Prima's Optimist Collection Layouts

Hi,
i can't tell how much i love the Prima marketing's Optimist Collection! I have don't another two layouts recently and each of them was taken no more than 3 hours! These fabulous papers and embllishments inspired me a lot and i can't wait to share with you all! These are easy to apply on any photos you have, boy, girl, family, etc!

I love this work, i used plenty of Prima's beautiful flowers, even they are from different collections but the results are amazing!

 i used modelling pastes on two stencils to created the background - dots stencil  as well as Donna Downey's floral one, then spray Dyan's Dylusion spray! They are really outstanding on the black background!

This is the third layout, and i am entering this into Prima's Jan 2014 Build- A- Page challenge!

 This big blue flower is from Sizzix - Prima Memphis die! i love this die and i will use it anywhere it allows! (simply because it is quite big)

 i also attached some white dried flowers so it contracts with the black background!

Thanks for stopping by!

Erika xx

Zentangle Monday

hi,
last week of Jan, and here comes my Zentangle!

Thanks for stopping by,
Erika xx

Zentangle Monday

Hi,
here comes another Zentangle, have you tried yours?

Thanks for stopping by!
erika xx

Zentangle Monday

Hi,
Week 2 of Jan and it's time for zentangle!

Still need improvements on drawing circles.  Will practice more!
Erika xx

Zentangle Monday

Hi,
I decided to share here every Monday about my Zentangles, and please push me if i m get lost. i plan to do it 52 weeks in 2014!
and, please let me know if you like it!

Thanks for stopping by!
Erika xx

Prima Optimist collection Layout

Today I would like to share with you my layout created using Prima marketing's optimist collection. I followed Frank on Live with Prima and this is my first trial. Love the technique and thanks for sharing Frank!

Frank shows how to hold the paper open with the pulling twine, inserted with flowers as background, as well as the chalkboard flower - you can draw the flower pattern from your very own! love all these designs!

Here are some close-ups:

I like the idea of using Ranger Liquid pearl on and between of each pink dots on paper, it created dimension and touch! 

Hope you will like it too, and you can find Frank's video here.

Erika xx

Zentangle Art

Happy new year to everyone!

Today i would like to introduce a very relaxing art - Zentanlge - to you.

I first known about Zentangle was when I attended a workshop in Craft and Hobby Show in U.S. They taught us how to draw some simple tangles to create a card. The outcome surprised me as I don't have any talent in drawing but I really love it! It was a two-hours workshop and I felt very relax, creative and focused.

What is Zentangle?

The Zentangle method, created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Where to get inspired?

Rick and Maria now operate a Zentangle website (www.zentangle.com), where they provide information on the subject, as well as a gallery for those who want to tangle. Also their blog (www.zentangle.blogspot.com) offers inspiration and messages. On the other hand, you can create your own tangles in your drawings. My inspiration usually comes from real life around us, especially from the nature.

What are the benefits?

Many people have found Zentangle to be a great way to build self-confidence and promote self-expression. As with many processes of healing and self-exploration, each individual’s experience with Zentangle method is unique, and the benefits that come from Zentangle are specific to each person who uses it.

For me, Zentangle makes me feel relaxing, it lowered my stress, quiet my mind and help me explore my inner talent. After I tried Zentangle, I begin to notice the world around me in a different way, it seems brighter, more interesting and much more beautiful. Since it only required pen and paper, I can do it anywhere anytime, while I am waiting a bus, listening to radio, or just simply need a minutes for myself. Its totally personal and I love to let my inspiration explore. I also use this Zentangle method onto my scrapbooking pages, my journals, gift tags, as well as my card makings.

Three steps to try it:

Step 1 - Draw borders.

This border can be any shape – circle, triangle; or any object – tree, house; or what ever outline you would like to give;

Step 2 - Divide the space into sections.

You can use zigzag, swirl, circle, etc,

Step 3 - Fill in with different tangles into each section.

After that, you can fill in with colors, enhance your borders, and add more details as you like. Here is my finished version.

You can try your own version and believe you will enjoy it. 

I will share more of my drawings soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

Erika xx