Trendy Tuesday – Cute Clips

by Aliya White

I love the little extras you can put on cards but sometimes I need inspiration on what to do with them.  I started off writing this story just about the  shaped paper clips you see everywhere but then I saw so many fun clips that folks were DIYing themselves that I wanted to include them too.  So this story is going to focus on the cuteness of all of these clips and some beautiful ways you can use them in your paper projects.

Who can resist a little blue bird?  Amy used this adorable metal clip on a card for mom.  His little wing even makes an upside down heart.  How sweet is that?  She attached the clip up front so you can see the entire bird and wing in the front of the card.

card by Amy Sheffer photo courtesy of Pickled Paper Designs

I haven’t had the courage yet to try the easel cards and I just love how this next one turned out.  The occasion also adds to the specialness of this card.

card by Pamela Staples photo courtesy of Sunny Girl Scraps

A close up of the above card so you can see how the arrow points to a sentiment on the card.

Pamela Staples card inset photo courtesy of Sunny Girl Scraps

Susan takes advantage of lots of lovely layers to create this bright card.  Several tags and twine and paper arrows all help highlight the sentiment Hello Lovely.  The metal arrow adds a fun touch.

card by Susan Wong photo courtesy of Stamping with Susan

Amy created this card with the intention of it being masculine.  I love how she used the paper and washi tape to create a worn look.  Even the embellishment takes on a more masculine feel with the elements she chose.

card by Amy O’Neill photo courtesy of Amy’s Paper Crafts

I just love how this card carries the sending love theme throughout the whole card.  Sealed with a kiss as the sentiment is just taken to the next level with the adorable heart clip on the letter.

card by Marisa Gunn photo courtesy of Dzines by Meg

The stitching on this card is just awesome.  I think it means you don’t have to be perfect to be perfect for a special someone.  Cute and sweet and complimented with a little metal clip couple on the bottom.  This would make a great anniversary card.

card by Jules Hollis photo courtesy of Inspired Jules

This next card uses a little mini clip and twine to jazz it up.  It is so sweet the way it highlights the sentiment.

card by Ilina Crouse photo courtesy of Just for You

I have seen these alligator clips at office supply stores but they have never looked this cute.  The colors are so fun and the baker’s twine looks awesome on top.  They do look totally rock star!

card by Amy Sheffer photo courtesy of Picked Paper Designs

This next card shows off the type of clip that will lay perfectly flat on your card or page.  I love the colors Marisa chose and it is perfect that she added the metal arrow to highlight her stamped sentiment.

card by Marisa Gunn photo courtesy of Dzines by Meg

At first I thought the paper clip embellishment was added by Lea, but come to find out you can buy predecorated clips with patterned paper flags attached to them.  There is a lot of beautiful detail on this card between the painted effect, the glitter stars and sentiment and the embellished paper clips tells your eyes to go one more place before you declare the card a winner.

card by Lea Lawson photo courtesy of Lea’s Cupcakes and Sunshine

Lin used her clips to hang a banner.  I love that it is hanging vertically like a list.  She added the paper hearts to each of her clips for a custom design.

card by Lin Brandyberry photo courtesy of Sending Hugs

I just could not resist including this sweet card.  The rays of sun are little clips.  Incorporated into the design of your project is another great way to use pins and clips.

 

card by Meghan photo courtesy of Pink Bike

So there you have it.  For inspiration, you can think of highlighting a part of your paper craft, pointing out the sentiment, incorporating it into the design or using them to actually hang a sentiment or element.  I love how you can buy the clips decorated but even more, you can make your own from supplies you have on hand.

So go ahead…make something pretty.

Below are a few of the clips you can buy ready to go.