Love | Jen McMurtrey

Hey Shimmerz friends!

February is fast approaching, and you know what that means . . . Valentine's Day! While it is admittedly not my favorite holiday, I do enjoy documenting the people I love and their special relationships. 

For instance, these two cuties, my son and his adorable girlfriend.

I knew that I would be using the Simple Stories Simple Vintage My Valentine collection for this project. Before I even began, I selected four Shimmerz colors to use that match the papers and embellishments.

Creameez Get Glowing

Creameez Red Necking

Creameez Good Ol' Summer Time

Creameez Ride the Tide

Using white mixed media paper, I created a background with the four Shimmerz colors to use as the base for my project. Between painting and then the paints drying, I decided to cut the background I created into strips.

Alternating painted strips of paper with patterned paper, I machine-stitched them into place to create a backdrop for my photo.

To give more texture, I folded the patterned papers upward along the stitching - I love the effect. I also left all of the threads in place at the ends of each of the strips of paper. The messiness of the threads with the strips of paper is perfect.

The photo and embellishments were next. I used a large chipboard sentiment for the title then added stickers, die cuts, and chipboard.

The finishing touch was enamel dots strategically placed in a visual triangle.

Aren't they cute?! I'm slightly partial, but what mother isn't.

Be sure to visit the Shimmerz Shop today and take advantage of this weekend's sale. Don't forget to type JENNIFER in the comments at checkout to receive a freebie.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you've been inspired to create!

- Jen

Let it Snow | Jen McMurtrey

Hey Shimmerz friends!

The holidays are upon us and winter is almost (officially) here. Snow has such a magical, calming quality about it and I love taking pictures whenever we get any. A couple of years ago I snapped a photo of the snow coming down after dark, which is the focus of today's project.

First, let's take a look at which Shimmerz products were used.

Dazzlerz Spun Sugar

Creameez Ride the Tide

Creameez Boogie Boardin' Blue

Creameez Get Glowing

The backdrop for this layout was created using Dazzlerz Spun Sugar with a stencil on black cardstock. The texture is so vivid against the dark background!

After the Dazzlers was dry, I used Creameez Boogie Boardin' Blue and Ride the Tide to create what looks like snow falling in the negative spaces. I achieved this effect by create tiny splatters with a small paint brush.

Next, I used Creameez Get Glowing to add color and texture to the trees. The color is subtle against the black cardstock but still gives the trees more definition.

With the background complete, I used the My Mind's Eye Winterberry collection to embellish the project. I tried to keep the palette simple so as not to detract from background.

I finished it all with the title using white Thickers from my stash. 

Here's one more look at the layout.

Remember to shop the Shimmerz Shop and type JENNIFER in the comments at checkout to receive a freebie with your order.

Thank you so much for dropping by today, and I hope you've been inspired to create. 

- Jen

October Color Challenge | Jen McMurtrey

Hello Shimmerz friends!

It's Jennifer today with my October Color Challenge project. When contemplating what color to use for the challenge, I knew that it had to be purple because it is the color I struggle with the most. 

I totally went into this blind when I asked Stacy to surprise me with a purple color . . . and, believe me, she delivered! When I opened my Shimmerz package, there were five purple shades to choose from!! Five! 

Here's a look at the Shimmerz colors I used:

Coloringz Punked Up Purple

Inklingz Honeymoon

Inklingz Pugnacious Purple

Shimmerz Wisteria Lane

Creameez Purple Rain

Creameez Get Glowing

To get this project started, I pulled out all of my Pinkfresh Studio stash and selected purple papers and embellishments to match my paints. I ended up using a piece of black and white floral patterned paper, which I painted using each of the purple shades. After painting the flowers, I used Creameez Get Glowing to paint all of the leaves. This was a pretty time-consuming process, but it was well worth the effort!

Once all of the paint had dried on the patterned paper, I sent it through my Silhouette Cameo using the Flowers For You cut file from Paper Issues.

While that was cutting, I added more of the purple colors to a piece of white cardstock.

Next, I went to work layering everything on the page.

Again, I chose purple embellishments from a couple of Pinkfresh collections to accent all of the beautiful Shimmerz colors.

I love all of the texture and the gold with the purple is stunning.

Here's one more look at the completed project. Despite my lack of love for purple, I am really liking how this turned out. 

Loving the colors you see here? Be sure to visit the Shimmerz shop and pick yours up today. Remember to type JENNIFER in the comments at checkout to receive a freebie with your order.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you are inspired to create!

- Jen

Adore - A soft layout with Karine

Hi Shimmerz Paints fans,

Karine is here today to share a soft layout. Here it is.

I started out with the Dramy meadows paper from Out of the blue. I covered it with a thin layer of clear gesso. Then, to add texture to my background, I used modeling paste through a stencil.

I was after a soft look for this layout about my partner, so I choose the following colors: Freshly Minted Inklingz, Get Glowing and Marshmallow Creameez and 4 Leaf Clover Spritz. As usual, I applied the colors with a brush, making sure each color was dry before I add another one.

I stamped my background to add even more texture. I used two stamps with grey ink, and another one with yellow ink.

I painted my chipboard (the Mod Squares from Blue Fern Studios) with white gesso.

I added Art Stones, mini Art Stones, some Sage mini Prills and some yellow grained grit, for an extra texture.

I used grey wire thread, a flair and a Blue Fern Studios title which I painted with white gesso.

Most of my flowers are from Prima.

I made a video tutorial to show you my creative process.

And don't forget to mention my blog if you order some Shimmerz, you'll get some free paint!

Have a nice day!