Crate Paper

Making Crate Paper Magnets w/Sasha Farina

What is your favorite kind of craft? Well, for me, the best kind are the ones that use scrap pieces of paper, and who doesn't have a ton of those?! I also love the kind that are quick to create :) Trust me, many times, fast and easy craft projects have saved the day when I needed that one more little gift for a friend, or family member.

I took out my smaller pieces of Crate patterned papers and of course, my punches. Also on the supply list, six pieces of circle die-cut chipboard pieces, and a pack of small magnents purchased at the Japanese $2 Store. Yes, the $2 Store. Laugh.

After pulling everything out, I then went ahead and played around with all the elements in front of me. I mixed and matched patterned papers from Crate's Paper Heart and Story Teller collections. I punched out a couple of butterflies and a little bird. Also, from the same two collections, I added stickers, and some bling and faux pearls. The additional smaller items were perfect for the project!

 

When you're done embellishing the circles, flip them over, and attach a magnet using a strong adhesive, or sticky red tape. Allow them to dry properly for about twenty minutes and voila! Here's the complete set. I think it's absolutely adorable!

 

Since I produced the magnets for no particular reason, other than sheer fun, my twelve-year-old quickly claimed them as her own. Here they are in action on her magnetic notice board showcasing her collection of Instax pictures.

Listen, these are super fun, and easy to make - do give them a try! Personally, one can never have too many magnets!

Craft with Crate :: Lilith Eeckels & Wood Frames

 

Hi there everyone! For this series of Craft with Crate, I want to show you a simple, creative way to use my favorite Story Teller item, the Wood Frame Collection. Because normally, the wood frames would be considered a decorative addition to a layout or card,  I thought it'd be nice to use them as "actual" picture frames instead. Making them is super easy too - come check it out!

 

The Essentials

Story Teller Collection - Wood Frames, Clothes Pins, Mini Patterned Paper Pad, Brads, Stand Outs, & Chipboard Accents.

Pretty Party Collection -  Mini Patterned Paper Pad

Misc - White Acrylic Paint, 6" x 6" Piece of Plywood, Photo & Twine

 

The basis of the project is this 6" x 6" sheet of plywood. Paint all four edges with white acrylic paint for a nice, clean finish. Two coats might be necessary for full coverage.

 

After the paint is dry, adhere a 6" x 6" sheet of patterned paper (your choice - I opted for white since the frames are colorful all on their own) onto the upper surface of the board. Make sure the paper is without air bubbles and fully adhered to the board (Check the edges - they sometimes pop up).

 

Back each of the collection's three frames with patterned paper - For variety purposes, I chose to use three different patterned papers, one per frame.

Carefully consider where to sit each frame on the 6" x 6" board. Smallest to biggest in a triangular formation is easiest because it's recognizably balanced. Adhere them to the board with hot glue using a low temperature glue gun (or high). 

 

 

Use the wood painted clips to attach photos and journaling to the frame'(s). By using the clips, you can change the photos and journaling out at any time.

Go ahead and frame your memories and photos so that everyone may enjoy them! Have a lovely day & thank-you so much for stopping bye! Happy Crafting!

Craft with Crate - DIY Envelopes

 

When I was little, I remember that my mom used to make pretty envelopes with us kids. Once the new year was here, she would collect photo calendars from family and friends and during upcoming winter days (probably when we kiddos were really nagging and it was raining outside....) she would take out these calendars and we would all craft to classical music ;) The good old times...

It's actually a very SIMPLE process, let me show you :) 

Step 1. Find a cute envelope that you would like to replicate. Open it up, so you can use it as a pattern. Trace with a pencil and cut out the shape. 

 

Step 2. Now you've got the shape of your envelope. Now you'll want to score the lines to be able to fold it. This is easiest with the help of a ruler and folding bone. 

 

Step 3. You're almost done :) Fold over all the corners and get your hot glue gun ready to go! I just prefer this method, because it's instant and really hold the paper together. If you don't have one, use whatever adhesive you usually use for paper.

 

Step 4. Fold the side flaps over first, then fold the bottom part over the flaps. Glue down, and you're done with the envelope!

 

Step 5. Yes, I said you were done, but I couldn't resist making a second, smaller envelope. It's nothing special, just some beautiful matching paper. 

 

Step 6. To top it off, and to make it prettier, I added little flower embellishments as a closure for the envelope. This really adds some serious charm!

 

You see, it's really easy to make beautiful envelopes and surprise someone special with a heartfelt note!

Hope you enjoyed the lil' tutorial - Happy Scrappin'!

Craft with Crate - Charlene Cundy

Hello! I'm so happy to be here today, posting my 1st tutorial for Crate Paper! I was so excited to put my hands on the new collections. The papers are really incredible, and it's so easy to work with them!! I thought a frame would be a great tutorial. They are really inexpensive and make a wonderful addition for all your loved ones photo's, and my friends and family love getting them as a gift because they are handmade and personalized. I don't know if you're like me, but I have frames all over my house. I'm definitely a frame collector!

 

Here's the supplies you'll need (and a nail file, not shown). The frame is from Michael's, and the cost? $1.49 :) The gesso is available at Michael's as well, though can be found at any craft/art supply store. I'll share more about it at the end of the tutorial.

 

Pour out some Gesso, about the size of three quarters.

 

Then add your choice of color to the gesso. I used Americana Warm White, which I bought at Michael's as well. You could easily add any color to the mix. The proportions are two parts Gesso, and one part paint. 

 

Using a small spatula or something similar, mix the two together, making sure to mix completely.

 

Start painting the frame. Back from my old days of tole painting, I learned that you always paint towards the edges first. That way, you have a clean edge and it doesn't leave ridges in your paint or puddle up. I painted two even coats. The reason for using gesso is because it serves as a sealant and with the color added, it saves you an additional step.

 

After the frame has dried, set the frame on top your chosen patterned paper and lightly trace around both the inside and outside of the frame using a pencil. Trim the traced area from the paper and adhere it to the front of the frame with an even coat of wet adhesive (decoupage glue such as Modge Podge is a favorable option).

Don't overuse the adhesive, just enough to get a nice, even coverage. Also, ensure the edges are sealed down well. Make sure to really rub your hands across the paper, or use the flat edge of a credit card, to push out any air bubbles or areas that aren't adhered well. 

 

Then, take a nail file and sand down the edges. I prefer a nice, clean edge. Remember to sand towards the edge of the paper, and not the opposite direction.

 

Next, figure out how you'd like to decorate the frame. I chose to use Pretty Party's Borders & Phrase Stickers from the alpha sheet, and the patterned papers Invitation (top) and Planner (bottom).

 

Go ahead and add the green patterned paper to the bottom of the frame just as I have. Don't forget to sand the edges again as well.

 

Next, I chose to "Fussy Cut" some roses from the patterned paper, Invitation. I adore the colors of Pretty Party!

 

I decided the frame needed a banner, as they are a great addition to any project! See the little windows in the banner? I cut them with a Spellbinders Postage Die. Then, I backed the openings with patterned paper. 

 

Another fussy cut rose, but on top a white, die-cut doily.

There you have it! A great gift in a few short steps! I hope you have enjoyed the tutorial and will consider giving it a try! 

A quick note about Gesso: 

Gesso is a primer. Artists sometimes apply it to a surface before painting on it. In fact, gesso looks a lot like paint. you can mix it with any color to make sealing a one step process! Originally, gesso only was available in white. Artists put it on canvas, wood, or other surface types before creating a painting with oil paint or acrylics. Gesso makes the surface a little stiffer. It prevents paint from soaking into the support (canvas, paper, wood, etc), and it gives the surface a little more texture, or tooth, so that the paint sticks better. Today, gesso comes in many colors. White is still the most popular, but black and other colors are widely used for art journaling and other kinds of art.

 

Craft with Crate w/ Roree Rumph

 

Hi everyone! In honor of Valentine’s Day this month, I wanted to share with you a fun home décor project that I created with a “Love” theme.

I absolutely LOVE to make paper flowers… all kinds. They can be so beautiful, and they last way longer than regular flowers. And best of all you can choose your colors and patterns to coordinate with wherever you want to put them. I had a grapevine wreath just waiting to be decorated, so I thought it would be perfect for this project.

The Essentials: Paper Heart Patterned Paper {Defined}, Chipboard Accents, Random Patterned Paper {Wallpaper}, Farmhouse Eclectic Buttons, 6" Grapevine Wreath, Liquid & Foam Adhesive, Paper Piercer, File.

 

I used the Paper Heart collection to create roses and a hanging banner behind the wreath. I love the soft, subtle colors mixed with the bright colors. It makes them ‘pop’.

 

I thought I would show how to create the roses in my project.

 

They aren’t that difficult to make, but they take a little time. I think they are well worth the effort.

Here's what you'll need:

• Patterned paper, spiral cut (I used my Cricut Expression 2 and Flower Shoppe cartridgefor this and cut it at 6”. But if you don’t have a die-cut machine, you can create your ownby spiral cutting patterned paper at your desired size with some decorative scissors.)
• A scrap piece of patterned paper
• Liquid adhesive
• Foam adhesive
• Tweezers

 

Starting at the center, wrap the spiral die-cut tightly using a pair of tweezers.

 

While holding the bound die-cut in your hand, place a piece of foam adhesive on the scrap piece of paper and add liquid adhesive around it.

 

Let the die-cut go and as it starts to unravel, center it over the foam adhesive. (This will raise the flower at the center.) Hold it in place for a few moments until the adhesive starts to set. Let it dry completely.

 

After it has dried, gently bend the petals back with the tweezers.

 

Trim off the excess patterned paper.

 

Adhere patterned paper petals to the bottom of the flower, then add adhesive to the bottom.

 

Place the flower on the wreath and hold until the adhesive is set.

 

Now that wasn’t too hard, was it?

Thanks so much for letting me share my project with you all today. I really hope you enjoyed it, and maybe that you will have a go at making some of your own.
Have a wonderful day, and thanks so much for stopping by!