Square all occasion cards featuring beautiful photos and coordinating cards and papers

I made cards with the photos from our 2022 photo calendars which we got for Christmas last year!!

These photos were all taken by my sister, Sylvia and are perfect for making cards with!!  I simply trimmed them from the calendar pages to 4" x 4" and then layered them onto 5.25" x 5.25" cards with a coordinating decorative paper in between.  The 3D foam tape I put under the photos just gives them a bit of dimension!!  These are headed for donations at several different places!!!

Therese

 

All occasion card featuring a collage background and a tag decorated with hearts and a fiber tie

My final card of thanks!!  I created a collaged background to layer onto my purple cardstock which I glued to my white card front. I used regular tape to secure my strips of decorative paper to each other.  I trimmed  a rectangle of purple cardstock into a tag shape and embossed it with flowers (CB).  I added circle punchies at the top, punched a hole through them and added a white eyelet.  I used some green paper fiber and some purple and white bakers twine to make an accent and inserted it through the eyelet and secured the ends on the back with tape.  I layered on a variety of hearts to finish it off.  I added it to my card using 3D foam tape.  Therese

 

All occasion card featuring a many layered heart, ribbon and a bright background

I started this card by digging out a white card set - precut card and envelope.  I trimmed a purple layer and added a fun and bright background which was trimmed from a length of gift wrap.  I added a coordinating ribbon over the gap and secured the ends to the back using double sided tape.  I adhered this layer to my white card front.  The heart was another one that I stamped on decorative paper, embossed in black and then fussy cut.  I added a layer of hand decorated paper which I trimmed with decorative scissors (deckle).  It still needed something so I added a layer of silver crunched foil from a chocolate bar.  It seemed a bit to bright so I used a dull green Sharpie marker to tone it down.  That was better!!!  I adhered the heart to my card using 3D foam tape.  Therese
 

All occasion card featuring a collaged background, a fun frame with a fiber accent and a fussy cut heart

Another thank you card!!  For this card I again used a white card and envelope set.  I trimmed a green cardstock layer and then collaged squares and rectangles to it.  I die cut a wavy frame (SX) from dark brown cardstock and added a knotted fiber accent.  This was rolled up paper cording which I unrolled.  It is cool because it is sort of wispy but with lots of texture!!  I simply tied a loose knot then adhered it with double sided tape.  I mounted the frame to my card using 3D foam tape and then glued my heart inside.  The heart was stamped on decorative paper, embossed in black and then fussy cut.  Therese
 

QAYG - No Binding Pot Holders

I worked on Quilt As You Go potholders today as well as finishing the slow stitching on the last of my little boats.  

I started by cutting three layers of flannel to 7" square and stitching them together.  I dug out some scraps and sorted them to make up some tops for the potholders.  Once I had them sorted I started stitching them to the flannel sandwiches.  For these two I stitched the stacks then positioned this piece facing up on my flannel, placed the gold strip over it facing down, stitched it through all the layers and then flipped it over.  After piecing the other side I did the same thing - laid it face down, stitched it and flipped it.  Once everything was ironed flat I turned the piece over and trimmed the front to the edge of the flannel.  I have six sets ready to go.  I managed to finish only this one set today but I have the  backers and the loops cutout for the others so will be able to work on that later this week.  There will be several opportunities to donate these to events this year so I will keep working on making a supply of them over the course of the year.  If you are interested in a tutorial of how I made these you can check out this "No Bindng Pot Holder" video tutorial at The Sewing Room Channel.   

I am joining Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching at Kathy's Quilts.  Check out the links and you will find some inspiration!!!  

Therese

 

Slow Stitching - boats

I have been working on these little boats for quite a few weeks now and managed to finish the last one today.  I stitched the boats following the lines of the fabric and had fun with the sails.  I filled some spaces with stab stitches, others with running stitch and others with french knots.  These will find their way into a quilt sometime over the course of the year. 

I am joining Kathy for Slow Sunday Stitching at Kathy's Quilts.  These wonderful ladies provide so much inspiration!!!

Therese

 

All occasion card featuring a hand decorated background, lace and layered heart die cuts

 This card started with a white card and envelope set.  I trimmed a blue layer and added a hand decorated background which I trimmed to size.  The background was created when ironed a waxy paper napkin to white cardstock.  The napkin was used to absorb excess wax from some fabric which I had "painted" with wax crayons.  I always use cardstock or paper to protect my iron and it creates a bonus background!!  I added a wide piece of lace securing the ends to the back with double sided tape.  I mounted this layer to my card front and then added my layered hearts.  I used white glue in a fine tipped bottle to glue the white heart (CB) to the hand decorated larger heart. This heart was die cut from paper which I decorated with a large brush and inks.  Quick and easy!!  Therese

Metal leaves earrings and bracelet set

I lost one of my favorite earring last summer while we were camping and searching did not yield any results but understandably there was a lot of ground to cover!!!  For Christmas I asked for some metal leaves to recreate another set.  My sister, Sylvia, complied and I am really happy with the leaves she chose.  They are a bit more shiny and bright than the last ones but still simply elegant.  My ears are sensitive so I had on hand silver wires so it was just a matter of removing the two leaves from the strand and adding them to the wires!  There were four more leaves on the strand so I have pondered for a few days what I might do with them.  This morning I decided to make a bracelet!!  I attached a clasp and two split rings and it was long enough to go around my wrist!  So I have a new set of leaf jewelry which I will not be wearing to go camping!!!   I am so very happy with them!!  Therese

All occasion card featuring a bright heart die cut layered with a white one, a strip of vellum and a coordinating hand decorated background

I am still making cards for sending our thanks for the season's blessings.  I started with a white card and envelope set.  I trimmed a blue layer and then added a hand decorated background from my stash. It was created a while back using watercolours and plastic wrap.  I trimmed it to width, tore it in two and then trimmed the bottom to fit on my blue layer.  I glued them in place then added a torn strip of vellum which I folded to the back before adhering this layer to my card.  I added a white heart die cut (CB) to a larger heart die cut (SX) cut from some hand decorated paper which I made with inks and a large brush.  I used a white glue in a fine tipped bottle to adhere my white heart to the other one.  I mounted this focal element to my card front using 3D foam tape.   Therese

 

All occasion card featuring a collage background and tag full of hearts

After a wonderful Christmas season I am getting back into my regular life.  I am making cards to thank those who have been a blessing to us over the season!!  

I started with a white card and envelope set - found them in my stash!!

I trimmed a warm pink cardstock background and then created a collage background using scraps from my stash.  I simply taped them together on the back.  I found a scrap of darker pink, trimmed the corners, embossed with hearts (CB), added a little heart and attached with a copper eyelet.  I layered on a collection of heart punchies and then found some coordinating fibers which I secured by wrapping one piece around the center of the bunch and then passed the ends from front to back through the eyelet.  I spread the two ends and then secured them with a small piece of regular tape.  I like the look!!!  I adhered the background to my pink cardstock layer and then added my tag using 3D foam tape.    

It is great to be back creating my space!!!   Therese

 

Quilting - Fun potholders

I made four sets of potholders on the weekend!! It was fun to dig out fabric and find something that worked and then stitch them all together into potholders.  I cut the backs first (7"x 9" or so) and then stitched together pieces to make the fronts.  I trimmed them down to be the same size, added two layers of flannel inside and stitched them all the way around leaving a gap so I could turn them inside out.  I trimmed the corners, turned them inside out and poked out the corners.  I pressed them and was careful to press the opening so I cut overstitch it closed.  I stitched all the way around the edge using coordinating thread and then did around the green square.  Then I added some stitching inside the green square generally stitching straight lines in one go to create my shapes.  I will be bringing them to a family function and passing them on!!  My Mom has made potholders for our family for years.  She is in hospital at the moment so no sewing is getting done!!!  Therese

Durocher Christmas 2022 - ornament favour that celebrates my parents

 I made a bunch of  these ornaments as favours for our family Christmas this weekend.  It celebrates my parents - a wooden spool for my Mom and all the sewing she has done over the course of her life and the blue fabric is one of Dad's shirts which Mom made.  My daughter is creating the tags out of shrink plastic which will include date and location.  We have usually had a celebration every second year and we are blessed to have Mom with us this time and we will remember Dad as he passed in May.  We count our blessings and celebrate with those we love.  Therese

All occasion card featuring a black capped chickadee, hand decorated background, ribbon and flagged rectangles

 I started this card by trimming a large card from brown cardstock.  I added a hand decorated background which I trimmed from a large sheet of brown paper which I had fun decorating a while back.  I added a piece of dark red ribbon and secured each end with a piece of double sided tape.  The little chickadee (CLKER) is laser printed and then lightly watercoloured.  I ran my pattern tracing wheel on all four edges.  I added two little black rectangles which I flagged  and paper pierced with my pattern tracing wheel before adding them to my image.  I added my chickadee to my card front using 3D foam tape.  Perfect start to my cards for family for the new year!!!  Therese

Large birthday card featuring flowers, vellum and embossed greeting

Our daughter in law is celebrating her birthday this week!!  She is a gardener and flower lover so I made her this card.  

I started with a dark red card and added a lovely intricate background paper that coordinates perfectly!!  I trimmed a piece of vellum and tore it vertically then the both pieces horizontally which leaves the outside edges neat but the insides more natural.  I adhered the four pieces of vellum to my card using double sided tape.  I printed the flowers (CLKER), fussy cut them and then added black marker to the edges to make them neat.  I watercoloured them to coordinate with the background paper.  Once they were dry I added them to mu card using double sided tape.  I embossed a strip of white cardstock, trimmed out a piece long enough for my card and added two strips of dark red cardstock to the top and bottom.  I added a layered silk flower with a white brad before adhering this element to the bottom portion of my card!!  Very happy with how it worked out!!!!  Therese
 

Quilt top in bright colours

 I worked on this quilt top this week.  I had previously stitched together the triangles from some leftovers I acquired along the way.  I dug out my little box of precut square which were acquired a few years ago and came up with some rows that would complement the colours in the square that were already finished.  I like the way it turned out!!  I have set it aside and will finish it up later with batting and a backing.  It was fun to be back to quilting!!  Therese

Large birthday card featuring glittery balloons, embossed vellum and greeting

Our youngest granddaughter has a birthday this week.  She will be two!!!  I made this card for her and we will be sending it digitally.  

I started with a lilac card and then trimmed a piece of decorative rainbow paper to fit.  I embossed three strips of vellum with polka dots, folded the tops over the edge of the background and secured them on the back with regular tape.  I put a little piece on the bottoms as well to keep them from moving.  I glued the background to my card front.  The balloons I had made earlier.  They are digital (CLKER) and were printed on white and fussy cut.  I watercoloured them then added glitter glue to them and left them to dry.  They are beautifully sparkly!!!  I tied black heavyweight thread to them and then used 3D foam tape to position them on my card front.  Love how they look!!!  I embossed a strip of white cardstock repeatedly with the Happy Birthday embosing folder (CB) and then trimmed a piece the size I needed.  I layered it with pink cardstock strips - top and bottom.  I added this embossed strip to the bottom of my card.  I used glitter glue to embellish the little cake in the greeting and gel pens to colour the candles!!  Perfect!!!  Finally, I added a bit of white glue to the places the balloon cords fell naturally and placed them in the little puddle and left them to dry.  I am so happy with how it turned out!!  Therese
 

Small all occasion cards with handmade backgrounds for donation

 This is the next set of cards I made with handmade backgrounds.  Some were found in my paper stash.  Some of the others I made as I went which is always fun!!!!  The top left is a serendipity collage background which I toned down with ink with a little cactus (BlackBerryJelly), next on top - a faux leather background with a glittery butterfly, top right - sheet music painted with bronze acrylic paint with a little punched butterfly (SU).  The next row  -  sheet music painted with bronze acrylic paint and a die cut dragonfly (SX), pink and green acrylic paint background (using up leftover paint from a project) with a postage stamp, serendipity background with ink and a thankyou (BBJ), stamped doily with clear embossing powder resist with watercolour cut up into inchies with some little flower die cuts, bronzed song sheet with punched butterfly and a different serendipity background  toned down with ink and a little dandelion (CLKER).   Lots of fun and so enjoyed the freedom to create whatever I was inspired to!!!         Therese

Small all occasion cards for donation

 I found a set of small envelopes in my stash and decided to make some all occasion cards to donate to my church.  I trimmed cards to fit, search my paper scrap stash for backgrounds and then added focal elements such as butterfly punchies & die cuts, inchies, flower die cuts, leaf punchies, and postage stamps.  The embellishments were added to different layers including layered punchies and ribbon.  It was a fun day of creating with no limits or parameters so I could just go for it!!  I see that the leaf card has a hand decorated background which is stitched fabric paper!!  You can see more handmade backgrounds in my next blog post!!        Therese

QAYG - Potholder quilt in blues and browns

I started this quilt very early this year by cutting all the squares - decorative (12"), fabric batting (12") and the backing (15").  Each square has a front, batting and backer centered on each other in that order.  Once layered I pinned them all and put the stack aside.  I had managed to "quilt" three or four sometime in the spring and there is sat until this weekend when I took the stack and decided to get it going again.  I managed to add stitching to all the squares in a very all over fashion by going around the elements in a variety of way.  None are the same. The quilting secures all the layers to each other.  It went relatively quickly so I decided to see about stitching them together.  I laid them out in an arrangement I liked and sewed the top row together by putting the backers back to back and stitching along the edge of the front nice and close.  To bind these together you fold each backer twice over and stitch it to the front of its square.  Then you add another square and repeat the process.  In my case I only had three squares per row.  The benefit of this process is that you never have a large amount of fabric in the throat of your machine - only one square.  Once all the rows are done you sew them to each other using exactly the same process.  This finishes your quilt and all that is left is the binding.  Again, the binding of the outside edge is exactly the same process - fold over twice and stitch to the front.  Once you have gone all the way around you are done!!!!!!  This is a great method for doing squares as you go.  I used the same fabric for all the backers which frames the front squares quite nicely and gives a very even look to everything.  Making the squares in different patterns, with varied quilting and in different colours would make a very scrappy quilt.  I think I will try one in a rainbow of colours next time and see how that goes!!  Therese

A fabric wallet with place for coins, bills and cards!!!

One of my grandsons wanted a cyan wallet for Christmas!!  I knew right away that I had a piece of fabric that would be perfect.  It is a shimmery blue and sturdy!!!  I did some internet research.  I did not find one that suited my purposes completely so I just used them as inspiration and made this one.  I has a velcro close with a tab to make it easy to open.  There is room for bills in the little folders I made using a page protector.  

I added toppers so it would be easy to remember that the big bills are in this one and the smaller ones in the other.  They slide nicely into the back pocket.  There are two front pockets which hold cards. I cut one piece of fabric 4.25" wide and longer than I needed.   I hemmed the end and then started folding and sewing until I had all the pockets I needed. I tucked the other end all the way behind the pockets, trimmed and hemmed it.   I cut another piece of fabric which I doubled over as well to form the little pocket for change.  I used a decorative stitch on my sewing machine with coordinating thread and stitched up the edges to encompass the trimmed edges.  This piece comes all the way to the front to protect the front pockets and has velcro on the inside.  I stitched on a little pull under the velcro to help open up the flap.  I stitched it to the back of the first piece and added the velcro pieces.  I refolded all the pockets and then stitched up the sides of the wallet.  After checking to see how it worked I found that I should have stitched the bottom of the front flap where the velcro is to the front of the pocket for the bills because when you pulled on the flap to open it it pulled up the pocket.  No problem, I simply hand stitched those pieces to each other and now it works perfectly!!!   Therese

Fabric corner bookmark - simply stitched

 I made this bookmark for a special person this holiday and decided to simply stitched both trimmed edges instead of making one larger than the other and folding over stitching like the ones I made a while back.   I cut two squares of fabric 3" and 2.75" and folded them in half diagonally.  I placed one over the other and simply zigzaged the edges capturing the cut edge within the stitching.  I am quite happy with how it turned out and it was much quicker than the other ones I made.  A little less sophisticated but the recipient will be very happy with the fabric's theme which will be the most important thing!!!  Therese

Christmas cards featuring reused card fronts

 I created these fun Christmas cards for some of my grandchidren!!!  They are fun and reuse cute Christmas card fronts from past years!!!  It is so nice to be able to reuse these images and give them another opportunity to bring blessings to special people.  I simply trimmed the card, added a layer in most cases and then mounted them to a larger card and then added an insert!!  Ticking things off the Christmas to do list!!  Therese

Bookmark with slow stitched and painted butterflies and a card to mail it in

I stitched up this beautiful bookmark using a piece of slow stitching I did a while back that features little embroidered butterflies painted with Inktense paints which dry permanent.  I turned over the fabric about a quarter inch and then backed it with a black and floral fabric just a slight bit bigger so that it highlights the front.  I added a length of black ribbon while I was stitching the border.  I used a decorative stitch on my sewing machine and used a medium green thread - ivory was too light and black was too dark.  I am really happy with how it worked out but I might have made it just a bit shorter so it would be completely encompassed by most books!!!  I created a card which will accompany it to its recipient in time for Christmas.  The card reused a very elegant card front which I punched on the bottom edge and then embossed just above it.   Therese

All Occasion Card featuring flowers on handmade paper, vintage seam binding and decorative paper background

 My last card is also a landscape one using a floral image (Magenta). I watercoloured the flowers to coordinate with my background and the added paper piercing on all four sides.  I added a beige tab, added an eyelet and then inserted a piece of green vintage seam binding in it.  I used double sided tape between the ftont and back to secure the ends to each other.  I added faux stitching to the tab and around the perimeter of the background as well.  Just a little something!!  I have really enjoyed using these handmade paper elements and wil have to make more in the summer.   Therese

All Occasion Card featuring decorative paper background, embossed leaf on handmade paper and ribbon

 I changed it up a bit and used a landscape format for this card.  I watercoloured the leaf, added some paper piercing and the glued on a green tab (SU).  I added a pewter eyelet to the tab and then inserted two lengths of ribbon - orange and navy!! I folded them to the right and then tied them in place using copper cording.  The tab needed a bit of something so I added some faux stitching.  The leaf was silver embossed on white tissue paper and then incorported into the handmade paper in the couching process.  

Therese

November Card Club - quick and easy cards with printed tags, torn backgrounds over coordinating cards

 These were the third cards for the evening.  They were quick and easy with only having to glue the two torn pieces of paper to the card front and then mounting the embellished tag over the gap using 3D foam tape.  I had started on these kits when I was prepping the card kits for my friend.  I had found so many cool printables for tags that I had printed off quite a few sheets.  In the end, I was able to give her a bit of variety and had the same in the kits I made for this class.  It was fun to fun coordinating papers and ribbons to go with the tags.  The tags were downloaded from Homemade Gifts made Easy.  They worked perfectly for these quick and easy cards.  It was a great creative evening with friends and a good start to Christmas!!!

Therese

November Card Club - woven paper trees with foil stars

 I created these woven paper trees last year and only made up two cards.  I found the little stash of them this year as I was going through my supplies looking for paper for my card kits.  I had set aside a few backgrounds with the trees and three different colour of stars - silver, gold and red.  I went looking for a few more backgrounds and eventually had what I needed to make kits with all the trees I had cut last year.  These two cards have embossed backgrounds using a snowy design (SU) which I embellished with a bit of white ink on the red one.  After mounting my backgrounds to my card fronts added  the little stems and then added the woven trees and finally added the foil stars using 3D foam tape.  I love the colours and the simplicity of the design!!!  Therese

November Card Club - Christmas cards featuring torn vellum, rick rack and a cute embossed ornament with bling

 Winter has really arrived and it made for smaller numbers at Card Club.  For our first card I prepped kits for this card.  The embossed ornaments (SX) were paired with coordinating cardstock squares. In some cases I punched the background for my greeting from the square to ensure that it was the same. I added torn vellum to my backgrounds and then added rick rack that coordinated using double sided tape to secure all the ends to the back.   I mounted these large elements to my cards and then added my ornaments using 3D foam tape.  The greetings were also layered and then added with 3D foam tape.  Depending on the paper it was possible to make the card kit into a landscape card.  I added three little rhinestones to my ornamenst and paper piercing to the scallops on my greetings.  Therese

All Occasion Card featuring a light house, decorative paper background and vintage seam binding

A very simple sketch for this all occasion card!!  I did not colour the light house but did add some paper piercing on all four sides.  I added some deep blue vintage seam binding to my decorative paper background and then adhered it to my light sand card front.  I added the light house uisng 3D foam tape and then tied on a short length of the seam binding below the image with a single knot to simulate a bow!!  Therese
 

Quick and easy - Fabric corner bookmarks

 I have fnished off the last of the book marks I prepared before our trip.  I have used my sewing machine to quilt the two layers and then stitched the together. Here is a link to the ones that I hand stitched. After a bit of a review of my prototype it would seem that they don't really require any extra quilting which makes them a very quick and easy project.  All this is required are two squares of fabric.  I used a 4" and 3" but they could be made a bit larger if you wish.  Simply iron the smaller one point to point and then iron the bottom point of the larger one to be the same size which will leave you with a margin your two sides.  Just turn that margin over twice, iron and stitch in place tucking in the ends where necessary.  I think these would be very special made up with fabrics that relate to the person you are giving them to.  These can easily be included in a card for any occasion as a little gift for no reason at all.   Therese

Christmas card with a double stamped vellum with a holly theme, coordinating background and fussy cut holly embellishment

I had made one Christmas card when I was playing with double stamped vellum and so decided to make one more so I can send them to my card exchange partners for our December exchange!!

I used a holly stamp which I white embossed on the front and stamped in green on the back.  I backed the vellum with a piece of white cardstock so it would be shown to best advantage.  I layered these two behind an embossed frame. I chose a coordinating Christmas background, tore in two and mounted the two pieces to a large green card.  I mounted my vellum element to my card using 3D foam tape and then added my two fussy cut holly leaves as my embellishment.  I stamped them in green on light green cardstock, fussy cut them and painted the berries with red nail polish.  Once they were dry I layered them and then mounted them to my card overlapping the frame.  These will be off to my partners in today's mail.    Therese
 

All Occasion Card featuring a lighthouse, embossed strip and decorative paper background

For this all occasion card I adhered my colour printed decorative paper (SU) to a coordinating card front.  I layered a small strip of gray cardstock over a wider orange one and embossed them (CB).  I added a single rectangle of coordinating blue to the back of the light house after adding some paper piercing.  It was enough!!  I did not colour the image as it worked quite well with the gray in the paper!!

Therese
 

Slow Stitching - embellished leaves for an art quilt cooperative project

I belong to a Grandmothers to Grandmothers  group who is participating in the construction of an art quilt to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.  I have volunteered to make some leaves for the quilt.  It will depict a women in a tree that represents grandmothers who have provided strength, nurturing and shelter for those in their communities.  

I have cut five leaves from felted wool which my daughter felted a while back and donated to me for projects.  It provided the heft of fabric which I needed to support the embellishing I wanted to add with embroidery thread and beads.   I really like the mottled look of the wool which resembles leaves and I have added beads by incorporating them into the blanket stitch I added all the way around.  I used chain stitch, stab stitch and back stitch to add details inside the leaves along with a few sequins.  A couple days of slow stitching and I love how they all worked out!!!  Therese

All Occasion Card featuring watercoloured trees on handmade paper, eyelets and cording

Another simply elegant all occasion card!!  I watercoloured the trees (Magenta).  This element was created by placing a piece of stamped white tissue paper over the wet pulp and then couching as usual!!  The texture is really nice!! I added the two half circles to the back of my image, added eyelets and then strung silver cord through them.  I adhered the main image to my pale blue background paper and then secured the ends to the back of my background.  After pressing, I can see the ends from the front which is unfortunate.   I could have been more strategic had I been aware of this consequence but it is what it is!!  Beautiful none the less!!  Therese
 

All Occasion Card featuring embossed & watercoloured butterfly, ribbon and a hand decorated background

A more monochromatic look for this all occasion card!!  The dragonfly (Magenta) was silver embossed on white tissue paper and embossed into the handmade paper during the couching process.  I love the texture!!  I watercoloured the dragonfly to coordinate with my hand decorated background (sanding and wax resist).   I found these two pieces in my stash - they must have been part of a circle at one time - and punched them with the slot punch (SU) and then adhered them to the back of my dragonfly.  I added two pieces of lilac organza ribbon into the slots and then glued this large element to my background.  I tucked the ends of the ribbons to the back and secured them with double sided tape.  I then adhered this large element to my gray card!!  Subtle and elegant!! Therese
 

All Occasion Card featuring hand decorated background, embossed circles and ribbon and watercoloured trees

This all occasion card has a dark green card with a hand decorated paper background (sanding and wax resist)  I watercoloured the trees (Magenta) using glitter on the snowflakes in the sky and shimmery watercolour on the snow at the bottom.  I added three pewter eyelets and inserted three little pieces of ribbon in green, yellow and red.  I just added glue to the back of the ribbon and glued it to the handmade paper on the front and the back.  I embossed the half circles with Swiss Dots and then adhered them to the back of the trees element.  I mounted the focal element with 3D foam tape.  The trees image was embedded into the handmade paper in the couching process.  Really textured look!! Therese
 

All Occasion Card featuring a watercoloured light house, ribbon and circles on a hand decorated background

For this all occasion card I started with a navy blue card and added a hand decorated background (watercolour and plastic wrap).  I watercoloured the light house, added a pewter eyelet and then threaded a navy ribbon in and out and tied with with a double knot.  I did add some paper piercing with my pattern tracing wheel before adding the ribbon.    I added some circle punchies in red (embossed - Dvine Swirl - CB) and navy (pierced) at the top and bottom.    Therese
 

All Occasion Card featuring handmade paper floral image, ribbon and decorative background

Another card for my stash!!  This one started with peach card to which I added a colour printed decorative paper (SU).  I watercoloured the flowers (Magenta) to coordinate and added several ribbon flags on the right hand side before adding it to my card front using 3D foam tape.  I did do some paper piercing on all four sides with my pattern tracing wheel before adding the flags.  This focal element was created during the papermaking process by laying a stamped piece of white tissue paper onto the wet pulp on the screen and couching as usual.  I really love the effect!!  Therese