Saturday, February 11, 2012

Thank god it's... saturday?

OOPS! I was supposed to post this yesterday since I know most people are out doing fun things on Saturday.
I saw a BEAUTIFUL page on Scrapbook.com by Jolaine Frias and I simply HAD to lift it.
By "lift" I mean take an idea I loved in her layout and try it for myself. I wouldn't try to copy the whole layout- she's too fabulous- it would take WEEKS of learning new techniques.. now that I mention it- maybe I should go ahead and try it.

Here's my version:
We were just walking around the neighborhood when I started seeing all these awesome messages.  It was like the walls were telling me to CHILLAX- others are feeling it too. I used a mist tube taping technique I picked up while watching a Swissgirl Designs video- can't believe it took that long for me to "get it".
Materials: Bazzill paper, Crafter's Workshop brick wall 6 by 6 template, Prima brick stamp, American Crafts Rootbeer Thickers, Colorbok glitter arrows, Tattered Angels Sunflower, October Afternoon Buttermilk mist, Studio Calico Schoolhouse, Atmosphere and Calico White mists, Hero Arts alpha stamps, Red Stickles, Smash Polka Dot tape
What I loved about Jolaine's differently styled page (which is also up on her blog) is her gorgeous tone on tone brick stamping. It's a small detail in the layout but I really liked how controlled and thoughtful the design is. The pattern is placed in just the right places to add visual complexity to an already fabulous layout but without adding visual clutter- a trick I haven't quite gotten the hand of yet.

Here are a couple of close ups:
I love Lola's pose! I think these are too blurry- I took them in late afternoon light.
I'll have to reshoot this again but I was so excited I had  to share! I used a Crafter's
Workshop brick template I've had for over 6 months- why did I wait that long?
The alphas started as brown glitter. I added some red Stickles and I really like the effect.
The red gets depth from the brown underneath and the edges stay dark for extra pop.
I'll have to keep that in mind for my next Thicker alteration.
This page came together rather quickly after I printed the photos and penned the brick pattern. I see I'm getting a little more abstract in my work- a little more minimalist. I like this new direction- it feels authentic to me.

GRATUITOUS CUTE BABY SHOT!!!!
Lola likes Broccoli- a LOT! I will keep encouraging this wonderful eating habit-
it keeps me from raiding the potato chips.
MuChOs SmOoChEs!
Michelle

16 comments:

  1. beautiful page, love how you created your own graffiti-esque wall. i always try to get that cool messy, organic paint/sprays look, but doesn't work for me! ahh!

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  2. Gorgeous! I like the artsy minimalism a lot! Makes me want more stencils. Have a great weekend!

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  3. Her's is pretty but I love your page even more! Love what you did with the mists and how you used your embellishments.

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  4. I love your page, Michelle! The balance of color and elements, the white space, and your great bricks -- it turned out great. I remember Jolaine and her lovely work from Coordinates Collections. Yours has a totally different look and I love your style!

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  5. Hello there omg I'm soo happy I found you :)) Your one of my fav artists!! I adore your work. I'm a follower now!! :))))

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  6. That is an awesome layout! I envy scrappers/artists that can do this kind of layout. Mine looks like I have an embellishment sneeze no matter how hard I try! :-/ I love your pictures especially! Your little girl is a cutie-patootie! :-)

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  7. Stellar layout! I love the brick pattern technique on there, you succeeded in incorporating it brilliantly into your layout. Love the content of the photos and how you expanded on it into the layout itself. Love the washi tape and the red stickles...the perfect added touch. Happy Saturday Michelle!

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  8. Michelle, this page is awesome!!!! You are such a talented scrapper and you do incorporate countless techniques on all your layouts, that's why I admire your work so much! This LO is brilliant, the stenciled brick ties beautifully with the photo, love your unique style! Oh and BTW, Lola is adorable! The only way I can get my kids to eat veggies is in Chinese food :)

    P.S. thanks for mentioning me but know that YOU are very inspiring!!!!!!!!!

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  9. Love this page, Michelle! The new direction seems authentic to me too, and you do it so well. :)

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  10. I'm so jealous. How do you manage to make the perfect layout for your awesome pics? Sigh. Awesome job, girl. =)

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  11. i really, really, really like looking at this page. I think you're wrong when you say you haven't got the hang of visual complexity through layers - this page is a perfect example of that. I see paint/ink runs, mist spots, stamping, penning and tape which all give an interest and depth. I also think the colour combo is great. Finally, the message behind the LO is excellent - NY is awesome! x

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  12. this layout is awesome, michelle! it's full of great colors and such fun patterns!

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  13. I absolutely love the way this turned out! Brick..paint..paper bits...loving it all!

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  14. This must be the awesomest layout! I love it!

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  15. wow, wow and wow. I wish i could scrap this way but it's just beyond me. was having a good laugh over your comment on over embellishing. no such thing in my book.

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Ok peeps lets CHAT! You tell me what you REALLY think and I PROMISE to keep it open minded here.