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!!
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. :)
~
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!


