Fall is such a beautiful time of year, isn't it? The colorful leaves, the crisp air, and that wonderful excuse to stay inside with a hot cup of coffee and a craft project.
But here in Canada, fall is almost over, it's chilly, and we're awaiting that first frosty snowflake of fall!
And who better to help us welcome the cooler weather than adorable Freddy Fox from Polkadoodles, all bundled up in his little blue coat and hat?
A Little Paper, A Little Color, and One Adorable Fox
This project started with a few scraps of patterned paper from the Polkadoodles - Freddy Fox Paper Collection. I love a good scrap-busting project, especially when the papers coordinate so beautifully that half the designing is already done for you!
For this card, I used three pieces of patterned paper:
4" × 5¼" – the light blue woodgrain background
4¾" × 2¾" – the green and blue polka-dot paper
3¾" × 2½" – the smaller blue patterned panel
I layered the papers onto my card base, overlapping the two smaller pieces to create a fun background for Freddy.
Nothing complicated here. Just a little layering, a little overlapping, and suddenly those leftover scraps have a purpose!
Bringing Freddy to Life
I printed the adorable Freddy Fox digital image and colored him with my Copic markers.
I chose warm browns for his fur, cheerful blues for his winter hat and coat, and a soft green for his scarf. The combination ties in beautifully with the patterned papers.
After coloring, I carefully cut him out, leaving a narrow white border around the image.
The little leaves are separate images from the Freddy Fox Ephemera Collection. I colored and cut those out as well, arranging them around Freddy to bring a touch of fall into this chilly little scene.
The sentiment, "Cold Hands, Warm Heart," comes from the Freddy Fox Quotes Collection. I cut it into two separate strips and placed them at playful angles across the blue patterned paper.
A few sparkling green gems finished everything off.
Because apparently even a fox dressed for cold weather deserves a little bling!
One Design, Two Possibilities!
Here's another fun idea: this same design works beautifully as the cover of a small handmade notebook!
I played around with a version featuring coil bindings across the top and a coordinating patterned-paper tab peeking out from the side.
It's a lovely way to use the same supplies for something a little different. You could make a greeting card for someone special or turn the design into a cute little notebook for yourself.
And both are wonderful ways to put those leftover patterned papers to work.
A Warm Little Finish
I love how the blues and greens give this card a chilly, almost-winter feeling, while Freddy and his autumn leaves remind us that fall hasn't quite said goodbye.
Sometimes the sweetest projects don't require a mountain of supplies or hours at the craft table. Just a few scraps, a favorite digital image, and a little imagination.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I think Freddy and I both need another cup of something warm!
Coffee in hand & something always on the craft table,
Julie — The Paper Artist
