Does this look familiar to you guys? Almost a year ago, the Embellished Doily tutorial idea came to me while strolling the aisles of Michaels. Little had I known at the time what would ultimately result from the couple of packages of Martha doilies I'd purchased in that moment. After all, I was going about doing the usual day-to-day things and it'd been a while since I'd thought of a decent idea or two. Figured the tutorial would be like the rest of the tutorials I'd done up until that point and would broadcast a fair amount of interest. Didn't take long to realize that I'd been rightfully wrong in my estimation.
One year later, and there are still inquiries about the Embellished Doily project from those that visit this place or land upon it by accident. Not entirely sure what the pull is, but my guess is that because the project is broken down into a series of small bites (per doily), it's easily manageable. Also, the project is heavy on technique development. I made it my number one goal during the project's presentation too demonstrate my most counted on, favorite techniques, many of which I still rely on today! And because much of it was performed on a "tiny scale", the techniques could be tried out quickly and without concerns of a serious investment.
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A couple of weeks ago, I'd been emailed a set of beautiful doilies from a someone I had recognized. She's a prolific designer within the scrapbook community and is closely tied to familiar manufacturer's like Webster's Pages, Prima and the very popular color challenge blog, The Color Room. After having received the doilies, I asked Stephanie Devlin for permission to share them here as part of a brief review of the popular feature and excitedly, she replied, "Yes!".
So, here we are, one year later, with a brand new set of doilies to look upon and remark about! I've separated them into pairs and written small statement about each. Once again, the focus is that of "technique" since this was the primary basis of the tutorial from the very beginning.
Playing with Frames:
Playing with frames is just one of the things I'm still heavily addicted to. Pre-assembled or handmade, frames lend plenty of unique opportunities for one to bring attention to either a single element, or a whole host of elements! Tuck beneath them either a simple patterned paper or a literal stage of carefully placed items.
To make a frame, you've plenty of options! Trim the center's from die-cut flowers and use the outskirts of each flower as the primary frame component. Die-cut journal cards and circle labels are also able to have their center's removed either via scissors or punches. One of my favorite materials from framing is transparency. Hambly has a huge assortment of transparency frames and I've the collection to prove it! I pre-trim several of these frames upfront and then store them in color coordinated drawers so that I'm conveniently able to find them later on. Lastly, the literal, white ornate resin frames from Melissa Francis are not only gorgeous to look at, but their simply stunning on paper. Stephanie has made use of one just above.
Stamped Backgrounds:
I always say that small projects start best with a stamped image or a series of multiple stamped images. I suppose there are a lot of card makers out there that would agree with me on this. Some how, stamped images appear less contrived then pre-made embellishments as they're sometimes unrecognizable depending on the color and application process that was used. Plus, you can combine an assortment of stamped images on a single block to make a personalized background or a unique environment in which to place the remainder of your design elements. Because of this technique and the numerous color options available to us from within the stamping community, not a single person will be able to guess the source of the stamped creation. So much for them pre-made embellishments, eh?!
Fabric + Paper:
The partnering of fabric and paper appears to be growing in popularity as scrapbookers are seeking alternative means in which to express themselves and their work within the diverse and expanding scrapbook community. We're reaching out for brand new materials like never before and fabric has gained a lot of attention because of this new obsession of ours. That being said, there's quite a bit of tricky work involved in pairing paper and fabric. The easiest means so far that I have found for bringing the two together is with the assistance of a sewing machine. Forgo the glue if ever an option. Sewing is ten times easier than glueing fabric and paper together! If still requiring glue though, there are ample fabric glues available for purchase at the big box stores. I find that spray adhesive works substantially well for the flat application of fabric. Flowers are a whole different story though and for today, we won't go there. Most go the route of hot glue or hand sewing when making fabric flowers.
One technique that Tara Anderson makes frequent use of when working with fabric is to widen it's appearance and texture via quilt batting. Sewing over a piece of sandwiched batting (fabric on both sides), if small enough, doesn't insist upon a lot of effort. Even small patchwork blocks can be constructed this way - why do I mention this? Because when decorated, they make the best mini album pages!!
Mixed Elements:
There are no hard and fast rules pertaining to layering - some would suggest to do it carefully and with a close eye as to avoid what's been referred to as "product sneeze". Personally, I find nothing inherently indifferent or disorderly about those that enjoy using lots of papers and embellishments on their pages/projects. To each there own, as is the case with all art mediums.
Stephanie's Paris doily is home to a lot of beautiful elements, including a ferris wheel located in the very top right corner. My guess is that the underlying theme is the ferris wheel itself as supported by the ticket stub, hand-cut centerpiece and printed numbers. Please correct me if wrong, Stephanie.
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I'm going to stop here for today. There are still three doily presentations I've to post and I worry that if I continue on as it, I'll lose most my readers. So, I'll return tomorrow or the following day with the remainder - can't wait to share them!
While you're waiting, I've arranged a giveaway and it's to recognize those of you out there that have actually constructed a few of your very own doilies! Doesn't matter if they look like mine or not, share a link below to their location and I'll arrange to add your name to a random drawing for a box of brand new scrapbook goodies!! I've lots hanging out with me and would love to send them along to one lucky artist out there. Not surprisingly, I'll be adding my own twist to the giveaway as well - a personalized mix of odds and ends not immediately available at the local scrapbook store. Get to sharing below!!
**CHANGE: Everyone is welcome to join in on the drawing, even if without a link to a doily creation..let's have some fun here, post your comment below! Spread the love for Stephanie's work :)
~CM~
