BE DAZZLED BY REBECCA DALY

Our amazingly talented guest artist exposé this month is this sweet and fun lovin' gal...

My name is Rebecca Daly. I am 30-something and live in on a lake in the country 20 minutes south of Bonnyville Alberta with my husband and son. I have been scrapping since 2004 but it wasn't until my son was born in 2011 that I really started learning new techniques and becoming more exploratory in my scrapping process. I consider my style simple and fun. My son, Kyle (age 3), is my source of inspiration and as such create mostly masculine/childish layout. 

SO LETS LEARN A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HER....

I have always preferred being behind the camera rather than in front of it; however, since I now scrapbook, I take photos differently. Instead of saying that is a nice photo. . .I say "do I have papers or embellies to go with this." I am not your typical crafter as I do not have a scrapping space and I scrap on the kitchen counter.

My husband is very supportive and encourages me to keep my scrapping stuff on the counter for as long as I need to. My son is my biggest fan and needs to look at every layout/card I make and touches every aspect, he also tells me what he likes about each creation. I am fortunate that i have recently joined my very first design team and have had the opportunity to be a guest designer a half dozen times or so. I am constantly taking classes and learning new techniques to grow my skills.

HOW DO YOU USE SKETCHES?

 I love how I can follow a sketch exactly or take it in my own direction!

It also depends on which photo I am using to determine which direction I will take the sketch.

'Be Different'

by Rebecca Daly

Page Drafts Sketch for LCOM #91 by The Nifty Pixel

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SCRAPBOOK STYLE?

I consider my style clean and fun. I like to get messy so am constantly playing with gesso, texture paste, paints and mists. I love using mixed media, clusters, and white space. I scrap mostly 12x12 layouts but will often create 12x24 layouts when working on albums as presents. I am forever learning new ideas (not  always so successful) but always fun trying new things. I scrap from my view so years from now when my son looks back through the albums he will see the memories as I see them and he can see how much I love him.

'Away We Go'

by Rebecca Daly

Page Drafts Sketch for LCOM #71 by The Nifty Pixel

CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE TIP OR TRICK WITH US?

I am constantly looking for ways to scrap faster (another reason I love sketches). So I am going to share a way to create banners quickly and is so easy it has literally saved me hours!

Step 1:

Cut/trim a strip of paper (however thick you want).

Step 2:

Take your square punch and insert the strip on an the angle making sure you keep equal distance on both sides of the corner angle.

Step 3:

Punch the triangle piece out.

'A Day for Play'

by Rebecca Daly

Credits:

Page Drafts Template #30.5 by The Nifty Pixel

Wow, thank you Rebecca for sharing such an incredibly effective technique, what a time saver!

If you would like to check out more of Beck's fabulous projects head over to her BLOG and say hello. 

Thank you Beck for guesting with Page Drafts this month!

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BE DAZZLED BY JANICE NICHOLLS

Our amazingly talented guest artist exposé this month is this wonderful and sweet scrapper...

Janice lives in a small country town in South Australia. She has been scrapping since 2006 and her muses are often her grown kids, family being her main feature. Janice has a gorgeous style that crosses between a soft vintage look to a more bold graphic approach. She almost always uses flowers and washi tape which in many ways is the common thread between all her projects but its her eye catching photos that are the hero in all her work, and so they should be.

SO LETS LEARN A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HER....

Since starting scrapbooking my love of photography has grown. I don't go anywhere without my camera and I look at things through the lens differently now. I have been very fortunate to be part of a few amazing Design Teams and the opportunity to guest design as well has been fun. I am also lucky enough to have had some of my layouts published!

HOW DO YOU USE SKETCHES?

When I started my own blog in 2012 I began participating in some challenges. It was whilst doing a challenge at Paper Stories (no longer running) that I first came across Page Drafts Sketches. I loved the sketch and instantly became a follower of the Page Drafts blog. I then found the Color, Stories and Inspiration (CSI) site where Em is the resident sketch designer.

Following them can get me back on track to creating the perfect pages for my family memories. 

I often flip or rotate a sketch to suit a photograph I am working with and recommend you try it too.

Artist Tip: Don't be afraid to change things up to work for you!

'Pretty Face'

by Janice Nicholls

Credits:

Page Drafts Sketch for CSI #93 by The Nifty Pixel

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SCRAPBOOK STYLE?

My style is always changing. At teh moment I love double photos, grouped and layered clusters, chipboard and white space. I also like to add depth to my backgrounds by using stencils, gesso, mists, inks, washi tape and rub-ons. I scrap mostly 12X12 layouts and enjoy trying out new techniques...not always successfully but it is fun trying!

'Bloom'

by Janice Nicholls

Page Drafts Sketch for CSI #80 by The Nifty Pixel

'Lost Lagoon'

by Janice Nicholls

Page Drafts Sketch for Paper Stories #1 by The Nifty Pixel

'1234 In Our Happy Little Family'

by Janice Nicholls

Page Drafts Sketch for CSI #122 by The Nifty Pixel

CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE TIP OR TRICK WITH US?

Do you feel like your pages are a bit flat? Or do you wonder how some of your fave scrappers are easily able to create what seems like lots of dimension to their work? 

My tip is to think in layers when you are constructing your page.

 Start by lay out your project, stacking everything as you go without actually adhering them. Once you are happy with the configuration try using foam tape or pop dots centred on the underside of your embellishment to adhere the the top layers this then allows you the space to tuck other elements and embellishments underneath easily and in turn adding lots more dimension to your artworks. 

'Happy Birthday'

by Janice Nicholls

Credits:

Page Drafts Template #18.2 by The Nifty Pixel

Artist Tip: Grab those punches you have stashed in your craft drawers and punch out some shapes. Try inking or distressing the edges to give them more definition before adhering them to your project. This is a great way to include a graphic visual interest and use up that ever mounting pile of scrap paper pieces.

Janice it has been an absolute pleasure having you on board and learning more about you and your scrapbooking process thank you so much for being our July guest!

If you would like to get to know Janice more and swoon over her projects head to her blog you will also find all the links to her current Design teams, so click on those too for even more inspiration! 

Thank you again Janice! x

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BE DAZZLED BY ANNETTE GEARSIDE

Our amazingly talented guest artist exposé this month is all about a fabulous scrapbooker, the wonderful...

Annette is one of those scrappers that you can tell really utelises her scrap stash. All her pages stand testiment to that ability. Each masterpiece incorporating effective techniques like distressing, inking, paper punching & embossing. With these treatments Annette is able to create beautifully resolved and sensitive pages most certainly treasured by her family and no doubt will be admired by future generations to come.

Annette is retired from the workforce which means quote unquote "I have more time for scrapbooking!' Annette lives in Northern Brisbane, Australia. Her busy household is shared with her husband, daughter and youngest granddaughter, ooh not forgetting to mention two very spoiled cats and a mischievous puppy named Bobby! Her biggest dream is to one day visit Ireland, so to uplift her mood some days she plays celtic music and LOUDLY!

SO LETS LEARN A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HER....
 Although I like my celtic music I am also a fan of country, rock, classic and gospel. To throw it in there my favourite quote is 'Nothing is impossible..'  I have had so many diverse hobbies over the years however scrapbooking is my love, from the very first layout I was hooked.

I am a member of 'Be Uplifted Inc' which is a breast cancer fundraising organisation founded by my friends both who have had breast cancer. Their personal experience highlighted a severe lack of practical and financial support available for women and their families who have been affected by breast cancer. All of the profits raised through functions are used to support women and their families during diagnosis, treatments and recovery.

To become a member, learn how you can help, register an event or make a donation, contact the Be Uplifted Inc Team HERE or simply show your support and spread the word by sharing their Facebook page HERE.

HOW DO YOU USE SKETCHES?
I found Em through friends on Facebook (good ole FB) which led me to Page Drafts. I love the sketches because they are so versatile. They are a great starting point for me, 

or... I change it up a bit to accomodate the photos I am using. 

Artist Tip: Try rotating or flipping the original sketch, this way you can adapt the design
to suit the project you have in mind.

'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun'

by Annette Gearside

Page Drafts Template for CSI #80  by The Nifty Pixel

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SCRAPBOOK STYLE?

My Favourite style is vintage/shabby chic however it depends on the subject, the products I'm using and most importantly the photo's being featured. Most of my layouts involve lots of layers, fussy cutting, lace/ribbon and flowers.

I enjoy the challenge of learning new techniques and strecthing myself with new ideas so I am currently dabbling in mixed media journals, tags on canvas with mists, paints and stamping.  By learning and sharing my creativity hopefully I am inspiring others.

'Unlimited Potential'

by Annette Gearside

Page Drafts Template for CSI # 105 by The Nifty Pixel

'Bobby'

by Annette Gearside

Page Drafts Template for CSI # 110 by The Nifty Pixel

CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE TIP OR TRICK WITH US?

When creating with many layers on a page I use chipboard/cardboard under each of the layers. This not only helps create height and dimension it also provides and solid base on which to build your project/page and saves on the hip pocket by not using too much 3D Tape or pop dots.

'Shine'

by Annette Gearside

Credits:

Page Drafts Template # 26.1 by The Nifty Pixel

Artist Tip: When using lots of wet medium on your pages you will notice the paper warps as it dries. To create a flatter even base after using mediums let it dry thoroughly you can then back the underside with cardboard. Try using spray adhesive rather than tape, this will enable you to manipulate the paper whilst pressing it down until it adheres flush and flat onto the cardboard. 

Annette your pages are incredibly beautiful and detailed. I can look at them and each time find a new embellishment or texture I missed before. Each of your pages are little treasure troves of eye candy. 

If you would like to check out more of Annettes beautiful creative side head over to her blog you will also find there a list of her current Design Teams so click on those links for even more inspiration!

Thank you so much Annette for guesting at Page Drafts this month!

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BE DAZZLED BY KARLA FATULA.

Our amazingly talented guest artist exposé this month is this sweet and fun lovin' gal...

In the scrapping world you no doubt already know this Zumba fanatic, 'Potterhead' (Harry Potter Fan) and out right all things 90's kinda gal as Kay!

Kay lives with her husband, 16 month old son and their 4 legged furry kid a 6 year old pup in the Garden State of New Jersey just 20 minutes away from New York City. Karla's daily commute to work will include seeing the Empire State Building....are ya jealous? By day she works as a Quality Analyst for a Fortune 100 company and by night indulges in her passion for crafting. Although Kay enjoys her office job, her heart really leans toward working in a more creative field of which she sees as her 'dream job' and has toyed with the idea of returning to University to study in either Graphic Design or Computer Animation.

 Scrapbooking since 2007, Kay loves all kinds of crafts and enjoys trying out new things and techniques. Her primary source of inspiration are her family and they will often feature as her main scrapping subjects.

SO LETS LEARN A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HER....

Kay runs two fabulous Etsy shops. Kay's Kreative Korner is filled to the brim with incredibly beautiful made to order handmade embellishments all inspired by butterflies. The Kraft Nook her other fabulous store ships out ready made albums, cards, trinket boxes and frames just to name a few.

Currently Kay is on both the Authentique & Berry 71 Blue design teams.

HOW DO YOU USE SKETCHES?
I found Page Drafts through first meeting its owner Emma. I found Em's blog & from there branched off to her sketch blog. Because of my tight schedule I use sketches a lot! I go to sketches for inspiration, ideas, to cut down on my scrapping time and to give my mojo a quick jump start.

...by simply filling in the elements of the sketch with your own style & ideas
you can add a personal touch to the overall design!
Artist Tip: Don't be afraid to add extra photo's into a sketch design that may only be showcasing one.
Sometimes a series or multiple photos are needed to tell a story.

'Lucky Me'

by Karla Fatula

Credits:

Page Drafts 'Be Bold' Sketch by The Nifty Pixel

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SCRAPBOOK STYLE?

I cannot say I have one defined scrapbooking style, I let the photo that I am scrapping dictate the overall design and approach of my page. From the photo itself I draw inspiration, including the colours and elements that I translate into embellishments, colour scheme and characteristics that help compose the page.

I can be simple, grungy, shabby and at times include mixed media techniques. However, I do have one characteristic that is on all of my pages and that's journaling. Scrapbooking is my diary. I'm using it as a means to document memories & life events that I'd like to remember and pass down to future generations. Secondly, this is more of a preference than a signature style, just about all my pages consist of multiple photos. I occassionally create a one photo layout but I definitely enjoy working more with multiple photos.

'Change Can Be Bittersweet'

by Kay Fatula

Page Drafts Template Casefile #97 by The Nifty Pixel

'Adventure'

by Kay Fatula

'Precious'

By Kay Fatula

CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE TIP OR TRICK WITH US?

Since journaling is one of the most important aspects of my scrapbooking I'm providing a quick tutorial on how I go about making my scroll journal accents. These little scrolls cannot only hold large amounts of thoughts and story telling but they make for a really cute and unique embellishment for your projects.

Here is a page using the technique.

'First Haircut'

by Kay Fatula

Page Drafts Template CSI Casefile #105 by The Nifty Pixel

SO HERE'S HOW YOU DO IT...

Print out journaling either on cardstock, vellum or regular paper. Work out the width by where you'll be placing the scroll on your project. In this tutorial the scroll measures 2"inches. The length doesn't really matter as it will be rolled up.

Trim the journaling to remove any excess unwanted paper. Grab some scrap paper that co-ordinates with your project and cut a strip measuring at roughly 1¾" inches long by ½ an inch wide. This is what will hold the scroll in place. Pick out a brad, rhinestone or pearl to decorate the ends of the strap.

With either a pencil or paintbrush curl the paper strip. Determining here the creases form on either side of the soft fold will depend on how wide the scroll is after being rolled up. Essentially you are creating a 'bridge' which the scroll will be snuggly tucked under. Adhere both ends of the strip to your project and add the brads, pearls or rhinestones to decorate the ends.

Artist Tip: Try stitching the tab down or stapling either a piece of twine or decorative ribbon to the page before laying the scroll on top prior to fashioning a bow.

........................................................

Isn't Kay amazing! Her talent for colour and combining an eclectic array of embellishments makes for a really unique signature style. I love Kays beautifully sensitive approach each page an absolute treasure to be cherished for generations to come.

Thank you Kay for guesting with us this month its been fun learning more about you and your beautiful family. Big thank you too for sharing your awesome journaling tips and tricks, those nifty scrolls are definitely on the 'to do list' that's for sure!

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BE DAZZLED BY EMMA ZAPPONE.

Our first amazingly talented guest artist exposé is this sweet and fun lovin' gal...

Em, along with her husband of 18 years and two loud and busy boys aged 6 and 9, lives near the beautiful and scenic Clare Valley in South Australia. For those of you not in the know Clare Valley is wine country and is infact one of the oldest wine regions in Australia so completely steeped in history and heritage it's no wonder Em is such a creative soul ;)

SO LETS LEARN A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HER....

Until recently Emma had been teaching at her LSS where she had made many friends and found heaps of inspiration. Now she is about to embark on the next venture teaching scrapbooking classes more locally as she loves to help others enjoy the passion of scrapbooking.

Being a sci-fi lover and a huge fan of anything Dr Who, Emma tries to incorporate that theme where she can into her scrapping. Em also enjoys comedy and reckons a laugh a day is really important. The thing that makes her the happiest though is spending time scrapping and of course with her family.

HOW DO YOU USE SKETCHES?

I found out about Page Drafts on good 'ol Facebook through a link. Instantly I was inspired! The sketches are easy to understand and follow but still have that challenge about them. 

When I choose to do a layout I have all my papers and embellishments ready with photos, but then sometimes the thought process stops there and I need a bit more inspiration. This is when a sketch comes in handy! On some layouts I only use part of the sketch and others I use the whole design. A sketch gives you a 'starting point' and I love them for this reason. We all have pages to create but it can be hard to come up with fresh ideas all the time.

Artist Tip: Try rotating Templates to get several different designs from the one template.

'♥︎Heart You Boys'

by Emma Zappone

Credits:

 Page Drafts Template #27.1 by The Nifty Pixel

HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SCRAPBOOK STYLE?

I guess I like to try all styles. I can be a little quirky, but I love mixed media especially using gesso, texture paste and mists. Having 2 boys I love playing with metals and emulating the mechanical distressed look, but do try just about anything. My family and friends are my inspiration, often inspired by my photos and the subjects in them. I also draw inspiration from scrapbookers both locally and overseas as there is so much talent out there!

'Love'

by Emma Zappone

'Believe Me'

by Emma Zappone

'Ahoy'

by Emma Zappone

CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE TIP OR TRICK WITH US?

My fave technique at the moment is using chalkboard paint. I was a bit unsure when I first tried it, but it just adds that extra something. I have used it as backgrounds, in embellishments and title work. Its so fun to play with chalk again in this way and brings a bit of life to the project.

Here is a page using this technique.

'Happy to be Me'

by Emma Zappone

Credits:

Page Drafts Template #28.4 by The Nifty Pixel

In 'Happy to be Me' I used the chalkboard paint on the background. I mixed it with gesso to create a thicker texture and then used it with a stencil. Once dry I then added in some colour to the spots using chalk. Secondly I painted it directly onto the paper and also coloured it in which adds an extra bit of interest and texture to the background.

I also made a couple of my own embellishments and all I did for this was paint a piece of off cut with chalkboard paint, drew a piccy on the surface and then set it with an Epiphany Tool. If you don't have this tool you could easily cut the shape out and using a clear glue set a cabachon over the top. Finally I coated the chipboard accents in the blackboard paint and then coloured in some sections to create a chalky texture in parts.

Artist Tip: To prevent the chalk from rubbing off or smearing, try spraying it with a clear glaze or fixative before adhering the embellishment to the project.

Well that's about it from me for now. I hope you enjoyed learning a little about me, and found some inspiration from my ARTIST TIPS & TRICKS. Until next time...I'm off to go and scrap using some more awesome Page Drafts sketches!

Em♥︎

How cool was that? If you hadn't already crossed paths with Em I hope you guys enjoyed meeting the Fabbo Em. It was a tonne of fun to learn more about Em and her scrapbook process...especially to see how she uses sketches and of course her brill Blackboard technique that she kindly shared with us...

This one is definitely on my To Do List !

Thank you Em for guesting with us this month.

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RELEASE #28 IS LIVE ALONG WITH SOME CLEVER WAYS TO CREATE A FOCAL POINT!

Here in Australia with the 1st of March now upon us we are officially celebrating Autumn.

So to welcome in the new season, the March release of sketches include some leafy foliage to support the Autumn feel.

You'll notice that this release is also quite structured and formal in design. This style lends itself nicely to creating some very pretty and vintage inspired pages. There is plenty of opportunity to add loads of lovely patterned papers, fussy cutting, ornate borders and co-ordinated embellishments to create some quite layered pages.

We also thought it would be fun to share some design tips for you to try out. Each release will have a new section called 'Page Drafts Tips & Tricks'. This is just a little extra nudge to motivate that missing mojo and get you to try different things that you may not necessarily have considered before.

So for our first share

CHECK OUT OUR MARCH

ON CLEVER WAYS TO CREATE A FOCAL POINT.

TIP 1: Quotes are a great way to tie your photos into a theme so try adding one into your project and make them more a focal point like a stand alone element/feature as seen in Template #28.1. 

This a fun way to add a graphic feel to your page and a nifty way to use up some of your word art/rub-ons stash... thats surely gotta be a good thing, he he. Or alternatively if youre feeling creative you could customise an element using your Silhouette Cameo to perfectly co-ordinate with your page. 

TIP 2: Another fun trick to creating a focal point is to duplicate a section of your main photo and magnify it. This is a very clever and easy way to draw the viewers attention toward a specific feature within the main photograph.

See Template #28.2. 

TIP 3: Symmetrical sketches draw the eye into the center of the design. So when using one, make sure your main photo has great clarity, contrast and depicts the main subject well. For example using images of people set far on the horizon can be easily overwhelmed by the strong symetrical design in the rest of the page where as a portrait or a macro shot of a close up is more defined. So have a play with your lens settings next time you grab your camera!

Here are the sketches.

 Hope you liked the sketches. It would be amazing to see your pages created using this release so dont forget to show them off by posting a link to your gallery or blog below in the comments field or alternatively post directly on the Page Drafts Facebook wall so that we can show case them there in our gallery. 

If your page also includes some of the March Tips & Tricks on Creating a Focal Point you could be showcased here on the blog with your very own Exposé in April so dont be shy share in the inspiration!

Have Heaps of Fun Scrapping Everyone!

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