18.10.16

Kraft Tex Mini Book and Luggage Tags Tutorial

Mini Book
         Being able to work with super tempting new products of my choice is one of the biggest perks of being DT for India's premier shop for imported Craft supplies....Shalini Mittal's Crafters Corner....Shalini always brings innovative and amazing products from all corners of the world to India! And C & T Publishing's Kraft tex is one product which has been selling out so fast that in fact I had to hold on for this post to go live as it had already sold out from Crafters Corner several times!!
        In this post I will share what is so special about Kraft tex and project ideas.

What is Kraft tex?

Kraft tex is a super special paper which looks and feels like leather, can be die-cut and stamped on like paper and yet is supple and strong like fabric and the ultimate is it can even be washed and ironed!!

Why is Kraft tex so special?

What is so special about Kraft tex and why it is so popular with paper crafters is that it has all the properties of paper which we paper crafters love [can be die cut, stamped, embossed etc] but yet is strong and durable and can take wear and tear. So it is highly popular  in making albums, books, bags, wallets and any project which needs to withstand wear and tear! 
Kraft tex 

Kraft tex
Kraft tex is sold in huge rolls of 18 x 54 inches and comes in many colors , the most popular being natural and black. I have used natural Kraft tex in my projects as I love the leather look of this shade of Kraft tex. The rolls are huge and value for money as you can create so many projects from a single roll.
Kraft tex Bag Instructions
When you buy a roll of Kraft tex you even get a free Tutorial with detailed pattern to make a handbag using Kraft tex. Kraft tex is so popular that there are even books of sewing projects using Kraft tex !!

How to Use Kraft tex ?

Kraft tex feels like a thick leather paper. You can cut it with normal scissors and even die cut it with thinlit /wafer thin dies.

Though it already has a lovely leather look and feel, if you want to make it look more like fabric/ leather ...here is how to do it :-
  • Cut out the required amount, crinkle it, soak or even boil it in hot water and either smoothen it with your hands or iron it and use.
  • Another way to get a crinkled leather look is to wash it in the washing machine and after drying ,iron it using your iron.
Because of the fibre content in Kraft tex it will not tear even on machine washing...isn't that cool!!!
Cutting ,Scoring and Embossing Kraft tex
Because of its unique properties you can score  Kraft tex using a bone folder and hence it can be used to easily make the spine of your mini albums.You can also run it through an embossing folder to get a lovely embossed texture
Embossing Kraft tex
I scored and embossed a piece of Kraft tex to form a sturdy cover for my mini book.Left the spine area unembossed as the spine would look better un textured.
A tip to follow when using Kraft tex in album making is to use a strong wet glue like Aleene's tacky glue rather than red tacky tape as it gives a stronger adhesion.
Kraft tex Mini Book Cover
Here is the inside of my mini book/album with pockets and tags.This book was made with a single sheet of 12 x 12 inch pattern paper and has 8 pages with pockets to hold 8 tags. I used 4 x 3 inch piece chipboard on the front and back and wrapped the whole thing in Kraft tex for extra strength.
Mini Book
Added a golden chain with cute metal charms on the spine of my book .
Mini Book
Created the  main focal element on the cover by twisting rose buds around a resin heart and adding leaves galore [Cheery Lynn  leaves and Heartfelt creations leaves] plus lovely crystal fillers.
Mini Book
All the metal charms and embellishments got a nice rubbing with Inka Gold. Do scroll down the post for links to all the products I have used to make this mini book.
Mini Book
I thought I would use this handy little mini book to hold the numerous lists I keep making.I am a lists sort of person and love to jot down to do lists , shopping lists, goals etc etc!
Mini Book
I first  made this Christmas One Sheet Mini Book following Kerri's Tutorial .I am sharing my version in this Video Tutorial  .These are so easy to make and will make great gifts
Making Monogrammed Luggage Tags with Kraft tex  

My second project using Kraft tex are these easy to make strong and cute Luggage Tags.
DIY Luggage tags
To make these easy DIY Luggage tags, I die cut Kraft tex using Xcut Luggage Tag dies though you can use any nesting die you have or hand cut your tag shapes.
Xcut Tag die
How easy is it to die cut Kraft tex?
It is super easy...and see how clean even the tiny circular apertures on the side have die cut...!
DIY Luggage Tag
Gluing Kraft tex
Kraft tex Luggage Tag
          Though Kraft tex has many properties of cloth it is not difficult to glue . I used Aleene's Fast Grab tacky glue not only to glue paper and ribbon to Kraft tex but also one layer for kraft tex to the other. Love this glue which Shalini sent me in my DT pack.It is sticky but not irritatingly sticky if it gets on your fingers, dries fast and is very very strong.
Luggage Tags
Stamping, Inking and Heat Embossing Kraft tex
DIY Luggage tags
      I wanted to see how well Kraft tex took inks and so stamped on it with a variety of ink-pads including Memento and Archival ink using alpha stamps .Also experimented using Embossing Powders and loved how sturdy the material was in taking the blast from the heat gun.
Alpha Stamps
In the tag below , the central part is normal white card stock I inked with Tea dye and Walnut stain Distress Inks  to match the color of natural Kraft tex . The shiny butterfly was made using glass cabochons, mariposa paper and a super useful Ultimate Back support which can convert anything into a hanging charm! Here is the  Glass cabochon Tutorial.
DIY Luggage tags
       All the cute metal charms I have used in my Kraft tex projects were part of my Crafters Corner DT package and my all time favourite is the gorgeous golden flower girl!!
       The monogram in this tag has gold embossing, outlining with a Sharpie and a die cut felt P.
DIY Luggage tags
I hope you liked my mini book Tutorial and  Kraft tex projects...do tell me.
More Resources
Supplies : All from Crafters Corner
Stamps : Heartfelt creations Open Leaf stamp ,Alpha Cirque Stamps 
Dies : Cheery Lynn Butterfly, Heartfelt creations Classic Leaf Die , Xcut Luggage Tag Die

43 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for such a detailed review on kraft Tex, Dr.Sonia. Absolutely loved the mini album & the luggage tags you made using it. Super pretty embellishing as always!

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  2. Wow another awesome set. Simply gorgeous on the album with all the pretty details on it. The luggage tag is perfect as well, I think I would frame it would hate to see it on my luggage getting banged all over, LOL! Great job Sonia~

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  3. Super creation as always Sonia. I just took a looks at your store and am amazed at the prices, using today exchange rate of .012 rp to £ many come out less than here in the UK, crazy when many are from here in the first place. Might think about a move to warmer parts !!

    B x

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  4. WOW! The mini album is gorgeous!! The tags are so beautiful!!I absolutely love all of the pretty embellishments too!
    Have a blessed day,
    Migdalia
    Crafting with Creative M

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  5. Lovely post dear Sonia.

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  6. Not heard of Kraft Tex. It looks so wonderful embossed. Went to TX State Fair and saw many leather bound books that were $15 & up. I'm going to have to look for this product here in US. My daughter would like a book made with this. Like the look of the Tags also.
    Melissa
    "Sunshine HoneyBee"

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    1. Looked online and found that Barnes & Noble sells the natural 18" x 1.63 yd roll reg $12.95 sale $9.22. Phoned a couple places and did not find anyone locally that had the product.
      Melissa
      "Sunshine HoneyBee"

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    2. So glad to introduce it to you Melissa!

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  7. Wow, these are all amazing, Sonia!! The mini is stunning!! You decorated it perfectly!! The luggage tags are fabulous!! As always, I love your tutorials to see how you put these beautiful projects together!! Amazing my friend!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  8. This is a gorgeous book, love everything about it, xxx

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  9. Stunning project, gorgeous details x

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  10. Such a stunning creation Sonia!! Love the flowers on the cover!! Very beautiful! The luggage tags are lovely!!
    -Berina
    Moxie Craftie

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  11. A brilliant project Sonia..I LOVE all the little charms..

    Luv CHRISSYxx

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  12. WOW This mini album is beautiful!! Love all the flowers!!! The tags are also beautiful!! Love all the details!! Have a great day,
    Gerda

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  13. Wow! Stunning projects! Love them both! Mini book is so amazing with those gorgeous embellishments and tags are so unique & pretty! Thanks for the tutorial and this great info about kraft tex. I love those flowers in the background of the tags, your garden must be blooming with these gorgeous flowers! Beautiful pics!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Priyanka and yes the flowers are in our terrace garden...a result of my hubby's hard work

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  14. Oh I absolutely LOVE your gorgeous projects here Sonia!! The book is absolutely stunning and full of stunning details!! As for those luggage tags, I can't get over how realistic looking they are!! Well done! :)

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    1. Thank you Vicki ..yes the look of kraft tex is like pure leather!!

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  15. Your mini book is stunning Sonia, thank you for sharing the process.
    Pauline
    x

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  16. Wow...awesome tutorial...really nice.

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  17. Wow!!! I have never seen this item before now! It's very versatile and beautiful!! You have made fabulous projects with it, love expecially your romantic mini book!!
    I have the Xcut tag die set, too, very negletted... thanks for the inspiration!

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    1. Alice do try the Xcut with think foam or felt or even kraft tex..I too had it for some time not liking the look it gave on normal paper

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  18. Thanks for sharing about the products, Sonia, and your amazing projects are pretty and useful! Hugs, de

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  19. Very informative post again, Sonia. There are so many craft products which I get to learn from your posts. Also, you have made some lovely projects using Kraftex.

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  20. Wowwww!! Fabulous project, everything is just perfect.

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  21. wonderful use of Kraft-tex. Have to experiment with it. Absolutely love the tags!!!Hugs

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  22. Absolutely fabulous creations with the Kraft Tex! A wonderful review and tutorials. Another thing to add to my groaning wish list :D. Debra x

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  23. What wonderful creations! Thank you for the detailed tutorial. I checked into Kraft Tex a few years ago but never purchased any, I may have to purchase some now!
    Pam
    scrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

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  24. Ohhhhhhhhhhhh these are just gorgeous! LOVING the colors and love love love that butterfly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  25. Just hearing about this product.. seems to have so many uses . That's a wonderful mini album . Gonna make one . Thank you :)

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  26. I've not heard about this Dr S so thanks for sharing details of it and how you've used. It's now the first item to purchase in November as I love that it's more sturdy than card and you've made such a beautiful book from it so I want to try it too. The luggage tags are so cute and your mini book is beautiful, thank you for the review and tutorial xx

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  27. Stunning creations with Kraft-Tex..Thanks for the tutorial.Love the beautiful flowers.I see this product for the first time.

    Gr,Sylvia.

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  28. Hi Sonia! Just stopped in to say thank you for the warm welcome back comment. I hope you had a wonderful month! Amazing post as always, I missed your gorgeous projects and tutorials! It's great to be back, see you again soon. hugs :)

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  29. awesome review Sonia,love the luggage tags a lot !!

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  30. That Kraft Tex is gorgeous and really looks like leather, especially with the tags. Beautiful book too. hugs, Teresa

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  31. Just beautiful. Will have to try all of this out. Hugs

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  32. Never heard of this product but it sounds amazing. Wish I had known about it when I was making mini scrapbook albums a few years back. Your projects really show it's versatility. Great job!

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  33. This sound like wonder paper...amazing..thanks for introducing me to it...and an awesome tutorial..Loved your creations..
    love
    Richa

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  34. Love this material!! Beautiful look and texture!! The luggage tags are lovely!! The book cover is so pretty. thank you for doing a review/tutorial!!

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