C&T Publishing Blog » Papercrafts

Free project—Graph paper notebook

Sue Astroth — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:10:07 +0000

Here is a fast and functional notebook that is easy to make and so helpful to have handy for jotting down ideas, inspirations and the ever-necessary grocery lists…

I used our new Visi-GRID™ Quilter’s Tempate Sheets, Harriet Hargrave’s Quilter’s Graph Paper, and 3 binding rings.

I cut the template sheet in half (the plastic was very easy to cut with my rotary cutter) and rounded two corners with my Corner Chomper.

I cut the graph paper a bit smaller than the covers to keep the pages protected. Using a gridded cutting mat as a placement guide and my japanese screw punch, I drilled holes in the covers, then the papers.

Next, I put the book together with the binding rings. I did add a pen tied on with string so I would have something to write with when inspiration struck.

Now if you’ve been following the projects I make for this blog, you know I really couldn’t just leave the project completely plain and simple. With the help of my handy dandy stash of scrapbook embellishments, die-cut machines, and card stock…I was able to add just a few things to make this into a 2012 organizer.

Free Project: Summer’s End fabric postcard

Tristan Gallagher — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:02:08 +0000

September brings the last days of summer and the first days of fall. Before looking ahead, take a moment to reflect back. Better yet, share those memories with friends and family via a homemade postcard! The key ingredients to making these, fast2fuse^® and TAP Transfer Artist Paper, make this a quick and fun project. These examples are all about summer fun, but could certainly translate to year-round events. The sky’s the limit to how many extra embellishments you might add…paint, stitching, glitter…what a cool holiday mailing that could make! Read on for project instructions.

Summer’s End Postcards

Makes 4″ x 6″ postcards using fast2fuse® and TAP Transfer Artist Paper.

Materials:

1 piece fast2fuse® – 4.25” x 6.25”
2 pieces white or light colored fabric – 4.5” x 6.5”
TAP Transfer Artist Paper
Postcard backer – click here to download a template
Silicone Release Paper or non-stick ironing sheet
Your favorite image(s) – 4” x 6” overall size

Instructions:

Using a graphics or photo program, size your image(s) to 4” x 6”. This is the time to add any text or other graphics to your image if you choose. Now arrange to print on an 8.5″ x 11″ sheet. (Note: placing 2-3 images on an 8.5” x 11” sheet is more economical, or position both your image and postcard back on the same sheet).
Print both your image(s) and postcard back(s), in reverse or mirror, onto TAP according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Cut out both your front image and postcard back.

postcard images in reverse on TAP

4. Simultaneously iron the white fabric onto both sides of fast2fuse according to manufacturer’s instructions.

white fabric on fast2fuse

5. Iron on postcard front to one side and then the postcard back to the other side, according to manufacturer’s instructions. Important: You will need to have a Silicone Release Paper (or non-stick ironing sheet) on both the top and bottom of project to protect your iron and prevent the bottom image from releasing.

ironing TAP onto postcard using Silicone Release Paper to protect surface

removing TAP after ironing

6. Using a rotary cutter cut to final size at 4”x 6”. Optional: sew around edges, paint, etc.

Write your message with a fabric marker, glue on a stamp and mail away!

Let’s go camping!

Jessica Jenkins — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 18:54:40 +0000

‘Tis the season for citronella candleholders! Summer is the best time of year for camping, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the great outdoors…despite those pesky mosquitos!

While camping for the 4th, my family and I decorate our tents, trailers and picnic tables with American flag garb to celebrate. Although, one thing we don’t have are festive candleholders for our mosquito-repelling citronella candles…but thanks to these C&T products — Ready-to-Go!® Blank Board Decor Mini Petal Pots, TAP® Transfer Artist Paper, Liquitex® Acrylic Paints and Liquitex® Iridescent Medium, now we do!

I first started by painting each pot red, silver and blue with about 2-3 coats of paint (I decided to add some sparkle to the inside of each pot, so I used a little bit of iridescent medium as well). I cut out various sized stars from my decorative scrapbook paper, which I then applied to the pots with craft glue (you could also just use stickers).

Using a heavy-duty hole punch, I created two holes on each panel of the pot so that I could later intertwine ribbon through the holes. I then printed out my “happy 4th” page on TAP (in reverse, of course!) and ironed each word on to the ribbon. Once all the glue and paint had dried, I interlaced the ribbon in and out of the holes, and tied a bow where the two ends met…easy, right?

Because the petal pots are made from paperboard, be sure the candles you place inside are tealight-style, already safely contained within little tin or plastic holders.

The 4th of July is just around the corner, so get out there and make your own!

Get organized: a Christmas planner project

Sue Astroth — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:01:30 +0000

I know, I know it is way too early to think about Christmas…right? Or is it? Throughout the year I find myself collecting bits of information that will help me as I select gifts to either buy or make for my family and friends at the holidays. Things like…Vanessa likes Peerless Coffee best, or Rick wants the 5-minute Pizza cookbook and Debbie’s present is under the guest bed behind the box of ribbons. The problem is finding all those little notes I write to myself throughout the year. If I just had one place to write them down and keep the information, a place I’d remember to look when I’m ready to get started. Some people go to their latest electronic device, but I think I would rather use something handmade…and with supplies I already have on hand.

When I saw this great paper album by Melissa Thiesse, I knew I was on the right track. Melissa used a file folder (brilliant!) covered with various scrapbook papers and trims to make a fabulous photo album. But, what if I used fabric to cover it instead? I could use the same process I did in Spectacular Cards and Make Spectacular Books (click here for pdf) by replacing the paper base with a sturdy file folder….

I am so pleased with the way this project turned out! The finished dimensions of the notebook are 6 1/4″ x 8 3/4″ and about 3/4″ deep.

I followed the instructions Melissa gave for creating all the folds (on both sides). I trimmed away some of the excess, but left a little wiggle room that will be trimmed away after the fabric is in place. Once the fabric was ironed onto each side, I trimmed or “squared up ” (using my ruler and rotary cutter) all the exterior edges of the folder, including the front flap, to the size I wanted. Next, I rounded my corners using the Corner Chomper by We R Memory Keepers. With a wide zig-zag stitch all around the edges, I was on to the the next step.

I know I’ll be “in and out” of this book quite a bit during the course of the year, so I wanted a ribbon that would hold up to such wear. I chose some red twill tape, about 1/2″ x 40″. I added a casing to the back of the book to keep the ribbon in place. The casing piece measures 2″ x 5″ and was centered on the back.

The cut size of my paper is 11 1/4″ x 8″ with folds at 5 1/4″ from each of the shorter edges. This leaves a nice center spine that corresponds to the center spine of the fabric cover. I embellished a couple of the pages by sewing a die-cut tab I cut from a Quickutz (Lifestyle Crafts ) die to the edge. Then I added a few bits of Tim Holtz Paper Tape just for fun!

I used a Tim Holtz small ring binder insert that I keep securely in place using a #6-32 x 1/2 screw and matching dome or cap nut from the local home improvement store (make sure to test each screw and nut to make sure they fit together BEFORE you leave the store – just sayin’). I centered the ring binder and drilled the holes through the paper and the cover with my Japanese screw punch. Then I screwed the ring binder in place.

I also added a few envelopes to the center of the book so I could keep my receipts all in one place for those inevitable returns that happen after the holidays. Jenni Bowlin stickers are perfect to help remind me what goes inside.

I added one of my favorite pens, a Pigma Micron 05 with some skinny red cord so, in theory, I should never be without!

To embellish the book I used Diesel die-cut letters from Quickutz (lifestyle crafts). I found a canvas tag way back in my stash drawer and I embroidered “2011″ on it using a back stitch and some pearl cotton. I wish I knew how to thread sketch—that would have been even better!

I used my Sizzix Big Shot machine to cut the 4″ circle for the front. I glued it in place with a little fabri-tac.

I plan to use my book quite a bit this year. And once the holiday season is over, I will turn it into my 2011 Holiday Memory book. I’ll switch out the receipts for photos and if necessary add new or additional pages so I’ll have plenty of room to tell all the stories of the 2011 holiday season.

Thanks again to Melissa for getting me started!! Make sure to check out her blog as she has lots of great ideas to share!

Creative Troupe Round-Up

Alyice Edrich — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:00:57 +0000

Every month we feature the work of different members of our Creative Troupe. We are so inspired by their creative ideas and the passion they share with others.

Have you joined the Creative Troupe yet? It’s a free program for all crafters, quilters, sewers, artists…with lots of perks. Click here for more information.

So let’s get this little blog hop started!

Linda Hansen used Liquitex^® Iridescent Medium and beads to add a nice shimmer to the whimsical cupcakes she fused to her pink fabric cuff. What a sweet bracelet for the cupcake lover in your life. Doesn’t it look good enough to eat?

On January 19th, Andrea Currie was a guest demonstrator on Wednesday Night Live.

We challenged her to put her creative touch on our Ready-to-Go!^® Blank Board Petal Pot and she came through with flying colors!

This cute basket can hold anything from a crafty cork stash to dried flowers to your favorite mementos.

Bethany Kartchner created a lovely wood panel for her brother as a wedding gift using layers of paint, glitter, papers, and lace. The minute we saw it, we knew it would be the perfect project to try on a 6×6″ blank board book. Can’t you just see that lovely image gracing the cover of a board book album filled with beautiful wedding photos?

Gabriela Dellworth created a glittery heart headband for Valentine’s Day that’s fit for the princess in your life.

Helena Stead turned an ordinary wood frame into a beautiful table-top accent using everyday wallpaper. The transformation was so quick-and-easy, that we thought we’d challenge you to give her idea a try on our Ready-to-Go! Blank Board Shadow Box. Decorate the inside and outside of the box using Helena’s tutorial, then fill the inside with mementos from your favorite vacation or evening out.

Becky Garrison turned a very plain composition book into a fun, retro-styled diary.

We hope you enjoy these monthly blog hops! Click here for the Creative Troupe blog roll where you can click away and enjoy even more inspiration.

Wednesday Night Live – replay!

Lisa Fulmer — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 07:19:21 +0000

If you missed the show last night – never fear – the replay link is here! Please allow a few moments for the recording to load. If you need to fast-forward or rewind, use the slider bar at the bottom of the replay screen.

We painted and collaged ourselves silly with Ready-to-Go!^® Blank Board Products. Our guest demonstrator was Andrea Currie – she whipped up the most adorable basket using the large petal pot and pages from a cool old book filled with beautiful botanical illustrations.

I shared several fun textural painting techniques you can achieve when you blend your acrylic paint with gel medium. I just finished my file box above by adding scruffy scraping and stamping to the top with dark purple ink, then adhering some coordinating ribbon and a large decorative button.

Be sure to join us in our Digital Lounge next Wednesday night (6pm PST; 9pm ET) for a Valentine’s episode…we’ll demo some creative ways to create beautiful valentines with fabric, TAP^® and Lutradur^® – don’t miss your chance to win a great prize! Just click here at showtime and enjoy the show – type in the chatroom and make some new friends!

Wednesday Night Live – replay!

Lisa Fulmer — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:00:06 +0000

If you missed the show last night, click here to watch the replay – we had tons o’fun!

There were two great demos, each using different image transfer methods for putting your photos into cute board books.

I used TAP to transfer my photos on to fabric, then I fused the fabric to fast2fuse to stabilize it and give it some dimension on the page. Silicone Release Paper came in handy to ensure I didn’t fuse anything to my ironing pad!

I adhered pretty batik fabric strips to striped paper with Liquitex Matte Gel Medium to decorate the pages of my Ready-to-Go! Blank Board Book – the 7″x 5″ rectangle shape.

Cynthia Gagen was our guest demonstrator, coming to us live from Canada. Cyn demoed some fun surface design techniques to paint distressed backgrounds. She used a wet transfer technique with the matte gel medium to transfer her photo directly on to the page of her Ready-to-Go! Blank Board Book - the bone shape.

Join us next week for more fun with the blank board products – I will be working with the indie file box and our guest demonstrator, Andrea Currie, will be making something wonderful with the petal pots!

Unforgettable Stitched Invitations

Katie Cooney — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:21:17 +0000

Not only are machine or hand-sewn stitches a great way to hold handmade paper invitations together, but when done artfully, stitching is the very best-looking kind of embellishment. Even if your stitches aren’t completely perfect, they really show how much care you’ve put into a card, and make the occasion you are celebrating seem all the more exciting.

Click here to download a PDF that includes instructions for machine sewing on paper, hand sewing on paper, hiding the back of your stitches, and sewing a whipstitch, as well as photos of several cute stitched invitations for inspiration.

This project is an excerpt from Unforgettable Invitations by Melissa Collette Giles which includes oodles of tips and techniques to spark your invitation-inclined imagination.

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March is National Craft Month and we are celebrating by posting one project every day this month! If you are joining us late, click here to see the full list of Craft Month projects that have been posted so far.

Pop-Up Paper Notecards

Danielle Dews — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:44:07 +0000

Pop-up notecards give you the opportunity to transform one-dimensional elements into 3-D delights. The easy step-by-step instructions and photos in this free project download show you how to add a third dimension to images, words, and sayings. The best part is all you need is cardstock and a few basic cardmaking supplies. Ready to put on your “paper engineer” hat?

This project is an excerpt from Pop-Up Paper Structures by Heidi Pridemore which includes 12 pop-up techniques and 7 complete projects perfect for novices.

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Blank Board Block Décor Lights Papercraft Project

Tristan Gallagher — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:34:51 +0000

When we put a call out to our Creative Troupe we never know what we’ll get in return. Trouper Kathleen Brown surprised us with this fun string of décor lights made from our Ready-to-Go!® Blank Board 3” Blocks and Timtex, These could easily be altered for any occasion. Read on for project instructions.

Decor Light Project Instructions

Materials:

Ready-to-Go!® Blank Board Blocks 3” Blocks (or size that best matches string of lights-see options)
Timtex
Acrylic paint
String of holiday lights
Craft knife
PDF design—Click here to automatically download PDF

Instructions:

Transfer PDF design (or your own design) onto 5 sides of each block.
Using craft knife, cut out the black areas in pattern.
Paint pattern using acrylic paints in your color of choice.
Cut a small hole on the top of box. Using craft knife, slice slits around hole.
Push lights into hole until it stays in place without popping back out.
Trace leaf motif onto Timtex, cut out the shape using scissors.
Paint leaves with green acrylic paint on both sides. Use a darker green paint for edges and center vein.
Using a glue gun, adhere 4 leaves to each block over the lighting fixture on top, to cover it from view.

Options, options, options!

Use varying sizes of blocks on your string— 1 ½”, 2 ¼”, and 3″.
Use Japanese hole punch or the Fiskars Craft Hand Drill to make additional holes in the block to let light through.
Use smaller Christmas lights.
Consider Birthday, Christmas, Hanukkah, or Easter themes.
Add some bling.