Ghost Flowers

It's a ghostly time of year in many cultures, with Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, and All Souls Day occurring within the last few days.  But don't worry, there is nothing frightening about this layout, even though it does include "ghost flowers."  :)

Supplies: woodgrain frame paper by Fancy Pants; birdcage paper by Lily Bee Design; pink paper by Authentique; tag by My Mind's Eye; alphabet stickers by Lawn Fawn; foam stickers by Darice; ink by Stewart Superior; Distress Stain and Liquid Pearls paint by Ranger; household sandpaper.

The title of the page is "Love & Patience," and the photo is from my husband's childhood.  He is holding his grandmother's cat.  Scott is demonstrating the "love" part of the title, while the cat is demonstrating the "patience" part of the title.  :)

I'm entering this layout in the November Berry71Bleu challenge, where the theme is "Forget about moderation and go crazy."  So, how did I go crazy?  Several ways:

1. I cut the big heart freehand, instead of using a template.  I also used Distress Stain freehand to create the lattice pattern on the heart.
2. I combined many techniques, including sanding, staining, and inking.
3. While the paper was still damp from the ink and stain, I rubbed some white foam flowers over it.  The flowers picked up some black and purple from the ink and stain, and some teal from the wet paper.  I used these grunged-up flower stickers as embellishments.
4. I used a smaller foam flower sticker as a stamp to add lots of "ghost flowers" to the layout.  I achieved this "ghostly" look by coating the foam flower with Liquid Pearls paint in "white opal," wiping away excess paint, and then stamping repeatedly.

This was a fun layout to create, and I will definitely use these techniques, especially that of the "ghost flowers," again in the future...not just during "ghostly" times of the year.  :)