Cards | Using Office-Inspired Supplies
Welcome to the Scrapbook Update staff blog hop!
A blog hop that gives me an excuse to play with all of my office supply-inspired scrapbook stuff is like Christmas for me…an excuse to “assign” myself to play with some of my favorite things! The only problem is figuring out which of my presents to open first, because I have a huge collection of office inspired scrapbook toys.
So I could play with and share as many of them as possible, I decided to make quick card projects for this post. (Plus…a card goes into an envelope and is sort of an office supply itself, so it is extra fitting to create them for this article!) The two cards I made show a range of styles can be created with “office” supplies. Just another reason to love them!
My first card takes the concept of “office” very literally. I used Tim Holtz’s File Tabs die from Sizzix to create a card that was shaped like a file folder – and then stapled a sheet of notebook paper inside it with a sentiment on it. Just check the box for the sentiment of your choice!
Supplies – Cardstock: Bazzill (Kraft). Patterned Paper: BasicGrey Basics (Booknote). Die: Tim Holtz Alterations for Sizzix (File Tabs). Punch: EK Success Slimline (Binding Edge Edger). Stamps: BasicGrey (To Do), Papertrey Ink (Around & About Sentiments, Mega Mixed Messages), Tim Holtz for Stamper’s Anonymous (Grunge Butterfly). Ink: Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Black Soot, Barn Door), Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Stain (Vintage Photo). Embossing Powder: Ranger (Clear Super Fine Detail). Misc: Tim Holtz idea-ology Tiny Attacher.
I added the red hearts to brighten up the dark color scheme and enhance the “love” theme of the card intended by the sentiment stamps. Finally, I used the Grunge Butterfly (stamped with Vintage Photo Distress Stain) to soften the overall look of the card. I chose the brown stain to create a kind of coffee-stained look that would be subtle and wouldn’t overwhelm the rest of the card.
My second card went a whole different direction, using bright cheerful pastels. The office theme here isn’t as literal as the first card. Instead, I created something softer and more feminine.
Supplies – Cardstock: Bazzill Smoothies (Walnut Cream). Stamps: Hero Arts (Graph Background), Stampin’ Up (Much Appreciated). Ink: Ranger Tim Holtz Distress (Tumbled Glass, Black Soot). Rub-Ons: October Afternoon Thrift Shop (Image). Stickers: BasicGrey Out of Print (Paper Ribbon), October Afternoon 5 & Dime (Label Stickers). Flowers: Fancy Pants Beach Babe. Brads: unknown.
I created the background that looks like graph paper using the Hero Arts Graph Background stamp. Stamped on the Walnut Cream cardstock with Tumbled Glass Distress Ink, it looks just like the graph paper you’d find in any office supply store. Then I softened the look with the rub-on and the paper ribbon. Finally, I created the sentiment block with an office supply item – a label, stamped with a typewriter font sentiment stamp. I also gave the flowers an “office” touch by attaching them with brads.
Why do I love “office” supply scrapbooking supplies? For starters, I’ve always had a thing for office supplies. I can spend hours in Staples! In scrapbooking, I like that they have some character and lend a somewhat vintage look to projects, but still are mostly a blank palette to work with and build on. They are neutrals of the best kind!
These cards used almost all of my favorite office-themed scrapbook supplies from my stash. I have another favorite that you see on this site frequently – my Tim Holtz Alterations for Sizzix Tag & Bookplates die.
Now…for that giveaway that we promised!
Are you a Jennifer McGuire fan like I am? Starting on Sept. 12th, she’s teaching an online class called Inspiration Showcase at OnlineCardClasses.com. For two weeks, you’ll be able to learn all about 40 different techniques while following along with the construction of a decorative 12×12 canvas. The canvas is just an example of all the techniques – once you learn these stamping, paper and decor techniques, they can be used on cards, layouts and many other kinds of paper craft projects.
Sound exciting? I can’t wait to take this class with Jennifer! And…one lucky reader will get to take it too, because I have a seat to give away! Just leave a comment on this entry saying what your favorite technique is for stamping or scrapbooking and you’ll be entered to win our random drawing. The giveaway will be open for entries until Midnight eastern time on Sunday night, August 28th. One entry person, please!
