Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Love those Pretty Papers February 2025

My sweet friend Leslie - you all know/love her from Running With Scissors - followed a mutual friend's path down a rabbit hole of paper piecing following THIS guide on YouTube... the instruction was a little confusing as she kept changing her mind - but don't we all?  As it often happens with us card makers, I found a way to make things a little easier and of course had to add my own little 'twist' on it as well.

Leslie used the MOST beautiful papers from Basic Grey - oh, how I wish they'd start making papers again!  I brought out a cute set from The Stamp Market just because the colors made me happy - sorry they are no longer available.

After cutting each of the panels of patterned paper [3.75" x 5"] into 8 pieces, one goes about swapping out four from each.  Watch the video - that will make more sense.  Here is where her instruction got a bit sketchy for me - I never did hear her say what size the panel to which one glues these pieces is.  I made mine 4" x 5.25" which leaves a very thin border, and taped them temporarily together to save my brain...


after gluing one triangle in place, I could remove the tape and realign the
other with a bit more precision.  It was a little like putting a puzzle together and
I really loved the results... ready?


This set of papers came with a page of tags, and I stacked two here
and tied them together with a bit of that lovely linen twine from SU!
The little cutie patootie flower and hello are from The Stamp Market
class I took a few years ago.  Did you spot my 'twist?'


That little debossed string of hearts is another new one [to me] from Penny Black.
All those pieces just felt a little like quilt piecing to me that wanted to be stitched!

BTW after cutting those pieces, you end up with enough to make two cards...
which is right up my alley!  This time I used a pink base for piecing.


Do you have a favorite?  I'm going to send one over to Love Those Pretty Papers
and the other as a thank you [to you know who!]

Sounds like we are going to get a little snow again... just when the roads were completely clear again.  Winter - thank goodness I have all this fun inside where it's warm!
=] Michele

The only thing that is still available on these cards is that Stitched With Love die from Penny Black... sorry!

22 comments:

Lin said...

I have always loved using printed papers, so I stopped dead in my tracks and then went down that rabbit hole, too, following your links, and Leslie's, too. You've all got my mind spinning with possibilities, and as I've just had a little surgery that gives me some more time to play, that's all a good thing. Lovely results, my friend - thank you!

Diane said...

Both cards are absolutely gorgeous and glad you got to figure it out, a puzzle is a good description more then one way lol. Love your choice of pretty papers too, a fun technique that eventually turns out, your cards are fabulous!!
Thank you for joining our challenge at Love Those Pretty Papers!
Diane Co-Owner LTPP
{Nellies Nest}
{Love Those Pretty Papers}

Vicki Dutcher said...

Very impressive! The end result is fabulous

Connie said...

What a pretty card. The background looks like a windmill quilt block. I love You Tube, I learned so much on that channel.

Bonnie said...

I love the bright pop of color on the first card and the sweet pink on the second, Michele! Can't pick a favorite! I love that you "quilted" those backgrounds! Both are lovely ways to say hi!

HilaryJane said...

These are so pretty. I am glad you made it work in the end. I think I might just have to go and watch the video for myself. I love them both, but if I have to choose it would be the first one. I think it is the green. You know me and green xx

Leslie Miller said...

Oh, gosh, you sure used pretty papers in colors that I love! You've got me all ready to go back and try again. I never thought of taping the pieces on the front, sheesh. I have to say these pieced papers are a fun play and make a pretty pattern. Your super cute tags look fabulous with them! I think part of my problem was with the guillotine cutter, trying to see to line up the diagonal cuts. I'll blame it on that, anyway. I think everyone will want to try this after seeing your pretty cards! Thanks, Michele!

Lisa Elton said...

Yep, the second is my favorite, but they're both super dang cute!

Bobby said...

A patchwork quilt is the first thing I thought of when I saw your card, Michele, and now that I've seen it and watched the video I just have to make a card for myself. Your papers look so good together and the tags are darling.

Marcia Hill said...

Both cards are so cool Michele, and no, I can't pick a favorite...I love them both! I could say I don't have any dsp so I can't try this technique out, but that would be a big fat lie...I have more than I know what to do with!! Thanks for all the measurements and photos too...it really doesn't sound too hard with all your directions! And seriously, both cards came out so pretty!!! Hugs. :0)

TK said...

I'm not sure what the other papers looked like but yours are cute and cheery -- what a fun, playful card, especially with all that pattern! Surprisingly, I LOVE the first one on the avocado-ish background... it just pulls the card all together

LesleyG said...

I love the look of this technique, I have so many pretty papers! Both cards are beautiful, the tags go really well xxx

Jeanne said...

Fabulous way to use goodies from your stash! That's a big win in my book. Both cards are beautiful. I just love all the details. The stitchy hearts, the die cut flower, the sentiments. They all work together to create wonderful cards. Stay warm and cozy!

Birgit said...

Both cards are so pretty, I couldn't possibly choose a favorite. I love your choice of papers, and the stitched hearts gives these cards a cozy quilted look. Between you and Leslie, I'm so wanting to go watch the video and give this a try. I'm afraid I'll be the only one that doesn't "get it". We'll see..... Stay warm my friend! We've got lots more snow coming this week as well.

Linda Callahan said...

Like beautifully assembled puzzles with fabulous pieces.....so pretty!

JoAnn said...

Both cards are beautiful. It is good that you had the papers to make 2 cards after cutting the sections. Paper quilting is fun and you really bumped it up a notch with your heart stitching die. I think the background paper stands out more on the first card, especially with that cute tag, but the pink one is beautiful also.

donna mikasa said...

Oooh, pretty papers, indeed, and a most satisfying project! There seems to be no end to the combinations, too. Uh oh....dare I attempt this?

Stephanie Lanzalotto said...

I was so inspired by your wonderful cards, I had to try this. Four hours later, I finally was done. A lot of swearing.... somehow the measurements were off a little, so I had to figure , cut, swear, measure, swear... you get the picture. But I loved yours so much. I forgot about your use of the washi. I only did one, so next time I will use it.

Kim S said...

I adore everything about these!! Fabulous technique for the background with some of my favorite papers! And such fun tags you added to each!

LeAnne said...

Wow, how did I miss these pretty quilted beauties! Your patterns and colors are just divine, and those tags...SWEET!

Carol said...

How did I miss this? I love your paper choices and the technique has me intrigues. Beautiful Michele!

lostinpaper said...

Such a pretty combo and sweet card designs!!
ps. CONGRATS on your win at Altenew my friend!!