Hi friends! Dana here today sharing how I altered a Mintopia Rainbow Shaker Album.  I used the Clique Chromatics Anuenue Kit, the Clique Chromatics Unicorn Kit, and some whimsical embellishments from past kits. Anuenue means "rainbow" in Hawaiian and is a common theme in many Clique kits. This album was absolutely perfect for documenting my daughter's 7th birthday party which took place back in 2015. Waiting to use those photos definitely paid off!
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I used a colorful mix of dye inks to add color to the top rainbow die-cut that fits onto the cover of the album. Once the ink was blended to my linking, I applied a layer of clear ultra fine glitter paint for a sparkly finish. Finally, to add texture to the cover, I spread on a layer of Bad Girls Couture Haute Mess Glass Bead Gel, which is part of the Capsule Wardrobe Acrylic Mixed Media Kit.
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I painted the face of the front cover with Bad Girls Couture Haute Mess Fallen Angel Acrylic Paint. I used a silver paint pen to outline the inner and outer edges of the wood rainbow that sits on the cover of the album. Once the paint was dry, I glued the wood rainbow to the white base and filled the space with sequins and gems. Next, I glued the solid acrylic rainbow over the sequins, sealing them in to the cover, and then glued the rainbow die-cut on top of that. The top left corner of this photo shows what the album looks like before altering.
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I used the back cover as a template for the album pages, which I cut from Waffleflower cardstock. The cardstock is single-sided, so I cut two colors each of pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple patterned papers. Before I adhered the colored pages together, I added a small washi tape tab between each set of pages to help turn the pages. This was also a fun way to add another rainbow to the album.
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Once the pages were secured inside the album it was time to embellish! I used a combination of Bella Blvd Squeeze The Day ephemera and enamel shapes from a past kit and Pretty Little Studio Color Me Happy Die-Cuts and Stickers. (The Pretty Little Studio Kit is part of the Retiring Kits Sale, so you can pick it up for a great price while supplies last!) I made a quick pocket on the front inside cover using a die-cut. Simply apply adhesive to the bottom and lower edges of the die-cut and leave the top unattached--perfect for holding journaling cards!
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There is plenty of room for photos, journaling, and embellishments in this album! Stop by the Clique International Instagram Account for a video flip though of this album.

Clique International Supplies:
Mintopia Rainbow Shaker Album
Clique Chromatics Anuenue Kit
​Clique Chromatic Unicorn Kit
Clique Chromatics Capsule Wardrobe
Pretty Little Studio Color Me Happy Sampler Kit

The stunning patterned paper that is the background of the finished album photo at the top of this post is from the Limited Edition Bliss Bad Girls Couture and Clique International Collaboration Kit. I used every other piece of paper from that kit and thought that this design was just too beautiful to cut.
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Hi everybody! Happy Thanksgiving! Nicole here with a variety of art journal spreads I created using my gel plate, acrylic paint and Art Journal! I created these spreads during the month at different times. Whenever I felt the need to get messy, I grabbed a page and started playing! I recommend playing with paint whenever you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed with life. It really does help!
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When playing with gel plates, a tiny drop of acrylic paint goes a long way. Grab some paper and just play... Don't worry if the images aren't as clear...just play and add layers of colors and patterns or whatever you want to do!
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Use a brayer to help apply pressure over the art journal page. 

You can play with your stencils too... to create a fun background!
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Here are a variety of pages I created using paints and stencils and anything else I could find. :) If you're looking to try something new, try playing with gel plates! We have some available in the shop and I believe we have a few Gelli Printing Kits and art journals as well! Grab them while you can.

For this page, I used the gel plate and pulled the green, pink and purple colors onto the journaling page. Then I used the Light and Fluffy Modeling Paste from The Crafter's Workshop over the 6x6 stencil to create the patterns. Once the paste was completely dry, I used a gel medium to glue down the embellishments. Super simple and fun to make!

I used a blending tool to blend in the wheat stalks using a small drop of paint. The circle was created using light blue paint on the gel plate stamped on the page. The Gelli Printing Explore & Learn Kit is on sale in the shop!

I used the Limited Kit, Bliss to create these fun mixed media pages. That lace trim is sooooo beautiful I didn't want to cut it... We still have a few acrylic paints from the Bliss Limited Edition as well.

Are you ready to play with gel plates yet? Don't forget to wear an apron before you start or you'll end up with paint on your favorite hoodie...just saying! Thanks so much for visiting today!

These are the stencils I used on these journal pages in case you wanted to know.
TCW865S Asian Floral
TCW912S Wheat Stalks
TCW882S Fantasy Tile
TCW925S Nature's Circuitry
TCW861S Happy Dandelions
TCW923S Celestial Sun
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Hi friends! Dana here today sharing a scrapbook layout that I was inspired to create after listening to the song "Soul Singing" by The Black Crowes. I've been streaming a lot of concerts from home over the last 6 months. One of the most recent shows featured various artists, one of whom was Rich Robinson. After that show ended, YouTube auto-played The Black Crowes VH1 Unplugged Show from 2008 (which I highly recommend!). Since then, I've had those songs running through my head.

Whenever life has me feeling stressed out, I always find relief by looking through photos of my family, especially my young nieces and nephews. I found this gem and couldn't help but smile! This sweet photo and two lines from the song; "My life's a smile not a frown," and "You got my soul singing," were all I needed to get my mojo running. I combined the Bad Girls Couture and Clique International Limited Edition Bliss Kit with the American Crafts Urban Legend Base Kit to create this page.  The pastel color palettes, flowers, and wood grain designs of both kits blend really well together.
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I cut two wood frames from one of the Mintay patterned papers from the Bliss Kit. I used one for a photo frame which I embellished with a die-cut from the Urban Legend Kit and a chipboard sticker from the Bliss Kit. I placed the foam flower stickers from the Urban Legend kit under my photo to help raise it off the background paper.
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I created a shaker embellishment with the second wood frame. To create this feature I first cut a piece of patterned paper the same size as the frame. Then, I applied foam tape around the edge of the floral patterned paper. Next, I sprinkled Clique sequin mix onto the patterned paper. I also added a small die-cut to the area. Lastly, I topped the foam tape with a piece of acetate and then the paper frame. I attached this embellishment to the page just like the other frame, on top of foam flower stickers, for added dimension.

Clique International Supplies:
Bad Girls Couture and Clique International Limited Edition Bliss Kit
American Crafts Urban Legend Base Kit
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Hi friends! Dana here today sharing the mini album I created using the Limited Edition Bad Girls Couture and Clique International Bliss Kit and Add-On. This kit is so gorgeous! I have to be honest here and admit that I was a little hesitant to create with these materials. I spread this kit out on my craft table, looked at all the pretty contents, and then packed it back up several times before I actually started cutting into the supplies.
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Once I made that first cut I could not stop! I wanted to use every last bit of this kit and I didn't even come close. I embellished both sides of each page to the max. This album is so full that it lays open on the table, which I absolutely love. What is more inviting that an open album? If you're a tactile crafter like me, you will love the different textures in this kit.

I started this project by painting around the edges of every cardstock page. The Bad Girls Couture Haute Mess Matte Acrylic Paint from the Add-On Kit is fast drying and thick, so I only needed one quick coat of paint for full coverage. Next, I layered patterned paper, ephemera, and trim onto each page. To add more color and texture to each page, I mixed the acrylic paint with Bad Girls Couture Molding Paste, and then applied the mixed medium over 6x6 stencils.

I didn't have photos that would complement these supplies, so I decided to add some of my favorite song lyrics to each page. I flipped through my song lyrics rolodex (stop by my blog for a link to that project) and typed up the 40 that really spoke to me. I am usually inspired by song lyrics when creating. I think it offers a great snapshot of my mood at a given time. I'm positive that if I sat down with a fresh album the lyrics I pull to include on the fresh pages would be totally different. Once I added the lyrics to each page, I stuck on fussy cuts, rhinestones, and glass beads.
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The last thing I embellished was the album cover. The Maggie Holmes beaded flowers are so pretty. I added rhinestones to several of the pink flower centers on the fabric for a touch of sparkle.

I thought a quick video flip through of this album would be better than scrolling through 40 photos. Enjoy!
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Clique International Supplies:
Bliss Limited Edition Kit
Bliss Limited Edition Add-On

​Other Supplies: Computer Generated Song Lyrics; Cardstock Frames: CGD Studios; Molding Paste: Bad Girls Couture; Safety Pins;  Adhesive: Scrapbook Adhesive by 3L
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Before we get started here, let’s talk breakfast…shall we? I love me a good piping hot bowl of oatmeal. And ya know what? Every time I have to toss the huge cylinder packaging I just about cringe at all the waste…and I have been secretly dreaming of what I could alter that to become. TA DA…like magic…lookie girlies at what we have here…yep! An altered canister! You’re going to have dump your oats in a Ziploc baggie or go buy some and then dump them in said baggie, because we got some creating to do! The new Limited Edition Bliss Art Journaling Kit with my exclusive mini journal was perfect for this project!

I first coated mine with about 2-3 layers of Bad Girls Couture Gesso. Our gesso is super thick and will do the job! Then I added one coat of Haute Mess “Kiss and Don’t Tell” from Clique Kit’s Paint Add On Kit. Choose a favorite paper and cut it into three pieces lengthwise. Now add three strips from another paper to take up the space, making sure you leave a little bit of space to let the paint color peek through. Now I mixed Haute Mess “Couture Pink” from the Paint Add On kit with Haute Mess Gesso. This will not work with any Gesso. Ours is very thick…making it so you can work with it as I did to create dimension. Using a palette knife work the gesso mixture into the crevices where the papers separate and onto the papers to give the illusion of rustic shabby chic walls. Using a scallop scissors, cut one of the wood patterned papers in your kit, then punch each scallop in the center. Adhere to your dried canister top and bottom with a good adhesive or double sided tape.

To complete your top…paint it exactly as above. Add patterned paper to the top. Give it the same gesso/painted treatment as above. Trim the sides and inner top with gems. Punch a hole in the center and add a small crystal knob or any knob of your choice. Tie the Chipboard Sticker tag to the top after you have backed it with pattern paper.
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I absolutely loved creating these gorgeous little Haute Mess Mini Art Journals for Clique Kits! I poured my heart and soul into their creation and I truly hope that you have as much fun creating in yours as I did! 

I used the pretty little pink envelopes to create pockets on my pages and I used the chipboard sticker pieces for tabs.

 Aloha everybody! I could not be any more excited to share a collaboration that has been in the works for literally months.  Last fall Wendy La Croix of Bad Girls Couture and I introduced The Clique to a basic art journal kit and we had a blast bringing talent together to do a holiday blog hop to inspire our followers with art journal pages, junk journal style scrapbooking, and more ideas using Haute Mess media and paint on all kinds of projects for the holidays. This time, we have been working together to bring you an unbelievably special and one of a kind MINI art journal handmade from a dainty shabby chic vintage fabric. Wendy designed our exclusive mini art journal with the same high quality features she puts into all of her regular size journals, but scaled it down to a size that fits in your purse and is perfect for completing a chunky little book.  We are so lucky to have Wendy La Croix, the owner of Bad Girls Couture, as our next Guest Educator/Designer! You can find Wendy on Facebook or on Instagram also!

Of course Clique International curated a perfectly coordinated mixed media kit to go with this journal, and together we present the Bliss Kit...an extremely generous loaded Mini art journal and mixed media and scrapbooking kit exclusively found in the Clique International shop while supplies last. There is a very limited number of these and we don't want anyone to miss out so please, please, please head over and order yours. When they are gone, they are gone!
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We will share a complete listing of everything in the kit, but first we have to introduce you to Wendy, a phenomenal artist, interior designer, mother, and friend:

Stay tuned for inspiration from Guest Educator Wendy on the blog and in the Clique Facebook Group using the amazing Bliss Mini Art Journal Kit. Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today!

​Obviously, I had to start with this Bad Girls Couture Art Journal. Art journaling is something I love so much because my creativity can be free! Free of barriers, free to fly without judgements or rules.

If back in the days I was a little scared about a plain/white piece of paper now this is my favourite base to start. It is easy!! Just splash some paint over it and ta..dah.. you have a background to build on. ​
​Or you can do as I did, use a roller to apply the paint or use just a brush. After the paint, as you can see in the video, I used some gesso over it. Did that just to light up my background a little bit. I wanted the image to be the central piece and since it was a B&W image a darker background would pop-up more than the picture and I didn’t want that.  But this is my personal taste working here!


And you? Do you like making mixed media projects/pages?

You can find a coordinating VIDEO  here on You Tube. Please check it out and subscribe to my channel! 
Happy crafting.
- Tânia
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Happy Sunday everyone! I was looking for something to do this morning so I decided to create something for Pinkfresh Studio's challenge since I had the My Favorite Story Kit and the add-on papers. I love patterned paper...mixing and matching them together to create a fun background for my layouts.

I used a light-blue acrylic paint to color on the patterned paper to break up some of the patterns. Once the paint was dry I fussy cut the rainbows to add at the top and bottom of the layout. I just felt like playing around and I love the look of this layout...the design is fun and the colors are HAPPY.

To complete the layout, I added several chipboard embellishments, puffy stickers and die cuts. I used a ruler and black pen to hand-journal at the bottom of the layout. Grab your kit today so you can get scrappy! Thank you for stopping by today!

Hi friends! Dana here today sharing how I used glass bead gel and acrylic paint to create glittery backgrounds for a pair of artist trading cards. The tiny glass spheres in the gel create an amazing luminosity when exposed to light and a wonderful texture that you can both see and feel. I upped the sparkle factor by first applying metallic and glitter acrylic paint to the base of my artist trading cards. The shimmer on these cards is fantastic! This mixed media background is easy to create in a few simple steps. Let's get started!
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Artist trading cards are a great size (2.5 x 3.5 inches) to try out new mediums and techniques without using a lot of materials. I cut all of my trading cards from empty cereal boxes. To help prevent the more expensive mediums from soaking into the card base, apply a couple of light layers of gesso to the card and let dry. Gesso is also important when using cardboard because without the bright white base, colors that are applied on top will be dull and less vibrant.
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Next, apply acrylic paint over the gessoed card and let dry. I applied a metallic gold paint first, and then an ultra fine glitter paint top coat for extra shimmer.
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Finally, use a spatula to spread a thin layer of glass bead gel over the card. The gel is white when wet and dries clear. While the gel is wet, press several plastic stars, or other embellishments, into the medium. There are a lot of super fun sequin mixes in the Clique Shop that are perfect for adding a touch of flair to your projects.  Set aside the card for a couple of hours to dry.
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Apply Bella Blvd acrylic shapes to the card using double-sided tape and adhesive dots.
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Finish the card with a colorful word sticker. This Pretty Little Studio Sticker Sheet is included in the Color Me Happy Clique Sampler Kit.
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I hope I have inspired you to try incorporating glass bead gel into your art! Thanks for stopping by today!
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