Archive for December, 2007

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Using ribbon on your scrapbook pages

Sunday, December 23rd, 2007

Using Ribbon on your scrapbook pages is a newer trend. There are many ways of adding ribbon. Scrapbook friendly Ribbon can be found in scrapbook stores or in the craft area of other stores. Ribbon should be acid free, this helps from color bleeding over time or the ribbon becoming brittle.

Ribbon Can come in any shape, size, colors, or patterns. They can be fuzzy or have pom poms on the ends. It is should be very easy to find the types of ribbon that your scrapbook pages need. You can find ribbon kits with coordinating colors and themes. You can buy ribbon already shaped into the size of bows you want. Ribbon can also come in single rolls for  you to create your own looks. There is also self adhesive ribbon available for purchase. Here are some ideas on how to use ribbons.

 As an accent on corners of pages.
 For anchoring a picture. You can use these in all corners or just a few.
 To "string" other pictures together. Looping string in between a few of your favorite pictures.
 To make things look like they are hanging. This is great for text boxes or for ornaments on Christmas pages.
 You can fold the ribbon making it look slightly like an accordion, then use it as a frame for your page or just to line a side.
 Punch holes on the side of your page and use ribbon to "lace" the page together.
 You can use ribbon with a tag. Making it look like a gift.
 Use as outlines of pages or pictures.
 You can loop the ribbon into different shapes to create a unique look.
 Use different lengths of ribbon to frame several smaller pictures to look like a filmstrip.
 Put a ribbon bow on one side of your picture, top, bottom, left or right.
 Line up different types of ribbon next to eachother on your pages.
 Glue a bunch of ribbon together and use a punch to create shapes. When you have a bunch of shapes use them as an outline to your page.
 For die cuts use premade ribbon bows in hair, shirts for buttons or shoes for laces.
 You can use some to spell out words.
 Line a whole page with ribbon and then add your  pictures or journaling page to the top.
 Use the ribbon as a divider in a pool.
 Use them as decorations on a Christmas tree.
 Cutting ribbon into smaller pieces and using them for stars, raindrops, or snow.
 Use them as dots on letters.
 For a kids counting book use pieces for the numbers.
 Use ribbon with eyelets.
 Use smaller ribbon to look like the page has been sewn.
 Use as collars for animals in your  pictures or embellishments.
 Strings on balloons.
 Outline of clouds.
 Use bigger ribbon to write on.
 Cut shapes from the ribbon, triangles, diamonds, squares and use them to anchor your pictures.
 Use your ribbon with soda tabs for a cute buckle look.
 Outline your journaling pages.
 Ribbon can be used as bullet points in your journaling.
 Use as arrows to draw attention to your pictures.

There is no real rules for using ribbon on your scrapbook pages. Try things out to see how they fit. Don’t adhere anything to your pages until you find something that is pleasing to you. If you want new ideas for scrapbooking with ribbons there are scrapbook challenges online. Joining a scrapbook challenge club online will not only allow you to share your thoughts and ideas but will also allow you to find other ideas.

Posted in Scrapbooking | Comments Off

Using old wire hangers to create works of art

Saturday, December 22nd, 2007

There are endless possibilities for using old wire hangers if you are a crafter.  Here are just a few of the ideas to get your imagination going.

 Wreath- You can use a wire hanger simply as a mold for the wreath or you can use many wire hangers wrapped together as the wreath.  Whatever you do it can be great for any time of year.  You could make many different wreaths or make one that can be changed for each season, that depends on the time and hangers you have to work with.
 Dream catcher- Your kids will love to use yarn to make a dream catcher.  You can make the hanger round and then let the kids make their dream catchers with their favorite colors.  You can add feathers or beads throughout the yarn for a great affect.  You might also use some metallic looking yarn so that it catches light and looks awesome.
 Mobile- Every kid makes a hanger mobile in school, but making them at home can be so much more fun.  You can choose your favorite coloring book pictures to cut out or even make one with pictures of your family.  Whatever you make it will be fun for the kids to hang up in their room and share with their friends.
 Plant hanger- Use an old wire hanger to breathe new life into a boring potted plant.  Use the wire to hang it up, whether outside or in.  You can manipulate the hanger into a design around the pot or simply wrap it around so that it can hang up.
 Roaster- Kids love roasting marshmallows over the fire, use your old hangers for your roasting sticks!  Kids can make it on their own and will love using something that they have made to make their own dinner (or dessert!).  You can inexpensively have enough for the whole family to use up camping or in the back yard.
 Bubble blower- Homemade bubbles are a great outdoor activity.  But sometimes those small bubble blowers that come with the bubbles just aren’t good enough.  You can take old wire hangers and make bigger bubble blowers and cool shaped bubbles.  Let the kids bend the hanger into cool shapes, making sure that they are tight so the bubbles will form.  If you are making big blowers then you can make a big bowl of bubbles using dish soap.
 Snakes- For those that like to sew, hangers can be used as the skeleton of a snake.  Kids will love to help you stuff the snake and then play with it.  The snake’s body will be rigid and able to be manipulated into different slithering positions.
 Costumes- Have you ever tried to make your child into a pumpkin but just couldn’t get them to be round and plump?  Consider using a wire hanger as the skeletal frame for your pumpkin.  It will give it some stability and keep it in the shape you want it.
 Reindeer- Christmas seems to bring out the crafters in all of us.  You have to be creative in the gifts that you give to your friends and neighbors.  Use your old hangers and other craft materials that you have lying around to make adorable reindeer.  The materials are very open, you can use anything that you can come up with to make your reindeer very jolly.
 Piñata- When your homemade piñata just won’t hold its shape, use a wire hanger as a frame for it.  This will help it hold together until it isn’t supposed to anymore.  It will give you a much easier time in making and decorating your masterpiece.

Posted in Blog | Comments Off

Top five paper crafts

Friday, December 21st, 2007

Paper crafting has become much more than simply cutting and pasting today.  It has become much more complex and detailed and thus more people are taking to paper creations.  Here is a look at the top five paper crafts (in no specific order).  Keep in mind these may not be your top 5 paper crafting projects, but may become such after reading about them.  They are quite intriguing.

1. Origami.  Who know that the ancient oriental art would be such a hit in the United States?  This art has been part of many cultures for a long time, but began with a story of a Japanese girl named Sadako.  He quest as a dying girl was to fold 1000 paper cranes, and apparently the story caught on.  The most popular symbol for origami is of course the crane, but it has taken many other forms since then.  Not all origami styles today have originated in Japan but are considered now one art under the title "origami."  You can find many different kinds of origami paper such as foil-back, two-toned, and patterned paper depending on the look you are going for.  Origami has become an art form today as many upcoming and established origami artists have proven. 
2. Cards.  It is probably no surprise to you that making cards and gift tags has become extremely popular today.  With so many options available to the avid card maker it makes it so easy to produce a great outcome.  From Holiday cards, to birthday cards; thank you cards, to announcements; you can create a card for every occasion you need one.  There are also many new crazes that give card maker endless possibilities.  Embossing, stamping, using embellishments, and now the latest craze, chip board; these are all just the tip of the ice berg with card making. 
3. Paper weaving.  This may not be one of your favorites, but there are enough people out there who love it to make my top five list.  Weaving is the process of forming cloth fabric (or in this case paper) on a loom by interlacing them.  I’m sure we have all heard of basket weaving; well this is the same only with paper.  Kids especially love this craft because they are fairly quick (depending on the project) and easy to catch on.  These are fun to use in paper quilts because they add dimension and creativity; some have actually weaved paper baskets, and many people have also used them in their scrapbooks to add a bit of a flare.  Whichever way you use them they’re always a hit.
4. Holiday craft items.  I know this is a very general statement but it seems that as you get closer to the holiday seasons crafting becomes more popular.  The paper Thanksgiving Turkey is very popular among children, as are the angels and any sort of Santa Clause.  Snow flakes are also extremely popular.  Of course there is always your typical Valentines card, Father’s and Mother’s day paper crafts, and let’s not forget all those spring flowers that come out during Easter.  Everyone loves the holiday seasons and paper crafting always seems to make its way out during these times especially.
5. Quilling.  This was actually a foreign term to me, but for those who know a lot about paper crafting quilling is quite an art.  Defined as the art of creating decorative designs fro thin strips of curled paper.  Quilling has been around since the Renaissance age.  How it works is that with the use of some simple tools you tightly wind long strips of paper to make forms some very complex shapes.  It has also become quite popular to create three dimensional quilling crafts.  Much more complex in design but very cool looking.  You can be as simple or detailed as you like with these. 

These of course may not be your top five paper crafts but give them a try, you might be surprised at how hooked you become.  

 

 

Posted in Paper Crafts | Comments Off

Tips for selling crafts at parties

Thursday, December 20th, 2007

Selling crafts at parties is a great venue for marketing your crafts.  You can sell crafts to your friends and to others, and selling crafts at parties can help you connect with possible customers who you know are interested in your products.

It’s a good idea for you to use the Internet as a way to set up your parties.  But it’s also good to work with your friends.  However, before you start selling crafts at parties, it is important that you remember not to be pushy or annoying.  If people say no, then let them say no.  If people say that they will call you later, you may want to send them a reminder email but you will only make enemies and make people not want to buy crafts from you if you won’t leave them along.

Tips for successful marketing of homemade crafts at parties

1. Use the Internet to your advantage.

There are a number of different ways that you can make use of the Internet. You should not base all of your expectations and aspirations on online marketing; there are simply too many craft merchandise websites out there to expect that a large number of people will find your site. However, you can make profitable use of a number of different Internet tools to improve your marketing.  You can also use the Internet in order to find people who are interested in having you host parties at your website.

Create your own website.
Having your own website is a great way that people can find out about you. They can also check your website for new products, for a calendar of local craft shows that you will be attending and parties that you will be holding, and for any more information. A website is also a place where people can reorder crafts from you and can schedule parties.
However, a website won’t do you much good unless your website looks good and is easy to use. You might want to consider hiring a professional to design a website for you. Otherwise, you will be spending a lot of time and effort on something that you don’t particularly understand.

Make good use of email.
Email is a fantastic way to keep in touch with clients and expand your customer base. Whenever you go to shows, you should always have a sheet of paper available for people to sign up to receive more information. You should also have a list available at any stores where you vend your goods, and particularly at parties where you showcase your crafts.

Emails are fantastic because your clients can also forward your messages on to other friends who would be interested in your products.  Hopefully those friends will also want to hold parties once they see how fantastic your crafts are.

When you have a sign up list for your email list, ensure that you get the following information from clients: name, address, city, state, zip code, and email address.

Send out emails at least once every couple of months. Talk about new products and any developments. Because you have people’s addresses, you can also send out regional emails to people in areas where you will be attending shows periodically or holding parties.

Don’t forget the power of snail mail. Send out a brochure or news letter once or twice a year. Many customers don’t have email addresses, so you can contact them at least once a year to remind them of your products and ask them if they would like to host a party.

Include specials for loyal customers. Also include coupons, particularly when you are sending out your regional emails.
2. Make use of other opportunities to market your homemade crafts.
– Sell crafts at local craft shows.
– Sell crafts at any church or community get together or bazaar.
–Sell your crafts at local farmer’s markets.
– Consider having shows in your own home for family and friends.
– Take out ads in largely circulated craft magazines and mail order magazines.
– Take out ads in local newspapers.
–Discuss product placement in local gift shops, tourist shops, consignment stores, or boutiques.
–Post flyers around your community, especially in any fabric stores, craft stores, or knick knack shops.

 

 

Posted in Crafts | Comments Off

Steps to take to organize your scrapbook space

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

With all the items you buy for your scrapbook pages you need somewhere to store them. You need something or somewhere to store the surplus of embellishments. A place to help protect all the many items you need and the many more items you will purchase. Here is a look at the steps to take to organize your scrapbook space.

Take a look at your style of scrapbooking. Do you scrapbook at home? Do you have your own little nook of the house to dedicate to your scrapbooking? Does your family eat in the living room because your  dining room table is taken over with scrapbooking? How much lighting is available? There are ways to organize all of this no matter how you do your craft.

If you have your own little space of the house look at how much room you have. Do some measurements. You’ll want this space to be organized in a way to help you move around. You don’t want to spend time looking for a certain item. You may want to do some quick sketching to see what may look best. If you are not lucky enough to have your own little space there are still many options available. If it is a tight space make a list of your must haves.

Some must haves for scrapbooking include a working space. If this is a dining room table look at investing into a tray to move your work around. To get the most out of a workspace it should be about 15" wide and 30" deep. You’ll need adequate lighting. Look for lamps to keep on the table or use track lighting. After the workspace and lighting the rest is up to you and how you need the space to fit your style.

After you have an idea for your space and what you need it’s time to do some shopping. Scrapbook stores will have just about everything you need to organize your space. These stores will have items that are meant to hold scrapbook supplies. The 12" x 12" deep shelf for paper is one such unique item. The stores will also have travel carts for you to take to your scrapbook parties.This makes it easier to store and to find the things you need. These items are also more expensive. If you are an avid scrapbooker it can be worth the price.

You can also shop regular stores in the craft aisles. There are plenty of different plastic storage drawers  you can use for storing stamps and extra books. You can also take a look at the office supplies. Plastic stacking trays are great for paper. Grab some pen holders to keep your pens readily available. 3 Ring binders are great for stickers. As with most things in scrapbooking you need to find what works for you and your pocket book.

There are other items in your home that can help you organize your space.

Use spice racks to store stamps or your chalking supplies. They are also good for packages of beads or eyelets.

Bookshelves are great to put items on or to store small plastic bins. Bookcases are also great for storing extra albums. They also are vertical storing making the most of a small space.

Use old kitchen cupboards for organizing. Plate racks are great for papers. The cupboard doors will close making it easier to hide your clutter when needed.

Use the thread spools for sewing to store your ribbons.

Take a look at teaching supply stores. Teachers know how to make the most of small spaces. Use the smaller cubbies for storing bins, or papers. Use book racks to put finished pages in before putting on your pages. These would also be great for sticker or die cut pages.

There are many options available to organize your workspace. You need to figure out how to best make the space work for you and your needs and then buy items to fit.

 

Posted in Blog | Comments Off

Typical wood crafting projects

Tuesday, December 18th, 2007

There are a number of wood crafting projects that you can make using wood scraps and left over wood. If you have a piece or pieces of wood that was not used in a recent remodeling job, be sure not to throw it away.

There are several wood crafting projects that you can do using a thin piece of wood, such as pastel board. You can use it by cutting it into various shapes to make lighthouses and birdhouses.
To make a wood crafting project for holding a set of keys, glue three layers together, let dry. Then paint and allow to dry. Add one more layer of paint and again allow to dry. Then screw a small "C" hook into the wood at the bottom middle of the project, which is for holding the set of keys. Then attach hardware to the back so the you can hang your project on the wall.
You can also use pastel board or other thin pieces of wood to cut out a variety of different small shapes and then paint them. When they are dry, affix them on walls and/or dresser drawers in a child’s room. By letting your child help paint the shapes of wood, you can make this a fun wood crafting project for you and your child to do together.

A leftover two-by-four piece of wood can make several novelty guns. Begin by, drawing and cutting the shape of a short rifle out of the two-by-four. Cut a small notch across the gun barrel. Then using wood glue, glue a clothespin onto the top of the gun. If you want to you can paint it, but it is not necessary. However, if you do decide to paint this project, be sure not to get paint into the clothespin spring. It is now ready to shoot. To load your gun, use a rubber band. Slide the rubber band into the grooved notch at the barrel. Holding the rubber band tight, open the clothespin and catch the rubber band in the mouth of the clothespin. Just thumb-cock the clothespin when ready to shoot and POW! Be sure to remind the user to shoot at targets, never at people.

An old bookshelf can make a perfect coat rack. With a wood burning tool, stain or etch it. Then, attach screw dowels or other hardware, which will be used to hang your garments. For a brighter look, you can paint it a pastel color and/or attach rub-ons. Or you can try cutting small hearts or other shapes from wood scraps, and then glue them to the wood plank. The shapes can then be painted a different color than the plank. You can now either screw the wood directly onto the wall or attach hardware on the back for hanging. If you choose to attach hardware, attach one hanger in each corner of the back part of the wood. Do not use just one in the middle back because your rack will tilt when only one item is hung.

You can also use an old wooden plank to make a great sign. You can use the plank to make a sign that says "Mom’s Kitchen" or "Welcome". Begin by stenciling what you want your sign to say. Then, decorate it by gluing the front portion of soup, coffee and veggie labels onto the wood. And then attach hanging hardware on the back.

You can make many other wood crafting projects using wood scraps and leftover wood. Many of these projects are fun and easy projects that you can do with your children. For additional ideas, look online or check with local craft shop.

Posted in Wood Crafts | Comments Off

Fun home décor craft ideas

Monday, December 17th, 2007

Whether you are decorating a new house or simply doing something to add to the décor already established, there are many great ideas that you can make all on your own.

Here are just a few of the things that you can make to add a personal touch to your home and have fun along the way.

 Something that many people overlook as an opportunity to decorate is your outlet and switch covers.  Those can be painted to match the décor of the room and don’t have to blend in with the wall.  You can paint small murals on them if you are very artistic, if not you can use stencils to paint simple things on them.  You might also use vinyl lettering or a rub-on to spice up the cover.  They can be covered in wallpaper as well if you want them to match with the rest of the room.
 Making your own pots can be very fun.  You can take a pottery class or just make them on your own.  They are great because you can make a pot for a special plant that you might have a hard time finding the right pot for.  You also have the ability to paint the pot to match any room or anything else that you want.  Painting store bought pots is also a good idea, it makes that pot an original.
 One of the biggest sections in most craft stores is the floral department.  There are thousands of flowers and greenery to choose from.  You can make great floral arrangements or wreaths.  You can make them to hang on the wall or in a vase.  There are so many great possibilities for flowers in your home.  You might also consider making an arrangement for each season or holiday, this can add so much to a great décor.
 Candle making is something that is very easy.  Many craft stores have the materials that you need.  You can make a candle into the exact size and color that works with your decorations.  You can also create a variety that can be used in a collective display or traded out for the seasons.  Whatever you do with them, homemade candles are great for a unique home look.
 For those that are good with their hands, making quilts and blankets adds a lot to the room décor.  You can make them so many different ways: you can knit an afghan, crochet an afghan, or even sew a great quilt.  Whatever your talents are (or desired talents), a little bit of work and dedication can go a long way in making your home décor absolutely stunning.
 Something that every room needs but doesn’t need sticking out is a tissue box.  Sometimes the design options that you buy just aren’t fit for your room decorations, so try making a cover for your tissues.  There are great patterns out there to make them out of many different things.  You might choose to paint one, sew one, or even make one out of flowers!  A cover for your tissues can help them to blend in with the room while at the same time making a gorgeous addition to the room.
 Cross stitching a pillow for a room can give your couch, chair or bed an elegant look.  You might choose to put a funny or cute saying on a pillow or simply a design.  The pillow is unique and the personal touch adds so much.
 Every craft store has a section with wood objects that are ready to be painted.  These are great for decorating.  The wooden letters and numbers are perfect for spelling out names or putting your address up on your house.

Posted in Crafts | Comments Off

Tips on protecting your scrapbook memories

Sunday, December 16th, 2007

Scrapbooking is growing fast. It takes a lot of time and money to make your desired scrapbook. When you are finished you want to make sure your scrapbook memories are protected. There are many ways to keep them safe, from what you use in the scrapbook to how and where you store your scrapbooks. 

When looking for albums not only do you need to find one that will fit with your theme but you also need to find an album with archival safe pages. This means they are acid free and will help keep your pictures or extra embellishments from yellowing or decay. Magnetic self stick albums are not archival safe and should be ignored. You can find appropriate and acidic free scrapbooks or albums in many specialty stores or on-line.

 
To keep your photos and accessories in place you need to have adhesives. To keep your scrapbook memories protected these also need to be acid free. Regular tape or glue becomes yellow and brittle after awhile causing damage to pictures or other precious items. There are many options for adhesives. These can also be found in scrapbook stores, aisles or on-line. Some of the more popular types are glue dots, mounting squares, adhesive foam, and liquid gel.

The most basic part of your scrapbook is the pictures. They can become the center piece of your scrapbook page. The pictures should be printed on acid free paper already. If you have older photos they should be put into a page protector that is acid free and then mounted into your scrapbook. If you are unsure of the paper you can always test with a PH testing pen. These can be found at scrapbook stores. Your pictures should first be cut with a straight edge scissor for cropping or shaping. This way you don’t cut away too much. Then you follow it up with the decorative edge or a favorite template.

 
For journaling or writing in your scrapbook or on the photos you also need to use acid free pens. These should be permanent to reduce fading and not "bleed". For marking on the back of photos it is best to use pencil or a film marking pen that is fully dry before using the photo. The ink could rub off onto other papers and it is permanent.

All other embellishments you  put into your scrapbooks should also be acid free. This includes stamps, chalks, stickers, and ribbons. Most supplies you buy at scrapbook stores are safe. If you are unsure then ask an associate or look for something else.  Scrapbook supplies that are safe will say they are acid free. Time researching the products you put into your scrapbooks will insure that your memories are protected.

Once you have your scrapbook finished you need to store the book and all the supplies. For the supplies there are specialty organizers to use. These can be purchased at many on-line retailers and Scrapbooking stores. You can also use inexpensive tackle boxes or smaller toolboxes. These are also easy to carry to scrapbook parties or classes. They will help keep your supplies in good condition to insure a better scrapbook.

The books themselves should be stored spine down in  boxes or totes. If you have them on shelves then it is best to keep them together with the same size books so that the edges don’t get frayed. Keep the books themselves out of direct sunlight to protect the pictures inside. Keep in moderate temperature rooms with little to no humidity.

There is a lot of work that goes into scrapbooking. Keeping your pages and embellishments acidic free, using the right types of ink, and storing your extra supplies in containers will help you protect your scrapbook memories for years to come. 
    

 

Posted in Scrapbooking | Comments Off

Tools any serious crafters have

Saturday, December 15th, 2007

If you are a serious crafter, or just want to be, then you need to have the tools of the trade.  Just like a roofer needs all of the right tools, you will have a much easier time and a lot more fun if you have the right tools.

Crafters can be many different things.  You might be into painting, sewing, scrapbooking, or woodworking.  Whatever your craft of choice is, there are tools that you will want to have.

We will start with the painters out there.  If you have done any painting before you know that there are the basics.  You need the right kind of paint for whatever you have decided to paint on, you need the right brushes and in the right sizes, you also need enough room and supplies to finish the whole job you are undertaking.

That was a lot to think about, so here is a summary of that: you need to decide what you are painting and make sure that you have the right things.  Go to any local craft store and you will be able to find the right things for the project that you have chosen to undertake.

Sewers need to make sure that they have the right machine.  If you are making quilts or other heavy things with your machine, you will need more than your typical sewing machine.  You might also need to have a good pair or fabric scissors and pinking shears.  The serious sewer also has a good selection of threads and material.

Sewing also might include those crafters that like to knit, crochet, cross stitch, or tat.  Each of these has very special tools and will require something different.  Many crafters like to do more than one of these, this means more tools (but that’s never a bad thing!).

Scrapbookers have a tool selection that is truly expansive.  Some are necessities while others are just for fun.  Scrappers need to have a good selection of paper as well as scissors, photo tape, glue, stickers, pens, and pictures.

There are also the tools that are for embellishments that many crafters find as necessity.  Some of the bigger machines like die-cut machines and sticker makers can be found in many scrappers’ tool kits as well.  Don’t forget about the paper cutter, it is the only way to get a straight cut!

Woodworking crafters need to most expensive tools of them all, although sewers and scrapbookers and painters will all beg to differ.  Working with wood requires machinery that is usually not kept in the house.  You will need sanders; many different saws including a skill saw, scroll saw, band saw and bench saw.

There are also many things that you will need to put wood together after it is cut, like hammers and nail guns.  Your husband might be willing to share all of these tools with you, but if not then go out and get your own!

One thing that all crafters have in common is a tool for organizing.  The only way to keep all of your tools working right and for a long time is to have a tool for organizing and keeping things in their place.

Although this tool will be something different for each crafter, it is essential for their enjoyment.  If you keep your things organized and in a specific place then you will be able to more enjoy the time you have for your hobby.  If you have to spend all of your time looking for what you want, then you might begin to dread the thought of working on a project.

Posted in Crafts | Comments Off

Making your paper crafts last longer

Friday, December 14th, 2007

There are so many different ways to use paper today in craft making it’s hard to know where to begin.  Creating great paper crafts can be easy and fun.  There are also some easy ways in making your paper crafts last a little longer.

Gift Cards/ Gift tags
Gift cards and gift tags are a fun way to use paper.  You can buy some very cute and stylish paper at any craft or scrapbook store.  You can make gift cards and gift tags for any occasion really, birthday’s, thank you notes, Christmas, Halloween, Mother’s day, and the list could go on and on.  Or maybe you just want to make a stack of cards to have on hand in case you need them for something.  One way to make your card or tag last longer is by wrapping it with some clear heavy duty cellophane paper.  You might have seen other cards like this in the store, but if you don’t want the paper to bend or rip, this is a great way to keep and store them so they last longer.  This also helps embellishments from getting snagged or caught on things. 

Scrapbook Pages
It’s probably no surprise to you that scrap booking has become one of the most popular was to keep your pictures and memories.  There are not very many people who just put their pictures in an album and leave them.  With so many cute papers to buy at craft and scrapbook stores why would you want to?  As you create your great scrapbook pages, keep in mind these helpful tips on how to make your pages last longer.  Always use archival quality products.  I am not just talking about he paper you use; everything!  It does not good if you are using archival paper, without archival inks and adhesives.  The paper will last, but the ink will start to bleed or discolor and the adhesives will begin to loosen.  Archival products are acid free and will not discolor thus lasting much longer than non archival.

Holiday decorations
If you are planning on making some great holiday craft decorations out of paper and want them to last more than one holiday season you will want to make sure to take some precautions before and after you make them.  If it is a decoration that will be hanging somewhere make sure that you choose some heavy duty paper.  Don’t just use your regular computer paper, as this will tear very easily.  You can also buy some clear sprays or glues that you can paint on to your paper after you have finished with your project.  The objective of the glue is to make the paper stiff and give it a longer life.  You can also buy contact paper and use that over your paper crafts.  It is sort of like laminating them, just a little cheaper. 

Whatever it is you may be thinking of crafting with paper you should always look at the type of paper you are buying.  Believe it or not, paper comes in different weights and thickness.  Thin paper obviously is not so durable but may be easier to mold into what you are making.  Thicker paper may last longer just due to its thickness.  If you want to make crafts that you want to hang think about laminating them when you are done.  Laminating anything makes it last forever because it becomes virtually impossible to tear.  There are lots of different ways to make your paper crafts last longer, it really depends on what you are making.  Go into your local craft or scrapbook store and ask for some helpful advice and good luck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Paper Crafts | Comments Off

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »