"Dreamer" Mixed Media layout

Hi everyone, 

Aaannnddd she's back already! These past few weeks I've been able to scrap 2 layouts per week! It's got to be some kind of record for me. Though I have to admit that some layouts 'flow' more natural than others.

Recently I saw a tutorial that I wanted to sort of mimic. I already had the perfect picture in my mind and the 'vibe' I was going for. Here it is, my "Dreamer".

Another layout about my little man Connor. He's a dreamer, obviously. No matter what he's doing, he'll suddenly go into this blank stare modus. It's like he's switched on standby ;)

I started out with a sheet of paper from 7dots "Nature Walk" series. It has a light damask pattern. (Leave it to me to completely cover that up by being a little too enthusiastic with my crackle stencil.)

However I started out by adding some doilies to the surface (first determine where your picture will go) with Gel Medium.

After this had dried I stenciled a crackle pattern all over the page. I chose to do it with gesso/modeling paste but wished I had kept it a little more low-key. So I would advise you to do this in a light ink.
I stenciled some swirls in 2 opposite corners. (I'm not a pro... The gesso seeped through the stencil and kinda messed up the swirls. Which is why I sort of hid them later on, LOL.)

Once dry (hello heatgun! ) I added a square wooden frame, which I cut into 4 pieces so I could put one of the corners on the opposite side. I added another wooden shape and corner.

 Now that the basics were done it was only a matter of embellishing. I added flowers, leaves and another swirl.

When all was glued in place to my liking I gave everything, from the wooden ornaments to the leaves and flowers, a pearlescent paint coat. To add to the dreaminess of it all.

I'll leave you with some close-ups and hope that I explained it clearly. Also, make sure you learn from my mistakes ;)

I'd love it if you dropped me a line! Happy scrapping!