Latest Creations
Buttons, Keepsakes...and a Bow-Wearing Swan
As a crafter, I can tell you there are a few universal truths.
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There is a stash...on top of a stash...on top of another stash of paper tucked into every conceivable corner of the crafting space.
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There is a crafting space, an alternative crafting space, and the actual space where you end up crafting.
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There is always a duplicate of something - usually dies, stamps, or stencils - and every so often you discover you somehow own three of them.
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At some point, you will completely forget that you signed up for a class, seminar, or retreat.
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No matter what, there will always be something on sale that you absolutely must have. After buying everything else you didn't plan to buy, you'll inevitably go back for the item that started the whole shopping trip.
I'm sure there are more truths floating around out there, but these cover most of mine.
So when I received an email from Spellbinders reminding me about Frank Garcia's Buttons & Keepsakes class, my first thought was, "Oh...I must have signed up for this at some point." The only other class reminder I had ever received from Spellbinders was for The Weekender, so I figured I must have signed up for something and sat down to watch.
Big mistake.
Or perhaps the very best kind of mistake.
By the time the class ended, I had purchased...everything.
Frank's approach to layering was unlike anything I had ever tried before, and because I have a slight tendency to dive headfirst into a new adventure, I bought the kit, the BetterPress inks (and refills), extra paper...the whole works. That's just how I roll.
Now comes the confession.
I am not usually drawn to frilly, feminine designs. I love florals, but soft pinks, oversized bows, and, dare I say, swans wearing bows have never really been my style.
Until now.
I watched the class again, followed along, and completely fell in love with the process. What the what?!
Creating these cards was an absolute joy because they pushed me so far outside my creative comfort zone. With only a couple of small exceptions, I'm genuinely delighted with how they turned out.
Will I make more in these soft pastel colors? Absolutely...at least until I run out of all that extra paper I just had to have. But here's where my brain has already wandered...
STEAMPUNK.
I have ideas. Big ideas. I'm not quite ready to share them because I don't want to jinx them, but trust me - they're coming. Let's just say...
.....Mr. Swanacle is about to get a top hat.
Freedom!
Okay, I admit - it is a little late for Independence Day.....but right on time for creativity!
Sometimes a card deserves to be shared simply because it was fun to make.
I mass produced these larger flags from a die by Jaded Blossom, another wonderful small business located here in Idaho. This design was part of a patriotic semiquincentennial release in May 2026. Jaded Blossom also created the stitched cloud A2 plate, which took this chrome cardstock to the next level.
When I started making these cards, I planned to use a standard light blue cardstock for the background. But while shuffling through my paper stash, I spotted the chrome and thought, Why not! What is the worst that could possibly happen?
The worst?
I discovered that chrome cardstock is nearly impossible to photograph wihtout catching every reflection in the room (sorry about that!). That's a problem I will solve another day.
The card, however? I absolutely love it!
In fact, I am already planning to make another batch with a different sentiment for Veterans Day.
Looking back at this little project, it reminded me of one of the things I love most about paper crafting: discovering how an unexpected material - in this case, chrome cardstock - can completely transform the personality of a design.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it!