Aunt Vibes and Sunbursts

This layout started out as something I wanted to keep simple. Those more I got into creating it kept evolving into something not quite so simple. I am completely in love with where this page took me, so much so I have a shadow box ordered so i have display it. My niece and I are very close, and this page turned out perfect to showcase that.

The color palate for this page never changed, however i had planned on simply using this amazing 12×12 Sunburst Stencil from Redefined Kreative, and to Ombré these colors leaving the Cougar White paper to come through as well. The more I looked at this sitting on my desk, I got the grand idea to ink and entire sheet of the cougar white paper in each color, using the stencil as a template, and cut the rays apart and alternate them.
Using my Life Changing Brushes, and my Oxide Ink, attached to my STAY-tion, I ink the Couger White Cardstock. I didn’t overload the ink, I like the marbled look it created, but feel free to layer that color on. I used Chipped Sapphire, Worn Lipstick, and Broken China Oxide Inks.
I left the inks to dry for awhile, Please be careful to keep your workspace dry, the oxide ink, even dry, will react to water or any kind of moisture.
I flipped over each sheet of the inked paper, and using the Starburst Stencil made pencil marks, and using a trimmer, cut at the pencil line, creating the “rays”.
I laid out each “ray” to make sure I liked it, but also to make sure i had enough of them and did need to create more. Then collected them in that order. Placing the photos where I wanted them, Using a pencil to mark where I wanted the center of those “rays” to be. I used Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive.
Around and Around I went, alternating the colors, trying to keep all the rays centered at the same spot. After I had all the rays glued on, I waited for the glue to completely dry before trimming off any excess paper. Cutting before its dry, can cause the paper to tear.

While waiting for the glue to dry, I pulled out my photos. Using Curious Metallic Poison Ivory cardstock and Classic Crest Ivory Cardstock, I started to layer my photos. I had a good bit of extra inked paper, and thought that I would use those to add a bit of color in between the ivory papers.
After trimming off all the excess paper, I pulled out a Stencil from Scrapbook.com Dandelion, and using just a clean dauber and water, I removed some of the color of the oxides, leaving a watercolor appearance, design of the stencil.
First thing I did was add my photos. I used just a normal adhesive on the left one, and Foam adhesive to add the second picture, overlapping. Now stash diving for all the embellishments that match the color scheme.

I pulled out ColorCast Design title and hearts, Cocoa Vanilla Fussy Cut Butterflies, Prima Flowers that started the color scheme, and some flair from ScrappinHappy Studio. I also used some half pearls, clear bubbles, and sequins form SpiegelMom Scraps.
I used the pearls and sequins to pop out of the photos like a burst… popped in Flair from the Aunt Collection. Used foam tape on some flowers, and the flair. Took a step back and fell in love.
I hope this inspires you to use your stencils in a nontraditional way. And that you found some fun inspiration. Please leave comment, questions, or share your projects!
Happy Crafting!
Melly Art

Oh wow!!! This turned out absolutely amazing!! Your step by step process is very well written & easy to follow. Beautiful Melly!!!!
Thank you 😘♥️