As this weekend is coming to a close, I hope that you have had a chance to enjoy sometime to relax and unwind. That for me translates to: paper crafting and baking. To celebrate World Card Making Day, I had a card class at my home. I know these economic times are difficult, and there doesn't seem like there is an end in sight. So, for WCMD, I wanted to share some tips and tricks on making your paper crafting supplies last longer. Little ideas to help get more cards out of a roll of ribbon, how to ink, use, and fall in love with a background stamp. How to use some scraps to make a card, quick. What to do with the left overs from a Scrapbook page kit. See, useful tips and tricks, and we got to make 4 cards!
The first two cards are made from scraps. The first card uses scraps from the Tea Time simply scrappin' kit. The second card uses scraps from Cheerful Treats DSP. I used the same stamp set, to show how a simple sentiment can get alot of mileage. I used You're Cherished stamp set, but the Thank You Kindly stamp set would be perfect, too! I used the same ribbon and base cardstock for both cards.
Tip: I also made 'poor-man' bows. Wrap a scrap piece of ribbon around the front of your card, and then another small piece around the wrapped piece. Tip: use the string of rhinestones to add sparkle to your card. They are already lined up, so you don't have to center or space them. Trick: when stamping on pattern paper, use the lightest or less patterned paper. Also, stamp your sentiment in a dark color, such as black or dark brown. You don't want your words to compete with objects or get lost in a busy pattern. Trick: use the pattern paper from the same package, because they already coordinate.
The second two cards are made with stamps that may seem intimidating or over-whelming. The first card uses a background stamp: Hello, Doily, and an abstract object: Timeless Treasures. The second card uses a stamp set with a large font: Hand-Penned Holidays. I used the same cardstock for both cards. I used the same colors of ink, too!
Tip: use a brayer to ink a large or background stamp so you get even coverage. Tip: swipe wax paper over your cardstock before using a stylis to score your paper. It helps create smooth score lines. Trick: when using a large stamp, stamp off the cardstock, so the image is not centered. That way, you don't have to be perfect. Any variation will look beautiful. Trick: stamp the background stamp in a light color and your object in a dark color. Trick: add a large faux half-pearl to the knot of linen thread.
Here is a card, that my granddaughter made for her mom (my daughter):
Thank you for looking. I hope that you were able to carve out sometime to create, and exercise the other half of your brain - the creative side. I hope you stop by again, soon! Take care.
