Grungy Scrap Flowers (Tutorial)

As many of you know I have a bit of a problem when it comes to craft supplies... I love to buy them and I love to hoard them. So, in an effort to get this little (uhm... more like big) problem under control I am making 2012 the year to use what I have! Aside from the small moments of panic when I think about not buying any non-essential craft supplies, this challenge has actually been really great for my creativity! I have found myself digging into supplies that were long ago forgotten, finding ways to utilize the massive pile of scrap paper I have and also trying to craft outside my usual comfort zone. I have been feeling more free to create and experiment and just have fun doing what I love to do!

This past week I tried to re-create some paper flowers I had seen in a magazine- the kind created by cutting a circle into a spiral and then wrapping it around itself. I wasn't very pleased with the result and decided that instead of frustrating myself, I would simply go in another direction. This is what I came up with...

The great thing about these flowers is ALL the paper I used is from small scraps of Kraft paper that were- in my opinion- too big to throw away, but just too small to really use for anything else (did I mention I hoard?). I also had the chance to use a stamp I have never used before and I am super pleased with the result! I call these my little grungy scrap flowers. Here's a bit of a close-up...

Want to make some yourself? You can! They are super easy (and only slightly time consuming depending on how many you make at one time). So what will you need?

Basic Supplies:

- Circle Punches in various sizes (I used my 1", 1 1/4", 1 3/8", 1 1/2")

- Love Definition stamp from the Tim Holtz/Visual Artistry clear stamp set Purely Random (or of course any stamp you prefer)

- Memento Ink

- Distress Ink (I used Victorian Velvet, but again, any color you prefer)

- Ink Blending Tool

- Tim Holtz/Tonic Paper Distresser

- Bone Folder

- Paper Piercer

- Craft Foam

- Mini Brads (mine are copper)

- Ranger Craft sheet to work on

- Kraft Scrap Paper

First you will want to punch your circles from the scrap paper then stamp them with your chosen image(s). Using your Paper Distresser, go around the outer edges of the circles. Once that is done, use your chosen Distress Ink around the edges... I love how much this simple step adds to the visual interest of these flowers! Now go ahead and use your bone folder to work over the surface of the circles. (Do this step on the craft foam- it's the perfect surface for this affect). You will want to use some substantial pressure to start the "warping" process... the outer edges will start to curl up. (Just be careful not to apply too much pressure as it will destroy your paper). Once you have all of your circles warped to your liking, layer them in size order (smallest on top to largest on bottom). Use your paper piercer to go through all the layers in the center and then add your brad... DONE! And now you have some gorgeous grungy flowers to use for any of your paper crafting projects. The great thing about these is you can use stamps to change the theme of your flowers to fit any project you'd like! One last suggestion... if you want to make a lot of these at one time do each step on all the circles as you work rather than completing one flower at a time. It really cuts down on the amount of time you will spend on this project!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and found it informative and easy to follow. Of course I'd be happy to answer ANY questions you may have and you know I love your comments!

As always

Angela

With Sympathy (A Card Share)

This past Friday the sweet lady who lived next door to us passed away. She always had a kind word for us and simply adored my daughters. She will truly be missed. I really wanted to create a card for her family that would really convey the beauty she brought to this world and the sadness of her being gone. Here is the finished card (the inside is also stamped with a sympathy sentiment)...

Supplies:

- Penny Black rubber stamp (Snow Dust)

- Ranger Archival Ink in Jet Black

- Spellbinder's Nestabilities dies

- Ranger Distress Ink in Victorian Velvet and Concord

- Ink Blending Tool

- Purple and White Cardstock

- Adhesive

As always

Angela

PS. Any questions or comments are indeed appreciated!

Stamp Storage Solution Video

The past couple weeks have found me going through a major revamping of my craft area. I decided it was high time I created a more efficient system for myself, get rid of stuff (trash) I would never really use (that means you, Mr. 5 Centimeter Scrap Paper) and make better use of the space I have to work with. There were only a few times I cringed (like when I removed my Tim Holtz stamp binders away from the rest of my TH supplies-- I know, it's a little silly), but it was all worth it in the end. Since rearranging my space I have been crafting more and using supplies I forgot I even owned! Finding a paper pad or stamp set you forgot you had is almost like Christmas all over again.

Anyway, the biggest part of this process for me was FINALLY doing something about my clear and cling rubber stamps. They were pretty much taking over my drawers and they just weren't being used because... well, I'm too lazy to go digging every time I want to make something. The solution I used was definitely not thought up by me, but I felt it was best for my needs. You can VIEW THE VIDEO HERE on youtube. I also threw in a small bit on what I did for my Spellbinders Nestabilities dies. Hope you will all enjoy it! As always, any questions or comments are more than appreciated!

As always
Angela