Sunday, June 2, 2013

SEM June Main Challenge

Here is the challenge this month over at Scrapping Everyday Miracles.    

Since June is one of the most popular months to get married (my husband and my anniversary is the 19th), I decided to do a challenge on love. Your challenge this month is to scrap about a husband and wife relationship and the love you see/experience because of it.  The scrap twist is that you can only use cardstock, NO PATTERNED PAPER! The couple you choose can be you and your spouse, your parents, grandparents, or any other couple whose love for one another inspires you.

To see the whole challenge make sure you head over to the SEM blog.  You have until June 30th to enter!

Here is the layout I created.
Things arent always easy when it comes to my marriage.  We have our ups and downs... our good days and bad days... sometimes it has felt like good years and bads years even.  Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air and saying that's it I give up!  Deep down I love my husband and I truly meant my wedding vows.  I want to be a loving supportive and caring wife.  I am willing to work on and change those things I can to make this marriage work.  I know that Lars loves me and feels the same.  When those days come that I feel like things are just too much of a mess or I said something horrible and wish I could take it... the days I feel hurt and sad... I pray!  I give God my marriage, I ask forgiveness, and ask God to change my heart... I ask him to help me love my husband no matter what the issue is.  God has done just that... He has been there to get us through some crazy times... some big issues... misunderstandings  and some really hurt feelings.  Both Lars and I have our baggage and issues and are working on those things to be a better husband and wife.  Know matter how much Lars makes me want to pull my hair out... I couldnt imagine not beeing his wife.  I am proud to be his wife.  I thank the Lord that we are both commited to this marriage and are still very much in love with each other even though some days it is hard to focus on that.  I know God brought us together and I am so thankful for that.  

The twist was to not use any patterned paper.  At first this seemed rather hard but actually it wasnt that hard at all.  I really went a bit crazy creating the background and after literally drenching it with mist.  I then took gesso and stenciled on the pattern.  I then added a bit more mist.  Then I dried everything with my blow dryer.  Finally I added a little inca gold over the gesso pattern.  You cant really see it in the picture but believe me it is there and it really gives it a beautiful sheen.  Now at this point the paper was warped from the misting so what I should have done is mist the back with plain water and put it under a heavy book overnight.  But I had an idea in mind and knew just want the journaling on it should say.  I really didnt want to lose my inspiration.  I unfortunately dont know a quick way to get your paper flat.  Some might say ironing the backside but with the gesso I didnt think that was the best idea.  If I had only used mist I probably would have tried this but not with the gesso and other stuff.  I am going to have to do some research on how to get your layout to lay flat after using mists and other mix media.  Anyhow I went ahead and just designed my layout right on the warped background.  You can tell this in the picture... the hand drawing is straighter than it appears.  I havent hand drawn a title on a layout in a long time.  I also do not often doodle.  Usually for wedding pictures people use soft muted colors not black... but I loved the contrast of the black butterflies.  I also drew a lot of the dark tones out of the picture and really made it pop.  Even though it is warped I still really like this layout.  And if you have any ideas on getting mix media layouts flat I would love to hear them.

Have a great day and dont forget to check out the challenge at SEM... I cant wait to see what you create!

8 comments:

  1. nicole, this is beautiful! I love this!

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  2. What a stunning layout! Love the meaningful journalling too! :)

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  3. There is so much truth to our need to be committed during the difficult times as well as enjoying and embracing the good. Fabulous LO with the gorgeous vibrant color and doodling!! Perfect for a wedding photo. ~ Blessings, Tracey

    http://gracescraps.blogspot.com/

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  4. Such an honest and inspiring post and a breathtaking page! I love the bold colors!

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  5. Nicole, this beautiful layout. I like your background color is contrast with the doily and embellishments. Love your handwriting Title and journaling :)

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  6. Such a beautiful page Nic! I love those bright color choices with the black butterflies, the gesso stenciling and the fun doodling. It turned out amazing, and I love your honest a& heart-felt sharing about your relationship too.

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  7. This is beautiful. I love your color choices, and giggled as you described how you created it. Fabulous.

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  8. Cool layout, Nicole! I appreciated reading your honest post. I can definitely relate.....
    I would totally struggle with this challenge-- the scrap twist to not use patterned paper would be very hard for me!

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Thank you for taking you time to comment. I really appreciate it!
Thanks
Nic