Hydrangeas and Efficient DSP Cutting!

Hi Friends!  This week, I wanted to share how to get the most out of your designer series papers - Efficient DSP cutting!  While I was doing that, I used some of the Hydrangea Hill papers.  Those papers are SO gorgeous!  I also ended up making a basket that would be perfect for Easter.

Just a reminder that I go Live on my Facebook Page every Thursday at 11:00am ET.

 

If you were not able to catch me live, you can still watch it on my Demonstrator Page , OR on YouTube.  If the picture does not appear below, you can click HERE to get to it on YouTube.

 

 Let's jump in - this is a guide that I drew during the video to show the different cutting/sizes that I worked with.  I started drawing on the left side, and kept going to the right...and then had to grab a scrap piece of paper.  At least it gives you some context.

 

 I first used the sketch on the left side of the paper - the idea is to cut your papers 4" x 5 1/4".  Pattern direction matters, so take that into consideration.  This gives you (6) panels to create cards with.  I like this size when I want the DSP to take up the entire background layer of the card.

This print in particular was outstanding because of the rows of hydrangeas.  Layering the panel directly on to a card front is a great design, but sometimes you may want to trim it down a wee bit more and add another cardstock layer in there.  Notice the Rococo Rose card on the left has a white layer...kind of pops more.  The Highland Heather card on the right does not have a layer - both are still great cards!

 

 

Next I cut a 12x12 sheet down into 3" x 4" pieces.  This gives you a smaller layer to add to your card.  WHY would you want this size?  A few reasons could be - you may be making multiples of cards, like Christmas cards or birthday cards - something where you want a lot of the same design.  OR, maybe you have only ONE sheet left of a particular pattern...so this will stretch that paper for you.

 

I definitely wanted to add a layer of white behind the 3" x 4" panels, to make it pop out a little.  I also added an embossed background, tone-on-tone.  You could leave the embossed layer off, and that would also be a great card.  I just think that extra embossed layer adds so much more interest.

 

Notice that I stuck with the Double Oval punch for the greetings.  White on white layers, with the coordinating ink.  I was trying to keep it simple for my demonstration, but I really like the look.

 

The last measurement that I had was 4" x 4".  You get (9) pieces this size, from a 12x12 sheet.  Again, good for when you need to make multiples of cards, OR certain projects.  I made two things with the 4" x 4" pieces.  In the video, I showed just the card base with a textured background and the dsp layer.  I didn't have time to finish that card, but I've finished now for you to see!

 

Here is the 4" x 4" piece layered on the card front -  I added a piece of Petal Pink...just plain, no embossing.

 

Then I went a little overboard, but I love the end result!  I started with a die from the Ornate Layers dies, and then trimmed down a piece of Petal Pink to fit inside.  Embossed that with the Parisian Flourish folder - same one that I used to emboss that base layer of Rococo Rose, so it ties it together. 

I wrapped some of that Sweet Sugarplum ribbon around, because it really does go nicely with the Rococo Rose.  I have some left, so I might as well use it up!  Stamped and die cut the hydrangea and little tag.  That teeny tiny little pin that I attached the tag with is from a shirt that I bought!  I save those types of little things, because you never know when they'll come in handy!
 

I finished with a few Elegant Faceted Gems, and Wink of Stella all over the hydrangea and leaves.  Like I said, I went a little overboard...but I like it.  :)

 

The last project that I showed was a basket, made with a 12" x 12" piece of Rococo Rose card stock.  Score at 4" on all sides - the key to this basket is you need a piece of card stock that is divisible by 3.  Watch the video for assembly.  

I took the 4" x 4" pieces of DSP and then trimmed them down to 3 7/8" x 3 7/8".  I used liquid glue to tack them down, because it's sturdier and holds forever (as far as I know).  

Here's a top-view - 

I ran out of time on Thursday, and did not create a tag for the basket.  I did that yesterday - I used a very old Easter Lamb stamp that I have, and added some color with markers (Rococo Rose, Petal Pink, and Soft Seafoam).  Stamp and hand-cut the "happy easter". 

 

The base of the tag is a 2" strip, embossed with the Dainty Diamonds folder.  Then add a 2 1/2" circle of Rococo Rose, and punch the lamb out with the 2 1/4" circle punch.  Finish off with some Basic Pearls.

Just to give you an idea of another size - I still have this Halloween basket in my craft room.  Same exact concept, except this one is smaller.  This one used a 8 1/4" x 8 1/4" piece of cardstock to start off.  Scored on all sides at 2 3/4".  Remember I said it has to be divisible by 3....

 

Notice that the DSP pieces are coming up????  That's because I used the mono-adhesive tape, and that does not hold up long-term.  I'm going to go back and glue all these down with the liquid glue.

 

I've also made this same style basket with a piece as small as 6" x 6".  Scored at 2" on each side.  That would be a great use for some of those 6" x 6" DSP packs that we all seem to hoard.  Instead of making the basket out of cardstock and adding DSP layers to the panels - just make it out of DSP to start with.  Try it!!!
 

 

I hope you learned something about cutting your papers efficiently, and that you are inspired to use them up!

 

Supplies you'll need to create these (Stampin' Up, unless otherwise noted.  Items may be retired.):

Stamps:  Hydrangea Haven bundle (stamps and dies), Easter Lamb

Ink: Highland Heather, Rococo Rose, Oreo (Taylored Expressions)

Paper: Highland Heather, Rococo Rose, Petal Pink, White, Hydrangea Hill DSPs

Other:  Double Oval punch, Parisian Flourish/Dainty Diamonds/Tasteful Textiles/Tin Tile embossing folders, Ornate Layers dies,
2 1/4" and 2 1/2" circle punches, Ornate Tag Topper punch, Stampin' Write markers (Rococo Rose, Petal Pink, Soft Seafoam), Pastel Pearls, Elegant Faceted Gems, Basic Pearls, Sweet Sugarplum Ruched ribbon, Clear Wink of Stella pen.

Thanks for visiting, and Happy stamping!

Toni

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