Upcycle a store bought card for a 3D birthday

MY STORY

     
     It's challenge time again at Decorate To Celebrate.  Hop over to their blog for a host of creative
ideas for whatever your next celebration is:  DECORATE TO CELEBRATE.

    For today's challenge, I will show you how to take an inexpensive greeting card and make it a custom, 3D card.

YOUR TURN

     I have always been a big fan of the dollar store.  On a recent visit, they had some pretty cards for a low price.  So, just with some scissors, glue, washi tape and pipe cleaners, you can make this card your own.

      Lay out your pipe cleaners and cut accordingly so you have the height you want on the card. Wire cutters worked best.   Wrap the cleaners in washi tape, leaving a bit of the top exposed for the candle "wick".

     Cut out the cake, of whatever image you are using.  Save the rest of the card.  Lay out on a piece of card stock and lightly pencil in around the top for your placement of the "candles".

    Glue onto your card stock and let dry.

     Once dry, glue on your birthday case image.  Gluing on top of the washi tape candles, gives a nice 3D look to your card.

     Cut out with decorative scissors and then adhere to another piece of paper and adhere to your blank card.

     I then cut out part of the inside wording and used on the front of the card as well as a decorative flower from the inside of the card.  And that's it.  Such a fun and simple way to create handmade with a store bought item.

    Happy crafting!!


   

Washi Tape Coasters

MY STORY

     I am happy to see that the Washi Tape trend is far from over.  I love this product -- it comes in a large array of colors, patterns and widths.  It is easy to use -- to cut and apply and it sticks on almost anything.

    I had a bunch of photo coasters left over and thought that Washi Tape would be a quick and fun way to decorate them.  I have used these photo coasters on other projects so I thought they were perfect to use for this, even if the photo part is covered up.

     You can also use plain white tiles from the home store which you can get at really low prices.  This is a nice housewarming or hostess gift and you can even use these finished tiles as home decor items. 

YOUR TURN

   Choose the Washi Tape colors/patterns  you want to use.  I recommend using three different colors, in at least two different widths.  I tested a few different layouts and for me this looked the best.  And now I am currently obsessed with Tiffany Blue and Gold.  But this project can be adapted to any holiday or event, simply by choosing different tapes.  These are all readily available online and at craft stores and the rolls go a long way.  (HINT:  I tried using duct tape but the washi tape works much better.)

   Simply lay out patterns and play with what looks best to you.  The tape sticks well, but is easy to remove if you want to change your design.  Lay out and I like leaving tails off the edges as it is easier to trim that way.  When you are ready to trim, lay the coaster upside down as it is easier to trim that way. Smooth out any bumps you may have on the tape.

   Once you have applied the tape, use Mod Podge as a sealant.  Mod Podge comes in different finishes.  I choose the Antique Matte finish for this product, but any finish would be fine.

   Apply a thin coat with a foam brush.  Let dry.  Apply two more coats, making sure each coat dries before applying the next layer.  The Mod Podge dries clear, so don't worry if it looks cloudy at first.

   The photo coasters also came with a stand which I added tape to for a quick hostess or housewarming gift.

   And that's it....it is so easy and it becomes addictive after a while.  You will be using Washi Tape on everything!