I love the kitsch of 1950’s retro. Just absolutely love it. Paper crafting is a way for me to enjoy ephemera in a whole new way – by taking the illustrations I love and making one-of-a-kind collage art from them.
Below are some of my recent creations. I have also included a free “Pressed for Time” pin-up image, which is a one-of-a-kind collage I made myself. Enjoy!
Like that last card? Here is the image I made using Photoshop. Feel free to save it and incorporate it in your own crafts.Be sure to check out my Etsy shop for lots more goodies. Thanks for supporting handmade!
So much amazing scrapbook paper! What shall I ever do with all of it?
I’m glad you asked! Here are ten fun ideas for what to do with all that delightful card stock. I would love to hear YOUR ideas too, so please feel free to comment. 🙂
1. Card Making
I love making greeting cards. Here are just a few of the pieces available now at my Bella Stitchery Etsy shop.
Let’s Do Lunch CardDrive You Crazy Card
2. Canvas Art
Super easy and a great way to display your favorite paper collection. This idea is from Better Homes and Gardens.
Canvas Art
3. Bookmarks
These darling monsters are sure to delight kids of any age. Learn how to make these cuties at Tally’s Treasury.
Monster Bookmarks
4. Ornaments
SOOOO many darling, simple ideas on the Internet to inspire ornament making! Here is just one example, from Houzz.
Star Ornaments
5. Gift Wrap
These boxes are flippin’ adorable – who cares what’s inside?! The paper used is from October Afternoon, my current favorite brand.
Gift Wrap Embellishments
6. Envelopes or Envelope Inserts
No matter what year it is, snail mail will always mean something special. You can easily personalize your envelopes using scrapbook paper. You can find some template designs at Apartment Therapy.
Envelopes
7. Flowers
I found this great blog with a tutorial for twenty different paper flowers. Check out It’s Always Autumn for the directions.
Paper Flowers
8. Banners
I have to admit, I’m a huge fan of banners. I make them for my fireplace mantle for the holidays, baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays. I am kind of obsessed. This is one I made for a baby shower a few years back.
Baby shower banner I made for a friend.
9. Decorate Office Supplies
This adorable file folder is from This Art Makes Me Happy. What a great idea! I’m sure you can extend this idea to include things like desk drawer liners, pen holder cups – the possibilities are endless!
File Folder
10. Scrapbook Pages
Let’s not forget the obvious, too. Scrapbook paper is perfect for….scrapbooking! Here is a page I made for my shop.
My girly scrapbook layout on Etsy
Thanks so much, friends! Hope you feel inspired! Keep in touch – I would love to hear your ideas too, and see what wonderful works of art you create!
My friend Callie and I share a passion for pin-ups! When she was recently promoted to Catering Manager in my sales office, I wanted to make her an extra-special card to welcome her.
This image was perfect, since it mixed a lovely retro pin-up girl with office supplies! lol
I love embellishing inside the cards, too. I think it adds 87 points to the fun factor (this card, for example, has a fun factor of 132, of course). 🙂
After a fun day of shopping at Paradise Pen (his new favorite store), we celebrated with pizza and Starbucks. Our 4-yr-old even did a fabulous birthday dance in the living room. Not too shabby.
I made Mike this cute card this morning. I have a tradition of making him hedgehog cards for all occasions. I loved this darling image. 🙂
I used Spellbinders dies for the shape (had to cut the black matting behind the image and yellow card stock by hand).
My father-in-law is a huge Chargers fan and I knew he was getting tickets to a game for his birthday, so I just had to make something football related.
So, what did I do? I busted out my trusty ol’ Photoshop and got to work! I found his profile picture from Facebook and then removed his head (wah, ha, ha ~ mad scientist laugh) and added it to this football picture I found in a google search.
I recently made this birthday card for a very special 4-yr-old. I thought the image looked just like her, so I was excited to make this unique greeting for her.
I was also in the middle of moving, so I only had about 1/2 my scrapbook supplies on hand (how did I make it through without my goodies, you ask? It wasn’t easy!)
I had no access to buttons, brads or ribbon, so I had to be a bit creative. 🙂
I went a little Stickles crazy here and then embellished the card with tons of flowers and rhinestones. The scalloped ovals and swirls in the corners are from the Storybook Cricut cartridge.
This kitschy pin-up Halloween card collection is full of unique elements and 1950’s inspired fun!
I wanted to use lots of retro feelin’ embellishments, like the sparkly brad and gingham ribbon.
October 17
1-3pm
Cost of the class is $25 and includes all the materials needed (please bring the basics: scissors, a strong adhesive such as Zip Dry, black ink, and 3D foam adhesive).
Call the store at 702-898-7414 or stop by:
5915 South Eastern Avenue #106
Las Vegas, NV 89119
to reserve your seat! Would you like to make the cards, but don’t have the time to come into the store for the class? Kits are now available!!
When you call to reserve the class, just mention that you’d like the kit only and I’ll be sure to have it ready for you (along with pictures and detailed instructions for your convenience). You can also find ready-made kits at the store anytime before the class day (while they last). Just pick it up and scrap at your leisure!!
NOTE: OFFERING A TRICK OR TREAT SPECIAL ALL OCTOBER!
TELL A FRIEND ABOUT MY CARD CLASSES! FOR EACH NEW PERSON THAT SIGNS UP FOR EITHER OCTOBER CLASS (10/3 AND 10/17), YOU’LL RECEIVE A $5 GIFT CARD FOR YOUR NEXT CLASS WITH ME!
My niece is starting the 4th grade tomorrow and I wanted to make her a special back to school card.
She loves Hello Kitty and I found this great SVG file for those of you who use Sure Cuts a Lot with your Cricut. I added red glitter to her bow using Martha Stewart’s Garnet glitter and some Ranger Glossy Accents.
Be sure to check out my Etsy shop for lots more goodies. Thanks for supporting handmade!
Bella Stitchery 