Life’s too short.  Chop that Paper!

Raise your hand if you have a stack of Designer Series Paper you’ve saving for a ​special occasion?  You know the paper I’m talking about.  Those pieces you take out of your paper storage, oooh and ahhh over it, maybe stroke it a time or two, and then gently put it back, saying, “I’m going to save that for someone special?”  Don’t feel bad; I’m just as guilty as you are!

What if I told you that it’s ok to use it.  Actually…I WANT you to use it!  It’s not doing anyone any good sitting on your shelf.  As crafters, how do we show people that we love them?  We give them something that we’ve made by hand.  And I may joke on my videos that I’m going to give my mother my cards with wobbly stamping or messy bows, but the truth is, she only gets my very best.  My best designs, my best stamping, and my best paper!  Why?  Because she’s my mother and I love her with my whole heart. 

Yesterday, I had a Love it? Chop it! workshop in my studio.  I got out all my trimmers, and gave everyone 24-precut and scored Whisper White card bases, 24 neutral (Basic Black) layers, some Snail, a bolt of Whisper White Organza Ribbon, and a pack of envelopes.  Then, I showed them a painless and simple way to cut their designer series papers, without being afraid they were going to mess it up.  Because, I think that’s what it’s all about.  It’s not that we don’t want to share our pretty paper; we’re afraid we’re going to ruin it.

The workshop was a great hit!  Not only did they all leave with cards and designer envelopes, everyone left feeling confident and empowered to go home and chop up and use their paper themselves.    Look at this feedback I got last night!

, Then, at 8 pm EST, I did a Facebook Live Video, sharing what we learned at the workshop.  You can watch it below (or on YouTube) for all my tips and techniques, including how to decorate your envelope flaps to match your card. 

So, don’t take it from me.  If you Love it, Chop it!  And show us a picture.  We’d love to see what you’re doing.  Post it below in the comments, or on the Making Memories with Michelle Facebook Group Page.  

​Let’s cut up that Designer Series Paper!
 
Here’s the basics:

1. Base:  8 ½” x 5 ½”, scored at 4 ¼”
2. Layer 1:  Cardstock, 5 1/8” x 3 7/8
3. Layer 2: Designer Series Paper, 5” x 3 ¾”

 
There are a number of ways you can turn, cut, or flip the designer series paper.
 
Envelope Flap – what fun!

1. Designer Series Paper, 6” x 2 ¼”

May 2018 – Do you need a new catalog?  Contact me to get yours in May!

• May 6th – 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards 2 pm   RSVP by 5/3 | Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 5/3
• May 25 – Card Club at my Studio (Last Friday of the month at 7 pm/ Last Saturday of the month at 10 am)  (Must subscribe the 15th of the month).   OR…have it delivered right to your door and #craftwhenyouwant.

June 2018 – Get ready for annual product shares!!

• June 2nd – SUPER SATURDAY.  3 Classes  and BOGO in one day!  Choose just one or choose all three and receive a Free Bonus Gift!​ (Super Saturday Kit in a Box option will be available)
• June 10 – 2nd Sunday Sweet & Simple Cards 2 pm   RSVP by 6/7 | Stamping Bee Team Meeting 5 pm RSVP by 6/7
• June 23 – 16-Card Annual Catalog Extravaganza