Trendy Tuesday – Stars

Trendy Tuesday – Stars
By Colleen Harshaw

Hi everyone!  Today I want to talk about a trend that we have been seeing in papercrafting for a while now…STARS.  I kind of like this trend because it isn’t gender specific.  Stars can be used on masculine or feminine cards and even scrapbook pages.  They can be used for the old or young alike.  Let’s just say, stars don’t discriminate!

The first card that I have to show you is a great example of a card for someone young.  In this case the star has the center cut out so that you can see the card base below.  That technique is a breeze to do with a die cutting machine, but a bit more work to execute by hand!  The colours used on this card scream ‘fun’ and keep in theme with the whimsy of the focal image.

This next image shows the inside of Karen’s card from above.  Decorating the inside of cards is right on trend too.  I know we have talked about that before!  Although it is more work, the end result is really pleasing to the eye.  It is always a nice surprise to receive a card that is beautifully decorated on the inside as well as the outside.  Karen placed a matching star on the inside of her card, which ties the whole thing together nicely.

Next I have a second card sample for you.  This one is Halloween themed and incorporates stars as well.  This card was created by Jen del Muro for The Cat’s Pajamas.

Card created by Jen del Muro for The Cat’s Pajamas

My next project sample is a decorated gift bag.  You will see the star pattern on kraft coloured paper used as a background for the flower embellishment.  Depending on what colour your star accents are, it can be a very patriotic image for Americans.  Being Canadian myself, I try to stay away from using red, white and blue stars!  This bag turned out beautifully, with an old world Americana feel to it.

Project by Melissa Phillips for Lilybean’s Paperie

Next I have an art journal page to share with you.  Art journaling is another big trend right now.  I haven’t given it a try myself.  I find it a bit intimidating, if I am honest!  I love the idea, it is just the execution of it that scares me.

This page uses a cool palette of blues and whites.  You will notice some stars sprinkled around the page, some with cutout centers and others that are solid.  I like the splatters.  The idea that something does not have to be exact is a bit of a stretch for me, but I love the concept.

Project by karenliz on scrapbook.com

This next project is a page from a December Daily journal.  If you haven’t done this project before, I would highly recommend it.  You basically create one scrapbook/journal page for each day of December in order to document your holiday season.  The key to being able to complete the project is to have all of the planning and pages laid out before December ever begins.  The bones of the book are there, and then you can just add photos and journaling at the end of each day.  It is a really great keepsake to have at the end of a busy holiday season!

This December Daily page happens to include stars.  It really isn’t that surprising since stars have a huge significance for those who celebrate Christmas.

Page by Michelle Hernandez on scrapbook.com

The next project is a mini album.  You will have to look closely to see the stars on these layouts!  It looks as though small star shaped stickers were used in circular patterns on various album pages.  This gives a unifying effect to the pages while drawing your eye towards the focal image at the same time.

I have to say, I really like the effect of the black and white photos on the white background.  This also allows the stars and embellishments to stand out without competing with a background pattern.

Album by Nicole Martel for May Arts Ribbon Blog

The next sample is a scrapbook page which I think is really adorable.  I might just have to scraplift this one for my own album!

Layout by Lisa Dickinson on scrapbook.com

My very last sample of the day is another scrapbook layout.  This one appears to use a star overlay.  I have not ever made one of these myself, so I would probably be inclined to buy one!  Although, with the world of die cutting machines and electronic scrapbooking options growing every day, I am pretty sure there is a way to do this at home.  The effect is pretty cool.

Layout by Lisa Dickinson on scrapbook.com

OK, now for the product list.  I am not going to bore you with an endless list of star shaped products.  Suffice to say, there are a lot of options out there.  You will find them quite easily on your own, after all, we all can easily recognize a star!  So, on that note, here are just a few options.

These are wood veneer stars.  I thought they could give you some good options for painting or distressing.  They would also offer some texture and dimension to your projects.

Classic Calico Collection Wood Veneer Stars

Next I have a paper selection for you from My Mind’s Eye.  I have to admit that I am a bit of a paper junkie and I have a weakness for My Mind’s Eye.  This selection happens to be double sided and it measures 12 x 12.

Boy Crazy Collection from My Mind’s Eye – Seeing Stars
Photo credit to twopeasinabucket.com

I love the look of this packet!  It is listed as ‘downloadable product’ over at twopeasinabucket.com.  I am guessing that means it is for all you digital scrapbookers out there!  I cannot claim to be part of that category.  If I was, perhaps my spare bedroom would not be such a disaster zone right now!

September Storyteller 2012 Element Pack – downloadable product
by Just Jaimee.  Photo credit to twopeasinabucket.com

This next item is by Pink Paislee.  They are resistable chipboard stars.

Resistable Chipboard Stars by Pink Paislee
Photo courtesy of twopeasinabucket.com

Next I have a squeeze punch to share with you.   This one is made by Jenni Bowlin, but I imagine that there are other brands available.  Interestingly, this star punch has eight points instead of the standard five you usually see.

Jenni Bowlin Squeeze Punch – Quilt Star
Photo credit to twopeasinabucket.com

The last item I have to share with you is another trend setting item….washi tape.  This particular variety is by Freckled Fawn.

Washi Tape by Freckled Fawn
Photo credit to twopeasinabucket.com

That wraps things up for this edition of Trendy Tuesday.  Thanks for reading and happy crafting!