Papercraft Haven and More

Thanks       Using every bit of your scraps is key to creating on a budget - especially if you are already needing to save money due to the economy.  For the examples shown here - you will see the heart I used in brown for the Thanks card...  For the note card, I used the background shape used when I cut out the heart for this card.  You will notice the side piece on both of the cards, those were left over from the framed layout page example on the bottom.  I didn't want to throw that piece away, so it was saved and used on the card examples here.  Saving all of the scraps you can help if you want to save money...this way, you can use on paper piecing patterns, cards, punch pieces, tags, backgrounds, or die cut shapes.   Note card       For the cards you work on - this is where you end up saving money using up all the little things you have...like a small strip of paper when you trim something... or the inside of the hea...

As you can tell, I love to make cards... my ideas are varied, from very detailed - using paints, embossing powders, chalks - down to very easy, using die cuts and a simple stamp (or not...) to create a look that you won't find going to the stores!  I am all about unique and cheap!  I use my Sizzix die cuts a lot - especially since I don't have any other type of machine of my own at the moment.  Since I am all about saving money - this particular die cut allows me to be creative while saving money.  I added a simple saying to the top - I used Thanks, but you could use just about anything!  Add the flowers and green stems and leaves to it, with buttons on top...this way you can customize the inside of the card to whatever you need to!   This card is done using the same die cut - again!  I also used a paper trimmer to make the stems, and cut a heart punch in half for the leaves.  All the papers matched together, again a simple notecard to be able ...

I love to make cards, for any event...anniversaries, getting married, Valentines Day (like today) or just because I want someone to know that I am thinking about them.  I use my Sizzix die cuts for quite a few projects, which cuts down the expense of having to always go out and purchase die cuts or stickers.  Check out the Zyron machine, I use the smaller one in order to make my die cuts and stamped images into stickers to make it easier to adhere to the pages.  This example can be used for any theme, or as a just because card!  Change the colors to something more masculine such as into brown and blues!      With this example to the far right, the look is much the same, both adding a simple saying to the card, keeping the colors in ivory and red.  The stamped image in the back is of a wedding cake, but can be changed to a heart very easily.  This type of card can also be for any kind of themed card, use a balloo...

One fun and easy project you can make for your favorite friends or family members is a folder with cards!  This is an easy project to do, being able to customize each of the packets you make for the people on your gift list.  Make a set for your neighbors with birthday cards, or notecards...whatever they would use the most of.  You can make the folder in either 12 x 12 or 8.5 x 11.  If you use the larger size, you will want to trim the sides and bottom to fit the cards you do.  This size is better for larger envelopes.  I use the 8.5 x 11 with the smaller envelopes and cards!  Directions for folder:   Step one:  Take cardstock, place it in front of you so it is length wise.  Fold in half.   Step two:  Unfold the sheet of cardstock, fold the bottom length up about 2" to create a folder type look. Step three:  Unfold again, taking your scissors, you will want to cut a V in the middle on the b...

I love cheap and easy, and the Cricut machines, though a little expensive at first, can save you a ton of money depending on the cartridges you purchase and "have to have"!!!!!  I have 8 cartridges so far.....I use specifically 4 of them, and the one that came with the V1 machine, which is George and Basic shapes.  The projects I have made are used with either this cartridge, or the Wall Decor & More cartridge.  I recently started using the Gypsy machine with the V1, and oh boy...this one comes with 2 exclusive cartridges with a font and even more shapes!  So, when I was demoing for a local store, using the George and Basic Shapes cartridge, I made a folder with 4 cards in it...  This is what the result turned out to be:  This is the file folder itself, the top of the folder.  I took a 12 x 12 sheet of paper, trimming off 2" off one of the sides, and then folded a 2" flap on the side I just trimmed, then folding it in half creating a "folder ...

Very easy card idea , using a saying stamp, scraps of paper, a punch, and a brad to complete the look! This card does not take a lot of time to finish up, and you can change the look by using a variety of different colors and sayings, depending on what papers you use. As you look through your scraps, look at what you have right now. I will say it repeatedly, as you are creating a layout do a quick card as well! Keep a stash of cards you have made in the themes you would most likely use each month. Take a look at what you are going to need in the next few months, so when you have a bit of time, you can take the time to make a few cards instead of rushing when you don’t have the time! Cards might take 5 minutes to make, or more depending on the technique you use. Added to my basic toolbox for scrapbooking, you will want to get a black inkpad, and another color or two, I use white more than any other color, except a black inkpad! You also want to start to look for basic stamps that ...