Vicki Boutin - Creative Foundations: 40 Scrapbook and Mixed-Media Techniques to Build Your Artistic Toolbox

Design styles change and evolve, and the way that happens is through the exploration of new things and the adaptation of old things. Creative Foundations is about breaking down the details and looking at them as layers. This is the way I approach most things. Start with a good foundation or background, then add a little visual interest with texture, supplement that with a fun twist and, finally, embellish or accessorize. To be honest, I think this is the same way I tackle decorating my home and myself! I like to start at the beginning and build up from there. I have found this strategy to be very helpful in my workshops, and I think it will provide you with a strong plan of action.

The projects in this book range from simple to multifaceted. Dont be afraid to try anything. Its okay to make mistakes (or what I refer to as happy accidents). This is how we learn, grow and improve as creative beings. You may not get it right the first time, but dont give up. You didnt get on a bicycle and ride it down the road the first time.

All good things come with practice. On a high note, some of my favorite pieces have come from what was first thought to be an oops! So throw on your apron, gather up your stuff and grab lots of scraps to practice on. Dont be too hard on yourself, and have fun! I am here to guide you through it, and I know you are going to love these techniques as much as I do! chapter one FOUNDATIONS Every good project needs a sound foundation. From a creative perspective, we might refer to this as the background. This is where a lot of experimenting will come into play, and its a perfect place to begin. In this chapter, we will explore different uses for inks, paints, art medium, stamps and more.

When I am working on a background for a project, I like to start with a clean and covered work space. Make sure you have paper towels and baby wipes handy for a quick cleanup. This really is a practice session, so be prepared to play! Add layers and take them away, try different color combos, change your paint consistencies and test different products. These are all suggestions to help further your success. So get ready to mask, resist and stamp to your hearts content! You are going to get dirty and have fun doing it. Got it? Now go! Like I tell my kids, you wont know if you like it unless you try it! And try it twice for good measure.

BUBBLE WRAP Who would have thought bubble wrap could be so much more than an instrument of sound created to annoy parents everywhere? This is a readily available material that can be used in several ways to create a base or background. The repetitive nature of the circles is a design marvel. I like to use bubble wrap both to create an entire background, as seen in this example, as well as to add small sections of visual interest. ITS RARE LAYOUT MATERIALS LIST adhesive (Scrapbook Adhesive by 3L) bubble letters (Making Memories) bubble wrap brads (BasicGrey) cardstock (Bazzill Basics) gems (Stamping Bella) ink (Ranger Industries) paint (DecoArt) paper punch (EK Success) patterned paper (BasicGrey) stickers (Doodlebug Design, October Afternoon) WHAT YOULL NEED Acrylic paint Nonstick craft mat Brayer Bubble wrap (small and large circles) Cardstock Spray ink (water-based) Baby wipes, paper towels or foam brush Spread acrylic paint on a nonstick craft mat. Roll a brayer through the paint until it is evenly covered. Turn the paint-covered bubble wrap over and place it on a sheet of cardstock. Turn the paint-covered bubble wrap over and place it on a sheet of cardstock.

Rub your hand over the back of the bubble wrap to transfer the paint. Lift off the wrap. Repeat until the desired pattern is achieved. Allow the paint to dry completely. Spritz a small amount of spray ink on a nonstick craft mat. Roll a brayer through the ink until it is evenly covered.

Brayer a thin layer of ink over a piece of bubble wrap (this time, the kind with small bubbles). Turn the ink-covered bubble wrap over and place it on a sheet of cardstock. Rub your hand over the back of the bubble wrap to transfer the ink. Lift off the wrap. Repeat until the desired pattern is achieved. To create a watercolor effect, drag a damp paper towel, baby wipe or foam brush over the inked dots to drag the ink. To create a watercolor effect, drag a damp paper towel, baby wipe or foam brush over the inked dots to drag the ink.