3-to-Inspire with Nathalie

Hi there!

Nathalie with you today with  the first challenge of the month.  The new "Cypress" kits are so gorgeous, that i was inspired to create two projects using the same prompts in different formats.  But before i show you what i created, let me share this week's challenge prompts:

• Use a limited color palette
• Add stitching (either hand, machine or faux stitching) to your project
• Use digital elements (cut files, cut apart sheets, etc)

 Here is the first of two projects created with these prompts:

This month's Cypress PL kit is packed with CTK exclusives, and totally sublime designs and colors, plus the Scrapbook kit includes a Traveler's Notebook Insert which is the one i am using for this page. My choice was to use all things pink (or that had pink) in this layout.

I chose to layer some of the  printable digital PL cards behind the picture.  I love having the option of sizing the cards to fit into my projects, plus I can easily print them on copy paper which helps to reduce the bulkiness of the pages.

To balance the picture, I created a large cluster of elements from the June 2018 cut apart sheet.  I added a bit of journaling to one of the pieces, and then just layered more cut outs around it.  I used very little tape on this page, as i chose to secure most of the layout using some sewing machine stitching.

Love how easy it was to put this together following this week's prompts.  But now, let me show you the second project created with the same prompts.

The inspiration for this page was the acrylic pieces that are included in the  Cypress Scrapbook kit,  the color of the acrylic was the inspiration for this layout's cooler palette.  The teal/ light blue color in the background (created using this month's Mixed Media add on) provides the perfect  canvas for the  picture and embellishments.

This month's digitals are  amazing, from cut files to the cut apart sheet,  so i took advantage of the Doodle Heart cut file to create this layering die cut, and then pulled all the pieces from the cut apart sheet that followed the color palette, and used them to embellish the page.

Once again, I chose to secure some of the pieces (cut out and map) to the page using a bit of machine stitching.   The texture it adds to the page is lovely, but also i chose to leave a large tail behind each stitching line, so that it adds to the movement of the page - think of it as water waves-.   

This page came together so nicely using this month's Cypress main, embelishment and mixed media kits.  The following video will show you a more in-depth look at how this page came together:

Now it is your turn to use this three prompts to create projects of your own.  Remember to tag Citrus Twist Kits (use the handle @citrustwistkits or hashtag #citrustwistkits) when sharing your projects on social media.   You can also share your finish projects in the Citrus Twist Kits Friends page on Facebook.  

I cannot wait to see how you use these prompts, and all the projects created with this month's Cypress kits.  Remember I am always a comment away of you have questions on how any of the projects came together.

XO

Nathalie

Tutorial Tuesday | Kristel Arends

Hi all, today I have a fun and quick tutorial for you to create your own matching Pocket Page cards with the This is life "Gathering" stamp set.

All you need are:
* This is Life "Gathering" stamp set
* Basic white cardstock (preferably smooth)
* A few colors of ink
* Ink blenders
* Masking paper/tape
* Additional embellishments, such as labels for example

I started by cutting down my cardstock to cards of 4"x6" and 3"x4".

I then created a couple of different masks for areas I wanted to keep white.
I did this by cutting down some strips of masking paper and using a 2" circle punch.
Of course, you can use all kinds of shapes and you can completely alter it to your own likings :-)



After I had masked my cards it was time to give a few cards some color.
I used an ink blender (by Ranger) combined with dye inks and all you have to do is go around in small circles to cover your area(s) with color.
It takes a bit of work to get a nice, saturated, color, but the results are lovely :-)

Before removing the masking paper, I wanted to add some extra interest to a couple of cards, by adding a few lovely stamps from this month's This is Life "Gathering" stamp set.
I love the effect of repeated stamping, but of course you can also mix and match with different stamps and colors to create a different look :-)



After you're done with your ink blending and stamping it's time for the final reveal!
I always love this moment, because during blending and stamping, your cards will look messy and you might even think it will look like nothing, but you will definitely be surprised :-)
I then added a few little embellishments, such as labels and a few cork pieces from this month's kit, and my cards were done!



I hope you liked this little tutorial and that you are inspired to create your own Pocket Page cards :-)

Have a lovely week and until next time!

Love, Kristel