This may be a little bit of a sneak peek for you, from a January unmounted Whipper Snapper set! Maybe, just maybe! Wink wink!
Sticking with a little bit country/farm theme, I put this card together using a piece of Cosmo Cricket patterned paper, a heart that I cut from deep red craft felt, and of course a cute little tan button from my stash!
I'm just noticing that this photo looks a bit dark... hmm... sorry about that! *grin*
To create the little scalloped edges, I used my Fiskars scalloped scissors to trim a dark red layer of cardstock that I adhered to the backside of the printed paper. I like the small tidy rows the scissors create.
And now, are you ready for the big secret of my faux stitching? I get lots of questions about my stitching, and rather than just respond to each of you personally, I thought I'd reveal the secret here! The faux stitching lines I create on my projects are indentations in the paper. Sometimes they *might* poke all the way throught, but rarely. I don't use a ruler ... I just eyeball where I want the stitching to be. Sometimes I eyeball a pretty straight line, other times not. But it all works for me! To create the dots I use a little sewing tool called a serated tracing wheel. Seamstresses use them to trace patterns, but I've never used one for sewing. I happen to like the tracks they make on paper and wood. You'll find inexpensive wheels at places like Joann's in the sewing notions department. CutterBee makes a similar tool that I also sometimes use. They have a single wheel tool, and a double wheel tool. If you happen to come across those in your shopping, they're fun to use as well. But 99% of the time, I use my little sewing notion tracing wheel. So there you go! The secret's revealed! Have fun with it!
I use one of those tracing tools, too.... $.97 at Walmart!
Posted by: Connie | January 20, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Yum, this card is just beautiful!! I LOVE evrything about it!!
Posted by: paula | January 20, 2009 at 10:46 AM
This absolutely beautiful, Anna. I love the homey feel. Thanks for the inspiration. :)
Posted by: Kelly | January 19, 2009 at 04:57 PM
wow I love the sewing tip.lol That is a cool way to do it! I wish I had known three weeks ago. I just bought a Janome mini sewing machine,but since it is a REAL little sewing machine and doesn't give the loose stitch problems with the other TOY ones, I can actually still use it for mending and even making mini quilts, etc. But I have a feeling that I will use your tip for creating sewing on my cards because it is just too easy! And I can easily order one next time I place an order with Hancocks. They are a wonderful place to find crafts, sewing items etc and are on-line now. I find it hard to get out to even go to my local Wal-Mart. This is a treasured tip. May I put your link on my blog, http://astrokeabove.blogspot.com/ ? I don't want to steal! lol I also from time to time feature other blogs and you have been on my mind anyway. Thanks for all you do. Linda Crowder
Posted by: Linda Crowder | January 18, 2009 at 10:23 AM
What a fun idea to use the tracing too. You're so stinkin' clever!
Okay, I'm stalking for sneak peeks....keep them coming! giggle.
Posted by: Joanne Basile | January 16, 2009 at 11:30 AM
I just love how you do the sentiments! I'm going to have to case this idea! Ü I love the colors of the card and I esp love the felt heart!
Posted by: Debbie Fisher | January 15, 2009 at 04:39 PM
Anna, Thanks for sharing how you do the faux stitching. I have always imagined you sitting there with a sharp object and poking each of those holes individually. Then I would say to myself NOWAY..
Posted by: Sherry Eckblad | January 15, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Lovely, lovely card!!!
Anna - thanks so much for the tip on the serrated tracing wheel. What a fantastic idea. Thanks for sharing that.
Carla (cardsbycarla)
Posted by: Carla | January 15, 2009 at 02:58 PM
Love this card! Lots of great textures!
Posted by: Beth M | January 15, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Totally love your blog and awesome tips - off to dig up my tracing wheel! Watching for those new releases . . .
Posted by: Tamara W | January 15, 2009 at 06:29 AM
That's what I thought you used!!!
Posted by: amy | January 15, 2009 at 06:24 AM
This card is really gorgeous! I have those little cutter bees too, they let you roll wherever you want! What color "brown" are you using for your sponging around the edges. When I try my card often just look muddy - I'm not giving up though! Thanks for the ideas.
Posted by: Susan | January 15, 2009 at 06:15 AM
Anna....love the card and I have been waiting for some sneak peaks! I can't wait to see all the new images..=)
Posted by: Mary Duffek | January 15, 2009 at 04:01 AM
This is just charming Anna! I love the felt heart and the sentiment flag!
Posted by: Tosh | January 14, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Gorgeous card! I use my tracing wheel too, though hardly ever for sewing!! It is fun :)
Posted by: Dotty | January 14, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Well...that is sneaky! ;)
But I love it. I have one of those tools ( I don't sew either) and now I have a reason to use it. :)
Great card!
Posted by: jules p | January 14, 2009 at 09:42 PM
OMG! The tracing wheel is such a blast from the past! I had to dust off the cobwebs in my brain to recall that sewing tool! Thanks for the great memories and cool tip!
Posted by: Linda | January 14, 2009 at 08:59 PM
OY girls *I just eyeball it* ! ? ! you're goooooood!
Posted by: ChristineCreations | January 14, 2009 at 07:02 PM
Gorgeous card!! Thank you so much for the tips!! You always have the best ideas :))
Thanks for sharing with us.
Hugs,
LIM
Posted by: Lim | January 14, 2009 at 06:52 PM
A gorgeous card!! And thanks for the faux sewing tip!!
Posted by: Tracey | January 14, 2009 at 06:36 PM
Woohoo!! Thanks for the peek! I can't wait to see the rest. Thanks for sharing you trick!
Posted by: Shannan Teubner | January 14, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Absolutely GORGEOUS, Anna!! I really need to look for one of those serated wheels.
...and thank you sooooo much for the card!! You're such a sweetheart. :)
Posted by: denise (peanutbee) | January 14, 2009 at 06:04 PM
I just love love love this card....I'm going to have to case it if you don't mind! So beautiful. Your work inspires me.
Posted by: Shae | January 14, 2009 at 05:58 PM
Beautiful card Anna and thanks for the tip as well. I had thought that might be alot easier than dragging out a sewing machine all the time.
Posted by: Barb Hardeman | January 14, 2009 at 05:38 PM