This is new owner, Jennifer Chau's, first kit for Label Tulip.  And do you know?  That place is growing by leaps and bounds!  Tons of new subscribers.  It's really exciting!  Here's what I made:

This month's challenge was to write a letter to your eighteen-year-old self and use a photo of you at eighteen.  It was the Fall of 1995 and I was a Sophomore in college…

AtEighteen-sm

I've been in a kind of collage-y state of mind.  Probably because I'm in a use up my scraps kind of mental space.  I used a collection of scraps, rub-ons, ink, and journaling cards to create the collage background for this layout.  To keep it from looking too messy, I tried to keep everything in a strict color scheme.  The ink and the rub-ons really help to blend all the miscellaneous papers.  I stitched around the perimeter of the layout to create a frame for the layout, which I think helps unify things.  To keep the layout from feeling too Christmas-y (red and green color scheme, after all), I used a bright blue background.  I tried a color photo, but it was too busy (because the layout is
very busy).  A black and white photograph helps to focus the eye and
creates some clarity.

Circles will always be my number one obsession, but paper ruffles (see the detail photo below) are quickly becoming number 2.  They're such an easy way to add texture to your page without a lot of bulk.

AtEighteenDetail2-sm

The glittery red chipboard letters were painted with Crackle Paint (see the detail below).  Once the
paint dried, I painted them with clear nail polish to seal everything.
The nail polish diminishes the cracks slightly as well.

AtEighteenDetail-sm

And that cool crocheted butterfly is this month's "Etsy Extra."  Isn't that fun?

This next layout is a real change for me.  Just super simple:

DayDuskDark-sm 

I wanted to make sure that the focus was on the photos, and since they’re very busy, I wanted to give them room to breathe.  So, I left a lot of white space and kept the rest of the layout super clean.  The circles are meant to feel like they’re drifting across the layout.  It’s my own little metaphorical version of time passing – almost like clouds drifting across the sky.

DayDuskDarkDetail-sm

Even though I own a thousand circle punches, I had to hand cut the circles and make them a bit wonky.  I just like the look so much!

And now (gasp) it's a two-page layout!  Seriously, what is wrong with me?  You know, I just loved these photos so much and I couldn't bear to cut them down.  So, two-pages it is!

HavingABall-sm 

I didn’t want the layout to be perfectly symmetrical.  I wanted there to be movement and a sense of kooky fun.  So, I made the curve of the banner irregular.  I placed more circles on the right side than the left.  The title is off center.  The layers of ruffles are off center and the blue ruffle pushes them even more “off.”  Finally, the background is made up of uneven strips.

To create the paper ruffles, I punched leftover scraps of paper and then folded them back and forth and stitched them into place.

HavingABallDetail-sm

I used foam adhesive to separate the layers of hand cut circles (see the detail below).

HavingABallDetail2-sm

So, I managed to get in both circles and ruffles!  Both obsessions together forever!

This layout I *love* and adore!  I whipped out my favorite vinyl stickers and went to town…

JustALittleSurprise-sm 

Part of the blue cardstock was crumpled, so I cut it off and replaced it with the yellow cardstock on the left.  I decided to use masking tape to put the two pieces together.  But, I didn’t like the bright white of the cardstock, so I used a bit of brown ink to knock the white color back.  The background is a mixture of spray ink, watercolor, and gesso that I applied through a stencil.

Before the Prima design team, I don't think I would have had the courage to do this next bit.  But one of the many things I've learned over the past few months is that pretty flowers aren't sacred.  The Prima flower was too large for what I wanted to do, so I pulled it apart and built my own new half flower.  To keep it all together (and adhere the center parts) I used glitter glue.

Here are a few detail photos (love that Fiskars punch that made that border, btw):

JustALittleSurpriseDetail-sm

I buy my vinyl stickers from Staples.  And they just look *so* great:

JustALittleSurpriseDetail2-sm 

So, that's it.  Another great kit!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Her artwork investigates the interplay of identity and perception, inviting viewers to take a longer look. Julie works in layers, both physically and metaphorically, exploring what is visible and what is concealed. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops and her online classroom at MyArtPractice.com. Julie's achievements include high-profile clients, multiple publications - including her book, “Carve Stamp Play” - and exhibits in New York City and throughout Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Brown University.

48 thoughts on “Label Tulip: September 2009

  • Okay I am going directly over to Staples to buy some of those vinyl letters – they are the COOLEST!!! I love all the movement in your work Julie – I especially love the circles floating across the Day Dusk Dark layout – awesome!

    Reply
  • Okay I am going directly over to Staples to buy some of those vinyl letters – they are the COOLEST!!! I love all the movement in your work Julie – I especially love the circles floating across the Day Dusk Dark layout – awesome!

    Reply
  • Okay I am going directly over to Staples to buy some of those vinyl letters – they are the COOLEST!!! I love all the movement in your work Julie – I especially love the circles floating across the Day Dusk Dark layout – awesome!

    Reply
  • Okay I am going directly over to Staples to buy some of those vinyl letters – they are the COOLEST!!! I love all the movement in your work Julie – I especially love the circles floating across the Day Dusk Dark layout – awesome!

    Reply
  • woowsers- so so so love them! Esp. the last one!

    Reply
  • woowsers- so so so love them! Esp. the last one!

    Reply
  • woowsers- so so so love them! Esp. the last one!

    Reply
  • woowsers- so so so love them! Esp. the last one!

    Reply
  • Love the vinyl lettering, wish we had them here!! Love how your work is evolving, can so relate, and love the amazing stories your work and photos are telling. Adore what you have created with the kit

    Reply
  • Love the vinyl lettering, wish we had them here!! Love how your work is evolving, can so relate, and love the amazing stories your work and photos are telling. Adore what you have created with the kit

    Reply
  • Love the vinyl lettering, wish we had them here!! Love how your work is evolving, can so relate, and love the amazing stories your work and photos are telling. Adore what you have created with the kit

    Reply
  • Love the vinyl lettering, wish we had them here!! Love how your work is evolving, can so relate, and love the amazing stories your work and photos are telling. Adore what you have created with the kit

    Reply
  • I’m totally in love with your first lo…
    Love how you used the crackle paint on those glittery letters! I will use that technic that’s for sure!! I really like the way you displayed everything…And the sewing!Wow!! Beautiful!!!

    Reply
  • I’m totally in love with your first lo…
    Love how you used the crackle paint on those glittery letters! I will use that technic that’s for sure!! I really like the way you displayed everything…And the sewing!Wow!! Beautiful!!!

    Reply
  • I’m totally in love with your first lo…
    Love how you used the crackle paint on those glittery letters! I will use that technic that’s for sure!! I really like the way you displayed everything…And the sewing!Wow!! Beautiful!!!

    Reply
  • I’m totally in love with your first lo…
    Love how you used the crackle paint on those glittery letters! I will use that technic that’s for sure!! I really like the way you displayed everything…And the sewing!Wow!! Beautiful!!!

    Reply
  • Love your layouts, Julie! The color and textures in ” at eighteen” are awesome!

    Reply
  • Love your layouts, Julie! The color and textures in ” at eighteen” are awesome!

    Reply
  • Love your layouts, Julie! The color and textures in ” at eighteen” are awesome!

    Reply
  • Love your layouts, Julie! The color and textures in ” at eighteen” are awesome!

    Reply
  • Super work with the kit this month…love everything!

    Reply
  • Super work with the kit this month…love everything!

    Reply
  • Super work with the kit this month…love everything!

    Reply
  • Super work with the kit this month…love everything!

    Reply
  • I just love your layouts!! Those paper ruffles really are awesome!!!

    Reply
  • I just love your layouts!! Those paper ruffles really are awesome!!!

    Reply
  • I just love your layouts!! Those paper ruffles really are awesome!!!

    Reply
  • I just love your layouts!! Those paper ruffles really are awesome!!!

    Reply
  • WoW! Your layouts are amazing! I love the paper ruffles technique! It adds so much!
    I cannot wait to receive my first kit for this month!!!
    TFS :*)
    ~ margie

    Reply
  • WoW! Your layouts are amazing! I love the paper ruffles technique! It adds so much!
    I cannot wait to receive my first kit for this month!!!
    TFS :*)
    ~ margie

    Reply
  • WoW! Your layouts are amazing! I love the paper ruffles technique! It adds so much!
    I cannot wait to receive my first kit for this month!!!
    TFS :*)
    ~ margie

    Reply
  • WoW! Your layouts are amazing! I love the paper ruffles technique! It adds so much!
    I cannot wait to receive my first kit for this month!!!
    TFS :*)
    ~ margie

    Reply
  • Your posts continue to motivate me. I just checked out the Tulip website. Awesome. Thank you!!

    Reply
  • Your posts continue to motivate me. I just checked out the Tulip website. Awesome. Thank you!!

    Reply
  • Your posts continue to motivate me. I just checked out the Tulip website. Awesome. Thank you!!

    Reply
  • Your posts continue to motivate me. I just checked out the Tulip website. Awesome. Thank you!!

    Reply
  • I ordered the kit this month for the first time. I HAD to have it! I really like how the ball LO came out…it screams FUN. I’m wondering if I can do the ruffle thing without stitching? I’m not so sure that it will look “complete”.

    Reply
  • I ordered the kit this month for the first time. I HAD to have it! I really like how the ball LO came out…it screams FUN. I’m wondering if I can do the ruffle thing without stitching? I’m not so sure that it will look “complete”.

    Reply
  • I ordered the kit this month for the first time. I HAD to have it! I really like how the ball LO came out…it screams FUN. I’m wondering if I can do the ruffle thing without stitching? I’m not so sure that it will look “complete”.

    Reply
  • I ordered the kit this month for the first time. I HAD to have it! I really like how the ball LO came out…it screams FUN. I’m wondering if I can do the ruffle thing without stitching? I’m not so sure that it will look “complete”.

    Reply
  • I love the prompt to write a letter to your 18 year old self…if I get the time tomorrow, I want to do this. Really cool. It’s funny because I’m in that college state of mind as of late as well. Love your stuff Julie, haven’t really had the time lately to post as many comments as I would like, but hope to change that. Know that I’m reading. =)
    Jen

    Reply
  • I love the prompt to write a letter to your 18 year old self…if I get the time tomorrow, I want to do this. Really cool. It’s funny because I’m in that college state of mind as of late as well. Love your stuff Julie, haven’t really had the time lately to post as many comments as I would like, but hope to change that. Know that I’m reading. =)
    Jen

    Reply
  • I love the prompt to write a letter to your 18 year old self…if I get the time tomorrow, I want to do this. Really cool. It’s funny because I’m in that college state of mind as of late as well. Love your stuff Julie, haven’t really had the time lately to post as many comments as I would like, but hope to change that. Know that I’m reading. =)
    Jen

    Reply
  • I love the prompt to write a letter to your 18 year old self…if I get the time tomorrow, I want to do this. Really cool. It’s funny because I’m in that college state of mind as of late as well. Love your stuff Julie, haven’t really had the time lately to post as many comments as I would like, but hope to change that. Know that I’m reading. =)
    Jen

    Reply

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