Creative Cards Saturday

Howdy Scrappers!  It's Jody here and I'm happy to be hanging out with you for Creative Cards Saturday.  This is my first assignment as a Design Team member and I'm super excited!  I wanted to share some easy ways to add texture to your projects without adding too much bulk.

Now if you're like me, you don't want your special cards to get ruined while traveling via the USPS (U.S. Postal Service), right?  Right!  The rule of thumb for the USPS is the envelop has to fit through their little thickness tester, which is a quarter inch slot, in order for there NOT to be any extra postage charge for a thick envelop.  This quarter inch of space also allows for the envelopes to be fed through the machine without being damaged.  Sometimes I feel like the Post Master at my local Post Office grabs that darn thing as soon as he sees me walk in!

Solutions! One way to add texture without adding all that bulk is to use burlap string or bakers twine.  Memory Works carries the WRMK Bakers Twine in wide variety of colors, along with the awesome Sew Easy Tool.  You'll also find burlap string in some of the monthly Express Kits.  This small addition can add a nice touch of texture and depth to your cards and other projects.

A second way to add dimension is by using 'pop-dots.'  I used the American Crafts Dimensional Tabs to give my punched cloud element a little lift off the card.  I also inked the edges to give them more definition.  I used both techniques on the card below.

Hint: When tying a knot or bow with burlap string or baker's twine, put a small dab of Glossy Accents onto the center and your bow or knot won't come loose. 

Another great way to add some texture and shine to your cards, or any other project, is by using Ranger's Glossy Accents.  Just use the bottle tip to dispense a small amount onto a die cut (or hand cut) element, sticker, stamped image, flower or whatever your heart desires.  Glossy Accents dries fast and adds a pretty shine to spice up your project.  You can also use Ranger's Crackle Accents for a unique cracked effect as well.  Did you know that Glossy Accents is a super strong adhesive also?  This great product can do some serious double duty as a part of  your scrapping supplies.  I can't scrap without it! 

My hand cut banner before Glossy Accents.

After Glossy Accents

Another way to add some texture is to curl the edges of your paper.  I love this technique and use it to add a vintage feel to my projects.  All you need is a little water and your fingers!  I used my aqua pen to run some water along the edges of the paper,  then used my fingers to gently curl the paper.  So simple! 

**I used a card sketch for this card from Let's Scrap. (sketch  03-16-11)

You can see the Crackle Accents used on the flowers.

Here are my Memory Works supplies:



Other supplies: Fiskars Cloud Punch & ATG Gun.

Thank for stopping by today and hope you'll use some of these easy techniques on your next projects.  Please stop by my blog, SpiegelMom Scraps, for more pictures.

Happy Scrappin'!