Not really my thing...

Cards.
yep. not really my thing. 
I always think I'm going to like making one, but then...no, not so much.
So what to do when you're given an assignment to make some?
For me, I get everything out on the table and start praying for inspiration!

Today you will find these over on the 7gypsies blog so I thought I would show you how a non-card maker, makes a very easy Christmas card.

Decide on how big your card is going to be.  I had some kraft cards and envelopes (that I bought in bulk at Hobby Lobby) left over from last year and decided to use them again.  Easy.

Next I cut a rectangle of creme cardstock to fit on the cover of the card, yet leave some kraft showing on each side. 
Round corners.

I decided it needed some color (it was looking pretty bland) so I put the cardstock on a paper towel and gave it a quick spritz of Adirondack Color Wash in Lettuce.  The cool thing is that very piece will turn out different so every card you make will be unique.  So now time to dry it with a heat tool and move on to the next step.

Next I taped a piece of scrap paper to the work table (and I really mean scrap here because I seriously just got it out of the trash).   Then used a bit of removable tape runner to attach the green paper to the white so that it would not move while I stamp.

Oh darn, I should mention that before I taped my green paper to the scrap paper I drew some horizontal lines so I could keep my stamping in a straight line.

I used this stamp called, Christmas Greetings from 7gypsies for both of the cards that I made.

I started in the bottom right corner and stamped one word in red.  You could emboss it it you wish.

 Then I just used almost every stamp in the set to fill in the the entire paper.  I did add the 25 from the Numero stamp set.  I started with the area around the word believe and spread out from there.  You can see why I taped the paper to the desk.  Half for the card and half to test stamps or tap them off after I was done with them.  This technique works best if you have a bunch of blocks like this set.  And really, once you get one done, making more would be easy to do.  You could even have multiples taped to the desk a the same time  and complete them in an assembly line.

 Once done, I peeled it off the paper and edged it with some distress ink.

 Adhered it to the store bought kraft card.

Then I marked my card with two dots the same size as my ribbon on each side of the card front, right above the word believe (I know that sounds confusing but it's not...just keep going).

I used a X-Acto knife to cut a slit between the marks on both sides. 

Then slid the ribbon into one of the two slits, around the inside of the card and back out to the front where I tied a knot.  The band of ribbon on the inside is a great place to tuck a Christmas letter or photo.

So really I could have stopped there and been done.  But if you want to take it to the next level you can add some vintage buttons.

I just used small and really small buttons to create a Christmas trees shape then glued each down with my favorite Scotch quick dry glue. 

Card number Two:
For this card I used one of my last remaining sheets of this great recycled paper I use to buy at Recollections when they were still in business in Texas.  It came in a pack of 25 (8 1/2 x 11") and I am now down to 2 sheets. darn it.  If anyone knows where I can buy more please post a comment or email me.  Anyway, back to the card.
I had some red envelopes so I decided to make a card to fit into the existing envelope.
I cut the recycled paper into two strips, each 4 1/4 x 11". 
From the two strips of paper I cut one piece 9" long and the other 5" long as shown below.  This is how the card is laid out before you connect the two pieces with paper tape.

On one end of the 9" piece of cardstock I added 14" of green ribbon held on with grid paper tape.

 Then I scored the card at the 3 1/2" mark from the edge to create the card front.

Next I used a Martha Stewart punch to create a simple red embellishment.

Then adhered it to the backside of where I just put the paper tape, so that when the card is closed you can see the lace.

At this point I stamped the word MERRY on the front of the card using the Alphabet clearstamp.  Same set I used when I made this.

 Next punch two holes using a paper piercer for the button.

 Thread the button with wire.

 Push the wire through the card and paper tape, twist to close (but not too tight).

 Cover wire with another piece of paper tape.

Add the second smaller piece of cardstock (5") onto the the larger one you have been working with, just as it showed in the diagram at the beginning.  I used the paper tape again to combine the two pieces.

Then add a piece of polka dot paper .  I wrapped mine around the left edge about an inch.

Now when you close up the card you will be able to wrap the ribbon around then use the button as a closure.

 Like this.

 Easy.

 Here's the inside I did, but you can do whatever you wish.

 Even space for a photo in the center.

 You can decorate an envelope to match.

 I like this stamp for the back and of course add more paper tape (there can never be enough paper tape).

Well that's my foray into card making for the year!  Thank goodness it's over.
cheers!
paula