Patriotism--Heart 2 Heart Challenge--July 2nd

So you're probably wondering what winter images are doing on a Canada Day July 1st/4th of July American Independence Day challenge...?

The assignment to the Heart 2 Heart Challenges DT was to show our pride in our countries, in whatever way we liked.  One of the things our family looked forward to in returning to Canada last year was EMBRACING winter, which is known for its winter sports and activities.  So my lay-out features a some truly Canadian images, including skating on the Rideau Canal, here in Ottawa, Ontario.  Here's both pages:

Layout: "Secret" found in Jeannette Lynton's Magic.

These scrapbook pages were a lot of fun to put together in 30 C heat!  I used heat-embossing to give the title letters some "snow," by stamping the letters with dye-based ink, then quickly sprinkling white embossing powder on the top half and clear embossing powder on the bottom half of each letter. There were some interesting effects where the two powders fused together! Then I mounted them on layers of torn velum to mimic a snowbank. The lower edge of each photo was painted with Create-a-Shade Pearl Paint--yet more snow!

The maple-leaf and tree images were cut with the Cricut's "Art Philosophy" cartridge. I dressed up the trees a bit with some inking and baker's twine to make them stand out against that busy argyle background paper.

For me, there is never enough space on a lay-out for all the photos I want to include. I love the interactive ideas found in the Magic book for hiding photos for the "reader" to find.  In the original layout, a pocket is created for a CD of more photos. Given my winter theme, I decided to turn my hidden pocket into a winter parka, complete with functional zipper and draw-string pulls (more baker's twine). Sewing that zipper onto paper was a lot easier than making a fabric garment... The whole pocket is attached to the base page with foam tape on three sides, to give some depth to accommodate the extra photos.

I used my computer for the journalling, because I had a lot to include there, too. I changed the font colour for the words I wanted to high-light, and printed it out on more velum, backed with white paper so it would be seen against the red.

I had some splatter fun with a Spray Pen, too (more snow?) mixing the Pearl paint with grey re-inker and water.

Hope you enjoy(ed) your 1st and 4th!

Why not join in the challenge this week HERE, at Heart2Heart and share your patriotic photos and creations? Just remember to include some Close-to-My Heart products to participate.

Happy creating,

Caroline

CTMH Materials Used:
Paper Packet: Cruisin' X7154B (available through the end of July)
Colours: cranberry, black, grey wool, twilight, juniper card-stock, inkpads and re-inker
Alphabet Stamps: Rustic E1002 (available through the end of July only)
Embossing Powders: clear detail Z821 and white daisy Z673
Art Philosophy cartridge
Ribbon Rounds rick-rack Z1052
Baker's Twine neutral assortment Z1701
Opaque Adhesive Gems in Licorice Z1335
Create-a-Shade Pearl Paint Z1039
Spray Pen  Z1380
Other Materials:
Velum
zipper and sewing machine