thursday...back to the basics

Back in March Penny challenged us in sb.com to make a layout using only paper, ink and, scissors ans she challenged us again this month to do the same and as you probably know me, I can't let such a great opportunity for a challenge pass by so below is my take on her challenge using only paper (all from my stash), ink (sharpie, Signo white pen, Tim Holtz ink pads), and scissors (my handy dandy no-brand scissor!).



I want to mention that I used Sketch Inspiration Sketch #225 (click to see the sketch). This sketch started it all as I didn't have a clue where to start. After I chose my pictures and printed them, I started to go through my paper stash and chose papers that are so old that I don't even know the brand!

To make the background, I layered 2 pattern papers and a white cardstock. I water distressed both pattern papers and inked their edges. I love this technique! I also distressed with my scissors all the circles and the stripped paper for a softer but distressed look. I doodled faux stitching on most of my layers to add dimension. The gift strip is by Echo Park that I hand-cut and added to my layout. I also inked these edges.


I made a whole bunch of flowers by following (loosely) this awesome tutorial that I've had in my favorites for years now! For the flower centers (aren't they pretty?), I used this tutorial (scroll down the page for the flower center tutorial). I drew the stamen with a sharpie and my Signo white pen.


I hand drew and cut the leaves and doodled around the edges for a finished look. The blue heart I fuzzy cut from a doggy pattern paper by DCWV. Again, I doodled around the edges here as well. The Traditions word is from Fancy Pants paper label (the blue snowflake paper) that I cut out.


I made an embellishment for the top left corner using a strip of paper, a circle, a present, a little birdie and a flower. I love how this corner looks!


Up until the end, this layout didn't have a title as I couldn't come up with one. When I was cleaning up, I noticed the Echo Park label strip at the end of the gift pattern paper and voila! My title was born! I mounted the strip on a piece of Prima packaging to give it some dimension (and make it look more like a chipboard) and finished it off by inking the edges.

I hope that you enjoyed my layout and write up about how I made it using only paper, ink and scissors. If you want a challenge with rewarding results, I recommend that you try this at least once.

Have a great day!