Hey Crafty Friends! This week I have a special treat- I’m taking you with me on my trip to London and Paris. I tagged along with my husband while he was working, which is why we spent two nights in London, then two nights in Paris, then BACK to London to wrap up our trip. It was quite a whirlwind! I’m not sharing my trip chronologically, but rather how I’m unpacking my goodies.
In each of these posts you’ll learn about the place I went, why it was on my agenda, what I purchased, and something I’ve made with my purchases. Hopefully, this will add some extra value to you & inspire you to get crafting or card making no matter where you are or whether or not you’ll ever travel to these places.
So… that being said…. let’s start with our first location- John Lewis in London.
This map is live and interactive- so you can find directions from where you are and “look around” the area.
I took a load of photos and some short videos at John Lewis and turned into this 6-minute video. Before you watch, I just want to reiterate that you CAN shop online from John Lewis and see the prices in USD (or pPounds, our Euros, depending on where you are.) According to the website, John Lewis ships in Europe and to the US! So if you can’t live without some of the things you see here, you can have them too. And by the way- this is not a sponsored post and there are no affiliate links- just sharing because I thought you might find it helpful and interesting.
And let’s take another look at the finished cards I made with that LOVELY tissue!
One of my 2-for-1 cards, using the twine and tissue from John Lewis.
Second of the 2-for-1 cards, using the twine, embellishments, and tissue from John Lewis.
Interior of the cards. Once you make the washi tape, you can use the leftover strips as tape embellishments.
I used the leftovers from the cards to make these tags. I just love the colorways.
So as I mentioned in the video, there are a couple of techniques here that are worth revisiting. One is making your own washi tape using the Xyron!
(Head’s up- a few affiliate links follow!)
The premise is simple- you take tissue paper or thin wrapping paper- the cheap stuff from the dollar store is the best- and then run it through a Xyron sticker maker. (Alternatively, you can use double stick adhesive sheets like Stick It or even Silhouette Double Sided Adhesive sheets. Whatever you have or can find! Anyway, I made this video quite a while ago but it’s still a good technique to try. Here’s the video I made waaaaaay back in 2011!
Now that you’ve made your washi tape, you can make some 2-for-1 cards. I love that you can make two cards in under 10 minutes, and embellish them however you like. A classic design is evergreen! And of course, I have a video for you on that right here! It’s only a few minutes long and you can get a few ideas!
There are so many pretty variations on this design and you save time- it’s a real winner!
SO…. stay tuned for the next installment where I share with you my experiences in Paris at Le BHV- what a store THAT is. I’d also love your thoughts on the John Lewis store, making washi, or this card design. Leave me a comment!
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This is SO awesome! I haven’t used my Xyron in Ages & Washi tape is So expensive! I LOVE this idea! Thank you so much Jenny!
Love the washi tape idea. I find that Real washy tape does not stick well, at least the stampin up brand does not. So I have to glue the ends Because I am afraid it will come off by the time the recipient receives the card.
I love your emails and watch all your videos except a few here and there that Feature product i never use. Often times I watch anyway because I could pick up a good tip that can be applied to something else
These cards came out gorgeous! I do love your tour through John Lewis- thank you! Yes, those tissue papers are absolutely beautiful!!
Loving the washi tut as well- thanks so much for the inspiration!
Jackie “)
Lucky you – a nice jaunt to London….was showing hubby the map where the Abbey Road Studios are …..compared to John Lewis and Buckingham Palace!!! What a lovely store….great videos all around!! TFS!!!
Loved the tour. Forwarded it to 2 British crafty friends who live at a distance from London.
Now am going back to look at your Washi tape tutorial.
Hope you have fun on your trip. I loved the Washi tape tutorial and will be trying it out real soon. All of your cards were beautiful!
Thanks for the comment, Phyllis! I kappreciate your vote of confidence. If you have sub-par washi that lifts up, you could always create a panel to apply the tape to but wrap the washi around to the back. Then you could apply your dry adhesive or double-stick tape to the back, securing the washi ends securely AND the panel to the card front. Glad you enjoy the tips!
Awesome! I appreciate your sharing it. My post about Liberty of London and Blade Rubber will be up next week. 🙂 Hope your British crafty friends enjoy the posts, too.