Squares, repeated

I do scrapbook as well, you know!

Repeating a simple shape for a patterned effect works just as well on a larger scale as well as on cards. For this scrapbook page, I simply used a variety of co-ordinating scraps and arranged them in a grid pattern. I stamped on some of the squares to add a bit of variety. As you can see, the photo didn't quite fit in the grid so I added some brads down one side to balance everything out. The scalloped trim on top and bottom ties it all together.

I've just ordered a big batch of photos - there is so much of last year still missing from my scrapbooks. I'll have plenty more to share with you soon!

P.S. I use www.snapfish.co.uk for my prints - email me on katebucci@wightcat.com if you would like a referral :)

Quick and easy cards :: No. 2

Any punched shape, repeated in co-ordinating colours, is an easy way to create a stylish card. I particularly love this scalloped square, but any similar shape would do. A striking ribbon finishes it off nicely.

Do you know the simplest way to get your ribbon to look good? Instead of tying two ends of ribbon together to make a bow, lay one long piece of ribbon flat, take a shorter piece and tie around it. Much easier!

Do you believe in fairies?

This book is available to pre-order now, and will be with us (and you) in May. There are some beautiful designs in there and we are dying to get our hands on it!

New Book - Parchment Craft, A Classic Collection

This new Parchment Crafts book will be published later this month and is now available for pre-order on our website www.wightcat.com

This 92 page book is ideal both for beginners and experts in the craft.
It contains parchment craft techniques, step-by-step instructions for embossing, lace making, 3D figures & painting in various mediums

Each project is accompanied by work descriptions, a large colour photo of the completed work, thumbnails enlarging various sections of every project & patterns printed in full size for easy replication

Clear and concise instructions help to ensure that even newcomers to this fascinationg craft can follow with ease. There are plenty of tips from the designers, a tools/materials conversion table & tricks on how to achieve perfect lace

Designers- Dorothy Holness, Julie Roces, Tatsue Shibata, Loes Laanen, Ria van der Ploeg, Akiko Shida, Robyn Cockburn, Carla Prediger Trasel, Trisha Liu, Kannikar Sukseree, Mary G Kerr, Ria Van Avondt and Patricia Murphy

A total of 32 patterns and a multitude of interpretations guarantees months of endless parching

Available from Pre-Order Now at Wightcat Crafts www.wightcat.com

A parchment peek...

Hilary has been hard at work on the sample card for this week's parchment workshop.

I wish I had her patience!

A quick and easy card

Ever need a card in a hurry? I have been making a stash of quick and easy cards that I thought I'd share with you. Simple designs are the best!

For this one, all you need is some paper scraps. Cut into strips that are not quite as wide as your card blank, and around 1.5 inches high. The beauty of this card is that it doesn't matter if they are not even or exact.

Ink the edges of each strip. I find this makes such a difference and really makes your card look great. These chalk inks are great for this as the small pads are easy to handle and they dry quickly.

Arrange the strips on the card blank, deliberately making them slightly askew. This saves you having to line them up evenly. Use a strong pattern in the middle of the card, and choose two or three other papers to repeat, bringing the design together.

Layer some paper flowers together and secure them with a brad. Two or three flowers together gives a fuller effect. Secure these to the card. If you don't want to poke a hole in the card to put the brad through, just use a glue dot or some double sided tape instead.

Create your greeting. I like to use my own handwriting on a strip of co-ordinating cardstock. If you don't like your handwriting, you could use a stamp or a peel-off instead. Ink the edges of the cardstock strip and adhere to the card, tucking it behind the flowers. Of course, you could always leave the greeting blank and just fill it in when you're ready to use the card.

And there you have it! A quick card to use up your scraps.