Layout - DT Project for "Make it Manly Week" at Gina's Designs

I'm calling this layout "Driven by Chaos" because the reality is that chaos and a hectic day are what I thrive on.  While I might complain about it, and how little free time I have, I've never been one to twiddle my thumbs, it drives me crazy.  In keeping with the manly or masculine theme for this week I chose to create a Heritage/Steampunk style layout.  This theme was a little bit out of my comfort zone, (OK, more than a little bit).  Yikes!....No flowers!,  but I really enjoyed the challenge.  Once I began looking through my gorgeous chippies, the project came together easily.  I'm really happy with the end result.  I think this would make a great gift for the man in your life when mounted inside of a 12 x 12 shadowbox frame under glass.

I used a variety of techniques on this layout.  The vintage photo came from a free collage sheet I'd downloaded.  I printed it out then cut it into four strips and mounted the strips on a mat.  I think it gave the photo a little more interest.  The chipboard pieces were colored using different techniques.  The hot air balloon was colored with gelatos, I punched holes in the bottom section of the balloon with my cropodile and connected it to the top section with jump rings.  The antique car was embossed with stampendous shabby black embossing powder. The clock faces were inked with Prima chalk inks in various shades.  The hinges were given a rusty look with Tim Holtz distress embossing powders in vintage photo and antique linen.  The clock hands were embossed in copper.  The antique bike was inked in black and trimmed with a little gold rub n buff.  I really enjoyed incorporating all the collage elements with the chipboard pieces.  I hope you like it and that I've inspired you to try something different.. 

To see  more "Make it Manly Week" projects, visit Gina's Designs new blog on blogspot!

Gina's Designs Products used:

Hot Air Balloon from Steampunk Shape Set

Faux Typewriter Keys (in gold color)

Antique Car from Guy Thing Shape Set

Skeleton Clocks (sets of different sizes)

Hinges Shape Set

Gears from Gears Shape Set

Antique Bicycle from Guy Thing Shape Set