Crate Paper's collection releases are vast and varied. Since 2006, Lisa's created a countless number of them for papercrafters to enjoy and make use of via their crafting habits. Fortunately, I've been around long enough to benefit from most, minus the first few. When people ask me if I still own the "old stuff", I say "Of course, and it's all coordinated nicely in drawers, paper holders, and baskets throughout my scrapbook space." My all time favorite release is Prudence, Crate's classic white, black and grey collection. It still blends seamlessly with today's design trends! For this reason, I thank my lucky stars that Prudence is just one drawer away from me. Truth be told, you never know when a collection might come back in style ;) Might as well keep all them, just incase.
Given the above layout, can you spot the number of collection's thrown in the mix? There's at least five, including Pretty Party, Story Teller, Emma's Shoppe, Random and Portrait. Why mention this? Because I love how you can take five different Crate collections, and create a layout that is uniform in appearance and of a large cohesive design that is engaging and fun. Very rarely do I create a project from just one collection - it just doesn't happen!
*If you look closely, there's one element that's truly different. Hint: Cover Graphic.
Moving on to tips and techniques...
Frames are fun. It's that simple. They pretty much lend themselves to just about every project type, too. Here, I backed the frame with transparency, glittered 3-D flowers (Paper Clothe Patterned Paper), and a small sticker (Pretty Party). On top the frame and to the side, I sat Mr. Blue Bird :)
I try to avoid glitter at all costs. Once it's out of the bottle, containing the stuff is impossible! To save myself from the doom that is glitter, I go the route of Stickles instead. So much easier!
I wasn't satisfied with just plain ol' flowers. Nope. To give them additional texture and sparkle, I applied a light coat of gold stickles around their edges.
If you haven't already deterimined, I have a thing for layered circles. I call them self-made embellishments. Pop them on a flower, or a Crate Paper heart such as this one, and you will have created a one-of-a-kind combination that is all your own. Just make sure to have a lot of circles punches on hand...
I punched the center of this Pretty Party label out to make room for black patterned paper. I punched out the top area as well before backing it with Story Teller's "25 Cent" journal card, and a misc. title.
An especially old Crate Paper embellishment, the "thanks" chipboard sticker from the now retired collection, Cottage.
Are you curious as to why the layout is titled "Crate Paper"? Simply put, I adore the brand. I've been avid fan of their designs for as long as I can remember. Also, I share a very special past with Crate...it's a story to be told another day.
Had you found the odd item? It's the Crate Paper Title/Cover Label from CP's wholesale catalog! I originally intended to use the catalog's cover as the basis of a layout, but changed my mind. Believe it or not, the cover is super cute!!
Have a wonderful day everyone! This has been a lot of fun! I shall see you again next month!
Love it! The black lace roses and the big rose die cuts: love. The pink strawberry print juxtaposed with the black lace rose and the black print : beautiful!
I am using Farmhouse paper and stickers to make an album. They look good with all the other elements I am pulling together to create a very, very journal-heavy album.
Posted by: Libby | May 03, 2012 at 04:22 PM
This is ABSOLUTELY gorgeous! I loveeeeeeeee all the wonderful layers!!! And I love love love love love that you titled this "Crate Paper" how awesome is that!!
Posted by: Julie Tucker-Wolek | May 03, 2012 at 07:56 PM
beautiful layout !! i love all details !
Posted by: Marie-Nicolas | May 04, 2012 at 02:12 AM
The complete layout did not display on my phone when I first looked at the post, just the closeups. I thought it was strange that there wasn't an overall image....now I see the entire layout and am thrilled that the photo is of you, Christine. Just beautiful. Love all the different tags.
Posted by: Libby | May 04, 2012 at 05:08 PM
Wow, this is so pretty! I love all of the detials here!
Thanks for sharing!
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