Paper Hoarder or Cutter? What are YOU?

Published: Tue, 12/14/21

As you are reading this, I am traveling in the car 8 hours south to Pennsylvania to pick up my daughter and bring her home for winter break. Her first semester is over, which is crazy!

Over the last week, I've heard several of you say that you are either a paper hoarder or don't know what to do with all the patterned papers you have. It's both hard to resist buying the great papers and hard to cut them up. What we don't want is for you to have an unused paper stash. As Nike says, "just do it". Cut your paper and use it (that way you can buy more, in the newer designs).

With this "just do it" mindset, I experimented with a few ways to use pattern paper and came up with the idea included in this email. I'm not sure if I created a new way of cutting, or if the idea is already out there. Regardless, it's a fun way to use your paper a little differently. If you have a clever name for this cutting technique, please share it so I know what to call it.

I think it looks best when you use a simple tag/label on front, otherwise you may find the card to get a little busy.

I'll walk you through the steps of how I cut the paper (including my errors that became happy accidents).

Starting with a 4-1/4" x 3-3/4" (length x width) piece, cut 4 sections 1-1/16" x 3-3/4". The reason there is a16th of an inch included in the size is to make each of the 4 sections equal. It's the first marking after the 1" on the cutter.

Take each section and cut on the diagonal (cut corner to opposite corner). Keep the pieces in order! Otherwise you will lose your pattern.

If you look closely, the image on the left has all of the pieces going in the same alternating direction.

If you look at the image on the right, you may notice that the pattern is broken up in the middle. That's because I accidentally cut the wrong corner to corner on one piece. BUT it creates a cool pattern!

So, you can cut them all in the same direction, opposite directions or somewhere in between.

Adhere the pieces (in order) to a 5-1/4" x 4" layer of card stock.

Same two examples as above. They both look great, just different directions.

It will take you a few times to figure out the border, so it fits all on the base. If you have a little left over when you get to the bottom, just trim it.

Two other attempts with the pattern in the same direction for each panel. The border between layers is a bit too skinny on the left. I wasn't sure if this cutting technique would work with a linear pattern. The jury is still out in my opinion. But, I think it works great with larger patterns.

More patterns. The pet card's pattern is a little off, but it still looks great.

Finished cards with the same two patterns from above. All in the same direction on the left and broken pattern on the right. I think they both look pretty good.

I used this same cutting technique (we need a name!) using the soon-to-be-released Sweet Talk paper, stamp set & dies. These will be available in the 2022 January - June catalog.

If you have placed an order with me in the last year, I will send out your catalog along with the Sale-a-bration catalog later in December. Free products coming in January & February!!!

If you haven't placed an order with me, but would be interested in doing so, you can fill out this catalog request form HERE.

I will also be sending out Paper Share information soon too. This Valentine paper will be included in the share.

I would love to hear if you like this cutting technique and if it inspires you to cut your paper. Post a picture of your version on my VIP (Very Important Paper Crafters) Facebook group. Not a member, join!!!

Ways to connect with & contact Christine

Email www.mailsomethingpretty.com

call/text - 339/788-1915

Website - www.mailsomethingpretty.com