Erika's bling is pearly because "I have a ton of those and it looked good on this layout." She likes how it offsets the photo's heaviness on the people side and brings balance to the layout.
I found this project online and it's recommended to do with the kiddies. It involves telephone book pages, paint, and LOTS of glue. So one day this week when my 6 year old was recovering from the flu, we had at it. It was messy, but fun and entertaining. It might be something you'll want to try this week when the family is home!
5 Things I Learned this Week Working with Color (or White) Core Cardstock
1. Tearing paper is cool again. Not sure that it really lost coolness, but I had gotten bored with it. I like it again.
2. Crumple up the paper. Then lay it flat. Now lightly sand. Crumple and sand more to achieve desired effect.
3. Put chipboard letters behind the paper and sand. Instant title.
4. Turn to the back of your paper. Using a dull pencil or a scorer, “draw” a straight line. Turn the paper over and sand. Color revealed.
5. One more reason I need to get a Cuttlebug. Or at least some embossing folders.
Sarah Hodgkinson is a great source for ideas using this fun cardstock. Check out this mini album she made full of different techniques. Very cool.
I like this paper because you don’t necessarily have to have a fancy machine to make it your own. And since most of us have a paper addiction, it’s likely you have some in your stash. Let our designers inspire you. Enjoy your supplies!
-Angela
By Erika. Subtle ribbon. Sweet layout.
What can I say about ribbon that these layouts haven’t already said?
You can wrap it around, use it to attach, staple it, glue it, and layer it. Don’t forget you can cinch it, tie it, and make flowers with it! There are a lot of options and a lot of different KINDS of ribbon out there that can add to your page. Our definition of “ribbon” here is pretty broad. I’m pretty sure Samantha used trim on her page, and Sandi used some lace. I love using ric rac, like Kerri, and Jenn found something with fringe!!
Some of our designers got really creative. If you want an idea for what you should do, try one of these ideas:
Sherri used skinny ribbon as leaves on her tree.
Sarah created a watermelon shape with hers. (Love the cinching. Leanne did it too!)
Dianne’s colorful layout employed ribbon to create a background behind her photo.
Erin’s ribbon is a border for her photo.
A few designers used ribbon to draw attention to their title. Joni cut ribbon and backed her letters with it and Kim S positioned her ribbon to help emphasize one word of her title.
You know, when I first started writing these columns, I would go out and search the blogs for ideas on top of what our designers brought to the table. But lately I've realized, we've got plenty of great ideas right here! I hope you agree. Be inspired by these talented women, and enjoy your supplies!!
So I love the texture that punches bring. We want to get the most out of our tool, so making 10 of a shape we have, makes us happy - if we can use it on the page effectively. Christine and Nadya both demonstrate how this can work beautifully. It can be especially great if you pull out some coordinating papers and mix and match.
Nadya’s 'Thinking of You' flower card uses the negative space – something else that is great and easy to forget. Jessica makes great use of negative space. Look closely at her layout this week. Because of the placement of the border punch at the top and bottom, it looks like she has slid a patterned sheet behind. Very cool. Oh, yeah, and Christine’s use of negative space on her Christmas layout is stunning! Very great.
It seems owls are the thing to make with punches. Jessica uses her border punch on hers to create the feather element. Cute. As far as nature goes, Meg uses that cute butterfly punch and then pulls the wings up to give make her card 3D.
Joni uses a tiny circle punch to repeat the circle element on her page. Nice. I thought about using the punched out stars from my border punch, but I’m too lazy to glue them all on. (J They were tiny!)
Layers of border punches are the thing to do these days and Jamie does it very well. Layering these borders is great and we encourage it. The paper you choose to do this can make a big difference. Amy H uses the perfect paper for her border punch on this incredible card (recognizing the strength of a breast cancer survivor - awesome card you should check out).
When it comes down to it, punches can add that extra UMPH to your page, that takes it from hohum, to fab. Pull yours out today and enjoy your supplies!
