Nap | Flutterby Designs

Hello again, back with some more catching up!
So happy to be back sharing another of my design team creations with you today - this one for Flutterby Designs. (This layout was featured on the Flutterby blog last week while I was away on retreat.)
You know how kids fall asleep at the most inopportune times? And in the weirdest positions? Yep, that! This is one of my boys (Kaden) that I snapped recently, perched on the coffee table in front of the TV...

I used the 'I so need a nap' card from the 'One of Those Days' Everday Etc cards set as the title for my layout. On top, I added a flair button (from set #249), which I nested on some cotton thread. I also tucked a page tab alongside my photo.

I used a couple of snippet strips in my journaling (words that I am sure other mums can relate to!) I embellished the card with a cute heart house wood veneer, which I coloured using my trusty white posca pen; and another flair button (from set #92).

I also added a mini camera wood veneer (again coloured white), along with a tab from the 'Bright Directions Tabs 3' photo cut outs.
And how awesome does that Flutter Colour paint look swished across the background? I seriously freakin' love this stuff!

Thanks for stopping by today, if you haven't checked out the Flutterby Designs store before you can find it HERE. And for those of you who are already Flutterby fans, make sure you are a member of the Flutterby Inspiration HQ group on Facebook. Here you can share a mutual love of Flutterby products with others, chat to the team, see new release product sneaks first, and even get exclusive discounts and specials from time to time!
I will be back with another share soon (still more catching up to do!) Until then, happy scrapping! X

D-lish Scraps July projects!

Hi everyone!
(Bear with me - long post ahead!)
I am in major catch-up mode this week, after having been away last weekend at the Scrap & Chat retreat just out of Melbourne. It was an amazing weekend - full of love, laughs and endless creativity. I cannot recommend this retreat highly enough and am going next year for sure! I was lucky enough to share the experience with several of my D-lish Scraps design team buddies, and even the D-lish boss lady herself - such gorgeous gals!

L to R - Amanda Hartmann, Amanda Lawrence, me, Krisy Podolak, Sandra Brimelow

And now onto my July D-lish projects...

The first one I have to share (and probably my favourite this month) is a mixed media layout I created featuring a photo of Brielle, which was taken while she was playing Minecraft.

"Minecraft Trance"

Using a sheet of white cardstock which was prepped with matte medium, I first added a couple of different green mists (Colour Blast Colour Mist in 'Rainforest' and Heidi Swapp Color Shine in 'Citron') using the packaging technique to give a watercolour effect. Next, I added stamping using the Scrap FX 'Hash Stamps' and a Dusty Attic stencil ('Squared') with some 'Steel' Colour Blast Colour Paste pushed through it. I also added some black mist splatters (again using Colour Blast spray), and some small pieces of torn black lace washi tape (from this month's D-lish Scraps Just Add Paper kit).

I then created a layered photo mat using a 5x7 paper bag; white punchinella; crumpled tissue paper and some hand-dyed muslin (both items from previous Just Add Paper kits). I also added an arrow shaped paperclip onto my photo.

To embellish my layout, I used a wood veneer frame, and some Dusty Attic chipboard 'Page Pebbles', both inked with black Staz On ink.

Finally, I added a phrase strip from a Journal It's - Wordfetti sheet and a scattering of green sequins from a previous Just Add Paper kit. I also added my handwritten journaling using a Sharpie pen.

My next share is a "clean" one, created using Cocoa Vanilla Studio 'Free Spirit' papers and embellishments from D-lish Scraps. It again features a photo of my darling girl, who is not only like me in looks and personality, but also shares my love of scrapping!

"Mini Me"

And what better thing to compliment a beautiful floral paper than some equally beautiful flowers from the D-lish store! I chose to use magnolias as my feature blooms. These were recently restocked in the store and they come in packs of 5 in a great range of colours.

In this cluster you can see I have paired the magnolia with a Forget Me Not; a small resin flower and a flair button. This cluster is layered on top of a dip dye printed tag, which is tied with twine, and nestled alongside my photo, which is layered on top of one of my favourite lace paper doilies.

On the other side of my photo I created a complimentary cluster using most of the same products. Instead of the flair button though, I added a date journal spot from a previous Just Add Paper kit.

Below my photo I added more paper flowers, this time adding a white wax blossom into the mix; and a sequin bow. On the corner of my photo I added one of the layered die cuts that came from this month's Just Add Paper kit. These handmade embellishments were also available as a kit bit and sold separately. (Check the store under the July kit for availability.) To finish off my layout I added a sprinkling of D-lish Dots enamels.

My final July project is a layout that features a photo of Brielle and her best mate, goofing off while they were making cupcakes. It was based on the July 'Rustic Charm' Inspiration Board Challenge, and used the coordinating Just Add Paper kit.

"So Fun"

I didn't go wild with embellishments on this layout, mainly because I wanted to ensure my favourite item from this month's JAP kit remained a focal point. And how awesome does the string heart wood veneer look? I *may* have had to purchase an extra one! hehe 

Also from the Just Add Paper kit, I used one of the handmade layered die cuts, which I adhered directly to my photo using a bit of foam tape to pop it up. Other D-lish products included one of my favourite 6" lace paper doilies; wood veneer stars from the mixed star value pack; and a Corbett Creations wood veneer word.

The other main focus of the embellishments on my layout was the journaling pocket. I put it together using items from the JAP kit - feather print kraft mini bag; black lace washi tape (which I also used to border the top and bottom of my layout); a tassel; one of the flair buttons; journal card; and even the kit label and the peg used to hold it on. I simply stuck washi tape over the kit name and then layered some cotton thread and the flair on top. (Everything in these kits is useful, I tell you!)

I am so happy that this board gave me the perfect excuse to finally scrap this photo I had been holding onto. (Sometimes we all need a little push, right?)
If you need your own push, entries for the Inspiration Board Challenge remain open until the end of the month. (Which is SOON!) You can find all the rules for entering HERE

That's all my D-lish shares for the month, I will be back soon with some more catching up! Til then, happy scrapping! X

Show Us Your Stuff July Challenge!

Hi everyone!
Just popping into share my latest design team layout for the month, and this one is for Show Us Your Stuff. Seeing as it's currently winter here in Australia, July's challenge is a gorgeous winter-inspired colour challenge that looks like this...

Besides being inspired by the colours (which I LOVED, as I am loving grey at the moment); I also took inspiration from the image and created this mixed media layout (with another photo of me on it!)

It's been a little while since I got really messy and this one just came together so well! I was so busy creating it I didn't even sit down (I usually sit when I scrap). But I was so busy digging out different supplies and running back and forth to my heat gun, I just pushed my chair aside and stood up to complete it.

To create the background for this layout, I started with white cardstock, an old hexagonal print stencil and some Colour Blast Colour Shimmer Spray (Stormy Weather). I then added some Colour Blast Colour Paste (Steel) using my Flutterby Designs Stargazed stencil and a few splatters of blue watercolour paint.

Next I added some small elements of texture to my background by adhering some torn pieces of paper doily and some crumpled spots of silver tissue paper. (I like the way the tissue paper looks like large paint spots at first glance.)
 
Next, I used more stencils (a Dusty Attic Distressed Grid stencil from D-lish Scraps and a Gabrielle Pollacco one by the Crafters Workshop). This time, instead of using paste or ink, I used Faber-Castell fineliner Pitt pens and watercolour graphite pencils to draw on some of the designs around my layout. I also used the pencils to do some freehand doodling, which I then blended out using a waterbrush.

With my background layers in place it was time to start layering around my photo. I first added a crumpled piece of silver tissue paper and an old 6x4" grid print pocket page card to mat my photo. I also added some shredded up gauze for extra texture.

I then grabbed a dip dye printed tag and a length of navy & white twine (both from D-lish Scraps), and tied the twine onto the tag; which was then tucked under the edge of my photo. On top of the tag, I layered a heart from Charms Creations; some messy cotton thread and a flair button I had left from a previous D-lish Scraps Just Add Paper kit. (I couldn't forget the handmade items because Show Us Your Stuff is a challenge all about showcasing handmade embellishments!)

To help balance my overall design, I added a couple of D-lish Scraps wood veneer snowflakes (which I coloured white with my trusty Posca pen); some stamping with grey ink; and a few scattered D-lish Dots enamels. The final element was my title, which I simply printed onto cardstock, cut it out and then stuck it on.

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope I haven't bored anyone with a too detailed description of my process? (I often like to read how other people do things or the materials they use though, so I thought I would share in case anyone was wondering.)

All the details and rules for this challenge can be found HERE on the Show Us Your Stuff blog. Entries are open until 31st July and I would love to see some familiar faces play along!
Til next time, happy scrapping! X

Be | Flutterby Designs

Hi everyone! I am so excited to be sharing my first official design team project for Flutterby Designs that was featured on the Flutterby blog yesterday. As a way of (sort of) introducing myself, I thought I would jump in and get started with a layout that actually features a photo of me *gasp* along with lots of Flutterby goodies...

"Be"

I started by creating my background on a sheet of patterned paper from Cocoa Vanilla Studio. I used my new orange Flutter Colour Paint, which I swiped across my page with an old credit card, and then squeezed yellow to create some of the "Anita-style" paint splatters. (I was itching to try this technique with these paints, and I am very impressed with the result - it retains its shape and dimension perfectly!)

I cut out this Dr Suess quote from an Everyday Etc 'One of Those Days' Photo Cards to use instead of journaling. It seemed really appropriate for this layout about me; and I am a huge Dr Suess fan too. You can also see where I used the Stargazed stencil to add some doodled stars to my background using a Sharpie pen.

I used some short phrases cut from the 'Cool' and 'Monochrome' Snippet Strips packs to support my title. These are a quick and easy way to add extra words to your layouts by simply cutting them up and sticking them on. (And there are so many to choose from, making them great value too!)

For the layers under my photo, I used a combination of washi tapes, a paper doily, and tissue paper (all from D-lish Scraps); along with a couple of Flutterby Page Tabs and one of the Everyday Etc 'Brights - Filler Cards'. I also used the 'Abstract 4' wood veneer piece (which I coloured black with a paint pen) to the right of my photo to help balance my design. (I think the abstract wood veneers might be my absolute favourite at the moment - they are so freakin' cool!)

To finish off, I added a cute camera Flair Button (from set #229), which I nested on some cotton thread and a few Enamel Dots. (Because let's face it - what layout is complete without either of those, right?)
If you haven't had a look around the Flutterby Designs store before, then pop over HERE and click on the "shop" tab to take a look

Thanks for stopping by today so I could share my first official Flutterby layout with you. Til next time, happy scrapping! X

You + Me for Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone! I am here today to share a layout I created recently using the Free Spirit collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio. This page was actually created as a gift for a special friend's birthday, so I started by creating a cool collage of black and white photos of her with her hubby.

I wanted to have a fairly neutral background so it wouldn't detract from the photos, so I used the reverse side of the Eclectic paper, which is printed with small typewritten words. I then used some pieces of the Wildflowers and Word Jumble papers in a vertical design, using a punch along the edge of one of them.

I then embellished my layout with coordinating items from the collection. Die cut ephemera pieces would have to be my favourite - they are a quick and easy way to add a variety of elements to your layout, and are perfect for layering with other things.

To add extra dimension to the clusters around my layout I also included a flair button; little heart; blooms and enamel shapes. I often embellish directly onto my photos to add even more dimension. Here I used a small die cut and some of the puffy stickers.

For the title of this layout I used a piece of the Eclectic cut apart paper, and embellished it with a couple more die cut pieces.

As a finishing touch (and because it was a gift), I popped the completed layout into a simple white frame which made it look that much more special. (And yes, it was very well received!)

Thanks for stopping by today so I could share this with you.
It's not long now until the newest Cocoa Vanilla collection 'Love Always' starts shipping out to retailers. If you haven't see this stunning collection in it's entirety yet, then make sure you check out the reveal post on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio blog HERE
Til next time, happy scrapping! X

Scrap the Boys July Challenge!

Hi everyone!
Just popping in today to share my design team layout for the July Scrap the Boys challenge. This month's challenge theme is...

And here is what I created...

This fun layout features some snaps I took of my boys at the beach a few months ago, which I paired with the Hello Sunshine collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio. This collection was so perfect to go with my beach photos! I also used a Faber-Castell Gelato to create the watercolour effect on my background paper.

I created a this cute little cluster using die cut ephemera pieces, puffy sticker, wood veneer shape and enamel shape for my title.

I embellished next to, and directly onto my photo using more die cut ephemera pieces, and then tucked the cute little sun wood veneer shape behind the edge of my main photo. 

For my final embellishment cluster, I again used ephemera and wood veneer, but this time I also added a flair button which I nested on some cotton thread, and a woodie.

A relatively simple layout (and a short post!) from me today, but I am happy with how it turned out.

I hope you will join in with the Scrap the Boys challenge, there are fabulous prizes on offer from both A2Z Scraplets and Charms Creations this month! Entries close 31st July, so plenty of time to create something gorgeous.  

Happy scrapping! X