Postcard Art - Biggie Brads & Page Pebbles!

As promised this week I'm going to be sharing various projects you can create using the postcard images I've been sharing. All of the planned techniques and projects are so very versatile, keep in mind that any of these techniques can also be used paired with pre-printed collage images that you can find at places like...Altered Pages, Blackberry Designs, Tuscan Rose, Hannah Grey, Retro Cafe Art, Paper Whimsy, and so many more. Or if you like you could use pattern scrapbook type papers, stamped images or other ephemera images from magazines, maps, etc. The possibilities are endless!

To start it off I've got a two-fer for you today...

two projects for the price of one ;) LOL!!

Postcard Art

Biggie Brads

Now I'm sure most of you have seen beautiful brads like this ~ you get about 8-12 brads for around $5.00. Well forget that, we're going to spend a fraction of that and make our own!

Supplies:

Large Plain Brads - (eyelet outlet has them on clearance right now!)

Postcard Images (printed on Copy style paper)

Glossy Accents

Scissors

Sandpaper

Archival Ink

Ink Blending Tool (optional)

Instructions:

1. The first thing you'll need to do is determine how large your "work surface" is going to be. For example, the biggie brad I have is a bit more than 1/2". This will tell you how large/small your postcard images will need to be printed.

2. Print desired postcard (collage or ephemera) images on plain copy paper in the according size. I find that copy paper works best for these particular projects. It's thin enough to be easy to handle yet works very well with the Glossy Accents.

3. Rough cut the images... It's easier to work with these smaller pieces of paper as opposed to whole sheets with many images.

4. Apply a small dot of Glossy Accents to the center of the brad. Just a bit will do!

5. Place the brad on the back side of the image....smoosh it around so there is an even coating of Glossy Accents on the entire brad. Quickly flip the brad over to ensure you have the image where you want it. You'll need to work fast as small quantities of Glossy Accents dry quickly!

6. After the Glossy Accents has dried, trim off the excess paper.

7. Sand the edges... (sorry it's blurry)

This is what your brads may look like. Notice how some of the images don't completely cover the brad? Well no worries, we're going to fix that in the next step!

8. Apply Archival Ink (or Staz-On) to the sides of the brads. If desired, you may use your Ink Blending Tool & Foam for a softer edge... (I personally like this look better.)

Now, you could stop here if you'd like but I like to take it one step further....

9. Apply a coat of Glossy Accents to each brad. I feel it gives it a more polished and finished look.

They weren't dry by the time I posted this so I'll share them with you tomorrow ;)

Postcard Art

Page Pebbles

I just love playing with those clear blobs of glass! They are inexpensive, easy to find and oh so much fun! These little gems can be used on scrapbook pages, cards, ATC's, Altered Art, etc. If you'd like you could also add a bit of magnetic strip to create fun and funky personalized magnets for friends and family.

Supplies:

Page Pebbles

Postcard Images

Glossy Accents

Scissors

Sand Paper

Instructions:

1. Apply a small dab of Glossy Accents to the flat side of the page pebble.

2. Smoosh it around on the image... Let dry.

3. After the Glossy Accents has dried, trim away the excess paper and sand the edges.

And you're set to go!

They can be glued to your paper projects or add a magnet piece to create a fun set of magnets! Sorry it's not a great picture, they are hard devils to photograph...either I can see myself or the flash!

So there you go...a fun way to incorporate any number of paper ephemera including the postcards!