Here's a little behind-the-scenes look at how a Studio 5 TV segment comes together. I work primarily with Stephanie, who is one of the awesome producers over at the show. Sometimes segments come about my by pitching an idea. Other times, she sends suggestions my way. I like both approaches, but there's something extra fun about going with her ideas. Maybe it's the challenge of catching the vision of another. Maybe it's just that she has a cool eye for good ideas. Maybe I simply miss working in an office where I collaborate with others daily and love any chance I get to join forces. Whatever it may be, it's fun. And today's segment was one of those producer-provided times.
The idea: Paper Piecing
Yes, this look is back in the spotlight. It's certainly not a new concept, but there are ways to make it fresh and fun, which I talk about in detail on the show. Here are three of those approaches:
Piecing Play 1: Punched Shapes
Punching shapes and putting them together is a staple in the world of paper crafting. Here are a few ways you can breathe new life into this form of piecing.
1. Modern Motifs: Look for the icons and imagery that are currently on trend. I often look to children's clothing and decor for this task. That market is surprisingly trendy, and the motifs typically translate well to crafting. Especially piecing. And I'm often scrapbooking and crafting about children anyway, so it's an easy fit.
Some popular children's motifs at the moment: woodland creatures (bunnies, deer, foxes, owls, squirrels, and bears--oh my!), weather (clouds, lightening bolts, suns, rainbows, etc.), cats (YAY!), botanicals (flowers, cacti, succulents, palms, etc.), and superheros. Any of these would easily translate to pieced motifs.
2. Modern Patterns: To update your favorite piecing, look to modern prints and fresh paper patterns (foiled, geometrics, etc.)
3. Tone on Tone: Layer prints on themselves to give an unexpected look. The key is dimensional adhesive (foam squares, etc.), which offer some lift and make it easier to see the definition between the two items.
Piecing Play 2: Die Cut Shapes
Pre-made die cut shapes come in SO many shapes and sizes. They're awesome when it comes to piecing either or single motif or an entire scene.
I pieced a little scene at the bottom of this photo display. This entire look could easily translate to a scrapbook page, too. This is another reason piecing is a loved look in scrapbooking. It's relatively flat and will easily fit behind a page protector in an album. Nice!
I used the DIY Home set of die cut shapes from Pebbles to create this scene.
Piecing Play 3: Stamping
With the HUGE popularity of stamp/die combos, this look is all the rage. Stamp cute shapes and either hand cut or use a coordinating die to make the cutting quicker (depending on intricacy).
I used the Cupcake Collection stamp set from PaperTrey Ink to create this card.
Here are a couple more of my personal fav stamp/die combos.
* Bitty Butterflies from Papertrey Ink
* Happy Trails stamps and matching Lawn Cuts (dies)
Piecing Pieces
When it comes to piecing, you really only need three things: 1. paper (obviously), mirco-tipped scissors (great for bitty cuts), and dimensional adhesive (to offer some lift and depth).
What About You?
Have fun playing with your paper. If you share any combos online, I'd love it if you let me know (tag or leave a note here). I always enjoy seeing how ideas take new form. Which of these approaches is your favorite? Or maybe you have another much-loved piecing look? I'd love to learn about it!
Cheers!