Articles : Tutorials - Paper Crafting

Getting Creative with Core'dinations Cardstock

Exploring the different ways to use cardstock with a coordinating core color.

With this fun product from Core'dinations, cardstock isn't just for  backgrounds anymore. Core’dinations ColorCore Cardstock has a core color which “core’dinates” with the surface color. Each sheet has a tab underneath labeled “core color” that represents the interior color of the sheet. You can choose to keep that color hidden or add your own creative touch by sanding, tearing or embossing. Join me for this tutorial showing the different ways I've found for using it on my layouts.

Here are some of the types of Coredinations cardstock I used and some others I think would look amazing using these techniques:

      
To check out the full line of Cordinations Cardstock the ACOT carries click HERE.

To start I will be showing you simple techinques like tearing and sanding and how they can be used on a layout.

Tearing:

  

Crumpling and Sanding: for the sanding I used a regular emory board and a foam backed sanding block. But you can use sand paper or any other distressing too.

 

I started with a sheet of paper cut to the size I needed, then gently crumpled it. Once it was creased to the point I felt would look good I smoothed it out and sanded it with my sanding block. What I like best about this techinque is that you can crumple as much or as little as you like and sand as much or as little as you like as well.

  

  

Edge Distressing a Mat: I found that if you place your cut mat on the edge of the table and pull the emory board down it will distress the edge of the paper so that it looks like is had been inked with that color that is showing through. I love the inked look without the mess.

  



Distressing a Border Diecut: when using a border like waves for your layout, distressing the top edge can give you a little extra something. The lighter color showing through looks like the sea spray or white caps on the wave.

  



Pulling it all together: here is the layout I made using all of these techniques. I don't even notice that not one piece of pattern paper was not used.

Using the simple techniques above in a more creative way you can make even more exciting looks.

Creating an Embossed Look Without an Embossing Tool: I do not own an embossing tool with fun plates but I wanted my background paper to look like I embossed it and sanded it, so I used my paper punches instead. First I punched different sized circles of the my paper and then I sanded it to amount I wanted. Then I glued my circles to my background paper which is the same color as my circles. This is what helps trick the eye into thinking it is embossed.

  

Folded Paper Ribbon: I wanted a border on my page that gave me the feel of ribbon without actually using ribbon, so I made it. First I cut a strip of cardstock about an inch thick, then folded it to create a sort of ruffled effect. I adhered each fold down, sanded it and then adhered it to my paper. To help keep my folds in place and add more interest to my paper ribbon I punched holes down the middle and sewed a contrasting color thread through the paper.

Making Patterns to Accent Covered Chipboard: after covering my leaves with cardstock I felt they looked a little plain. So I used the edge of my emory board to carve veins in the leaves. First I adhered the front chipboard piece to the non-textured side of the cardstock. Then I cut out the piece with a craft knife and sanded the edges where I didn't cut well. Then using the edge of my emory board I rubbed back and forth until I had line in the leaves where veins would be.

Distressing With a Stencil: While the older metal embossing plates I owned did not do much for me with the very heavy cardstock when I wanted to emboss it, I found it worked great as a stencil for distressing. First I used a spray adhesive to adhere the metal plate to my paper. I would use a very light spray or you will have trouble removing the sticky parts from your paper once you have removed the plate. Then I sanded the paper that was not covered with the sanding block and an emory board (for the smaller areas) until I could see the shape well. Once I removed the plate I decorated the shape a little more with some glitter glue.

Pulling It All Together: here is the layout I created using these techniques.

Finally there are few more techniques I want to show you.

Fun Paper Fish: while playing around with the cardstock I made these elements which I plan to use on a layout in the future. First I used a border punch to create a scalloped border on a few strips of paper. Then I sanded the scallops and adhered the strips together as shown. Then flipping the stack of paper over I sketched a fish and cut it out. I added an eye to finish them off. I love how the distressed scalloped paper really looks like scales.

Sanded Titles: you can also use extra chipboard pieces to distress shape, patterns or letters onto your paper. I chose to show you a word that could be used as the title for your page but it would also be fun to create patterned paper by sanding letters or shapes in different dircections all of over the page. First set your self-adhesive chipboard pieces where you would like them on a piece of wax paper. Then cover the chipboard with the paper of your choice, I held mine down with magnets to prevent it from slipping while I was sanding. Then use your sanding block or sand paper to rub across the cardstock, revealing the letters.

I hope this tutorial has encouraged you to pick up some Core'dinations Cardstock and try of few of these techniques.

About the author ...
Ronny was introduced to paper scrapbooking by a friend in 2000 and started digi in 2004 not realizing it. She has been a member here at ACOT for over 2 years and has very recently joined the digital creative team. She lives in Georgia with her husband and 2 kids. Drawing, painting, reading, swimming, photography and playing outdoors with her kids are things she enjoys when she is not scrapbooking.

Published on 09/27/2009. Submitted by Smiley-Scrap8