Playing with Paper

Hi Krafty Fans!

Today I’m sharing a card that I created for the upcoming Birthday of one of my friends. The one that inspired me to learn more about crafting, coloring and card making in fact.

I’ve always loved playing with paper. There are almost no limits to the varieties of paper when you factor in the range of available colors, weights and textures and of course price. Craft paper can range in price from a few cents a sheet to some that I’ve seen for as much as $8.00 or more per sheet. I must admit the $8.00 a sheet paper was beautiful and the texture was amazing. Well, I’ve not yet been able to justify the purchase of $8.00 for a sheet of paper. Even if I could, I doubt I’d have the nerve to cut it up and use it in a craft project. High quality papers can take your projects to the next level.

Once you’ve got your hands on that paper, what to do with it? Cut it up, embellish it, emboss it or all of the above? I like to use die cuts to enhance my card making projects. They give your cards and scrapbooking projects depth and focal points and make them more interesting.

The die I used for this card is from Top Dog Dies and is called the Laurel Lace Border Die. I stumbled upon a card layout in the idea gallery from Kristina Weiner when I was shopping for some new dies. The sample card was an ombre color with pink, orange and yellow lace die cuts on it. It was so bright and cheery. I fell in love and knew I had to have the die. The die itself is only 4 inches x 2 inches so it’s perfect for making the A2 size cards.

I started my card base using Neenah Solar White card stock and cut it to an A2 size (4 1/2 by 5 1/2). I chose 3 shades of purple paper for my card. The purple paper was purchased at Hobby Lobby. Unfortunately I don’t know what brand the paper was at Hobby Lobby as it didn’t say. It is fairly thick and is textured though the core of this paper is the same color rather than white which is nice.

Once I had my card assembled with my die cuts I cut a white strip of paper, also Neenah Solar White for the center of the card front. This strip serves a dual purpose to showcase the sentiment but it also covers up the center seam of the layered lace die cuts. I added my Happy Birthday sentiment. This sentiment on the card is from Stampin’ Up and is called Sassy Salutations. Unfortunately this stamp set is retired, but I found mine on Ebay for a fairly good price (and a bit of patience).

Once I had the card assembled I added a few light blueish iridescent sequins to the front. I think the contrasting color is nice against the purple.

I like how this card turned out and can see myself making more in several color varieties as it’s such a simple, pretty design. I am sure that the Top Dog Laurel Lace die will be a very well loved die in my collection.

Perhaps you’ll get some card ideas from this post. Enjoy!

Have a Krafty kind of day!