"Life" for Blue Fern Studios

I'm so very excited to have my first post up at the Blue Fern Studios Blog.   I really like to take a piece of chipboard and transform it into something that will either blend in with my layout, or stand out.  It can go either way.  On this layout, I chose to alter the chipboard to tie in with the dress my granddaughter wore to homecoming last year.

I prefer to prime chipboard with a light coat of Gesso.  I apply it with my finger for a couple of reasons - I hate to clean Gesso from my brushes, and I can control it better with my finger and avoid applying too much.  When I am applying Gesso to chipboard, I typically prime several pieces at one time.  I then applied some Tim Holtz Tarnished Brass Distress Stain.  It was a little heavy, so I used a baby wipe to remove some of it while it was still wet.  Lastly, using my finger, I randomly applied some Stampin' Up All Purpose Ink in Frost White.  It was just the color I wanted.  I used a Viva Pearl Pen to add the pearls. 

The background of this layout is the beautiful packaging from the Blue Fern Frame.  The packaging for this frame is a full 12x12 sheet with a lovely blue design.  Don't ever throw away your packaging because you will want to use it on a future project.  The paper is from the new Kaiser Craft line, Marigold.  

This is the beautiful piece of chipboard that I used on this layout, the Floral Clock. 

Thanks for stopping by!

~~~Valerie