Cut Now, Measure Later : June 2014

Friday, June 27, 2014

Paper Potpourri

Hello all!

As I'm writing, I'm watching the US play Germany in the World Cup, so I'll go ahead and apologize for any typos....I have one eye on my computer and one eye on the tv. :)

Today we're going to look at a few small paper crafts, just to give you some ideas of easy and fun paper possibilities.

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Easy Paper Flowers

First, let's look at some quick and easy paper flowers.

All you'll need is paper, scissors and hot glue.

First, use a paper punch or scissors to cut out a circle of any size, at least 3.5-4" in diameter. (Obviously, the bigger the circle, the bigger your flower will be.)

Next, cut a swirl from the outside of the circle towards the center.

Now, start wrapping, from the outside in, using your hot glue gun strategically to secure the paper. I used a crochet hook to help roll the flowers and keep the glue off of my fingers. :)

After your flower is rolled, you're ready to apply it to anything you want! Glue the flowers to bamboo skewers and make a bouquet! Cut out some leaves too, and they become even more lovely! I used these to embellish some personalized bunting.

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Paint Chips

I never realized the possibility of paint chips until I met a few crafty friends in a small group a few years ago. Think about it, paint chips are free, available in all colors of the rainbow, sturdy like cardstock and perfectly sized for small crafts or embellisments. Note: I am not suggesting you clear out all of the paint chips at Home Depot. ;) Just make use of the paint chips you grab when you're thinking about painting something, or grab a few for a specific paper project you have in mind. ;)

Check out what Pinterest has to offer: Paint Chip Crafts

This is a sweet paper mosaic card from one of those crafty friends... what a great way to embellish a plain white card stock!

I used some leftover paint chips to make some gift tags and to cut out some triangles (of course) for a card.

Just be creative, and the possibilities are endless!

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Sewing on Paper

So, I've seen sewn paper all over the place, garlands, cards and other crafts.... some hand-sewn, some sewn with the machine. It sounded doable.... but I decided to try it for myself this week.

Making cards is so fun for me. I love being able to use up bits of ribbon, paper, buttons or whatever I have handy, to make something special for someone. I also hate spending $4 on a Hallmark card. :) Sometimes craftiness is inspired by frugality.

Anyways, check out these examples of sewn cards from Pinterest:

All you need is card stock, glue stick, sewing machine, and whatever paper/stamps/ribbon/etc. you need for your design.

First, fold your card stock (or whatever sturdy paper you have on hand.) I have approximately 300 leftover wedding invitations (long story), so I use these frequently for cards. :)

Next, cut out whatever you're going to use and glue it onto the card to hold it in place.

I practiced on another piece of paper, and the machine sewed beautifully. Adjust the tension on your machine to make sure the stitches look the way you want them.

Now, go for it! I backstitched at the end of my kite string, but I don't know if that's completely necessary for paper. Habit. :)

Now, you're done! Write a nice message, send it to a friend, and you're done!

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Now go, grab your scissors and make something pretty with paper! Have fun!

Friday, June 20, 2014

Paper on canvas = Art!

Hello again!

Today, we're pulling out the Mod Podge one last time. (For now, at least.) :)

This time, we're making art on a canvas. :)

The queen of paper on canvas in my world is a certain Dr. Christina....

See?

Please also note the ridiculously cute paper garland she made... sheesh. ;)

Here are some other cool examples from Pinterest:

So, we're going to try to make something fun too!

The great thing about using paper is you can trace and cut any shape you want... no paintbrush necessary... and you'll have instant art!

Materials:

-Canvas (any size you want!)

-Acrylic paint or spray paint

-Paper

-Scissors

-Glue stick (optional)

-Mod Podge

First, you just need to decide what you want your project to look like. Do you want a flower, specific shape, text, abstract colors? Whatever you want!

I decided to look for fun paper and take my cue from the colors and patterns:

For my project, I also knew I wanted to make something with a verse from Galatians 5. I have been (and probably always will be) needing the reminder of what true freedom is. I'm definitely a visual learner, so artwork is a great way for me to learn and remember scripture. :)

Next, I had to figure out how to incorporate the paper. I have a deep love for triangles lately, so I wanted to incorporate some to the canvas as a border.

I first decided on the size of the triangles, and then started cutting.

I also wanted some of the wording in paper, so I traced and cut the letters.

Once you have all of your shapes cut, you can prep your canvas.

If you want a solid color background, the easiest thing to do is spray paint it. I wanted some color variation, so I used a few colors of acrylic paint and brushed it onto the canvas.

Once the paint is dry, glue on the paper. You can use the Mod Podge to glue the paper to the canvas, or you can just use a glue stick.

Once your paper is glued, you're ready to apply the Mod Podge on top! I wanted to paint the verse, but you certainly can skip any painting depending on your design!

When you're ready to apply the Mod Podge, take a deep breath. You may see some of the paper start to bubble up, but try not to freak out. When the Mod Podge dries, most of the bubbles will be gone. It's ok to try to smooth them out, but I promise it will smooth out a bit as it dries.

I applied several coats to the whole canvas.

Once it dries completely, you're done! You could make a lot of these really quickly--- gifts, home decorations, you name it. You could easily make a monogram for someone (or yourself) by tracing, cutting, gluing, adding some Mod Podge and, voila!

You truly have endless possibilities here! Just let loose and have fun!.... and be sure to leave a window open. Mod Podge is kind of stinky. :)

Friday, June 13, 2014

Paper + Mod Podge Nursery Letters

Hello again!

I'm super excited for two reasons....

#1- We'll have a guest and pro-crafter this week!

#2- We finally know and get to celebrate the name of a pretty wonderful couple's baby!

So, first, meet Maria!

Yeah, she's pretty fabulous.

If you know her, you know she's super awesome, smart and crafty....
Bonus: she likes to measure and read directions. She definitely scooped up all of the meticulous genes in our family.

This week, she'll be making over some plain chipboard letters from the craft store into beautiful frame-worthy letters for a nursery.

Here we go!

Materials:

-Chipboard letters (if you're shopping at Hobby Lobby, check to see what week they're on sale!)

-Acrylic paint

-Foam brushes

-Paper of your choosing (thicker paper or cardstock works really well)

-Mod Podge

-Any embellishments you like... stickers, flowers, buttons, beads, etc.

#1:

Find your letters, like these at Hobby Lobby.

Unfinished letters are available in wood, chipboard, foam, etc...

just explore your local craft store. :)

#2:

Trace the letter onto the back of your paper and cut it out.

#3:

If you like, use acrylic paint and a foam brush to paint a base coat on your letter in a color that is complementary to your paper choice. This will cover the unfinished sides of the letter that won't be covered by paper.

#4:

When the paint is dry, use glue or Mod Podge to apply the paper to the letter.

(Pro tip: Maria uses a glue stick) ;)

#5:

Use a foam brush to apply Mod Podge in an even layer over the paper and sides of each letter. Follow the instructions on the back of the bottle. Know that your paper will potentially bubble up after you apply the Mod Podge. But don't freak out... as the layers dry, the bubbles will mostly flatten. :)

*Apply as many coats as you like, giving time for each coat to dry in-between applications.

#6:

Once the letters are dry, you can use hot glue to add cute embellishments, like these!

#7:

If you want the letters to stand/lean on their own, you're done! If you want to hang the letters, you can use hot glue to attach ribbon. It's up to you!

SO CUTE!!