Parys Layout

 

We hear about up-cycling and recycling all the time from fashion, to home décor to crafting. It’s not a new concept in the world op scrapbooking as the trends quickly caught on to live a little greener. But what captures the attention of scrappers all over the world is the beautiful packaging that products are shipped in to us these days. So let’s have a little fun with some up-cycling.

I used the beautiful new range Fabrications Linen by Teresa Collins. I loved working with the product so much that it inspired some extra off-the-page projects along the way too. But what started it all was the brad and button packaging. It has a beautiful and feminine tag like shape so it immediately sent me into tag frenzy and they had to be used. These are perfect homes for smaller photos on a layout.
So here’s how I used my packaging on my layout

 

Step-by-step up-cycling

Step 1

The brad packaging has a little fold over piece to protect the pins at the back of the brads. So fold open the back part and cut down the middle score-line between the two tag parts. You can use scissors or your craft knife for this.

 

Step 2

Ink the edges using >Versamagic Jumbo Java ink. Adhere the packaging tag to the layout along with 3 other tags that you have decorated using patterned papers and distress ink pads. Leave a small gap between the tags. You will notice that the writing on my tag is facing upwards – don’t worry about this.

 

Step 3

Matt your photo onto green patterned paper from the Teresa Collins Fabrications Linen 8×8 Designer Cardstock Pad to fit onto the tag leaving a small border around the outer edges. I added a Glitz peek-a-boo transparency underneath my photo to hold it in place. Once my photo and other elements were in place I added 2 rows of diamonds to cover up any visible writing on my tag. The opening at the top (tab part) was perfect for a piece of ribbon tied into a beautiful bow – so remember not to add too much adhesive to the top section so you can always add some ribbon later if you so desire.

 

A closer look

I love combining different product lines together. So often you find that the current trends and colours throughout different manufacturers work so well together and this was the case with the BasicGrey, Glitz and Teresa Collins products – all distributed by The Wholesaler. I used a BasicGrey wooden button on this tag as embellishment. For the flag part underneath the button I used some scraps from my papers used and cut them freehand.

For my focal point photo I used an enlargement measuring 8x8inches. But you may notice a slight difference in texture and look to that of my smaller photos. I ran out of A4 photo paper so I had to up-cycle another product – and that is why I love crafting so much! I grabbed a sheet of shimmering white paper that I use for printing wedding invitations on and used that. So not only do I have a unique sized photo printed in the convenience of my home but it has an awesome matt yet shiny look. Give it a go – you will love it. And no there really is no rule in what paper to use for photos – try American Crafts cardstock for printing photos on as an alternative to matt photo paper.

A clever way and alternative to adding adhesive to clear elements on your layouts is using a couple of quick sewn stitches to hold things in place. It adds beautiful texture and colour at the same time as being functional.

For my title I used the BasicGrey chipboard letters from the Konnichiwa Designer Chipboard pack. They were a bit orangey so I added some colour using distress stains. The stains left a blotchy effect colouring only part of the letters – leaving me once again with an amazing effect. To emphasize the look I added a layer of dimensional glaze for a truly individual look.

I hope you feel inspired to try and use those beautiful packaging materials, scraps and other elements that you don’t normally use.

 

Off the page projects

 

Quick and Easy Card

I wanted to use the left-over parts from my tag packaging so I make a quick card using left-overs. I used the same elements from my layout but added small die-cut flowers this time. These small punches normally only cut through very thin paper – BUT I am happy to report that it works perfectly with the Teresa Collins papers.

 

Cupcake decorations

You may have noticed that I used a row of filigree hearts on my layout. Well these little hearts were cut from a cupcake wrapper like the one I used around my cupcake decorations. I simply cut the hearts out and coloured theme using pearl mists and inks. My cupcake decoration can be used for a name place cards at a brunch or birthday table, birthday parties or as a small gift attached to a gift.

More strips of off-cuts were used along with some stickers from the Fabrications Linen range, diamonds and pins found at my hobby shop.

The front of my cupcake I finished off using beautiful Prima flowers and leaves. A funky little element made from scraps and some imagination.

 

I love the idea of giving back by up-cycling and recycling packaging, what do you think?

 

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Products used

• AC Cardstock White
• AC Cardstock Coffee
• Glitz Happy Travels Floral HT3661
• Glitz Happy Travels Peek-a-boos PAB 3852
• Teresa Collins Fabrications Linen Brads
• Teresa Collins Fabrications Linen Buttons
• Teresa Collins Fabrications Linen 8×8 Designer Cardstock Pad
• Teresa Collins Fabrications Linen Clear Stamps
• BasicGrey Designer Chipboard Stickers kon-3652
• Basic Grey Wooden Buttons kon-3645
• Prima Laraine River Rock #557669 Flowers and leaves
• VersaMagic Jumbo Java
• Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue

Post by The Wholesaler’s Designer Jowilna Nolte.

We are very proud to introduce you to our first designer, Jowilna Nolte. Jowilna is a true creative and she will be sharing some of her passion and creativity with you.

Read more about Jowilna here.