MANILA FOLDER ~ TOILET TUBE ~ 3 FLYING FLOWER GIRLS STAMP!

I had this stamp in my collection for a month or two. Its a stamp from ‘LOST COAST DESIGNS STAMP – 3 FLYING FLOWER GIRLS’ that's available from ‘THATS CRAFTY INTERNET STORE’
I have been playing around in some die cutting software, during this time l designed a large tag that's available for download from the ‘THATS CRAFTY BLOG SITE’

When l was looking at the tag l had cut out l knew what stamp in my collection that would make a interesting image. However to make it stand l didn't want to star making a flap at the back that had to be cut out, etc.

Then it hit me!

The cats were playing with an old Toilet tube. Then it hit me. THERE WAS MY CARD STANDING UNIT! all l had to do was flatten it a little and secure with Double sided tape!



To cut out the tag all l used was a Manila Folder. These are a great source of strong card that can be used to build up with other crafting stash. They are also cheap if you shop around!

SHOPPING LIST


Manila Folder, Toilet Tube, 3 Flying Flower Girls Stamp, DYE Based Ink, Selection of Pro-Markers, If you don't have any Pro Markers use what ever colouring method you want to use. If your going to use Water based items then use the right ink [OIL BASED ink pads is VERSAFINE]. Selection of Gelly Roll Pens ie: Gold, Glitter, Gloss [Aim for colours close to the Pro-Markers you are using} Also Fine tip Marker Pens in complimentary colours. Phrase Stamp of your choice[I used a set of separate letters stamp set]. Distressing Inks for Edging. [Here l have used 3 Rusty Hinge, Vintage Photo and Weathered Wood], Old Shoe Lace, Pointy end tool to make the stitched holes plus your normal crafting stash items ie Double Sided Tape, Scissors, Pricking Mat, Heat Gun

HOW TO BUILD UP THE CARD


Firstly you will need to download the Folder file from the THATS CRAFTY BLOG SITE. Then using what ever program you are using to die cut. The folder contains files that are easy to use in Sure Cuts A Lot 2 and 3, eCraft Pro and Silhouette Studio. I have also included a PNG and JPEG file that will allow crafters who do not have a die cutting machine. Just print out and then use it as a template
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The Manila folders do come in several colours however they do tend to be flat colours. I tend to buy the Buff or Tan coloured ones in bulk. If you shop around the internet you can find prices and colours you want. Please remember if you buy more its cheaper than buying less.

Place the card into your cutting machine and press cut after you have loaded the file. There you have it a large tag that can also be made smaller its up to you as its a freebie!

One of the most important tools l have in my collection of must haves are two stamping frames from Friskars called ‘EASY STAMP PRESS’ They make stamping so easy. [This will be shown again in the next project lm doing where your stamping has to be done very very carefully!] Friskars also make the best trimmer l have come across. Put it this way all the others l have been placed to one side. I now have one for paper and another one just for scoring. Makes life so easy anyway back to the card…

Take the stamp and then using the DYE based ink [I have used MEMENTO TUXEDO BLACK] and stamp onto the Tag. If your going to use Water Base Colouring medium then you will need a OIL Based ink pad like VERSAFINE ,Press quite hard as the manila fold does drink the ink as its quite porous. Its best to give the stamped image a quick blast with your heat gun just to to ‘FIX’ it. You can also at this time while your inking stamp your wording. I have used a set of stamps that are magnetic backed. This way l can build up any wording. However your limited by the design of the type face.

Now its time to play!!!!!

Taking the colouring method of your choice start to colour in start to build up the image [If your using a water based method remember that the manila card base is a bit thirsty and will soak up the ink, Just take your time and you will be fine. Try to use a dryer brush and a finer tip if you can]. It also helps if you give the Tag a blast from your heat gun just to dry the colouring and not giving it time to soak in and spread out.

When l had finished the colouring of the stamped image l then took out my Gelly Roll pens and started to just high light the image Giving some gloss or glitter to the wings, legs,boots etc. Also to give a strong high light l use some fine nibbled felt pens. They can give a nice line and confirm an area of colour.

The final part of the Tag Building is the Fake Stitching. Take your time using an old mat or just several layers of paper. [An old phone book is perfect for this!] Go round the edge not being to perfect. After all its got to look HAND stitched. When you have done this take a Gelly Roll Pen or a Marker Pen and go round the holes to make it look like thread. Saying that if your happy then you can take a needle and thread and go round using that method. Its what ever your comfortable with. After all crafting is fun and not a period of labour lol.

Now then the toilet roll…. Turn the tag over and find the centre of it and draw a faint line down the centre. Take the roll and flatten it a little. When you do you will find that the roll will dip in to a dome in the centre of it.

Using this as the centre of the roll secure some strong double sided tape onto the tag. Then using a ruler turn onto its side and then butted up to the base of the tag, place the roll onto the tag. Using the ruler as a base this way you should find it easier to get the roll level and it will stand up and not fall down when stood up.
There you have it a stylish tag made up from a used toilet roll and a office stationary item. As they say ……

WHEN IT COMES TO CRAFTING NOTHING IS SAFE!

Hope you have fun and enjoy using the file. I look forward to seeing what your going to do.

Any problems send me a message and l will do my best to help you out.

HAPPY CRAFTING

ALAN