Two amazing layouts from Kathy!

My dear friends, Kathy here!!!  I truly hope this week has been a good one.  We have had several minor snowfalls, just enough to make it wonderful!  Today I am sharing my last layout using the Scraps of Darkness (SOD) January kit "Botanique".

This layout features Cameron, my 2nd grandson, with his bag of raspberries that he picked in his hand.  He is standing at the front door of his house with all of his Momma's plants surrounding him. So let's get started!!

I started with 3 layout mats, the top is from Simple Stories.  I gessoed where I wanted the picture and embellishments.  Then I used modeling paste through a stencil to create some texture.  I applied joint tape in various places for more texture.  I used a combination of inks and mists to color the background (silver grey, yellow, green).  I applied black splatters.

Next I created the photo mats and used various papers from the Graphic 45 collection.  I ripped some cardboard to use in the middle.  I created a circle out of green wrapped wire to apply around the photo.  I fussy cut various ferns to frame the photo and cascade along the left side.  I applied some bronze micro beads to simulate spores on the plants. 

At the bottom of the photo I cut some tags and used Graphic 45 die cuts and chipboard to create a collage.  I also used the yellow daisy from the Main Kit.  I fussy cut butterflies from various papers in the kit.  I tucked in some little blue flowers from a previous Scraps Of Darkness kit. 

I used a small chain circle chipboard from my stash and heat embossed some green glitter embossing powder from a previous Scraps Of Darkness kit. 

The title chipboard is from my stash.  I paint it black with acrylic paint from another SOD kit. 

This was an easy layout, but took a lot of time to create the little details. 

Would you believe that me and the Hubby 35 years ago?  Gosh we look young.

I used a GORGEOUS Blue Fern Studio paper from the Main Kit for my background.  On the other side are 4 printed mat images, which I used to mat my photo.  I started with a brown cardstock for the main mat and added some lace from my stash and inserted pearls from my stash.

I added more lace and pearls along the sides of the photo, from a previous Scraps Of Darkness kit.  I waited to add the lace on the bottom under the flowers until I had the placement of the flowers the way I wanted them.

The rest was so easy.  At the bottom of the photo I went wild with the luscious Market 49 salmon and gold flowers included in the Main Kit and Floral Add On.  I tucked in some flowers from previous kits.  Then I adhered the yummy lace at the bottom of the flower cluster.

At the top of the photo I created another flower cluster using more Market 49 flowers and other goodies from my stash.  I tucked in the gold flourishes (also from my stash).

Usually you would add the color to the background paper first, but I waited till the end so that I could get it just right.  I used Tim Holtz's Distress Ink "Tea Dye".  It sure came out gold.  And, last I added little sentiments and hearts tucked into the bottom of the photo.

That's all for me!  Have a great weekend!

Big Alaska Bear Hugs!!!

Kathy