2 page layout with Melissa Frances papers

It started with this shimmery flower that LaDonna made the other day. (We have these available in the store for just $1.79). I knew I wanted to use it on a layout, so I started looking for coordinating paper, then appropriate photos. It doesn't always start with the photos for me.

I knew I was going for a distressed look on these pages,

so I started by sanding the edges of the photos.

After double matting the photo, I used the

Heidi Swapp edge distressor to grunge up the matting.

Then inked the edges with the Colorbox chalk ink in Chestnut Roan.

I peeled the backing off the felt fusion strip and used two pieces in the corner, slightly overlapping the photo.


I ran some burgandy Distressed Stickles along the torn edge of the matting background.

Then added this My Mind'e Eye rub-on to the Tim Holtz journaling ticket that was just the right size.
I like the large chipboard letters and decided to cover them with coordinating paper.

I sprayed the back of the paper for strong, even coverage.
Adhered the paper to the back of the chipboard letters

and trimmed then filed around the edges.

Sometimes I ink around the edges of covered chipboard, but with the small center openings, I decided to use a tombow marker. I strongly recommend holding the marker behind the letter and running the tip around the edges from the back side. That way when the pen slips, (and it occasionally will) you will only leave a mark on the back of the letter.

The rest of the letters were cut with the Cricut from coordinating paper.

The papers were too similar and the letters really faded into the background.

So, I traced around them with our favorite white pen (Signo).

I attached the clear butterflies with brads and added self adhesive pearls to their wings.

Used a Cuttlebug embossing folder on the tickets and added

my favorite Maya Road sequined ribbon.

After all of that I took the photo and realized that the letters still didn't show up enough.

I got out the green glaze pen and colored in each letter.

See how the design of the paper still shows through the green.

To finish the layout dark green tags from the Melissa Frances line were added and a couple of those butterfly rubons from Chatterbox.

Looking back at the steps, it kind of seems like a lot for just one layout, but I wasn't in any kind of hurry, just having fun along the way.