Trim off the bottom of the scrapbook paper – that’s the sentiment border. Cut a piece to the size of your layout, keep the spare for later. Stick down to the journal using your preferred method (I use Yes! glue as it doesn’t buckle the paper). If you overlap the page slightly you can trim the paper to fit exactly. I also pre-folded the paper down the middle, stuck down one side and then closed the book to stick down the other – it ensures the journal will still open and close without straining the join.

• Kaisercraft ‘Frosted Collection’ – Frozen [P2164]
• Yes! Paste

Using a background stamp and white pigment ink, roughly stamp sections of the image over the background paper to add a bit of texture and interest. Though StazOn is meant to be used on non-porous surfaces, it works just as well on paper.

It’s a bit hard to see, but does show up better in the pic below, and watch out for it’s effect on distress oxides later on.

• Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous cling rubber stamp: Hodgepodge [CMS490]
• StazOn Pigment: Snowflake

Using a make-up sponge and a choice of stencils and paint colours, add layered elements to the corners and outside borders to create a vignette effect.

• Tim Holtz/Stampers Anonymous Layering Mini Stencils: Set 60 [THMST060]
• DecoArt Americana acrylic paint: Blue Chiffon / Baby Blue / French Grey Blue

Next, apply white modelling/embossing paste through a stencil creating texture and contrast. Be sure to wash the stencil and palette knife before the paste dries. The paste can be dried to touch dry with a heat tool, but is best left to dry fully for a couple of hours.

• Cardio MajeMask: Mistletoe Wreath
• Dreamweaver Stencils Embossing Paste

Cut out a couple of panels from the cropped scrapbook paper using the dies. Edge the die cuts with the black pigment ink before adhering them to the page.

• Sweet Dixie Dies: Small Stitched Plaques [SDD255]
• Marianne Designs Craftables Basic Shapes [CR1390]
• StazOn Pigment: Piano Black

Mask off one of the circles on another of the mini stencils and apply distress oxide through it with a finger dabber. Dry with a heat tool and outline with a black paint pen. Add highlights with a white paint pen

• Tim Holtz / Ranger Distress Oxide: Faded Jeans
• Tim Holtz / Stampers Anonymous Layered Mini Stencils: Set 59
• Posca paint pen: black and white (PC-1MR)

For the finishing touches, stick the sentiment strip across the page and trim the edges as required. Mask and edge with more of the paint colours. (Optional: add some Stickles glitter glue or perhaps Liquid Pearls for a bit of bling.)