Welcome to our Technique Blog Hop!  This month we are highlighting the Perfect Clusters Technique as shown on page 96 in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book!  See examples of embellishment clusters throughout this hop.  When you use a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures in these clusters, you add visual interest and accent your photos while keeping the focus on important page elements.

This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique.  So if you are starting here, just continue until you make your way back.  If you have already started, you should be coming from Tonya’s Blog.  If you get lost along the way, go to my previous post for a list of all participants.

Supplies used are all Close to My Heart: Serendipity Heart of Winter Project Pack, Basic Dazzling Die-Cuts, Chocolate Cardstock, Sparkle Flourishes, and organdy ribbon.

Let me tell you, I really dug into my stash for this one!  That is what is so nice about these techniques – you can apply them by using supplies that you already have.  That being said, I didn’t have everything I wanted for this layout.  I wanted a neutral color ribbon but I really liked the organdy and all I had that matched was the blue so I settled for that.  I really wished I had some pearl flourishes on hand but I settled for the sparkle ones.  I also didn’t have a pin to stick out of the cluster.  I am going to buy some more of these to finish the layout but just don’t have them on hand now so it will have to wait.  I did think about what I could substitute that I already have and just couldn’t come up with anything so you will have to just imagine 1-2 of these bling pins sticking out of the flower by the dance tag.  You know how it is when you have something in your head…  In the end I am still pleased with the layout, it’s just different than I would have done it.

I really didn’t vary the technique this time but you can see that these Sparkle Flourishes can simple add a lot to a layout!

We would love to see what you’ve created using this month’s technique, please visit Technically Terrific  where you can share your project and be entered in a chance to win great prizes.

Thanks for stopping by!  Please continue onto Joy’s Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique!  Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!

Here is a list of participants:

Visit Technically Terrific to join in this challenge!

Share/Save

This is obviously a much older layout.  I’ve had it sitting around for many, many years.  I made it at a local scrapbook store class.  It’s not my favorite and really not my taste but kudos for me for using up a layout that has been sitting without pictures for way too long!

Share/Save

I got these mini paint cans at the Target Dollar Spot and knew I would have a use for them.  The top one was used for a teacher’s gift.  The second can was part of a gift exchange for my daughter’s 5th grade girl gift.  We also made a journal which I will post in a couple days.  These are Christmas, but you can decorate them for any occasion.  All supplies are from my stash and I used the CTMH Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge for my diecuts.  I also added a tag with ribbon to the handle of the can.

Share/Save

Supplies used: Cricut Create a Critter cartridge and CTMH papers.

Layout Challenge: #101 of 210.

Oh, I just LOVE this Cricut cartridge!  It is a little work but the cuteness is worth it!  This kitty is almost as cute as the real thing.

Share/Save

Layout Challenge: #79 of 210.

Share/Save

Products used: K&Company chipboard, CTMH Heart of Winter Project Pack, CTMH organdy ribbon, K&Company pearls.  I added details to the flower with markers and ink.  (challenge=sketch)

Products used: CTMH Heart of Winter Project Pack, CTMH Chocolate grosgrain ribbon, Cricut Accent Essentials, and button (unknown).  I added details on the flower with a marker and I used a piercing tool to add details around the scallop border. (challenge=paper piercing)

Products used: CTMH Heart of Winter Project Pack, CTMH White Daisy Just Blooms, Making Memories Chocolate paint.  I used the paint as the centers of the flowers – a great technique! (challenge=paint)

Products used: CTMH Heart of Winter Project Pack, clip and hemp (unknown).  I poked a hole through the flower to attach the clip to it with the hemp. (challenge=binding)

Products used: CTMH Heart of Winter Project Pack, CTMH White Daisy Just Blooms, DCWV vellum quote, CTMH Chocolate grosgrain ribbon, K&Company pearls. (challenge=quote)

Products used: DCWV textured cardstock and pattern paper, Stampin’ Up black grosgrain ribbon, CTMH Sparkles and Cranberry cardstock, button and flowers unknown. (challenge=red/black/white)

Products used: CTMH Boom-Di-Ada Creative Basics papers, flowers from CTMH Heart of Winter Project Pack, CTMH Hollyhock ricrac, acrylic frame by Fancy Pants, CTMH Say It In Style stamp set, and Hampton Art glitter glue.  The acrylic frame is actually two pieces.  I used the glitter glue to stick them together and then I attached it to my project with Liquid Glass.  Glitter glue was also used for the center of the flowers. (challenge=clear window)

These projects were all done for challenges at 365 Cards.

Share/Save

I just love this picture of my nephew saying “Arrrgg!”  All embellishments were obtained through a swap.  Papers by CTMH.

Share/Save

(click on the picture for a closer look at the layout)

Share/Save

Share/Save

Altered clipboards are a great gift for kids.  They are inexpensive and fun to make.  All the kids I have made them for love them.

Supplies needed: Clipboard, ModPodge (comes in glossy or matte, I prefer matte), paper and/or paint, stamps and/or embellishments, fibers/ribbon, exacto knife, and a pen.  A brayer is helpful but not required.

Directions:
1. Sometimes the top clip on the clipboard will screw off.  If it does, take it off for easier decorating.  If not, you can work around it by planning a design where you paint the top part and/or have a straight paper line.
2. Chose papers, colors, and embellishments for your clipboard.  Make a rough draft drawing or have a design idea in your head.  When chosing a design, remember to keep the majority of the main surface flat because it will be used for writing.  Because of this stamping is a great choice of embellishing.  Keep stickers in the corners.
3. Any areas that will be painted should be done first.  I like to paint the side/edge of the clipboard for a more finished look.
4. Next cover with your chosen paper.  Use the Mod Podge as your adhesive, applying a thin coate to the clipboard.  Use a foam brush for complete coverage and don’t worry applying the Mod Podge beyond where you are placing the paper.  Place the paper on the clipboard and use a brayer to roll over the top of the paper so that it is secure.  Let dry.
5. Flip the clipboard over and using the exacto knife, trim the paper around the clipboard.
6. Stamp, embellish as desired.  Mod Podge works well as an adhesive for diecuts and paper flowers like in my examples.
7. Cover the entire clipboard with two thin layers of Mod Podge.  Let dry between coats to avoid bubbling.  Also, apply the Mod Podge well around the edges of the chipboard.  This will give it a more finished look and ensure that the paper you’ve applied is secure.  (If it starts coming loose, what kid won’t pull/pick at it until it comes apart.)
8. Use ribbon or fiber to tie a pen to the clipboard.  Make sure it is long enough for comfortable writing.

Tip: To avoid bubbles when using Mod Podge (as shown on Stephanie’s clipboard) remember two things.  1) Use thing coats.  Don’t worry – It will stick and too much is not a good thing.  2) Give plenty of drying time between coats, especially when you’ve used it as an adhesive underneath and before applying the top protective coat.  If you do get a small bubble, you can try to roll it out with the brayer.  If that doesn’t work just leave it.  You will do more damage than good and the great news is that I have had this happen and after it dries the bubble disappears!

Share/Save

I use title pages to divide up my books.  I organize my pages in chronological order.  The title pages serve as a marker for myself and those that look through my books.  It also saves me the worry of fitting so many pages in a book.  I use 3D-ring binders so the pages can be easily moved around, added, and removed.  When I fill a book I just start on the next one, instead of having one book specifically for 2007 and another for 2008 and overfilling them or running out of room.  Title pages can be very simple and are a fun way to use up embellishments and paper that you’ve been struggling to find a use for.

Share/Save