One of my ABSOLUTE favorite Crate Paper products is the chipboard shapes! You'll find a variety to select from, and they're all perfectly tucked onto a 12" x 12" chipboard sheet. They're easy to use "as is", however; today, I'm going to share five techniques on how to get more from your chipboard! I created mini tags, and mini treat bags from the Story Teller Collection. I also mixed in Pretty Party on one of the tags. I love the instant dimension that chipboard adds to my layouts, mini books, etc. There are so many creative uses for them, too, as you're about to find out!
As you can see, Crate's Story Teller chipboard shapes are made from the most wonderful shapes and colors. They're also versatile enough to cover a wide spectrum of themes, Spring and Summer especially.
I love creating tags. They're easy to make, and are a perfect decorative touch to just about any kind of gift. I've taken to making a few for today's tutorial. And if you look closely, you'll notice that each tag houses a chipboard piece that's been altered in some fun, unique way! I'm going to share with you how chipboard can be: Altered, Embossed, Glittered, Layered, and used as an adornment on a sweet package. Let's get started!
Altered Chipboard
On the first tag, I wanted to use this endearing chipboard butterfly. Now, this is one of those pieces that could probably stand alone "as is", but I'm going to demonstrate how easy it is to alter it. Maybe you have a project that calls for a specific color or pattern chipboard piece, but the chipboard you'd like to use doesn't fit the requirements. This is a super easy way to solve the problem.
I used three things to transform the butterfly into something a bit softer for the tag; patterned paper, an exacto knife, and a sanding block. Really, it's all you need to transform any chipboard shape into your own unique embellishment. First, trace the chipboard outline onto patterned paper and trim accordingly. Adhere the patterned paper butterfly onto the chipboard and sand down the edges. And for the center, as further decoration, I used a scallop circle and the "me" sticker from StoryTeller's Phrase Sticker collection.
Embossed Chipboard
Another one of my favorite "go to" techniques is embossing via the traditional embossing folder. Rarely will I scrapbook without them. And even though I have a variety of them to work with, I always seem to come back to the Swiss Dots folder from Provo Craft. It's neutral enough to go with anything and everything!
It's here that you can see the embossed circle chipboard sentiment in the center of the tag. Note how the chipboard suddenly "pops off" the tag and takes on instant character. As far as I'm concerned, if something can be embossed, I'm going to give it a go!
To make the process of embossing a chipboard shape a little easier, remove a layer of chipboard from the back of of it. This allows it to fit better while rolling it through a die-cutting machine. For embossing, I normally turn to my Cuttlebug, but when the element is a bit thicker, I go to my second machine. I've never had a problem with embossing chipboard, but just in case, I save the best machine for last!
Next, on this tag, I simply layered chipboard on top of chipboard. In the center of the bicycle wheels, I positioned chipboard buttons and vellum. Doing this gives the bike instant charm, and a whole lot of extra dimension!
I love glitter, especially around the holidays. However, sometimes a bit of glitter is necessary for certain projects no matter the time of year, such as with this mini treat bag and cupcake. I ran the cupcake through my Xyron machine face down and dusted glitter on top it. It's the perfect topping for the sweet, freshly-baked cupcake!
Adorned Chipboard
Finally, with this last mini paper sack, I backed a photo with a chipboard polaroid frame. Honestly, it's never too early to think of Father's Day! However, the element I want to share with you is the Circle Number, 75. Amazingly, the chipboard pieces are easy to punch through, and serve well as an adornment on a paper sack, or mini album. I regularily add chipboard to my mini albums this way :)
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Again, chipboard shapes are so versatile, and there are many techniques to try with them. Today, I shared only five, each easily duplicated and fun-oriented - I hope you'll at least look at chipboard differently now that you've seen them all! Enjoy altering, glittering, embossing, layering, and my favorite, adorning, your projects with Crate's latest chipboard shapes! Have a wonderful Monday!
These are all gorgeous!! WOW!!! I just loveeeeeee what you did with the chipboard!
Posted by: Julie Tucker-Wolek | April 09, 2012 at 05:35 AM
Love these - so beautiful and inventive!
Posted by: Libby | April 11, 2012 at 09:08 AM