Whimsy Stamps ~ Baker's Christmas Card

Hey crafty friends, I'm back today with a fun apron shaped card for a baker or chef. I still have a couple of cards to share yet from the batch I did for my mama. This was one I created for a friend of hers who loves cooking and baking and Mum was really delighted with it, she loved the tartan paper, which I too adore, so that was fabulous. 

I created this apron shaped card by first cutting the cardstock to A2 size, then I rounded the bottom corners with a wide corner rounder. My one is a really old one but any corner rounder with a wider angle will work. To create the armhole angles on the top of the card, I used an oval die from the A2 Antique Frames Die Set to cut away the section to make the apron top shape. I cut the first side and then used the offcut to line up the cut on the other side and ensure I had a mirrored finish. I punched a couple of holes to thread the ribbon through to be the top apron strings. I considered adding some for the side ties, but opted against that in the end, I think it's fine without. 

To create the cute pocket on the front of the apron or pinny as they say in the UK, I took the largest of the rounded style Antique ATC Frames Die Set to create the shape at the bottom. I did a partial diecut, so I could create the full pocket shape, so the top is square for the pocket opening, but the pocket base has a fun scalloped finish. I pleated a red organza ribbon with a satin trim to create the frill at the top of the pocket and added another strip just below the pocket top. This helped to define the pocket and make it visible, as I'd lined up the pattern so well, it was pretty much seamless and disappeared a bit! I also added some faux stitching with a metallic shine red pen which also accentuates the pocket edge better, but this shows up best in person, I couldn't get a great picture of this in the stills.

After cutting the apron shape in the tartan paper I did it again with a top folding A2 card base, which I added the tartan paper to, so the card opens at the top. I did score a fold lower down however, as I'd added the eyelets for the apron strings through all the layers, which meant it didn't open freely at the top fold, so I created another fold below those. I decorated the inside of the card with a sweet image from the Just Roll with It Clear Stamp Set and also a sentiment which I created from the Gingerbread Greetings Clear Stamp Set. It had the perfect words to create a cute sentiment for this scene.

I used the fabulous Baking Die Set, to diecut the breadboard and rolling pin from. I used Neenah Desert Storm for the front of the board and rolling pin and I inked the front of the breadboard and rolling pin with Walnut Stain Distress Ink and added detail with a Shiplap Background Stamp from Whimsy which is in their amazing sale right now, so if you love it, don't wait to grab it as stock is going fast. I dragged the Walnut Stain inkpad across the breadboard diecut to create streaks imitating woodgrain (like I've seen Gina K do, my first time trying, so not perfect), then added the detail with the Shiplap Background Stamp. I stamped fun sentiments on the reverse sides of the board and rolling pin which I cut from white cardstock and glued to the desert storm cardstock. I used VersaFine Clair Pinecone for these sentiments and VersaFine Clair Nocturne for the ones inside the card.

I cannot believe we're about to enter a new year! This year has flown by in the blink of an eye for me, but it's had its struggles along the way, so I'm not sad to leave it behind and embrace a new year with new optimism and energy. Wishing you all a wonderful restful, rejuvenating Christmas break and when it rolls around for you (as we are some of the first here in New Zealand to see the New Year) a very happy new year filled with joy, good health and abundance! Thanks to those of you who leave me love here on my blog and have been doing so for some time, please know how much I appreciate your comments and encouragement. I'm not very regular with my visits, but I hope I make up for it when I do get around to it! Hugs to you all and here's to a crafty 2024, Wends xoxo

(I use affiliate links where possible, which helps the companies I design for to improve their marketing practice. I receive a small commission, which costs you no extra whatsoever, but helps these companies see where their marketing efforts are most effective. I only design for companies whose products I absolutely love and buy for myself. My opinions are always my own.)

Challenge Entries:

Papercraft Challenges: #101 ~ Christmas

Crafty Gals Corner: #250 ~ Tis The Season

Creative Inspirations Challenge: December ~ Happy Christmas/Happy New Year

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge: Party Time (This card was made with Christmas celebrations in mind, but of course every good party has treats from the kitchen!)