Some people get a rush when starting with a clean, fresh, blank piece of cardstock or canvas to create on. Others totally freeze and don’t know where to start. And others look at it as an opportunity to play. That’s where I usually am – in a playful mood. I love starting with a blank piece of cardstock and getting my stencils, inks and mists and creating a custom piece of paper to fit my needs.

I recently guest designed over at ScrapHappy.org during our annual October members-only layout-a-day. It was an honor to be asked to create a layout, and although I was a little stumped with the prompt at first, it ended up being a great way to document these fun photos of my girls, and their love of shoe shopping!

For this layout, I used some of my favorite inks… yes, you guessed it, Tim Holtz Distress Inks, and a couple of different stencils. I had fun using the stencils to create a play on the shoes – treadmarks and pebbled floor. I love how creating your own background paper really lets you subtly add your story directly into the design, without being too direct. And I ended up loving this layout so much that I made a card too…

I’ll be teaching this technique in a class at my local scrapbook store – Cool Scrapbook Stuff. Sign up if you’d like to learn how to work with stencils and inks!

Have you created any layouts or cards or crafts with stencils? I’d love to see, so share links in the comments!

As always, thanks for stopping by. Have a joyful, creative, blessing filled day!
Live creatively!
xoxo,
/c

PS. Don’t forget to share this or pin it on Pinterest if you’re inspired to get creative with stencils and inks!

A F F I L I A T E  L I N K S  //  P R O D U C T S   U S E D
Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Pumice Stone
Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Picked Raspberry
Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Worn Lipstick
Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Spun Sugar
Studio Calico Mister Huey’s Chevron Mask
Studio Calico Mister Huey’s Sundrifter Triangles
Folk Art Pebble Background
American Crafts Thickers Chipboard Alphas – Marquise Black
Wood Veneer Butterflies