Paper crafting with Kraft

Even though kraft cardstock has been around for a long time, it seems to be more popular than ever for paper crafts and scrapbooking. And why not? Just like black, cream or white cardstock, it's the perfect neutral. It looks great and gives your project a fresh, trendy feel.

There are more paper embellishments being made by manufacturing companies using kraft cardstock too such as tags, doilies, banners, journaling notes and flowers just to name a few. Kraft cardstock is great for inking, misting, acrylic paints or just to use as is. I know it has turned into one of my favorite "go to" neutrals for scrapbooking and cards.

Here's a layout I created using kraft cardstock, doily and tags.

 

Everyday Moments by Tena Ellison. Supplies - Kraft Cardstock: Hobby Lobby; Patterned Paper:

Bo Bunny Weekend Market; Kraft tags: Maya Road; Stamps: Little Yellow Bicycle; Ink: Colorbox;

Pearl Flourish: Prima; Flower Punch: EK Success; Cuttlebug & Embossing Folders.

 

So if you haven't used any kraft cardstock or other paper products, why not take another look, it's very versatile and inexpensive. And if you have, let us know. Happy crafting!

You've Been Tagged!

With a New Year brings many resolutions and good cheer.  I'm sure you have heard the question, "What's your word for 2013"  I must admit I joined in and my word is Peace.  I love inspiration around me so I decided to use Our Daily Bread stamps.  I love using my scraps for mini albums and thought why not create one with tags.  Most of my stash is from RAKS from my Scrappy friends at SOC and I also used a Kreatorville Kit! 


Recipe Ingredients:
Our Daily Bread stamps
Collage Press Sweet Shoppe Collection paper
Jillibean Spicy Pumpkin brown sugar paper
The CraftersWorkshop stenciling template
Tattered angels mist - Coffee
Teresa Collins brads
Kimberly Poloson ribbon
Prima Just Corina ribbon
Tim Holtz ink pads
Prima flowers
Jolee Boutique flowers
e. pearls & crystal bling

 

These are the tags behind the cover that makes the sweet keepsake.  You can use quotes, scriptures or particular themes.  I'm pleased that I'm starting the New Year on track using what I have.  

Be inspired today....this first month of the year. 

I would like to know what you will use from your stash and what will you create from it? 

I challenge you to create something inspirational!

Handmade Cards for Everyone!

Listen to a conversation amongst paper crafters and eventually you will hear a declaration similar to, “I only give handmade cards to people that will appreciate it.”  This snobby sentiment is merely based on the fact that many paper crafters cannot bear to see their handicrafts treated like common dollar store greetings.  After all, a lot of time, care, adhesive and super cool embellies go into making these beautiful “works of art.”

To be honest, I agree with the statement.  However, I figured there must be a happy medium, a way to give lovely handmade cards to every on my list without the risk of offending my muse in the process.  This year for my Christmas cards I decided to challenge myself by seeing how far I could stretch a single piece of patterned paper.  I was able to create 10 cards with the following product list:

• 1 Sheet of gift box patterned paper from DCWV (use a scissor to cut out each gift box)
• 5 Sheets of 8.5 x 11 white cardstock (cut to 8.5x5.5 and fold to form the card base)
• 1 Background Stamp
• 1 Sentiment Stamp
• 2 Ink Pads
• Adhesive

Upgrade Options

• Use dimensional foam adhesive to create depth.
• Add a piece of cardstock inside the card for more stability

I think they came out pretty good and I didn’t spend a lot of time, money or product creating them.  What can you create using a similar technique?

Monochromatic Mood

I went into a Monochromatic Mood when I received the news that I would be an Auntie!  I started to reminisce the beautiful wedding a couple of years ago.  My brother found and married a lovely young lady that just happens to be my soror.  Now I’m going to have a sweet baby niece or nephew.   I pulled out a Jesse James Dress it Up pacifier from my stash and dressed it up with a little tulle & pearls.  Colorbok Nocturne pearlescent cardstock paper pad caught my eye and I went straight for my Cuttlebug embossing folders to bring in a little dimension.   I silhouetted the folder label and stamped the sentiment which is from Our Daily Bread stamps Scripture 1 Collection.  The Martha Stewart dove punch is attached with a pop dot and I placed the white edge punch above the embossing folder at the top.  The silver pearls, flourish bling and Jesse James ‘Bundle of Love’ embellie were just a few additions to bring it all together.  I can’t wait to mail this card to them.   

Bundle of Love

If you were to create a card or layout using one color, what color would you use to put you in a Monochromatic Mood?  Hope you are inspired to create.    

It's here!

Our new October/November issue of Scraps of Color Magazine is here. So make sure to go and download your free copy! It's full of inspirational pages, tips, products, articles and creative creations.

Backyard posing by Tena Ellison. Supplies - Cardstock: Bazzill; Ink: ColorBox;

Stamp: Stampabilities; Cartridges: Heritage, Storybook, Home Decor;

Flower Punch: EK Success; Pearls: Recollections.

Check our Technique section which focuses on creating with cardstock only. I know we all love our patterned paper but its fun to mix things up a little and try something different. In my layout above I only used cardstock, ink and my Cricut to make this page. I love how easy it was to match the colors with my photos.

So whether you're a traditional paper scrapper, a digital page designer or a card maker, there's great inspiration in the Technique section for all. I hope you enjoy reading through the new issue of SOC Magazine and if you're really inspired to create, please share with us. You can post your creations in the SOC gallery.

Enjoy and happy scrapping!