Hand Crafted Memories

Oh what fun we had

2012-01-30T19:26:00.000Z

I had a fabulous day yesterday at the Craft Box, another of my favourite Molly Blooms classes. I had such a laugh with those ladies that I'm still smiling today. Clare comes up with the most inspirational cards and projects, I would love to live just an hour in her creative mind. Yesterday we made a piano hinge book, filled with lots of lovely images. I haven't finished mine yet, this was a mammoth stamping and colouring in session and I'm still enjoying colouring them all in. I will photograph and post it when it is finished.

In the mean time here are photos of the project we made at the workshop just before Christmas, this class included some gingerbread men to put in the boxes and give as a present. No chance! I'm not giving these little beauties away, I have them in my living room to look at every day. If I do want to give somebody a special gift box I'll make them another one.

oh and I ate the gingerbread men myself!

Back Again

2012-01-28T13:45:00.000Z

Where did January go? I blinked and here we are on the 28th January, I have hardly done any crafting this month. Fortunately I've got a few crafty social events planned so this lack of crafty posting should end soon. I recently posted about a mammoth card making session, so today I'm posting one of my favourites. I'm not sure why, I think its the colours that draw me to this and its featuring a stamp from one of my favourite stamp companies, Molly Blooms.

Crafting and Cupcakes

2012-01-22T21:26:00.001Z

I made a batch of orange and chocolate cupcakes this morning, I wanted to practise the decorating. I made two batches of butter cream and flavoured one orange and one chocolate. I need more practise but wasn't too disappointed with the results. As it was warm in the kitchen I lifted the cakes into the fridge to keep the butter cream from melting and disaster, I dropped them.Fortunately it was into the fridge, I didn't mess them up too much but they definitely didn't look as pretty.

They were eaten while we made cards this afternoon, I can't think of anything better than cupcakes and crafting.

Lets make it weekly

2012-01-21T16:06:00.001Z

I think this looks like its going to be a year of posting only weekly. Seriously I like to post more often but life is busy at the moment and blogging is suffering. Last weekend I went on a cupcake making course, well I thought that's what was going to happen, in fact we ended up decorating them only. I won't say anything about the day as my feedback ended up with the lady throwing her toys out of the pram and refunding us our money, even though she agreed with everything I'd said. Shame really because we learnt how to decorate beautifully, we just didn't make anything.

Tomorrow I plan to practise and use my own recipe for the cupcakes. My friends niece is just getting into card making so she is coming for the afternoon to learn some techniques and I'm going to test my cupcakes out on her.

I recently bought some embossing folders in one of the New Year sales, I can't remember where I got them from. I bought them with mens cards in mind and on my recent mammoth card session I used two of them. I like the effect of embossing onto cardstock with a white core and then sanding away the raised image.These cards came together really quickly and are perfect for the box of cards I need for the boys at work.

No Excuses

2012-01-14T13:19:00.001Z

I posted last week that I had just had a mammoth card making session and here I am a week later and I haven't posted any more cards. I have been to Cambridge with work for a couple of days but there's plenty more days in the week. So here we go with another card from the session.

This is for a friend of mine who is having a birthday this week. I am still enjoying playing with my Promarkers and think I'm now improving the shading technique.

I also called into Paperchase this week, just for a nosey and came across some lovely paper tapes, so I stocked up. There are others on the market but I thought this was a good selection, only £3 for 15m. Its gonna last a while I think. Now I've just got to find something to use it on.

Mammoth Card Making Session

2012-01-07T15:44:00.001Z

I have re found my love for card making this week. I like to stamp out some images and just colour them in and cut them out. I will then make them up into card toppers and keep them in a box until I need a card. It makes it so much quicker when I suddenly realise I need to get something in the post. I recently posted that I needed to make some more cards for the boys at work, so a flurry of creativity ensued in my craft room. This resulted in apile of around 20 cards, plenty of posts will follow.

I also think I need to add some of my cards to the challenges that go on and I look through regularly, I haven't entered anything for quite a while now. Over on the Allsorts challenge blog this week the challenge is about paper piecing. It so happens that this week I had made a couple of cards using this technique.I paper pieced the van on this card.

This is one of my favourite Molly Bloom stamps, its perfect for men's cards. I've teamed it up with two ranges of papers from Craftwork Cards, Anglomania and Shabby Vintage. I so hope they bring Anglomania back, it is one of my all time favourites and I'm sure will be a hit with all of the celebrations this year.

4 x 6 Photo Love - December

2012-01-04T07:00:00.012Z

The last of this year long project is to get 12 4 x 6 photos onto one layout, well I've been waiting for 12 months to see how this was possible. Very clever Shimelle! I have had these photos for so long, well since 1992. I have pondered and wondered how I was going to get them all into a layout without shrinking them down so you could no longer see the detail or without adding importance to those that remained larger.

One day when we were in Washington DC we decided to walk from the hotel to the Capitol and visit all of the landmarks in between, when we go to the Washington Memorial and went up inside we could see everything from above, amazing! I managed to add in the aerial view from each side and then the close up photos of the landmarks that we then visited. Some of the pictures were not so good on the day So I had bought postcards, I have to admit this layout is a mixture of photos and postcards.

You would think that stack of 12 photos on mounts would make a bulky, page bit it hasn't, I replace the original string g that attached the pictures to the page with embroidery thread and it made the whole thing much slimmer and lighter. The back of each photo has the journalling, well it will when I finish writing it!

I'm now looking forward to the next 12 month projects that will be featured on UK Scrappers and Two Peas in a Bucket.

Molly Blooms for Men

2012-01-03T07:00:00.001Z

I just love the Molly Bloom stamps, I've had this card in mind for a while and just needed time to sit and work it out. One of my favourite things to do is stamp a few images and colour them in using my Promarkers. Yesterday I did this for the whole afternoon while I had a film on. This card I'm going to give to either my brother or nephew, it has given me quite a few ideas for other cards.

A New Year

2012-01-02T12:49:00.000Z

Here we are in 2012 and ready to go back to work tomorrow, where did Christmas go? The decorations are down, the cards have gone for recycling and everything is ready to begin again. I have another 30 odd male birthday card ideas to come up with again. This month at work we have four male and one female birthday, it is also my brother and youngest nephews birthdays. Making a total of 6 male and one female card to make for this month. My last day of holiday will be spent getting January's cards ready. Here is the first one I have come up with.

4 x 6 Photo Love - November

2011-12-27T16:05:00.005Z

I have just managed to finish my pages for Shimelles 4 x 6 photo love for November, just in time before the December layout is released. I've had the photos ready for a while but I haven't had much motivation to scrap. I had promised myself that I would get plenty done over the Christmas holiday period, but for some reason today was the first chance I got. I even managed to get an hour in the garden at lunch time. The weather has been gorgeous so I grabbed the opportunity to do some tidying up.

Anyway this page has all the photos from a trip to Arlington Cemetery in 1992, I was so impressed at how much the American military is respected and treated.Its not just their own military, they respect everybody. At the time we visited America my husband and I were civilians working for the Saudi Military Hospital in Riyadh. Each time we checked into a hotel and gave our address they asked for our ID, we were given discounts on everything and in many cases upgrades. The trip to Arlington really brought that home, it was so pristine and very interesting.

The first picture is the double page layout, without the small page. I liked the rows of trees because it reminded me how the cemetery was so precise. I struggled with picking papers for these photos, we were there in September/October and the weather was so beautiful the skies were really blue. At first I was going to go with white but it looked so stark I decided on the green. I'm quite happy with how they have turned out.

The next picture is the layout with the small page, I still have to do the journalling, but that will sit on the middle of the small page.

This final picture shows the other side of the small page.

Another Pop Up

2011-12-22T19:56:00.000Z

Here is another pop up card, I have loved making them this year, can you believe only 2 days left to Christmas Day and in three days it will all be over with. I now have to think up ways of making some pop up birthday cards. I have a few ideas and after I finish work tomorrow, for 10 days I'll have plenty of time to make them.

Sitting and Waiting for Christmas

2011-12-15T21:18:00.000Z

Oh I wish I was, its funny it doesn't matter how prepared we think we are, we always seem to end up rushing about. I have been to Kingston this week with work and those two days away form home seem to have thrown me into chaos. Although I posted all my cards for people I would not be seeing, the other cards remain unwritten. Tomorrow evening we have our works Christmas dinner and a couple of those cards need writing for that. I promise myself this weekend everything that I haven't done will be done. If it doesn't get done so what Christmas will still happen and I do not intend to spend it stressing over a card that perhaps I didn't write.

Next year I'm going to be sitting and waiting just like this chap is on my card.

I have really enjoyed making these pop up cards this year. I've already got ideas for birthday cards in mind, but lets just get Christmas finished first.

Why?

2011-12-11T17:10:00.001Z

Why do I take things on that are so labour intensive? I agreed to make some wedding invitations and after several samples we came up with the one. I priced everything up and gave the final bill which was accepted. This weekend I have these to deal with these.

Three charms for each card and there are 150 cards. Yes 450 jump rings need adding to 450 charms, so if anybody wants me I'll be sitting on the sofa, dealing with these.

Each year for our Christmas party we are invited by the Directors to a Christmas dinner. We choose our meal a few weeks before the event and every year somebody forgets what they have ordered. I make little cards for each guest with their choices in them so they can be reminded. Previous ones are here and here. These are the ones I made for this year.

I've wanted to make a chocolate finger cake for a couple of weeks now, since my friend told me about it. Today as a break from threading jump rings onto charms I made this

Production Line Cards

2011-12-10T15:29:00.000Z

It doesn't matter how early I start making Christmas cards I never seem to make enough. Today called for a little bit of production line card making. I had already made a few focal points with some stamps and had coloured them, this is something I do fairly regularly. I stamp and colour in, then leave them until I need to make up a card. I folded up some card stock and dived into the mountain of Christmas papers to make these. They are all now drying and will be written tomorrow. Here are three of the cards all variations on a them but perfect production line cards.

Piling up

2011-12-09T22:23:00.000Z

I felt that I was almost ready for Christmas and was quite happy with how organised I was. Why then today do I feel I've taken my eye off the ball? I managed to post all the cards that need to go in the mail but I haven't written the cards for people I am going to see. I also have a huge pile of photos to scrap but don't have any time. They will have to wait for my Christmas break from work. I have a few more of the pop up cards to make for my special friends who I will be seeing, but immediate task is to make some quick cards to hand out. A few more of these I think

Cold and Frosty

2011-12-03T22:21:00.001Z

A few weeks ago I made a pop up card at a Molly Bloom workshop at the Craft Box. Sometimes you make something and it sets you off on a creative path. This pop up card caused a real flurry of Christmas card creativity. I was asked to make a card for one of my friends at work to give to his lovely wife, so with this pop up inspiration I made this card, it looks pretty just like this with its matching box

but then you open it up to see this lovely cold and frosty scene

and the details

This month over on the Crafty Calendar Challenge Blogspot their challenge is to create something with a cold and frosty theme. This card fits the bill perfectly.

Going to be Busy

2011-12-02T18:57:00.000Z

This is going to be a really busy weekend for me, so I think getting organised is at the top of my list. I need a brake check on my car, groceries from the supermarket, the Christmas trimming s have to go up as well as the usual housework, and washing and ironing. Most of all I am so looking forward to another Molly Blooms workshop at the Craft Box. I'm treating my workshop day as a reward for doing all the other chores, better get my skates on.

I was asked to make some cards for the parents and in laws of a friend of mine at work, I made them both the same and as the cards are coming from their grandson, picked this little boy image, what a great excuse to use my Promarkers.

Secret Garden

2011-11-27T16:35:00.001Z

A couple of weeks ago I received my Secret Garden project of the Month from Craftwork cards. These papers are just so gorgeous, you have to see them to appreciate the beautiful colours and some of them are glittered. I can't tell you have delicious they are.

Unfortunately for me I am very busy at the moment with an order for wedding invitations and my own Christmas cards. I could only manage four cards. Here they are:

I also made this one, it looks a little plain on the outside and I used some older paper for it

But on the inside is this

This is definitely a kit I will be returning to as soon as I have some free time.

Children in Need

2011-11-19T10:23:00.000Z

Each year I organise some fund raising at work for Children in Need, this is no mean feat when I work mostly with men who work with computers. This year I asked them all to wear something spotty and donate £2 or donate £3 if they didn't wear spots. I never thought for one minute that spots are not really a man thing. I've got to give them 10 out of 10 for effort, they managed to get hold of some sticky spots and just stuck them all over their shirts. Even better they just donated money and the majority of them gave me more than the £2.

My contribution was to make some fairy cakes with spots on, that they could purchase for a minimum 50p each. Now this I knew would be a hit because they really are big cake monsters. My friend Genna made some rocky road that we also sold for 50p. I then asked everybody to look in the bottom of their drawers and bags for any spare coppers. At the end of the day we managed to get £160 together. I was thrilled to bits, last year we made £42.

Right now I really could eat one of these cakes but were sold out!

Molly Bloom Class

2011-11-16T22:15:00.001Z

A couple of weeks ago I went to a fantastic workshop at the Craft Box. Clare was teaching with her fabulous Molly Bloom Winter Wonderland collection. I just love these classes because the attention to detail on the projects is so inspirational and the chance to use my Promarkers on these gorgeous images is a bonus.We made three lovely cards and these have kick started my card making for 'special' people. I have spent the last three evenings stamping and colouring some images ready to make up into more 'special' cards.

Here is my inspiration

this one is my absolute favourite and the cause of my recent flurry of creativity.

Ready for a New Year

2011-11-14T19:17:00.002Z

Each year I make a little calendar for the finance department at work. I do it so they remember to pay me every month! They use my mini calendar's more than the big ones on the wall, those remain on January for months before anybody changes it, but the little ones are marked off regularly. This year I was inspired by these lovely offerings. The previous years I made these and these.This is what I created, I made six in no time at all. Tthe black ones were an attempt to make them 'manly' for the two men.

I handed them out today and they unanimously like these better than the previous years. Note to self, next year keep it simple!

4x6 Photo Love -October

2011-11-12T14:12:00.002Z

This month in Shimelle's 4 X6 photo love we have 10 photos to add to our layout. This has been a great series of workshops to follow for busting my mountain of holiday photos. I still have thousands to get through so this could go on for some time.

I decided to use my photos from Sydney harbour for this months prompt, this page will sit nicely with the page I made for the prompt in April.

The idea was to use a divided page protector and decorate on top of it, also as it is actually 10 inches wide you can add a 2"" border and decorate that as well. This is a really quick way of adding a lot of photos and just a little bit of decoration, when its added into the album its has quite an impact because it looks 'different'.

Nifty Fifty

2011-11-08T22:39:00.000Z

I recently needed a fiftieth birthday card for a friend and had a pi;e pf scraps from my favourite Sweet Meadows papers from Craftwork Cards. I love these colours and the lovely blooms. . The card came together quite quickly and was loved by the recipient.

Are you the winner?

2011-11-03T19:50:00.000Z

Well you won't know if you are the winner unless you entered this fabulous draw. Who wouldn't want to win this fabulous Tim Holtz Tote?

Its really easy all you have to do is go here and leave a comment. Simples!

Taking the Plunge

2011-10-29T14:37:00.000+01:00

Sometimes you've just got to do it, I need to remember this. Like many scrapbookers out there, I seem to collect more pretty papers than I use. With each new release of paper my resolve not to buy anymore just crumbles once I set eyes on more prettiness. A short while ago I purchased a class from True Scrap featuring Shimelle Laine and great instructions of how to go stash diving. The idea is that you collect a bunch of coordinating papers and plain cardstock, then you just chop the patterned papers into blocks. Because you've cut it you have to use it.

I gathered together the My Minds Eye, Lost and Found papers, I used mostly blue based colours and mixed up between the groups. That was as far as I went for a few weeks, I still didn't want to cut the paper, they all looked so lovely together. I watched the video a few more times, then when the craft room needed tidying again I found I was gathering the papers to put them back. Why?

So I just did it, I cut them up, some of the papers had elements I wanted to use. I carefully cut those out and the rest I chopped into blocks. OMG, what had I done. I had to walk away and have a cup of tea, then come back and look at the damage.

To get me going I decided to scrap lift the double page layout, then a couple of the other layouts, before I knew it I was off and running. I even used the brand strips from the bottom of the papers. Scrapping without photos, just placing pretty papers in pleasing patterns. I have finally made one double page layout and six single pages all in a couple of evenings. Now I just need to find photos. I still have some blocks left and because I bought the papers in a real magpie moment, I have some more papers from the collection that I can cut into.

I will use this method again, it would work really well with some of the kits I have bought and not cut into. I also thought if I went through my scrap box I could use up quite a bit of that. I can also use it to make pages from the scraps of other pages, then the scraps don't even make it into the box.

Here is the double page that I lifted from Shimelle's video

The classes from this year are now availalbe at True Scrap and Shimelle has classes for using your pretty papers now.

Another Scrapstars Page

2011-10-23T18:03:00.000+01:00

At last I have made time to finish another of my Scrapstars projects. This was a fabulous class taught by Rachel Elliott and using the gorgeous Country Estate papers from Websters pages. There was lots of cutting in this one, but it really was worth it. I won't be using this photo. I seem to have made a lot of pages with recent photos of me on them. So I'm saving this for 'just the right' picture.

More Frosty

2011-10-22T11:02:00.000+01:00

Here are the last three Frosty and friends cards that I made from last months Craftwork Cards project of the month. These die cut images are just fabulous and for those of you who love your Promarkers or Copics, they are perfect. Once you've got your image coloured for the focal point the rest of the card is easy.

Frosty and Friends

2011-10-18T13:39:00.002+01:00

Oh dear I'm a little bit behind with my kits for Craftwork Cards. I received the Frosty and Friends kit a few weeks ago and spent a couple of evenings colouring the lovely images, then I just seemed to stop. It was only this weekend in another attempt to clear the decks in my craft room that I realised I hadn't done anything with them. Then to highlight the matter even more my next kit has arrived. Oh dear! I had to get my finger out. So here are the first two that I made

how lovely is that candi?

A Card Challenge at Last

2011-10-16T16:03:00.001+01:00

Its been a while since I went into my craft room, just to play. I have spent a couple of hours making little boxes to finish off one of my Scrapstars projects I need 36 in total. Its taken me 2 hours to make 18 so I'll continue that another day. I haven't made card that isn't for a request or a design tam for ages. Today I made one just because. I have a card idea in mind and I want a little bird to make it but I can't find what I have in mind. I do have the bird and branch punch from Stampin Up, so I thought I'd make a Robin using it.

The boxes I've been making were made using the Kraft cardstock from Papermania, so while I had it out I made my card. I love how it turned out. This week over on Winter Wonderland they want to see a Robin somewhere on the card, so this is perfect for that challenge.

More Scrapstars

2011-10-15T11:30:00.000+01:00

I know that its three weeks since the retreat but the projects are still going, where else do you sing up for a retreat that has three fabulous days of tuition that are followed by weeks of producing beautiful work. I can create a page on my own in a couple of hours but the things that are really worth working on, take a lot longer.

One of the projects that just captivated me was a suitcase that had a lovely mini book inside, taught by the amazing Lida De Witte. We used the beautiful Victoria Garden papers, I just love them.I have finished the project, and just now need to find just the right photos.

Scrapstars continued

2011-10-13T13:14:00.000+01:00

Yes this is definitely the retreat that keeps on giving, I still haven't come down from my recent retreat Scrapstars. You will have seen one of the pages we made under the guidance of the fabulous Emma, well here is another one. This page was based on the latest trend of memory jars, where you collect memorabilia and store it in a jar. We were to create this page and the memory jar element was a CD type case to store a memory in. I decided to use a past memory and call it dreams. My wedding day, because although I am no longer married it really was a day full of dreams.

I recently followed a thread on UKS where the question was do you record the bad and the good on scrapbook pages. My personal thought is if you can deal with it sensitively and you need to do it why not. I can't ignore the fact that I was married for 6 years, or that I just had the most fabulous wedding day. So here I am talking about the dreams I had on that day. I don't have any mementos from the day but I put some confetti into the little bottle and the CD case and I included a cake decoration I had of two wedding rings tied with a little bow. If i can find the same as I had on my cake I will add little bells.

Here is my page and because there is so much to look at I've added some detail shots.

Time for a card

2011-10-10T13:11:00.000+01:00

I was asked last week for to make a card for a baby boy, then quite by chance Ineeded a baby girl card as well. I have this thing about making new baby cards in pairs, I've no idea why but usually I like to make one for each sex.
The stamp on the baby girls card is one I use loads and it always makes me smile, it looks great for both boys and girls.

I've had the little boat on the boys card in mind for some time now, I tried everywhere the get the embossing folder that you see in the background. You won't beleive how happy I was when I finally got my mitts on it.

4x6 Photo Love - September

2011-10-09T10:12:00.000+01:00

I'm doing well its only the 9th of the month and I've already made my page for Septembers 4 x 6 photo love. I had actually decided on which set of photos I wanted to use, there are about 15 photos to this set so once I had them printed the harder decision was which 9 to use.

This months page is built around an acetate pocket and two large photo cards with pictures on them. I had several printed acetate sheets but none of them suited the idea I had in mind. I used a plain acetate sheet and stamped a pattern on them, perfect just what I had in mind. Here is September done:

Scrapstars Influence

2011-10-05T13:33:00.003+01:00

I had such a great time in Emma's classes at the recent Scrapstars retreat that I thought I would practice my spraying technique. I can see an improvement but its not quite there yet. There are still some blobs on the bottom right of the layout. I also got a bit excited and sprayed the whole page, but I kind of like it. What I did try and like was to stamp and clear emboss on the white cardstock before I started. Then when I sprayed I rubbed over the embossed are to get the ink off the embossed doily and also to blend around the edges. i loved this effect and will be doing this again. I still had loads of Websters pages, all about me paper left from the class so I sat for an evening and cut out all the little detail. I now have an Emma Trout esque style page. Well it is in my head anyway, I have a long way to go to reach the level of her stunning work. It's a start though and one I'm pretty chuffed with.

Another Scrapstars Page Finished

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000+01:00

I tidied my craft room for three hours, and could finally see the counter top. As a reward I allowed myself to finish another of the pages I started at the Scrapstars retreat last weekend. I am a huge fan of Emma Trout's work and have attended 4 classes taught by her now. I am always amazed that she 'sees' things in papers that I completely miss until she points them out. Last weekend we made two gorgeous pages, this one was designed to teach us how to use glimmer mists and painting. I need practice with the mists so that I don't get the spots, I did get a few on this page, but far less than normal. We then cut out the elements from Webster's Pages papers, All about me. I'm really loving Websters Pages at the moment and these classes have inspired me to look at them in a different way.

Pre-Retreat Challenges

2011-10-02T10:57:00.000+01:00

Part of the fun before a retreat is the chat that goes on in the forums and on facebook. You get to 'know' a few people that without the internet wouldn't be possible. It also allows the build up to begin with a few pre retreat challenges, last week was the fabulous Scrapstars retreat and the challenges set before were to make a name badge and a mini me page.

For the name badge, I had made one for the April retreat but didn't get around to using it, so I fished it out and tidied it up.

The tutors from the event judged the entrants and I was lucky enough to win, I got a yummy box of chocolates, I was absolutely thrilled. They are still in my fridge, I ate so many goodies over the weekend that I'm keeping these for a Sunday evening in front of the telly watching Dowton Abbey.

The other challenge was to make a mini me page, the dimensions had to be 5.75" x 3.75". It had to include our name and say something about us. This was my mini me page

What this says about me is that at the moment I'm loving my Molly Bloom stamps, Promarkers, Martha Stewart punches and butterflies. This really was a challenge but I was really happy once it was finished.

Press Pause

2011-10-01T13:45:00.002+01:00

I have had to press pause this week on the crafting front. I am surrounded by the most gorgeous half finished projects but I am finding that I start to craft when I get in from work and I'm still there at 1am. This is not good for me when I have to work the next day. So I am not allowing myself in the craft room beyond 10pm. Another reason is the craft room is a dump and until it is tidied up so I can see where I am going the crafting has to stop.

One thing I could do while I was sitting watching TV was to make the lovely little kasudama flowers I learnt to make a while ago. I fancied making a flower ball, so one evening while watching TV I used up some scraps of paper and made this

It only shifted some papers scraps and the craft room is still a tip but I love this ball.

Today is a beautiful day so a lot of the shrubs and plants in my garden are getting a good trim ready for the winter, looks like the crafting will have to remain on pause for just a little while longer.

Finishing my Scrapstars Projects

2011-09-28T10:00:00.000+01:00

One of the ways I know if I've been to a great retreat is if I have to finish the projects at home. Although I would love to come home with a pile of finished pages, it would mean I had completed them all in the allocated hour to two hours. If I can finish them at home the pressure is off at the retreat and it extends the pleasure for some time afterwards. I hate not finishing things it would seem to be a waste of time and money to just leave them, so part 2 of the retreat is going on right now.

I enjoyed Kirsty's canvas class even though when I started it I didn't know what I was going to put on it. While I was waiting for the background to dry I remembered a photo of my best friend and I from a couple of years ago. Its one of my favourites and I have it in a plain frame in my craft room. I loved the finished article so much I bought another kit and have made one for Theresa as a present and this one has replaced the plain black frame.

I just love the colours in this.

A little make and take

2011-09-27T22:22:00.001+01:00

On Saturday evening Julie Kettlewell came to Scrapstars with all her lovely Stampin Up products. We did a little make and take and I was delighted that it was the little gift bag that she regularly features on her blog. I switched all the papers to make this

its easy to make and uses only 1 piece of cardstock and a little bit of paper.

Scrapstars, the scoop

2011-09-26T18:09:00.002+01:00

I got home last night from Scrapstars retreat, and boy was I shattered. I have to say it was the most fun, inspiring, delicious retreat I have ever been on. We never stopped but were never rushed and we were spoilt rotten. I have returned brimming with mojo and ideas, how the fabulous tutors continue to think up these projects is beyond me. We had 8 classes in total, between classes we had tea and coffee breaks and each time were treated to muffins and sweeties and cookies galore. Friday evening the talented Emma led a class that was just so beautiful, we were given valuable tip s on getting out misting right and how to use paint on our projects. I haven't finished most of mine but that's a good retreat to me, when I have to come home and continue. The kits were crammed with great papers and each one had tons left over for more pages.

Here is the first page I finished, it was the seventh class that I did but was the only one I had taken a photograph for. This was taught by Rachel Elliott and features the lovely Glitz papers, dance in the sunshine.

Advent Calendar

2011-09-18T12:31:00.002+01:00

Last sunday I had a great day at the Craft Box, the lovely Claire of Molly Blooms had a workshop to make the most amazing advent calendar. I didn't finish it on the day, I spent another couple of evenings on it. I just can't wait till Christmas to use it, and this little beauty is not going into anybody else's hands.

I don't need much of an excuse these days to get my Promarkers out, this was such a great project to use them on.

The Second Mini Book

2011-09-09T20:46:00.001+01:00

How great are mini books for stash busting? I have been so inspired by some links my friend Lesley posted on her face book, that I have made two this week. The second one was inspired by this video. I loved the Tattered Time papers, how cool is this album but as I am trying to use up existing stash I talked myself out of ordering it. I did have the All about Boys stack kicking around so that's what I used. I love this little album so much I just keep flipping through the pages and there are no photos to look at!

the first page (on the right) the flap lifts up and the klonk, bang page folds down to show pages that hold 4 photos

the left page (checked) is a pocket to slide a photo/tag under the strip, the right side has the yellow mat for a photo and the blue border folds down

the black piece on the left is a photo mat the piece on the right fold out to hold 2 more pictures

the left is a plain page, on the right the strip folds down and then the light bulbs flap folds up for two more photos

The left is a pocket and the right is the same as the superman page above, all of the following pages are a repeat of the above, just covered with different papers.

I know want to make it again, can you imagine how beautiful it will be in the Mariposa papers. So I've given in and bought them, I know I said I wouldn't but this is going to be gorgeous!. This weekends task is to make the book again.

Mini Book Fun

2011-09-07T16:13:00.001+01:00

Sometimes you have to make something because you have been so inspired. A few nights ago my friend Lesley posted some links to You tube tutorials featuring some amazing mini books. I just had to have a go at this one. If you read my blog regularly you will know that I am absolutely snowed under with papers and am trying to work my way through them. This was a fantastic stash busting project. I can't believe how lovely these papers look in this album, I had them on a pile to give away, but thought I'd make a rough version using them before I made a 'good' one. I'm so pleased with how it turned out I don't need to make another. I think you could get about 50 pictures in here, this what I've come up with:

I need to decide what sort of closure I'm going to use

and with the pages flipped up

the black card on the right are the tags that sit in the pockets, the yellow covered pages are actually a pocket where the tag pulls out sideways. I'll cover them with papers when I know what I'm putting in the book

Grown up Colouring

2011-09-03T11:27:00.000+01:00

Yes I've been at it again, at the moment I love my Promarkers! I'm finding that sitting and just colouring stamped images is so therapeutic and relaxing. It's also a great excuse to get on with my Christmas cards. I sorted through my bit box of papers and found a bunch of Christmas papers that had been knocking about for ages, so I'm promising not to buy any new ones and use all the bits before I cut into another new sheet. Then I have to use all the sheets before I buy anymore, that will probably be the next millennium!

I've even had my box of Promarkers at work and taken some of the images to colour in my lunch hour. The problem with that is I don't want to come back from lunch.

Here are some of my creations:

See the little pom poms on the hats, yes they were coloured in with Promarkers to match their outfits. This afternoon I'm going to a Promarkers colouring techniques workshop. I have to find out if I'm using my pens correctly and as its at the fabulous Craft Box my resolve not to buy new Christmas papers may weaken. They always have the most lovely papers, but they also stock Molly Blooms and I've been drooling over some of the Christmas stamps. I will have to stay strong!

Project 12 - August

2011-08-31T21:32:00.000+01:00

The colder weather is making me feel like I should be making my Christmas cards, so for these colder evenings I've stamped out a few images and I'm having some big girl colouring sessions. I've promised myself that I will not buy any more Christmas papers, I have enough to make cards and pages for the next 5 years. I must Not give in! I went through my scrap box and there is enough in there to make at least a dozen cards. It is all going to be used before I cut into a new piece of paper. Come back later this week to see what I make.

As September grows nearer I have completed my August page for Project 12 over on the Scrapbook & Cards Today Blog. The weather is definitely growing colder but I refuse to put the heating on in the house just yet, I've just pulled out a cardigan for the time being. The sketch for August was a little bit different with only three photos on it. I wanted to record a lovely day I had recently with my friend in Tropical World, but it was difficult to choose only three pictures. I had some smaller pictures printed and hey presto My favourite pictures all fitted on.

Here is the sketch

and here is my page

Bank Holday Crafting

2011-08-29T14:19:00.003+01:00

I thought to day I would get loads of crafting done, not at all. I seem to be on a go slow, everything I'm doing is taking ages. I have manageda couple of cards, I just can't leave Warren alone. These images are so gorgeous, I can't leave them in the box. I think Warren is going to be featuring on all my friends mantlepieces at Christmas, these are my favourite cards so far.

More Christmas Warren

2011-08-28T11:46:00.001+01:00

As promised, here are more cards I made using the Warren Christmas project of the month from Craftwork Cards, With a Bank holiday to enjoy, I feel a full day of crafting coming on.

Don't forget to order your tickets for the Papaercraft show in Harrogate, only a couple of weeks to get them. As always it promises lots of crafting goodness under on roof and you could pick up your own Warren stock. Go here to get your ticket.

Christmas Already

2011-08-27T12:15:00.000+01:00

I know it looks like following my scrapbooking frenzy I have burnt out for the last week. That is not so I have been working on the current Craftwork Cards project of the month. I love this kit, I love Warren. The colours are beautiful and this kit has so much in it. I don't think I'd be sticking my neck out too far when I say you could get more than 25 cards out of it. So without further ado let me introduce Christmas Warren

Come back for some more Warren tomorrow.

Fancy a day out?

2011-08-21T20:08:00.000+01:00

I am getting very excited about attending the forthcoming Scrapstars retreat. I was at the last one in April and had such a great time, we made some beautiful projects and I finished every one of them. The next one is the weekend of 23rd September at the Ramada Jarvis hotel, not far from the Leeds/Bradford airport. The teachers at the retreat are Rachael Elliott, Kirsty Wiseman, Lida de Witte and Emma Trout. With a line up like that it can't fail to be a brilliant weekend. Bellaboo is going to be on site for the weekend just in case I forget anything, shopping may be on my agenda as well. I've already started to pack my bag.

If you are interested in booking a place go here to check out the details.

Half Page Challenge

2011-08-20T10:16:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I had a busy day making sure everything was ready for my return to work and I went to a wedding reception. It was really beautiful and each guest was given their own cake to take home. I ended up with three as people put them in my bag and forgot to collect them before they went home. Luckily I work with them so I can deliver them on Monday, just look how beautiful they are:

this one is mine,its going to be my afternoon treat with a nice cup of coffee.Did you notice the buterflies? Yum!

I didn't abandon my scrapbooking, I did make a page but I had to wait for the glossy accents to dry on the raised dots. It didn't get photographed until this morning. This page just came together, it popped out of my head onto the page Poof! just like that.It fits perfectly with the half page challenge on Shimelle's blog,
Create a layout that only uses half the page. It can be whatever half you would like, but somewhere around half the page space needs to be breathing room!

Project 12 - July

2011-08-18T15:32:00.000+01:00

I have so enjoyed the challenges that Shimelle set for us last week at the cybercrop. The timing was great as I have this week off work, I have managed to make a page every day. Usually I manage a couple at the weekend so I have been falling behind with the challenges I like to take part in. This week I'm catching up.

The Scrapbook and Cards Today Project 12 sketch for July was perfect to use for Shimelle's Grid it Up challenge. The challenge was Create a project with a grid as a design element! You can interpret that any way you wish! Get creative!

I pulled out these pictures from 2008 when the cooling towers in Sheffield were demolished. They were not the best photos, as usual they were taken on my brothers phone, I so wish he'd take his camera out with him rather than relying on his flipping phone. Anyway they are just about good enough to see the story. I'm afraid you can't see them so well in the photo. Here is the sketch I used

and here is my page

My Signature Accent

2011-08-17T09:32:00.002+01:00

I'm still making pages for Shimelle's cybercrop last weekend. Thankfully very reasonable finish dates were given, its hard when a limit of a couple of hours is given. I know its a challenge but I really want to make pages that I will keep rather than just throwing down something just to play along and keep up with everybody. I always have to bring pages home from retreats to finish them. I often laugh at programmes like 60 minute makeover, I love it but do wonder what the finish can be like. I had this programme on yesterday when I was spring cleaning (yes I know its technically summer) my living room. They did a makeover for three rooms and I was still cleaning an hour later!

This challenge from Shimelle was to create a page with a product or a technique you love so much you use it relatively often. Maybe it’s become your signature accent! Whatever it might be, put it on show and share it with us!

Well I have two the first is I love butterflies and wherever possible try and include one somewhere. Its not always possible especially when I'm making male pages, but sometimes I manage it. The other one is I like to doodle a little. I sometimes edge my papers with ink to make them pop, but more often these days I'm moving to doodling the edges. Its not in your face and can look cleaner than the inked edges. Here is my page to show these

The layout is something very different for me I used Jen Gallacher's July streth your sketch challenge from two peas in a bucket. I stuck very closely to the sketch because it was a challenge enough to use it as it is. I did turn it into a double page layout and used the photos from Mombasa that just didn't fit in anywhere else.
This was the original sketch

Psycho Page

2011-08-16T19:03:00.000+01:00

I managed to get out and collect some pictures today to add to my pages. Shimelle posted another challenge last night, this was to use a video for inspiration. Now I am constantly amazed at how two people start from an idea and end up somewhere different. I loved the original page that Shimelle made and have no idea how the photo that came to mind was one taken at Universal studios 10 years ago. I just knew what papers I would use and how it would end up. Usually I start and the page evolves, not this time I just knew. Here is my page, using Halloween papers but I felt they suited the mood of the photo.

Going Retro

2011-08-15T09:14:00.000+01:00

I'm going dizzy now with my pages from Shimelle's cybercrop. I haven't made my pages in order, I've dipped in and out, working with photos that I know I have and will fit with the challenge. I have completed three pages and with a whole week off work I'm sure I'll finish more. This challenge was to go retro and scrap a photo from bfore 2011. All my pages will qualify as I'm trying to get all my old photos onto pages. I chose this picture of my brother from the 60's and used some more of the For the Record Sarah's cards kit.I didn't like this kit when I first got it, but I take it back, it has been the basis of some lovely pages. I also used the idea from a layout instruction over at UKScrappers. I am really plpeased with how this page came out.

Red, Aqua and White

2011-08-14T13:32:00.004+01:00

I'm still following the Cybercrop that Shimelle is hosting, for some reason I'm being really slow. I've only completed two of the challenges, but I am making sure I make pages I want to keep and I'm making sure I finish them completely.

One of my favourite colour combinations is red, white and Aqua, lucky for me this was one of the challenges Shimelle has set. I am also following Shimelles 4 x 6 photo love challenges over at two peas in a bucket. This month we need to put 7 4 x 6 photos on a layout.

I have just scanned all my America photos from 1992, all 478 of them! i was trying to pick a couple from the photos taken at Ellis island to use in the colour challenge, when I realised there were seven photos. Why not use all of them on the one page. Here it is:

I even used one of Mary Anne's free journaling blocks

Cybercrop Inspiration

2011-08-13T23:09:00.002+01:00

Shimelle is hosting a cybercrop this weekend, thankfully it is one with reasonable time lines. With a week to complete many of the challenges, this really suits me. I have a weeks holiday and planned to get so much done around the house and garden, I may have to rethink and make some pages. The first one I have completed was to start with this

And here is where I finished up

With regular posts that will include challenges, giveaways, mini-lessons, special guests, free downloads and all sorts of things to keep you scrapbooking, I know I'm going to be busy all week.

Molly Blooms for Men

2011-08-12T20:48:00.000+01:00

I was recently introduced to Molly Blooms stamps, and I just love them, the second one I bought was the camper van. I thought it would make great men's cards and so far it hasn't failed. I have mostly stamped and coloured it in, but then I saw a fabulous idea on Claire's blog and was completely inspired to make these cards

great for using scraps of paper, this I know I will make time and again.

Finished - a year later

2011-08-08T21:56:00.001+01:00

In February 2010 I attended a retreat where one of the classes was taught by Dina Wakeley. I'm not really an art journalist, I can appreciate the work that goes into them but its just not really my thing. I think that's why this little book was left for so long, I'm just not a grungy type of person but felt it would have been a waste of the class not to finish the project. I've added a few more bits than was included in the original instructions, but I can can't I?

I took a few quotes and added them instead of journaling. Even though I'm not really into this kind of thing, I do like the finished book.

Picking Up at Last

2011-08-06T17:28:00.001+01:00

Finally I am beginning to pick up, it all started with a sore throat that wouldn't go away, it ended up with an ear infection that gave me vertigo and laryngitis that needed a dose of antibiotics which gave me a very bad tummy. I just didn't know what to do with myself. Thankfully I've now turned a corner. Nothing to it but to get my body in the craft room for a play. I also went out into the garden with my camera for a play, I'm still a bit wary of venturing too far.

First I managed to finish a page that I started a couple of months ago. I knew I was going for afternoon tea at the Holiday Inn with my friend so I made a page ready to take some pictures. I had made a kit up using the Dovecraft Tea House papers. I really enjoyed the afternoon and these papers were perfect for the page.

Then I took myself out into the garden and snapped some pictures while the sun was peeping out. I was trying to use some of the techniques Kirsty had taught me. I also feel I need to get used to the 50mm lens I bought last year so here goes.

I love these yellow flowers, I've no idea where they cam from, I haven't planted them. I love they way the start as points then when the sun gets on them they unfurl to beautiful golden bowls. I believe they are Californian poppies.

Then this little guy was in a bunch of flowers I got for my birthday, I have stuck him in one of my house plants but I can't help but smile when I look at him.

Using Stash

2011-08-04T19:12:00.000+01:00

I'm sure I'm the same as many kit subscribers, I collect them rather than use them. I subscribe to Sarah's Cards monthly kits, its like getting a present every month. There is usually enough to make several pages. Therein lies my problem, I don't get through a kit before the next one arrives, so I am constantly a couple of kits behind. On my recent girly weekend I used the May Kit that featured MME's Stella and Rose, just gorgeous. I scraplifted the design from the DT leaflet that comes with it, this page was an idea by the fabulous Rachel Elliot. The picture was taken by Caroline on our recent photography day in Leeds and as soon as she sent it me I knew it needed scrapping.

I so enjoyed making this page and it has truly put me in the mood for the Scrapstars retreat at the end of September, Rachel is one of the teachers who will be teaching a couple of classes. Only 49 days to go but who's counting? I AM, I AM!

and finally

2011-08-03T21:24:00.000+01:00

The antibiotics don't seem to be kicking in yet, and my sleep is so disturbed I got to work this morning and turned round to came back home. I hater having time off work sick but I just couldn't get through the day. Lots of sleep and cups of tea don't seem to have eased anything so maybe a bit of blogging will.

This is my final project I made for the Craftwork Cards stand at CHA. It was actually the first thing I made, And came to me in a flash. I had been out for the day and when I came back the neighbour had a new hanging basket outside their house. Bingo, and using the pennant die from Spellbinders this is what I came up with.

and a close up of the flowers

then I added the Candi but didn't get a really good picture, I'm sure you get the idea.

Scrapping Again

2011-08-01T11:50:00.000+01:00

I wish I could go out and sit in the sun, but today I'm feeling pretty lousy. I'm back on the antibiotics for stinking chest and ear infections.£18 for the prescriptions, my God! I already had today booked off work with the intention of giving my garden some TLC. Instead its going to be me that gets it.

I had a great weekend with my crafting buddy Julia, nothing new there. We had another of our girly scrapping weekends. We both had the Sarah's cards kit from May, using the Stella and Rose papers, just gorgeous. I have also been tidying my craft room, it's one of those 'Why did I start that job?' moments. I discovered a few projects I'd started at retreats and just hadn't got round to finishing them. So they came out and are not going away until I finished them. I also pulled out some kits I hadn't really liked . That left me with plenty to do.

One of the kits that originally left me uninspired was the For the Record kit from April, this really didn't suit me. I've made two pages from it and I love both of them. I really need to look at my papers better. I was inspired by Shimelle Laine's 4 x 6 photo love classes over on Two peas in a bucket. In February the theme was two pictures on the page, here is my page :

Right a cup of tea, antibiotics and a nap for me next.

I Want Candi

2011-07-29T21:42:00.000+01:00

Yes folks there are still more Candi/Spellbinder projects, I seem to have gone a bit over the top with them. Today its a card, the flowers are made from upside down Candi. I turned one upside down, filled it with PVA and gently lay more Candi into the 'cup'. Then I put a coordinating single Candi the right way up for the centre.

Are you bored yet?

2011-07-26T07:00:00.000+01:00

I still have lots of ideas that I created for the CHA stand, if I keep going at his rate it will probably run into the next one! I loved the doily dies that I received and while looking at them I thought somehow I must be able to pleat them the make a more dimensional circles. I had a play and hey presto, dimensional doilies. I think this was probably my favourite project. I'm dying to see if they were used on the stand and how they were displayed. I imagined them in a tin planter with lots of shredded paper around. Here I just stuck them into my raised flower bed.

The detail

and while we are on the lollipop theme another picture from Sunday

Are You Keeping Up?

2011-07-25T07:00:00.001+01:00

Here is another reveal from the projects I made for the Craftwork Cards, stand at CHA. This time its a scrapbook page, I had no idea what the final look was going to be for this page, I just pulled out the Tres Chic papers and cut some squares, laid them out and voila, the idea popped in my mind. I really like the simplicity of this page, in my head I saw doilies at the top and bottom of the photo but as I was trying to use the Spellbinders dies, I switched in the Floral Doily Motifs and Fleur de Lis motifs dies. I really love how it turned out.

I had a great day yesterday in Leeds with 5 lovely ladies, revisiting my photography. My feet were throbbing by the time I got home, I was shattered. Here are a some of my favourite pictures of the day, not one shot in automatic

Go here to find out how you can improve your photographs and get out of using your SLR camera in automatic.

Another Reveal

2011-07-24T07:00:00.003+01:00

One of the things I loved most about the recent cross promotion between Spellbinders and Candi was to make a stack of men's cards using the Sprockets dies. I love them, it really makes men's cards so easy. Just throw in a bit of my favourite Anglomania paper and it has to be an instant hit.

I made a stack of them, so won't need to come up with a design for mans card for a while now.

Today I will be wandering around Leeds with a group of ladies and being led by Kirsty taking photos of anything that stands still long enough, here's hoping for lovely weather.

Project 12 - June

2011-07-23T09:16:00.000+01:00

I'm just completing this page in the nick of time, actually its been finished a week I just haven't got around to posting it. The June sketch for Project 12 over on Scrapbook and Cards Today looked like this

I love these sketches and some of them I've used a couple of time, I know I am going to use all of them a number of times. They are helping me work my way through the holiday photos I have accumulated over the last 20 years. Also they have been a great help to the dilemma of my brothers scrap book where he likes a lot of photos to look at.

I recently took part in the Scrap Whispers blog hop challenge and made a kit from my existing stash, this sketch gave me the ideal opportunity to use the kit and here is my page

I have plenty left from the kit so I think a few cards will finish the supplies. I think making kits is also the method I'm going to use to do something with my stash mountain. I often craft better with limited supplies, so if I pack up my own kits I should work better. Oh and save money because I will no longer need a monthly kit to inspire me. Result!

I've still got quite a few pf the Spellbinders/Candi projects to post, even though everybody is on their way back from CHA. I am excited to see what news the Craftwork Cards team come back with.

Stretch the Sketch - June

2011-07-19T21:33:00.001+01:00

Each month I take part in two of the free monthly challenges over at two peas in a bucket. Each month Jen Gallacher releases a sketch and challenges us to stretch it. This month this was the sketch

I recently made a page featuring my wedding cake but it really wasn't my style it was too fussy, even though it did win a challenge for me I wasn't happy with it. I used this sketch for inspiration and looking at the end result I've no idea how I ended up here.

I am much happier with it now, much more me!

Reveal Number 3

2011-07-18T21:35:00.001+01:00

Here is another card that is hopefully gracing the Craftwork Cards stand at CHA in Chicago. This card was made using the scallop circles and circles Spellbinders die, they are pretty much the staple of anybody who uses these dies. I combined this with the butterfly die set that I have had for ages., but look how gorgeous that Candi is and its almost like the scallops were waiting for it.

What's Happening Today?

2011-07-17T13:33:00.000+01:00

I had a fabulous afternoon with by scrapbooking buddy yesterday. We visited a garden centre looking for a rose, can you believe they didn't have any? I bought a couple of plants for my garden and they were planted this morning in the pouring rain. Now its time for scrapping, I noticed that Scrap Whispers have a challenge to create a kit. I laughed because I have Sarah's Cards kits coming out of my ears, however I have risen to the challenge. I know which photos I'm going to use but I am waiting to collect them. This doesn't mean I can't have the page ready for their arrival. I started with the blue patterned paper and worked from there. I then picked the co ordinating checked paper and matched the plain cardstock to that. I pulled a few coordinating elements and cut a couple of skulls and embossed a mat. Now I just have to use it and not store it with the others!

I may not use everything and I may add to it, but this is a good starting point.

Revealing a Little Bit More

2011-07-16T11:09:00.002+01:00

Today I'm revealing another project that is hopefully on its way to America as we speak. I made a few cards for the stand, although I wasn't as happy with them as I was with the other goodies I made. I did like this one though, I love the sprightly sprockets dies from Spellbinders. These were dies I already had but I knew they would work well with the Candi and the Clockworks embossing folder from Cuttlebug. Great for men's cards. Everything on the card is from Craftwork Cards.

Visit the blogs of the DT and Craftwork Cards to see more reveals over the next few weeks.

Lisa Baker
Enfys Cashmore

Judith Hannington

Sue Taylor

Debs Pincher

Mary Bacon

Todays the Day

2011-07-15T18:41:00.001+01:00

Today's the Day that I celebrate my birthday, to be honest I forgot all about it until Tuesday how bad is that? So I haven't got anything planned, but I'm quite happy at home in my scrapbooking nest playing with my stash.

Today's also the day that my central heating has decided to make crashing noises that would wake the dead in a cemetery 10 miles away, so as a nice birthday present I got to call the plumber, who thinks my water pump needs replacing, hmmm sounds expensive!

Most importantly today's the day the Craftwork Cards design team can begin revealing their projects that we have been busy beavering away making for the team to take to CHA. They fly out tomorrow and I am so jealous, can you imagine how much inspiration there will be packed under that one roof? We were all given Spellbinders dies and Candi, the challenge was to come up with cards, projects and scrapbook pages that would show how the two products complement each other.. I can't wait to see what the rest of the team members have come up with.

As you know I am a scrapbooker/project maker at heart, so I wanted to show they could be used for gorgeous scrapbook pages. This is me 50 years ago! I know I've used this photo before in my own pages but if I can't go to America then I'll send my picture!

Cardstock, Papers, (Blossoms and Sweet Meadows), scalloped borders and Candi are all Craftwork Cards, The flowers are made using the Spellbinders dies, Fleur de Lys Doily motifs and Floral Doily Motifs.

The inspiration for the page was a lovely design I made on the recent ATDML cybercrop, the class was one by Karen Moss and was my favourite. Creating this page was such fun, I knew I would use the idea again.

Come visit again for more of the projects that will be displayed on the Craftwork Cards stand at CHA next week.

Edited to Add:

I have a brother who likes to name and shame, well its your turn Buddy!
I just had a phone call that ended like this;
Me: So have you got anything to say to me?
Robin: Like What?
Me: Like, Happy Birthday
Robin: Why when is it?
Me: Today it has been for 51 years.
Robin: Well why didn't you tell me?
Me: I shouldn't have to!
Robin: Well why didn't facebook remind me?
Me: Cos I haven't put my date of birth on there.
Robin: Well how do you expect me to remember, you know you should give me at least 2 weeks notice.
Me: (scratching my head and thinking its been the same for 51 years, how much more notice is required) You'd remember if I owed you £100 quid wouldn't you!
Robin: well yeh!
Me: Right I'm gonna tell facebook what you've done!

I give up, 1 rubbish brother free to a home, I don't even care if its a good one! Consider yourself named and hang your head in shame Robin Tapp!

More Boys

2011-07-14T13:31:00.000+01:00

While I was on the 'boy theme' I made a couple of cards using the sail boat stamp, it features regularly on my cards for men. I've used Mementos London Fog to stamp with and I love the 'pastel' effect it has. I have long admired the effect of embossing using the nestabilities, why oh why can't I get it right. I always cut or tear the cardstcok. Believe me when I say these are premium cards that I am using, supplied by craftwork cards. The second card on here is the best effort I have made so far. It looks OK but is a little fragile, I guess more practice is needed.

Boy Time Again

2011-07-13T13:36:00.000+01:00

Time to top up the card box again, I like to make the cards in batches for work and as many of you kn9ow its mostly men at work, so when I get an idea or a male themed stamp that I like I'll make a few cards while the mojo is there. This stamp from Papermania has to be one of my favourites, use it with Promarkers and you get a lovely image.

I'm so bad

2011-07-09T17:56:00.002+01:00

I have neglected my blog a bit this week, my busy weekend last week turned into a really busy week. Firstly I had made some goodies for Craftwork Cards using the Spellbinders and Candi, but sometimes I don't like what I make. I was not happy with some of my cards. These projects are going with Sue and Julie to CHA in America next week along with all of the projects from the rest of the design team. The stand at the show will be based around all our efforts and I wasn't too happy with everything. Then at the 11th hour I came up with some ideas and two scrapbook pages and I was back in the game.Sneak peeks only I'm afraid at the moment.

I will post everything once we get the go ahead, I'm excited to see what the rest of the DT create and to see what sort of reception the projects get.

I then had to go down to London for three days with work and by the time I got home I was worn out, not a thing has been done over the last couple of days and here we go its the weekend again. Time to catch up on everything and prepare to go back to London for two more days work.This morning I decided I was going to get all of the house work and washing out of the way and as a reward I could have Sunday as my crafting day. Well with a reward like that I got everything out of the way and felt a need to purge my craft room of 'stuff' that is just there and has been for some time, perhaps shifting some of this might inspire my creativity again. Not such a good idea I'm surrounded by it all again,so its all going back and I'm going to do one box or cupboard at a time.

So while I am busy with that here is a page for you to look at, this was one I made recently when my scrapbooking buddy visited, I used one of the sketched from this fabulous book as the basis. I also used my Sarah's Cards kit from February, I love the colours.

My 'featured' thing at the moment seems to be cutting out flowers from the patterned papers. I have had some beautiful papers recently that all called out to be cut up this way. Right I hope I am now forgiven for neglecting you, I'm going to do the ironing then my craft room will need me.

A Busy Weekend

2011-07-03T19:30:00.002+01:00

I've had a really busy weekend this week and can you believe I've missed most of the sun today, I was in a classroom all day. It was well worth it though, The Craft Box have the most fantastic classes when Claire of Molly Blooms fame comes to visit. The stamps are just gorgeous and each print is always crisp and clean just right for grown up colouring in with Promarkers or Copics.Here is my shaker card made in class today, this is definitely not being given to anybody it's mine to admire. How cute is Molly sitting outside her beach huts, I can't tell you how much I wish I had been there today.

and here is the door hanger I made, again it is staying at my house. The next workshop is to make an advent calendar, already my mind is filling those lovely little boxes.

20000 hits

2011-06-29T21:20:00.001+01:00

At 11PM last night I reached 20,000 hits on my blog,wow! I never thought anybody would have been that interested in what I had to write. My craft room looks like I've had burglars its in a right old state. All this crafting with the Spellbinders and Candi is causing such a mess. I need to clear down ready to start again. Its a good job its not Gordon Ramsey's kitchen he'd have a good old strop over it. A couple of weeks ago I saw a book mark on somebody blog (can't remember who) it had a link to the instructions. I was so intrigued with it in a quieter moment I had a go, and here it is.

If you've fancy having a go here are the instructions.

Oh what fun she had!

2011-06-27T13:26:00.000+01:00

What about this gorgeous weather? I love it when its like this, however, here in the UK we have to enjoy it while we've got it because it never lasts. I had a weekend with nothing planned but to come up with some projects for Craftwork Cards. They have just entered into a cross promotional partnership with Spellbinders and as part of the Craftwork Cards design team I received a box packed with candi and some nestabilities dies. So this weekend was dedicated to bouts of gardening interspersed with candi/spellbinders activity.Because I don't know how much I can divulge, here is a sneaky peek, this little work of art took me hours to complete, but I was quite pleased with the end result.I'll show the completed project once I get the go ahead.

I also wanted to post this scrapbook page, regular visitors will know how much I enjoy working with sketch or page maps, whatever you call them. One of my current favourites is the Project 12 series over on Scrapbook and Cards Today Blog I've already made a page with Mays sketch but then I came across these photos and had to use it again.

I just have to make my June page to catch up now.

Love a Good Sale?

2011-06-23T21:46:00.000+01:00

If you love a good sale you have to go over to Craftwork Cards and grab some bargains, I was straight on there to get me some goodies and super quick delivery. While your mooching over there just nip onto their blog as well, why what's happening? They are having 28 days of giveaways! Something for everyone.

This week I was asked to make a card for a friend, she wanted a dog on it so here goes:

I have just cleared down my craft room after last weeks cybercrop, it won't stay like that for long I've got a weekend planned of playing with the box of goodies and spellbinders that arrived from Craftwork Cards this week. I've even done my housework so that I can just play, roll on the weekend!

ATDML Cybercrop - Class 6

2011-06-21T13:49:00.000+01:00

It looks like I'm running out of steam now, the sixth class on the A Trip Down Memory Lane Cybercrop was a mini book. I'm kind of in this frame of mind at the moment as the whole Smash Book idea is intriguing me. I want to make my own though but have been a bit overwhelmed at starting it. I have bought a Paperchase book to start but one where I can force the wires open and add in my own pages or envelopes etc. This class has got me all inspired and ready to give it a go. I haven't decided what to add into this little book, I' thinking I may disassemble it and add it to my 'Smash ' book. Here are the pages ready for smashing.

ATDML Cybercrop - Class 3

2011-06-21T07:31:00.000+01:00

Work has somehow got in the way of my Cybercrop work. Up until last year I always said I couldn't retire because I wouldn't know what to do to fill my day. Turning 50 changed that train of thought and now I look forward to retirement, mind you with the help of the government I may never reach retirement age. It was moved from 60 to 65 and now they are going to extend it, hasn't David Cameron thought about us scrapbookers? I dashed in from work and had a quite bite to eat then up to my craft room to finish Class number 3. Again a lot of cutting out but well worth it. I have had the background paper and this photo for a number of years but couldn't work out how to do the page without making it too orange. The sun ray cut out was perfect for toning the whole thing down.

ATDML Cybercrop - Class 10

2011-06-20T11:30:00.005+01:00

Yes I'm still catching up with classes and challenges so I am posting as I finish and photograph. I've loved the layouts that I have made but this one is my favourite so far I think. This was my Sarah's cards kit Off the Record from April, I didn't like the kit a little too bright for me and it has sat on my shelf while I decide what to do. I did take it down and look occasionally , but it just didn't speak to me. That was until I saw class 10 on the A Trip Down Memory Lane Cybercrop. This class was based on making your own flower embellishments, as usual I spent ages cutting out the roses from the paper. I seem to have done quite a bit of that recently, I don't make things easy for myself.

Edited to add: I've just realised there isn't a title on this page, I must have been too excited to post it. I'll add it to my to do list.

ATDML Cybercrop - Challenge 4

2011-06-20T07:18:00.001+01:00

Saturdays Challenge 4 over at A Trip Down Memory Lane was to use a sketch. I seem to have made a few cards during this cybercrop, which has been really handy to replenish my depleting stock. One of the boys at work is leaving in a couple of weeks, so I used the sketch to make his leaving card. This was the sketch

and here is the card I made

ATDML Cybercrop - Class 8

2011-06-19T22:34:00.001+01:00

Another class completed and photographed, class 8 over at A Trip Down Memory Lane was for a home decor frame. I loved the idea but I don't have anywhere to put it. I decided to use the idea and make a card for my friend ready for when she has her baby daughter. I really enjoyed making this and hope it is still eligible.

I couldn't quite work out where to get the template from so I decided to go with the tag shape again.

ATDML Cybercrop - Class 7

2011-06-19T15:23:00.000+01:00

I know I'm not posting in order but the layout challenges need me to collect photos, so although they are 'miostly' done I don't want to post until the photos have been added. This class was to make some cards, perfect for me I need to stock up the supplies we use at work. This year we have three expectant parents, although we don't know what they are having I felt to have a selection meant we would be prepared. Here are the cards I made for the class

ATDML Cybercrop - Class 4

2011-06-19T12:48:00.000+01:00

It feels like ages since I've been this productive with my crafting, the cybercrop over on A Trip Down Memory Lane has some great challenges and classes, I want to have a go at all of them. I know time won't allow me to but I'm enjoying having a go. Class 4 was a mini book,as soon as I saw it I thought about the Penny Black 12 days of Christmas stamps. It didn't take me long to come up with this

I'll colour the images in later, a good project to practice with my new Promarkers.

ATDML Cybercrop - running behind

2011-06-19T10:52:00.000+01:00

I have finally stuck down the photos I picked up to complete the A trip Down Memory Lane's Cybercrop Class 2 page, class 10 has just been posted so I've got some catching up to do. I have a good excuse I went for a spa day yesterday with my friend, although we didn't do much swimming and steaming. We ended up sitting chatting drinking coffee and getting some treatments. I chose a St Tropez tan, I came out of the booth looking a bit green, today when I look at my skin I look very dark, a little too dark for my liking. It was a great day but I now look at the great classes and challenges that were posted yesterday and I'm struggling to pick which ones to complete I want to do them all! Here is the page from Class 2:

ATDML Cybercrop part 3

2011-06-18T23:00:00.000+01:00

I know my third post today, never been done before. I've been busy making projects for the A Trip Down Memory Lane Cybercrop. I have a few projects, cards and pages finished but until I get some decent light I can't photograph them. Challenge number 3 was to share the love, and show projects created with stash bought from ATDML. It didn't even have to be a newly created project. A while ago I made this page using the cut outs from the Ooh La La For Her Collection by My Minds Eye. I loved this page of cut outs and really wanted them to be the focus of the page. Here is the page I made:

ATDML Cybercrop part 2

2011-06-18T09:57:00.001+01:00

Two posts before 10 AM, what's going on? At last all the intricate cutting out is finished,so the layout can be posted. This was the first class posted yesterday on the A Trip Down Memory Lane cybercrop. I already had these papers and photos chosen, I just couldn't decide on the layout. Thank you ATDML, I can now say job done!

The project features an interactive element, the centre panel folds out for more photos, the blue squares on the left and right of my layout are for the journaling to be added later. This is the 'book' opened out.

Another piece of good news I won Kath's draw for the fabulous notebook punch she was giving away, yes I can feel this is going to be a good weekend. I pinched this photo from Kath's blog I hope she doesn't mind

ATDML Cybercrop

2011-06-18T07:51:00.001+01:00

There's a cybercrop going on over at A Trip Down Memory Lane, as usual I need to get the photos printed, but I've madeto get the first two pages ready. One thing I can post is the first challenge, which was to Tag it. Make something with a tag or tags as the theme. I made this little card, I've had this stamp sitting on my counter for a few months since I bought it. Today it finally got inked.

I have a spa day planned for today but I intend to take part in as many of the classes as I can fit in. I love cybercrops for stash busting, and I am happy to report that I have bought nothing I will ber using everything from my stash. Excuse me a moment while I polish my halo.

More Sweet Meadows

2011-06-17T10:49:00.001+01:00

Following on from yesterdays post, I have been in my element with the gorgeous Sweet Meadows project of the month from Craftwork Cards. This must be one of the easiest projects for me to work with, it is just beautiful. The quality of the papers has to be felt to be believed and the embossed papers are sooo pretty. Here is another card from this kit:

Sweet Meadows

2011-06-16T10:25:00.001+01:00

I so love this months Project of the Month from Craftwork Cards. Sweet Meadows is absolutely beautiful. I received my package yesterday and immedialty fell in love with this colour combination. Beautiful pinks and greens, don't get me started on the embossed flowers on some of the papers.Such a bargain at £15.
I'm also waiting for another package to arrive, Craftwork Cards and Spellbinders have become mutual partners. What does this mean, well a fabulous box of Spellbinders goodies arrived at the Craftwork Cards offices, they have been shared out amongst the design team and we now are challenged with creating with the dies and the fabulous Craftwork Cards Candi.I can't wait to get my package. Here is the first card I made from the Sweet Meadows papers:

Stretch Your Sketch - May

2011-06-15T20:10:00.003+01:00

This months stretch your sketch challenge over at two peas in a bucket has really challenged me. I'm not too fond of huge photos on a layout or photos that aren't straight. Actually I just like things to 'line up' but isn't that the idea of the sketch, its a starting point just there purely for inspiration. I knew I wanted to use some more of my Happy Together kit from Sarah's Cards, I love the colours, I also knew which photos I wanted to use. I spent a couple of hours creating the layout. My heart sank I hated it. Two days later i took it all to pieces and in 30 minutes came up with one I liked much better. It reminded me of something I once read when I was card making, the author of the article gave the readers permission to 'dislike some of their own work. Here is the 'challenging' sketch

and here is the layout I like

I've completed a few pages this week so I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself. I also received this months Project of the month, Sweet Meadow, from Craftwork Cards. It is just gorgeous, only £15, I've no idea how they do it. I feel a day of playing is needed tomorrow.

Grown up Colouring

2011-06-13T20:43:00.001+01:00

As a child nothing gave me more pleasure than a colouring book and some coloured pencils. I would spend hours with my tongue wedged firmly in the corner of my mouth, trying to keep the colour in those thick bold black lines. I've rediscovered that Joy with Copics and Promarkers. Originally it was Copics all the way, I love the soft brush tip and found the Promarkers a little hard. Last weekend I went to The Craft Box for a Molly Blooms workshop, I hadn't taken my pens so had to use the Promarkers put out for the class, a bit of practice and hey presto! The other thing that helped, Copics are now £2+ a pen, Promarkers if you shop around £1.50, my purse is doing the talking now!

Here are some of the great projects we made:

and here are some of my practice pieces, all ready for adding to cards. These were coloured with a mixture of Copics and Promarkers.

The next workshop is scheduled for the 3rd July, so if you fancy learning how to get the same effect and make some lovely projects go and book yourself a seat.

4x6 Photo Love - May

2011-06-10T19:36:00.000+01:00

The 30th May saw Shimelle Laine's next challenge for using 5, 4 x 6 photos on a layout, this is one of four, monthly free classes over on two peas in a bucket. We've now moved onto 2 page spreads. I have been trying to use holiday photos for these classes but this layout reminded me of my brothers football team photos. I spent ages trying to find papers that would complement all of the them colours that he had played in. Then I thought about turning all the photos black and white. In the end I just went with pastel colours, even though the shirts were bright. I think its OK though.

This weekend sees my friend and I on another of our kitchen table retreats. I'm so looking forward to spending the whole weekend scrap booking, this time I have a pile of photos ready to add to the pages.

Giving Money

2011-06-07T21:42:00.000+01:00

Sometimes there just isn't another gift to give other than money, but its embarrassing and looks so 'clinical' just passed over in an envelope like some seedy transaction is taking place. Years ago friends of ours were getting married and planning to emigrate to America, so while we were in New York we bought them some Macy's vouchers. The sales assistant wrapped the vouchers in delicate tissue paper and then put them in a lovely white box with the Macy's logo embossed on the top. I am going back almost 20 years but I was so impressed with this box, it has stayed in my mind. Today when my friend at work asked me if I knew where she could get a silk envelope or something a bit special to give somebody money as a wedding present. I knew she was thinking the same as me and I told her I'd make her a box. This is what I came up with, I used lovely starlight silver ice white card, a really good weight and it has a lovely shine to it, very luxurious.

Project 12 - May

2011-06-01T21:18:00.002+01:00

Another fantastic sketch for Project 12 over on Scrapbook and Cards Today, I know its the 1st June, I'm only a day late posting it. Here was the sketch for May

this time I've gone a bit off course and instead of using my travel photos I've used pictures of the dogs my brother has owned. I love how the sketch lent itself to these pictures

Why the cream square on the left? It's for Robin to do the journalling, I wonder how long it will take him?

I went to the Craft Box to try and get some doggy papers but there was only the blue background one here. When you get good customer service it deserves a round of applause, and a mention. I asked Gill if there was and dog themed papers when I arrived, even though she was busy tidying, organising and serving she still combed the whole shop looking for something for me. I mean she went through EVERYTHING, as you can see the blue worked fine. I still have some more photos that I need to scrap and my last words to her were if you find something just hang on to it and let me know. Well I got a phone call last night and she has found 1 sheet from her own personal stash. How about that? You wouldn't get that at Hobbycraft, they probably wouldn't have known what I was asking for. Thank you Gill for A+++ service.

Bank Holiday Business

2011-05-30T13:50:00.000+01:00

I was really looking forward to having a lovely long weekend of gardening and crafting, but it hasn't happened. I did get my patio furniture delivered on Saturday. It took me two hours to build it and when I got to the last chair somehow things were not matching up. It took a good 20 minutes for it to dawn on me that one of the chair sides, wasn't for a chair. I have a lovely table and three chairs and this

I contacted the suppliers and its going to take two weeks before a new side can be delivered. I'm still really happy with the furniture, it looks great on the patio.

I managed to tidy a little bit of the garden and cut the grass but then the wind and rain came down. That's normally not a problem when I've always got loads of crafting to do, I've even got the photos printed first before the pages are made.

Disaster, I started to feel very sick and haven't had much energy. I have managed half a page and now have run out of steam. I think an hour in bed may set me right.

I do have a card though, I don't know why I didn't post this before, it was made for a friend's Mum who was 60 last month.

Right time for a nap and then to finish my page.

Long Weekend

2011-05-27T19:59:00.000+01:00

I am so happy its a long weekend, I've got a bit used to the long weekends we've had over the last couple of months and I'm wishing that every work week was only four days. My new furniture for my new patio arrives tomorrow so once its assembled I will make full use of all my hard work over the last few weekends. I don't care what the weather is like I'm going to use it. I also plan to make some pages, everybody is busy so I l know I'm not going to get interruptions. I found Sketch Support a little while ago and bookmarked it, when my brother turned up with his paint balling photos and wanted as many as possible on the layout, I searched through to find the right sketch. It was sketch 11 of the two page sketches and here is the layout I made.

It was fun trying to create the paint splash effect, with so many photos it didn't need too much embellishing and it was a hit when he collected it.

Catching up with Cards

2011-05-23T07:00:00.001+01:00

I need to make a few cards both for work and for my own stock which seems to have depleted recently. Scrapology have started to issue monthly card challenges, I take part in the scrap pages challenges and found the card challeng while I was checking out the latest scrap challenge. This months card chalenge is a card to say thanks using this sketch

U had a look through my box of offcuts for the papers on this card and have wanted to make one of these gerberas for a while. I love how the pink and yellow looks so fresh and girly.