Category Archives: Staples

Carta Bella Home Again Boxed Mini Album

Carta Bella Home Again Boxed Mini Album by Kathy Clement Kathy by Design Photo 01

Carta Bella Home Again Boxed Mini Album Project Share

Hello, Friends!  Let’s share a cuppa and take a look at this sweet Carta Bella Home Again Boxed Mini Album Project together.  This lovely collection has captured my imagination.  The ideas keep flowing, the papers seem to be magically multiplying, and I just keep on making.  Are you tired of this collection yet?  I find the colors so soothing and the patterns so lovely that I think I could keep right on working with it until every last scrap has been used up.  This boxed mini album doubles as a home decor piece, which is always nice.  Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

Home Again Boxed Mini Album:  The Box

Have you ever covered a Graphic 45 Book Box?  It’s such an easy way to make a home decor piece.  This is the old style ivory book box, measuring 7″ x 5″.  Layer up some chipboard, ephemera pieces, and patterned paper.  Then accent with flowers, ribbons and metal embellishments.

TIP:  Chalk paint is a great finish for metal embellishments.  This Prima Door Plate was originally brass, as was the key.  The thing I love about chalk paint is that you don’t have to prime the base, the paint goes on smoothly, and dries to a lovely matte finish.

Finish the inside of the box with papers from the 12×12 collection.  Then add feet.  These Tim Holtz Idea–Ology box feet were the perfect finishing touch.  I didn’t even have to paint them.

TIP: If you add feet to your box, you must first adhere the spine of the book box  cover to the back side of the box cavity.  Use 1/2″ Scor-Tape or other strong adhesive for this step.

Home Again Boxed Mini Album:  The Album

I built this little album from scratch.  The shaker cover took some figuring out.

  • First, die cut the round frame from the small navy dot print.
  • Next, die cut a clear cardstock (acetate) circle using my Spellbinder’s Small Standard Circle Die.
  • Now adhere the clear cardstock circle to the back of the frame die.
  • Because the sides of the frame are very thin, even 1/8″ foam strips will show around the edges.  And we don’t like that.  The solution?
  • Die cut 2 leafy wreaths.  Place small pieces of foam strips on  the larger leaves and sandwich them together so that the edges are slightly staggered. You will be able to see small bits of the foam, but once you add the flowers and embellishments, they will be hidden.

Here’s a look at the cover details.

Home Again Boxed Mini Album: A Peek Inside

There are 6 pages in the album.  Each page has a side pocket with photo mount insert.

Fussy cut the flower cart from the 6×6 pad.  Adhere just the bottom edges to create a little tag pocket.

Magnetic flap pages give you a good spot for photos or hidden journaling.

Both the front and back covers have pocket spots.

Home Again Boxed Mini Album Video Tour

You can see all the pages, details and tips for making this project in this short video tour.

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

To see more Home Again Projects, click HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

Graphic 45 Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial

 Graphic 45 Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial
Frilly and Funkie Elegant Jewels Challenge

Hello, Friends!  It’s time for a new challenge over on the Frilly and Funkie Challenge Blog.  This go round, our hostess is the lovely (and hilarious) Cec.  This Graphic 45 Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial fits right in with her fabulous “Elegant Jewels” theme. Before we take a look at my offering for this challenge, let’s see what Cec has to say about this challenge theme.

Challenge Theme: Elegant Jewels
Let’s make a vintage or shabby chic project in jewel tone colours such as deep purple, emerald green, jade green, burgundy, bright turquoise to name a few AND to make your project extra special, add some sort of jewel or gem, which can be anything from a dollar store find to a piece of broken jewelry.
 Graphic 45 Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial

Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial Little Women by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Product by Graphic 45 Photo 01

I’m a huge fan of Graphic 45’s tags, and use them often in my creations.  Now that G45 has released dies to match the tags, they are especially fun..  This tag mini folio is made with Ivory Square tags and the matching Square Tag and Clock Die.  No more tracing the tag onto paper and cutting it out, then trimming to fit.  The dies cut a tag cover with a perfect 1/8″ border, and they cut the perfect sized hole for the tag grommets.    And I’m happy to announce that The Funkie Junkie Boutique now carries all the Graphic 45 tags and matching dies in the online store.  Life is good!

Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial Little Women by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Product by Graphic 45 Photo 02

To make this mini folio, I simply joined two Ivory Square Tags together with a simple folded spine.

Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial Little Women by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Product by Graphic 45 Photo 03

I used the Square Tag and Clock die to cut out the blue doily frame, and the focal image.  Having the dies made quick work of putting this mini tag folio together.

 

The finished album is 4.5″ wide x 5″ tall with a 1/2″ spine and a ribbon closure.

Graphic 45 Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial: A Peek Inside

Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial Little Women by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Product by Graphic 45 Photo 05

Pockets, flaps and surprises await inside!

Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial Little Women by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Product by Graphic 45 Photo 06

Scraps, chipboard, fussy cuts, and a metal charm decorate an Ivory ATC tag.  To keep it company in the front pocket, I tucked in an ephemera card and a mini chocolate.

Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial Little Women by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Product by Graphic 45 Photo 07

Ephemera cards make great flaps! And if you cut a pocket from the Tags and Pockets sheet in half, you get this pretty little tuck spot.

Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial Little Women by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Product by Graphic 45 Photo 09

Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial Little Women by Kathy Clement for Frilly and Funkie Product by Graphic 45 Photo 10

Which just happens to be the perfect size to hold this itty bitty hand bound book.  The book measures 1.75″ x  2.5″.  It’s a great way to use up scraps!

Graphic 45 Little Women Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio Tutorial and YouTube Video

To help you get a better feel for the flow and function of Square Tag and Clock Die Mini Folio, I’ve prepared this video project share.  You’ll also find step out photos and directions for creating the tag folio base, pocket, flap page and tag pocket.  I hope you enjoy!

Frilly and Funkie Elegant Jewels Challenge: Now it’s YOUR turn

You’re invited to participate in this “Elegant Jewels” Challenge at the Frilly and Funkie Blog.  Simply create your own vintage or shabby chic project that incorporates florals and  pastel colors in the design.  Then link your project on the Frilly and Funkie blog before 11:59PM DST on Tuesday, April 245th.  You can find all the information on that HERE.

The Frilly and Funkie team will choose four favorite projects from your entries. Our favorite artist  will be invited to join us as a Guest Designer  at Frilly and Funkie. The next three winners will receive Top 3 badges to display on their blogs. Everyone who links up and follows the rules will be entered into the draw to have the chance to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique.

I can’t wait to see what you make!

Did I share some tips and tricks today that you can use in your own crafty adventures?  If so,, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Product Links to The Funkie Junkie Boutique



Graphic 45 Winter Wonderland December Daily

A Country Christmas: G45 Winter Wonderland December Daily and Embellishment Tutorial

Hello, G45’ers!  If you’re like me, you haven’t had the chance to document your holiday memories yet.  This Graphic 45 Winter Wonderland December Daily is such a great way to store all those precious photos and cherished memories.  I’m happy to finally be able to share it with you.

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 1

To make memory keeping simple, I broke the album down into 4 weekly sections.   This seems less daunting to me than a daily entry.  It’s such a great place to record my play dates with the Littles, special family times and even favorite recipes, I can just pop a photo into the appropriate week, jot down a quick note and be done.

Graphic 45 Craft Basket Challenge: Mixed Media Album, 12×12 Pad and Washi Tape

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 2As an additional motivation for this project, it’s my turn to play along in the G45 Craft Basket Challenge.  This month, we were asked to create a project with a Staples Mixed Media Album (I chose Ivory) a 12×12 paper collection (I chose Winter Wonderland) and Staples Washi Tape.  I have some fun features built into the pages.  You’ll learn all about them in the YouTube Video tour below.

You will also find a lot of really cute embellishments made with Winter Wonderland Chipboard and Stickers.  There’s a YouTube video tutorial for those, and I think you’ll have lots of fun making them.

Winter Wonderland December Daily: The Cover

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 3Fussy cut flowers, simple paper layers, and a die cut ornament adorn the cover of this 8.25″ x 8.75″ x 2″ album.  Each layer is matted with gold and black to keep the designs from becoming muddled.

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 4

I could not resist adding this little bottle brush tree to the cover decor.  Here’s how I did it:

  • First, use Glossy Accents to secure the Staples Antique Metal Door Pull to the bottom right hand corner of the cover art.  Note that it is upside down.
  • Now, tap a bottle brush tree with Distress Grit Paste and roll in clear Glitter.
  • Next, remove the round wood base from the tree and hot glue to the center of the Door Pull.
  • Then use hot glue to add Spanish Moss and Red Berries to the arrangement.
  • Finally, tap the berries, and door pull with Grit Paste to resemble fallen snow.

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 5

To make the ornament:

  • Die cut a Spellbinders 2011 Heirloom Ornament Die (retired) from medium weight chipboard.
  • Now cut again using the green stripe paper in 12×12 Patterns and Solids. Glue together.
  • Create a washi tape belly band.
  • Then top with the chipboard element.
  • Now tie gold string around the top and add small chipboard tag, jingle bells, berries and ribbon.

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 6

Tie ribbon around the spine and decorate with large jingle bells and a mini tree ornament.  The back cover is decorated with 12×12 Patterns and Solids and a washi tape border.

Winter Wonderland December Daily: A Peek Inside

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 7

You’ll find a slash pocket filled with Staples Black Standard Tags and a cheery holiday banner inside the album

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 8

Use the tags to decorate cookie plates, Christmas gifts or as fun photo mounts.

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 9

This waterfall feature is a great place for all your candid holiday photos.  Sew two vellum sheets together on 3 sides to create a large pocket.  Then cut the heavy kraft cardstock pages to fit inside.  These pages can be used for large (5″ x 7″) photos or even recipes.

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 10The tabbed pocket pages are so quick and easy to decorate.  I’ve filled them with 4″ x 6″ images from the cut apart page.  I’ve also added decorated Staples Black Square Tags because they make fabulous photo mounts.  Create a hinge to attach an ATC sized Policy Envelope and tuck another square tag behind it.  This way, you can use the entire page for photos or recipes.

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 11

Photo wallets are so much fun to add to pockets, and they make a great place to tuck in a gift card or tickets to a special show.

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 12Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 13

This Square Black Tag is tucked behind the open side of a 4″ x 6″ photo mount.  Interactive elements always make an album more fun!

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 14Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 15

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 16

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 16

You’ll find all the details and lots of tips and tricks in this YouTube Video Tour.

Winter Wonderland December Daily YouTube Video Tour

Winter Wonderland December Daily: Making the Chipboard and Sticker Embellishments

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 17

As you saw in the video, the final pocket in this Winter Wonderland December Daily holds a festive banner made with  Staples Red Alpha Tags.  This goes together in about 15 minutes. Here’s how:

  • First, mat each tag on gold metallic paper and trim around the edges.
  • Next, re-punch the hole at the top of each tag.
  • Then thread black and white ribbon through the top.
  • Now tie a square knot with another piece of the same ribbon.
  • Next, hot glue a flower to the center knot.
  • Then, make the chipboard and sticker embellishments following the simple steps in this YouTube Video tutorial.

Winter Wonderland December Daily Winter Wonderland by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 18I’ve used these embellishments throughout the album to dress up tags and decorate pages.  They are super simple to make, and can be adapted for use with any paper collection.

Winter Wonderland December Daily Chipboard and Sticker Embellishments Tutorial on YouTube

I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and ideas that you can use in your own holiday crafting.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.  Thanks so much for hanging with me for this long post!

Cheerio,

kathy

Winter Wonderland December Daily Supply List

Graphic 45 Products

Other Supplies

Graphic 45 Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit

3×3 Challenge: Graphic 45 Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit

Hello, G45’ers!  Graphic 45’s Nature Sketchbook has become one of my all time favorite paper collections.  Today, I’ve used it to create this Nature Sketchbook  Correspondence Kit for the 3×3 challenge at Graphic 45.

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 1What’s the 3×3 Challenge?

Let me explain.  As a fun new twist for all you fabulous G45’ers, Graphic 45 calls out 3 Brand Ambassadors each month.  We are assigned the same 3 crafty items to work with and told to create something to inspire your creativity.  So I’m up on the G45 Blog today along with fellow Brand Ambassadors  Alexandra and Nico.

We were asked to create with our choice of 8×8 papers, Staples Stamped Metal Brads and a Standard Black Book Box.  A few “extra” supplies from our stash can be added to the basic 3 items, but the idea is to keep the supply list as short as possible. I found it to be surprisingly liberating to work with a more limited supply list, as it forced me to dig deep and be extra creative.

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit

Did you know that handwritten notes are making a big comeback?  Right smack dab in the middle of the age of technology, the handwritten note is a rising trend. Do a quick Google search, and you’ll find that both individuals and businesses are rediscovering the value of personalized, handwritten notes,  This is great news for those of us who have always loved pretty stationery!

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 2With this trend in mind, I set out to create an elegant boxed correspondence kit for the G45 3×3 July Challenge.

TIP: Coat the exterior of the box with a sealant to protect the patterned papers from spills or smears of jelly toast.  I used Ranger Distress Collage Medium as it dries very quickly.  The paper may bubble when the medium is first applied, but it will lay flat again if you leave it to dry overnight.

 

The Ribbon Closure: Tips and Tricks

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 3

After I covered the book box with Plant Kingdom and Verdant Woodlands paper, I needed to create a closure.  Ribbon adds wonderful texture and pattern, so I decided to go in that direction.  

  • First, measure to find the middle of the book box cover.  Place one line of 1/2 Scor Tape all the way around the front cover, spine and back cover at this middle point.  Repeat with another line above and below this first one.
  • Cut a 30″ long strip of 1.5″ Antique Gold Netting.  Fold the ribbon to find the center.
  • Remove the liner from the Scor-tape.
  • Place the center point of the ribbon on the center point of the spine. Then press the ribbon in place.  You’ll use the long tails to tie the bow.
  • Place another strip of 1/2 Scor-Tape above and below the netting. Then add two strips of 1/2″ Moss Green/Cream Plaid Ribbon.

TIP:  To keep cut ribbon ends from fraying, add a very small dot of Art Institute Dries Clear adhesive to the cut ends.  Tap in with your fingers.  The glue dries clear and will not discolor the ribbon, but will keep the ends from fraying.

Now that your ribbon closure is finished, you can go ahead and add fussy cut elements to the cover.  This is the fun part!

TIP: Mat images on black cardstock to really make them pop!

TIP: Add foam dimensionals or waste chipboard between the layers to create depth and     dimension.

Decorating the Spine

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 4

I dug into my stash of retired Staples Metals to find these lovely metal butterflies.  First, I ran them through an embossing folder to add texture and design.  Then I tapped them with Distress Paints in colors that complemented Nature Sketchbook.  The bottom layer is flat, the middle layer has shaped wings and the top layer is made with one of the small butterflies.  Layers are connected with a Staples Stamped Metal Brad, which fits perfectly through the opening in the center of the butterfly body.

Decorating the inside of The Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit

 

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 5

After covering the interior of the box with more beautiful 8″ x 8″ papers, I got to work on creating the correspondence kit.  Lined envelopes, note cards and a handy address book are housed within.

Store chic lined envelopes inside this improvised pocket page.   First, score an 8″ x 8″ piece of Nature Sketchbook to fit the cover liner.  Then, fold the extra piece of paper to form a sort of pocket. Next, secure black and white houndstooth ribbon to the back side of this mechanism. Finally, wrap the loose ends around the mechanism and tie a bow to create the closure.

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 6

TIP: To create elegant lined envelopes, trim designer paper about ⅛” less than the width of the opening.  Then slide the cut paper into the envelope to make sure it fits well and adjust if necessary. Next, round the top corners with a ¼” corner rounder.  Finally, with the paper inserted in the envelope, mark the fold line, score, and glue in place.

Follow a Recipe!

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 7

Use the same “recipe” when making a set of note cards:

  • First, create four 4.25″ x 5.5″ kraft cardstock bases.
  • Next, cut four pieces of  ladybug paper to measure 4″ x 5.25″.
  • Cut four pieces of black cardstock to measure 4 1/8″ x 5 3/8″.
  • Now mat the ladybug print on the black cardstock.
  • Trim four strips of Wildflower Bouquet to measure 2.25″ x 5 1/8″  .
  • Now cut four mats from black cardstock, and mat Wildflower Bouquet
  • Next, cut four strips of Plant Kingdom to measure 1.5″tall x 4 1/8″ long.
  • Then cut four 4″ strips of Olive Burlap Woven Ribbon.
  • Now cut focals from Beautiful World.  Mat on Black cardstock.
  • Assemble card as follows
    • Card base
    • Black Mat
    • Ladybug (Diary of a Botanist)
    • Wildflower Bouquet
    • Plant Kingdom Belly Band
    • Olive Burlap Woven Ribbon
    • Staples Stamped Brad
    • Matted Card Focal

Using this assembly line method, you should have all 4 cards finished in about an hour.

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 8

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 9

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit: Address Book with Stamp and Address Label Storage

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 10

First, I created a simple ring bound book cover with chipboard and “O” rings.

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 11

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 12

I altered this envelope with designer papers and Tropical Travelogue Alpha Stamps.

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 13These address book pages have been in my stash forever.  I designed the book cover to fit them.

Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit Nature Sketchbook by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 14This envelope is altered to hold address labels.   The small policy envelope on the inside back cover provides a little extra storage spot.  It also flips down.  This way, you can add a small photo to the inside cover.

I had a blast creating this Nature Sketchbook Correspondence Kit for this month’s 3×3 Challenge at Graphic 45.  I hope I’ve shared some tips and tricks that you can use in your own crafty adventures. If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Graphic 45 Staples Tags Are the Bees Knees Tag Card with Times Nouveau DCE

Hello, G45’ers!  If you love tags, you are going to love today’s post.  I’ve pulled out one my Times Nouveau DCE,  some Staples Tags, Distress Oxide Inks and lot of other paper playthings to make this fabulous The Bees Knees Tag Card.

I’m a huge fan of G45 Staples Tags!  They come in many styles and sizes, which means you can use them in a near endless variety of ways.  The beautiful shaped edge and vintage metal grommet makes them the perfect layering element on a card or layout.  You can string alpha tags together to  make a pretty banner that spells out a special greeting.  Tie a decorated tag onto gift packaging to take it to the next level.  Tuck a decorated tag into a card to be used as a bookmark, and you’ve just turned a card into a gift. Set them on a small easel and use them for home decor.  I’ve even used Staples Tags as pages in my mini albums.

These are thick, heavy tags ,made from high quality paper, which means you can layer them up with mixed media materials and use them as a mini canvas.  Add Distress Inks or paints to these tags to add that trendy watercolor element to your creation. There seems to be no end to the number of creative ways that you can put these workhorses to use during your crafty adventure time.

From Tag to Card: Let the Adventure Begin!

I’ve made a lot of tags along the way, but this time around, I wanted to try something totally different.  So I challenged myself to make a card using Staples Tags as the base.  I spent a delightful morning in my studio with a stack of Staples Ivory tags in various sizes and the ever fresh Times Nouveau Deluxe Collector’s Edition.  Distress Oxide Inks joined the party, making things even more lively.  I even found a way to work a hidden tag pocket into the design.

The Bees Knees Tag Card: Creating the spine

You can turn a tag into a uniquely shaped card by creating a hinged spine to join two tags of the same size together.  For these long tags, I cut my hinge to measure 7” tall x  2 ¼”  wide.  Score this strip of paper on the short side at 1” and again at 1 ¼” .  Before you add the designer papers to the insides of your tags, glue the 1” strip on each side of the scored lines between the two tags, leaving a ¼” spine.

The Bees Knees Tag Card: Pockets, Tags and Folios

Tags and pockets just go together.  I turned this fabulous image into a side pocket for these two little folios.  Photos, journaling or gift cards can be tucked inside.  I love the little banner/paper clip embellishment made with scraps.  When paper is this fabulous, you want to use every little bit!

Try using Mixed Media supplies on your tags to add an extra level of interest.  I used Distress Oxide inks to dress up the text area on both “Cheers” and “Celebrate” tags.  With ink or paints, you can add that trendy watercolor element to your creation and color match your papers every time.

If an image (like the Bee’s Knees Postcard on this tag)  is too wide for your tag base, here is a simple solution.  Measure the width of your surface, then score and fold the image.  Add a decorative image to the flap, and you’ve just turned a dilemma into an interactive element. 

It’s the perfect spot to tuck in a hidden tag pocket and treat!

Chipboard Tags Come Along for the Ride

You can use the chipboard elements that come with the Deluxe Collector’s Edition to make fantastic embellishments for your card.  I glued the tags back to back, then hitched them to a Tim Holtz Swivel Clasp.

The tags are reversible, and I love the motion they add to the design.

Other Tips and Tricks
  1. I always decorate the insides of my cards first, and I followed that same process with this unique tag card.  This keeps the front cover of the card from being crushed or soiled as you work on the inside.
  2. Use Staples Metal packaging for the back piece of your tag card.  The heavy chipboard base will allow your tag card to stand up without buckling under the weight of all the card layers.  Sand the surface lightly so that papers will adhere and then go to town creating your next masterpiece.
  3. I like to back laser cut tags with black cardstock to make the stylish font pop off the page.

Are you inspired to break out your pretty G45 papers, Staples Tags, scissors and glue?  I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Supply List

Graphic 45 Products:

 

Other Products

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...