Creating a Background From Die Cuts

Hi Off the Rails fans!

Sadly, this will be my last post as a member of the Off the Rails Design Team. After being a member of the team since it began two years ago, it's time for me to step aside and make room for other talented designers to inspire you.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Amanda, Deena and all the other fabulous team members I have come to know over the past couple of years, it has been a joy working alongside you all.

For my final post I have a layout to share that I created using a technique that was inspired by Missy Whidden recently. (You can see Missy's original layout on her blog here)

Here is my version...

When I first saw Missy's layout using a cut file of a repeating shape in different sizes to create her background, I thought I would try replicating the technique using dies instead. (I don't have a Cameo, but I do have plenty of dies in my stash I just don't use enough.) I decided to use my Spellbinders Donna Salazar Rose Creations ones that were designed to create a layered rose, as they gave me the same shape in a variety of sizes. I used a selection of papers from Cocoa Vanilla Studio, including the sheet I chose as my base.

After cutting out the flowers, I decided where on my layout I was going to place my photo, and then arranged the pieces to suit. Once the flowers were down, I used gelatos and a water brush to add some extra colour highlights around the page.

After that, I used some layers of tissue paper to mat my photo and then I added my embellishments.

I created this cluster in the top right hand corner using a D-lish Scraps mini paper doily, Heidi Swapp ephemera pieces, Freckled Fawn paper clip and a Cocoa Vanilla Studio sticker.

Alongside my photo I added a die cut piece from Kaisercraft, some cotton thread for subtle texture and a D-lish Scraps flair button; and then a Cocoa Vanilla Studio sticker on the other side.

Below the photo I added more thread, another Kaisercraft die cut and more Cocoa Vanilla Studio stickers.

To finish my page I added a title using Jillibean Soup alphabeans; handwritten journaling and a scattering of D-lish Scraps sequins.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing this project and that I have inspired some of you with my creations over the past two years. Thanks to everyone for their support and kind words during my term.

I look forward to keeping up with the challenges and all the beautiful work from the DT here, and perhaps even joining in from the other side of the fence!

Happy scrapping!

Sue X

We are all sad to see Sue leave she is an amazing Designer and wish her all the best in her future creavtive journey. Thank you Sue for all the inspiration you have provided us and the members xxx 

Recycle or Upcylce November Challenge

Welcome to November, this month not only do we have one of our fantastic mood boards to inspire you with, but also we want you to either recycle or upcycle something. Do you have a cereal box just about to be thrown in the trash or an old card or even some advertising material from your mail box? Maybe you have a background from a layout, a card or a mixed media canvas that you started but you only got so far before you decided that it wasn't heading in the direction you want. Now is the time to use these things and do what the name of our blog suggestions go Off The Rails and create something that you never dreamed of creating. 

Is the mood board giving you lots of ideas? Lets get those thoughts and idea flowing even more and see what the Design Team from created.

Wendy

Joan

Mabel

Sue

Luciana

Sneak Peek come back on the 24th to see the whole design

This month we welcome back Imaginarium Designs as our monthly sponsor.

A Sweet Gift

Hi Off the Rails fans! Sue here with you, and today I am sharing a super sweet gift I made for a friend.

As we are currently in the midst of our strawberry season here, I have been busy cooking lots of strawberry jam to make the most of them while they are plentiful. Besides storing it away for my family to enjoy throughout the coming year, I also think it makes a lovely homemade gift for friends.

Of course, no gift is complete without a bit of fancy wrapping though...

To dress the jar, I started by cutting a circle of paper to fit on top of the lid, which I attached simply with double-sided tape. (Lucky I had these old Cosmo Cricket papers stored away, they were perfect!)

Next, I attached some self-adhesive lace tape around the edge of the lid and then topped with a flower.

I made a matching tag for the jar by cutting a tag shape from the polka dot paper, which I topped with an image cut from the strawberry paper. I then adding the sentiment using a tape writer and a small paper flower.

After that, it was simply a matter of tying the tag to the jar using twine. I also added a small heart shaped resin button as a hanging charm.

Besides making the jam, this was a quick and easy way to put together a sweet handmade gift for a friend. I think these would also make a lovely teacher appreciation gift.

Til next time, happy scrapping! X

Spring Has Sprung

Here in Australia it is the first day of Spring, we are yet to feel it in Melbourne but it is on it's way I am sure (and hoping). Because it is the first of the month that means we have a mood board challenge. It is moody, dramatic and the design team have done an amazing job with it.

Wendy

Joan

Luciana

Deena

Mabel

Sue

Tina

We would like to welcome back 2Crafty Chipboard who are our sponsor this month. They are offering the lucky winner a mixture of their

 gorgeous chipboard. Who doesn't love chipboard.

Please Note our sponsors this month, 2Crafty, will post Australia-wide only.  International entrants, please note that if you enter, we have to assume that in the event you are chosen as a winner this month, you are prepared to pay the postage for your prize.

Pretty Things

Hi Off the Rails fans!

It's Sue here with you today sharing a quick & easy project I recently created for my daughter's bedroom. We are always looking for "pretty" things to add to her room, and when I found some mini wooden frames lurking in my craft cupboard I decided to make them into something cute for her.

Here is what I created...

To create this wall hanging, I started with my 3 tiny frames like this...

After removing the glass, I gave them a very light coat with white spray paint, which I then rubbed back with sandpaper to give them a worn, shabby look.

I then cut a piece of patterned paper to fit in each frame and adhered the wood veneer pieces on top. (All patterned papers and wood veneer pieces are by Cocoa Vanilla Studio.)

Next, I cut a length of wide satin ribbon and affixed it to the back of the frames using hot glue. (Had the frames been larger or heavier than these, I would recommend using a staple gun for this step. Fortunately, these are so tiny the hot glue is sufficiently strong enough.)

Once dry, I was able to affix to the wall using only a thumbtack. (I told you it was only light!) It was such a quick, easy and inexpensive project. And the best part was  - she loved it!

Thanks for stopping by today. Be sure to come back regularly and see what other inspiring ideas the Design Team has in store for you.

Happy scrapping!

Sue X

July's Challenge

Welcome to the second half of the year, I am not too sure where the first half has gone but gone it has.

This month we are giving you the choice of two very different but gorgeous mood palettes.

Which one will you choose to be inspired by? Shall we see what our creative Design Team came up with?

Joan

Luciana

Mabel

Sue

Out for publication 

 Wendy

Deena

Tina

What an amazing array of work created. I am sure that you will find lots to inspire you.

This month we welcome back  Imaginarium Designs as our sponsor, thank you Imaginarium Designs.

Inspired By Me - Mothers Day Card

Hello Off the Rails followers! It's Sue Plumb here with you today sharing a card I made recently for my mum for Mothers Day.

Now anyone who knows me, knows I am NOT a card maker. Not because I don't like making them, but because I usually find them a bit of a struggle. I am not sure whether it's the small space, but they just don't come naturally to me at all. As I had already created a gift for mum (a canvas that I was very happy with) I decided the easiest thing to do was make a card to match it.

Here is what I created...

I was fairly pleased how this came out, and I think it was largely due to my approach this time. Instead of being pressured to start from scratch, I simply took the design of an existing project I was happy with and used that to inspire me.

I started with some basic materials...

{Blank card by Kaisercraft; patterned papers by Cocoa Vanilla Studio}

I cut the paper to form a base, leaving space for a border around the edge. Then I added some mist, a paper doily, and some small layered pieces of paper on which I could mount my sentiment. I joined the layers together using a staple before adhering to the base sheet...

Next, I added the sentiment (which I printed using my computer); a cute paperclip and some torn gauze for texture...

{Arrow paperclip by Freckled Fawn}

Then it was time to embellish! I started with a paper straw, leaves and flowers (just like I did on my original canvas). I always start with the largest and bulkiest embellishments first, then work my way down in size, filling the spaces as I go...

Once all my flowers were adhered, I added my final touches to give it a bit of sparkle - a glittery bow, sequins and a sequin butterfly...

{Glitter bow by Crate Paper}

Now I couldn't let you go without showing you the canvas that inspired my card could I? Here it is...

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my process today, and that I may have inspired you to try a different approach when you find something challenging. Look to your own strengths and find inspiration in your own designs and if something works, just go with it!

Til next time, happy crafting! X

May Challenge

This month it's Mother's Day here in Australia, that came around very quickly. If you are a mother or a mother figure, I hope that you get spoilt.

Last month's Mood Board was very bright and sparkly, this one is just as much fun to play with but very different. Hope to see you play along.

Thank you to Fiona who has so cleverly put it together.

Let's see what the Design Team have created

 Sue 

Wendy

Deena

Luciana

Joan

Mabel

Did you see a couple of names that are new to Off The Rails Scrapbooking? We have some new members on our Design Team. Keep a look out during the month for more from all our new design team members.

We would like to welcome back 2Crafty Chipboard who are our sponsor this month. They are offering the lucky winner a mixture of their

 gorgeous chipboard. Who doesn't love chipboard.

Please Note our sponsors this month, 2Crafty, will post Australia-wide only.  International entrants, please note that if you enter, we have to assume that in the event you are chosen as a winner this month, you are prepared to pay the postage for your prize.