From Scrap to Cards

Sometimes we receive way too many beautiful submissions they just can't possibly fit in the magazine. Thank goodness for our blog! I truly believe the cards I'm sharing with you today deserve a post all to themselves anyway. I've invited designer Michelle McClure to share a bit more about her cards. She takes us 'From Scrap to Cards'. :)

The Inspiration

I had just finished making a layout and had all these scrap pieces leftover. I couldn't bear to throw them away, but didn't really want to keep the odd bits of paper. I decided to make some quick cards before I cleaned up and turn scrap into scraptacular. 

The Process

To stream line the process, I mentally made a simple card sketch in my head so I could spend more time creating and less time deliberating. I decided on dividing each card into three sections and placing the main image and sentiment into the middle section. I also decided to add a 3-D element to each card to make it more fun for the recipient. To make myself stay on track I limited my supplies to what I had out already so I basically used paper, twine and Stickles. But I'll give you an official list of materials. 

Supplies: 

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics

Patterned Papers: Nikki Sivils 

Stickers: Nikki Sivils 

Pen: Pentel

Ink: ColorBox

Glitter Glue: Stickles by Ranger

Liquid Adhesive: Fabric-tac

Twine: The Twinery

Punches: Fiskars

Metal Accent: Imaginisce

Heating Tool: Imaginisce

The Cards

Card 1: "It's Your Birthday!"

I used the same paper for two background sections and a varying pattern for the central section. I popped up a sticker with foam tape for the sentiment. 

One of the patterned papers had a flag design on it. I cut out 5 of the flags and popped those up with a thicker piece of foam tape. I glued a strand of twine over the top to make it banner for my 3-D element. The flags had the black pen line printed on them already so I can drew the same design on my background pieces for a more cohesive look. 

Card 2: "Celebrate"

I went with three different papers for the background sections, but they kind of just blended into one another so I glued a thin strip of an accent color to break up the sections. 

For my 3-D element I paper pieced some presents, which is a great way to use up the really tiny pieces of scraps. I tied some presents with twine and adorned others with flower punches. 

Card 3: "It's Your Day!"

This time I changed the orientation of the card. I separated the yellow toned background pieces with a brighter pink punched scalloped border. 

For the 3-D element, I rolled up small rectangular pieces of scrap paper and sealed the edges with liquid adhesive to make some candles. I tied them together with twine and also adhered them to the card with liquid adhesive. The glitter glue flames looked too flat with the dimensional candles, so I added some tear shaped Glam-rocks in the center. I cheated and had to get that out from a drawer, but it was for a specified item instead of random foraging, so please forgive me. 

In Short

The three cards were quick and easy to make. My best tips for get things done are:

• less is more - don't get overwhelmed by supplies, choose a supply base and use those materials
• think first - if you have a plan of attack before you start working, then you can use your creative energies playing around with the materials instead of wondering how to fill up the space, sketches are great for this purpose
• let you be you - just develop your own style and don't compare your work with others, the recipients will love whatever you make
• go with your instincts - don't over think things and second guess yourself, just get it done
• have fun! - feel free to experiment and play with your supplies, there is always another sheet of paper if you don't like the outcome

To see more amazing creations by Michelle, you can visit her blog by clicking here. 

Thank you so much Michelle for sharing your process and these super cute cards! I think everyone can agree, there's a little something we can glean from what you have offered. 

~ Melissa E.