:: 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!