Saying Good-Bye to Card Week!

We're finalizing card week here at Crate Paper, though we couldn't see ending it without sharing a few additional cards, including some from our blog readers...if you happen to be a card maker or simply love making cards, we're very much interested in seeing your creations. We'll do our best to showcase them here in the best possible way, even though much of what we present here is scrapbook related. We can't emphasize enough how much your creations mean to us, so if you're holding onto a card or two that includes some of our goodies, send them to us at info@cratepaper.com We're going to try and make an effort at expanding the kinds of projects we share here, cards included! Speaking of which, here are the cards we mentioned a little earlier on....a huge thanks to our blog readers, blog contributors and all those at Two Peas who continue to use CP goodies on their projects!

Laura Craigie :: Brook Collection

Designer Tips & Techniques:

Sometimes, when I can't find a matching ribbon, I'll just use pattern paper in the same way I would have done with the ribbon. In this case, I created "ribbon" loops on either side of the main embellishment. I also wanted to add a bit more glitter, so I just rubbed some glue on the top of each loop and sprinkled glitter on.

When I use glitter on cards and I'm not worried about any "archival" issues, I'll set the glitter with some hairspray. I always have it on hand, and it just seals it on there.

Laurie Craigie :: Paper Doll Collection

Designer Tips & Techniques:

I really like to alter, and jazz up chipboard pieces. For this flower I did 3 things to take it to the next level. First, I added some rhinestones and pearls in the flower centre. Next, I filled in the middle of the flower with simple white glue following the pattern that was already there and I covered it in Micro Beads. Lastly, I used some pink glitter glue, and followed the pattern on the outside of the flower to add some interest to the edge of the chipboard.

Laurie Craigie :: Pink Plum Collection

Designer Tips & Techniques:

Once again, I upped the appeal for the main flower here by layering chipboard pieces, and attaching them with a matching brad in the centre. Then, I used some brown glitter glue to make the whole thing sparkle.

Another fun thing to do is to dry emboss patterned paper. It's such a simple way to add beautiful texture to your projects.

Emily Spahn :: Paper Doll Collection

Designer Tips & Techniques:

This card was for the brand new baby of a coworker. I thought the "Little Girls are a Gift" die-cut featured the perfect sentiment. This was the centerpiece of my card. For the background, I used the "Katie" patterned Paper. One of my favorite techniques is using inked paper strips, but on this card the "Katie" paper did the job for me! It looks just like strips of coordinating papers, when in reality it is just another single paper. I used the other papers, stickers and rub-ons from this awesome girly line to complete my card. To add a little extra detail, I raised the die-cut sentiment with 3-D dots, added some brads (which actually came from the Pink Plum brad collection) and outlined everything with brown ink. This is a quick and easy card that any girl (or mom to a new girl!) will love!

Chris Boshoff sent these to us a few weeks ago - she's done a tremendous amount of paper piecing on some of her cards using our feminine retro-inspired collection, Bliss. We're always amazed when people trim elements from our pattern papers - it's takes an incredible amount of time to do it and because of this, it's one of are all time favorite techniques!

Another one of our regular blog readers, Shermaine Smith, informed us about a tutorial she just recently posted at the "Love My Tapes" blog. Flowers and bouquets are blossoming by the minute in the crafter's community! Shermaine created her own lovely blossom using our "Emma" pattern paper. Check out her tutorial for step-by-step instructions on how to recreate one for yourself!

Sweet and talented card maker/scrapbooker, Amy Heller, combined both digital and non-digital elements to build her own one-a-kind houses, which she then made into cute, quirky cards. She explains a little more about the process of building the houses via her blog at Paush Designs. We located Amy's cards at the Two Peas Gallery...thanks Amy for allowing us to post them here!

The sketch challenge is still up and running..all sketch challenge projects are due by Tuesday, May 25th, 12:00am Central time. The winner receives two of our latest collections - you pick your two fave! To join in on the fun, all that's required is an individual card based on this week's sketch! Check out the sketch via the previous post! Have a great weekend everyone! We hope you've enjoyed "Card Week" here at Crate Paper :)