Special Guest Blogger: Wendy Sue Anderson (and Free Font Friday!)

Hey everyone! I’m Wendy Sue Anderson, a member of CK’s 2010 Dream Team, and I’m so excited to join you today on the Creating Keepsakes blog! Today I challenge you to use a product that may not seem like a fit for your style at first glance. I created a layout using the new Vintage Findings collection from Making Memories. It’s a gorgeous line with loads of fun, unique embellishments and replicas of “found” ephemera-like items. This line automatically jumps out as the perfect product for collage artists and vintage-style scrapbookers. I, however, am neither. Not to worry—I love a good challenge, so I issued a self-imposed challenge to use this line and got to work.

I was a bit overwhelmed at first. Even though each piece in the line is absolutely beautiful, I wasn’t sure how to put it all together and stay true to my simple/clean style.

I started by looking everything over, choosing a theme and selecting a color scheme. I decided an autumn theme would be appropriate, and I chose a suitable color scheme—browns, creams, golds and greens. Of course, I had to throw in some fall oranges and reds, too! Once I decided on a theme, the rest of the layout started falling into place.

I found a quote I thought was perfect, especially since I was itching to use a super-cute bird accent: “Delicious autumn! . . . If I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” —George Eliot

I wrote the quote on a cool tag.

I used a Slice die-cutting machine to cut my title from patterned paper.

I then layered strips of various patterned papers onto brown cardstock for my background. Of course, I had to add machine stitching—just because I like it. Next, I journaled on a label.

I started layering and adding browns, greens, creams, leaves, tags and ribbons until it felt finished—and not overdone.

Autumn by Wendy Sue Anderson. Supplies Cardstock and pen: American Crafts; Patterned paper, ribbon, and embellishments: Making Memories; Thread: Coats & Clark.

Now I challenge you to find a product or line you love but may not be quite your style, and then use it! Stay true to your style, and incorporate elements from the “challenging product line” into it. I hope you’re as happy with your result as I was with mine!

P.S. It’s that time again—Free Font Friday! Don’t miss our free download this week: CK Wellington. This fabulous font is perfect for scrapbooking your trips to Boston or Philadelphia, layouts with letters from days gone by and so much more!