April 2012 Paper Twists Edition

Welcome to the April edition of Paper Twists! I hope you are having a crafty type of year and are getting plenty of chances to make new projects. Are you making Christmas cards all year long like me? I have made about three dozen so far. I find it very relaxing to make cards now instead of waiting till closer to the end of the year to frantically make heaps. I think the cards benefit too as I have time to make them just a little bit more special. You could also make birthday cards in advance to save you time and feeling pressured. But I haven't begun that task yet. Lol!

What else have you been making? One of the things I made is a little Easter Box with my No 2 Big Shot Box die. I know Easter is over, but you could use this idea for any other occasion you like. It's good for all-year-round occasions:

To make the box, cut two Stampin' Up! No2 boxes out with your Big Shot, then remove the panels furthest away from the tab on each piece. Adhere the two boxes together to make a hexagonal box. You can push the top of the box in to close or you can pinch out the folds and thread ribbon or twine through (as I have done in the photo). Decorate as desired. I made my bunny and carrots using the Build a Blossom stamp set from Stampin' Up!

Before I forget about something very important, I want to send out a big Thank You to all who contributed to the 2012 Mother's Day Cards for the Troops drive. Together we made about 100 cards and will therefore be making a lovely difference to many families out there this year. I truly appreciate you for taking time to help others this way. Watch out for the Christmas Card drive for the Troops beginning in July.

Now I couldn't leave you without some inspiring ideas. Here are three little ways to spark your creativity:

1. Do you like rub-ons but find them expensive or just not quite right for your projects? Did you know you can make your own rub-ons? Use them on a handmade greeting card or scrapbook page to make your project truly unique and personal. No more hunting for just the right saying or embellishment! By making your own rub-ons, you alone are in charge of what they will say and how they will look, but your computer is also your friend in finding a nice text or design.

2. Do you feel like scrapping? Meet guest contributor Dawn Hall. Dawn shares her secrets of making six simple scrapbook layouts in her brand new article. Try her ideas out today and please do show me your layout if you do.

3.Do you want some ideas for how to extend your embossing techniques with your Big Shot? Please do also share your own Big Shot ideas on this page and inspire us all.

Till next time, may all your days be crafty ones.

Susan
www.papercraftcentral.com