It’s time for a little game of “imagine this with me.” I’ll give you a completely fictional scenario, and you’ll imagine yourself in this situation. Let’s get started. Let’s say you have been invited to a joint birthday celebration on Saturday night – two really awesome friends are planning a party to celebrate their 40th and 50th birthdays – together they are turning 90. The invitation said “no gifts, please” but that doesn’t feel right to you. This is completely hypothetical, but let’s also say it’s now Saturday afternoon and that the clock is ticking more loudly as the party time gets closer. You have only made a card for the birthday girls but you haven’t bought a gift (remember – it’s not expected, but you just don’t feel right). Just for the sake of it, let’s also say it’s rainy out and that you really don’t feel like leaving the Fungeon to head to the mall. Doh! Did I just blow my cover? OK, this is my story.
I made this thank you card as a gift to the birthday girls on Saturday:
Tips, Tricks and Reminders
- Quick card. The Whisper White notecards (available in the Annual Catalog) are the perfect foundation for a quick and easy card. I simply stamped the streaks from Gorgeous Grunge on top of each other, staggered a little over the card. I added the slanted stripes in Jet Black StazOn.
- Keepin’ it Distressed. I really like the distressed look of this sentiment from Lots of Thanks. It looks slightly weathered – perfect to pair with Gorgeous Grunge. Yippee! The boxy sentiment is also perfect to pair with some circles to add a little interest to the card front.
- A Little Bit of Random. This card is a little “collage-y”. Not totally, but it’s moving in that direction, don’t you think? In my “clean and classy” world, everything has a set place – three brads go in this corner or the circle is perfectly matted and centered. My good friend, Justin Krieger, has been sharing a lot of cards where things are randomly placed. I’ve become quite fond of some randomly placed rhinestones – so, here’s to you, Justin!
Are you wondering why I made one thank you card for the girls? Well, I didn’t. I made an entire pack (20) and wrapped them with Cellophane Bags (page 160 of the Annual Catalog). I searched the Fungeon for a small box to put them in. Guess what I used – an old Paper Pumpkin box. Perfection!
I think Stefanie and Laura will be able to make good use of these cards. There were a lot of people at the party who didn’t listen to the request for no gifts…
Stamp Sets: Gorgeous Grunge, Lots of Thanks Inks: Smoky Slate, Jet Black StazOn Papers: Whisper White Notecard Accessories: 1-1/4″ Circle punch, 1-3/8″ Circle punch, 1-3/4″ Circle punch, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
Are you ready to fall in love with My Paper Pumpkin? Stampin’ Up! is running a special on My Paper Pumpkin, and it’s a really great deal! From now through August 31, you can join My Paper Pumpkin for only $10 a month (plus tax, shipping included) for the first two months. CLICK HERE to go to My Paper Pumpkin, and use the promotion code PUMPKINDEAL to take advantage of this deal. If you are my customer (or if you would like to be), I’d love for you to select me as your demonstrator (Brian King, zip code 30341). Everyone who joins will receive a handwritten thank you card from me (and you can’t place a value on that deal!)
What a lovely idea, Brian. And what a thoughtful friend you are too! I follow Justin now and love both your styles. I’m also trying to ‘randomise’ my cards and love what you’ve done with the rhinestones. Got to go now – got a card to copy…!
Very classy card and a very classy gift!
Great idea….I just LOVE that grunge set! I see this card in my future!!! Have fun at the party!
Hi Brian, Yes this was a great idea. Love the Black & White. I gave my sister a box of six mixed note cards just last night, her birthday. She loved them, as I am sure your recipients will too. Thanks a bunch.
Stefanie and Laura will love them! I do! Love that your cards kept the invitation feel with the black tie request. A set of any occasion cards are always a great quick, simple and wonderful gift. Great packaging idea by recycling.
Love it my friend! Clean, classy and beautiful! You are the master when it comes to that! Enjoy your day! 🙂
I give my sister cards to use for birthdays and thank yous . She loves it ! I think it`s nice that you and Justin are friends and appreciate each other`s different card making styles. Your trying to place rhinestones randomly reminds me of me trying to make my little Paper Pumpkin “spots” look victorian and faded . They kept looking like I had just gotten ink on my card even though I used gray ink and stamped off …that`s because I am trying to expand my stamping style also and I am not a grunge fan (although I like Victorian ) and so I am practicing . I have decided to get the stamp set that you used today because you keep making it look more interesting each time (loved the colorful paint splatters that you did before) Great gift idea !
Thanks for the props Brian! You really are the best! I’m humbled that I have had any effect on your creativity! 🙂
I love to give sets of handmade cards as gifts! My friends and family always love to receive them….thank you sets, thinking of you sets, as well as birthday sets!
OK, this is it!!!!! I’m getting that stamp set, I just can’t resist it anymore, the designs of this stamps are fabulous to do a lot of things like what you did in this magnificent Thank You cards for your friends. Thank you for sharing.
This is a great card. It will be perfect for my “Thank you for you Order” card. Hope you don’t mind me copying it!
Such a lovely gift, anyone would love to receive it and a card too.
Love it Brian – what a stunning gift for the girls!
I have been giving groups of cards to my friends as Christmas gifts for years. I usually make some kind of card holder from card stock. My favorite holder to make is the one that is like a folder with a pocket on each side. You need to be careful though because once you give someone the gift of a group of cards, that’s what they want forever and ever………………….such a wonderful compliment.
Fabulous card Brian and a perfect gift without really breaking the no gift rule.
That is always my standard gift for church baby showers. I do a bundle of 25 “thank you” cards. People know that is what I do so as soon as they see my name on the package everyone can’t wait to see what I have done this time. And the new mother or mother to be loves them. Many times if I know the sex of the baby beforehand, I will theme my cards that way.
both the card and packaging are exquisite!
What a great idea Brian! And your card is a perfect example of the way to use that stamp set. Love it.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You always come up with the greatest ideas, Brian! This is a perfect project for me also. Long story that I don’t need to go in to but. . . . a gift of “thank you” cards is a great idea for me to send to a family friend. Love that ‘grunge’ set!
I love all the cards you make. My little sister turns 50 this year and she is getting 50 cards. All different. I know she will love it. Thank you for all your creativity sharing.
I would LOVE for someone to gift me handmade cards! Great idea. I did not like the Grunge when I first saw it, but am growing more fond of it each time I see it used. Very clever and classy!! Clap, clap, clap!!
Looks like Justin has been a good influence on you – those rhinestones look great! Love the whole card!
What a great gift & you know they will be ulitized!!! Stunningly simple and an elegant complement to their birthday card!!
I’d love to share your terrific project on next Trendy Tuesday post for Paper Crafters Library, you can check out the blog here: http://blog.papercrafterslibrary.com/ If you don’t want to be featured for any reason, please let me know. The post will link back to your blog as well.
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