BoBunny Does Bittersweet

I know I sound like a broken record, but I love that BoBunny's collections can be intermixed to create gorgeous layouts. The ACOT color challenge for October was to create a layout using burnt orange and burgundy, with neutrals. I immediately knew I would be reaching for papers from the Gypsy line, and Delilah offered some beautiful papers as well.

A short while ago I shared the photo used in this layout, and asked for tips on its identification. I never just let "anything go". I have a zest to learn about such things - Google is my friend. I typed in "bushes with orange berries in Wisconsin" and found a number of links. Ultimately, I learned a lot about the three types of bittersweet found here. The plant I captured on film happens to be American Bittersweet, which is actually a rare plant these days. I actually feel honored that Jesse and I found some in the wild, and glad I took a photograph.

I was totally inspired by the beauty of the Bittersweet bushes and wanted to replicate them on paper. I love the newest trend of using pearl stickers on projects. I had just happened to pick up orange ones by Queen & Co. and the Scrapbook Superstore in Madison, in anticipation of Halloween layouts. Instead, I used them to create a "berry bush" on paper.


To journal on the nesting bracket shape from Magistical Memories, I scanned in the chipboard shape, brought it into my PS document, and set text over the top of the shape. When I had it just as I wanted, I eliminated the shape image layer, and printed my text on patterned paper. Cutting it out to fit the shape. Another tip - use the pen tool to sketch a rough outline of your shape around the outside edge. After printing you will have a guideline for cutting your shape, to ensure your type is "on straight".


I felt something was needed in the corner, but wanted to be careful not to detract from the photo and "main course" of the layout. I chose a couple of stamps by BoBunny to stamp an accent in the upper corner. I used different inks to layer the branch and leaves, and then used a fine point brown marker to doodle and outline the leaves.


I love using raffia in fall layouts, and especially in this one as it picks up on the dry grasses found in the background of the photo.


Journaling: Every year we look forward to fall. We are awestruck by God’s creation as He paints the landscape in a palette of colors. As Jesse and I hike trails along the Wisconsin River I am struck by the intense color of American Bittersweet, a rare plant we had never seen before.
I capture its rarity in print, and am sweetly reminded of the rare friendship we have with Marv and Carol Knipfer. And, although the season of fall is filled with family celebrations, in 2009 the joy is clouded by the news that Marv’s cancer has returned. We know that each moment spent with Marv is a blessing, and a bittersweet gift from God.

If you would like to learn more about our journey as we walk with Marv to his earthly end, you are welcome to stop by another blog I have resurrected to share about our Monday evenings in bible study with him.

Supplies Used:Cardstock: Bazzill Kraft and burgundy orange peel, The Paper Co. (dark brown)
Papers: BoBunny Kitchen Spice Allspice, Gypsy Spice, Delilah You & Me
Alpha chipboard: BoBunny Chunky Chips in Chocolate and Clover
Acrylic Stamps: BoBunny “Sunburst” and “What Ya Got Cookin’”
Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts
Ribbon: Bo Bunny Orange Citrus Double Dot
Pearl Stickers: Queen & Co.
Glitter Medium: Ranger Distress Stickles
Paint: FolkArt Tangerine
Inks: Brick Red by Tsukineko, Colorbox Fluid Chalk Inks in brown and tan
Other: Thread, raffia