Tammy gets the BLUES.....

Hi there. I've popped in to share my latest for Scrap Matrix.

This one has been created for the current Monochramatic/Tic Tac Toe Challenge, which basically means create something with only 1 colour plus neutrals PLUS select a line from a grid and ensure all these things are on your page.

This time I went with BLUE!!

 

The perfect colour for my son's tennis photos!

 

 

I used the line that runs vertically through the centre:

Stamp (lots of them)

Big Title (Love those stickers!)

German Scrap (appears on most of my layouts)

 

 

So let's have a quick look at how this came together.....

 

I began with a sheet of Marshmallow Cardstock - just love this cardstock....it just takes mixed media so well!!

 

I added some 3D Gloss Gel in transparent using a cool 13Arts Bubbles Stencil in

I went with this stencil as all the circles reminded me of tennis balls.

 

Once this was dry I added some Dylusions Ink Spray in 'London Blue'. 

I did this in two different ways.

 

The first way was to use what I like to call the 'packaging splodge technique'. 

Just take some old plastic packaging, spray the Ink Spray directly onto it, also spray on a little water, then turn it over and 'splodge' it onto your cardstock.

Really technical right?

It does give a lovely effect though.  I use it all the time.

 

The second technique is to open the lid on the Ink Spray and paint it on with a paintbrush, similar to applying watercolour paint, but so very vivid!!

 

I can't stress enough the cardstock being a secret with this.

If you use normal cardstock or paper, you may need to apply clear gesso first or it will ruin your paper.

 

I then grabbed one of the AALL & CREATE stamps.  I selected this one, again because of the circles reminding me of tennis balls.

 

I stamped this randomly onto my background using Ranger Archival Ink in black.

 

I then added a stamp from 7Dots Studio - Dreamscapes. I love that chevron, arrow shape.  I use it often, particularly when scrapping my boy!

I was a little more strategic with my placement of these as I wanted them to point inwards to the layout, as this helps guide the eyes into the layout, and in particular, draws attention to the photos.

 

I then added some Washi Tape by Dina Wakley.  I again selected more circular shapes.

I found the tape a little wide on my layout, so I tore it roughly into narrower strips and applied these quite randomly.

 

 

I then laid out my photos.  I ensured these all overlapped as this draws they eye in and helps to tell the story within the photos better.

I then focused on adding lots of 7Dots Studio tags and stickers around/behind the photo cluster.

I adore these tags, and use them ALL the time.

 

 

I finished off with some ribbon, some German Scrap, a few word stickers and of course the 'LOVE life' title.

I often scrap with just 1-2 photos, so was happy to use a sequence of 4.  I felt 4 told the story better.

When using multiple photos, it's important to cluster them together.  Otherwise it can become confusing for the brain, not knowing where to settle and where to focus.

I also believe repeating a shape - in this case circles, helps to 'ground' the layout and gives a common thread.  Otherwise the layout would be overwhelming and confusing.

(Note the circles repeated in the tags too).

 

Don't forget to add a little bit of journaling to your layout to totally finish it off. 

There you have it!

 

As you know, if you follow my work or Scrap Matrix,  I love using colours in my layout. The brighter the better.

At first this can be overwhelming.  I truly believe having a go with 1 colour, plus black and white simplifies the whole process.  It still gives stunning results, and can be a really great way to step into the amazing world of colour.

 

So why not give it a go?

With the challenge on this month, it's the perfect opportunity to do that.....so pick a colour, and a line from the above grid and give it a whirl.

 

I'd LOVE to see what you do, and believe me, it's wonderful to know that your work has inspired somebody to create, so don't forget to upload it into the Scrap Matrix Shares Page.  Just find the correct album - pop it in, and let us know which products from Scrap Matrix you used in your creation.  You have until the 14th of May to do this.

 

Well that's it from me, I'll be back again soon......

 

 

 

Scrap Matrix Products used:

 

Marshmallow Cardstock

3D Transparent Gloss Gel

London Blue Dylusions Ink Spray

13 Arts Stencil

7Dots Studio Dreamscapes Stamp

AALL & CREATE Stamp #34

Dina Wakley Media Tape

7Dots Studio Paint Chips 6x6 Pad

7Dots Studio Tags - Writer's Block

7Dots Studio Hazy Days Element Stickers

Pinkfresh Escape the Ordinary - Dare Paper

Pinkfresh Boys Fort Element Stickers

MAMBI Chips - Sweet Memories Value Pack

Black and White Ribbon

German Scrap Renaissance Petite Black

Ranger Archival Black Ink

 

 

Scrap the Girls May Challenge

Hi everyone, so we are heading into May, that's just CRAZY!!

So a new month means a new challenge and at Scrap the Girls this month it's all about birthdays.......

So fun right??  This moodboard is a theme board - so you don't have to use the colours, as long as your layout is about girls and about birthdays.

Here's my take on it.....

I just love these photos taken of my beautiful girl - her friend's surprised her with a party and this is the moment just after she walked in.  I love the expressions, the emotion and also I really wanted to capture this moment forever, as at 16 your girlfriends are a HUGE part of your life.

My title came from 2Crafty Chipboard - I love painting the fonts different colours.

I also used lots of yummy goodies from Scrap Matrix - where I get most of my scrappy supplies from.  The paints, the washi tape, the cool Paper Artsy Stamp.

I love all the circles underneath my photos. As well as the stamp I created these using a Uniquely Creative Die - Interlocking Scribbles Circle Die.  It just cuts so cleanly.

I selected the colours as they felt very 'teen' to me, and also the paint gives it a funky feel.

This month our sponsor is Cocoa Vanilla! I just love their ranges, and they are Aussie!!

 

 

Can't wait to see your entries. Make sure you pop over to our BLOG to see the other DT's inspiring birthday layouts.......

See you soon!

 

Sharing my latest addiction....Round 1

Hi there crafty souls...

Today I thought I'd share with you my newest ADDICTION......Art Journalling!

Yep ok ok I'm a slow starter......I know, I know it's been a big thing for a while, but up until now I've made every excuse NOT to have a go (besides a few face sketches), plus between Project Life and my Design Team commitments, I knew that adding in another obsession would be a recipe for chaos.

BUT then three things happened.......
First I got some new goodies from Scrap Matrix, my favourite place to buy mixed media supplies, and I just wanted to try them out.......I wasn't organised enough to create a layout, but I wanted to PLAY.
Secondly, I've always drooled over the gorgeous Art Journal classes at Scrap Matrix and told myself "if only I lived closer.....I'd so do that". Sigh.
Thirdly, the amazing Lisa Oxley (I adore her style - she's a big fan of COLOUR like me) was participating in the #100daychallenge and her art journaling was popping up on my instagram and facebook feed, and it was making me so itchy to give this a go.......
....So I dug out my small Dylusions Art Journal, that I'd been hoarding and just decided to go for it.

For my first play I burst open some Tracy Scott Paints (I also love her!!). The colours are just amazing!!

I also used a 13Arts xoxo Stencil and a 7Dots Dreamscapes Geometry Stencil.
I just love those colours together. 

I decided to add a quote to each page. I'm a big fan of quotes, and just know when I'm in a bit of a rut, or when I've lost my mojo, flicking through these pages will inspire me.

This one is again using the Tracy Scott Paints, plus 'Ocean' by Dina Wakley.
I used a Heidi Swapp Circle lattice stencil and my favourite stamp set by Tracy Scott #9 on here too. I then added some random doodling and a quote I love.

This one was again created  using Tracy Scott Paints and Tracy Scott #9 Stamp Set plus that gorgeous 7Dots Geometry Stencil, and a cool stencil #7 by AALL & CREATE.

For this one I used some Dina Wakley Paints plus some stamps and a stencil from my stash.

I added some doodling and the quote - I find the Fudeball pen draws amazingly over the paint and the mixed media.....I must get some more of these....I can't tell you how many pens I have wrecked over the years.  But this one is brilliant.

Here's another page using Tracy Scott paints plus 'Ocean', 'Lemon' and 'Magenta' by Dina Wakley.

I again used the Tracy Scott #9 stamps and the 7Dots Geometry Stencil.

This one again uses the Tracy Scott Paint Set (can you tell I adore the colours)! plus the 7Dots Geometry Stencil, and 7Dots Dots Stencil. I also stamped with 7Dots Dreamscapes Stamp.
I added some scribbly swirls to the roses using IrResistable Pico Embellisher in Black.  I love that this adds some dimension.

For this last one, I used Dylusions Paints in 'Fresh Lime', 'Squeezed Orange' and 'Bubblegum' and some white gesso.
I also used a stencil by Tim Holtz called 'Honeycomb'.

I really love the quote on this one. Lots of doodling.

So that's it for Round 1!
Round 2 is coming soon! (Told you I was addicted!) Ha ha

I'm learning lots as I go, and I'm loving the small area - I can get 2-3 done at one time.  I also love that it's experimental. It's going to become a great little place for me to try out ideas before I add it to a large 12x12 paper.

xxxx


 

Scrap Matrix Monochramatic Challenge

Hi everyone!!

 

I've popped in today to share my first creation for the Scrap Matrix 'Tic Tac Toe' Challenge which happens to also be a Monochramatic challenge....... it sounds complicated ut it really isn't!

 

My colour is GREEN! which happens to be my favourite colour. So I can use green and neutrals.  Here's what I came up with.......

 

I also had to use a line from our Tic Tac Toe grid......

 

 

I went top to bottom, straight through the centre.....

Stamp

Big Title

German Scrap

 

 

So let's see how it all came together......

 

 

I began with some 'Marshmallow' Cardstock and added some 3D Gloss Gel through a 7Dots Geometry Stencil.  I focused it to the top section only - where I wanted my colour to be.

 

I then added Dylusions Ink Spray in 'Fresh Lime' and 'Dirty Martini', and added water to let it drip down the page.

 

Whilst this is drying I stamped some flowers using the Aall & Create Stamp No 20. I just LOVE this stamp.  I cut them out and then painted on some of the Dylusions Ink Sprays randomly.

 

I decided to add these buttons to a few of the larger flowers - the centre part of them hadn't stamped properly, so I decided to cover them up!! 

NEVER waste anything! Lol

 

 

I added a few layers behind my photos - some papers, 7Dots tags and some German Scrap.

I also coloured some white paper lace with the Dylusions Ink Spray in 'Fresh Lime'.

 

I then added in my stamped image, placing them so they cascaded down the page.

I adhered some flat, and some with foam tape to give them dimension.

 

I then poked in a few metal flowers.

 

For my BIG title, I decided to have a go at creating it myself.

I grabbed a botte of irresistible in black - I love how this has a really fine point, so makes freehand drawing simple. 

I love how it has a raised glossy finish.

 

I then cut this out and added it to my layout.

 

I left plenty of room as I wanted to journal.

Every year I select a word to focus on, inspired by Ali Edwards' One Little Word.

I always document my word and the reasons I selected it.

I thought I'd left plenty of room but NO! I hadn't.

 

 

A simple solution was to add the rest to a 7Dots tag and tuck that behind my photos.

 

 

 

Here's my journaling if you'd like to read it......

 

"Sometimes I need to regain control, to feel safe, to feel connected with the world.

Having the ability to choose gives me back my power, it empowers me.

I also want to choose wisely.

To make a conscious effort to choose, and not to go on 'autopilot'. Because it's up to me. I get to choose how I am going to react to the big things, the little things, and all the medium things inbetween.

I want to choose to be kind. To others and to myself.

I want to choose to see the natural beauty in the world.

I want to continue to choose gratitude - to notice and be thankful for all the little things.

I want to choose mindfulness - to be conscious of my thoughts and inner monologue.

I want to choose joy and happiness and cause a shift in my thinking.  A deep appreciation for life.

I want to choose me. Make time for the things I love."

 

My final step was to stamp with the 7Dots stamp - Hazy Days

I love that little stamp that looks like a paint flick,  I also love that I can place it exactly where I want it. Whenever I flick it always ends up where I DON'T want it.

And there you have it!

 

I really enjoyed creating this one, and working with just one colour.....what colour will you choose??

Remember you can team it with neutrals, and don't forget to be guided by a line in the grid above. 

The line can go any way - up, down, diagonal.

 

Don't forget to add your project to the Scrap Matrix Shares group on Facebook, and let us know which Scrap Matrix products you used.....it's not necessary to have a blog, just add your entry to the associated folder.

 

I'll be back again soon with another share!

 

 

Scrap Matrix Products used:

 

3D Gloss Gel

Marshmallow Cardstock

7Dots Studio Stencil - Geometry

AALL & CREATE Stamp No 20

Ranger Black Ink

Dylusions Ink Spray - Fresh Lime

Dylusions Ink Spray - Dirty Martini

Buttons - Ornate mixed pearls

German Scrap - Renaissance Petite Black

Metal Flowers - Large

7Dots Studio Tags - Writer's block

7Dots Studio Stamp - Hazy Days

irResistable Black Pico Embellisher

Paper Lace - White

Teresa Collins Paper Hello My name is - Words

"Sightsee" for 2Crafty Chipboard

My second creation for 2Crafty Chipboard this month is titled:

 

'Sightsee'

 

I used the following 2Crafty Chipboard:

 

'Sightsee Title'

'Fir Xmas Tree'

'Thistle Shrub'

'Summer Leaf Stems'

 

 

 

I painted the 'Summer Leaf Stems' with a few coats of white gesso and tucked them in between my photos.

 

Next I grabbed the two 'Fir Xmas Trees' and trimmed off the star on the top and the pot on the bottom.  

They are the perfect shape for my layout (minus the Xmas feel) as this layout is about taking our USA family to my step-dad's home.  He lives in a forest, surrounded by Pines and Gums so these trees were perfect.

 

I then applied watercolours in various shades of green to achieve a dappled look.

 

 

To the 'Sightsee Title', I added a variety of Inks until I achieved a grungy, earthy colour I was happy with.

 

I placed this on top of my cluster.

 

 

I also added in the 'Thistle Shrub'

 

I left this raw, as I felt it went well with the earthy natural tones of the layout.

 

I really love all the natural fibres in this layout, and I enjoyed altering the chipboard to match in with this.

 

My paper and tags are all from Scrap Matrix - my favourite place to get all my scrappy supplies.

 

 

So that's it from me today, I'll be back again soon, in the meantime

Happy SCRAPPING!!!