It’s easy to find inspiration for a project or layout these days. Magazines and websites are packed with ideas, but so are more unconventional places like product packages, clothing, house ware items, even food! After you’ve found your inspiration, how wonderful is it to sit in front of a blank slate and create? We usually run to our stash of patterned paper to get started on a project and select ribbons, eyelets and embellishments to compliment it. Perhaps we shouldn’t be so quick to grab for the paper, anything from chipboard to clear plastic can serve as the canvas for your next layout, card or craft project.

Birthday Take-Out Box Beginner Project by Graphix Arts Zoom in to view this project closer Make this project: Step-by-step instructions Mail a link to this project to a friend

 

You can find Chipboard letters, shapes and frames in nearly every craft and scrapbook store. But how about using Chipboard as a surface for a scrapbook page or craft project? That’s right; embellish the Chipboard rather that using the Chipboard as an embellishment! Apply paper, die cut it and layer with paper to create “windows”, sand, ink and paint it. Chipboard is sturdy enough to create baskets and boxes out of too! For a fun Easter basket, cut out 5 squares that are all the same size. Glue them together to form a box with no top. Choose colorful paper to cover the box sides and add a few die cut Chipboard eggs and a handle. Makes the perfect basket to hold Easter candy and eggs!

Chipboard Easter Basket Beginner Project by Graphix Arts Zoom in to view this project closer Make this project: Step-by-step instructions Mail a link to this project to a friend

 

Grafix Rub-Onz sheets come to you blank, it’s up to you to create designs, print them and turn them into rub on decals. That’s right, print your own rub ons! Turn photos, clip art and your favorite font into rub on decals. Embellish store bought take out boxes with personalized Rub Onz for fun gift wrapping or party favors. Take it a step further and add some ribbon and eyelets. Use Rub-Onz to make unique envelopes, party favors, plastic party ware, notecards and more!

So don’t forget, the next time you’re feeling inspired, a blank slate is just waiting for you! Be sure to look beyond paper as your canvas. Try using Chipboard or Craft Plastic, or maybe come up with a few good ideas of your own!

To find the products mentioned in this article and shown in these layouts, check with your local scrapbook retailer. Browse our Premier Retail Stores for coupons to a store near you.