Spring Up Memories

I had to remind myself recently not to forget where I came from or rather how I got started. This is in reference to paper crafting.  I started with scrapbooking and doing layouts.  So I thought why not return to the passion that got me started. This month I decided to do a spring layout.  Nothing really fancy just a sample of my style.  I love to layer a lot on my layouts and so here ......

I am and this is how I have evolved over the years. I grabbed some pictures I recently took and got busy.  The layout is of my granddaughter who recently got a new bicycle.  I bet we all can remember those days.  I used my Silhouette to cut all the die cut images.  The background paper is so Spring.  As I said, nothing fancy, just some paper, embellishments and memories.  Do you remember how or why you started scrapbooking?  Why not take a walk down memory lane and remind yourself where you came from.

Clear Scraps and Paint

It's March and the first day of spring is only a few days away according to the calendar. I know it still looks and feels like winter for a lot of you but here in Georgia it's starting to look and feel like spring time. We've been having some warmer temperatures and we're already seeing little buds opening up on trees. The pollen will follow soon enough.

So with that in mind, I wanted to share a layout I create using photos of my daughter with friends doing a little tree planting for spring. I also wanted to try doing my first layout using an acrylic sheet.

Tree planting by Tena E. Supplies - Acrylic Sheet: Clear Scraps;  Cardstock: Bazzill; Clear Stamps: Prima, My Mind's Eye; Title Letters; American Crafts Thickers, Cricut Cartridge (Tear Drop); Die Cuts: Silhouette Cameo; Ink: Colorbox; Template: Heidi Swapp; molding paste, acrylic paint.

I started out with a Clear Scraps Acrylic 12x12 sheet. I added some acrylic paint and a little molding paste using a template from Heidi Swapp. When the paint and molding paste was completely dry I finished completing the page as I normally would any other paper layout. I added some embellishments, stamping and my title.

My first attempt at creating with an acrylic background was easy and fun, I can't wait to try it again.

Note: to see through to the clear acrylic background, I scraped some of the blue acrylic paint off, this also gives it a little grungy look.

Remember March is National Craft Month...so happy crafting!

Tena

Frame it- Upcycle

My fascination with old discarded CDs is taking me down more creative paths lately.  Recently, I put together a bridal shower decoration using old CDs and one of my Cricut cartridges.  They came out so lovely.  So I'm following the same path but this time I created a photo frame with this upcycled material.  I took four CDs and adhered them together using my Crop-a-dile, large eyelets and some ribbon.  I centered my precious granddaughter's photo in the middle and used some beading to highlight it.  Then I went wild with fabric flowers and beads.  The center of the white daisies is a button.  I also used the Martha Stewart butterfly punch to add some additional accent.  Then the sparkling green floral is from a spray I have in my stash.  At the top and bottom corners I used rub-ons that spell "granddaughter" and

"memories"  Do you like to upcycle/recycle discarded items?  Show us your stuff.  Tell me what you think of my upcycled frame.

Can Pastels be Masculine?

OK, so when I think of Spring I think of flowers, bunnies and pastel scrapbook paper. The only problem is that I typically do not use pastels in my layouts. But, being the risk-taker that I am, I decided to challenge myself.

So, my goal was to use pastel colors while achieving a layout that is more masculine than feminine. Here is what I did...

• Used black paper to help ground the layout
  
  
• Inked the edges with black ink to add a grungy feel to the layout
  
  
• Avoided rounded corners and soft edges.

Tip: Geometric layouts with a focus on straight lines help to add a more masculine touch.

The Result: Well, I am not sure how masculine it turned out. But, I wouldn't exactly call it feminine either, more like unisex. I guess there is but so much to be done with pastel pink, lavender and baby blue paper.

How would you make a "boyish" layout with pastel paper?

Has Spring Sprung?

With SPRING just around the corner, I'm all ready in the mood for some SPRINGY projects.

How about you? First let me admit to an addiction. I am addicted to mini albums. I love to create these little artsy creations. So with SPRING in mind, I created this mini. I always use chipboard as my base. What is a mini without embellishments? On the front cover I cut the design paper to fit the chipboard and added some pearl trim. Next, I added some feathers to mimic the bird printed on the patterned paper. I binded the mini with my Cinch binder. The back cover has a handmade rolled ribbon flower. I captured a bird in a cage as a fitting end to this mini. Do you like to create mini albums? Leave me a comment and let me know.