Showing posts with label note cards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label note cards. Show all posts

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Careful It's Hot

This year my long summer days were happily full of personalized requests and custom invitations. Last week I finished up the season's final order and immediately found myself immersed in a slew of handcrafted requests for Autumn and Winter weddings. Truly, I feel like I've somehow jumped from cool pink lemonade to hot apple cider in the blink of an eye - and I think I burned my tongue!

So, with the end of summer having somehow rushed by unbeknownst to me, I thought it necessary to slow down and reflect on some of my favorite summer projects for Birdcage Cards. 'Cause ya know, sometimes a girl just needs time to adjust and reflect. Here's a tiny sampling of what's been keeping my workspace aflutter...

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Mixed Doily Minis

One of the best parts about being a stationery designer is that when you need something that can't easily be found you can just make it! So that's exactly what I did.
I took my favorite muted colors and my favorite current concept (paper doilies) and whipped up some small 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" folded note cards. I love mini note cards because they truly are the most versatile kind of stationery. You can slip the card in its envelope and tuck it inside a present as a lovely gift enclosure. You can punch a hole in one of the top corners, thread some ribbon through, and hang it from a bottle of wine as a gift tag. Or you can write a secret message inside and tuck it under a pillow, into a briefcase, or on top of a box of sweets! They're just so darned useful.

I send cards all the time through the mail when I can't be there to say something meaningful in person or when I need to tuck some cash inside in lieu of a gift. But, I mean think about it, when you're right there presenting the gift in person do you really need a $4.00 card to write three little lines in? Nope. All you need is a tiny little gift card where you can write "Happy Birthday" or "Congratulations! Love you tons" inside and be done with it. Honestly, it's my idea of the perfect arrangement.

And because these little guys are such a big hit every time I use them, because I know just how hard it is to find them, and because I know how useful they really are I decided to offer these Paper Doily Mini Note Cards paired with 6 very soft muted orange colored envelopes (not nearly as dark and vivid as shown in the pictures) in my shop. While you're there feel take some time to browse through and see what else is new. I've been quite the busy bee and I'm not even close to being done for the season!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Just Another Couple Of Bucks...

Check it out! My Buck It Up Note Card was featured in this fun deer centric treasury! Ahhh, a happy Saturday indeed. Head on over and check out all the other fun fawn themed items from my fellow Etsy artisans.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Woodland Wonder

I've been fast and steadily working my way into Fall. And now that its cold both inside and out I keep wondering about all the little critters getting ready for winter; filled to the brim with busy work. So, while I snuggle up inside with two pairs of wool socks on (I'm plagued with the coldest feet in Buffalo) I thought I might take a virtual trip through the woods and see what everyone is up to...
It seems I'm not the only animal to think of layering up. Check out that Gentle Deer Man. He's got a scarf and everything! Oouuu, and it seems that the birds are already migrating south. And hey, look, those bunnies are on the run - headed for warmer weather I'm sure; flock purse and Jackrabbit Necklace. Ouch, looks like some deer met his untimely end. Did you see those Vintage Deer Antlers mounted on the wall? Yeesh. It's getting colder too. I probably should have dressed warmer like in this Plaid Flannel Bustier Top - cute right?! Talk about standing out from the boys. Maybe I should accessorize too, with a cute Brown Bear Brooch. What do you think, too much? Naw, just right. Afterall, when in Rome dress the part! Awww, look at this little leaping bunny nightlight. He jumped right over the moon! I didn't know they could jump that high. Did you? Oh, and this must be his friend Butterscotch Tweed Fox - wait. No time for introductions. I think I smell a fire. There, a cute little cabin in the woods! I wonder if anyone's home. I wonder if they have any mounted deer in there? I don't know its pretty cold out here though. Maybe I should just suck it up and go inside; Buck It Up Note Card.

Hello? Hello? Nope no one's home. Oouu, I love what they've done with the place. That knitted apple tree pillow looks so soft and cozy and I love that print, My, What A Big Heart You Have. And, that birch pendant light is just fantastic. Cabin in the woods or not I'd love to own that piece. You know, this place seems pretty authentic. They have an enchanted forest table set with maple seed pod napkins, and look, another cozy pillow. This one is a stitched applique pillow cover of an evergreen forest. I bet someone made that by hand. Sigh...this print, this one here is my favorite. I wish I had a cozy little acorn to call my very own; A Quiet Forest print. Must be a man and woman that live here because there are twig hair pins and log cuff links. I wonder if I snagged one of those hair pins if anyone would notice. Its just that my bangs won't grow out fast enough and I forgot to clip them back before I left the house and....hey, wait a minute that plaid bomber jacket looks pretty warm. That might come in handy on my walk back home-shhh! Someone's coming. Hide!

Monday, June 1, 2009

I Want Candy

I have been working on a new line of card singles for one of my favorite local shops, Thin Ice. Since, the weather has been warming and summer is just around the corner when I created these I was inspired by all things fun and bright. As a result, a lot of the cards are infused with citrus and candy colors. Here's a taste of what I've recently whipped up. Be forewarned its a bit sweet...

Antique Key Print Note Card:

Citrus Wishing Buds Note Card:

Mod Grass Field Note Card:

Citrus Garden Note Card:

Like I said this is just a little taste. I've made a rather involved series of these candy and citrus colored cards for Birdcage Cards' Summer line. I'll keep you updated as I list them in my Etsy shop. And remember if you're Buffalo bound to stop by Thin Ice at 719 Elmwood Ave, not just for a closer peek at Birdcage Cards' new line (soon to be in stock), but for a huge selection of locally crafted art, jewelry and home decor.

{Update: I've included hot links to the cards that have been added to Birdcage Cards' Etsy shop}

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Birdcage Cards Was Featured in a Treasury!

I'm so excited because I just found out that one of my cards was featured in a new treasury on Etsy called Lemon and Lime by Jinx Murphy Designs. Its very exciting for me especially since I just started listing items in my shop a few weeks ago! And the fact that Jinx Murphy Designs makes absolutely amazing wood cut designs for home decor makes me feel over the moon that she even thought to include me in one of her treasuries. How fun!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Show and Tell Friday

Another Friday, another note card. Well, actually the pattern is unintentional but I do like the idea of a weekly show and tell. What do you think?

This week's Swallowtail Butterfly Note Card is originally from a mixed set I had made, but I decided to split it up and list each in my shop individually. Over Memorial Day Weekend I had seen a lot of moths floating around and I just kept hoping and wishing that a colorful butterfly would show up as well, but, unfortunately that just never happened. So, I was inspired to make my own. The butterfly image was hand printed with pigment inks, in either petal pink, marigold yellow or sky blue. Then, before the ink had time to dry, I set it with embossing powder and heat embossed each card to give it a glossy raised effect. By using a creamy white 90lb paper instead of a bright white the tone of the card becomes delicate, soft and relaxing - which is just the way I feel when I spot a real swallowtail.

Each card is 3 3/4" x 5 1/8" and comes with its own matching envelope and while listed as a single card, if you would like a mixed set please don't hesitate to ask. I'd be more than happy to accommodate. Well, that's all for now. I've got lots of paper goodies to make! Have a happy weekend!

Friday, May 22, 2009

TGIF!

I'm off to meet a potential new paper supplier this morning (fingers crossed) but before I go I wanted to quickly share a new note card set with you - and go figure, its birdcages.This Birdcage Note Card Set of 6 was a bit of a labor of love. The "hello" greetings were hand printed with pigment inks on to the same heavyweight 80lb card stock that the cards are made of and then painstakingly cut out by hand. I say painstakingly only because I have nerve damage and arthritis in both of my hands. So detail work in bulk can be a little harsh for me sometimes - especially when I'm a perfectionist. But, in this case, it was completely worth it! The 3D framed greeting adds a nice balance to the quirky colored birdcages. I really wish the pictures did these cards justice. They are just sooo much cuter in person! Yesterday, I worked all day experimenting with and creating new packaging labels for my boxed note card sets. I wanted to make something that would match the look of the new stationery boxes. Its important to me that everything has a cohesive look. Once I finally figured out the layout and print dimensions it was smooth sailing. The front of the labels were done on my computer while the back has been hand printed. I'm still working out the details for the tags on the stationery sets but the labels for the clear note card boxes are all done. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Since its a long weekend for us here in the U.S. tomorrow I'll post a few fun kid friendly projects to keep y'all busy and entertained this Memorial Day weekend. Just remember to have fun, relax and enjoy the parades!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Mother's Day Cards

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekends and found themselevs loved and appreciated on Mother's Day. Being a parent truly is the most valuable job their is. So, in honor of all you hard workin' big lovin' moms out there today I wanted to share my Mom and Grandma's Mother's Day cards with you. I couldn't share them beforehand for fear of ruining the surprise. Both are variations of note cards that you will find in my Etsy shop when it officially opens this Friday.


This simple yellow tulip was made for my mother. She is a firm believer that less is more. She also has this funny little quirk where she thinks that unless a card says what its for right on it then it can't be used.
For example, I had made her a beautiful note card to give to a friend of hers for her birthday. It was perfect. It was made specifically for that friend; something I knew she'd like, but I didn't print "happy birthday" on it because I often find words to be distracting. Sometimes I think its just better to write a thoughtful note inside which includes your occasion's greeting. Anyhow, my mother takes the exact opposite stance and the first thing she says when she gets the card is "Is this a birthday card?". Needless to say I was sure to print "Happy Mother's Day" on her card and, go figure, she loved it.

This birdcage card was my Grandma's and I admit to being more than a little obsessed with it. The soft blue and grey colors are paired with this terrific silver envelope. {And yes I did just say terrific - don't make fun you know you love it.} I detailed the front of her envelope similar to my mother's but unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of it. So you'll just have to imagine what it looked like - oops. And, because my grandmother is the kind of woman who understands the beauty of a blank note card her mother's day message was hand written inside.

Alright, that's about it. I'm off to make some pretty paper goods. Happy Monday!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Just Three Colors - Red and Yellow and Blue...

I wanted to share a brand spankin' new stationery set today. When I was drafting this image I was inspired by one of my favorite books and movies - The Wizard of Oz. Since I've yet to take up hand carving my own stamps I sent my image in to RubberStamps.net and had it turned into my own art mounted rubber stamp. I love doing that.


Printed on heavy medium-weight 80lb card stock,
note cards measure approx 3.75" x 5"

Can you guess what I named it? That's right, its called "A Horse of a Different Color". While the horse from the movie was shown in four different colors (white, yellow, red and blue) I took a few creative liberties with mine; choosing just three colors and a bit more funky at that - marigold, scarlet and turquoise. A set includes three of each color with coordinating envelopes.

If you'd like to get your hands on a set or see more photos you can either email me now or wait for my Etsy shop to officially open on Friday, May 15. Ooouu, and don't forget to check back here for more sneak peaks to come.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Make a Wish

I have been working like a mad woman to get organized for my etsy store opening next month. Not only have I been feverishly finishing up some new invitation and stationery designs but I have had to make several sets of each design. Wait, does it sound like I have multiples of each already done - ‘cause I don’t. That’s still on my to-do list.

Its also probably not the best time to be experimenting with new packaging options either but that couldn’t be helped. The new stationery line required new boxes and hunting for just the right one was a bit of a time suck. But, fortunately for me they were found and while I await their arrival I have tons to do to keep me busy. Thought I might make a wish that I get everything ready in time and still maintain my sanity. So, I made a lovely new dandelion note card set to wish on…

Dandelion Stationery by Birdcage Cards

Set of 8 flat 4.25" x 5.5" note cards and 8 A2 envelopes.

Available personalized with name printed on it.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Spring Card Peep Show

So, as promised here's a look at some of the spring and Easter Cards that I've whipped up recently. I'll start the picture show with my favorite hands down...


"Yellow Zinnia" note card by Birdcage Cards

Okay, so I'm a bit obsessed with this yellow and grey card. It was made with spring in mind but I think I might use this style year round as a stationery set.

"Dandelion Fields" by Birdcage Cards. Available in assorted colors with and without the little cotton tailed bunny.

This little hopping bunny was made with my, soon to be 4 year-old, niece in mind. The perfect card for an Easter basket. But, I think hers will have to be on a pink card!

I'll be sure to share some more spring styles tomorrow and at the end of this week I'll reveal another stationery set from our new line. This one is sure to be a favorite. I guarantee it.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Silver Elephants On the Run

Yesterday was spent finishing up 2 different stationery sets for a close friend. I had made her baby shower invitations using this cute little elephant. So, when it came time for her thank you notes we knew that we would use this little guy (or gal) again so that everything would coordinate. After showing her a variety of samples she couldn't make up her mind between these two versions. No problem - I split up the order into 25 folded notecards and 25 flat notecards. Now if only all my problems were that simple.


grey and creme folded notecards


a close-up of our little silver friend


one stationery set bundled up and ready to go