Scrapbook Design Contest- Week 2!

Well, this week was no less crazy busy- so I didn't get near the amount of time to plan and play with my supplies before I got started as I was hoping for!
Funny how my crazy mind works: I had one idea from the start- but as I was thinking about it I started second guessing myself so then I had the idea -- "I should make a backup plan in case this doesn't go the way I would like- that way I can change gears and have a Plan B. Well I don't know why I didn't just do my first idea cuz I wasted so much time trying to make sure that I had Plan B-- that I didn't have time to get my plan A in gear.Next thing I know it was Friday night and I hadn't started so I said "Well I wish I could do Plan A- but since I don't have anything prepared for it-- I HAVE to do Plan B. Hehe--  I'm so crazy!!

Anyway, on to what I did...
The name of this challenge was "Paper Layering Techniques". That is all good since I use lots of those in all my layouts-- problem was if I wanted to "wow" the judges I couldn't do anything expected. So trying to think outside the box- I wanted to do a few things unusual...
I made a "Faux Shadow Box Frame" using 5 layers of card stock - and I popped up each layer (using foam in between).
I made a layer of lattice, which I wrapped in a leaf vine.
I used trims from my photo as "paper layers" (the photo had lots of grass in the background- so I used strips of that) as layers
I also did a "Faux Wood Technique" on the faux shadow box frame.(using inks and crackle paint)
I lost count after 20 layers of paper- so I used a TON!!
So that is how I "handled" the challenge part.

This will get the title "Butterfly Wishes" 

I will make custom die-cut letters when I have a little time.

Photo of Sariah on her first birthday.

This is VERY dimensional, thick and heavy!

 

Close up of the "Faux Wood" treatment

Other details about the layout: I made a "peek-a-boo" under one layer where I placed a cameo and pearls. I put glitter in a glass vial as "Fairy Dust" which I wrapped in wire and dangled from a chain from one of the butterflies. I also used lots of other embellies like a pillar which I wrapped in a vine.

The judges will vote on Sunday and we won't know until Monday morning. I really hope I make it to the next round! I saw the entries by my competition-- OMGOSH-- truly amazing! So please wish me luck!!

Scrapbook Design Contest!!

I am so excited to be entered in my first scrapbook design contest- YAY! I am competing against so many talented designers from all over the world, so of course I don't expect to win- I am just excited to be a part of it! I do really want that amazing prize though- hehe!! It is "The Ultimate Designer Challenge" which they are doing kind of like a reality show where it will run for 6 weeks- the judges will "cut" people each week until it will be down to 2 designers for the final challenge! So fun- right??
Each week they will give specific techniques and requirements that we must incorporate into our project design.

Week One:
The first challenge was really 2 parts: to create a multi-dimensional embellishment from a die cut
to be used in a project (so make the embellishment and make a project using that embellishment). These were some of the rules:

• You must use either a die cut paper or a piece of chipboard as your base shape
• You must turn that die cut/chipboard into a dimensional (layered) usable embellishment
• You must use at least TWO art mediums (gesso, gels, glazes, paints etc)
• Your final piece must be showcased on a scrapbook page (layout), card or other altered item 

So for my embellishment, I decided to use a die cut snowflake as my base shape. I cut it from cardboard that I peeled to get the corrugated texture. I had so much fun using lots of art mediums on this. First I used Gesso, then sprayed Glimmer Mists, then added some Anthology Paint, then Crackle Paint, then added some German glass glitter and beads for more texture.
I wrapped a strand of translucent pearl beads around the tips, added 2 stick pins, and then punched a small hole for a jump ring for the chandelier bead dangle, and then topped it off with the metal snowflake in the center. These pics don't capture all of the bling and dimension- in real life this is so shiny and textured!

 

Click on any photo to enlarge.

 Once enlarged, you can use your right/left arrows to see all photos enlarged.

 

For my layout, I made a few other embellies too:
I made some Frosted Branches out of twigs using Colorfill (vase filler beads), german glass glitter, and diamond dust.
I also made a Poinsettia out of a metal sheet which I die cut, embossed, and sanded. I curled the petals and added gold beads for the center.

Although we were given ample time, I had such a crazy week- so I didn't begin until I only had a few hours left- YIKES! So after making all of the embellies (which took up most of the time)- I had to really RUSH the layout. Since time was running out- I threw this together rather quickly! I ran out of time before I could add my "title" and few extra touches- but it was "Time is Up"- gasp-  just like on the shows, hehe! So I submitted it - as it is here..

 

I won't get points off or anything- since it didn't require a title- and nobody knows it was incomplete *except me.* I will add the title "Eyes Full of Wonder" and a few other things to finish this off (for myself- since it is too late for the contest). After I add the finishing touches, I can take a new photo and share it- if any of you want to see.

 

 

Here is a close up of the embossed metal poinsettia that I made

 

 

Close up of the Frosted Branches that I made

 

I had so much fun with the first challenge- I hope I make it to the next round!! I will find out in a few hours- fingers crossed! Wish me luck!!