Inky Business

Hi there - it's Heather back with you today.

What I love about Scrappy Chat Designs kits is that there are always new and interesting products in them. It was the Izink that took me by surprise in this kit. I had never used it before. I had a bit of an experiment with it and the background I used on this layout was actually my 'leftovers' one. I'll explain what I mean.

Firstly, the layout:

I cut up that gorgeous Heidi Swapp paper to use as a black border for a number of the elements. The strips behind the photo and the large banners are made from the Pink Paislee 6 x 6 paper pad and I punched the leaves from the Heidi Swapp paper with a leaf punch.

Now this might sound strange but first I'm going to show you how I made the background that I didn't use! You might like to give this a go. Here's the background:

First I sprayed water all over the cardstock. I then dripped on the Izink then sprayed water over the top again to make the Izink swirl and blend. This worked really well but the Bamboo coloured Izink turns yellow when it's wet. I then just dripped on some more Izink and didn't spray water on to add more of the green colour. I dried this off with a heat gun and was pretty pleased with it.

I decided to try to colour one of the doilies with Izink so I mixed the Izink with some water in a spray bottle. Knowing that the doily would create a nice pattern when I sprayed it, I did this on the other piece of white cardstock. I then realised I had way too much Izink on the doily so I turned it over and stamped over the cardstock with it. I decided that I liked this as a background more than my first one so I used this instead.

I was very excited when I saw the Stains stamps in the kit. How cool are these? I used mine to stamp with blue ink, then I used my Metallic Melts on them. I love this combination!

I made flowers out of my sprayed doily. I cut out the solid centre then tore the remaining patterned part of the doily in half lengthways. I then just pleated the paper in my hand to form a flower shape and put a brad in the middle. This made perfectly co-ordinating flowers for my page.

After Sandra came up with so many amazing ideas for that paper wire I felt I had to be extra creative too! I formed mine into a stylised banner string and sprayed it black with Dylusions ink spray. I love this paper wire. It's so versatile. I can see myself using this again and again.

I coloured my word sticker with ink and added sequins across the page. There was still plenty of room left for journalling.

I hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of this month's kit. If you don't have it, you can take a look at it here.

Heather

Hello You

Hello You

Hello again! Sandra here sharing with you the first of three layouts using this month's

Scrappy Chat Designs kit... “Hello”

I loved this kit!
It comes with gorgeous Pink Paislee and Heidi Swapp papers, a bottle of IZINK ink, a Double Scoop gelato stick, my favourite new stamp from Kaisercraft, title stickers, TINBY METALLIC MELTS..... oh it goes on!

Here is my first layout... Hello You..

and I thought I would do a step by step for you on how I put it together.

For all of my layouts this month I used sketches from a fantastic source...

 Page Drafts
I love using sketches and find they help with kick starting my designs , and also getting the most out of my papers .

 Em Stafrace designs some fantastic sketches that can be used for single photo layouts and those tricky multi photo layouts.
For this layout I used Sketch Number 11_2

I used 2 black and white photos which are 2.5 inches by 3 inches
(6.5cm x7.5cm)

*Firstly I trim the barcode strip off the Heidi Swapp Sugar Chic Adore Paper

*then, cut the doily in half and lightly ink edges with black ink

 Cut the script paper into 2 pieces
both 2.5inch across and 6 inch down

(approx 6cm x 15 cm)
and then ink them with black ink  

These will join together to create one long strip of patterned paper.

Cut arrow paper to size...
3 in by 6 in

(approx 8cm x 15cm)

and then ink with black ink

Trim orange “fleur de lys” pattern paper
6in across and 2in down
(15cm x 5cm)

cut in half at around the 3inch mark .
and ink with black ink.

Trim green ‘chevron’ paper to ¾ inch by  3inch

 (2cm x 8cm)

and ink with black ink
Arrange all the cut pieces.. including the doily onto the page as seen in the photo.
as you can see I “tucked” the orange pieces either side of the arrow paper and stick down.

Randomly stamp background with a script stamp ( I used Kaisercraft) and also with your ink/paint splat stamp from the kit using black ink.

Make Rosette flowers using the green triangle paper (15cm x 1.5 cm)
and Orange paper (I used 2 pieces and joined them together AFTER scoring  to make a larger strip of paper)
2 x 2.5cm x 15cm

punch 2 small circles for the centre of the rosette..
and ink with black ink.
attach to these and your photos to your layout

ink title using the  stickers and colour with  black ink

and adhere to your layout.

By now you should have some scrap pieces of paper

Now it’s time to create those paper beads!

On the back of the patterned paper mark out triangles
make a mark on the top of the paper every 2 cm
Then on the bottom of the paper measure in ONE centimetre and then make a mark every 2 cm
Using a pencil and a ruler draw down from the top left corner down to the ONE centimetre mark.
Then draw a line from the ONE centimetre mark to the next mark on the top of the paper.
you have created your first triangle.
Then  continue on creating triangles as in the photo below.

then cut out all of the triangles.

then using a skewer wrap your paper around it.. wide side of the triangle first....



Keep winding, making sure to use constant pressure, until you reach the tip of the triangle.

using a bit of glue (I use readily available white crafting glue)
stick down the tip to the rest of the bead.

I continue creating beads along the skewer until I have enough for what I need.
(tip.. insert the skewer into a block of florists oasis to keep it upright while drying)



cut paper twine to length and attach only one side to the layout (I used a stapler) then thread on the paper beads and then attach the other side)
Repeat on the other side of the banner to create a banner.

Add some journalling and your layout is complete!
 

I hope you enjoyed my step my step project.
don't forget to check out Beck's videos and keep checking back here to see what Heather and Renee have in store for us using this kit
( oh.. and I have another 2 layouts up my sleeve to share as well!!)
Inspiration Plus!!

For more information to purchase the Hello kit click the link here
http://scrappychatdesigns.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/hello-kit-release.html

and don't forget to share with us what you create with the Hello kit (OR ANY SCD kit!) with us over on our Facebook site or leave a link in the comments section here.. we would LOVE to see what you create!)

Hello kit Release

Our new kit is here....

Head on over to our Facebook page and you can see the other two layouts you can create with the kit all with the assistance of videos for all three layouts which will be featured over the next few days.

This kit features some cool less consumable product and filled with LOADS of techniques to learn!  All teamed up with divine Heidi Swapp and Pink Paislee papers.  There is LOADS of pattern paper, Cardstock, complete texture stamp, Aladine IZINK (a hot new product) a DOUBLE Scoop Gelato (yes you read that right a DOUBLE scoop one - they are huge!) Tinby Designs Metallic Melts, doilies, paper twine, sequins as well as a sticker sheet!   As you can see this kit is jam packed with product for you to get creative with!   

Spellbinders dies have been used in the creation of the layouts, and whilst not included in the kit, are very easily adapted patterns for those that do not own a die cutting machine.  Dies can be purchased with your kit, so advise if you are interested in these when ordering.  Dies used in this kit are the very new 'Rainy Days' & 'Shoot!' sets as well as Bitty Blossoms to create some flowers with on the featured layout.

You will learn lots of different ways to create interesting backgrounds with the product in the kit.   THREE videos to help you nail all the techniques for each layout that don't have a view by date - you get to watch them forever if you wish!   

Kits are still $39 + Postage with LOADS of value for you money, as it is like doing 3 classes!

Here is some more information for those wanting a to know little more information about our kits.

They are self-paced class kits to complete in the comfort of your own home or with a group of friends

Each month there will be LOADS of added inspiration with one of the designers creating 3 layouts of their own style with the kit, and to not leave it there the other two ladies will be sharing some added techniques using the product in the kit, so you can learn more and more!

Each premier kit comes with:

• Video AND  instructions to complete the three layouts
• Feature a many techniques with product to be used well after the life of the kit.  (With all of our kits you will have plenty of product and knowledge to add to future projects)
• Photos of each project including close up detail pictures
• All the product needed to complete the project with a list of additional basic items used such as ink/ paint/ gesso/texture paste you will need out of your supplies.

The kits focus on how to use various products teamed up with some pretty paper to compliment them, so there is always less or non-consumable products in our kits, to not only help you complete some beautiful projects, learn many techniques and ways of using the different product as well as taking them well beyond the kit projects.

Kits are $39 + postage and come out monthly

To order e-mail us at orders.scrappychatdesigns@gmail.com

Scrappy Chat Designs Kit club Membership:

This lasts for 3 months is $135 and includes 3 kits at 5% off and postage for all 3 kits (they are released monthly).  As a member you also get ‘insider’ info on what is coming up in the next kit – sometimes even a pic!  You are also guaranteed the kits which do sometimes sell out VERY quickly.  If you are interested in membership, you need to pay the membership fee by the 15^th of the month prior.  So to commence in February (next kit to be released) you need to have your membership fee paid by 15^th January.

Current Kit stocks:
Check out the side bar on the right for kits still in stock.  The numbers are now VERY limited on each of these.

Our new website is just around the corner as well!

Remember, not to hide away scrapping ALL the time and get out there and make the memories to scrapbook as well!!  

Sweet Dreams

Hi everyone - it's Heather here with you again. I'm here to share my third layout using the Soaking It Up kit from Scrappy Chat Designs. I used the dreamcatcher as the inspiration for this layout. And with all the lovely pink girliness available on the sticker sheet I couldn't resist using a photo of my niece fast asleep.

I added some feathers from the sticker sheet to the dreamcatcher and made it look like they were wafting down. I love all the arrows and chevron shapes on the sticker sheet too. They can be used on just about any layout.

To make the over sized chevrons, I cut part of a large zig zag shape to a chevron then cut the chevron into three long, skinny ones. I also used the sheets of washi in the simplest way by just tearing strips off. This suited this layout but there are so many other ways you could use this.

Well I have loved working with this kit. There are so many extras that are such fun to play with and some, like the stencil, can be used over and over again.

Heather

Be Yourself. Soaking it up with Sandra

Hi everyone!
Sandra here again with a layout and a few tips on what to do..
and even a few on what NOT to do! ;-)

I had so much fun playing along with the Soaking it Up kit!
From the fun and bright papers, to the wire, to the fun and funky stickers, to the metallic melts, stencil and alphas and washi sheets
well it just goes on doesn’t it??

As you have probably seen by the gorgeous layouts Heather, Renee and Beck have created.. this kit has the  potential and scope for so many different styles of layouts!
Truly a fun and inspiring kit.

This is the layout I created using the Soaking it Up kit.

When I saw these papers I knew immediately that I would use these carefree photos of my daughter.

Now.. first tip on what NOT to do..
I am stingy when it comes to paper.. and I encourage everyone to cut out a square from any patterned paper that  will be used for matting.. BUT I highly recommend that you leave a big enough border .. because if you don’t that sucker is hard to stick down straight and sooo hard to get off again!!

Layout picture has been removed for publication

as you can see by my photo..

I didn’t leave much room..

and I had a devil of a time putting the next layer on top straight.

so tip number one..

 leave a generous border if cutting the middle out of your backing paper.

I added my black cardstock on top of this .
BEFORE adding my patterned paper to the cardstock I
fussy cut some of the feathers down one side to create the illusion of shadow when it is laid on the black cardstock.

Next I added the wire highlights.. NEXT TIP!! Stick down your patterned paper to the cardstock BEFORE you start sewing with your wire.
I found that the patterned paper was not quite robust enough for this technique and tore a bit.  


I used the stencil for my outline of the leaf.

then I placed a foam mouse pad behind my paper and with a needle pushed holes at regular intervals.



NEXT TIP!
Rub out the pencil marks BEFORE you start sewing.. (I found out the hard way that it is hard to rub it out once the wire has been sewn on! :-/ )

When I started sewing I attached it to the back with sticky tape.. no knots

and no threading it through later on. ;-)

 then I just randomly started sewing the wire from hole to hole.. no needle required. ;-)

NEXT TIP!!
You do not need to lick the wire when you are sewing with it

(again I found out the hard way! ouch!)

Its a terrible photo, sorry,  but as you can see.. without that sturdy backing of the cardstock, or another piece of patterned paper,  it is quite easy to tear.

The finished leaf. .. note the gel pen trying to hide the  tears and pencil marks.. I still think it looks okay.. but I think I would of preferred it without. J

Here is the other stitching I did on the layout to create interest and highlights to the layout.

and AFTER I attached it to the cardstock.. so much easier. ;-)

I do hope you enjoyed my “do’s and dont’s” post.

As I said before I LOVED the Soaking it Up kit  and I am sure to use it on future projects as
the kits are very generous.
Check out all the details HERE for more details on the kit.
 and don't forget that the kit come with videos on how to create THREE of the very talented Beck Beattie's amazing layouts using the kit. 

So that's it from me for now...

 Thanks for stopping by and Happy Scrapping!

Wild & Free

Hullo there. It's Heather here again. I hope your week has been a good one so far.

I have my second layouts made using Scrappy Chat Design's new Soaking It Up kit to show you. Some of the papers in this kit are from Glitz Design's Wild & Free range. In my layout, the name of the papers became the name of my layout.

Included with the kit this month is some coloured wire which is fortunate as it's exactly what I needed to make the title. I copied the font and design of the brand name.

Here it is up close. I've put this pic in sideways so it's easier to see.

It was really easy to make the words as the wire is so soft to work with. If you've never worked with wire before then here's a brief step by step.

Step 1

If you can get hold of a pair of jewellery pliers it will make working with wire much easier. First, pull out the length of wire you want. It will have been stored on a roll or similar so just straighten it out as best you can between your fingers.

Step 2

Hold the wire with your pliers at the point you want to bend the wire and just bend it around the tip of the pliers.

Step 3

Continue to hold and bend the wire to form the letters then cut the wire when you're done. 

The hardest part is attaching the letters to the page. You'll need to use a clear drying glue with a fine nozzle. It's also an option to stitch or staple it to the page, depending on what your design is and what you're attaching it to.

In the picture below you can see the brand name design. I've added three of them from the strip at the bottom of the papers to reiterate the Wild & Free theme. One of the Kaisercraft stamps that are also in the kit was perfect for forming the row of triangles under the name in my title.

I also used the wire to form some hearts and used the heart from the sticker sheet as well. The borders around the photos are made with one of the stamps. I just inked up only the parts of the stamp that I wanted to use and carefully stamped around my photos. If I was only using one photo I would have done my stamping before I adhered the photos to the page but this was a bit tricky with four photos.

I used a third stamp, again one of the ones in the kit, to create the black drip marks on the right of the page. I wanted to accentuate the look of the page fading from dark to light as you look across the page. I used the wood grain stamp to add a black border to the right hand side then I took the drippy stamp, inked it in black ink, than applied it at random spaces and lengths along that edge. This gave the effect of more paint drips adding to what was already on the paper.

I love this 'drippy' paper and wanted to show it off. It's also quite a busy paper so I kept my embellishments to a minimum to allow the paper to shine.

Thanks for joining me. I hope you can drop back in on Sunday when Sandra shows you what she has made.

Heather