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A Summer Return & Gossamer Blue March Kit Catch-Up

Because my updates were sporadic over the Winter, much of what I created at the time was left in the dust without ever coming in contact with this place. I realize I have a lot of catching up to do and above, it just one project of many. I don't want to give away too much at once, so I'm going to go about sharing previous works at a slow pace..and in between will be the usual new project updates amongst other things..oh yes, there is a big endeavor awaiting me that is totally scrapbook related. We'll revisit that topic a little later on :)

I have a crush on my boyfriend's dog, Rayna. She is the sweetest dog in the whole wide world. Even Ethan claims that Rayna is his "favorite" pet of all time...she's a hoot-in-a-half! So, I follow her with my camera everywhere she goes and if lucky , I catch her at just the right moment. Here, her and Eric are sharing a bonding moment. :)

Here's a brief series of words about the layout's production process (Made from Gossamer Blue's Sold Out "March" Kit)...

I stayed away from laser-cut wooden embellishments for a long time. It wasn't until I met them a first time at my scrap desk while using a Gossamer Blue kit that I thought it time to give them a chance. Now, I have a drawer full of wooden embellishments. The natural feel of the wood is a great addition to any project! 

In working with the wooden speech bubble, "hello", my first instinct was to fill it with glitter. The trick to pulling off this technique is to spread an even amount of clear-drying epoxy adhesive around the letters before adding glitter. You might even be required to add more adhesive and glitter after the first application. It was a putsy process, but well worth the effort. 

I've yet to forge all the options in crafting with laser-cuts, but I intend to take them on over the Summer.

Perfecting the splatter technique is a goal I'll never obtain! To make up for this technique weakness of mine, I implement epoxy colored dots in supplement of paint - the two look nearly identical. The raised appearance of the dots is a plus, too. 

The darling blue/yellow banner is from the Glitz "Color Me Happy" Whatnots die-cut packhttp://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/glitz-design/137014-color-me-happy-whatnots/?filters=glitz-design.

My love for art is growing by the day and now that it's my major (alongside graphic design) at River Falls University, I'm pushing myself towards mixed media; acrylics, colored pencil, watercolor and so forth. Currently, I'm working a mini album that expands upon my passion for the arts..I plan to present it at the Crate blog in the very near future..it is super duper CUTE!!

Flowers are my one and only scrapbook love. I've been working up layered flowers since my inception into the crafts arena. I've seen flowers grow in popularity this last year, and I'm amazed by what's out there!! The inspiration is endless, don't you think?

This blaze pink flower is made from layers of tissue paper. I first cut three different sized circles from layered sheets of pink tissue paper. Next, I trimmed notches into the edges, scrunched them up in my hands, and stapled them together from smallest to largest. A decorative wooden button (MME) adorns the center along with a vintage red button and yellow epoxy dome (Glitz Design).

A final glimpse - it literally takes me a full week to complete one layout. The reason being is because of the investment in collage creation. If you look closely at my projects, around every corner is a hidden gem of one kind or another. All them "gems" take time to organize and sort out. Each is a decision within itself. I typically work section by section until eventually, I feel satisfied with the outcome. Believe it or not, I LOVE working this way..it's a niche that brings me a great deal happiness and pleasure! 

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There are couple additional products grabbing my attention right now (minus wooden embellishments)...

Crate's been in the habit of releasing painted/glittered clips this last year and I have kept every single one without question. I've also been adding to the clip collection via other manufacturer releases. I stumbled upon this precious ornate bowl a few months ago at Home Goods and use it to house my clip collection. They're a pretty combo, don't you think?

I'm not much a Project Life-er per say, but these fashionable journaling cards from MAMBI at Michaels Crafts store are a hit with me! I must of bought four packs of them. Half the fun was sorting them out and putting them into their correct colored baskets. "Yes" I coordinate all my die-cuts/journaling/Title Cards by color --- it forces me to use them!! They're right at my desk, too, and within easy reach. After adding these to the mix, my baskets are near full. Super impressed by the graphics, I tell ya...

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On a recent date with Eric, we stopped by the newly renovated Cassetta Italian Market in downtown, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Talk about a treasure trove of treats and unbelievable tasty pizza!! The restaurant houses a full selection of delicate pastries housed beneath a series of crystal clear glass cases and white ornate chandeliers. It's a spectacular view! Here's a peek at the deliciousness..

We settled on this lovely chocolate moose cake - the tough part? Splitting it!! Laugh. I could of ate the whole thing!!

Following Cassettas, we checked out the omni theater at the Minnesota Science Museum to watch Tornado Alley. It was it's last day of showing - caught it just on time! Turned out to be a spectacular movie - given the recent events of Oklahoma, this movie brings to light the mighty strength and unfortunate destruction brought forth by tornadoes. They're is still much to understand about them - I recommend the movie to anyone lucky enough to be on it's tour path around the country.

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Summer break is feeling extra good!! I'm scrapbooking like crazy, spending lots of time with Ethan and Eric (and his two beautiful boys) , and getting ready for a new GB adventure. ;) I wish Summer were longer...love life right now!! :) 

 

Gossamer Blue May Kit + Liquid Acrylic Paint Review

So, there's news of Gossamer Blue releasing the official May Scrapbook Kit and inside, is a plethora of color choices amid manufacturers like Jillibean Soup, Pink Paislee, Simple Stories, Fancy Pants and so forth. I was lucky enough to spend last weekend working on the kit with a group of other scrap-happy individuals at the local Archivers and at home, in my cozy studio/office. I crafted a layout and card from the kit and it's add-ons, and the two look entirely different..just goes to show how convenient a kit can be! 

Speaking of which, if ever looking to take a "kit" a new direction, the key is "cardstock". The paper comes in a wealth of colors, and it only takes one or two sheets to change the feel of a kit. For example, I introduced "violet" into this month's Gossamer Blue kit when creating the card. This one minor addition made a HUGE impact; cool, calm and quaint. 

The cute bags in the background are a new embellishment product from Fancy Pants. Even though I'm not an avid user of bags per say, these are just the right size for everyday scrapbookers and card makers like myself. Sold as a variety pack, they're a fun bunch! Love the fish scale navy blue bag seen above :)

And not because I'm  an enabler in any way shape or form, but Fancy Pants put out a mid-release that captures my "fancy"; What a Wonderful Day &  Memories Captured. Love the direction they're going!! 

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The layout reflects more of Gossamer Blue's May Kit than the card does, and I even chose a theme that matches really well with it's offerings, too. A month or two ago, Ethan spent an afternoon at an indoor park sales floor, a kids party destination available for rent here in the Twin Cities. It had been his cousin's birthday, so there were lots of little kids running around and having fun, Ethan included. I brought along my D60, a brave act on my part considering the chaos. Thankfully, the photos made it all worth it! 

There are two secret tools in my scrapbook stash that I use all the time; Architect Stencils & pens. You can buy them any where art supplies are sold, or at the big box office stores. Here's a peek at one (Office Max)...

They're great for tracing circles on projects "as is", or for cutting circles of varying sizes. Sure, punches are usually enough, but sometimes, you need that odd sized circle. This tool is your problem solver!! Cheap, handy and readily available. Lots of potential, too! 

 

I'm a sucker for acrylic mists. Sometimes, one color isn't enough for the job. Then again, two contrasting colors can be too much. The next best thing is two tones of one color. I opted for emerald and mint green - both from my mist stash. The final result - "Tones = Friendliness + Good Design"

And that brings me to the next topic...

I love mists, but believe it or not, there's an alternative that is far better; Daler Rowney Liquid Acrylic. Available at your local art supply store, high quality liquid acrylic paint is of pure pigmentation. Available in a host of colors, the product is sold via a small glass jar (opaque or pearlescent) at $4 - $5 each. Last weekend, I purchased Pearlescent Autumn Gold. Against standard mist, the gold has greater saturation and dries quickly. Also, it has many applications (Ex: small round paint brush = awesome splatter!). There are a number of online videos demonstrating ways in which to use it - Dick Blick Art Supplies included. I highly recommend the paint - you will LOVE it!

There was a point, just as arrows were making their debut, that I wasn't crazy about them. I could easily manage direction with other things far prettier. Laugh. This layout taught me otherwise. Arrows are the ideal "direction" indicator in that North, South, West, etc., doesn't require a map, or much thought for that matter. Follow the arrow and be on your way...no puzzle to solve.

Ever since Hambly leveled the scrapbook scene with their transparecies, I can't get enough of the material. So, when Basic Grey started included transparency die-cuts in their die-cut packs, I was sold. I collect them like candy, save them in glass dishes and layer with them all-the-time. 

More transparency nummy-ness. :)

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Time for me to call it a night! I know I'm still not up to par in post numbers, but I hope any info shared today more than makes up for it! Thanks for checking in! Appreciate it :) Night!