Life is Full of Wonderful: A New Layout for Webster's Pages

Good morning! It's been a busy behind-the-scenes month of creating for me as CHA is just around the corner, but I am here today to share with you a layout and a card that I made for Webster's Pages using the "Nest" Collection. This collection has rapidly become one of my all time faves! Bold colors, an array of patterns, motifs, etc- all come together for one versatile collection that easily suits every style!

First up, I have my layout which features my sweetheart of a daughter:

"Life is Full of Wonderful"

I wanted a sugary, frosted feel for this layout :). A bit of gesso toned down the background before I applied some masking with modeling paste and a sprinkling of microbeads and Prima glitters. Layers of cards cut from the "Nest" collection created the base for my photo.

I've used some of the collection cardstock stickers like the vintage telephone one here, as well as a jewel from a Webster's Pages bookmark.

I love the variety of paper straws- such cute, fun additions to any project!

This resin cameo is perfect for accenting a sweet little girl layout :)

Another resin piece from a Webster's Pages cameo set, I love the pennant shape and cute font :)

A Blue Fern Studios chipboard frame pulled the whole photo grouping together. I painted it white and sprinkled on some Prima glitter to give it some shine.

Webster's Pages Products Used:

Nest Collection Paper: Home With You

Nest Collection Paper: Special Places

Nest Collection Paper: Tickled

Nest Word 4x8 Sticker

Nest Memory Pockets & Labels

Love Bundle of Straws

Party Time Bundle of Straws

Chipboard Sticker Board- Our Travels

Cameo: Pink Party Gift

Charm: Camera

I also have a card that I would like to share with you, also using the Nest Collection. This one is a bit more tame :)

"She Follows Her Heart"

As mentioned, I just love the diversity available in this collection. I love the chevrons, feathers, bold colors, etc and lots of white too! I tried to contrast them here with just enough layers to create a simple yet fab card :)

I'm a bit obsessed with tulle lately :) I've tucked in a classic Webster's Pages ruffle ribbon trim to pull together the pinks. 

Webster's Pages Products Used:

Nest Collection Papers

Ruffle Trim

I hope that you are all doing good and that life is treating you as it should ;)

Take care,

The Many Shades of Ombre Dreams

Good morning!

I'm here today to share with you three different projects I created this month using the gorgeous Ombre Dreams collection from Blue Fern Studios! I just can't get over how beautiful these papers are, and what a delight to put them to work! There's such a beautiful array of colors available in this range that I decided to spotlight a different palette in each of my projects...

"My Boy"

I LOVE the watercolor-y washed out seashore shades in the "Ginger's Dream" paper, which I chose to use as my background for this photo of my middle child at the beach. And layered in pieces behind my photo are some more blues from the "Susan's Dream" paper.

I chose to feature the Roman Clock Set- Small on my layout as well. This set can be split up into three different clocks (along with hands); I chose the largest of the clocks, cut it in half, dabbed it with white chalk ink, and used them to really set the design of my page.

Blue Fern Studios Products Used:
Ombre Dreams: Ginger's Dream

Ombre Dreams: Susan's Dream

Roman Clock Set- Small

Other Products Used:
Prima Marketing: Flowers, Ribbon, Resin Bird & Clock, Bling, "Memorandum" ATC Card
Webster's Pages: Paper Straws

"Thoughts" Card

Next up, I went with two more fabulous papers that are predominantly purple, while offering hints of many other colors including green, blue, pink, turquoise, and more: Joyce's Dream and Dream Cards. It was very difficult not to use some mixed media on the background of this card, but I really wanted to show off the lovely delicate patterns :)

The butterfly piece you see here is from the "Tattered Butterfly" set, which features 4 butterflies in various sizes. I just love the intricate detail in this butterfly design. I decided to go with a random smattering of embossing enamel which was set with a heat gun. Embossing enamel offers a great mix of color and texture which catch the light beautifully! For even more sparkle, I added a pretty crystal to the center.

Since I had my Roman Clock pieces out, I went with one of the smaller pieces in the set here. First I painted it with a lilac shade of acrylic paint and, while still wet, dusted it with a sparkly white embossing powder to give it a pretty frosted look. 

Blue Fern Studios Products Used:

Ombre Dreams: Joyce's Dream

Ombre Dreams: Dream Cards

Roman Clock Set- Small

Tattered Butterflies

Other Products Used:
Prima Marketing: Flowers, Doily Die, Metal Clock Embellishment

"Discover" Card

Finally, we have some orange/peach/pinks to feature! The Shannon's Dream paper is full of tropical citrus colors and dreamy floral patterns. 

The Wild Flourish Bundle chipboard piece was just what I needed to set the foundation for my cluster on this card. It was covered with a pale yellow chalk ink, embossed with clear embossing powder, and accented with some bling.

Blue Fern Studios Products Used:

Ombre Dreams: Shannon's Dream

Wild Flourish Bundle

Other Products Used:
Prima Marketing: Flowers, Metal Embellishment
Webster's Pages: Sticker Sentiment, Resin Leaves

Thank-you for checking out my post today!

We're nearing the end of the month- don't forget about our June Sketch Challenge~ if you loved some of the pieces in my post today, you have the chance to win a couple of them in this month's prize pack! Don't miss out :)

A Layout, Handmade Embellishments, & Mini Album Covers!

Good morning,!

I'm here with you today with a little bit of everything :). I'm always looking for ways to show appreciation for crafters of all kinds, and being someone who loves variety in order to keep myself interested creatively, I decided to create three very different examples for you this month, all featuring Blue Fern Studios products. 

To start with, I'd like to share my layout:

"This Makes Me Smile"

What a great photo, right?! I loved it so much, and I wanted to capture it effectively. Inspired by the energy of the FABULOUS Webster's Pages "Our Travels" background paper (in addition to the ADORABLE "Hello World" collection!), I decided to support the movement of the circular aspect of this base with the "Beaded Strings" chipboard piece. 

I used a Prima Cartographer stamp along with some Prima metallic chalk ink to stamp my primed chipboard. While the ink was still wet, I covered it with clear embossing powder and set with a heat gun. This way, your ink won't smear and the stamped area is given some dimension.

I love how this chipboard piece pulls this whole layout together, acting as a frame for my photos, an anchor for my clusters, and a holding piece for my title. 

Blue Fern Studios Products Used:

Beaded Strings

Next, I have some handmade layered, dimensional embellishments:

Handmade Embellishments

These are a great way to use up scraps! I gathered up my "Blue Fern Garden" collection paper scraps and ran them through my die cutter using various steel dies. I also primed, painted, and stamped up some favorite chipboard pieces. Along with some Prima "Princess" Collection stickers and foam adhesive, I began to layer away, creating a cohesive set in 30 minutes or less!

Blue Fern Studios Products Used:

Blue Fern Garden Paper Collection

Miss Tailor Set

Regal Ornaments

Vintage Keys

Leafy Page Accents

Finally, I have a couple mini album covers:

Mini Album Covers

No mini album is complete without a perfect Blue Fern Studios chipboard accent! For the top album, I've used a title piece that I felt was perfectly balanced for this album's size. It was stamped with ink matching the bird images on the Prima "Princess" collection paper and heat treated with clear embossing powder. For the bottom album, the Film Strips piece's linear design, size, and style was well suited for the accompanying Webster's Pages "Citrus Squeeze" papers.

Blue Fern Studios Products Used:

Memories Captured

Film Strips

Thank-you for checking out my variety of projects today!

Before I go, I have a couple of reminders for you.

Firstly, if you missed the sneak peek of the NEW Blue Fern Studios paper collection, take a look HERE:

GORGEOUS, right?!?!

Secondly, you STILL have time to join in on our April Sketch Challenge! Get those entries in by midnight tonight!!

Take care :)

A Layout, a Card, and a Tag~!

Hello :) 

I know, I know...I've been a bad blogger. I will try to fix that, but I make no promises ;)~ life is busy, as it is for us all. And I've just been trying to be okay with not getting everything done...so it's not that I'm not around, just...busy. Good news is other than having some strep throat in the house this week, we're good. It's spring break and I've got my oldest home from school all week so I'm remembering what it's like to be a SAHM to three kids on a full-time basis. It's good, though. I think I realize so much more how much I miss him when I get to have him around more like I have this week.

They grow far too fast, don't they?

But let's get down to business. I have three Blue Fern Studios projects to share :)

I'm going to start out today with my youngest, who is growing like a weed like her brothers. She's such a little "cute cute" as I call her. My princess. I wanted to create something fun and sweet as candy- just like her. I had so much fun creating with this adorable "Hello World" line from Webster's Pages, a new release from Winter CHA. I think you will love it :)

"Always"

The large panels available from Blue Fern Studios like this "Number Grid" one are so great for working with 12" x 12" layouts. I like to cut mine up and make them suit my design. 

I painted the panel white before randomly dabbing it with embossing ink, sprinkling with Stampendous "Shabby Pink Embossing Enamel", and setting with a heat gun. I love the pretty pink and textured bits splattered throughout the chipboard to mimic my background.

Blue Fern Studios Products Used:

Number Grid

"Different" Card

As like anyone who has ever used chipboard before, sometimes the raw look just suits the project best. Here I've used a few various pieces and have simply dabbed them randomly with a Prima white chalk edger pad before adding them to my project. Combined with some of the more subtle Blue Fern Studios papers, I created a neutral, monochromatic look which I love.

Blue Fern Studios Products Used:

Blue Fern Garden "Love Letters"

Blue Fern Garden "Calling Cards"

Checker Bits

Film Strips

Eclectic Hearts

"Love" Tag

 Sometimes downsizing a chipboard piece can give you exactly what you need for a particular project. Here I've taken the middle out of the "Helen's Doily" to beautifully accent this tag. Primed with gesso, covered with a Prima "Shabby Tote" chalk edger pad, and adorned with pearls :) The Blue Fern Garden "Picnic" paper was whitewashed with gesso to make it a little bit more subtle in order to achieve the look I was going for.

Blue Fern Studios Products Used:

Blue Fern Garden "Picnic"

Blue Fern Garden "Calling Cards"

Helen's Doily

That's it for me! I hope you enjoyed :)

Don't forget about our March Sketch Challenge- still plenty of time to play along!

"Oh, Brother": NEW Prima CHA Winter 2014: Everyday Vintage

GOOD MORNING :)!

It's been a while, I know. And it's not for lack of things to share- I have some projects backed up that I haven't had the opportunity to get on here. But I have been suffering with strep throat for well over a week and it's been pretty debilitating. 

Good news is- I'm on the mend :) So I'm back today with another Prima share, this time featuring the NEW Everyday Vintage Paintables :)

"Oh, Brother"

I've used the Paintables cards to add layers beneath my photo, some of them I've fussy cut the pretty intricate designs out of, and others I've torn and layered along the top left and bottom right of my layout.

I've added in some other new CHA goodies here as well: the paper and chipboard pieces are Stationer's Desk, and the canvas/burlap and gold rimmed flowers are new releases :)

I'm a sucker for anything black and white, so these paintables are right up my alley! I'm always looking for ways to add layers and interest to my projects, and these come in great sizes and patterns!

Prima Products Used:
813796 Stationer's Desk Collection "Captured Drama"
813963 Paintables
813970 Paintables
813987 Paintables
813703 Stationer's Desk Chipboard Pieces
990169 Cartographer Chipboard Pieces
990114 Cartographer Cling Stamp
572877 Stationer's Desk Wood Embellishments
563233 Sunrise Sunset Tiny Alphabet
574680 Tempting
574857 Bella
574826 Joyous
571566 Le Mia
557324 Charlotte Tiffany

Thanks for coming by! I hope you had a great weekend and are staying warm (in my part of the world)- or cool (if you're lucky enough to have that beautiful thing called HEAT!) ;)

Prima: Bloom Collection {NEW Winter CHA 2014}

I'm here today with a look at another NEW collection from Prima:

Bloom Collection

Designed by the talented Jamie Dougherty, this collection is bound to inspire your inner artist!

"Inspire & Create" Bloom Book Cover

The Bloom Book is filled with page after page for inspiring and creating your artwork. And of course there are an array of flowers and embellishments to go with it- in a bright, beautiful color scheme you are sure to love!

Here I've used some of the paper from inside the book to create the title for my book cover, along with various background textures and some help from chipboard shapes, flowers, leaves, and more :)

The fabulous bloom girls in this collection are amazing! I loved this confident artsy girl- she just had to take center stage on my cover :). She's way cooler than me- but she gave me the confidence I needed to make my plan come together for this design. :)

Products Used:

980009 Bloom Collection Art Book
573065 Bloom Collection Paperclips
980108 Bloom Collection Brads
980153 Bloom Collection Chipboard Pieces
572099 Wire Thread Sweet Pink
572204 12x12 Stencil Anchors
921842 Poppies and Peonies Canvas Banners
575212 Freshly Picked
575151 Hand Delivered
575120 In Full Bloom
575168 Fragrant

I hope you are having a great weekend! I have Prima shares over the next few days, so don't miss out :)
Take care,

Prima Marketing: All that glitters....

Good morning! It's hard to believe that we're getting close to halfway through the month already...yikes! The holidays are coming, a new year, and for all of us scrapbookers, we know that January means NEW STUFF!! Winter CHA is right around the corner, and I couldn't be more excited! I know some really awesome people are going...sadly, I will not be :(. But I'm happy for those who get the chance to go and meet one another- a very special opportunity :)

This time of the year also means backstage CHA creating going on...it's about to get BUSY. So before I get too lost in the middle of it- let me share with you a layout that I created for Prima, focusing on glitter and sequins- both things I love very much :)!

"Oct 27"

I'm LOVING glitter right now- mess and all! And gold went perfectly with my color scheme here- a real treat to create this fun layout! I masked with gel medium and then sprinkled glitter on top to make it stick- it worked great :). 

These beautiful Blue Fern Studios frames were dressed up with both gold glitter and gold microbeads. Glossy Accents are perfect for this :) I also used some floral wire cut from the Mini Sachet roses from Prima to create my photo frame.

Products Used:
846411 Holiday Jubillee "Chilly"
813314 IOD 12"x12" Collection Kit
950729 Delight Paper "Delicate"
921842 Poppies and Peonies Canvas Banners
891794 Junkyard Findings Heart Gears
571542 Le Mia- Chantilly Flower
571566 Le Mia- Slate Flower
571610 Audrey- Smokey Flower
570750 School Memories- Paper Flowers
571351 Serenity- Floral Mix

I hope your holiday shopping is DONE and you are enjoying the season :). 

See you soon!

Watercolor Fun: Prima & Pink Paislee Swap Part 2!

Good morning and happy Monday! Today is the second part of the Prima/Pink Paislee swap- I hope you got the chance to get yourself in the running for some goodies- winners announced today!

To close out the swap, we've created some watercolor fun tags. Here is mine:

"Captured Moments" Tag

I loved taking the Color Wash papers and creating a classic Prima tag with it. I applied some masking and had fun with some turquoise watercolors to accent the areas to the top and bottom of my cluster work.

Prima Products Used:
554156- Lace and Crystals Border Fairy Belle
891879- Ingvild Bolme- Resin Heart
960445- 12x12 Stencil: Orbs
571757- Abbey
571542- Le Mia- Chantilly Flower
566029- Mini Sachet- Rose
565282- Divine Mini Rose Stems

Pink Paislee Products Used:
PP01037- Color Wash 6x6 Paper Pad
PP01047- Color Wash Sentiment Stickers

Thanks for coming over! Be sure to check out the Prima blog today for plenty more watercolor fun inspiration ;)

See you soon!

Two More for Blue Fern Studios

Hi everyone!

 I'm back again with you today with my other two Blue Fern Studios projects, and I'm going to be showing how you can keep your chipboards "as is" or piece them apart in order to best compliment your work. We all like to make the most of our products and it can sure be fun to see how far you can stretch something. While at other times, we want to use something in its entirety to really make a statement!

Let's see how I did both :)

"Pause to Live"

 This piece is an 8"x10" canvas. Normally, when I create something, I don't necessarily start with the chipboard. But that wasn't the case here. I knew I wanted to use the gorgeous Ornate Heart piece- and I definitely knew I didn't want to take this one apart. It's such a gorgeous design and I really wanted to make something special with it.

Here are the steps I took in coloring this piece:

1. Prime chipboard with gesso; dry.

2. Stamp chipboard with a favorite stamp and clear embossing ink.

3. Sprinkle on some white embossing powder and set with heat gun.

4. Randomly apply some watercolors. The embossed stamping will resist.

5. Apply clear embossing powder to some areas of the wet watercolors. Set with heat gun.

Products Used:

Ornate Heart

"Key to My Heart" Tag

My second project today is a tag. I've created a collage-style piece using the bird/flourish cut from the Village Sign Post, and a heart from the Heart Set pack.

I actually ended up using the backside of the heart piece. I'd done some stamping and coloring and just didn't like it- but when I turned it over and discovered the random gesso look that it had, I decided I wanted to keep it that way :). I backed it with a transparency before cutting off a piece from the Village Sign Post, applying some sandy colored chalk ink, and then topping off the heart with it.

Products Used:

Heart Set

Village Sign Post

I hope you enjoyed my post today! Thanks to those of you who are so sweet and take a moment to leave some kind words. I'm scrambling to get caught up and hope to be visiting some blogs soon :)

Take care and see you again tomorrow,