In a previous blog I provided tips on how to incorporate craft wire into scrapbook layouts. Fortunately, you don’t have to channel Martha Stewart in order to twist and turn colorful wires into works of art. Rather, all you need is a little patience, some creativity and these tips:
Words: One of the easiest ways to add a bit of wire to your page design is to bend it in the shape of words. Consider making an entire page title (or part of one) by shaping the wire into a word. If you need some help with the shape, print out the words in your favorite computer font and use the paper as a template for your design.
Shapes: Another simple way to spice up a layout with craft wire is to bend it into a series of shapes, including hearts, stars, flowers or swirls. You could even use the wire shapes as frames for photos on your page. A basic square shape can hold a variety of images.
Holder: Once you get comfortable shaping the wire by hand, you can experiment with more advanced pieces, such as holders for different memorabilia. One way to execute this project is to set a row of eyelets on a portion of your page, then run the craft wire through the holes to form a pocket. Finally, fill it with postcards, ticket stubs, maps, programs or other small mementos.
If you don’t want to use your hands to bend the wire, you could use a wire jig or a pair of wire cutters. Other options include nylon jaw pliers and round-nose jeweler’s pliers.
To get wire creations to sit nicely on your page, simply use some small U-shaped pins. If you don’t want to compromise your album’s page or potentially damage photos or other embellishments, then attach the wire creations to a piece of cardstock. You can then adhere the wired cardstock on the layout instead of adding it directly to original page.
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