More Swirlydoos "Believe" kit (and 2Crafty / Helmar)

OK so after finding out my computer hard drive was fried (thankfully we have a good back-up), I had been waiting for over a week to get it fixed. That's why I've been MIA in blogland. Now... on to the good stuff. I have created 4 more projects using my left overs from my Swirlydoos kit. All of my projects were created using Helmar adhesives and 2 of them feature some gorgeous 2Crafty chipboard too.

First up is a layout of me when I was 11 months old. This was my favorite Kaisercraft paper in the "believe" kit this month. I thought the old photo went really well with the vintage feel of the Kaisercraft papers in this Swirlydoos kit. This was my favorite paper in the kit.

Here is a close-up of the pretty title chipboard I added from my stash. On the 1st Christmas title and the Cartia's Swirl chipboard, I splattered on some gesso and teal Silks paint randomly, not covering the the chippies completely. Then, I put a clear Silks "ice" glaze that was included in the main kit... to add shimmer. I love that these dry faster than mists, giving a subtle sheen. Lastly a touch of chalk ink on the edges for definition.

Here is a close-up of the flowers in the add-on kit as well as another beautiful 2Crafty chippie (just gesso and glaze on this one). The flowers in the add-on kit are to die for!

I used this month's fantastic Helmar challenge as inspiration for this layout. Load your projects here http://www.flickr.com/groups/helmarlive to enter to win some sticky goodness.

Next is another display "layout" to be used as a giant gift tag. I adored the graphic of the Santa and knew I had to make this.

Here is a close-up of the pretty ribbon rose in the kit.

Here is a close-up of the reindeer I added from my stash. On the Blitzen reindeer I splattered some gesso a bit, then added some brown distress ink before glazing with Silks "ice". The distress ink reacted with the glaze, creating a slight resist over the gesso. I love this antiquing effect.

Here is a close-up of the corner chipboard. On the Elegant Corner chipboard I worked again with gesso and teal Silks paint (the paint in last month's Swirlydoos kit).

I have also made a few more big gift tags. This first one features some handmade flowers and a divine sentiment from the kit paper cut outs.

Here is a close-up of my flowers. Tutorial to follow soon :)

The second tag features some stamping with a new stamp I bought myself and a pretty Prima charm from the main kit.

I added a Santa face to the Prima charm (from one of the papers in the kit).

NOTE: I used a lot of Helmar goodness to stick all of my projects together. I used the premium craft glue on the paper layers, the 450 quick dry on the flowers and embellishments, the adhesive runner on the photo, the acid-free glue for the chipboard and the gemstone glue for the Prima charm and pearl centres in my handmade flowers. Thanks goodness for good glue!

All of these Christmas projects sure do put me in the holiday spirit. Now I just need to get some baking done and I think I'm all set. Sooo happy to have my computer back too!