Quick Page using Paint, Stamps and Scraps

This week I challenged myself to come up with a layout using supplies that I had in my stash. This is what I came up with, it's a fun, easy, quick layout that is very budget conscious too.

I don't know about the rest of you but I've got so many stamps I've never used in my stash that I thought it was about time I used them on layouts rather than just cards. I also wanted to challenge myself to do something a bit different and with mixed media. The hardest part about this layout was waiting for the paint to dry so I could start stamping.

Here's a quick step by step guide to recreating this look:

1) Start with a piece of Kraft coloured cardstock - I used Bazzill. Kraft coloured cardstock is great for using up scraps as it goes with anything!
2) Lightly draw around your stamps with a pencil as a guide of where to apply your background paint. Lightly draw a rectangle slightly larger than the size of your photo in the position where you want your photo.
3) Using a dry brush and acrylic paint apply your paint to your marked areas.
4) After the paint is completely dry stamp over the paint in your chosen ink. I used Lagoon Blue Versa Color Ink. Be careful not to smudge your ink and allow to dry before continuing as the paint creates a less absorbent surface than paper. StazOn ink might be a better choice over the paint if you have the right colour to use - I didn't.
5) Stick your photo down over your paint "matt".
6) Add a strip of patterned paper below the photo. I've used a scrap of Kaisercraft's Christmas Carnival paper I had left over from my Christmas layouts. I used the Fiskars Threading Water Punch to scallop the bottom of the piece.
7) Stamp a journalling block onto a scrap of white cardstock. Cut out and place on an angle behind your photo. (I haven't written my journalling for this page yet, but I'll get around to it soon. I just have to think about what to say).
8) Add flowers, buttons threaded with hessian string or other embellishments to match.
9) Add a title using stickers or painted chipboard letters and you're done.

I hope you've enjoyed this article. TFL.

Till next time, Happy Scrapping!

Ingrid

The Need for Speed - Time savers to get more pages completed

Most of us are time poor and need to make the most of any time we get to spend on our hobby. Here are some tips to maximise the use of your scrapping time and get more pages completed in less time.

1. Keep your desk organised and uncluttered. Only keep the essentials on your desk and get other tools as you need them.
2. Have a plan for your layout before you start cutting, use a sketch or a layout you like as a guide. This saves time and money.
3. Decide if you could use papers you have in your stash before running to your local scrap store.
4. If you are shopping for papers take a few sets of photos with you to your LSS and buy all the papers and supplies you need to complete all the layouts so you don’t have to keep running back to the shop for more supplies.
5. If you like having a white photo matt behind each photo, consider printing your photos with a white border instead. This will save time and money.
6. Don’t be a perfectionist. Cut and stick it down without over thinking placement of each piece.
7. Not every layout needs to be a masterpiece. Sometimes it’s a matter of getting those photos scrapped and into an album quickly. Spend more time on layouts for the photos you absolutely love.
8. Try standing up to scrap. I raised the height of my desk by changing the legs so when I’m standing the table is just above waist height. I stand when making the initial decisions about my layout and can walk around the room gathering supplies quickly. I sit down when getting closer to finishing my layout and for writing any journaling. (N.B. if you raise the height of your desk you might need a different chair or a chair with a height adjustment).
9. Watch less TV. TV is such a time waster. If I want to watch a TV show I try to scrap or do something in front of the TV. Painting BTP Projects is a good task to do while watching TV as it doesn’t require too much attention.
10. Try shopping online for your scrapbooking papers and supplies. I usually order what I need from one online shop in bulk and get free shipping. The prices are usually lower than in a shop too and it saves me time running around. Although sometimes it can be tricky matching colours to papers without seeing them.

These are my 10 “rules” for getting more done. I have to say I’ve been guilty of breaking every one of them but I find when I try to stick to them I definitely get more done. Do you have any tricks to make the most of your scrapbooking time?

Thanks for looking. Have a Happy Easter!
Till next time,
Ingrid