Friday 31 May 2013

'Joy' Tag - My Creative Scrapbook - Prima Lyric




Yes this really is the very end of my My Creative Scrapbook Limited 
Edition Kit for May - it really did go on forever LOL.


I'm getting rather addicted to these over-sized tags.  

They are such fun & it's a real buzz getting something done in a quarter to an eighth of the time it takes me to create a layout - definitely some merit in that!

You can buy pre-made tags in different sizes, even some quite large ones like this, from Ranger, but really there's no need as you can make your own.  

As I always layer mine up I like to use a locally bought corrugated board that I have in white, black & craft although it comes in several other colours too. (in A4 sheets which is not a problem if using for tags or photo matts).


I've made my own template that I just trace around, ink the edges (in dark brown here) punch a hole in the top with my single hole punch then layer up my elements.  Lastly I thread the leftover ribbon through the hole at the top.  This time I also had leftover lace so aswell as adding a strip across the base I tied a small bow & added it to the top too.  I used a brown inkpad to die the cream lace but tea or coffee would work just as well.

This tag would be good for attaching to a Christmas present to snazz it up!!


Thursday 30 May 2013

Mixed Media Background Tutorial




Hello hello!!  Well I am in a really good mood today as I am so happy with how things went in Month One at Scrap Around The World, my new challenge blog.  I got the Winners' post up yesterday & have had lots of encouraging comments rolling in ever since.  If you haven't checked up on it yet go HERE to check it out!  YOU could be one of the winners!!

Please don't forget to SIGN UP HERE for "Let's Get Trendy! 3" - it's a FREE online workshop that I am involved in, along with over THIRTY other scrapbooking artists from around the world!  You know how I love my global collaborations!!  You have NOTHING TO LOSE - you don't have to take on every project - you can pick & choose as you like & you can win the giveaway pictured just by signing up!!  Who WOULDN'T want to be a part of something SO exciting?!


So here is the base paper I made for this layout HERE - I promised to elaborate on the techniques & mediums I used.  I did not take step-by-step photos of this developing unfortunately but YOU CAN DO IT - you really, really can!! 

**I will keep repeating the photograph to save you from scrolling up constantly!**

 I started off with this mustard paper from Pink Paislee's Portfolio collection.
Portfolio Outstanding Paper
1.  I started by using brown chalk ink together with this mask & stenciling randomly around the page (using just parts of it). {Ronda Palazzari for The Crafter's Workshop}12" version.



2.  Next I used this mask together with some hard modeling paste from Golden.  


6" "Art is" stencil from The Crafter's Workshop

3.  Next I used this little stencil from Prima together with a mixture of gesso & gel medium.


{Can't find an image of it on the web & Prima is upgrading their website so this is from a maths forum but you get the idea LOL!}


4.  The last stencil I used - with plain white acrylic paint - this one from The Crafter's Workshop



5.  Remember to dry off each layer before beginning on the next.  If you want to do mixed media you have to get a heat-gun.  I've used this one for years & love it!



{I got it 2nd hand & it's now covered in gesso but who cares, it does the job perfectly!}

6.  MIXED media means just that so MIX IT UP - use various different mediums & even combinations of them mixed together - mixed media is all about experimentation & it's not meant to look neat so if it doesn't turn out as you had envisioned chances are you may still like it!

---------------------------------------------

Good supplies to have are:-  

PAINTS (acrylics are best - most brands are okay so no need to go fancy - local South African brand DALA is fantastic)

PAINT DABBERS from Ranger - LOVE these for their ease of application & the fact that you can create awesome splats with them (more on that later!)

METALLIC PAINTS from Viva Decor &  Silks from Luminarte are not a must but darn delicious & worth buying once you have established that you LOVE mixed media!
{Liquid Pearls from Ranger are an economical alternative for a sheer look as you can rub these over gesso, etc for a lovely semi-translucent shine}

GESSO {not all are created equal - I prefer Claudine Helmuth Studio as it dries showing the different layers, direction & thicknesses - you won't get this effect with any cheap gesso}

WHITE ACRYLIC PAINT - thicker & less runny than cheap gesso & easier to sponge on
{one of my favoured methods of application}

MOLDING/MODELLING PASTE - Reeves & Golden are excellent.
{this is a MUST as it creates a braille-like raised effect}

GEL MEDIUM - great as a sealer, great to mix with gesso for a more sheer look, great to revive older paints - a MUST HAVE. (this comes in matte or gloss - I prefer matte as I don't always want a high shine).

INKS - chalk inks are fine for stenciling but archival inks are way better for stamping.

I use Ranger & Tsukeniko {Brilliance & Versa-Magic}
(I tested local brand Chiswick & it didn't work as well for me)

Chalk inks - Ingvilde Bolme for Prima - WITHOUT A DOUBT - massive selection of colours - no separation of sponge from applicator - VERY inky!

STENCILS - The Crafter's Workshop & Prima

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Please don't be put off by this list.
 I have been collecting mixed media products for 2 - 3 years now & it's amazing how they accumulate - you will get there!  And once you have tried & loved a product you will always find a way to get hold of it (give me this stuff over new paper any day now!)

-------------------------------------

7.  Next I added some tea/coffee mix (literally just half a teaspoon of coffee in a mug with a tea bag dunked in - then transferred to a container - lasts for weeks!) & the inner core of a tape roll - place liquid in flat dish - work on easy to clean floor (mine is tiles) dip tape roll into mixture then HIT hard onto paper & it will splatter - once you have enough circles hold paper upright & dry off with heat gun so you get drips too!



8. Next I added my black splats using a Ranger paint dabber (spray the top with water from a misting bottle) then bang hard onto page (away from your curtains! as it splashes up!!) Dry off with heat gun, holding paper upright to create drips too.

9.  Stamp randomly with black ink (I did that on the left with an old rubber stamp but it was a bit of a fail!) I prefer acrylic stamps & acrylic stamping blocks - these you gradually accumulate - background stamps are the most versatile & Kaisercraft  & Prima sell them a lot more reasonably priced than dedicated stamp manufacturers.

10.  Rub over some areas using Faber Castelle Gelatos



These are fun but only worth buying if you love your mixed media - you apply them directly from the pen - they are like lipsticks - then you use your finger to rub them in (there are many different application methods but this is mine).



10.  I always begin with a "whited out" area in the middle of my page so the photo doesn't get lost in the background but for this page I ended up only having the top & bottom showing as I put patterned paper over the centre to create this finished layout.



I recoloured the Pink Paislee artisan elements using gelatos too,
inked around the photo & edges of the punched heart borders
& added random Liquid Pearl dots around my page.

I hope this tutorial has been helpful to some of you at least.
Mixed Media takes time but it doesn't take forever.
A full background like this takes me 1.5 hours including clean-up
(and is very therapeutic & fun to do!!)

Mixed Media is like eating an elephant -


One bite at a time!!
{keep adding & eventually your page will be complete!}



Wednesday 29 May 2013

Let's Get Trendy Now!3 {5 Day Online Workshop featuring a Surprise Project from ME!!}





Hi there!  Well here is my exciting news!!  I am a contributor at "Let's Get Trendy 3" - an 5 day online workshop run by the lovely Yvonne Yam, with the help of Julie Tucker-Wolek & Amy Tsuruta.  

Up until now Let's Get Trendy Workshops have not included any other contributors but now there are many of us friends who have prepared & shared a project.  

Would you like some fabulous ideas for working with some of the hottest trends in crafting today? 

Why not come join us for a fun online workshop?


I'm joining this group of awesome ladies in the Let’s Get Trendy Now!3 workshop where we will be showing 5 trends – neon, sequins, handmade embellishments, stitching and textured layers

Not only will you be inspired by 32 never-been-seen projects, you will also get a chance to win some prizes if you play along with our challenges.

Just add your name to the linky tool and join us from 3 – 7 June at Let’s Get Trendy Now!3 site.

I will be sharing the project I prepared for the workshop on Friday 7th June (which is when it goes LIVE at the workshop) so I hope you will pop in to see it!






Tuesday 28 May 2013

'Have Fun' Card - My Creative Scrapbook - Prima Lyric




If you are looking for the ZVA CREATIVE BLOG HOP CLICK HERE!
It runs until midnight EST tonight so you still have time!!

I pre-scheduled this card to appear on my blog on Monday morning, then remembered the blog hop & had to withdraw it again so if you are getting feelings of deja vu don't worry you're not going mad!!  Just giving it a little more airtime until tomorrow as I have a REALLY EXCITING surprise in store for you tomorrow!!

Here's the last card made with my May My Creative Scrapbook Kit.


I added lots of the Prima Lyric printed pieces to this one so it has various different layers, making it quite an unusual card. I even tucked in some Prima packaging!


I used my Martha Stewart butterfly punch to punch out some small butterflies from the left-over patterned paper (just swiped with a red inkpad to tie in with the red roses), added a strip of organza over one of the pieces before adhering it on top, then knotted it in front, and used a die-cut doily from Cheery Lynn (French Pastry Die) which is a handy small size for cards.

I didn't even need to use a stamped sentiment as the Prima alphas supplied with the kit are nice & small & I die-cut the 'Fun' from one of the patterned papers.  

Thanks for popping in - remember to come back tomorrow to join in my fun 
surprise, then on Thursday for my mixed media background instructions!


Monday 27 May 2013

Zva Creative May Design Team Blog Hop {'Sweet' Layout}





Zva Creative & their Design Team members, as well as myself {Guest Designer for Zva Creative for the months of March, April & May} welcome you to our May blog hop! We are excited that you are joining us and look forward to sharing our new work with you!
Today's Blog Hop begins at Zva Creative's Facebook page! Be sure head on over to check it out! 
Here's a list of participants (in case there is a glitch along the way):
Fabi Ormerod    
 As you know, Zva offers many beautiful color groupings for pearls, flowers and crystals.  If you like what you see along the hop you can find a list of stores and online retailers that sell Zva HERE.

I created this layout especially for Zva Creative this month.  
I used Pink Paislee papers & embellishments & used many different mixed media techniques on my base paper.  If you come back on Thursday (after the hop) I will be showing more of my background techniques & will let you know how I created the background & which products & mediums I used.


I know!  I ended up covering up more than half of my background after all that work but I wanted the Zva Creative Bling Swirl to SHINE and not get lost in that busy background but I like it showing at the top & bottom of my page :)


As usual I took one of the Zva swirls & cut it into smaller pieces (in fact I still have some left to use on another project!)  I often cut the flourishes into smaller pieces and spread them around my layout.


Here above you can see I used another little piece tucked in behind my photograph.


And I used another little bit above, below my cluster, to the left.


I love Zva products & fortunately I still have some left over so you will be seeing more of them on my projects!


I have used Zva products on some other layouts I've created this month too - like this one below - where I used some bling dots that I cut from a swirl & separated into individual pieces.


Here below I used the flower centre gems that are already separated.  I dotted them around my page 'confetti' style.


Lastly I used some gorgeous golden orange swirls in the layout below.


This is my last month Guest Designing for Zva Creative.  I have been Guest Designing for them for 3 months - March, April & May & thoroughly enjoyed it.  Thank you very much to everyone at Zva Creative & to Windy Robinson, Zva Creative's Design Team co-ordinator, for allowing me this opportunity!

If you would like to play along with our design team, just follow along the blog path.  Each designer is linking to the next and so on. This month I am right at the end of the hop so hopefully you were inspired along the way!

The Blog Hop starts today, May 27th and runs through midnight US Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, May 28th.
***Prizes***
Hidden on FIVE of the designer's blogs is a Zva Creative prize package! Winners will be randomly chosen after the hop is over. All you need to do is leave a comment on this Blog Hop post... you do not need to leave a comment on each and every designer's blog post to qualify. However, the more times you comment along the blog hop path, the more chances you will have to win.
 The 5 winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 29th on Zva Creative's Facebook page! We will do our best to notify each winner, but it's best if you can pop in to Zva's blog on Wednesday to see if you are a winner!
We also thought it would be more fun to add even more chances to win our blog hop prize!  To increase your chances of winning:
* Comment to let us know that you posted on your Facebook page about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)
* Comment to let us know that you "tweeted" about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)
* Comment to let us know that you asked your local store to carry Zva creative products.  If they already do, that's fantastic, maybe you can suggest other products that they don't carry.

*Hop over to Zva's facebook page and "like" our page or leave a comment there to tell us that you stopped by if you already like follow us there!


Sunday 26 May 2013

'Hi' Card - My Creative Scrapbook - Prima Lyric




Here's my next card using my My Creative Scrapbook Limited Edition Kit this month.  Making a few cards and/or tags is a great way to polish off those leftovers from a kit (that will otherwise lie around for years taking up precious space in your crafting area). 


I used a white blank here, inked up the edges with brown, then joined a few pieces of paper as I literally didn't have a piece of patterned paper long enough for the card as I had worked my way through this entire kit...

I added some printed chipboard pieces (always a great buy for cards as they usually come as a 12"sheet & you get dozens of pieces) , tucked in a doily, added another chipboard piece, organza ribbon bow & Prima flower then pushed in a couple of stick-pins & called it done :)


Ribbons, lace & stick-pins are other great embellishments for cards as they're light & non-bulky.

Hope you are all enjoying a lovely weekend :)



Saturday 25 May 2013

'Friend' Card - My Creative Scrapbook - Prima Lyric




This weekend I'm showing a couple of the  cards I created for My Creative Scrapbook this month, using their Limited Edition Kit.  


I'm slowly gaining more confidence with cards as I am doing a few every month now. I found some Docraft 'blanks'recently & bought a pack of 50 rectangular & 50 square cards. A great timesaver & preserves my precious white cardstock that is the most difficult colour to find locally & my favourite colour for layouts.  I recommend them as they were great value for money, even in South Africa where crafty stuff usually costs about 3 times the US price.







Apart from the supplies from my kit I added some fibre strands & an old metal bobbin that doesn't fit my current sewing machine.  

My tips for good-looking cards:-

1.  Start with a white base (no fail good looks)
2.  Ink up the edges in a mild colour
3.  Fussy-cut any off-cut pieces you have
(here I fussy cut the 'Friend'sentiment)

Fussy-cutting is worth it - if you have a pair of Tim Holtz Tonic scissors it's relatively quick.

4.  Add threads or fibres between layers as a low bulk way of adding texture.

5.  Use foam tape to lift some of your layers slightly. 

 To save money I also use the lightweight 'core' board that comes within the packaging of things like perfume, beauty creams, etc.  This works perfectly as an alternative to expensive foam tape when combined with a good adhesive.

Hope you find some of my tips handy!

Happy Saturday!!



Friday 24 May 2013

'Keep Going' Layout - My Creative Scrapbook - Guest Designing for The Color Room - Prima





Haaaaaapy Friday!!  It's been a loooooong week!!!
Today is the new reveal at The Color Room HERE
 & the design team at My Creative Scrapbook was
 invited to Guest Design this month - yay!!


Her's the palette we got to work with, which I must say was not one I would have chosen, so I was really surprised & happy that my layout turned out to be one I really liked!


I thought I'd show you my base paper before it got mostly covered up!  Sometimes I mark lightly with a pencil & only develop the background in those places, but that's not so easy with mists & for this layout I didn't know exactly how it would end up - I just had a vague idea & it developed organically.


I found some older photos that already had the blue in them so decided to go with those, accented with yellow flowers & kept the two duller colours for the background & other embellishments.


I think these types of busy & grungy mixed media backgrounds work well for male & teenage pages.


As well as the Prima Metal embellishments I also used some copper electrical wire (see it coming out from the top of the photo above) which is a cool alternative to the tangled thread look.


I used some Zva Creative bling, which I cut up from a flourish & used as individual 'confetti' dots.


I layered up a couple of the photos for interest & tucked a Prima chipboard corner between them for some extra dimension.


I've taken to dampening a sponge with water then adding a teeny bit of white acrylic paint & using it to dab my embellishments & parts of my background paper as I like the look of it & it also mutes everything nicely & tones things down, making for a calmer palette.


As well as various mists, paints & inks I did add some tangled threads.  I use Multi Medium Matte to keep them in place.


Apart from the Prima flowers, wooden & metal embellishments, chipboard & alphas, the wire, thread & mediums I added some tags & some burlap leaves for additional texture.

Have a lovely weekend & say a prayer for my internet connection.
It is causing me so many setbacks I could cry...



Thursday 23 May 2013

'17 & Gorgeous' Layout - My Creative Scrapbook - Prima Lyric





Hi everyone :)  Here's my last layout using this month's Limited Edition Kit from My Creative Scrapbook Kit Club - you can see everything I created with this kit in one post HERE.


I started this layout by fussy-cutting the central part of the page out & replacing it with the Prima packaging card from the alphas instead - I have a tutorial for that up at the My Creative Scrapbook blog at the moment HERE.


Once I had fussy-cut the centre out of the layout I fussy-cut a few other elements to layer, such as the banner above & the doily design underneath the clock element also above.  I used foam tape to lift these elements up.


I used my glue gun to adhere the flowers & pearl strand as hot glue is the strongest & best glue to use on such dimensional elements. 

 It can get messy & you need a bit of practice to avoid burning yourself (I have a scar to prove it). 


 It gets hotter than an oven & handling it is like a chef spinning sugar, unless you keep tapping it off between trigger pulls you will have strands of glue all over the place that could damage your photograph, etc...but practice makes perfect.



I loved these Prima Lyric flowers with the glittery edges...



With the Pink Fleurs I kept some closed, as they came, like buds, and opened one up to reveal the lovely furry centre.


I inked with dark brown ink & created some extra paper flowers with the Prima packaging, fussy-cutting around the doily shapes on the card from the several flower packs, inking, distressing & folding for dimension before hot-gluing down, interspersed amongst the actual flowers.


Come back tomorrow for an exciting share, then over the weekend I will be sharing the cards & tags I made with this kit too.

 I'm lost in my own world right now working on various different projects & some very exciting 'Secret Squirrel Stuff' that will be a long time coming to reveal unfortunately.

I'm also testing shooting video with my Nikon DSLR & reviewing camcorders so I can decide which way to go for future tutorial videos - so it's all going on :) 

Thank you for your visit - I really appreciate it!