Mintay Childhood Paper Range - fussy cutting and page layout.

Many of you know me as all about mixed media especially as most of my classes that I teach at Craft on the Run have lots of different mediums. However one of my other loves, is Mintay papers. It gives me a chance to relax and do some fussy cutting as well as create layouts that have depth and interest.

One of the challenges when using very busy paper is doing a layout where you can still see the lovely features of the paper as well.

I have used the following papers of the beautiful Childhood Range. I used 4 pieces of paper - 2 x 02 (tree house page), 1 x 06 (multiple 3 x 4 in elements page) and 1 x fussy cut elements page. You will need 3 - 3x4 photos (may need to trim to fit photos mats).

I have set out instructions below however you can refer to the main finished layout to check positioning when you start to put together.

Start by turning over your treehouse pages to the B side - this will be your base layout. Cut the middle out leaving a 1.5 cm border. Put the middle cut out aside to use later.

Trim the second treehouse page approximately 1 cm across the top and down on side. I used the general guide for the top so that the top of the balloon is on the edge.

Adhere the smaller treehouse page to the frame with the B side (yellow side). I have distressed all of my edges first but it is up to you. Put aside.

Cut out 3 photo mats from the photo mat page. I have chosen 3 that had a yellow edge but it doesn't matter which ones you choose. Put rest of the page aside. You wont need to use it again for this layout.

Fussy cut from the left over middle insert of the treehouse page. Cut out the top of the treehouse (roof), the right side smaller treehouse house with the yellow teddy, ball an, boots etc. kite, tyre swing, b&w racoon in the red cart and flowers attached.

You will find that because you have trimmed the edges on the top and right hand side, your fussy cut pieces will be missing a bit on the edge. Don't worry - it will be ok. Distress pieces.

From the elements page, cut a spray of flowers with leaves and one of the banners. you can cut more and add in when you are finishing. Up to you how many extra elements you want to add.

Once you have trimmed, distressed edges, you are ready to put your layout together.

Start by adding your 3 photo mats across the centre of the page. I have mounted on a small piece of foam tape in the middle so that I have add other elements behind. These photo mats will help position all of the other pieces. I have them approx. 10.5 cm from the top of the layout (yelllow edge included) and approx. 3.5 cm from the left hand side and a .50 cm between each piece. In the end, you want to try and get them about equal from the left and right hand edge.

Once you have adhered, slip the top of your tree house roof behind the top of the photo mats. It will sit higher than the roof on your layout so that you can see the top. This is an easy way of being able to still show features of the busy paper when you add photos. Mount with foam tape. Add all of the other pieces in and around the photo mats. Because you will have some edges trimmed smaller than the main piece behind, make sure you line them up so that they still sit directly on top of the pictures underneath. The kite will be missing the top edge, but put it under the photo mat to hide. This will be the same for the racoon. You will use the extra flower spray to put on top and hide the straight edge.

Finally add words or journaling on the layout. I have put mine at he top but there is plenty of room to add words, titles etc.

I hope you enjoy and if you would you would like a layout with the left over pieces, let me know.