Star

I'm not sure what's up with me but I've been doing quite a bit of scrapbooking lately. Usually I make cards because they are so much quicker but I guess my mojo has been strong. I've also been getting lots of inspiration from my stack of scrapbooking magazines! For example, today's layout is inspired by Scrapbook Trends March 2011 Challenge Sketch (p. 84).

My darling son after he received an award at school



I tried a few different techniques for this layout which was pretty exciting. First off, I don't think I've ever layered this much, or used so many different papers. All of the papers are from Basic Grey's "Oliver" paper pack so I knew they went together but it was still pretty scary!

Then I couldn't find a background paper that I liked so I made my own! I started with a silver cardstock and then sponged on Jet Black distress ink in a random pattern. I should be honest though and admit that at first I was just inking up the edges of the paper but the sponge slipped and left a streak on the paper. I could've started over but instead I decided to go with it. In the end I love the rough, burnished appearance of paper.

I also inked up the letters and embellishments for the page. It was fun digging through my chipboard box for suitable shapes - I chose the spirals because they felt so festive. Some of the chipboard was already coloured, other pieces I inked.

I'm really going to try and make some cards this week so for you card-makers out there, stick with me! Thanks for visiting!

Challenges:

• Amber's Crafts & Stuff - stashbuster & anything goes
• Basic Grey Challenges - use something recycled (it's a small touch, but the red "ribbon" is cut from a pair of old pajamas)
• Crafty Cardmakers Spotlight Challenge - make your own design paper
• Secret Crafter - anything but a card
• Simon Says Stamp & Show - the word I chose as my inspiration was "star"
• Tuesday Throwdown - anything but a card