Magical Messes: October 2014

Clique Kits October Kit: Masquerade Ball

6:00 AM

As October draws to a close (can you believe it's almost November?!), I wanted to share the layouts I created with the Masquerade Ball kit from Clique Kits.

I shared a few sneak peeks of the November kit in my last post, but now I'm able to share the full reveal!

I am loving this unique and unexpected color combination for fall. Right now, CK is offering a free Studio Tekturek paper pack with a kit subscription (this collection is super popular right now, and I absolutely love it). Use the code ALLIE10 for an additional 10% off!

I can't wait to show you what I created with the November kit!

October Pep Rally

9:00 AM

I'm so excited to be participating in the October Pep Rally with Clique Kits! I had so much fun creating with the Masquerade Ball kit, and it's so neat to see what everyone else made!

Here's the layout I created using the Clique Kits Masquerade Ball kit and Spin Cycle cut file from The Cut Shoppe.

I love the black and purple color combo!! If you think this kit is awesome, just wait until you see the November kit! It is STUNNING and I've had so much fun using it! I've created six layouts so far, and I still have tons of stuff left. I couldn't believe how much the Clique girls packed into it! If you're interested in purchasing the November kit or a subscription, use the code ALLIE10 for 10% off your purchase of anything in the shop! Here a few sneaks!

Next on the list is the lovely Kat! Be sure to check out the rest of the blog stops for some fantastic inspiration!

The Cut Shoppe Announcement

11:46 PM

I'm thrilled to say that I'm returning for another term at The Cut Shoppe! I had the most wonderful time working with Ashley and the team. It's always sad to say goodbye to those who are leaving, but I'm excited to welcome a scrappy friend (hi, Missy!), and get to know the new group of talented ladies! I am so inspired by all of Ashley's cut files--they've gotten me out of many an inspiration rut! Here's this term's team!

And here are a few of my favorite layouts I've made using files from The Cut Shoppe:

Look for more Cut Shoppe inspiration in the coming weeks! :) Thanks for stopping by!

Thankful Layout with Chickaniddy

6:00 AM

Just stopping by to say that I have a layout up on the Chickaniddy blog today! :)

Be sure to stop by if you'd like to see more!

Disguising an Oops

6:00 AM

I have a love hate relationship with my Silhouette Cameo. Despite my best efforts, I don't always get a clean cut. I've ruined more papers than I can count! I had an image in my mind of a layout I wanted to do using this cut file from The Cut Shoppe. My Cameo blade was on it's way out and I had ordered a new one, but didn't want to wait for it to get here before I created my layout. I decided to take a chance and cut the file from a piece of patterned paper that I only had 1 of. Of course, my Cameo did a TERRIBLE cut. It was all raggedy and didn't cut all the way through in some places. It took a solid 20 minutes to get it off my mat, and I was left with tons of tears and ragged edges. I didn't want to waste that sheet, so I decided to work with it. In the end, I think I was able to disguise it enough and save the day!

First, here is the layout:

You totally can't tell how poorly my Silhouette cut out the file! In order to disguese that hot little mess, I splattered the heck out of it with thick, white acrylic paint. Then, I added some mist in a coordinating color on top of it! I lifted some of the edges up for dimension, so the ripped circles didn't stand out too much. Instead, I think it looks like I'm intentionally going for a distressed look!

See? It's "distressed". If any one asks, I meant to do that. So, long story short: Just go with it :)

New Chickaniddy Layout

6:00 AM

Hello! I have a layout on the Chickaniddy blog today, and it's Pinterest inspired! Stop by to see how I translated this image into a layout!

Have an awesome day!

A Giveaway Winner and a Layout Tutorial

6:00 AM

Hi there! I would like to thank those who entered my little giveaway for their patience while I recovered from my finger mishap. I was just too overwhelmed with the pain, and then later with being so behind, that I wasn't able to focus on my blog. While my finger isn't completely healed, it's much better, and so I'm back! I had Michael draw a winner for last month's giveaway.

And the winner is...

BSI!!

Due to privacy settings, I'm unable to contact you. Please email me at [email protected] by Wednesday, October 15th! I can't wait to get your prize out to you!

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Now that business has been taken care of, I want to share a special layout with you. I was incredibly inspired by this cut file in The Cut Shoppe, and wanted to do something extra special with it.

To create this layout, I opened the file in my Silhouette Studio, and traced the top and bottom of the image separately.

Next, I enlarged the traced images to take up as much space on the mat as they could (without going over it).

I cut the image out from white cardstock, and adhered it on to another sheet of white cardstock, leaving space between the two halves. I used a thumb tack to create stitching holes (this is the easiest method for me. I use a cheap piece of foam from the kid's craft section at Michael's, and a thumb tack. It's not the most precise method, since I just eyeball it, but I think it works just fine), then used a ruler to divide the image into four sections. I lightly marked the points with pencil, so that I could easily do an ombre stitching effect.

I used four different colors of floss and a back-stitch to create this look.

I began this layout only with the idea of stitching the image, and had no idea what I was going to do photo wise. Once I was finished, I decided to go with a skinny photo in the middle. I found one that worked, trimmed it down, and realized that it looked too empty in the middle. I decided to add washi tape for a fun pattern between the two halves of the image.

I adhered my photo, and added a few embellishments. Finally, I added gold vellum in the corners surrounding the image.

And then it was done! The stitching took several hours (aka, a few TV shows), but once that was in place, the layout took about 15 minutes. I hope this inspired you to think outside the box with cut files! I love the ability to modify them and make them my own.

It's Pumpkin Spice Time!

7:00 AM

Hi everyone! I have a layout today on The Cut Shoppe blog celebrating my love of all things pumpkin, using these adorable PSL (aptly named "Love in a Cup") cut files!

I enlarged the cut file that says "This calls for Pumpkin Spice Lattes", and deleted the frame around it. I wanted it to be the focal point of my page. I also moved the cup up a little bit, so it was easier to place my photos. I used last year's fall collection from American Crafts. The colors are perfection!

Are you craving a Pumpkin Spice Latte right now? I'm ready for another one! Stop by the shop to check out this cut file, as well as lots of other fun fall designs!