May marks the end of the school year and means graduation for many. I have received several announcements from friends who have kids graduating from college, high school and even kindergarten!

I love getting the mail this time of year and seeing photos of the kids I have known for years, now grown and ready to take life on. It’s such a fun and exciting time for everyone!

Whether you are the graduate, or the mother of a graduating child, having a bunch of handmade cards on-hand saves time and money. So take a little bit of time now, so when those announcements come you’ll be ready. Who doesn’t love getting a card acknowledging your accomplishments?  Way to go grads!

Here are some  fun ideas to start with!

Do you know the graduate’s school colors? Every school has its own colors to set them apart from all the others.  If you know this information ahead of time it really helps.

Starting with Bazzill Cardstock is always a good thing. I don’t think there is a color we don’t make! The options are endless. Choose from a monochromatic or complementary color scheme. Bazzill’s cardstock families take the guess work out of deciding which colors go together.

My own kids went to two different high schools, which meant two different sets of school colors.  One school had burgundy, gold and black and the other had brown and yellow. Some schools may not have the most beautiful color schemes, but have no fear, you can still make it happen using similar tones. Don’t forget Bazzill has a variety of beautiful metallic cardstock which can make your card really “pop”. If you are still not keen on the school’s colors then consider using Bazzill’s School Days patterned paper!

Now that you have your Bazzill Cardstock chosen and maybe some Bazzill patterned paper, you’re ready to go.

Card #1

Using the graduation year is a great start to any card, and 2013 is a great focal point. To make card making super quick and easy, I like using the Bazzill Cards and Envelopes.  The official A-2 card is a standard size and the most economical to mail, especially if you’re are mailing in bulk.

If you are cutting your own card the measurement size is 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ or half of an 8-1/2″ x 11″ piece of cardstock. You will get two cards out of one sheet. But if you are cutting cards from a 12″x 12″ piece of cardstock, you will still only get two cards, so be sure to save your scraps.

This particular card was created in very traditional school colors. I was able to finish several cards in less than an hour. Once I have a great design, I start mass producing until I run out of supplies.

I chose an 8.5 x 11 piece of Bazzill Pomegranate cardstock.

Next I used Bazzill’s Gold Metallic cardstock. I cut a  1″ x 10″ piece to create a cigar type band to go around the card.

I wrapped the band snugly around my card and measured it so that I would know where to staple the two ends together. The staples will be covered by the label.  Wait! Don’t place the band on the card just yet.

Using the rest of the Gold Metallic, I cut a piece 2″ x 4-1/4″ as a backing for my black label.  I also cut the 2013 numbers from the Gold Metallic cardstock, but Bazzill also carries Number Die-Cuts in six colors: Fire Hearts, Ruby Slipper, Intense Kiwi, Kraft, Bazzill White and Raven.

Die-cut or punch a label shape using Raven cardstock. Place the 2013 numbers over the label and adhere to the center of the gold band. I totally love using the Marathon Runner to adhere my projects.

The labeled band just slips over the card! Using a label maker or hand write your greeting in the lower right corner of the card.

Card #2

Want to create a less traditional card? I used School Days pattered paper collection. It’s young and hip, and the patterns are perfect for just about any age student graduating and heading off into the world!

I am in LOVE with the way this card turned out and it’s going to be the card I re-create several times to have on hand! In LOVE with the fun little diploma in the 2013!

I began by using Bazzill’s Kraft cardstock. It’s my personal favorite color! Since I will be making several cards I cut a stack of A-2 cards from 8.5 x 11 sheets. Then I cut a piece of the Bazzill School Days Chalkboard into 4-1/2 x 3-1/4.

I adhered the chalkboard to the base of the card leaving a little extra space toward the bottom for my label.

I cut the 2013 using the Basics Red Devil Chevron pattered paper!

I LOVE how the design makes it look like it is popping off the chalkboard!

Using a 2 x 3 scrap of Bazzill Ledger patterned paper I rolled it to create a tiny diploma that acts as the number one in the 2013.

A baker’s twine bow added the perfect finishing touch.

The next step was to title the card using the 2013. When an adhesive runner won’t get into those tight places I like to use a wet glue to adhere my numbers and my little diploma!

Last but not least, the finishing touch was the CONGRATS!

I love the dymo label. It reminds me of my elementary school days when Mrs. Dryer my 3rd grade teacher would let me label her folders. I couldn’t wait to get one of my own!

These two cards are so different from each other but perfect for the occasion! Get started now, create a stack to have on hand.

Last but not least! Just for fun, I love dressing up the envelopes by adding a little matching Paper Tape!

CONGRATS TO GRADS!

Happy Mother’s Day this Sunday to all the amazing mothers!

Happy Friday!

kiss kiss

m.

The school year is almost over so it’s time to celebrate our graduates! Margie Romney-Aslett made a trip to her local dollar store and found this cute glass vase. She layered a piece of Composition paper from the School Days collection onto a piece of black cardstock and wrapped it around the top of the vase. Then she cut a mortarboard and mounted it on black cardstock. She glued the grad cap together to make a lid for this jar of treats.

To add a tassel, cut a strip of piece Licorice Basics patterned paper. Starting at the top of the strip, make cuts every 1/8” (or if you have the fancy scissors that does this with very little effort -use it!) but don’t cut all the way through the bottom edge of the paper. When finished,  use a piece of glittery black ribbon as the string, roll the tassel around and glue together. Secure the tassel to the top of the cap with a cardstock circle (punch a hole and thread it through) or black button (wrap around it).

Use the Bazzill Die-Cut Numbers to add a 2013.

Thank you Kim R. in Arizona for Swapping with us!

Thank you Brenda W. in Arizona for Swapping with us!

Thank you Karen L. in Arizona for Swapping with us!

Thank you Karen W. in Arizona for Swapping with us!

Thank you Lyn M. in Arizona for Swapping with us!

Thank you Melissa W. in Arizona for Swapping with us!