Many of us have have used dryer sheets laying around that we just toss in the garbage. Have you ever thought about using them in your paper crafting? This week, in the Paper Crafter’s Library, Michelle Wecksler – one of our Designer/Educators has created a series of projects with video tutorials showcasing different ways of using dryer sheets.
“I live in Denver, Colorado and am humbled by the gorgeous Rocky Mountains on a daily basis. I live with my partner Michael and our four-legged kids; Willow the cat and Buddy the dog.
I think of myself as a Renaissance woman when it comes to art – I might be playing with paper one day and mosaics the next! Paper crafting is a special love of mine – just the feel of paper in my hands gets the creative juices flowing! I have been a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator for 4 years and have had numerous projects published in Paper Crafts magazine. I am also a “recovering lawyer.” After receiving my law degree and becoming an attorney in Atlanta, GA, I spent very little time actually practicing law – it just didn’t warm my heart. Instead I found myself drawn to mediation, consulting and teaching. Currently you can still find me on the road conducting training sessions at corporations on the topics of communication skills, negotiation skills and conflict resolution. Returning to the craft room after a trip keeps me centered.Making art is my true passion! Thank you for letting me share my passion with you.
My biggest goal when it comes to papercrafting and art in general is to honor myself as a creative being and to allow myself to express my creativity! I would also like to continue to find my own voice – my own style – when it comes to my art. The only way for me to do that is to keep creating; to keep being open to making mistakes, and to continue to move forward no matter what my inner critic says! I know that going into the craft room keeps me centered. Making art in any form is my true passion and I appreciate the opportunity to share it with you!
I think sometimes we sit around waiting for the right moment, the right mood, the right inspiration. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of waiting! I think the best way to jump start your creativity is to just show up at the place where you do your art making, grab the first stamp or tool or card stock or color that jumps out at you and do something with it! When you show your creativity that you are willing to jump in with both feet, your creativity has a tendency to keep running!”
Inked Dryer Sheet Background
We have all played around with the direct to paper technique – taking our ink pads and pressing them directly onto our card stock to create beautiful and interesting backgrounds. Why not try the same technique for dryer sheets!? For this project I used my ink pads and some Dazzling Diamonds glitter to create a gorgeous glittery background for the hummingbird image. This simple technique can create a WOW effect on your cards and paper craft projects!
Paper Crafter’s Library Members can check out the video and download the pdf handout here. (You must be logged in to view the video)
Abstract Dryer Sheet Pieces
I love creating clean and simple cards that can be used for any occasion. For this card I decided to apply heat to colored dryer sheets to see what might happen! I discovered that you can make fun little abstract shapes that can be used to easily decorate all-occasion cards. If you are going to give this technique a try, please heed the warnings! I set off the smoke detectors in my house on my first attempt!!!! I strongly recommend doing this project outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area.
Paper Crafter’s Library Members can check out the video and download the pdf handout here. (You must be logged in to view the video)
Painted Dryer Sheet & Embossed Butterfly Card
I combined two different techniques for today’s card. First I used some die cut butterflies to emboss my card stock with the Big Shot. Next I used some shimmer paint to add some bling to my dryer sheet before die cutting the sheet into a butterfly. See all the details in today’s video and pdf instructions! Of course, you can use either technique independently for your cards and paper craft projects. Enjoy!
Paper Crafter’s Library Members can check out t the video and download the pdf handout here. (You must be logged in to view the video)
Sprayed Dryer Sheet Die Cut Flower
I love to combine drops of ink refill with water in small spray bottles and use the spray to create different effects on my cards and paper craft projects. You can use the same spray to create gorgeous colors on your dryer sheets. Once the sheets are dry, you can die cut them like a piece of card stock. For this card I layered the colored die cut flowers for the focal piece and added a fun marbled button to the center.
A video and pdf handout will be available to memebers later this week.
Dryer Sheet Flower Barrette
For today’s project I wanted to share with you how you can take used dryer sheets from your laundry and make them into gorgeous gifts to share! This flower on this barrette was created with some basics: an old dryer sheet , some scissors, a heat tool and a brad! So simple! If you are going to give this project a try, please do so outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area (as per the instructions).
A video and pdf handout will be available to memebers later this week.
Great ideas. I will be recycling all my dryer sheets, in this way, in future.
We use our dryer lint as fire starter in the fireplace, but rarely used dryer sheets. I LOVE the way the two flowers turned out—I will try my best to re-create them:) You are too awesome:) Thank and be blessed
~Beyond Measure
Tammy
http://www.urbeyondmeasure.com
That is so cool! I would have never thought about using those used sheets. Talk about recyclen everything you can! lol! Thanks for sharing!
Wow! Never thought of this. Esp love the butterfly. What a great idea!
We don’t have dryer sheets in Australia – shame really.
These are beautiful.
I remember this post on Michelle’s blog, which I follow. She does, indeed, change it up often and you never know what she’s going to come up with. It’s ALWAYS interesting.
This is such a neat technique and I cant wait to try it.
I didn’t even think of using dryer sheets. How clever!