Tresors De Luxe~So Sweet Altered Book Box

Hello everybody!! Hope you are having a great week! Today,  I wanted to share an "off the page" project that I did using lots of yummy flowers and lace from the Tresors De Luxe Etsy Shop, and the Scraps Of Elegance July Kit-Home Sweet Home.

This project is an altered book box that features lots of layering, painting, distress, and stamping. I used the following Tresors De Luxe Items to get the soft,  Shabby~Vintage,  look that I love:

White Venice Lace Item #LA-023

White Applique Pearl Beaded Lace Item#LA-009

Pearl Centered Ivory Organza Flowers Item#FL-006

The Kiss Of Fuschia Butterflies are from my Reneabouquets Etsy Shop.

Here you can see the softness that the background lace lends along with the softness of the organza flowers~don't you just love those little pearl centers~such a wonderful Tresors touch!

To create the little roll back at the corner of the book, I tucked in a small cut off piece of the lace that I used in the background to create a soft little bed for my bird brad.

Here you can see what a gorgeous touch that pearl appliqued lace adds to the distress crackled finish of the spine of the book.

A detail shot of the dimension and distress crackle technique I created on the sides of the box.

To finish out the back of the book, I hand stamped music notes onto it.

All of the gorgeous lace and flowers from the Tresors De Luxe Etsy Shop, makes it so much fun to put together wonderful treasues  like this altered book box. When you are finished, you not only have a  decorative piece, but a functional piece as well. This book box will make a FABulous decorative piece on it's own, and then it can also be used to store momentos, letters and trinkets in. So romantic and so chic!! 

Thank you for dropping by and for all the sweetness that you bring to my day~ Hugs ~Renea

Scraps Of Darkness July Kit~Gypsy Summer

Scraps Of Darkness has revealed it's July Kit~Gypsy Summer, and it is a Summer beauty for sure with all those bold brilliant colors and patterns in the Graphic 45 papers and the so BoHo Chic feel of all the unique embellishments. 

I just love the quote that Melinda put with the reveal this month. It is so inspiring and so wonderful:

“We are all wanderers on this earth. Our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams.”      ~Gypsy Saying

The following is the FABulous sketch that came with this month's kit, created by our very own Charlotte Jenkins (Suepup):

And the following is my take on the sketch. It features a photo of  one of my all time favorite artists, Madonna. The photo was from a shoot she did for Vogue Magazine, and it was originally in a black & white format seen in the smaller cut out, and I took it into Photoshop and colorized it to fit the mood of my layout.

I took 4 different pieces of paper from the kit and paper add on, and heavily distressed the bottom 3 stacking them for a worn look dimension. I then cut a reverse scallop circle into the center of the paper and rolled the scallops back to reveal the backside of the paper, and then heavily water distressed the sides and bunched them.

I used the yummy Petaloo butterflies from the embellishment add on as tie backs for my pleats, gave them burlap string "tails" and tied some coins from some trim that was in a past kit onto the tails to simulate the belt you see in the photo.

Here you can see the pleating, layering and paper rolling up close.

I took one of the Petaloo flowers from the Flora & Fauna Add On, and then fussy cut out some of the floral designs from the G45 papers and layered them in. I used stickles and crystals to add lots of bling and detail.

At the bottom I layered in some of the beaded trim from the Embellishment Add on, and then fussy cut and accented some more of the G45 flowers. OK I must admit,  I originally intended to use the sentiment piece from the kit just like it was, because it was perfect, but I tried to do some stamping on it, and really messed it up, so I grabbed some of the G45 stickers from the kit, and covered up the mess I had made so that I could still use the piece-lol!! I actually ended up loving it, but I didn't mean for it to work that way.

Here is a side shot so that you can see all the dimension that was created with all the layering, distressing and rolling. 

I just love how Bohemian this layout turned out to be!! So hippie chic, bold and wonderful!! 

Thank you so much for the visit and I hope you have a, oh so FABulous weekend~ Renea

Guest Designer For Berry71Bleu!!

This month I have the honor of working for Berry71Bleu as a Guest Design Team Member. It is always a privelage to get to work for Marivic Clifton. Not only does she create amazingly beautiful tags, but she is just a sweetheart. So thank you Marivic for having me!!

This month the challenge is "Anything Goes", and you can find additional information at the end of my post about that challenge. One of the sponsors is Scrapiniec Chipboard.

All the Chipboard used on this layout was supplied by:

Scrapiniec Die-Cut Chipboard

Blog: http://scrapiniec-inspiracje.blogspot.com/

Scrapiniec is the first Polish manufacturer of laser die-cut chipboard products for use in scrapbooking. They satisfy even the most unusual individual orders and are characterized by reliability, high quality and friendly customer service. 

Marivic sent me this FABulous tag with a birdcage and butterfly and I decided to do a Vintage Tea Themed layout surrounding this wonderful old Vintage photo that I found on Pinterest. 

I did lots of punching, some stamping, and some painting and coloring on the chipboard pieces . The trim I used is from the Tresors De Luxe Etsy Shop, and the Tranquil Garden Butterflies are from my Reneabouquets Etsy Shop.

Here you can see a close up of that yummy tag!

I used some of one the chipboard pieces that I cut apart and misted as a frame for my photo.

Here you can see where I used some of the chipboard flourishes in my floral work.

And here I used one of the chipboard medallions that I painted with micas for a decorative piece that I added a flower to.

Creating something beautiful is a snap when you use one of Marivic's tags~they are instant elegance!!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you get a chance to take part in this month's challenge, because as you can see below, the prizes are incredible!! But, most of all I hope you find time to create. 

Hugs, ~Renea

Hi Berry71Bleu fans! Dana  hosting the July Challenge! The theme this month is "Anything Goes," which means we want to see what YOU feel like creating. Get creative and link up your project here before the end of the month for your chance to win!

Also, Berry71Bleu is sponsoring CSI: Color, Stories, Inspiration this month! The Berry71Bleu Team will be Guest Detectives for CSI for the month of July. We'll be sharing our layouts here after they go live on the CSI site each week. Join us for any one of the weekly CSI Challenges for a chance to win a $35 Gift Certificate to the Zeus and Zoe Etsy Shop!

Heartfelt Creations is the main sponsor for this month!

Heartfelt Creations

Blog: http://www.heartfeltcreations.us/blog.php

Heartfelt Creations® is a leading Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook manufacturer for the craft industry. Heartfelt Creations was established in 1997 as Golden Rule Supply manufacturing Rubber Stamps. In January 2006 Golden Rule Supply became Heartfelt Creations.

Heartfelt Creations provides a unique line of artistic stamps, detailed dies and designer papers. Many of our stamps coordinate with our exclusive Spellbinders™ dies. The innovation of our stamps paired with matching dies offers a whole new dimension of possibilities and quickly adds eye-popping 3D depth to any project. Our designer papers are designed to coordinate with our product collections adding the perfect complement to any Heartfelt Creations stamp or die.

The Inspiration

Linda the founder and CEO of Heartfelt Creations describes it as the 'AHH HA' moment when she picked up her first stamp to show her kids how to use it. At that moment she realized that she had discovered something amazing. With that a dream was born to offer the same creative delight to people around the world that she felt when she picked up a stamp for the first time. 

Main Prize:

Random Prize:

A one-of-a-kind Berry71Bleu Handmade Tag by Marivic Clifton

Scraps Of Elegance July Kit~Home Sweet Home Reveal!!

A worn pair of blue jeans, peeling paint on shutters, butterflies, crochet flowers~oh the things that remind this country girl of home, and here  they are all wrapped up in the gorgeous Scraps Of Elegance July Kit~Home Sweet Home!! 

The following is a layout that I put together surrounding a photo of sweet Maideline Bales that is just full of sunshine and daisies~some of my favorite things!!

I startedwith layers of this month's kit paper and Coordinating paper add on that I punched, stenciled and rolled back to create lots of visual and textural interest. 

I cut a large section of the corner of the top paper off to reveal the papers underneath, and then added cheesecloth from the kit, and crochet trim from my stash. The shutters from the Embellishment add on and some of the Bo Bunny Noteworthy pieces fromt the kit made a perfect matting and framing section for the photo. The stenciling was done with a past kit Prima stencil and cream acrylic paint, and I then added Melissa Francis pearls from a past kit to the design. 

I punched and trim edged some of the paper as a base for all my flower work.  I used the sprays, and burlap flowers from this month's Flora & Fauna Add On, and then added in a large yellow flower and some blue blooms from a past kit and some daisies, and wooden foliage from my stash. I tucked in some of the crochet flowers and stars from the kit. The Shabby Buttercup Butterflies are from my Reneabouquets Etsy Shop, and are perfect for adding  unique and beautiful dimension to any project.

Here is a close up of some of the layering inside the floral piece.

And here is an angled view so that you can see all the dimension of the layering and technique.

This next project is for my Make It In Minutes segment over in the Scraps Of Darkness/ Scraps Of Elegance Forums. I created a beautiful Country Chic card with a Gift Card Holder Inside using the Scraps Of Elegance July Kit and this month's Embellisment Add On. I know how hard it is to find the time to scrap, and wanted to do a segment that would allow busy women to put together projects that are not only beautiful, but can be done in a small amount of  time. 

If you would like to see a step by step tutorial on how I put this card together in around 15 minutes, please visit the forum section at the following link:

http://scrapsofdarkness.com/Forum/index.php?topic=3370.0

I would love to see your version ;) 

I hope you have enjoyed your visit and a look at some of my "close to home" projects. Here is to a FABulous week filled with time to create!! Hugs ~Renea

Tresors De Luxe Etsy Shop Design Team Reveal

It's official, I am now a proud member of the Tresors De Luxe Etsy Shop Design Team!!

I am so happy to be a part of this team~it is a perfect fit for me and Lucy is just a dream to work for!

So, today I would like to share with you my first "official" layout as a Design Team Member.

I paired some of the Tresors De Luxe Items with my past Scraps Of Elegance Kit pieces to create a romantic, frothy, Shabby Chic Layout.

I used a photo that I color altered and then got to work with lots of punching, pleating, and layering.

I used the following items from the Tresors De Luxe Shop:

**Gorgeous Pale Pink Velvet And Organza Flower Item #FL-048

**Gorgeous Ivory Venice Lace Item #LA-019

**Gorgeous Ivory Vintage Crochet Fabric Craft Lace Doily

**Rustic Shabby Chic Pale Pink Artificial Flower Embellishment
 with Wooden Beads FL-022

I just love how much romance and softness the flowers and doilie created here. I just paired them with some hand stamped-die cut foliarge, some flowers and some of my Kiss Of Pink Glitter Glass handcrafted butterflies from my Reneabouquets Etsy Shop and it was instant elegance!

Here you can see a close up of all that gorgeous lace that I ran across the bottom of the photo, and under the side pleating. The pull back on the pleat is topped off with hand dyed seam binding, flowers and some wonderful metal keys from the Ingredients For Lovely Etsy Shop.

Here is a close up of the large flower and the sweet floral spray. I just love the rinesone pieces on the stamin and the softness of all the organza in the pieces.

Here is a close up of that beautiful, and delicate crochet doily~so yummy!

More close ups of the lace and pleating.

And here you can see all the dimension that the layering gives.

Thank you for dropping by for a peak at some of my work with that Tresors Touch. I really appreciate all my friends and their support. It is truly a joy to be a part of this amazing craft and community, and I am always grateful that so many of you take the time to leave me lovies and let me know that you enjoy my work!! Hugs, ~Renea

Bring Your ATC Game!!! Scraps Of Darkness/Scraps Of Elegance Challenge~

Bring Your ATC Game!! Challenge
Come join in this fun challenge that I am hosting in the Scraps Of Darkness/Scraps Of Elegance forum for a chance to win this awesome prize valued at more than $65! 

This contest is open to everyone! No kit necessary :) 

 Link to challenge forum thread:

Bring Your ATC Game!! Challenge

Bring Your ATC Game Challenge Rules:

1.You do not have to be a member or create your ATC with the kits-this challenge is open to everyone.

2. Create an ATC around the size of 2 x 3 (Any theme, any style)

3. Post your ATC into this thread.

4. Challenge will close August 30, 2013 at Midnight Pacific Standard Time

5. ATCs will be voted on by the Scraps Of Darkness and Scraps Of Elegance Design Team, based on creativity, and originality. The winner will be posted on Wednesday September 4, 2013.

6. Have Fun!!!

Please feel free to post the challenge on your blog, Facebook, forums or any other social media you use  Thanks, ~Renea

Scraps Of Elegance Reveals It's July Kit-Home Sweet Home!!

Scraps Of Elegance has just released it's July Kit-Home Sweet Home!! It is packed full of  romance, and features papers and pieces that will have you sighing as you unpack your box!!

Here is the sketch created by our very own Suepup:

And here is my take on her inspiring sketch that features a cropped and edited section of the New York Ballet's Summer 2010 poster. I just love the colors in their tutus and the perspective of the photo.

I started with a couple of layers of paper from the kit, punching the top and bottom edges of the paper and folding it back for dimension.  

I matted the photo onto paper that I distressed and machine sewed, and the title work was created by using the Pink Paislee Rub Ons in the embellishment add on and rubbing them onto pieces of the paper and then cutting them down and distressing and inking the edges. I created a pocket behind the photo matting and used some of the Bo Bunny Noteworthy pieces to create a pull out journal spot.

Here you can see how it pulls out. The pull was created from a Bo Bunny Brad in the Embellishment Add On that I wrapped burlap string and tulle around. 

The circle frame is a Gina's Design Flower & Vine Chipboard piece that I distress painted, embossed, melted inked fusable webbing onto and added seed beads to. I also added inked Dusty Attic Bricks to my layout for a rustic meets elegance look. 

I created lots of flower layers with the cheesecloth from the kit, flowers from the Flora & Fauna Add On as well as stash and past kit flowers.

The "splatters" were created with cream acrylic paint and seed beads, and the Champagne Dreams Butterflies are from my Reneabouquets Etsy Shop.

I cut and unraveled th edges on some burlap, used my Sizzix and a Spellbinders Die to cut out shapes from some of the paper, then layered two different types of flowers on top to create unique accents.

Here you can see all the dimension and texture that I used to create this layout.

I just love Shabby, romantic pieces and creating with the July Kit helped me to capture that look wonderfully!! Thank you so much for dropping by, and I hope you have a nothing but FABulous weekend!! Hugs to you ~Renea