Family - CSI challenge

I know a mid-month reveal is not normal for me, but I was so inspired after my weekend retreat at Tamborine Mountain that I just wanted to keep creating. I've used one of my current favourite photos for this layout and keep to a pretty natural colour scheme. 

Couple of different chipboard pieces in this one. I like using the shaped pieces to add some extra dimension to my background layouts. If you cut them up they will last for ages, I've actually only used half of a sheet on this layout.

Snuck in a couple of D-lish Scraps embellisments too, just because I love them so much. You can also see the distressing on the edges of the paper, just to add a bit more texture to the layout. 

I have actually combined a couple of different Kaisercraft paper ranges on this layout: the green is from a Christmas release, the brown from a general release and the diecuts are all from a beach release.

My inspiration for this layout is the mid-month challenge over at CSI: Color, Stories, Inspiration blog, as Scrapmatts is the sponsor. How did I solve it? I was inspired by the repeating squares/rectangles of 'The Scene' and used that to build up my paper layers. I loved 'The Scheme' with the focus on brown/green/white. My 'Evidence' includes clips, leaves, stamp, button, tags and string. My 'Testimony' has been written on a tag.

How will you solve the case?

Smile - Scrapmatts DT

The last challenge at the Queensland Scrapbooking Retreats getaway to Tamborine Mountain was a sketch challenge. It came with one piece of cardstock and one piece of patterned paper, of which you had to use at least 70%. I made sure to use a number of Scrapmatts chipboard pieces so I could double it up as a design team piece for November too. 

These flowing script words from CB6117 Assorted Words 30 make perfect titles. I've coloured mine using two layers of Versacolor inks to match the background cardstock. I've coloured a medium sized butterfly from CB4008 Butterflies 01 with liquid pearls to add texture and shine.

You can see the largest circle from the CB5139 String Circles 03 set in these close ups, which I've cut in half to use in two spots. This has been inked too, then some pearls glued as accents on all the dots. You can also see a small tab covered in washi tape from CB5117 Tabs 01 and a smaller butterfly from the same set. The flowers are from D-lish Scraps Little Birdie ranges. 

This last cluster is an assortment of Little Birdie flowers, chipboard butterfly, D-lish Scraps tassel and Accent Scrapbooking flair, which was perfect for this layout. 

I'm very proud to say I was voted the winner in the sketch challenge and won a terrific Kaisercraft paper pack. I can't wait to get scrapping with it. 

Daddy Hugs - Scrapmatts DT

Sometimes when you have a great photo, it's important to let it be the star of the layout and not over clutter the layout with embellishments or layers. I find Scrapmatts chipboard is the perfect finishing touch for these kinds of layouts, subtle yet effective. It's also nice sometimes to create a simple layout that doesn't take ages.

I have used the stencil ST9008-A5 to apply some white gesso over parts of the background, then covered the same areas with sections of CB5126 Diamond Mesh 02. Lastly, I've used CB1155 Ferns 01 to frame my title. 

I'm so happy to have finally used my die-set to create that vellum bow. I've had it sitting in my stash unopened for about 2 years now!

Scrapmatts is sponsoring the current challenge over at CSI: Color, Stories and Inspiration. The case file is below. I've used leaves, a heart, wood/woodgrain and vellum from the evidence and my journaling is inspired by the words 'outside' and 'calm'.

The layout also fits the criteria for the More Than Words challenge this month. I've been watching them for a while and they have some stunning entries to their blog.