Project Life: Montrose Community Adventure Playground (November 2013)

I'm still very behind in my Project Life. I just work on whichever month appeals at the time. Here I've done the start of November, which incorporates my 30 Days of Thankfulness project, so there is a lot more journalling than usual. I try to record a note each day of something I'm thankful for. This page is about going to the park with lovely friends. It was SO hot that Ted got his first ever sunburn. Just realised I didn't journal about that! I might add a little tag on the bottom right photo. I thought it needed an extra something there anyway. [Updated - see end of post.]

Right side layout - at the park

This Project Life spread I have worked on for the Stuck on U Sketches Project Life Challenge - Add Texture. The challenge is pretty simple:
"Create a PL card/cards that has an embellishment/embellishments on it that adds texture... meaning, add something using foam tape, thickers, chipboard elements, paint splatters, modeling paste and masks, etc.. something that does not lay flat on the card."

Despite being so simple, this is a tricky one for me, because I like to keep my album VERY flat. For me, wood veneer is too thick. I've only ever used it on my title pages. Thickers are too thick. I've used them once. I've never used a flair button. Soooo... it's a challenge that's out of my comfort zone, but I'm up for a challenge, so I had a go. I added a flair badge. On the outside of the pocket, so it doesn't stretch the pocket. And so if I really don't like it I can remove it. But it looks cute. It's staying.

Then I decided to go in a painterly direction for my title card. Sprayed it with some mists. Added stamps. (The black arrow stamp I carved from an eraser.) I thought it was a bit dull at that point, despite the glimmer sprays and gold ink, so I added washi tape to brighten it up. Then I stuck on a little bit from a die-cut journal card which I had previously used as a mask with gesso.

Finally I topped it off with wood veneer shapes. I do like them, I just don't usually use them in my album. I use plenty of 3D items on handmade cards, but prefer to keep my album flat so that the photos don't get warped. Now I'm trying not to stress out that there are photos opposite each of these bulky elements. It will be okay. Breathe.

Left side layout - mainly journalling

For the final touch of texture, I added a bit of stitching in embroidery cotton. My colour scheme comes from the Timeless Twine 'Twine-ology' June Color Challenge - Red, White & Aqua. I love this colour combination so much!

Products used include:Becky Higgins Project Life journal cards from Clementine, Honey & Jade core kits, Summer themed cards & Honey cardstock. Studio Calico Hearts & Arrows wood veneer, flair (Valley High) and label die cuts. Chic Tags journalling tag. Maggie Holmes Styleboard gold stripe paper tape. Amy Tangerine calendar stamp. Kaiser Craft label stamps. October Afternoon Catch Phrase stamp. Pebbles From Me to You Date Stamp. Rasberry Rubons (Boy). Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm phrase stamp. Smash* roller date stamp.

UPDATE:
I added some journalling about the suntan and my sunburn on the back of one of the cards, and a tab to indicate it can be pulled out. And also added a little stamped and stitched label on one of the photos at the bottom that needed an extra something.