CRAFTING TIP OF THE WEEK (#31) PAPER BAGS PLEASE!

Hello All!

I like Kraft paper, do you?

Its' natural, raw elements seem to lend themselves to vintage, shabby chic, French Country, rustic and even elegant designs.

As I worked in making my series of Kraft cards I was inspired yet again and came up with this week's tip.

If you like kraft cardstock let me suggest a way to get the look of KRAFT paper by using something most of you may already own.

There is no coloring, chalking or inking involved (unless of course you want there to be). As crafters that is often an option we simply cannot resist :)

Pull out those wonderful, BROWN PAPER BAGS you bring home from the grocery store or card shop & get "Krafting".

Here are some of the ways I thought of using them:
- Tearing them & applying them as a faux wallpaper technique on a card or layout
- Using your punches
- Stenciling
- Using them with your Cricut- it works (I have not done it a lot, I just tried a test sample and I believe the settings were: medium pressure, medium speed, real dial size on & made sure it was well adhered to the mat before starting. It held up well.
- Stitching
- Paper piercing
- Cutting with pinking shears- even paper trimmers will work depending on the thickness of the bag.

I am certain you guys can think of more uses so get to it.
It is an inexpensive, creative & fun way of making use of something you may already own and taking it to yet another level.

Here's a little picture of a couple of things I tried.




Please note: my particular paper bag was not thick or dense. It was a nice quality grade. Paper bags come in many variations so just be sure to do a little test on yours first. Think practically when attempting to use your tools such as paper trimmers and the Cricut. Thinner grade bags are best for this application.


Happy Crafting!