Cheap Tricks: faux build-a-brad

I'm making some cards as Christmas gifts. The inside of this card reads "One of the reasons I love You so much is that You bloom where You're planted!"

Those of you who have read a post or two might know that I'm cheap, LOL. I'm a hobby Stampin' Up demo--but I'm also a student with a minuscule budget--so I'm the first to admit that scrap/stamp supplies can be too pricey. I've wanted to try the build-a-brads, but the old budget has always reared it's ugly mug.

So, I was sharpening my circle punch (with tinfoil) and being über cheap I thought "How can I use these circles of tinfoil?" Hence, the faux build-a-brad was born. '


SUPPLIES:

tinfoil
3/4" punch
5/8" punch (I got one for just $4.25 here.)
double-sided tape
bubble sticker (I got mine on ebay they're from JoAnn Scrap Essentials)
designer paper, cardstock, or stamped paper.
crystal effects
paper piercer (optional)

ALL YOU DO IS:

1. Fold a scrap of tinfoil in half.
2. Punch it 2 or 3 times with your 3/4" punch
3. Layer the tinfoil circles on top of each other. Adhere layers to each other with double-sided tape. (You can stick them onto a piece of cardboard if that's easier and peel it off later.)
4. Punch a 5/8" circle of designer paper and stick it in the center of the tinfoil. 5. Adhere the bubble sticker on top of the paper.
6. Put a tiny bit of Crystal Effects around the edge of the sticker (in a circle.) Let the Crystal Effects dry for a couple of seconds & then just fold the edges of the tinfoil up around the bubble sticker. (You can use your fingernail or the point of your paper piercer to make little ridges in the tinfoil.)

Et Voila! You now have a faux build-a-brad (and a sharper circle punch!) :0)


CARD DETAILS:

The stamps I used are Friend by Definition Background stamped in Not Quite Navy (on soft Sky for the main card and cut apart for stem & leaves.) The flower uses Baroque motifs embossed with Not Quite Navy craft ink, Silver Encore & clear embossing powder. There's a layer of Mellow Moss c.s. The bloom sentiment is from Petals plus by Stampendous and it is stamped in white craft ink on Chocolate Chip c.s. The designer paper is called Baby Paisley (by Bohemia.) The ribbon is Martha Stewart (piped-nylon 3/8" Cloud)

Thanks for checkin' this out,
Mel