Quick and Easy DIY Rick Rack Note Cards

Last week was filled with final editing of my newest quilling book for Interweave that will be out in early September. After the manuscript was turned in, it was time to do a much-needed organization of my paper craft supplies.... a fresh start, if you will, similar to that wonderful free feeling when exams wrap up at the end of the semester. 

 

In a box of finished projects, I came across this card I don't think I've posted before. It's a pretty quick one to make and just right for this time of year here in Delaware when birds are chirping and a breeze is blowing.

You don't need to be a sketching pro to draw a simple clothesline as a perch for a couple of songbirds, each made with one little V-snip of rick rack. I used a fine-tip black marker and two green markers for the tufts of grass. Tail feathers were fluffed with the tip of a sharp pin. Click over for my tutorial to see how to make the quilled flowers and greenery.

You might recall this chick-chat time note card, another design in the same series, that I created for CardMaker (the only U.S. magazine that features quilling in every issue). [edit: Sadly, CardMaker is no more.] 

 

Striped string adds texture and can be made to match any card by twisting a few strands of embroidery floss and coating it with glue. To ease frustration, tape the ends down on a slick surface and dry thoroughly before attempting to double-tie it around your card's spine.

And this little guy is in the same rick-racky theme. I haven't seen any caterpillars yet this year, but they'll be inching their way along the sidewalk soon; it's a pity real ones don't look as happy as this fellow.

If you're in a hurry and would like to skip the quilling, here's a variation that I made for my small nephew's birthday. Thought bubbles are an easy way to add any sentiment you like... open a blank Word Doc, choose a typeface and think up a message, print, and cut around the words to make a cloud shape. I used an 1/8" (3 mm) hole punch for the dots.

I hope these ideas have inspired you to make a card or two. I know I have a photo of another chick design from the same series saved somewhere... now that my craft supplies are sorted, I'll tackle my computer files next. Have a great week ahead!