It's November 1st and that means...

the Urban Design Team layouts are on display at the store.  This month we had the challenge of using masks from Prima, along with the gorgeous Glitz collection, "Vintage Blue".  Each kit also comes with a chalk inker from Prima's new Ingvild Bolme's ink and tool line.  I really like this ink, the shape is designed for easier handling, which it is, and the color(we had a navy called Farmer's Jeans) is rich.  I chose Heather C's layout to do instructions for the kit that is on sale at Urban, she did an amazing job!  Check out Urban's gallery to see them all.  Here is my layout:

I used modeling paste on my brick mask.  Using a small paint spatula or plastic card I applied the paste on half of the mask,  then carefully lifted the mask and applied to the other side, so it went across the whole page.  I left out a few bricks too.  After the paste dried, I squeezed small amounts ofTim Holtz Distress Stain on my craft sheet.  I used Antique Linen, Frayed Burlap,Weathered Wood, Vintage Photo and Old Paper.  With a Paint Brush I lightly colored the bricks.  You don't need very much to stain these and they blend together just as you see them.  I used a heat gun to dry them, they didn't seem to dry good on their own.  I also alcohol inked the Prima resin window and the pin top.  The blue flower was made with a Spellbinder die, Spiral Blossom One (Love this die!), the doily from a Cheery Lynn die and the banners are from Tim Holtz Sizzix.  I also painted the bird and birdcage with Tim Holtz Crackle paint.  My crackle paint is always drying up, whether because it's really really dry here or I just don't use it fast enough.  So now I just buy white (Picket Fence) and color it with Distress Stain. I don't use much stain, the more you use, the thinner the paint, which I find doesn't crackle as much so put it on thicker.  

When we were in Victoria, B.C.  in July, we went to see this castle.  It was originally a private residence and now is a college.  We weren't able to go inside, there were classes going on, but the outside gardens were incredible.  I want to take a course just so I can see the inside and enjoy the gardens!

Have a great day!