Don't judge a book by its cover...

Just because a collection was originally designed for a specific theme these does not mean you cannot use it for something entirely different! Halloween is still more than 2 months away and I did not have pics in my stash that were worthy of the new "HAUNTED" line (and truthfully, I had a tough time getting into that "zone" in July when I designed this...lol!).  I fell in LOVE with the flocked (YES... FLOCKED!!!!!) Chandeliers. Why not use it for a layout that is not the least bit scary.

This is a VERY simple layout too. I didn't have to do a lot to achieve the look I was after. I simply layered some of the beautiful Haunted Papers (using both Flocked and Patterned sides). Did you know these Kraft papers are flocked on one side and printed on the other?! NO??? Well, I am sure you will love them even more now that you DO know, eh?!

The only thing I added were the black flocked chipboard letters and the self adhesive rhinestones from the LUSH Collection. The larger chandelier was hand cut and glammed up a tad and VOILA! A nice simple layout full of texture begging to be touched:)

Want another idea of what you can do with Halloween themed papers without using Halloween photos? Check out the Blackbird layout below! 

I took my boys on the ultimate Mama Date this summer... we went to Disney World and met up with my friend and her 2 kids who live in Florida. With all of the fun stuff at Disney World, their favourite part of the day was getting their faces painted. CRAZY, eh? It truly is the simple things that can bring a huge smile to a child's face.

I used the blackbird collection to create this project and it worked so well with the photos. I really wanted to stay away from it looking too "Halloween-y" and think I accomplished it. I hand cut the bracket page, layered the photos, cut up the journaling into individual words and added a few of the die cut embellishments. 
I even went broke out my sewing machine to add some decorative stitching to the papers. It really finishes a project off and I have to get into the habit of using it more often! I outlined the chipboard letters (again from the LUSH Collection) and added a few self adhesive rhinestones to add the perfect amount of sparkle.

The next time you are looking for the perfect papers to create the layout for your treasured memories, feel free to experiment with products you would not typically think to use! You may be pleasantly surprised with the results!

Now... speaking of books! As the kids head back to school, it also means class time for us. I have been gearing up for several large events and am thrilled to be teaching a few fabulous My Mind's Eye classes this fall.

The picture below is part of the "Releasing the Artiste from Within" class I will be teaching at two store events in Canada.. opposite coasts! I may teach it in other places too... stay tuned for possible dates. If you can't make it to the store for the class, contact them! I bet they may be willing to ship you a class kit that is bursting full with all the beautiful My Mind's Eye goodies you see here and then some!I'd LOVE to see you there! There are still spaces available (but not many!), so if you are in the neighbourhood, come on out and join us for a few fabulous hours! I will also mention that I have included a bonus layout as I loved this collection sooooooo much.  So, I am throwing in more Lost and Found goodies as well as the instructions for you to create another layout on your own time!). There will also be FABULOUS My Mind's Eye prizes so be sure to come out and play!

September 17 - 19

Scrapbook Parade

670 Granderson Road

Langford, BC, V9B 2R8

Phone: (250) 727-0372

AND

September 24 - 26

The Scrap Shack

200 Irving Road

Riverview NB E1B 5V7

Phone: (506) 384-CROP

Have a great weekend and Happy Scrapping!