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Crafting in Circles

Crafting in circles

As hobbies go, crafting greeting cards is an easy and creative outlet. Cards can be simple or complex, depending on the mood and available supplies. I’ve been a letter-writer my whole life, so there is a practical side to making cards. I’m increasing my output by trying different styles or techniques to avoid bogging down with the same thing. I’ve watched hours of videos over time, and through them, I’ve learned techniques, but my aesthetic doesn’t quite fit the mold. 

In truth, I don’t fit the mold either, and I never have. I embrace my uniqueness and carry on.

To inspire myself, I’ve been creating cards featuring a circle. Focusing on the shape allowed me to limit my choices, which I found freeing. 

Here’s an interesting data point:

“The circle has been known since before the beginning of recorded history. Natural circles are common, such as the full moon or a slice of round fruit. The circle is the basis for the wheel, which, with related inventions such as gears, makes much of modern machinery possible. In mathematics, the study of the circle has helped inspire the development of geometry, astronomy, and calculus.” – source Wikipedia

Today, the circle is the basis for the following cards:

Card features two layers of vellum circles, a rub-on transfer, a repurposed folder and paper.
I cut the center circle from extra-wide Washi tape, adding a sentiment and a simple background.
This card features one-and-a-half circles. I love this pack of paper. I embossed the background. Technique: use a sanding block on the embossing to reveal the white paper backing.
Three circles using scraps. I lined up strips on a sticky label, then cut it to shape. The larger ring is cut from the same scraps. A hummingbird rub-on transfer flies over the top.
This card features three circles cut from a paper pack of botantical prints. The pale green paper is cut with a die, and the botanical print repeats behind that. Technique: inking edges for depth.

Another nice thing about this hobby: you can pass the time when it’s 105F outside. Our current heatwave has continued for twelve days with average temps 90F or above. Some of the plants are wilting and a few are showing signs of stress with burnt leaves. On the plus side, the tomatoes seem to be thriving and most of the succulents are getting by. It’s going to be a long summer.

40 thoughts on “Crafting in Circles”

  4. I wrote a comment on the post itself. Gone. So here in my reader, I usually have better luck. If I can remember what I wrote a few moments ago before frustration at WP took over my mind.
    I love every one of these cards. As for molds, who really does fit that has an interesting life? I love the circles. You can get creative with such a simple shape! It is a perfect hobby for the heat. I’m heading into the sewing room but AC has to stay on with fans. Lights and machines generate their own heat and it’s in the 90’s again this week. Sigh. I hope you continue to stay cool and your plants don’t suffer too much. I feel for all the wildlife out there. Hugs, m

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    • Oh, crumb. That’s happened to me before. For awhile I used to copy a longer comment before sending so that if that happened, I had a starting point to begin again. Thanks for taking the trouble to come back.

      Lights and machines can really up the temperature. We used to have teachers that would turn off the lights on hot days, that time before school was out for the summer but temperatures we’re already climbing. I loved those days. I’ve also come to realize that the quieting of fluorescent lights also made a difference.

      Hugs

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      • I usually do copy large comments but on occasion I get forgetful. ;( I have nothing but LED lighting and one full spectrum light for my handwork. I’ve had enough summer already. It can be fall now. ;)

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        • I’m ready for fall, too. Instead of telling myself that it’s only mid July, I instead say, September is just six weeks away. Of course September in California can be hot, too, but it’s not the relentless heat we have now.

          As for copying long replies, its annoying that we have to. WordPress!

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  5. Good for you to branch out and try new things. I don’t think it’s important at all to fit in any mold. Everyone has their own style. As long as you enjoyed the process, that’s a win in my books.
    Bonus, you escaped the heat. It’s everywhere’s I think, and most likely the new norm. Thank goodness for AC !!

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    • Hello hello, Is this…Boomdee? It’s been fun crafting most days. I’m taking a break to do some alterations for my sister. It’s nice to dust off the ‘ol sewing machine.

      We are incredibly grateful for AC, and today, we’re happy about the break from the oppressive heat. It’s dropped by twenty degrees.

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  7. I especially love that last card Alys. I find it interesting that limiting yourself to using the circles also is ‘freeing’. I think I understand what you mean – focussing on one thing stops all the annoying ‘noise’ from outside. You have such a good eye for shape and depth. And you have reminded me of something I had forgotten existed – rub on tranfers! Now that takes me back to the seventies when we used to get things like that free in sweet packets or cereal boxes! Thanks for that Alys, and hope you and your garden manage the heat. Stay cool! 🤗

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    • Thank you so much, Cathy. Yes, it limits the “noise” and brings you into focus. It’s been good to realize that.

      I’m glad it triggered a good memory about rub-ons. I had forgotten the day of prizes in a box. This new collection made by 49 and Market is one of the best I’ve seen. They transfer cleanly and almost become one with the paper. They’re a treat to use and fit my aesthetic (a love of all things botanical).

      In unrelated news, I had breakfast with a friend who had signed up for a riverboat cruise in Germany. The flooding was so bad that they had to schedule the group on to buses and other accommodations. She made the best of it, but I know I would have been disappointed.

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      • Oh yes, very disappointing. Where we lived before, we used to wave to the river cruises while walking the dogs along the canal that joins the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. If the water is too high the locks are closed and you can’t get under the bridges. The floods last month were maybe the worst I have seen – it happens every ten years or so. Luckily we live on a hill!

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  11. I so admire your creativity and dedication to this practical craft, Alys. Cards are so expensive, and there’s nothing better than receiving such a very personally created card. And you’re right about being a good summer occupation. Much better than gardening in this heat! 😉

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  14. So grateful that you have pleasant indoor activities for the very hot days in the garden, Alys! Working in circles truly showcases your talent, dear friend. I especially love the distressed look of using a sanding block on your embossed patterned paper. So creative!! 🩷 Dawn

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    • Thank you, Dawn. You and I used to chat about card-making when my boys were still young. Now that I have a dedicated space, and fun tools, it feels liberating to play when I can. I appreciate your support then and now.

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