Paper Mache Hearts Swap Announced

open to Paper Traders group members only

Hostess: Cathy C
1-for-1 Paper Mache Heart (3" minimum size)
Theme: Anything
Technique required: Paper Mache – must be 3" wide or 3" tall or larger. You can add a loop for hanging if you would like.

Inspired by the creations of Crafty Cupid, you can find the how-tos on her blog here:
http://www.craftycupid.com/index.php/cc/entry/mache-mixed-media-heart-tutorial/

Sign-up deadline: August 6th
Partners announced: August 8th
Postmarked by Sept. 4th

Please sign up in the database on the main Paper Traders Yahoo site by August 6th.  I will randomly pick partners and post a list on the group site as well as email participants. You must have your address in the member database to participate.

** Once partners are announced, please go to the member database on the main Paper Traders Yahoo site and find out what your partner's favorite colors and themes are so that we can really make a personal heart for each other. If you haven't had a chance to add this to your info, now is the time. :)

You will mail your finished art to your partner by the post date of September 4th.

Please upload your finished art to the project album on the Paper Traders Swaps Yahoo group.

Rules for 1 for 1 swaps:

1. Please mail out your art by the postmark deadline.   It is important that you contact your partner by email if you are going to be late.
2. If you sign up and then cannot participate after partners have been assigned, please let me know as soon as possible so that the partner list can be adjusted. This is important and affects the integrity of the swap so commit to participating wisely.
3. Open to International members.  Please let me know if you prefer not to mail internationally.
4. Please use correct postage and mail in padded envelope or small box so our hearts don't get crushed. (hee hee, no pun intended)

DIY "Washi Tape" Tutorial

One of our members, Cathy Calamas
has shared her recent tutorial on making your own
"Washi Tape"
*************************

I love Washi Tape.

But, it's in limited supply here in my town

and a little pricey.

So, that must mean it's DIY time.

:D

I've seen several tutorials across blogland and Youtube,

so I can't claim originality here.

However, I did do it a little differently and

I added text sentiments so I hope you will

find this informative.

tissue paper / napkin samples

Supplies:

Scrapbook paper - the thinner the better. I use the cheap paper

that you can pick up at the dollar bins at Target for this.

You can also use tissue paper ( if you like a more transparent look),

colorful napkins or thin wrapping paper. It should have the weight of

masking tape when finished.

If you want that kind of waxy feel, use tissue paper that has a shine to it.

(the top polka-dotted tissue paper has a shine to it)

Ink pads in a variety of color.

Double-sided sticky tape ( I got mine at the hardware store so

it is industrial strength. Not necessary but it's what I had on hand)

Various sentiment stamps (the clear acrylic stamps work best as it

is easier to position on the strips). 

Various small stamps like the florals above.

 A paper cutter, or scissors, or e-xacto knife.

Run a strip of tape down the scrapbook paper.

You can do several of one color or one

per sheet, depending on what you want and need.

Cut along edge of tape using your paper cutter. 

I wouldn't recommend cutting with scissors as it is

hard to get a clean edge. If you don't have a cutter use

an e-xacto knife by placing a metal ruler along the edge

of the tape and cutting down the edge.

Although, you will need to use your scisssors to cut

the tissue paper. An e-xacto will tear it.

Stamp your sentiments in what ever color ink

you think will coordinate.

You can also stamp designs onto the tape;

it can fit within width of tape or fall outside.

Both look good.

You can store them by wrapping them around empty

thread or ribbon spools or paper towel rolls

 cut into sections. Fasten off with a twist tie.

A little quick and easy friendship card I made with some of the tape.

Our Image Transfer Technique Canvas Swap

Want to participate in swaps like this?  Click on the purple yahoo button on the right and start on your Paper Traders journey.

Beckie H. 

Cathy C. 

Debra C. 

Melissa W. 

Nancy S. 

Shelly R.

Our Mad Tea Party Swap

Want to participate in swaps like this?  Click on the purple yahoo button on the right and start on your Paper Traders journey.

Beckie H.

Cathy C.

Amanda E

Debra C.

Pam C.

Pam C.

Wendy A.

Our Art Nouveau Swap results

Want to participate in swaps like this?  Click on the purple yahoo button on the right and start on your Paper Traders journey.

Cathy C.

Darlene R.

Karen B.

Lorna S.

Shelly R.

Beckie H.

Colored Zentangle® Swap

This swap is for Paper_Traders members only but we would love to have you join us.
Click on the purple yahoo button on the right and start on your Paper Traders journey.

Hosted by: Beckie Holso
Colored Zentangles® - 3.5" squares
4-for-4 Swap
Skill: 2-budding
Due: postmarked by July 23, 2012

I am fascinated by zentangles® so I thought it would be fun to host another swap in this style. This time, we'll be doing Colored Zentangles! Please limit your colors to black/white/grey plus variations of one or two other colors. Some examples can be found here: http://alittlecoloreveryday.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html http://acquiringexpensivehobbies.blogspot.com/2011/03/quick-zentangle-swap-with-color.html http://www.flickr.com/photos/stefanimak/3758123190/in/set-72157621404448684/

This will be a 4-for-4 swap but instead of ATCs we'll be making 3.5" squares. All art should be original and hand-drawn. There is no specific theme for this swap so let your imagination go wild! For some inspiration on the many varied zentangle techniques, check out Rick & Maria's blog here: http://zentangle.blogspot.com/

Please mail your cards to Beckie postmarked by July 23rd and include a return address label plus $1 for postage. International participants may send ephemera in lieu of postage.