Welcome to the first Sunday of the year, the first Paper Players challenge of the year, and my first post as a guest designer for The Paper Players…that’s A LOT of firsts! Whew!
The talented Ann Marie Hile is the hostess for the challenge this week and she has chosen an “Everything Old is New Again” theme challenge to create something out of a recycled or re-purposed item.
I admit to stark terror when I saw the theme. I like things new and shiny and have very little imagination for re-purposing. I have always avoided this theme in the past!! But…I put the theme on the back burner and just let it percolate. Christmas Day came and went and I held back a few items that I thought that I might be able to use. Still percolating. Then came my anniversary and one of my gifts was packaged in this darling little sack:
Aha!! Burlap and canvas-y items are all the rage so I was sure I could do something with this! Yes!!
So I sat down with my 6×6 pattern paper container and started the process. When I found this weathered blue paper, I knew it was money. Perfect for the theme and a perfect tone for the canvas!
Now, my blue paper was antiqued around all four sides but when I trimmed it to fit my card base, two side were no longer antiqued. Ugh. But never fear, a blending tool and Tim Holtz’s Antique Linen Distress Ink solved that problem for me! The other papers were pulled from the same pad.
I chose to use Clearly Besotted’s Superstar stamp set and matching dies to create my embellishment. To keep it from fraying, I attached a small piece of adhesive sheet to the back of the canvas before stamping and die-cutting. I then added a layer of white cardstock to the back to stiffen it up.
I also added a piece of adhesive sheet to the back of my canvas layer, slightly smaller than my canvas piece, prior to using a stitched rectangle die to cut my canvas layer. I then pulled a few of the threads out from the sides to slightly weather the canvas. I love the look of the stitching…it just adds more texture!
The leather drawstring for the bag is the perfect layer of texture! I thought it was going to be a bow at first but it was too thick, I actually like it better this way. What do you think?
Of course, I was having too much fun to stop, so I used Clearly Besotted’s Superstar and Dandelion Dreams stamp sets to decorate the inside of the card:
I think this is a graduation card. Can you think of another occasion for it?
So there you have it, my attempt at re-purposing! I’m pleased with how it turned out, especially since I was terrified of the challenge! And that’s why it’s called a challenge, right?? lol
Please visit The Paper Players to see the wonderful inspiration the rest of the design team has created for you!
Thank you for stopping by today! I would be delighted if you would let me know what you think of my project today!!
Wishing you joy and blessings!!
Products Used:
Cardstock: Vintage Cream by Papertrey
Pattern Paper: Venice by 7 Gypsies
Ink: Tuxedo Black by Memento; Lost lagoon, Early Expresso and River Rock (retired) by Stampin’ Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink by Tim Holtz
Stamps: Superstar and Dandelion Dreams by Clearly Besotted Stamps
Dies: Superstar by Clearly Besotted, Stitched Mats-Rectangles by Lil’ Inker and Envelope Liner Die by Stampin’ Up!
Embellishments: None
Shannon, am so happy that we are guest designing together. I am relieved that I was not the only one who was more than a little intimidated that this challenge for my first GD submission. lol … Your card is wonderful and love your repurposed burlap bag! What a great use for it!
Welcome to the Paper Players Shannon – it’s great to have you guesting with us! I know what you mean about this being a challenge (I am a great hoarder but not so good at recycling!) but you totally rose to the challenge – your card is fantastic and you truly managed to turn your gift bag into something quite special!
You overcame your terror in such an admirable way (and I can totally relate to that terror, too BTW!). This is an amazing card – so many fabulous details and the fabric piece is perfect. I’m looking forward to working with you on the team for the next 6 months 🙂
Welcome to the team, Shannon! Your card is a perfect example of re-purposing! I love the texture and the “grunginess”. You did a fabulous job with your first challenge!
Welcome to The Paper Players! I love your card….that canvas is awesome, and I love how you finished the inside!
Shannon, I love this card, love your new look and so happy to have you on our team! Your recycled canvas is gorgeous, and pairs so beautifully with your patterned papers. Hope this first challenge didn’t stress you out too much, but you certainly rose to the occasion!
So happy to have you playing with us for a while, Shannon! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this card….I am all about the rustic look you’ve created with this canvas, and the stamping you’ve done on it is amazing! It’s a starry wonder!
Shannon, how in the world could you freak out about this challenge and come up with something SO gorgeous!? I LOVE your card! I have a lot of pieces from Brighton and you have really inspired me to look at those fabric sacks in a different light. So cool! I also wanted to officially welcome you to the Paper Players Team! So excited that you are joining us as a Guest Designer and I am looking forward to working with you. Big hugs! 🙂
Thank you so much Ann Marie! I’m so excited to be a guest designer and am thrilled that you liked my answer to your challenge! Keep ’em coming! Hugs!!!
Shannon, I am so excited to be working with you at the PP! CONGRATULATIONS! Your card is fantastic! I love everything about it! The recycled burlap bag is perfect! I love rustic cards and this one is fabulous! Happy New Year! XX
Hi Shannon! I love everything about this card. OMG, the texture, the grunge, the colors, the stars…it is all fabulous. With a design this fantastic, I can’t believe you every doubted yourself. Delighted to have you as a “guestie” with us…welcome!
Shannon, wonderful to have you along on the PP team and what a great card for your first challenge. Like you, I find it really hard to think of ways to recylce items – but this card would never make you think you had to percolate about it! I love the colors, I love the layout and I love the burlap. Fabulous
Jaydee
Thank you, Jaydee! I’m so excited to be a member of the team! I’m so looking forward to the next challenge!