Hello Creative Scrapbookers! Kim here! Have you ever thought about how you start a layout? Are you consistent or do you mix it up? I mix it up! Sometimes I love to start with a sketch or a particular photo may inspire me and sometimes I like to choose the product first. The project I’m sharing today was all about using my stash of Stampers Anonymous stamps! Please note…no patterned paper was harmed in the process!

I pulled out a sheet of CSM Super Stock [primed with a thin layer of gesso] and brayered on some with some Distress Inks. I love the texture the brayer creates! I then removed some of the ink with a stencil and baby wipe.Next, I layered on some stamps of various patterns. This process of making a background is so fun and very relaxing. In the wise words of Seth Apter…if you don’t love it, it’s just not done! When I was happy with my background I realized it needed some contrast, I am very much a mid-tone gal with colours and have learned that that is perfectly fine as long as I remember to add some brights and darks!

My photo was very dark, so I left a white photo border around it. For the papers that layer under my photo, I stamped some backgrounds on white computer paper using colours from my background and photo, I love how they all play so nicely together.I like to make my photo and its layers one unit with tape and mini staples, so I can move it around my layout all together without disrupting the pieces. Once I knew where it would live, I realized I needed some dark contrast, hence the embossed splatters in the corners and dark title!

One more stamp was required to seal the deal! The Tiny Text stamp is a favourite! I love to stamp a page all at once and cut out the phrases that work for the project, it’s simple and so effective! My little scissors from Tonic Studio are perfect for the task!

For this layout, I even cleared off my sewing machine. A few areas of stitching add some extra texture and repeat the colour within the layout!

Here’s to a creative week! Thanks for checking in!Supplies:
Creative Scrapbooker Magazine Super Stock
Stampers Anonymous:  stamps
Ranger Industry:
-Distress Inks, paints, stencil, Distress Embossing Powder, Archival Ink
Tonic Studio:
-Tim Holtz Glass Media mat
-Tim Holtz Haberdashery Snips
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L:
-E-Z Grand Runner
-Foam Squares
Zebra Pen: CLiCKART Pens
Tiny Attacher