Spring Offering "Note-velope"

Have you ever wanted to send a card but you were out of envelopes - and you were too pressed for time to make one in addition to the handmade card? I couldn't find an envelope the other day and had the thought that I could make a card that would also be its own mailer. Now I just have to get up the courage to send such a pretty card through the mail!

 

Stamps -

Spring Offering stamp set
"Thanks so much" block stamp

Papers -
White card stock - 4.25 x 11 inches
Ochre card stock
Burgundy card stock
White card stock scraps
Red designer paper

Inks -
Versacolor Bamboo, Cardinal, Cinnamon, Umber, Narcissus, Bark, and Burgundy

Tools and Supplies -
Spellbinders Scalloped Oval dies - (I used Spellbinders Nestabilities Scalloped Ovals S4-111)
Cuttlebug embossing folder - "D'Vine Swirls"
Black marker/pen
Adhesive Pearls - Yellow
Ribbon
Tombow Mono Multi Glue

Instructions -
Since this is a note card that is also an envelope, we'll stamp the inside AND the outside, but in slightly different patterns. The stamping pattern on the outside of the card will be random while the inside will be stamped uniformly around the border, to leave room to write the note.

Stamp the outside first... in a random pattern, stamp the following:

Stamp the Vase in Bamboo ink.

Then stamp the Flower in Cardinal ink.

Next, stamp the Flower in Cinnamon. 

The Leaf is next, in Bamboo ink.

Last, stamp the Sprig in Umber.

Use the Butterscotch Chalk and a Chalk Puff to colorize the edges and random areas of the stamped paper.

Then stamp the inside portion of the "note-velope." Use the very same color scheme you used on the other side, except stamp around the border only. Make sure to use the Butterscotch Chalk for added depth. Once the ink is dry, fold the strip at the 2-inch mark and the 7-inch marks. Set aside for now.

Make the Vase Medallion -
Run the Ochre paper through the die cut machine. Stamp the outer edges with the Sprig stamp and Bark ink. Edge the scallops using the Bark ink pad. Then run the Burgundy paper through the machine, using the next-smaller die. Next, run the oval paper through the "D'Vine Swirls" embossing folder. Glue the Burgundy piece on top of the Ochre piece. Then glue the resulting medallion base onto the note flap so that it forms a tab useful for opening the note.

On a White scrap, stamp the Vase in Burgundy ink.
Stamp the Flower first in Cardinal and then again in Cinnamon.
Then stamp the Leaves in Green Tea and then again in Bamboo.
Stamp the Sprig in Umber.

Then cut out the arrangement and glue it to the oval tab on the note. Next, stamp a second Vase in Burgundy, cut it out, and PopIt! on top of the vase you stamped earlier, for added depth.

Make the Address Label

Detail of the opened "note-velope..."

A note about the finished note... You may be scratching your head at this time because I've added several elements that just won't make it through the mail. Okay... so I just couldn't resist a ribbon. And some adhesive pearls! I've also used raised elements such as the vase that will certainly be a problem at the post office. As a result, I have to alter my delivery method. Either I can hand the card to the person I've made it for or... what about sending it in a clear envelope?

So what do you think? Just enter your comment in the comment section below for a chance to win the Spring Offering stamp set. Today's winner is Mary from Missouri, who will be receiving the Triple Floral Dragonfly stamp set from last week's blog. Congratulations Mary!

Last Week's Comments
Well, last week someone asked about possibly using hairspray to keep chalk in place. It is true that one has to be careful with chalk artwork; the chalk tends to either wear off or fall off as the years pass. It's nice to think that someone might keep a card we make for that many years, isn't it? Hairspray was the old fixative back when we were in school but it might be better to use a fixative formulated just for chalks/artwork. Any arts and crafts store should have it.

The pencils we have been using in past blog entries are actually watercolor pencils. You can spritz what you've colored and the marking will liquefy somewhat. Or you can use the pencils just like a regular colored pencil (which is what I do, unless otherwise noted in the instructions). Watercolor pencils should be available at almost any craft store.

Someone asked about the "note springing open." Yes, sometimes a note flap has a tendency to not stay closed on its own. To work around this issue, I use Tombow Mono Multi glue, which has two applications. You can either use the glue in the normal way (apply glue to a paper surface and adhere the paper to something else) or you can apply a dot of glue on your paper, wait for it to dry, and then it will work as a tacky closure.

Comments

[Cindy L.]

I absolutely love this note card. Very pretty!!! Congratulations Mary!!!!

[Debbie from Missouri]

Way to go Mary...you've completed the group win! This card is spectacular! Perfect to hand to your favorite friend...that's YOU, Mary!

[Anna Matthews]

This set and card are just gorgeous! The colors are so striking and your handwriting is beautiful, too.

[Linda w]

Such a cute idea. Who wouldn't want to receive this note.

stamp on...

[Sarah from Missouri]

.Love the inside of this card! I will have to try this.
.I visited your beautiful state a couple of weeks ago and can't wait to go back!
.Congratulations Mary from MO.

[Mary from Missouri]

Wow Susan,
What a great thing to offer every week. In Missouri my husband says we have three forms of communication; telegraph, telephone and tell a friend. Well it didn't take long to find out I had won last weeks set. Awesome! It just so happens it is one I did not have. My sister and I traveled to North Carolina last week and we stopped in St. Genevieve,MO at "Milange" where I purchased the "Fall Mum Border" set. She had a very nice selection of RST. And NC was quite enjoyable as well.

This weeks self contained card/envelope is neat. I like using the clear envelopes to mail my cards, that way they are shared with all who handle them.

Thanks so much!
Mary

[Michelle Adams]

What a great idea! Beautiful!!!

[Becky]

Love the note card....as for best way to mail it - I like the idea of a clear envelope, however, I guess from past experiences with the post office I just don't trust them, lol! I know I would love to receive a card mailed in a clear envelope and I'm sure the "handlers" would admire it as well. Thanks for a chance to win the set...love, love, love it!

[Mary Lou Knapke]

Well, it is lovely....not sure how the ribbon gets through the USmail, or how the card arrives intact, but it is lovely, and I would like to receive one!

[Catharine]

I think this is a lovely idea - Definitely a clear envelope required though! - I haven't seen things like that for sale in the UK - unless you mean the clear wrappers you sell cards in ? Thank you for the information about the Tombow Mono Multi glue - I haven't used that - your description is just what I was thinking would be needed.

[Ink-Pattie]

Love the card! There are many times when I want to leave a card at the desk of a co-worker--this would be a great time to use a card-velope, because it doesn't have to go through the mail, but is still somewhat private.

[Phyllis M.]

Wonderful card and tut also. Like the idea of using a clear envelope for mailing it. thanks for answering the questions too great help.

[jo]

Beautiful. So very feminine!

[chaun]

I particularly like the background stamping on the notevelope. I happen to be in a decorated envelope exchange through my calligraphy guild. Hmmmm.....I'm thinking one of these would be great for that! It will actually go through the mail with a stamp and all. I think this would work. Sounds like a plan! Thanks for the lovely ideas!

[Shirley Lee]

Like the idea of the clear envelope. However, you could also you a padded envelope and decorate it with the same design. I would send it with the ribbon. This card is so pretty. Love the look of it when you wrote the message. Thanks for answering people's questions, too! Have a great week!
Shirley L.
Roseville, CA

[Sarah B]

Another lovely card. The basic idea is a "just-a-note" like Current made in the 60's and 70's. Everything old is new again and much more elegant with the added elements. I agree that the clear envelope is the best way to enjoy the whole effect. And our trusty mail delivery folks can enjoy it too!
Thanks for answering all the questions.
Love this color scheme.

[Sue D]

Cool idea! Hand delivery would be best. I think some PO have trouble with clear envies.

[Susan Z]

Very lovely and spring like. Just matches the season. I see you used chalk. I've never had much luck with chalk--it always wipes off. Did you fix it with something? like a spray finish?
I'd love to win a set of your great stamps.

[JoAnn]

Like the Spring Offering set, and really like the idea of a self mailer. The inside would make for a nice invitation. Beautiful.

[Ellen Mangione]

I love the colors used in this project. Seeing these projects has my friend and I thinking about a road trip from Ohio to North Carolina. Just think, a week of nothing but exploring stamp stores.....Heaven!

[Janet Sisk]

Ooooooh, I love this project. I like how you stamped on both sides. The colors are perfect. Another option for mailing is actually at the post office. The postal worker can put the card in a special envelope with a clear window. It usually goes priority, but at least it protects the card. Thanks for a chance to win a great stamp set.

[Carey]

Very dainty and old-fashioned looking!

[Debra C]

Another brillant and beautiful card. Thanks for sharing with us all. I really love the spring colors.

[Nancy]

I love all of the designs. They are so great to make a bunch but do not add a any salutations until you know where the card is going.

[AK Donna M]

Another wonderful idea for a special card...lucky us..each week we get to view a spectacular card. Thank you.