I love the look of Mixed Media, but I don’t use it a lot on my layouts. And the reason behind it, is pretty silly. I just can’t handle the wrinkling and crinkling of my pages, once wet mediums are applied to the background!! But I have actually discovered a little trick that makes a big difference, when I am photographing my finished Mixed Media layout. I will share my tip with you, after a little more about this page that I created with our April Hip Kits. I wanted to do something fun with the Citron Color Shine included in the April 2014 Color Add-On Kit. I knew the bright Green color would look great with the light Blue background Studio Calico paper. So I started by using a mist dropper and squeezing out dime sized drops of the Color Shine on my background paper. Then I just held my page up and let the Color Shine drip down the paper. After the drips were formed, I used a paper towel to dab the mist to dry it, but also to spread it around more on the background paper. Before I started adding the photo and embellishments to my layout, I removed the nozzle from the Color Shine and tapped it over the paper to get a few more splatters. I built my layout, by using a large Silhouette cut file in the background and adding my photo and title area together. The Studio Calico Gems and the sequins included in the April Kit, are perfect for finishing off your layout with some added color and sparkle! And now for my photographing tip: If you use a Cameo or Cricut, I know you have several mats laying around, like I do. Just take your layout, once it’s finished and place it on your mat. The sticky surface will hold your layout perfectly in place and help to flatten it out, while you snap your photo! xo Ashley

I had my Citron Color Shine out for my “XO This” layout, so I thought I would use it on my card also! I cut the Plus One paper with the cute little house pattern and adhered it to the front of a White cardstock base card. Then I just spritzed some of the Color Shine over my paper. I wanted to use the Mistable alphas, so I gave those a spritz of the Color Shine also, and used them along with the Elle’s Studio Alphas and Number Stickers to complete my sentiment!