A BUCKET LOAD TO SHARE!!

We finally got the computer sorted out and I'm really glad because I have so much stuff I want to share with you today.... I've actually been writing this post for a couple of days, but the only time I can use it is when my Dads at work and my Son is happy playing by himself or asleep, and cos I'm still relatively new at this blogging thing it still takes me a while to write this up. Getting much better at it though.

My parents took my little brother to the airport on Saturday so I had the place to myself which was nice, and I get a peaceful sleep for the next 2 weeks. He's in Melbourne staying with his friend Josh, the trip was a gift from my parents for graduating year 12, so at least I don't have to listen to him telling off his video games all night long.... Hooray! I miss him already but and so does Jet. He keeps running to his room and saying, "Where Uncy Johnny gone?" It's very cute.

So before I start sharing my most recent works with you I was curious what everyone thinks about the new Optimist Collection from Prima? I think it's really stunning, there are so many wonderful different things you could make with this collection and different looks to. I love the new metal bookmarks that are featured in this collection as well as the paper, wood icons, flowers, and, well, all of it!!! You can check out this fabulous collection over on the Prima blog, prima.typepad.com.

First up today I'd like to share my most recent layout with you. Lots of different products used here including Prima, Simple Stories, AC, Little yellow Bicycle, Studio Calico, MME, Teresa Collins and more. I know what a mix right!!

'Cute as a button' 

 I really love the colors and textures on this page.

Here is what the background looked like originally:

And here is what the background looked like after I had painted it:

This photo was taken at night and the lighting wasn't very good so it doesnt quite look as bright as it usually does, though it still looks good!! Lots of watercolors and inks used here. I also used a bubble wrap stamp with bright green pearlescent acrylic ink. I love the color too... Did I mention that already??

Some detailed shots:

I love this 'Cute as a Button' sticker from Little yellow Bicycle. I've had it for years hiding in my draw. I found it the other day and was like, hey... That's perfect!!

You can see the layers, colors and textures really well here.

You know I think this is the first time I have ever put pink on a boy page, even if it is just a touch!!

Next up I thought I'd share with you some pages from my second Art Journal titled 'Remember' that I recently started. My journal is a bit of a mix. Bright, pastel, lots of photos, no photos, embellished, plain, ect. For me its just about expressing what I'm feeling at that moment, or when using photo's, what I remember and feel when I look at the photo.

Firstly my 'Title Page' from my journal. It's very bright and I had lots of fun mucking about with my watercolors and mists. I think there's a bit of stamping too.

'Remember'

Chipboard, twine, flowers, washi tape.... all my fave embellishments. I also used washi tape to make the little banner under the photo. Just fold over a piece of string.

Close-ups:

 

 

Secondly, a journal page that I completed just the other day and decided to squeeze in here. For it I have used photo's from the same set as the layout 'Cute as a Button', which you can see at the top of this post. I actually didn't realise this until I started loading the photos on here. I remember snapping a whole heap of photo's that day. Jet was being super adorable and I was mucking about with my new camera. I got some really cute pictures too, so I'm happy with the way it all turned out!

'?'

I did have patterned paper in the background but it's really difficult to see now. So I'm not sure if anyone has noticed lately, but I'm really digging watercolor paints at the moment!! And I'm really loving that minty color on here. All I did was layer a lemon yellow over the top of ceylon blue, very light washes though, more water than paint, and very little of the yellow. 

As you can see I've really stepped away from my usual style here. I wanted this page to be all about the photos and my memories and thoughts of them. I was also just experimenting with a minimalist approach, I never do simple or flat and it was good to just step away from my comfort zone and have nothing to distract from the story the photos and jounaling tell. I'm actually really happy with the way this turned out as well.

Just a few close-ups:

I have also made some cards I'd like to share with you. You may remember on my last post I'd mentioned that I had not made cards before, and I thought I might give it a go. Well and I did, and here is what I came up with.

 

 I made these 2 cards some time last week. It was lots of fun trying something new and I think this is something I will definitely stick with.

Here they are individually:

'Wishes'

This was the first one that I made I wanted to create something girly and pretty that I could give to my cousins little girl Alyssa for her 7th birthday which is coming up soon. I was going to add a pink '7' to it as well, however it didn't look right. The butterfly was stamped, painted with watercolors, then cut out. This is my favorite technique for embellishing small projects at the moment so expect to see a lot more of it!!

Products I used to create this card were Prima, AC, Studio Calico, Teresa Collins and a Kaisercraft butterfly stamp and pearls.

'Family'

I've used all the same brands for this card however this time I've used a large butterfly I cut from some Prima patterned paper (instead of flowers), and I've then glued my watercolor butterfly on top.

I also created a third card just last night and I wasn't going to add it on this post but I figured why not its already long enough, one more won't make a difference.

'Treasure'

 

Here I've used Prima, Teresa Collins, AC, MME and Kaisercraft. I can't remember who the yellow card or patterned paper was by although I know they were the same company.

I really enjoyed making this one cos while its still in my style and similar in layout to the others it just has a different feel to me. 

So what do you think of my cards not bad for a first go hey? Will definitely be making more soon. It's a great way to fill in 10 minutes of spare time, and to use up all those paper scraps you've got laying around.

So last but not least today I have some more tags to share with you, another great way to use those paper scraps!!

'Love This'

'This Moment'

'Best Memory'

'Photo'

Well that's it from me today, I hope everybody found something on here to inspire them. I will have much more to share with you soon as I have been very busy creating lately. Thank you for looking and for stopping by. I hope you all have a great weekend. xoxo!!