:: epic ride ::

Paper Issues is spotlighting Cocoa Vanilla's Totally Rad collection and I got to play along.

I love this little guy! This is my grandson, B. He is riding his Big Wheel on one of the first nice days of this spring. Shhhh....don't tell, but I stole this photo off my daughter's Facebook page. ;-)

These splatters are my favorite.  Lots of different colors of Heidi Swapp Color Shine.

I loved working with this collection. The colors are fabulous!

Pick up a little Cocoa Vanilla for yourself -- or just about anything else you want -- in the Paper Issues Store.  Use the code 'orangegearle' for 20 percent off your purchase!

:: she's our monkey girl ::

It's Mix it Up Monday on the Paper Issues blog and this month is all about texture!

The definition of texture as it pertains to art is basically the surface quality of a piece of artwork.  Texture can be experienced visually, or physically (through touch).  There are many ways to add texture to a project in this layout I used several ways.

1. You may not be able to tell in the photo but I used pop dots behind the word "monkey". (By the way, you can get that free cut file here).
2. I used texture paste with a stencil on the 'O' (I also used that same paste and stencil on the background). I tinted the paste first with a yellow gelato!
3. On the 'K' I used an embossing folder to add raised dots.
4. I added tangled thread in a few places -- and
5. I did some machine stitching, too!

You should play along with us this month!  All you have to do is add texture to a project and share it with us in the Facebook Paper Issues {Friends and Fans} April Challenge Album  by May 1st!  Chose one way, or incorporate many different textures on your page -- it's up to you! I cannot wait to see what you make!

:: hooray you ::

It's product spotlight time on the Paper Issues blog!  Today members of the design team are highlighting Simple Stories : Life in Color collection, and I just had to play along!

I started with some black and white pieces and then added some yellow and red -- colors I pulled directly from the photo. 

I layered tissue paper and patterned papers behind the photo and I also added three flair buttons from {a flair for buttons} Black and White Words 1 flair.

Lots of layers and a few splashes of Heidi Swapp Color Shine and I was done! I loved working with this collection!

You can grab Simple Stories Life in Color and oh so much more at the Paper Issues Store.  Don't forget to use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your purchase!

:: follow your heart :: new issue at paper issues

Each month Paper Issues has a new "issue" posted and the Design Team gets to play along. This month I got to participate! The theme is "Into the Woods", and here's my take on the theme:

I cut and glued papers from Webster's Pages Painted Passport collection. I chose a photo of my daughter riding her bike "into the woods" for this theme. I also played on the theme by using both woodgrain paper (find that here and here) as well as a bunch of random wood veneer pieces from my stash.  This was fun!  

I fussy cut a flower out of some of the patterned papers. I also used gelato to paint a few of the wood veneer shapes and add a bit of splatter behind the title.

Here are some more ways to play along with us this month: use wood veneer embellishments, wood grain papers or woodgrain stamps, camping, enjoying the outdoors, add woodland animals like owls, deer, foxes, etc., use the April printables.

Grab Webster's Pages or whatever your paper needs from the Paper Issues Store, and use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your purchase!  

:: ice cream cheers ::

It's Sketchy Saturday at Paper Issues!  Here's my take on the sketch using Amy Tangerine's Better Together collection.

And here's the sketch by the awesome Amy Coose!

I loved this sketch instantly...and then went a bit crazy with the circles!  Here are a few close ups!

Pick up Amy's latest collection in the Paper Issues Store! Don't forget to use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your purchase!

:: eggcellent :: pinspire me

It's time for one of my favorite challenges on the Paper Issues blog -- (P)Inspire Me Monday! Here is my take on the mood board.

I created a cut file and backed it with papers from Doodlebug's Spring Garden 6x6 Paper Pad (available in the Paper Issues Store here).  I added a few of the papers behind my photo and a Bella Blvd clip just for fun! 

Speaking of fun -- I made three of these little egg shakers from card stock, sequins, and a few pieces of confetti that I punched out of the same patterned papers. 

You can download the cut file I made here (for free, of course). Make sure you check out what the other DT members have made for this challenge and if you haven't joined the Paper Issues {Friends and Fans} Facebook page yet -- what are you waiting for!

Get your Doodlebug, Bella Blvd, Simple Stories, Pinkfresh and more at the Paper Issues Store.  Don't forget to use the code 'orangegearle' for 20% off your purchase!

:: celebrate it's your birthday :: free flower cut file

The free April cut file is live on the Paper Issues Blog! Aren't these flowers cute? I shrunk down the file to make this card for my mom!

I started with white card stock and Gelatos to make the background.  As soon as it was dry I cut the file.

We are having a ton of fun in the Paper Issues {Friends & Fans} Facebook group. We just started a new round of #iSpyWithPI.  Check out all the fun and play along!