Card Crafting with Andi

Knowing we are both card makers Jennifer came to me with an idea about us spotlighting each other of our prospective blogs. I don't know why I didn't think of it because it is a fabulous idea. I'm just happy she did. For those that don't know me, I'm Andi from Andi's ABCs. About 2 years ago I really got into planning and paper crafts. Like most crafty things it spiraled into another crafty thing and I found myself making cards and fell in love. I 100% found my craft and I'm so happy about it.

When I first started making cards I had paper crafting supplies and not card making supplies. I made due with what I had and created cards with patterned paper, chipboard stickers, washi tape, and alphabet stickers. As I realized how much I loved card making I started to grow my card making supplies and because of that my card making style has changed.

These three cards are some of my favorites I have made with my new style. I started to have a lot of fun with stamps and inks and dire cuts. I stopped using purchased patterned paper and started to make my own with stamps. And I started to use stronger, sturdier card bases. And because I was happy with where I was going with my cards, I opened up my Etsy shop, Cards by Andrea S.. Currently, I have a variety of cards (birthday, just because, baby) available for purchase.

Holiday cards like these will be coming to the shop soon so make sure you check back in November. If my card making style interests you please check out Cards by Andrea S. on Etsy. I'm giving readers of Jennifer's blog a code to save 10%. Use the code YABOOKNERD10 at check out to receive your discount. And make sure you check out Jennifer's post today on Andi's ABCs!

Crafting: New Cards

Over the past couple weeks, I've been looking at some crafty items. I finally bought a new tool. It came on Friday. Yesterday I started making cards. I made a birthday card for my OTSPSecretSister because her birthday is this month. I made a thank you card for the rock star author who skyped with us last week. I made a card for my secret sister from the last round. Plus I made a few that I thought looked sweet.

I'm adding something to this one, I'm just not sure yet. But I love the jar!

As you can see, I bought some coffee/tea stamps. I also purchased some Valentine stamps, which I can't wait to use for next year's cards. 

I'm still experimenting. I've seen some videos about layering that I want to try. I might have to buy some more ink pads and some shimmering powder. I might have to buy some more clear stamps (I have a bunch in mind). But it's just another level to my card making.

What do you think?

About Me: Crafting

One of my resolutions this year (and to be honest almost every year) is to talk more about myself on the blog. Me in a nutshell: I'm a Librarian. I'm a blogger. I'm a reader. Here's a little bit about me outside the bookish world.

I've always been crafty - partly because it's fun and partly because I love homemade items. I like giving them as gifts and receiving them.

I started knitting in high school - I thought I would knit a scarf for a boyfriend for a present - we didn't last that long. But the knitting took. I only knit baby blankets and scarves but someday hope to include hats and sweaters. I knit most nights while I'm watching TV, it keeps my hands busy. I give a lot of them away at Thanksgiving to charities who make up Christmas baskets. Recently I found out about Knit Your Bit, who donates scarves to Veterans. Last year I boxed up 18 (all I could fit in the box) and sent those along. I like to make a difference where I can.

In my adult life, my college best friend introduced me to jewelry making. And I became hooked. I spent hours making necklaces - some great and some not so great. Then I moved on to earrings. Now I dabble with necklaces, earrings, charm  bracelets, and pendants. I love finding new ways to make jewelry. Jewelry making is perfect for gift giving because each piece is made with love.

I also started making cards. I send out a lot of cards for Christmas and I remember thinking that I should start making them instead of buying them. From then on, I was hooked. I now send out Christmas, Valentine, and Halloween cards for the holidays. Birthday cards, thinking of you cards, and special occasion cards are also fun to create. The only cards I don't create is sympathy cards, because I never know what say inside.

I dabble in making soaps and spa scrubs. The scents combine to make the house smell wonderful.

I just purchased a sewing machine. I haven't worked on it yet, but it's waiting for me. I'll probably try making a few gifts for Christmas this year.

Of course, I'm addicted to Pinterest. I have boards filled with ideas.

During my years a Teen Librarian, I had an outlet for crafts. Everything I wanted to try out, I did as a program. Teens loved it and I loved it. Since I left the library, I've missed it. So I decided to start up my own Etsy shop. It's not big but it's a little something.

If you're on Etsy - would you take a look and maybe favorite an item if you find one you like? I would appreciate it!