Paper String Captured w/Anabelle O'Malley

It's no secret that I love layers and texture on my pages. I'm always looking for new ways to add that extra bit of dimension to my layouts.  Recently, I've noticed pages with lots of twine, threads, or frayed fabric or burlap. I love how it looks! Quite accidentally, one day not so long ago, I discovered another look that is similar to this trend. I had cut off the label at the bottom of a piece of patterned paper only to discover that a small portion of it remained. So, I took my scissors and carefully trimmed it off. The resulting scrap was a long, curly, 'thread-like' piece of paper. I thought it looked cool, so I cut off some more - and my technique was born. Isn't it funny how the best things are sometimes the results of an accident?

 

I decided to use this technique on my Captured page. I chose the color palette and decided to make my 'threads' using the air mail striped side from the Storyteller Document paper. The best thing about this technique is that you can make sure your threads are custom colorized. I carefully trimmed the paper - remember, keep your cut as thin as possible.

 

I trimmed the paper several times until I had a pile of curls in front of me. This technique works really well with those scraps that you're not sure what to do with.

 

Then, I arranged my elements on my page. For this layout, I used a mask to create the background, added some paint splotches, cut the title and camera with my Silhouette, added the photos and embellished with Storyteller and Farmhouse stickers. Once I knew where everything was going to go, I took the items off the page. Next, I rubbed a glue stick onto the paper in several spots and stuck the curls into place.

 It doesn't matter, at first, if not every piece is glued flat. After that, I adhered the page elements, using some foam adhesive for added dimension, and arranged the curls into their final spots. I glued a couple of last pieces into place and I was done.

 

As you can see, the curls give it a fun, messy, textured feel. I love how the colors coordinate with my paper choices, too!

I think there's lots of possibilities for this look. Good luck making your own curly threads. And have fun!

Comments

[Marinette]

Wow!Gorgeous! Love your tutorial Anabelle! TFS! Gorgeous layout as usual♥

[Danielle]

Very cute layout and tfs your technique. I promiss never to throw away those little threads of paper anymore :-)

[Julie Tucker-Wolek]

Wowwwwwwwwwww! What a great idea!! I loveeeeeee how it turned out!!!! This is GORGEOUS!

[Lilith]

FABULOUS idea!! Love your layout Anabelle

[Maria]

Such a pretty idea, I´m gonna try that!! :)

[Patricia Roebuck]

This is such a cool idea, Anabelle...I love it, and your layouts is just stunning!!

[Tina Walker]

LOVE this idea! Thanks for sharing!

[sophie]

Gorgeous layout, love it !

[Deanna Misner]

Genius! I've always loved the look of those string-y layouts but didn't want to go out and buy a ton of thread. THIS is the best of both worlds! Thank you Anabelle! I'm sure I'll be trying this technique ASAP!

[Stephanie]

AWEAOME Layout!!!!

[Laurence]

Happy accidents like this are so good !

[Alex]

Brilliant! You are just as clever as you are creative, my friend! Love, love, love everything about this layout! ♥

[Melinda T]

Wow! Great and clever idea!

[staceymichu]

I adore this page and that technique! Thanks girl!

[Kate vickers]

I love this idea! I have to try this. And, your layout is awesome, Anabelle! The camera die cut looks amazing too!

[Jessy Christopher]

You are just so genius!! I love that u used the paper this way, it looked like threads!

[danni reid]

this is beyond gorgeous, amazing tutorial anabelle♥

[Mandy Szeto]

loving the layers!

[Annika Elgale]

Lovely layout! And what a nice idea with the paper thread!

[Ellie A.]

GASP! OH I SUPER LOVE & I'm running to get this cut I have to make a layout :)