The Paper Variety - Guest Designer

The Paper Variety is a challenge blog that's been inspiring a lot of paper crafters for awhile now, myself included. There are talented designers, inspiring challenges and drool-worthy prizes, along with a whole bunch of nifty tutorials to try. The creative energy just sizzles, and I know Abby and Suzanne put a lot into making it all work so well.

So when I was invited to guest design for the current challenge, I jumped at the chance!

Isn't that a great challenge? I scrolled through so many awesome tutorials and lovely projects, finding it difficult to choose my inspirational jumping off point. Finally, I settled on this page by Caroli.

I dug the variety of patterned papers she used, the simplicity of the design, and I had the perfect 5x7 photo of me and my Dad I've been wanting to scrapbook for months.

Here is the page I created from this inspiration.

(Supplies: Card stock by Recollections. Patterned paper and stickers by Bo Bunny. Letter stickers by American Crafts. Gems by Me and My Big Ideas, Kaiser, and K & Company. Glitter by Stickles. Shimmer pen by Gelly Roll.)

To anchor the photo to the banners, I matted it on patterned paper from the same collection. I added a border sticker, and I exchanged those cute little flags on Caroli's layout for a chipboard element. My journaling is written at the top of the photo, rather than to the side, and reads "Me and my Daddy, 10-12-2002." Instead of splattering paint--which is one of my favorite techniques EVER, by the way--I "scattered" gems, which fit the tone of my page a bit better. I embellished with glitter and one of my favorite tools, an orange Gelly Roll pen that adds a delectable shimmer to the chipboard and banners.

I had such a blast creating this page, and I want to say a hearty thank you to Caroli for inspiring me!

Isn't inspiration groovy?

Now, it's your turn. Go to The Paper Variety and cruise through all the tutorials and projects posted there this year. Pick one you love and be inspired. Not only will you have the joy of creating, but you could win this kit from the sponsor of this challenge, Studio Calico.

To enter your project to win, click here. I can hardly wait to see all the delicious, crafty goodness inspired by this challenge!

Thanks to the talented scrappin' babes at The Paper Variety for selecting me as guest designer. I had a great time!