Step by Step Layout Tutorial by Guest Designer Tracy Funk

Guest Designer Tracy Funk is featuring our November Limited Edition Kit today with a step by step layout tutorial!

--------------------

Ladies and Gentlemen

This was the first layout I made from the November Limited Edition Kit.  For this layout, I layered 3 pieces of paper from the kit.  When I trimmed the top layer, I left the floral corner uncut.

I then trimmed around some of the floral pattern with an x-acto knife in order to slide the right side of the photo underneath.  I decided I didn't like the look of the 2 flower buds over the photo and ended up trimming those off later.

To add some texture, I used molding paste with a stencil from my collection (Prima 6x6 stencil - Lattice), then sprayed over those areas with brown and green mists (Lindy's Flat Fabio mists - Aloha Avocado and South Shore Sand).  For a more subtle effect I sprayed those areas with water first and after applying the colour, dabbed off the excess with a paper towel.

Around the center area of stencilling I cut out a thin frame using a ruler and utility knife, then distressed the edges of the frame, the photo and outer edges of the 2 top paper layers.  Before gluing the layers onto a plain piece of cardstock, I cut out the center portions of the 2 lower layers to use later.  I ended up putting some of that back behind the cut out frame (initially I was going to use a different colour behind it but decided I liked the red better).  I then inked around the edges of the framed area, the outer edges of the top 2 paper layers and the photo with Aged Mahogany Distress Ink.  For the hard to reach areas I used a craft nib to apply the ink.

I used the paper cut out from the centers of the 2 lower layers to make the fans, cutting it into strips, and scoring them at 1/4" intervals to get nice crisp folds.  After folding, I glued 2 strips together to make the larger fan and then glued each end to a craft stick cut to the appropriate length (you can also use a popsicle stick split in half). I then pressed the arch inward, adhering this part with hot glue.  I snipped the bottom of the white lace from the kit to make it easier to arch then glued it onto the fan and covered the messy looking part with a medallion sticker from the kit.  For the smaller fans I used half a medallion sticker. The lace wouldn't sit very flat so I put tiny dabs of glue under the exposed edge to keep it down.

I added a few random touches of green to the paper with a watercolour pencil, then brushed over them with water.

All the flowers I used are included in the kit.  I lightly dry brushed white paint over all of them except the larger red rose.  The bright yellow flower with the stamen center was pulled apart from a larger flower in the kit. I trimmed off the long ends of the stamens sticking out the back and re-glued the back to keep the stamens from falling out.

The butterfly sticker, metal chair, cross (I modified this with some tin snips) and the rhinestone corner flourish are all from the kit.  I inked around the edge of the butterfly and lightly wiped some green ink onto the metal embellishments.  The photo was glued to a piece of plain chipboard to keep it laying flat over the lumpy background.  I also added some cheesecloth underneath the flowers, dabbing it with a brush dipped in the green mist used earlier. Then it was just a matter of gluing everything down.

Here are some close-ups.

Thanks for looking.  Hope you enjoyed the tutorial.

--------------------

You can see more of Tracy's beautiful work in our Design Team Gallery!

Here's the November Limited Edition Kit:

We invite you to join us and experience the possibilities that our coordinated monthly kits offer. To purchase a kit, please visit our website, here.

Step by Step Layout Tutorial by Jodi Wilton

Hi everyone!  Jodi here today to share with you a step by step layout tutorial using the November Main Kit!  This kit was absolutely GORGEOUS! It was jam packed with oodles and oodles of embellishments, and I knew I wanted to do something fun with all the paper flowers in this kit!  So I came up with the idea of creating a fun, easy, and unique border, that will make any layout stand out!

The first step is to adhere the flowers around the edge of a piece of cardstock. Do not leave any white space!

I thought this was pretty as is, and would look great as a wall hanging, but I really wanted this to fit into any album for my sister (the picture is of my niece!). The next step is to turn the cardstock over, and carefully cut off all the flower edges that overlap the cardstock.

So easy, and it looks great when it is all done!  Now to fill the middle up! I took the black trim in the kit and tucked it from one corner to another.  I then cut two squares- out of the yellow paper and 8 inch square, and out of the black and white striped sheet a 7 inch square. I then cut these squares from one side to another to create two triangles. I added the larger triangles first and overlapped them with the smaller one:

Finally I added my embellishments:  Added two tags with gold twine wrapped around the top left hand corner of the squares.  I added the 4 X 6 photo. then all the wonderful stickers.  I love layering with all the different embellishments in this kit:

Some detailed photos of the embellishments:

Thanks for letting me share today! I hope you are having just as much fun with this kit as I did!

--------------------

You can see more of Jodi's beautiful work in our Design Team Gallery!

Here's the November Main Kit:

We invite you to join us and experience the possibilities that our coordinated monthly kits offer. To purchase a kit, please visit our website, here.

November Kit Reveal + Guest Designer Introductions

It's REVEAL TIME!

We have been bursting at the seams to share the spectacular lineup of kits that Pam has put together for November.

We say this every month, but seriously, each and every month Pam manages to outdo herself again and again. Many of our design team members have commented that this month's kits rank way up there among their all-time favorites.

Without further ado, presenting our November 2014 kits:

Our November Main kit features the incredibly beautiful Crate Paper Open Book collection by Maggie Holmes. A sure favorite, this kit includes tons of gorgeous coordinating embellishments for decorating your projects.

Our November Creative kit features a fantastic variety of papers and embellishments. You'll find goodies from American Crafts, Pebbles, Pink Paislee, Jillibean Soup, and more in this fun kit.

Our November Limited Edition kit features the gorgeous Kaisercraft Be-YOU-tiful collection and includes tons of Prima goodies (and more)... Ingvild Bolme cast iron pieces and stamp-n-add angel wings set, an incredible amount of flowers, gorgeous trims and alphas... ahh what's not to love about this stunning kit?!

Our November Album kit is all about Fall! Featuring Simple Stories Sweater Weather and including fun embellishments from Prima, Fancy Pants, Carta Bella, and more, this kit is perfect for capturing your fond Fall/Autumn memories.

-------------------------

Details about subscribing to any of our kits can be found on our website at MyCreativeScrapbook.com.  There are several membership options to choose from. Kits are available in limited quantities, so don't delay!

While you're on our website, we encourage you to visit our incredible design team gallery to see all of the absolutely amazing creations that our designers have prepared with our kits.

-------------------------

We're thrilled to introduce our talented group of November guest designers!

Returning Guest Designer

Kristine Davidson

 

Kristine Davidson lives in New Brunswick, Canada. She works full time as a sales and service agent for an airline company and loves to spend her spare time creating. She also loves anything chocolaty, city skylines, and sunsets.

Kristine has been an avid scrapbooker for over 7 years and addicted to pop dots, diecuts and of course pattern paper. She is the founder of a scrapbook sketch site called Creative Scrappers, and currently a design team member for Jillibean Soup and Simple Stories. She is thrilled to be our guest designer this month and looking forward to providing you with some inspiration to create!

-------------------------

Guest Designer
Elisa Delora

Hi, my name is Elisa Delora and I am from New Brunswick, Eastern Canada, just above Maine. I married my longtime study buddy/best friend/boyfriend/hubby of 14 years but we’ve known each other for 23. We have 3 boys, 8, 6 and 3 1/2, so the house is busy and loud.

I started scrapbooking very soon after DS#1 was born when some friends showed me the amazing albums they were making- like mini works of art featuring their kids. I was soon hooked and never looked back. It’s a welcome mental break/relaxation method to wind down from a busy job and 3 noisy boys. I put on some Netflix and set to make some beautiful family memory easier to remember. My style has always been loud and colourful, but has gotten more layered and detailed throughout the years. It’s recently been described as « boisterous and rambunctious », and I can’t argue with that…I love Simple Stories, Echo Park, and Fancy Pants Design. They always seem to find a way to make colourful collections to showcase the boys’ adventures. I’ve been published in Scrapbook Extra and Canadian Scrapbooker. I’ve been a DT member at Creative Scrappers and am presently serving a second term at Let’s Capture Our Memories.

-------------------------

Guest Designer
Michelle McDonald

Hi! My name is Michelle, and I’m thrilled to be guest designing for My Creative Scrapbook. I live in Tennessee with my wonderfully supportive husband John, and our daughter Makara. My family feature throughout my work, they are my world. My addiction to scrapbooking began about 2 years ago. There’s so much to learn and fun techniques to try. I really enjoy the creative outlet while documenting the everyday moments of our loved ones. I enjoy creating a variety of projects including layouts, cards, tags, off the page projects, and the occasional mini album. I have been on a few design teams and made some amazing friendships along the way. I’m really looking forward to sharing some of my creations with you.

-------------------------

Guest Designer
Tracy Funk

I am a stay-at-home mom of two boys, ages 11 and 14 and have been married to my husband Paul for 19 years. I started scrapbooking in 2008. Before that I thought scrapbooking was "lame" but I soon realized what a true art form it could be and have been addicted ever since. I am so pleased to be a guest designer here at My Creative Scrapbook.

-------------------------

We hope you will continue to visit our blog throughout the month to see all of the wonderful tips, techniques, and tutorials that our designers have prepared just for you!

Don't forget about our sketch challenge... we have a terrific sketch and a fabulous prize package to give away. Visit our sketch blog for all of the details!

November Sneak Peeks!

It's time for our November sneak peeks!

Oh how we love this time of the month. We are so excited for you to see the kits that are coming your way.

Pam has once again put together a fantastic set of kits, so if you've been thinking of subscribing, now is the time to hurry over to our website to reserve yours.

Have a look at our November Main kit:

(as always, you can click on the photo to make it larger)

--------------------

Check out our November Creative kit:

--------------------

Feast your eyes on our November Limited Edition Kit:

--------------------

Last but not least, take a peek at our November Album kit:

--------------------

WOW, right?!

Don't forget to reserve your kits while supplies last!

*** See you for the full reveal on the 5th! ***

Get to Know DT Member Sandi Clarkson + A Detailed Look Through Sandi's October Kit Work

As we wrap up another month of fabulous kits along with brilliantly beautiful layouts, cards, mini albums, and projects from our design team, we thought it'd be fun to shine a spotlight on one of our design team members.

DT member Sandi Clarkson stops at nothing to include beautiful details in her work. Read on as she walks us through many of her details of her October Limited Edition kit work.

We hope you will also enjoy a little question and answer session with Sandi at the end of the post!

--------------------

Hello, My Creative Scrapbook Kit Club fans!! I am so happy to share my October projects with you! I had the privilege of using the always gorgeous Limited Edition Kit and I must say that this month's kit contents really got the mojo flowing. 

"Relax"

Firstly, I created a layout using a vintage photo of my mom (curlers and all) and dad enjoying a cup of coffee on their front porch. Since this Kit featured Prima's Coffee Break collection, I just couldn't resist! Even though I'm a big coffee drinker myself, I always associate it with my parents. LOL 

I've used my  favorite distressing technique on this one ... burning the edges! Be very careful doing this one, girls! I always do this using the flame of a candle BUT over the kitchen sink WITH a stream of water running ... just in case! And ALWAYS when someone else is home. You can never be too careful! Those are my THREE cardinal rules and I don't break them no matter what!! Sink, water, third party at home! It's a must! 

So, here is one pretty cluster. I adored all the lovely flowers in the Kit this time but the black and white striped one was a special fave of mine! De-lish! And aren't those glasses just the cutest things? You can see a bit of my stamping in the background. 

In this close-up you can see where I've used molding paste with The Crafters Workshop stencil from the Kit and then used the Prima Coffee Break stamp over it. 

This is the same technique but on the other side of the photo.  Of course, the white gesso over the middle of the page provides a nice base. 

***

"The Big Street"

Next, I created a pink layout using a photo I found on Pinterest of Lucille Ball from a movie she did called The Big Street. I had no idea that she did dramatic roles before she did comedy.  Anyway,  I wanted to do something just a little bit different and so, I dug out my punches. They don't get much use these days!  I had a tutorial on this earlier in the month. 

In this cluster you can see the gorgeous Prima vine with the pearls and leaves. Oh so pretty! I've tucked both the sheer ribbon as well as some of the sequined trim into the cluster. Off to the side is another sequin from the embellishments package.  Loved these! 

I wanted to demonstrate that the TCW stencil could be used with inks as well as with molding paste and that is what I've done here in black. You can see the somewhat circular pattern to the right of the photo cluster. To help with contrast, I've primed my pink paper with a white gelato from my stash. My large alphas were altered with chalk ink. 

In the upper left corner, I've again used ink with the TCW stencil in the weaved pattern and this time with a charcoal grey. I've done this randomly across the page. It's very faint but adds a nice touch! 

I wanted to show you the pretty wooden piece from the Kit. I loved these and for the most part left them bare except for this page. Here I've used some Lindy's Stamp Gang Embossing Powder from my stash to give it a nice shine. To create the bubbles you see in the background, I just used a stencil from my stash along with the stencil from the Kit. Bubbles seemed appropriate for this oldie "movie" page. You can see more of the black ink-work done with the TCW stencil also. 

***

"Today"

Oh my, this one was so hard to photograph! But trust me, there is about a 1/4" of a polka dot edge all the way around that is just too cute. The rest is pretty simple with banner and layers of notecards and embellishments. 

It's very hard to see but I've again used the TCW stencil with the charcoal grey ink and then followed that with my own ledger stencil and some molding paste. To add color I've used Lindy's Stamp Gang's Grab a Guy Gold and let the mist run down the page.  See that spoon and the sweet little cup? Adore! I figure this girl of mine could use her coffee while studying! 

And the same thing over on this side. Loving these wooden embellishments! 

***

"Zoe"

I've had lots of comments on this layout during the Blog Hop which struck me as humorous because I seriously made this one from tiny leftover scraps! I did plan ahead on the flowers and one of the papers but the rest was sheer luck! Whew! Having a cute photo helps! 

At first I wasn't sure about this hand embellishment but I thought it looked adorable here on top of the pretty flowers with the sequins off to the side and the twine and sheer ribbon underneath it all. And of course, pointing to the newest member of our family.  It was so fun tucking in the teapots, coffee cups and other trivia here and there ... just finding a spot for everything that was left over from the kit.  I think I feel in love with sequins all over again! 

You can barely see in the background that I've used a stencil from my stash along with some molding paste and mists for a dash of texture and color contrast. I colorized my alphas as well. Don't you love that nice, large Prima flower? I distressed the edges of the flower a bit with my scissors just to change it up! 

Here you can see some of the layers of cards and embellies. As I mentioned earlier, I was dead-set on leaving these wooden shapes "naked" because I loved the contrast they provided against the colors. But they are easy to alter with paints, mists or embossing powders … whatever you choose. 

Thanks for letting me share! I hope you have received your Kit by now and are having fun! If you haven't joined us yet, click on this LINK to get more information!

--------------------

And now, let's get to know Sandi!

How did you get started with scrapbooking? 

I started scrapping after my older daughter made an idle remark about not remembering doing anything "memorable" for Easter. She was teasing me but naturally I wanted to set the record straight! So, photo documentation seemed the way to go. I knew I'd seen scrapbooking "stuff" at the local big box stores, so off I went. Oh my! I wandered aimlessly for hours. Thank goodness for those things called kits! I had no idea what to do with my supplies once I bought them but I sure did put my heart and soul into that silly album. And my daughter now remembers ALL about Easter ... on many levels. It actually touched her very deeply.

What is your favorite subject to scrap?

Favorite subject? That's easy! My grand babies, of course! I'm also fond of scrapping wedding photos. Or anything candid that really touches the soul and tells a story.

What is your favorite technique to use lately?

I love playing with my molding paste, stencils and colors of all kinds ... whether mists, gelatos, water colors or whatever you like. I love building my background.

What advice do you have for someone brand new to scrapbooking?

New? First of all, don't go overboard buying things. You'd be surprised how little you need to make a fabulous project! Tools are almost a thing of the past. Today, at least for me, it's more about the art supplies, gesso etc. Join a Kit club and get plugged in. Follow our Blog. Look for inspiration online. It's everywhere. For free!

Do you have any other hobbies?

I've always been a big reader! Books are like buried treasure. Love them. Decorating is a fun past time for me. There's always one more thing to do. I also love gardening although this years' garden is looking kind of sad. Long story! And I crochet just enough to be able to pass that talent on to the next generation. I used to sew all the time but now I just sew on paper! LOL

--------------------

Happy Halloween to those celebrating.

See you right back here tomorrow for our November SNEAK PEEKS :)