This stunning card is one of my absolute favorites. I’ve now created this several times using a variety of color schemes, and also by changing a few basic items.

As you can see with the above image, this particular card has a blue theme to it.

It may look time consuming and complicated, but in reality, this is a relatively simple card to make.

Admittedly, the first time I made this card I felt extremely intimidated, and was absolutely certain it was not a card I could or would master.  But master it I did.

Whether it’s this card, or another card, I find that each time I produce a design, it’s never the same.  Yes, it can be close, but getting multiple cards exactly the same is almost impossible. And honestly, I don’t want any two cards to be the same – I try for unique, simply because I think it’s nicer for people to receive something different to what everyone else gets.

Below you’ll find the exact information on how I made this card, but you should aim for something a little different.

For instance, I’ve used blue.  You could use a pink color scheme, or white, or ivory, etc. Play around with the layout, use different trinkets, do something to make this uniquely yours.

To begin creating this card you will need the following items:

Light Blue Cardstock

Contrasting card for top (I’ve used a darker blue)

“Script” stamp ($3-99 at Kaisercraft)

Staz-On Opaque Inkpad in Baby Blue

Wide blue satin ribbon (cost approx $1)

Matching Blue Feather (came in pack with dozens of assorted colors – cost $2/pack)

Trinket (I’ve used a key trinket – cost approx 55 cents)

Begin by folding your cardstock in half.  Then stamp your contrasting top sheet using the ‘script’ stamp.  I’ve used a contrasting blue “Stazon” stamp pad (Staz-On Opaque Inkpad in Baby Blue), which also matches the feather and the ribbon I’ve chosen.

I’ve also used sponging around the edges of the card.  I began with the pale blue color, but wasn’t keen on the effect, so then used gold.  It gave it more of an antique effect with the gold.  Having both color sponged around the edges gave it a more unusual effect.

You’ll need to let the stamped dark sheet dry completely before proceeding further.

Once dry, you can attach the base of the  feather to the card.  I’ve gone about three quarters of the way down the card. I’ve also tied some cotton to the key, and attached it at about the same level as the bottom of the feather. (I prefer the key swings freely, which is why I’ve used cotton and not just glued the key flat to the card.)

I’ve attached each one using glue dots.  They’re strong, but they’re also small and hard to see.  But… they will eventually be hidden by the ribbon.  I have used the glue dots more because I need them to stay attached, than for the fact of hiding the glue.

*Note:  DO NOT attach this sheet to the card yet.  The ribbon needs to be added before that can happen.

Now, measure enough ribbon to wrap all the way across the card, and to also have enough to tuck under each side of the card.  This will enable us to hide the ends of the ribbon, and have it looking neat and tidy.

I generally use double sided tape to attach the ribbon under this top card, but you can also use tacky craft glue.

When placing the ribbon, make sure it covers the base of the feather, and also the cotton attached to the tricket.

Once you’re happy with the placement of the ribbon, you can glue the top card onto the card stock. Leave it to dry for a short time before proceeding. (To ensure it doesn’t slide around.)

The next part is a little tricky, and it may take a few goes before you can get it.  You’ll need another piece of the same ribbon to make the bow.  How much you need is trial and error, but it will depend a lot on how competant you are at tying bows, and how big you want the bow to be.

Tuck this extra piece of ribbon in underneath the ribbon going across your card.  Gently pull it until the ribbon is no longer sitting flat on the card (it will fold up a little on the right).  Now make it into a bow.  Make sure the base of the feather isn’t showing.  The same goes for the cotton attached to the key.

Always keep it looking clean and tidy, as well as professional.

That’s it – you’re done!

This card can be easily adapted for Christmas.  Last Christmas I made this card using a green theme.  All the elements were the same, except the color scheme was green, and I used a Christmas Tree trinket instead of the key.

And of course, the feather I used was also green.

There’s absolutely no reason you couldn’t do this in a red theme, or any other color you choose for Christmas. Just play around and find something that works for you.

To show you how changing the elements changes the entire look of the card, I’ve included below an image of this same vintage card using an ivory theme.

As you can see, the elements are basically the same, only the color scheme has changed.  Instead of the key trinket, I’ve used an “Eiffel Tower” trinket, and instead of the pale blue Stazon stamp pad, I’ve used  StazOn Jet Black Ink Pad. (And sponged the edges with black.)  But apart from that, everything is identical.

Have fun making these cards, and do play around with them.  You’ll find the more you do it, the more proficient you’ll become.

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Note:  All the inks I use are quick drying, and in most cases they can be applied to just about every surface you would need to use. I’ve gone down the track of cheap ink pads, and ended up literally throwing them in the bin.

There were several reasons for this:

1) The images were not sharp and clean

2) They left residue behind on my stamps

3) They took forever to dry, and resulted in smudging

4) They stained my hands