Patterned Paper Pieces

I love paper! Pattern paper can add so much color, dimension, texture, and help carry out the theme of your layouts and projects. With all of the designs that pattern papers have to offer, it’s fun to create your own embellishments and accents with them to add the perfect matching touches to your pages.

There are endless ways to create paper pieced embellishments and accents for your layouts. I created pinwheels to coordinate with my outdoor photos, Missy used a die cut machine to create a bunny that matched her daughter’s outfit, and Nicole used computer software to create flames that enhanced her racing theme. These are all wonderful ways to add custom paper piecing embellishments that make your pages one of a kind.

Go For It by Sarah Mullanix

Supplies: Paper, Cardstock, Alphabet Stickers, Bling: Momenta Inc., Flowers: Scenic Route, Journaling Spot: My Mind’s Eye, Stickers: EK Success, Momenta Inc., Font: Trebuchet MS. Tools: Decorative Scissors: EK Success, Punches: Martha Stewart (EK Success), Stamps: Sandylion.

Design Notes: I created my own paper pieced pinwheels by placing two pattern papers back to back, cutting them into appropriate sized triangles, folding over one side of each triangle, then placing all four triangles together to create the pinwheel. By creating my own pinwheels, I could customize them to the colors and size that I needed for my layout.

Journaling: Carter had so much fun playing with Caleb and Emily on Caleb’s new swing set. Carter had never gone down a slide before all by himself, but he showed no fear and climbed up the ladder all on his own and then he went for it…..he slid down into his big sister Emily’s arms!

Somebunny Sure Is Cute by Missy Whidden

Supplies: Paper: Dream Street Papers, Jenni Bowlin Studio, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts, Scenic Route, White Blossom, Flowers: Jolee’s Boutique (EK Success), Prima Marketing, Glitter: Stickles (Ranger Industries Inc.), Ink: Clearsnap, Pens: Sakura, Fonts: Pea Neffer (kevinandamanda.com), Other: specialty ink, ribbon. Tools: Electronic Cutter: Cricut Expression (ProvoCraft), Cartridges: Create A Critter (ProvoCraft), Embossing Machine: Cuttlebug (ProvoCraft), Embossing Folders: D’vine Swirl (ProvoCraft), Punches: Martha Stewart (EK Success).

Design Notes: I had no pink ribbon to match the colors of my papers, so I took some plain white ribbon and spritzed it with homemade pink glimmer spray.

Journaling: This wasn’t the outfit I had planned for you to wear for your 10 month photos. It wound up being a really cold day, and your other outfit wasn’t warm enough. I settled for this one and, as it turns out, it was the perfect one! You looked adorable!

Scooter Racin’ by Nicole Stark

Supplies: Paper: KaiserCraft, BasicGrey, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Alphabet: BoBunny, Pink Paislee, Rub-Ons: Hambly Screen Prints, Buttons: Autumn Leaves, Ink: Clearsnap Holdings Inc., Pens: American Crafts. Tools: Border Punches: EK Success, Computer Software: Photoshop Elements 6.

Design Notes: The flame shape came from the shape menu in Photoshop Elements 6. I stretched it and elongated it to fit the size I needed and then I printed it out on paper, cut it out, and used it as a pattern for my pattern paper. I then inked the edges of the flame to give it a little more added dimension. I love the impact the shape gives the title!

Journaling: I came outside to get a few pictures and the two of you were busy scooter racing down the driveway and sidewalk. For the most part you tied the whole way for both the regular racing and the little racing (when the handle bars are lowered). It’s so fun to watch the two of you and the things you find to do. Wesley and River - April 18, 2009