Ever had a go at serendipity squares- they've been around forever and I can remember making them years ago so thought I would have another try with some left over EP paper......lots of fun and heaps of ways to play and make some different embellies. It's just like making a collage. I have added quite a few different things to mine, just to give you an example of what you can add - you can use a lot less and still have a great result. Some examples of what you can add are misting, paint, stickers, stamping, bubble stamping, embossing....the list goes on.


I've started off with a piece of black cardstock 6" x 10"... you can go bigger or smaller, whatever you are comfortable with. The scraps of paper I'm using are from the Echo Park Springtime range "seasonal stripe", "delightful stripe" and "blossoms" all reverse sides. The butterflies are punched from EP spring border strips paper reverse side and the trees are cut from this as well.


I've given my cardstock a few brush strokes of white paint but you don't need to do this. Just tear your paper into strips.....some long, some short (it doesn't matter) and I have inked the edges of these.



Using a glue stick, just glue away, going over the edge of the cardstock as well (this will be trimmed later) ... try to leave a little of the base cardstock showing if you can. After I've put the strips down, I have brushed over it again, very lightly with the white paint.



Then give it a light mist and then some random stamping (yes I did it upside down) oops


Add some cut/punch outs (trees and butterflies for me).

Add some rubons and some sticker alphas (you know the ones you don't use)


I've then run a turquoise ink pad over the top to add some more depth of colour.


It was still looking a little unfinished for me, so I crumpled some white tissue paper and glued that randomly over the top.....I like the tissue paper because it doesn't really take away from what's underneath because you can see through it a bit. I then run a rust ink pad over the top of the tissue paper and whatever else was in the way. I ended up adding some larger sticker alphas in a contrasting colour for a bit more colour. You can add glitter, embossing...whatever you like....little scraps of anything.




Remember this all needs to be stuck really well....glue stick is the best and you can use a roller to flatten it all out. I usually just cover it with some plastic and run my hand over it to settle it all down.

Still not happy with it, I ended up doing some random stitching over the top.

I put a coat of mod podge over the top just to bring up the colours but there is no need for this. WAIT TILL IT IS VERY DRY then turn it over and trim the edges. I used a craft knife and a ruler, then you can cut it up for embellies.

For the squares I cut 1 1/2" squares from the collage and matted onto 2" squares of velvet. For the scalloped border, simply draw in thick pen and cut it out. You can do shapes, titles....the list is endless.


For my LO, I used Springtime (growing vines) reverse side. Gave it a little scrumple, sanded over the creases then swiped over some paint and gave it a light mist.





You can create a layout using all of your little serendipity embellies or keep some in your stash for later.
I've added some MME lime twist twine to join up the squares, some prima flowers, a EP springtime journalling card and little bits and pieces to add to the LO.






HAVE FUN

I'd love to see what you create so if you would like to load your creations into the gallery by month's end, I will draw a name from the hat and send the winner a little RAK.

there are some fantastic ideas there Deb - tfs

WOW Deb you are so clever. Great ideas and such a cheap way of doing it too.

Thanks, Helen.

Looks like fun.

Yep, I had fun and even if you don't have a LO to put the embellies on straight away, then they can join the rest of your stash for use later on.

Great idea and tute Deb! Fab way to use up scraps!

Look great Deb.

clever idea Deb !

I haven't done serendipity for years! Lots of painting, ink and ripping of paper - perfect Yours looks fabulous Deb

OMG! WOW! Deb! your so totally amazing! this is just the kind of scrappen i'm really getting into! the collage messy style is just ssssooo me at the moment! i've got to have a go with this!

I've never heard of these, but what a fantastic technique - great way of using up scraps too! Think I might have to give these a go.

Thanks, girls. If you don't get a chance to do a LO with your embellies on, then just pop a photo of the embellies you have made with your scraps over in the gallery. I'd love to see how different they all look using different bits and pieces.

I love this Deb!

Great work.

Thanks, Ronnie.