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!

 

Filed Under: Latest News, Trend Watch Tagged With: ,

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!

Filed Under: Latest News, Trend Watch Tagged With: , ,

Trendy Tuesday – Bling It On!

April 10, 2012 By 8 Comments

Bling it On!
By: Katherine Elliot

Whether you’re out to make a bold statement or just add a little sparkle to a project, nothing says “look at me!” more than bling.  With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect embellishment to charm your mother, sister, or friend.  A little extra decoration can let her know how special she is…

April Showers 4 - OHSimage source:  onehappystamper.typepad.com, Cindy Lawrence

For something truly ornate, a rhinestone studded pattern adds a lot of pizzazz to any layer.  Nestabling, self adhesive crystals intended to follow the contours matching Nestablilities dies, could be just the ticket for easy placement and can add an extra star studded “Wow!” factor.

Nestabling Labels Two Orange Rhinestones from Want2Scrap sold by The Rubber Cafeimage source: simonsaystamp.com

A feminine swirl of pearls also adds an elegant touch.
Self adhesive jewel accents can be as detailed and dramatic as you want them to be.

Bling Mothers Dayimage source:  Cibele Glazer at Flower Foot Designs

Prima - Say It In Pearls Collection - Self Adhesive Jewel Art - Bling - Swirl 2 - Pearl White

Prima – Say It In Pearls Collection – Self Adhesive Jewel Art

image source: scrapbook.com

For a more subtle touch, even a small addition of bling can add beauty to a clean and simple card.  Self adhesive jewels and jewel brads are inexpensive and easy to find in a wide variety of colors, shapes and styles to suit your taste.

http://emmielouwho.blogspot.com/2012/03/butterfly-in-blue.htmlimage source: emmielouwho.blogspot.comIce Circle Rhinestone Brads - by Stampin' Up!Rhinestone Brads by Stampin’ Up!

*Hero Arts 42 Accent Pearls LIGHT BLUE ch169Self adhesive pearls from Hero Arts

Big, dimensional bling can be a showstopper, and may only be a glue dot (or two) away.  For something more striking, an ornate button or an item from your stash of unused costume jewelry can make a card truly special.    http://paperieblooms.blogspot.com/2012/03/hello.htmlimage source Paperie Blooms,  Teresa Kline

 
A flower center is easily transformed into an incredible focal point
by a gorgeous, ornate button.  Create your own, or check out your local craft store’s jewelry aisle for even more options.
 
Ten Baby Powder Pink Buttons W/Brilliant Clear Surrounding Rhinestones/Hair Flower Centers Clip Wedding Embellishments Accessories 26mm R45.
 custom buttons by The Button Sisters
 
Bazzill Buttons
ornate, vintage Bazzill Buttons
image source: heartfelt creations

 Want something that sparkles but also easy to add to a card you may send in the mail?  Liquid shimmers come in a wide array of color choices.  Target an area or a layer to highlight, or spray your entire project to your heart’s content.  A little glimmer can go a long way.

Glimmer MistTattered Angels Glimmer Mist, image source: apieceofcraft.blogspot.com

Iridescent or sparkling dimensional glue can also give you the freedom to add simple sparkle in just the right place, form and shape.  Just leave plenty of dry time to prevent smearing.

Ranger Ink Liquid PearlsRanger Ink Liquid Pearls, image source: blockheadstamps.com

Dew Drops Diamonds

Dew Drops Diamonds, image source:  robertscrafts.com

A bold splash of bling or just hint of shimmer on your spring creations are just some of the options waiting for you.  Added bling is one of the easiest ways to step-up your project from simple, to simply breathtaking. Glitz or glimmer, bold or subtle, the choice is up to you.  No matter what you choose the options are endless, so…. Bling it On!

Filed Under: Trend Watch Tagged With:

Trendy Tuesday: All About Cork

March 27, 2012 By 6 Comments

All About Cork
By Colleen Harshaw

As I have been cruising around online and blog hopping over the past several months, I have noticed the increasing popularity of cork as an element on both cards as well as scrapbook pages. It is easy to see the appeal of these products, particularly for use on masculine projects and school themed projects. Cork also gives the feel of dimension and texture, which are both elements that add visual interest to projects, and that many of us strive for when creating.
The following are some projects that I found online to inspire you!

Card by Joanne Basile
www.stampedbyhand.blogspot.com

In this card, you can see that cork has been used for the heart behind the sentiment.

  

Card by Joanne Basile
www.stampedbyhand.blogspot.com

Here we have cork used as the mat for the main image on a card.

Card by okcapitolgirl, photo courtesy of Splitcoast Stampers
www.punkydoodlepapers.typepad.com

This image shows how well cork elements can be incorporated into a school themed project.

Page by Ali Edwards
www.aliedwards.com

This scrapbook page uses cork letter stickers in the title.

Layout by stidwell, photo courtesy of Two Peas in a Bucket

Once again, here we have cork used on a scrapbook page. In this case, it helps to give the page a bit of a masculine feel since the subject featured is a baby boy.

Photo from Stampin’ Up! idea gallery

Here cork embellishments are used on cards as well as on a scrapbook page, showing us the versatility of the products.

Layout by Wendeeb, photo courtesy of Two Peas in a Bucket

Once again, here cork is used on a school themed page.

Project by abaldwin, photo courtesy of Two Peas in a Bucket

I was happy to find this example of cork being used for a project other than a card or scrapbook page. In this case, the cork is used to create a football calendar. How cute is that?! Once again…this use of the product shows how very useful it is for those masculine projects and cards.

Project from Stampin’ UP! Idea Book and Catalogue    2011-2012

In the above example, cork was used to create a peg board for hanging keys, pinning up receipts, etc.

 

With the trend of using cork in crafting, it isn’t surprising that many companies are creating cork stickers and embellishments for scrapbookers and stampers alike. Cork can also be purchased in sheets; in most cases as 6 x 6 inch or 12 x 12 inch sized sheets. These sheets are thin and can be used with many die cutting systems and dies.

Below I have listed some products and the companies that are making them.

www.stampinup.com
Stampin’ Up!
6x 13 cork sheets

www.scrapbook.com
Canvas Corp
6 x 6 inch sheets
12 x 12 inch adhesive corkstock

www.amazon.com
Darice 12 x 18 cork sheets

Pink Paisley Bayberry Cottage Cork Buttons

Hot off the Press Inc.
12 x 12 cork sheets

www.makingmemories.com

Making Memories
Great Escape Cork Alpha Stickers

www.mftstamps.com
My Favorite Things
6 x 6 cork sheets

www.closetomyheart.com
Close To My Heart
Color-Ready Alphabet

www.closetomyheart.com
Close To My Heart
Color-Ready Evergreen Cork Shapes

If you haven’t already used cork in your crafting, I hope that this article has given you the inspiration needed to jump right in and give it a try! I look forward to seeing your projects posted in the blogosphere!

Filed Under: Latest News, Trend Watch Tagged With: ,

Trendy Tuesday: Time for Tea

March 20, 2012 By 12 Comments

One of our goals at Paper Crafter’s Library is to keep you up-to-date on latest trends in the paper crafting industry. Each Tuesday we are going to showcase a different trend, with today’s post being our first.  Please welcome our first Trend Reporter Katherine Elliot. If you missed Katherine’s introduction, you can visit this link: http://blog.papercrafterslibrary.com/please-welcome-new-trend-reporter-katherine-elliott/. 

 

Time for Tea
By: Katherine Elliot

Is it the upcoming London Olympics that has tea on everyone’s mind?  Maybe, maybe not, but tea and papercrafting seem well suited for each other.  No doubt, tea themes have been around for awhile, but images of tea cups, teapots, and tea inspired techniques remain very popular.

Featured above: Tea for Two from Papertrey Ink, Image source: www.christinamaclaren.blogspot.com

Versatile stamp sets that include images with related phrases, and some with coordinating steel rule dies, make it easy to create a lovely tea themed project.

You can find many styles and coordinating products to make something sweet and dainty, bright and beautiful, or soft and soothing…

Stampin up tea shoppe rubber stamps punch occasions mini catalog group

Featured above: Tea Shoppe stamp set from Stampin' Up! Image source www.stampinpretty.com

Even for those that may not ink up a stamp very often, a vintage die cut or tag can perk up something brewing on your scrapbook pages.

CS15-DS Wonderland Tea

Featured above: Wonderland Tea Creative Scraps from Crafty Secrets

Tea has inspired paper crafting for a very long time… The technique of “tea bag folding” was originally done with tea bag wrappers.  Decoratively folded wrappers were once used for this simple form of origami.

tea bag folding

image source made-in-china.com

More commonly used today, folded squares of patterned paper can create a variety of beautiful shapes to decorate a card or project.  Learn tea bag folding techniques and more at the Origami Resource Center.

Pretty Paper Teapot

Image source and teapot template found at Disney Family.com

Do you need some creative plans for this spring? Have a tea party!

No need to be confined to a flat page or project when there are many tea-inspired 3D projects to create. Tea party decorations make a perfect complement to a spring tea party, baby or wedding shower.

Lacy Paper Gloves Invitation

Lacy Gloves invitation instructions at Disney Family.com

And last but not least, a favorite tea inspired paper craft technique is tea staining. This technique can be taken literally – stain your paper with a steeped tea bag to create a truly custom tea inspired page or card.

stained paper

image source from www.keywordpicture.com

How to Stain Paper With Tea Bagsthumbnail
Click the photo to read instructions on tea staining at ehow.com

Take the time to enjoy a cup of tea and relax, then try a tea stain technique on your next project.

With a variety of different teas available, you can create a unique look depending on the tea you use (such as green or black tea).

Of course, if you are not a tea drinker, you can easily “cheat” by using ink specifically designed to mimic aged paper or tea stain colors.

Tea Dye Distress Ink

Sponge or dab the ink where you desire to achieve beautiful, vintage, tea-inspired results.

Image source: www.scissorspapercard.blogspot.com

Now, it looks like it’s time for tea… Cheerio and happy crafting!

Filed Under: Trend Watch Tagged With:

Trendy Tuesday: Baker’s Twine

November 8, 2011 By 5 Comments

 Here at the Paper Crafter’s Library, one of our missions is to keep our finger on the pulse of the Paper Crafting industry and to help keep YOU up-to-date on all the hottest trends. 

That’s why we’ve decided to launch a new feature on our blog which we are calling “Trendy Tuesday”.  Every week we’ll explore a current trend and I’ll show you a variety of different projects from talented crafters/artists that incorporate that trendy item.

This week we are exploring one of my favorite products….Baker’s Twine!

Originally used in food preparating and packaging, about 3 years ago it started to find it’s way into the paper crafting market until it eventually became very main stream.

From packaging:

 

To cards…….

"Stitching With Twine" Card by Teri Anderson

To scrapbook pages….

Scrapbook Page by Katrina Hunt

To ornaments…..

Ornament by Jenny Suchin

 …the crisp white twisted with a splash of color brings to mind the striped candy sticks I loved as a child – the red and white in particular also fills me with nostalgia for the sugary goodness my grandmother used to bring home from the local bakery.

While Baker’s twine can be purchased in massive spools at Bakery and Restaurant supply stores, we have started to see many scrapbook and crafting companies produce it in smaller quantities, in a rainbow of different colors.

There are even some online stores that have popped up that sell nothing but twine! Here’s a few of the current Baker’s Twine products I’ve found on the market:

The Twinery has 14 different colors, and sells their twine either in the 240 yard spools you see picture below or in smaller 15 yard skeins.

"Utlimate Bundle" from the Twinery

Divine twine is another online store that sells Baker’s Twine exclusively, however they only sell it in 240 yard spools.  They offer 12 colors in all – 11 of them are the traditional white with a color, the 12th is an “air mail” variety with red, white and blue.

Divine Twine

 At the Summer CHA in Chicago, Doodlebug introduced their own version of Baker’s Twine which they call “Doodle Twine”.  It’s an extra-colorful twine because they include two strands of the color for every one strand of white, rather than the typical 1:1 ratio. You can find it on 20 yard spools in 9 different colors + a Halloween Mix (white, orange and black) and a Christmas mix (white, red and green)

"Doodle Twine" from Doodlebug

 They also have an assortment of twine cards: 

Doodle Twine on a Card

You can find a variety of different color sets in Jillibean Soup’s product line, which coordinates with their current and older product releases.

Jillibean Soup Twine

 When My Mind’s Eye released their mid-season Lime Twist collection, they also released 12 shades of coordinating Baker’s Twine which is sold on 20 yard cards. 

Photo Credit: Archiver’s Blog

Pink Paislee also introduced baker’s twine into the House of 3 branded lines: Soiree and Daily Junque.   When you look closely at the colors, you see that there are both white/color twists as well as color/color twists. 

Pink Paislee Twine

And that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface…..We R Memory Keepers has twine as part of their Sew Easy Fancy Floss Line, Theresa Collins, Crate Paper and October Afternoon have also jumped on the Baker’s Twine bandwagon and added it into some their trim packs.
 
And if you are a digital scrapbooker – you’re certainly not left out! Many digital scrapbooking kits now include baker’s twine in their embellishment packs. Splendid Fiins (found at JessicaSprague.com) has three element sets (Baker’s Twine Photo Mega Pack, Baker’s Twine Cards, and Baker’s Twine) which feature exclusively baker’s twine inspired embellishments!
 So there you have it…if you a looking for a fun, bright, colorful AND inexpensive addition to your projects….why not try a little Baker’s Twine?
 
 
* I would like to credit the site Scrapbook Update for some of the content in this article – in particular the research on different companies that sell Baker’s Twine.  You can see their full post HERE.
Filed Under: Trend Watch