simple handmade graduation card

Everyone knows at least one person who is graduating from school (whether it's preschool, grad school or somewhere in between), so let's make a handmade card in honor of the occasion. Here's what you'll need to join me in the card making fun:

- A variety of colored card stock -- I used dark gray, light gray, light blue, pale yellow and goldenrod

- An envelope

- A cutting mat

- An Xacto knife

- A metal ruler

- Paper glue

- Basic scissors

- Markers (Mine are fine-tip Crayola)

- Yarn

-Fabric tape

- Hot glue and glue gun

Use your mat to find the center of your card base (color 6 - 5.5 " for this card), and then score it by running the knife lightly down the center once or twice. Fold in half. I wanted the inside of my card to be a different color, so I did this twice and then glued the sheets together with the paper glue.

Next I cut out the shapes. I cut out an off-center large diamond shape, a rectangle, four small stars, three large stars and three shooting star tails (each 2.5 inches long and slightly curved). I freehanded one large and small star, and then I traced around them to make the rest of the stars. 

Next I made the tassel for the cap. Cut four one-inch pieces of yarn and tie them together with a 3.5 inch piece of yarn. If you want to make a more advanced tassel, don't cut your one-inch pieces -- simply wind them back and forth and tie them off with the same piece of string. It's a little more complicated, but it looks more like a tassel.

For the front of the card, I used the hot glue gun to adhere my shapes because I like the 3-D effect. I also added a piece of fabric tape along the side. 

On the inside of the card, I laid out my three stars. I used hot glue to attach the stars and paper glue to attach the star tails. To pull the design together, I added another piece of fabric tape along the bottom.

This might be the easiest card ever. Happy card-making, everyone!

make a spring flowers greeting card

It's been a while since I shared a handmade greeting card. Winter certainly didn't offer much inspiration for DIY craft projects. Not surprisingly, as soon as spring officially sprung, an idea for a greeting card that celebrates the fresh colors and flowers of the season popped into my mind. Daffodils, tulips and daisies are some of my favorite spring flowers, so I decided to use them for this card. 

Here's how to create your own spring flowers greeting card.

You'll need:

- A variety of colored card stock - In this case, two shades of green, two shades of yellow and two shades of pink

- An envelope

- A cutting mat

- An Xacto knife

- A metal ruler

- Paper glue and/or hot glue

- Basic scissors

-Pattern scissors

- Embellishments of your choice (I used polka dot ribbon)

- Sticker letters or markers

Start by using your mat to find the center of your card base (5.5 ” for this card). Then score it by running the knife lightly down the center once or twice. 

Fold in half.

To make a daffodil, cut six tear shapes and one flower shape. I suggest tracing the shapes in pencil before you start cutting. It definitely makes things easier! I made two daffodils -- one with lighter colored petals and one with darker colored petals. One was slightly bigger than the other.

Use hot glue to put them together. I like using the hot glue to make the flowers because it gives them more of a 3D look. 

Next we're going to make our tulip shape. I cut the center piece first, and then used it to trace two half pieces that will become the outer petals. I'm not sure what these shapes would be called, but you get the idea!

Again, you'll use hot glue to adhere them together. The outer petals should slightly overlap, and the center piece should be visible.

Next we're going to make some daisies. The daisies are similar to the daffodils, except their petals are oblong instead of tear-shaped. They have a round center. I made three daisies using different colors. Hot glue the flower parts together. 

Next is the fun part. You'll take your flowers and arrange them on the front of the card. Don't glue anything to the card base yet. You'll want to cut out some stems and leaves, and then you'll want to try laying everything out until you have an arrangement that feels right. When you're ready, use your hot glue to attach the various pieces, working from the back of the card to the front. I added a strip of pink polka dot ribbon to the bottom of the card. Another alternative is grass!

On the inside of the card, I added another piece of card stock in yellow. I scored it (using the same method as I did above), and then I used my patterned scissors to create a fun edge. I added my other two daisies (you'll notice one is a bit more like a pink daffodil) and some more of that polka dot ribbon. Finish your project by adding a personal message using markers or letter stickers. My card became a birthday card, but this card would make a lovely card for Easter, Mother's Day or any spring occasion. 

Happy Spring!

make a heart-shaped pizza

Why don't you make a heart-shaped pizza for Valentine's Day? It's a simple, inexpensive gesture, but the results are sure to make you and your special someone smile. Heart-shaped pizzas also work great for Valentine's Day parties with kids, extended family and friends. You can make several -- one to suit every person's pizza taste. The more hearts, the better!

To make the heart shape, simply roll out your preferred pizza dough on a lightly floured pastry mat and then use a butter knife or pizza cutter to cut out your heart shape. My pastry mat is designed for cutting, but be careful not to cut your mat or surface!

You can lightly trace your heart before cutting all the way through if you aren't sure if you'll be happy with your first attempt at a heart shape. Then add your favorite sauce and pizza toppings and place in the oven on 400 degrees until the dough and toppings are golden brown. Enjoy your heart pizzas with your loved ones.

Happy Valentine's Day!

diy princess birthday card

Eliza, our niece, turns eight today. She just happens to be one of our favorite people, and I'm not just saying that because she's family. She is one of those special people who is smart, funny and drop-dead beautiful. She loves to read, makes all As in school, has a wonderful sense of style (she is a mini shopaholic), loves everyone and has a fun, witty personality. She became a big sister a few months ago, and she was thrilled when she received the news that she wasn't going to be an only child anymore. She absolutely loves her baby sister, and sharing the spotlight doesn't bother her at all. She is a very special little person.

In honor of her birthday, we decided to make a princess card. She is a princess, and she's at the age where she loves all things girly -- makeup, Barbies and shopping. A princess card seemed like a good fit for her.

Here's what you'll need to make your own princess card:

- A variety of colored card stock (I used plain and patterned for this card)
- An envelope
- A cutting mat
- An Xacto knife
- A metal ruler
- Paper glue
- Basic and scalloped scissors
- Embellishments (I chose rhinestones)
- Markers (Mine are fine-tip Crayola)
-Fun stickers
-Ribbon

First, use your mat to find the center of your card base (5" for this card), and then score it by running the knife lightly down the center once or twice. Fold in half.

Choose another piece of card stock in a different color, and cut it down to the size of the front of your card (in my case, 7" x 5").

On the flat piece of card stock, draw the shape of a crown. Remember, we aren't going for perfection here!

Cut out your crown shape. Also cut out a strip of patterned paper that is the width of your card (mine was 7"). This is going behind the crown, so the height needed will vary. Mine was approximately 2.5".

Glue the patterned stripe and the crown to the front of your card. Let it dry thoroughly.

While the front is drying, add some embellishments to the inside of the card. I added another strip of patterned paper, some stickers and a pretty piece of ribbon that I had in my crafting stash. As I am completely out of letter stickers, I hand-addressed the message. 

Once the front of your card is dry, add some embellishments of your choice. I used some scraps of my base color to cut out jewels in various shapes as well as a strip to go across the bottom. For some interest, I used my scalloped scissors to add a special edge to that strip. Then I glued everything down and added some rhinestones, sequins and stickers. I paired this sparkly card with a shiny silver envelope and more fun stickers. 

The result is a card fit for a princess!

Happy Birthday, Eliza!