Papered Memories - My Scrappy Blog

Shabby Tag Album

2012-01-09T18:00:00.003Z

I found a tag album in my stash that must have been there 2yrs or more so, as I had some free time, I altered it using Melissa Frances papers from a kit bought on Etsy and lots of embossing powder!!

This is my favourite page from the album. I painted the chipboard frame and heat embossed it with glitter embossing power. The tag behind the frame was also in the Etsy kit.

On this page I simply layered up the papers and heat embossed 2 hearts on the bottom.

It's quite hard to see on the embossing on this page. I used clear powder and a swirl stamp. The flowers on this page are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

I tied some household string around 2 cream roses and adhered them to the glittered frame.

The stamp I used here is from Waltzingmouse Stamps and the set is called Rescue Remedies. The embossing powder I used on this appears clear but when you heat it, it turns a pale pearl purple in the light, love it!! I cut it out using Labels 4 Nestabilities and layered it onto kraft card.

I am entering my album into the following challenges -
Play Date Cafe - Colour Inspiration

Make it Monday - always Anything Goes

The Crazy Challenge - Lace and /or Pearls

Truly Madly Crafty Challenges - Anythingv Goes

The Shabby Tea Room - Photo Inspiration

Scrappy Frogs - (January) Lace

Ribbon Challenge - Christmas Mini Album & Tag

2012-01-04T19:00:00.003Z

I recently participated in one of Crafty Ribbons challenges - whereby I chose 5 of my favourite Christmas ribbons, they sent them to me and I made some projects with them.

It was SO hard to choose favourites from them but in the end I went with a selection of reds/creams/browns... and of course some snowmen ;)

And here is what I came up with....

I also made a milk carton treat box .. I don't think it photo'd very well though.. and I'm not sure about the colours.. it's a bit dowdy, lol! We're our own best critics, eh?!

Regardless of the fact that I'm not happy with one item I did have a blast making them and I even managed to keep a little ribbon aside for other projects ;)

Hope you like!!

Sandie

Christmas Tags

2011-12-18T09:00:00.002Z

I have been having so much fun with Waltzingmouse Stamps new stamp sets. I love to do something different when I wrap gifts for my family so I made loads of tags - some to tie to gifts and some to give to my family so they can use on their gifts - yes, I made LOADS!!!

I also sold loads of these through Facebook and I do hope the recipients enjoyed them!

Sandie

Some recent makes....

2011-10-09T23:55:00.000+01:00

A Baby Girl Album which sold within 12hrs of listing it on my Etsy. I was well pleased that someone liked it enough to buy it.

A Tag I made for Whiff of Joy

A card I made for the Sketches4Cards App.

My 'go to' Gift Box. Perfect for any occasion :)

Mother's Day card... I'm ready!! lol.

A Notelette Box

And finally...

A Birthday Gift Set. Love this one!!!

An Siopa Bui - Class Layout

2011-02-04T11:10:00.001Z

Hi! Well I finally got around to taking pics of a double layout from my class at An Siopa Bui in Galway last Sunday. The sky is pretty dismal so my pics are a little bit dark..

The papers are from K&Co's Jubilee collection, as are all the chipboard embellishments. The trim and pins are also available at An Siopa Bui.

A few close ups...

I've just made a mini album using these papers are they are divine!! You can have a peek at it on my Esty store {if you can call having one item a store, lol. }

Have a wonderful day

Sandie

xxx

Snowball Fight and S2S New Release

2011-01-31T19:22:00.000Z

Hi eveyone. Just a quick note to let you know that the second Sketches2Scrapbook app is now on sale @ the iTunes store. Here is a layout I made for the app..

The Original release, which has 104 wonderful sketches, is on sale for the next few days at $2.99 to celebrate the launch of the Winter app. So grab it quick!

Papers: Bo Bunny "Snowy Serenade"

Title: American Craft Thickers

Snowflakes: Nestabilities Dies, Vellum & Frosted Lace Stickles

Tools: Sewing Machine, printer, Cuttlebug, Nestabilities

Flossed buttons from stash.

Thanks for dropping by. Have a great day

Sandie

xXx

Twisted Sketches #85 - This Boy..

2011-01-21T10:30:00.001Z

Hi!! I'm posting a little later than usual as the Twisted Sketches blog couldn't be updated because of internet issues. It's all fixed up now so here is my layout for Sketch #85. The twist for this week it White, however you want to interpret it :)

I've been trying to use up a box of photos that I had printed about 2yrs ago and should have finished scrapping by now, lol. This picture is my li'l man aged almost 4yrs old. I can't believe how much older he looks now, only 3yrs later. *sigh* He's growing up so fast.

I started out with a sheet of light blue bazzil cardstock and spritzed it with 'Dragonfly' glimmermist. I added a white doily and then layered up the photo, flossed buttons, tag {which I made from Kraft card} and title.. and THEN decided to spritz the doily... so now I have a very blue shimmery hand from holding it over the photo while I spritzed to my heart's content, lol.

The current design team term is coming to an end, so watch out on the Twisted Sketches blog later for the reveal of the new DT.

Have a great day

Sandie

Blackpool Beach

2011-01-14T16:00:00.000Z

As promised I'm back again with another layout I made for the Sketches2Scrapbook iTunes App. This time it's a double layout.

The pictures were taken last year on Blackpool Beach. It started out as a really dull day, same as it had been all week, but about an hour after we got to Blackpool the sun came out and almost scorched us to death!! Of course we were not prepared for the turn in the weather so the kids ended up going into the water in their underwear... ehhh.. no one knew us so we didn't mind :D

I even brought home some shells and used them on the layout -

Thanks for popping in! Have a great day

Sandie

xXx

My contributions to Sketches2Scrapbook

2011-01-09T18:00:00.002Z

Yay!! I can finally share some layouts that I made for the Sketches2Scrapbook iTunes App, which is the brainchild of the wonderfully talented crafter and sketch artist, Anam Stubbington. I am truly honoured to have been a part of this venture.

For obvious reasons which I'm sure you understand, I can't share the sketches but here are a couple of the layouts.

You can check out all the details for the App on the Sketches2Scrapbook website.

Back later with another layout... .

Have a wonderful Sunday

Sandie

xXx

Twisted Sketches #83 - Photo Shoot!! & a DT Call

2011-01-05T14:30:00.014Z

woah, I seriously had to blow the dust off of my blog this morning, lol. Can you believe it's been so long since I posted here. December proved to be a very busy month for me but hopefully things will settle back down once the kids return to school next Monday. They got such a long break.

Before I get to my layout I wanted to let you all know that Twisted Sketches has a DT Call running until Saturday 15th January 2011 (midnight MST). If you fancy creating your layouts to wonderfully inspirational sketches then check out all the deets HERE.

This week's Twisted Sketch has just been posted. The twist on this sketch is 'time', interpret as you please :)

My daughter is very camera shy, as you can see by these photographs. She just abhors having her photo taken.... Ok, so that was said totally tongue in cheek.. the girl LIVES for the camera and I can depend on her to give me pose after pose... sheesh!!

My title is made up from both Thickers and Pink Paislee Expressions foam alphas. The majority of the backround papers are from the Websters Pages prize I won on Cardz n Scrapz in December. I am just loving the clean white backgrounds lately :D

I have added a cute little clock charm to bring the "Time" twist into my layout.

Beautiful Prima & Wild Orchid Crafts flowers with a crystal topped pin and some organza ribbon to embellish and I'm pretty happy with this one.

Please do check out my teamies' layouts on the Twisted Sketches blog and leave them a little love on their personal blogs :)

Have a great day

Sandie

xXx

Twisted Sketches #79

2010-12-08T16:54:00.001Z

Hi everyone!! Twisted Sketches #79 has just gone live on the blog. The twist for this sketch is 'Write' - however you want to interpret it :)

I've got a little bit of scrapper's block going on and am not entirely happy with my layout but it is what it is, right?!

This is a photo of my husband and my daughter taking a nap on the couch. Sprawled out on his chest was her favourite place to nap, lol, and of course he took each opportunity to catch some shuteye himself :)

My papers are from Prima and I made the tags from a 6x6 sheet of Annalee. I punched a hole in each tag, put some ribbon through and tied it off with pink floss. I spritzed the white card with Dragonfly glimmermist and sat patiently with a capuccino while it dried, lol.

The lace, pearls, chipboard button and chipboard letters that I used for the titles are from my stash.

Thanks for popping in today. Don't forget to check out my teamies' layouts and leave them a little love, they work so hard to create inspirational layouts for you xx

Sandie

xXx

Cardz n Scrapz Challenge

2010-12-03T18:06:00.000Z

On Friday my SIL text me to say that she would pick my kiddos up from school and bring them to hers to play with her kids.. yay!!.. So knowing I didn't have to rush around all afternoon I got down to playing with my craft supplies. Cardz n Scrapz were having a challenge on their forum and the challenge was to use

Distressing
Paper Pleating
Lace

I actually made 3 entries - because the prize was WEBSTERS!! Fabulous, wonderful Websters Pages.. *happy sigh*

I first made this card...

Then I altered the box that my watch/bracelet set came in..

and finally I made a layout using Pink Paislee's Father Christmas papers.. love 'em!!

a close up of the lace, paper pleating and distressing....

**I'm thrilled to say that I won second place and I caught up on some scrapping - happy days :) **

Thanks for looking
Have a great day
Sandie
xXx

Twisted Sketches # 77

2010-11-24T17:30:00.000Z

Hi everyone!! Woah, seems like the only layouts I'm getting to finish lately are my Twisted Sketches DT layouts. I have just been so busy what with hubby gone nearly every day and commissioned work. I hope to have more layouts to share very soon {if my photographs ever arrive!!!}

Anyway, this week's sketch has just gone up on the blog. The twist is Family and you can use it whatever way you like :) The photographs on my layout are from my mum and dad's wedding. The main photograph is the main Family shot, it's sad to see how many are no longer with us, but great to have this photograph as a momento.

I started out with a 12x12 sheet of kraft & 2 photos.. lol.. bit by bit the layout came together for me. The Basic Grey Capella was just perfect matted with the blue card. I knew it needed some green but too much green drowned out the photographs, so I settled on using just a green border and some foliage. The huge swirl is from a 12x12 chipboard sheet by Rusty Pickle, there were actually 2 sheets in the pack :D

I was at a crop on Sunday and Annamarie had this laced up effect on the class layout so I 'borrowed' her idea.. in fact I 'borrowed' her bakers twine too, lol. Thanks Annamarie!!

In case you miss the idea behind the pink Prima flower - it matches the colour in my mum's bouquet ;)

Want to see what my teamies have done??... well be sure to visit the Twisted Sketches blog as these awesome ladies have rocked the sketch!! oh.. don't forget to leave a little love too ;)

Just one more thing - This week saw the release of Anam's fabulous Sketches2Scrapbook iPhone/iPad/iPod touch app.. 104 sketches with samples & product lists for you to scap on the go!! Inspiration at your fingertips :) Interested?? DETAILS ARE HERE!!

Have a wonderful day

Sandie

xXx

Twisted Sketches #75 - Fun Days

2010-11-10T20:43:00.000Z

I'm back with another sketch from Twisted Sketches - Sketch #75. The twist is circles and you can interpret that anyway you want :)

These photographs were taken about 3yrs ago in the play centre in town. I can't believe how time flies as now he's too old to use that section - however he's now moved on to the BIG slides.. eeek!!

A few close-ups.....

Be sure to hop over to the Twisted Sketches blog to see the fabby sketch this week.

Happy crafting

Sandie

xXx

Featured Designer for My Little Sketch Blook

2010-11-07T22:33:00.000Z

Hi! Today I am sharing a layout I made for Liz Qualman of My Little Sketch Blook. This is the 3rd layout I've done for Liz but today I am featured designer so you get to learn a little bit about me too.

I just L-O-V-E Liz's sketches, they are full of detail and such a joy to work with. I never, ever, ever mess with the sketch - I like to follow it closely.

I used my Webster's Pages again, I'm finally getting over my issues about covering up any of these wonderful papers.

Here are a few close-ups of the sketch elements.

My little man has a thing about hats, in fact just tonight I got another photo of him wearing his sister's new hat.. too funny!! I will share when I download to the laptop.

I do hope you enjoyed your visit to my blog today, thanks for popping in. Be sure to check out Liz's blog and the other guests' take on the sketch.

Sandie

xXx

Twisted Sketches #73

2010-10-27T21:34:00.000+01:00

Hi!! I have another layout to show today, based on Twisted Sketches sketch #73. The twist is Black and you can intrepret that anyway you please.

This photograph was taken on my daughter's 2nd birthday. We had cleared up a little and when we turned around her brother was helping himself to her cake. Of course she didn't mind then - just let him try it now that she's nearly 5yrs old, lol!! It was starting to get a little dusky outside so the photo is quite dark, but definitely a scrapable one nonetheless.

I mounted the photo on black coredinations, then distressed the edges with my scissors. My patterned papers are a mix of Basic Grey Oh Baby Boy, Basic Grey Fruitcake and Jenni Bowlin. I used loads of yummy prima flowers and some pearl swirls, also Prima. The smaller roses are Wild Orchid Crafts. I made the title from fabric thickers and added some pearls to finish off.

Please do take a minute to visit my teamies' blogs, they have created some wonderful takes on the sketch.

I hope to be back tomorrow with a layout created from Kirsty Wiseman's weekly sketch.

Sandie

xXx

Prima Product Pick-October

2010-10-22T15:21:00.000+01:00

October's PPP is FILLED with delightfully spooky products which are perfect for your Halloween (and fall) projects!

Just look a the gorgeous flowers offered in purples, oranges and black...the whimsical chandelier-patterned Little Boo paper...smoky black E-Line pearls and alphas, creepy, crawling vines, and sparkly orange Sultan centers!

Prima has a wide variety of perfectly coordinating embellishments to go on your next project! Make sure to check these out for all your crafting needs.

For a chance to win some of these products:

1. Simply repost this blog post on your blog, facebook wall or other site (please follow TOU for sites.)

2. Then link your post back right here in the comments section. We will pick a winner the first week of November from the linked comments!

............................................................................................................................................

Cari rocks these pumpkins with gorgeous Prima flowers in purple (543334), orange (543310) and black! Just think of the possibilities using our Picks this month!

Birgit shows off a few of our orange-colored products (543327) on her adorable layout! See how the orange flowers pop on the page?

Cari uses the Little Boo paper line for a PERFECT Halloween layout filled with tricks and treats (860172, 860189)!

Jamie D tucks a few fall-colored flowers (543327, SA-018-ND-0125) in on her amazing wall-hanging!

Sultan centers (535087) add the perfect amount of color and sparkle to this altered mirror by Birgit!

Altering fashion accessories is oh-so-simple with Prima's flowers (543334)! Hair combs by Cari.

Janine adds purples and oranges (543327) to a layout about her sweet little girl! It just shows how VERSATILE Prima's products really are!

Twisted Sketches - #71

2010-10-13T16:46:00.000+01:00

Hi all!! Today I'd like to share my DT layout for Twisted Sketches - Sketch #71. The twist is Hole so I cut out the circle in the blue backing paper rather than adding a circle of the spaceship patterned paper on top.. I also used my MS 2Dot punch, so loads of holes, lol.

I found these discontinued Basic Grey 'Oh Baby Boy' papers at the Athlone Extravaganza and couldn't believe my luck. I just love them and am so sorry I didn't get more... although @ €1.20 a sheet it was a bit pricey for older collections. The new collections cost less, lol.

The photograph of my son is a few years old now.. he was always obsessed with sunglasses and hats.

I made the title from Pink Paislee chipboard alphas from the Fascinating range. I plan to use the yellow circle at the top right of the photo as a journalling spot - I need to find the date the photograph was taken first.

Tonight is Kirsty's online crop night, check out the Facebook group for details!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sandie

xXx

Kirsty's Wednesday Night Cybercrop

2010-10-12T11:20:00.000+01:00

Oh the shameful neglect!! I can't believe it's been nearly 2 weeks since I updated. I've been beavering away - making, making, making - honestly!!

I didn't get to play along with Kirsty's cybercrop last week but I did do it the previous week. We had a sketch and list of ingredients, as always, and you could use on or the other - OR BOTH!

I am just loving Webster's Pages, even though I find using them so traumatic as I have to cover some of them up, lol!! The photos are of my beautiful Princess having a very rare tantrum at 1yr old - of course now that she's 4 {almost 5} they are not so rare.. hmm!!! I can't really complain about her, she's really very good and such a sweet, loving child .. she just gets this Diva personality thing going on once in a while ;)

Well I will be back tomorrow with my Twisted Sketches DT layout, another fabby sketch that I had fun using!!

Don't forget Kirsty's Cybercrop will be starting at 8pm tomorrow night on her blog and Ustream!! See ya there.

Have a great Tuesday and don't work too hard ;)

Sandie

xXx

Twisted Sketches - #069

2010-10-01T12:54:00.001+01:00

Hands ups who's having trouble with Blogger??? Wave them high so I can see them !! arrrggghhh!! It's taken me nearly 2hrs to get my photo to upload, and that was only after about 10 attempts. .. *deep breaths!!*

Anyhoo... Twisted Sketches time!! This week is Sketch #69 and it's a great one :) The twist is Flowers.

I just love the photographs on this layout. I have so taken so many of them while out walking in Charleville Castle grounds. Of course the kids always ended up being carried even though we didn't actually go that far!

This is my first layout using Craft as the background and I like it!! Granted I would have stamped some cool background on it but that kinda defeated the purpose of using it, lol. My patterened papers are Pink Paislee and MME and as always, they've been inked with distress inks.

The chipboard scroll is from a 12x12 set of diecuts that I bought about 2yrs ago and only recently found again *rolls eyes*. I painted it with white acrylic paint and then clear embossed it.

All the little flowers are primas and I've added buttons {my favourite embellies for boy layouts}, which have been threaded with scrappers floss, to the centres.

Be sure to hop over to the Twisted Sketches blog to see what my wonderful teamies have created - you won't be disappointed!!

Have a great day and a fantastic weekend!

Sandie

xXx

Twisted Sketches - #67

2010-09-15T17:45:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone! I almost missed this Twisted Sketches challenge, I got totally mixed up with the weeks - don't know where my head was at, lol. Thankfully the grey matter kicked in on Monday and I realised my mistake.

So I got to work on Sketch #67 and this is what I came up with...

The twist for this challenge is Button so I added loads of them, all threaded with scrappers floss.

My papers are all from the Brook collection by Crate Paper. They've been inked with Brushed Cordoroy distress ink. The title is made up from Thickers, a TH adage ticket and one of the element stickers that co-ordinate with the papers. I also used some of the die-cuts from the pack to embellish. Love these papers, they are so perfect for most of the boy photographs I have.

Be sure to check out my wonderfully talented teamies' blogs and leave them a little love. They are truly inspiring!

Well that's it from me for today, I will be back tomorrow (hopefully) with the finished product from Kirsty's online crop tonight!!

Sandie

xXx

Online Crop #2 .. fun, fun, fun!

2010-09-09T10:00:00.000+01:00

Kirsty was kind enough to treat us to another online crop last night.. only this time she used ustream so that we could see her working and of course give her all sorts of abuse - which we did, lol. It was so much fun that I took twice as long to get my layout done and almost didn't get finished on time!!

Anyway, we had a sketch and/or a list of ingredients to follow. There was also a free downloadable frame by Kirsty for anyone who wanted to use it.

I followed the sketch ...

(this is last night's pic - I will replace it with a better pic when I get my camera batteries back.. grrr!!)

My papers are Basick Grey and they've been ripped and distressed. The smallest layer is part of a K & Company chipboard book. I cut one of the pages and covered it with the insert from the pack. The title is made up from BG alpha stickers(pink) and Doodlebug flocked stickers(black).

The cute witch stamp and stars are Waltzing Mouse. I use these stamps so much I'm beginning to wonder how I ever made anything before buying them, lol.

I will enter this layout into the Simon Says Stamp -tember blog hop - They are asking for HOLIDAY FUN themed creations (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas) - mine of course is Halloween :)

Oh, just a quick reminder that the new Twisted Sketches sketch will be posted later on today, be sure to check it out!!

Have a wonderful day!

Sandie

xXx

Kirsty's Cyber Crop

2010-09-02T11:30:00.003+01:00

Kirsty Wiseman hosted a cyber crop last night and I got to play along. There was a sketch and a list of ingredients to work from and we had 2hrs to complete the layout. Well of course my kiddos don't go to bed until 8.30 so it was 8.45ish when I got to start, leaving me with 1hr 15mins..

and this is what I made..

List of ingredients:

a swoosh of paint
Ink splats
2 tags
staples
2 different stamps in two different inks
minimum of 5 gems or stickle/glitter spots
3 patterned papers

Some close ups....

So there you have it.. I've added everything on the list and had lots of fun while doing it. My mojo was on a bit of a downer lately and this is exactly what I needed to get it going again!

Thanks Kirsty :D

Twisted Sketches - Skech #65

2010-09-01T16:00:00.001+01:00

Here is my take on Twisted Sketches Sketch #65 and the twist this week is METAL.

We were in Alton Towers a couple of weeks ago and the kids loved this Squirrel Ride, I got loads of pictures in between the torrential showers, hailstones and the thunderstorm, and this one is my favourite of them all.

My good friend Dee2 sent me the DeLovely papers -it's about the most colourful layout I've ever done. She also sent me a bag of felt, amongst other goodies, so I used a little of it too.

I cut out the flowers from the papers, crumpled them up. layered them and added a metal game spinner. I also added metal photo corners and a magnetic buckle to complete the Twist.

Be sure to check out the rest of the DT's submission over on the Twisted Sketches Blog.

Have a wonderful day
Sandie
xXx

Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge #11

2010-08-22T10:30:00.001+01:00

There is a really great sketch this week over on Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge blog and as I recently purchased some fabby WMS Halloween stamps I just had to play along :)

I started by using my nesties to cut out the scalloped circle base. Then I used the largest circle to cut out the black card. For the smaller circle, I placed the nestie on the paper and ripped around the outside of the die, which makes the circle a little bigger and I love the distressed look.

The stamp I used is from the Midnight Feast collection. I stamped it on to white card using Spiced Marmalade distress ink and added a touch of stickles to the star.

I made my border using the MS Drippy Goo punch (thanks to the ladies over in Cardz n Scrapz for keeping it for me :D ), some orange ribbon and 2 of Pez-A-Doodle's holiday skittles. And speaking of Pez-A-Doodle, Marti has decided to close up the store to concentrate on other things so she is having a HUGE sale - 33% off of the ENTIRE inventory!!! Don't miss your chance at getting some great supplies at a GREAT price!!
*Please remember that some items may be out of stock - a full refund will be given if this is the case*

Thanks for popping by! Have a wonderful Sunday!
Sandie
xXx

Twisted Sketches # 63

2010-08-18T09:00:00.005+01:00

Morning! Well we survived our trip, hiccups and all.. I am not kidding, you wouldn't see the likes of it on the TV.. the immobiliser control on our jeep broke while waiting to board the ship, hubby reacted like the end was nigh! - once I FINALLLY got it to work (with a lot of coaxing) and docked in the UK it cost us a full day and plenty of £££ to have fixed. We braved hail, torrential rain and a thunderstorm in Alton Towers, our suitcase got wet along with half the clothes in it, the kids danced on my air mattress and burst it, the one day there was sun I forgot to bring sunscreen and I got sizzled AND the tail pipe of our exhaust broke...

BUT we all had a wonderful time and are planning to go camping again next year.

Anyhooo, on to the business at hand. This week's Twisted Sketch #63 is another fabby sketch by Anam

and the twist is FOLD. I folded down the corners of my backing papers.

This is the first time I did so much of a white space layout and I really like how it looks. I recently got some Kaisercraft background stamps and used the Grid one with London Fog momento.

The blue paper is Tim Holtz and the journalling tag is K & Company. I inked the grungeboard hinge using Brushed Cordoroy distress ink and then embossed it with clear embossing powder. The tape measure is one I got in a Christmas cracker, lol, and I've added a Tim Holtz snap.

I made the title using a dymo label maker, black alpha stickers and white chipboard letters.

Be sure to check out the Twisted Sketches blog to see the rest of the DT's take on the sketch and don't forget to link up if you play along!

Have a great day

Sandie

xXx

Simons Says Stamp & Show... Something with Wings

2010-08-09T10:30:00.001+01:00

OK, so I should be doing some pretty heavy duty cleaning before we go on our camping trip but of course I had to check out the new challenge blog Simon Says Stamp & Show (what a mouthful!!) and then I just HAD to whip up a quick tag to enter.. have you seen the prize!?!!

Out came Tim's tags, grungeboard, inks and whatever else I could find in a hurry, and this is what I came up with.

How I made it: (this willl be quick as we know I really shouldn't be sitting here.... ) !!

I distressed the edges with the TH distresser and inked with Antique Linen and Brushed Cordoroy. The patterened paper is by K & Company and I followed the pattern with liquid applique (I didn't heat it). I ripped off the bottom of the paper and used a my brushed cordoroy ink to stamp the 'Angel Love' sentiment.

The grungeboard heart - painted with white acrylic paint, heat dried, and then I added polar white flowersoft (who'd have thought this would work so well! lol) instead of glitter.

The wings - inked with antique linen first. Then I added more liquid applique which I did heat. Once it had cooled a little I just dabbed my brushed cordory inkpad down onto it.

The keyhole - adhered with glossy accents and then I filled the hole with more glossy accents... but WOW does grungeboard soak it up!! Filled it twice and eventually had to take the above pic before it soaked in again. I'm thinking that once it's completely dry I will have a seal so that I can refill it and it won't soak in.

To finish I added some brown and cream fibres and some cream lace trim.

Hope you like!!

Have a wonderful day

Sandie

xXx

Twisted Sketches #61

2010-08-04T09:00:00.007+01:00

I've just been bursting with excitement since finding out that I was accepted onto the Twisted Sketches DT and today is officially my first day on Team A. I'm a Twisted Sister and so proud of it!!

We were treated to a wonderful sketch by Anam - and the twist is 'rough'.

My son had his Graduation night out last Wednesday and I forced him to stand still for some photographs. His date matched my papers perfectly ;)

I had the strip of fabric in a half used used kit which was chucked in the back of the cabinet so I finally decided to either do something with it or give it away! Out came the sewing machine - blew the dust off first - and I stitched pleats into the fabric. The stitching is lilac although in the pics it appears to be white.

All of my papers are My Mind's Eye, from different collections. The die cut paper is from So Sofie and the others are from 29th Street Market, Carefree. The pretty purple flower is from Prima. The glitter is so coarse on these flowers and this is my 'rough' twist.

I stamped the corners of the green paper and behind the title using Waltzing Mouse Stamps Victorian Frippery stamps and Brushed Cordoroy distress ink. L-O-V-E these stamps!!

Be sure to hop over to the Twisted Sketches blog to see the rest of the new Team A and their wonderful creations. Don't forget to link up if you play along!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

Sandie

"Shades" - My Little Sketch Blook GD

2010-07-25T10:30:00.004+01:00

Aren't children great.. they have such a zest for life and every day is an adventure. A simple walk in the forest can become a fun filled pirate hunt or a new game filled with the word 'pretend' - I love their imagination and hate to think that they'd ever lose that sense of wonder.

My girl is no exception, but she manages to add that little bit more.. as girls do! A friend linked me to a picture the other day and the caption underneath read "She sipped tea like royalty, but she ate cheetoes like a college boy" and THIS describes my girl to perfection!! She is such a character and certainly knows her own mind - she loves clothes, shoes and shiney things - and she is OBSESSED with sunglasses. She wears them when it's sunny or not, lol. She wears them in the house. She even wears them while watching a DVD in the car!!

My layout was based on a sketch by Liz Qualman of My Little Sketch Blook. I just love being guest designer for Liz, her sketches are awesome!!

I followed the sketch (almost) exactly as it was laid out... why play with perfection I say!! I couldn't bear to cover up the beautiful banner on my Webster's Pages paper so I used a craft knife to cut around it and I slipped my papers underneath. I also staggered the photographs rather than keep them one under the other and had to turn my title sideways to make it fit. I really had a lot of fun with this sketch!!

Be sure to check out Liz's blog to see the other guest designers take on the sketch this week and if you do play along please do link up so that I can see your creation :)

I am also going to enter this into a couple of challenges:

The Studio Challenges whose theme is "Old and New". My new is the Webster's Pages papers (bought only last week) and my old is my journalling spot which comes from a box of journalling squares (used nesties to make it into a circle) by Prima and I've had them for about.. erm... maybe 2.5yrs.. maybe more!!
Creative Prompts for You who have wedding cakes as photo inspiration for this challenge. My inspiration from the photos is layers.. loads of layers!!

Wedding Card/Album

2010-07-24T14:00:00.002+01:00

Hi! Gosh it's definitely crafting weather here in Ireland. We've had rain for about 2 weeks straight!! Seeing as we were all stuck indoors I decided to do a little creating.

I made this Wedding card/mini album, for The Studio's 'Off the Page' challenge, using Prima papers and loadza gorgeous flowers.

Inky deliciousness!!

I used 2 x 145mm cards and punched the top with the MR Cornice punch, then i stuck them together. I inked all the edges with Brushed Cordoroy distress ink.

On the first page I used a glittered chipboard sticker and layered loads of yummy flowers on... they are a mix of Prima and Wild Orchid Crafts. The fabric flower and pebble are also Prima. My little butterfly is a MS punch.

To this page I added a photo matt with some lace from my stash... an ebay bargain if I remember correctly. I inked up more WO roses - not sure what brand the big flower is. The beautiful pearls are Prima

On the last page I used 2 glittered chipboard stickers. I added lace around the bigger one. This page is designed so that you can add tags, a CD or even a giftcard behind the pink paper and add some journalling or a sentiment on the large circle sticker.

There is also the option of doing the reverse side of each page to make it a bigger album.

5 minute Thank You Cards

2010-07-15T14:45:00.001+01:00

As I'm having ANOTHER stash clean up I haven't been able to make a layout this week. Instead I would like to share 3 cards that I made for my DD's pre-school teachers, all the same, so really it's only one card three times, lol!! These literally took 5mins to make which is a good thing as I left it to the last minute again!! Anyone who knows my cards will know that these are the most clean and simple cards that I have EVER done!

I used the sentiments from the Rescue Remedies Additions by Waltzing Mouse Stamps and a little gingham ribbon. The cards are Paperemania and I won them in a hamper recently. They already had the swirls stamped on them but I love the effect and will be making my own. There is a tiny touch of star dust stickles added to all the flower centers within the swirls.

Apologies for the poor photographs, I took them quickly this morning to show a friend the cards and now my boys have made off with my camera batteries for their xBox controllers..... AS USUAL!!

Thanks for popping by! Have a wonderful day :)

Sandie

Online Crop Makes

2010-07-13T14:00:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone. We had an online crop over on the Crafty Alley's ning network last night and it was sooooooo much fun!!

We started at 8pm and had to make either an easel or criss cross card, with a break at 9.30 to make a 15min tag.

I started with the criss cross - using the Prima papers from The Crafty Alley's July kit and FABULOUS stamps, called Sewing Box Hugs, from Waltzing Mouse Stamps. I had these stamps on my wish list for a LONG time!!!

I stamped the bird onto my patterned paper, cut it out and inked it. Then I used 3D pop dots to adhere it to the card.

I finished my criss cross card just in time to do the 15min tag.. and EEEEK.. it sure does look like I only spent 15mins on it!! lol.

With an hour left of the crop I decided to do the easel card too.

The house is stamped out on cream card, inked with Brushed Cordoroy distress ink and mounted on 3D dots. All of my stamps and sentiments are from the Sewing Box Hugs set. The papers are from The Crafty Alley's July kit.. I think there may be one or 2 left if you're quick.

Flowers are from Wild Orchid as always, and have been inked and stickled appropriately haha, so I am entering into their first challenge on the new Wild Orchid Challenge blog and the theme is Say it With Flowers

Thanks for popping by!

Sandie

MDF Book Shelf and Mini Book

2010-07-11T18:00:00.002+01:00

As promised, I'm back today with another project I've been working on. I bought a set of 4x4 mdf mini books and a mdf bookshelf for my daughter's bedroom and have had such fun altering them. Her pewter fairy was given to her when she was just days old so it took pride of place on the top shelf.

I painted the shelf with white paint first, then I inked all of the edges. The papers are Kaisercraft Gypsy Sisters - a 6x6 pad of glittered, flocked, spot varnished or die-cut papers. Very little else was needed to do the mini album aside from some lace. The title is made up from die cut letters that were in a pack of PM Rose Garden. The other mini album is made from 4x4 coasters and secured together with a book ring.

The hinges on the side are grungeboard and have been painted with white acrylic paint using a baby wipe and then inked with brushed cordoroy distress ink.

Thanks for popping by today. I'm off to finish a recipe box that I started yesterday.. pics soon!!

Sandie

xXx

Time Flies

2010-07-10T14:34:00.000+01:00

hi!! Today I would like to share a layout with you that I made a while back but never blogged. I was just having fun trying new things and new products

The flourish behind the title, the filmstrip and the clocks are Tim Hotlz stamps I found on ebay. The clock faces have been stamped, cut out using nesties, inked and have TH spinners added. I made the fabric flower from an offcut of damask material I got in an album kit. The chipboard bird has been painted and distressed. I used the thread from a tag for the button.

I've distressed, inked and machine stitched all of the papers. The grungeboard hinges have been covered with music paper, sanded and distressed with brushed cordoroy ink. Copper brads hold them in place. The lace has also been stitched into place and the pearl swirls are Prima

I have another project to share tomorrow.. something I worked on a while back too :)

Thanks for visiting!

Sandie

Last one.. The Studio World Cup Challenges

2010-07-07T09:00:00.004+01:00

Good morning!! Well today sees my final guest designer layout for The Studio Challenges. This week there is a fantastic sketch, based on the World Cup logo. There are bonus points if you can use the colours from the logo and include the swirls too (I got all apart from the blue in there!!)

I just loved this sketch, it was easy to work with and left plenty of room for personal touch.

The flowers I've cut out from my papers, which are Pink Paislee's Queen Bee collection, and they represent the swirls (well in my own head they looked like swirls, lol!). I've distressed and inked the papers and then added a chipboard frame around the photograph.

The big handmade flower was sent to me by the lovely Katie. Made from Tim Holtz papers and then spritzed and inked.. it's just gorgeous!! I've also added in some Wild Orchid Crafts paper roses which I've inked to within an inch of their lives.

My title is made up from K & Company chipboard stickers and they say exactly what I think when I look at the photograph, lol. They matched in with the papers perfectly. Just to finish off I added some fabulous lace underneath the frame and punched out some butterflies using the Martha Stewart punch.

Thanks for popping by today. I do hope I've inspired you to play along with this, the final World Cup challenge. Don't forget to link up if you do!!

Have a great Wednesday and happy scrapping

Sandie

xXx

Studio Challenges - Mascot Inspiration

2010-06-30T09:00:00.004+01:00

Good morning!! This week's World Cup challenge on The Studio is to take inspiration from the World cup mascot.

"Did you have a mascot that saw you through your exams and is still a fixture in your bedroom? How about those photos of a visit to the zoo that you've not scrapped yet? Perhaps you fancy scrapping in yellow and green? Or maybe you fancy using long threads like the lion's mane or spots on your LO? You should check out the FIFA website if you need even more inspiration. They say that Zakumi will be the first on the dance floor and last off so you could even scrap some dancing photos for a tenuous link :) And he has his own Wikipedia page too! Oo, the possibilities are endless..."

I have so many zoo pictures that I've never got to scrap so this was a perfect challenge to break them out of my photo box. This particular photo was taken in April of this year at Dublin Zoo. It was a special kids week and there was face painting just inside the entrance. Of course my DS always likes to be either a skeleton or a Lion.. and as we were at the zoo he chose Lion. DD is supposed to be a Monkey ??

My papers are from the Rainbow Watercolour Collection by Prima. The flowers are also from prima, and the cream ones have been spritzed with Tattered Angels Lemongrass glimmer mist. The bingo card and tag have been distressed and edged with Brushed Cordoroy and I've added star dust stickles along the edges of both.

I just adore the Prima fabric flower, so luxurious!!

To finish off I added some prima pearls & rosebuds, leaves and a chipboard 'fun'.

Thank you so much for visiting and I do hope you play along on the challenge this week.

A Prettied up copic storage..

2010-06-29T17:14:00.001+01:00

I've had this MR tin for-ev-er!! It sat on my shelf empty, taunting me - alongside the MR house that's still unfinished - which is also looking at me with disdain.. but I'm getting there, lol.

I decided to use it for my copic storage and a good 50 copics can fit in there.. actually I've just counted and there are 58 copics in there! Anyhooooo.. after much neglect I decided it was time to pretty my tin up.

Out came the MME Bella Bella papers *drool* These are known as my altering papers as I think 99% of any altering I've done I've used either this MME range or Bo Bunny.

These gorgeous flowers from Wild Orchid crafts have been inked and stickled for sparkle. And speaking of sparkle.. how fantabulous is the crystal prima swirl??!!

I also made a card to match and am thinking of ebaying it as a gift set.. or I might just keep it :D

Have a happy Tuesday!

Sandie

xXx

My World - The Studio World Cup Challenges

2010-06-23T09:30:00.003+01:00

Good morning and happy Wednesday!!

I'm back with another layout for The Studio's special World Cup challenges. The theme for this week is to use gold and 5 of something on your layout to represent the golden goal and 5 penalty shots that some games are decided on

I've used 5 different papers, 5 embellishments, 5 pearls and I've added Heirloom Gold perfect Pearls to some acylic paint - although the shimmer is impossible to catch on camera.. hate that!!

The butterflies have been puched out twice and layered for a 3D effect. My background paper has been splasheed with the mix of acrylic paint and perfect pearls using a toothbrush and the cirle around the butterfly is done using the lid off of my jar of lip balm, lol.

The Studio are also looking for a new member and are having a DT call. Details can be found HERE.

Thanks for visiting me today, please do hop over to The Studio blog to see all the wonderful creations from the team.

The Studio World Cup Challenges and a touch of Pinkness :)

2010-06-16T10:00:00.004+01:00

Good morning!! I have a couple of projects I'd like to share today. First up is my Guest DT layout for the Wednesday Extra on The Studio Challenges, which is another World Cup Challenge. For this challenge we had to scrap the colour of our national flag and add black.

Green/White/Orange... umm.. eeeek! lol. So after running a million idea around my head I finally had one that i LIKED!! I used the same photograph, but 3 times, and I tinted them to represent the colour of our Irish flag!! Then I added some co-ordinating ribbon and embellies and this is what I came up with...

My papers are a mix of We R Memory Keepers, Making Memories and a lace doily I bought in my local kitchen supply store. I have quite a few die cut papers in my stash that have been there too long so I've been forcing myself to use them.

The heart and arrow are from grungeboard elements. I've painted both with a white paint dauber and then spritzed them with a mini mister that I had mixed some water and heirloom gold perfect pearls in. Being the impatient person that I am, I dried them off with a heat gun, lol.

The sentiment is made up of Thickers and everything else (ribbon, buttons threaded with scrappers floss) was from my stash.

I'm entering this layout into Mission to Create challenge. I used 3 out of their 5 concepts which were:

Here are the 5 concepts we used this week:

Deborah - Use the word HUG in your title

Jocie - Bling up the photo on your layout (I tinted them)

Nicole - Die Cuts (die cut paper)

Vanessa - Embossed Paper

Teresa - Use at least 2 different types of ribbon on your layout (used 3 ribbons)

************************

Next up I want to share a door hanger I made for my daughter, which was bribery so she'd leave my beautifully embellied clutch purse alone!

I altered an mdf door hanger using some of the new Tim Holtz papers, prima flowers and bling and a gorgeous Magnolia Tilda.

Close up of the prima bling & flowers

Tilda has been coloured using copic markers and I've added stickles to her wings. I've also used stickles on the flowers. All the edges of the door hanger have been inked using Vintage Photo distress ink.

Well that's it from me for today. I am in the middle of another big project but after my classes on Saturday I am free to start joining in on my usual challenges :)

Thanks for popping in

Sandie

The Studio 'World Cup' Challenges

2010-06-11T14:20:00.002+01:00

I have to say I am HONOURED to have been invited to join as Guest DT member on The Studio Challenges for the World Cup Celebration challenges. From next week the Wednesday extra will be replaced with a World Cup Challenge right up until the World Cup ends on 11th July.

If you play along and link to your image in any of the comment sections and you will be entered in to a random prize draw to win a pizza box full of goodies courtesy of the Design Team.

The first challenge is from Amanda:

"Do you get excited about the World Cup? As a bonus challenge this weekend we'd like to see your World Cup inspired pages! If you are the kind of person who can't wait for the madness to be over then you could scrap about the country you live in or your kid's soccer team instead."

Of course the mere thoughts of 'football' themed layouts seemed a little daunting at first, lol. I'm not a huge footie fan.. I WAS however a big Andrei Kanchelskis fan.. remember him??.... dreamy eyes and a smile that lit up the whole of Old Trafford... oops, I mean he was a GREAT soccer player!!! LOL!!

I have very few photographs of my eldest playing soccer and even fewer that he'll allow me to scrap for my blog.. ugh!! The boy has an opinion, ha! This one was taken a couple of years ago in our garden. I used a mix of Tim Holtz and My Mind's Eye papers, along with some scraps I had in my stash.

The vellum quote reads 'Today you can be anything you IMAGINE' and is taken from a DCWV Quote Stack. This is a very handy little booklet full of quotes and titles. The adage ticket and bookplate are, of course, from the Tim Holtz idea-ology range.

So head on over to The Studio blog to see the DT's World Cup inspired layouts and don't forget to link up if you play along.. I would love to see your take on the challenge.

Altered Clutch Purse

2010-06-05T16:00:00.003+01:00

I was very excited when I came across some alterables @ 50% off this week in The Crafty Alley. I got 2 of these clutch purses and some MR mini books along with their ever popular monthly kit. This month it was filled with all things Tim Holtz including the most gorgeous papers from his Vintage Shabby line.. delightful!!

I started by covering the purse with the pink (of course!!) papers. A little bit awkward, and a 3rd hand would really have been useful, but well worth all the muttering under my breath. Then I used the chipboard swirl in the kit and I painted and glittered it. This took a while to dry so I played some Family Feud on Facebook.. but my internet conntection went as I got to Fast Money so there I was, back to muttering under my breath again.. lol.

When the swirl dried I adhered it to the purse using glossy accents. I find glossy accents one of the BEST adhesives for embellies. Then I added the flowers over the swirl. The 2 big flowers are from Prima and the roses are from Wild Orchid Crafts. I also added some Prima bling over the top of the purse.

I finished off by adding a metal key and tag, which I tied onto some of the silver string in the kit and again used the glossy accents to secure it to the purse.

I just love the lace. It was in my stash and I'm not 100% sure where I got it.

I'm torn between giving this purse to my daughter or keeping it for myself.. I'm thinking she's probably going to claim it anyway, lol!! There is so much left in the kit that I could make another.. and some layouts.. maybe some cards.. a mini book?? All I need now is some extra hours to the day ;)

Have a great day and happy scrapping

Sandie

xXx

Something a bit different...

2010-05-26T13:42:00.003+01:00

I am working on a BIG project right now, which is taking up most of my time. I didn't get to play in my usual challenges but I did make this card .

My papers are by Jillibean Soup, G.C.D. Studios (striped) and Creative Imaginations (music). They have all been distressed with Tim Holtz distress inks. I even broke out the sewing machine and stitched my papers!!

The postcard is from a kit I bought .. must be 2yrs ago now.. but I can't remember who it's by. The gorgeous flower and pearl swirl is from Prima, of course :)

OK, back to work for me!! lol. I hope to be able to share my project very soon.

Creative Scrappers #103 - One for my hubby

2010-05-13T21:00:00.002+01:00

I never tire of the fabulous sketches on Creative Scrappers. They are always a joy to work with and make scrapping fun. #103 was no exception!!

I had this fun pic of my hubby for a couple of years and have always wanted to scrap it. He took it himself on his phone while training one day. He was freezing and if you look real close you can see his nose was red with the cold. It was soooooo frosty that week.

I decided to combine this sketch challenge with The Studio's May 2nd challenge which is to scrap something that makes you laugh.. and he certainly does that, even when I'm cross with him, lol.

On Creative Prompts for You the challenge is to use the following colour palette:

Here is my take...

I have had these 'old' BG papers for-ev-er!! Seriousy they have been sitting in my paper stash for the longest time and I am finally getting to using them. The are from different collection including Ambrosia & Blush.. and if my daughter wasn't obsessed with taking the strips I cut off, with the collection names on them, I could tell you what collection the striped paper was from. Right now I'm just drawing a blank, lol. I've had the numberplate so long that I could not for the life of me tell you what manufacturer it's from. I'm thinking Heidi Swapp.. but it's not her style so I guess that's not it...

I used the die cut stickers from the Archaic collection to add the heart and star. For the heart - I stuck it down onto the striped paper, cut it out, turned it over and inked the edges. The zig-zag border and photo corners are also from the die cut stickers.

The MR swirl has been covered with brushed cordoroy distress ink. I threaded all of my buttons with bakers twine, love that stuff as much as I love scrappers floss :D

The MR sheer journalling card was sent to me by my dear friend Dee Dee. She makes the most fantastic mini books and has FINALLY started to teach classes in The Crafty Scrapper in Waxahachie, TX. I just love her style of crafting and vision. Please do go visit her and leave her some love :)

I will leave you with a picture of THE sweetest thing on earth, plus some yogurt on her cheek!! lol

This will no doubt be on a layout very soon ;)

Have a great weekend and happy scrapping!
Sandie
xXx

All caught up - CS #101

2010-05-01T09:39:00.000+01:00

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!! I hope your day is filled with paper and ink!! Today is my son's 18th birthday so I doubt I will get much time for scrapping. I am taking him into town soon as he wants new clothes and trainers. Then we will eat out. Love easy gifts :D

I finally got time last night to complete sketch #101 for Creative Scrappers.

And this is my take on it. I flipped it 90 degrees to suit my photograph. This picture was taken during my daughter's "I won't smile" phase. No such problems now, lol, she just LOVES posing for me.

I used just pale pink bazzil as my background paper and scraps of K& Company "McKenna". Loved that I could use up some scraps on this, you may be seeing a lot of this kind of layout now, lol. I inked all of my papers and the doily. I also added Star Dust Stickles all around the edges of the doily.

To replace the 'flowers' in the sketch I used e-line bling from Prima. The lace is also by Prima.

I love lace.. have I ever mentioned that?? LOVE IT!! lol. Lace.. and ribbon... and flowers.. and bling.. *drool*

I'm off now to link up my layout hopefully I will get even a little time to participate in some of the NSD online crops today.

Have a great day

Sandie

xXx

Dance Until the Stars Fall ....

2010-04-29T10:30:00.002+01:00

....I just love that quote - "Dance until the stars fall from the sky and fill your hair with sparkle and light" I would love to know where it originated from but the author is unknown. I used it for my Creative Scrappers sketch #99 layout.

Woot!! Only one more to go (by tomorrow!!) and I'm all caught up for April's weekly challenges.

My daughter LOVES to dance. She loves all kinds of music and will even dance to the ringtone on my phone. She dances in the movies and she dances while she's strapped into her car seat. She's going to be a ballerina you see :)

I did want to add a gazillion flowers to this but forced myself not to. I decided the focus should be the photos and the quote... with just a little bit of bling ;) Besides the Prima background paper is too nice to cover up completely. I also used some Quite Contrary from MME (red & white). I distressed the edges and inked with Brushed Cordory ink. Of course my bling is Prima also! The title is made from Thickers. I printed the quote and also inked the edges to make it stand out.

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful day

Sandie

First Day in 'Big' School

2010-04-25T10:42:00.004+01:00

I made this layout with 3 challenges in mind.

Creative Scrappers fabulous sketch

The Studio want boy layouts without using blue and Creative Prompts 4 U's theme is "Alphanumeric".

This was my little man's first day at 'big' school. He was still in the fake smile phase, lol. The papers are from Crate's Brook Collection. My borders were punched using MS punch. This paper looks a bit blue in the photos but it's actually green, the same green as the school sweater.

I made the stars using grungeboard and MME paper. I sanded the edges and inked them using brushed cordoroy distress ink. The hinges have been painted with Old Paper crackle paint and once it had dried I rubbed distess ink over it. I secured them using a little bit of glossy accents and some copper brads.. again from Tim Holtz's range.

I also used brushed cordory and antique linen with Tin Holtz alpha masks to make the background paper.

TFL and have a great day

Sandie

xXx

All Geared Up - Creative Scrappers Sketch #100

2010-04-23T17:15:00.002+01:00

The celebrations are continuing over on Creative Scrappers for the blog's 2nd Birthday. Today is giveaway day so be sure to comment to give yourself a chance at winning a great prize. I recently won the Word Scramble and the prize was a choice between a BG Kioshi or BG Origins layout kit :D

I'm jumping ahead of myself with this sketch. I've yet to do #98 and #99, lol.

My son started playing Hurling last Wednesday and as I believe life is a photo opportunity the camera came too :D

(for those of you who don't know what hurling is, I've linked it to wikipdeia)

As you can see, he's about as camera shy as his sister *rolls eyes*

This sketch is a one-photo sketch but I managed to sneak in a couple more.

The papers and die cuts are from the Crate Paper Inc "Brook" collection pack. These packs are fantastic value.

I used my nesties to cut out the circular photograph and I stuck it to a circular die cut from the paper pack.

Thanks for popping by and have a wondeful weekend

Sandie

xXx

Creative Scrappers - Readers Reveal

2010-04-22T14:00:00.001+01:00

I was delighted to be picked as one of the guests on Creative Scrappers for the Birthday celebrations. This is the sketch I was given to work with. Love how all the dimensions are on it, less thinking on my behalf, lol.

And this is my take on it. I moved the title to the bottom to accommodate my embellishments but apart from that I kept the sketch as it is.

My papers are MME Bella Bella. I inked some cream cardstock as the matt behind the photos.

The scalloped circle is my journalling tag. I used core'dinations cardstock so the centre is white. I sanded the edges and added some adhesive pearls to it.

The fabulous lace I got from The Scrapbook Store at a crop recently. The flowers and bling are by Prima :)

Check out the rest of the designers take on this sketch over on the Creative Scrappers blog. And if you work with this sketch dont' forget to link up so that we can see your take on it.

Another one - Dream Big - MME Challenge

2010-04-22T09:00:00.002+01:00

So, I guess I just loved this sketch because I made another layout for the MME challenge.

This time I used my all time favourite papers - the Carefree collection. These are just unbelievably girly and just PERFECT!! I have all 4 ranges within this collection and I have been hoarding them for about 2yrs, lol. Again I used a snippet of the song Dream Big - the journalling tag reads -

" When you cry be sure to dry your eyes
'Cause better days are sure to come"

I've just found the link to the MME Carefree and had to go look at them all again...

Adorable
Cherish
Graceful
Precious

I'm not sure they are available anymore, I got mine from ebay as they were never on sale over here :)

Thanks for looking and have a wonderful Thursday!

Sandie

xXx

My Mind's Eye - Challenge #10 - Dream Big

2010-04-21T20:00:00.002+01:00

The theme for April's challenge on My Mind's Eye blog is Dream Big!

"Dream Big is a song by Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand. There are so many directions you could take your entry with this song. Use anything you'd like - the title, a line, the entire song... anyway you are inspired by this song."

The challenge: Design a "Dream Big” layout or other project based on this fabulous sketch by Anam Stubbington.

I have loads of MME papers but sometimes it's hard to settle on just which ones I want to use, lol. They are just all fabulous!! Eventually I settled on some Laundry Line.

I found the picture of my little man while I was looking through my photo folders.. so sweet and innocent :) I decided it would be perfect for the theme of the layout. Instead of adding a 2nd photo I used patterened paper and a snippet of the song Dream Big.

The ribbon is and buttons are from my stash and the title is made from Thickers. The borders were puched out using MS Scallop Dot punch and the Dream tickets is from Tim Holtz.

My Little Sketch Blook - GD April 18 / Creative Prompts

2010-04-18T12:00:00.008+01:00

I was thrilled to be chosen as one of the guest designers for Liz Qualman's blog - My Little Sketch Blook. Liz creates the most fantastically detailed sketches and when she sent me the one I was working with for my layout I instantly fell in love with it.

I'm a butterfly nut, lol, love to use them on anything I make .. equally as much as I love flowers and lace!!

I used a mix of My Mind's Eye and Crate Paper Inc. and my Martha Stewart scallop dot punch for my border. I inked the papers with Tim Holtz distress inks.

I've used mostly Prima flowers but the mini roses and cherry blossom are from Wild Orchid Crafts.

The crystal/pearl swirls are also Prima.

The journalling tag was cut out using circle and scallop circle nesties and the butterflies punched with X-cut punch. Of course everything has been inked :)

I just loved everything about this sketch. It was easy to envision my finished project and work towards it. It was filled with things that I love to put on my layouts and it was perfect for these pictures of my DD.

Check out the other guest designers take on the sketch over on Liz's Blog & if you play along with any of this month's sketches link up in the comment section. I would love to see what you all come up with.

Creative Prompts 4U have a 2 in 1 challenge going on that I'd like to enter this into. They would like to see butterflies and something clear on your project. I have used clear crystal gems and of course my punched butterflies. You can check out the challenge HERE.

Playing with Paper Dolls

2010-04-17T11:54:00.001+01:00

Well, as promised.. here is a little more of what I've been getting up to in the past couple of weeks.

Annamarie from The Scrapbook Store asked if I'd like to play around with some of the new Crate Paper Dolls Collection and of course I jumped at the chance :D

These are just fantastic papers and sooooooooooo girly!!

From half of one pack (plus 2 sheets of pink cardstock) I made 2 layouts.

For the first one I used Olivia Grace as my backing sheet and mounted my photograph onto Allie. Then I used random pieces of each of the other papers and some of the border stickers. I titled it using "All Dolled Up" from the sticker sheet, but I mounted it on cardstock and used 3D pop dots to lift if from the layout. I embellished with Prima flowers, pearl swirls and lace. The little oval frame is by Melissa Frances.

This layout was made after I'd completed a minibook and 3 cards so I was down to scraps. I took a sheet of pale pink cardstock and just added strips of each of the papers I had left, and also added border stickers.

The big flower, "Sweetie" and journalling tag are also in the Paper Dolls collection pack.

The minibook was a joy to make. I love making books but really, there are only so many a girl can store, lol.

The front cover

These are a few of my favourite pages from the book.

For this one I used a Tim Holtz swirl mask and rubbed antique linen into the paper. A few little pearls dotted along the swirls and a title from the diecut sheet in the pack finished it off.

I was really happy with both of these papes. Again, on the tag, I used a TH mask and distress inks. The Prima flowers went so well with the papers. Really these papers needed very little embellishing at all.

If you would like to see the rest of the book you can find it HERE. Or if you just want to dive right in and get these wonderful papers you can order the from The Scrapbook Store.

The Cards...

I still can't believe I got so many projects from ONE HALF of a pack!!

Verdict..

About the easiest papers I've ever worked with. The collection pack left me wanting for nothing. Everything just fell into place, I don't think I could have gone wrong if I tried. "Paper Dolls" gets a 10/10 from me!!

In fact I loved them so much I bought the "Brook" Collection pack too :)

On Saturday last I went to one of Elaine's classes in Dublin. She was doing a canvas and using the same papers (Crate "Paper Dolls") so instead of making another layout with the same papers I added one I already had done.

We painted the canvas using pink acrylic paint and baby wipes. It dried off in no time, I like that!

Doilies are a big must have at the moment and I love how it looks on the canvas.

The big flower is from Ikea.. a great find by Elaine... there are 5 in each pack for only €3.95ish (can't remember exactly) and all different colours. The dress on the stand is a chipboard sprarkle sticker to co-ordinate with the Paper Dolls collection.

Out 4 Lunch...

2010-04-16T20:11:00.000+01:00

The celebrations are continuing over on Creative Scrappers. They teamed up with My Scrapbook Nook this month and have posted an exclusive sketch with a reveal from their own Design Team Members.. how cool!!

To be in with a chance of winning an awesome kit from Scrapbook Nook all you have to do is complete a layout using the sketch and post it before Friday April 30th @ 11pm EST.

I used the same range of papers as the DT, MME "Quite Contrary" but didn't realise it until after.. so no teacher's pet jokes thank you very much!!! lol. I hadn't seen most of the papers in this range but now I want them.... must have!!

This picture of my little ones was taken a couple of years ago while waiting for lunch at a cafe in town. Can't believe how young they look... how time flies.

I made the title from vinyl Thickers and the jounalling tag is from the Brook collection by Crate Paper Inc. As always I managed to add some yummy lace :D

I have so many projects that I will share over the coming week. Starting on tomorrow with a canvas I did last Saturday.. here's a sneak peek...

Have a great Friday (what's left of it!)

Sandie

xXx

Creative Scrappers - Posing ....

2010-03-29T21:00:00.004+01:00

.. in pj's! lol. That's my camera shy daughter... NOT!! I needed to take a pic of her wearing the new pjs that her godmother bought her, little did I know it would turn into a photo shoot!

I followed Sketch#97 on Creative Scrappers

This papermania stamp is from a shopaholic set I bought for a kids card class. They are so cute and thought this one was just perfect for the layout.

The Tim Holtz film strip added a bit of fun, lol.

Title made from Doodlebug adhesive stickers that I won recently :)

And the lace... oh that lace.. totally drool worthy, no?!

All of my papers are MME, from different collections though. The tag has been distressed with TH inks and I've stapled the film strip to it. The white ribbon was in my stash, I think it's from a Raspberry Ribbons kit.

The subject of this layout has made off with my journalling pen and it's nowhere to be found so I can't journal on the tag until I get a new one!!

Don't forget that the 2nd Anniversary celebrations start this Thursday over on Creative Scrappers and there is a whole month of activities planned, with prizes and readers reveals.!!! You can download the calendar of events HERE.

Scrap Whispers - Enchanting

2010-03-28T11:31:00.000+01:00

Finally I can share the layout I made for the Scrap Whispers Challenge I participated in. Our team didn't win *boo hiss* but it sure was fun and I can't wait for the next round.

I just love these MME 'Bella Bella' papers. They need little working with to make them fabulous. Just a little inking, some extra flowers, embellishments and a rub on title was all that was needed on this. It has to be about one of my favourite layouts ever :)

A few close-up pictures of the detailing...

You can see the they whole team's work HERE.

Creative Scrappers #96

2010-03-22T13:00:00.007Z

Another wonderful sketch on Creative Scrappers this week and the minute I saw it I knew which papers I was going to use... Fancy Pants "About a Boy". Love when that happens :D

I took this pic of my 2 little ones last summer, on one of the days when it didn't rain, and there weren't many of them!! Hoping this year won't bring the rain and floods we've had for the past 2 summers.. even if it does keep the bugs and bees away *shudder*.

I used the die cut element sheet as much as I could as I find these tend to never get used up. I inked them all with vintage photo distress ink and adhered some on with 3D pop dots for dimension. I also added some buttons threaded with scrappers floss.

I cut around the cirles and flower and slipped the photo behind them. I found some leftover green gems in my embellie pile so I used them up on the body of the butterfly and randomly on the layout.

The Creative Scrappers 2nd Anniversary celebrations are getting ever closer and I can't wait to see if any of the sketches I submitted will be used... and if they are, I am dying to see what the designers/guest designers create using them!!!

Thanks for visiting and happy scrapping!!

Sandie

xXx

Creative Scrappers meets Mission {to} Create

2010-03-17T10:33:00.001Z

A very quick post today as I am just about to get the kiddos ready for the St. Patrick's Day parade.

I used the sketch over on Creative Scrappers and the concepts on Mission to Create to make my layout.

and the concepts.. (I used 4, no decorative/gaffer tape)

Deborah provided this Blue Rodeo album cover as inspiration:

Jocelyn - use a pp background only...no cardstock

Nicole - colours brown, green and blue

Vanessa - Decorative Tape/Gaffer Tape

Amber - one or more vintage/retro style products on your page

I added a clear frame to the smaller picture

3 Tim Holtz Adage Tags which are inked with Brushed Cordoroy and I added 2 black gems to each.

I added some eyelets and tied some twine through them and also some Prima black pearl swirl.

The title is made from Thickers. I have so many of these for about 2yrs now, I'm ashamed to say I've only recently started to use them.

Well that's it from me for today. I've got a busy day ahead but hopefully I will get a little scrapping time later.

Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!

Sandie

xXx

Life is Beautiful

2010-03-15T09:55:00.000Z

I managed 2 challenges in 1 again with this layout. I used sketch #40 from Twisted Sketches and used at least 90% Cosmo Cricket products as Scrapbook.com wanted in their March Cosmo Cricket Challenge.

I used the Earth Love paper collection and chipboard elements. The papers have all been distressed with Brushed Cordoroy.

I sanded the edges of the chipboard pieces and inked them too.

I cut out some clouds from behind the striped paper, inked them, added some stickles and stuck them down on 3D pop dots. I also added a touch of stickles to the hearts.

The title and journalling tag are both from the double sided paper elements sheet in the Earth Love collection

The lace is an ebay find :)
Don't forget to check out my other blog for some deeeelish candy!! If you're not in you can't win!!

mmm.. Chocolate!! Creative Scrappers meets Scrap Whispers

2010-03-09T15:00:00.001Z

I made this layout with some challenges in mind... Creative Scrappers with Sketch #94, Simon Says Stamp with the theme Girly and Scrap Whispers with their theme 'Dress it Up'.

I dressed up my layout using loads of bling in the form of crystal gems, crystal flower centres and sparkly stickles.

My papers are from various BG collections and my title is also made up from BG alpha stickers. I have added distress inks and stickles to make it stand out against the background papers.

I made the circle using nestabilities and again with the inks and stickles. The quote is from Tim Holtz's "Good Thoughts" stamps. The row of Easter eggs is a Studio G stamp.

*************
You may remember (or not if you've never read my blog before, lol) that I participated in a scraplift challenge on Scrap Whispers a while back. Well it seems that the BIG REVEAL is coming up next week and I cannot wait to see everyone else's take on it. I've never seen the original or any of the layouts after me.. in fact I've only seen the layout that the participant before me made!! Exciting stuff to say the least!!

And speaking again of Scrap Whispers.. I was totally shocked to find out that I'd won the February prize pack and to make it even better there is a fabby Magnolia stamp in the prize!!! They are just about my favourite stamps ever :D I will be inking her up as she lands on my doorsteop, lol!!

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!!

Pretty as a Picture - Mission {to} Create

2010-03-06T16:55:00.001Z

These are the 5 concepts on Mission to Create for challenge #11:

Deborah - Use only one photo. Must be 3x5 or smaller

Jocelyn - Primarily Black and only one other of your favorite colors

Nicole -Use 2 different punches

Vanessa -Birds or Butterflies

Amanda -Torn paper

I admit that at first I was leaning towards not using all the concepts as the 'primarily black' didn't appeal to me, but once I'd taken out the papers I loved how colours in the photograph jumped out on the black so I went with it. The pink papers are a mix of Daisy D's and bazzil cardstock.

I combined 2 of the concepts - the butterfly is also counted as one of the 2 different punches. It's the x-cut 3D butterfly punch but by just snipping both ends of the body it's easily cut out from the paper. I have distressed it with ink, stickled it and added 3 pink pearls along the body.

The flowers and pin are from Wild Orchid Crafts and I've used Star Dust stickles on the flowers.

Loads of bling with Prima crystals...

The title is made up from Thickers and my Dymo label maker.

I used a MS Heartlace punch to do the border and have distressed it with Victorian Velvet distress inks.

I am just loving the colours of the new T!m Holtz inks, if you don't have them.... you should!! lol.

Thanks for looking and happy crafting!

xXx

Prima Giveaway!!

2010-03-02T11:02:00.000Z

That's Right! Prima is giving away two more AMAZING prize packages in conjunction with our BIG SECRET!
We want EVERYONE to have a chance to win so we are changing the rules a bit.

Please copy this write-up and link us on your blog, Facebook, or any other site that you frequent (please follow their TOU).
Then post here with a link to your blog, Facebook or site post for your chance to win BIG with Prima!
One US and one International winner will be chosen on Thursday, March 4th, 2010.

And we are getting closer and closer to revealing our secret-it won't be long now!
Just a couple more days of suspense!

Our Baby Boy - My Little Sketchblook

2010-03-02T09:00:00.002Z

I came across another great sketch blog last week called My Little Sketch Blook and fell in love with this sketch..

I just love all the detail. I had been looking through photographs and found some of my son at only 1 day old so this was the perfect opportunity to scrap them.

The papers are a combo of Pink Paislee Office Lingo and Making Memories Animal Crackers - all of the edges have been inked with Vintage photo.

Some close-ups. I used stickles on the title to bling it up. All of my flowers are Primas as is the gem flower centre and the black pearl swirls. I painted the grungeboard hearts with Adirondack Polar White acrylic paint, inked the edges with distress ink and then added stickles on the outlines. The "Simply Adorable" is a rub-on.

Tools used - McGill pine leaf punch, cirle & scalloped circle nesties, cuttlebug.

Growing Up

2010-03-01T10:15:00.003Z

I got some scrappy time yesterday so I worked with the new sketch over on Creative Scrappers.

I flipped it 90 degrees counter clockwise.

These photos were taken on the first day of playschool for my little girl. She's even grown so much more since then and the jeans she is wearing in these pictures is too short for her. They grow up too quickly... in attitude as well as in height!! ha!

The papers are a mix of Bo Bunny Persuasion and Sassafrass Starry Night. The tape measure ribbon was sent to me by my sweet friend Dee Dee as part of a christmas swap between a few of us.

The 'Growing Up' title is made from textured letters from Doodlebug Designs, the are sooo soft!! :D

For the subtitle I used my label makers and the '@' is a chipboard Thicker.

I added a journalling tag behind the middle photograph. I love hidden journalling!! The beautiful ribbon was on the box that had been altered but it kept falling off so I figured I'd use it rather than risk it getting lost :)

Finally, I stickled my Bo Bunny paper to within an inch of it's life, lol. I love how the swirls all sparkle now.

Thanks for looking and have a great Monday

Sandie

xXx

Creative Scrappers #91 - back in shape!!

2010-02-25T11:21:00.003Z

Good morning!! Well after a whole 24hrs of squishing my layout it is finally flattened back into shape, lol. While glimmer misting it was a great idea I should have realised it would distort the paper... it was worth it though!!

I followed Creative Scrappers Sketch #91

and this is what I did with it....

(This is a pic of my mum and my daughter together on Easter Sunday.)

The papers are MME, and from various collections. The sentiment is also MME but I added "Memories" from some Pink Paislee rubons that I have.

I especially love how the swirl turned out. I used a Tim Holtz mask, inked the paper with Tattered Rose and then spritzed the whole 12x12 with Tattered Angels glimmer mist (copper). Unfortunately the camera won't pick up the shimmer :( .. but it has a fantastic effect in real life!!

Creative Scrappers #92 / Cosmo Cricket

2010-02-24T13:00:00.004Z

There is another wonderful sketch to follow over on Creative Scrappers. I've been meaning to scrap this pic for ages. The scowl on my son's face is too funny. He really did not want to put his arm around his sister, lol!!

The Cosmo Cricket Challenge this week is to use something you are afraid of.. whether it's paint, a colour, new technique.. whatever intimidates you. Busy patterened papers intimidate me. I'm a wide open. clean space gal but I gulped and got to it with these Earth Love papers. I made all my own embellies on this one, which is another thing that makes me go *gulp*.

I was shown how to make the 'rose' at a crop last week by Michelle. Fun to make, but I could have done with having a 3rd hand, lol. Inked it and added a couple of mini pearls to the centre.

I cut the circles out freehand and scrunched them up in a baby wipe to crumple the paper. I dried it off with a heat gun and rubbed vintage photo ink on it. Then I threaded a button for the centre. The chipboard circle has been painted with Tea Dye crackle paint.

The edges of these vinyl Thickers have been inked with distress inks.

Another one completed for the scrapbook!!!

I have sketch #91 done too but I used glimmer mist which distorted the paper a little, so right now the layout is squished between 2 paper pads to flatten it out.. lol!! Hopefully it'll be flat enough to photograph later today.

Mission {to} Create / My Mind's Eye

2010-02-14T09:00:00.005Z

*Apologies to anyone who read this post this morning, I know there were no pics. It was supposed to be scheduled for Monday!!*

Mission {to} Create have another great challenge up this week.

The five concepts are:

Deborah - Lace trim

Jocie - Cardboard or corrugated paper

Nicole - Use at least 5 hearts

Vanessa - Glimmer Mist/Maya Mist or Smooch Spray

Jen -Turquoise

I used all 5 :)

I also combined it with my first My Mind's Eye challenge which was to follow this wonderful sketch by Anam Stubbington AND use Red and/or Pink in your layout...

I used papers from 2 different MME collections; Adore Signature & Bohemia. The title, die cut circles, heart & journalling tag are also from the Adore collection.They have all being inked and edged using distress ink.

The butterflies have been misted with Tattered Angels copper glimmer mist. Taking in the hearts paper and hearts border I count 7 different hearts items on the layout.

This is the first time I've used corrugated card and I really like the texture it gives. I'll definitely be using it again!!

Creative Scrappers #90 - Explore

2010-02-13T09:00:00.004Z

Again, a Creative Scrappers sketch... and I'm on track again :) I am loving that blog and the inspirational samples from the DT.

This is sketch #90...

And my take....

The papers are from the Amber Road Collection by Pink Paislee and they are just gorgeous!! I've had them a while now but as this is the Year of the Stash, and I have to use up what's in my stash, I pulled them out.. I'm so glad I did. I think they match my picture perfectly. Don't you just love the lace trim??!! I can't get enough of it!!

I {painstakingly} cut out the flowers from the Autumn Blossom paper and inked the edges with distress ink. The philosophy tag is from Tim Holtz's Idea-ology range.

I painted both my title and the brackets with Hazlenut Adirondack paint and again, inked the edges.

I added a journalling tag that slips under the paper. As it was very light paper I backed it onto cardstock to give it extra 'weight'. The journalling tag is by Prima.

I got to do a 2nd layout using these papers and I will share that very soon. There is even enough scraps left over to do a couple of cards!!

Creative Scrappers #89

2010-02-12T15:50:00.004Z

This is sketch #89 over on Creative Scrappers this week...

and here is my take on it. ..

The little cutie in the pic is my DD aged 2 holding her favourite doll :)

I've been trying to use up all the poor neglected primas that I've had for a couple of years now, lol. I've added lots to this one and I've also used one of Prima's clear gem flower centres that I've just bought from Ebay.

To embellish I used a grungeboard heart which I painted with Snow Cap Adirondack paint and inked with Vintage Photo distress ink. Then I threaded a button and adhered it to the heart. I added flatback pearls to the flower centres and a Tim Holtz adage ticket behind the pearl spray.

The Bo Bunny print paper was cut strategically to become my title while still following the sketch.

I had a lot of fun doing this sketch and used 4 different paper brands... Bazzil, Papermania, Bo Bunny & My Mind's Eye.

Mission {to} Create #009

2010-02-07T16:15:00.002Z

I'm really skirting in on the tailwind of this challenge as the closing date is today. It's been done for days but I still can't find my label maker.. grr!! In the end I had to stamp out the word 'MAKING', I cut it into tiles and inked the edges.

Not what I had planned so I'm not entirely happy with it.

Here are the concepts for this challenge:

Deborah- Book Print (I used print from patterned paper, not sure this counts)
Jocie-3 or more Flowers
Nicole-Raw Chipboard
Jillian-Fabric

Vanessa-This Sketch:

I used more of the Bo Bunny Persuasion collection for this one. It's so patterened that you really don't need to do much with it. My flowers are my favourite hydrangeas (strawberry) by Prima. I've doubled them up and secured them with pearl brads.

So for this challenge I used 3 concepts.. mabye 4 if the print qualifies :)

The new challenge on Mission {to} Create has been posted so hopefully I'll get to have a go at it tomorrow!!

I hope you're all having a great Sunday - Happy Scrapping :D

A Mission {to} Create #008

2010-02-05T16:03:00.002Z

I came across another great challenge site called Mission {to} Create while blog hopping last week. Every 2nd Sunday a new Mission Create scrapbook challenge is posted, with a recipe to follow.

Now I think I've got this right... There are 5 concepts but you can use as little as 3 of them, or up to all 5 if you wish.

This is the list for Challenge #008

Deborah-Stitching
Jocie-Rub on's
Nicole-Curved Title
Vanessa-Paint
Frances-Red,Turquoise & White

and here is my take on it...

I just love these MME Penny Lane papers. I bought the whole collection last year and have been slow to use it as I am one of those people who can't bring themselves to cut into pretty papers, lol.

The 'BEAUTY' and '2008' are grungeboard. They have been painted with distress crackle paint and then inked with vintage photo ink. I have curved the title as was on the list.

The 'stitching' around the photograph covers 2 of the concepts as it is also a rub-on ;)

All 5 concepts used and I'm really happy with this layout.

I have challnege #009 almost completed, and I need to get it posted by Feb 7th .. off to find my label maker!!

Creative Scrappers #88

2010-01-29T17:12:00.001Z

Yes, yes... I know I missed #87, lol. I was falling behind and had my layout for Scrap Whispers to complete so I jumped right up to #88. Hopefully I'll get to do the one I missed before the 31st.

Anyhooo.. I downsized the elements on this sketch and flipped it 90 degrees..

The tag can be pulled out for some hidden journalling. I've inked and edged it with Vintage Photo distress ink. The sentiment is a Snag Em Stamp by Imaginisce.

While my DD was feeling particularly pink on that day she decided she'd need a pink donut to complete the look....

and boy did she enjoy it!!

Scrap Whispers

2010-01-24T09:00:00.008Z

While browsing the internet one day I came across a link to a site called Scrap Whispers. Now as I am only just getting back into scrapping after a long break (aside from one monthly class) and need all the inspiration/motivation I can get I was quite excited by this find.

It works like what we call 'Chinese Whispers'..... and I've recently been informed that our Chinese Whispers is also called 'Telephone' in some places.. confused yet?? LOL.

Annnnyhooooooo... it works like this...

We have a team leader and 6 other participants in our team (there are other teams too). Our team leader is given a layout to 'lift' and she sends HER version of that layout to #2 on the list. #2 then makes her version and sends that onto #3.. you see how it goes?? At the end, when all participants have 'lifted' the layout sent by the person before them, we get to see the difference between the original layout and the last person on the list.

Fun or what??!!

So, yes, I signed up!! And I am (not so) patiently waiting for my turn which is this coming week :)

Wanna bet I draw a blank and can't come up with anything??!!! haha!!

As I don't have a layout to share I will leave you with some pages from the mini book class I am giving today.

Hopefully I'll get to do a layout or 2 over this coming week. I am already falling behind with Creative Scrappers sketches so I need to catch up!!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Soooooo Relaxed

2010-01-19T11:00:00.001Z

My sweet daughter loves her security blanket. Nothing makes this girl fall asleep quicker than snuggling up with 'towely'. But as each month passes now she is snuggling it less and less. She's already stopped using it during the day, unless she hurts herself or is feeling down. She's growing up.. and it's scary just how fast that's happening!!

I started this layout using a sketch from Pencillines, but lost the sketch so I just did my own thing. I'm not sure if it looks at all like the original sketch or not, lol.

My papers are MME Wild Asparagus and have been ripped, torn, distressed, stapled and generally abused by all things Tim Holtz. When I finished on the papers the flowers and journalling tag were next for an inking!! Love, love, love the lace I've used but that was the very last piece. I bought it in my local drapery store and they are sold out of it... *big tears*. My title is made from chipboard Thickers. To finish off I just added some buttons, ribbon, pearls and pins.

Scooby Doo relaxing right along with her

some close-ups...

have to get me some more of this lace!!

my inky flowers :)

Creative Scrappers #86

2010-01-14T16:43:00.001Z

Another fantastic sketch over on Creative Scrappers this week and since we actually got a snow day here...... which led to snowman building, I just HAD to do a layout.

I've had these Sassafrass Lass "Starry Night" papers for 2+yrs!! I loved them when I bought them but just never got to use them until now. They are distressed with Weathered Wood distress ink. I went a bit Tim Holtz crazy on this layout, lol, but I just love his products.

A studio G sentiment in the TH bookplate & thickers make up my 'Snow Man'

More TH - Trinket pin, jumpring and philosophy tag. I've pinned them onto some regular twine, love how it turned out.

So after all our hard work creating our little snowman from limited amounts of snow and rain starting to come down we decided to name him.

Don't ya just love snow days!!

Creative Scrappers Sketch #85

2010-01-10T16:11:00.000Z

I finally got to play along on Creative Scrappers. A wondeful sketch blog with a weekly sketch to follow. I've always followed this blog but just hadn't had a chance to enter until now :)

This is the sketch:

And this is my take on it....

I used My Mind's Eye Christmas Signature Stack again on this layout. I was determined to use it all up and I have.. almost!! I just LOVE the backing paper with Santa's face on it. It needs very little embellishing so it was perfect for this sketch.

For the 'lines' either side of the layout I used stitching. To make is stand out more I rubbed Antique Linen distress ink over it.

The photo was taken on Christmas morning up in the forest near our home. It was so beautiful with all of the frosty whiteness.. even though it looks like snow it was only frost!! Of course we did have 2 full weeks of negative temps, in fact we still have negative temps, AND we got a little snow too :D

The CHERISH charm is from Tim Holtz and the buttons are from BG.

I got some great pics this morning so expect layouts soon ;)

'Twas the Night before Christmas....

2010-01-05T18:43:00.000Z

... and not for the life of me could I get these 2 to pose for a picture. They were too excited waiting for Santa to come. They made faces, giggled and treated me to many ninja moves. So eventually I gave up and went with the flow! LOVE the pics we ended up with!!

The super sweet Marti sent me Tim Holtz's film strip ribbon so I used it to add all the other funny pics to the layout. I love how it turned out!!

Ok, ok.. I should have zoomed in on it as it blurs when I cropped the pic.. I will take a better pic tomorrow... I promise :) *edited with a better pic as promised*

This is a grungeboard bauble that I inked, covered in with DP and added the chipboard '24'. The numbers were just plain black so I added some stickles to them to make them sparkle.

I finished it off with some BG Wassail buttons that I had left over from last year's xmas mini book marathon!!

The tag behind the photo is double sided. On the front is a Wish List and on the back is a To-Do List. I wrote down what they'd wished for from Santa and the things they needed to do before bed... like leave out some milk and cookies for Santa!!!! .. yeah we nearly forgot that one, lol. I had to go upstairs and get the kiddos back out of bed as they would surely remember the next morning that they'd not left anything out.

More Christams layouts coming soon !! I still have some wonderful MME christmas papers left and I got some pretty decent pics too :)

Winter Wonders

2009-11-16T15:13:00.000Z

Again, these are my MCC class layouts. How wonderful are these Bo Bunny Papers??!! The were a lot of trouble to get but they were sooo worth it. :)

I love the pictures of my kiddos. It's not often we get snow here so when we do the cameras are out in force! These pictures were actually taken in February, and I think it was the first time we had gotten some snow here in the midlands.

I made the snowflakes with vellum and stickles. Very effective, don't you agree?!

A close up of how glittery and lush the papers are:

I stuck this cardstock sticker onto some backing card and then mounted it on 3D foam dots. I prefer the dimension it gave to the layout.

MCC October Workshop

2009-11-14T20:15:00.000Z

Well it seems the only time I get to do layouts lately is for my classes. This was our October Class.. and of course they were Halloween themed.

The Basic Grey Eerie papers were just such a treat to work with. My 'batman' was not impressed that I used his photographs on the class layouts, but he got over it, lol.

Here is a close up of both the grungeboard pumpkin & bat. I inked the bat with momento tuxedo black and painted the pumpkin with Copper paint dabber.

MCC September Workshop

2009-09-22T14:54:00.000+01:00

My class layouts this month were made using the super fun Prima Animal Bash Collection (Eager, Tickled and Celebration), giant tags, adage tickets and much more.

I used 4 photographs on each layout; three passport size and one 3x5".The giant tag on layout 1 is for journalling. The adage ticket is by Tim Holtz. I added star dust stickles to the clouds on layout 2 to make them pop.

I also used the stitched charms, from the Prima Animal Bash range, on both layouts and on my card. These are fantastic little embellishments with a world of possibilities. I cut out some of the animals from the Celebration and added them to the layout using 3D foam dots, to give the layouts some dimension.

With the leftover papers, some red & white cardstock and another stitched charm I made a cute birthday card.

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Next month's crop/class will take place on Oct 18th and we will be making a double Halloween layout. We will also be using up our scraps on a mini-project - more details on that later.

To sign up for either the class or crop please use the email link on the sidebar, or leave a comment here.

Spaghetti Face & A Football Star

2009-05-12T18:48:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post as I'm fighting a flu today and have zero energy. I made both of these layouts last week using BG Ambrosia which is fast becoming a favourite for me :)

Now I'm off to do a quick blog hop and then bury my head in a Lemsip and hope the meds kick in quickly.

PaperPlay Challenge - Week 16 - Flying High

2009-05-07T13:30:00.000+01:00

This weeks Challenge was set by Jackie

The challenge is to use Wings on your project, Birds, butterflies, fairies whatever you like as long as it has wings.

This week I did a tag for my challenge entry.

How I did it:
I distressed the background with Fired Brick, Antique Linen and Broken China distress inks and stamped the swirls using Brushed Cordoroy and then brushed some Rust Perfect Pearls across it before it dried fully. I used crackle paint on the wings and heart and used a heat gun to both dry it faster, and to curl the wings up. I glued the wings onto the tag and then the heart onto the wings. I'm not sure what brand the sentiment is as it was sent to me by my dear friend Dee Dee. When everything was just about dry I spritzed the whole tag with copper Glimmer Mist and again used the heat gun to dry it off.

Tag ingredients: (all linked items are available at Pez-A-Doodle Designs)
Tim Holtz - Grungeboard Wings & Heart, Crackle Paint,- Fired Brick, Old Paper Distress Stickles - Fired Brick, Distress Inks - Fired Brick, Antique Linen & Broken China
Swirl Stamps - Inkadinkadoo
Perfect Pearls - Rust
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Copper.

Once I had that one finished I did another -

This time I applied a TH Mask and distressed the tag using Faded Jeans, then I removed the mask and applied Fired Brick. I spritzed the whole tag using glimmer mist. Then I distressed the edges of my patterned paper and glued it to the bottom of the tag.. then added a little bit of ribbon, a button and a tiny tag onto which I stamped a cute bird from the Inkadinkadoo Flourishes.

Layout with minibook & Card

2009-03-17T17:45:00.000Z

We had our Midlands Crop last Sunday!! I really missed not having one in Feb (due to Crafteire) and it felt like forever since the January crop. It was a great day, with lots of laughs as usual. We were even treated to some very tasty cupcakes, brought along by one of the girls.

Here is the class layout. I did a single layout with a 6-page minibook incorporated onto it and from the kit leftovers I made a card!!! The mini book is held closed with a Basic Grey magnetic snap.

The card was made out of the spare pieces of paper and the die cuts in the kit. The only thing added was a button!!!

These papers were such a treat to work with. A touch of ink on all the edges just brought them out perfectly.

Tags...

2009-03-15T00:45:00.000Z

I've not shown many of these but here are the most recent tags I've done. I love working with TH distress inks and experimenting with the colours!! I've used blending, distressing, stamping and embossing on both of these tags.

a close up of embossing....

Love Letters

2009-03-05T09:18:00.000Z

This is another layout from Crafteire. I adore these papers (Little Yellow Bicycle - Love Letters) and find them a treat to work with. The little pockets are holding journalling tags with the names of the Best Man, Maid of Honour, etc...

I am making my way through another project right now, a Mini-Album & Fold-Up Folio, from the same range. It comes as one big die cut sheet and everything you need is included on it. It's a cute and quick project (when you've got the time to do it of course, LOL).

Crafteire Mini Book Kit

2009-03-01T16:25:00.000Z

This is the K & Company mini book kit that we were given on arrival to Crafteire. It was so quick and easy to make and I used only what came in the kit. I love how it turned out :)

I think these kits were somewhere around €5 each to buy and personally I think they are worth every cent :) TFL!

Crafteire Weekend

2009-02-25T18:46:00.000Z

I had an absolutely fantastic time at Crafteire last weekend!!! A whole weekend of scrapping, chatting and not a kid in sight :)

The Friday night challenge was exactly that.. a challenge!! But I won :) :) Here is the layout I made.. I think the sweet Magnolia image is what clinched it for me, lol

And here is the prize I won.. which I adore!!!! It's an EK Success Shadowbox Coaster Set. 4 mini layouts later and I had a wonderful ornament for my sitting room :)

And this is Karen.. sucking in half the room.... on the other hand.. I'd better not post that pic ;)

Unfortunately this is the last ever Crafteire which is such a shame as it was one of the best events we had!

Another LO

2009-01-31T23:47:00.000Z

This is the layout I made during the week. The recent picture of me is the ONLY one I've had taken in years that I like (hence having it on just about every profile!). The photos were taken in 1978, 1988 and 2008. I am soooooooo stuck for a title on this one.. suggestions are totally welcome :)
I am working on a DLO at the moment that is testing my creative side to the limit. It's so not me, but it's a challenge I'm enjoying :)

Fairy Wings

2009-01-30T16:40:00.000Z

This is the layout I did for PaperPlay Challenges. Karen took these pictures when we visited her house and they were perfect for this weeks theme :)

I have done another LO that I will share with you tomorrow. I just need to title it.. which is always the hard part!

Baby Blue Eyes

2009-01-23T16:17:00.001Z

This is the layout I made for the PaperPlay Challenges blog. The criteria this week was to follow the sketch, which is also posted on the blog. The papers are from Crate's Sweet Branch collection.. fantastic papers.. so lush!! I used a natural coloured cardstock as the background paper. To cut out the circle I used a dinner plate and cut with my scissors.

This had to be one of my favourite pics of my son. Well of his eyes anyway, lol. The title is made up from foam letters and the blue polka dot ribbon is from East of India.. I just love the quality of them. All of the flowers are Prima Sprites and I've added button/brads to the centres.