Projects and Tips


 
Circle Xmas Tree
 
This is the sample of a front of a card using different sizes of semi-circles to shape into trees. Sparkle stickers, pens adding a bit of bling
 This is a template for a Christmas tree: a semi-circle with the fold lines noted. Use wrapping paper scraps or fronts of greeting cards.


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Meandering Books (PDF format)   get Acrobat reader
Take your paper for a walk - Fun single page booklets. Article by Nancy Penner Dormer
uploaded April 2016

Introduction to Sumi Ink Sticks (PDF format)   get Acrobat reader
An introduction to Sumi Ink Sticks presented by George Huitema at our September 2015 meeting.
uploaded March 2016

Pocket Album (PDF format)  get Acrobat reader
Studio Challenge article by Colleen Nagel. This album is ideal for holding items such as CDs or photos. If you create one with twelve pockets, you can organize your monthly greeting cards for a whole year. Thank you to Fran Sayles and Sharon London for sharing this project with us as a fund raiser at our 2009 Show and Sale.
uploaded March 2016
 
Coloured Pencil Play (PDF format)  get Acrobat reader
This article by Colleen Nagel is a partial reprint from our BVCG Newsletter Issue #80, November 2001. Will Farrington, a BVCG member at the time, taught a workshop titled Be Bold, Be Bold, Be Bold in which he shared his technique of enhancing his inked letters with coloured pencils, shadows, and three dimensional highlights. 
uploaded March 2016

Introduction to Gouache (PDF format)  get Acrobat reader
An introduction to gouache presented to BVCG members September 2015 by Colleen Nagel
uploaded March 2016

Ornaments by Yogi Grunwald
Ornament by Suzanne Murison
Christmas Ornament (PDF format)
  get Acrobat reader
A fun project for adults and kids. "Recycle your practice sheets, cardstock or old Christmas cards. Make a unique "Christmas Ornament" for your tree or a gift by Suzanne Murison, December 2012.

Quilt Block Cards (PDF format)
  get Acrobat reader
Use up all those scraps of paper too precious to throw out, with this fun and quick card project
"Quilt Block Cards" by Lynn Slevinsky, originally published in Issue 71, August 1999

Origami Heart Card (PDF format)  get Acrobat reader
A versatile card for truely unique wedding invitations or valentines!
"Origami Heart Card" by Lynn Slevinsky, originally published in Issue 73, February 2000

Flower Box (PDF format)  get Acrobat reader
Create an simple flower box, ready for embellishments!
"Flower Box" by Lynn Slevinsky, originally published in Issue 74, May 2000

3D Stand-up Cards (PDF format)  get Acrobat reader
Make your own pop-up cards for all occasions.
"3D Stand-up Cards" by Lynn Slevinsky, originally published in Issue 65, February 1998

Pop Art Cards (PDF format)  get Acrobat reader
A unique way to use your old pop cans to make embossed metal cards and keepsakes!
"Pop Art Cards" by Lynn Slevinsky, originally published in Issue 64, November 1997

Alphabet to Try (PDF format)  get Acrobat reader
This alphabet is from Lynn Slevinsky's book, "Marker Lettering, Volume #4". Use it for cards, gift tags, bookmarks... any time you want lettering that is decorative and easy to do.
"Alphabet to Try" by Lynn Slevinsky, originally published in Issue 74, May 2000

Booklet Cards (PDF format)  get Acrobat reader
This is a simple but very interesting way to join the pages of a multi-paged card or booklet, without stitching or binding.
"Booklet Cards" by Lynn Slevinsky, originally published in Issue 62, May 1997

Pinwheel Cards (PDF format)  get Acrobat reader
These cards work well for almost any occasion, depending on your choice of color and decoration.
"Pinwheel Cards" by Lynn Slevinsky, originally published in Issue 63, August 1997






Calligraphic Tips

When working on a light table, draw guidelines on tracing paper and put it under your work - much easier to see than lines on opaque paper.
Eileen Jardine, BVCG, originally published in newsletter Issue 83, August 2002






When gluing two sheets of paper together, to achieve a smoother, tighter bond - ensure that the grains of the paper are matching.
Ros Jones, BVCG via Suzanne Cannon's Coptic Binding Workshop, originally published in newsletter Issue 83, August 2002






]If you enjoy using postage stamps in your artwork and find some cancelled wavy lines - use the lines for tiny writing.
Westcoast Calligraphy Guild, originally published in newsletter Issue 83, August 2002






When threading a needle for sewing, lick the needle's eye as well as the thread - much easier!
>Rose Frank, BVCG, originally published in newsletter Issue 83, August 2002






To cut down on mess when using glue from a jar, place a rubber band horizontally over the mouth - acts both as a wipe and a brush rest.
Calligraphy Society of Arizona, originally published in newsletter Issue 83, August 2002






To avoid shiny paper when you are using your bone folder, use a piece of bond paper between the folder and your paper.
Calligraphy Society of Arizona, originally published in newsletter Issue 83, August 2002






Clear Plexiglas quilters' grids are great for ruling lines 1/8" apart or wider.
Renate Worthington, BVCG, originally published in newsletter Issue 80, November 2001






If you do not like you finished piece of work, putting a mat around it can make a big difference.
Valerie Quinsey, BVCG, originally published in newsletter Issue 80, November 2001






Doctors's paper tape, found in the first aid section of drug stores, is acid free and works well for taping artwork to mats.
Fort Worth Calligraphy Guild, originally published in newsletter Issue 80, November 2001






When addressing envelopes, take your design inspiration from the postage stamp. Canada Post publishes a free magazine called 'Details' which gives information about upcoming stamp issues. You can get 'Details' at Canadian post offices or phone the National Philatelic Centre at 1-800-565-4362 to receive copies by mail. Don't forget to check out the Canada Post website.
Colleen Nagel, BVCG, originally published in newsletter Issue 80, November 2001



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