Friday 11 March 2011

Just so Beautiful {Bird is the Word/Jenni Bowlin Stash Challenge/Studio Calico Sunday Sketch}

***Lots of tips & tricks***{'cos it's Friday & I'm feeling generous!}

It's been all about Camryn lately & that's not due to any favouritism - just that the challenges have all been using words like "beautiful", the colour sites have been featuring pinks, etc or the stash challenges have shown images of butterflies & other feminine paraphernalia!  I created this layout using Jenni Bowlin products in response to this challenge here.  Did you know there was a crop there recently & you still have until Sunday to submit for the many challenges there - with prizes!?

 I used this week's Sunday Sketch @ Studio Calico, you can also submit there every week for a chance at a weekly draw too!   My policy is - if you're going to be creating anyways - be smart & get some exposure at the same time - before you know it you will have work in galleries all over the place & lots of links back to your blog that ideally will increase your readership - hopefully!


 I am also submitting this to Bird is the Word for their word challenge this fortnight - to use the word BEAUTIFUL somewhere on your layout.  It does take a while to work out how I can combine challenges but, providing it is not against the rules of the challenge sites in question, I think it's just a good use of time & logically should increase your odds of winning something two or three-fold!
I loved revisiting all these older Jenni Bowlin papers & think you can use any age stash, so long as you still love it, and use it in a modern way.
I used the packing cardboard that my papers were braced in from inside my Studio Calico kit this month, as my backing board.  If you decide to do this just double check that you are working with a 12" square first - I had to cut mine down a bit.  Misting is a great way of adding interest & depth to a background when you are after an artsy feel.  There are many, many things lying around every household that can be kept & saved for misting masks.  The dots you see are from a used sticker sheet.
I clustered my title on top of a stack of Jenni Bowlin journaling stickers & used bandaging to create the soft fabric mesh background.  I painted & blended it first using T!m Holtz distress inks & a waterspray & sponge brush to blend.  I bought 3 widths of the bandaging/gauze from a local chemist {Clicks} as I've seen it being used around & about a lot & love the effect!
Artsy effects need not be messy or time-consuming.  I keep a jam-jar of water on my counter so that it is quick & easy for me to do a quick bit of painting.  A packet of wet-wipes is another must.  Ideally a studio with a sink would be great but I doubt many of us have that luxury!  Presewn "stuff" like this ribbon is another great time-saver as it adds stitching without having to sit down at the sewing-machine :)
To create a pleated effect like this is very simple.  Just cut a 12" (full length of your printed paper) strip - add a double-sided tape to the back that is the same width as the strip-then attach, folding as you go along!  Yes, you do have to be a bit brave about it but just go for it!  My policy is that there's nothing you can't alter or undo in scrapbooking - things can always be covered up - somehow!  If the folds keep popping up just add a glue-dot behind each to hold them down  if you like - otherwise remember that once in a plastic sleeve they will be automatically held down.
 Supplies:-
Backing card - from packaging 
Printed paper - Jenni Bowlin - Picnic Lunch & Saloon
Pink Butterfly rub-on - Jenni Bowlin
Mists - Maya Road - Raspberry Pink
Memories Mists - Diet Cola
Ribbon - from Work-in-Progress Kit December 2010
Sassafrass "In-a-Stitch" blossoms - Kraft
Crate Paper journaling stickers exclusive to Studio Calico
American Crafts Pink Thickers {Subway}
Sassafrass Alphas - Crafty Cardstock stickers
Blank Journaling stickers - Jenni Bowlin
Feathers - from stash.
Bandaging - from chemist.


9 comments:

Vicki said...

Gorgeous Helen - now what are the big butterflies in the background.

Heather Jacob said...

I adore butterflies they are such delicate creatures and quite exquiste..just like your Page here ... EXQUISTE ... Helen I am totally lovin' the way you oombine different papers and make them look amazing .... beautiful .. hugz xoxox

Nadia Cannizzo said...

I am simply A.M.A.Z.E.D !!! This is breathtakingly beautiful. The photo, the girl, the colours, the butterflies. Are you kidding me..? Can I lift this one with your permission PLEASE?? Thanks also for taking part in our Bird Is The Word challenge...DONT FORGET to link it up to the blog so you are in with a chance to win this weeks prize!

Shayne said...

Gorgeous. I simply love it. The ruffles/bandaging/ribbon is so ecclectic!

Pearl said...

way to go using up the JB stash ! I think they are so timeless ! fabulous misting in the background !

Alison said...

Love the idea about the gauze..TFS! Another fab LO!..and now I really DO have to go for that shower and stop reading your blog!!!!

Dolly Daydreams said...

Beautiful indeed !A perfect layout with great composition and super girly colours. Love it . Marie

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Those butterflies are GORGEOUS, and I love your background too, I should do more of that, thanks for the inspiration!

tania said...

just love this layout, the colour combination is stunning!!