Monthly Archives: April 2023

Bird Themed Slimline Greeting Card for Spring

Bird Themed Card Making Idea: Make a DIY Slimline Card Featuring Bird Motifs

Bird Themed Card Making Idea: Make a DIY Slimline Card Featuring Bird Motifs

Handmade Greeting Cards Made Using Papers by Graphic 45

Handmade Greeting Cards Made Using Papers by Graphic 45


Spring is a fantastic time to make greeting cards for your inner circle. The spring calendar includes diverse holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Passover, and Mother’s Day — but you don’t need a holiday or any other excuse to make a greeting card for someone you love. This Bird Themed Slimline Greeting Card is an example of an everyday, all-occasion card you can make to send to a friend in springtime, or for that matter, at any time you like. Of course, you can add an Easter or Mother’s Day sentiment to your card front to make this design holiday friendly and appropriate for whichever of the spring holidays you’d like to use it for.

Craft Supplies You’ll Need for Making a Similar Bird Themed Slimline Greeting Card for Spring

Thanks so much for checking out my card making project. I really appreciate your interest!

Check Out More Craft Projects for Spring

Overlay Crochet Basket Pattern

Crochet a Basket in Spring Colors Using the Overlay Crochet Technique

Discover More Craft Projects Made Using Graphic 45 Papers and Supplies

May Garden Journal Pages for Discbound Planners Like Happy Planner, Arc or Tul

May Garden Journal Pages for Discbound Planners Like Happy Planner, Arc or Tul

Find More DIY Card Making Ideas

Happy Mother's Day Card Featuring Graphic 45 Papers From the Time to Flourish Collection

Happy Mother’s Day Card Featuring Graphic 45 Papers From the Time to Flourish Collection

Daily Planner Layout Idea Featuring Washi Tape and Stamped Images

Purple Daily Layout for Happy Planner or Other Discbound Planners Such As Arc or Tul

Purple Daily Layout for Happy Planner or Other Discbound Planners Such As Arc or Tul


Purple Daily Layout for Happy Planner or Other Discbound Planners Such As Arc or Tul

Purple Daily Layout for Happy Planner or Other Discbound Planners Such As Arc or Tul

As pictured, this daily planner layout is intended for use in discbound planners like the Happy Planner by Me & My Big Ideas or the Arc Planner, Tul Planner, Maggie Holmes Planner, or Martha Stewart Planner. It could be adapted for other types of planners, too.


To make this planner layout, I started with a page from a Happy Planner accessory pack and embellished it with washi tape, stamped images, and decorating chalks.

Craft Supplies You’ll Need for Creating a Similar Daily Planner Layout:

  • Filler Paper for Discbound Planners: Filler papers are available in a variety of different colors, designs and layouts. I used a simple lined paper with a leopard print design at the discbound edge. The sections on this paper came labeled, but I placed some of my washi tapes and stamped images over the labels because they weren’t quite right for the page design I had in mind. You can use basically any discbound filler paper as a starting point for your daily planner pages; some will work better than others, depending on what you have planned for your day.


  • Washi Tapes: You can use whatever washi tapes you like to decorate a daily planner layout like this one. I used sparkly washi tape by Graphic 45 and butterfly-themed washi tape from the “Papillon” collection by Happy Planner / Me & My Big Ideas.


  • Distress Oxide Ink Pads by Tim Holtz for Ranger Industries: I used the Dusty Concord and Salvaged Patina colors to stamp these images.


  • Water Tracker Stamp: I used a stamp from the P13 Journal Stamp Set to stamp the water tracker (You can shop for it HERE; I highly recommend it this stamp set!)


  • Alphabet Stamps: I used a stamp set called “Milo’s ABCs by Lawn Fawn to stamp the word “Today’s” that appears in this planner layout. However, you don’t need this exact alphabet stamp set; you could use any alphabet stamp you happen to have on hand for this purpose. If you do happen to need a new alphabet stamp set, this one is a fantastic set to have in your stash; I use mine almost daily. I find it to be really versatile and useful.


  • Stack of Books Stamp: This stamp is from the “Den Sweet Den” stamp set by Lawn Fawn.


  • Crochet Hook Stamp: This stamp is from the “Hand Crafted With Love” stamp set by Simon Says Stamp.


  • Frame Stamp: See the frame image around the crochet hook and ball of yarn? The stamp I used for adding that image is by Citrus Twist Kits.


  • Journaling Spot Stamp: This stamp is from the “Plan on It” stamp set by Lawn Fawn.


  • “Explore” and Cloud Stamps: This stamp is by Citrus Twist Kits; last I checked, this stamp set had been discontinued.


  • “Currently” Stamp: This stamp is from a set by Waffle Flower Crafts that is now discontinued.


  • “Making” and “Blog Post” Stamps: These stamps are both from a set by My Favorite Things Stamps that is now discontinued.


  • Scalloped Scissors: I still love and use decorative scissors in many of my paper crafts projects because I find it easier to grab scissors than it is to dig for a scalloped circle die that’s exactly the right size for cutting out each image. But that’s me; if you’d prefer to die cut this, you could substitute a scalloped circle die in place of the scalloped scissors. If you want to check out the scalloped scissors I used, they are made by EK Success. I highly recommend them; I’ve used them to make, literally, hundreds of projects!


  • Decorating Chalks: These are optional; if you don’t already have them in your stash, you could use inks, paints, or colored pencils to create the same sort of sunset effect I used behind the “Explore” and cloud stamps.

Thanks so much for taking a look at my Happy Planner layout. I appreciate your interest!

May Garden Journal Pages for the Happy Planner or Other Discbound Planners

May Garden Journal Pages for Discbound Planners Like Happy Planner, Arc or Tul

May Garden Journal Pages for Discbound Planners Like Happy Planner, Arc or Tul; May Garden Journal Pages for Discbound Planners Like Happy Planner, Arc or Tul — Planner by The Happy Planner / Me & My Big Ideas; Patterned Papers by Graphic 45

May Garden Journal Pages for Discbound Planners Like Happy Planner, Arc or Tul

May Garden Journal Pages for Discbound Planners Like Happy Planner, Arc or Tul — Planner by The Happy Planner / Me & My Big Ideas; Patterned Papers by Graphic 45

Hello Crafty Friends!


Who’s planting a garden this year? I wish I were, but at the moment, I’m living in a place where anything except a balcony garden is impossible. That doesn’t stop me from dreaming about it, though.


When I am actively gardening, I make garden journal pages to track what I’ve done and to keep to do lists on what needs to be done next. If this topic is interesting to you, you’re invited to check out more of my garden journal pages and read more about my process for making them.


Do you keep a garden journal? If so, what do you track in it? What do your garden journal pages look like? The floor is open for comments, so please feel free to ask questions or share insights in the comments area below.


Thanks so much for visiting! We appreciate your presence here.


Posted By: Amy Solovay

Craft Updates for the Week of 4-23-2023

Updated 4-28-2023

Hello Crafty Friends! What’s new with all of you?


This is just a quick post to let you know about all the new pages and updates that have been happening around here:


Enjoy the Journey Sailing Themed Scrapbooking Layout by Amy Solovay

This Is Paradise Scrapbooking Layout: Snorkeliing in Hawaii

This Is Paradise Scrapbooking Layout: Snorkeliing in Hawaii

6x8 Scrapbooking Layout Featuring Havivian Farmer's Market in Ashkelon, Israel

6×8 Scrapbooking Layout Featuring Havivian Farmer’s Market in Ashkelon, Israel


I just updated our pages of travel scrapbooking ideas and Hawaii scrapbooking ideas to add a bunch more recent projects I’ve been working on. The latest additions include this nautical themed 6″x8″ scrapbooking pocket page; this Hawaii-themed scrapbook album; and a collection of pages documenting my travels in Ashkelon, Israel.


Prima Paintables Watercolor Papers from the French Riviera Collection Designed by Frank Garcia

Paintables Watercolor Paper from the French Riviera Collection Designed by Frank Garcia for Prima


I just updated our guide to papers for arts and crafts to include photos of Frank Garcia’s gorgeous Paintables papers by Prima Marketing. Although these are not brand new papers, they’re still available for sale in plenty of places, and I just recently discovered them. I’ve used them in bunches of new projects that I’m working on posting; I’ll update to get you the links to them soon.


Candy Cane Lane Christmas Card

Candy Cane Lane Christmas Card Featuring Supplies by Prima, Altenew and Ranger Industries

Candy Cane Lane Christmas Card Featuring Supplies by Prima, Altenew and Ranger Industries


Yes, I know, this new Christmas card design isn’t exactly seasonal right now as we head into summer. I actually made this card last December to send to a friend — but I never got around to posting the project idea at the time because I got too busy doing other things. So now I am working on reorganizing my pages of Christmas project ideas, and have begun adding all the new projects I made during the last holiday season.


Waves Stencil From the Simple Vintage Seas Collection by Simple Stories Plus Various Mixed Media Craft Supplies:Distress Oxide Reinkers, Scrapbook.com's Pops of Color, Brilliance Reinker, Distress Mica Spray by Tim Holtz for Ranger Industries, and Nuvo Spatulas

Waves Stencil From the Simple Vintage Seas Collection by Simple Stories Plus Various Mixed Media Craft Supplies:Distress Oxide Reinkers, Scrapbook.com’s Pops of Color, Brilliance Reinker, Distress Mica Spray by Tim Holtz for Ranger Industries, and Nuvo Spatulas


I just posted a brand new page on the topic of stencils. If you enjoy stenciling, mixed media art, bullet journaling, decorating your planner, or related craft projects, I invite you to check it out.


DMC Satin Embroidery Floss

DMC Satin Embroidery Floss


I just posted a new review of DMC Satin Embroidery Floss. The short version of my review: I highly recommend it! You can click or tap here to see my brand new, full-length product review of DMC Satin Embroidery Floss.

I also just started a new page on the topic of cross stitch. I have a lot more to add to this page, but this is a good start. Since I do more crochet than cross stitch, I have bunches of free patterns for cross stitch on crochet available (with more to add soon; if you enjoy this sort of project, please hang onto the link so you can find the page again in the future). I hope you’ll enjoy the free patterns.


6x8 Scrapbooking Layout Featuring Hawaiian Pineapples

6×8 Scrapbooking Layout Featuring Hawaiian Pineapples


I just updated our page of scrapbooking layouts to add some of the 6″x8″ pocket pages I’ve been making lately. This page is still in need of additional updating, because I’ve completed bunches more scrapbooking pages than the ones showcased — but this is a good start for now. You’re invited to check back if you’d like to see more pocket page scrapbooking ideas.


Layered Flower Die Set by Waffle Flower Crafts


Layered Flowers Die Set by Waffle Flower Crafts

Layered Flowers Die Set by Waffle Flower Crafts


I just posted a brand new product review of one of my newest favorite paper craft products: The Layered Flower Die Set by Waffle Flower Crafts. The TLDR summary: I highly recommend this die set to other crafters. If you want more details, please click or tap here to see my Layered Flowers Die Set product review.

Over to You:

What are you working on this week? Any new craft projects on your hook / needles / table? What types of inspiration are you searching for right now?


Thanks so much for dropping by today. I really appreciate your presence here, and your interest in our craft blog.

Best wishes,


Amy Solovay

Setting the Table for Earth Day

Setting the Table for Earth Day 2023: Pictured here is a place setting featuring an upcycled napkin ring made from wire and pull tabs, plus a placemat you can crochet in organic cotton yarn for Earth Day or everyday.

Setting the Table for Earth Day 2023: Pictured here is a place setting featuring an upcycled napkin ring made from wire and pull tabs, plus a placemat you can crochet in organic cotton yarn for Earth Day or everyday.

For those of you who didn’t know, today — Saturday, April 22, 2023 — is Earth Day. Happy Earth Day, everyone!

I’ve posted some lovely free patterns you can use for dressing up your Earth Day table, or any holiday table for that matter. Check ’em out!

Pull Tab Napkin Rings

This project calls for upcycling some pull tabs and transforming them into these beautiful napkin rings, which are pictured above. The instructions for these napkin rings are available online for free.

Earth Friendly Organic Cotton Placemats

Organic cotton yarn is grown using far less water than conventionally grown cotton does, and it is also easier on the environment because the farmers growing it do not spray their cotton fields with massive quantities of harmful, toxic pesticides. If you use the suggested organic cotton yarn for crocheting these placemats, they’re a fantastic, sustainable craft project for Earth Day.

Fabric Crochet Coasters

This thick, durable flower trivet is a protective surface you can use when you need to set down a hot dish or oversized coffee mug.

This thick, durable flower trivet is a protective surface you can use when you need to set down a hot dish or oversized coffee mug.


You can upcycle old textiles such as sheets, sarongs or clothing and transform them into rag balls to use for knitting or crocheting. There are countless environmentally friendly projects you can make using these rag balls; I have a whole list of them (plus links to free patterns) on my page about fabric crochet. Some of my favorite fabric crochet projects are coasters you can use for proudly setting the table on Earth Day. Check out these heart-shaped coasters for another fantastic project idea.

See Also: