Welcome to today's Guest Designer, Nicola !

Today we are welcoming Nicola, otherwise known as Paper Profusion, as our Guest Designer. Nicola was chosen as the DT winner of the Christmas Preparations challenge back at the beginning of December. So, let's move on to hear from Nicola and see the fabulous project she's made for the current challenge, New Year Resolutions.

I’m Nicola a.k.a. ‘Paper Profusion’ living in Dublin, Ireland.  I’ve loved handicrafts for as long as I can remember, probably inspired by my Mum who excelled at every single crafting technique out there. From very young I was an avid knitter and always enjoyed learning crafts especially ones involving paper. I’m now medically retired however during my ‘career / good health years’ my main creative hobby was photography especially travel/wildlife related. During a time of serious illness, I became hooked on paper crafting as it gave me an outlet to a home based hobby that I could dabble in, at my own pace. I’m particularly drawn to the vintage / shabby chic genres usually adding lots of embellishments and ribbon. My favourite occasion to craft for is Christmas. Thank-you so much to the Frilly and Funkie Team for allowing me to feature as Guest Designer today.

I'm absolutely delighted to guest design for Frilly and Funkie for this challenge. My primary New Year resolution is to spend less time at the pc and smartphone and more time outdoors. Whilst the weather is not totally attractive to venture out into right now I wanted to create something that would entice me outdoors - I didn't need to look any further than Graphic 45's 'Secret Garden' papers.  I've decorated a Tim Holtz Idea-ology configurations box with aforementioned papers and included lots of diecuts and embellishments. Added a light dusting of Frantage to the papers for interest. I cut the front lock from 2 pieces of chipboard using Bigz 'Hardware Findings' die.

The box, Idea-ology box feet and lock have all been painted with gesso, then 2 coats of PaperArtsy 'Vintage Lace' paint and finally a top coat of PaperArtsy 'Metallic Glaze' to give a lovely pearlescent shimmer.


Also stencilled some Butterflies and Dragonflies around the box sides with white texture paste and sprinkled on Distress Glitter in 'Clear Rock Candy' - after all those Christmas makes I think I might have withdrawal symptoms if I didn't include some sparkle.

I'm sure you will agree that Nicola's project is absolutely gorgeous and what a fantastic New Year's Resolution ! The new challenge started yesterday so you have plenty of time to join in and with Nicola's further inspiration, I'm sure you'll be itching to get started !

Remember if you would like to join us for a Guest Designer spot all you have to do is join in !