Handicrafts by Kate Perry and other ramblings

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Using up the Bits for Rudolph Day

As I hinted at in my Wednesday blog hop post, I decided to use up some old stash and snippets for my Christmas card this month. I recently came across a pack of cream cards with a Christmas die cut aperture that I must have had for at least ten years. They probably came in a 'job lot' from the QVC seconds shop I used to visit in Shrewsbury. I didn't like many of them but two caught my eye as having possibilities.

First I took the plain bell aperture, drew through it onto plain paper and
constructed a sort of template for iris folding. I went through my recently sorted snippets boxes and found small pieces of red and green papers and started cutting, folding and sticking. It always surprises me how little paper you actually need for this technique. The centre hole and the 'clanger' and hanger were backed with tiny pieces of silver card dabbed with green alcohol ink. Not being one for empty spaces on my cards, I filled the corners and lower space with green stickers that are even older than the cards, and a red sentiment peel-off. Amazingly they were still really sticky!







The second card I picked out was a snowman. He was not big enough to use for iris folding so I just did some paper piecing for this one. I used the die cut snowman to cut up as patterns for the scarf and hat and added tiny black gems for the face. I punched out little black circles of card for the buttons, and then added two strips of similarly ancient snowflake peel-offs down each side. Some holographic silver paper went behind the cut out stars and snow lines, and a touch of stickles crystal made him sparkle.


Now I am off to link these to the Rudolph Day Challenge at Sarn's Stamping for Pleasure.
The first card I am also linking to Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge: use Red and Green.
Also, when I had a mammoth clear out of all my off-cuts of paper and card, and sorted them into colour boxes to make them so much easier to use, I did say I would start making cards for Pixies Crafty Snippets Playground, and I think these two make me eligible to tip-toe through the gates. See you there!

13 comments:

Jean said...

Love the iris folding making a beautiful bell. I have only dabbled with iris folding ages ago but this makes me think I should try again.
I like the jolly snowman too, it's good to use up some old stash. I used some of the snowflake peel-off recently as well and mine is probably as old as yours.
Jean x

Di said...

Two great cards Kate - I love both of them. Ages since I did iris folding - love the colour mix you used and the fact you did your own template. And a jolly snowman as well :) Hugs, Di xx

Vicky Hayes said...

It's always exciting to think up new possibilities for your stash Kate! The bell is very neatly done and I like your cheery snowman too. Vicky x
PS Sorry you had to hunt for my page - I did it all wrong - but Sarn has sorted me out now!

Karen said...

Love the iris folding, it always looks complicated doesn't it! It must be strange making Christmas cards in the heat for you! Our 20 yr old kitty swears sometimes too I think! Have a great day! Karen x

kiwimeskreations said...

Love your iris folding Kate - what a wonderful way to use up oddments. Well done on using up the old card blanks too! I have some that would be about that old too!
Blessings
Maxine

Sarn said...

Hi Kate . . . two lovely festive cards here. Your Iris folding is PERFECT. Very impressive.

Thanks for joining in with Rudolph Day again.

Hugs
Sarn xxx

Saskia said...

Great Christmas cards, Kate! It's a very good idea to use your old stash for them, maybe I should do the same..

veronica said...

well done on using up the old stuff - funny how techniques get resurrected, seen a fair bit of iris folding recently, as well as teabag folding

Hazel said...

Superb cards - the iris folding is gorgeous - thanks for entering my CHNC challenge 121 - you could also enter this into my CHNC challenge extra for April - I'd love to see it there too. x

Juls said...

gorgeous!! Fab use of snippits!! Hugs Juls

Kathleen said...

Wow the bell looks pretty complicated but stunning and I love the snowman card.

Kath x

scrappymo! said...

Your folded card is stunning...I have never tried this technique...it is so lovely!

You are keeping busy to make two great cards...you will be well prepared for Christmas!

JoZart Designs said...

Can't even think about the C word... but those are really lovely. I had a call from your lovely son to make arrangements. Take a look at Lilly Bo too.
Speak soon,
Jo x