Trendy Tuesday – Paper Clips

Trendy Tuesday –  Paper Clips
by Katherine Elliot

I”m trapped in an office for five days a week, but that doesn”t mean crafty inspiration is very far away.  I”m not just talking about my computer”s internet connection this time.  I”m talking paper clips.   The perfect utilitarian, metal embellishment for crafts as well as office papers.  Even a basic paper clip can look very chic, but new products are popping up that  are showing off paper clips on a whole new level.

Card featuring a standard clip, image source Paper Crafts Connection

 Easy to attach, even at the last minute on one of your projects, a clip can be part of your design, or simply hold something special in place on a scrapbook page or card.  Steppin” it up a notch, the basic paper clip is dressed up with an attached classy, vintage embellishment in the new clips designed by K & Company.

Brenda Walton Scribe Metal Art by K & Company, image source eksuccessbrands.com

  What makes the latest paper clip creations trendy are the wide selections of uniquely shaped paper clips available today.   People, animals, geometric and directional elements, are just some of the options you can find.  You have to admit, sending someone a card with a fun little item they could actually re-use is pretty cool, too.  Studio Calico is one trend setting company that offers clips in several unique shapes.

Studio Calico Bicycle clip, image source studiocalico.com

You”re Perfect card by Jules Hollis,  Studio Calico.com

 Some of the most unique people shaped clips I found are Sun Star Pictome Paper Clips.  Standing, falling or in fighting stance, the people clips can easily bring a smile to the office cubicle prisoner in your life.

                                 

Sun Star Pictome Paper Clips, image source jetpens.com

Maya Road Shaped Metal embellishments are stylish clips, too, even if they are not called clips.   The unique shape of the Our Home embellishments are the perfect touch for a gift or card for that loved one away from home.

Maya Road Shaped Metal Embellishment, image source Two Peas in a casino francais en ligne Bucket

Maya Road Our Home Metal Vintage Trinket, image source Two Peas in a Bucket

Stampin” Up! has a couple new variety packs of shaped clips, called Cute Clips,  that give you several options in one package.

Stampin” Up Elements Cute Clips, image source Stampin” Up!

Oh Happy Day card featuring a Cute Clip by Penny Smiley, image source Splitcoast Stampers

 If you aren”t using them on a project, the clips themselves can make a great gift to a friend.  What could be a more perfect gift from a paper crafter than a hand crafted package with these fun little tools attached?

Thank You note with Cute Clips by Shelly Godby, image source Stamping Smiles

The new number clips from Studio Calico also have many uses in scrapbook pages, as well as birthday invitations and cards.

Scrapbook layout featuring number clips, image source Studio Calico.com gallery

Studio Calico Number Paper Clips, image source Scrapbook.com

A clothes hanger paper clip, like the one shown below from Tim Holtz, is another fun shape.  Keep watch over your supply of these.  A child could think it”s fun to use them to hang up small doll clothes, too (what”s wrong with another use for them though, right?).

Tag featuring Tim Holtz Hanger Clip, image source Inspiration Emporium

Tim Holtz Hanger Paper Clips, image source Simon Says Stamp

Kikkerland Designs is a different company I found that makes fun paper clip shapes.  Many of their clips are sold in fairly large quantities, so you shouldn”t feel a need to hoard them.  Paper clips have utility going for them as well as design qualities, so that can help you justify keeping  a few of these on hand anyway, right?

 

Talking Point Clips, image source Think Rock Paper Scissors

Kikkerland Designs Dog Bone Paper Clip, image source Kikkerland Design Inc

Pet Sympathy card by Maria, image source Crafty Cre8tions

The spiral clip has been around awhile, but it still looks great with a little ribbon tied to an edge like the one shown on the card below .  Find clips like these, such as Paper Studio Spare Parts, at Hobby Lobby or Clippiola  or other circular clips on-line or at office supply stores.

Card designed by Jessie Rone, image source Can You Say Addicted to Stamps?

Now as I sit in my cubicle, daydreaming of the next craft project, I”ll give my little supply drawer a second glance.  You never know what could inspire the next great paper craft trend, right?  Enjoy and happy crafting!