Hi everyone!! It’s Melissa here and as its the eve of Christmas Eve we are getting very excited for the big day and I hope you are too!!   I’m loving creating with the November 2020 Kits that feature the gorgeous exclusive “Merry Everything” collection!  It’s Product Focus Wednesday and today I am featuring the amazing Puffy Phrase Stickers from the Embellishment Kit.  My assignment was to create a grid layout, and I chose a photo of my second eldest daughter  Brielle singing at our community carol service a couple of years ago.

 

 

I decided to create a simple grid layout based on the size of my square photo.  I roughly cut 4 pieces of patterned paper that all had subtle patterns that would allow my photo and embellishments to shine.  I heavily distressed the edges of each paper, and then added stitching details to each.  For the first square I added hand stitching in white embroidery thread along the lines of the pattern printed on the paper.  I love the subtle detail it adds!!  I’ll explain more about this square later on.

 

 

For the  second square I added machine stitching in white thread on my photo, and I went around three times to add texture. I was a little nervous but it turned out fine! I used two of the puffy phrase stickers on this square, and the “amazing” was perfect to describe how brave she was, as it was an open microphone where anyone could go up and sing.

 

 

For my third square I machine stitched in gold metallic thread, and included straight and zigzag stitching for extra interest.  I also used two of the puffy phrase stickers on this square, and I love that the tones of the stickers match perfectly with the pretty pink paper!

 

 

For my final square I did one of my favourite techniques which is to hand stitch sequins!! I chose three colours of sequins that complimented the patterned paper, and stitched them on each edge.  I loved using the puffy bow to embellish this square, and also added the “festive” phrase.

 

 

I created my title with the “Oh What Fun” puffy phrase stickers, which were perfect to describe the memory I was documenting.  Even though we have a Summer Christmas here in New Zealand I love to add snowflake embellishments to my layouts because they add a festive vibe!  The “You Are Loved” puffy phrase sticker in black and white was also perfect for my layout!!

 

 

Before I adhered each square I added some machine stitching in white through the centre of each square to define the lines of my grid. It’s very subtle  but I adore the texture it adds, and it compliments my design rather than competing with it!!  Each square is also lifted up with craft foam for dimension.

 

 

Here is my final layout, I’m soooooo very happy with how it turned out!!  The puffy phrase stickers were perfect to help tell my story!

 

 

I hope I have inspired you to use your Puffy Phrase Stickers, and to design in a grid!

Have a very merry and blessed Christmas!!

Melissa xx