May 2009 Newsletter - Hot off the Press

Our May 2009 newsletter will be sent to our email subscribers at 8:45 A.M. (PST) on May 18. Click here to take a peek.

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Creating Personalized Paperweights Featuring Names and Monograms

Paperweights featuring names and monograms are easy to create and make thoughtful gifts and favors. They're especially popular for weddings because they're a beautiful alternative to place cards that will provide your guests with a lasting remembrance of your special day.

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Wax Seal Paperweight

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This paperweight was inspired by a friend who loves to place wax seals on her envelopes. It's a touch that always adds elegance and tradition.

Wax is available in a variety of colors, including gold and silver metallic, for a number of different looks to suit any style.

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Photo Finish - Cloth Paper Scissors Studios

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I received my advanced copy of the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Studios yesterday. PhotoWeights were featured as the #2 way to clean and spruce up your studio:

"Photo finish: Have a favorite photo or fabric swatch that you don't want to use in your art, but can't bear to part with? Make it work for you by turning it into a decorative paperweight. PhotoWeights come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. Just stick the template onto the paper or fabric you want to mount, cut along the edge, and insert the protective pad. You can even mount dimensional artwork such as collages."

Our thanks go out to Cate and the entire team at Cloth Paper Scissors for the kind write-up. To view more, please visit our press page.

Golden Leaf Paperweight

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This design involves the use of a rub-on transfer applied to decorative, cover stock paper. Check your local craft store for hundreds of rub-on transfer designs you can use with this technique.

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PhotoWeights in Cloth Paper Scissors Studios

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PhotoWeights are being beatured in Coth Paper Scossiors Studios (Spring/Summer 2009). We couldn't be more thrilled and honored to be in this special issue filled with photographs of some of the most inspiring studios belonging to artists such as Melissa Averinos, Margie Woods Brown, Tim Holtz, Tracie Lyn Huskamp, Yvonne Porcella, Helga Strauss, and Carol Taylor.

I can't wait to receive my advance copy!

Dad's Ugly Tie Paperweights

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I mentioned this idea in our March 2009 Newsletter as a tip for unique and affordable Father's Day gifts. Ever since the idea popped into my head, I've wanted to create one or two to feature in the design gallery. I have to say that I absolutely love them!

This is a very easy project that will require a tie and a pair of sharp fabric scissors. You may also need a seam ripper or a small pair of scissors to cut some stitching. You can use this same technique for displaying virtually all kinds of fabric in a PhotoWeights kit.

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Coming Soon... Display Easels

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Next week we'll be introducing a new item to our website, acrylic display easels. These adjustable easels offer an excellent way to display your finished paperweights on bookshelves, tables, and credenzas for everyone to see and admire. ($0.55 ea.)

UPDATE: This item will be added to the website on March 25, 2009.

Wild Saffron Butterfly Paperweight

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If you prefer projects that are easy to complete, our Wild Saffron Butterfly Paperweight is for you.

This project involves the use of decorative paper that provides color and texture for the background. The beautiful butterfly is part of a set of eight Grand Adhesions dimensional stickers by K&Company. Each butterfly in the set is already decorated with glitter, jewels, and copper-colored wire.

The instructions for this paperweight may be used to display virtually any scrapbooking embellishments.

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Antique Keyhole Paperweight

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You'll have fun creating this lovely paperweight. This project may incorporate new keyhole embellishments, such as the one we used from Tim Holtz. You may also use antique keyholes, skeleton keys, and other old pieces from antique shops, tag sales, and architectural salvage dealers.

Our version of this paperweight has a background that simulates distressed, painted wood. This was achieved by using an acrylic paint as a base covered by a layer of crackle paint. (The project may be simplified by using fabric or decorative paper as a background.)

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Back to Blog

After taking an extended break from blogging, I thought it was about time to come out hibernation. Afterall, it's nearly spring!

I'll be posting some fabulous paperweight design ideas each week, as well as updates on everything that's happening in our little slice of the universe.