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Using Embossed Paper Charms

Lightweight. Non-abrasive. Three-dimensional, yet flat. Acid-free. Oh, yes—and inexpensive, too.

Embossed metallic paper charms are a terrific alternative for paper crafters who want the metal look without the weight, abrasion or potential tarnishing. We've had dozens of scrappers at conventions, classes and crops ask us for more ideas on using the charms, so we turned to the pros for advice! Here, designers Arlene Peterson and Shauna Berglund-Immel chose a few of their favorite charm techniques, plus tips, tricks and ideas. Read on to see how you can add a touch of shine to your next layout!

Precision Cutting:

Both Arlene and Shauna suggest a few tips for cutting the charms:

• Before cutting the details of the charm, cut it away from the sheet it's printed on. It's much easier to do intricate cutting when holding a smaller piece of paper.

• Use short-blade scissors like the Cutter Bee or Fiskars SoftTouch. Smaller blades allow you to cut around curves more easily. Hold the scissors steady while you cut, and turn the paper.

• Use an X-acto® knife for detailed shapes. An X-acto® knife works perfectly around intricate shapes.

Charming Techniques

Use them as is: The easiest technique is to use these charms as is—simply cut them out and glue them right to the paper, as Arlene did in this layout.

Arlene used nature-themed charms for journaling.


Supplies

Add dimension: By simply attaching the charm cut-outs with foam tape, you can add instant dimension. Use one layer of foam tape for a little lift, or two for a raised effect.

Tie one on: Embossed paper charms look great when attached to a project with embroidery thread. Poke a tiny hole in the charm (use the tip of your X-acto® knife or use a 1/16" hole punch), then thread metallic embroidery thread through the hole. (Looks great on a gift package!)

Shauna used word charms for journaling.

Journaling: Word charms are custom-made for journaling. With words like "dream", "inspire" and "art", they can easily be mixed with alphabet tiles or your own handwriting to emphasize certain words in your journaling.

Notice how Shauna used the charms on her page "Elise": She attached a few with regular adhesive, adding tiny bows with Glue Dots™; others are tied on with metallic thread.

Supplies:

Arlene chose tags and baby images for this sweet layout.

Framing tiny photos: Cut out a portion of a photo to fit inside the tag charms, giving a metallic edging. In this adorable baby layout, Arlene fit portions of her leftover photos inside the tag charms; other tag charms she chalked and layered.

Supplies


Distressing: Cut out a charm and skim lightly with fine-grade sandpaper over the embossed portion. Skim it again for an even more distressed effect, then add them to your project.

Direct-to-Paper Penwork: This is a rubber stamping technique designed to alter the charms. Here's how: Place the charm on a scrap piece of paper to protect your work surface. Using a Zig pen, color over the entire charm. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to rub off the ink, letting the color sink into the debossed section of the charm.

Two additional tips from our designers: "The charms are lightweight, so you can use them on cards and you won’t have to pay extra postage when mailing," says Shauna. Arlene adds, "Because they're flat, you can use them on altered book pages and still be able to close your book!"

Arlene Peterson is a designer and well-known scrapbook instructor who teaches at conventions and events like Camp Memory Makers. Shauna Berglund-Immel is a talented designer and author of Shauna’s Secrets of Scrapbooking. Both have large personal stashes of embossed paper charms in their scrapping studios.

Two types of embossed paper charms are available: Artsy Collage™ charms, which come in Nature, Masculine, Pretty, Travel and Words. Although designed for collage, scrappers liked the charms so much Hot Off The Press created charms especially for scrapbooking: Baby, Romantic, Holidays & Seasons, Celebrations, Christmas, Vacation, Words and Blank Tags are larger and come in scrapbook-related themes. The charms sell for $4.99 per pack; inside each pack are five sheets of charms in gold, silver and copper.