The Wholesaler - Studio Calico Lemon lush Project Life.

The fresh citrus colours of the new Lemon Lush Studio Calico range is simply refreshing. This range is perfect to capture those special summer memories we are lucky enough to have here in South Africa. I think of all those outings to the beach in summer, long trips with pretty flowers down the coast, fresh homemade lemonade, fields of flowers down the coast, playful butterflies and mountain get-aways with water springs offering refreshing moments to the heart and soul when I see this paper range. But that’s not all this range is good for – it can capture those special birthdays, friendships and family in a fresh and playful way. I love the freshness of the patterns and designs combined with the fresh colour palette and playful embellishments. They were perfect to capture a week in my Project Life album – capturing the lighter side of life.
I used some of the papers to fill my pockets, adding my photos and then creating some interest using the different embellishments in the range. The papers form a beautiful backdrop for the delicate acetate butterflies, chipboard hearts and lettering. I used a paper coaster and framed it with one of the Circle calendars to create a focal point on my layout. These calendars are fun and can be used to frame special photographs marking a specific date and occasion. I love the playfulness of these circle calendars offering a myriad of design opportunities
Because I only used small bits and pieces of the papers in my project Life layout I had plenty left over to create a single page as well. For this layout I used small pieces of patterned papers and a single strip cut off of the paper that forms the focal point for this layout. The chipboard hearts were combined with paper hearts adding dimension to this layout
What appeals to me is that this range is uncomplicated, bright and beautiful with loads of fun. I can’t wait for this range to hit the shelves so I can get some more of it for those beautiful fun summer pics

TIP: to sew through my chipboard letters, i use a denim needle - this type of needle is very strong and sews through paper like a knife through butter!

Products used
Studio Calico Lemon Lush Impulsive 331825
Studio Calico Lemon Lush Sweet & Sour 331832
Studio Calico Lemon Lush Passionate 331831
Studio Calico Wanderlust You are here 331941
Studio Calico Heart Stickers 331856
Studio Calico Butterflies 331871
Studio Calico Gems 331870
Studio Calico Circle Calendars 331852

**look out for these products coming soon to your nearest scrapbooking shop - OR ask for it by name - only from The Wholesaler!

Chiswick - Pearlescent embossed accents.

From the very first time i saw the magic of heat embossing i was hooked. i can also recall the facial expressions of people who know for the very first time see it - it really is magical. So what's a girl to do with a delicate die-cut - well add some more magic is the natural choice! So what would be more perfect than a nice Pearlescent effect topped with heat embossing. I got to work with the Chiswick range of Pearlescent ink pads to colour some elements and to stamp with - and i love the outcome! so here's what i did with my layout and technique elements...
I first cut my element out of white smooth American Crafts cardstock - i prefer this cardstock because it cuts nicely especially with delicate dies like the one i used and takes ink well because of it's smooth surface. Once the ink was applied it stayed wet long enough for me to add clear embossing powder and heat set it using my Chiswick heat gun. i simply love the look - see how the pearly effect shows through the embossing?

I added some delicate thin silver thread underneath my flowers - i combined some cream and soft blue flowers with the denim blue Chiswick flowers to create a nice mix between texture, shape and colour.
I used the same Pearlescent ink pad to stamp some themed images directly onto my background cardstock - to make sure the ink dries really well i heat set it using my heat gun. A quick blast will ensure the ink is dry and prevent smudges.
I used some of the lovely chipboard stickers out of the Chiswick range - to add some interest i added some folds to it - really just crumpling it up and then adhering it to still show the folds.
and here's how i created my coloured die-cut accent for my layout
Step 1
Die-cut the element out of white smooth cardstock. Pick the colour of your ink you want to add to the element.
Step 2
Turn over the ink pad and press the ink repeatedly onto the die-cut until it is fully covered in colour. Do not drag the ink pad to avoid it from being damaged.
Step 3
Add a layer of clear Zing embossing powder over the wet Pearlescent ink and shake off the excess. Heat set the embossing powder until it turns shiny and is set. Leave the powder to cool down.
Tip - The golden rule to most embossing powders is, when it turns shiny it is done. So when you see that all the powder is shiny you know that you have heated it enough.
Step 4
You element is now ready to be adhered to your layout using a thin layer of Tombow Mono Multi adhesive. I love how the Pearlescent silver of the ink pad peaks out from underneath the clear embossing powder - such an awesome effect!

Chiswick - glitter strips on cards.

I have always been a fan of glitter - a little bling makes any day brighter. So what better way to brighten someones day than to make a card featuring some bright and happy glitter strips. I love how easy it is and that even kids can help when you get busy with this easy technique. so here's how i created my card
i combined the glitter with some vintage patterned papers, chalkboard technique strip and stamped butterflies for a nice mix of texture, colour and patterns
I love the stack-able pots of glitter - handy when you are on the road or heading to a class
step 1
You will need 20mm double sided tape, thin super sticky tape, glitter in two different colours, scissors, patterned paper, card base, rubber stamps, ink pad, embellishments
step 2
Trim your patterned paper to the width of your folded card base and the height you want it to be. Adhere the 20mm double sided tape flush with the top edge of the patterned paper.
step 3
Remove the backing from the tape strip and pour the glitter on top of the tape - always work on a scrap piece of paper so that you can keep the excess glitter that does not adhere to the tape. Lightly pat down the glitter so that it adheres to the tape. Shake off any excess glitter onto the scrap paper and return it to the container.
step 4
Adhere the thin strip of super tape just below the double sided tape strip. Use your Chiswick scissors to trim off the extra overlapping tape flush with the edges.
TIP Clean your scissors regularly to avoid a sticky build up of glue and tape bits - i use UNDU to clean my scissors and cutting board
step 5
Peel the red protective backing off of the tape and pour the second colour of glitter onto the sticky part. Lightly pat down the glitter again to make sure you get a nice even coverage of solid colour on the tape. Shake off the excess and return to the container.
your glitter piece is now ready to be used on your card. Why not try this on your next scrap layout for a quick and easy way of adding an accent colour.
To view more Chiswick Products head on over to their website
Products used
Clear Stamp – Butterflies 140 x180mm (ER-A9)

Clear Stamp – Postcards 140 x 180mm (ER-A4)

Couture Creations Design Team Application Round 2.

So i made it through to round two of the Couture Creations Design team call - thanks so much!For the last round we needed to create a new project and i did this single page layout with a whole bunch of die-cuts and embossing on it. They really have amazing products!
i used this lovely paper pad Polka Dot Party from American Crafts and the delicate flower die cuts worked perfectly with it
nesting dies became frames to hold delicate vellum butterflies
another delicate vellum die-cut using the Floral 3-in-1 set cutting die
one of my favourite and go to dies is this beautiful delicate flower wreath - Assouline
embossing onto Co-ordinations cardstock after a bleach and gold acrylic paint treatment - fun effect
using my embossing folders to stamp onto my background for a fun and effective look
and here is how i created the different elements using my dies
step 1 - adhere two nesting dies together using washi tape strips to hold them securely. By adhering the two frames together you can cut thin frames to add photos or stamped images in. The left-over center pieces are great for decorating as elements too.
step 2 - cut the shapes using white cardstock and ink them using a die ink afterwards to add colour. i also stamped onto my elements once i inked them to add texture and pattern
step 3 - cut the wreath out of patterned paper and add diamante to flowers to finish them off
step 4 - how to stamp with your embossing folders
ink the bottom part of your Poetry embossing folder using Brilliance Lightning black ink pad. Press the ink pad onto the surface several times to add the ink. avoid dragging the ink pad as this will get ink on the areas around where you do not want ink
step 5 - turn the embossing folder over and lightly apply pressure onto the folder where the ink is. i use my fingers to apply the pressure while still holding the folder still to avoid the image from smudging and creating a halo effect
step 6 - carefully remove the folder from the stamped surface to reveal your stamped background iamge
step 7 - cut various shapes out of vellum and adhere them to your layout using Tombow Glue stick - the Tombow glue stick wont' leave any marks behind or any visible glue residue
I hope you enjoyed the different ways in which i used my collection of embossing folders and dies - there are really no limits when it comes to materials you can cut and emboss using the Couture Creations products. For more news and updates on products and techniques, head on over to the Couture Creations Facebook page and like it - you will learn so much! You can also sign up for their newsletter to get head first hand info on all their products and visit their website to view their entire range of products.
Products used
ADCO 723285 Couture Creations Elegance Embossing Folder 5x7 – Poetry
ADCO Couture Creations Elegance Embossing Folder 5x7 – Taylor
ADCO 723402 Couture Creations Dream Boat 3-in-1 Set – Floral
ADCO 723491 Couture Creations Intricutz Sophia Cutting Dies - Assouline

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