December Daily Day 1

I'm not sure when and how often I will share my daily pages, but hopefully I'm a little consistent or have weekly updates.

Today, I want to share my December 1st spread.

December 1st
I slept in.... sort of
I cuddled with my puppy (LOVE!)
I started homework at 10am and finished at 2 am (yes that says AM)
I got Panera for lunch (yum...bread)

I forgot to add my Day number (i'm adding them as I add photos so I can places it accordingly).

Happy Wednesday!

December Daily

I'm doing this! Yes, I said it. I'm attempting to put together a December Daily. Actually, the album is together, I just have to fill with journaling and photos! So I CAN do this!  (WARNING: Text Heavy Post)

Yesterday, MemoryWorks kicked off our final project -- December Daily. 9 out of 12 TeamWorks members are participating and everyone designed a different kit that fits their style. So there are 9 different personalities and styles to get inspiration from during December! We will post to the blog weekdays (Mon - Fri) until December 31.

I wanted to keep my December Daily - SIMPLE! I needed something that would work with my lifestyle. I don't have time for big layouts, I don't take enough pictures (daily) for lots of photo slots, so my album is a 4x6 album (well sort of).

If you want to see the full Kit that I put together, check out THIS blog post.

But first, let me show you the cover!

Cover Supplies: chipboard, American Crafts - Cardstock (Kraft), Studio Calico - Magical (Sequins, 6x12 Stickers); Gold Thickers (American Crafts), Embossing Folder

It is all shiny (and I'm a GASPER, I got married in July)!!!

So here is how it came together! Wait, before that, I need to talk about the interior pages.

INTERIOR PAGES

• I have some 3x4 / 4x6 Page protectors from Simple Stories, I cut them in half with my paper trimmer, cutting them above the 4x6 sleeve and below the (2) 3x4 sleeves (making sure I don't cut into them).

 COVER

•  Okay I cut the cover of my album to 7ish x 4.5ish.
• Measure the cut up page protector before you cut the cover. My cover is about the same size and since the page protector has the edge that has the holes for a binder (keep those), it makes them longer than 6".

• I used a lighter weight chipboard for my cover.
• The Kraft paper I used for the cover I put in an embossing folder to get it's texture and ran it through my manual die cutting machine. 
• I covered one side of the chipboard with the Kraft paper and the opposite side (the inside piece) with a piece of pattern paper that I liked (Studio Calico Magical - Happy Holiday Joy).

ALBUM 
Before I bound my album, I actually designed all the pages. 1 pack of the pages protectors mentioned above gave me about 20 spreads (sounds about right), but I needed 31 spreads (2 pages per day), so I mixed in some pages that are not in protectors by using cardstock. I inserted journaling cards, pattern paper and a few embellishments along the way and organized them the way I wanted (counting a few times to make sure I have enough pages).

Once I was comforable with the set up, I bound the album using my We R Memory Keepers Cinch machine.

I'm not ready to use my album, fill in with pictures, stories, memories, and stuff! This album is manageable for me.

Now for a peek inside!

Inside cover and page 1. instead of starting my album on Day 1, I started it with a little opening message on the inside cover and a Calendar journaling card on page 1 (Simple Stories - Snap Set (Christmas)). I added washi tape (which I wrote on) and stickers to jazz up the calendar and make it look like I actually do a little something in December :D

Close-ups

Stop by tomorrow to see the how this album is progressing!

Happy Tuesday!

WRMK - Guest Designer

Hello everyone!
Happy Wednesday (aka FRIDAY for many). I'm excited to share some projects I made way back in early fall. This summer I applied for a guest designer position with We R Memory Keepers and they contacted me to create some projects using their Harvest collection!

Check out their blog for other awesome inspiration and see my projects there as well!

I created three projects using this paper line. First this simple Thanks Card.

Supplies: WRMK (Harvest Papers, Embossed Designer Stickers); American Crafts (Kraft Paper); Mister Huey's Inky Black)


The second project I created is a layout featuring a photo taken at my wedding this past summer. The colors of this paper line matched some of the colors in my wedding (Grey, Navy, Mustard and Tiffany Blue).

Supplies: WRMK: Harvest Paper (Work Bench (Layout background), Floral Spray, Garden Shed); WRMK: Harvest (Embossed Stickers); WRMK: Harvest Tags (You & Me with Frame); WRMK: Sew Easy Thread (Glitter Primary); American Crafts: Kraft Paper; Prima Flowers; Studio Calico: Wood Veneer Hearts; Studio Calico: Misty Huey’s (Gold); Technique Tuesday Stamps: Label Maker (Kit Club); Fiskars: Scallop Boarder Punch; Gold Washi Tape; Acrylic Paint; American Crafts: This to that Tab Adhesive Circles; Stickles: Cinnamon; Tim Holtz: Distress Stains (Tarnished Brass); Gold Embossing Powder; Ribbon: Gold

The final project I created is a frame. I die cut the frame with my Silhouette machine. It features a picture of my youngest nephew from fall 2012. I die cut the leaves also with my Silhouette Machine. I cut some in patter paper, glitter paper and than plain white paper, which I jazzed up with inks (see below).

WRMK: Harvest Paper (Rusty Drawer (Frame Base), Country Plaid, Maple Leaf); WRMK: Harvest (Embossed Stickers); American Crafts: Kraft Cardstock; Tim Holtz: Distress Ink (Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade, Fired Brick, Peeled Paint, Walnut Stain); American Crafts: This to that Tab Adhesive Circles; Tim Holtz: Distress Glitter (Antique Linen); Silhouette Die Cuts: 3 Fall Leaves (Lori Whitlock); Water Bottle; 3d Bracket Shaped Frame (Lori Whitlock)

Here are the leaves that I die cut with white paper and made them my own.

I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink pads and rubbed them on my craft mat. I then sprayed with water and laid my white leaves on top of the ink and even dragged the leaves across it a little till I got the look I wanted. After they dried I inked the edges with Walnut Stain (Tim Holtz).

There you have it! I've been holding onto these projects for awhile, so I'm super excited to finally share them!

Have an awesome day and thanks for stopping by.

30 Days, 30 Cards - Day 26

Well today I'm right on track. Well mainly because I'm hosting today's 30 Days, 30 Cards event!!

The sketch I choose to work off for Day 26 is from Mojo Monday.

Here is my take on the sketch:

Supplies: Glitz Design - Hello December (12x12 Pattern Paper - Floral, Title & Accent Stickers, Flair); Gold Doily & Natural Twine (Spiegelmom Scrap); American Krafts - Kraft Cardstock.

Join in the fun! There are still a few days to enter your card(s) based off the daily sketches on the MemoryWorks blog! Check out the 30 Days, 30 Cards tab for more information on the MemoryWorks Blog.

Also, don't forget to join the TeamWorks team in December for some December Daily inspiration! I will kick off the even on December 2! Here is a sneak peek of my album cover.

Thanks for joining me today, check back tomorrow for more projects! This time projects using the We R Memory Keepers products! I'll be featured on their blog tomorrow! Don't miss it!!!

Happy scrappin!
 

Day 12 - MW 30 Days, 30 Cards Event

Happy Wednesday! I'm back with another card from the 30 Days, 30 Cards event over at MemoryWorks! Today, I'm going to share day 12 card (yes, I'm out of sequence). If you have not, please join in the fun! Check out the daily inspiration and submit your own cards for a chance to win a prize package from the MemoryWorks home office! Check HERE for details on participating.

Day 12 Sketch (hosted by Cathie)

My take on the sketch:

Supplies used: Echo Park - Reflections Christmas (6x6 Paper pad, Elements Sticker), Kraft Cardstock, Sequins, silver ribbon.

I just have to say I love this event. It's a great way to get a bunch of holiday cards completed. Sketches make it a little quicker at this time of year, which I appreciate. I'm not creating from scratch, but have a starting point.

Have a GREAT Wednesday!

Day 5 - 30 Days, 30 Cards

I'm back for more. Okay this may be a record set for 2013 and most blog posts by myself in one week! Today, I share Day 5 sketch and my card. Day 5 was hosted by Megan Peacock! Check out her post for some inspiration!

Sketch

My take on this sketch.

Supplies: My Mind's Eye - Vintage Christmas (6x6 Paper Pad, Stamps); Fancy Pants Designs - Merry Little Christmas (Flair); Gold embossing Powder; Zazz Glitter Glue (Gold); Kraft cardstock.


If you want to join in the 30 Days, 30 Cards event, check out the page on the MW Blog with information! There is a prize package up for grabs!!

Have a wonderful Friday!

Day 4 - 30 Days, 30 Cards

Well, I haven't completed day 3 of 30 Days, 30 cards yet, so today I'm skipping ahead to day 4. Day 4 was hosted by Cathie Hollins. Check out the day 3 blog post (link above) to check out Cathie's card. For more information on 30 Days, 30 Cards and how you can participate, check out it's page on the MW blog.

Sketch

Source - Pagemaps

Here is my take on this sketch.

 

Supplies: Echo Park - Tis the Season (6x6 paper pad, Chipboard); Black Cardstock, Snowflake embossing folder, Silver embossing powder.

Tips on this card:

• I first embossed the base of the card with a snowflake embossing folder.
• Next, I inked around the edges with an embossing ink pad and sprinkled on silver embossing powder, which I set with my heat gun. 
• I than pieced the paper together.

Thanks for coming by today!! Join me again tomorrow for more card inspiration!!

Day 2 - 30 Days, 30 Cards

Alright, I'm back with Day 2 of 30 Days, 30 Cards that is being put on by the MemoryWorks TeamWorks. Check out all the details in this post on the MW Blog.

Day 2 was actually posted by myself!! Here is the sketch that I found to use for Day 2 of the event.

Sketch Source

Now here is my take on this sketch...

Supplies: Crate Paper - Bundled Up (6x6 Paper Pad); Glitz Design - Finnley (Giant Rhinestones, Washi Tape); Crate Paper - Maggie Holmes Flea Market (Resin Flowers); Technique Tuesday October Kit of the Month Stamp, Gold Glitter Paper, Kraft Paper, stencil, gold embossing powder.

I love the ray of possibilities with this sketch! Here are some tips for how I put my card together.

• To work with the ray affect, I first took my ruler and drew lines from a point (I didn't measure, just went for it).
• The base of the card is kraft paper and I completed the ink embossed section first, so it would not get on any other aspects of the card later.
• The gold polk-a-dot area was actually done with a template, embossing ink and gold embossing powder. 

Thanks for stopping by today!!! Check back tomorrow with even more card inspiration!

Day 1 - 30 Days, 30 Cards

So I know it is not November 1st. But I'm playing catch up on my cards. I wanted to start out this series with Day 1.

What is 30 Days, 30 Cards?
30 Days, 30 Cards is a MemoryWorks event. Everyday for the month of November a sketch and inspiration card is posted by a TeamWorks member on the MemoryWorks Blog. Everyone has the opportunity to participate! Just link your blog post with the card and sketch and the day of the sketch to the 30 Days, 30 Cards page on the MW Blog to enter to win a prize package from Home Office. More details on the 30 Days, 30 Cards blog page. So join in. You can submit your cards at any time during the month!

Alright, now for Day 1 sketch (which was posted by Jenn). This sketch was found on the Deconstructed Sketch site.

My take on the sketch above:

Supplies: Fancy Pants: Merry Little Christmas (6x6 paper pad, Flair, Ephemera); Mister Huey Mist; twine; kraft paper.

Stop by again for more card inspiration, which may be out of order. I just pick the sketches that inspire me that day and go with it!

Go post your own take on this sketch to your blog and link it to the MemoryWorks Blog!

December Daily Kit

I'm an awful blogger. Do I say this every time I post something? Today, I will share with you the kit I put together for the MemoryWorks December Daily event! This will be the last MemoryWorks event as they are closing their doors December 31st (big sad face!!). So we are going to go out with a BANG!!!

9 out of 12 TeamWorks members volunteered to participate in the December Daily event! There will be lots of inspiration on the blog and facebook!

Introducing my kit!

 A Magical Season

Kit Content

Paper Set

Studio Calico: Theme Set - Magical

Embellishments

Studio Calico: 6x12 Stickers - Magical

Studio Calico: Kraft Tags - Magical

Echo Park: Journaling Cards - ‘Tis the Season

Heidi Swapp: Buzzwords - Believe

Simple Stories: Sn@p Set - 3x4 Cards Christmas

Simple Stories: Sn@p Set - 4x6 Cards Christmas

Simple Stories: Sn@p Stickers - Christmas 

Glitz Design: Giant Rhinestones - Hello December

Cardstock

2 Sheets White

2 Sheets Kraft

Album

Simple Stories: Sn@pn 6x8 Pocket Pages - 3x4 / 4x6

Binder rings OR Binding Machine

Chipboard or recycled cardboard (something thin) for album cover and back

Approx Cost

$40.00

Extras Goodies I will add (in my stash)

Mr Hueys Color Mist (Red, Green, Gold, Black)

WRMK: Bakers Twine - Red

Wood Veneer: Star

Stamps

Washi

Sequins - Gold

Kit Close-ups

Album Assembly

The album will be assembled with Simple Stories Sn@p Page Protectors. I purchased 4x6 and 3x4 / 4x6 combo. I will cut them apart and bind it together with my Cinch (binding machine). If you like the idea and don't have a binding machine, use loose binder rings. The cover will be book board, which I'm using the Simple Stories Album dividers cut up. I have a lot in my stash.

Purchase these products

With MemoryWorks closing their doors, some of these products are no longer available through them. When shopping online I also check out scrapbook.com, they have a wide variety of products.

But if you can support your local scrapbook store! The owners and these shops are here to help provide us scrapbookers with great products locally. So support your local store, I hate to see them go out of business because customers buy at big box stores. 

Check back tomorrow when I start sharing some cards I've created for the 30 Days, 30 Cards MemoryWorks event!

MemoryWorks Blog Hop

Thanks for joining us for the MemoryWorks Fall blog hop!! You should have arrived from Megan's blog! Isn't her layout cute!! If you are starting here, be sure to start at the MemoryWorks blog to check out all the awesome projects along the hop.

I am sharing two projects with you using the Crate Paper: Flea Market collection. I used a picture from my wedding for this layout. I got married to the love of my life Matt this past July. The photo is by our amazing photographer Bernadette Pollard. I love that she captured this moment of us dancing. It really was like no one was there or watching us.

 Here is a close up of the corner area.

I also created a card with the collection. The "hello" stamp was made by myself using my handwriting and Silhouette's new stamping material.

Leave a comment at each blog for a chance to win a prize sponsored by Memory Works. The more comments you leave the more chances you have to win. You have until midnight CST to leave  your comments.

Your last stop on today's hop is Jenn's blog!! Thank you for stopping by :)

New to my Etsy Shop

With school and the wedding and life, I have kind of neglected my blog and my Etsy shop! But no fear, I'm back at it!

I have recently updated my Etsy site, logo (see it above?!?) and I have NEW products! Introducing Eye Masks. These eye masks are made of cotton fabric (unless otherwise noted) and are filled with flaxseed. The flaxseed feels soft and will heat up or freeze nicely. There are fun shapes, colors and patterns located in my shop!

Also NEW are my Flag Paper Clips! these are fabulous for teacher or friend gifts, for bookmarks, for students, and even scrapbook / paper crafting. There are many color combinations put together in my shop!

And of course I still have my knitted coffee cozies. So don't forget to check them out while you are there!

A chalky Card

Welcome back!! Today I want to share another card that has a chalk element. Yesterday I posted the use of Chalkboard Contact paper, today I'll tell you a little bit about chalkboard paint.

There are quite a few chalkboard paint options on the market, including Acrylic (Martha Stewart I know makes one and FolkArt, which is what I used), Spray Paint, Wall paint and porcelain paint.

This card I took a foam brush and brushed on some acrylic chalkboard paint. This paper set is Crate Paper's DIY Shop (now on clearance at MemoryWorks, making way for NEW products). I than took a white pen and a ruler to create the lines, to give it a sort of notebook feeling. I than layered on some paper and washi tape to complete the look. I drew the arrow with chalk.

Products Used: Crate Paper - DIY Shop (theme set); Studio Calico - Yearbook (Die Cut Polaroids); FolkArt Acrylic Chalkboard Paint; American Crafts - Thickers (Gold Chipboard); Chalk; White Pen (could substitute Tim Holtz Distress Marker in Picket Fence); EK Sucess Notebook Border Punch; Washi Tape (Gold, Silver Stripe); Chalk; Prima Flower.
This next project is using Porcelain paint. To set it you place it in the oven for 30 minutes. I created the frame with my Silhouette machine and vinyl and painted inside to give it that framed look. These mugs make PERFECT gifts!

Thanks for stopping by again today!

Lets get Chalky

I recently posted a blog post at the MemoryWorks blog about chalk. I thought I would share these projects on my own blog!

I'm getting into using my handwriting lately and it's something I've been practicing in my sketch journal. The black "paper" is actually chalkboard contact paper that I purchased on Amazon. I used white chalk to write the sentiment. I than sprayed a sealer over the top so the chalk would smudge as much. I think aerosol hairspray works as well. I used a workable fixate spray that I have for my design work.

 Products Used: My Mind's Eye - Charm (Paper, Enamel Dots, Label Stickers, Washi Tape, Brad, Bits & Pieces); Chalk, Chalkboard Contact Paper.

Again with this tag I used the chalkboard contact paper for the base. I first die cut a piece of cardstock so I had a stable form to stick the contact paper too, since it's sticky and thin. I used chalk and layered on some new products I have.

Products Used: My Mind's Eye - Charm (Paper, Chipboard Stickers, Decorative Stickers); Chalk, Chalkboard Contact Paper, Fiskars Border Punch.


Chalkboard is such a trend right now. It is fun to see it sneak into scrapbook products. MemoryWorks carries an array of them as well, including: 

• My Mind's Eye - Chalk Studio
• Teresa Collins - Memoriabilia

Check back tomorrow for another chalk related post.

Wedding images

I'm so thankful for the photographer I hired. It was one thing that I decided I wanted to spend the money on and find someone Matt & I had a connection with. We luckily found multiple options of phtoographers and it was hard to narrow it down to one. But in the end we picked Bernadette and I'm so thankful for her, her artistic eye and her talent as a photographer. She really knows what she is doing beyond the lens and directing and capturing special moments on our special day.

With that being said. She posted a blog today with some of our wedding shots. If you have a moment, please check them out and leave a comment on her blog. We'd appreciate it, as we could get a free wall print. And trust me this is much needed since our walls are bare.

Thank Bernadette! ♥ the Gasper's

© 2013 Bernadette Pollard | Dette Snaps | Saint Paul, Minnesota Wedding Photographer

Wedding Advice

I'm a newly wed. Nothing feels different today as it did last month or the month before. But WE professed our love in front of our close family and friends and had the most wonderful, special, amazingly, perfect day.

The weather, did not cooperate at all. But I ignored mother nature and just enjoyed my day!

Now, saying this... I have some advice for future brides. Things, I wish I knew or things I wish I thought more about. You will get a lot of advice and I'm going to avoid the common stuff and get down to some of my experiences and things I wasn't told. lol.

 

Photo © 2013 by Bernadette Pollard. All rights reserved

1. You lose your mind! Seriously. About 1.5 - 2 months before the wedding, I lost my brain. I had so much going on up there I couldn't keep anything straight. I would start something and quickly get distracted and have 10 other things I thought I needed to do at that moment too.

ADVICE: I don't think you can avoid this. Matt & I used Wunderlist (on my phone & ipad). We shared a To-Do list and it felt so so good to cross things off. I could check this list on my phone and my ipad. Matt could check that SAME list as I shared it with him, he could also add to the list. So make lists. They really do help.

2. The week of the wedding and especially the DAY of goes by super fast. This one I struggled with. I feel like I didn't get to spend the time with people like I would have wanted to. I know there were people I never said hi to and I felt depressed about this. I wish the day lasted longer. The long time building up to it and it's done in a flash.

ADVICE: Everyone told me to just enjoy the day and not get caught up on any drama and don't worry about a thing. I can truly say I enjoyed my day and didn't let things get to me (that usually would) and I enjoyed my moments, my moments with my friends, my family, my dad, my mom, my bridesmaids, my personal attendants, the fun car rides to locations, and of course my groom! So, just enjoy those moments. You will hear that from a million people, take their advice.

3. After wedding depression. I naturally get depressed after seeing and spending time with friends and family for an extended period of time. I miss them, I want to be around them, and I just feel lonely when I go home. The wedding depression was intensified as I spent 10 months preparing for the one day! It was over and I felt completely lost. Now what do I do with my time?!? I've had breakdowns of the day is done and i don't get it back. My amazing HUSBAND, said that was just the beginning of our awesome life together. In that moment he walked me outside of the house and carried me over the threshold. This man seriously makes his bride beyond happy!

ADVICE: Let the emotional process happen. Let out your tears of joy and of sadness. Yes, you do not get your "day" back in terms of a wedding. But you get a lifetime with someone incredibly (hopefully) special to you. In my case, my forever man, my husband, my best friend, Matt.

4. You will feel like you didn't say hi to everyone. There are quite a few people who I feel I didn't spend time with. You are pulled in so many directions and want to do so much.

ADVICE: This is okay. People understand. I know when I go to weddings, I completely understand if I talk to the bride and groom briefly it is okay and I"m not offended or upset. So just remember, it is okay. People understand that it is hectic. I let it bug me on Sunday after the wedding (naturally), but the more I thought of it, I realized this happens and people understand.
Now I know these seem like, "oh, this won't happen to me" type things. And they may not. But at least you know in advance of these moments and can at least "sort of" prepare for them. Like everyone tells you ENJOY the day. I know it sounds silly, but don't stress over things the day of, there is nothing you can do about it. We had a few hiccups (weather, a underneath layer of my dress tore - this still cracks me up, and the music at the reception was a little bumpy), but I didn't let these things ruin my day or get to me. I just wanted to enjoy the moments with my groom, my family and my friends.

So happy FUTURE wedding day to you!
♥ Newly Married - Mrs. Lacey Gasper ♥

What is art? What is an Artist?

As my school year has come to a close and I reflect not only on my design work, but the growth as a designer and artists, I had to come to a realization about some things. When I'm upset or not sure how to express myself, sometimes words work for me. I wrote this today to express some feelings and some reminders to myself.

As a graphic designer, dancer, singer, actress and arts community supporter, I think of this question often, what is art? I answer the question often in school and I am always adding on to my own definition of "What is Art?" or "What is Design?" or even "What is an artist?"

Art, design, choreography, a theatrical piece, or even a musical composition goes beyond pure entertainment. It is suppose to engage the audience, make the audience think, make them emote (good or bad), and be expressive. When done well, you will have lovers and haters, you will have supporters and enemies. And you will have people who don't understand.

That is the joy of being an artist. You are expressing your artistic feelings for a piece of work, you are expressing your inspirations, your voice, your emotions or even just a connection with a musical piece. If you are not TRUE to who you are as an artist, then what are you creating for? As stated by Prince, "Never compromise who you are as an artist, your art, or your artistry."

The difficult thing about being an artist, and something that is completely out of your control, is your audience. You can't control if they don't fully pay attention, read all the information, listen to the lyrics, listen to the tones, actually watch the piece of work being performed. You can't control their beliefs, their personality, their upbringing, or even their education.

It is a scary thought as a designer or an artist to put your work or yourself on display. You take that risk with each piece of work you present. As a designer, I personally fear the critiques of my peers. I want to impress, present my best work and honestly, I want people to like it. I know this will not always happen, I know my style and my choices may not resonate with everyone. This is something you need to face as an artist and accept.

Even as artists we don't always agree with another artists works. Though as artists, peers and out of respect for each other, I hope we appreciate what the artist is doing and the message they are sending, whether we agree or not.

Def. of Artistic: Of, relating to, or characteristic of art or artistry (freedictionary.com)

Happy May

So I'm not the BEST at updating my blog. Okay lets face it, I'm HORRIBLE at it! But I thought I would share some projects I created on National Scrapbook Day (which was May 4).

First a layout. This was based off a sketch challenge. I used Dear Lizzy - Lucky Charm papers and embellishments. I cut the hexagons in the white cardstock with my silhouette machine and than layered my paper, photo and embellishments on top. I even added a Glittery gold hexagon spot! All the pattern paper (in the hexagons) are attached to the backside of the layout.

 Next, two cards. Again, also using the Dear Lizzy Collection. These were done for a card challenge I hosted on the MemoryWorks message board.

Thanks for stopping by :) Have a GREAT Wednesday!

Thanks For stopping!

Thanks to everyone that stopped by yesterday during the MemoryWorks Blog hop! It was so fun to see all the inspiration from my fellow team members! What a great hop!

More inspiration will be coming from MemoryWorks soon. So stay tuned! Look for a special inspiration surprise in May!

Today I want to share a layout I made for the MemoryWorks Blog and posted it last week.

I created this layout using the NEW Amy Tangerine line - Yes, Please and Tim Holtz Distress Stains! I really wanted to reach out of my comfort zone and make my own layout background.

How Did You Do It?
Quite simple, actually. Get over your fear that you will screw something up. It's just paper ;)

Okay for real.

1. I used a Fancy Pants Design: Stencil Set - Patterns stencil and put temporary adhesive on the backside and stuck it down on my page.
2. Next, I took an embossing ink pad and inked on top of the stencil.
3. I pulled the stencil away and sprinkled (heavily) clear embossing powder over inked areas. I gathered up the excess and returned it to the container.
4. Then I heated it up with my heat gun.
5. Once it cools, I sprayed the paper with water. Excessively (not soaked) but a good 3-5 sprays. 
6. I gathered the distress stain colors I wanted to group together and rubbed them in various areas on the layout. in the center. 
7. Next, I sprayed the layout with water again and than I held up the layout to let the inks run together a little bit. 
8. Finally I placed a paper towel over the top of the inky area and pressed it dry, picking up the excess water/paint. I than (because I'm NOT patient), used my heat gun again to dry it further.

There you have it! It is actually simple. Experiment on cards, scrap paper and tags, if you are afraid to start on a full layout.

Supplies: Amy Tangering: Yes, Please (Theme Set, Flair, Puffy Stickers); Fancy Pants Design: Stencil Set - Patterns; Studio Calico: Thickers - Goodness; Studio Calico: Sun Drifter (Die Cut Shapes, Cardstock Stickers); Wood Veneer - Cameras; Tim Holtz: Distress Stains (Picked Raspberries, Seedless Preserves, Mustard Seed, Evergreen Bough, Spiced Marmalade); Washi Tape; Staple

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a great Thursday!!

Lacey