Whites, watercolors, ferns - freestyle journal page with Sizzix

Hi again, I hope you had a great creative week! 

It is good to create something more "airy", lighter- from time to time. For me it is important to play with white spaces and more flat  structures - especially after a weekend full of grungy, dimensional projects I teach during my classes. This page below is a great example of such "mind-cleaning": white background was painted wuth Distress Inks, Watercolor Pencils and Pencil and the main elements of composition are ferns - cut outs from one of my favorite dies in last days - Garden Greens Bigz Die by Tim Holtz.

To show more beautiful details of the floral shape I lined it a bit with very soft pencil. It looks fresh and artsy - I'm really happy about this look! I also repeated the shapes of "petals" of the intricate flower die and added a bit of dots and free-hand journaling.

Here are the Sizzix dies I used for this layout:
- 659117 - Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 4PK - Springtime
- 659436 - Sizzix Bigz Die-Garden Greens

I hope you will all have a great weekend - I surely will! This year I'm attending CraftHobby and Stitches Show in Birmingham for the very first time - and I'm super excited about it :)
I hope to meet you there:)
hugs
Finn

Back to journaling - praising the leftovers!

Hi, did you have a good, peaceful Christmas time?
I had - celebrating Christmas at home, in new place - this time in more quiet way than it was years before. But you know? I liked it too - I had a moment to work on one or two special projects, to think about my plans for the coming days, to try something new...
Before Christmas I was making project like crazy - I had to be on time with so many cards, layouts and journals that it was a great pleasure for me to do something just for myself as a break and a bit of "mind stretching"! I was lucky to have great inspiration - my friend's Round Robin - and here is the result of my "free time creating".

I have a special "leftover basket" in my studio now - I put there all the bits and pieces of Sizzix cut-outs I didn't use in my projects - and when I need some elements, some quick inspiration - I can always get some from there! Can you see how in quick and easy way I could build, interesting, layered background using some flower and doily elements from my small collection?

Here is the list of dies I used for this project - but it would work with any similar ones :)
- 658947 - Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 2PK - Doily & Doily Border
- 659127 - Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 4PK - Frame Layers & Flower #2
- 658506 - Sizzix Sizzlits Die - Vintage Doily
- 658502 - Sizzix Sizzlits Die - Flower, Daisy
- 658720 - Sizzix Bigz Die - Ornate Frame 

I really think this basket was a great idea - it is a shame to throw away pieces you don't need in  that moment...they can be perfect for your future projects, right?
Sending you lots of love
Finn

Journal obsession continues - Thinlits in mixed-media way!

Hi, it's me again!
Not so long ago I was posting some pages done in my "Odyssey" journal - altered book which I fill with new pages from time to time. All of them are dedicated to my family - parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. All of the pages are media based but when I add elements I simply can't resist and I HAVE TO add something special, dimensional and intricate....and that's why I love Sizzix Thinlits so much!
The page below is no differetn - there are beautiful elements cut out from white cardstock with a set of Echo Park Paper Sizzix dies. The photo shows my uncle, Bogdan during one of the important family gatherings. I think he could be around 20 in this time...

Here you can see some more of the details - I used Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 3PK - For the Record 2, Documented (659109) and a lot of paper scraps, canvas scraps and metal embellishments from Prima (Vintage Vanity A4 journaling pad, Vintage Vanity Stamps, Elementals - Canvas resist Sheets, Sunrise-Sunset Stencil, Mechanicals).

I love how the cut outs correspond with the shapes of the metal trinkets and how they add the great depth to the project. It is so simple yet spectacular...
I hope you will have a great, creative week!
See you soon!
Finn

Art Journal obsession - more journaling with Thinlits!

Hi, it's me again!
Last week I posted a page from my ongoing project - "Odyssey" vintage book which I keep filling with pages inspired by my old family photos. Well, the problem is I got so inspired after last time that I simply couldn't stop! so today I've got another journal page - this time dedicated to my beloved grandpa - Edward - who passed away way too early in 1993.

This time I also focused on Echo Park Paper skeleton flower die (aren't these shapes just amazing?) - Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 4PK - Springtime (659117) - and vintage papers and tickets from my home collection. I had so much fun creating it. Here you can see  more details!

Again- all the colours come from homemade tea stain, Vintaj Patina and sprays (Luminarte Primary Elements with water), there is a bit of gesso and some 3D Foams by Scrapbook Adhesives used as embellishments too ;) As finishing touches I used some metal elements such as paper clips, an iron plate I found on the street, piece of wire I got from one of my students, buttons and staples. The checked fabric is one of the Canvas Resist Sheets (my Elementals by Prima) and stamps are a choice of background patterns from my Prima Vintage Vanity collection.
See you soon - have a great week!
Finn

Art Journaling with Thinlits - vintage love...

Hi, I hope you had a great week!
Today I'm sharing one on the journal pages which is a part of my creative project inspired by my old family photos. From time to time I open the book I bought in the charity shop and add one or 2 pages inside... and because I use the photos of my beloved ones the book turns into a precious keepsake that I'd love to keep on my shelf forever.
The pages below are about my dad, Chris - I think he was about 30 when this photo was taken.

The pages are mostly created from leftovers and found papers - I love to create this way, including pieces I have somewhere in my stash. One of the most important parts of the composition was the Echo Park Paper skeleton flower cut-out from the white cardstock: Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 4PK - Springtime (659117).
 I love the beautiful pattern it made, I was so inspired by it I started co color the inside of the cut-out with a pencil to make it even more visible!

Of course - The color comes from homemade tea stain and sprays (Luminarte Primary Elements with water), there is a bit of gesso  and some 3D Foams by Scrapbook Adhesives - this time used as embellishments ;) As finishing touches I used some metal elements including two of the Vintage Centers (my Mechanicals by Prima), paper clips, buttons and staples. The checked fabric is one of the Canvas Resist Sheets (my Elementals by Prima) and stamps are a choice of background patterns from my Prima Vintage Vanity collection. 
Huge hugs from the Emerald Island and see you soon!
Finn

What to do with cut-out leftovers?

Hi, here I am again :)
What to do with cut-out leftovers? don't throw the away for sure!!! They are just perfect for layering, little elements on your cards or tags, extra texture on your bigger projects... or  as a mixed-media background base on your journal page!

I usually  have a lot of leftovers on my desk - and it is quite natural for me to find them proper place to "shine" - from time to time I simply glue them on the pages of my journal and cover them with gel or gesso - just like I did on the page below. 

Pieces of paper, different designs mixed together get the new, unified look under the cot of gesso. They create simple, beautiful background to play on. All you need to add is some dimensional elements (why not some more leftovers? fabric? masking tape? chipboard? MORE CUT-OUTS???) and some color...

In the end - the finishing touches: hand journaling, stamping, some embellishments and a journal page is ready - how simple is that?

Here is the list of the dies which were used to create this page. Please note - These were random pieces I found on mu desk after finishing other projects!
- 657996 - Sizzix Sizzlits Die - Card, Scallop Circle Insert
- 658506 - Sizzix Sizzlits Die - Vintage Doily
- 658947 - Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 2PK - Doily & Doily Border
- 659110 - Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 5PK - For the Record 2, Tailored
- 659109 - Sizzix Thinlits Die Set 3PK - For the Record 2, Documented

All the stamps, canvas sheet and metal embellishments are new, coming releases of my products with Prima Marketing - Mechanicals (metal), Vintage Vanity and Elementals.

See you soon - I wish you all great, sunny weekend!
xoxoox
Finn 

Unexpected stop in Paris - journal page with Sizzix :)

Hi again friends!
There are some days that should simply not happen - one of these, during which you shouldn't get out of bed,  or at least - out of your house. I had 2 days like this in a row like this this week... and it was all because of the strikes on the Paris Airport - starting just on the day of my planned flight home! Grrr!
I'm not the master of planning, but I'm trying to get organized as much as possible with my crazy, busy life - this unexpected stop made me lose my balance completely... of course there were some advantages: spending more time with friends, having more time for sleeping... or this small project I made one evening in my altered book journal :)

Limited access to supplies makes you creative and opens your mind, I think:)
I made this journal page using just a bit of gesso, tea stain, some small tags and white paper scraps I got from my friends,masking tape, thread and twine and a crochet flower. Luckily I had a paper doily and one Sizzix cut out left from the class on Saturday: 
- 657996 - Sizzix Sizzlits Die - Card, Scallop Circle Insert
So I could work some more on layers and details.

In the end, I had really great creative time playing and splashing tea in my journal. Great company, music, chocolate and free evening eased my stress and made my life a bit better.

Soon I will share some photos from my classes I had with my lovely students from France - see you soon!
Sending warmest hugs
Finn

Freestyle Journaling with Sizzix!

Hi again!
I've got a serious hoarding problem when it comes to my paper leftovers, especially - pretty papers and Sizzix cut-outs I have left from previous projects. I simply can't get rid of them!
What can I do with them then, except of putting them in a safe place for "later"? I use them for my journal pages - they are perfect add -ons to the background, beautiful details hidden in between the layers! Here are 2 pages of my journal  - I used great Paula Pascual butterflies and some Movers and Shapers from Tim Holtz to create them!

The whole idea of the pages in these journal are some paper leftovers for the texture, some gesso, colorful sprays, pencil and black pen... but just look -  these cute butterflies are really a perfect embellishing element!

And don't forget about a bit of stamping with Movers and Shapers too - Tim Holtz Numbers together with Jet Black Archival ink worked just perfectly!

Finally - here is a full list of products for you:
- 658290 - Sizzix Framelits Die Set 5PK w/Stamps - Butterflies #4
- 657841 - Sizzix Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die Set 11PK - Cargo Stencil Number Set
- 657209 - Sizzix Movers & Shapers Magnetic Die Set 2PK - Mini Butterflies Set
- Prima Marketing - Epoxy Stickers - Sunrise-Sunset Collection
- Prima Marketing - Sunrise-Sunset Collection - 6x6 checked stencil, checked stamp
- Ranger Archival Ink - Jet Black, Glossy Accents
- Dylussions - Stencil by Dyan Reaveley
- Luminarte - Primary Elements Pigments
- other: thread, pencil, black pen, masking tape, gesso

I wish you a ll a great, creative week!
See you soon!
Finn

Play with BIGZ die today!

Hello everyone!

I thought that Spring would be around the corner with the beautiful temperatures we had here the last couple of days but cold is back! :( So, for today's layout, I have decided to scrapbook a Winter photo with Spring product!

I added turquoise, pink, a tiny bit of yellow and GOLD (to bring on the sun!) for this spring-inviting layout!

You will need these supplies to create that layout : 

• a Big Shot (655268)
• Tattered Poinsettia BIGZ die (658261)
• Frame Fancy BIGZ die (658038)
• Papers (American Crafts Dear Lizzy & Amy Tangerine)
• Tags (BananaFish Studios)
• Gold paper (American Crafts)
• Die-cuts (American Crafts)
• Badge (Hello Forever)
• Stamps (Florilèges)
• Wood embellishments (Sodalicious)
• Vellum

First of all, tear a piece of vellum and glue it down on top of your background.

Mount your picture with a patterned paper and start layering lots of different papers : the more layers, the better!

I then layered tags and journaling cards on top of my papers.

With my Big Shot, I cut my two different BIGZ dies to add a shiny look to my page : I used gold paper for this one! It's rather thick but the thickness of the BIGZ dies makes it VERY easy to cut through thick materials.

You can then add badges, tickets, wood embellishments and such and your layout is done! :)

Take care and thanks for watching!
Céline

Keep laughing! Layout

Hello everyone!

How are you doing today?!

Here I am with a brand new layout full of wintery colors again! I told you I've been inspired by these color combos lately!

Today, I would like to show you this layout on which I played with two different Sizzix dies, and show you that these dies can be used such as pure embellishments, and bring extra contrasts and texture to your layout!

First of all, this is what you'll need to create this layout : 

• a Big Shot (655268)
• Frame Fancy BIGZ die (658038)
• Card Decorative Insert die (657994)
• Crate Paper papers
• Mr Huey Audrey
• Mr Huey Gold
• Studio Calico droppers
• Studio Calico mask
• Stickers (American Crafts, October Afternoon)
• Rubons ( Basic Grey)

Choose the paper you want as a background. Add some mists here and there.

Then cut two strips off of two different patterned papers and glue those two at the top and at the bottom of your background.

Cut your Card Decorative insert die into a double-sided patterned paper : glue the frame and add the inside after turning it upside down - you'll get a full frame with two different designs!

Do the same with the Frame Fancy die and mount it with 3D foam tabs.

 
Add some embellishments here and there, still sticking to the same color combo.

Hope you liked it!
Take care
Céline

Journaling with sizzix is simply fun!

Hi there!
Wintertime is perfect for creating I think  - we are forced to spend more time at home, closer to our desks and art supplies... so why not exploring some possibilities of using your favorite Sizzix dies?
Here are examples of mixed-media journal projects which were based on Sizzilts Decorative Strips - what can be more fun than using your die cuts and die-cut leftovers in a creative, funky way?

Both creations above are based on gesso, acrylic paint and sprays (Luminarte - Primary Elements and Silks) and lots, lots of die-cuts  from Sizzlits Decorative Strips line: 657706 - Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Curly #2, 657745 - Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Filigree Border and 2 dies from Tim Holtz line:  657825 - Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Harlequin Border and 657826 - Sizzix Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die - Washer Border.

Here you can see more details - I love the texturized, rich backgrounds I can create with Sizzix cut outs!

Christmas time is coming! I'm not ready with all the things I want to do yet, but I wish you all a great week - we'll see each other soon, next Friday!
xoxo
Finn