Layers and chipboard and mists, oh my!

I am a huge admirer of the new trend to layer embellishments. Adding extra details to a single element creates visual interest without clutter.
Two people who do this well are Nicole Magouirk and Allison Davis who does incredible sketches as well.
So I set out to create lots of layers on the cover of this Valentines mini album and I challenge you to create layers on your next LO or card or project too! Oh, and Valentines is next week: have you created a Valentines for a sweetie in your life? This album is for my daughter Katie.

Cast of Characters
 1. Jenni Bowlin mini album. I cut a piece of white cardstock to fit over so that if I messed up I could start all over!
2. Maya Road chipboard "key chain", consisting of word "love", scalloped heart, arrow, and oval tag
3. Mists: Mr. Huey's white and classic calico, and Tattered Angels chalkboard pink
4. patterned paper, brads, various letter stickers

 
Base Layer: mask/mist

1. Chipboard shapes make GREAT masks. I had already misted this scalloped circle, and goofed, so instead I used temporary adhesive to stick it to my background, and misted over the whole thing. (See how I covered the hole in the chipboard so the mist wouldn't go thru?  Yeah, I *almost* forgot that!)

2. Get thyself a "misting box"!  I have this Ott light box that was already open at the top and part of one side - I can easily prop things up in it and mist away without making a mess.

3. Add paint/mist splatters to create added dimension. This is a trend with all the scrapbook designers - don't know who started it, but they are brilliant!  You can either play with your squirt bottle to get the right spray, or you can just spray through your hand and let drops fall off your fingers onto your project. I took the 2nd approach.

Chipboard/shape layer

1. Cover your chipboard shape with patterned paper, but first go around your shape with ink (I love chalk ink). The edge does not have to be pretty because most of it will be covered, but it adds a finished look to your piece.

2. Brads can be added right through the chipboard, just use a paper piercer or your scissors to push a hole through. This keeps the brad from making "bumpies" in your paper.

3. Baker's Twine is another hot commodity. Wrap it around your chipboard and don't worry about tying it...just take a scrap of paper, cover it with glue/adhesive, and put it over the loose ends on the back of the chipboard. 

Now just add your layered chipboard to your misted background, and add letter stickers and a rub on (as I did in the bottom left) and be happy with your work!

Other Elements: more layers
Mist and splatter other chipboard shapes, add paper or letter stickers, and dangle from the binder rings holding your cover together. While they add depth and intricacy to your art, they are easily moved right out of the way so you can still easily see the actual cover and title.

Do you have ideas for other layerable items?  Please share!