Weddingbee

It’s usually pretty evident you’re getting old when almost every weekend you’re attending a wedding or a baby shower. It seems like this summer I’ve spent more money on baby burp cloths and wedding gifts than… gasp… gas! Believe it. But there’s one thing I refuse to spend on with my hard earned cash. Between the Gocco, paper cutters, stencils and other crap I’ve accumulated, why not just make my own cards?

Embossing can add that special touch to ANYTHING. I honestly would emboss my work ID card if the hospital would let me. DIY projects don’t have to be difficult and I’ll allow my little friend Fiskars Mini-Shape Boss elaborate.

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This little ditty can do anything. Typically you can buy the set with a few stencils for less than $20, but you can also purchase the stencils separately. Each stencil comes in two parts, and there are a few different tools to use to impress, depending on the detail of the stencil.

Step One: Place the bottom gray stencil on the platform secured with a few pegs on one side.

Step Two: Place your paper or card against the gray stencil UPSIDE DOWN and then attach the clear stencil with the word TOP so you can read it. Secure with a few more pegs on the opposite side of the platform.
**Note: With certain card stock, it really helps to rub wax paper along where you’ll emboss. It helps the tool slide easier across the paper to prevent any holes.

Step Three: Using your tool of choice, press along the stencil until the paper appears flat. If you’re using the fine detail tool, after outlining the shape of the stencil, fill in using a circular shape- this creates an even embossed surface.

Attach a ribbon with double stick tape and your message, and you’ve got a little card. I just hope your handwriting is better than mine!

My camera is almost as bad as a disposable, so I couldn’t get a good shot of this but if you make a mistake there’s no need to start over. You just flip the paper toward you and with the detail tool press gently along where you don’t want the pattern. It should just “erase” your mistake!

Some of my favorite accessories for crafting:

The Luxury Stack Cardstock- Gorgeous metallic prints on pearlized paper, Fiskars Border Punch, Scrapbooking ribbon, and Jolee’s by You dimensional stickers… do you see the BEES? Aren’t they adorable!? I’m trying to think of something good for these little guys.

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Not only can you emboss with Fiskars stencils, you can also buy cuttlebug embossing plates if you like the pattern. I love the cuttlebug umbrella pattern, and it’s perfect for a bridal or baby shower. Although it’s not quite as easy with the cuttlebug plates, it’s definitely do-able and the pictures are so sweet.

Simply line up the pattern where you would like it to be and make sure the concave part of the stencil is facing you with the paper on top of that. Again, make sure your paper is upside down.

It’s easiest to outline the image first with these since there’s no overlying stencil to guide you.

Add some color! Rummage through that old school supply/junk drawer and break out those colored pencils! This could be a place card for the bride at her shower:

Ignore the second grade cursive, I’m still working on that one.

Here are a few of my ’bossed cards:

Baby shower card for one of my bridesmaids. If I can’t be there, at least she’ll know I’m thinking about her!

back: I lined the envelope with pretty vellum paper and a pink umbrella on the flap

Wedding card front:

back:

What are your favorite craft projects and tools? Anyone else crazy about the ’bossed look?

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