STTG #2 - Level 3 DT Project

This is my DT layout for the STTG #2 challenge which close 31st March 2012. I did this for level 3 using all four colours. I selected lace, pearls and flowers as my embellishments and the Pink Paislee resistable paper has a damask print on.

For the homemade flower I used my own No Sewing Fabric Bloom tutorial. I used some cream crushed satin fabric and made 8 cones for a lovely full bloom. I altered all the flowers and chipboard pieces using some creative inspiration paints mixed with a white pearl acrylic paint. For the chipboard pieces I added a think layer of paint which I then dabbed with the paint brush to create the uneven textured finish.

To give the photo a more distressed looking finish I dabbed some of the ice blue paint around the photo edges.

Items available in the STTG Store

Cream crinckled ribbon

Petaloo Mini Canterbury collection

DA Scroll border #1

You have until March 31st to post your entries for the challenge. Remember that there are 3 different levels so this challenge is open to paper crafters of all skill levels. Hope you'll come join in the fun.

TFL

STTG #2 - Level 1 and 2 DT projects

Level 1 - Select 2 of the four colours provided plus 1 embellishment of the four options

STTG # 2 Challenge options

Colours to select from: Ice Blue, Lavender, Gray, Cream

Embellishment options: Flowers, Pearls, Lace, Bling

For my DT project for Level 1 I knew it would be virtually impossible for me to create a LO using only 2 colours and 1 embellishment so I decided to go another route and create a card for a friend's baby's upcoming first birthday. Because it's for a boy I decided to select Ice Blue and Gray as my colours and used flowers as my embellishment.

I misted some of the white crinkle ribbon with Licorice Shimmerz mist and painted the white Zva mini roses I had with some light blue Creative Inspiration Paint which also has a beautiful shimmery finish.

I altered my chipboard pieces by first painting them with a light blue acrylic paint which I then coated liberally with some Ranger Rock Candy crackle paint. Once the crackle paint had dried I went over the pieces with some black soot distress ink to provide more definition to the cracks. I wiped away the excess ink with a paper towel so that only the ink between the cracks remained.

Items used from the STTG STORE

Ranger Distress Cardstock

Zva mini roses

Petaloo Canterbury Collection

Crinkle Ribbon

DA - Cameo Ribbon Slide

Level 2 - Select 3 colours and 2 embellishments

For my level 2 project I again decided not to do a LO but chose to alter a wooden memory block I've had lying in my cupboard for several years already. I added a picture, title letters for my DD's name, a frame jounal piece listing her birth details and then another jounalling piece with some memories of what she was like as a baby.

 I selected to use lavender, gray and cream as my colour combination and chose flowers and pearls as my embellishments.

I was originally going to use one of Erins baby pictures but then decided to use this family shot instead. This picture was taken only hours after Erin was born. It was a very significant moment for me because I had been a single mom for over 4 years before my DH and I met so my DS Jarrod had been used to having me all to himself. I worried throughout the pregnancy about how he would react to having a baby in the house so we wanted him to meet his sister as soon as possible so that they could form a bond. By the look on his face in the pic and the strong bond they have today, 6 years later, I'd say it was a wise decision.

I created the cool textured finish of these DA alphas by simply add a thick layer of metallic lilac acrylic paint to each letter and then dabbing the paint brush into the paint creating peaks.  It looks really beautiful IRL.

This is a snap shot of the other side of the block. I was rather dismayed to realised that I had missed painting over several spots of my red Zva roses. I was working on this project late at night and obviously got too tired to notice the finer details like the roses and some of the sides of the chipboard pieces weren't painted properly. But then again, it's mistakes like those which make projects all the more real to me rather than being purely show pieces.

Items used from the STTG STORE

Distress Cardstock

Zva roses

DA Alphabet set- Dusty Curls

Now that you see how easy level 1 and 2 for the STTG #2 challenge is, I hope you pop in at the new STTG NING  site and jpin in the fun. The challenge is open until the 31 March.

I'll be back to post my level 3 project soon so watch this space!!!

DUSTY ATTIC - GET IT WHILE STOCK LASTS!!!

Tracy from STTG has finally received her long overdue orders of Dusty Attic. The STORE is bursting with stock but I must warn you that STOCK IS MOVING FAST!!!!!

SO GET SOME DELICIOUS DUSTY ATTIC CHIPBOARD DESIGNS WHILE THEY LAST.

Here are some of my favourite which are IN STOCK and ready to be shipped (for now, that is.....better hurry!!)

Tutorial - Grunging up Darjeeling

 The Petaloo Darjeeling collection is made up of some amazing warm colours and unique styles definitely makes them one of my all-time favourite collections. The flower style and colours already lend themselves to a soft grungy look and with just a little extra help you can transform them into something really grungy, perfect for a masculine project. The technique I'm sharing with you will also help put those box loads of eyelets I'm sure every paper crafter has hidden in the bottom of their stash somewhere to good use.

Supplies
Darjeeling Flower
Eyelets
Eyelet tool
Metal flower centre

Step One: Select your flower. Ideally you want a flower that has wide petals so that you have a good surface to work on and can add several eyelets to a single petal.

Step Two: Using your eyelet tool punch your holes for your eyelets. You want to punch the holes far enough away from the petal edges that the petals don't tear. Make sure that your holes are spaced wide enough apart so that the eyelets won't overlap when you add them.

Step Three: Now add the eyelets to the petals and close them off at the back. Work carefully when doing this so that you don't tear your petals. You can now ink the petals with some walnut stain distress ink to add a little more definition if you like. I also chose to remove the clay flower centre and replace it with a metal and pearl one.

This is the Layout I used my newly altered grungy flower on.

I chose to use eyelets in the same shade as my flower but these look just as good if you add some brass or copper eyelets. You could also spice it up a bit by colouring your eyelets with some alcohol ink first. Whatever your taste, once you try this I'm confident that eyelets will go right back onto your shopping list.

Here is another layout I did using the Darjeeling collection on to create a Grungy Feminine layout. I did not use the eyelet technique on these but instead coated them with some gel medium which gives the flowers a leathery appearance once it dries. The gel medium also stiffens the petals which makes it easier to manipulate them to create a fuller looking flower.

On this layout, using the Darjeeling collection once again, I added the gel medium to the blue flowers and removed the flower centre it came with and replaced them with some vintage brads. I also used some of the Petaloo Color me crazy flowers on this which I inked brown with some distress ink.

These truly are some of my favourite flowers and I just love that you can add them to regular shabby chic styled layout or you can be a little adventurous and grunge them up a little and then use them against a corrugated board background as I have done with my three layouts for a completely different look.  
TFL

STTG #2 Challenge is up and OPEN!!

Colors...

Lavender ~ Ice Blue ~ Cream ~ Gray

Embellishments...

Bling ~ Flowers ~ Pearls ~ Lace

Shapes...

Damask ~ Diamond

Techniques...

One of Wendy's NEW stamp techniques

You can find her tutorials here!!

A handmade flower

You can find tutorials here!!

How to play!!! :)

Level #1

Pick at least 2 colors and 1 embellishment

Prize is a $10 STTG Gift Card... Winner will be randomly drawn

ahhhh c'mon... just try... it'll be FUN!!! :)

Level #2

Pick at least 3 colors and 2 embellishments

Prize is a $15 STTG Gift Card... Winner will be chosen by the DT

Little bit more challenging with some added competition!! :)

Level #3

Use all 4 colors and at least... 3 embellishments, 1 Shape & 1 Technique

Prize is a $25 STTG Gift Card... Winner will be chosen by the DT

Push your creativity with this one and you've got even MORE competition!!! :)

When uploading your image to the gallery...

Please include STTG #2 in your title... (including other sites)

Please include which level you're entering in your description

Have FUN and try something NEW!!

You have until midnight March 31st PST

Winner will be announced on April 1st

A note about the photo from STTG owner Tracy Gutierrez

My girls and I have Tea Devotionals with this tea set. It's a great time to relax, focus on God, talk about things and really encourage & lift each other up!! I encourage you to have some quiet time with God each & every day too. Our relationship with God grows stronger when we spend time with HIM!! :)

My daughter Katie took this photo... thanx My Little Miss!!

I created the flowers out of organza fabric and followed Wendy Greenaway's awesome tutoral!! You can find the link here...

Tutorial - Fluffy Ballerina Blooms

Thank you Wendy!! :) (It's a pleasure Tracy, glad you liked them and yours look fantastic!!)

STTG #2 Challenge link - Come on in and register and join the FUN!!