Round
- Craft it Forward #5: Tiny Album, Big Heart
- Craft it Forward #6: Garden Journal
- Craft it Forward #7: 7 of Hearts
Gardening Nirvana 
I love this concept of Craft it Forward Alys, I had never heard of it before you started posting about it. Such a lovely thing to do! Your cards are beautiful, I especially admire the quilting pattern – must have a try at such a thing. And the array of envelopes look so pretty too….. you have been very busy!
I hope you are all safe from the effects of the fires! xoxo
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Thanks for your kind words, Pauline. It is a lovely idea. Some people call this pay it forward, but I renamed it craft it forward. I thought that seemed more appropriate. It may well be called that in other circles. It was great fun.
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I hadn’t seen the last two cards. They turned out great. You just keep getting better and better!
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Awwww. Thank you, Sharon. I sure have fun. I seem to do less and less scrapbooking and more and more card making these days.
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Well we both know that has always been my preference! Besides, now with the boys grown, and hating to have their picture taken (Mac) it makes perfect sense. I love seeing all the knew things you’re coming up with. You sure got your money’s worth on that Silhouette. (did I spell that right?).
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Thanks, Sharon! You are so right, too. No one wants to have their picture taken anymore. At least I have the cats to chase around with my camera.
Yes, the card making is quite addictive and I am thoroughly enjoying my Silhouette. It can do so many interesting things.
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I can’t believe I spelled it knew instead of new! I know better ;0)
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I make that sort of mistake all the time. Hear vs hear, their vs there and two vs too. I think our minds are racing and we type the wrong word. Late, it seems so obvious, but not at the time. Hugs
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Lovely–Lovely–Lovely….Beautiful materials, Amazing design, Thoughtful and Considerate towards the recipient’s lifestyle of simplicity, Easy to mail across the pond, and Delightfully useful. It’s a perfect gift. Well done, Alys.
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Oh my goodness, Mary Elizabeth. Thank you so much. You are such a cheerleader.
I hope you are enjoying the rebirth of Creative Memories. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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Those turned out beautiful. Addictive, isn’t it? I’ve not intrenched myself too deeply into the paper arts and trying to avoid it. One expensive hobby is enough. I have several already. :))))) My paper is still in the garage for now. Your card is still on my shelf so I can see it every day.
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It is addictive! I know what you mean about multiple hobbies, too. I really love this card pattern. Boomdee just posted a link with a tutorial (from 2011) of a woman making them into Christmas ornaments. Lovely idea.
I’m so glad you enjoyed your card and have it displayed. I was thinking about you can kitty just the other day. You have a good heart. xox
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I love all those colours! Even the lineup of envelopes makes me drool. It’s really funny, I just watched a tutorial on this exact card on YouTube and here you’ve made them….I swear I must get subliminal messages or something. I s I find I’m using so much Kaisercraft too, their collections always seem to be irresistible to me. BTW, I’ve just begun to enjoy my Cricut, I’m sorry it took so long to get at it. seems like November whizzed by. I even bought a new cartridge with 1950’s images like an old typewriter and camera and all kinds of fun stuff. I’ll post on FB this weekend. Here’s the Pinn I first saw, they’re christmas in flavour. Vivian is just going to be tickled, gorgeous hon xo
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Are you serious!!!??? That is amazing. I just watched the tutorial you pinned. Such a great idea. I’m just tickled to see those made into ornaments.
I love that you found vintage Cricut images. You are the die cut queen and will no doubt be whipping out all sorts of fun things.
Can’t wait to see what you cook up.
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oops
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How clever! Thanks so much for the link. What a great idea making these into ornaments. I must remember this for next year.
Thanks, Boomdee!
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😀 Welcome! They’re so pretty as card toppers too.!
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🙂
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