Guest Post - Live, Love, Green

I have a wonderful guest blogger today. She has made some very cute scrapbook things during some of my online crops at my Blog Frog Community so I'm really happy to have her guest post today. Welcome Amber from Live, Love, Green!
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Hi everyone my name is Amber from Life, Love, Green. My blog has a lot of greenie things but that is not all I do, I'm also an avid crafter and scrapbooker! Recently I've gotten into card making in the interest of saving $$ and actually sending out cards (which I dont' do if I have to buy them.) These cards aren't super fancy or creative they are made in bulk and in a short amount of time which is why it works for me.

I have two different sizes of envelopes so the first thing you need to do is measure your envelope and subtract a 1/4 inch from both measurements. Then for paper cutting reasons double the short end. Example:

Envelope: 4x6

Subtract 1/4 inch: 3.75 x 5.75

Double the short side: 7 x 5.75 (this is the size you need to cut out)

Hint #1 for your common envelope sizes write down the style of envelope and the sizes of paper to cut out for future reference. I have mine laminated and posted on the wall above my desk.

Now Pick a few different pieces of paper (preferably solid colors on the back for easy writing) and cut out your cards! Typically you can get 2 cards out of each 12 x 12 sheet of paper. Then fold them in half and gather your scraps for future decorating. I like to use the thin pieces to make stripes and boarders on the cards later!

Hint #2 I find it easyist to make 8 cards at a time from 4 pieces of paper 2 with bold patterns and two with minimal design for ease of stamping on later.

Now start decorating! This is one of my favorite things, embossing! I know its hard to see in the picture but check out the flower in the top right corner! I use a simple and cheap machine called the Sizzix Texture Boutique. You can buy it at most craft stores for under $30.00, oh and it qualifies for most of those % off coupons that they have!!!

Hint #3 Make a few embossed tags that say general things like "Happy Birthday" and "Thank you and keep them in your stash to quickly and easily personalize on of these cards.

Just think of all of those scrap booking and crafting tools you already have in your stash, use them! Some of my favorites are my punches.

One of my favorite things to do is punch out the designs that are already on the paper just flip the paper over so you can see the design through the punch and cut the edge till you have the picture centered and punch it out.

Don't forget all of those great embellishments you have laying around go ahead and use those to spruce things up a bit. Think glitter, brads, buttons and ribbon.

Inking the edges of tags and such is one of my favorite things to do. Its a great way to make a paper embellishment stand out from a busy back ground.

Dig through your scraps to add more dimension to your cards.

Here are some of my finished cards click on the pictures to see them larger and get some ideas for yourself.

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Thanks so much Amber. These cards are so beautiful. I love the bold designs. Thanks for all the great tips with cardmaking especially since I'm not as good at making cards.