Sentimentally Easy Card

 When I first started creating cards (about 12 years ago) I used a simple formula: 

1. card base

    - usually 1/2 sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock, folded in half

2. decorative mat

    - decorative scrapbook paper cut to fit just 1/8" to 1/4" smaller than card base front

3. embellishment

    - ribbon, ink, stamped image, stickers, die cut, etc. (initially I only used stickers & markers)

4. sentiment

    - hand-written, stamped, cut out, printed, etc.

Sometimes going back to the basics gives you a bit more freedom than you realize.  A simple, quick card doesn't mean you care any less...but just maybe you'll have time to make a few extras to send out, giving someone a smile just when they need an encouraging word.  

So, enter here another quick card!  This one starts with a card base I had cut with my Cricut using the Sentimentals cartridge onto green cardstock.  I also cut an envelope from the same cartridge from deco scrapbook paper.  I used the leftover scraps of the same paper I used for the envelope for the card mat.  I added a ribbon binding (without tying a bow), and stamped the bird, flourish, & sentiment with CTMH stamp sets:  Free Spirit, & Greetings Script.  I overstamped the flourish image with VersaMark and heat embossed with clear embossing powder.  Finally, I stamped images on the envelope and used additional scraps of the same paper for the handwritten message inside the card. 

Normally I might spend more time inking the edges, or adding more techniques, but I liked the simplicity of the card and decided it was finished. 

If you don't normally take time to make cards, why don't you try the simple formula I mentioned above.  You just might make someone's day extra special!

Happy Card-Making!  Lisa