Doodling…What Doodling?

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Alicia Redshaw

This month’s challenge at White with 1 is to create a layout with a white base, brown and doodling.

Apart from the page and lettering outlines there is some serious Doodling on this layout, and I am going to show you how I did it.

So what did I do?

I have used a Copic Multiliner Pen (Sepia 0.3) which is water-proof once dry, and a Crafters Workshop Mini Hexagons Template to create the outlines of various sized Hexagons in the area around and behind the photograph.

Next I traced just inside the outlines with an Inktense (Saddle Brown) pencil, which isn’t your average watercolour pencil. Inktense aren’t just INTENSE in colour, they are actually a permanent ink once wet and then dried. (As this is a time consuming technique I didn’t colour the Hexagons that would be completely hidden by the photograph)

Finally I used a damp brush to wet and blend the Inktense pencil outlines. To ensure that the brush is only damp not wet I continuously rinse it in clean water and then lightly pat it onto clean paper towel. I use a pretty good quality soft brush that doesn’t have any stray hairs that could make a mess. I have worked fairly loosly so that the design isn’t too rigid even though it is geometric, and also so that there is a degree of variance in the tones of the Inktense once dry.

This is the finished result and a close-up of a small area, where you can see the colour variance and the loose edges.

I have never seen this technique done before, however that isn’t to say that someone hasn’t already thought of it. I am going to keep experimenting with it to see where else it will go.

Now for some close-ups:

Supplies used:
Patterned paper – Kaiser Basecoat (Distressed)
Cardstock – Bazzill (Lace)
Lettering, Flowers, Key Clip – Prima
PanPastels – Burnt Sienna Shade, Raw Umber
Ink – Versacolor (Pinecone), Prima (Pastel Brown)
Shimmerz Mists – Vibez (Hot Fudge), Spritz (Treasured Hymn)
Pencil – Inktense (Saddle Brown)
Pens – Copic Multiliner (Sepia 0.3), Tim Holtz Distress Markers (Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain)
Chipboard – Imaginarium (Butterfly)
Template – Crafters Workshop (Mini Hexagons 6×6)
Pearl Swirl – Zva Creative

All products used have been purchased from Scrapbook Fantasies.

A couple of Canvas’

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Alicia Redshaw

I’m back tonight to share two canvas’ I completed in February and just didn’t get around to photographing until now. I don’t know where the inspiration for them came from, although I am pretty sure that Donna Downey has influenced them both somehow. They are both created using Golden Fluid Acrylics, Golden Mediums, Tim Holtz Tissue paper and embellishments from Scrapbook Fantasies.

Additional items on this first canvas include Golden Fiber Paste swiped over the background, Golden Soft Gel (Gloss) applied through a Crafters Workshop template, Collections word strips, a postage stamp, a Kaiser nest and eggs, and the tree is painted with Golden Heavy Body Acrylics.

This second canvas also has Caran D’Ache Neocolor 2′s, a Donna Downey (Prima) stencil with Golden Light Molding Paste for the flowers and stems, the background has been stamped with a Darkroom Door Script Background stamp and Jet Black Ranger Archival Ink, and the same ink has been used with some EKSuccess letter stamps for the verse.

CSI #38 & OUAS Sept #3

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Alicia Redshaw

I created this layout back in September for CSI (Color, Stories, Inspiration) #38 which was one of the files that included a sketch from Once Upon A Sketch. I used a photograph of my dear friend Alannah taken a couple of years ago.

The background has been misted sparingly, dried, blobs of mist were flicked on from the cap which were then forced to run, dried, tissuewrap was applied with matte medium, dried, light modeling paste was applied through a dot mask, dried, misted sparingly again, dried and then more blobs of mist were flicked on from the cap and then forced to run.

The Evidence from the CSI File is flowers, newsprint and misting, with a border on my journaling spot for the Testimony.

The CSI file and OUAS sketch:

Supplies used:
Patterned paper – My Minds Eye
Cardstock – Bazzill Dotted Swiss (Salt)
Journaling spots – K&Company
Flowers – Prima (white), Green Tara (teal)
Wooden Swirls – Scrapbooking Australia
Bookplate – Making Memories
Lettering – Kaiser
Leaves – Prima
Pens – Distress Markers (Crushed Olive, Old Paper)
Mist – Perfect Pearls (Biscotti), Lindys Stamp Gang (Gecko Green), Glimmermist (Juniper, Tattered Leather)
Mask – The Crafters Workshop
Ink – Versacolor (Pinecone)
Lace – Websters Pages
Feather – unknown
Paint – Viva Decor Precious Metal (650)
Phrase Sticker – Cosmo Cricket
Tissuewrap – Tim Holtz
Mediums – Liquitex Matte Medium, Liquitex Light Modeling Paste, Ranger Glossy Accents

Once Upon A Sketch – November 2012

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Alicia Redshaw

The theme this month at Once Upon A Sketch is “Anything Goes”, so I decided to create a layout about Quentins Grandma Heidke. She is the only Grandparent we have left between us, and we cherish her so very much.

I was careful to tape some scrap paper to all four sides of the 6″x6″ Chicken Wire Mask, so that there was no unwanted overspray on the background. I also only used a light touch so that excess mist didn’t bleed under the mask.

I spent a lot of time cutting the various flowers from quite a few Basic Grey papers that have been in my stash for some time, and one that has only just recently arrived in my stash too.

I misted the title with the Postbox Red before a light overcoat of the Biscotti. I didn’t apply the Glossy Accents until the mist was completely dry – with a little help from a heat tool.

The Sketch from Once Upon A Sketch:

Supplies used:
Patterned papers – Basic Grey, Echo Park
Chipboard title – Imaginarium Designs
Mist – Dylusions (Postbox Red, Pure Sunshine), Perfect Pearls (Biscotti)
Ink – Versacolor (Pinecone)
Mask – The Crafters Workshop
Rhinestone swirl – Pebbles
Bling – Kaiser, Me and My Big Ideas, Unknown
Pen – Zig Writer (Chocolate)
Transparent tickets – Maya Road
Glossy Accents
Distress Stickles (Rock Candy)

The Color Room Palette #127

Posted on September 18, 2012 by Alicia Redshaw

This is actually the Color Room palette from last week, that just hasn’t quite gotten here until now. I had a lot of fun creating with this palette, even though I thought it may be a little hard considering the colours and the chevron pattern.

To start my layout I grabbed the red piece of cardstock and somehow started thinking of my journey through life which prompted a search for the perfect photograph/s. I quickly found this one from a trip to the beach when I was pregnant with my youngest son, also at a time when I was feeling particularly happy, content and grounded. I found the cool chevron ribbon at work, which then led to the texture paste spots in the background and then the decision to swap the squares in the sketch for circles. I am really happy with the resulting layout as it conveys my message perfectly, and has already been scraplifted by someone I hold very dear and have come to love as I would a favourite Aunt (and because she is shy I won’t name her here, however she knows who she is and now she knows how much I love and appreciate her).

Anyway onto my layout…

I created the flower by die-cutting the Alison Ellis striped paper with the Rosette die (the one that has two sizes on it). I then stuck the two pieces together (one on top of the other) with strong tape, sandwiching the tulle between them. {The tulle can’t be too wide or it curls forward at the edges when the flower is completed} After this I assembled the flower as normal with a strong liquid adhesive, except it took a long time to settle down flat and I had to hold it flat with my bag of Copic Markers whilst it dried/calmed down (I am quite impatient sometimes…waiting for glue to dry isn’t my thing). I actually made three of these flowers, and have given the other two to Mum. I wonder what she will do with them?

Supplies used:
Patterned paper – Alison Ellis
Cardstock – Bazzill
Embossed cardstock – Core’dinations
Ink – Versacolor (Black)
Pens – Uniball Signo Black (journaling and doodling on background), Zig Photo Signature Black (doodling on photograph)
Ribbon – Green Tara
Tulle – SSS
Glitter Tape – American Crafts
Resin flowers – Prima
Bling – unknown (small gold), Teresa Collins (large clear), Prima (gold swirl)
Button – Bo Bunny
Thread – DMC
Texture Paste – Jo Sonja
Mask – The Crafters Workshop
Lettering – Jillibean Soup (teal), American Crafts Thickers (white)
Stamp – Colop (date)
Cutting die – Tim Holtz for Sizzix (Rosette)
Punch – Fiskars (circle)

The Color Room Palette #127:

CSI File #36 & OUAS Sept #1

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Alicia Redshaw

I had planned to use either of two other photographs for this CSI (Color, Stories, Inspiration) file, however this photograph of my late Great-Aunt just kept coming to the top of the pile and seemed to want me to go with my heart in how I designed the layout.

As an added bonus this month CSI have teamed-up with Once Upon A Sketch, so each CSI File in September comes with a Sketch designed by the very talented Nadia Cannizzo. Don’t forget that Scrapbook Fantasies is a regular sponsor at Once Upon A Sketch too, and will also be a sponsor somewhere else soon too (I just can’t spill the beans yet).

My Aunty Dory was a very special and important part of my life, and I am really glad that this photograph of her wanted to be used right now as it gave me the opportunity to put into words (and into our family albums) exactly how I feel.

I wanted my journaling to stand out without taking away from the photograph and my Aunts infectious smile, so I wrote it with the Old Paper Distress Marker first then with the Tea Dye Distress Marker over the top. I have also used the Old Paper Distress Marker to colour the keys on the background paper, as they seemed to just be floating without purpose.

All of the embellishments on this layout represent some aspect of my memories of my Aunt or her beautiful personality. I have used the butterfly masks and the yellow Pan Pastel on the background, however it is very hard to see in the photographs. I have also used the Pan Pastel on the wooden hearts to make them a bit more buttery yellow like the swatch in the case file.

The evidence I have used from the case file is leaves, misting, tone-on-tone inking and stamped/masked butterflies floating across the page.

The testimony I have used from the case file is what my layout is really about, a letter to my dearly departed Great-Aunt. It reads:

“Dearest Aunty Dory
I love you and miss you dearly. As I approach the first anniversary of your passing I am realising more and more how deep my love for you is. I know that Quentin, Mum and the kids miss your dearly too, as we all still include you in our daily prayers. I am comforted to know that you are no longer in pain, and can now be with Uncle Stan, Dad and the rest of our heavely family. Live in peace knowing that I will always love you.
Your loving Great-Neice
Alicia”

Supplies used:
Patterned papers – Prima, Memento, My Mind’s Eye, Papermania, Kaiser
Ink – Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Vintage Photo)
Pens – Tim Holtz Distress Markers (Tea Dye, Old Paper), Zig Writer (Chocolate), Copic Multiliner (0.3 Sepia)
Cutting die – Tim Holtz for Sizzix (Tag)
Chipboard – Imaginarium Designs
Flowers – Prima
Pearls – Bo Bunny (yellow), unknown (heart)
Bling – unknown
Wooden Hearts – Studio Calico
Corrogated paper – Fancy Pants
Canvas tag – Prima
Pin – Prima
Velvet ribbon – Kaiser
Paint – Viva Decor Precious Metal (Gold)
Lace tape – Basic Grey
Punch – Carl (circle)
Stamp – Collections (butterfly)
Soft Pastel – Pan Pastel (Yellow Ochre Tint)
Mask – The Crafters Workshop (6×6 & 12×12 Mariposa)
Mist – Glimmermist (Sugar Maple, Peach Delight, Gold), Dylusions (Pure Sunshine), Perfect Pearls Mist (Heirloom Gold), Lindys Stamp Gang (Clam Bake Beige)

The CSI/OUAS challenge:

Kraft It Up – September 2012

Posted on September 9, 2012 by Alicia Redshaw

The Kraft It Up Challenge for September is a colour scheme, that I have loved using for a layout about Milton when he was 11. Not only does Milton like the colour green, it also suits him and layouts about him.

Scrapbook Fantasies is one of the many sponsors of the Kraft It Up Challenge in September, donating two packs of ribbons in brown/kraft tones valued at over $20 each (plus FREE International postage). So have a go, I’d love to see what you all come up with.

I created the background with a plain piece of Kraft cardstock, sand coloured paint, several green mists, my most used stamp (Darkroom Door French Script Background) and black ink, some masked spots, some old rubons in black and white and some of that Teresa Collins Washi Tape that has appeared on a few of my recent layouts.

The Kraft It Up Challenge for September:

Supplies used:
Patterned kraft paper – Canvas Corp
Cardstock – Bazzill (Kraft, Coal)
Corrogated cardstock – Fancy Pants
Pens – Inksenntials (white), Zig Photo Signature (black)
Paint – Reeves (sand)
Mask – The Crafters Workshop
Stamp – Darkroom Door (French Script Background)
Mist – Dylusions (Cut Grass), Lindys Stamp Gang (Freaky Franken-Lime)
Ink – Memento (Tuxedo Black), Versacolor (Fresh Green), Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Mowed Lawn)
Washi Tape – Teresa Collins
Brads – Basic Grey (green dots), Karen Foster (white rings, green corner)
Tag – Making Memories
Letters – American Crafts Thickers (green), Carolees Creations (white squares)
Rubons – Fancy Pants
Chipboard stars – Collections
Twine – WeR Memory Keepers

CSI (Color, Stories, Inspiration) File #35

Posted on September 8, 2012 by Alicia Redshaw

I knew what I wanted to do with CSI (Color, Stories, Inspiration) File #35 as soon as I saw it. The photograph is of my Mum, and was taken at Tannum Sands in January 2009.

I wanted to convey how proud I am of my Mum and her strength, as well as how her Faith has helped her to obtain that strength and how Happy I am for her. I know it is a lot to include, however it is just perfect for a file with a “Random” journaling theme. All of the embellishments and elements are also a bit random too, however they all mean something in the many messages I wanted to convey with this layout.

I have started this layout by applying texture paste with a palette knife through the Crafters Workshop Clock Mask, before drowning it with the mists. I used the green Precious Metal paint on a piece of Cut’n'Dry Foam around the outside edge of the background too.

I gathered the lace by hand with a running stitch before holding it down on the layout with the American Crafts Glitter Tape, which is super strong and fun to use.

I have used the Croco Crackling Colour on the chipboard frame in a patting motion. I didn’t want large or noticable cracks so I didn’t apply it very thickly. The cardstock inside the frame is a relic from my stash that is probably as old as Scrapbook Fantasies (my business), which is nine and a half years old tomorrow.

I have to also include a special thank you to the CSI team for choosing my layout from File #34 to be on their Most Wanted List.

The evidence from the file (pictured below) I used is paint, starfish, a tilted photograph and a flower.

The testimony I used is to include several seemingly random things about my Mum and to journal about how Happy I am that my Mum is Happy.

Supplies used:
Patterned paper – Prima (script), Basic Grey (yellow)
Cardstock – unknown
Chipboard – Twiddleybitz (frame), Imaginarium Designs (leaves)
Flower – Prima
Bling – Teresa Collins (dots), unknown (border)
Brads – WeR Memory Keepers (heart), Basic Grey (green epoxy)
Keyhole – Melissa Frances
Pen – Tim Holtz Distress Marker (Brushed Corduroy)
Letters – American Crafts Thickers (white), Authentique (green circles), Carolees Creations (squares)
Word stickers – Cosmo Cricket
Metal word charm – Making Memories
Pin – Maya Road
Washi tape – Teresa Collins
Starfish – unknown
Texture paste – Jo Sonja
Masks – The Crafters Workshop
Mist – Lindys Stamp Gang (Aloha Avocado, Pineapple Paradise, Freaky Fanken-Lime), Perfect Pearls (Heirloom Gold, Biscotti)
Ink – Versacolor (Mountain Lake, Pinecone), Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Mowed Lawn)
Thread – DMC
Glitter tape – American Crafts (Peacock)
Lace – Birch
Paint – Viva Decor Precious Metal (701, 650, 705), Viva Decor Croco Crackling Colour (650)

CSI (Color, Stories, Inspiration) File #35:

CSI (Color, Stories, Inspiration) File #34

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Alicia Redshaw

This layout for CSI (Color, Stories, Inspiration) File #34 started out being about how much I love relaxing and spending time with my family, however it ended-up being about some of the many life lessons that I learnt from my wise and wonderful Father prior to his passing in 1999.

Whilst I was creating this layout it took over and directed me where it needed to go, and that included the theme and journaling. I stopped part way through, put pen to paper and this is what appeared before my eyes (now the journaling on the layout):

“My Dad taught me a lot of Life lessons before he was taken from us when I was 26. Along with many other things he taught me to treat others with respect, to always love my family, to stay strong, to make time to relax, and to work on my Life as a whole package…Mind, Body and Soul. I have learnt through my own experiences that he was right, so I live my life by the many lessons that I was taught by my wise and wonderful Father.”

I started my background with a generous amount of Bundled Sage Distress Stain, followed by some Gesso and a Chicken Wire Mask (with the help of a palette knife), and then loads of mist (some sprayed and forced to run, and some splattered using my technique shared here).

I coloured the large patterned (floral) letter stickers with the Worn Lipstick Distress Marker to help them stand out against the busy background, and co-ordinate with the rest of the layout.

To solve this CSI Case File I did the following:
Evidence – tree (actually a branch), wet medium (gesso, stain, mist), ribbon
Testimony – how I relax (that was the plan), list five things (five things I learnt from my Father), the inspiration word relax (it is in there and was a major part of the original plan), added ribbon to my journaling spot

Supplies used:
Cardstock – Bazzill (White OP)
Pens – Tim Holtz Distress Markers (Broken China, Worn Lipstick)
Ink – Versacolor (Cardinal)
Paint – Tim Holtz Distress Stain (Bundled Sage)
Gesso – Jo Sonja (White)
Mist – Lindy’s Stamp Gang (Cosmopolitan Pink), Glimmermist (Be Mine), Perfect Pearls Mist (Turquoise), October Afternoon (Carbon Copy)
Mask – Crafters Workshop (Chicken Wire)
Doily – WeR Memory Keepers (oval)
Buttons – Basic Grey
Bling – Kaiser
Ribbon – Making Memories (tan flourish), American Crafts (coral spot)
Flowers – Prima (Fabric Fancies, Donna Downey Sculpture Flowers)
Pearls – Teresa Collins
Word stickers – Authentique
Wooden embellishments – Kaiser
Thread – DMC
Letters – Making Memories (small), October Afternoon Woodland Park (large)
Washi Tape – unknown

CSI (Color, Stories, Inspiration) File #34:

What I did with my September Sketch

Posted on September 2, 2012 by Alicia Redshaw

As promised here I am to share what I created with my September Sketch which you can find here, along with all the details on how you can win some fab prizes too.

Before I share my layout and card I just wanted to wish all of the Fathers out there (including the honorary ones), a Happy Fathers Day. I want to send a special message of best wishes and love to my Uncle Neville (who has been a wonderful part of our lives since my Fathers passing in 1999) and my brother, Lane (who is a fantastic Father to his two boys).

Now onto my layout and card, both using my sketch signature colour this month “Red”.

The photograph on this layout was taken a couple of days before Noah turned three and was scratched at Daycare by another little boy. I do have more to say about this, however I don’t think it is either appropriate or necessary as the past is the past.

As always I have stitched the buttons on, misted through a mask (London Blue), misted randomly on the background (Turquoise) and added some of my signature partial stamping. The secret to getting this stamping to look natural is to get rid of the stamp block (yes, just use the stamp in your hand not mounted to anything), lightly rub a little of the ink in random spots on the stamp (not all over or patting either) and stamp small sections at a time here and there.

Supplies used:
Patterned paper – Crate Paper Little Boy Blue
Mask – Crafters Workshop (TCW227)
Mist – Dylusions (London Blue), Perfect Pearls (Turquoise)
Ink – Versacolor (Pinecone), Tim Holtz Distress Ink (Salty Ocean)
Stamp – Darkroom Door (Dots Background), Colop (Date)
Pen – Tim Holtz Distress Marker (Faded Jeans)
Ribbons – Vandoros
Twine – unknown
Buttons – Basic Grey
Thread – DMC
Lettering – American Crafts Thickers for Crate Paper Little Boy Blue (red), Jillbean Soup (yellow)

I enjoy creating cards, however I don’t seem to do it as much as I should. I don’t always remember to give cards either, as life seems to pass me by at a flying pace most of the time. This card uses some of my favourite products and went together very quickly and easily.

I have used Rock Candy Distress Stickles on the tips of the flower petals to give some shimmer and shine without changing the beautiful vibrant red colour.

Supplies used:
Patterned paper – Graphic 45 Kraft Reflections, My Minds Eye Lost & Found 6×6 Sunshine paper pad
Cardstock – Bazzill (French Vanilla)
Dies – Spellbinders (Ovals, Scalloped Ovals)
Bling – Kaiser (swirls), Me & My Big Ideas (dots)
Word sticker – Authentique
Glitter – Tim Holtz Distress Stickles (Rock Candy)
Flowers – Kaiser
Ink – Versacolor (Pinecone)
Lace – Teresa Collins
Trim – Green Tara