Courage, dear heart | Nandini Layouts

Courage, dear heart| I cut out this C.S. Lewis quote for a mini book I am working on about the Chronicles of Narnia.  I wanted to use the negative space and had the cut out words left over.  The words just reminded of Nandini so much that I printed out this picture of her and had to get it on a layout. 

I had the idea to use India Ink to make a scallop 'ledge' for my photo.  I added some soft color with gelatos underneath it in lime green and orchid.  You could get the same effect with watercolors as well.  I used a whole package of kraft butterflies from my latest Studio Calico kit.  I tend to use on or two pieces from an embellishment pack so it was nice to use it all up in one go.  I still felt something was lacking though.  That is when I pulled out the black and white patterned paper and framed the whole layout with it.  I hand doodled a border on the white cardstock to try to tie in the brush script and patterned paper. 

Tiny Dancer| I used this sketch from Melanie Louette for this layout.  I loved the symmetry and the shipping tag on top.  I use them in my Etsy shop packaging so they are always all over the place, I just can't get enough!

I love finding simple alternatives to my go to plain white cardstock.  Here I used old book paper, which I added a little watercolor too.  I like the ethereal, dreaminess feeling it lent the page.  I layered it over some pink patterned papers, added some new My Mind's Eye chipboard and basically called it a day.  I put a thin layer of white paint on the chipboard to continue the painted look.  A little row of wood sequins to finish it up.

Make a wish| I was really just playing around with this layout.  I have my last few Studio Calico kits mixed together and just pulled pieces at random that worked with her birthday photos.  Lots of blues, yellows and few pops of pink.  I used the Camelot card kit stamp to make the cake.  Is it odd that it has more layers than her actual birthday cake?  I love how it turned out on a layout. 

Looking at these all together, I guess I have been pretty Nandini focused lately.  Luckily I have a photo of Avinash printed and all ready to scrap tonight!