There is a new challenge up at Scrap Africa: “Tell us about your travel adventures...perhaps your favourite location, or the most memorable trip...anything related to travel. Please include journalling, even if hidden and tell us where it is.”

I chose one of my favourite photos of our trip to the USA in 2008. We visited Universal Studios theme park and I took a photo of my friend Charlotte standing in front of the Universal Studios sign. After I took the photo some random guy walked past me and said something. I couldn't make out what he was saying so I just laughed and thought, “weird”. We only discovered his photo bomb later when we went through the photos of the day.





I used the Zip-a-Dee Doodle range of paper and stickers by Bo Bunny. I love the green, blue, black and white colour combo.







I added a few splashes of colour, some washi tape, wooden embellies and some random stamping...







Check out the rest of the DT inspiration and join the challenge here.

This is my first attempt at creating a bloom girl and already I am picturing the millions of possibilities with these awesome stamps (of which I need more... many more).



I based my colours (loosely) on the colour scheme in the challenge and also added a feather. I wanted more feathers but still find them a bit intimidating to work with.





My favourite part: TEXTURE!!



Join the Bloom Girls challenge here.

For my second project for the final round of the Scrap-a-Doodles Design Team Audition I have created a canvas.



Start with a blank canvas. I used a 14 x 10“ canvas panel.

Using hot glue (or your reliable alternative - I prefer hot glue because I know it holds), glue pieces of lace ribbon to your canvas. I used white because I buy most of my lace ribbon in white or cream but you can use any colour.



Now fill in the blank spaces with gesso. You can work as neat or uneven as you like. I prefer a more uneven texture. Don't worry if your gesso goes over your ribbon.



Add strips of washi tape while your gesso is still wet. This helps the washi tape to stick to the uneven surface as it dries ”into" the background. You can wipe some of the gesso that is already on the canvas over the edges of your washi tape.
One of my current favourite techniques with washi tape is squishing it for added texture.





Add more texture with a stencil and texture medium, in this case I used Faber-Castell Whipped Spackle. It's like gesso, only much lighter. Again, don't worry if you go over your ribbon and/or washi tape.





It's time to add colour. Use your favourite mists and go wild. I used Enmarc Dazzles in Rose Petal, Pink Flamingo, Sunflower, Ice Cube, Victorian Rose and Wild Grape.



Start preparing your canvas for the photos. You can use frames or mats, layering as little or as much as you prefer.
I used a sheet called Strips from the Summer Soul collection by Fancy Pants Design, fussy cutting the banner and cutting and using the rest of the strips on the page.



Now add your photos. I prefer working with 1 jumbo or a few smaller photos.







Now embellish your canvas and add a title.







Finally, ink your edges for a rounded off, complete look.

For the final round of auditions for the Scrap-a-Doodles Design Team 2014 I have to create 2 projects with step by step instructions, showcasing my style. This is the first one.

It's no secret that I'm absolutely totally in love with music. One of my favourite South African rock bands is The Parlotones.
In light of their lead singer Kahn's recent challenges and his determination to overcome them (read his blog post here) I have decided to create a layout featuring him.



All paper used is from the Color Wash collection by Pink Paislee.
Start with a sheet of chevron design patterned paper.



Repeat the chevron design with a stencil and Faber-Castell Glass Bead Glitter Gel





Now add more colour using Enmarc Dazzles in Sunflower, Cherry Candy, Deep Sky and Poison Ivy.
Hint: a fine mist is achieved by holding the bottle high above your page when spraying.



Now it's time to start layering paper, frames and photo(s).





When using double sided tape, I always leave some space on the sides in case I want to add more pieces underneath, for example these cute little flags.



The next step is my favourite - adding washi tape! I have to say when I heard about washi tape for the first time I was sceptical. Even when I sat down with a roll of washi tape in my hands, trying to figure out what to do with it, I just couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. Well that has changed! I can't live without washi tape. I'm especially fond of squishing it for added texture, but more about that in my second tutorial.



I created a little cluster in the bottom corner of my layout using washi tape and a diamond pattern stamp.



Complete your layout with a title and some more embellishments. I used Candy Shoppe alpha stickers by Doodlebug Design Inc and embellishments from the Love Notes collection by Crate Paper.





This cute little gumball machine is from Glitz Design.



And finally, a complete layout rich in colour and texture.

There is a new challenge with a gorgeous sketch up at Scrap Africa.

I decided to scrap one of my husband's skydiving photos.



The cogs were sprayed with Enmarc Dazzles.



The birdies received a coat of LSG mist.



I had so much fun with the hot air balloon. I glued micro beads in some places and misted it with Dazzles. I had to add a coat of Glossy Accents to the beads as the glue wasn't enough to hold them down.



The letters for the title were painted black and received some Glitzin' Glamor.

And finally, the sketch by Marta Lapkowska.

Check out the rest of the DT inspiration and join the challenge here.