I HAVE SUPER EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE!!!!!!!

Hi everyone!!! 

As you can see my title says, I have super exciting news to share with you today..... 

Firstly, I am so, so honored to announce that I will be joining The Scrapbook Diaries team. I was thrilled when Janene asked me a couple of months ago, and I have had such a hard time holding onto this secret until now!!! 

Secondly, today is the release of my very first kit 'XOXO'.  So exciting!!!!!!
You can find all the details here.   
(There is also an overview at the end of this post)
'XOXO'

Some details:

The kit is available as basic or plus. 

The basic kit comes with 3 sheets of patterned paper from various brands, Webster's Pages Vellum, White Card-stock by Bazzil, and a cut-out strip (butterflies) from UHK Galleries. You will also receive some gorgeous chipboards from Dusty Attic, twine, wire thread and enamel dots, not to mention lots and lots of stunning Prima products including flowers, wood-icons and resin frames.

The Plus Kit includes all of the above plus 3 Mini Twinkling H2O's, A small Prima Stamp, and Gold Gel Pen.  
 
The kit also comes with additional product to make the bonus page (by Janene).

You will also receive step-by-step written instructions and unlimited access to a private online video tutorial, showing you step-by-step the creation of this layout. 

I hope you like my first kit and will have just as much fun creating this as I did!!

Remember you can find all the details here.


Have a great weekend!!!

NEW ART JOURNAL COVER WITH STEP-BY-STEP - 13 ARTS

Hi everyone!!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and a great start to the week!!!

Today I would like to share with you the cover of my new Art Journal. I have used some simply stunning 13 Arts Mediums, Sprays and a few other bits and pieces. Actually I think its the first time I have not tried to use every last thing in my 13 Arts stash!!


 I have also put together a quick step-by-step tutorial for you, showing how I made this journal cover with just a few simple steps.

'Journal Cover'

Some details:

Here is the tutorial:

Step 1: 
I have simple started by giving the cover of my Art Journal a coat of Gesso. It is not perfect and doesn't really need to be. I only painted a thin coat because this journal came with this gorgeous pattern embossed into the cover and I had hoped to keep some of that texture in later steps. It is very difficult to see the retained texture in the photo's of the finished cover above, but in person you can see it and feel it whenever you pick it up.

Step 2: I have taken an array of metal embellishments, a large plaster heart and a couple of flowers and organized them on my cover. When I was happy with the composition I used Gel medium to glue them in place. I then put it aside overnight to be sure that the Gel medium was thoroughly dried.

Step 3: As I do not have any Black Gesso (although this product is available from 13 Arts), I have taken some Matte Black Paint and mixed it with equal parts Gel Medium to make it permanent. I have then painted the cover with it, being sure to get into all nooks and crannies. Depending on how thickly you paint it, you may need a second coat.

Step 4: When it was dry I have dry brushed some White Gesso over the top to create some highlighted areas.

Step 5: Next I have generously sprayed the cover with Pearl Silver, Pearl Violet, and Pearl Pink Mist, letting it pool then drying with a heat gun for interesting watercolor effects. I have then added splatters of all three colors all over the background and embellishments, before finally adding some Pearl Black Mist around the heart and adding a few small flicks all over.

Step 6: To finish off I have added Fine Black Mica around the heart, and to some of the embellishments, and also some Silver Microbeads, using Gel Medium to hold them in place. I finished off by adding a few more touches of Mist.

That is all I have to share with you today. I hope you were inspired to pull out your 13 Arts stash and have a play!!!

13 Arts products used:

Gesso

Gel Medium

Ayeeda Mist - Pearl Silver

Ayeeda Mist - Pearl Black

Ayeeda Mist - Pearl Violet

Ayeeda Mist - Pearl Pink

Ayeeda Paint - Matte Black

Silver Microbeads

Fine Black Natural Mica

ENJOY THE LITTLE MOMENTS

Hi everyone!! Back again with another layout to share..... this time based on the October Moodboard over at Dusty Attic.

Here is this month's moodboard: 

I have taken the blue, and golden tones from the moodboard, however instead of using the oranges I have chosen to use Gold itself, along with the blues, a hint of green and black. 

I know its a little early, but I couldn't resist the temptation, to scrap this photo of Jet at Christmas a few years back. I have tried to give my page a non-traditional Christmas feel.

'Enjoy These Little Moments'

The black background was inspired by Jennifer hedger, owner of Dusty Attic, when she said to me she would love to see how some of my work would come up on a black background. Unfortunately it didn't turn out quite as well as I had hoped, but it was a good practice run!!

Some Details:

For my title I began by spreading Modelling Paste through the Heidi Swapp stencil 'Enjoy', on top of the already painted background. When it was dry I replaced the stencil and spread Gesso over it so that it was white (Modelling Paste dries transparent), I then outlined the inside of the word enjoy with lead pencil, and added some letter stickers on foam tape to create the word 'These'. Next I have then taken the 'Little moments' chipboard from the mini Captions #6 and painted it with 13 Arts White SPLASH! Ink. When that was dry i brushed Gold Glitter paint along the bottom half of the title, creating a two-toned effect.

I have painted the Mini Brick Panel White with Gesso, then cut it apart, attaching it to the background around my paper layers to create depth, and added interest.

The Mini Reindeer has simply been Inked Black and layered on top of the Lace Border #3 and Mini Brick Panel.

The Vintage Flourish was painted with Viva Decor Maya Paint in Old Gold, then wrapped in Bronze sparkling thread. I have used both a large and small one, layering them above my flowers, with more flowers on top. I have also added a few of the small teardrop Ornate Pendants, which I have simply covered with White liquid pearls.

The Leaves #2 have also been painted White with SPLASH! Ink, and once again brushing them with Gold glitter paint, though this time all over. I have then tucked them into flower clusters around the page.

I have taken the Lace Border #3, cutting off the 2 pieces the same, to create smaller decorative pieces. I have given them the same treatment as the leaves #2 before attaching them to the left and right edges of my page with the points facing inward toward the photo. 

That's all I have to share today. I hope you have enjoyed my post and found something to inspire you!

Dusty Attic products used:

Leaves #2

Lace Border #3

Ornate Pendants  

Mini Captions #6

Vintage Flourish

Mini Reindeer

Mini Brick Wall

"SWEET" - LAYOUT TUTORIAL FOR 13 ARTS

 Hello!!! Today I would like to share with you this layout I created using lots of beautiful 13 Arts products. 

I have also put together a little step-by-step tutorial for you showing you how it came together.

 

'Sweet'

I must say I really love how this one turned out!!! 

 Some Details:

And here is the tutorial:

Step 1: I began by spreading Gel medium over the entire background of my White cardstock and let it dry. Then I began adding color. I started with 13 Arts Pastel yellow mist, using my paintbrush to add large drops around the background, then using the same brush to splatter clean water on the background. I then continued to repeat this step with Pastel Salmon, Pastel Pink, Pastel Raspberry, Chalk Fuchsia, Pearl Pink, Pearl Violet, and Pearl Gold. I have used such a variety of color because I just love all the different tones and shades that show through, however you can create a similar background with only 4 colors. 

I chose not to photograph the steps for this background as it is difficult to show how it is done in a photograph and more easily explained with words, however if you would like to see how this is done in detail please watch my youtube video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCZPBqKzUG0 as the technique is the same. The wonderful thing about doing this on Gel medium is that if you make a mistake or do not like the result you can simply wipe it away with a baby-wipe or wet cloth.

Step 2: Once I was happy with the colors on the background I set it aside to dry thoroughly. Once dry I have spread Gesso through a stencil in a couple of areas. I have used Gesso instead of Modelling paste so that it will dry white and remain visible on my background. You can let it dry on its own or with a heat gun.

 Step 3: Add some stamping with an ink in a coordinating color, I used a Cocoa color.

 Step 4: Begin cutting a distressing your 13 Arts papers for your photo mat I have used papers from the Color Basic Collection. Add in some Gold Doilies, Twine and a Chipboard Frame. Layer your elements together using foam tape. Then add some Black Splatters on your background using 13 Arts Water-Based Ink.

 Step 5: Continue to build your photo mat by adding more paper, distressed calico, another piece of paper and some twine. I have also added another chipboard frame on the other side. Next I have begun to add some embellishments, die-cut flowers and word stickers layered with foam tape and some sparkly thread between the layers for added texture.

 Step 6: Continue building up your embellishments by adding more layered die-cut flowers, and a few actual flowers, plus these gorgeous pink twigs from 13 Arts (I just adore them!!).

Place your photo (I have sanded the edges of mine) above your twine using foam tape and frame it with some wire cord.

Step 7: Finish adding the final touches of the embellishments (more flowers, paperclips, resin pieces and the pink heart gem from 13 Arts), then brush the tips of all the paper flowers and die-cut flowers with gesso to add some more texture.

 Step 8: Next add splatters of Pink SPLASH! Ink across the page, being careful not to get it on your photo. Then add splatters of Pastel Pink and Pastel Raspberry to your embellishments.

 Step 9: Use Gel Medium to attach Gold Microspheres to your flowers and Light Gold Mica Flake beneath your embellishment clusters in certain spots. I have also added some Pink Decorative Crystals.

 Step 10: Finish off your page by adding your title I have used the chipboard word 'Sweet' from the Fly Away Collection. I have painted it with a coat of Gold Glitter Paint, which looks fantastic on the raw color of this chipboard. I have then used the Gold Glitter Paint to brush the tips of all my flowers, and along the edges of my embellishments, die-cuts and frames.

 And that is what your finished layout will look like!!

I hope you have enjoyed my post today and found my tutorial helpful.

13 Arts Products used:

Gel Medium

Gesso

 Ayeeda Mist - Pastel Pink

Ayeeda Mist - Pastel Raspberry

 Ayeeda Mist - Pastel Yellow

Ayeeda Mist - Pastel Salmon

 Ayeeda Mist - Pearl Pink

Ayeeda Mist - Pearl Violet

Ayeeda Mist - Pearl Gold

Ayeeda Mist - Chalk Fuchsia 

SPLASH! Ink - Pink

Water-Based Ink - Black (Graphite)

Ayeeda Paint - Gold Glitter

Color Basic Collection - Papers

Microspheres - Gold

Natural Mica Flakes - Light Gold

Decorative Crystals - Pink

Decorative Crystals - Hearts

Fly Away Collection - Chipboard Big Words

Pink Twigs

Glossy White Cardboard (I have used the non-glossy side)

"YOUR SMILING FACE IS MY.... HAPPY PLACE" - PRIMA BAP

Hi everyone!!
I hope you all had a great weekend and are looking forward to the coming week!! I am looking forward to school going back today for the final term before summer holidays!!! 

 Today I would like to share my take on October's BAP over at Prima!!

Make sure you check out their blog for the awesome DT Inspiration..

Here is the sketch:

I have mirrored the sketch so that the images are on the other side and I have added 4 photo's instead of 3. I have also divided my title above and below the photos, swapping it around at the bottom with the journalling.
And here is my take on it:

'Your Smiling Face Is My..... Happy Place'

Don't you just adore those faces!!!! 

For the title i have written the first part in gold Gel pen at the top above the painted feathers, using the Ingvild Bolme metal plate as the end of the title.

For my background I have used Mica Powders in Green, Frozen Lake, Deep Water and Summer Sky, mixing up the powder with only a small amount of water to get a sparkly kind of paint, which results in a more solid color, along with Soft Teal Color Bloom Spray and two 13 Arts Mists. Other than these 2 mists and the Washi Tape and of course White cardstock, everything else is Prima.

Once again I have drawn some feathers on my background..... I really love the way they turn out.

Some Details:

I have brushed my flowers with gesso, then added splatters of varying Mica powders and the same mist colors used in the background.

I have then used soft Mat Gel to glue the Platinum Glass Glitter and Splash Microbeads to my flowers and certain areas of the background.

I have tucked various prima embellishments, eg. metals and resins, among my flower cluster for added interest and texture.

I have mostly used papers from an older Prima Collection 'Hello Pastel', along with a piece or 2 of Garden Fable papers.

I have outline all my photos with a touch of Heavy Gesso to help separate them a little. 

 That's all from me today, but I will have more to share in a couple of days...... Make sure you stay tuned into my blog too as I will have some exciting new to share with you sometime in the next few weeks!!!

Have a great week everyone!!

YOU AND ME

Hi guys!!! I hope you are all well!!! 
Today I would like to share with you this layout I made using some of the awesome new chippies, and one of the stencils now available in the Dusty Attic Store.

'You & Me'

I have used paper from the mental vacation collection for my background, covering it with Gel medium then creating a watercolor effect using mists.

I have then used black pen to doodle some stitching around the border and trace some arrows from Dusty Attic's new Feather and Arrows Stencil.

Some details:

I absolutely LOVE!!!! all the new feather chippies from Dusty Attic.

I have taken the Feather Charms #3 and given it a thin coat of White SPLASH! Ink, slightly watered down so that it did not fill in the engraved pattern on the face of the chipboard. When that was dry I very carefully began painting it with various colors of Twinkling H20's. I have used a very tiny paintbrush to color some of the very small detailed areas. 

When I was happy with the final result and it had dried I wrapped some sparkling Turquoise thread around it.

The leaves #2 one of my 'go-to' pieces for a lot of my creations lately. they look great and always add a little something extra to any layout!!

These have been painted with a few different shades of Green using 13 Arts Matte Paints.

The Lacey Nameplate was simply given two coats of Gesso before being painted over with a thin coat of White SPLASH! Ink, which makes it much more pure 'White' rather than the off-white of the Gesso.

I have placed it in among the paper layers that make up my photo mat.

I have taken one of the Nameplates and one of the end pieces from the Vintage Nameplate Set and simply colored it with black ink. I have then cut the Nameplate in two, placing the smaller side among the paper layers on the right of the page. I have placed the larger side on the left adding the end piece beneath it.

The title is from the new Mini Captions #7. I have painted it with a rough coat of Gesso then added color using the same Twinkling H20's that I used on the feather.

I have placed it at the bottom of my layout on a couple of strips of Washi Tape.

Here you can see the smaller half of the Vintage Nameplate that I placed among the papers on the pages right, and just above it you can see the awesome arrows I stenciled using Dusty Attic's great new Feather and Arrows Stencil.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed my post! 

 Dusty Attic products used:
Feather and Arrows Stencil
Feather Charms #3
Mini Captions #7
Lacey Nameplate
Leaves #2 
Vintage Nameplate Set