quick & easy
Fiskars tools are not only wonderful, but there are plenty of quick and simple projects that are big on cool techniques while being fast to make. We've asked several members of the design team to create projects that and be made in 1 hour or less- and as usual they've created very cool projects to share with you now-
Designer: Susan Weinroth  What to do? Glad you asked! Using tone-on-tone and layered cardstock punched shapes – as I did in my 9 Months layout – gives the illusion of dry embossing. The blue cardstock strip on my page shows off punched L and M That’s Amore heart shapes, which help to carry through the design of the Heidi Grace Designs heart flocked paper that I used at the top of the page.  You can add “faux-embossing”, as I like to call it, to any of your projects with just a few simple steps. Start with a base color cardstock panel. Punch shapes out of the very same color of cardstock, with any of the many Fiskars paper punches. Layer punched shapes and adhere onto cardstock panel. Voila! Faux-Embossing in a snap.
Designer: Katrina Simeck  Using the Fiskars Oopsie Daisy Squeeze Punch and the Fiskars 1/8inch circle Hand Punch, I created my own “die-cut” strip of cardstock to add to my card. I started with a strip of cardstock measuring 6.25” x 2.0”. I randomly punched daisies, allowing some to punch through the edge of the strip. I add small circle between the daisies using the circle hand punch. The Heidi Grace Sweetest Bug collection helped add the finishing touches with strips of patterned paper and dimensional stickers.
Designer: Patti Milazzo
For this thank you card, I kept it simple using Round ‘n Round Squeeze Punches to create circular rings. I adhered 4 of them on a 7” piece of brown cardstock and added a Circle Pop Up Punch shape to the center of each. The easiest way to punch the rings is to start by punching the smaller circle first, then punch over that with a larger circle. The ring will be slightly off center but I think that just adds more fun to the retro look of the card. I did the same with the red ring for the sentiment and then popped up the sentiment with Foam Adhesive Dots.
This next greeting card uses the same technique with A Little Out of Shape Squeeze Punches and combines the Daisy Pop Up Punch with the Oopsie Daisy Squeeze Punch as well. I especially loved how this worked with the daisy designs because when 2 punched pieces were layered it created a neat design in the center of the flower. Lining up the flower designs can be a bit tricky at first, but a few practice punches will do the trick. Also, since the flowers can tear easily when punched like this it’s best to use liquid glue when adhering them to the card.  For the black ALOS pieces, again punch the smaller geometric design first then the larger. I used both the rings and the solid centers for this card. Alternate the shapes and add small layered daisy punches in black and pink to each shape. Then finish the flowers off with mini brads in the center.
It seems whenever I am in need of a card to give, I inevitably do not have time to make one. So I decided I wanted to keep a good stock of cards "on hand" although I didn't want them to be boring.
To create a wide variety of cards with personality, I knew I needn't search any further than my trusty 'High Five' squeeze punch. By molding the hand into different positions, you can create a card to fit just about any situation. And it's super FUN to do! Plus, create extra sets for ready-to-give gift sets!  By setting up an assembly-style work area, I knocked out a ton of cards in a flash. My rotary trimmer pulled double duty, both cutting out my cardstock bases as well as my scalloped edges to hold my simple string-wrapped bows. I simply cut all of my bases at one time, quickly switched the blade, and cut all of my patterned paper pieces that I was able to pull from my box of scraps! I then punched all of my vellum scalloped circles together (XL 'Seal of Approval' squeeze punch), along with my white circles (L 'Round 'n Round' squeeze punch) and hands (M 'High Five' squeeze punch).  To create hand positions, let your creativity run wild. Here are a few to get you started! Bend fingers, layer hands, change colors, add embellishments. This hand punch is a must-have for quick cards for any occasion.
 I chose to use it to create a custom pattern paper for a layout. Simply choose the background stamp you like. I chose the Harlequin Stamp. Put the Stamp on the Fiskars Stamp Press, ink it up, and stamp away! It's easy to line up and very simply and quickly create a pattern paper background. While I was waiting for the ink to set, I used the inked stamp to stamp on the backside of some scrap papers and cut out about 10 diamonds to add to my background. (The only exception is the black wool diamond. For that one, I used one of my cut shapes as a pattern.) The Stamps are designed to be a little imperfect, so to add to the sort of homespun look, I sanded and roughed up the edges of the layout. Adhere the cut shapes to the background and then adhere your 4x6 photo. Freehand cut strips to "frame" the photo and adhere. Handwrite sentiment and overlap strips onto photo and across diamonds. Add a bit of machine stitching and you are all done!
The next time you're short on time but want to craft, consider some of these ideas and Fiskars tools! By Fiskars Design Team « Back to Paper Crafts |
