Day 11: Holiday Magnets

This is a simple and fun way to use your left over holiday brads. Simply cut of the shank of the brad, glue to your magnet and you are done!

Happy Crafting!
- Beaverton Paper Zone

Fun with Die Cuts & Magnets!

My obsession with the Letterpress Machine continues, but this time with a new twist. We just got in a new array of nesting dies that are great for cutting out basic shapes in the perfect size for your project. One of my favorites it these set of scalloped circles that range from about 3/4" all the way up to almost 6" in diameter.

There are many more shapes including circles, squares, rounded corner square, embellished frames and more. In addition to these great nesting dies we also now have some different interesting media we can use for cutting out our shapes like cork, plastic, and even magnet stock. I decided to try the new magnet stock to make a quick little project for the fridge.

First, I found a couple of cute pictures of my kids and determined the size I wanted my final project to be.

To cut out their pictures, since it is a pretty precise cut and I didn't want to accidentally lose an ear or something, I placed my die (cutting edge up) on my cutting platform. I took a couple of really thin strips of double-sided adhesive (extra sheets of this adhesive come with the combo kit) and placed them on the back of the die to adhere them to the platform. It doesn't need to be really stuck to the platform, just enough so it doesn't shift as you roll it through the machine.
Then I placed my photo over the dies and felt for the edges so I could make sure the face was centered. I used some paper placement guides on the edges of the photo so it also wouldn't shift.
Then I just placed the cutting mat on top of the platform and ran it through the machine. Next I cut out my magnet which is a little bigger with a scalloped edge. I place it magnet side down so there will be a cleaner edge on the magnet side. Then just run it through the machine again.
I cut the same sized scalloped circle out of my paper I chose for the border. I also cut a smaller circle out of the inside of the scalloped paper piece.
Then I just peeled back the adhesive on the magnet sheet and lined up my paper with the magnet and stuck it in place.

Cutting the open circle in the middle of the scalloped paper allowed me to leave part of the adhesive on the magnet exposed so I could then just stick down my photo.
Now I have two great little decorations!
This magnet stock is great, not only for little projects like this, but it would be perfect to make your Save the Date card or Baby Announcement to then mail out to your friends and family. I know I always end up putting those types of things on my fridge anyway, why not have the magnet included? Plus, it's nice and thin so it will go through the mail beautifully!

Reminder:

Monday the 11th is the 1 year anniversary of the PZ Blog. Become a follower and you will be entered to win a $20 gift card! Good Luck and Happy Crafting!

Ciao Birdie!

Working at Paper Zone, I am surrounded by a cadre of seriously creative and talented people. It is truly amazing and inspiring to see the beautiful, detailed, and useful things the people here at our office and our nine stores come up with on a regular basis. To be sure, one just has to peruse the PZ blog to get an idea of the level of the artistic/crafty spirit that runs through the company!

So inspired are our staff that some of them have taken to creating their own blogs or starting their own product lines. One such person, that I'd very much like to introduce you all to is Barb Burwell. Barb is an associate at our Portland store (5 years and counting!) and has created the most lovely, whimsical line of cards, journals, and magnets called Ciao Birdie Designs. Barb has a Fine Arts degree and background in ceramics and jewelry making. When I asked Barb how she came to work in her current mediums of paper, paint, graphite, ink, fabric and ephemera in a collage format and create an entire line of products, she said that it all started with a Christmas card she created a couple of years ago over which she got a lot of applause. From this card, Barb expanded into other cards, journals, and magnets, opened an Etsy shop, and introduced her line to us here at the office, which we immediately picked up. Amazing how great things can come from small beginnings, no?!

Asked what inspires her, Barb responded that it's the little details in life, her garden, her collection of heart-shaped rocks, and, of course birds, with which she has had a fascination since childhood, that give her pause and inspire her make her pieces.

I just love the reflective, sweet, and nostalgic nature of Barb's pieces and I am excited that we are carrying her line in the stores. As we begin to move past the hustle and bustle of the holidays and into the quiet of the just-beginnings of a brand new year, I am eager to sit in a corner with one of Barb's journals to work out my dreams and ruminations or write a card to a faraway friend.

I am also envisioning posting my to do and wish lists on my fridge with a few of her pretty magnets.

Ciao Birdie Designs are sold at all nine Paper Zone stores, so come on into one of our stores and check them out. You can also hear more from Barb at her blog at ciaobirdie.wordpress.com. Best wishes for happy and inspired days ahead! Tiffany