When I came across Cards By Carlos I thought it was such an interesting look that I had to learn more about the technique used in creating these unusual notecard.
About the Artist:
I love making greeting cards and custom decorated journals. I have made them for friends and co-workers for years, but since my retirement, I have been able to really let my creativity and passion for paper come alive.
My cards are all hand made with all sorts of interesting papers: iridescent metallics, pearlized and glitter card stock, intricate cut edges,interesting edgings. My techniques include iris folding, paper piecing, collage, windows, and even some painting.
Each card is unique and special. They are little works of art that can easily be framed and enjoyed as part of your interior decoration all year long. I will be happy to fill special requests if you have a particular theme or favorite collectible, or whatever that you would like to feature on a card.
I have been working and playing with paper for many years, but it has just been the last 3 years that I have been able to really get into card making and scrapbooking on a big time basis. I first heard of Iris Folding a couple years ago, and a fellow scrapbooker gave me a basic lesson on how to do it. I loved it, and began exploring on the internet and books for more information, techniques, and projects. Since then, I have refined my skills and my work has steadily gotten better and better.
About the Technique
The iris folding technique was developed in the Netherlands by women seeking something nifty to do with the fancy envelopes that advertisers use for their mailings. It had to be something that used small strips of paper. Iris folding is what they came up with. It gets its name from the center opening that is similar to the lens of a camera or the iris of your eye. The hole gets smaller and smaller and is finally closed over with a spot of shiny paper for that "gleam in the eye".
The Review:
I just thought that the technique used was so interesting that I wanted to be able to share it all with you. Seeing a card up close (we received a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel card) was very different. From the time and energy it takes to find the pieces of paper in the color scheme she goes with to the folding and placing of the paper to make it look like a Cavalier you can tell she puts her time and effort into each card. Not only does she create something out of bits of folded paper she makes sure to mount it on special background that goes with the feel of the main picture. I saved mine to use for Mother's Day and am going to send it to my mom from all of us. I think she will enjoy the card as much as I have. It is just something you don't come across everyday so it is unique.
I think these would make a great Birthday or other Special Occasion card for Pet Owner. These note cards would be perfect to send to a friend that you enjoy connecting with by writing letters back and forth. They would make perfect thank you cards for your child's teacher for the nd of the year to show your appreciation of their work throughout the year. She has some really fabulous work in her Etsy store.
Win It:
Winner will receive 4 (FOUR) Notecards created just for them in either dog or cat theme and breed of choice. (Approx value $12)
Mandatory Entry: Visit Cards by Carlos and tell me which card you would like to send or receive from her entire selection. For each of the bonus entries please make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. If you take advantage of a multiple bonus entries please leave a comment for each one.
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- Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post as well as a link to Cards by Carlos. (3 entries)
- Tweet about this giveaway "Win 4 Unique Iris Folded Note-cards in your Dog or Cat breed of choice www.twolittlecavaliers.blogspot.com @marika ends 5/17 " (once per day)
- Place an order and tell her we sent you! (5 entries)