Tami's Tips

Please note: These are my favorite tips, some were taken from magazine and internet articles and some are my own. I will contiue to update this post as I add to my list. These pretty much apply to any paper making project: Cardmaking to Scrapbooking.

1. Flawless Scalloped Edges: Use corner punchs, by removing the corner rounder guard, the corner punch can be used to punch scalloped edges.
2. Decoupage: On pieces with lots of detail, cut them out first it helps in the long run. If you don't have silcone glue, you can use foam tape, 3-D dots and even extra pieces of rubberstamps to cut to the exact size you need. Bring the image to life by shaping the cut outs with a ruler, bonefolder or blunt edge of scissors.
3. Recycle: Trim individual images from cards you have received and use them as accents when you are creating new cards. Cut your old cards, embellish and create new cards. On recycled cards you can mat it, ink it, fancy cut it, make it mosaic and paint over it to create wonderful new cards. You can even turn them into ATC size and share with friends. These are also great to use on your scrapbook pages.
4. Brads: If you don't have a brad in the right color; hold the brad with a pair of pliers, push into pigment ink and then heat extremly hot with heat gun, then immediately dip brad into embossing powder and reheat. They turn out great, this is on of my most favorite tips.
5. Computer: Use your computer to print out your sentiments if you don't have what your looking for in you sticker or rubberstamp stash. You can also google images of what your looking for and print it to create cards. I have been doing this a good bit, especially making football cards.
6. White Space: I know you have heard less is more and it is sometimes true, let the white space on a card draw attention to the accents on your card or scrapbook page.
7. Card Base: Try using a heavy weight pattern paper instead of solid cardstock to add instant contrast without layering.
8. Table Setting: Create a place card  and matching napkin ring  to your table. You can even make photo cards and then even the children will know where they are suppose to sit. If you don't have a photo of everyone, you can print their name and put a sentiment that describes that individual.  Placecard holders dont have to cost a lot of money, you can create your own out of seasonal items such as flowers, fruit, vetetables and the list goes on. You don't even have to use place card holders if you make your place card in a tent style.
9. Card with gift for the cold season: You can create a cute hot chocolate/coffee card and then decorate a thermas filled with the hot liquid or give them an pack of coco/coffee mix and don't forget the marshmellows!
10. Round Objects: When putting paper & designs to a round object, make sure to overlap to secure it in place. You can also put a ponytail holder / rubberband around the round object to hold it into place until it dries.
11. Background stamping: Alwasy start at the top and work your way down, this will prevent smearing it with the palm of your hands. If you miss a spot after it dries you can go back and fill in.
12. Use paper or silk flowers insead of chipboard, or stamp and detail cut then apply to the card.
13. Use buttons intead of brads, with or without thread.
14.  Pattern paper will stand out more if you ink the edges.
15.  Use old jewerly as accent pieces.
16. Use old sheet music of background paper, I also love to use paper bags that I purchased items from vacation areas on my scrapbook pages.
17. Shaped cards: these cards always have the wow factor, I have seen house shaped cards to animal shaped cards and they are always fun to see. Make sure to use paper first before cutting your cardstock.