Hello Stampers! It’s TGIF Challenges time!!! This week, we have a technique challenge to create projects with belly bands. Belly bands work great for wrapping around cards or boxes to secure them closed. What’s even better is that they slip off easily, so upon opening, your lovely artwork stays intact.
My favorite use for belly bands is wrapping boxes. On this gift box, I cut a strip of Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper measuring 3″ x 12″. I get the best results by finger folding the belly band around the box first, and then using a Bone Folder to set the folds. That way, I don’t need to worry about measuring and I get a perfect fit every time.
To ensure my belly band is strong, I recommend using Tear and Tape Adhesive to secure it together on the bottom of the box. (Or, you could also hid the seam under the label.)
I added a second layer to my belly band, including a strip of Whisper White Cardstock measuring 3/4″ wide, with a strip of Delightfully Detailed Laser Cut Specialty Designer Series Paper on top, using the same method. Again, finger folding works great, because each layer is slightly larger.
To decorate the top, I used another section of the Delightfully Detailed Laser Cut Specialty Designer Series Paper. This paper is white on one side and a shimmery vanilla on the other. I thought I’d try watercoloring the vanilla side with Old Olive ink, and I love how it turned out!
For the bird and flowers, I simply fussy cut some Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper and added a few Birthday Dies leaves.
I also created a card to go with my gift box. The card does not include a belly band, but it does incorporate some more of that beautiful Delightfully Detailed Laser Cut Specialty Designer Series Paper (the leaves in the background, again watercolored with Old Olive ink.)
I watercolored a background layer with Pool Party ink on Shimmery White cardstock. Then, for added interest, I used both a Pool Party and Basic Black Stampin’ Write Marker to flick splatters. (Use the cap to flick the brush towards the paper for a fine mist of splatters.)
Again, I simply fussy cut the bird and flowers from Bird Ballad Designer Series Paper. Then, I added some Mossy Meadow leaf die cuts to break up the bird from the lighter leaves in the background.
Be sure to check out the TGIF Challenges Blog and all the designers’ belly band projects! Then, create one of your own and link it on the bottom of that post to enter our challenge! I can’t wait to see what you create!!!
Have a great day! xxx
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LOVE it!!! SO gorgeous!!
Thanks so much Holly! 🥰