Embellishing with Chipboard - Part 2

Just a couple of weeks ago, you learned how to cut and paint your own embellishments from chipboard. Now, take those techniques to the next level to create truly unique embellishments.

First, a quick review of the basics:

• Chipboard often comes in sheets, and can often be found for free.
• Cut your chipboard freehand or with a die-cut machine such as the Sizzix to create your own unique shapes.
• Chipboard shapes can also be purchased in packaged sets from various major companies.
• Coat shapes with acrylic paint and/or ink to finish.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to take your creations a few steps further. Whether you’re starting with a purchased shape or one you’ve created yourself, the following finishing techniques will help you create truly one-of-a-kind embellishments.

Patterned-Paper Method
Consider covering your chipboard shapes with patterned paper. It can really make your accents “pop” off the page and provide a classic look. This technique looks especially great when used with alphabets.

1. Lay your shape upside down on the wrong side of your patterned paper (pattern side down).
2. Trace with pencil. Remove shape and cut design.
3. Flip over, glue to shape. The Xyron machine is great for gluing smaller cutouts.
4. Finish edges with ink or paint.

Glaze Method
For this method, you’ll need a basic chipboard shape, a complementary sticker or die cut, and a finishing glaze, such as decoupage finish or crystal lacquer.

1. Start with your cut shape. Paint if desired.
2. Attach your die cut or sticker to the top of your shape.
3. Coat with finishing glaze or crystal lacquer.

The result is a gorgeous piece that will have a unique and fun finish—almost a cross between a shabby chic accent and an epoxy sticker.

Peeling Paint
It may seem strange at first to destroy an accent you worked hard to create, but the final results will be well worth it.

1. Begin with your raw chipboard shape, and paint with the acrylic color of your choice. Note: This technique will not work as well with pre-coated shapes.
2. After letting the paint dry completely (very important), use your fingernail to scrape away some of the paint at the corner of your design.
3. Peel away the paint, along with the very top layer of the chipboard, revealing the raw, torn chipboard beneath.
4. Vary your design, peeling away different parts of the paint.

This can take a little getting used to, but the result is truly beautiful and is excellent for distressed designs.

Don’t Forget the Basics
As you can see, taking your chipboard shape designs to the next level is simple and fun, plus you’ll get a custom look to each and every accent you create.

Remember that anything you can do to paper, you can do to chipboard. For even more designs, try the following:

• Wrap your shape in ribbon or stiffened fabric. (This works best with square or rectangular shapes.)
• Stamp background patterns on your letters or shapes with paint or ink.
• Try an image-transfer technique.
• Print directly on your chipboard from your computer. (This may not work with all printers; try thinner chipboard for best results.)

It’s easy to understand why embellishing with chipboard is one of the hottest new trends in the industry. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s very affordable (often free!). So grab a piece of chipboard, and some paint or patterned paper, and let your creativity run wild. This is one trend that’s here to stay.

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