Thursday, November 14, 2013

Switching gears



I was really getting tired of working with file folders, and was delighted when I had the chance to switch gears and do a bit of sewing.  I'm sure several of you who visit my blog a lot have wondered why I haven't sewn more this year during AEDM.  The truth is, I have been so consumed by those ding dang file folders I've been working on, I simply haven't taken time.

But all that changed today, because I sewed a bunch of prototypes of scrapbook pages for a friend who wants me to make some backgrounds to shorten the time she needs to make several scrapbooks she plans to give her family at Christmas.  Actually, I was simply trying to decide what layout and background I liked best.  Since she will visit me on Monday, I was able to get them finished with time to spare before her arrival, so she can decide which she likes best.

There are no step out photos today.  I was too busy using different products, then putting them away, to worry about anything but the finished pieces.  The background on this layout above is Twinkling H2Os.  I hope all of you know how to use them.

Here is a photo taken with my old camera showing you add water to the pots to activate the H2Os, and a paint brush to spread them on the substrate.  Allow the water time for activation because it can take up to 10 minutes for the cakes to get saturated enough to spread.

This background uses acrylic paint and a gift card.  I mentioned this swiping technique when I was making my file folder backgrounds.

This background is inexpensive acrylic craft paint I spread on the substrate using my scruffy brush.

I wanted to show some of the sewing I did on the postcards, but this one is the most boring of all.

Of course, any time I can take a close up of something using this new camera, I'm very happy.

This background was created using both paint and H2Os.

I'm starting to love it when I can show a closeup of a background and stitches.

Which layout do you think she'll like best?  Which do you prefer?  Since I'm not a scrapbooker, I can use all the advice I can get.

Today is Day 15
of AEDM and we are now half way though the month.  There's definitely light at the end of the tunnel.  I'll be helping my neighbor Sally all day tomorrow, so I won't have much to offer tomorrow night.

15 thoughtful remarks:

Dianne said...

I really like the first two (of course, they have red/pink!) but wouldn't want to cover up the lovely paint textures with a photo! I don't scrapbook often, but when I do I usually use a background color that picks up colors in the photo I want to use...but it really depends on the person doing the page. Some folks like to match stuff, others go for contrast. either way, these are terrific pages to use for a scrapbook page! really lovely...I like the stitching...

Julie Jordan Scott said...

S and H green stamps, Spelman College and stitching. Switching gears for a bit worked well for you!

I hope your Friday is lovely!

Vicki Miller said...

I like them all! Not much help, I suppose I like the twinkling h20s best, but I do like the purple one, too, probably because I love purple.
Sorry I confused you on my blog, but thanks for the compliment!

Sandy said...

Oh I have just ordered some of those twinkling H2O's they look so pretty and I love watercolour.. I cant wait to try them.. I love to sew on my items making pockets and joining things to pop in my art journal pages it just adds a little something.. I love your pages and I am sure your friend will enjoy using them immensely.
Thank you for the lovely comments on my blog.. I am enjoying the challenge of doing something every day..
Sandy :)
Sandy :)

Janet said...

Before I read anything, I recognized they were scrapbook page possibilities! Ha! You're a natural!

Karla B said...

Awesome again, my friend.Love from Brazil and have a magical Friday!

Unknown said...

I'm not a scrap-booker, but I'd love to begin! Personally, I like the peaches and yellows of the file folder at the top and in the middle... at least those are the colors that appear on my laptop screen!

Beautiful, beautiful... all the work you've put into them :)

Darla said...

I like them all and can't choose a favorite. I don't scrapbook but I would sure like to use some stitching on mixed media pieces I do make. Your friend will want them ALL, that's my guess.

Darla

Carol said...

I really need to get some of those H2O's I've admired them for some time now. Your friend is going to have a tough time choosing I'm sure :)

Halle said...

I love the magenta/purple! It really makes the orange pop.

Craftymoose Crafts said...

It sounds like you are having almost as much fun taking the photos as you are creating the art! I am happy the new camera is working well for you.

I don't scrapbook either but they are all lovely--I don't think she will be able to pick either.

Have a great weekend!

Krisha said...

Being a scrapper I have to admit that I have looked them all over a number of times, and I like them all from the soft and subtle to the bold and powerful. I think she will have a hard time choosing a favorite one too.

Nan G said...

Love love love my H2Os! They are so easy to use and water coloring with them is a breeze. I bet your backgrounds with them just sparkle! So anything using them would be my fave as I'm not a scrapbooker either. And I don't own a sewing machine so I don't do that....hmmm wonder what I do do?! :)

~*~Patty S said...

Your stitching always adds a certain something to what you create E and I like it!!!

Also enjoying your crisp and clear photographs...what a difference your new camera makes!

I would be hard put to pick one favorite...
oxo

Rita said...

I'm not a scrapbooker so have no educated opinion--LOL! But I sure do love your new camera!! ;)