Before It Was A Trend Challenge

OK, so this assignment had me a bit stumped. What was something that I have done before it became popular??? So many trends start so fast, and we scrappers love to try new trends when we first see them! The only thing that kept coming to mind is digi brushes.

I got into them because I wanted to add swirls to my layouts and photos. I was also a bit into the grungy look. While I was hunting down the perfect swirls brushes I came across cool splatters and grungy frames.

What I liked about brushes is when I can’t get a certain look I want from rub-ons or stamps I can turn to digi brushes. They are easy to work with, no mess!! And if you make a mistake just go back!

Adding digi brushes to your layouts turns your page into a “hybrid” page! It mixes both traditional scrapping with digital scrapping. Digi brushes are great to add unique accents to your layout-use them to make simple tags.

Using brushes is easier than you may think. It really is move your curser over the spot where you want to add a brush and click! Most digital scrapbook site offer tutorials and you can even learn how to make your own brushes. You may also change the color or the size of your brush with one simple step.

I like to make my own brushes by painting designs on paper. Once you have painted your design and it has dried scan it. Then play with the contrast until you are happy with how intense you want to make your brush and save it. You now have your own custom brush to use as often as you like!

Keep in mind that if you don’t think that you could figure out how to use brushes, or if you don’t have the right programs-stamps and rub-ons are a perfect alternative.

Supply List:

MM Fresh Anthology Eliza coral dot paper

MM Funky Vintage scallop/stripe (yellow circle) paper

MM Fresh Anthology Jigsaw Frames (plain)

MM Fresh Anthology Defined Stickers (Love)

MM Fresh Anthology Dimensional Flowers Stickers

MM Fresh Anthology Trims in Eliza

MM Shimmer Kit cityscape

MM Vintage Hip Findings (stick pin)

MM Cheeky clips

MM Foam stamps (Misunderstood)

Swirl brush: Two Peas in a Bucket

Directions:

1. On one sheet of 9" x 9" background paper add brush accent and sew
2. Cut a 6" circle and add to layout
3. Add photo slightly off center to the circle
4. Add define stickers flower stickers
5. Apply shimmer to jigsaw flourishes, then add to page
6. Stamp letter to brush accent and clip

Enjoy

Keisha