Paper punches and polymer clay

Ever since I saw this wonderful technique using papercuts to emboss polymer clay, I knew I wanted to try this with my Tonic Studios paper punches.
I used a textured card and punched a variety of shapes to try out. The dark patches on the card are because this is after they have been used with the clay.

I really enjoyed the technique and made a few bits and pieces.

Cute little earrings with this butterfly paper punch.

While the card was still in place I used it like a stencil and rubbed on pearlex powders and glitter to get different effects.

These earrings are made with the branch part of the birdy punch.

I used a different texture of card for this one. Also with the birdy punch.

More birdy punch. This time with white pearlex powder on black clay. It makes the raised areas look silver leafed.

I used my flower punch for this one and added detail with my craft pick.

This one has glitter on the flower area and pearlex powders around it.

This time I added an organic looking centre to the flower by rolling tiny egg shapes and pressing them onto the clay with my craft pick.

I made a ring to match it. This one has circles on top of the egg shapes pressed with an empty ballpoint pen. It's supposed to look like flowers and leaves.

So If you like to play with polymer clay and you have some paper punches, then give this a try. It's great fun. I'll show you some of the buttons and card embellishments I've been making very soon.

An anniversary card

I was playing around with my Birdy Paper punch and used it to make this card for my parents. I'm ahead of schedule for once! I've been rather behind with everything lately!

I'm really loving the pink and grey scheme at the moment. I got a small reel of lovely cotton dusky pink ribbon. It wasn't wide enough to back the Birdies though. But never fear, I raided my stash of old roller blind samples from way back when my Dad used to sell them as a part-time extra job and I found a sample which was the perfect colour. Just goes to show you should hang onto your craft stash 'cos you never know when it might come in useful.

I'm loving all the texture too. Little details like this can make all the difference.

I stuck the insert to the inside front to keep it all looking neat.

Tonic Studios Punches used...

Simplicity geared punch - Birdy
Simplicity geared classics - Flower Head
Mini Punch - Traditional heart
Ribbon Punch - 1cm

cart before the horse

I'm slowly working myself up to doing some serious crafting, but I have a strange back to front way of doing things. I like to get all my little boxes ready before I start making the jewellery to put in them.

Actually I find it quite therapeutic to cut, score and stick. Now I am in the mood to try my hand at a little notebook or some other paper items . 

My other job for today is to embroider my little girls name onto a plain black fabric bag I have so that she can use it at school for her gym kit. Exciting stuff!


PS. Last chance to enter my blog giveaway ...drawing is tomorrow. 

Time for a Giveaway

Hi !
Some of you might remember that I designed this little birdy paper punch for Tonic Studios.

Well good news...I now have a couple of these to give away. The punch is one of their Simplicity Geared Punches which makes using it a breeze. 
Hardly any effort is required to punch through paper or card. 


Would you like to get your paws on one?


I have two to giveaway. 
This giveaway is open to everyone.


Here's what you need to do...


1.Leave me a comment telling me how you would use your Birdy Punch for one entry...


2.Become a follower and leave me a comment to let me know for a second entry.


3.For a third entry you could post about it on your facebook or twitter or blog...leave me a comment letting me know where.


Please make sure I have some way of contacting you if you win!


The time of the draw is noon on 1st September 2011

Drawing is closed now...winners have been announced :-)

A sneaky peek!

Here's a little peek at the new birdy punch  I have designed for Tonic Studios. 
It should be in the craft shops in the not too distant future. 

I sneaked a little play with mine today (although I am supposed to be tidying the house).
Here's a quick thankyou card I rustled up.
I used the Tonic Studio's shape cutters for the swish, and the Tim Holtz distresser for the edges of the greeting. For the little birdys I used a tomato paste tube. You can learn more about that here.