Hello everyone, this is Janna joining you today with a softly-spoken layout featuring vast layers, curled paper edges, and a few pieces of Crate's beloved baby boy line, "Little Boy Blue". Follow along as I show you step-by-step, how to create the layout from start to finish.
As a general guideline, here's a list of supplies used in the construction of the layout:
Project Supplies
{Little Boy Blue Collection}
Patterned Papers (Oliver), Accent Cuts, 6 x 6 Pattern Paper Pad, Alpha Label Stickers, Border Stickers, Phrase Stickers, Lullaby Thickers, Fabric & Epoxy Brads, Wood Shapes
{Miscellaneous}
AC This to That 3 Dimensional Foam Dots, AC This to That Adhesive Runner, AC Precision Writer, Sprays, Sewing Machine
I chose Little Boy Blue "Oliver" patterned paper as the layout's background. The pattern is subtle enough that it doesn't impede on the rest of the design. From the 6 x 6 paper pad, I chose papers that matched my photo. To prepare them ahead of time, I distressed the edges with a "torn-theme" scissors and distress tool. If you're without these tools, sandpaper or a nail file, are perfectly ok options.
Instead of adhering the 6 x 6 papers directly onto the background paper, sew them together, first. Do not cut the leftover thread from the papers. Let it be.
The Accent Cuts include some fabulous tags! I chose one that was within the layout's color scheme and then trimmed it from the sheet.
In support of a more shabby chic feel, crumple the tag just cut out and distress the edges as described previously. Afterwards, glue the papers, photo and tag onto the middle of the page.
The pattern-side of the Accent Sheet is fabulous, as well! Trim two strips and two triangles from the scraps and position them as shown. Fix them with a smidgen of adhesive, and sew them onto the layout. This prevents the pieces from moving around during the sewing process.
The sticker sheets are amazing! So many gorgeous elements worth trying out! If you would like to use them, but don't want them to stick entirely to the paper, attach them to scrap paper first, and then trim them out. Now you can use 3-dimensional foam dots to anchor them down, or a sewing machine.
More bending, curling, distressing, what-have-you. Remember,the goal is shabby chic!
Bring your photo front and center by positioning a wood frame over it. The frame is nearly the same color as my dog's fur, which brings further attention to the photo. Follow that up with some brads - their presence generates randomness and is kind of quirky and fun. And, because the right side of the layout is "heavier" than the left, place the title on the left side using a dark color that matches the ongoing color scheme.
I rarely journal on my pages, but I still love to jot down a few words. American Craft's Precision Pen is available in a number of different sizes. This one happens to be .03.
The very last thing you'll want to do is apply "spritzing". It lends the layout a more playful, eclectic touch and fills in some of the white space without drawing too much attention to it.
At this point, the layout is complete! As you can see, it only takes a few simple steps to create a layout of this kind. Nearly every little detail, when given the chance (such as the hanging thread tails), contributes something special to the big picture. Give it a go and find out for yourself! Hope you enjoyed the write-up!
Your lo is GORGEOUS!!! I loveeeeeeeeee how you layered!! Thanks for sharing the tips!!!
Posted by: Julie Tucker-Wolek | August 30, 2012 at 04:55 AM
Fabulous!! Love the layout & the tips!
Posted by: Susan @ PaperCrafter's Corner | August 31, 2012 at 05:21 AM
I love the layers! so cute. I have already an idea how to make an invitation card for my son's 1st birthday this coming March. Layering is best to add the beauty of my layouts for my baby boy's big bash.
Posted by: Maude Burt | January 29, 2013 at 07:09 PM