Hi Friends!
I've got a fun post for you today, a few Papertrey Ink Tips & Tricks about how to stretch your dies. I never dreamed I would love my dies as much as I do, but they are among the first crafting supplies I reach for. Today I am challenging you to look at them in a whole new way...see what else you can do with them.
It's no secret that I am crazy for owls...I adore them and wanted to create my own using my Papertrey Ink dies. Can you tell which dies I've uses here? Can you tell I used my Shape Up Series: Onesie die? Yep...three simple cuts to transform it in to the shape of an owl, and then just two other additional dies, very basic shapes to dress it up.
The base of my owl was cut from Fine Linen Bitty Dot, the wings were cut from Vintage Cream felt using the Limitless Layers 2 1/4" Oval die collection, and the belly of the owl uses that very same die and is stamped using the Background Basics: Rainbows set to mimic feathers dressing up his middle using Classic Kraft and Sweet Blush ink. His beak is simple a heart cut from Vintage Cream felt using the Heart Prints die.
In addition to using your dies in different ways, keep in mind that you can use many different mediums too, such as burlap, fabric, felt, vellum, and even little pink t-shirts, too small for your little lady as shown here. Just a simple cotton t-shirt, and look at how fun and ruffled the flower becomes. A new favorite technique of mine. I used Papertrey Ink's Beautiful Blooms II #1 and Beautiful Blooms II #3 dies here and the Sending You die for the leaves.
Stretch your dies by using the negative spaces as well as the positive. I am crazy for this trend right now and wanted to try my hand at it, so I used the Modern Alphabet die on this tag cut using the Fillable Frames #9 die and Vintage Cream cardstock. I simply placed the letters where I wanted them on my tag and ran them through my die cut machine, and instantly loved the results...no embellishing required when something turns out looking this cute. The sentiment was stamped in Classic Kraft ink using the Little Bitty Bird Additions stamp set, and I tied in the green used on this project by stamping a Spring Moss heart on a die using the Heart-2-Heart #3 stamp set and coordinating die.
How about a quick tutorial and I'll show you how simple this project can be? I changed the colors up a bit using the Green Boutique paper pack, just to show you how irresistible these are when finished and to encourage you to mix in your own favorite colors and patterns.
Choose your base color/pattern and use the Shape Up Series: Onesie die.
Trace a straight line from the tip of both shoulders down to the armpit and cut off both sleeves.
Use your Limitless Layers 2 1/4" Oval die to trace a curve across the bottom of the Onesie die trimming off the bottom.
Can you see the owl taking shape?
Using the Limitless Layers 2 1/4" Oval die, cut one Vintage Cream felt oval.
Cut the oval in half forming two wings.
Cut a second oval from cardstock and stamp using the Background Basics: Rainbows stamp set and your choice of ink. I used Aqua Mist and Spring Moss on his belly here. I coated it with white glitter after to add a little sparkle and on the original owl shown above, the belly was coated using Mica Flakes.
Adhere the wings to the sides of the owl and trim off the excess. Machine stitch down the sides if desired.
Add a heart cut from Vintage Cream felt using the Heart Prints die.
Next, add two Fine Linen buttons for eyes in slightly different sizes.
Top with smaller Aqua Mist button eyes tied with button twine.
Four layers of ruffled blossoms cut from assorted flower dies mentioned above.
Layered together with felt leaves and a Fine Linen button to finish.
Her he is all completed and just fun!
I can't wait for you to try your own and would love to see them!
Thanks so much for stopping by. Enjoy your weekend!
Melis
This is SO cute!! Thanks
Posted by: Elna Wohlitz | July 27, 2012 at 01:47 AM
Way too cute. Love how you stretch the use of the dies.
Posted by: Jeannie L | July 27, 2012 at 02:11 AM
Oh my goodness that is clever Melis and looks totally cute! Love that sweet little t-shirt flower - great ideas as always. xx
Posted by: Linda Langes | July 27, 2012 at 03:06 AM
So cute!
Posted by: Holly Saveur | July 27, 2012 at 04:07 AM
So incredibly creative ~ love this sweet owl!
Posted by: Jean | July 27, 2012 at 04:09 AM
WOW! Great idea, thanks for sharing
Posted by: Evgenia | July 27, 2012 at 04:13 AM
Brilliant! What a fantastic idea to look at your dies for more than they are :D
Posted by: Cassie T | July 27, 2012 at 04:26 AM
What a sweet project, Melissa! I could never in a million years think of doing this, but I can copy!!! I have a niece who loves & collects owl items, & this will be perfect to brighten her day while she's away @ school. Thanks you for sharing another fab idea!!!
Posted by: Donna M. | July 27, 2012 at 04:38 AM
So very clever.
Posted by: Carol Ann Ater | July 27, 2012 at 04:40 AM
Really cute! ;)
Posted by: Marlena M | July 27, 2012 at 04:46 AM
This is fabulous! So clever and adorable!!!!
Posted by: Krystal | July 27, 2012 at 04:56 AM
I love these adorable owls. They are just so sweet!
Posted by: Cindy H. | July 27, 2012 at 05:10 AM
WOW, what a great idea. Owls are so cute. It always amazes me how some people can look at things and see other things from them. That's talent :)Your owls are adorable. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lisa | July 27, 2012 at 05:17 AM
He is so cute and I just happen to have the dies needed to try one. Thanks for sharing your incredible gift with us!
Posted by: Birgit | July 27, 2012 at 05:29 AM
I love your little owl family! I think they would be adorable, too, in fabric and stuffed (as you do so well!).
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | July 27, 2012 at 05:33 AM
Cute, and what a hoot! Very nice project!
Posted by: Kathy Andrews | July 27, 2012 at 05:39 AM
absolutely adorable, I love it. I have none of those dies. I will have to start collecting them! haha
Posted by: jill | July 27, 2012 at 05:42 AM
Way cute Melissa!!! I really need to learn how to see outside the box!! You are amazing! Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Kristii | July 27, 2012 at 05:53 AM
Wow, Melissa! Love the creativity here! Owls are such a hoot!!! :) Thanks for the step-by-step and showing two color schemes as well. This is a Must Do!
Posted by: Suzanne Russell | July 27, 2012 at 05:59 AM
Just darling!!! So creative.
Posted by: Julie E | July 27, 2012 at 06:03 AM
he is just too cute and such clever ways to use the dies!
Posted by: conniecrafter | July 27, 2012 at 06:11 AM
this is just sooo cute i am always afraid to buy dies and cut everything by hand this really wants me to give them a try love this...
Posted by: liz droege | July 27, 2012 at 06:14 AM
Very cute Melissa. A great idea to get more use out of our dies. I like getting more than one use from my supplies. Makes me feel richer!!!! HA!
Mary
Posted by: mary puskar | July 27, 2012 at 06:18 AM
Wow... thanks for a great tutorial. I love owls too and your little owl is so cute! I have the dies and will definately be trying this project.
Posted by: Paula | July 27, 2012 at 06:18 AM
Your owl is adorable. I love how you put a project together. Using multiple dies and materials to create your look is inspiring.
Posted by: Linda | July 27, 2012 at 06:20 AM