April 7, 2010

Hi everyone! As many of you know I'm this month's guest designer for Bugaboo Stamps and it's my turn to post a tutorial. I decided to do an easy technique called paper piecing. I think we tend to forget about this technique with digi images and it's such a great way to add some interest and detail; it's also a great alternative to coloring your images.

Basically, paper piecing is the cutting out of part of an image using various pieces of patterned paper and cardstock, and then putting them back together to form the image.

For this technique you will actually be printing out your digi image twice; once onto your main color card stock (I used white in my example) and then again onto the pattern paper that you've selected. If you are using 12" x 12" pattern paper you may need to cut it down so that it fits in your printer. Also, it is important that both of your printed images are the same size.

Once your images are printed you need to decide what part of the image you would like to paper piece. In my example I've decided to cut out the umbrella and the boots.
When cutting out your images you will want to try and stay just outside of the black lines this way you will still be able to see your image once your pieces are cut. Here is what I have once I've finished cutting out the umbrella and boots part of my image.

Next you can color in your image however you would like. In my example I used my markers to color in my turtle image. There is no need to color in the parts that you will be piecing, they will be covered up.

Once your coloring is finished all you need to do is to place some adhesive on the back side of your cut out pieces and then place them over top of your main image. You'll want to try and line up your pieces so that they match with your original image. If your pieces are small it may be easier to use a glue pen.

Now that your image is finished you can assemble and complete your card or project.


Although I used the same patterned paper for both the umbrella and the boots, you can use different patterned paper if you would like. All you need to do is to print out your image onto each piece of pattern paper or card stock that you would like to use.

Stamps: Bugaboo Digi Image- Turt Umbrella
Card Stock: White, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue, Barley Banana, SU pattern paper
Supplies: Ribbon, Button, Silver Spiral Clip, Cuttlebug, Paisley Embossing Folder, SU Markers, Scissors- for cutting
Technique: Dry Embossing, Paper Piecing

I also made this card for the Stamps R Us blog group that I belong to. Our challenge this month is to create a card or project with has anything to do with Showers- use an umbrella, an image with raindrops, or favors for any type of shower! Everyone is welcome to play along.

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a great day!