I have been trying to slow down on crafting to give my back, neck and shoulders a bit of a break, but there are some card challenges are too tempting to pass up, whether because they are for children, an inspirational YT friend, or a fellow dog (in this case poodle) lover.<\/p>\n

<\/a>The first card was for a little four year old girl named Amrita, who loves princesses and the colors orange and pink. Her mom (YT: sujafriendlover) asked that the cards be “different” (not the standard A4 card) and include various embellishments (I don’t recall which or how many because I kind of went nuts on all of that so I stopped counting–LOL). I really like how the open center step card provides lots of levels to embellish.\u00a0 I used a Gorjuss Girl stamped image called “Party Princess” and lots and lots of fabric and paper flowers, a tiny heart embellished clothes pin, and a sweet heart border sticker from the “Crazy for You” set from We R Memory Keepers.<\/p>\n

The second birthday card was for a really talented, inspiring colorer all the way in Indonesia, Indah (YT: missambercrafts), who loves cute cards and pink. She asked that a banner be included so I used the same sticker set above for the LOVE banner and colored up a Penny Black fairy from the “Mimi in Paris” set in soft pinks and glittery Stickles.\u00a0 The extra “umph” came from the super sweet wooden Celebrate It brand cupcake that I “re-made” softer (it started life a harsh red). Looks good enough to eat!<\/p>\n

<\/a>Last is an any time card for a dear Youtube friend Bev (YT: NewCrafterBev) who is a fellow poodle lover. I used another image from the Mimi in Paris set for this one.\u00a0 I just had fun layering and embellishing starting with a white paper doily, pink eyelet lace, bling trim, pearl flourishes, and pretty handmade fabric hearts from my friend Susumu (YT: NerdyGeekCrafter). That’s the only danger with the cutsie style; sometimes it’s hard to stop embellishing.<\/p>\n

So much for slowing down, eh? I can’t help myself. I just love crafting, especially when I can make something from the heart for someone who I know will appreciate the love and care that card making can embody.<\/p>\n

Tips for fussy cutting: Change your exacto knife blade often–that’s the only way I know to accomplish those intricate inside cuts (check out that leash and the handbag). And if you accidentally cut through, try glossy accents to “glue” the two ends back together.<\/p>\n

The following are the YT videos sharing these projects<\/p>\n