Hello Everyone! Christine Middlecamp with you once again with another brand new feature to the Crate Paper blog this month that is ever-so-simply titled, Inspire then Crate. We've all been there, whether hiding behind a magazine or sitting afar from something intriguing - the new, the fresh, the must-try-today or tomorrow idea..yes, we love to be inspired. I don't know about you, but I'm addicted to the process of the search for the unknown. Within the unknown is a possible creative journey never before tried - total uniqueness. Creative types are driven by inspiration and the journey that follows, so we at Crate thought, "Why not bring it here?" After all, it's probably one of the reasons you visit us..to be inspired.
Once a month, I'll present a fresh image/concept with a coinciding project from one of my internet sprees - the purpose is to show you the kinds of things that we at Crate love and to start you on new creative journey - if it makes you happy, take it with you - it's yours to keep! Here's the first showing....
{credit: ScrapStudio}
I wish I could of located this image in a larger size, but it'll have to do for now...One of the things that I've learned about Crate Paper is that they LOVE color! They're also attuned to the popular vintage theme that so many of us are crazy for right now! So, when I ran into this beautifully created message board at Pinterest recently, I knew automatically it was going to be the "inspiration of choice" for today's post. Following it's discovery, this transpired...
What I'm loven' about the message board is it's use of dark space in conjunction with color. The dark space is playing the same sort of role as regular ol' white space, but it has a slightly more dramatic effect! The color seems to appear out of no where and almost glows against the dark background. It's also secluded to one spot..right now, I seem to be enjoying experimenting with dark backgrounds similar to this one. This would be my second layout in two weekends using dark woodgrain pattern paper next to bright, bold color! I really like to the two together (dark woodgrain preferable).
Beyond the inspiration piece are the details and there are plenty to share with you today from the layout! That being said, I'm a combiner of sorts - I rarely work with just one collection. This particular layout houses nearly all four of Crate's latest collections - though it heavily weighs in on Neighborhood. Neighborhood's chipboard accents are some of my favorites, including this adorable four-panel window frame that so easily lends itself to housing itty-bitty embellishment collages. Actually, you can sit what ever you want behind the frame - mini collages is just one option!
The frame itself sits up on pop dots - the best way to use pop dots in this kind of situation is to cut the housing that holds the dots - normally the housing is sticky as well! I cut strips from the housing and then applied them to the backside of the window.
More chipboard on display - again pop dots, but with a simple, graph patterned "Emma's Shoppe" circle sticker and die-cut flower (the mini papers are most ideal for die-cutting because their pattern size is smaller and also, they easily fit inside the confines of a traditional die-cut machine like the Big Shot or Epic!)
Buzz buzz or umbrella's - which do you prefer? I've a liking for umbrella's, so when Lisa mentioned that Neighborhood was going to cater an umbrella, I was elated! Umbrella's aren't just for the rain either, they're great as accessories next to complimentary items like tiny, friendly bees. Don't you know that bees don't like water?!
Had any of you pinpointed the floral bunch above from the Neighborhood collection? It's hidden on one of the Accent Cards - possibly on the backside. Because I chose to make this single portion of the card the focal point, I framed it inside a transparency die-cut and then unleashed a bubbling row of 3/4" punched dots beneath it. The dots are punched from Emma's Shoppe "Inventory" patterned paper. They're layered with tiny matte turquoise sequins and red pearls.
A couple last details - attaching a bunch of border strips to your layout like this one - stick with staples! It'll save on glue and only cost you two staples at most :)
Lastly, because I wanted to maintain a similar style and design as the message board, I chose a transparent title that wouldn't get in the way with the dark background of the layout. The journaling conveniently hangs out below!
And there you have it! Our first "Inspire then Crate" post is complete - thank-you for tagging along! I'll return in a few short weeks with another "monthly intro" and the continuation of my "Crate's Card Menu" - it'll publish the week of April 4th! See you then!
Great stuff! That layout just takes my breath away!! I am loving the dark space...the layers...transparent title. Just everything about this layout is filling my crafty brain full of inspiration!
I just got this line in (from 2Peas) and after I finish my DT work for this month, I'm diving into it! Can't wait ;).
Posted by: heather i | March 24, 2011 at 05:18 AM
I loveeeeeeeeee both of these!!! AMAZING creations! WOW! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Posted by: Julie Tucker-Wolek | March 24, 2011 at 05:33 AM
Christine Middlecamp rules!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jing-Jing Nickel | March 24, 2011 at 06:03 AM
This is lovely! I've started to use more layering in my scrapbooking thanks to you! :-)
Posted by: Laney | March 24, 2011 at 07:08 AM
simply stunning!
Posted by: Cathy Harper | March 24, 2011 at 07:11 AM
Love the 3d layered look of this and darling on the wood background!
Posted by: Dianne | March 24, 2011 at 07:19 AM
all the little details are amzing! Love the inspiration and dimension on this.
Posted by: Raechelle Bellus | March 24, 2011 at 07:36 AM
Fantastic Christine :-) Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Char | March 24, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Christine this is absolutely stunning! You amaze me more and more! :D Thanks so much for that!
Posted by: Amy | March 24, 2011 at 11:45 AM
crazy cute- you have me wanting some of that wood looking pp now!!! my lss just got all the new crate lines in and I am heading over tomorrow for some weekend crafting fun. I'm going to try the tons of color with brown look-- thanks for the inspiration, Christine!! yeaaa!
Posted by: janis m | March 24, 2011 at 05:33 PM
Absolutely amazing! I love how all the elements work together and are just so darn cute! thanks for sharing!
Posted by: gambuccigirl | March 25, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Words have a magical power. They can bring either the greatest happiness or deepest despair; can transfer knowledge from teacher to students words enable the orator to sway his audience and dictate its decisions .Words are capable of arousing the strongest emotions and prompting all man's actions , Do not ridicule the use of words in psychotherapy.
Posted by: Air Jordans | April 19, 2011 at 01:03 AM