Crate Paper

Crate Paper Tips & Techniques :: Sequin Fun

How about a fresh batch of tips & techniques to get you thinking outside of the box during your next crafty session? Over the next couple of days, our CP Girls will introduce an assortment of original, one-of-a-kind ideas that we think are a total hit and worth trying. You'll not want to miss a single one!

This first tip is brought to you by Jen Chapin. It includes a brand new layout using Maggie Holmes' latest collection, Confetti.

Jen Chapin: Sequins are so trendy in the paper crafting world right now! One of my favorite techniques is to scatter them across a page to draw your eye through a layout.

For this project, I used the Maggie Holmes Confetti collection, which includes a sequin pack. The light blue sequins in the package match the patterned papers perfectly. I started by layering patterned papers and stickers, then when finished, I placed the sequins in a diagonal pattern from the top right to bottom left corner. This technique can also be used with buttons, stickers, enamel dots or chipboard. Do give it a try!

 

Anything Goes!

 This sweet pair, flowers & pockets, comes to you from CP Gal, Marcy Penner. She has a great idea for using them leftover pocket pages you might have hanging around the studio and it's brilliant!

This project came together right after completing another assembly for a future Crate Paper post focusing on tips and techniques. So, apparently I was still in a transparent pocket mode because that topic carried on over onto my scrapbook page.

This page started with a photo of some flowers that my hubby brought home for Valentine's Day. I thought it might be fun to balance the photo with a transparent pocket of "confetti".

Last year, I manually converted my 12 x 12 Project Life page protectors into 9 x 12 ones by trimming off a column of 3 x 4 pockets. I kept a few of them to use when I wanted to create floating elements in my spreads. I took one of those pockets for this page and sewed three of the four ends closed.

I played around a little bit and decided on a vertical arrangement. I trimmed a piece of patterned paper to fit in the pocket and adhered the chipboard "love" onto the front of my pocket. The letters were kinda getting lost, so I took out the text paper and trimmed a white one instead.

I knew I'd be filling my pocket with some confetti, but I also knew that I didn't want it to all sink to the bottom of the pocket. I decided to adhere some of the larger gold sequins from the Confetti collection, right to the white paper.

I also added a chipboard and metal heart to the mix. Once I had my bigger pieces glued down, I just tossed in the smaller pieces. I sewed the pocket shut once I felt it was full enough.

After I completed my pocket, I moved on to the rest of my page. I trimmed some papers in random sizes to layer behind my photo. I stacked that above my pocket on my 8.5 x 11 background and repositioned them till I could see a little bit of them all.

I added a little ticket, some gold paint splatters and a small "&" bingo chip before moving back to my confetti pocket.

I didn't want my pocket just floating there so I grounded my pocket on a large tag by clipping it on with a bow paper clip. The tag was just large enough that I could add a bit of journaling on the side to complete the page.

Confetti pockets can add an instant party to your pages! Give it a try sometime!

We HEART Pinterest :: March

It's that time of month again when we share our FAVE Crate Paper project discoveries from our growing CP Spotted boards at Pinterest. Every week, we scour the web in search of fresh, new Crate Paper creations from crafty types like yourself. We then happily pin them for everyone else to see. On occasion, a few find there way here, at our awesome blog! 

Say "hello" to today's pin-worthy CP project gathering!

> | Michelle Wedertz | <

We adore the fabulously bright pink backdrop of Michelle's layout. It pairs perfectly with our new collection, Craft Market.

> | Baers Garten | <

We are BIG into color-drenched backdrops–can you tell? Baer's use of Maggie Holmes' Open Book emerald green floral paper is an immediate attention grabber. It has summer written all over it!

> | Kathleen at Scattered Confetti | <

We enjoy the process of locating new talent when out and about on the web, so imagine how delighted we were when we found these two layouts from Kathleen at Scattered Confetti–using both Kiss Kiss & Storyteller. Love them!

 > | Sandra Dietrich | <

Sandra's card is staggeringly beautiful. The uninvolved design is simple and to the point. The photography is eye-catching as well.

> | Maryam Perez | <

This sweet, stitched bundle from Maryam Perez is a fun arrangement of differing, contrasting materials that you can't help but want to touch and open. The best part is the stitched vellum envelope. It's simply exquisite.

> | Katharina Frei | <

We are liking the randomness of Katharina's eclectic, fun Notes & Things card. It put a smile on our face immediately.

> | Mary-Ann Maldonado | <

One last pin–a phenomenal Open Book mini album from Mary-Ann Maldonado. Truly, there is so much heart instilled in this album. We greatly appreciate the amount of time and investment that went into making it. Lots of great ideas, too!

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Remember, if you want us to find your Crate Paper project online and add to one of our Pinterest Spotted boards, get out there and publish it! There's also the option to email us directly with a link: [email protected]

Thank you to all the lovely artists shown here today! We are honored and inspired by your crate-ivity.

  

Little Girl Birthday Invitations & Giveaway Winner

There is something exquisite and sweet about these invitations on display at Maggie Holmes' blog this week. Whether its the charming glitter bows, or the varied combination of chipboard frames, they bare a gentle, thoughtful feel that any little girl would love. The designer behind the idea is Stephanie Bryan, one of Crate Paper's retired CP Gals!

To read more about these unique and precious Open Book party invitations, visit the Maggie Holmes blog --> Maggie Holmes Design.

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Last Monday, we asked you pick a favorite project from February's Monthly Recap  as part of a fun, unexpected Craft Market giveaway. Quite a few of you chimed in and there was lots of love to go around for every project! Thank-you! Our CP Girls appreciate the many kind compliments and thoughtful feedback. 

We would like to formally congratulate the following lucky individual - a brand new selection of Craft Market awaits you, Brenda Lubrant!

I love the projects done by Rebecca. They are so dreamy and whimsical. Posted by: Brenda Lubrant | March 02, 2015 at 05:56 PM

Please forward your info to [email protected]!

With the weekend nearly upon us, we hope all of you have found your way out of the snow and cold weather and are finding time to craft and stay warm. We'll see you Monday!

 

Craft Market Gold Dotted Treat Bag, Tag & Card

 This treat bag and card set from CP Gal, Melissa Phillips, is a reminder that Spring is just around the corner with their sweet floral accents & other softly spoken attire. So very pretty.

Did you know that Crate Paper's Craft Market collection has the cutest Gold Glitter Dots & Stripes muslin bags included that coordinate with not only Craft Market, but other Crate collections as well?  They are truly such a sweet way to share a treat with a friend.  Today, I've created a tag for one of those muslin bags using elements from the Open Book collection.

I began with an Open Book chipboard frame and matted it over a bit of Gold Foil Newspaper vellum to form my tag...these chipboard frames can be used for so many things, and tags are one of my favorite ways to use them up.

Embellishing came next and was very simple.  I just used a foam Gold Glitter Story Thicker along with a few Ephemera Shapes.  I added a few sequins for some soft sparkle and then clipped my tag to my bag using a Craft Market Glittered Clothespin.  These are an essential in any girl's craft room :).

 

My card uses more of the same elements from Open Book, with another chipboard frame over Gold Foil Newspaper Vellum serving as my focal point.

After adding a few Ephemera die cuts, I attached a large fabric brad at the top to bring in softness and texture.  These brads add touch-a-blilty to any project and I love that about them.

Do you have a favorite element from Crate Paper's wide variety of collections?  It's certainly impossible to choose, isn't it?  Well, whatever it is, I hope you'll pull out your favorite Crate Paper stash and create a little something beautiful today!

Thanks for visiting!

Melissa Phillips

Crate Paper February Monthly Recap + Giveaway

We know that it's not possible to hang out with us everyday. So, incase you missed any of these awesome CP Gal Crate Paper projects, here's a quick recap!

> | CP GAL :: Rebecca Luminarias | <

> |CP GAL :: Jennifer Chapin | <
 

 > | CP GAL :: Laetitia Poissy | <
 

> | CP GAL :: Marcy Penner | <

> |CP GAL :: Christine Middlecamp | <

> | CP GAL :: Maria Lacuesta | <

> | CP GAL :: Melissa Phillips | <

Which is your monthly fave? You are totally allowed to pick more than one - and because you tuned in, we have a GIVEAWAY for YOU! How about a small bundle of Craft Market goodies? We'll select a winner from the list of comments and announce the lucky crafter's name this Thursday, March 5th!!