From A to Z...

I have a weakness for Alphabets. I collect them in all shapes and sizes (I just can't help myself). I am particularly fond of Imaginarium Designs chipboard alphabets because I can do anything to them, and make them match any layout, in any colour. Yes, they are very versatile. You can even use them to make a layout background! You don't believe me? Here, let me show you how easy it is to use up all your leftover chipboard alphas...

 "LOVE THESE CRAZY KITTIES"

I started with a 12" x 12" piece of chipboard (for my layout background as it is stronger than cardstock). I needed something to support the weight of all the alphas. Using a ruler and pencil, I then lightly outlined a border the whole way around the layout base. Next came the fun bit - I grabbed lots and lots of chipboard alphas, all the way from a to z, and started placing them in the centre of the layout, making sure to stay within the edge of the border. I simply moved them around until I found a design I was happy with, and then I glued everything down. 

I knew I wanted the title to be part of the background design. So these were the alphas that I placed down first (LOVE). And then I worked around them, adding letters where needed. Once I was totally happy with the design, and everything was adhered, I added a thin layer of texture paste to each and every letter, except for the title word LOVE (I painted that word with white gesso instead). Once dry, I sprayed the entire board with Marshmallow Glimmermist (for added shine). I allowed this to dry, then I covered (but did not adhere) the word love, with another layer of chipboard alphas in the same letters (this would protect it from the mist spray). And then I went to town with my Glimmermists again. I started with a light green first, added a slightly darker green, and finished with a teal blue. Once everything was I dry I finished off the design by covering the word LOVE with white glitter. 

With the messy part finished, it was simply a matter of decorating and embellishing, to finish my layout. I added a little hessian to the background, various sized orange flowers, Imaginarium Designs chipboard embellishments, and some mini alphabet stickers. 

The chipboard twigs were covered with Smooch Ink (in dark green) for added shine and sparkle. This created a lovely contrast against the textured chipboard alphas in the background.

IMAGINARIUM DESIGNS PRODUCTS USED:

IDAUC0001 CAPITAL LETTERS

IDS003 8 BUTTERFLIES ON BOARD

IDFL0013 TWIGS (2 ON BOARD)

OTHER PRODUCTS USED: Glitz Design mini alphabet stickers; Tattered Angels Glimmermists and Chalkboard Mists; Flowers (prima small and large unknown); Smooch Ink; Ingvilde Bolme/Prima chalk ink; Clear embossing powder; hessian; Doodlebug glitter; Zva Creative rhinestones; gesso; Dimensional Magic; Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots; texture paste; and Kindy Glitz.

My second layout has taken a totally different approach with the chipboard alphas. In this case, I really wanted the focus of the layout to be the photograph of my daughter. I just love this photo of her in her gold outfit (largely because it is not a colour that she wears often).

 "ADORE"

To keep the focus on the photograph, I took a more subtle approach with my chipboard alphas. I inked them with gold pigment ink, then coated them with glittered gold embossing powder. This created a lush, rich gold finish on the alphas, but it did not overpower the photograph. 

Because of the gold elements on my paper and page, I chose to go with bright, bold contrasting colours to help create balance. I used a gorgeous Smooch Ink aqua blue on the chipboard Cross Hatch design to highlight the photo. And rich red/brown elements to create a frame around the photo. As a final touch, I added the black flourishes to add balance to the page.

Gold and aqua blue. What a glorious colour combination!!!

The beautiful shade of gold on the butterflies was created with glittered gold embossing powder.

And finally, my page was completed with a gold title. Subtle, but elegant. 

(Again, I have used the glittered gold embossing powder). 

IMAGINARIUM DESIGNS PRODUCTS USED:

IDDL0001 CROSS HATCH

IDS0031 12 BUTTONS ON BOARD

IDS0003 8 BUTTERFLIES (ON BOARD)

IDFL0013 TWIGS (2 ON BOARD)

IDA0006 MAIN LETTER SET UPPER CASE (SMALL)

OTHER PRODUCTS USED: BoBunny papers; Manor House flower; Prima flowers; Smooch Inks; Zva Creative rhinestones; hessian; Zing gold embossing powder; Dimensional Magic; gold pigment ink; Kindy Glitz; and black pen. 

Thank-you for dropping by today. And don't forget, if you leave a comment you will be automatically entered into the draw to win some fabulous Imaginarium Designs chipboard goodies. Now who wouldn't like to add that to their stash!!!!!!

To see more of my work, please visit my blog:

JULES THE BLING PRINCESS

Cheers and Hugs,

Julianne. xx