• It's Graduation Time!

It's Graduation Time!

It's that exciting time of year when many people are experiencing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another -- graduation! This milestone is experienced at many stages and ages of our lives. It begins in grade school and continues to move all the way through senior high and university. It is a very special time in one's life, and not just for the person graduating, but also for their friends and family. It's a time in which beautiful cards of congratulations and inspiration are chosen and given. Aside from cards, there are also many other items for the celebration that can be created using the same supplies. Let's explore how you can put your card-making skills and supplies to great use in celebration of our graduating classes.

Often a celebration is planned to commemorate this milestone and honor the individual. Whether it is a backyard barbecue or a sit-down dinner, one of the best ways to get the information to your guests is with an invitation. For hand-delivered invitations, it may be as simple as typing the information on paper with the addition of some stamped flourishes. Then roll each one into a scroll and add a pretty tied ribbon for a finishing accent. Traditional colors and styles are one direction to go, or choose a theme -- which can often kick-start the creative process. A theme can be as simple as personalizing each item with the individual's initial, school colors or even the type of degree attained.

Photo 2: Design by Sharon M. Reinhart

The invitation shown in Photo 2 is an example of a pocket-style invitation. The gold words "You Are Invited" have been created using peel-off stickers, a great method for quickly adding sentiments and words. The information about the celebration may be typed or written on the pull-out panel. Then add your own special touch by creating a gold-ribbon award using punches and die templates. To recognize the person of honor, simply add his or her initials.

By changing up the gold sticker sentiment to "Congratulations," this same design could be made into a congratulatory card with your best wishes conveyed on the pull-out panel.

Once a design has been created, it often inspires other creations, such as the favor box and food pick shown in Photo 2. This little box wacreated using a die template; other items that could be used are a small jewelry or pillow box. These items are often available at packaging and craft stores. Remember to carry some of the same papers and design from the invitation onto the other items. The little box is a perfect way to present a monetary gift, or it could be filled with yummy chocolates and used as a favor for your guests. The delightful little food pick would be perfect on a cake or cupcakes!

Photo 3: Design by Sharon M. Reinhart

Now that we have touched on some of the items for the actual celebration, let's talk about the handmade congratulation cards. Again, these can be clean and simple, or elaborate -- you are in the driver's seat. One of the simplest cards to create is shown in Photo 3. This card is an A2 gatefold card and starts with a piece of cardstock that is 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches. To create the gatefold, score at 2 1/8 inches from left and right sides using a bone folder or scoring tool, and then fold each side into the center. Next, add a layer of decorative paper to each panel.

A wonderful feature on this card is the belly band that simply slides on and off the card. Create this belly band by wrapping a strip of cardstock around the card and cutting the strip 1 inch longer than the distance around the card; then overlap the ends and adhere the strip together at the back of the card.

Alternatively, for a crisper fold, measure the fold lines and score with a scoring tool. For an accent that mimics the shape of a graduation cap, layer two cardstock squares together and adhere to the belly band on the diagonal. Finish with a sentiment and, voila! -- you have a clean, simple and lovely handmade card.

Photo 4: Design by Sharon M. Reinhart

Our next card might look complicated, but it really is only a little step up. This card incorporates embossing, die cutting and thread wrapping. The sentiment is created using an embossing folder. To highlight the embossed word, accent lightly with gold ink or metallic rub-ons. The fancy red focal point was created using the Tilda Swirl die from Poppystamps.

The center was created using the same punch as used previously on the invitation. Here it is used to create a spirelli thread wrap. It's a great example of how to use your supplies in different ways! Tape the thread to the back of the punched shape and wrap the thread through one valley to the front. The next step is what creates the intricate look. Skip 12 valleys and continue the thread wrap in the 13th valley or space.

Continue wrapping in each valley until two threads have been wrapped in each and then secure thread to the back. The more spaces that are skipped results in a smaller center circle. Adhere to the die-cut shape and finish the card with adhesive gold pearl accents. Simple elegance!

Photo 5: Design by Sharon M. Reinhart

Our last card is another step up; however, it is still fairly easy to accomplish. This card is created by layering papers, stamping a sentiment, and adding accent brads and tea-bag folding techniques. Although I do encourage you to learn new techniques, if you haven't learned a specific technique and wish to create a specific card, think about what techniques you could possibly substitute. In this case, a circle tea-bag-folded double medallion has been used, but possibly an accordion rosette could be substituted and still offer the same beautiful results.

If you would like to learn more about tea-bag folding, I encourage you to check out my Fabulous Paper Folds online class.

Lastly, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring some of the outside in. In other words, carry some of the design to the inside of the card and possibly add another sentiment. I hope you will use these card ideas as a starting point. Feel free to use the ideas as is or edit them to truly make them your own. Keep in mind that, just like clothing, card designs can also be mix and match.