January 31, 2011

She Sews a Fine Seam

Happy 5th Monday, everyone! This is Sandi of Soft Side of Sandi  (personal blog) and also Stuck on U Sketches  challenge blog.  I was so flattered when Sheila asked me to do a Guest Designer spot for her. My approach may be a little less "technical"  than you normally see here at She's a Sassy Lady ... but I figure that's okay. I mainly do layouts and only a few other types of paper crafting projects as needed. So, I decided I would just walk you through how I usually approach a layout and share my cut file.  First, let me show you the finished product:




My first step in doing a page is to decide upon the photo (or photos) I will use and then to select papers to go with my them. That for me is the hardest part! I love paper and have far too many options! On this page I wanted to keep the photo as a color photo and chose to match my mom's blouse. TIP: When I first began to scrap, I would rely on my Color Wheel quite frequently for assistance. Over time, I use it less and less .. and bend the rules somewhat to meet my needs. But if you are new to paper crafting, I highly recommend using one.  Here's a pic of the papers I chose:





Love using purple and teal together! Today I've used Webster's Pages Shine a Light and Foo on Film, as well as misc cardstock.

Next, I usually select a sketch to go with the number of photos I will be using. I also have a few fall-back sketches memorized that I use when the mood strikes, like with this page. (TIP: There are lots of great sketch sites online.  I have even recently downloaded some sketches to my I-phone from the App store. You may at first feel limited when using a sketch ... until you see how it can improve your results.)  Then I start designing either on my Gypsy or in Design Studio to see if my page elements will fit and look balanced. This was how my page looked in DS:



Here's a few photos of some of the cut elements:




Next, I used my Zutter Distress-it-all to distress my 12x12 paper edges, then inked them with Tim Holtz Chipped Sapphire Distress Ink. I normally do more layers on my pages but since I was using a large photomat, a large title and the dressform cut, I decided I would like to stay with one continuous paper.  After distressing my edges and inking them, I adhered the purple paper to black cardstock. TIP:  If you do not have a distressing tool, you can always just use the edge of your scissor blade.




I scanned the photo of my mom and did some photo editing before printing it and adhering it to the photomat which was cut using the Cricut Sentimentals cartridge. TIP: Scan your photos before using them so that you will have digital storage and will not have to use your originals. Before I adhered it to my paper, I assembled my title and the shadow layer using my Zig 2 way pen. Those were cut using the Nursey Rhyme cartridge. Then, after inking my edges with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Broken China.  I adhered my photo and title to my page, as well as the black corner scrolls which were cut from the Cricut Heritage cartridge.



My dressform was cut multiple times using the Cricut Forever Young cartridge to make it thicker without stopping to cut some chipboard. Then I decorated "her" a bit with some ribbon for her skirt and flat-backed adhesive pearls at her neck. TIP: Foam squares were used on the backside of the dressform to provide some dimension and lift it off the page.



Before placing my flowers on my page, I used Terrifically Tacky Tape along the bottom of my photo and attached some black trim from my stash. Once the flowers were in place, the scissors (also from Sentimentals) were glued to my flower cluster. My flowers are a mix of Prima Guava Peony Etude and Petaloo Chantilly Mixed Blooms in Green. TIP: You could also easily use your favorite hand made paper or fabric flowers.

Lastly, I added some purple crystals to the chandelier, pearls to my photomat and a single Jolee's purple Fluer-di-lis on the right side of my black trim.  I did journal beneath my photo after taking a photo for this tutorial. The crystals and pearls are the Prima E-line variety from my stash. TIP: I use a flat blade like a wallpaper knife to lift my stones from the packaging and to transfer then to my paper. Works great for me!


If you are interested, here is the link to the DS cut file: http://www.box.net/shared/9yv1ntpnti
And here is the link for the Gypsy version of the file: http://www.box.net/shared/2gjydfef51

In closing, I just want to thank Sheila for having me here today.  I hope you enjoyed hearing about how I made my little project! Please let me know if you have any questions.

 Sandi

14 comments:

Beatriz Farquhar-Guzman said...

Beautiful! and your instructions and photos of the process are perfect. Thank you for your hard work! Love your page

Sheila aka SassyLady said...

Sandi, this is a GORGEOUS layout. Love your paper and color choices. Look at all the detail from the little corners, frames, and the dress shape to scissors, then a beautiful photo of your mother tops the wonderful page off. Thanks for the great tips, tutorial and the file too.

mfc.melissamade2 said...

Sandi - this is divine! I love the layering where you place the scissors on top of the flowers! Gorgeous color palette too! Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful project!
Hugs,
M

Nanne said...

This is a wonderful step by step Sandi.. Love to see how you create your beautiful layouts..
Hugs
Nanné

Audrey Frelx said...

Sandi, you're the one of the best at doing layouts!!! This one is beautiful!

Audrey Frelx said...

Oops, I think my previous message got lost somewhere. As I was saying...

Sandi, you're layouts are among the best I've seen, and this one is beautiful! You did a great tutorial and TFS!

Java Jen's Creations said...

Very beautiful layout!! Love it!!

Stacy said...

Sandi
What a beautiful layout
Hugs
Stacy

Brens Designs said...

Sandi... Love your layout! Beautiful details!

papillon digital design said...

wow this is beautiful work. Love how you have played to the theme.
TFS

GabyCreates.com said...

Great LO! I love the dress forms dress!! and thanks for sharing all those tips-- I like how you bling the chandelier and am going to have to create something similar for my sister, she is a sewing machine!!!

Barb Craft said...

Sandy... it is so great seeing your work here! I can learn so much from all your fabulous tips!
Barb :)

Idea Queen said...

What cartridge did you cut the scissors from? It is a great layout. Thanks for sharing.

Laurie
happydales@me.com

CBH said...

Thank you so much for this post. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in Creative Busy Hands Cricut Freebies Search List, under the Elements post on Feb. 01, 2011. Thanks again.