Back Country Layouts

I had so much fun using this paper packet that I created 8 pages from this one weekend adventure. (It helps to have great photos!) And, I still have paper left in the packet to scrap another adventure. On June 1st, several ladies will join me to create these pages plus more. On June 13th, we will do the same with the Moon Doggie paper packet. I am scrapbooking our spring break cruise photos. Themes for this can be tropical, beach, birthday, luau, and more. When my layouts are complete, I will post them but until then, take a look at the photo and then RSVP by June 1st to participate in the class.

Random Stamping Tutorial

Supplies
12x12 light colored cardstock, acrylix stamps with blocks, ink colors.




Initial Stamping
Choose your largest image and begin by stamping in one corner but not too close to the edge. Stamp that same image again about 1 1/2 times the size of the stamp away from the the first image. For example, the flower is about 2 inches so I stamped the second flower about 3 inches away.


Creating a triangle with the images
An important part of this technique is to create equilateral triangles between your images. I have put pencils down to show how I am using the two stamped images to then visualize the third point of my traingle. That is where I will stamp the next image.



Continue filling page
Using the same dimensions and triangle idea, continue to fill the page with the initial stamp image. At times, your triangle point will fall on the edge of the paper. It is ok to stamp on the edge of the paper with part of the image off the edge. This creates a continuous feeling and is visually pleasing.



Adding a second image
After you have completed stamping and "filling" the page with the first image, choose the next image that is smaller than the first but larger than the others you will use and begin the same technique. Stamp an image, then approximately 1 1/2 times the size of the image distance, stamp your second image. Visualize where the triangle point will be and stamp your third image. I have used the pencils to help with the visualization.



Adding a third image.
Continuing to graduate down in size, use the triangle technique to add a third image.
Final stage
Once the page is "filled" with your images, you can then add some detail images to fill in the white spaces. Again you will want to follow the triangle technique but you will not be able to be as "accurate".
Adding details
Here I am adding centers to the gold flower as well as sentiments between the flowers. I am trying to follow the triangle technique to keep the random stamping visually pleasing but I am also trying to "fill in" some of the white space.



More details
Take it slow and easy as you add the details. You don't want to over crowd your page and if you are cutting it up for card making or scrapbooking, you can "fill in" any white spaces that are created by cutting apart the whole.


Finished page
I have added second generation small flowers/icons to continue to fill the white space but not dominate the randomness or colors.

Back Country

I had a great weekend full of classes and crop time. Although it was the warmest weekend of the spring, some friends ventured indoors and spent time being creative. One of my big accomplishments was getting a set of pages done from our Mt. Baker trip last fall. I love the paper I used, Back Country, from the Summer idea book. It was so easy to use and coordinate with the pictures from our trip. Take a look! I am doing a workshop using these papers and layouts on June 1st. If you hurry, you can sign up to join me and scrapbook some of the outdoor adventures your family had done.

Creating Faux Wood Paper

As I was cleaning off my desk yesterday, I came across this piece of paper I had stamp/distressed/penned to make a faux wood look. I took photos at each step along the way and then did nothing with them. Well it is time to share how I did it and the card I made with it.

I started with a piece of 4x51/4 inch colonial white cardstock.

I used the foam sponge and Desert Ink and sponge over the entire paper.

With the Chocolate ink and the sea sponge tool, I went over the first layer and add this new texture to my paper.

I used the small Chocolate distressing ink to create grain with a direct to paper inking. You want to make sure that you go only in one direction to get the appearance of the "grain".

I continued the direct to paper inking until I received the desired amount of "grain" in the texture.

Using the Cocoa ink, I added some darker grain to continue the wood texture. This was also direct to paper and continued in the same direction as the previous inking.

Using my fine tip Legacy writers, I drew lines in the direction of the wood grain about the same distance apart. Then I drew horizontal line with "nails" to show a look of plank boards.

Using this piece of faux wood and extra flowers on my desk from a different project, here is my card. Try the faux wood distressing technique and show me what you made! Michele

Planting Flowers

I love planting potted flowers as spring turns warmer. Although the weather has been a little chilly for this, I have found an alternative. This flower pot card has been seen on several paper craft websites and it seemed the perfect planting activity for me today! It was easy to make and if you are interested in planting your own flowers, try this tutorial.

Acrylic Album

During the scrapbook retreat, I worked on an acrylic album that was inspired by the work of Tina Sutton and Jennifer Bennett. One of the best benefits of being a consultant is all the artwork inspiration I have access to. If you are interested in creating an album, join me for a workshop on June 12th 7 p.m. You have your choice of "themes" for your album. I have a travel album, made by my cruise secret sister, Tina Sutton, and a couple of Christmas albums. Let me know if you want to attend.

Made using the CTMH Day Dream My Reflections Paper and Stickease.

Made with the CTMH Evensong My Reflections Paper Packet.

Made by Tina Sutton, using Vintage Travel My Reflections Paper Pack from CTMH.

To see more pages of the albums, visit my website.

Be Yourself

The May Stamp of the Month is so much fun to play with. During our retreat two weekends ago, I had a chance to play with it and these are a couple of cards that are my favorite.

This card was inspired my Julie Reynolds. I love the look of just the legs and shoes!

You are welcome to come play with this stamp set during my card classes on Friday May 15th 9:30 a.m. or Sunda May 17th 6 p.m.

It's Early!

I am excited to announce that the new Close to My Heart card confidence program is now available. Although this new book by Jeanette Lynton was not supposed to arrive until June 1st, it came early and we can order it now! Included in this book are bulk card making, circle cards, and all new patterns. I can't wait to get my creative juices flowing with this new book!

Remember the Random Stamped Paper?

Although it is hard to cut the paper after you have stamped it, this is what I was able to create with one 12x12 sheet: four note cards, one card tote, and one covered mini journal. If you are interested in participating in a workshop to make random stamp and make a similar set, join me on May 15th 9:30 a.m. or May 17 th 6 p.m. Class fee is $5. Email me to RSVP.

Scrapbook Weekend!

I spent a wonderful weekend with a great group of women who love to be creative! We scrapbooked, ate awesome food, created, ate more awesome food, and enjoyed sharing! The weather was beautiful on Whidbey Island making it hard to sit down and play. Here are some photos of the group of women I had the opportunity to be with this past weekend.