I'm so excited over here you guys! I've been scrolling through the comments, clicking on the links shared and admiring your take on the Embellished Paper Doily tutorial from last year. Quite a few of you took up the task of creating your own interpretation of the embellished doily and from what I'm able to tell, each is entirely unique and presented in such a way that I'm reminded that tutorials aren't always about replication, but about so much more. Just think of how often we run into them right now as we navigate back and forth between our favorite blogs and websites. On what basis do we decide which tutorials to follow?
I often find myself gravitating towards tutorials that allow me to do what I love, but still offer me the opportunity to learn more about a craft that I might not yet be familiar with. For example, I've always aspired to try my hand at the application of beeswax on top a canvas or other solid form. I also wouldn't mind learning a little more about the art of painting. Each of these aspirations leaves just enough room to still express myself in a way that I'm most comfortable and that is totally "me". So, when I seek out tutorials, I'm looking for one that is without stringent limitations and teaches me something that is transferable to some of the other projects I might be working on at the time.
That being said, you're doilies brought home the reason why it is that I enjoy tutorials. They're well versed in unordinary lessons that would frequently go amiss had we not found them. And that's the real beauty of tutorials, isn't it? Happening upon an idea not heard of before? They're the kind of moments that are truly genuine..and add to that your own unique sense of style too - Icing on the cake!
Hand Trimmings
Trim, Trim, Trim. We all could benefit from a little pattern paper trimming from time to time. Sometimes, pre-made embellishments just don't cut it! What if we like a pattern, but it's not available as an embellishment per say? That's when the handy-dandy scissors comes in handy! Whether a tidy word or old country house, pattern paper is the only scrapbook material that I'm aware of that displays nearly every subject known to man. :P
Butterflies Galore
I'm not quite sure when they arrived on the scene, but they're extremely useful on layouts. They're also appealing from the perspective of whimsy! They're a tremendous amount of fun to look at! And wouldn't you know it, they're also a common theme in terms of new collection releases - so bumping into them at the scrapbook store is never a problem.
Outside the Boundaries
The doily itself doesn't have to be the only place for the embellishments. Take the pretty stuff and add it outside and around the doily too! Spruce up the background with either layered patterned paper pieces or a lacy die-cut like that used by Stephanie above. Bring in hints of smaller item's as well. Don't feel limited by boundaries just because they exist and beg not to be broken. I break them all the time!
Doily-Redone & Clocks
One of the suggestions I made during last year's tutorial was to trim the outskirts off a separate doily and then to attach what remained of the second doily, to the first one. The combination of the two brings a whole new feel and appearance to the doily itself. If wanting, tuck beneath the top most doily piece (or bottom piece) a colored piece of cardstock. Note the pastel yellow that pops through the back of Stephanie's doily. She also removed the center and replaced it with a clock - clever!
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I'm going to post-pone selecting a winner from last post's drawing so that other's will still have time to participate if wanting to get in on a box of fresh, new scrapbook goodies and a self-made college pack of pretty things that'll include both new and vintage items! Make sure to comment, if you haven't already, in response to the post just below this one!! Find details there as well...
It's been a joy to go back with you in time and revisit the Embellished Doily feature. If desiring to see the tutorial in it's entirety, please utilize the word map to the right - can't be missed! Thanks so much everyone..and now it's time to finish the last of Crate's Card Menu..stay tuned!
~CM~
