Friday, April 10, 2015

Tropical Bird and Reminiscing

I had a friend...  well, I still have her but we don't do this anymore because we got busy and postage ain't what it used to be.  Anyway, this friend and I would exchange Do-It-Yourself-RAKs using the left over bits and pieces from our respective craft desks.
We would send each other cards bases, layers and enough bits and pieces to make a card.  The idea was to have some leeway with the stuff so most often we sent more than was needed for one card so we could pick and chose.

That was always fun getting to play with limited stuff that you hadn't picked out for yourself.  I was quite tickled to find a couple of these DIY RAKs in my stash to make.  This one was especially fun because the papers were all double sided and either side would have worked with the enclosed card topper.

I corner rounded the card topper and sponged its edges.  I also added my own snippet of ribbon to make this card and discarded a large flourish that was included. And by 'discarded' I  mean I didn't use it not that I tossed it!

The Fine Print: After I made this I realized how much I missed the DIY RAKs we used to exchange.  Unfortunately my friend only scrapbooks now and not very often at that so I can't ask her to revive this practice. If you'd like to exchange DIY RAKs, drop me a private message.

14 comments:

Bad Kitty said...

very nice card

Sandy said...


great image, and the flowers pick up the colors from it perfectly.

Leslie Hanna said...

I would play, but I don't need more stuff. I'd be happy to send you my crap, though, so YOU can play. :)

Carol L said...

What a fun idea to swap schtuff to make cards! This one turned out very nice, and as a matter of fact, I have the paper pad for your creation today and you've given me some great ideas for using it now! Great papers and colors, and especially the printed panel!

jimlynn said...

Very tropical and beautiful. Love the addition of the flower on here too Judy. I hear you on how much postage is these days......not fun at all!
Lynn

KT Fit Kitty said...

Sweet card! How fun to get all the parts and pieces and then decide how to put it together to make your own card! Hope you find someone to exchange RAK kits with - unfortunately, postage is just too high for me - I haven't worked since 2012 so money is non-existent. Enjoy your weekend!

chrissy xx said...

A great bird! FABulous colours and I LOve your delicious flower.
Chrissyxx

LesleyG said...

What a lovely idea swapping your bits! You must miss that, just wish postage was less. It's expensive just within UK, and stops people sending cards. Not me though! I love sending and think its worth it. Will wait and see what you do with that flourish! Xxx

thecraftycavalier said...

That is such a fab idea Judy! Such a shame that you don't do it now - I'm with you on ridiculous postage costs though! This is just fab :-) Love the image and the flower is just gorgeous. Have a fab weekend. Hugs, Jayne x

Janeen said...

so beautiful. i once made a card similar to this for a friend to give to another friend that was from the Philippines. It was a real postage stamp from the Philippines and made the perfect card for her. --What a fun idea with the scraps and things. I love your creation and i was pretty sure you didn't commit sacrilege and actually throw away something good!! :D

Greta said...

What a fun practice! You ended up with a lovely card--beautiful flower!

Words and Pictures said...

Love the spring colours and that bird is fabulous. I'm having a thing with cockatoo and RAK and ending up with a slightly volcanic coRAKatoo!
Alison xx

Holly AKA KopyKat said...

Wow, fabulous images and design, love it.

Sarn said...

Sounds like lots of fun. Post is SOOOO much more fun if it contains craft stuff rather than a utility bill doncha think? xxx