Summer Display Layout Tutorial (Swirlydoos)

The July Swirlydoos "Madame" main kit was so easy to create with - so many beautiful embellishments. These Prima and Kaisercraft papers look like they are already masked and stamped on too - so awesome! I decided to make this a summer display layout for my mantle so I used a stock image. Here is a tutorial of my layout made with just the MAIN kit contents - without any add-ons!

click on images for larger views

STEP 1 - PREPARE THE BACKGROUND

I cut a small bit off the edges (a quarter inch?) of the light Prima paper, heavily distressed it and adhered it to a darker Prima paper. TIP: Only glue the middle of the papers together, leaving 3 inches all around to be freely rolled back later on (easier to do this at the end).

STEP 2 - FUSSY CUT AND/OR DISTRESS YOUR LAYERS

I cut out a few photo mat layers (approx. 4x6 or 5x7 sizes) from the Kaisercraft papers (the frame and tan paper) and used the Prima flowers packaging as a layer too.

STEP 3 - START POSITIONING

I placed the 3 paper layers and one of the element sticker borders, plus a chipboard piece (splattered with gesso the Silks paint in the kit) on top of my background.

STEP 4 - ADD MORE EMBELLISHMENTS

I added more chipboard, sticker elements and a flower. The chipboard birdcage was treated with gesso, Silks paint (from a previous kit) and brown chalk ink. TIP: I fussy cut some of the sticker flowers apart.

STEP 5 - THE FINISHING TOUCHES

I added the photo image, even more sticker elements (again fussy some apart), plus added more flowers, punched some butterflies (from kit scraps) and rolled back the edges in a few places.

STEP 6 - SECURE THE EDGES

Lastly, I added a bit of glue in spots that were not rolled back to secure the edges of the layout. NOTE: I also used this month's stunning kit sketch as inspiration...

Here is a peek at the Swirlydoos July 2013 "Madame" main kit and add-ons. To become a subscriber and never miss a gorgeous Swirlydoos kit click here.

Swirlydoos July Kit Reveal Blog Hop

Welcome to the Swirlydoos "MADAME"

July kit reveal blog hop party!

If you came here from our EXTREMELY talented guest designer - Gerry's blog, then you are on the right track. If not, go back to the Swirlydoos blog and start from there. We have some amazing projects for you to see today! Make sure to leave a comment on ALL of the blogs for a chance to win prizes for participation in this hop. Also, be sure to check out Swirlydoos on Facebook and "Like Us" too!

Oh my... I have been waiting to get this "Madame" kit - delicious Prima and Kaisercraft papers with perfect embellishments. I am really "digging" teal and peach this season so this was my ultimate PERFECT kit! I decided to make this first project a summer display layout (for my fireplace mantle) so I used an elegant stock image (from Pion Design) instead of a personal photo.

Click on images for larger view.

Note that I have ONLY used the main kit contents for this layout and a step-by-step layout tutorial will be posted on the Swirlydoos forum later today. This is the amazingly beautiful kit sketch that I used as inspiration - so gorgeous!

Here is a close up of the yummy flowers in the main kit!

For my second layout, this is a picture of my dad posing with his family when he was just a little boy. They were re-united once immigrating to Canada from Portugal. I added some bits Dusty Attic chipboard flourishes and title from my stash but everything else is from the kit.

I used this Kaisercraft sketch (Saturday sketch for July #1) as inspiration -- so easy to make it "your own". I flipped it to better suit my photo.

Here is a closer view of details.

Lastly for today, I made a card using the kit contents (papers, flowers and bling) to surround my Dusty Attic "trinkets and treasures" themed ATC. I started off by using the casing from DA words and some mini shells.

Here is a close-up of the ATC portion surrounded by the amazing bling in the main kit.

You have until midnight, Eastern time, on Wednesday 7/10 to complete the hop. Winners will be announced on the Swirlydoos Blog on Thursday 7/11. In order to qualify to win here is what you need to do:

1: Visit all of the blogs and leave a comment on each. This way we know you were there. Become a follower if you're not already. Take your time. There are REALLY beautiful things to see along the way.

2: Before you leave each blog, look for the “special” words and write it down.

Once you have visited all the blogs and collected all the special words, they will create a sentence.

3: Finally, go back to the Swirlydoos blog and leave a comment letting us know how much fun you had, tell us the sentence that was created with all of the special words you collected. Can't wait to hear from you.

Here is a peek at the Swirlydoos "Madame" main kit and add-ons. To become a subscriber and never miss a gorgeous Swirlydoos kit click here. Got to www.swirlydoos.com to see more details about this beautiful kit.

My special words are: WHO

The party continues over at Lisa's Blog
Have fun!

I still have LOTS more of my kit to play with and will be back soon to reveal 3 more projects. Please note that some of these projects above are made with 80% the kit contents and a few items from my stash or past Swirlydoos kits.

Blog hop order:

Swirlydoos -CLICK HERE

Paulien -CLICK HERE

Andie -CLICK HERE

Angelica  -CLICK HERE

Irene -CLICK HERE

Rae Moses -Click Here

Gerry vanGent - CLICK HERE

Vicky - YOU ARE HERE!

Lisa V - CLICK HERE

Back to Swirlydoos!

More June Dusty Attic and Swirlydoos

I decided to try something a little different and extend the "collage" Dusty Attic theme that we used on our ATC projects this month - to create a manly layout in honour of Father's day that just passed. I used the last bits of my June Swirlydoos "Brass Shilling" kit. This kit features some glorious Kaisercraft papers.

Click on images for larger view

The picture is of my husband from our trip to Europe 11 years ago. I used the brand new DA small filmstrips chipboard set and joined them together to create a railroad effect at the top of my page and tucked a piece of the large skeleton clock under the corrugated cardboard from the kit. Next, I cut the chipboard title in half and placed it in two parts on my layout. I used a mini lamp post too and placed it right onto my picture (simply covered it with black DA "soot" paint and clear crackle varnish).

To finish the chipboard, I used inks on the filmstrips and clock and then used gesso and DA "Navajo" white paint on the title. I also dry brushed the paint on the corrugated cardboard. Behind the kit Petaloo flowers are some DA paper rose leaves too (love these!).

I used the awesome June DA sketch, created by Mistra, as an inspiration point for this layout. Don't forget to enter the monthly sketch challenge for a chance to win some chipboard goodness! See details on the Dusty Attic NING.

This month's Dusty Attic ATC theme is COLLAGE: An artistic composition of materials and objects pasted over a surface, often with unifying lines and color. I used my June Swirlydoos "Brass Shilling" kit scraps glued to a piece of corrugated cardboard (also in the kit) and a flower to compliment several DA chipboard casings (the parts surrounding the actual laser cut pieces), plus a pair of the mini wings.

TIP: Shabby chic "seashell" effect
How did I get that look on my chipboard? SO Easy! I simply stippled on thick gesso to create peaks. Once dry, I then used some semi-translucent mists (like Tattered Angels and Shimmerz) spraying lightly, letting it naturally resist the gesso peaks created and pool in the "valleys". Kinda looks like a cool seashell effect and it gleams beautifully in sunlight too.

I ended up turning this ATC into a Father's day card for my dad (with more of the pretty papers in the June Swirlydoos kit). White paint was randomly sponged onto the paper layers too.

Here is a peek at the "Brass Shilling" main kit and add-ons. To become a subscriber and never miss a gorgeous Swirlydoos kit click here.

10% off the NEW Dusty Attic Releases!!!

10% off sale in my Etsy Shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/vickyalberto
I have brand new Dusty Attic chipboard releases as well as many of the popular items - and everything is 10% off all orders over $20 (before shipping). Happy Shopping!

When you spend over $20.00 in my Etsy, you will receive 10% off your purchase. Enter the coupon code SUMMER2013 upon checkout (in the area provided for it) to receive the 10% discount off your ENTIRE order. This offer expires on July 15th so hurry before it's all gone! 

HOW TO ENTER THE ETSY DISCOUNT CODE:
Once you've added items to your cart, click the blue Apply shop coupon code located above Item total BEFORE you checkout. Then enter the coupon code SUMMER2013 and click Apply. The coupon discount will adjust your total before you submit the order (this only works on orders over $20.00). Here is an Etsy screen shot (as an example only) to show you the where the blue link is that you need to click (to enter the code):

P.S. You can subscribe to my blog via e-mail to never miss a post about new stock in my Etsy shop :)

Another Swirlydoos layout with my June kit

Just a little post today to reveal another layout I just made with my June "Brass Shilling" kit from Swirlydoos. This is a quick snapshot taken very late on my wedding night. I love the resin frames in the kit - adds beautiful texture around the photo.

Click on images for larger view.

Here is a peek at the "Brass Shilling" main kit and add-ons. To become a subscriber and never miss a gorgeous Swirlydoos kit click here.

I still have LOTS more of my kit to play with and will be back soon to reveal 2 more projects.

Swirlydoos June Kit Reveal Blog Hop

Welcome to the Swirlydoos "Brass Shilling"

June kit reveal blog hop party!

If you came here from Angelica's blog, then you are on the right track. If not, go back to the Swirlydoos blog and start from there. We have some amazing projects for you to see today! Make sure to leave a comment on all of the blogs for a chance to win prizes for participation in this hop. Also, be sure to check out Swirlydoos on Facebook and "Like Us" too!

This classy kit is so versatile for any age, gender or anything you want to scrap about. The Kaisercraft 75 cents papers are soooo awesome! First up is a picture of my daughter as an infant in the kiddie pool. I created this layout to kick-off week 1 of the June Swirlydoos Round Robin Challenge. I did the doily and lace twist and then added Dusty Attic chipboard from my stash (the rest is all from the main kit). Don't you just LOVE that wide yellow ribbon?

Click on images for larger view.

A little close-up. I used glass bead gel on the chipboard (from a previous Swirlydoos kit).

Next is a photo printing "mistake" that I've held on to for a while of my boys as toddlers. I went for a minimalistic look... and did you notice? No flowers on this layout! That's a first for me.

Here is a close up of the Dusty Attic chipboard (from my stash) that I painted with the gold Silks paint in the kit. I love this paint - no gesso primer needed!

This is the pretty kit sketch I used as inspiration (as rotated):

For this next layout, I played off the orange flowers in my picture and used more of the gorgeous gold paint in the kit.

Here is a close up of the fabric flowers in the add-on and some DA chipboard from my stash.

Lastly for today, I have made a card to share.

You have until midnight, Eastern time, on Tuesday 6/4 to complete the hop. Winners will be announced on the Swirlydoos Blog on Wednesday 6/5. In order to qualify to win here is what you need to do:

1: Visit all of the blogs and leave a comment on each. This way we know you were there. Become a follower if you're not already. Take your time. There are REALLY beautiful things to see along the way.

2: Before you leave each blog, look for the “special” words and write it down.

Once you have visited all the blogs and collected all the special words, they will create a sentence.

3: Finally, go back to the Swirlydoos blog and leave a comment letting us know how much fun you had, tell us the sentence that was created with all of the special words you collected. Can't wait to hear from you.

Here is a peek at the Swirlydoos "Brass Shilling" main kit and add-ons. To become a subscriber and never miss a gorgeous Swirlydoos kit click here.

My special words are: STOP TO

The party continues over at Andie's blog
Have fun!

I still have LOTS more of my kit to play with and will be back soon to reveal 2 more projects. Please note that all of these projects above are made with 80% the kit contents and a few items from my stash or past Swirlydoos kits.

More May Swirlydoos/ Dusty Attic projects (+ tutorial)

I'm back with more Swirlydoos Kits and Dusty Attic Chipboard DT projects to share. Here is a layout (and tutorial below) that I created using the gorgeous chipboard Floral Frame Set (DA0576) to complement my beautiful "Au Naturale" May kit from Swirlydoos (featuring Pink Paislee and Prima papers and gorgeous embellishments). I have been wanting to scrap this childhood picture of my husband and his brothers for so long and finally had the perfect papers and embellishments for it.

Click on images for larger views

For the floral piece, I randomly painted it with gesso, putting more in some places than others, especially on the flowers.

Next, I used light green and teal chalk ink. As you can see, the spots that had more gesso are much lighter than the others. This gives a more natural look than an all over wash of colour.

I then added some darker green and brown chalk ink and rubbed it with Q-tips to reveal the lighter colour underneath in several places (especially the middle of the teal flowers). Once dry, I glued the piece onto my paper and cut a bit of the right chipboard edge off that was hanging over.

Next, I filled in the middle of the flowers with baby blue Stickles glitter glue.

The Happy Memories title (DA0732) was a perfect font and description of this fun fishing experience too. For the title, I simply inked the pieces with dark green chalk ink and then splashed some green Pesto paint (DA0918), here and there on it. I also added the paint to the felt leaves that surround the large brown flower. Adding the Pesto paint gave everything a moss look to it. I love the rustic look all of these techniques created to complement the nature setting of this picture (taken well over 30 year ago!) amoung the pretty Pink Paislee papers in the Swirlydoos kit.

Another fun theme for this month's Dusty Attic ATC challenge is Art Deco style. I found a great inspiration image and my ATC easily fell into place from there using the Prima papers in the Swirlydoos kit. I added a chipboard Cameo Ribbon Slide from the 5/pack (DA0658), painted it with Vintage Gold (DA0925) and topped it with Clear Gloss Varnish (DA0901).  I created my ATC background by using a small circle punch and mounted the circles onto black cardstock, then added some kit bling in the corners and a patterned paper backing. Finally, I polished it off with a beautiful resin cameo in the middle (from a past kit).

Here is the beautiful image I found on Pinterest as my inspiration for this project.

I easily turned my ATC into a pretty card by mounting it on black cardstock and adding more bling corners. The repetitive corners really add to the art deco style.

Here is a look at the Swirlydoos kit: "Au Naturale" main kit (middle) and add-ons. To become a subscriber and never miss a gorgeous Swirlydoos kit click here.

20% off Dusty Attic Chipboard (coupon code for my Etsy)

A little birdie told me there will be another new Dusty Attic chipboard release soon. So, I thought it would be a good time to do a "SPRING2013" cleaning sale in my Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/vickyalberto) to make room for the new stuff.

When you spend over $15.00 in my Etsy, you will receive 20% off your purchase. Enter the coupon code SPRING2013 upon checkout in the area provided for it to receive the 20% discount off your order. This offer expires on June 30, 2013. 

HOW TO ENTER AN ETSY DISCOUNT CODE
Once you've added items to your cart, on the right, click Apply shop coupon code above Item total BEFORE you checkout. Then enter the coupon code SPRING2013 and click Apply. The coupon discount will adjust your total before you submit the order (only works on orders over $15.00). Here is an Etsy screen shot (example only) to show you the blue link you need to click to enter the code:

Swirlydoos May Kit Reveal

Welcome to the Swirlydoos "Au Naturale"

May kit reveal blog hop party!

If you came here from Andie's blog, then you are on the right track. If not, go back to the Swirlydoos blog and start from there. We have some amazing projects for you to see today! Make sure to leave a comment on all of the blogs for a chance to win prizes for participation in this hop. Also, be sure to check out Swirlydoos on Facebook and "Like Us" too!

I was over the moon excited when I found out that the May kit had Prima's Lyric papers paired with Pink Paislee's Hope Chest... two of my favourite collections this season! This is a picture of my brother in-law and his new bride. I added a large Dusty Attic skeleton clock from my stash to complement this kit. BTW - the flower add-on this month so heavenly.

Click on images for larger view.

Here is the SUPER gorgeous sketch I used from this month's kit (I flipped it). I think this is my all time favourite Swirly-sketch!

This is a picture of me at 5 years old when I fell asleep at a wedding. I used Prima's May Palette as inspiration and added a Dusty Attic chipboard title to complement this amazing kit. Really cool circle elements this month!

I just love making gift boxes, for this one I used only one single sheet of paper, one flower and a template from DigiChick. It is a really nice size to hold treats or even a gift card.

This is what the cupcake gift box looks like before assembling it.

A little thank-you card I made using some left-overs from cut papers (to match the gift box).

Here is a jar similar to the one I made for National Scrapbook Day, using a flower from my new Pearl and Lace Flower tutorial (no sewing required!). Also, see the homemade foot scrub recipe that can go into the jar to make a wonderful end of the school year teacher gift.

You have until midnight, eastern time, on Friday 5/17 to complete the hop. Winners will be announced on the Swirlydoos Blog on Saturday 5/18. In order to qualify to win here is what you need to do:

1: Visit all of the blogs and leave a comment on each. This way we know you were there. Become a follower if you're not already. Take your time. There are REALLY beautiful things to see along the way.

2: Before you leave each blog, look for the “special” words and write it down.

Once you have visited all the blogs and collected all the special words, they will create a sentence.

3: Finally, go back to the Swirlydoos blog and leave a comment letting us know how much fun you had, tell us the sentence that was created with all of the special words you collected. Can't wait to hear from you.

Lastly, here is a peek at the Swirlydoos "Au Naturale" main kit (middle) and add-ons. To become a subscriber and never miss a gorgeous Swirlydoos kit click here.

My special word is: WHAT

The party continues over at Rae's blog.
Have fun!

I still have LOTS more of my kit to play with and will be back soon to reveal 2 more projects.