I hope so.
Art papers are large sheets you'll find in the art section of Hobby Lobby or in art supply stores on large tilt racks, or specialty papers that generally live in the art supply department rather than the stamping/scrapbooking department.
Why are we doing this? Well, I have two boxes under my bed FULL of these types of papers. When I first started crafting, I mostly made hand-bound books, and of course I stocked up on tons of pretty papers. I used a lot of them but still have lots of scraps and some unused paper.
Okay, a lot of unused paper. My tendency to over-buy started early.
Anyway, when I first started making cards, I used these papers but was never really satisfied with my cards until I moved primarily to stamping. Under my bed they have languished for the last five or so years. It's time to drag them out and show them some love. Besides, I think I've finally learned enough about design to make them work for me.
Today's two cards surely work for me. The paper is a gray-blue marbled paper with just a hint of silver shimmer in it. At one time, I covered a box with it, and also used it on the cover of several handmade books. Only scraps remain.
First up, I decided to punch butterflies out of the marbled paper. Now, butterflies are soft, and marble is hard. But the swirls of the marbled paper made me think of the tracks butterflies...fluid and unpredictible and ethereal. A fog-colored vine (PTI) grounds them a bit, and this seemed like a really good card for a woman's birthday, so the lovely greeting from Sincere Salutations works perfectly. Little pearls accent the butterflies because they can. Like butterflies, pearls don't need a reason.
Next up is a MONOGRAM CARD! I KNOW! You thought I'd given up completely on them. I thought I had given up completely on them.
Never say never. I love this card. Check out those white-on-white layers, the single strip of marbled paper, and the two PERFECTLY MATCHING brads (the only embellishments in my entire stash o' stuff that matched this paper!).
Give-Away: To make Art Paper Week more fun, I'm going to send one randomly selected person each day a selection of 12 art-paper pieces to play with. Most of the pieces are 4.25" x 5.5". It's just a small give-away, but hopefully the infusion of some new bits of paper will get you as excited as I am for stretching out a bit and inspire you to look at your own old, unused supplies in a more favorable light.
To enter the give-away each day, just leave a comment answering the day's question. The deadline for today's drawing is Wednesday night at 12:00 Eastern time (US).
Today's Question:
What's your favorite art supply (as opposed to scrapping/stamping supply) to use for cardmaking?
I don't know if these are really art supplies but you can do a lot with them. I recently started using bridal pearls (the pearls that are on the metal wires) on my cards and tealight candles. The effect is just amazing with the various colors against the pearls.
ReplyDeleteI love the marble butterflies! Both cards are so simple but yet full of punch! =)
Ohmygosh these cards are beautiful. I don't know if this counts as an art supply, but I have recently started blending with watercolor pencils. It's new for me and I am loving the results.
ReplyDeleteWhat great cards! We have a place around us with fabulous large pieces of art paper. I don't think we really incorporate any real art supplies into our work, although we do use some of that gorgeous paper.
ReplyDeleteSuper cool cards. I like to use thin plastic wire, which we use to make beaded chain n bracelet.
ReplyDeleteMine are my Prismacolor colored pencils. I feel "artsy" when I use them. It makes me really, really happy to see my 100+ pretty colored pencils, sharpened points up in my tool carousel. Truth be told, I look at them more than I use them, but I HAVE them, and that's the important part.
ReplyDeletesince i've started using copics i hardly ever use my other coloring supplies. also i love to use colored wire to make the butterfly antennae.
ReplyDeleteI like playing around with oil pastels to make backgrounds. If it doesn't turn out the way you want for a large background, a punch is always at hand and you can punch around the 'ugly'. LOL
ReplyDeletePromarkers!!!! Just love them - and pages from books/newspaper
ReplyDeleteRx
I use Prismacolors a little. And I tend to buy my rhinestones in bags from not in the scrapbooking/stamping department. They aren't self-adhesive, but I get a lot more for my money!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite art supply is my good old Roseart (Walmart's cheapest brand) colored pencils. I love them for adding lots of color or just a little bit.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these cards are just stunning. Love them.
Lovely paper. I live near Ann Arbor and LOVE making little trips to Hollander's (have you been there? It's amazing) to pet the pretty paper. You've inspired me to break out my old book-binding paper stash as well, so maybe that'll be my new favorite art supply. For now, it's probably my pile of sketchbooks and watercolor paper.
ReplyDeleteGORGEOUS! I have a shelf full of Parent Sheets from The Paper Source. They will last me several lifetimes. DO NOT pick my name, and DO NOT send me any more paper. I just wanted to tell you how much I love these cards. ;)
ReplyDeleteI am so "inside the box" that I don't think I have anything but stamping supplies - I know what to use those for! LOL
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards- I think I NEED this paper! (Now that I see how to use it) hee hee
Love the gorgeous papers; I also have art paper I bought for their beauty but haven't used in cards. Also, my SIL wraps gifts with fancy (and expensive) gift wrap and matching organza ribbon and ties on beautiful coordinating branches/ holly/ leaves, etc. I sometimes save her paper and stuff but never seem to get them onto a card.
ReplyDeleteDoes watercolor paper and a steel ruler count as art supplies?
Nance in Reno
Your cards are amazing and, as always, so inpiring. I have to say that your blog is my absolute favorite, although this is the first time I have ever commented. To answer the "question of the day", my favorite art supplies to use for card making are prismacolor pencils. I started with them years ago and I've found that they are good for so many beautiful techniques.
ReplyDelete-mnfroggie (Trina)
I would say copic markers. Although I suppose now they have really crossed over and become a cardmaking/scrapbooking supply - for many years they were primarily used by artists.
ReplyDeleteThose cards and art paper are DIVINE! The only supplies I have from the art dept. are prisma pencils and watercolor paper. Oh how I would love to add your art paper to my list!
ReplyDeleteCopics.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are amazing; your "simple" cards are always so incredibly striking!
Your cards are absolutely lovely! I would have to say I enjoy my watercolor pencils the most.
ReplyDeleteI have a really hard time making masculin cards so, i use this brown mesh stuff... not sure exactly what it's called but in know i will not find it in a scrapbooking/stamping supply store.. It works great to create the masculin background.
ReplyDeleteAgain, you simply amaze me! I love these cards! What a beautiful gift set these cards would make! I so hope that you randomly pick me!!! Have a great Monday - hugs!
ReplyDeleteBoth of these cards are elegant and beautiful :o)
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say that my stash of 120 lb and 140 lb watercolour paper is my most used followed by my watercolour paints.
These cards are simply beautiful... love them!!!
ReplyDeleteI think my sponges and daubers are my favorite art supply. I 'go to' them so frequently while card making.
-MaryB in Milpitas
I love the way you make simple into elegant. My favorite art supply would have to be Prisma pencils.
ReplyDeleteLovely cards! I like how you use "old" supplies to make something so classy and beautiful! My fav art supply, I guess colored pencils, just started seriously using them and I love it!
ReplyDeleteLOVE how you used your marbled paper! My favorite new art supply is my new Teflon Bone Folder I picked up at The Paper Source in Chicago over the weekend! Doesn't leave any shiny scuff marks on your cardstock. It was definitely a splurge but I'm really tickled that I took the plunge!
ReplyDeleteYour cards are so beautiful. You have mastered this clean style and your cards are always an inspiration. I also make jewellry, so my favorite art supply to use on my cards are beads. A little swarovski can really bring a card to life.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely LOVE both cards. I'm thinking about what paper I have that I could use for the butterflies... My favorite art supply(probably only one) would be the Derwent Artists Fine Art Colour Pencils made in England. I've used an alcohol blender with them a few times.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your honesty, and can relate to so much of what you say, Susan ;)
ReplyDeleteYour butterfly card is gorgeous, and I love the classic and clean look of your monogram card. Perfection!
I have an over-load of papers, so if you randomly choose my name...feel free to pass it on to the next lucky commenter.
My favourite is the beautiful heavyweight handmade paper I bought at an art supply store. I use it to make folders to put several of my cards in to give as a gift.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you used the art paper.
Love this idea! I have three favorites since I am not sure if two of them can be considered art supplies:
ReplyDelete1. Acrylic paints
2. Inchies
3. Copic Markers
Thanks for all that you do!
Audrie
Oh your cards are gorgeous. I especially love that butterfly one. My favorite art supply just has to be my Copic pens.
ReplyDeleteMy fave art supply is watercolour paper (thick and sturdy with lots of texture) and Dr. Ph Martin's India Ink. The two combined make beautiful papers that I use for backgrounds or for punching out images.
ReplyDeleteHi there Susan, great cards. I have to agree, I don't need any more paper so please feel free to pass me over if you randomly arrive at my reply:)
ReplyDeleteI love using corrugated card especially the buff coloured type it's great for adding dimension and it gives a linear element often balancing the design.
My favourite art supply is my box of Lyra Aquacolour water soluble artists crayons. The colours are as good as quality water colour paints but they have a grainy quality which is fairly unique.
You ask the best questions, LOL xx
Great cards,I love the butterflies!.x
ReplyDeleteThat monogram card is breath taking! My favorite ART supply for crafting/stamping would be acrylic paint. You can paint it on your paper and stamp on to it, or you can paint it on your stamp and stamp with it. Gives a different look to the same old image.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite art/card making supply...REALLY love my Copics...but they've become a card making essential for me.
ReplyDeleteA really out of the box thing I've used several times (and then I forget about it), is some jute string from my hubby's toolbox. I love the rustic look it give a card...especially a manly card!
Love both your cards today..but not sure I've ever heard of that type of paper.
TFS!
Oh my your cards are just fabulous and so stunning!!
ReplyDeleteI will have to see if I can find some of the art paper.
My favorite art supply has to be my Prismacolor pencils....just can't make a card without using them.
Very classy cards! My favorite art supply is my prismacolor pencils along with the odorless mineral spirits and blending stumps.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards, as usual! Makes me want to go and see what neglected supplies are languishing in my space. I don't know that I have many art supplies other than stamping/scrapping that are currently in use in my work, but I'm looking for ways to combine my stamping with some other hobbies, especially crochet and bead work. Kind of scary, since I have just about as much crochet and bead stuff as I do stamping stuff, and I'm sure that it won't all fit in my stamping room!
ReplyDeleteI like to use shipping tags! They make great gift tags, mini bookmarks (depending on the size, of course)...the list is endless!
ReplyDeleteNice idea of using art papers. Never thought about it...I have been using small crystals as flower centers, sometime grouping them together to make a cluster. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletelovely cards! makes me want to hunt for my stash of papers....i love using flower stamen as butterfly antennae. i buy them in white and color them to match.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards, I love love love your butterflies! (might need to add one of those punches to my 'need' list!)
ReplyDeleteI guess the only art supplies I have are my watercolour pencils and watercolour paper.
Love both of today's cards!! Very elegant. The only art supplies I use frequently are 2 very pricey brushes I bought years ago...a big dense fluffy one to buff my chalk finishes, and a tiny pinpoint brush to remove bits of embossing powder before I heat set. (Please do not include me in the give away. I have lots of art papers in my collection!!)
ReplyDeleteI love those cards, might try white on white, I love that look. My favorite art supply, that's tricky... but I think it must be pop dots. I have found that I can't make flat cards anymore. Bummer for trying to mail multiple cards in one envelope. I love that you're using your stash. I have a stack of paper I bought at a Thai paper factory in 2003 and I use it here and there and every time I do I get excited. So, glad to hear you're unearthing dusty bits of paper.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I saw the title Marbled paper and thought....been there and done that! Then I saw your stinkin' cute butterlies and thought....I might be making marbleized backgrounds tonight! HA
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tool is my martha stewart score board for making nice, crisp folds and score lines!
love the cards. Mine would be water colour paper and pencils. If I lose my mojo I always go back to colouring in a stamped image.
ReplyDeletePAINT! I loves it. I love using it with chipboard and GLITTER! OH MY GOD!!! Fabulous AND super pretty adhesive for your glitter. My favourite way to use it is to coordinate my chipboard piece(s) with the right colour of paint (acrylic) and whilst still wet (must be fast for this!) add a splash of glitter (usually the non-coloured stuff for me). :) P.S - Great use of scraps, Susan *big thumbs up!*
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I LOVE my local art supply store. I probably spend the most on paper. I use large sheets of vellum, watercolour paper, etc. and then cut them down to size on the papercutter at work.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I use my acrylic paints alot (and so does DS who creates background papers for me).
Oh Susan you can NEVER have enough paper.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite would be heavy watercolour paper, smooth...coupled with gouache paints to decorate it with...just love this marbled paper of yours and both cards are top class....always are.
crayons are my favorite art supply.
ReplyDeleteIf crayons are being used...that means my grandson is right beside me using them. What fun!
Beautiful cards Susan - I love the butterflies! My favorite art supply is my Prismacolor pencils. (if my name is randomly picked please pass it and pick another! I just like to comment on your blog!)
ReplyDeleteThese, as always, are beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration. My best art supply is water color paper.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card! I would have to say Prismacolor pencils, they are the only thing I have purchased in an art store! LOL
ReplyDeleteI haven't really thought about using art supplies, but the next time I'm in the Hobby Lobby, I will definitely check out the art supplies.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to have found your blog! Your cards are beautiful!
Good paint brushes and specialty paper has always been on my list.
ReplyDeleteMy paper-passion began when I was a teen buying stationery for Graduation thank-you cards. Remember Eaton? And Crane, of course. On 4th Street in Berkeley, CA., there is a shop of handmade papers. Soooooo expensive, soooooooo gorgeous, way beyond my means. But that never stopped me from dreaming that some day for window coverings I would have Shoji Screens made of gorgeous paper.
ReplyDeleteAre you POSITIVE you want to gift away something that is becoming so rare, especially this year? My LSS replaces ordinary stock and the price goes up while the quality goes way down. Same with envelopes I order from the internet. Really "fine" paper is so scarce.
Gorgeous cards, today, of course. Probably you love white space because no one EVER wants to cover fabulous paper with embellishments and stamped images, do they?
But then I've never understood A-1 or Bearnaise or pepper sauce on a filet mignon, either. ;-)
Hi Susan!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, your cards are fabulous!!
Such an inspiration, you are!
The ULTIMATE art supply has got to be glitter....in any form. Glitter glue, glitter pens, loose glitter..you name it. I seldom make a card that doesn't have some glitter on it somewhere.
Once again, GORGEOUS cards! Really, really like the monogram one! I guess my current fav art supply are copics! They rock!
ReplyDeleteTHese two cards today are beautiful with the marbled paper. My favourite not-strictly-stamping art supplies are my watercolour pencils, and my watercolours that I originally gave to my dad.
ReplyDeleteThese are stunningly beautiful cards.
ReplyDeleteYour question is hard to answer because a lot of more main stream art supplies have crossed over into the stamp and scrapping world already, like canvas and paint and beading.
I used some foam board recently on a large canvas and sprayed it with some paint from the hardware. Lots of fun!
Do ribbons and buttons count? I love embellishing with them! :) I love the monogram card!!
ReplyDeleteMy fave art supply is punch. I love all my punches (more than 200 pcs). Those are the tools I used in my early cardmaking and still use them until now. I love the butterflies card. The monogram card is adorable and wish to make one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful pair of cards and such a great way to use up all the paper I've been hoarding. My favorite art supply is gesso.
ReplyDeleteoh susan!!
ReplyDeleteyour cards are lovely.
i especially like the monogram. it is soo you!!
i think most of my supplies are crafty, not artsy. do love watercolor paper, tho. thanks so much for your inspiration and your thoughtfulness.
hugs, marty
Beautiful cards, Susan! I love the butterflies!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards...love the colors on the marble paper..
ReplyDeletewhat do i use from the art section, well technically everything since we don't have a hobby section over here..but yes I do tend to collect a lot of marble papers, texture papers, mulberry papers from art sections. A t-ruler too..
And since i started doing CAS cards, my supply of paper is going un-used.. need to use what i have first!
I love looking at Art Supply shops for cardmaking supplies! I buy coloured pencils, sketchpads, tortillon stumps (for blending) and more! I've also bought watercolours and a brayer (which I havent used yet, but will!) :)
ReplyDeleteBoth of these cards are gorgeous!! I love the monogram card, the simplicity and clean lines plus the beautiful dp just calls to me:) My favorite art supply would have to be my Prismacolor pencils, although after I learn to use them, the Copics could step into first place!
ReplyDeleteGlad that I am not the only one who gets excited about a perfect match brad etc. Love the ovals on the monogram card - are these punches? My favourite art supply to use would be the 25 year old colour wheel I made in art class at school, it's still going strong. As others have already said, feel free pass me over if my name is drawn this week.. something to do with the pile under the bed here too!
ReplyDeleteA really good paintbrush, used with either watercolour paint, pencils or markers.
ReplyDeleteJust love your 2 cards!
I too am a sucker for paper, so I love your week of showing us how to use your supply! Your cards are beautiful. My favorite art supply is watercolor pencils, because I love the soft impressionistic look you can get with them.
ReplyDeleteMy VERY favorite thing for cardmaking is GLITTER!!! Glitter Glue, Glitter Pens, Sparkly Paper!!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! :)
Thanks for chance to win!! :)
Lori Morton
Love your butterfly card. One thing that is fun to use in the art supply area would be a brayer. There are many things that can be created using the brayer. Also like using gesso and acrylic paints to create a new look.
ReplyDeleteI love that marbled paper and how you used it! I think I would have been stumped too until you inspired me with you CAS cards ~ love them!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite extra is glitter ( in ANY form) and my sparkly gel pen to add just a hint of something special. :)
Can't wait to try the bubble wrap I've saved - could make a very interesting background!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your blog so much I could marry it! That was dorky, but I really do enjoy your tips and tricks and sassyness!
d
Whenever I get the chance, I love to watercolor. Incorporating watercolor paper would be my choice.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite art supplies are water color pencils. They are the easiest for me to use to color.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards. I love the layout of the butterfly one. Beautiful marbled paper - it looks great!
ReplyDeleteLove your cards. My fave art supply is Koh-i-noor pencils but I have eyeing the Copics at the local art supply store and would love to buy.
ReplyDeleteI started out as a bookbinder, too! I have LOADS of great paper just waiting for a hot, new project!
ReplyDelete