A New Sketch

Hello everyone!!!!  Donna here with a new sketch for you.  My computer has been acting funny lately.  It is very old and now it is making noises.  Time for a new one.  I decided to give you this new sketch I did (with measurements) before my computer completely quits on me.  Below is the sketch.

And here is a layout I did using the sketch.  To do these layouts that have lots of paper pieces I select three designs and then at the very end I sometimes add a fourth.

I first select my picture and the size of the picture that I want.    The one shown is 4" wide x 6" long.  For this layout I selected my background 12 x 12 paper then cut 

and centered another pattern (9 3/4" square) onto it.

I begin by cutting the main paper first (which is the flowered  7 1/2" square one behind the picture).  I place my picture onto the page without adhering.  Then I begin cutting the other papers and start tucking them in and around the picture.  There is a lot of layering of papers and I like the look of  a piece of paper peeking out from under another.  When placing your paper pieces, I find it better to place a small amount of adhesive in the centre of each piece as other pieces will be tucked under the edges.  You can adhere the rest of the pieces after when you have all your pieces in place.

Until next time,

"HAPPY SCRAPPING"

And of course, here is another "Quote of the Day" for you.  I chose this one as I have finally completed my gardens at my house from the front to the back.  Everyone knows how I love my flowers.

"Give me at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers 

where I can walk undisturbed"  Whitman

Fun and Easy Gelatos

Hello everyone!!!!!  Have you heard of "Gelatos"??  For those who haven't, they are actually crayons that dissolve very well with water so that you can blend them.  It is as simple as that.  I decided to try something a little different using Gelatos and embossing folders. I saw this on another web site so I thought I would try it and share it with you.   I cut out some banner flags in various sizes.  Most of them were a lot larger than the usual.  I then placed them into different Cuttlebug embossing folders to get that patterned texture.     Below is what you will need to complete the flags.

And these are the banner tags after embossing them.  I used a different pattern for each.

Now for the Gelatos.  Choose your colours then rub the gelatos onto the tags in random places.  Now spray some water onto your table or craft mat and wet your finger.  Now rub your finger onto the gelatos and blend the colours.  Keep putting water on your finger and blending the colours.  You can see below the right side of the flag has been blended and the left side has not.  Instead of wetting your finger you can LIGHTLY spray  water directly onto the flags, then rub with your finger.  I like to "wet my finger method" as I find sometimes if I spray too much water onto the paper, it can cause the paper to get rough and small balls of the paper will form.

Below is three of the flags completely blended.  If you want to add another colour after you have blended the others, you can, just put some more gelatos onto the paper then dip your finger in water and blend.

And yes, we need a layout to show you how I used the banner flags.

For this layout I did do something extra using the gelatos.  I first stamped a border stamp around the outside edges of the pages including the centre edges.  I then took blue and pink gelatos and rubbed the pink first onto the edge of the background cardstock, then the blue then the pink and so on.  Using water I blended the two colours together.

Here is a closeup of the bottom left corner of the first page to show the border and the banner flag placement.  I selected Gelatos colours that matched the colours in the papers.  You can see how embossing the flags and blending the colours gives them a whole new look.

Again, I hope you enjoy.  Try the gelatos,  You can accent lots of items.

Until next time

HAPPY SCRAPPING!!!!

My quote of the day

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."  Robert Brault

Chic Tags is now in stock!

We are very happy to introduce the newest products on our shelves...Chic Tags!!  A great little company coming out with some very fun papers and embellishments!!  Check them out online here and we'll have our selection online this weekend!  The wood shapes and flair buttons are to die for!

 

Mixed Media Album Cover

Hi everyone!!!  Donna is here again with another mixed media tutorial using a fun product that I haven't used before.  I have had this jar of Liquitex Glass Beads gel medium sitting on my shelf for some time now so I decided to try it.  After a couple of practises with it and a failure or two I came up with a great way to use this product.    But first I had to create a background on my piece of chipboard.  This project is going to be the cover page of an album that I want to work on.  So to start with these are the products that I used for this project:  a piece of chipboard (mine is 8 1/2" x 11"), 3 colours of kraft paint, 3 colours of sprays, gesso, moulding paste, glass beads gel medium, staz-on black ink, a vine stamp and a border stamp, paint brush, spatula, black scripto pen, stencils.

Here is the completed cover.

So to start with I painted the chipboard piece with a good coat of white gesso.  This will give it a good foundation for the kraft paints.

Next I painted the kraft paints onto the chipboard starting with the green almost covering the entire surface but leaving several sections of the white gesso showing through.  You don't have to be fussy, the sloppier the better.  Then I randomly put the yellow on, then the blue here and there.  I dried between each colour with my heat gun.

Next was the sprays.  I started with a pink spray, just here and there.  I let the colours run down by sitting the cover on its end and tapping it onto the table.   You can see the run marks in the picture below just at the bottom right side.   I did this with each colour.   Next  I applied a green spray, again here and there then a turquoise spray here and there.  You notice on the left side of the picture below there are some blotches.  Well this was not my intention but how I achieved this was I sprayed some water with a mister (when I applied the green spray) to do some blending and this effect started to happen.  It is actually in the centre of the finished cover.    So I let it go and did not do my blending.  I was happy with the result  which proves that mistakes can sometimes turn out after all.

I did add a little bit of pink gelato here and there to make the pink pop a little more.

I let the surface dry really well before proceeding with the moulding paste.  I took the Tim Holtz "burlap" stencil and applied my moulding paste to the cover as shown below.  I dried the paste first with my heat gun to speed it up then I sprayed the paste with the turquoise spray that I used prior.  See below.

Now I took my black staz-on ink and stamped around the outside edges using a funky border stamp then I stamped  the top portion of a vine stamp here and there.

Now for the glass beads gel.  This gel actually has very tiny glass beads in it.  To apply I took the Tim Holtz "rays" stencil placed it onto the cover and applied it with a spatula the same way that you apply the moulding paste.  Make sure that you hold the stencil down firmly and only apply the gel in one direction.  When you remove the stencil at first the gel looks a little cloudy.  But it completely dries clear and the wonderful part of this is that the colours from underneath comes through the gel.  Below is the gel before it dries.

And this is when the gel is dry.  Those glass beads actually do sparkle when the light is on them.

I used a black Scripto pen and did a bit of highlighting under the rays of glass beads.  The two butterflies that you see are cut out from a serviette.  I glued them down with matte gel medium.  I then added the flowers, leaves and vine.  I do plan on using the glass beads gel for some other ideas that I have come up with.  I will keep you posted.

I hope you enjoy!!!

Until next time

HAPPY SCRAPPING!!!!!

Here is my first quote of the day:

"I believe that best friends are quiet angels to lift our wings when we forget how to fly."

New products & Classes now available!!

We've been so busy this month with Scrapfest that we're now back to getting new products in and catching up on our calendar events...keep reading to what's new and in stock this week as well as the new classes that Janet, Bev, and Donna have posted.  Reserve your spots early!!!

 

New Products!!!

These will be online this weekend :)

 

Echo Park

 

Carta Bella

 

Websters Pages

We have more Websters arriving on Monday so we'll post it when it comes in. 

 

We also got in another shipment of Memorybox dies and stencils!! They're already selling fast so be sure to drop in soon for the best selection.

 

 

NEW CLASSES!!!

Our online calendar is currently updated with this information.  Head on over there for more details.  Supply lists will be updated closer to the class date.

 

Copic Card class with Janet 

Join Janet to make 6 cards perfect for any occasion and using Penny Black Slapstick stamps.. 

Saturday May 10

10:30am

$30

(kits available)

 

Copic Class with Bev

Join Bev to make 6 cards using the Stamping Bella series of stamps.

Saturday May 17

10:30am

$30

(kits available)

 

Mixed Media Canvas Class with Donna

If you came to visit us at Scrapfest you probably saw this canvas on display in our booth.  So many people wanted to learn these techniques we've made it in to a class.  Spots are very limited so book early for your spot.  All materials for the class are included.  Supplies to bring will be updated in our online calendar once the class is being prepped.  Canvas measures 20"hx15"w

Saturday May 24th

10am-3pm

$50

(Includes a snack and no kits will be available for this project)

 

 

Calendar

519-895-0554

 

My Sketch #3

Hello everyone!!!!    I have another sketch for you.  This time I added measurements for each piece of paper that I placed on the layout.  I chose papers from the MME Cut and Paste papers.  Below is the sketch.

Here is the completed layout.

I chose 3 patterns for this page.  I cut 3 pieces in different sizes for each pattern except for the striped paper which I cut a fourth piece.  Since there was pink flowers in the main paper piece and pink in the pictures, I added pink scalloped circles for contrast.  I added some dots of white dimensional pearls to the body of the yellow monarch butterflies, added the butterflies along with pink flowers, white lace, white pearls, white sparkly heart for my embellishments.  I also added dots around the entire outer edges of the papers with a turquoise blue scripto pen.  Then I drew double black lines around the outer edges of the background paper and placed white dimensional pearls coming out from each corner.  I like to place chipboard behind my pictures to give them depth and then I adhered them to the layout using pop dots which gives even more dimension.  The overall layout was very simple to do.  Once you have your papers cut  it is a matter of placing them around your photos.

Another great layout design to use up scraps.

Until next time

HAPPY SCRAPPING!!!!!

My Sketch #2

Hi everyone!!!  Donna here with another sketch for you as promised.  Okay, to begin with, I decided to sort out my box of scrap patterned papers that I said I was going to do.  This is what I started with.

So I began sorting and making piles based on colours.  I did not worry too much about patterns because you don't know until you start putting the page together just what patterns you will like together.

Here are a couple of piles of papers that I put together.

I decided to use the blue pile.  Below is the free hand sketch that I did for you.

And below this is the start of the layout.

I first placed my doilie down.  You can also cut out a large circle in place of the doilie.  Then I cut the main strip that is over the doilie.  I only adhered the doilie and the top part of the main strip.  Then I began cutting my pieces as shown on the sketch and placed them around the page, without adhering  them down.  This is so I can make changes as I go before the final gluing.  I did add some other pieces as I went along as I found that I wanted some darker pieces to give the layout some depth.  As you can see I used several different patterns.  I added some flowers and vines.  Since there are pink flowers in the dress my granddaughter was wearing, I added some pink flowers to the layout as well.  Because of the different patterns I find that I don't need as much embellishments - I let the layout and picture speak for itself.  Here is the finished layout.

When I look at the picture and see my gardens in the background, I really cannot wait for spring and summer.  I has been a long winter!!

  Until next time

again, HAPPY SCRAPPING!!!!

I'll be talking to you soon.

New products!!

Check out what's new this week!!  We have more coming in next week too so be sure to follow our link to the bottom of this post!!  We'll have it all online as it comes in as well so watch for updates!

 

Jillibean Soup....

 

Coming in Tuesday::  Simple Stories--DIY, Fresh Air, Summer Paradise, Hey Mom, and Hey Pop!

 

Coming in Thursday:: Echo Park--Splendid Sunshine and Getaway!

 

Visit us in store or online today :)

Check us out on the web here...What's New!

 

New Sketch

Hello everyone.  I thought I would share another sketch with you that I did while I was enjoying a warm cup of tea.   I don't have any fancy computer program where I can create the sketches - I like to do them free hand.  I went to my favourite scrapbooking retreat this past weekend and I took this very rough sketch with me. I ended up doing 6 layouts using this sketch.  I did add some pieces and moved things around to make the layouts look different.  But I was very pleased with how they turned out and I plan on doing this more often.  Here is the sketch.

Here are a couple of the layouts I did following the basics of the sketch. 

For both layouts I used the "Capri" Adorn It line of paper which is two-sided paper.  Using papers from the same line really helped as they have the colour flow that I like.

I began by placing my picture onto the layout where I wanted it to go without adhering it down.  I then started to cut some of the main pieces according to the sketch making sure that the patterned papers had a colour flow and went well together.  I didn't care about patterns as long as the colours were okay.  I also cut pieces with cardstock that blended well with the patterned papers.   As I cut my pieces, I did not adhere them down right away.  I wanted to make sure that they were placed correctly.  I only added a few flowers to the layouts and some small brads.  I did add some flags which are not shown on the sketch.

I now plan on getting out my box of scrap papers and co-ordinate colours and patterns that go well with each other.  I  plan on mixing and matching papers from different companies.  This will be a great way to use up some papers scraps rather than letting them collect dust.

More sketches and layouts will be on the way soon.

I hope you enjoy!!!  Try this idea.  I am sure you will create some great layouts.

Until next time

HAPPY SCRAPPING!!!

"Using Up My Scraps" Layout

Hi, Donna here - I am back from my vacation and I thought I would share with you a layout I did using scraps from my scrap bin.   I used scraps from the Little Yellow Bicycle "Splash" summer line that came out a couple of years ago.  You don't have to use papers from the same company - just remember to make sure that each paper has similar colours in it.  Don't be afraid to mix all different patterns together.  I started by cutting a few of the larger pieces as shown below.  These pieces I adhered in place but only in the centre,  then I placed my picture where I wanted it to go - without adhering it.  This will allow you to move the picture if necessary.

I then began to punch and cut various shapes and sizes of the patterned papers.  I used circles, some small, some large, some scalloped and some plain.  I used squares and rectangles in different sizes.  I used the "odd number" concept  as much as possible and mostly cut 3 of each.  Some patterns I cut 4 of each.  Without gluing, I began layering the shapes in and around the picture by tucking them under the corner or side of another shape making sure that you don't have all the shapes from one pattern on one side.  You want to balance the pieces.   Here is a picture below of my start of the layering.  By not gluing the shapes down, you can still move things around until you get the look you want.

This is the completed layout.

Because of the different patterns, I found I could keep the embellishments at a minimum.  So I used some buttons in the circles below the picture, some very tiny buttons on the background paper - 3 of each in 3 areas then I added some mosaic tiles that I also had in my stash and a couple of small flowers.  To take away from the plain outside edges of the background paper I drew double black lines.  To accent the picture I cut out the centre of a circle and put it around  the cute little person in the picture.

I hope you enjoy.  Try this method - not only are you using up scraps but you can create a very colourful layout.   Again don't be afraid to mix patterns and layer them with each other.

Until next time

HAPPY SCRAPPING!!!!!

Now available in store and online!! Tons of great products!

We made it through all the boxes and everything is out on the shelf and available online.  Check out all the fabulous product lines that came in.  To shop online follow the link below :)

 

From American Crafts, Imaginisce, Crate Paper, Pebbles Inc., and Project Life!! Theres a lot of variety for themes...travel, boy, girl, baby, summer and spring!!

To shop online go here...ONLINE SHOPPING