Paper Issues: January Try It Tuesday!

Hi Paper Loving Friends!

Welcome back for the January edition of 

Yay! Love this challenge!

To get celebrating the New Year in style, we're going to try using party decor in our projects this month!

Suggested items that you could use include:

- straws

- banners

- streamers

- sequins

-glitter

-stickers

-balloons

- ribbons & bows

- napkins

-party favours

Use one, or use a few, on your creative projects!

This challenge is suitable for ALL project types - cards, layouts, planners, TNs, pocket pages, OTPs etc. & you can enter as many new creations as you like!

I can't wait to see what you'll come up with!

Here's my sample layout for you....

"Birthday Wishes"

Eeeep! Isn't this the cutest!!!

I have used the super bright and fun, Pebbles Happy Hooray collection - LOVE it!

When it comes to buying #allthethings I may have issues! 

Why on earth did I buy that Cake Topper Set when I don't get time to bake?!! LOL!

Well never fear, I used it, as well as some party straws, to create my layout today! 

And I have to say, I am pretty pleased with how this page came together.

Here's a closer view for you.....

Oh this just screams PARTY time!!! SO cute! 

I've created an adorable lil party scene around my birthday boys photo!

I use pattern paper Party Animal and my Fringe Scissors to create the appearance of grass, and then I  proceed to build the 'scene' up. 

The Die Cut party animals in the grass are the cutest! 

I insert my Cake Toppers Happy Hooray skewers into my paper straws, so they no longer look like cake decorations, and I apply the banner too! 

Who would've thought the Cake Toppers would be perfect for a layout?!!

I fussy cut some sprinkle clouds from pattern paper, Sprinkles On Top, and add Puffy Icon Sticker balloons to the 'sky'. SO cool!

A few more Ephemera Die Cuts & embellishments complete my Happy Birthday page!

Cuteness overload!

Such a bright and fun collection for documenting those celebrations with!

Absolutely adorable!

I hope you feel inspired by my colorful creation!

And now it's your turn!

I can't wait to see what you'll create for this fun edition of Try It Tuesday!

**Upload your creations in the January Album of Paper Issues Friends & Fans Facebook Group HERE to go in the draw to win a Paper Issues Gift Card**

Sharing on instagram? 

Tag @paperissues  and #paperissues so we can like, comment and maybe even share your project too!

Yay!!!

Need supplies before you get started?
Visit the store HERE
& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA & you'll save 20% off your total spend! 

Want a lil more inspiration before you get started?

See what our awesome team have created here. 

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues:December Try It Tuesday!

Hi Paper Loving Friends!

Can you believe it's the last month of the year already?!!
Let's make it a December to Remember with this month's edition of Paper Issues

This month let's use up all those ends of papers, paper strips and even the printed barcode strips of papers to create with! 

Suggested Ideas include:

 Create a shape such as a star, heart, or snowflake with your paper strips
 Stitch your strips together then die cut out a shape or tag
 Paper piece a cut file shape with strips
 Create multiple borders or frames  
Make a diagonal feature of strips in your background

I'm sure you'll have tons of creative uses for these strips! 

I had so much fun creating for this challenge, here's what I came up with,

"JOY"

JOY indeed! Snow much fun! 

I've used the gorgeous Pinkfresh Studio: December Days collection for my sweet Christmas page.

I had quite a few off cuts and left over papers from the 6 x 6 Paper Pad to use up from this line.

 As I was creating a Christmas layout, I took inspiration from my background patterned paper Ornaments, and decided to create my own paper strip Christmas trees! SO cool!

I just LOVE how effective the paper strip trees look! 

Here's a closer look for you.....

To add to the impact, I decorated my trees with sequin stars, Die Cut ornaments, and even popped a few presents (Puffy Stickers) under the trees. 

How awesome is that Chipboard Frame too?! Loving it all!

I hope my layout has inspired you to get creating but before you do, 

check out some more inspiration from our incredible team here.

Need supplies before you start?

Visit the Paper Issues store HERE

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA & you'll save 20% off your total spend - Yay!!!

Love that Cold As Ice Shimmerz Paints background? 

Get yours here and type AMANDA in the comments section of your order to receive a FREE gift! 

Yay for free paint!

Creating at its best! 

Be sure to upload all your paper strip projects (cards, layouts, pocket pages, off the pages etc) in the

Paper Issues Friends & Fans Facebook Group: December Album HERE

Every new entry earns your the chance to win a Paper Issues Gift Card -

 so what are you waiting for?!!

Have FUN!!!

Thanks so much for visiting, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: November Try It Tuesday!

Hi Papercrafting Friends! 

It's time for another super fun edition of 

One of my favourite challenges on the Paper Issues calendar, 

but hey, I may be bias, lol! 

I just love trying new things, and I get really excited by all the wonderful ideas you all share with us! 

This month we want you to try....

 creating your own embellishments!

(and then use that embellishment/s on your project that you share with us!)

So much fun!

Here's just a few suggestions/ideas of DIY embellishments to get you started:

Make your own flowers from dies, layered cut files or ribbons

Paper rosettes

 Layered tags

 Feathered arrows from skewer sticks

 Stitch die cut ephemera together to create a new look

Banners / bunting & flags from washi tape

The possibilities are endless!

& Remember: This challenge is suitable for all creations; scrapbook layouts, cards, OTPs, planners etc

For my DIY embellishments,  I chose to make paper rosettes. 

You'll notice that I hot glued puffy stickers over the center joins for a more 'polished' look......

Aren't they gorgeous?!
You'll also spot that I also created my own layered tag from pattern paper, ephemera, stickers and one of my rosettes. I LOVE how this turned out!
Here's how I combined them all into my layout,

"Sweet Girl"

WOW! Happiness is definitely here!

Such a fun and vibrant page of my sweet girl!

I have used the stunning Crate Paper: Maggie Holmes Carousel collection & it's available in the store HERE.

 I just love how bright and playful it is!

To keep everything looking beautifully coordinated, I used pattern papers and stickers from this line to make my rosettes and tag too!

 Let's take a closer look.....

Oh so gorgeous!!! All the paper pretties!!!

From the 6 x 12 Stcikers to the Puffy & Chipboard Stickers, the Die Cut Ephemera & even those Enamel Pin Stickers -  this collection is out to impress!

Just look at that Enamel circus tent?!! So super cute!

The patterned paper base is the B-side of Fairgrounds - love the black n white pattern against those POP colours!

And before you ask, that STUNNING mixed media background has been created with my favourite Shimmerz Paints: Vibez mists!

You'll spy Hermit The Frog, Jeni B Bleu, Sunset Strip & Razzeldazzel Berry! LOVE them all!

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my take on this month's challenge! 

Now it's your turn,

 I can't wait to see what you make! 

Upload your new projects to the Friends & Fans Facebook Group:

 November Challenge Album HERE

Need supplies before you start?

Get yours in the Paper Issues store HERE

& REMEMBER: Use code AMANDA & you'll save 20% off your total spend - Yay!

Thanks so much for visiting!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: October Try It Tuesday!

Hi Creative Friends!

I am so excited to share another super fun edition of Paper Issues Try It Tuesday challenge!

 Yay!

I love trying out new things, and I hope you'll enjoy the challenge I've set for this month!

October's edition of Try It Tuesday is to either paint, colour, or spray your cardstock  

& then use a punch, die or cut file to cut it out and feature on your project! 

Literally, Paint it then Punch it!

Here's what I'm meaning......

I created this pretty watercolour background for a challenge a while ago, but I never ended up using it. It was perfect for today's challenge, with those old butterfly punches.

Here's how I used the butterflies on my project.....

"Dream Chaser"

Oh swoon! Isn't this just the prettiest outcome?!!

I've used the gorgeous Pink Paislee: Paige Taylor Evans: Turn The Page collection. 

The butterflies & colours in this line coordinated beautifully with my painted 'n' punched butterflies.

So pretty! 

I love mixed media, but it can be daunting for some...  

This technique of paint and punch is a great approach to introducing paints into your layouts, but remaining in control of the 'mess'. 

Clean mixed media, it's a thing y'all!

Love it!!!

Here's a closer view for you..... 

Such a gorgeous, whimsical page!

Love the flow and direction that the butterflies create in this design.

As well as my punched butterflies, you'll also spy some fabulous Die Cuts, Puffy Stickers and Chipboard Stickers from the Turn The Page line. 

Turn The Page is such a bright, fun and happy collection!

Aren't those florals just divine?!!

Beautiful!

Hope my layout has inspired you to play along - 

I can't wait to see what you create!

Upload your creations with us in the October Album 

in the Paper Issues Friends & Fans Facebook Group

Need supplies before you get started?

Shop this beautiful line and so much more, in the Paper Issues store HERE

& REMEMBER: Use my code AMANDA & you'll save 20% off every.single.time your order! Yay!!!

Looking for more Try It Tuesday inspiration?

See what the rest of our talented team has created here.

Thanks for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: September Try It Tuesday

Hi Creative Friends!

It's time for another super fun and kinda messy edition of Paper Issues

I just love how much you are all embracing this challenge and giving it a good ole fashioned go!
So without further ado,
 I'm spinning you right round, as we go in circles for September!

 Use any mediums to create circles on your project!
Here's a few ideas to get you started....

Suggested Ideas: 
*print circles from jar lids, & paper rolls that have been dipped in paint/ink
*use a stencil
*use the FREE Wonky Circle Burst cut file as a template
*stamp small circles with pencil eraser tips in your ink pads
*spray mists inside circular tubes (or paper rolls)
*print with bubble wrap 

*draw circles in pen

*add droplets to create circles

The possibilites are endless, just make sure you have fun!!!

Here's what I have created this month, 

"Celebrate Today"

Isn't this pretty?!!

So many gorgeous elements and details here!

I have used Maggie Homes' Carousel collection, and even used that polka dot paper, Kaleidoscope, to enhance the circles look! 

I've used Shimmerz Dazzlerz in Tutti Frutti  with a circles and dots stencil, and then added splats and drips from Shimmerz Spritz in Cotton Candy , as well as printed a circle or 2 from a container lid too! 

You'll also spy those pretty (circle) button embellishments, from the Ephemera Die Cuts pack in this collection too! 

And lots of luscious layering beneath my photograph!

Here's a few close ups for you.....

Just look at that Shimmer-y goodness! Circles never looked so pretty!

Printed dot delight here!

Mint, pink, black & white are such a beautiful combination!

There's even dotty goodness on that chipboard bow! 

Divine! 

Hope I've inspired you to get messy and enjoy some circular fun this month!

See what the rest of our amazing team has created for this challenge here

I can't wait to see all your beautiful creations for this challenge! 

 Add your projects to the September Challenge album in our Paper Issues {friends & fans} facebook group here.
Enter as many new projects as you like by October 1st, 

our winners will be announced October 2nd.

Need supplies before you start?!

Visit the Paper Issues store here

& REMEMBER: Use my code AMANDA & you'll save 20% off! Yay!!!

Shopping at Shimmerz Paints?

 *Quote my name, AMANDA, in the comments section of your order and they'll send you a product gift with your order*  Yay! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: August Try It Tuesday

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to a new month of paper crafting awesomeness with Paper Issues!

Today I am kicking off the August challenges with this month's edition of Try It Tuesday!

& let me say,

 I have been so impressed with all the entries we've been receiving for this challenge! 

So fabulous to see everyone having a go!

Try It Tuesday is all about taking risks and trying something new - or just different - in your creating, & this month's challenge is super fun!

TAPE IT UP! 

Yep, this month I want you to use masking tape, washi tape, cello tape, as long as it's a tape, I wanna see it on your projects (layouts, cards, pocket pages, off the page items) in a new and inventive way! 

Think creating textures, masks, patterns and even your own embellishments from tape!

Here's my sample for you.....

"Little Explorer"

Nawww! Isn't he the cutest?! Love my lil explorer!

And how about that textural, washi tape star?!!

I've used the super fun Crate Paper Cool Kid collection and teamed it up with the Fancy Pants Designs: Sweet Nothings collection washi tape 

(The designs just happen to be a perfect a match!)

Today is all about the tape though, so let's take a closer look at it.....

To create a more textural appearance, I've scrunched, wrinkled and folded my tape in sections to create an uneven and interesting shape. The star is then stapled into place and embellished with cotton floss and veneer stars. Love it!!!

Such a cool way to use tape!

Hope my layout has inspired you to play along!

Now it's your turn, 

Create a new project featuring tape and upload it to the 

Paper Issues Friends and Fans Facebook group 

to go in the draw to win a Paper Issues gift card! Yay!

Can't wait to see what you create!

Need supplies before you start? 

Visit the Paper Issues store here, 

& REMEMBER to use my code AMANDA & you'll save 20% off your total spend!!!

Need a lil more inspiration?

See what the rest of our incredible team has created here

Thanks for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: July Try It Tuesday!

Hi Happy Arty Days Friends!

Welcome back for another super fun edition of Paper Issues Try It Tuesday!

This month we're going to get a lil messy with paint, & try the scraping technique! Yay! 

This technique is really easy, super fun and creates the coolest backgrounds! 

Here's a quick step by step of what I am meaning.....

1. Apply a few spots of acrylic paint to your layout. 

Ensure that you use colors that will blend well together 

2. Take a palette knife, old store card or even a piece of cardboard, apply mild pressure & literally, scrape the paint.

3. Scrape paint repeatedly until you're happy with the results!

I felt mine was a lil lacking in the pink color, so I added a few paint splatters.....

Such an awesome fun background!

Here's what I created with my paint scrape background....

"FUN"

Oh W.O.W!!! 

Doesn't this just scream Summer Fun?!!!

I've used Echo Park Summer Dreams collection & had a ton of  FUN embellishing this!

You'll notice that my background has become more subtle now, 

and really just highlights my layout - perfect!

Here's a few close ups for you.... 

Lots of layers, chipboard stickers, element stickers and die cuts - so cool!

Here's another view of that awesome paint...

So fabulous! Sweet on Summer indeed!

I really hope that my layout has inspired you!

I love to get messy, and even if you don't, 

I hope you'll Try It for Tuesday ;)

I can't wait to see what you all create for this fun challenge!

Be sure to upload all your new projects into the Paper Issues Friends & Fans group now through August 1st! 

Please tag Paper Issues on your social media posts too, 

as we really love seeing what you've created!

Need supplies from the Paper Issues store? 

Use my code: AMANDA & you'll save 20% off your total spend! Yay! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days,

Amanda xo 

Paper Issues: June Try It Tuesday!

Hi Creatives Friends & Fans!

Welcome back for the June edition of Paper Issues new mixed media challenge, 

This month we're trying something a little less challenging, 

but involving tons of texture and fun! 

This month's task is to add fabric to your creations! 

Textiles are a fabulous medium to use in our projects, and can include items such as, 

lace, ribbon, pom poms, tulle, fabric squares, cotton/thread, sewing, weaving, buttons and bows to name a few!

Be as creative as you like! 

Here's what I've created for this month's Try It Tuesday....

"Living the Life..."

Isn't this the sweetest?!! Soooooooo pretty!

You'll spy milliner's lace, bakers twine, pom pom trim, buttons and a ribbon for my fabric elements, as well as the gorgeous Maggie Holmes Chasing Dreams collection. 

Here's a closer look for you.....

Loving the accents of gold foil chipboard stickers & the fabric touches really add dimension and texture to my sweet page!

How awesome is that milliner's lace (hat tulle)?!!

I love the look of this so much!

Ribbon and baker's twine are easy to add to any creation! 

I hope you liked my project, and will give this fun challenge a go!

There are so many fun ways to try using fabric in your creating!

Did you know Paper Issues even has a ribbon, twine & trim section in the store? 

Check it out here

& 

REMEMBER to use my code AMANDA to save 20% off your total spend! Yay!

I can't wait to see what you come up with! 

Be sure to upload your new creations to the 

Paper Issues Friends and Fans Facebook group - June challenge album here.

Follow & tag us on instagram too! 

We love to share your creating too! ;) 

Need more inspiration? Visit the Paper Issues blog here

Thanks so much for stopping by today, 

til next time, 

Happy Arty Days, 

Amanda xo