Geek Lab: Adventure Card

Hi friends,

Melissa here with you today and it’s a bittersweet post! This is my last one… not just for this current kit but also for my term as a design team member. I have absolutely loved my time here with Clique Kits but, I had to make the decision. I love designing and teaching and empowering other creative types but, it’s time to take a break from DT’s and focus on me and what I want to do. I’m looking forward to no deadlines and such. But, I will say, this team will be one I will miss. I hope you know that Clique Kits has a GREAT things here. Beautiful kits (will always be my favorite), amazing inspiration (I’m excited to see what the next team does) and a fun community (have you joined us on Facebook yet?)

For my last card with you all, I wanted to, once again, show you a card using the gorgeous cut files that are exclusive to the CK kits. I loved the fall leaves square but, was more drawn to the individual leaves. In my head, I pictured utilizing the circle stickers and then embellishing with the leaves. It turned out better than I even thought. I hope you like it too. Here is the finished card a few close ups:

I also used the little asterisk shaped cut files that were part of that square. I actually like the texture they bring with the tone on tone of the white cardstock. I was equally excited when I realized you can see them in the photo too!

How cute do those leaves look??? They really add the perfect amount of texture and help the card have a bit of interest. Those stickers are fabulous but, when in a pinch for that “one more thing”, cut files are the best!

I decided to hand write the first part of the sentiment on to one of the stickers. I just could not find the right alpha in my stash or anywhere else so, handwriting it is. Thankfully, I do like my handwriting!

Thanks for joining me here today!

The past year has definitely been an adventure I have enjoyed and I’m also looking forward to moving on! See you around!

Geek Lab with Hannah

Aloha!!

It’s Hannah with you here today. I am so excited to share this post. I am always thinking of fun ways I can mix up my kits. This month I thought, wouldn’t it be cool to use the cut files we get with our kits and cut my photo?!

This month Amy Horton gave us a cut file to use with the Traveler’s Notebook kit. The Sundance Traveler’s Notebook Kit features the Wish You Were Here collection by Pretty Little Studio and designed by Ashley Horton. It is colorful, travel themed and has some really fun and hip trees in it. I love this collection and this kit is so jammed packed and perfect for the Traveler’s Notebook.

I pulled out my silhouette and cut out the cut file with a couple of pieces of 4×6 patterned journaling cards from the kit. I also decided to be very brave. (I used a different cut file but we also offer digital files with our kits as well.)

I think one of the things about learning in scrapbooking is trying new things. Sometimes these things work out sometimes they don’t and you need to rethink your approach or try it a different way. This problem solving helps you grow as a scrapbooker. I also feel like if you are happy with the way you do things you shouldn’t have to change your style. But sometimes it is just good to try something new to remember why you love your style too.

All this for trying new things. I am cutting on my photo. I printed a big photo of Mt. Rainer from the zoo. I took it with my DSLR, did a simple edit on it. Printed in as a 5×7. This size a tad bigger than the Traveler’s notebook, but once I cut the cut file most of the extra stuff from the photo would be taken out.

If this is something you are wanting to do, I suggest using a photo you know most of the main stuff in the photo will get taken off. This should help pick a photo that can handle that. I choose a mountain image because it contained a lot of blue sky and then a different colored mountain. The mountain is easy and clear to see because it is way lighter than the sky. This difference in light and dark colors and solid less detail helps you see the image even though not all of it is really there.

Using a cut file on your photo can be so cool and a fun way to showcase the cut file and your photo.

This is what my photo looks like all cut,  not on my spread.

I left most of the hello off from the cut file. It wasn’t actually on purpose but in the end I think I would have cut it off anyway so there was less blue from the sky.

I love how the plane has the dark colors from the landscape around the mountain.

Like I mentioned I cut the file with patterned paper as well. This is something I do often. I really like how using different patterns make the cut files look completely different.

I used the really nice Fancy Pants Traveler’s Notebook from the kit this month. I decided to add both the photo and the patterned paper cut file on my spread. 

I kept the spread really simple. Leaving lots of room for journaling. using the washi tape for layers. This also keeps the spread pretty flat , which is something I have been thinking a little more about lately. I want to be able to get my stories in these albums without having to not use pages because I can’t close my notebook.  Using cut files and washi tape for layers I don’t need to add as many layers, though it still looks like I did.

I love the phrase and card stock stickers in this collection. They add some spunk to my spread.

I used a small paper bag that came with my Clique Kits as a place to tuck a tag threaded with colorful twine.

I finished off this spread with some heart die cuts with similar colors as my cut files. It really adds to my journaling without being really busy.

Be sure to head over to the Clique Kits Youtube Channel and watch my process video. Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss any of the Design Team videos we post there.

Thanks for joining me today. I hope you check out the store and add your add ons, before the September Kits ship out. I can’t wait to see what you all make with you Traveler’s Notebook Kit this month!!

Geek Lab: Dream Big Card

Hey friends,

Melissa here with you today and I’m sharing one of my four projects created using the absolutely stunning September Sundance kit. Seriously, it is so beautiful. I just love the two collections from 1 Canoe 2 and Fancy Pants. So Fall but, a slightly different color palette than the usual oranges and browns. Love!

Alright, so, on to my project. Today I wanted to share with you a fun card using one of the cut files from the CK Store. I love using cut files and I know there are so many posts and tutorials on using them but, it never hurts to see one more. Right? Plus, it also doesn’t hurt to remind you we have some awesome cut files here in the shop! Designed exclusively for you by some top notch ladies, too, and they go so well with the kits and product! Yay!

Alright, here is the cut file already cut out and ready to go…

To get my papers ready, I kept the “negative” pieces of the cut file and used them as a template. That way, I knew I would get slightly bigger to the true size. This helps immensely when getting ready to place them in between those spaces of white cardstock. I know they fit and will go over slightly so I can use some adhesive too. I found it easier to adhere the patterned paper strips to the card first. Especially for this particular cut file since there were some super thin pieces. It’s hard to line it up right and get it down perfect.

Because of the thin lines of cardstock, I used glossy accents as my liquid adhesive. It dries clear and I don’t mind the slight shiny parts that show. After adhering the cut file on to the cardstock, I didn’t like how the basket part of the hot air balloon looked as just white. It was too late, and too annoying, to try to cut out from cardstock something so, I dug out my Gelatos. Next time… I will remember to cut out “just in case” OR color with the ink FIRST. It got a little sketchy a few times and almost smeared on my card base. But, in the end, I don’t mind the way it looks.

The puffy sticker words from Fancy Pants are just perfect for cards! Almost all of the sentiments are PERFECT and I thought this one would go so well with the hot air balloon.

The card really didn’t need much else! Just a of the die cuts from the kit and ta da! Easy and so fun and whimsical.

Thanks for joining me today for Geek Lab! I hope you get a chance to grab some of the awesome cut files in our shop and use them to help stretch your kit! Make sure to use code melissa10 at check out to save 10% on your order!

Until next time…

 

Geek Lab: Mermaid (in the bath tub)

Hello! Donna here for my first layout using the August “Malibu” kit featuring Summer Lights by Pink Paislee

I used the August cut file “Scallop” as a stencil. Instead of paper, I used an acetate (A4) and run it through my Silhouette Cameo machine (I selected “Stencil Material” in the material type option). This will ensure I can use the stencil over and over again! How cool is that?? Cutting just took a bit longer than usual but it’s worth it.

1. Figure out where you want the photo. Then place the scallop stencil on the white cardstock and brush watercolor randomly.

2. Use a piece of plastic to spread the watercolor while it’s still wet.

3. Flicker the brush to create splatters. The farther the brush, the bigger the splatter will be. Let it “sit” for a few minutes.

4. Then, use a tissue to blot off the excess water. Your background is ready to be used! I love how the scallops look like rainbow waves.

This is my finished layout

I cut out the ombre pink hearts and scattered them all over the page. I mounted some with foam tape for dimension.

I mounted the framed photo with foam tape as well and tucked some messy thread and sequins under it.

Some more close up images

Would love to hear what you think of my project today! Just leave a comment if you have any questions and will happily answer them as much as I can.

Thanks for dropping by!

Happy crafting,

Geek Lab: Favorite

Hello friends! Maryám here to share a new project using the digital exclusives files of this month. If you are a subscriber you can find them here, or if you are not a subscriber you can them here.

As you can see on the right side of the spread I put my photo, the title and some embelllishments, but on the left side of the spread I decided to create a kind of a pattern paper using the flowers printables of this month.

Here is a quick tutorial of how I did the pattern paper:

1.You have to open a new file on photoshop with the size of your travelers notebook’s page.

2. Now, you have to go to “file” and then click on “place”, in that way you will can add the png elements that were included on the printables folder.3. Once you have the flowers right on the file, you are going to duplicate the layers over and over again. In that way you will create your own pattern.

4. If your pattern it’s done, save it, and send it to print!

Here are some close-ups and some extra details:

The camera is from a chipboard sheet from the beautiful Oasis collection, and the leaves are rubber shapes from Pinkfresh Studio.

I hope you liked my pages and if you have any questions, please put them in the comments below.

Have a wonderful day!

Geek Lab: Shine Like The Stars

Hello, everyone!

Donna here with another layout I created using the June kit “Aquarelle” featuring the gorgeous collection Wild at Heart by Cocoa Vanilla Studio.

First, let me show you how I used one of this month’s cut files and the canvas star.

I remembered I have these metallic acrylic paints and thought I’d use them for this project. I combined green and blue metallic acrylic paints to color the cut file. Then used a gold paint marker to color the middle part of the cut file. I also used a pink metallic acrylic paint to color the canvas star. After it has dried, I used gold embossing powder (brushed embossing ink randomly first) and set it with a heat tool. I like the sparkly effect afterward.

 

Here is my finished layout

I cut 3 strips of patterned papers and adhered to the left and right sides. I used the same acrylic paints to splatter colors onto the white cardstock. Just a few to add subtle colors.

I used a couple of the journal cards as mats to the photo and a couple of the frames as well.

I love the effect of the metallic acrylic paints!

I used the canvas star as a base and clustered a few die cuts and flair on it.

That’s all from me today! Don’t forget to check the store for some fab deals!

Happy crafting,
xoDonnaxo

 

 

Geek Lab – Shine Like the Stars

Hello scrappers and welcome back to the blog! Today I have a fun layout to share using the June Aquarelle Main Kit. I am in love with the colors in this kit – from the soft blue tones to the watercolor accents. This kit is stunning!

Here is the layout I made using this fantastic kit along with the exclusive Clique Kits “Shine Like the Stars” cut file to serve as my title.

I love using cut files as a way to create interesting titles and accents. And to be honest, I am sort of a lazy scrapper and I rely heavily on tools like cut files as a short cut to creating fabulous layouts!

I cut this digital cut file using my Silhouette Cameo (suitable to cut with other electronic cutting machines such as a Cricut). Because of the delicate detail of this file, I adjusted the cut settings in Silhouette Studio to a speed of 2 and to a thickness of 31. This ensured that the middle words “like the” would cut without issue.

I initially cut this image on dark blue card stock but I just didn’t like the look of it once I placed it on the layout. I wanted the cut file to mimic the navy blue watercolor accents that are featured in the die cuts and frames that I used on the layout. To remedy this, I cut the file a second time on white American Crafts Textured Cardstock and painted the cut file with Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolors to create a navy blue ombre effect.

I used extra water to spread the paint, starting with a dark shade of navy blue at the bottom of the cut file and working my way up.

Once I finished painting the image, I used a heat tool to dry the cut file. When the cut file was completely dry, I adhered it to my layout using Tombo Mono Aqua Liquid Glue.

The result is a stunning title that coordinates perfectly with the accents featured on this layout!

Using cut files is a simple way to add high impact to a scrapbook layout without much effort!

Once the title was in position, the remaining accents of this layout came together rather quickly.

 

Haven’t tried a Clique Kits exclusive cut file? Wait no more! Head on over to the CK store, download a few cut files and give them a try! Until next time, make it a great scrappy day!

Geek Lab with Hannah

Aloha!! It’s Hannah here with you today.  The fresh and bold colors in the “Jelly Bean” April Kit have me thinking about Spring. Where I live it’s still pretty green and damp. It has me dreaming about my flower bed from the summer and all the beautiful colors they wore proudly. I knew this kit and the exclusive flower cut file would fit perfectly together to make an awesome layout.

Maybe by making a layout about my flowers will entice them to grow faster! If only scrapbooking brought on the season change and made the weather behave?!! While I dream about wearing old sneakers and dirty garden gloves, lets take a look at what I created.

I really wanted to go BOLD so I used my silhouette to cut the exclusive floral cut file with pattern paper. The cut file is really intricate so it really helps this busy paper pop. The flowers come alive. It will work well on my layout because I am using white cardstock that I made several stripes with dark grey acrylic paint. The color against the dark and white really help them stand out.

I cut one set of flowers big and left them open. I also cut a couple of other sets in plain white cardstock.  I like to use smooth cardstock with my cut files. I find they look better and the thicker quality helps them hold up better in the silhouette. These smaller sets I backed with some of my left over “Paint Me” patterned paper and some of the dotted vellum. I used some tiny staples in gold from my tiny attacher to attach and hold the paper together. I wanted to create shadows by attaching them this way. I wanted the cut file to lift up a bit from the paper to add dimension too.

To me this really helps makes an impact on a layout when you use dimension and shadows in your favor. The bright colors in this kit and paper really help with that as well.

I used 3 3×4 size photos that I matted with white cardstock. With all the color in the cut file and in my photos I didn’t want to go crazy. I also knew I would finish off the layout with some splatters of the Shimmerz Acri-tonez Paints.

I added a couple of the cut aparts from the “Daily Details” Paper for some extra layers. I love the writing on them it’s so fun and said perfectly how I felt. The gold foil on some of the cards is gorgeous and I couldn’t help myself not to use that on this layout.

I lightly embellished this page. The color and intricacy of the cut file really helped fill the page up. I used a few of the Freckled Fawn foam word phrase stickers. They are really fun. I also added some of the Bella Blvd Puffy Stickers and Epoxy Stickers from the Clique Store.  These stickers add just the right amount of extra color to tie my layout together.

For the title I used the Elle Studio White Alphas and one of the Heidi Swapp Acetate words in gold. I love when I have word phrases in my kits to help me with my title. I don’t really mind if I don’t have the most thought out title. As long as it helps capture the feelings I have when I see my photo that’s all that matters to me. I know I will have journaling somewhere on my layout eventually so my family and I can remember all my thoughts about these photos.

Though truth be told, I just really enjoy taking photos of my gorgeous flowers. They are all mine and they are beautiful! I just want to remember how beautiful they are, especially during the middle of the winter when it has been raining for ten days straight and you can see your breathe when you wake up in the morning. It’s times like this I want to remember there is color and beauty that grows right in my own back yard. I don’t need a fancy title this time for that!

To finish off my layout I added Freckled Fawn enamel dots and shapes around my cut file. That is intact what I want my eye to go to first when I look at this layout. I added the year for a date with more of the White Alphas by Elles Studio. Since the date really isn’t important I don’t need it to stand out. I also finished by adding splatters with the Shimmerz Acri-tonez Paints. I just let the paint fall out of the bottle as I lightly squeezed it. I really love the look it gave adding them this way. The paint made really raised spots around my layout and have great dimension. I made sure I put my layout off to the side while it dried so the paint didn’t get touched, or settle down.

I hope you are inspired today to create different looks using just one cut file. It really makes a cut file be versatile when you can get different looks just by changing a few things, like color, shape and what is behind the cut file itself.

Have a great day and I hope you are excited about playing with your April “Jelly Bean” Kit when it shows up at your door. When it does arrive be sure to tag us and share what you creating with your kit!!

Also Check Out my Process Video on the Clique Kits Youtube Channel for more details on how I made this fun layout.

Geek Lab- April Cut Files

This month’s cut files are super fun to work with!  I used both the floral, and the phrase files on my page below with the April kit, “Jellybean”.

 

 

I loved the lines of these flowers, so I wanted them to stand out. I didn’t back them with paper and cut them from white cardstock so that they would contrast against the colorful background.

The flow of the font of the sripty title goes perfectly with the floral cut file.

The background paper is a gorgeous periwinkle ombre print.  I added some white gesso and pink and seafoam mists which I smooshed on the gesso.

I used the Pink Paislee paper in the kit (paper #14) that has the overlapping circles and cut them out and folded them in half.  I was originally going to make a banner from them, but I decided on just leaving them like little clusters on the page.

I did very little embellishing, only adding a few gold foiled accents and some enamel dots.  I wanted the colors and the cut files to be the star of the page.

 

You can watch my process from start to finish here:

 

Thanks for stopping by today!

 

Geek Lab | One + One

Hi Clique Kits fans,

I am very happy to be here with you today, to show you a fun way to customize the wood embellishment (one + one = us), that you can find in the March kit (Play kit)
available in the shop.

As you can see, I’ve tried to create the same effect than in the letters from the kit.
I’ve painted half the letters with a new product from Aladine: the Izink 3D Texture Paste.

It’s a kind of light coloured texture paste, very easy to apply.
To obtain this effect, I’ve used washi tape as masking tape. I did not have any more masking tape, but that may be better to use masking tape than you favorite washi tape, except if you want to leave the washi on the letters.

Then, I’ve applied my texture paste directly on the wood with my finger. The best is to follow the lines of the wood, and the embellishment is perfect for that.
Let the texture paste dry at least 10 minutes. Then take off the washi tape and enjoy!

I absolutely love the result!!

Then, this wood embellishment can be used in your layout.
Here are some close ups for you to see the details.


Have a great day and don’t hesitate if you have some questions.
Magali