85 - CSI Challenge

My first reaction when seeing this colour palette was "yikes" what on earth will I do with that!   Hmmm, I guess that's why it's called a challenge.  

 I decided to use a technique I learned at a workshop by Louise Nelson and so a tropical theme emerged....just perfect for this photo taken on Hayman Island when I was just a young flapper.

http://csicolorstoriesinspiration.ning.com/forum/topics/case-file-no-85-case-closes-on-august-25-2013?

My base is grungeboard heavily gessoed and then dried.  The next layer is random misting to achieve a watery lagoon effect.  Then a layer of embossing through a stencil to create a beachy, sandy look.
The prehistoric sea creatures were found malingering in a sticker folder from about 10 years ago and are now forever contained in some new Prima Epoxy Stickers.

I stamped the hibicus flowers with some foam stamps, again from the retired scrap heap corner, sprayed them with glimmer mist, stamped onto white cardstock and cut them out by hand.   I  jazzed up the centres with some beads and tried my hand at a nautical knot....I think it could be a Granny's knot, but I won't tell if you don't.  Apologies to Heather Jacob.  She makes a piece of string look like a mini piece of art.

EVIDENCE

Numbers - in journalling

Something clear - the bubbles

Metal - the Brads

Decorative Brads
String
Frame - hand cut and misted

Something Sandy - the embossing

Something transparent - the bubbles

TESTIMONY

I chose to journal using the five senses. I was disappointed that the font I chose was a bit small and bled somewhat into the background mists.  A lesson for next time.

The journalling reads:-

1. SEE

Lush foliage

Vibrant orchids

Sun tanned bodies

Lei’s of Frangipani

psychedelic parrots

Catamarans skimming 

2. SMELL 

Exotic spices

Stir fried prawns

Fresh sea breezes

Ombre Solaire sun tan oil

Roasting pig during a Luau

Sweet passionfruit pavlova

3. TASTE

Barbequed sea food

Fresh tropical pineapple

Champage in crystal flutes

Coconut milk from the shell

Mango, lime and rum daiquiris

Umbrella trimmed Pina Coladas

4. HEAR

Music with a Latin beat

Surf lapping at the shore

Laughter of other travellers

Swimmers splashing in the pool

Languages from around the world

Squawking sulphur crested Cockatoos

5.  FEEL

Happy to be young and free

Excited about the unknown

So grown up and sophisticated

Refreshed, relaxed and renewed

Delighted to dance in the night club

Surprised by the attention from men

MATERIALS
Grungeboard - Imaginarium
Gesso - Atelier
Color Mates cardstock - Medium Terra Cotta
Tattered Angels Chalk board mist - Seven Seas
Tattered Angels Glimmer mist - Lemon zest
Dylusions ink spray - Squeezed orange
Kaisercraft pearls - Teal
Kaisercraft Alphas - Mini alpha, Latte
Francheville brads
Maria George - beads
Prima = Epoxy stickers
Prima - Alphas
The Crafter's workshop stencil - Tiny circles
Hibiscus stamps - unknown
Stickers - Mrs Grossman's paper company
Stickers - Bo- Bunny
String
Ribbon - spotlight
Stampendous embossing powder - aged teal

The Crafter's Workshop - Microbial

CSI Challenge 83 - Journey

http://csicolorstoriesinspiration.ning.com/forum/topics/case-file-no-83

I still like these older papers which have been in my stash for about five years. The airline tag was from when Ansett were still flying.  The aerogram envelope is from my friend Chris. 

The stamps are by Kaisercraft as are the travel tickets and the old camera.

I kept the page simple and linear as I had a fair bit to say about this "fork in the road" in my life.

A fair bit to say!!! I know that's a shock for you!

EVIDENCE
Stripes - on the background paper
Labels - Old airline luggage label
Travel accent - tiny suitcase on photo
Stamps - at bottom
Tags - three on right
Punch
Ledger paper - background

TESTIMONY
I chose to tell the story of a journey, both literal and figerative

THE JOURNALLING READS
My dream of going to Africa had come true and we were enjoying high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.  From the verandah we could see across the lawn to the Zambezi river bridge, where some tourists were bungy jumping. 

As we stood in the spray of Victoria Falls, thundering all around, we marvelled at their majesty and tried in vain to capture their beauty.

The Okavango Delta was next on our journey where we experienced the joy of skimming across the water in a mokoro; a light skiff which is propelled by a pole.  The bird life was amazing and we spotted hippos and elephants.

Old stone town in mysterious Zanzibar provided an opportunity to see spices growing and Dhows being hand crafted.

We took a safari tour in tents, spending 10 days under canvas in the Masai Mara. We were so lucky to see the migration of the wildebeest as they crossed the Mara River in their thousands. The sunrises and sunsets were breathtaking and the golden light across the veldt was perfect for the photography and for my soul.

Reluctantly we boarded the plane for home and instantly my gut started churning.  I’d left a demanding job to take long service leave and the thought of returning to it was nauseating.

As we decended into Adelaide, I decided that I would resign and take my chances on future employment. 

I had not realized how stressed I was, until I relaxed in the peace and beauty of Africa and I’m forever grateful to her for showing me that there are things much more important permanent employment.

Pheww......well done, if you managed to survive this looong post. 

MATERIALS
Bazzil cardstock - Navy
Making Memories - paper Passport collection “Ledger teal”
My Min’d Eye - “Sisters” (red spotted mat)
Scrap FX chipboard - title and case
Kaisercraft Collectables - “Pack your bags” collection (tags)
Kaisercraft - Collectables - “Pickled Pear” (camera)
Kaisercraft clear stamp - Pack your bags collection
Atelier - Gesso
Fiskars punch - Uppercrest
Ranger Paint dabber - Sandal
Envelope - unknown RAK from friend
String
Colorbox chalk ink - Dark Brown

Scrap 365/CSI combo August - Acceptance

CSI has combined with the English Magazine Scrap 365 to bring this challenge.

I love blues and greens and happily had the perfect papers in my stash.

You have a week and two weekends to join in. 

CSI

I took an alternative approach to the journalling this week and chose to write about our Grandson’s journey to acceptance of his baby brothers. 

EVIDENCE

Stripes

Metal - the heart lock

Tree

Dashed lines

Something transparent

Photo corners

Lock

TESTIMONY

I tucked my journalling in the pocket behind the photo

The journalling reads

It was a challenging year for you after your twin brothers were born.

From being the only child, suddenly you needed to make room for two more siblings.  You tried to be a loving big brother, however there were times when it was difficult for a three year old.

You had to learn to wait while the rounds of feeding, changing and settling occured. The babies screamed at night and disturbed your sleep. 

After they learned to crawl, they intruded into your room and dragged your precious things around.  

On their birthday, I noticed this look on your face as they opened their presents.

My heart ached for you, as you did not have the words to express how you were feeling.

Mummy and Daddy have helped you adjust with endless patience and unconditional love.

You’ve climbed the mountain of acceptance; grown to love the boys and look out for their welfare. 

Well done, I’m so proud of you.    Love Granny

MATERIALS

Kaisercraft cardstock - Ivory

Kaisercraft patterned paper - Peachy Keen, Dandy (reverse)

Kaisercraft patterned paper - Marigold Amber (reverse)

Kaisercraft patterned paper - Fun Fair, “Big top”

Glitz Design - Color me happy, “Hearts”

Pebbles patterned paper - Family Ties, “Sister” (floral & check)

Prima mask - Tiny Circles

Prima Alphas - #555399

Prima Resistant Canvas - #551636

Prima inks - Turquoise, Shabby tote, Coltsfoot stemens

Bo Bunny Buttons - C’est La Vie Buttons (tag)

Scrapbook Adhesives - Photo corners

Little Birdie - Burlap elements (hessian flower)

Derivan Matisse impasto medium