ScrapFriends Sketch Challenge #12

There is a really unique sketch challenge happening at ScrapFriends at the moment. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it:

After spending many days intermittently playing and subsequently gessoing (is that even a word?) over my attempts (just LOVE gesso for this reason alone!), I finally came to this:

 The paper I used is an old Crate paper range that I love (The Brook Collection). The die-cut pieces were cut from my favourite toy, the Silhouette.
The top of this layout is curved inwards slightly, hence the shadow along the top - on top of which, the weather here is so grey, it's hard to get good light.  I think though, I have to start adding a more sturdy base to my layouts as I seem to be progressively using more mists and paints on my layouts.

Here are some close-ups:

I used a mix of Mr Huey's and Glimmer Mist sprays.The splashes of white are watered down gesso.

Thankyou for coming by.
I hope you manage this sketch - it was challenging and fun.

Paper Stories Page Kit

As part of being on the DT, Georgia Heald sent me this gorgeous page kit to see what I could come up with:

I just LOVED the colours - so happy and fresh,  and the elements that went with it were gorgeous little treats.

Being rather partial to mists, masks and gesso of late, it was a little difficult for me not to include this in a layout. But this is what I came up with:

Of course, you don't have to do what I have done, but there is a step-by-step included in the page kit. There was plenty of paper left to use on other layouts as well.

You can purchase the page kit and other goodies here.

The Scrapbook Store - April Sketch Challenge

I found a new sketch challenge on my travels around the web, and loved the sketch, done by Nadia Cannizzo at The Scrapbook Store, so had to enter.  One has to register to post a photo, but the the gallery is open to the public.

Here is the sketch:

And my version:

 And a few close-ups:

Supplies used: Paper: My Mind's Eye (background), October Afternoon, Kaisercraft, 7Gypsies; Punches: Martha Stewart, EKSuccess; Die-Cuts: Magnolia Ink, Spellbinders, Sihouette, Cheery Lyn Doilies; Elements: Prima-flowers, pebble, stamp; Kaisercraft-chipboard, flowers, gemstones, stamps; Tattered Angels-mask; Zing embossing powder; acrylic paint, Luminarte Twinkling H2O's, gesso, texture paste, stitching.

The chipboard I had painted with Jo Sonja's 'Warm White' then mixed some with some texture paste and added it to the frame here and there before sprinkling on some Zing embossing powder in 'Brown Sugar' before heat setting. I love the effect this gives.

My use of the twinkling H2O's  is very subtle on the layout. I have had a selection of these gorgeous little tubs sitting in my drawers for about 6 months and was reminded of them when I saw some of Georgia Heald's more recent layouts. I love the glimmer they give.

Thankyou for coming by!

Life.Paper.Scrapbook Sketch Challenge #3 - Guest Designer

Life.Paper.Scrapbook is a new sketch challenge site. I was thrilled to be a Top 3 winner for their Challenge #1. As a result, I'm a Guest Designer for Sketch Challenge #3 which has just recently been revealed.

Here is the sketch:

And my version:

These photos are of my children enjoying some watermelon on a hot summer's day after some time in a pool, hence the title, 'watermelon lovers'

I've used predominantly Basic Grey papers and the die-cuts are cut with my Silhouette.

I really enjoyed this sketch and hope you find some inspiration in it as well!

Thanks for coming by.

Paper Stories April Sketch Challenge - DT Layout

Well March came and went in a blink of an eye! Which means April is here carrying another fabulous sketch challenge at Paper Stories!

Here is the sketch:

And my interpretation:

A few close-ups:

The papers are from Amy Tangerine 'Sketchbook' collection as many of you will no doubt recognise. I also used Hero Arts neon yellow stamp pad and Glimmer Mist (Lemon Zest) for the background. 

One photo is sized 3x4" plus a white border, the other two are 3x3" with one of them cut with a 3" circle cutter. And I should also mention that 'BS' are the initials of my daughters.

If you haven't already, make sure you pop over to have a look at all the design team layouts - they're amazing!

I hope you can play along this month. There's a fabulous prize of a $20 gift voucher to the Paper Stories store! Hope to see your layout soon!

Thanks for coming by.