The other day Mr Snail asked whether we had any greetings cards in the stash and when I ferreted them out I discovered that, whilst we did have some made by other artists, there were very few left from my last scrappy card-making session. So, I dug out a random pile of scraps in the hope that inspiration would strike.
Perhaps there’s some left-over inspiration in amongst this lot
During my last card-making session I had started to experiment with sewing paper and fabric together, and I want to continue to explore this. One reason is that, by sewing, I can avoid using glue, much of which is not very environmentally friendly. If I only use natural fibres, my cards will be completely compostable.
I discovered three leaf skeletons and I know that these always look effective on cards. One problem with working with paper is that you can’t pin it in place, but the clips that I use for bag making did the trick , as you can see in the picture below. I stitched the leaves onto fabric scraps (two bits were furnishing fabric samples and one a scrap from a very old dressmaking project – so old, I no longer have the dress!). Next these were sewn onto handmade paper scraps and then finally onto some folded card. By working in layers, only the last round of stitching is visible inside the card, and it doesn’t look too untidy The fourth card was simply made by framing a scrap of snail fabric using some strips of handmade paper. I’m less happy with this card than the others as it’s a bit wonky, but it has all been a bit of a learning exercise and the card will get used anyway – after all, it’s unique.
I had hoped to make more than four cards, but time got away from me, so there may be more next month.
-oOo-
I’ve been inspired to write this (and future) ScrapHappy posts by Kate, Tall Tales from Chiconia. On the fifteenth of every month lots of other folks often publish a ScrapHappy post, do check them out:
Kate, Gun, Titti, Heléne, Eva, Sue, Nanette, Lynn, Lynda,
Birthe, Turid, Susan, Cathy, Debbierose, Tracy, Jill, Claire, Jan (me), Karen,
Moira, Sandra, Linda, Chris, Nancy, Alys, Kerry, Claire, Jean, Johanna,
Joanne, Jon, Hayley, Dawn, Gwen, Connie, Bekki, Sue and Sunny
If you fancy joining, contact Kate and she’ll add you to the list. It would be lovely to see more non-sewing posts, but any use of scraps is welcome.
The Snail of Happiness 
katechiconi
/ March 15, 2020I’d like to see more non-fabric posts too, I don’t want it to get too monoculture around here! The cards are fun, unique, inexpensive and super-scrappy ❤
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The Snail of Happiness
/ March 15, 2020I’m always shocked how expensive even mass-produced cards can be… whilst these really only cost me my time. I must make some more very soon.
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katechiconi
/ March 15, 2020Especially the pretty, interesting ones… Do, and I hope you’ll remember to take photos and show us!
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Wild Daffodil
/ March 15, 2020Love them!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ March 15, 2020I think those are the last of the leaf skeleton left over from an old project, so I’m going to have to diversify now and use some different scraps.
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Nice Piece of Work
/ March 15, 2020Absolutely lovely 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ March 15, 2020Thank you – and fun to make
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tialys
/ March 15, 2020A handmade card is always welcome.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ March 15, 2020I do try to support other makers by buying cards from them, but it’so enjoyable (and cheap) to make my own that it’s becoming increasingly rare.
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nanacathy2
/ March 15, 2020Love the cards, such a good use of these bits and bobs and the recepient will know you ut time and effort into making them.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ March 15, 2020I rather like these quick makes… such a contrast to knitting or crocheting a blanket!
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onesmallstitch
/ March 15, 2020lucky folks that receive handmade cards, a gift in itself. I like your idea of working in layers and only stitching the final piece onto the card, looks very neat.
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magpiesue
/ March 15, 2020This is a great project! Who wouldn’t love to receive a handmade card?!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ March 15, 2020And a nice little project to make them
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knitnkwilt
/ March 16, 2020Another cool thing for me to try someday.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ March 16, 2020I’m really pleased with how these cuffs turned out and it was a really easy repair.
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Laurie Graves
/ March 16, 2020Lucky person to receive one of those beautiful cards!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ March 16, 2020I seem to be sending quite a lot lately, so I do need to make some more.
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Going Batty in Wales
/ March 17, 2020I usually have a collection of cards with no greeting on – there are lots of people round here making them to sell and some of the pictures are gorgeous. Have I got time to make some from scraps? Maybe if I have to stay home more while this virus burns out or if I have to entertain the foster grand-children I will.
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