Tutorial Tues - Spring in Bloom!

Ah Spring! As New Year brings forth a new start, then Spring is when we start to see the first changes, the slight changes in the weather, the first signs of new growth in the garden as the spring bulbs begin to emerge and eventually flower. Spring is a time of growth, growing, maturing, and new starts, and a time when we start planning the year ahead. It's a time of year when the earth comes alive with color, and life!

For me the quintessential signs of spring are flowering bulbs, specifically snowdrops and daffodils. Each Spring I love to go out in the garden and take photos of the flowers, and new growth. Spring is a time of year when the garden truly begins to come alive. I love getting out in the garden in Spring and taking photographs of the flowering bulbs. It’s so fun to see the see the changes in the garden throughout the year!

"Spring in bloom” digital layout by Di Hickman
Supplies: Spring Sweets kit by Heather Ann designs; Scallop Template: Di Hickman Scallop Edge pack; Font: Euphorogenic; Photoshop;

Spring is a great time of year for gift giving, and there is no better gift this time of year that gardening supplies! If you are an avid gardener what better gift for that someone special, than a plant from your garden, seedlings or seed packets. One of the great things about scrapbooking is making your own personalized cards, gift tags, and other gift supplies. A favorite thing of mine lately is the printable templates available making hybrid projects a breeze. This template is for a seed packet, perfect for making customized seed packets for friends and neighbors.

Project details: I opened the template in photoshop and designed the packet using digital product from www.designsbyshelle.com. After arranging the digital elements how I wanted I printed out the design onto white cardstock. Using scissors I trimmed around the border, then scored and folded the flaps over and adhering the sides and bottom and bottom flap. Embellish with decorative buttons.

“California Poppies” by Di Hickman
Supplies: Seed packet template: Di Hickman; Essentials paper “spring” by Shelle Pukas; miscellaneous buttons;

Of course Spring is a great time of year for forging new friendships, rekindling older friendships or just for sending a simple “hey it’s Spring” card! One of my great crafting passions is cardmaking. Since starting scrapbooking in 2003 cardmaking seemed a natural progression and I think I now enjoy it more that the scrapbooking itself. For me the start of a new season is as good a reason to send a greeting card as a birthday or anniversary, and with the variety of digital kits available in Spring themes and colors putting together a hybrid card is easy with a few simple steps.

To keep the text over the pink and purple papers I chose to print those as one element, then moved the striped paper and floral embellishment so that they weren’t touching the other images. This allows for easy cutting later. Print the document onto white cardstock and trim out all the pieces.Cut a sheet 8.5 x 11” cardstock in half, then score and fold to form a card base. Using some ribbon, knot and adhere to card as shown, and mount onto card base. Attach striped paper and brads to the card. Attach floral embellishment to the card with dimensional adhesive.

“Spring” hybrid card by Di Hickman
Supplies: “Spring Breeze” Digital kit by Shabby Princess; font: Freestyle script; Ribbon: Offray; Miscellaneous brads;

So even if you don’t celebrate the holidays this time of year, make a change and start celebrating Spring in all its glory! Take some photographs of the Spring bulbs, send a card or two, or simply get out in the garden and enjoy the season. After all anything is better than Spring Cleaning!!!

Published in February 2008 Bella Scraps Ezine
all text and images copyright Di Hickman

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This article was originally published in the February 2008 issue of Bella Scraps magazine. Bella Scraps is an online magazine dedicated to digital and hybrid scrapbooking. Each issue is packed with idea, tutorials, articles and lots of eye candy. Go check it out!

More projects coming soon!

Di