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.

Funk Background

Hi everyone Tina here, today I thought I'd share with you a really fun background I created.

 I used lots of different mists and mediums, and the part I love most is that you never know exactly how it will turn out!

I used Glitter Gel and Light Paste through stencils using a palette knife.  Allow to dry, or if you are impatient like me, use a heat gun.  Holding the heat gun close to the medium will cause it to bubble, creating extra texture!

Repeat the process using White Sand texture paste, and then with modelling paste.  dry completely before the next step.

Stamp using Leafing Size, allow to dry slightly until tacky, and apply gold leaf.  Brush excess off using a dry paint brush.  Spray different mists, I used Lindy's Stamp Gang Starbursts (which show the gorgeous shimmer on the black), and Flat Fabios (in pastel chalk colours)

Add some sequins, photos, and mistable ephemera pieces and you are done. 

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.

Die Embossing

Hi everyone, it's Tina here with a super little technique for you, which will allow you to turn your metal dies into embossing folders! How cool is that?

All you need is a thin metal die, your diecutting machine, and an embossing mat.

Place the embossing mat, then paper/cardstock, then the die with the cutting edge next to the paper.  If you have a  Cuttlebug you will use a B and C plate, or if you have a Sizzix you will open both flaps as you normally would when embossing.  Please note, some embossing mats are thinner than others so you may need to play around with adding a shim or closing one of the flaps.

I repeated the process to make a square card mat, knowing I would cover the centre join.

I smeared some Liquid Pearls over the raised areas.  You could experiment using ink, Gelatos, or Inka Gold to create different effects.

Then I simply added a few paper strips, a diecut sentiment, and a flower to complete my card.

I hope I've opened up a whole new range of possibility for you to get double duty from your dies, have a play, and most of all .... have fun!

Sponsor and A Tutorial

Imaginarium Designs is a new sponsor this month at Off The Rails Scrapbooking. Thank you Imaginarium Designs for joining our sponsorship family

Imaginarium Designs was created in late 2010 here in Adelaide as we saw a need for some unique designs in the industry!

Chipboard is such an amazing medium to work with on Scrapbooking pages, projects, cards and so much more.

Our designers are everyday scrapbookers and cardmakers who design Chipboard specifically for everyday projects and we make sure that every design is perfect!

Not only do they have a website but also a facebook page, so please pop on over and say Hi.

Now for some Flower Power fun with Tina

Hi, I thought I'd show you how I make some of my handmade fabric flowers. 

Select two Alcohol ink colours, and a narrow strip of calico or cotton fabric (approx. 2cm x 25cm)

Dampen calico with rubbing alcohol, or blending fluid.

Apply a few drops of alcohol inks, and scrunch up so the colour spreads.

Allow to dry.

Twist and roll the fabric as shown and then glue to a circle of cardstock

Allow to dry completely before using on your project.

Thanks for dropping by,

Happy scrapping,

Tina

March Challenge

February was a short month this year, so we are now into the third month of the year. This means another round of inspiration from our Design Team. The Team have out done themselves this month.

Not only do we have a stunning mood palette but a gorgeous sketch to do along with it, both have been designed by Fiona. 

The team here at Off The Rails Scrapbooking cannot wait to see how you interpret the sketch and layout. Would you like to see what the design team have done.

Wendy

Sue

I'll admit that when I first saw the March palette it didn't excite me, as it looked very "vintage" to me and that is not my usual style. I was reminded that this was supposed to be a challenge though - and I am not one to back down from a challenge! Once I pulled some papers together to suit the palette, I knew I would be able to create something I was happy with. I drew my inspiration for this layout from the sketch, the colours and the image that included the pink flower. (I love that the touches of pink add some extra warmth & depth to my layout.) I hope everyone gives this challenge a go!

Luciana

Hi friends!

This is my inspiration with the sketch and mood board for March!!

This was a great challenge !!! First with the sketch made by Fiona and the second color palette!

They are colors that I use mixed with other strong colors! I liked the end result!

Enjoy!!!!

Tina

Deena

We have a new sponsor on board this month, please help me welcome

Imaginarium Designs

Imaginarium Designs are giving the challenge winner a $50 voucher. (Postage not included)

Happy Creating

Dimensional Magic Resist Tecdhnique

Hi everyone! It's Tina here.  I thought I'd share a fun technique for creating a resist effect on your projects.

Dimensional Magic Resist Technique

1. Stamp images using Stazon, chalk, or pigment inks ( so they don't bleed in the later steps)

2. Apply Dimensional Magic to various areas where you wish to create a resist effect.  I filled in the butterflies and loosely outlined some of the grasses.

3. Allow to dry.

4.  Blend two or three complimentary Distress Inks using a circular motion with a foam applicator. 

5. Lightly mist or flick some water over your tag, which will create a nice distress effect.  Allow to dry