Dyed Washi Paper Slimline Cards

When I have new inks or dye pads, I often test them out on damaged paper.  A long time ago I tried the Hero Arts reactive dyes on some old, foxed washi paper.  As usual, I let the samples dry and then went on to make the real project.  These two cards were made from the test papers I found in my scrap pile.  I loved the colors and natural look of the papers.  Rather than make some regular sized cards, I thought the dyed pieces would make super slimline cards.   

The card bases were made using the Hero Arts Infinity die. ( Align the folded paper just inside the left side of the die.)  I used the third largest dye to tear the paper to fit the card.  A little water on the edges will make tearing easier and more natural. Pat dry the edges of the wet paper and dry with a heat gun so that the reactive dye won't bleed.

Here is a close up of the Penny Black stamped words.  Because I knew that the inked words would bleed on the washi paper, I stamped them on vellum paper that had little glitter sprinkles (not visible in the photo).  I used a slow drying ink and heat embossed it with sparkle embossing powder. Double stick tape is virtually invisible under the vellum.

Of course I HAD to make matching envelopes. Using the Whimsy slimline envelope dies made it easy.

Finally, because of my "waste not, want not" motto I turned the leftover paper scraps into tags.  I enjoy finding the 'perfect' fibers for the tag ties.  The ones I found in my stash were a beautiful match.  The tiny Taylored Expressions 'thanks' die cuts also matched the tags and I already had them cut and stored with the die!  I am very pleased with these cards perhaps because I enjoy making something from nothing.  Crafters always find beauty in their accidental finds.  High Five!!!!