TappStampers

Paper Cutting Table - too cool!

This 'paper-cutting chart' is just too cool a tool; took me a bit to figure it out, but with a little help from my friends... Download PAPER Cutting Table Info-pdf

By using this chart, I can EASILY determine how to get the most out of my cardstock when making multiple cuts -- it even includes 12" cardstock!!  It is very easy to use; here are instructions

1. FIRST, note that the table continues from the top section, to the middle section, to the end.
2. NEXT, notice that each cell along the top row tells you the SIZE you want to cut.
3. FINALLY, notice that each column is in sequential increments of the # at the top (i.e., 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 -- each column is increments of the top # (measurement)

Now, let's see how to use this table.  A simple example is perhaps you want to cut something 2" wide x 2" wide, and you want to see how many 2" wide pieces you can cut out of your cardstock...

• Look along the top rows to find 2". 
• Now, look DOWN that column and you will see other sizes in INCREMENTS of 2".  The one below 2 is 4, the one below 4 is 6, etc. -- increments of 2.
• Sooooo, as you continue to look down the column under '2', you will eventually come to a measurement closest to the length of your paper and the width of your paper. 

• Look down that column and see that you can cut ...

  • 4 pieces out of a 8 1/2" piece of CS (see, closest # is 8), or
  • 5 pieces out of an 11 1/2" piece of CS (see, closest # is 11), or
  • 6 pieces out of a 12" piece of CS(you do see '12' here)
    • all, depending on which direction you cut your 2" wide pieces

Now, if you want to cut a different size, for example 2 x 2 1/2, look for BOTH numbers and see which direction to cut your card stock to get the most cuts...IS THIS COOL OR WHAT?! 

Making a PUNCH Template !!

I am sure many punches can fit many sets.  So, this is how I made my own template...

• I ought a pack of 8 1/2 x 11 sheets that has pockets to hold biz cards (you can buy individual pockets, like name holders, but this was cheaper and took up less room and was EZier to use.  Each of my sheets holds ten cards).
• I cut scrap pieces of CS to fit into each pocket.
• Then I punched out a shape on a scrap piece of card stock for each punch I have (sometimes, I was able to punch more than one on punch on that size CS).  I also wrote the size/name of each punch on the front and back of each piece of CS.
• I have 3 pages and hold the pages together with 2 key rings.

Now, I have a template for every punch I own.  I simply slide the template over any stamp in the IB&C or stamp that I have to see which one best bits.  This actually did take me a bit of time, but it was worth it many times over!!! 

 

Since a picture is worth a thousand words: 

 

Now you all just contact me with any questions:  Brenda / 919-929-1412 / btapp@msn.com

EZ-PZ EASEL CARDs

I actually did NOT case this card!  : )

I've fallen in love with the EASEL CARDs.  I know the title on this post says EZ-PZ, but I had to convince my little brain that they were indeed EZ!  If you look at the card, you will see that when it is folded for mailing it actually LOOKS like a real card.  That's the FIRST tip.  I know that some easel cards are smaller and some are full-sized, but the CONCEPT is EXACTLY the same as making a real, regular card. 

Going with that thought, look at the card below.  See?  It looks like a normal card, when folded flat.  This one is a 'portrait' card.  So, keeping that in mind, you will cut  your main card and mats accordingly:    

For a portrait card, you probably know that you cut the main card 4 1/4" x 11", with your score at 5 1/2".  Now keeping your main card open, make a 2nd score mark between the middle score line and the top of your card.  This is your SECOND tip:  on an EASEL card, you must also make that 2nd score line.   This 2nd fold will make it stand up like an easel.  I'll show you...

 

 

Here is the side-view of the card, standing;  this will help you see the actual placement of your card front onto your main card.  Notice how that 2nd fold forms the 'stand' for your card.  See which direction the fold is?  Also, see how you only glue the TOP HALF of your card front to that fold?  (If you do like I did, and put SNAIL adhesive all around the four sides -- out of habit -- just use your Adhesive Remover (page 192, in the 2009-2010 Ideal Book & Catalog) to remove the extra glue.  Live and learn, right?)

Did you notice that I only used a ribbon to keep the card in the stand-up (easel) position?  I used a Crop-a-Dile to reach further into the card than a normal hand-held punch might reach to make the holes for my ribbon.  I just used the faux bow technique (put both ends of your ribbon DOWN through the holes, cross over in the back, and bring both ends back up through the holes - voila!).  I have seen folks perhaps add a circle punch and words in this area and pop it up with dimensionals to hold your card in place...but this ribbon was easier and served the same purpose.  (Look on this blog for my Valentines to see how words can be used.)

Now, here is a pix of the Easel card.  THIS IS A GREAT IDEA FOR DEMONSTRATORS to either (1) send to your  hostess as a thanx -- and attach your business card, or (2) use as a place to showcase work AND sit a stack of your business cards for guests to pick up.  I LOVE TESS!!  She does a great job demonstrating my work AND spreading the word to would-be stampers!   : )

Any questions?  Contact me:

Brenda / btapp@msn.com / 919-929-1412

(OH YES!  Did you notice the 'fix' of the words on the front?  Yep - I miss-stamped something and just covered it up!  HA!  Betcha couldn't tell.  There is ALWAYS a fix of some sort on most of my cards...and I've been stamping a LONG time!!)

HAPPY STAMPING!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOVE LOVE LOVE the Heart of Hearts die !!

Have you tried Stampin' Up!'s newest Embosslits Die?  It's called 'Heart of Hearts' and is in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catty (January 5-April 30, 2010) on page 15.  Just choose your card stock and then run it through your Big Shot (using the Multi-purpose Platform and both cutting pads-- which come with your Big Shot when you order it) with your Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die ... and it comes out all decorated AND punched!  It is that EZ! 

What I've ALSO done here is run a piece of card stock (Lavendar Lace) through the NEW Textured Impressions Folder, 'Perfect Polka Dots' (also in the Occasions Mini, page 35).  I used the SU! Full Heart Punch to punch it out, and it fits PERFECTLY on the Heart of Hearts die cut, making a beautiful border.

...but my sweetie liked red better (love those easel cards!!), so guess what he got : )  ...

 

You may also notice that I've used the beautiful Scallop Trim Corner punch (Occasions catty, page 11) WITH the Scallop Trim BORDER punch (FREE in the current Sale-A-Bration) catty.  You cannot use all corner and border punches to make this beautiful all-around edging, but you can do this with these two punches.  CONTACT ME AND I WILL SHOW YOU HOW!!!  -- until next time, you can contact me at...

Brenda Tapp, 919-929-1412, btapp@msn.com

...and remember, when any of these items retire, you can use these ideas for your own creative ideas. 

Wood Grain Technique...and more!

This is just the coolest 'look' -- looks like real wood planks!  AND it's EASY!  Here's a photo, and here's how to do it!

Recipe: 

• CS (choose your size):  More Mustard
• CLASSIC INKS (use direct to paper technique, and apply in this order):  More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip.  CRAFT INK:  White.

Now, using the Basic Black Marker, draw horizontal lines about 3/4" apart. Then draw vertical lines (staggered somewhat).  Then place 'dots' on each side of the vertical lines to simulate nails.  DONE.  THAT'S IT!  EZ!!  Watch this video from DAWN. 

NOW, this is what I did using this technique:

 

Isn't this just the cutest chubby little owl?  He is made from various punches, specifically, the head is the Round Tab punch, the wings are the Scallop punch (you can make both wings from one Scallop punch), and his feet are from the Boho Blossoms punch.  I think I would re-do his beak, using the My Way Arrow punch.  His house is made using the Photo Corners punch. 

The background is the same wood technique:  Using Very Vanilla CS, I applied only Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip classic inks, and White craft ink.  Just too cute!!  hmmmm...I think I may go back and add GOOGLY eyes on him...

Always remember that even though some colors or stamp sets or embellishments may have retired, you can ALWAYS SUBSTITUTE YOUR OWN ideas!!