Tuesday 7 September 2021

Balloons

A few weeks ago I visited the Festival of Quilts at the NEC in Birmingham and of course I added to my stash of Liberty Print fabrics, which I just love. To justify my indulgence I was determined to use some on a card. It is something I like to do but it doesn't happen very often. Anyway, I actually made 2 cards which I thought I would share with you today.

The first was for my nephew. The heart balloon is a die cut and the others are stencils which I coloured and cut out. They are all coated with glossy accents (sorry you can't see the shine), the twine is by Mary Arts, which I also bought at the show in about 8 different colours.



I am sharing this first card at CAS on Friday #213 balloons.



The second card was for my niece whose birthday was a few days later. I use the fabric by mounting it on some card with fusible web and then die cutting it. Generally it will cut really cleanly but I did get a tiny bit of fraying on this one that you can see on the close up pick if you look closely. Don't you just love the fabric?


My top tip if you want to perk up a card or just add more interest is to use a coloured card base. Once, on a post I complained about struggling to finish a card as I felt it needed something more and the lovely Cat left me a comment saying use a coloured card base. That little piece of advice was revelatory for me and now I often use a coloured card base. Thanks so much for the advice Cat (do you remember?).

I am therefore sharing my second card at Time out #195 coloured card base.


I am away for a few days at the moment so do not have much time but I will catch up on my visits soon.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Card base, adorable scorable coated card
Dies: Create a smile stitched rectangles; Sizzix balloons
Fabric: Liberty Print Tana Lawn
Stencil: Uniko

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today, I really appreciate it. 


18 comments:

aussie aNNie said...

A most adorable creations. xx

Mac Mable said...

The fabrics look fabulous and both cards are fun, colourful and yes the coloured card base sure does work brilliantly x. Creative idea to use stencils and then to cut them out Hilary x. Enjoy your time away Hilary x.

Rajani Rehana said...

So beautiful post

Rajani Rehana said...

Read my new post

Bunny said...

The Festival of Quilts sounds like heaven. Oh how I used to love to quilt. Taking an eternity to pick out those fabrics and decide which pattern I was going to follow. I love both of your cute birthday cards. [Bunny]

Ashwini Rao said...

Sweet! I love the look of those fabrics in the background - they are really pretty! And wonderful cards using them as well!

Cat Craig said...

Fabulous cards, Hilary. I have used fabric too and the method taught to me was to use sticker paper and then cut your fabric once it has been backed with the sticker paper. It keeps it from fraying.

I do love a colored cardbase and I am glad sharing that inspired you to use them more often. Hugs.

crafty-stamper said...

Both beautiful cards and love the gorgeous fabrics
Carol x

Leslie Miller said...

Those are the cutest fabric pieces! A very small print which is perfect for cards. Super fun cards for your nephew and niece. I love all the color. I used to have a room full of fabric. I didn't quilt, but sewed clothes and craft items. Did quite a few craft sales back in the day. I sewed all my son's jammies when he was little. All that gave way to paper crafting. No regrets.

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Fun balloon cards, Hilary - just love the fabrics you chose; perfect for the recipients!!

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Great idea using fabric as background for the diecut shapes and the coloured cardstoks are just perfect!! Thanks for another inspiration, you are very creative! Both your cards for nephew and niece are so pretty! and colourful!

Bonnie said...

Two fantastic and fun kid's cards, Hilary! Love the fabric! Thanks for the tips on adding it to a card! The colored card bases make these cards extra bright and fun!

Christine Alexander said...

Love your fabric backgrounds, thanks for the the tip on the fusible backing. I need to pull out my swatches :)

Ros Crawford said...

Gosh fabric? It looks terrific! Wonderful cards and such a good idea

Jules said...

Hi Hilary

I can remember going to the Festival of Quilts at the NEC years ago with my Sister .. .. it was truly inspirational.

I love the fabric choices that you have used on your cards here. Beautiful colours.

Love Jules xx

Vicky Hayes said...

Loving your use of fabric on these cards Hilary and what beautiful fabrics they are! In the interiors world there's a growing trend for painting woodwork in a colour to coordinate with wallpaper which has the same effect as using a coloured card base I think! Vicky x

Greta said...

Fun using the fabrics for these cards, Hilary! Happy you shared Cat's tip as I love colored mats, but tend to forget to use them!

coldwaters2 said...

These are brilliant Hilary love how you have used the texture of fabric on the card I love the backgrounds and balloons they are such fun
hugs
lorraine x