Paris - Using Old and New Products...

I don't remember my Grandmother well, I was very young when she passed on, but stories needless to say, have been well and truely kept alive. Apparently she was quite a character , and become one of those older ladies with a slightly wicked sense of humor.

She was from England, just a jump across the channel from France, and she loved to visit Paris and areas in Italy.  The photo on this layout was one of those visits to Paris. 

I kept the photo the original size, simply because it had an authentic charm about it that a larger print just didn't seem to retain.  

This is pretty much a mix of old and new products. One thing that happens when you haven't seen your stash for over a year is that you rediscover a lot of 'new' things. With that usually comes the researgence of energy to use it.. much like the Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz, 'come here my pretties...'

The paper is by Kaisercraft, an Australian company.  As soon as I saw it, I thought of this photo, so for once, I actually bought paper with something in mind.  There are 2 12x12 sheets of cardstock stickers that go with this line also.



So the list goes, as far as products:

OLD - Dating back to around 2000-2004. Letter stickers, K&Co, 'Lifes Journey'; Gold Flourish Rub On...these rubons are among my favorites.  I have no idea what I'll do when I run out of them. The small leaf next to the 1 in 1932 is from a very old line of stickers also by K&Co, Hydranges, I just cut one of the small leaves off. 

Slightly newer product - Tim Holtz Distress ink in Vintage Photo for the edges of the paper, and white distress crackle paint (Picket Fence);  blue distress embossing powder (Broken China)

NEW - Very small doily bought from the cake decorating section of a craft store; Stamp is Spring Jubilee by Pink Paisley, colored with Tim Holtz Distress Markers Spun Sugar and Peeled Paint; Tag is by Jenni Bowlin; Butterfly and small flower are from one of the sticker sheets by Kaisercraft. Gesso

Tips -

I cut strips from the leftover white space sections of the sticker sheet to create journaling strips.  This is something I've done a few times in the past.  I wanted the background of these strips to match, so instead of letting the useable white space of the sheet go to waste...

The blue thing behind the doily behind the photo... I actually don't know what I'd call it, a blue flourish tag type thing - This was a background I'd cut out with my cricut Storybook cart about 2 years ago, and kept it.  I figured it would come in good for something.  I messed it up with gesso, distress ink  (tea stain); picket fence crackle paint, and rock candy clear crackle 'paint'..

...which I actually think is just gel medium with crackle medium in it

Let me also mention that Sam, the Kitten, the recluse, came out of hiding to assist with this post.  Not only is he all over the keyboard and desk, he likes to headbutt my chin. 

If you have the chance to try out Distress Markers, go with it, they are incredibly versatile, allowing you to get a really great aging effect or softer tones (as with the flowers) just using a tiny amount of water, much like watercolor pencils or markers. 

I bought the colors I use the most first, and will probably later get a couple more.

Will be up with another layout in about 2 or 3 days using more of my refound stash!

Catch ya later

Helen