Jan/March 2012 Release - Compass Rose

Another beautifully versatile piece released is the Compass Rose.  It's great for boy pages, girl pages, travel pages... almost anything!!

You

by Mistra Hoolahan

Darling

by Tomoko Takahashi

Flash

by Susan Smit

Guest Designer

The Right Direction

by Nancy Winter

The Compass Rose is such a wonderful piece, just as it is or tucked in with other embellishments, either way it's always striking.

April Guest Designer - Susan Smit

Please welcome Susan as our Guest Designer for April!!

We asked Susan a few little get to know you questions and here's what she said:

Share with us a little about you, how long have you been scrapping, do you have your own dedicated workspace, where are you from?:

About my self... I admit it, I am a scrap addict! The first in line… and what is worse... there is no hope for me!  If you can’t bet ‘im, join ‘im... as above I am a stand up scrapper….and have been from the start. Every time I sit and scrap I  can’t glue straight. I am working on it though. So I have a high ironing board chair near by and grab for it every now & then... that is, if it has not been used as a extra table!

I was born in NZ 1958 and have been living non stop in Holland since 1999. My first love was dress making and designing. Tutoring for “Access” Industrial sewing --- retraining unemployed adults for employment. Color consultant for Fashion Academy. Love to embroider, anything creative with color and texture. That’s why I scrap 3d. My husband calls me a “kitchen princess”... love working in the kitchen and giving dinner party’s. My biggest problem is… I find it hard to sit and do nothing, so I am good, as most women, at multitasking… but most crafty people are any way. I have a D husband and two four legged boys living at home. Nino a Norwich terror and Whiskey a Yorkshire terror that did not grow, thus a mini. My only blood family living in Holland are my two children, both living away from home. 26 and  30… makes me feel old… Grandmother to Mees. Frans, my DH has two daughters, same age as my own children, also living away from home. Adopted grandmother to Noah. The rest of my family live in NZ and Australia. Cairns.

I discovered “scrap” a few years before I tried it. I thought, this looks like fun, but I saw it was going to cost me, and like every one, I had a lot of photo’s that needed sorting, just waiting for the right moment and right photo album. So I waited until I had a introduction class before beginning as I know my self. If I do some thing, I do it 1000%. This was around 2004, I never looked back. I used it as a replacement for kicking the nicotine habit... it was a success!  I stopped smoking at the same time. Like most scrap starters, at first it was cheaper to stay smoking... but I have worked it out… not so… I was a heavy smoker. So, I now budget the smoking allowance for my scrap habit. ( Die hard scrappers can talk any thing good for a few new products!) I have kept my first LO… I shall never  show it publicly, but I was very proud at the time. I have certainly grown since then! What I love about scrap, is it does not stay still. There is always room for growth and I never get bored. I find every thing I love to do in this hobby. So for me it is here to stay!

I work part time as a freelance Nanny. 8am-6pm.  2 1/2 days in the week.  I have been doing this for 8 years now, and still go to work… play… every day with a smile on my face. I did how ever take a 6 month break to work full time at a scrap store here in Holland. “Scrap Salad” That was a dream job. A shame the store did not stay open long. Shy of 1½ year. Due to personal reasons she closed her doors. But I did get to give Work Shops, and loved it! I connected with a few other stores here in Holland. “Scrap-Ware” “Scrap-Art” “Simple-scrapping” ( when I was under the umbrella of simple-scrapping my work was published in a few issues of a Dutch scrap magazine.

And now…. “Scrap-delight”…. A new chapter in my scrap life… I find Scrap-delight caters for my taste. Romantic, distressed, stamping, ribbons and lace, glimmer and grubby hands…..but mostly I get to give at least one WS a month and do a lot of assignments on demand. This is a win, win situation… and… they are the only store that stocks DUSTY ATTIC in Holland!  Michelle, the owner of the store always does her best to get goodies in the store that I ask for…and that is worth holding on to, with both hands! Scrap-delight has a DT of 12 very talented scrap diva’s. So I feel I have come home…



What is my fav. technique to use with the chippies?… where do I start! It has been only the last week that I have used DA naked. This looks great with the new G45 paper lines. But I normally like to deck it with gesso… one of my fav. products for scrapping… Then, glimmer mist / glam (I like to paint this with a fine brush to give a water color effect) Puffy paint or crackle paint works great for texture. Some times beads. what ever takes my mood and what the project asks for. But what I love about DA, is that you can use any thing on it.


I have my own space! My studio / Lab / mess!

How big is it? It keeps growing! My DH always says... you can not make this room any bigger… one day the floor is going to fall to the bedroom!  And he gets scared when he ventures up that far, It can only take so much weight… but he is secretly very proud of me… he is not creative at all!  I have the attic. The entire top floor. I share it with the washing machine, dryer, freezer, storage and a sink, with hot and cold running water. Very handy for grubby hands, washing paint brushes and any accidental spills. I am always re-arranging and sorting… this is a good pass time as you come across all sorts of goodies. Sometimes it is still in the packaging! It is like going shopping all over again. It can also be inspiring and a great, get around to it quilt trip.

I also scrap down stairs in front of the TV. Another hobby of mine is films, this way my DH gets to see me more. He gave me a lap top so I can do my thing down stairs as well… but mostly so he does not have to wait to use his… hahaha… I am very proud of myself that I started a blog last year… I was a computer dummy… I am still learning.


What are your favourite Dusty Attic pieces?: 

What is my most fav. chippie? I think the butterflies and dragonflies, because these can be used with every theme and photo. What I do love is all the swirls and vines.


And finally, something close to most of the Dusty Team's heart - What's your favourite kind of Chocolate?:

Now for the interesting part… what choc am I addicted to?  NOT!  I am not a chocoholic… I am a coffee-holic.  But if I was living in NZ it would be Nestles milk chocolate with nuts and peanut slabs are to die for!  I am so glad I do not live there any more or I would be the size of a double door garage and I don’t need that sort of help at the moment…


 

March 2012 Sketch Layouts

Michelle's sketches are always inspiring and this month quite a few of our design team played along as well!!  

This was the sketch:

And here are some of the layouts our design team have created:

 

Your Day

by Helena Johansson

My Angel

by Maiko Kosugi

Nikita

by Evana Willis

Happy Birthday December Girls

by Iris Babao Uy

Darling Girl

by Belinda Spencer

Cuddles

by Fi Kenward

March Guest Designer

There's still a few days left to get your entry into the Dusty Attic Ning Gallery.   You can find all the details HERE, and can see all the other entries HERE.  Don't forget to tag your layout correctly so we can find it easily and put your work into the draw!!

Trend Focus - Feathers

Last year The Dusty Attic released what proved to be some very loved items - Feathers, Mini Feathers and of course, the Peacock Feather!  So often now we are seeing these items pop up on projects, and not only as Dusty Attic chipboard, we are seeing patterned papers using them as well as real feathers, it's fabulous!!  

So we thought we'd share some of the work our Design Team have done with them since their release! 

Beautiful Young Lady

by Michelle Grant

 

Friends

by Gabrielle Pollacco

Dreams

by Ingvild Bolme

Sponsored Designer

Funny Face

by Belinda Spencer

Handsome

by Helena Johansson

Delicate Angel

by Mandy Harrell

Beautiful

by Helena Johansson

Two Peas In A Pod

by Michelle Grant

Twinkle Toes

by Belinda Spencer

 

High Tea

by Fi Kenward

March Guest Designer

My Sunshine

by Belinda Spencer

Penelope

by Mistra Hoolahan

Posing for Mum

by Helena Johansson

To keep up with more Trend Focuses as well as new Release Inspiration, make sure you become a follower of our blog.   Also for more inspiration, why not join up over at The Dusty Attic Ning where you can see all the Design Team projects, Tips and Techniques as well thousands of our members wonderful Dusty creations!

Jan/March 2012 Release - Fountains

A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles. - Washington Irving

Laugh Kookaburra Laugh

by Michelle Grant

Fountains, Chicken Wire Panel

Vintage Style and Sophistication

by Jennifer Snyder

February 2012 Guest Designer

Fountains

In a Dream

by Mandy Harrell

 Fountains, Corner Flourish #2

Fountains always exude elegance and sophistication as do our new Fountains with their tiers and beautiful laser etching.

March Guest Designer - Fi Kenward

Please welcome Fi as our Guest Designer for March.
 

We asked Fi a few little get to know you questions and here's what she said:

Share with us a little about you, how long have you been scrapping, do you have your own dedicated workspace, where are you from? etc:

 
I have been scrapping since 2002 I attended a Creative Memory's party and although I didn't enjoy that particular style of scrapping I did go out and look for some scrapbooking stores, at that particular stage there was only one in my area.

Scrapping space I definitely have, I took over my husbands garage a few years ago although not air conditioned or heated there really only a couple of months through the year that I have to suffer the aliments.

What are your favourite Dusty Attic pieces?: 

Well this is a hard one, I love the bricks and chicken wire and have used them extensively on my pages, the frames are fantastic as well.  They are all my faves and I love that you can cut them up and use the pieces however you want.

What is your favourite technique to use on Dusty Attic Chipboard?:

I went through a stage of inking, then moved onto painting and dressing them up with micro beedz, then to misting.  I love that they are so versatile you can do what ever technique takes your fancy.

And finally, something close to most of the Dusty Team's heart - What's your favourite kind of Chocolate?:

Okay this would have to be the most tricky question of all, favourite chocolate are we talking brand here or just one particular bar???  Would have to say Cadburys whether it be Dark, White or Milk and I especially love those new little packs of mini flakes.  However my old time favourite would have be the Wagon Wheel but I swear they have shrunk.

Thank you Fi for joining us this month!

Fi's work is always striking and we love seeing her gorgeous, unique stylings in our gallery!  You can visit Fi's personal Blog HERE or pop into her Dusty Gallery HERE to see all her beautiful Dusty creations.

February Guest Designer - Jennifer Snyder

Please welcome Jennifer as our Guest Designer for February!!

We asked Jennifer a few little get to know you questions and here's what she said:

Share with us a little about you, how long have you been scrapping, do you have your own dedicated workspace, where are you from?:

I am from Rochester, NY - located about 7 hours from New York City.  Rochester is close to Toronto, Canada than NYC. I have a supportive husband and four children - two mine and two his.  I also have two cats with interesting names, Escape Kitty and StayBehindCat.
My passions are scrapping, photography and photoshop, all working in harmony most times to help me create.

I have been scrapping for about ten years but only paying attention to detail and technique with the last two years.   Started on my dining room table, eventually taking over the whole dining room and forcing meals to be eaten standing up.
Then I met my husband and he decided that after we got married, he would need to reclaim the dining room. 
That kind man built me a dedicated scrappy space where I can leave my unfinished work out to simmer and stew until it is complete.  Sometimes (often) a layout just needs to sit and think about behaving and cooperating until it's ready to play nice.


What are your favourite Dusty Attic pieces?:  

My favorite Dusty Attic  - difficult question to nail down.  I favor the Chicken Wire Panel, the Bird Of Paradise 2 pack, and the Vine Border - but I adore oh so many more. 

What is your favourite technique to use on Dusty Attic Chipboard?: 

I love to apply molding paste to my Dusty Attic adding texture to my project.  I a

lso love pairing the Dusty Attic with lace and trims since I adore my abundant lace and trim collection.  The number one reason I love Dusty Attic is the ease at which it can be cut up and bent to accommodate my needs- makes for a super versatile product. 

And finally, something close to most of the Dusty Team's heart - What's your favourite kind of Chocolate?:

Favorite kind of chocolate?  What?  Don't make me laugh....all chocolate needs to be loved and so all shall have my equal attention and love.  Let no chocolate go neglected: dark, milk, white, hot, orange and mint (even the beloved chocolate martini)- come to momma.

Thank you Jennifer for joining us this month!  Jennifer is an entertaining presence in the Dusty Attic Ning Gallery, with her wonderfully told stories accompanying her beautiful work!  Visit her Blog and pop into her Ning Gallery to see all her beautiful Dusty Creations.

January Guest Designer - Shona Keehn

This year we welcome Guest Designers to join the team for a month!   

Our January Dusty Attic Guest Designer is Shona Keehn.

We asked Shona some get to know you questions.

Share with us a little about you, how long have you been scrapping, do you have your own dedicated workspace, where are you from?:

Hi everyone...I am so excited to be here!!! I am from beautiful British Columbia, Canada and I have been scrapping for a few years now, but really just got back into it in the past couple of years. I have a wonderful supportive hubby( he has no idea how much I spend on this hobby, hehe ) , 3 children and 4 grandchildren with another one on the way very very soon. I love to take photos of all of them and they love it too because they get most of the albums, in fact I wrapped up 5 albums as gifts just yesterday!  I have a room, my scrap room, but it is in definate need of an overhaul in there. I am lucky to squeeze in a 12x12 workspace to create on in there LOL! My new years resolution....is to organise my scrappy space so that I have at least a table space to work on :) I should write Ellen to see if she will send someone to do a room makeover for me hehe :)


What are your favourite Dusty Attic pieces?:

I can not wait to get  my hands on some of the new Dusty Attic pieces, they all look so yummy! Right now I have so many go to pieces that are my favs, depending on what type of layout I am doing. LOVE all the botanicals to add to flower clusters, and of course I am addicted to the Chicken Wire :) Corner pieces to add to corners, cogs, the frames, ooo lala the frames, oh yes and all the title pieces.....hehe lets put it this way...I love them all!!!!!!! Dont you all just hate it when you run out of your fav pieces of DA...eeeeeek!


What is your favourite technique to use on Dusty Attic Chipboard?:

I do like to experiment and try the various tutorials here, to alter the pieces. My most fav quick technique is to paint the piece white, add some glimmer mists, glaze or glam, and then finish it off with Rock Candy crackle paint.


And finally, something close to most of the Dusty Team's heart - What's your favourite kind of Chocolate?:

Yummy to me is a mid day Oh Henry Chocolate bar and a delicious cup of Starbucks coffee to go with it :)

We are so happy to have Shona play with us for a month.  Shona is a very famiiar face over at Dusty Attic Ning, always sharing her beautiful work as well as taking time to comment on the work of others... be sure to check out her Blog, and also pop into her Dusty Attic Gallery.