How To Make Texture The Center Of Attention

Here's a sweet layout showing how I make texture the center of attention. Texture is the quirky denizen in a crafter's bag of tricks. Embossing, paste, fabric, paper layers, sequins, even foam tape adds texture. For a stunning overall effect add texture in layers, using lots of different methods.

~ Mayday Moments ~

This layout is staged on two embossed papers, the first with dry embossing the second with glitter embossing. The grey paper is from a DCWV stack, Sophisticated Neutrals. That exotic pink with yellow paisleys is from the Storyteller collection by Linda Wood.

 A hexagon embossing folder shapes a strip of wood veneer. I've been having a lovely run through my stash and realized I hadn't yet used this veneer from an old MME set, Necessities. It makes a great photo mat for this layout. 

 Helmar adhesive was my bestie throughout this process. From holding down a sheet of veneer to pinpointing sequins, all I needed was in that yellow bottle. The sequins shown here are from Spiegel Mom Scraps. They come in nifty baggies and I sort them into acrylic organizers.

 The title alpha is an old Thicker set from American Crafts. Those things never did stick well. Here I solve the problem with a bit of gold braid stitched in a triangle. To continue the theme I stapled the tiny type down.

 Here's a shot of all that lumpy, bumpy goodness thanks to foam tape. The burlap hexagons are cut with the same dies I used on the paper. I gave each fabric shape a "glint" with a couple stitches of gold braid.

 Finally, here's a shot that shows off the glitter yellow embossing on the paper. I just LOVE this collection from Linda Wood!

My scrappy sister, Sharon Fritchman posted
  Challenge YOUrself #64
and I decided to join in. You can find the details for this challenge at the highlighted link above. This month's theme is My Favorite Holiday. I love coaxing flowers out of my tiny, urban flower beds so of course I had to choose Mayday.

Scrap On!

~charity hotrum~

How to Make Woodgrain Paper with Mist

Here's a tutorial on a pair of Porthole Cards with tips on how to make wood grain paper with mist. I used two different patterned papers with similar results. The mermaids are different styles depending on the amount of time you have. Enjoy the tutorial!

~ Ahoy There ~

I started with patterned paper in blue. I needed to change the color as well as enhance the grain. I used mist in a medium and a dark brown to create the look I wanted. 

 Step 1: Paint paper with medium brown mist. Use a light layer, too much will saturate the card front.

 Step 2: Paint dark brown stripes over medium brown while it is still wet. This will help the colors meld and give the wood grain effect. If the stripes are too extreme go over the paper with the medium brown a second time.

 The original paper beside the new, wood grain effect gives you a good idea of the change. The second card front also started out blue. I gave the card a medium brown wash and let the existing wood grain shine through. Mist and a paint brush is all it takes.

 The porthole is stamped onto grey cardstock and cut out with Kreaxions Circle Cutter. I adhered it directly to the card front.

 I applied liquid adhesive and craft foam to the back of the card front then left it to dry.

 I diecut the mermaid from script patterned paper then painted on the particulars. you can see the before and after above.

 Mermaid Painting Guide

Step 1: Paint the tale leaving a curve where it meets the body.
Step 2: Paint hair in gold. Use small thin strokes.
Step 3: Paint locks of hair in dark green using medium strokes.

Step 4: Add additional locks of hair in teal using thick strokes.

 By the time my mermaid had dried my card front was also ready. I adhered the mermaid to the center of a blue card blank then added the porthole/wood grain over the top. The second card features a mermaid sticker and is much quicker to make. 

Whether you prefer the painted diva or the pre-cut sticker, this porthole card is sure to please!

Craft On!

~charity hotrum~

How To Make a Fast and Easy Hair Color Layout

This circle focused layout shows how to document hair color fast and easy. Fabulous paper, a catchy title, and of course a smattering of sequins make this layout a winning combination. Calambour provided the seashell and mermaid papers. The lovely sequin mix is courtesy of Spiegel Mom Scraps, and the title, well that's a fav Insta hashtag!

~ Mermaid Hair ~

The mermaid and seashell papers were an instant match for this photo as was the blue cardstock base. Circles represent bubbles, and focus the eye on the photo. I lightly penciled an 8" circle onto the Shell paper then got busy with punches and my Kreaxions Circle Cutter. 

 To give the cardstock bubbles a bit of pop I doodled around the inside edge. I did the same around the photo, for good measure. 

 Drip Rings, a Memory Box texture stencil, added hints of circle among the cut outs. I rubbed on Tonic Studios Nuvo Embellishment Mousse in Citrus Green and Coastal Surf. I also spritzed, painted, and splattered with Tattered Angels Chalkboard in Inchworm, Jade, and Boogie Board.

I inked the edges of some of the circle cutouts and wrapped the others in washi tape then scattered them on the layout. I even popped up a few of them with foam tape. Finally I added a smattering of Robin's Nest Dew Drops and those GORGEOUS sequins! 

SpiegelMom Scraps sells lovely themed mixes in a variety of colors and shapes.

Craft On!

~charity hotrum~