Hi there! I've got a fun and easy Papertrey Ink Tips & Tricks project for you today. Ever hear about a technique that left you scratching your head a bit, asking yourself, "Why would anyone ever even try that"? Yep, me too, but nevertheless, here I am, trying one of those techniques out. I'm reusing dryer sheets with the help of my Papertrey Ink dies and stamps and I have to say, that I'm OK with the results. Want to try?
I suppose I have always worried that by using something such as a used dryer sheet, that it would most certainly come out looking like I had indeed used a dryer sheet, so I never gave it a go. But, stamped and layered in with patterned paper, trim, and felt, and I ended up with a soft, fluttery, unique accent. These elements can work together in creating dimension and personality.
The dies I selected to use were the Lovely Layers and Heart-2-Heart #7 dies. I learned the secret to getting a clean cut from your used dryer sheets is the following sandwich:
1. Bottom cutting plate
2. Dies
3. 1 used dryer sheet folded in half (so you can get double the cuts)
4. paper or cardstock
5. Top cutting plate
After you've die cut your dryer sheet, you'll end up with these pretty little things, along with flowers cut from the patterned paper as well, so select paper that coordinates with your project while creating your sandwich. You can kill two birds with one stone this way :).
Next I stamped my die cut dryer sheets using the Background Basics: Hearts stamp set. I used Berry Sorbet ink on the bottom, larger flowers, and Raspberry Fizz ink on the smaller flowers. That's it! Now to assemble and add in some layering.
Adhere your dies cut from patterned paper.
If you want to use trim, fabric, or felt, now is the time to add those layers in.
Next come the layers of larger flowers cut from your used dryer sheets.
And, the layers of smaller flowers cut from your dryer sheets.
Don't forget to dress up the center of your flowers. I used Vintage Cream and Spring Moss felt, the Heart-2-Heart #7 die once again for the leaves, and the Heart-2-Heart #11 die for the heart.
Top it with a cream button and your sweet, soft accent is complete.
Other layers used beneath my dryer sheet accent come from using the Tag Sale #9 die and vellum, the Perfect Patches die and sheet music, and just a portion of Sweet Blush cardstock cut using the Cover Plate: Hearts die. These are all layered over Rustic Cream cardstock stamped using other images from the Background Basics: Hearts set and are stamped in Autumn Rose and Limeade Ice.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you're having a great first week of February.
Melis
I love it! What a fun idea . The layers look great!
Posted by: Marybeth | February 07, 2014 at 04:23 AM
This is really nice. I have actually saved some drying sheet intending to try some die cutting with them. thank you for the tips. Love the card
Posted by: Nola T. | February 07, 2014 at 04:27 AM
What a cleaver idea! I t makes actually want to go do my laundry, LOL! Beautiful card:)
Posted by: Elizabeth Campau | February 07, 2014 at 04:36 AM
Seriously? Only you could make a USED dryer sheet look so pretty!! Great tip and beautiful card!
Posted by: Marci C | February 07, 2014 at 05:11 AM
Well now I am going to have to save my dryer sheets!! Wow Melis what a really cool idea!! I love reusing things!! It is laundry day since I am off today will try this today!! Lovely card! Your talent is just amazing!! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jessie McLaughlin | February 07, 2014 at 05:12 AM
Such a sweet flower, and you introduced me to a new die set! I really like the way your flower came together and how you made your own patterned paper for the background! I am always playing match with store bought patterns when I should just try making my own!
Posted by: jan metcalf | February 07, 2014 at 05:23 AM
Wow great idea can wait to play with this project tonight
Posted by: snew | February 07, 2014 at 05:25 AM
Ooh...makes me smile. Such a lovely card made with beautiful dies, p.p. and -who would have thought- a dryer sheet. Thank you Melissa. Your talents are amazing!
Posted by: Donna M. | February 07, 2014 at 05:33 AM
What a beautiful card made with dryer sheet embellishments - who would have thought?
Posted by: Robin | February 07, 2014 at 05:34 AM
This is beautiful! I love the fluffy look of the flower. I tried freehand cutting dryer sheets one time to make a flower since I didn't have a diecutting maching and it didn't turn out so well. Now, that I have a cutting machine, I'll have to give it another try. February brought us an ice storm--the snow we have is now solid ice.
Posted by: Patty O'Malley | February 07, 2014 at 05:37 AM
I love the card. The technique is amazing . I can't wait to try it.
Posted by: Grace | February 07, 2014 at 05:51 AM
Absolutely darling! The dryer sheet layers look so sweet stamped with the hearts.
Posted by: annheidel | February 07, 2014 at 06:27 AM
I always seem to have a number of used dryer sheets in my laundry room after a day of washing and drying. Now I have a way to use them up for crafty projects!! What a beautiful card, Melissa. Love all of those sweet layers of hearts and flowers!
Posted by: Karen Corbett | February 07, 2014 at 06:29 AM
Makes me want to buy dryer sheets to try this but think I have something similar I could try this technique with. I have some cheap interfacing from sewing projects to try. Thanks for your inspiration.
Posted by: Dolores | February 07, 2014 at 06:54 AM
Cute card, great idea! Wonder if I could use a fresh dryer sheet? Then the card would also smell good. Thank you for sharing your creative ideas. =^..^=
Posted by: -mary | February 07, 2014 at 07:15 AM
I love this great idea Melissa! So soft and pretty!! And your card is beautiful!!
Posted by: Jill norwood | February 07, 2014 at 07:19 AM
Melissa, how beautiful!What a great idea to use dryer sheets. I would never have thought of that. You are so creative!!Thank you for sharing your thoughts as you make my cards prettier!
Posted by: Patricia | February 07, 2014 at 07:54 AM
Thanks for this tutorial! I just left a comment on Nichole's blog a couple days ago saying that I was in awe of your beautiful embellishments.
Now that you have broken it down this way, I can see that the darker colors make a great bottom (background) layer for the paler more ephemeral upper layers to show off their charms. I must make one of these for a Valentine, post haste.
Thanks again for showing (and explaining how you achieve) your wonderful signature style.
Posted by: Marcie Rhys | February 07, 2014 at 08:08 AM
recycle everything-right?
Posted by: Linda | February 07, 2014 at 08:09 AM
Love your layered flower. TFS
Posted by: Loly Borda | February 07, 2014 at 08:25 AM
And now I actually have seen everything! I've come to the end of the internet LOL. Love this, Melissa. Such an absolutely gorgeous project.
Posted by: Diana K | February 07, 2014 at 09:22 AM
HOW BEAUTIFUL MELISSA!!!!!!!:) I DEFINATELLY NEED to try this!!!!:) I GUESS I need to start with these FLOWER DIES!!!!!! (I am WAY BEHIND everyone else in dies!!!!) LOL Your card is GORGEOUS AND THANK YOU for the TUTORIAL!!!!!!!! FABULOUS JOB!!!!!!!!!!:)
Posted by: Becky Green | February 07, 2014 at 09:44 AM
I've seen dryer sheet flowers b4 and they pale in comparison to yours, Melissa! I love all the layers and that you stamped the sweet hearts onto the dryer sheet. Your card is terrific and the flower is tops. Thx for the tutorial. :)
Posted by: Gabby | February 07, 2014 at 09:57 AM
Beautiful card, Melissa! I just may have to start using dryer sheets:)
Posted by: Elizabeth S. | February 07, 2014 at 10:34 AM
Love how soft and pretty this is!
Posted by: Dee in NH | February 07, 2014 at 10:38 AM