Monday, July 21, 2014

CSI AND ARTASTIC SPECIAL CASE-FILE!!!



 Hello!!! I hope you all had a fantastic couple of weeks!!! I have been busy enjoying a family holiday down south, and unfortunately internet access was limited. This also means I am a little behind on my blog posts again...... Just when I think I was finally starting to catch up!!! As some of you already know, this month CSI has teemed up with ARTastic. This special case-file is open until the end of the month, so you still have time to get your entries in!!!

Here is the case-file:



For the evidence I used:
Stripes: I have used some paper containing stripes, as well as the stripey red straws.
Polka Dots: At the very bottom right of the page, partially under the yellow flower is a little epoxy dot by Heidi Swap with yellow polka dots.
 Ribbon: I have tied some ribbon into a bow and placed it on the black chipboard mustache.
Distressed Edges. All the edges of my paper layers have been distressed.
Sand-like substance: Some of the flowers have glitter on the tips of the petals.

For my journaling I have used the inspiration words gaze and wonder. It is hidden behind the photo.
My journaling reads as follows:
'Every time I gaze across a room at you my heart stops beating for just a moment. You are such a sweet, caring, loving, little boy. I couldn't have asked for anything more. To me you are perfect, in every single way. Seeing you on that swing at the park, with that big smile on your face, just confirms everything I already knew to be true. Every night I go to bed and wonder what tomorrow will hold, what new stories, or games you make up. What new ways you will show affection. I always think that it can't get much better than this, and everyday you surprise me. I look forward to every single second I spend with you. I love you so much'

I really struggled with this case-file, all the colors were just so bold, and so spread out on the color wheel that I had difficulty getting them to work for me. Eventually.... After screwing up about 10 different layouts.... I finally ended up with this.

'This Is The Good Life'


As always I have used quite a few different brands and collections here.... Far too many to name!!! 
I have created a mixed-media background, though this time I have tried to keep a fair amount of the original background visible. In particular I have tried not to cover up the writing on the background paper, as I have used this for my title.

 Some close-ups:


Here you can see the title a little better. I really love it when I don't have to think up titles for my pages. It is the only part about scrapbooking that I don't like.
 

I know I should probably get some new photo's to scrapbook hey!!! Unfortunately I only have a few good photo's, and Jet rarely stays still long enough to get a decent photo in, so I tend to use my fave's over and over.


Here I have layered some chipboard pieces amongst my Prima flowers. The scroll, arrow and the barbed wire (photo below) have both been painted white with gesso, then I have added color to the scroll using gelatos and water. The mustache has simply been colored with a black marker.


I was going through my stash, when I found some MME chipboard pieces that were just perfect for this layout. 'Playful' and 'Be still my little one', describing my child to a Tee!!


I have used lots of gorgeous Prima flowers on here, as well as a few other Prima embellishments, which when teemed with bits of netting, gesso, splashes of paint, wood, ect, creates not only a shabby effect, but a nice light and airy feel. Perfect for this outdoor photo!!

That's it from me today, though I will be soon!!! Got lots to share, including my first ever mini album.... Yeah I know, I can't believe I have never made one before either!!! I also have a new layout and art journal pages I am just dying to share!!! In the meantime I hope you all have a wonderful week!!! Thanks for stopping by!!

Friday, July 4, 2014

A FEW QUICK CARDS......

Hi!!! I hope you have all had a wonderful week!!! I'm just stopping by today quickly with a few cards I made early last week. I have been meaning to get this post up for days, but things have been quite hectic around here!!!

The first card I want to share with you is a beautiful girly card containing lots of beautiful textures and elements, as well as some mixed-media work. The background was created using a combination of gesso, gelatos, watercolor paints, and perfect pearls. I have added twine, thread and calico for extra texture, before building my layers of paper and embellishments.

'Best Wishes'


I have mounted my banner on foam tape, and wrapped some cord around the top, finishing off with some beautiful Prima flowers and a Studio Calico wood veneer which I have used for my sentiment.

________________________________________________________________________


 The second card I wish to share with you today is a fun, bold and more masculine card. I created it for my younger brother who will be 18 soon!!! I actually struggled with this quite a bit. Every card I have made in the past has been full of flowers, glitter, sequins, ect, and over all quite girly. Clearly these items do not spell out 'Great Guys Card', and I didn't want to create something that an 18 year old guy would be embarrassed to receive.
I persevered though and I am happy with the final result!!!

'18'


I have simply used gesso and watercolor paints on the background, adding some washi tape and the orange bakers twine when dry. Once again I have made a little banner and wrapped the top in cord to feature as the main element. I completed my banner by adding the '18' using gold alphas and the DA chipboard arrow which has been painted in gesso and a variety of watercolors to give it that marbled look. For balance I added a little chipboard hexagon from MME to the middle of the arrow. 

___________________________________________________________________


My final card is another beautiful feminine card which I have made as a gift for my Mom.
  I have used quite a bit of wet-media on the background, and it warped my card a fair bit so I apologize in advance if my card looks an odd shape!!!

'Thank You'


Once again I have created a mixed media background using gesso, gelatos, and watercolor paints. I have also created a variety of texture using various materials, paper, Prima flowers and a wood-icon from the Princess collection. The ornate chipboard frame is from Dusty Attic and has been painted white with gesso, then colored with gelatos in coordinating colors. I have once again used a Studio Calico wood veneer for my sentiment.

Before I go I wish to say a little something to you all......
 
 'Thank You to all who visit my blog, and especially my lovely followers. Reading the comments you guys leave me, and knowing that I inspire you guys truly means so much to me. Sometimes when I suffer creative blocks, just reading your comments gives me the boost I need to start creating again so Thank You..... I hope I can continue to inspire you all for a long time yet!!!'

I will be back again over the weekend to share with you all the layout I created for the CSI and ARTastic Collaboration case-file, CC-2. In the meantime you can check out the case over on the CSI website here. It runs all month so you still have plenty of time if you wish to enter!!! I hope you all have a great weekend!! I am off to spend the afternoon getting all messy with inks and paints!!!
 
Hugs!!!