On Cuban Time

I rarely do scrapbook layouts. It's not my forte. But after our vacation to Cuba, I was compelled to do something with those photographs.

There was a saying we heard over and over from locals: "on Cuban time". Things happen a little slower there, at their own pace, but they'll get done eventually. Normally I'd be well meaning and craft with these pics eventually, but it was a bit of serendipity that this month's AlphaStamps kit is Letters from the Sea and I was prompted to get to them a little more swiftly.

All that age, those shells and scrolls, and I was taken right back!

I added loads of extra bits like the Mini Wrought Iron Flourishes and Wrought Iron Shadowbox Header which totally reminded me of the swirly decorative elements we saw on the buildings in the city of Ciego de Ávila

I also added our baggage claim tickets... because God forbid I throw out any little bit of paper that might possibly be sentimental.

The layout basically started as a few ATC's that got out of hand. Everything just sort of got added in layers from there.

Note: I've said it loads of times, but it bears repeating, these super thick ATC blanks are amazing. They will take an absolute beating and not warp in the least.

Those seaside chippy bits were chopped from an Under the Sea Chipboard Border.

Some sploshes of Cuban colour, layers, notes and memories, and, despite the fact that I am not a scrapbooker, I have a nice reminder of our trip.

All the bits used in this layout can be found HERE.

Seeds of Love Scrapbook Paper
Seaside & Me Scrapbook Paper - Floral & Pale Shells
Vintage Telegrams Scrapbook Paper
Mini Wrought Iron Flourishes Set
Under the Sea Chipboard Border
Wrought Iron Shadowbox Header
Chunky ATC Blanks

Need an alternative to real shells? Try Beach Beauties Seashell Buttons Mix or or Silicone Mold - 7 Seashells

Thank you Cuba for the amazing pina colada's, the stunning beaches and rum... oh god, all the rum!

P.S. If you're a sucker for punishment and like looking at other peoples vacation photos, hop over HERE to gander at our adventure

More ATC madness and a FREE download!

I posted my earlier set of ATCs to a group and had loads of requests to trade. I decided to make a special set specifically for trading.

Like the last batch they are made with vintage papers, gold embossing powder, paint, postage stamps and more.

I had a few questions about my cards, and I couldn't fulfill every trade request, so I thought I'd put together a collage sheet for those who are interested in making similar ATC's for themselves.

If you click on the image above you should be able to download the full-size/high res image. The vintage images on this sheet were sourced from thegraphicsfairy.com which is an amazing place to find free, high quality vintage images. All of the words and phrases included are from an afternoon of snipping from discarded books.

So hop to it! Cut and paste and paint and make yourself some papery bits of 2.5" x 3.5" pieces of magic

And if you'd rather not get your fingers grubby, or would like to own a little original piece of art, you can find some of my cards available in the etsy shop HERE.

Hope your weekend was wonderful. Mother Nature is still drunk here.

A great big fat batch of ATC's

I'm just getting myself back on track. 

I feel like I say that every single month but I suppose it's much better to continually feel like I'm getting back on track than it is to feel like I'm derailing.

As I often do when I feel creatively slumpy, I made a batch of ATC's. 

I've talked about them loads before but if you're unfamiliar, "Artist Trading Cards" are small works of art measuring 2.5" x 3.5". They can be drawn in pencil, painted, or any medium the artist likes! The only stipulation is the size.

Mine are made with vintage papers, paint, old postage stamps, discarded books, gold embossing powder and more.

There's 16 (!) cards in this bunch so I won't babble and bore you between each card but I will say that if you'd like to own a tiny bit of original art, my ATCs are available in the etsy shop here. 

Enjoy!

Have a beautiful weekend filled with warm kisses.

Graphic 45 "Princess" Paper Crowns

You know that as soon as I saw Graphic 45's "Princess" I was going to make crowns. It was an inevitability!

And I did! Three simple paper beauties.

I cut a simple three pointed crown shape from the 12" Princess pad, about 6" tall at the highest point.

Added a 1.75" band around the bottom, and secured a ribbon for tying between the layers.

Note: the gold piece you see there was a Fancy Gold Dresden Diadem I had in my stash BEGGING to be used!

This gave me the base to which fussy cut butterflies, die cut pieces, Princess Chipboard,
Princess Stickers and other embellishments were added.

These butterflies were snipped from papers from Olde Curiosity Shoppe—Deluxe Collector's Edition.

These were snipped from "Flutter".

There are a few Metal Brads here and there but I wanted to keep these crowns really lightweight so that they didn't slip around when worn.

Want to make your own "Princess" crown? Here's a list of all the supplies I used:

Graphic 45's "Princess"12" Princess Pad
Princess Chipboard
Princess Stickers
Square Tag & Clock DiesMetal Brads 

Olde Curiosity Shoppe—Deluxe Collector's Edition (butterflies)
Flutter (butterflies)

Fancy Gold Dresden Diadem

Self adhesive gems
Foam Squares

Ribbon
Glue

Have a beautiful day, and here's hoping spring doesn't dally!

Steampunk Dream Box for Graphic 45

Hey folks! I'm back from Cuba and have loads to show off... but first, a dreamy project I completed for my friends at Graphic 45!

It’s a brand new year which means, for many, a time for resolutions of self improvement and positive change.



As the calendar year turns, it’s as though we’re given a fresh start. There’s so much potential in front of us!



I’ve made a box to mark the occasion with a Mixed Media 5x5 Box—Black and Steampunk Debutante—Deluxe Collector's Edition



I’ve dotted the front with loads of butterflies, the perfect symbol of change and transformation.



The hinge created with Antique Brass Metal Clock Key and Antique Brass Metal Door Plates & Knob to open the way.



Inside is ready to store memories of my journey of 2019.



If you’re interested in how this box came together, there’s a snapguide walkthough of it’s making here.



Here’s hoping that 2019 is dreamy and beautiful for all of us.


Graphic 45 Supplies:
Steampunk Debutante—Deluxe Collector's Edition
Antique Brass Metal Clock Key
Antique Brass Metal Door Plates & KnobMixed Media 5x5 Box—Black
Antique Brass Stamped Metal Brads
Clearsnap Decades Dye Pad Photogenic

Other Supplies:
Glue
Foam spacer squares