The Maine Stamper

Using Ordinary Objects For Cardmaking

My Pampered Pets cards are in the bag…literally. Have you considered ordinary objects for cardmaking? Sure, there are beautiful designer series papers for sale! But, what about something you can use that is “free”?

Now, you might argue that some of the things I suggest, like this cute bag, are not really free. You probably paid for the item inside the packaging. Yet, when you recycle or toss out these ordinary objects, it becomes a “freebie” for cardmaking.

Stylish Bags

I certainly spent plenty of money at my local veterinarians on my Pampered Pets to get this fabulous bag! But the pattern on it brought out the crafter in me. Too sweet to throw out, I just knew I needed to make some pet cards with it.

First, I cut the bag along one of the long seems and across the bottom. By making the bag “flat”, I could really see what I would have to work with. Now that it looked like regular paper, I could envision using it like regular paper.

Coordinating Colors

In order to have any project flow, the colors have to go together. After thinking about the fun colors used on my paper bag, I pulled out a few samples of Stampin’ Up! cardstock to see what would match.

The green was an easy decision: Granny Apple for this bright spring like color. I tried a couple versions of pink before settling on the boldness of Magenta Madness. These two over-the-top colors matched almost identically to my bag colors.

Coordinating Stamp Set

In searching for stamps and dies to use for my pet cards, pulling out the Pampered Pets Stamp Set and Pets Dies was an easy decision. This cute stamp set covers both dogs and cats. Having coordinating dies is a bonus too!

Because I did not want to do any coloring, I kept my pets simple. First, I used Memento Black Ink and stamped the cat on Smoky Slate Cardstock. Next, I used the same ink and stamped the dog on Soft Suede.

Design Elements

My die cut Pampered Pets needed a background behind them. I pulled out my Layering Ovals Dies (retired) and found just the right size for the slightly bigger dog and slightly smaller cat.

After using my Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine for a white oval to showcase each pet, I chose a larger scalloped die to cut out a bright pop of coordinating color.

Next up, my Pampered Pets needed a little love. I punched some small hearts using Magenta Madness Cardstock and a (retired) small heart punch. After that, I added some Magenta Madness Ink with a small sponge to deepen the color on my hearts.

Simple Sentiments

For the sentiments on each card, I chose designs from the Pampered Pets Stamp Set. I stamped each sentiment on a scrap of white cardstock using Memento Black Ink. One of my favorite ways to change the shape of the rectangle sentiment is to add a slanted edge on one side. All you need to do this is a pair of scissors, like my Paper Snips.

Putting It All Together

Once I had everything I wanted for my Pampered Pets cards, it was time to assemble. I chose Granny Apple Green for my dog and Magenta Madness for my cat. But, in reality, either color would have worked for both.

When I cut paper from my bag, I looked for designs on it that would go best for the dog, and also the cat. I used my paper bag pieces exactly how I would use designer series paper. I layered each along the top of my card front and added coordinating paper from the Brights Collection along the bottom.

Instead of ribbon, I chose to cover the seam of my paper with another strip of cardstock. I find this method a great way to use up scraps of paper too.

From the bones of my card base, to the first layers, I am loving the look. Next, I added on the oval die cuts with their Pampered Pets, using dimensionals to add lift. My heartfelt sentiments and my hearts were the last things I placed on my cards.

And More!

Of course, I couldn’t stop with just a couple of cards using my “free” bag. I also played with the Heart Punch Pack, and the Playful Alphabet Dies to create more cute cards. Check these pet cards out:

Perfect Packaging

It helps to have a great supply of items that you can coordinate and craft with. As you can see in my Pampered Pets cards above, I used my bag as inspiration and searched my stash for the perfect go-withs. If you haven’t discovered my online store, look for something you need to complete your next project.

Being crafty and creative with ordinary objects is so much fun. Look around and find the perfect patterns surrounding you…a mail flyer, a tissue box, a recipe card. The only limits are your imagination. What will discover and what will you create?