Happy Friday! It’s time for a new TGIF Challenge!!!
This week, we are challenging you to use paper piercing. Paper piercing is a great way to add interest to your projects. It’s usually quite subtle, because it’s tone on tone. But it also adds a great wow factor. There are many ways to use paper piercing, including selecting a die cut pre-formatted with stitching or piercing, using a sewing machine to stitch right on the card, or using a Paper Piercing Tool and mat.
I combined a couple of those methods on my card. First, I used the Rectangle Stitched Framelit Dies to create an embedded frame featuring the Garden Impressions Designer Series Paper.
Second, I used a Paper Piercer to create a pierced design on the So Saffron section of the frame. I originally thought I’d look for a die cut to use as a template for the piercing, but then I noticed the pattern of leaves on the vase in the center. That inspired me to draw a similar leaf pattern around the frame. I drew the design very lightly with a pencil. Then, I simply used a Paper Piercing Tool and mat to poke holes through the pattern. Don’t be intimidated by this technique. It doesn’t have to be perfectly spaced to work. Mine certainly isn’t. The mind just pulls it all together.
When I finished, I used an artist eraser to remove the pencil marks.
I was really happy with how this turned out! It ended up being fairly easy and just a little time consuming. Plus, I had fun:)
To finish up the center, I embossed the vase and flowers in white on Shimmery White Cardstock. Then, I watercolored them with Night of Navy, Pacific Point, So Saffron, Mango Melody, and Soft Seafoam ink.
I used the coordinating Vase Builder Punch to punch out the vase. Then, I used scissors to cut out the flowers. (I prepared two sets of flowers so I could cut out a single flower to add some dimension to the bouquet.)
At the end when it came to adding a sentiment, I realized this card was already pretty busy. Plus, I didn’t want to cover up the paper piercing or designer series paper. So I decided to simply emboss the sentiment on Vellum Cardstock and cut around the edges.
Be sure to click over to the TGIF Challenges Blog to see all the designers’ cool paper piercing projects this week! At the bottom of that post, you can link your own project to enter our challenge. Please, please, please enter!!! I want to see your projects! This is a super fun challenge this week.
Have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy Easter with your family, and hope you can squeeze out a little time for crafting.
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