Make you own....

Here is a simple way to add matching details to your scrapbook pages.

You can always buy strips of patterned card/paper when purchasing 12 x 12 scrapbook papers but when you make your own papers to find these matching your background is almost impossible.

The page above has been randomly sprayed using Dylusions sprays.

To make a matching border I used Faber Castelle Big Brush pens which are great used as a normal pen but also great to water down to use as a wash.

Cut a 12" strip of smooth card and add the wash of your choice.

Using a ruler draw a straight line to initially work to, this stops patterns sloping up or down! 

I used a POSCA pen to draw my design on, don't worry if your design is not perfectly symmetrical or spaced out, after all this is handmade and as in nature that means not always 'perfect'

Continue adding your design.

Once you have finished your design cut it to shape if necessary.

This is now ready to use and matches your background beautifully.

Making your own embellishments to match too is also fun, here I have stamped on self adhesive canvas and used the Big Brush Pens to colour match.

You now have tailor made original add ons for your pages. If you know what colours you intend to use in future pages you could make some in advance so they are dry and ready to use when required.

Double Journal Page

I was experimenting with joining shape and colour with these pages. The size of the journal is the large Dylusions one so it gave me lots of scope to work with. I used all sorts on these pages eg Gelatos, stamps, masks, paint, Big Brush Pens and POSCA pens. I am happy with result, in fact it turned out better than I thought it would.

So my next challenge will be to have a go at a mini journal, I know Kate Crane has some stunning pages in hers so I will be off to have a quick look at her blog in the near future.

I hope you have gained some inspiration from my pages.

This and That Journal

Not much to say about this page except I love it! The background I made using Big Brush pens, POSCA in white, black journal pen and Washi tape. Hand drawn images along with images from Deviant Scrap and the feather is a stamp by Darcy at PaperArtsy.

Keep Calm and Craft

After undercoating this laser cut (see post below) I decided to decorate it using DecoArt Fluid Acrylics. I used these as they are highly pigmented and the effect above was made using lots of water which was allowed to run through the paint to get the running drip feel. Once dry each letter was outlined using a black POSCA pen. This fab laser cut is available from That Craft Place (they also cut to order one off pieces).

SoSoft Baby Grow Book Cover

I wanted to make a book cover from an item of clothing as I had some fab fabric paint from DeocArt. I hit the charity shops and found a baby grow for 50p!

I chopped off the arms and legs.

I then turned the baby grow inside out and sewed down each side.

I took some card (which needs to be a good weight for a book cover) and inserted it into the baby grow from the bottom. I then hand sewed across the bottom enclosing the card.

I diluted some SoSoft with water and put it into a mister bottle. This technique is great for craft products where washing the fabric is not required, I wouldn't recommend doing this if a garment requires repeated washing as the colour fades.

This creates a fabulously delicate blended result.

I used the Eucalyptus mask from StencilGirl for a general background pattern.

I then cut off a pocket from a t shirt and used the Tornado stencil by Andy Skinner to create the feeling of a sky and then used a leaf mask from Imaginations Crafts, I finished off the leaves with a white POSCA pen. This I then attached to the baby grow to cover the tiny bear motif printed on it.

I added a pink spotted felt flower that I had edged with SoSoft, a steam punk heart that I had added some ribbon to and finished off with a butterfly that I made from shrink plastic and alcohol inks. I used the remains of the watered down SoSoft to 'dye' a piece of fabric which I knotted into a bow tie and stuck in place.

I used a mask from Crafters Workshop to create the flames adding some free hand flames to get the overall desired look. I outlined these in a fine white POSCA pen. Finally I hand painted a phoenix and edged this with black and white POSCA pens.

I thought the phoenix was a great tie in to the baby grow as both represent a new beginning, a new life.

I look forward to your comments.