Friday, August 29, 2014

Décor Elements II


©Michele Emerson-Roberts 2014


If you have been saving the scraps from your handmade paper projects or if you have some scraps left from the “Décor Elements” projects here is another great way to use them up and show off your style! This project also makes a wonderful gift, just match the papers and embellishments with the recipient’s style.



Supplies:
  • Any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits
  • A sunny window
  • Blender, cello sponges and soft towels
  • Personal paper cutter or scissors and ruler
  • Scraps of white, ivory, beige, tan, and brown paper, or colors of your choice (think junk mail, brown paper bag etc.) OR scraps of neutral colors of handmade papers. (I used approx. 1/3 sheet of 5 different colors of handmade paper)
  • Beacon ZipDry™ Adhesive
  • Disposable brush for applying the adhesive
  • 5 x 7 photo mat with easel back and photo
  • Embellishments: Driftwood, river stones, twigs, natural feathers rusty wire or metal shapes, dried leaves and/or pods, moss

Instructions:

  1. If you do not have scraps yet, please follow the directions found in any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits to create numerous sheets of neutral papers.
  2. When the sheets of paper are dry, cut or tear off approx. 1/3 of each sheet. (set the larger pieces aside for future projects)
  3. Separate the front and back part of the mat.
  4. Tear the small sheets of handmade paper into random shapes and sizes.
  5. Apply a small amount of adhesive to part of the front of the mat and cover that area with torn paper. Repeat this step using different shades and colors of paper until the front and back of the mat are covered with torn paper. Be sure to leave an opening to be able to insert the photo.
  6. Set the mat aside to dry thoroughly.
  7. Add whatever embellishments you desire.

Note:
I have also done this project using pastel colors of handmade paper, some with flower petal inclusions, fancy fibers and handmade paper roses (check out the Lavender Roses box post for directions on making the roses).

These frames also are terrific to frame a saying or poem….match the subject to the style.

Friday, August 22, 2014

Décor Elements

©Michele Emerson-Roberts 2014


In my last project I talked a bit about textures and how they are everywhere in the home décor market. I love creating my own decorative accent pieces, using my color palette and rustic style. This is a great project for using up some of those “scraps” I keep telling you to save - yep even the tiny ones can be used for this project. So let’s get started.


Supplies:

  • Any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits
  • A sunny window
  • Blender, cello sponges and soft towels
  • Personal paper cutter or scissors and ruler
  • Scraps of white, ivory, beige, tan, and brown paper, or colors of your choice (think junk mail, brown paper bag etc.) OR scraps of neutral colors of handmade papers. (I used approx. 1/3 sheet of 5 different colors of handmade paper)
  • Beacon ZipDry™ Adhesive
  • Disposable brush for applying the adhesive
  • 3-5 Styrofoam™ 3” balls
  • One large plastic plate or bowl
  • Embellishments: Driftwood, river stones, twigs, natural feathers rusty wire or metal shapes, dried leaves and/or pods, moss

Instructions:

  1. If you do not have scraps yet, please follow the directions found in any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits to create numerous sheets of neutral papers.
  2. When the sheets of paper are dry, cut or tear off approximately 1/3 of each sheet. (set the larger pieces aside for future projects)
  3. Tear the small sheets into random shapes and sizes.
  4. Apply a small amount of adhesive to part of the foam ball and cover that area with torn paper. Repeat this step using different shades and colors of paper until all balls are covered with torn paper.
  5. Cover the plastic plate or bowl following the above instructions.
  6. Set the balls and plate/bowl aside to dry thoroughly.
  7. Wrap some of the covered balls with fine wire or rustic fibers.

Arrange the balls on the plate or into the bowl. Add whatever embellishments you desire.

Save any and all scraps for next week’s project!

Note: I have also done this project using pastel colors of handmade paper, some with flower petal inclusions. I then wrapped the covered balls with sheer narrow ribbon and/or fancy fibers and placed them in a crystal bowl of potpourri.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Terrific Textures

©Michele Emerson-Roberts 2014

Texture is everywhere; heavily woven fabrics for home décor, embossed wallpaper and leather, woven baskets, and Anaglyptic tiles and bark cloth boxes are just the tip of the iceberg! How would you like to easily add some textures to your paper projects? Handmade paper embosses so easily! The embossing folders and plates available today include simple to elegant designs and are so easy to use. Follow along to create this quick and simple “thank you” card. Note - I like to create many sheets of paper at a time and emboss them with different folders to have on hand for later projects. If you don’t have access to embossing folder/plates try using the net bags that many vegetables and fruit come in. Great designs, and they are free!



Supplies:
  • Any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits
  • A sunny window
  • Blender
  • Cello sponges and soft towels
  • Personal paper cutter, scissors
  • Scor-Pal™
  • Beacon ZipDry™ Adhesive, or double sided tape, foam tape or foam dots
  • Scraps of white and burgundy paper (think junk mail, etc.) or precut and folded burgundy card stock
  • Embossing folder with swirls
  • Spellbinders Grand Calibur™ Machine
  • ColorBox™ Burgundy Chalk Ink pad and Stylus™ handle with white foam tips
  • “Thank You” stamp (or your choice of other message)
  • 18” ½” sheer Burgundy ribbon

Instructions:

  1. Follow the instructions found in any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits to create one sheet of white heavy weight paper and one sheet of heavy weight burgundy paper.
  2. When the sheets of paper are dry cut the burgundy paper to 81/2” x 5 ½”.
  3. Score at 4 ¼”.
  4. Fold in half to create a card. Save the scrap.
  5. Cut one pieces of the white handmade paper to 5 ½” x 8 ½”. 
  6. Rough tear the 5 ½” edge at approx. 3”.  
  7. Rough tear a second piece at approx. 3 ½”.
    Note - save the scrap to stamp the words on--and for other projects.
  8. Place the 5 ½ x 3” paper inside the embossing folder and run it through the Grand Calibur™, then remove the paper from the folder.
  9. To bring out the texture and design of the embossing, use the ColorBox™ Stylus™ handle with the white foam tip to lightly apply the burgundy ink to the embossed paper.
  10. Attach the 3 ½” piece of white paper to the front of the folded burgundy card with ZipDry™ adhesive.
  11. Tie the burgundy ribbon in a bow around the embossed piece of paper, then slide the bow to the left side.
  12. Line up the paper with the top of the card and attach the paper to the card front with ZipDry™ adhesive.
  13. Cut a piece of the white handmade paper large enough for the verbiage, then rough tear the bottom edge.
  14. Stamp the verbiage.
  15. Cut a piece of the burgundy paper a little bit longer than the white paper and attach it to the back of the stamped paper.
  16. Rough tear the bottom edge of the burgundy paper.
  17. Attach the verbiage with foam tape or dots to the right side of the card.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Lavender Butterfly Thank You Card

©Michele Emerson-Roberts


I made this card for my “baby” sister as a small token of my thanks for everything she does for our parents--every day. After spending a week in Texas working side by side with her cleaning and rearranging our folks’ house, I’m reminded how much of a saint she is. 


Supplies:

  • Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
  • Blender, small strainer, cello sponges and soft towels paper cutter, scissors, Score-Pal & bone folder, ruler, utility knife and cutting pad
  • Quick Grab™ Adhesive, double sided foam tape or foam dots
  • Scraps of lavender colored and white paper
  • White cardstock 8 ½ x 11” and scrap 2 ¾ x 1/14 (or whatever size to fit your choice of verbiage stamp)
  • Dies: CheeryLynn™ Butterflies
  • Butterflies and Flowers embossing folder
  • Spellbinders Grand Calibur™ Machine
  • Verbiage stamp
  • 12 “each of 1” sheer Lavender ribbon
  • ColorBox™ Chalk Ink pads in Lavender Blue
  • ColorBox™ Stylist handle with white foam tips
  • Pastel multi colored sidewalk chalks

Directions:

  1. Follow the direction for paper making and casting found in any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits or books to create a sheet of medium colored lavender handmade paper. (Or use some of the left over handmade paper from the Lavender Roes Box.)
  2. When the paper is dry, use the butterfly dies to cut one large and two small butterflies.
  3. Cut the white card stock cut at an angle 11” long, 5 ½” on the left and 3” on the right (this will make two cards.) Use the embossing folder to emboss the card.
  4. Score from the left at 4” and 7 ¾”.  Fold the card on the score lines.
  5. Lightly apply the pastel sidewalk chalks to the embossed areas of the card.
  6. Stamp the verbiage onto the small white piece of card stock with Lavender Blue Chalk ink.
  7. Use the Stylist™ and tip to apply Lavender Blue Chalk ink to the edge of the card and verbiage piece and the three butterflies.
  8. Use foam tape to attach the verbiage to the bottom of the card. Cut a small slit at the right hand fold, insert the ribbon and tie a bow. Attach the three butterflies with Beacon QuickGrab™ Adhesive.

Oak Leaf Note Pad

©Michele Emerson-Roberts


I am always on the lookout for quick and easy gifts that can be created by the dozens and used for a stocking stuffer or one of those "Ooops, I need something really fast!” encounters. This is one of those projects, and any of the Arnold Grummer paper casting molds will be great for that special occasion. I love creating tons of castings and storing them for future use and it is a great way to use up bits of left over paper pulp too.




Supplies:

  • Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
  • Molds: CP Oak Leaves
  • Microwave, heat gun or a sunny window
  • Blender, small strainer, cello sponges and soft towels, paper cutter, scissors, bone folder, ruler
  • Quick Grab™ Adhesive, double sided tape
  • Scraps of white paper (think white junk mail, etc.)
  • 12 “of ¼ light gray ribbon
  • Two pieces 3 ¼” square of marbled gray mat board
  • 3” Post a Note pad
  • ColorBox™ Light Gray Ink pad
  • Colorbox Stylus™ tool and white foam tips
Instructions:

  1. Follow the direction for paper making and casting found in any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits or books to create the oak leaves casting with white slurry.
  2. Dry in the microwave, with the heat tool or place in a sunny window.
  3. Use the light gray ink and Stylist tips to add a small amount of color to the casting to show the texture and detail. 
Assemble the Note Pad:

  1. Use the Quick Grab adhesive to attach the ribbon to the inside of both pieces of matt board, leaving enough ribbon to allow for the thickness of the pad.
  2. Use double sided tape to attach the note pad to the backing.
  3. Attach the oak leaves casting to the front of the matt board.
  4. Tie a bow on the side.