Using Templates - Part 1

There are so many different types of templates out there on the market and I seem to have such a large selection of them that I thought I may do a "mini-series" covering the various types. I love templates as they are more economical than buying punches/dies etc although do take a lot longer to reach the end result. The sense of satisfaction at completing items, though, is definitely worth it!

I'm going to start with the embellishment templates that enable the user to make items using the stash you have to hand.

Most of mine are manufactured by "Hot Off The Press" but I also have some "Dovecraft" ones. These are both readily available from most good craft retailers.

I've made a butterfly and a flower quickly today - the most time consuming part is the actual cutting out of the elements:

 
 

These, as I said, were very quick and simple to make but of course you can make these more detailed if you prefer. I used an embossed cardstock and a patterned paper to make mine but there are a number of ways in which this could be changed. How about:

• making the embellishments from acetate and colouring either with alcohol inks or Promarkers/Copics
• making them from double-sided papers
• stamping details
• adding glitter
• stamping details
• using distress inks
• making from fabric or felt
• doodling on plain cardstock
• exchanging brads for buttons
• adding more layers
• using foam pads between layers

 

There are so many ways to use these templates. Here's a layout I made last year with paper flowers I made using a template.

 
I'll be back in a couple of weeks with a post about other templates.

Thanks for visiting IACW!

Jo xx

 

Comments

[Eleanor]

Lovely layout, fab colours and so pretty. You can still get frilly knicks you know - for grown up girls!
I have HOTP templates too - need to find them I reckon.
E
xx

[Mandy]

Oohh... I have some handbag templates I feel inspired to dig out and use... thanks!

[Lynne V]

My templates are in a draw, I need to revisiti them.