Just prior to Summer's beginning, I established a series of goals for myself since more than likely, it would be my very last Summer without the troublesome scheduling of internships and classes. One of the goals I put on my list was "dating" and even though I'd been postponing the possible real-life scenerio for months (doubt can be a serious hazard for a girl like me!), I'd been given the nudge by a friend to get to it, finally. This came after she saw me dragging my feet along ever so conviently as to avoid the petrifying, undeniable saga of the unpredictable dating world. After four years, I wasn't about to jump in head first...at least not without the "push" of a good friend. Love her.
Some four weeks later and I couldn't be happier about that nudge 'cause as it would turn out, the first, second and third date far exceeded my expectations!! And honestly, that's all I'm going to say about it..I know, just when I get to good part, right? Well, I'm privy to privacy my friends - though this layout gives a slight hint as to a climactic, preparatory "first date" moment of mine -wardrobe decision making and meeting for the first time.
And now for a few tidbits about the layout itself - I'm not quite sure I sufficiently pulled through with brand new techniques this time around, but the details are still just as insatiably pretty, as always. One item I've been thinken' about lately are ways in which to go about creating a messier, more carefree style flower..rather than the clean-cut flower types I'm often prone to producing on every single layout. The tool I've turned to for this is regular ol' scissors. By handtrimming the numerous floral layers, the end result is less contrived and more messy. Decorative scissors are also of some help here...
You'll always notice lots of little trimmings from me being tucked beneath something or other and not surprisingly, what takes to trimming rather well are either die-cuts or journaling cards. Again, I've a vast selection of color sorted paper pieces (and chipboard!) at my disposal right on top my desk. Very rarely will I use a die-cut or journaling card as a "whole" - especially those with attractive, iconic graphic designs on them. This butterfly array is of a Basic Grey die-cut collection set!
Even the extra little pieces can make a big difference!! Nudge them tiny pieces together as a small collage next to either a word sticker and behind a larger size item like a flower or frame. They're also especially wonderful when used all by their lonesome - spread them out like confetti or spray on top a misted area.
Rhinestones..I have so many and never enough projects to use them on. How on earth does that ever happen? Laugh. I suppose this is the ultimate conundrum of every scrapbooker in terms of supplies. We always have more than necessary for a single lifetime! I finally took to using a long line of rhinestones rather than the usual individual rhinestone because it reinforces the vertical direction defined by the multiple borders spread across the bottom of the page. Personally, I love the idea of using rhinestones to reinforce existing border strips.
I trimmed the centers from Jillibean's sprout florals and backed them with Hambly's bright pink lacey transparency. It's a quick, easy-to-make homemade embellishment that is as unique as "you". Mix and Match colors and styles to your liking....
I've taken to OA's sprinklers recently - I use both the spritzer and inside tube to spread about the watered down paint over my projects. The outcome is always fantastic!! I adore the quality of their misters...
Sometimes, you just have to try a technique because it demands to be tried - these particular printed dots were trimmed from a My Mind's Eye journaling card and covered with dimensional adhesive. I then applied on top the wet adhesive a good coating of Martha Stewart "Pink" Flock. It actually took a couple of applications to get a decent coating of flock, so don't be afraid to press the flock down with your fingers "into" the adhesive if you think it'll help keep it in position better. It's quite the fickle material...
Do any of you recognize the woodsy looking font from the first part of my layout's title? It's of Pink Paislee's second alpha sticker release from way back in the day..love when I find a use for older items!!
Thanks for stopping by you guys! I've a little man waiting for me ever so patiently - thinking maybe it's time for us to visit one of his favorite parks outside our hometown. Return here a little later on....take care.
