My weekend was a happy mess of patterned paper, acrylic paint, ink and other lovely supplies. I wanted to play and experiment. I wasn’t sure what the end result would be, but sometimes, it’s liberating to fearlessly play with your supplies and just see what happens. Normally, I feel frustrated when I smear ink or paint, but this weekend, I embraced those imperfections. I just wanted to create.

Today I’m happy to share my imperfect creations with you and tell you a little bit about how they came together. It’s my hope that you’ll be inspired to get messy and create, too—to fearlessly experiment with your supplies and just see what happens!




dessert love

Supplies:
Patterned paper, sticker (KI Memories)
Letter stickers (American Crafts, EK Success)
Transparency (Graphix)
Misc.: kraft cardboard, foam adhesive, acrylic paint, staples, ink, notebook paper

I was inspired by Assistant Editor GinaMarie’s use of a transparency to frame a photo, so I created this page. First, I experimented by laying down multiple strips of patterned paper and my photo. I then used foam adhesive to place a transparency on top of the photo. I embellished the transparency with acrylic paint, using the bottom of a pen to stamp paint circles around the edge of the transparency. The felt title letters and “love” sticker were added on top of the transparency to create another subtle layer. I then inked the edges of the page to add additional texture. It was an accident that the ink ended up being so thick (and that I smeared it a bit on the patterned papers), but it lends personality to the page.

Story behind the page: This page is a tribute to one of my favorite restaurants—Aladdin’s Eatery. When I moved to Cincinnati to work for Memory Makers, I was completely bummed that the closest Aladdin’s Eatery was in Columbus. (Yes, I checked the corporate site when I moved.) However, I just found out that there’s a new Aladdin’s right here in Cincinnati! (And you can bet I’ll be doing a page about my first trip to eat there!)

Creative Prompt: Create a layout about your favorite restaurant. (Hint: Sometimes, getting good food shots can be tricky. Click here to see a page by Assistant Editor GinaMarie and get a few pointers. And remember that lighting is key. When I took the dessert photo above, I took advantage of the fact that we were eating outside and the natural light was perfect.)


 

permanent ally

Supplies:
Epoxy sticker, patterned paper (KI Memories)
Label sticker (Autumn Leaves)
Letter stickers (American Crafts)
Misc.: graph paper, kraft paper, acrylic paint, bubble wrap, staples, date stamp, ink

I played with acrylic paint on this page, too, using bubble wrap to stamp circles on my kraft cardstock. This layout came together quite quickly. After laying down a few strips of patterned paper and the photo, I added a torn piece of graph paper as a journaling spot, a label sticker for the date and my title. To finish the page, I added the epoxy sticker at the top, left corner of the photo.

I recently purchased the date stamp used on this page, and I’ve had a lot of fun playing with it. (Staying with the imperfect theme of this blog entry, I love the messy look of the stamp. It’s not always straight and the ink sometimes smudges a bit. It’s great!)

Story behind the page: My sister sent me a great text message a few weeks ago, telling me that she’s a permanent ally for me. I thought it was such a funny and cute thing to say. I knew I wanted to scrapbook the memory.

Creative Prompt: Create a page about a funny or memorable text message or e-mail you’ve recently received.

I hope you’re inspired this week to dig out some of your supplies and play. And for another creative prompt, click here.

Wishing you a very inspired week,

Katie