Paper Crafter's Library

I love to see all the new products and trends in the paper crafting industry but I have to admit that I can’t afford to buy everything I like (okay, not a big confession though, I mean: who can afford that? haha). So this week we are going to take another approach to trends – we’re going to share some tips with you on how you can stretch your stamps by looking at creative ways stampers from around the blogosphere have been stretching their own stamps! This is especially great for those Christmas stamps you bought that otherwise would be waiting for you ’till next year.

Tip 1: Use your stamps to create great custom backgrounds.

If you have some little stamps you can repeat them on your cards and you’ll have a great background. The little anchors Laura used for her card are great for this!

Thanks for being my anchor by Laura Sterckx, image source Making cards is fun

If you stamp with Distress ink you can ‘activate’ the ink with water and you’ll get a watercolor effect. You can get beautiful effects by mixing different colors like Dawn did on her card. (on her blog is another great card where she die cut a background she made with this same technique)

Cheers by Dawn Woleslagle, image source Stamp away with me

Tip 2: Use the stamps for more than ‘just’ scrapbooking or card making.

Like this beautiful wrapping paper Mayuri made with Winnie and Walter stamps.

Wrapping paper by Mayuri, image source Winnie and walter

You can even stamp on fabric, like Kimberly did for these embroidery hoops.

Embroidery hoops by Kimerly Crawford, image source For the love of paper

Tip 3: Make a new image with your stamp

You can even stamp with the back side of your stamps. I never thought of it, it probably won’t work with every image but it works beautifully on the card Craftilicious made.

Peace on Earth by Craftilicious, image source Make the day special

Cover up a part of your stamp or just cut out only a specific part of the stamp. You can alter your stamps by stamping only parts of them. Kathy made her Christmas stamps suitable for everyday in the year this way. She removed the little number that’s on the stamp and now it’s just a little bird.

Bird card by Kathy Racoosin, image source Ellen Hutson

Or repeat your stamps to make a completely new image. Jennifer made a great flower image out of a crystal stamp. Just repeat the stamp clockwise and you’ll get a great new image! It works a bit like making the backgrounds but now you’re making a focal point for your card instead of a complete background.

Hello Friend by Jennifer McGuire, image source Jennifer McGuire ink

And even though it’s the idea of stretching your own stamps, I have a supply list for you with stamps and materials that are used here in case you are interested.

Dockside stamps by Wplus9

Distress mini ink pad kit #1 at Ellen Hutson

Avery Elle, Joy to the World stamps at Make the day special stamp store

Hero Arts Christmas Crystals stamps at Simon Says Stamp

Wow embossing powder metallic silver regular at Simon Says Stamp

It’s a brand new year and a great opportunity to try new things and push ourselves a bit.  Maybe it is just me , but my standard go-to card looks like an A6 folded in half.  There are a ton of possibilities with this shape, sure.  But when you add in an unexpected fold , you can make your cards look like works of art.  I am excited to share with you some of the ways our crafty colleagues are using folds, flaps and dies to create dimension, fun and folded fabulousness with their cards.

Kelly created a way to add dimension on her cards that still fit in the envelope so you can mail your loved one some lovely flowers in paper vases!  How clever is that?  They are just lovely.

card by Kelly Griglione photo courtesy of Notable Nest

I haven’t yet tried my hand at these cards in a box but they are so cool and add such a specialness to any occasion.  Could you imagine opening this box and being showered with these gorgeous butterflies.  What a neat treat.

card by Filomena Green photo courtesy of Personally Yours Create

The details on these next cards just blow my mind.  Helen sets up her scene so beautifully and when you open and close the card, the gingerbread house pivots back and forth.

Card by Helen Cryer photo courtesy of The Dining Room Drawers

This minion is the perfect character for the Circle Thinlets die.  On the other side of his eye is the perfect place for a little message for a little fan.

card by Linda Higgins photos courtesy of Linda Higgins

I just could not resist these characters too.  Do you remember Pac Man and its little ghosts?  These guys are an awesome pop up that Kate created.  They are really fun.  You could come up with some funny sentiments for these guys.

Cards by Kate photo  courtesy of Mini-eco

I just love the way the ornament in the circle tag tucks into the circle outline on the opposite side of the card.  This is such a classy look.

card by Jenny Moors photo courtesy of Stamping Moments

These flowers are acrylic are just so lovely, I would set these on my desk at work to just bring in the sunshine.  They are so cute and they are pop ups.  Kelly has a tutorial on her site to help you make your own.

cards by Kelly Griglione photo courtesy of Notable Nest

The swing cards are a great option for a card that has a strong sentiment but you don’t need to write too much on the inside of the card.  This is a beautiful encouragement card by Brenda.

card by Brenda Rose photo courtesy of Rose Bloom Legacies

Helen’s easel card is another gorgeous example of how to incorporate interactive elements in your cards that still lie flat in envelopes.  Check out her snow flakes hanging from the top of the card.  Just lovely.

Card by Helen Cryer photo courtesy of the Dining Room Drawers

This half century celebration is such a lovely statement card.  It is so stately in black and white, you could also use bright colors for a younger persons birthday celebration.

card by Amanda photo courtesy of The Craft Spa

Another look at black and white but this time in a Z fold.  I love that you can hide you message underneath the front panel or show it off boldly on the base behind the image.

 Card by Moz Roberts photo courtesy of All Things Moz

Whether you use an interactive version, a pop up or simple try a new way to fold your cards, I hope this year you push yourself to try a new technique or fold to give yourself another way of creating fun, fabulous folds this year.

So go ahead… make something pretty.

I found a few products to help you with your folding fabulousness.

Label Card Thinlets Die from Stampin’ Up

  

Circle Card Thinlets Die from Stampin’ Up

 

Sizzix Thinlets Die Set – 5 pack – Square with Accordian Folds

 

Sizzix Movers and Shapers L Die Card, Ornate Flip-its

Sizzix Movers and Shapers XL Die Card, Circle Stand ups

Sizzix Mover and Shapers Pro Die Set – Card, #10 and window panes

You may think this post is a bit overdue. I saw a number of blog hops for Christmas Tags just a month or two ago. But did you know you don’t have to put your tag dies away just because you have the Christmas season is behind us? Today’s cards and projects feature a number of different ways to feature tags in your everyday work!

Since I’m going to be an aunt for the first time in April (!!), I’m now keeping my eyes peeled for good New Baby card and project ideas. I really like Yainea’s card with the cute bunnies! The bow on the tag is a nice touch.

Hello Baby Twins card by Yainea Nunez, courtesy My Paper Journey

Alina’s card welcomes a new baby girl with a gorgeous vellum tag. What a neat idea for a way to use a tag without overwhelming the card. The vellum really allows the little hearts to shine!

Hello Baby Girl card by Alina Kelo, courtesy -Creating With My Hands-

Dawn created this fun Cowboy Birthday card and used a tag as a background feature. Tags provide a great place to feature some ribbon, too! I have so much fun ribbon in my stash that I’d like to put to use. I think making some cards with tags is in my crafting future.

Cowboy Birthday card by Dawn Griffith, courtesy Dawn’s Stamping Thoughts

The tag on this card by Heather is the centerpiece and focal point. The tag makes a great backdrop for her trees and sentiment.

Grateful For You card by Heather Nichols, courtesy Pine Is Here

Janet’s bookmarks feature Stampin’ Up’s Tag Topper Scalloped Punch.  This punch can be used to make a tag shape at the top of any strip of paper. The lanterns that she put on the bookmarks are so cute!

Happiness bookmark by Janet Holmes, courtesy Jan Girl Stamps

Julie made an adorable banner with tags that could be used for a number of occasions. I love how shapes like tags make it so easy to make decorations to spruce up any occasion or party.

Celebrate Banner by Julie Davison, courtesy Julie’s Stamping Spot

Papertrey Ink recently released this great Wine Bottle Tag. I really like the coordinating birthday tag and card that Laura made. What a cool coordinating gift!

Birthday Card and Bottle Tag by Laura Bassen, courtesy Doublestick Heaven

Maile used the same tag die, but made doorhangers for her niece and nephew. The Tag Sale 5 die by Papertrey Ink fits perfectly with the Wine Bottle Tag. The negative butterfly die cut adds so much to the tag.

Doorknob Hangers by Maile Belles, courtesy Simply Stamped

If you’re looking to expand your collection of dies, here are just a few of the many that are out there.

Tags a Lot die set by Mama Elephant (This set has SO many possibilities!)

Birthday Tag Stamp Set by Lawn Fawn

Coordinating Tag You’re It dies by Lawn Fawn

Even though these dies by My Favorite Things include Christmas features, the tags themselves can be used year round!

Hopefully this post has inspired you to make some more cards featuring tags.  Let us know about your favorite part of using tags for your craft projects!