Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Challenge Me Tuesday: Cork

ETA** Next week-  We want to see foam spacers and pop dots! Send your projects to Practicalscrapperslayouts(at)gmail(dot)com before Tuesday June 21st.

I love the look and texture of cork on a card or layout. There is something neutral and natural about cork, similar to kraft paper, that just seems to go with everything. My first experimentation with cork and papercrafting came when I found some adhesive cork feet at the dollar store. The small disks had smooth edges, and were slightly larger than a quarter. They were perfect to stamp and decorate. Now, most scrapbook stores and craft stores carry sheets or rolls of adhesive cork, as well as embellishments from companies such as Pink Paislee and Magenta Style. 

While I have had some issues finding the right settings on my Cricut to cut the sheets without tearing and crumbling ( I wouldn't rule out a dull blade), I have had great success cutting with steel rule dies, and with my edge punches. If you're looking for something new to play with, I highly suggest cork. It can be stamped, misted, inked, doodled, painted, cut, torn, sewn, punched and oh- remember all those pretty pins you've been collecting? What better material to stick them in!

Here are some fun projects featuring cork: 

 Practical Scrapper Michelle has played up the natural, masculine aspect of cork here, pairing it with kraft colored cardstock and newsprint pattern.

Practical Scrapper Erin:  Just to show that cork can have a fun side if you let it. I used Sizzix dies to cut the dinosaurs. The natural cork contrasts with the bright primary colors.


Practical Scrapper Fern recycled some coaster backing to die cut the grand flourishes on this layout. A girl after my own heart, she also used little cork protectors ( feet) under her title letters.

Practical Scrapper Erin: I used cork feet and stamps on this older layout  to create custom embellishments that are a natural partner for corrugated cardboard. 

Practical Scrapper Erin: I used a combination of chalk inks and distress inks to soften and change the color of the cork embellishments on this baby page.

 Jody Thompson
Jody uses both punches and stamping to create her cork accents. (Doesn't cork look fabulous with red?)

Libeeti has assembled her cork with other "natural" and neutral textures, and added a stick pin to anchor it all.
( Translated to english: You're not that beautiful when you cry)

If you've used cork before, what are your favorite ways to use it? If you haven't tried cork, do you think you could find room for some on your projects?


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2 comments:

Christy said...

Never thought about using cork on a layout. I love the idea to make boy embellishments out of it, because it helps keep it from being too girly :)

Colleen B. said...

I never would have thought of this. Now you have my head spinning. Thanks for the inspiration. I too think this would be great for boy embelishments.