Handmade CTMH Pear and Partridge Cards

Oh my, it's been a long time.  I've been so busy getting ready for the Holidays that I just haven't had a chance to post.  Today's announcement is perfect to get me back in the swing of things.  My little crafting group called "Crafting By Designs" has moved from the "ning" site to a full blown blog!  You can find us here.  There will be challenges, tips and lots of card sharing just like the old site but this new blog format will make things so much easier for everyone to participate. 

We are kicking things off with a Design Team Blog Skip.  So, if you have come from Chrissie's Blog you are on the right track.  The theme for our little skip is "Our Favorite Season." Can guess what my favorite season is...Yes, you guessed it.  We are right in the middle of the time.  That is why I am having so much trouble getting posts done.  I'm so busy doing everything else.  :o)

In honor of all of our time constraints, I have made some projects to share that can be made quickly and will impress the recipient.

This first card is a fun off kilter flap fold.  The basic construction is actually quite easy and the card gets fancy as you decorate it.  Here are very simple directions to make this card...

1.  Cut paper to measure  4 1/4 x 10 inches (card base)
2.  Cut paper to measure 3 1/2 x 6 inches (flap)
3.  Score the card base on the long side at 4 1/2 inches
4.  Score the flap on the long side at 1 1/2 inches
5.  Attach the 1 1/2 inch portion to the back of the card base (5 1/2 inch) part
5.  Decorate as desired.

I make sure to cut a mat for the back that hides the flap attachment.  I also use a small piece of Velcro to hold the card closed.

This card is another very quick and fun card.  It is done on an A2 base with 3 mat layers.  On the Colonial White mat, about 1/3 of the way from the bottom, I randomly stamped Holly Berries that are included in my favorite CTMH stamps this year called "Merry and Bright."  I also randomly stamped the Cranberry flowers over the berries and added the Sentiment in the upper corner.  A strip covers the stems and a bow finishes off the card.

Last but not least is another great assembly line card.  The pattern paper mats measure 2 x 4 inches.  This allows you to cut several at once and economise on paper!  The sentiment was stamped using "Merry and Bright."  I just love that stamp set because it allows you to "construct" a theme and no two cards ever look exactly the same.  Wrap a little baker's twine around the layers and add a touch of bling and your card is done.

It's time to skip on over to Doris' Blog and find out what her favorite season is.  Don't forget to check out our brand new site at Crafting By Designs.  I am really looking forward to the new format with all the new challenges and shared fun.  For Now, Happy Crafting!