On The Sidelines: New Ruler and Template Ideas

Sometimes the most useful tools are the simplest. If you are like me, you may have a binder full of alphabet and shaped templates, rulers, Puzzlemates, and Border Buddies. You also probably have a caddy full of pens. I brainstormed the other day and combined the two types of tools in some new fun ways. I found that I had great versatility with just these basic supplies. Here are a few I came up with for this month.

The diagrams show the step by step progression so that you can recreate them yourself. Remember to look at the shape of the line on the template. Even if you do not have the exact brand I do, you probably have something similar in your supply drawers.

Ocean Waves to Pine Boughs

Figure 1

wave ruler as normally drawn

This ocean wave template was often used in my summer beach and lake pages. I was very happy to find a new use for it on my woodsy outdoor and holiday season pages. It makes it three times as useful to me! Let's make this ruler into a pine branch!

Figure 2

Step One : Draw only the tops of the waves in green brush or thick marker. Do not not draw the inner curl of the wave.

Figure 3

Step Two: Add feathery pine needles with a thinner green marker.

Figure 4

Step Three: Flip the ruler over and make a thick set again slightly offset and add feathery pine needles to it as well.

Figure 5

Step Four: Following the directions above, make pinecones as you wish. This is much like making a bunch of grapes but in browns! Ü

These look great on woodsy camping pages or Christmas tree pages.

Victorian Edge for Photo Ornaments

For use with the above tree branches, I designed this old time ornament with my CM Victorian edge ruler.

Figure 6

normal drawing of the Victorian edge ruler

Figure 7

Step One: Step Two: Step Three:

Draw left side of Draw Right side of Draw the

Ornament to fit photo Ornament bottom line.

Remember to start at the top with the point or peak and to also end with a pointed angle. You can use this for the mats or the photos. It makes a nice ornament to hang on the branches made above. I used some of our friends photos that were sent in Christmas cards and used the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote,

"The ornaments of our house are the friends that frequent it."

Bikini Beach Border

This is a fun-filled idea for your summer days at the beach, especially for teens. Use the Bikini top along the side of the page for a border. It can also be adapted to use in the Fall season as a mask for Batman or Zorro or for costume parties. Follow the steps given in the diagram.

Figure 8

Happy Face 1970's Love Beads

For this border I used a CM round borderline ruler but any with this basic shape would work to make a string of beads. Smiley face stickers or clip art cut outs can be inserted for a real blast back to the 70's!

Figure 9

Leaping Lines

Break up the lines on any template edge for adding action to the page. Here I have taken an oval Puzzlemate and drawn the edge for the feeling of leaping motion. A similar look is achieved with a Victorian edge also.

Figure 10

Raindrops

This water border of droplets is made using the gentle wavy curve of one of my templates. This would be great on a bath , rain, pool, or beach page. Basically you make a wishbone shape by drawing part of the curve and then flipping the template and drawing the reflecting curve again. Close up the bottom freehanded with your pen. Be sure to make a reflection mark on your drops!

Figure 11

When working with templates, keep in mind that everything we see is made up of lines of some type. Learn to look at the nature of the line of the real life object and you will be able to expand how you use those template edges and rulers. And don't forget to have fun!