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Templates

We paper-crafters love templates! Why? Probably because they make it soooo easy to achieve incredible results. Whether you have the newest Paper Flair™ templates in your crop bag right now, or you've never used them before, we've created expert designs just for you! We took three of the newest templates available and gave them to three talented paper-crafters: Shauna Berglund-Immel, Lisa Dattola and Paris Dukes, and asked them to show us just what can be done with templates. The answer may surprise you: From elegant photo borders to photo-holding pockets to a whimsical card, these templates may just be the perfect option for your next paper-crafting project.

How to Use a Template

Lay your template on your paper, placing both flat on your work surface. If you don't want to see the trace lines, use a pencil and lightly trace the shape(s). If you want your shape to look as though it's been edged with color, trace the shape(s) with a metallic or colored pen. Remove the template, then cut the shapes. Don't try to cut while you trace; your X-acto® knife will cut through the plastic template.


   

The Garden's A Mirror of the Heart

By Shauna Berglund-Immel
Template Used: Mini Envelopes #1

Mini envelopes can hold journaling, memorabilia, or even photos—however you use them, you'll find they're the perfect accent to an elegant collage layout. Shauna chose to make these mini envelopes from vellum, although they also look pretty when cut from patterned paper.

Note how Shauna first traced the envelope shape with silver metallic pen, then cut out the shape just outside the silver line. Not only does the silver edging enhance the elegant shape of the envelope, it also coordinates with Shauna's silver embossed journaling, fibers and metallic paper charms.

In Shauna's Supply Box:

  
Mini Envelopes #1 template, used for Scrapbooking

Another tip from Shauna: “After I layered the torn pink and white vellum to the rose collage background paper and attached them with silver eyelets, I decided to highlight some of the words printed on the background collage paper. Where the words show through the vellum, I traced with silver pen. I outlined or colored in the words on the collage background paper with an embossing ink pen. To emboss, just sprinkle with silver embossing powder and set with heat gun.”

Amanda Louise

By Lisa Dattola
Template Used: Diamond Folds #2

Diamond folds are one of our favorite template techniques. Why? Because a completed diamond fold accent looks wonderfully intricate—yet with a template, you can achieve this effect quickly and easily! (Psst—we'll never tell your secret!) The trick to using a diamond fold template is to trace the series of diamonds, then cut and fold each chevron.

Here, Lisa used a gold pen to trace the diamond fold pattern, leaving a 7/8 " space between each pattern. “Cutting around the gold lines gives the pattern a gorgeous gold edge and extra dimension,” she says.

In Lisa's Supply Box:

 Scrapbooking using a diamond fold template  
Diamond Folds #2 template

Another tip from Lisa: A diamond folded accent is perfect for highlighting a special photo, especially a heritage photograph like this one. To create balance, Lisa made three diamond-folded accents for the background, and two additional accents to frame the photo. She attached the vellum to her layout with brads to avoid glue showing through.

       

You Are A Star

By Paris Dukes
Template Used: Spring Things

This whimsical star shape lends a whole new look to a handmade card! Here's how to use the template for a fun “spring” effect: Position the pattern over the card front. Lightly draw the lines of the pattern onto the card. Open the card and use an X-acto® knife to cut the center shape first; do not cut through the dotted fold line. Repeat to cut each line, working from the center outward and avoiding the fold lines. Apply glue to the back of the center shape and glue it to the inside back of the card. When dry, open the card and you'll see your shape “spring” between the layers.

In Paris' Supply Box:

 Template Card Making- A lovely Star Card
Spring Things Template

Another tip from Paris: Paris kept true to her red, white and blue color scheme when decorating the inside of her card. She typed the words “You Are A Star” on the computer, then cut each word into a small rectangle and decorated it with black penwork. Red, white and blue ribbon tied around the folded edge of the card, and knotted at the bottom adds a whimsical touch.

Like the template projects you see here? Then check out the two newest: Diamond Folds #2 and Spring Things. You can also visit Paper Flair™ to see the complete line of templates. Paper Flair™ templates are made of lightweight, sturdy plastic, clear with gridlines for easy measuring. Each one is just $3.99-$4.99.