Ronda Palazzari Designs

2015 Stencil: Signals, Spiral Staircase, & Stepping Stones

While i haven't been present on the blog, i have been creating the whole time. These layouts i am sharing are from my early 2015 stencil release. They are already in the stores so i hope you will share any creations you've made with these stencils. i will share my samples in the coming weeks along with other pieces i have created over these last few months. 

i love this stencil called signals! It has so many fun designs repeated in different ways.  Choose one to repeat over and over again or use the whole stencil for a very cool look. 

On my layout i used some watercolor to paint through the stencil onto watercolor paper. i pulled out colors from the patterned paper. i wanted both full signals and partial signals on the page.  

i love how this layout turned out. Alexi is my mini me. I am so proud of who she has become. She graduated college and has begun her "adult" life. The choices she is making and the volunteer time she has committed to makes me tear up.  

Spiral Staircase is a cool funky stencil. Have you ever been in a stairwell and look down? Me too. i love architectural features and it always inspires me.  Enter Spiral Staircase stencil. 

On my Everyday layout i used the 6x6 stencil on my photo as a template. i marked it with a black pen and then cut it up.  i placed the stencil on the page and glued the photos down.  

i used the same smaller photo on the side of the photo.  i like the repeat. i stacked a bunch of embellishments at the top. The layout is a reminder to myself to be brave everyday.  

Stepping Stones is a fabulous stencil to have in your stash. It is great as the star of a layout or as a backdrop.  

 

On my little Lucca layout i used both the 6x6 stencil and 12x12 stencil. First i used paste through the 12x12 stencil. Once it dried I sprayed a little Maya Mist through the same stencil. i added another layer by using the 6x6 stencil and some archival black ink.  

The 12x12 and 6x6 stencils look great on the page along with the layers of embellishments. This is one of my favorite photos of Little Lucca. I can't believe how little he looks in the photo and how grown up he is now. Time does go by so quickly.  

Start Here: 123 Love

Today up on the My Mind's Eye blog is my monthly sketch challenge. This month i did a bright fun layout that played off some of the colors found in their Jubilee line. As you know, i love layers, so today i thought i would take you through some of the process of building this layout.

First for me is always selecting the story and accompanying photo. i have been wanting to scrap these pictures since i took them. i finally printed them out and set them on my table so they were ready to go!

Next i start selecting materials i want to use. This time the mixed bags from the Jubliee collection were calling my name. They are these little collections of paper cut into various shapes & designs that coordinate with each line. The beauty of these bags is that they really could go with any line and are a great item to have in your stash. 

Now that i have some idea about what i want to use, next is laying down a foundation. i use both patterned paper and cardstock for my backgrounds. On this particular page, since i was layering so many items, i wanted a neutral white background. Here i am using watercolor paper. i selected a few of my stencils i wanted to use: And So On and Positive. i love the pie shape on And So On and thought it really mirrored the flair i picked for my page. i used the colors of the flair as my inspiration and used both archival and distress inks with a blender tool. 

Once i had the big pie chart on the page, i layered the positive 6x6 stencil over the top. i used archival ink in black because it is waterproof, knowing i was going to add some acrylic paint on top. i dropped a few drops of fluid yellow paint on top and sprayed it, letting it drip down my page.  When it hit the distress inks, it blended beautifully and ran down the page. 

Once the background is dry i begin adding that slow build up of layers. i decided along the way to trim off some of the watercolor in order to have that woodgrain border and large strip at the top. Love how that simple touch accented my page. 

i really love how this layout came together. It's bright, cheerful, and full of little details without them being overwhelming.  The big black numbers and title really draw your eye around the page. 

If you want to see the sketch and play along with the challenge this month, head over to the My Mind's Eye blog to read all the details. 

 

 

Halloween Tags

Hi there! It's Ronda here today to share with you three boo-tiful halloween tags. I love this time of year and especially love creating tags for this season. Tags are a great little project to get your creative juices flowing. I like to hang them up together as decoration and then use them either on my layouts or all together in a mini album.  

On the Little Monsters tag I painted the background purple. I like using pops of color with the typical orange & blacks. Purple is definitely one of my favorites to pair with those colors. Once my background was dried, I layered the frightful words paper on top, ripping the bottom edge to expose the purple. I added some burnt orange paint to the paper and then began layering my elements.

Those witch legs are so stinking cute paired with the banner! I wanted to bring some of the black color to the top so I added the little monsters banner along with the 31 pennant and two chipboard bats. The pumpkin brad looks great as the final pop of color.  

On this 31 tag I also started with a pop of color, a dark turquoise. I mixed the turquoise with a little bit of white paint to break up the dark color. I grabbed my 6x6 paper pad and picked out this frightful piece of patterened paper to layer on top. The white against the turquoise really stands out.   

I didn't think this tag needed much more so i just layered a few pieces here and there. The sticker arrow to the top is paired with the fun spider. Did you notice there are three around the page? Three is always a good number in designs. I adore the giant sparkling 31 chipboard frame so I made it my focal point of this tag. I love that it echoes the design of the patterned paper. I finished the tag with the chipboard "October 31," adding that touch of white to the bottom.  

The Boo Crew tag is all about pairing patterned paper. Again I went to my 6x6 patterned paper pad and pulled out a few sheets. I wanted an orange base and a pattern that wasn't too busy, so this orange chevron was perfect. Next I layered the same pattterned paper in three different strips across the top of the tag. By using the front & the back of the paper plus adding some purple paint, I really changed up the look and stretched my paper.  

i created a rosette "flower" out of patterned paper in a simple white & black design. i added the brad circle on top changing out the small brad for a larger one. Don't be afraid to change up these fabulous brads to suit your design esthetics. i added another brad element and a sticker circle design to the background before adding my rosette piece on top. The enamel dots around the page add that perfect pop of color and reinforce my circle elements around the page.  

Happy Halloween!

 

 

 

Life Fragments: Harvest & Blessings

Autumn time is here and it's one of my favorite time of year. Hot apple cider, pumpkin spiced lattes, crisp mornings, leaves changing into spectacular autumn colors, thankful for family & friends.

Harvest & Blessings Life Fragments reflects the beauty of this season and are the perfect addition to your creative endeavors from scrapbooking (digital, hybrid, and traditional), to art journals, greeting cards, mini albums, and so much more! In this set you’ll receive 6 journaling cards, 6 faux “flair,” 6 flags, 2 pennants, 2 labels, and 3 fancy leaves in fun designs and trendy autumn colors delivered as a two-page printable .pdf and 25 individual .png files. All for just $3.99!

Jessi Lute - The View

On Jessi's layout she splits the today i am grateful journaling card to underneath the photo and on the right side of the page. i love how she uses the life documented faux flair underneath her blue tag for that perfect pop of contrasting colors. Layered on the right journaling card is the "thankful" faux flair and two flags bring the blue color around the page. 

Jessi Lute - Thanks card

i completely adore this card from Jessi. It is simply spectacular. She used the Thanks journal card layered on a book page. i love the pops of gold all around this card. It is absolutely stunning!

Jessi Lute - Magic Lives

Remember this layout from earlier this week?  Jessi used the fall leaves embellishments accrossed the page.  The Give Thanks pennant looks great tucked under the title. i love that little pop of yellow color found in the documented flag.  

So what's your favorite piece from this Harvest & Blessing Life Fragments collection pack?

 

 

 

2014 Summer Stencils: Positive, Chrysanthemum, & Heartstrings Fragment

 
Positive in 6x6; Chrysanthemum in 6x6

Summer time is in full swing here which means it's time for my summer TCW stencil release!  i have 9 new stencils and 9 new stencil fragments this release.  Today i am sharing two new stencils & one new stencil fragment: Positive, Chrysanthemum, & Heartstrings Fragment.

Positive (TCW 471)

i am Positive you will love this stencil!  This great handrawn plus design is right on trend! i love the rows of these little beauties that are offset for a great background.  It comes in both 12" x 12" and 6" x 6" sizes.  

On this layout i used both the 12 x 12 and 6 x 6 sizes.  In fact you saw this stencil on yesterday's layout titled "Hello Again" on the middle diamond shape. i decided to color the background and stencil in the images in black.  

i used a black pen with the 12 x 12 stencil to outline the shapes on the page.  With a simple quarter turn, the plus signs become these wonderful cross-stitched shape.  i love how they look with just the outline!

i used the 6x6 stencil with black ink to add just a touch of design to the manilla tag.  

Chrsythanthemum (TCW 477)

Chrsythanthemum. Such a fun word to say.  Such a fun stencil to use.  This stencil has wide open areas that are begging to be used in a variety of ways.  Fill them in with colors, pictures, texture, and every thing in between.  It comes in both 12" x 12" and 6" x 6" sizes.

i did use a variety of materials in those delicious open spaces. i had so much fun creating the above black tag that i started my layout on black cardstock.  i used a white pen and filled in the inner star petals with doodles.  I then added patterned paper and neocolorII to the other shapes and then more doodles.  Did you notice i didn't use the whole shape of the stencil?

Heartstrings (TCW 2049)

Heartstrings is a great Ronda's Fragment that is nearly 4 x 4. i have a thing for hearts and could collect a variety of them.  i even have a Pinterest board titled the art of HEARTS & LOVE.  i wanted this heart a little different so i added in those strings to create a fun design and tied them togethter with that little center heart!  It also fits nicely in project life pages, looks great on scrapbook layouts, cards, tags, or art journal pages.  Imagine the possiblities with a gelli printing plate!  

On my sample, i first colored my background and then used gesso through the fragment to create some texture.  Once the gesso was dry, i went back in and added more color and then journaled on top.  So very cool!

So what stencil(s) caught your eye today?

 

2014 Summer Stencils: Diamond Lattice, Beaded Curtain & Poppy Fragment

 

Diamond Lattice in 6x6; Beaded Curtain in 6x6

Summer time is in full swing here which means it's time for my summer TCW stencil release!  i have 9 new stencils and 9 new stencil fragments this release.  Today i am sharing two new stencils & one new stencil fragment: Diamond Lattice, Beaded Curtain, & Poppy Fragment.  

Diamond Lattice (TCW 475)

Up first is Diamond Lattice!  This fabulous trendy stencil has great wide spaces for lots of possibilities.  Some have been filled in with designs that can be used alone or with the entire stencil, some have been broken up into halves or quarters, and some are outlined. It comes in both 12" x 12" and 6" x 6" sizes.  

Here's a layout using the 12" x 12" stencil. i had so much fun cutting up my photos into all the different shapes. i also cut up some patterned paper into diamond & triangle shapes. On the "Hello" diamond i used some Dina Wakley Media Paints for that burst of color.  

Beaded Curtain (TCW 478)

Beaded Curtain is a great fun stencil that can be used in so many ways. i love the small and larger circles to create the strings of beads. It comes in both 12" x 12" and 6" x 6" sizes.  

My "Here i am" layout uses the 12" x 12" stencil to create a lovely aqua backdrop on the grey cardstock.  i love how the color pops off the background and looks so beautiful layered with the patterned papers found in my Cocoa Daisy kit.  

Ronda's Fragments: Poppy (TCW2043)

This Poppy stencil fragment is just under 4" x 4" and is perfect for all your creative needs.  It fits nicely in a project life page, looks great on scrapbook pages, cards, tags, or art journal pages.  Imagine the possiblities with a gelli printing plate!  The open petals leaves lots of room for fun designs or that burst of color.

On my 4" x 4" piece of watercolor paper, i used both distress inks and acrylic paints.  i love these colors together with this uber cool poppy design.  i can see myself picking it up over & over again to use in all kinds of fun projects. 

So what stencil(s) caught your eye today?

 

Grid Layouts with Leftovers!

Last year, i traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to film Scrapbook Soup with Julie Fei-Fan Balzer.  It was the most thrilling experience and i absolutely loved being her guest.  The second full episode, add-ons, is up on the Scrapbook Soup!  It was so much fun on the set and in the green room with Julie and so many other talented artists.  KS Productions is a great team and i am blessed for this opportunity. 

Here's the layout you will see in this episode.  I'll share with you a quick way to create "faux stitches" and how to use up leftovers to create a dynamic layout.  We talk a little bit about design theory and how to make patterned paper choices.  

 

Winter 2014: CityGrid & Skyline Stencils

I am continuing to debut my new Ronda Palazzari Designs/The Crafter's Workshop stencils.  I am so excited to share with you these new releases, including 14 new stencils & 10 brand new "Ronda's Fragments."  These new little masks pack a punch, perfect for art journaling, gelli prints, tags, project life, scrapbooking, cards, & much much more.  i have been working hard to bring you creative inspiration along with new videos!  Today's stencils are CityGrid (TCW 438) and Skyline (TCW 436). 

 

The wandering in me loves maps in all shapes & sizes.   CityGrid is like one of those great city street maps you find in all your favorite towns.  But this stencil isn't just limited to travel, City Grid makes a great back drop to any page with those fun little shapes in all different sizes.

Both sizes give you such fun options.  On the left tag is the 12x12 stencil using Wendy Vecchi's metallic gold embossing paste over a background.  On the right is the 6x6 stencil in fun heavy body acrylic paints.  

On this "Time" art journal page i used the 6x6 stencil with heavy gel.  I love the way it looks layered over the collaged background.  I added all kinds of paints, acrylic inks, and india ink to the page letting them run through the stenciled area.  

On this layout i used the 12x12 CityGrid to make this eye popping background.  I love the blue & white background set against these pictures of Anthony.  This stencil really goes with anything and i am having lots of fun creating with it!

Skyline is very similar to Urban Landscape with its detail & shadowed portions.  Back when Urban Landscape was released, some West Coast people asked for some of their iconic buidlings.  I am sure you could spot a few of those skyscrappers along with a few others from across the globe.

Both sizes are so much fun to use.  The top tag is the 12x12 size with some Viva Decor Ferro Special Effect Paste.  The bttom tag is the 6x6 stencil with Wendy Vecchi's Metallic Silver Embossing Paste.  Fun, Fun, Fun!

 

On my Beauty & Blessings Art Journal page, i wanted to have that ghosted city background echoing things changing in my life.  i created it by using the 6x6 stencil with some molding paste & black acrylic paint through the stencil.  Before it set too much, i scraped off some of the buildings leaving that ghosted image.  

Grab the above badge and show me how you want to be stenciled in.  My Stencils are currently being sold online and at brick & mortar stores.  Have you created some projects with my stencils? Add them to my flickr pool, tag me on twitter, facebook, instagram, you can also use #rondapalazzaristencils.  

Have you heard the news?  The Crafter's Workshop is having a design team call!  Go check out this blog post for more details!

 

Winter 2014: HourGlass & Cafe Latte

This month, i will be debuting my new Ronda Palazzari Designs/The Crafter's Workshop stencils.  I am so excited to share with you these new releases, including 14 new stencils & 10 brand new "Ronda's Fragments."  These new little masks pack a punch, perfect for art journaling, gelli prints, tags, project life, scrapbooking, cards, & much much more.  i have been working hard to bring you creative inspiration along with new videos!  Today's stencils are HourGlass (TCW 429) and Cafe Latte (TCW 434). 

i love a good background stencil.  Really LOVE.  i find them so versatile.  This hourglass stencil is such a cool pattern and can be used for so many different projects.  Think bowties or pinwheels.  It's one you will use over and over again.  What is great about this stencil is that it can be turned to complete the square shape.

The petite 6x6 size is so completely adorable.  On the left tag, i sponged black paint over the the colorful background.  Love it in that bold black!  On the right tag, i turned the stencil to complete the box shape.

The 12 x 12 design is about an inch per square.  On the left tag, i sponged two paints through the stencil.  On the right, i stamped the reverse which ends up being the same as if you would turn the stencil. 

On this layout i used the 12x12 stencil to create a neutral backdrop for my color photos.  i used watercolor crayons in grey tones and painted them with the stencil in place.  i did the light grey triangles first and then rotated the stencil a quarter to paint the dark grey triangles.  i love how the triangles have fluid edges and the crayons create depth in each piece.  i could see doing the whole background like this!

On this art journal page, i used the 6x6 hourglass stencil with some molding paste (or modeling paste).  I love the feel of this page with those bright yellow/orange spots combined with the cool greens & blues.  You might even spot a stencil fragment on this page ;)

Cafe Latte is such a fun hand drawn stencil.  Whether you're a tea or coffee person, you are sure to love this stencil.  It's great for cards, tags, scrapbook pages, project life pockets, or art journal pages.  You can use the shadow, outline, or both to create.  Of course we need accoutrements to our drinks, so i just had to include the coffee beans, tea bags, and steam! 

i wanted you to see the 6x6 & 12x12 stencils next to one another to get a feel for their size.  i used both the shadow & outline for these tags.  How cute would it be to attach a gift certificate to the back of the tag as little gift for that special friend? 

It's no secret i am a tea drinker.  i usually start with a cup of english breakfast in the morning.  i might have another one of those or a cup of chai in the afternoon.  At night, i love a mint tea or a green tea.  As you can see, a cup of tea is always nearby!

Stay tuned as I will be sharing all my new stencils this month. Are you ready to see them all?  Grab the above badge and show me how you want to be stenciled in.  My Stencils are currently being sold online and at brick & mortar stores. 

Winter 2014: Quatrefoil Reverse & Rose Window Stencils

Starting today & for the rest of this month, i will be debuting my new Ronda Palazzari Designs/The Crafter's Workshop stencils.  I am so excited to share with you these new releases, including 14 new stencils & 10 brand new "Ronda's Fragments."  These new little masks pack a punch, perfect for art journaling, gelli prints, tags, project life, scrapbooking, cards, & much much more.  i have been working hard to bring you creative inspiration along with new videos!  So are you ready for the first debuts?

This stencil harkens back to those old church abbeys with the big stained glass windows.  i love the verstality of this stencil.  With big open areas, you can use this stencil is so many different ways, including paper piecing or cutting photos into a unique shape. 

The Rose Window looks great in the 6x6 size.  On the left, I sprayed the tag with Dylusions & Maya Road mists and then used white paint through the stencil.  On the right tag is the reverse image of the stencil using Dylusions.

The Rose Window looks great in the 12x12 size too.  On the left, I painted the tag and then used spray paint through the stencil.  On the right tag is the reverse image of the stencil with the spray paint left on the stencil. Look at those great open spaces!

This card was featured on Simon Says Stamp blog and has inspired another project you will see tomorrow.  I used the 6x6 Rose Window stencil with lots of bright colors.  i completely adore the look of this card!

This layout also uses the 6x6 stencil in multiple ways.  i knew i wanted to do some paper piercing with this stencil so i selected a Lily Bee Designs paper and used it to build the colors.  i loved the softer distress inked images against that awesome pieced image. 

And here's a sneak peek of an art journal piece you will see tomorrow using the 12x12 Rose Window stencil.  Not only do you get to see this beautiful page tomorrow but i will share a video tutorial detailing how to i created this art journal piece.

My very first stencil release with the Crafter's Workshop included the regal Quatrefoil stencil.  It has been a favorite among many readers.  The question i was asked most since its release was "when are you going to make the reverse image?"  The answer is NOW.

The Quatrefoil Reverse looks great in the 6x6 size.  On the left, I painted the tag and then used acrylic spray paint through the stencil.  On the right tag is the reverse image of the stencil using Dylusions.  It's such a pretty pattern!

The Quatrefoil Reverse looks great in the 12x12 size too.  On the left, i used some Dylusions, Maya Mists, & Ranger Color Wash through the stencil.  On the right tag is the reverse image of the stencil with the spray inks left on the stencil.  Those open spaces on the left would look great colored in or even pieces of patterned paper popped up. 

On this layout, i used the 12x12 with a variety of distress inks.  I love those blended areas and the transition of colors.  It really creates a stellar background for the building of layers to tell my story. 

Stay tuned as I will be sharing all my new stencils this month. Are you ready to see them all?  Grab the above badge and show me how you want to be stenciled in.  My Stencils are currently being sold online and at brick & morter stores.