Who are you thinking about right now? If they don’t live in the same house as you, when was the last time you were able to visit with them in person? How about hug them?
Each of our answers to these questions is apt to vary. They hold some universal similarities, however, and attest to the fact that a good many of us, especially those who are presently self-isolating, are missing loved ones, be they near or far right now.
The majority of my own (small) family, lives within about a three-hour radius from our home. As we’re all isolating though, we haven’t been able to get together for several weeks now and it’s anyone’s guess as to when doing so will be possible again.
My family is far from alone in this boat. It’s a scenario that many of us are experiencing right now and is, for some people, proving to be amongst the most difficult aspects of life as it presently exists.
I’m missing my relatives something fierce and have begun making thinking of you cards to send to some of them, as the pandemic stretches ever onward.
Recently I whipped up this eye-catching, generously sized thinking of you card for a younger member of our family who is the picture of au courant style, modernity, and hip personal taste.
Well before this thinking of you card came into being, the moment I saw Carta Bella’s chic, gorgeous Spring Market collection, its imagery and colour palette made me think of this person, so I knew it would be just the ticket for a card destined for them.
Modern shabby chic thinking of you card
What is modern shabby chic?
Glad you asked! 😊
While I doubt there’s an official definition chiselled in stone anywhere, I personally tend to view it as a 21st century adaptation of the classic shabby chic style that has a youthful, slightly less vintage centred aesthetic to it.
Feminine details (such as flowers, gingham, ribbon and bows) can still be present, as can pale colours, but this take on shabby chic welcomes you to use darker hues, modern patterns, and fun, quirky details (oversized plastic fern, anyone?) as well.
Were we talking home décor, you might even find some industrial or Scandi details thrown into the mix, and of course they can come out to play on your paper crafting projects as well.
I hesitate to call it the millennial take on shabby chic, but objectively, that would be a fair way to describe it, if one was so inclined.
This is a big card. Perhaps the tallest I’ve ever made. While plenty of store bought cards measure eight inches or taller, we don’t tend to see nearly as many oversized cards in the handmade card world.
I tend to favour larger cards to begin with, so upping the height of mine a bit more than (my) usual wasn’t tricky at all.
I won’t be reaching for a card base this size every day, of course, but every now and then it can be heaps of fun to play with a larger card front that almost feels a bit like a small LO or a good sized mini album page.
The sentiment cut-apart piece was the jumping-off point for the colour palette and embellishments that I used here. A mix of white, pink, red, soft green, light browns, and eye-catching black, as well as a few hits of light cream peppered throughout the design.
Putting this feminine thinking of you card together
To start with, I created a generously sized card base out of basic white cardstock, followed by various layers of patterned paper and coloured cardstock.
I then mixed harmoniously hued patterned papers from the same collection here to add to the stylish modern feel of this design.
Two heart-shaped doilies (one red, one white), an ornate die cut rectangle and its respective frame (from glossy black cardstock), tags cut out of patterned paper, the sentiment piece, and some die cut grey and light brown branches/springs came next.
Once those elements were in place, I added a green plastic fern leaf, some paper flowers in various sizes and colours, a skinny text print strip (at the bottom of the card), and a few grey enamel dots to pick up the grey that appears in some of the other elements on this card (including the sentiment piece).
Unlike a lot of my makes, where I scrutinize every last detail, rearrange things multiple times, and generally take hours to create a single card, I took a much more devil-may-care approach, if you will, here and went with my first instincts on the entire design.
I have to say, it was both strange and liberating feeling to put something down and essentially let it live there when all was said and done. While I didn’t glue my card elements in place until I was pleased with the final design, again, I did take things easy and let the moment guide me.
This wasn’t a card that felt like it needed to be over thought to death and I rather love that about it.
Card making tips and ideas from this project
–Use the negatives (borders/areas left after you cut out a die cut shape) from your die cuts on your projects. While some might not work well in this capacity, others, especially when they create frames or easily recognizable shapes definitely can be used and they are a great way to get extra mileage out of your paper and card stock stash.
-Raid the artificial flower selection of dollar, craft, houseware, and big box stores for materials to use in your paper crafting projects.
Plastic, fabric, and silk versions of leaves, ferns, branches, and blooms can all be put to work on cards, layouts and other projects. Plus, in some cases, you may be able to get more flowers (or leaves, etc) for your money than with similar pre-packaged selections from paper crafting brands.
–Let ornate doilies do the job of die cuts. You could easily use ornate (circular, heart-shaped, mandala, etc) die cuts here, if you wished, but as I had two lovely, fancy heart-shaped doilies on hand in colours that worked fabulously with my project, I opted to put them to work on this make.
And remember, you can altar the colour of many white or variously coloured doilies, if needed. I didn’t do so here, but had I wanted to, things such as light layers of spray ink, pencil crayons (colour pencils), pastels, chalk, ink, paint, glitter, and embossing power would have been ways of going about doing so.
-Repeat motifs in different sizes and materials. Here, the two heart-shaped doilies are joined by a dimensional cream coloured wicker heart to create that trusty design standard: an uneven number of similar elements.
-To convey a sense of shabby chic, tear or otherwise distress some of your papers and/or cardstock, as I did with one of the pattern paper layers.
-A card like this can get mighty busy, mighty fast, so aim for cohesiveness in your colour palette, pattern sizes, and the types of embellishments that you use.
-Sending or hand delivering bouquets or arrangements of actual flowers to perk up their day might not be possible at present, but we can convey a similar sense of floral cheer by including blooms of all sizes, shapes, colours, styles and designs on our cards.
-While I didn’t do so here, a card of this nature would take kindly to things such as a splattering of paint, gouache, or spray ink, if you fancied.
Products used to make this layered, contemporary style card
-White, dark red, light grey and light brown cardstock
-Glossy black cardstock – Glossy Black Mirror Card from Tonic Studios
-Various patterned papers – Spring Market 6×6 inch paper pad from Carta Bella
-Floral tag cut-aparts – Spring Market Floral Tags from Carta Bella
-Ornate frame die
-Branch, spring or slender leaf die(s)
-White and red paper doilies (or similar die cut hearts)
-Assorted sizes of black, pink, red, white and/or cream flowers
-Plastic fern, leaf or branch (or similar die cut piece)
-Cream or white coloured woven wicker heart (dollar stores, craft stores, eBay and AliExpress can be good sources for these kinds of woven heart embellishments)
-Grey enamel dots – Classic SS728D Enamel Dot Stickers from Forever In Time
-Dimensional foam, pop dots, or similar to elevate some of your layers
-Adhesive, such as a tape runner, of your choice (I often use my Scotch Tape Glider)
Thinking of you cards are like hugs in our mailboxes
Given that a good many of us are presently in isolation, I realize that popping out to the mailbox (unless perhaps you have one located right near your house; which we do not) isn’t the easiest or potentially safest of tasks. As such, ending our handmade thinking of you cards out may not be a breeze right now.
If you are leaving your house, be it regularly or occasionally, that does make things simpler. If not, one option is to make cards and then take photographs or videos of them, sending those pics or vids to the respective recipients of your greetings.
When dashing out to the mailbox becomes feasible again, you can then post your greetings with a heartfelt personal message inside letting that person know how much they are (or were, if it’s after the fact) on your mind during the pandemic.
And, if applicable, perhaps inviting them together again once it’s safe to do so.
While I do plan to post this card on a future (rare) excursion out of the house, in general, that’s my approach between mailbox trips right now.
There are few things more heartwarming or meaningful than knowing you’re on the mind of someone who cares about you.
If you have the chance, I highly encourage you to whip up a few thinking of you, missing you, just because or similar types of cards for your loved ones to convey precisely that message.
Your thoughtfulness will brighten their day and hopefully help them to feel like the circumstances that are presently keeping you apart are a bit easier to bear.
Project share
Pin the image below – or any other in this post – to Pinterest, pop it into your Instagram Stories, post in on Twitter or Facebook, or share it anywhere else you wish to help yourself find it again and to inspire others at the same time.
If you make a project based on or inspired by this card – or want to share any of your other handmade crafts with me – please use the hashtags #WitchcraftedLife and #WitchcraftedLifeMakes on social media so that I see can your beautiful creations.
Your shabby chic is absolutely amazing here Autumn! I just love all of the details you’ve loveningly put together with care on your creation here! So many lovely things to look at and I know that it will be absolutely treasured by your loved one! Here’s to hoping we can all come together with hugs very soon! In the meantime, virtual hugs to you!
Thank you immensely, fabulously kind Vicki! You’re sweeter than an entire summer’s worth of frozen treats. 🥰
I second your hope immensely. This year has caused so much hardship for many people and the inability for many of us to flock to the safety, comfort and support systems of our families (in person at least) during this time of global crisis has certainly been one of the hardest and most unique aspects of this whole experience.
Your virtual hugs are received, sincerely appreciated, and returned in kind to no end! 😘
♥ Autumn
What a lovely gift and surprise for some lucky relative!! I adore the shabby chic color scheme as well as the feminine textures and patterns you added.
Your beautiful artwork has no doubt made someone’s day!
Thank you so much, dearest Debi! You’re fabulously kind and supportive. I really hope so as well. Sending homemade cards to loved ones near and far has been a treasured part of my life for about a decade now, but never has it held more important or significance (for me) as during these challenging times of the pandemic.
Huge hugs coming your way,
♥ Autumn
Your card is fantastic, you have such a talent for layering and combining elements!
You’re blush inducingly kind, Donna. Thank you so much for the beautiful and very sweet words.
I adore layering something fierce and find most of my papercrafts feel “naked”, if you will, without at least a few layers and dimensional embellish (much as I adore – and find great inspiration in – the designs of those who prefer flatter styles of paper crafting), so receiving a compliment on that aspect of my personal style means all the more to me.
Wishing you a sunny, safe & truly lovely June! 🌞
♥ Autumn
What a stunning card Autumn! The sentiment panel and all of the embellishments are gorgeous! I love the textures especially that wicker heart! Your family member will cherish this card. Take care, Hugs, Tammy
Thank you immensely, sweet Tammy. You’re fabulously kind and supportive.
I currently have a few of these wicker hearts in a variety of colours and just adore working with them. While they’re a natural fit for things like Valentine’s Day, weddings, and anniversaries, they also work awesomely for a wide range of events and everyday cards alike.
May you have a relaxing, safe, and very enjoyable June! 🌹
♥ Autumn
This is GORGEOUS!! I LOVE the sentiment panel but my favorite thing on this card is that little heart surrounded by the flowers. My eye keeps going to it. Such beautiful layering on this.
You’re terrifically sweet + kind, dear Nora. Thank you SO MUCH! 😘
This was such a fun, creative and cheerful card to make. I hope that the happiness I felt as I was putting it together shines through and spreads to my recipient when they receive this greeting.
Have a fantastic Friday!
♥ Autumn
What a lovely idea to make Thinking of You cards and, as this one is particularly gorgeous, I’m sure its recipient will be thrilled with it. I’m a fan of shabby chic, and I truly love the little wicker heart you’ve included. Your layering is utterly brilliant, too! Wishing you well, my dearest Autumn! Much love xxx
Dearest Ann, you are as sweet as they come. Thank you, really and truly, for brightening and blessing my week with your immense kindness.
I’m smitten with the little wicker heart here, too, and am thankful to have a few more (in an assortment of different colours) to hand still. When they run out (*gasp!*), I will definitely be trying to track more down. They’re oodles of fun and work wonderfully for a huge host of projects (my mind keeps going to the idea of a Christmas or Yule card with one on it, so that might just have to come into being a bit later in the year 😃).
Sending scores of hugs & joyful weekend wishes your way.
♥ Autumn
I learn so much from your posts! Of course I’d heard the phrase “shabby chic” but never really knew what it meant. And now you’ve taught us variations on it. Thanks!
You’re thoroughly welcome, Ally. I’m tickled pink (or would that be perfectly time-worn cream?) to have been able to broaden your knowledge on the style of shabby chic.
It extends to everything from fashion to home decor, and is much enjoyed by some paper crafters (though, I would argue, is perhaps not quite as popular a style in sphere of paper crafting as was a few years back). I truly love it – not the least because of its inherent undertone of antique and vintage-ness – and am sure plenty more of my project shares here will embody this classic style.
Thank you again, my friend. May you have a relaxing, wonderful weekend ahead.
♥ Autumn
Oh, I just LOVE this – what a gorgeous card! I love the woven woodsy heart, the touches of black and that you let go of fussing over it (I also have that tendency) and allowed your heart to build this. Autumn, it’s going to be loved. Beautiful!
Thank you very much, sweet Shelia. Your kind, supportive words hug my heart and help to keep my creative spark burning all the more brightly.
It’s comforting and meaningful to know that I’m not alone in sometimes (re: most of the time) being particularly exact/fastidious/prone to perfectionism. I’m consciously trying hard to throw caution to the wind more when crafting and am happy to report that I’ve now done so a few times already this year. For me, that’s a big leap forward on that front and has lead to some of my fave creations of 2020 so far.
Many thanks again, coupled with big hugs and tons of sunny Friday wishes!
♥ Autumn
This is seriously stunning. All those details! I love it. Love Dawn x
hank you SO MUCH for your beautiful, immensely supportive comments on this fun shabby chic card, Dawn. I sincerely appreciate your kindness.
Wishing you a sunny, relaxing and very enjoyable upcoming weekend, my friend.
♥ Autumn
A beautiful card Autumn, so many fabulous details and great dimension. I love the pretty heart and fabulous papers.
Pauline – Crafting with Cotnob
x
Thank you very much, sweet Pauline. I wholeheartedly appreciate your kind words about this dimensional make.
These wicker hearts are so charming! I’m surprised that some of the major paper crafting companies haven’t (as far as I know) jumped on offering them yet. Perhaps one day! For now, places like dollar stores, craft supply shops, AliExpress, eBay, and Etsy are all good locations to try and track them down, often for a very reasonable price, to boot.
Big thanks again coupled with oodles of hugs coming your way!
♥ Autumn
Your colour combinations are always spot on, Autumn! That’s one lucky person who receives that beautiful card in the mail. 🖤 🖤 🖤
Sweet Lynne, thank you very much for your tremendously lovely compliments. You are always so very kind to me and my paper crafting makes.
I hope that your month is off to a positive start and that you have a sunny, relaxing, super safe, and entirely enjoyable whole of June. 🌞
Big hugs,
♥ Autumn
Wonderful modern shabby chic cards. So much incredible dimension and texture. It’s more pieces of art than cards. Your family members will appreciate them.
What an incredibly touching, uplifting compliment, Trina. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will not soon forget your kind, encouraging words.
Immense hugs & cheerful Friday wishes coming your way,
♥ Autumn
Stunning card, what a great shape. Love the different textures and colours you used. She will love it. Stay safe and well.
You’re blush inducingly kind, my friend! Thank you very much for your thoughtful comments on this forest filled card. I had a splendid time creating all the trees for it and can easily see versions for the other seasons (especially my beloved fall) happening as time goes on.
Big hugs & many wishes for a safe, sunny, beautiful spring-into-summer coming your way.
♥ Autumn
Receiving a real card today is pure magic, and one of yours!!! 🙂
Thank you so much, dear Sanne. How right you are! With the fate of the postal system of various countries (especially the USA) in jeopardy these days and so many of having gone through/still living in a state of self-isolation, the personal, heartfelt nature of sending cards (and other types of correspondence) through the mail really does take on a whole new level of magic + importance.
Thinking of you as the seasons gear up to change hands once more and hoping that you have a sunny, fantastic Summer Solstice. 🌞
♥ Autumn
You, my friend, are truly the queen of layering and perfect color combinations! And the plastic fern piece is an extra fun touch!
Sweet Inky, you’ve got me blushing redder than the paper doilies on this card. Thank you very much for your awesomely kind + lovely compliments.
The plastic fern is such a fun touch, I totally agree. Buying and using faux flowers and greenery from inexpensive sources, such as dollar stores and thrift shops, can be a great way to stretch one’s crafting budget, too. Plus, you’ll often get more product for the same amount of money (if not less) than a brand name package of similar products.
I’m going to keep my eyes open next Christmas for more wintertime faux greenery to use in this way, and always beeline for the fake flower + leaf section come fall.
Thank you again, my dear. May you have a sunny, relaxing and thoroughly lovely last week of June. 🌞
♥ Autumn
Oh, how beautiful this is! First, your eye for design is impeccable! I love that you just allowed yourself the freedom to not overthink the design. I overthink my designs to death! My cards that look like they took 15 minutes. NOPE usually hours. Sigh. 🙂 I love the colors you used. The size is wonderful and inspirational! It makes me want to create a few extra-large ones to hand out when it’s possible to once again meet people. Hugs! Hoping you are continuing to feel well both in mind and body!
Thank you immensely, lovely Angie. Your kindness and support really knows no bounds!
Goodness, do I hear you there!!! You’d think I was planning secret military strategies the way I tend to pour (re: agonize at times) over each layer, detail and embellishment on my paper crafting projects. 😂
Attention to detail is rarely a negative thing unto itself, but one doesn’t have to drive themselves to the point of frazzled nerves to be happy with – or to create a fabulous – project.
Sometimes, especially for those of us who generally do the opposite, throwing caution to the wind and taking a more relaxed approach to our designs is just what the doctor ordered. Plus, I find, it can lead to a serious surge of sudden creativity that sometimes lasts for days or longer.
That is so sweet of you to say regarding the size of this card. I tend to veer towards larger card bases in general, but think one was an extra biggie indeed. I’m envisioning this size working fab for Halloween makes – perhaps one with a haunted house or other large scene going on.
Big hugs & joyful start of summer wishes! 🌞
♥ Autumn