Inspiration {V}

I have chosen vellum for {V}.

Vellum is a versatile paper product that has a transparent/ translucent quality that makes it ideal for papercrafts. There are many different qualities/ thicknesses and finishes to vellum.
I tend to use a variety of white vellums,
although there are also choices of coloured
and pre-printed versions

Ways in which vellums are mostly used are;
for parchment craft
dry embossing
overlaying
wraparounds on cards
and also card inserts.

Here are a few examples of how I use vellum; Embossing
And overlaying.

We would love you to share any of your ideas with us!

Christmas {V}

For my Christmas V I have used the word Victorian.

I wanted to include some facts about how Christmas was celebrated in Victorian times so I made a simple layout and used pockets and mini books.

The finished pages look like this:































And here is the slide show. Hold the mouse over the pictures for instructions.

Inspiration {U} - UTEE

For {U} I've chosen UTEE or, to give it it's full name, Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel.

This is such a versatile product to use, and it's not fussy what you use it on.... chipboard, metal brads and other objects.

To use it you'll need to have a heat embossing gun and an inkpad like a Versamark or other pad that stays sticky for a while. I use a cheap non-stick baking tray to put my item into to heat up my powders so that the end product doesn't stick to it. You use it pretty much the same way as you would embossing powder but it's a bit thicker and can provide the most wonderfully thick, glossy finish.



I've added a few photos to show you how it can be used.

I die cut a flower from some chipboard and painted it with gold acrylic paint. I then inked it and coated it in UTEE before melting the first layer. You can (if you're quick) pour some more UTEE on top of that layer, but as I've been burnt in the past by picking it up (and it is VERY hot!) I let it cool for a few seconds before re-inking and coating it again. The first layer tends to give an 'orange peel' kind of texture, becoming smoother the more layers you add. I find that 3 layers are adequate for a smooth, glossy finish.



On this one, I added some beads between the second and the final layer for a bit of colour and added texture.



This is simply a brad which has been triple embossed with UTEE to give a raised 'wet' look to it. Mind your fingers when heating metal - use long nosed tweezers.



It would be lovely for you to show us what you have made with UTEE. Why not post them over on the gallery {here}

Christmas {U}

For the letter {U} I have had some fun by making a waterfall page about when Santa got stuck Up the chimney!




I love this song and have so much fun singing it with the children at work Instructions to make a waterfall card/ page are on this link HERE

Inspiration {T}

For Inspiration T I was going to do a bit about Templates and how to use them.

Instead though I am going to provide you with a link which says it all really. It shows how templates can be used and with a little creative imagination they can be an invaluable asset to your craft stash....

Click {here} .........

Sunday 23rd September {Christmas T}

For my Christmas T page I have chosen Trees and Tags. Another idea for T is also Tinsel.

I made some tags last year but didn't use them for gifts, too mean to give them away I guess. So I decided it would be nice to incorporate them in the journal. I also like the picture of my Christmas Tree in the conservatory and the colours went well with the page.

Here is the finished outer and inner views of the page:

{S} = Sewing onto Paper

I love sewing into paper. Its so easy and fun!!

You can hand sew or machine sew. If you want to try it by hand just lightly pencil in the area that you want to sew, prick holes with a needle a certain distance apart and then sew. Backstitch is easiest although you can go for the messy look and miss stitches here and there.

Preparing in advance is the key for hand sewing.

Machine sewing onto paper is my favourite though........its much the same as sewing with fabric. Make sure you keep a needle just for sewing with paper. Don't try and use it with fabric because it probably won't be as sharp and work so well with the two mediums, so keep the paper one separate.

Always ensure your bobbin has enough thread to finish the job. If your bobbin runs out of thread half way through and you carry on sewing not realising, you will then have empty holes that you will have to try and re-stitch over. Easier said than done.

I know when sewing with fabric at the end you double stitch over and over to ensure it doesn't unravel, well don't do this with paper - it will look messy! Just finish the stitching, turn to the wrong side and pull the end of the thread through, tie into a knot and then I always cover the knot with sellotape just to make sure it doesn't come undone. Obviously you want to sew where the reverse isn't going to be seen, although if it is just ensure a neater finish.

Ideas:
- you can sew together different pieces of cardstock/paper to create a mosaic effect.

- its a good way to attach another layer - gives an extra dimension and makes it more secure

- stitch around lettering

- a good way to secure vellum as glue will show through

- attach a pocket to hold journalling

- straight stitch or zigzag for effect

You can do so much with stitches on paper. You can do a perfectly straight line - always a good idea to lightly draw a line with pencil first though unless you are mega sure of your sewing skills! Or go for a deliberately wobbly line - this is one of my favourites as it doesn't matter how wobbly you go as its obvious it was meant that way!

I sew onto paper so much now that to me a project doesn't look finished until I have sewn, even if its just around the edge to create a frame. Give it a go - once you start there is no going back though!! My sewing machine lives permanently under my desk now so I have easy access just to lift it up onto my desk ready for the next project!