Hexagon patchwork

Scrap Africa's current challenge involves using patchwork to create the background of a layout. I've used a number of different patterned paper hexagons to create my background. I've picked up on that theme by also using chipboard hexagon shapes, which were inked, stamped and glazed.

 

Washi tape, more stamping, fussy cutting and a few "technique heavy" tags all helped to create a fun layout  of my son having fun outdoors.

Extra layout for this Saturday's class kit

This month, we are not going to use all the paper and embellishments in the kit for our class. So I've created a bonus layout with the "leftovers".

As you can see, there's a bit of fussy cutting involved here... I loved the look of this piece of paper so much on the original layout, that I just had to repeat it here. The layout also incorporates some rub-ons and bling, and a beautiful red, glazed title. This kit is absolutely jam packed with goodies, including a full chipboard alphabet set, a set of chipboard shapes, rub-ons, book paper, tags, self-adhesive bling, washi tape and loads of paper.

Once our class is all done on Saturday, I will post details of the class layout as well. The class layout looks completely different to the one above, and also includes a very cool technique used on tags to add as embellishments to the layout.  As usual, we've packed a few extra kits. You are welcome to contact us at info@picsntales.co.za to order yours...

Vintage crackle day dreams...

Last week I was fortunate enough to be asked to do a step-by-step encaustic art project for "Die Burger: In en om die huis". My studio is also home to the Pics 'n Tales classroom - with scrapbooking layouts displayed everywhere - and they wondered what I could do with some handmade vintage crackle paper. To see what I came up with, get a copy of the July issue of Die Burger: In en om die huis. 

The rich rusty tones of the paper and a sepia picture of my daughter, Electra inspired me to do this single page layout:

I used the piece of the handmade vintage crackle paper and dictionary paper layered behind the photograph on a card-stock background, stencilled with a hot air-balloon image in textured paint and glimmer mist. I also stamped using an italic script and smaller balloons stamps randomly, in brown ink.

To embellish I punched various sized circles from the handmade vintage crackle paper and dictionary paper, to emphasise the theme. 

The silver chipboard alphabet letters for the title was sprayed with glimmer mist (Heirloom Gold) and chalked with brown chalk.

I then built a flower cluster to bring in colour and added some bling and a miniature film strip to finish the layout off.

I really enjoyed the unstructured and artistic process of this layout, using the handmade vintage crackle paper, stamping and textured paint. These techniques tie in beautifully with this month's Pics 'n Tales class.

Someone's been a bit busy...

After our monthly Pics 'n Tales class this past weekend, I found myself in quite a creative space. I had finished this layout as my interpretation on Ezme's beautiful design on Friday night:

 

When I got home, I felt like scrapping a bit more, so I made these cards from the left overs of the kit...

 

 

Then was the "unfinished business" I showed you in the previous post. And then last night, I decided that the bits and pieces left from that kit just screamed: "USE US FOR SCRAP365'S SKETCHBOOK CHALLENGE!!!!"  So I did. This is what the gorgeous sketch for the current challenge, designed by Sheena Rowlands, looks like:

 

 

And here is my take on it:

 

 

I've used the Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue range for the layout, and combined it with a bit of paint splashed on the background, a lot of fussy cutting, and a bit of Glossy Accents to highlight a few areas.

 

 

Now if you will excuse me, I nee a cup of coffee!! TFL!







Unfinished business

This weekend I decided to sort through my "collection" paper stash - i.e. paper sets bought together to make a layout, yet never touched since unpacking it from the shopping bag... Needless to say, it was quite the exercise. And I am afraid I cannot reveal just how many kits there are that need to be created. Some things are better left unsaid.

 

Feeling a little bit guilty, I then tackled the unfinished kits. I am happy to report that there were not nearly as many as the "purpose bought paper" packs! So with all the sorting done, I closed my eyes and randomly pulled an unfinished kit out of the pile.

 

 

This is a mini album we did at a scrapbooking convention I attended quite some time ago. The album was made with small brown envelopes, bound to form a book, and Graphic 45 paper (Tropical Travelogue Collection).

 





 

 I think this album was left in the "unfinished business" pile because I did not have the slightest idea which pictures to use with the tropical island themed paper. I have never been to such an island, and I am not planning on going to one soon, either... But I was determined to finish it, and that is precisely what I did.

One down. Many, many more to go!

A big thank you

Our Retreat in Yzerfontein was a HUGE success! Thank you to everyone who attended, worked behind the scenes, and sponsored us - you all helped to make the event really special.

We had a wonderfully creative weekend, where the ladies completed three projects (a double page layout, a mini album and a box containing cards and gift tags) and two bonus projects (cards and Tim Holtz inspired tags). I will post a few pictures of the projects in the days to come.

However, today I would like to thank our generous sponsors for their contribution to our goodie bags, lucky draws and snacks for the weekend. Without their generosity, our weekend would have been quite different...

You can help us show your appreciation by supporting the following companies whenever you get the opportunity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alhambra, Spain

This layout was something I created "just for fun", which is not something I get to do often enough these days. The real beauty of this layout, is that I DID NOT BUY A THING to complete it... It really is amazing what you find once you start going through your stash. Who would've thought?!

This photo was taken years ago in Spain. I love the little fountains in the foreground, and really had fun choosing embellishments that would add little details to the overall picture in the same way that the fountains seem to do to the photograph.

A few close ups: