Transparencies: see what you are missing

You may not be old enough to remember, but back in the day...when I was a kid...my teachers used transparencies on overhead projectors. The transparencies were used to help show math problems or images that were relevant to that particular subject.

In the craft world, transparencies can be a great addition to a project. Yes, you can write on them, like my teachers did, but why stop there?

You can make pockets. Fun shapes. Tags. Join me as I provide a few ideas for those transparencies or product packaging that you have but you weren't sure what to do with. Let's get started.

Transparent Shapes

Many companies over the years, have created "clear" shapes. Some are see through, some have color, and some text. I decided to create my own shapes for my journals. I used my Big Shot and the multitude of dies I found during my recent craft room clean up. I didn't think my punches would work for this. The material is too flimsy and gets stuck in the punch. Which is frustrating for me. Trust me, I've tried this before. Don't be like me.

Transparent Template

Sometimes it's helpful to have a clear template so you can see how a picture or piece of scrapbook paper will look on a project. Well, that's simple when you make your own templates. I've created a 4" x 6" acetate template so I can easily see how a picture will work in my journal or scrapbook page. I've also created tag templates for the same reason - or so I can draw the tag on my picture and figure out how the tag will look. Easy peasy.

Here are examples of my transparent templates and shapes. The leaves were cut with my Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves die, and colored with Adirondack alcohol inks, and stamped with a Club Scrap stamp with Stazon.

Transparency Backgrounds

Why not get fancy and add texture and alcohol ink on your transparency? Then you can use these backgrounds in your journal or cut it down to be a pocket on a page. 

Here are a few examples of my backgrounds. I used gesso for the white hearts and Adirondack alcohol inks and acrylic paint for the winter blue background.

What are you waiting for? Use some of that clear packaging you took off your latest purchase or go to the office supply store and find those transparencies. Try something new and see what you are missing.