"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! 

Hello!

Gosh, I totally forgot to upload the pictures of our name sign! While this was actually my first attempt at "mixed media Finnabair style". Our name sign dated some years back and didn't have Connors name on it yet. When I got ready to paint that on, I realised the sign was outdated in more than one way. 

It matched our previous interior style with its golden sun. Lately I have become more of a shabby chic lover. So I turned the sign into a complete new one. With a sweet nest and birdy on it. The pinks turned out more harsh than I was going for, but I like the end result anyway. It's a cute doorsign, even if I do say so myself! ;)

Take care!