Friday 23 June 2017

Merry Monday #253 - Bears

Such a cute theme over at 'Merry Monday' this week - 'Bears'! As I used the image from an up cycled Christmas card we were sent a couple of years ago, this is a 'one off'. Meaning my monthly target for 12 Christmas cards per month beginning in December has really slipped for June - but in the current heatwave, even I'm finding it hard to feel Christmassy! And that's quite an admission from one who can normally howl Christmas carols at the drop of a hat :)

Anyhow, this is what I came up with:
I used:

- 4.25" x 5.5" white card blank, side opening

- piece of apricot Core-dinations card stock (chosen to pick out the apricot ribbon on the little bear's parcel) - which was die cut using the MFT 'JOY photo card frame' 

- then I placed the frame how I wanted it to be over the image and popped the piece of waste from the centre in place. Holding it down firmly I then carefully removed the die cut frame and used low tack tape to hold the waste panel over the image (you could just pop a little bit of low tack sticky runner on the back of the waste panel before dropping it in place of course)

- then carefully cut around the image, just about three sixteenths of an inch away from the piece of die cut waste which was covering it, and took the piece of waste away

- that gave me enough room to add very narrow red line tape around the back of the die cut frame and then carefully pop it over the image panel

- glued the framed panel in place and left it at that

Of course, another way would have been to just lightly run a pencil line around the frame inner as a guide - but OCD was lurking here!

The card came with the gold stars already glittered, extra bonus. The colours are really non-traditional and, the white card blank I used is actually very slightly 'off-white'. I love really crisp, very white cards but I bought these on line and was quite disappointed when they arrived a while ago. But, they do have a use as a lot of commercially produced Christmas cards are printed on slightly off-white card - which makes for a good match when up cycling!

Still think it's hard to beat Hobbycraft if you want to buy bright white card blanks - and their 'own brand' 300gsm own card stock is also great for making your own blanks too. Of course, my favourite Samuel Taylor also do brilliant white card stock in various weights as well - it's usually best to buy at craft shows for good deals though.





22 comments:

  1. so cute, you are right, a heat wave makes it hard to think Christmas

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  2. I can see why you kept that cute bear, and I love how you framed it, makes it extra special. Glad I popped by because you reminded me Rudolph days fast approaching! Xxx

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  3. Certainly has been a tad warm hasn't it Di, but you rose to the challenge and created a sweetie of a card.

    B x

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  4. Such a cute bear - lovely. So pleased it is cooler today!

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  5. The bear (and your card!) is a cutie!!
    Lia xx

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  6. This is absolutely gorgeous! Such a cute image and I love the frame. It's amazing how white card differs isn't it! Hugs xxxxx

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  7. A fantastic card Di, I love the frame around the bear. I'm so glad that it's cooled a little.

    Sue xx

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  8. So beautiful Di and the image is just so cute!! the frame looks like linen card one of my favourite craft card to use....l love the colour too! hope you enjoy your weekend x

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  9. Such a cute card and you matched the peach ribbon perfectly with your cardstock x

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  10. wonderful card!
    have a great weekend!
    hugs

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  11. What a cute upcycled bear you have used Di and the pretty soft pink frame goes beautifully. x

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  12. Aww how cute is this? Totally ted-ily cute! Great piece of recycling there mate.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  13. Really cute and loveable image, super card.
    Well you can get back to Christmas as it has been cold and wet and miserable(that was me) all day here.

    Kath x

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  14. Another cute card, my friend! Adorable!

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  15. The apricot works perfectly with the image. I bet Parsnip now thinks this card is for him! Hugs Mrs A.

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  16. Great upcycling, Di. The image is so cute and looks fabulous framed in apricot. xx

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  17. Beautiful and sweet card, well done with your upcycling!

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  18. Fab upcycled card, your cardstock matches your image perfectly and I love that Joy die!

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  19. Gorgeous image Di and a pretty Christmas card. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday this week.

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  20. Oh too cute--love this, Di!

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