Trendy Tuesday – Denim

May 15, 2012 By 8 Comments

Trendy Tuesday – Denim
By Colleen Harshaw

This week I have chosen to focus on projects using denim.  Denim is one of those themes that I have noticed pop up here and there, without really coming to the forefront of the ‘trends’ list.  When I began doing my research, I realized how many denim products there really are available in the crafting market, and I became convinced that we are going to be seeing more denim inspired projects.  The manufacturers wouldn’t be making these products if nobody was buying them, right?

Denim lends itself to many different themes.  It can be used for western, shabby chic, masculine or vintage themed projects.  It gives a great sense of texture to projects, and let’s admit, who doesn’t have a favorite pair of comfy, beat-up, ripped denim jeans?  Don’t you just think of happy, cozy things when you see faded and frayed denim?  These types of associations evoke feelings that can really add to the experience of the recipient when they are given one of your creations.

I have selected some projects from blogs and online galleries to share in order to show you how you can use the denim products that are available to you.

This first card shows a piece of denim that has been cut into a heart.  Fabric papers, usually available in 12 x 12 sheets, are becoming more and more common.  These fabric papers are a lighter weight than traditional fabrics used in sewing, and they can be cut with many of the ‘crank’ type die cut machines that are out there (for example, the Cuttlebug).  See the list of products towards the end of this article to learn where you can purchase fabric paper.

An alternate to fabric paper, is plain and simple fabric.  Use an old pair of worn out jeans (my 10 year old son has a pair that are going to make their way to my scrap room….SOON) and manually cut out the shapes you need using a template.  Your template could be made using a die cut or a punch.  Then just trace the shape onto the denim and cut it out with fabric scissors.

Card by Debbie Carriere for mftstamps.com
Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

In this card below, Julie has used old denim scraps to create rolled flowers and trim.

Card design by Julie Masse of stampinwithjulie.blogspot.com

In this card, the denim has been cut into shapes to mat the main image and to create heart shaped trim.  The denim paper used is from a My Mind’s Eye paper pad called On the Bright Side.

Card by Julie Masse for The Cat’s Pajamas

In this sample, narrow denim ribbon is used to create a clever woven border along the bottom of the card.  Don’t those colors just scream ‘summer’?

Card created by Ann
Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

In this sample (below), the denim was used on a school themed card.  Rather appropriate, wouldn’t you say?  This is the same paper used above, from My Mind’s Eye……it’s called On The Bright Side.

Card by Joanne Basile for mftstamps.com

Next, I have a couple of scrapbook layouts to share with you……

Layout created by ‘motherload’
Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

Created by ‘skrapaddict’
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

This wearable ribbon was created as a Father’s Day gift.

Joanne Basile for mftstamps.com

I love this next project.  This is a great example of how you can decorate a journal or a smash book.  Smash books are another really popular trend right now.  We will talk about them another day!

Created by ‘scrapgoo’ of scrapgoo.blogspot.com
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

OK, after seeing all of those adorable samples, you want to know where you can buy these products, right?!  Well, here comes the list!

Now, I don’t have any photos for these products, but I do want to mention some products from Close to My Heart (CTMH).  They have a paper packet called the Pemberley Paper Packet which contains an assortment of patterned papers, including one called Outdoor Denim.  They also carry Outdoor Denim ink pads and matching cardstock too.  If you happen to have a CTMH consultant, this is another option for your denim themed purchases.

Next, we have ribbon, available from Stampin’ Up!  I would guess that you could find some denim inspired ribbon or seam binding at your local fabric store too.  I don’t have a fabric store located close to me (sigh), so I have not hit the pavement to search it out myself….

3/8 inch denim jean ribbon from Stampin’ Up!

Next, I have some paper lines to share with you.  Once I began really looking, I was shocked at how many manufacturers are producing denim themed papers!  The choices are endless.  I found many good options on the websites scrapbook.com and twopeasinabucket.com.

Genuine 12 x 12 Collection Pack – By Authentique Paper
Photo courtesy of twopeasinabucket.com

 

Genuine Bundle 6 x 6 Paper Pack – By Authentique Paper
Photo courtesy of twopeasinabucket.com

 

Simple Stories – Summer Fresh Collection – 12 x 12 double sided paper – denim
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

Echo Park – Little Boy Collection – 12 x 12 double sided paper – Denim and Lizard
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

 

 Bo Bunny Press – Double Dot Designs Collection – 12 x 12 double sided paper
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

Now, here is an example of the fabric paper that I mentioned above.  As I said, it is becoming increasingly popular, and I have purchased it at Michael’s, although not in a denim pattern.  This denim fabric paper is available at scrapbook.com.

Canvas Corp – 12 x 12 Fabric Paper
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

Next, I have an example of denim ribbon.  You could always make this yourself with denim scraps from an old pair of jeans.

Maya Road – Trim – Frayed Edge Pleated – Denim
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

I also found some denim embellishments to share with you.  These embellishments are available in several different shapes besides the rectangles shown below.  You can also purchase square, circle and flower shapes.

FabScraps – Metal Embellishments – Mini Frames – Denim Rectangles
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

 

I even found denim colored embossing powder!

Clearsnap – Donna Salazar – Embossing Powder – Denim
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

…..and denim color wash spray……

 Ranger Ink – Tim Holtz – Adirondack Color Wash Spray – Denim
Photo courtesy of scrapbook.com

Below, you will see some denim and wood buttons available on both twopeasinabucket.com and scrapbook.com.

 Indigo Bleu Boutique Flair – By Pink Paislee
Photo courtesy of twopeasinabucket.com

Lastly, I have a couple of examples of letter stickers.

 Denim Clear ABC Let Freedom Ring Stickers – By Pebbles
Photo courtesy of twopeasinabucket.com

Fresh Goods Denim ABC Stickers – By Pebbles
Photo courtesy of twopeasinabucket.com

So, as you can see…there are a lot of denim options out there.  You don’t have to be experienced with a sewing machine to use denim.  There are many faux denim and denim paper choices as listed above.  I really like this trend, and I can’t wait until I can sneak those old jeans out of my son’s room and get crafting!

 

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Trendy Tuesday – Sew Creative

May 8, 2012 By 8 Comments

Sew Creative
By: Katherine Elliot

I am always impressed by anyone who knows how to sew and it’s easy to see that many papercrafters are very talented in this amazing craft.  Whether sewing is used as a design tool, or a theme, there are lots of wonderful inspiration pieces to check out. 

Sew a RainbowImage source:  Sew Artsy,  stampingandstitching.blogspot.com

 ”The Little Things” card by Pat Smethers, image source:  Splitcoaststampers

The combination of sewing & other trends, like the sewn on banners shown below (banners were featured in Colleen’s Trendy Tuesday article last week!), give this card a casually crafted appearance even though it is amazingly detailed.

Happy birthday - 2012-01-16Image source:  koolkittymusings.typepad.com

 Having no skills with a sewing machine myself, at least I know that the internet is my friend when it comes to finding any ”how to’s” on this subject.  I’ve found a link or two that you may want to check out:  “How to Sew on Paper by Machine or Hand“,  “All Stitched Up – Machine Stitching on Paper Tutorial” and  “Sew, Mama, Sew!”

Click here to view this  ”how to sew on paper” article from SewMamaSew.com.

Not simply confined to decorations on cards and scrapbook pages, sewing tools, like an embroidery hoop, can be used to create one of a kind decorative objects, combining fabric, sewing and paper crafts all in one.  Check out this decorative project…

IImage source:  Kim Dellow, Inspiration Monday

If you love the look of real stitching, but have no machine, hand sewing is an economical option.  A simple paper piercer and hand threading works, with some patience required (read How to Add Handstitching to Cards at About.com), but there are other things, like WeR Memory Keepers Sew Easy tools, designed to help you create more elaborate sewing designs on your projects.

Sew Easy stitching tools from WeR Memory Keepers shown above, image source: whimzeegirlsonline.blogspot.com

Image source and more Sew Easy layouts and ideas at  WeRMemoryKeepers , WeRonthenet.

A basic piercing kit, with thread included, may also be a great starter kit for a sewing novice.

Martha Stewart Crafts Stitched Collection Piercing Kit, image source: Scrapbook.com

If a sewing machine or handstitching is not an option for you, then there are other ways to incorporate sewing themes in your cards and crafts.    Faux sewing,  drawing stitch lines on your paper with a pen, is a fun way to achieve the look, without risking pricking your finger on a needle!

Image source:  housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com

Even if you are skilled with sewing talent, you may not always have time to pull out needle and thread.  Luckily there are many stamp sets with a sewing theme that you can find today.   Sewing theme sets featuring stamps of stitch lines and seamstress essentials make this a fun and easy theme to pull off…

Sew Artsy - Clear Rubber Stamps

Hero Arts Sew Artsy stamp set, image source: 123stitch.com.  This stamp set featured in the first card shown in this article.

 

House Mouse “Alterations Sew and Go” stamp, image source at house-mouse.com

Tailor Made stamp set from Close to My Heart featured above, image source:  addierecoy. CTMH.com

If sewing isn’t really your thing, any “fashionista” you know is likely a happy recipient of anything fashion or sewing related.  A versatile stamp set can suit several styles.  The dress form stamp from Tim Holtz’s “Attic Treasures” set was used below (gotta love that little hanger embellishment, too).

Image source:  studiol3.blogspot.com

Stampers Anonymous – Tim Holtz Attic Treasures stamp set shown above, image source:  scrapbook.com

 Sewing is an amazing embellishment on its own, but added pins, thread, buttons and other accessories add that perfect, finishing touch to any sewing theme project. 

Poke holes in the card to make a guide for sewing on the buttons.

Read more about How to Make Button Embelished Cards, image source: craftstylish.com

Image source:  cardsbyamerica.blogspot.com

Hope you find the time to try a little stitching on a project and were inspired by these examples featuring some new products and tried and true methods.  Now, it’s time to test my skills with my paper piercer and see what I can create for my first sewing teacher, my mom!  Have fun with this theme and thank you “sew” much for reading this post.

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Win a One Year Membership to Paper Crafter’s Library & the May 1st Winners!

May 4, 2012 By 32 Comments

This past January Paper Crafter’s Library celebrated our first year anniversary – and in that time we have established ourselves as the THE all-in-one learning solution for paper crafters with the largest {and best} online library of video tutorials on the internet. From beginner through to advanced, covering product instruction, techniques and project ideas for stamping, card making, scrapbooking and altered art – we have something for everyone! We’re proud of how far we have come, and we’re hoping you can help us spread the word!

That’s why as part of our first anniversary celebrations we have an exciting new contest which we are running for a total of 9 months (this is now our second month) – where we will be giving away a total of 18 ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIPS to the Paper Crafter’s Library – each valued at $200! We will announce 2 winners at the beginning of EACH MONTH – we started in April, and well be ending in January of 2013.

There’s several ways to enter, and each way gives you 1 entry into our draw – so the more ways you participate the greater your chances of winning:

1. Put our Fan Badge on the sidebar of your blog or website. In the right hand sidebar of our blog, under the heading “Grab Our Fan Badge” you’ll find a box with the html code which you just need to copy and paste into the sidebar of your blog.

2. Create a post on your blog letting everyone know they can win a One Year Subscription to Paper Crafter’s Library and linking back to this post for instructions on how to win.

3. Post about our give-away on your FacebookPage linking back to this post.

Once you have done any or all of these things, leave us a comment here on this post letting us know, with a link back to your blog or FB page and we’ll pop by for a visit. When you leave your name, make sure that if you don’t put your full last name, at the very least you put your last initial.

So how do you enter if you don’t have a blog or FB page? Simple, leave us comments on our daily blog posts. We love hearing back from you, we love your feedback and we read each and every comment. For every comment you leave on one of our blog posts* you get one entry into that month’s draw. * Please note Freebie Friday is separate from this contest – comments left for our Freebie Friday give-aways do NOT count as entries in this contest.

Remember, we’ll be running this contest for the next 7 months, so you will have LOTS of opportunities to win. The next two winners will be announced at the beginning of June. Please note this contest is open to current Paper Crafter’s Library members – if you are a current member and you win, that time will be added on to the end of your subscription.

Here’s our First Winner for May.

And here’s our second winner for May.

 

Congratulations to the both of you! Please email us at customerservice@papercrafterslibrary.com and put “PCL One Year Subscription Winner” in the subject line. We’ll need you to email us all your info – first and last name, your choice of a username and password, your mailing address and phone number.

We’ll be picking two more winners in June – so if you’ve entered already but weren’t picked, there are still plenty of opportunities to win! Make sure the badge is still there on your blog, put up another post or tweet or FB letting people know about our contest and then leave a comment here in this post linking back, or simply keep visiting and leaving us comments.

Filed Under: Latest News

Trendy Tuesday – Banners and Flags

May 1, 2012 By 9 Comments

 Trendy Tuesday – Banners and Flags
By Colleen Harshaw

When it came time to begin my research for this article, I didn’t have to look very far!  The Freebie Friday post over at the Paper Crafter’s Library blog this week has a prize pack of Echo Park paper and embellishments from their Springtime line. It contains some beautiful papers along with banners and flags, ready to go!  Echo Park is one of many companies who are jumping on this very trendy bandwagon, and offering us a selection of banners and flags to use in our crafting.

It seems that banners and flags were found at every turn at CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Winter 2012.  That is what I read anyways…..I wasn’t fortunate enough to actually attend the show myself…..sniff.

See below for a cute scrapbook page created by our very own Keren Baker from the Paper Crafter’s Library.  Keren created three different design team projects for the month of April (you can see them posted over at the Paper Crafter’s Library blog), and I would be neglecting my duties if I didn’t point out the fact that all three of Keren’s projects included a banner or flag in some form!  How is that for staying on trend?!

 

Scrapbook page created by Keren Baker for Paper Crafter’s Library

In this gorgeous sample of a layout, Jill used Echo Park supplies as well.  The line is the This and That Collection – Graceful.  It looks like Echo Park has a lot of good options if you are looking for flags and banners, folks!

Page created by Jill for www.scrapbook.com

Next, we have a card sample created by Tracy Wegener.  She used some of that Echo Park Springtime paper that was up for grabs on Freebie Friday for her sunny sample!

Card by Tracy Wegener for Paper Crafter’s Library 

This cute little card was created by my friend Joanne, from over at My Favorite Things.  She used MFTs Die-namics Stackable Fishtail Flag dies to create those background flags in the pink and yellow patterns.  You can find out more about those dies in the supply list at the end of this article.

Card by Joanne Basile for My Favorite Things 

Nancy, from The Cat’s Pajamas, used some little flags in a very creative way for this masculine card.  Check out that shirt collar!

Card by Nancy Thomas for The Cat’s Pajamas 

I found this card sample over at The Cat’s Pajamas as well.  Those girls have been busy using their flag dies!   The nice thing about thin metal dies is that you can use them in so many different machines.  If you have a Cuttlebug, a Big Shot, a Side Kick or a Wizard….you are pretty well set!

Card by Amy Sheffer for The Cat’s Pajamas

This sample shows how you can use a large sized flag to create a tag.  Isn’t it cute?

Tag by Joanne Basile for My Favorite Things

OK, so here comes the good stuff!  The list of suppliers who sell the tools to make your own flags and banners, as well as a list of the ready- made stuff, for those of us who don’t have the time (or inclination) to make our own!  Just stick with me….you will be glad you did!

Flags and Tags die set from Lil’ Inker Designs.

Photo courtesy of www.iheart2stamp.com

Sentiment Flags die set from Lil’ Inker Designs

Photo courtesy of www.lilinkerdesigns.com

Next, we have some thin metal dies from My Favorite Things.  They call them Die-namics over there.  They have many different options, both in small and large, as well as stackable varieties.  See below for several different styes……
Big Banner dies from My Favorite Things
Fishtail banner dies from My Favorite Things

Thin banner die from My Favorite Things

Stackable fishtail flag dies from My Favorite Things

Stackable banner dies from My Favorite Things

Next we have The Cat’s Pajamas variety of dies for creating a banner.  They are sold under the name CutUps.

Thin banner dies from The Cat’s Pajamas

If you aren’t into die cuts, over at Gina K. Designs, they have an adorable stamp set, designed by Melanie Meunchinger, featuring a banner.  It is just one other way to get your banner fix.  Imagine how cute that banner would look paper pieced!  What a great way to use up all of those scraps!  I have a habit of keeping every little scrap.  I just can’t bear to recycle such beautiful papers, plus, it makes me feel a little bit less guilty about the gigantic size of my scrappy carbon footprint!

Basket Additions 2 – stamp set by Melanie Meunchinger

Photo courtesy of Gina K. Designs

OK…..I told you to stay with me.  Here are those pre-made, ready-to-go items that I promised you were coming!

Mini flags from October Afternoon
Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

Little Flyers from October Afternoon
Photo courtesy of www.CreatingKeepsakesBlog.com

Flags by Maya Road
Photo courtesy of www.CreatingKeepsakesBlog.com

 

Little wooden fish tail flags from Jillibean Soup
Photo courtesy of www.CreatingKeepsakesBlog.com

 

Heidi Swapp flags from Pink Paislee
Photo courtesy of www.CreatingKeepsakesBlog.com

Flags from BasicGrey
Photo courtesy of www.CreatingKeepsakesBlog.com

 

Echo Park Springtime Collection
Photo courtesy of Paper Crafter’s Library

Now, if you don’t want thin metal dies, stamps, paper OR stickers, I still have one more option for you!  For all of you digi scrapbookers out there, www.designerdigitals.com actually offers a digital banner template!

Digital Banner Twine Template
Photo courtesy of www.designerdigitals.com

So, I think it is safe to say, that no matter what type of paper crafter you are, when it comes to banners and flags, there are definitely options!  You really have no reason not to give this fun trend a try.  Oh, and don’t forget to post your projects in an online gallery so that others can be inspired too!

 

 

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April Design Team Projects from Keren Baker

April 25, 2012 By 9 Comments

Welcome to my turn this April to show you the projects I’ve created. This month, I’ve been really lucky to get a load of Darcie’s products to play with. This company was new to me, but after trying stamps and her tin pins and papers, I’ll certainly be using their products again!

This first project is a simply stamped card using the Darcie’s acrylic stamps and is really quick and easy. You only need limited supplies; 2 pieces of patterned paper & 3 colours of ink. Just by adding some tiny punched red circles and little green gems,  makes the stamped image a real focal point and proves yet again, why stamping is so popular and versatile.

The second project is a bit of a favourite and is showcasing a little known craft product; cupcake cases!! I’m always on the lookout for something different to create with and when I spied these pretty cases in my local supermarket, I had to do something with them. The double bonus is that I don’t put on on any weight after I’ve finished with them! You’ll find out exactly how to create these on-trend rosettes by watching the accompanying video tutorials in the Paper Crafter’s Library. If you’re not sure about joining this brilliant craft resource- check out here- which is a link to the free section of video tutorials that will hopefully whet your appetite as to the quality and range of videos that you can access as a fully paid up member.

 

My last project is a scrapbook page. The tutorial will show you how to complete everything  on the page- from the hidden journalling, to the punched flower rosette or the fun bunting.

It’s a page that I’ve designed especially to help you use up those smaller and less exciting photographs; the ones that tell a story and give you a flavour of what happened but would normally stay in the box or in the file as they’re perhaps not worthy of a single or double photo layout. It’s an extensive tutorial- definitely one where you need a cup of tea and chocolate biscuit to keep you company whilst you’re watching it!

Hope you’ve gained a little inspiration to go and create a new project- maybe from some kitchen products or go and dig out your stamps and get them inky!

Until next time… xx

 

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Trendy Tuesday – Way to Score!

April 24, 2012 By 13 Comments

Way to Score!
By: Katherine Elliot

Whether you are new, or you’ve been paper crafting for a while, think of how many ways you score your projects.  That list probably grows over time.  But now more than ever, you can find many different tools and techniques to make a perfect score and make your project picture perfect.

Simple straight edge and bone folder in use.  Image source from factorydirectcraft.com

Paper scoring is one of the first, most basic techniques you learn when working with paper crafts. There is so much more to it than just folding cardstock in half (although if you were like me, that’s exactly how you start!).  The first time a friend saw me score cardstock before folding it was an ”A ha!” moment for her.  Instantly she reminded me that scoring is not always your first instinct when you start this hobby, but it becomes an important part of our craft as we try more advanced techniques.

Tools for scoring are as simple as a straight-edge, ruler and stylus or bone folder, or score blade for your favorite paper trimmer.  Basic scoring tools are inexpensive and easy to find.

                          EK Cutterpede Tools, Scoring Blade ShuttleMartha Stewart Crafts Bone Folder

Cutterpede Scoring Blade shuttle and Martha Stewart Crafts Bone Folder,  image source amazon.com

When it comes to following tutorials for the latest fancy fold cards or 3D projects, many companies now offer several options to help make precisely measured score lines super easy.  You’ve just gotta love these tools when when it comes time to tackling more advanced crafts.

Scor-Pal, Martha Stewart Scoring Board and Simply Scored score boards shown.   Image source from stampingtweets.com

Score boards from Scor-Pal, Martha Stewart Crafts, Stampin’ Up! and many others offer the some of the best tools to perfectly align your score marks.   Prices range from $15-$30(US) for most boards.  The ruled guidelines and tools included with these boards can help make quick work of complex designs.

Straight and carefully measured folded score lines are key to many of the fancy fold cards you see, like these adorable step cards…

Step card by Pam Sparks, image source expressionswithheart.files.wordpress.com

Brighten Your Day by Paula Kay BourlandBrighten Your Day by Paula Kay Bourland, image source splitcoaststampers.com

Crisp, scored & folded lines also help advance your card making skills to create engaging pop-up cards as well.

Pop up paper bird card

image source and instructions for Kirigami-Paper Bird Card from PapercraftCentral.net.

Beyond cards with a variety of mountain and valley folds, scored decorations are very trendy.  Take for example, the very popular rosette.  Simple hands-on scoring and folding of a strip of paper is all you need to make these fun decorations.

Scoring paper to create a rosette.  Image source and tutorial found at  Chasing Paper Dreams.

image source Chasing Paper Dreams

Paper Rosette Flowers by Chavez Designs Paper rosette flower arrangement by Chavez Designs

Rosettes or other fan-folded decorations are fun dimensional additions to many projects.

               

Fan folded scallop circle skirt cards and image source from stampshacklady.com

Keep in mind, score lines are not just for folding.   Score lines are an easy embossed accent.  No embossing machine required!  Check out the score lines used on these lovely cards…

image source Butternut Sage Designs

 

image source Debbies Designs Blog

Bright-Blossom-Diamond2

 image source DoStampingwithDawn.com

Stampin’ Up’s new diagonal plate for their Simply Scored score board makes easy work of diagonal lines (that was the tool used in the Happy Birthday card shown above) and perfect folds for custom envelopes, too.

Simply Scored Diagonal Plate from Stampin’ Up! featured above, image source lindastamps. wordpress.com

Crafter's Companion The Enveloper-Imperial Measurements

Crafters Companion Enveloper featured above, image source amazon.com

Envelope specific scoring tools come with the instructions you need for your custom projects.  Most of the standard score boards you find also include envelope making instructions so customizing the packaging of your fancy fold card is at your fingertips.

Scoring Article

Martha Stewart Crafts Score Board and envelope image source Craft Critique.com

Pick your favorite way to score and go for it.  Keep it simple or find new ways to make scoring your project a home run.  Whatever you do, score big this year!

 

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Bonus Winner of Our Set of 12 Tim Holtz Distress Stains by Ranger Ink

April 23, 2012 By 10 Comments

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  Ours was cold, and busy but still fun – mostly LOL.  My father-in-law and my brother in-law along with his two boys (ages 5 and 3) were over on Saturday to help us put together a pergola for our deck that my brother-in-law had given us. Once it was all up we were hanging out a bit and all of a sudden noticed that it was awfully quiet.  I went looking for the two youngest (my three year old and my 3 year old nephew).  As I walked upstairs the first sight that greeted me was our second floor bathroom floor covered in water, with a pair of soaked pants and some toys sitting in the water.  I found the boys hiding – my nephew in a closet and my son behind a pillow (not a great hiding spot LOL).  They had been playing in the toilet (thankfully there was nothing in the toilet at the time). Later that night, when we tried to flush the toilet, it was plugged (no surprise).  After working to unplug it for about 2 hours, about all my husband retrieved was a lego man, and two lego type cables. We finally gave in and called a plumber.  He retrieved a pair of underwear, and a few more toys, but told us that there was something soft jammed into the toilet that he just couldn’t get out.  He said he could take the toilet completely off and try, but there were no guarantees, and it would cost us about $350. His advice was to get a new toilet.  Great! (not)  So guess what we’ll be doing tonight?

Anyways, as we mentioned on Friday, since we were late putting up our post, we were going to pick one more person to win a set of 12 Tim Holtz Distress Stains.  Congratulations to our bonus winner:

Lucy, please email us at customerservice@papercrafterslibrary.com to claim your prize.  Be sure to put “Distress Stain Winner” in the subject line of the email and include your full phone number and shipping address.

Filed Under: Latest News

Trendy Tuesday – Hemp Twine and Linen Thread

April 17, 2012 By 13 Comments

Hemp Twine and Linen Thread
By Colleen Harshaw

Welcome back to Trendy Tuesday from the Paper Crafter’s Library!  Today I want to talk about a product that is not a new trend, but it is certainly a trend with longevity!  Hemp Twine and Linen Thread have been out on the market for years, but there must be a lot of love for them out there in the crafting world, because they are still going strong.

Personally, I have used hemp twine and linen thread on scrapbook pages as well as on cards.  I often use these materials when I want one of my projects to have an ‘earthy’ or masculine feel.  When I started browsing around on the internet while doing my research for this article, I was shocked at how many different and creative ways others have used these materials!  There is a lot of crafty eye candy out there just waiting to be discovered!

I have several different projects to show you today, to give you an idea just how versatile these products are.

 Hand crafted by C. Weeks. All images copyright Stampin’ Up!
Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

This sample shows hemp twine being used for stitching on a card, while the basket has a twine embellishment on the handle.  And there are those birds…that is another trend that has been around for a while!

 Created by Denise Marzec of There She Goes
Clear Stamps.  Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

Hemp twine was used as a simple embellishment on this altered picture frame.  This project is a good example of how twine can be used to give that ‘earthy’ feel that I made reference to above.  The twine works beautifully with the flowers!

Created by Tammy of funpapercandy.com
Image courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

In this sample, hemp twine is used on another three dimensional project.  In this case, it is simply wrapped around the box to create texture and visual interest.

 Created by divastamper.blogspot.com
Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

This adorable little project uses just a touch of hemp twine to decorate a button center.  This is a common use for hemp twine or linen thread in card making.  Hemp twine and linen thread are very similar, with linen thread being just a bit finer and more pliable.

Created by youwantthecookie.blogspot.com
Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

Here we have hemp twine used to hang a Christmas ornament.  Simple, but adorable!

 Created by Christina Fischer for mftstamps.com
Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

I found this cute little Halloween bag on splitcoaststampers.com.  I was surprised to learn from the supplies listed, that hemp twine comes in colored versions too!  On this project, Christina used both black and white hemp twine.

 Created by Jodi of stampingalatte.blogspot.com
Image courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

Here is a sample of linen thread used on a card.  As I mentioned above, linen thread is a bit finer than the twine.  It is easier to tie into bows, as Jodi did on this adorable card.

Created by Julie Masse for The Cat’s Pajamas
Photo courtesy of splitcoaststampers.com

Here is another adorable card sample using linen thread tied into a bow.  These products are so versatile, it really is hard to go wrong.  You can use this stuff just about anywhere!

 

Created by Colleen Harshaw of creative-expressions-papercrafting.blog’spot.com

This sample is a two page scrapbook layout that I created.  In this layout, I wound hemp twine around two of my photos.  The twine helps to give a very natural feel to these scenic photos of western Canada.

Now comes the fun part….time to shop!

Fortunately, hemp twine and linen thread can be found just about anywhere.  All you have to do is google ‘hemp twine’ and you will see exactly what I mean.  Firstly, www.amazon.com has what they list as ‘hemp bead cord’ which, from what I can tell, appears to be the same thing.  They carry it in dozens of colours.

I also came across a website called www.createforless.com where they sell craft and beading supplies.  The alos carry hemp twine.

Next, I found www.hempbasics.com.  This site carries both natural and dyed hemp.  You can find just about any colour your heart desires there!

In terms of catalogue companies….both Stampin’ UP! (SU!) and Close To My Heart (CTMH) carry hemp twine.  CTMH carries it in black, white and natural.  SU! also carries the linen thread.

If you are looking for a brick and mortar store, Joann Fabric and Craft Stores also have a decent selection of hemp twine to choose from.

So, there you have it!  There are so many choices out there, that you have no excuse not to give it a try.  It is a very affordable way to embellish your projects.  A huge roll of this stuff goes for just a few dollars!

So get cracking!  I will be looking for all of your hemp and linen embellished projects in the blogosphere!

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