No! | Dust It Off challenge

Hi everyone!

I've got a special layout for my "Dust It Off" challenge to share with you today. You may have seen via my Facebook page that I recently had a long weekend away with some of my fave scrappy friends? This is an annual weekend that we do together that I look forward to all year. It's so relaxing - nothing to do but eat, drink, chat and scrap allllll weekend. 

And here they are! Aren't we a gorgeous bunch?

(And yes, those sunglasses were hiding some very tired eyes!)

So, back to my challenge. Whilst I was away I had taken some of my older stash to create a stash-busting layout or two. Someone - who shall remain unnamed (Amanda Hartmann! haha) spotted a large green pickup truck on an Echo Park sticker sheet amongst my stash. The truck sticker became a bit of a running joke and it was suggested I use it on a page. Never let it be said that I am one to back down from a challenge - I came home and used that damn sticker!

I present to you the resulting page featuring "big green truck" as it became affectionately known...

(Click on photos for better view)

To create this page, I started with some mixed media on white cardstock. I used 'Barn Door' Distress Oxide to make a watercolour style background, which I topped with splatters of Bee Arty 'Grass' and 'Lime' Colour Artist Inks. I also added the stamped crosses using one of my fave stamps from Viva Las VegaStamps. 

Next, I moved onto dusting off some stash! I chose papers from the Glitz Design 'Finnley' collection (which was released in around 2013!), as they featured the colour palette I was going for. I cut an assortment of pieces, which I stacked on my page, topped with a paper doily, and then stapled it all down. 

Next, I grabbed for some washi tape to add some extra layers (this was the same tape I used on my previous challenge layout, which featured a few different tapes - you can see it HERE). I also added some messy black cotton thread before adding my photo on top of the stack. 

Now it was time for the main event! I added some scrap cardboard to the back of the truck sticker (because I wanted to make sure it was a reeeeally prominent feature on my page) before adhering it below my photo. I added extra details to it by layering a couple more stickers and a tiny black acrylic arrow from Corbett Creations. 

Then I went a little embellishment crazy - adding lots of stickers from the Echo Park and Glitz Design sticker sheets; enamel dots from Uniquely Creative; two acrylic chevrons from Corbett Creations; a MAMBI sticker; a paper clip; half a Heidi Swapp die cut; and some D-lish Scraps coloured wire. (Almost all of which had been in my stash for several years or more.)

I finished off by stamping the you've got to be shitting me phrase using a roller stamp from Typo; more Glitz Design stickers for my title; and added my handwritten journalling - which tied in the reason for including the truck sticker on this page. 

So there you have it - big green truck sticker challenge complete (thanks Amanda!) I also managed to dust off a number of items from my stash - the oldest dating back almost 7 years. If you've got a suggestion of an item you'd like to see me use please let me know. You can comment here, on my Facebook page, or via my Instagram account. (And if you would like to play along too, I am using the hashtag #dustitoffchallenge on Instagram.)

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Escape the Ordinary | Dust it Off Challenge

Hi everyone!

Today I am back to share another layout for my #dustitoff challenge. (If you missed my previous post explaining what this is all about, you can read it HERE) For this layout, I began by assessing my stash to find something to "dust off" and work with.

Here is what I chose...

 My (very neglected) Big Shot, and some metal dies. At this point I had no idea what I was going to create, so I just pulled out a few that appealed to me. I also decided to use the Vicki Boutin 'Color Kaleidoscope' collection (again) because I still hadn't packed it away and I was enjoying using it.  So I pulled out my photo box, found a photo of my sister and I, and set to work.

I started with my page background. I decided to go with a patterned paper background for this one, rather than mixed media as I was keen to get to my challenge items. I chose the beautiful "Look Up" paper, which featured pretty blue / pink / purple tones and clouds that worked well with my photo. (I immediately thought that it would be perfect to use with the sun die as well.) 

Here's a look at the entire page...

(Click on photos for a better view)

Now if you are anything like me, another item you probably have in abundance in your stash (but don't use much) is cardstock. Specifically, coloured cardstock. As this was my Dust it Off challenge, I thought what better time than to put some of it to use. I grabbed a sheet of pale yellow and cut three of the Stitched Suns using the die from Uniquely Creative.

I used a navy sheet from the 'Color Kaleidoscope' 6x8" paper pad as the anchor point for my design, then sat my photo on top (not stuck down) and began building my layers from there. I used the tag dies to cut a couple of tags from different patterned papers, which I tied with twine and tucked in alongside my photo. I decided to run the suns vertically down my page on the other side of my photo, so I added a couple of narrow paper strips first to help ground them to the page. I mirrored this element by adding some strips below my photo as well, including the row of birds that was fussy cut from another of the 6x8" papers.

At this point I decided to make a little change to my background, and add some cardstock behind the paper. I trimmed off a small amount along the top and right side of the patterned paper and mounted a sheet of Kraft behind it. This created a border on the left edge and along the bottom of the layout and helped tie in the kraft coloured elements on the page. (It also meant I was getting stuff USED!)

To balance out the row of suns on the right side of my page, I created an embellishment cluster to the left of my photo using a die cut and stickers. I adore that holographic foil heart on the today sticker, which I popped up from the background using foam tape. 

I also used a couple of small round stickers with foam tape under them on top of my suns; and a round die cut for my journalling over the centre one. My title came from the escape the ordinary sticker I placed above my photo.

I was really happy with how this one came out, and even happier that I managed to dust off my Big Shot; some dies; and use up some coloured cardstock!

Don't forget if you have any suggestions for anything you would like to see me use, leave me a comment and I will add it to my list. If you would like to play along with me, please use the #dustitoffchallenge hashtag on Instagram to share your own creations so I can see yours too!

Until next time, happy scrapping! X 

Together featuring Uniquely Creative watercolour paints

Hi everyone!

(I know, back again so soon!) Today I wanted to pop in and share a layout I created "just because". After finishing up with the Colour Blast design team recently, I have found myself with a little extra creative time and more freedom to use different products, so I decided to dig into my stash and pull out one of my neglected supplies - my watercolour paint set from Uniquely Creative.

I was lucky enough to receive this sweet little set of paints when I did guest designer spot for Uniquely Creative and since that time they have remained largely untouched. I hate having under-used supplies hanging around so I decide to take them out and put them to use. 

I started by swatching them onto some watercolour paper, which I then adhered inside the lid of the tin for easy reference.

With that out of the way, it was time to put them through their paces on a larger scale so I grabbed a piece of cardstock and sat down to play. I had no plan, so I just painted an abstract background. Once it was dry I added some stamping over the top using a cool stamp from Carabelle Studio.

I then added some small pieces of torn washi tape before adding my photo strip. (How did I forget about these photos of Fiona Paltridge and I from a couple of years ago? What a crazy pair we make when we get together - which unfortunately is not often enough!)

I kept the remainder of my supplies very simple to embellish my page - a pack of die cut ephemera purchased from Aldi (yes, Aldi and only $2!) and some messy white cotton thread. 

I finished off my page with a few black splatters and a simple line of journalling using a Sharpie. I guess you could call this one a "budget" page - it took only limited supplies AND time - winning! 

Here's my finished layout...

I was really happy how these paints performed and will definitely be using them more often now! I checked the Uniquely Creative website and although this exact set of colours is no longer available, there is a 2019 palette available HERE (and very reasonably priced too - I might be needing that one next I think!)

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Hello Happy | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone!

Popping in today to share my another design team project with you - this one for Cocoa Vanilla Studio. This layout was created for the recent "Geo" theme that the design team were challenged with. For my take on it, I decided to dust off my die cutting machine and use a gorgeous geo heart die to create some feature embellishments for my page.

I used the stunning 'More Than Words' collection for my layout; focusing on a pretty black / white / grey / blue colour palette to compliment the photo of my sister and I enjoying a wine while out to lunch.

I started by choosing the soft blue & white striped pattern on the B-side of the 'Treasure' paper as my background; then cut my geo hearts out from the black and white floral pattern on the reverse of the 'Gossamer' paper so they would stand out from the background. The gorgeous die I used is from Uniquely Creative, and I love how well these dies cut. I then arranged the hearts and adhered to my page using liquid adhesive.

I then created a layered mat for my photo using pieces from the 'Collage' paper and a paper doily from my stash. I arranged all the pieces then stapled them together before fixing the stack onto my page with tape and adding my photo on top. (I used some cardboard under my photo to mount it up from the page.)

Next, I sorted through the Die Cut Ephemera pack and selected a few floral and leaf pieces in shades of blue and grey. I added a small cluster near the top left corner of my photo, using some foam tape to pop up the smaller bloom and add some dimension. I also bent the leaves up slightly from the page. Under the right side of my photo I added a leafy branch; then another flower below the bottom right corner of my photo mat.

To create my title I used the words hello and happy from the Chipboard Title Stickers pack, which I adhered above and below my photo. I also added the little moments die cut from the ephemera pack, which I popped up with some foam tape.

I took 3 small phrase stickers from the Accessory Sticker sheet, adding two to the heart at the top of the page, and the other to the heart at the bottom. 

Although I was happy with how my page looked at this point, I still felt it needed another element, so I fussy cut 6 little black and white butterflies from the 'Collage' paper. I stuck the first three flat onto the page, then stuck the second three on top of them, bending the wings up away from the page.

I then took 3 small heart stamps from the Clear Stamp set and stamped them around my page using grey ink, as well as stamping the date. (I chose grey instead of my usual black ink, as I thought the black would be too harsh.) I also added some small splatters of Colour Blast 'Stormy Weather' Colour Shimmer Spray to my page and I was done.

Thanks for stopping by today so I could share this with you. Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Happy Wife Happy Life | Flutterby Designs

Hi everyone!

Today I am sharing my latest design team project created for Flutterby Designs - a mixed media scrapbook page created using Flutter Colour paints and the recently released 'Happily Ever After' collection. It also features a photo of my hubby and I (taken on our twin boys first day of school earlier this year).

I began my page by creating my background. I was inspired by some of the multi-coloured patterns featured in the 'Happily Ever After' collection and wanted to make a background using the same colour palette. I used Flutter Colour paints - Aquamarine Dream; Tropicana Teal; Green Limousine; Yellow Zest; Raspberry Punch; and Grape Soda. To apply the paint I worked in layers, adding swipes of colour with an old gift card and drying them off in between. I used horizontal and vertical swipes to help add to the "randomness" of the design. 

Over the top of the paint, I used the 'Happily Ever After' stencil, and applied some Colour Blast "Snow White" Colour Paste though it, which is lovely and subtle and perfect for backgrounds when you don't want the words or images overwhelming your page. 

I also added some torn pieces of the rainbow heart washi tape from the kit; and splattered some Colour Blast 'Calypso' Colour Artist Ink around my page.

I chose the multi-coloured square that had inspired my background from the 'Blanket Thief' 12x12" patterned paper as a mat for my photo; then added some extra layers using Everyday Etc filler cards from the range and some paper doilies.

I wanted to add an extra layer to my page, but didn't want to overwhelm the paint or papers I had used; so I added some die cut suns that I cut from white cardstock using a die from Uniquely Creative. (I thought the suns worked well with the "happy" theme and the shape looked great layered over the painted background.)

I also added fussy cut geo heart that I tucked into my layers.

I then added my title, which I had fussy cut from one of the Everyday Etc cards from the collection and placed it above and below my photo. (The little hearts piece was fussy cut from another card.) The snookums die cut was one I had left over from the 'Mad About You' Die Cut Bits & Bobs pack, and it worked perfectly here. I also added a white Tiny Sticky Quote above it.

I decided my hearts needed balancing with a third heart element on the left of my page; so I chose a Charms Creations handmade heart to add a little texture to the page.

To finish it all off, I stamped the date and used a grey felt pen to add my handwritten journalling. (I usually use a black pen, but I felt that the black would have dominated the page too much, so went with the soft grey instead.)

That's all from me today. Don't forget that with the annual Flutterby Designs 'Create by the Lake' retreat on this weekend, that the online store is closed until Thursday 26th July.

For all those attending I hope you are having an awesome weekend! (I am shattered I am not there with you all and to support Neet this year, but am there in spirit.)

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Dance Off | Colour Blast

Hi everyone!

I am popping in today with another design team project to share with you. This mixed media scrapbook page was created for Colour Blast and features Colour Shimmer Dust, Colour Paste and Colour Artist Ink. I documented some fun snaps I took of my boys in a "dance off" at a party one night. To go with the theme of my photos, I gave my page a grungy urban style.

I started my page by mixing up some 'Duke' Colour Shimmer Dust with a little water; then brushed it across my cardstock using a wide brush. I then took a small brush and used it to splatter some of the excess around the page before drying it off with a heat gun.

I then added some 'Stormy Weather' Colour Paste roughly (so that it showed some "chunky" texture) through a brick stencil. I applied the paste to three areas of my page (as I tend to follow the visual triangle rule of design); before drying it off.

Whilst the paste was drying, I used some Uniquely Creative metal dies to cut 3 lightbulb shapes from cardstock. I then used 'Cranberry' Colour Artist Ink and a thin brush to colour them (I gave them 2 coats for extra vibrancy); before using the excess ink on the brush to add a few splatters around the page.

I then began constructing my page. I created a small mat for my photo strip using some music paper; a felt heart doily; and some frayed gauze; before mounting my photos on top. (I chose a photo strip collage for my pics as they had been taken late at night on my phone and were not the best quality.)

I added two of the lightbulb shapes alongside my photo strip.

I then added the third lightbulb above my photos, along with a handmade arrow embellishment from Charms Creations.

For my page title, I used some Jillibean Soup alpha stickers, which I outlined with a felt pen to help them stand out more from the background. I also added some stamped phrases around my page using some sentiment stamps from Uniquely Creative.

To finish off my layout, I added my handwritten journalling; stamped the date; and scattered some sequins around my page.

That's all from me today, thanks for stopping by so I could share this with you. I hope I have inspired you to get stuck into your Colour Blast products - perhaps pick up something you haven't used in a while, or try that new one you bought but haven't used yet? Whatever you do, have fun!

Until next time, happy scrapping! X