Hey there! I've got a whole lot of information for you today! Are you ready? I'm feeling a little less zombie-ish after a couple days of catching up after Stamp-a-Faire, so let's see if I can manage to write a coherent post. :-)
First up, today is my day to blog over on the Paper Crafts Connection blog. I'm talking about organizing scraps. In a nutshell, this project stemmed from wanting to use up a whole lot of patterned paper strips (check the PCC blog for full details and also a little GIVEAWAY!!). Head over there to check out the whole story! In my post there, I mentioned that I would share a few more details on the card set I created, so here goes.
Here is my set of cards...
The cards started out with an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of cardstock that I covered with assorted strips of patterned paper that looked like this (the one I used for this set is on the left, tucked under the sheet lying on top.
I proceded to cut that strip-covered sheet apart into 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" blocks to use as my card fronts (which were actually then trimmed down to 4 x 5 1/4" to allow for a little border around the edges). I then used those pieces to create a set of 5 cards (shown above).
I thought I'd show them up close here so you could get a better look. I didn't add a whole lot to those patterned paper covered blocks. I just pulled out the Essential Sentiments stamp set from A Muse Studios (we're giving this set away on the PCC blog!) which covers lots of different occasions and made it very simple to create a set of multi-occasion cards.
First up, a sympathy card. I felt the colors and patterns of the papers worked well for a sympathy card. I simply added a punched oval along with my stamped sentiment and a flower sticker that had been floating around my scrap basket for awhile!
Next up is a birthday card. I really love the way each card has its own look...the patterned paper strips took on a totally new look depending on which part of the sheet they were cut from. This one has a little lighter feel than the last. I just added a stamped sentiment, a bit of ribbon, buttons and a pin. I also stamped some leaves from the Beautiful Botanicals 2 set, also from A Muse.
Next up, I decided to do some diecutting from the strip-covered blocks. I diecut one of the Papertrey Mat Stack dies from the center of one of the blocks. I was able to create two cards this way. One using the negative to create a window (sentiment and leaves are stamped inside the card), and the other as a focal point.
And my 5th and last card created from that one 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of patterned paper covered cardstock is an anniversary card. Very simple here again, just a stamped sentiment and finished off with a pretty diecut edge and the same leaf stamp as above.
I had a lot of fun playing around with this concept and am looking forward to creating more cards with the other sheets I created and showed in the photo at the beginning of this post! I challenge you to give it a try...it's a great way to play around with combining different patterns and colors and use up your scraps at the same time! Not to mention the fact that you'll have a pretty snazzy set of cards when you're finished! :-)
Next on today's agenda...It is the last Wednesday of the month and that means it's time for a Go-to Gal Designer Challenge! This month my fellow GTGs and I are playing around with the delightful Cosmo Cricket products. What's not to love about Cosmo Cricket???? Seriously cute stuff. Their colors always grab me and their nod to vintage melts my heart for sure. I am completely addicted to their 6x6 pads. Don't you love them? Here are a few of my fav's (click to see more)....
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For my project today I reached for the Social Club collection. I used the 6x6 pad and fun chipboard elements from that collection to create today's card. I think that "best friends" banner element is so cute. I mimicked the look of the banner by putting strips of patterned paper behind it at an angle across my card and tucking notched banner strips behind it.
I added some twine and chipboard flowers to finish it off.
Be sure to hop around to my fellow Go-to Girls Julie, Windy, Jennifer, Kim, and Teri to see their Cosmo creations!
And finally today....SHIPPING CODE ALERT!
How would you like to pick up some Cosmo Cricket goodies of your own? Or any other goodies your heart may desire? As a special treat just for my readers, I've got a shipping code for Two Peas. This code will get you free domestic shipping on any order of $35 or more. The usual limit is $50, but the Two Peas peeps are offering a deal just for you! Enter the code SHIPBV when checking out and you'll get the free shipping if your order exceeds the $35. Offer is good now through Friday night at midnight for domestic shipping on non-digital, non-phaseout product only. Happy shopping!!
(Pssst....they have all of those cute 6x6 Cosmo pads I linked above! :-) )
I hope you're having a fabulous Wednesday...thanks for stopping by!
All supplies for the above projects are linked below!
Product not linked: patterned papers from my scrap basket!
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how super FUN! you are a creative g.e.n.i.u.s.
thank you Betsy!
Posted by: vio ~ | July 27, 2011 at 05:59 AM
I am sooo loving all your pretty cards! The ones made from the strips of 'leftover' pieces are just gorgeous! I am glad the good little fairy peeking over your shoulder convinced you to save them! :D
Thanks for sharing! :)
Posted by: auntie em | July 27, 2011 at 07:14 AM
Anytime you want to throw away scraps---just sent them to me!
Posted by: {vicki} | July 27, 2011 at 08:13 AM
You have opened up a whole new way to use all my excess pieces of paper...ty ty ty. I have been trying to get the big box of scraps I have down to a managable group of folders. Saw it done by one of my stamping buddies and I would like that organization!! Not one of my best areas. So thank you for the amazing things u did with simple excess strips. GREAT JOB!!!! ekc
Posted by: Evette K. Ciampo | July 27, 2011 at 08:37 AM
Betsy, I went to PCC and saw the way you organized your 6x6 pieces. Oh they are so fun and pretty looking. Too pretty to use. LOL. (I guess that defeats the purpose but I would probably just look at them rather than use them).
Posted by: June K. | July 27, 2011 at 09:40 AM
I'm freaking out a little over the thought of cutting my scraps into 6 x 6, but I love the idea! Thank you so much for sharing it. The cards are so beautiful. Thanks for the shipping code, too!
Posted by: Jocelyn | July 27, 2011 at 10:09 AM
Your idea is so great. I have been thinking about how to make a set of cards for a friend without spending too much time. Your idea is the answer. Thank you!!!
Posted by: barbara lassiter | July 27, 2011 at 10:11 AM
I am never disappointed when I come here. What a fun Blog Hop and fun cards.
Posted by: Sylvia Nelson | July 27, 2011 at 11:43 AM
So pretty. I always love your cards!
Posted by: Sharon Gullikson | July 27, 2011 at 11:46 AM
I love blog hops, especially because of the prizes! Betsy, you are one talented lady...
Posted by: B. Poteraj | July 27, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Great idea. I love to use my scraps.
Posted by: Natasha G.P. | July 27, 2011 at 11:48 AM
It's always a delight to stop in here! Your cards always look so beautiful, but you even make *scraps* look beautiful ... I want to live in a Betsy Veldman world ... :0)!
Posted by: Nerina | July 27, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Thanks for sharing your organization tips. I love the cards you created using your scraps. And your Cosmo Cricket cards are just wonderful....
Posted by: Regina aka Mrs. Ham | July 27, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Love all of your creations. Beautiful! Great work using up scraps.
Posted by: Glenda J | July 27, 2011 at 12:52 PM
Absolutely love the strip papers. The cards are gorgeous! What a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Rosslyn Weigelt | July 27, 2011 at 01:14 PM
You amaze me.
All. The. Time.
Have I said it lately?
Teri
Posted by: teri | July 27, 2011 at 01:42 PM
Beautiful cards, I am truly inspired and ready to go use up some scraps!
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | July 27, 2011 at 01:59 PM
Great idea thanks so much for the inspiration. And thanks for a wonderful time at Stamp-a-faire. Angie and I had a great time. Everyone was so kind and generous. Cynthia
Posted by: cynthia karkut | July 27, 2011 at 02:40 PM
I loved your organizational article and cards! And your fun Cosmo is really cute too!
Posted by: Toni Storie | July 27, 2011 at 02:55 PM
Now that's a great way to work your paper scraps, and I love your Cosmo Cricket card too! TFS!
Posted by: Cynthia B. | July 27, 2011 at 03:48 PM
Superb idea!!! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Isha | July 27, 2011 at 03:56 PM
I love this idea. I'll have to try it. Thanks Betsy!! Thanks for a great time Saturday!!
Posted by: Jen S | July 27, 2011 at 04:03 PM
I just want to tap into your creative brain for a day! You always amaze me! Love all of your projects & great ideas today!
Posted by: Julie Campbell | July 27, 2011 at 04:40 PM
Thanks for some really great ideas & cards in this post. ;-)
Posted by: diana | July 27, 2011 at 07:52 PM
So excited to see u used scrap strips of pp to make so many cards!
Love the card u made with the CC too! Love the little notched pp
Pieces under the chipboard cut out! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Posted by: DeeDee | July 27, 2011 at 08:36 PM