Wild antics on a layout....a tutorial

Okay, your eyes are not playing tricks on you...I took a cue from The Gangster Gang [aka niece + 3 nephews] and engaged in some wild antics...on paper that is. *winks*

My layouts are usually story-driven and fast pages. This one wasn't. 

This one was started purely because I wanted to use Blue Fern Studios patterned paper that I won in a recent giveaway. Yes, the Shiny New Object Syndrome I suffer from is to be blamed! *LOL*

And play along with a couple of challenges...like Scrap Around The World and Scrap365.

That said, it was pretty nice just playing with stamps and mediums and seeing where it led.

Found these outtake photos of the Gangster Gang and worked them into the layout somehow. If you are interested in how I created this layout, scroll down for the tutorial. :)

_____________________________________________________

1. I started by distressing the edges of the Blue Fern Studios patterned paper with a distressing tool. You can use a pair of scissors for this. 

2. Then I applied a coat of clear gesso on the patterned paper. [Paper is porous so gesso helps to create a little "barrier" for mediums/colorants you add.]

3. Next I lightened parts of the patterned paper with watered-down white gesso. I also added some splatters. [Watered-down gesso creates a dreamy, translucent feel to the paper much like vellum.]

4. I added more texture by stamping with a Stampers Anonymous stamp. You can use an ink pad for more precise stamping. I used white gesso for a messy look.

5. I added some texture and interest by applying Liquitex Sand Resin with The Crafter's Workshop stencil. This dries clear and provides a very subtle texture.

6. Next, I stamped some butterflies on the patterned paper to mimic the patterns on the patterned paper. These stamps are from Viva Las VegaStamps. I also added some text stamping.

7. There was orange colour on the patterned paper so I used Tattered Angels Glimmermist in Peach Delight to paint my butterflies. 

8. Then I added some black splatters with Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze. I LOVE this because it dries with a shiny and slightly raised finish.:) 

9. I decided on the photo placement and then adhered them using my Xyron Teresa Collins Mega Runner.

10. I created a little more interest around the photos by adding little bits of scrap papers and scallop diecut pieces from SRM.

11. Then, I added a little bit more stamping around the photos to create a more cohesive feel.

12. I misted some gauze with Tattered Angels Peach Delight Glimmermist and diluted it with some water to tone down the intensity of the colour.

13. All the dimensional embellishments were glued down with Xyron Teresa Collins Clear Hold Adhesive.

14. The American Crafts thickers I wanted to use had patterns on them so I coloured them with a Sharpie and outlined with a white pen for a little pop.

A few SRM Stickers, paper bloom petals, machine-stitching and journaling around the photos... and I was done! Love that my page is still relatively flat! :)

What do you think?

*Edited* This layout made Top 10 Honorable Mentions at Scrap Around The World and won the challenge over at Scrap365! :)