C'est Magnifique February Sketch Challenge

I am back to share a layout that I created with the monthly C'est Magnifique Sketch. My daughter was teething when that photo was taken so no smiles that day, just chubby pink cheeks to photograph. I used product for the February main kit and flower add-on and then backed everything on pink cardstock from my stash - to add a little more colour and complement the pink elements in the kit.

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I rotated the beautiful sketch as shown below. Don't forget to enter your interpretation of the monthly sketch for a chance to win a fantastic prize. See details on the C'est Magnifique Blog!

Here is a peek at the main prize but there is also a send one for a store gift certificate too!

Dusty Attic Paint Caddy

I am back today to share with you my altered Dusty Attic paint caddy (DA0811). I loved the fact that the wood edges were already stained very dark brown. So... I didn't feel it necessary to paint the inside since my project was going to be black, cream and tan anyways (and it will be filled with all my DA paints too). I do love the simple elegance of the natural tan wood colour against the cream and black papers. I used my scraps from the C'est Magnifique February kit, featuring Manor House Creations papers to cover the caddy.

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I added some DA French flourish pieces (DA0275 and DA0273) to decorate the top portion and the drawer. I kept the natural wood finish on the flourish pieces and simply topped them with DA's clear crackle varnish (DA0900) to give them a polished look. This nicely matches the natural finish on the inside of the caddy.

This sturdy MDF caddy is so very easy to assemble and is a really good size to house a lot of paints on top and tools in the drawer. The caddy is 9.5 inches wide, by 10 inches deep, by 5.5 inches high. Can't wait to fill it wit hall my Dusty Attic paints and glazes!

C'est Magnifique FEB Kit Reveal Day!

Today all of the C'est Magnifique designers are revealing their creations! Here are 2 more layouts I have created with this amazing "An Aura of Romance" kit (featuring new Manor House Creations papers).

Up first is layout of my middle child when he was a toddler... in his very cute "authentic and original" disheveled self. I added a doily and stamped the "cutie pie" label but everything else on here is from this month's wonderful main kit and flower add-on. I adore the natural feel of the flowers and vine - a perfect match for these papers!

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Up next, is a layout of hubby and I with our daughter. The photo was actually taken on Valentines day when she was 10 months old. I just LOVE the striped paper in this kit - my FAVE! Ohhh don't you just love that gorgeous black lace too? The scrumptious flowers are from the add-on and I finished the chipboard with the snow tex paste in the kit (and then topped with some diamond dust for extra chunky glam). I just added a few doilies from my stash to create a bit more texture on this layout. The black white and cream paper is so elegant in this kit!

Here is a peek at the main kit this month (I used the pink and red on other layouts - stay tuned for more projects!).

I always get the gorgeous flower add-on (a MUST have - especially this month!).

Lace Rose - Flower Tutorial

It's been a while since I've posted a new flower tutorial. I have been wanting to replicate the Prima Scarlet flower for a while and finally had the chance. You'll be so surprised how easy and inexpensive these are to make.

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What you'll need is very simple:
-- about 18 inches of thin, inexpensive scalloped lace trim (depending on your flower size)
-- 10-15 fabric rose petals (from a recent wedding/craft store)
-- a paper circle (2 inches equals a 3.5 inch finished flower)
-- good glue for fabric (that dries clear)
-- sharp scissors to cut lace

STEP 1 - Glue some petals to the paper circle (about halfway into the circle) and then pieces of lace on top of the petals - scallop facing outwards as shown below.

STEP 2 - Repeat step 1 with a few less petals and lace and glue them to the middle of the circle - as shown below.

STEP 3 - Add a few more pieces of lace tucked between the petal layers - to fill in and "plump" up your flower as desired. Also, create a lace bud and set aside - to be added later. Let everything dry really well now.

STEP 4 - Flip your circle over and add some lace to the very outer edge of the circle (to have it peek out just past the bottom petal layer you glued to the other side). Let it dry.

STEP 5 - Flip it back over and glue the bud to the centre of the flower. Now you're done!

Below are my two handmade flowers (top 2 larger ones - 3.5 inches each) beside an actual 3-inch Prima Scarlet flower (the smaller one on the bottom).

Can you imagine using mists on these?
Endless colour possibilities!