What an Amazing Adventure

Last week I created a scrapbook layout about the amazing adventure Lara had when she had a flight in a Tiger Month last year. I created a 12" x 12" layout using five small photos.

I started with a sheet of 'cloud' paper from Echo Park's Sweet Summertime collection. The paper was trimmed to approx 11.5" square and matted onto a sheet of yellow paper from BasicGrey's Barista collection.

I die cut the word 'Adventure' from white cardstock using a cut file from the Silhouette Studio and backed this with various papers from the Simple Stories' Say Cheese III collection and matted it with black. My photos were matted on black cardstock and stuck around the edges of the layout and the backed word was then stuck to the centre of the layout on foam to give it some dimension.

I finished my title with some Simple Stories Sn@p letter stickers which were originally blue and I coloured black with a marker pen.

A couple of die cut paper planes were cut from white cardstock, backed with yellow patterned paper and used as embellishments. Wood Veneer planes from Studio Calico were added.

I searched my stash for any die cuts that were the right colour and fitted the theme and found some speech bubbles and a yellow square with a phrase. Stars punched from red paper and a puffy sticker camera were also added.

I finished my layout by machine stitching round the border and also adding journalling strips printed on my computer.

Scrapology - February Layout Challenge

This month on Scrapology the team has taken inspiration from a layout by Australian Scrapbooker Melinda Spinks. 

Melinda's layout incorporated lots of squares so this months challenge is to creating a layout using either Melinda's layout or Lynn's sketch as inspiration and some squares.

For my layout I used a photo taken in our village during the winter a few years ago.

I used 12" x 12" white Bazzill cardstock as my base and patterned paper from LOTS of BasicGrey's older winter/festive themed paper collections - Blitzen, Figgy Pudding, Dasher, Eskimo Kisses ..... 

Branches were cut on the Craft Robo using a shape from the Silhouette Studio and these were attached to the layout with 3D foam to add some dimension. Layered snowflakes from K&Co, crystals, a wooden bird and letters stickers finished off the layout. To add some sparkle the whole layout (apart from the photo) was sprayed with Crafter's Companion Spray & Sparkle Glitter Varnish.

Here is Melinda's original layout .....

..... and Lynn's sketch.

Do hop over to the Scrapology blog to view all the design team's layouts and to find full details of this months challenge.

Scrapology - December Card Challenge

This  month on Scrapology , Design Team member Linda has set a colour challenge using an image she found on Stylyze.

I decided to make a Thank You card using some BasicGrey 'Infuse' patterned paper and die cuts. I matted various pieces of the patterned paper with Bazzill cardstock and them embelished the card with die cuts which were lifted with 3D foam and finished off with a large brad from Little Leaves. The sentiment was downloaded from the internet and printed on card.

Hop over to Scrapology to see the rest of the design team's cards and for full details of the challenge.

Scrapology - November Layout Challenge

This month the Scrapology design team have been inspired by a layout by Brazilian born scrapbooker Carmen Crosseti Henriquez . Carmen's bright colourful layout featured hearts so this months challenge to blog readers is to create a layout inspired by Carmen's original layout and incorporate hearts or some other repeated shape into your design.

For my layout I used a photo of my cat, Tux.

I used a variety papers from BasicGrey. BasicGrey were once my 'go to' manufacturer for most of my layouts but over the years I've fallen out of love with their collections, but for this layout the papers seemed a good choice.

The hearts were cut on the CraftRobo and stitched to the layout with the sewing machine.

The wording was printed on an ink jet transparency and stuck onto the page. A scattering of flat back pearls and homemade enamel dots finished off the layouts

Here is Carmen's original layout .......

..... and of course, Lynn's sketch.

Please pop over to the Scrapology blog to see the rest of the teams layouts and to get full details of the challenge.

Scrapology - May Card Challenge

This months card challenge on Scrapology has been sponsored by Visible Image - a clear stamps designer and manufacturer.

The design team all used a cute stamped image of 'Bradley and Emma' to make their cards.

I decided to make a 3D card with a curved the back.

I used some scraps of BasicGrey Black Tie patterned paper which has been in my scrap box for ages. Embelishments were kept simple with white flowers and punched leaves. A touch of sparkle was added with stickles and some flat back gems. The image was coloured with ProMarkers.

For full details of the challenge and prize pop over to Scrapology.

Scrapology - March Layout Challenge

The March Layout Challenge has been posted on the Scrapology Blog today. The challenge is to take inspiration from a layout by design team member Sandra Dry and to 'Use Your Stash' when creating your layout.

For my layout I used a photo of DH and daughter taken a few years ago on a snowy December day.

I delved into my stash and choose some Basic Grey Figgy Pudding papers for my layout which I've had since they were released in Autumn 2007! Whilst I've used a lot of the papers I still have several sheets and thought they were perfect for this wintry layout.

I used die cut snow flakes to frame the photo which were glittered with Stickles.

I also used Bazzill White Cardstock, some silver twine, frilled organza ribbon, organza ribbon and a metal snow flake charm.

He's Sandra' s original layout ........

..... and Lynn's sketch.

Hop on over to Scrapology to see the rest of the design team layouts and details of the challenge and the prize up for garbs.

Scrapology - April Layout Challenge

This month the Scrapology Design Team chose to scraplift a layout by Morag Cutts and this months technique is ripped paper.

For my layout I used paper and a sticker from BasicGrey's 2008 release - Euphoria. I still love that paper line. The colours are so fresh, girly and Spring-y.

I also used Bazzill cardstock, a crystal swirl from The Hobby House, some flowers from Wild Orchid Crafts, a heart shaped paper doilie, ribbon, button card downloaded from the Internet, buttons, silver charm, butterflies downloaded and printed from www.swirlydoos.com , re-coloured unbranded alphabet stickers and Provo Craft alphabet stickers. The little envelope was made with more of the Euphoria paper.

Here's Morag's original layout and Lynn's sketch.

Morag has given a super prize for the winner of the challenge of lovely Stash Panache Boutique Buttons. I wouldn't mind winning those myself. Shame I can't enter! Pop on over to Scrapology for all the details. 

Hunstanton Rocks

Another layout for last weeks Scrapbooking weekend using photos from a trip to Hunstanton, Norfolk in 2009.

I used a real mixture of papers for this layout - Scenic Route Grafton (Orange), BasicGrey Ambrosia (white), BasicGrey Marrakech (green) and My Little Shoebox (Ledger). I also used Bazzill cardstock, BasicGrey lettering , an MME die cut Calendar journalling card and a few buttons. The photo collage was created in Piccasa.

Scrapology February Layout Challenge - P is for Patchwork

This month on Scrapology we are scraplifting a layout designed and created by SJ for the Cardinal Colours Retreat last autumn and this month our technique is to use your papers to create a "Patchwork" background.

Some of my readers may remember this layout that I created last year using BasicGrey's Offbeat collection. I really liked the colour combo and the papers were perfect for a series of photos I took of my daughter playing in the snow, so I decided to use the scraps of paper I had left from my original layout to create this challenge layout.

Just as scraps of fabric are perfect for patchwork quilts, etc. , scraps of paper are perfect for patchwork layouts. I used a square punch to punch my 'patches' but could have easily just measured then and cut them with a paper trimmer. After sticking the patches to my background card (which I had punched a fancy border round) I machine stitched over the joins. I used snowflake embelishments from K&Co and felt snowflakes from Papermania. I added some unbranded silver alphabet stickers for the title, tiny alphabet stickers from Adornit and metal corner embelishments.

To add a bit of sparkle I sprayed the whole layout (except the photograph) with 'Spray and Sparkle' glitter varnish from Crafter's Companion. It really does Sparkle & Shine in real life.

This was SJ's original layout ....

... and this is Lynn's sketch.

Pop over to Scrapology to see all the design team Layouts and maybe have a go at the challenge yourself. There is a great prize on offer and as they say, "You've got to be in it to Win it".

Scrapology November Layout Challenge - F is for Fabric Flowers

I can't believe it's November already - where has the year gone?

Over on Scrapology this month the theme is 'Fabric Flowers' and the team choose a layout by Hannah Young of Handmade Hannah as inspiration.

With Halloween only a week ago, I choose to use some photos of my daughter taken on Halloween last year on my page.

I used patterned papers from Basicgrey's Eerie Collection and cardstock from Bazzill. The lettering was cut on the Craft Robo and stickled to add lots of sparkle.

The fabric Flowers were made using a tutorial from Gabrielle Pollocco's blog. The purple fabric flowers was made from ribbon saved from a box of chocolates and the black and silver flowers were made from a pair of my daughters Halloween tights! Just proves that most things can be used in scrapbooking to good effect. I punched some leaves from cardstock and stickled them and also made an extra paper from patterned paper which I cut on the Craft Robo and also stickled. Lots of sparkle on this layout which unfortunately only shows in real life.

Here is Hannah's original layout ..................

............ and the sketch prepared by Lynn.

Please pop over to Scrapology to see all the team's layouts and to join in the fun by creating your own layout using the design team's pages for inspiration and the technique of creating flowers from fabrics.

Scrapology September Layout Challenge - E is for Embossing

Over on Scrapology this month the team choose to scrap lift a layout from one of my all time favourite scrapbookers - Kelly Goree. I have been a huge fan of Kelly's work ever since I started scrapbooking and find her work so inspirational.

The technique for this month is Embossing - dry embossing, wet embossing and any other type of embossing you can think of.

I choose to use a sheet of Core Impressions BasicGrey Ornate 12" x 12" card stock as a background for my layout. The cardstock is embossed with a BasicGrey design and sanded to make the image more distinct. The patterned paper and border sticker are from BasicGrey's Olivia collection. The chipboard flowers were from a Little Leaves Cardmaking Kit, lace from The Hobby House, gems from an old bracelet and the concertina flowers were made from scraps of Olivia patterned paper.

The little girl in my layout is me. The photo was taken either at Christmas or on my birthday when I was given a huge doll. She was almost as tall as I was. I can still picture the doll - short blond curly hair, peachy coloured dress and eyes that closed when she was laid down. She was made from really hard plastic (not at all cuddly) and I used to play 'tea parties' with her. I also remember the little chair I was sitting on in the photo. You can't see it well but if it's the one I think it is, the back was a furry black and white panda face.

Here is this months sketch based on the original layout ..............

........... and Kelly's gorgeous original layout.

Do pop over to Scrapology to see all the design team layouts and play along too. You could have a chance of winning a beautiful tamps set and ink pad donated by Jill of Cardinal Colours.

Scrapology August Layout Challenge - R is for Ribbon

After a couple of weeks break, I am now back and hopefully kids crafts will resume on Monday.

Meanwhile, here's a reminder of what's happening on Scrapology this month. For the month of August the design team decided to scraplift a layout by Ingrid Gooyer.

Here is my layout.

I used cardstock from Bazzill Basics, Patterned Paper from BasicGrey, Card Candi from Craftwork Cards, Bling from Prima, crochet flowers, punched leaves, Prima flowers, decorative pins, brads, tag from K & Co and of course ribbon.

The ribbon is stitched in place in a circular shape.

Here is Ingrid's original layout which I think is amazing!

Here is the challenge sketch.

Please do pop over the Scrapology blog to see the other design team layouts and why not join in the challenge by creatingyour own layout based on the sketch. Post a link to your layout in the comment box on the Scrapology blog before midnight on 5th September and you could be in with a chance of winning a 12" x 12" DCWV Cardstock Stack called Immortal Love (48 sheets of white core cardstock - 4 foiled, 8 glittered and 36 textured) kindly donated by Jill of Cardinal Colours.

Scrapology - May Card Challenge

This months card challenge on Scrapology has been set by Zoe Pierson.

For my card I using a cute Lili of the Valley 'Thomas - Letter For You' stamped image which I coloured with Promarkers.



The papers are from BasicGrey's Nook and Pantry Collection. I also used Bazzill cardstock, ribbon, flowers and brads from my stash as well as some very old letter stickers from K&Co which I recoloured with Promarkers to get the right colour.

Here is Zoe's original card......



..... and the sketch.



Please do have a look at the other Design Team cards over on Scrapology and enter the challenge.

Funny Faces

Another layout from the Debden weekend this time using photos of Steven taken nearly 7 years ago. In just over a fortnight this little boy will be a teenager. Yikes!



The layout was based on a layout by Davinie Fiero and I used squares of BasicGrey 'Lucky' paper which were all machine stitched round the edge. More scraps of BasicGrey were used for the title which was cut on the Cricut and to make the concertina flowers

Ice Queen

This layout, which I put together at Debden, was based on a layout I saw on Lisette Gibbons blog. When I saw that Lisette had used papers from the BasicGrey's Offbeat collection with an icy layout I realised what a perfect colour match they would be to some photos I had of Lara playing in the snow on Christmas Eve.



I had intended using several sheets of paper from the collection but in the end used just a tiny piece of the sheet called 'unexpected'. I teamed this with white and pale blue Bazzill card stock, ribbon, lace, 'Swell Noel' Layered Glittered Snowflakes from K&Co (which I seem to use on EVERY snowy layout!) and some unbranded silver alphabet stickers.

I have lots more photos of Lara taken on that day whilst she was playing in the snow so I think the Offbeat collection will come in very useful when scrapping them. Not a collection I would have instantly thought to use with snowy pictures but in this instance they are perfect.

Finally some scrapbooking

After several weeks of doing nothing creative I found time to go to my monthly crop yesterday and completed three layouts.

The first was a layout of our kitten, Tuxie (Tuxedo). The layout tells the story of how last weekend he made an escape bid and disappeared for 26 hours. Until now he has been a house cat so it was a very worrying time and we were so relived when on Monday morning he came back none the worse for wear.



I used Quite Contrary papers from My Minds Eye, Cardstock from Bazzill, a scrap of ribbon, Heidi Swapp bling and letter stickers from BasicGrey. The layout was based on a layout by Candice Greenaway - I love her pet layouts.

The photo on the next layout was only taken a week or so ago and was of Lara in the garden.



I used more Quite Contrary papers from My Minds Eye, Cardstock from Bazzill, Ribbon, brads, American Crafts Flair adhesive badge, a glitter cut from Fancy Pants, letters stickers from BasicGrey and Provo Craft and a butterfly cut with my new punch from Tonic Studios.

The final layout is of a lemur who kindly posed for me last summer at Exmoor Zoo.



I used even more Quite Contrary paper (love that line) as well as some BasicGrey Black Tie papers, Cardstock from Bazzill, Prima Flowers, brads, stamped swirls and letter stickers from Provo Craft. I had to resort back to hand cutting the title because I forgot to take any chipboard letters with me to the crop.

A Birds Eye View

Earlier this evening I finished the second of the layouts I started at the crop last weekend. A very simple layout of a seagull.

The photograph was taken at the Clovelly Gig Regatta in August 2008. Anyone who has ever visited Clovelly in Devon can't fail to remember the incredibly steep walk from the top of the village down to the harbour and back again. As you walk down the cobbled street on occasions you are on a level with the rooftops of some of the houses further down the street. I snapped this seagull during our walk back up the street.



I used a mixture of patterned papers from Making Memories (die cut edge), BasicGrey (clouds) and October Afternoon (bunting and title). The string, brads and buttons were from my stash as were the alphabet stickers from Provo Craft. The title was cut on the Craft Robo. The seagull image in the top right corner was a clip art image printed on card stock and diamond glazed to add some dimension.

Baby Elephant - Ahhhhhhh!

I finally got around to finishing the remaining layout that I started at the crop a couple of weeks ago. Its of the baby elephant that Lara and I saw when we visited Whipsnade Zoo with the school last month. I used papers from the Quite Contrary line by My Minds Eye, Chipboard trees from Maya Road, Letter Stickers from BasicGrey, some ribbon, a few eyelets, a bit of twine and a brad. The elephant embelishment in the bottom right corner was simply clip art that I printed onto patterned paper and then gave it a bit of shine with some glossy accents.

Another Birthday Layout

This evening I have finished the second layout that I started at the weekend. It is a birthday layout of Christopher's 16th Birthday. The design is the same as the layout I created a few weeks ago for Steven's birthday except mirrored and this time I used BasicGrey Color Me Silly papers. Another collection which is bright and ideal for birthday layouts. I have had these papers for quite some time (I actually searched and found out that they were released by BasicGrey at winter 2006 CHA and as I bought them as soon as they were released they must have been hibernating in my paper collection for over 4 years!) Its such a good feeling to use up old stash and some how helps justify buying something new. LOL

Smile!

Yesterday was my monthly crop at Stamp Addicts. It was nice to spend a day scrapbooking especially when just lately I don't seem to find any time to do any crafting at home.

I put together three layouts but two still need the journalling adding so I only have one to show you today. This layout of Lara is an almost complete scrap lift of a layout by Susan Goetter apart from the embelishments and title. I used Papers from the BasicGrey Lemonade collection, an epoxy sticker from Creative Imaginations, Prima 'Say it in Pearls' swirl, Liquid Pearls and BasicGrey letter stickers.



The flowers were handmade using this tutorial on the Whiff of Joy Inspirations blog. I was really pleased how they came out and really like that they cost virtually nothing to make using just some scraps of Bazzill, some stickles and a few brads. Some of the ladies at my crop liked them so much that quite a few of them made some too to add to layouts.