Friday, February 7, 2014

Valentine Postcard!


I decided to try another postcard, using a different method. Since I printed out two smaller backings, I decided to try a practice run to see how it would work, so I kept it simple this time.

I started by finding old postcard backings to print out. They print out larger, so I reduced them until I got the right size. This one was made with a smaller version. You can find the free postcard backings at Fuzzimo. I used card stock and printed out two at a time.

To make the applique piece, I used a fun art print that I won from Sauder's Fabrics. I used Pellon heavy fusible and ironed the piece to that, then added the appliques using a medium weight fusible. Once I had those on, I sewed down the appliqués. Once the appliques were done, I added a piece of batting and a scrap piece of fabric to the back of the batting, so I could do free motion on a smoother surface. When all of the quilting was done, I added another piece of fusible and attached the card back and sewed it around the edges. I think it would have been easier to use fusible web, to save on cutting and attaching so many fusibles, but the nice part is, it gives it a nice quilted card look and stays thin and stiff, so perfect for sending in a card or envelope.

I think the card stock was what actually gave it, it's stiffness, so you could use peltex type products, as well. I also tried a tighter, small blanket stitch and it really chewed into the card stock, so sewing the edges with that, is something I need to work on. I also forgot to stitch an eye on the bird, so I glued a silly eye on, lol.

This is a great way to make cards if you want a quilted look and I am thinking that I could sew the top together first and then just attach the back, on last, without stitching, will have to see how that works out.

The design is just a simple heart and bird, hand drawn, so no pattern needed. I used variegated red to black for the outer stitch. I also wanted to write the word love, in free motion, but forgot that too.


Here is the back of the card. You can see where some of the card stock tore at the edges. I started out in the wrong spot, then figured out where to place the edge with the foot, then my bobbin ran out, so that didn't help. I love the look of the card though, nice antique look and you can use printer fabric to make them, as well.


This week we got snow, then sleet and rain, so the snow is icy and hard. I went out skiing in my back yard, but I really had to watch myself and the areas that were sunken in, but I just went slow and did ten laps this time. The kitty that my neighbor left when she moved is still hanging around, he comes every morning for food and water and I think he is also being taking care of by the new neighbors at night. He must be doing ok, he was following me around the yard and being silly.


16 comments:

Melody said...

lovely design on your postcard

Missie of Traditional Primitives said...

Very cute card! Will you mail it to someone?

moosecraft said...

Love the design of this postcard and the silly eye is the perfect touch! :-) You've got a good sized yard to enjoy! Kitty looks healthy, so I bet the neighbors help in caring for him.

Kate said...

It's a beautiful card and so 'you'!

Raymond Homestead said...

Wonderful design on the postcard. Thank you for feeding the kitty!

acorn hollow said...

very creative card I love your color choices.
Cathy

Karen said...

How about printing the postcard back on fabric? It would eliminate the problem with card stock when you stitch the edges.

Carol Swift said...

I love your postcard...sweet! We adopted a cat once that had been abandoned when a neighbor moved and just left it. It was so mean for them to do that! You are so wonderful to be helping care for it.

Gail said...

I like your postcard and I like that you used the cardstock so that you can actually write a message on the back.

So sad that someone abandoned a kitty in this weather. You are very kind to offer food and water, especially with the weather we have had this winter. So cold perhaps you should notify the animal control officer?

Gail :)

Fiona said...

fun technique and great design on the postcard.... seems fun to ski in your own backyard but i know the weather is causing lots of problems too...
Hugz

Firecracker Kid said...

Such a sweet Valentine post card :) You kept right at it and finished it nicely.
Good for you getting outside. Old Mother Nature can't keep you down.
Hugs~Carol

Shelley said...

great tutorial:) and that's awful that someone would leave their pet behind! I think that's just the lowest of low..Bless you for feeding it:)

jackiero said...

Love your postcards! Thanks for sharing!
I do not understand how someone can move & leave behind an animal they are responsible for. It just makkes my heart ache. Blessings to you & your new neighbor for helping this cat live.

Chris said...

The postcard is lovely.
Silly cat :)

Lizzy D said...

How can someone leave a pet in this weather--or at any time. That is shameful. Good that you are helping it, but perhaps it needs a real home and some love.It makes me very sad.

Your post card is so cute!

Vicki W said...

I love your card. I think it turned out great! They are a great way to practice techniques. No one else's recognizes our mistakes in them.