Penny's Patch

2012-01-22T14:55:00.000Z

Just thought I would put a sneak peek of the class I am teaching over at Paper Arts on Wednesday 25th Jan.
I have used Lily Bee papers and lots of punches to create a page full of texture and dimension.
If you would like to join us the pop over to http://www.paperarts.co.uk/index.php?sect=January and book your place.

A very bad photo of a layout !

2012-01-16T12:57:00.001Z

This is a layout
That I did using Echo Park VIctoria Gardens. I used the Tim Holtz Tattered doily die also the medallion doily die. I am not sue how this post will go as it is the first time I am using an I Pad to post so sorry if it is a little strange- I am not even sure where the photo will be. Anyway thank you for calling by and by the next time you come by I am hoping to have it mastered!

2011-12-20T16:26:00.000Z

Not a lot of crafting going on here. I do have a large backlog of classes that need doing plus a Chinese whispers CJ which I need to do before the 31st!
It is the 20th December and I only just put the tree up and dressed it in as fashion not my best effort but it will have to do for this year.
I have put the 4 important words on the tree that I wish you all out there in blogger land- JOY, PEACE, LOVE and HOPE.
I wish each and everyone of you a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for 2012. May all your hopes and dreams come true .

PEACE!

HOPE!

JOY!

LOVE!

2011-12-14T19:04:00.000Z

Today I went over to Paper Arts to teach a class. The drive was not so good- I think the heavens threw every type of weather at me today- this morning it was hail stones wind and rain and then on the way back all of the above but sleet was thrown in for good measure!
The class I taught was a very cutesy Christmas affair lots of red gingham ribbon paint hearts and Ginger Bread people.
I used Imaginise paper, the most gorgeous Tim Holtz Vintage Doily die, gems, buttons and copious amounts of red gingham ribbon.

I shall be back over at Paper Arts in January 2012 if you would like to come along and take a class with me you can book at http://www.paperarts.co.uk/index.php

2011-12-05T13:40:00.000Z

This is a little something that I created for a very special lady , who right now is going through a very stressful time. I hope it will make her smile.

To create this I first coated the box with green acrylic paint let it dry and then coated with crackle glaze. When this layer had dried thoroughly I added a top coat of white acrylic. When it was all completely dry I sanded the edges slightly and then used some silver rub-on metallic on the edges. I used the Tattered Pine cone die to make the cones/roses what ever you chose to call them. I added a little pearl- liquid pearls and sprinkled some micro glitter in crystal over.

For the frame I did the same thing.

Later on I will show you what I did with some noodle take out boxes.

Thanks for calling by.

2011-12-02T10:38:00.000Z

A NEW FORMAT FOR ME!

These are a few layouts that I have done over the last month or so. I have really been inspired by Emma Trout with the 8 1/2 x 11 format. I have always scrapped in 12 x 12 but now find this format so much easier. Although I now have so many larger size photos printed from when I did 12 x 12 I am going to have to make a few mini books or revert to 12 x 12 until they are all scrapped.

The Diva layout involved a lot of cutting out of swirly patterns which kept me quiet for quite a while. I am very pleased with the finished effect of this layout and I love the purple and silver.

This was a collection pack of papers that I have had for an absolute age which I came across whilst cleaning up my Craft room. I thought the colours really went well with the photo.

The photo on this layout is one photo of myself and girlie that I really don't mind. I have used all browns in this layout and like the over all effect. Again and lots of cutting and tucking!

This last layout I have used lots of scraps from different kits and layouts, along with odd blooms and stickers.

Thank you for calling by. I would love to hear your comments if you care to leave any.

2011-12-01T10:28:00.000Z

This is a layout that I have done for the Chinese Whispers group that I am part of. I have used the beautiful Authentique papers. The quality is just first class, lends themselves very well to distressing. I have also used the EK Success flower punch- I used it to create the border which is tucked under the left edge of the photos. I also used Nellie Snellen leaf punch I am loving this at the moment. It cuts and them you emboss the leaf- very pretty. You can find all the products I used on this layout over at http://www.paperarts.co.uk/index.php where the lovely Sue will help you out.
Thanks for calling by see you all soon.

2011-11-23T18:39:00.000Z

Yay I am back......... again!
It has been such a very long time since my last post and I have so much to share I just don't know where to start, so I will start from today and work back over the next few days.
This is a layout that I designed and taught for the fabby Sue Evans over at http://www.paperarts.co.uk/index.php I used Echo Park Times and Seasons papers. I just love the feel of them and the beautiful rich colours.

The next class I shall be teaching will be 14th December. For this class I shall use Imaginisce Christmas papers - with a very gingerbread theme- all very Christmassy- red gingham ribbon and lace. Call back for some sneak peeks soon.

2011-05-22T10:08:00.000Z

Hello Bloggers!
Yesterday at a crop in Swansea I made a wall hanging for my guest bedroom. Well it is not as yet my guest bedroom as Nadia has not moved out into the house next door yet-my former scrap house!! She is hoping to move in within the next couple of weeks. Last week I had it painted and papered from top to bottom and tomorrow I have a man coming to fit new worktops and to make the small bedroom into a dressing room. Sorry I have slipped away from the wall hanging. The wall hanging is a canvas Vintage style affair pinks and creams. I used the Tim Holtz Birdcage and Dress makers dummy die to create vintage style dresses, along with lace and pearls. I stamped 'Vintage' with some acrylic stamps and old paper Distress inks. I also inked the edges of the canvas in gold acrlic Dabbers and then stamped over with Distress ink and a script stamp.

I added a Tim Holtz pearl charm to the bottom edge for the extra 'bling'

I cut the cotton reel down as it was a bit too big and wound some very thin twine around and added a couple of fancy headed pins.

This canvas is now the property of Nadia for her dressing room wall!!!

I am really pleased that she does like something I have made and feel happy she wants to display it in her dressing room. I now have to make another for the guest room.

Thanks for calling by.

2011-04-23T09:05:00.000Z

Yesterday was my birthday and I decided to spend the day with my best Mukka Ally. She asked what I wanted to do for the day I thought scrapping would be a good way to pass the day and mark another year off!

I created 3 layouts using the Sarah cards DT ideas booklet that comes with the kit and also Rachel's inspired design from the Sarah cards blog- thanks Rachel.

The above layout is the one from the blog by Rachel. I have not 100% copied but I had the same pattern papers. I used a sheet of music paper from a very old tattered book I got from a junk shop.I used the spiky petaled flower from the TH Tattered Floral die- creasing the petals down their length to and layering 2 together to make a Gerber type flower.I also used the trusty MS butterfly punches.

The above layout is from the booklet from the March Sarah cards kit using October Afternoon papers. I used the sizzix rosette die to make the flower that better matched the papers rather than the ones that were in the kit. I also used my new 'Banner' die- very nice it is too!

And finally above layout also from booklet. I used a retro punch to create the flowers, creasing and layering up to create depth and texture, finishing them off by adding a yellow button to the centres to match that of the flowers on the paper.
I also went and had a really relaxing pedicure which Nadia brought me for a birthday treat and also an eyebrow wax which was not so relaxing!!

2011-04-04T10:16:00.000Z

Take one blank Canvas......

Take a blank canvas and a Monday morning and create.

I made this canvas as a gift for my sister. I firstly painted with cream paint and then set aside to dry. Once dry I inked the edges with blue ink.

I used blue, brown, cream and green pattern paper from a mix of manufactures. I punched out loads of flowers using the Whale of a punch Retro flower and an X cut flower punch.

I ink all the punched flowers in the same blue as I inked the canvas. I also inked a couple of Prima butterflies blue too.

I pinched the ends of the petals and layered up adding a blue gem to the centres of each flower.

I cut leaves with the big shot. I arranged the leaves down the left side of the canvas, taking it along the bottom edge. I stuck the flowers onto the leaves using silicone glue to give depth and texture.

I am really quite pleased with the end result and I hope my sister will also be pleased to receive it.

Thanks for calling by my blog. I would love to hear from you, your thoughts about the canvas, be it good or bad.

2011-03-28T16:59:00.000Z

This afternoon I decided it was time to have a bit of a clear out of pattern paper scraps that I have been hoarding. I knew that I would never use them. I was very ruthless I filled a whole black bag!!! I found 2 whole sheets from We RMK Maple Grove range, I just love the colours. So before them became doomed to the bin I decided to do a layout there and then. I didn't have a suit photo as I think an Autumn one would have suited but I decided to go for a full on summer photo of Nadia and my sister Grandson Harry. I think it works.......... what do you think.

I used some pages of an old book that had yellowed with age, I helped it along a bit with TH distress ink- vintage photo. I added a scrap of lace.

I punched some flowers using my well loved Retro flower punch and layered them up. I also punched butterflies with a MS punch. I tied some thread around the bodies of the butterflies tieing it off at the top to form antena.I also added a fancy head pin to the flower cluster.

I finally added a few mixed brands of embellies. Jenni Bowlin mini Kraft tickets- very cute. Banners from Lily Bee Designs and alphas from Jenni Bowlin.

I am fairly happy with the end result and glad that I used the papers. I think I may have a rescue the scrap day on a regular basis.

2011-03-25T17:22:00.000Z

Sarah cards sketch challenge.

This is my entry to Sarah cards sketch challenge.

I have used the gorgeous American Crafts Peachy Keen papers.

The flowers were made using 2 size punches and adding a bit of bling to the centres- I used Basic Grey's Bling it.

The title used Jillibean Corrugated Kraft Alphas. I run a length of Prima Clearly IOD. tape

I sanded and inked all the paper edges- tearing and curling them before inking with TH distress ink. The yellow frames were painted with pearl yellow acrylic paint and then given a coat of TH crackle paint. When the crackle paint crackled I rubbed some distress ink into the cracks. I then stamped over with a script stamp and brown Stazon.

2011-02-15T09:50:00.000Z

TUESDAY TECHNIQUE.

Today I have used 2 techniques- stamping and distressing in the good old Tim Holtz way!

I used Paper Artsy stamps from www.thestampattic.co.uk Wendy has a huge range of the most gorgeous stamps- go have a browse!
I inked up the tag with Distress inks.

I stamped the moth onto Grunge Paper after inking and distressing it. I added a couple of shiny bits along the body and stuck it to the tag with Glossy Accents. The moth have a die which you can cut out and tem use the stamp for the image- dont know why I didn't use it!!

Thank you for calling by and I shall see you tomorrow with something else, not sure what but I have a frame that is itching to be altered!

2011-02-14T13:01:00.000Z

MONDAY'S MUSINGS.
Well so far so good- day 3 and a post each day! By the way Happy Valentines day to you all- or Happy Pringles Day to all of you who are still single and looking for that special someone.

Here is my daily craft offering. I did this layout for Penally's Crop.

This is a layout using Lily Bee papers.

I just love the photo of my girlie.

See you all hopefully tomorrow with something else.

Thanks for dropping by.

2011-02-13T09:48:00.000Z

A Sunday Morning Offering.

This is a layout I did using very bright colours. I really love the colour combo. I found I could only use a black and white photo on it as any other one got 'lost'. I made a few flowers using punches, putting a crease along each petal and rubbing a bit of Glossy Accents over each to give dimension and gloss.

See you soon!

2011-02-12T21:56:00.000Z

NEW LOOK- NEW START
I now have a new face to my Blog- thank you Steven!
This I suppose means I will have to keep it up dated doesn't it?? This is something that I have a lot of trouble doing. I always start full of good intentions but somehow somewhere along the way if fades away.
I have created a number of pieces of craft work since my last post but have not as yet photographed them- this is my next task! I will be back soon with something to share with you all.
Thank you for bearing with me.xx

2010-11-21T13:28:00.000Z

It's been a while..................again!
time seems to just fly by doesn't it? I have been quite busy lately with one thing and another. Mother- in -law visiting........ not so good. I have, along with my mate, organised and run a retreat in Pembrokeshire. This has been the third one we havedone and there is another one in progress for March. It is a lot of hard work but we throughtly enjoy it and hope our girls do too. Anyways here are a couple of bits I have done, I have plenty more to photograph but getting round to it is a whole new story.

This first layout is of Nadia when she was about 2 years old. I have used some very bright papers for this I think they are Making Memerories- I just so love the greens. I have also used my trusty MS Monarch butterfly punch and Mc Gill tab punch another one of my favourite punches.

For this layout I used Fancy Pants acetate 'Christmas Baubles' and BG Eskimo Kisses papers.

This is using a Sarahcards kit and the booklet ideas- love these papers.

This one is also done from the same kit.

This canvas uses some of the older range of BG- really love the distress look to the papers. I have tried to blend the paints to create an old distressed feel to the canvas, layering up the papers and adding a cluster of Timmy Holtz style flowers.

I hope I have been able to get these photos on to the blog as I am not sure what I am doing- just got used to doing it old way now it has all changed to go via Picsa............. dont like change!

Anyway thanks for calling by my blog

2010-09-19T11:36:00.001Z

Bo Bunny

Here is a layout I did with scraps of papers left from a layout . The papers are from the Bo Bunny range 'A Gift Of Love' Beautiful purples and greens.

I have rolled the panels of paper and stamped 'memories' just below the rolls of pattern papers.

I used a MS border punch on even smaller scraps and tuck it under the right edge of the photo.

The photo is of Nadia about 3 years ago.

I have used a very old Anna Griffin butterfly stamp and stamped an image direct to the white Bazzill background paper, using brown Stazon. I also punch some varying sizes of butterflies from the pattern paper.

I punched a flower from the Whale of A Punch 'Retro Flower' and stamped with a script stamp and brown Stazon. I layered it up with a Prima bloom-' Butterfly Kisses'. I added a row of cream lace to the top and bottom of the panel with staples. I also added buttons to the centre of the flowers.

This is all I managed to do at a crop that I go to in Swansea every 3rd Saturday of the month. We don't go to scrap.......... we just chat and laugh and then laugh some more (most Paula making me laugh). Yesterdays topic was weddings. One of the girls will be getting married in October and she was making her wedding favors........ from denim jeans pockets. It is going to be the most memorable wedding I have been to. She really has turned her back on traditional and conventional wedding.But there again Al Doc is no conventional or traditional girl and I wouldn't have her any other way!

2010-09-12T07:53:00.000Z

Products of the crop

Here are the classes that I taught at Pontypridd crop on Saturday. I used 3 Bugs in a Rug paper for theses pages.

I used Colour my world templates for the outer frame and a Martha Stewart punch for the border. I also used my trusty ribbler.The flower embellishment were cut and layered up from the pattern paper with a button stitched into the centre to finish it off.

For the next page I layered up the pattern papers. I punched and cut some flowers and grouped together in the bottom right corner some with 3D foam pads and others flat. I also applied Glossy Accents to the small ones and once dried I bent up the edges for texture. I pinched the petals at the tips of the larger flowers. I added buttons to the centres of some of them to finish them off. I punched some leaves again with a Martha Stewart punch and stuck around the cluster of fowers. Finally I tied 3 loops in red twine which I got from Ikea and stuck these along the panel to complete the page.

Thanks for calling by my Blog- see you soon

2010-08-27T16:42:00.001Z

This will be the second attempt at trying to blog - the First one went into the unknown!
I am also having trouble with the 'F' key. So if in doubt add an 'F' LOL! OK the reason for today's blog. Two layouts using the most delicious Bo- Bunny Peacock Lane range. The colours are very vibrant.

This first layout uses Swiss Dot as the main background. I made a little embellishment from corrugated card cut into a heart shape and wrapped some Maya Road lace around it. I added a pair of Maya Road wings which I painted with Acrylic paint and then over stamped with Distress Ink(soot black) using the Studio 490 Lower Case Art set. I used the script stamp.I used an old Dymo Tape thingy I found in my stash whilst having a sort out and it was loaded with the right colour tape- very convenient don't you think?

For this second layout I used a plain grey Bazzill card stock and based the layout on circles. I used a mix of hand writing and Cosmo Cricket mini alphas for the journalling.

Can I now be very forward and tell you about the workshops that are taking place at http://www.thestampattic.co.uk/ I will be doing a scrap booking workshop too.

Thank you or calling by my blog.

2010-08-24T18:00:00.003Z

Throw it all on a page kinda layout!

I did this layout for the Sarah'scards August Challenge. But, I am not so sure it completely meets the criteria. I have certainly used 'distressing' and the other part was 'summery'. Looking at the photo I do believe it to be summery. Nadia look bright and shiny as does the flower in her hair!
Anyways I will leave Sarah and her team to decide if it fits or not.
For this layout I have used leftovers from my July kit. Pink Paislee Bayberry Cottage Collection. I have also used an old pizza box, paint dabbers, scraps of black lace,and some very sweet pins.I have distressed all the edges of the pattern papers and ripped the edges of pieces of the pizza box and painted it with a pearl paint dabber and then dry brushed a little green and burgundy over the top. I layered 2 pieces of the pizza box on top of each other to give loads of depth and texture. I stapled the scraps of lace to the edges of the box and pinned one piece in place. I am quite pleased with the end result. Very shabby.

Thanks for calling by - See you soon.

2010-08-22T09:47:00.002Z

UKS Weekly Challenge
I have not done a UKS weekly challenge or ages and as I have some very suitable photos that really needed to be scrapped and put to bed thought I would give it a go.
As normal I have once again up loaded the photos in the wrong order! One day I may just get it right.

The lower was cut using TH tattered floral die. I have added a little pink sequined heart to the centre o the flower attaching it with a pink lower headed pin.

The papers I have used are Fancy Pants wishful thinking- theses are so pretty and they are in stock at www.thestampattic.co.uk

The weekly challenge asked or a celebration- Nadia's birthday. Pink/blue the paper range fitted the criteria very well , also to use bunting on the layout. This range has a very pretty bunting paper in. So I cut out a couple of strings of the bunting and stuck it to the LO with 3D pads to lift it a little. I also gutted one of the papers to make a frame which I mounted onto white bazzill.

Thanks for calling by my blog. see you soon.

2010-08-09T20:55:00.007Z

MEET THE NEW FAMILY MEMBER.
This gorgeous bundle of fluff is Polly and she is the latest addition to our family. She will join our 4 other cats.
She has the most beautiful tummy marking- kind of Leopard spots.

This is the lastest photo of me with another gorgeous creature called 'half Face' I know a weird name! He belongs to my sister.

I have no crafting to share with you this time but I do have some crafting news.

I will be teaching a scrapbook workshop over in Wantage at the Stamp Attic in september. Here is the workshop section- go see there are some fabby workshops going on.

Thanks for calling by my blog- I will be back soon with some crafting.

2010-07-25T15:58:00.008Z

A NEW CRAFT ROOM

I have a new craft room and with this new craft room I am really hoping that my Mojo wants to come back home and share it with me.
For weeks I have kind of lost my way in the crafting world, unable to stick two pieces of paper together! I decided that the reason for this was surely the nasty craft room.

I mean look at it all purple and blue hardly inspiring is it? OK purple and blue has its place in the world, I must have liked it at some stage but for the life of me don't know why!

But now I have a lovely green, black and beech craft room. The walls are now cream. They make the room so bright and airy.

I have loads of storage boxes. I got them from Ikea, I have lots of empty shelves so I really need a few more boxes to fill them. I know a very poor excuse to get more!

I also brought a shiny new chrome rubbish bin- far too nice to put rubbish in!

This room would not have happened without the help of my dearest friend Ally. She is a diamond. I love her to bits. So, Ally thank you so much for all your help Hun.

I hope now that I will be able to create and make some fabby pieces of art work.
Thanks for dropping by my Blog - Until the next time x

2010-07-18T18:14:00.002Z

Recycle is the name of the game!

Last week - in fact Thursday my dearest hubby was wearing these jeans!

Today they have become yummy Tim Holtz style flowers!

How and why- you may ask?

A friend of mine is getting married and her dress code is jeans and smart shirts and the colours scheme is black and white with a touch of denim. I thought this would make a fab topper for her wedding favors.

I covered Tim Holtz Grunge paper with the old jeans. I used UHU glue so I got a strong adhesion.

I cut the flower using the Tim Holtz die. I inked the reverse with faded Jeans Distress ink. On the front I stamped with a script stamp from Prima using black Stazon.

I made a hole in the centre of each with a crop-o-dile and fixed them all together with just an ordinary stationary brad. On top of the brad I stuck an old white flat topped button with Glossy Accents. I also tried to stamp the top with the script stamp but that was not that successful.
I hope she will like the idea.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my second post of the day!

2010-07-18T10:08:00.002Z

Cards and Layouts.
Of late my Mojo has been AWOL! So I decided to set myself a small challenge, something that I could achieve. I thought that if I could do a layout and from the scraps make a card that may help Mojo come home and reduce the mountains of papers I have.
Yesterday I went to a crop in Swansea and set the target at 2 layouts and 2 cards and this is what I came up with.
Once again I still have the photo up loading order wrong!

This is the card I made with the scraps left from the layout. I used MS Monarch butterfly punch and made a flowers using the Whale of a Punch Retro flower adding a button to the centre.

The is the layout that used a Kay & Co paper stack I brought years ago.

This is the second card I made. I made a flower by cutting a circle into a spiral and rolling it up and sticking it to the centre with silicone glue. I punched some leaves with the MS leaf punch.I then added a couple of gems.

This layout was done with papers from a Sarah's Cards monthly sub kit. I really love the colours in this kit so fresh and clean.

Thanks for stopping by my Blog- see you all soon.

2010-07-12T15:03:00.003Z

Just a layout.

This is a layout I did for a class at our monthly crop in Pontypridd. I used some yummy glittery Laundry Line papers and played around with 'Grungeboard and Tim Holtz Tattered Florals' die. I covered the Grungboard with pages from an old book I got from and charity shop before cutting them on the Bigshot. One cut I inked them to co-ordinate with the colours of the papers using Distress inks. I layered them up and fixed them together with an ordinary stationary brad which I coated with Glossy Accents and dipped into glitter for a sparkly centre to the flower.

Thanks for calling by my Blog

2010-06-12T09:11:00.004Z

A LAYOUT OR TWO.

Here are a couple of layouts I have recently done. The first one is something that I don't usually do- a double layout. For this I have used scraps of Sassafras papers and odd bits of lace and buttons. I used some odd thickers Alphas but didn't have all the letters so used some acrylic type face ones that I have had since time began.

This second layout is based upon something that was on a UKS Cybercrop last year and I cant for the life of me remember who's it was- when I remember I will of course credit her.For this I did lots of tearing and inking. Then I layered lots of frames on top of each other with 3D pads. I used a cheap glittered chipboard embellishment from what!

edit to say- I think the orgininal layout was designed by MJM AKA Michelle Jackson- mogford.

.
This last layout was a challenge for a crop that I went to last weekend. I have used some PM pattern papers and embellishments. I don't really like PM papers but these are rather nice. I printed the sheet music for Happy Birthday and aged it with TH distress ink- 'Old Paper'- I tore and rolled the edges to make it look aged. I created a little banner across the top using some twine to string the flags across the page, I tied it to the frame which is 3D mounted.

Thanks for calling by my Blog

2010-06-06T18:42:00.004Z

A LITTLE MINI BOOK
Over the weekend I put together a little mini book about Nadia's Uni May Ball.
For this project I used Black Market Paper 'When the weather is fine' range........... a gorgeous green and blue.
I altered a Paper Mania chip board book using a Tim Holtz die. It made the page edges look extra special. I added 'Life's Journey' vintage brads to the edges of each page.

On the front cover I have used Tim Holtz Ornate Plates- these I mounted onto a bracket edged shape that I cut on the Big Shot.

On the page above I used a luggage label which was stamped with a fabby stamp which I want to own- it is I believe from Hampton clear stamps-and that is all I know. It has great phases on - Tempus Fugit- Good Times- Laugh, giggle. So if any of you Bloggers know which and where I can get some of my very own please leave me a comment. I also used a wire photo holder that my dear brother -in - law made me, along with loads of gems and buttons.

All the labels and page edges were inked with Tim Holtz Distress Ink- vintage photo.

The page above is a very bad photo but shows the stamp perfectly.

I used some scrap velvet ribbon that was in the bottom of my Artbin tote- goodness know how long that has been in there as I never really get to the bottom of it.

Thanks once again for stopping by my blog.

2010-05-19T14:38:00.002Z

BIRD CAGE MOBILE.

Here is a little something I did whilst waiting for the painter to paint my lounge.
I got the original idea from the New Stamper May publication. They had used all butterflies which had been stamped. As I am so in love with the Tim Holtz 'birdcage' die I 'needed' to use that along with my other favourite tool .... the MS Monarch Butterfly punch.

I used Prima 'strawberry Kisses' papers , stickles, glossy accents and Maya Road lace
all available from www.thestampattic.co.uk

I used fishing line to hang the birdcages and butterflies from which I got from a poundshop.
The painter will be back tomorrow to put up the paper... wonder what I will make then????
Thanks for calling by my blog and please leave a comment.
See you all soon
xxxxx

2010-05-14T18:02:00.004Z

Another trip to my favourite craft store!

I had to visit Oxford again this week and once again I had to do a slight detour to visit Wendy from www.thestampattic.co.uk for some luscious stash. Well it would be very rude not to call in ....... wouldn't it???
I at last got my Tim Holtz 'Bird cage' die plus a few other bits and pieces.
Wendy asked me to 'do something' with the fabby new range of MME 'Sophie' papers. Now this range is seriously gorgeous. The colours are so me, blues and greens. MME have come up with a great idea on the little info strip on the bottom of the papers, they have printed co-ordinating brackets of different sizes. They are really great to add to the layout for a layered feel.
The layout below is in fact the last one I did from the papers. I used up all the left over scraps to die cut lots of flowers including the Tim Holtz 'Tattered Flower'. I layered them all up and adhered them with silicone for depth and texture. I then added loads of glitz and sparkle with Prima E line gems and Kaiser Craft gems. The lace is Maya Road is was very white too harsh for the papers. So, I dipped it into tea to soften it a little. The shapes were created using 'Colour My World' templates. The Alphas are thickers.

This second layout is a bit of tearing, inking and layering. I have used a MS border punch and Prima crystal swirls and a Prima bloom. Again the title is Thickers.

The layout below is the first one I did from the papers( I still have not got the hang of the order of up loading photos to a Blog ). I used the brackets on the waste advertising strip at the bottom of the papers and tucked them under the side edges of the square of pattern paper. I cut some frames and tucked some of the corners of the photos under. Once again I have used the Tim Holtz 'Tattered Flower ' die and Thickers. I finished it off with E line gems and pearls and a bit of doodling around the edge.

And finally a piece of really exciting news which made my day- Wendy has added me to her Design Team on www.thestampattic.co.uk I am chuffed to bits to be a member of her team of really gifted designers.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. See you all soon xxx

2010-05-09T09:46:00.002Z

JUST A LAYOUT.

This is a layout I did using Basic Grey Wassail range. I know they are supposed to be a Christmas range but I thought they work really well with this photo that was taken high summer in Turkey.
I gutted the background paper and cut a scallop shape using a Colour My World template. I layered up 2 other papers and turned the corner down on one and added an ornate brad. I prettied it up with some strips of lace and ribbon. I doodled some white dots around the edge of the scallop shape and finished it off with a beautiful butterfly using the Martha Stuart Monarch punch...... still my current favourite punch.

Thanks for calling by my Blog. See you soon

2010-05-05T16:14:00.008Z

Sarah's Cards Blog Challenge.

This is my effort for the Sarah's Cards Challenge.

This is the Sketch we had to use. I have followed it 100%, which for me is really very good as I drift away considerably. Thank you Rachel for a brilliant sketch, really enjoyed this one.

So, this is the finished result.

I have used American Crafts 'I Do' papers. Love this sketch as I was able to use up all the left over scraps from a previous layout I did.

The flower is made using Tim Holtz 'Tattered Rose' die and some old music paper which I stuck onto Grunge paper and then I blended distress inks into. I then rolled them and battered them about a bit and then fixed them altogether with a brad and smeared a bit of Stickles on them.

The smaller flowers are the smallest 'Tattered Rose' from the die with I just rolled the petals and stuck a button in the centres and sat them on top of a small piece of Prima gem swirls.

Thanks for calling by my blog

2010-05-04T18:20:00.002Z

Gosling up date.

I thought I had better take some photos of my babies before they became all grown up.They have nearly doubled in size in 10 days. I am now really worried as to what size they will be when fully grown. But luckly we have plenty of room to house them.
The photo below is of Willow and Meadow. Willow is the smaller one behind Meadow. We think that maybe Willow is a girlie although we cant be sure.

Today they were put into a bigger pen, rather than the cage they have been in since I had them. They are now big enough not to be bait for the rats that share the allotments with them. It does not help that there is a river that runs along the bottom of the allotments and also almost all of the allotment holders keep poultry.

They both have developed a liking for dandilions and just cant get enough of them.

The photo above is Meadow.

This little cutie is Willow. How do I tell the difference? -with great difficulty when they are not together, other than Willow is smaller and has a darker head. I am not sure I will be able to do that when they both have their white plumage!

2010-04-29T10:35:00.003Z

Last week I went to visit one of my sisters in Oxford. As it was my birthday I wanted to get myself something special....... not the normal scrapping stash although it is always very welcome but something different. I called into http://www.thestampattic.co.uk/ in Wantage which is a slight detour from my sister's house and got a few bits there, but not that special something.

I went for a walk down to the lock and took a few photos and then that special something came into my viewfinder.................. goslings!

I so needed some!

These geese live on the banks of the river Thames that runs along the bottom of my sisters garden. They can at times be extremely noisy.

So the hunt as on. I enlisted the help my sister to come to a poultry farm that was very close to her house. There were so many goslings and ducking there I was spoilt for choice. I fell in love with 2 goslings which were big enough to leave their mother. So I asked the owner to hold them for me until the following day and I would pick them up on my way back home.

My fantastic brother in Law Geoff made me a pen to keep them in until they got big enough to live with the hens that we already have. He was a star and made them a perfect pen. We did have concerns as to whether it would fit in the car though. In the end we had to let the back seats down!

Anyway, when he had finished the pen I needed to have them right there and then so I with Hazel returned to the farm to get them. I have named them Willow and Meadow- I am hoping they are a couple but will not know until they do or don't lay eggs at 20 weeks!

I dont have any photos as yet of Meadow and Willow. I shall however go get some snaps of them before they grow up into hissing wing flapping monsters.

Whist at Hazel's house I showed her how to make papers roses. I think I got carried away. I made loads of them. I think she may also be hooked on them now.

2010-04-01T08:35:00.008Z

Sarah's Cards March Challenge
The March challenge over on Sarahscards was to create a layout using old stash.
I have used so very old K&Company Classic Charlotte papers that came in a 12 x 12 pad. I believe I purchased this about 3 years ago. I found a few green pearls in the bottom of a drawer that went perfectly with the papers, along with a scrap of cream lace. I used a 'new' tool the MS monarch butterfly punch. The butterflies go well with the paper also with Nadia's top as it also has butterflies on.It has a real summer feel that suits the photo. The photo was taken in an olive grove in Turkey July 2005.

2010-03-22T16:45:00.006Z

The Name Badge

I recently, along with 70 ish other like minded ladies attended a Sarahcard's retreat in Warrington. I had an absolute ball. The classes were brilliant and the goody bag was to die for.Sarah and Lianne along with their trusty DT were fabulous couldn't do enough for you. Everyone was friendly, warm and welcoming.

The pre retreat challenge was to create a name badge.

I really didn't give the badge a thought until the last minute. So about 2 days before I had to come up with something pretty damned quick.

And this is what I come up with.

I used a variety of products and techniques. I firstly cut the base with a sizzix die using an old pizza box cutting 2 and sticking together. I inked the edges. I then cut another base in Tim Holtz Grunge Paper and stuck it on top. I blended distress inks into it- orange and green.

The flower ( Studio 490 ) was stamped on to Grunge Paper 3 times, distress inked and built up. I curled the petals out and added some Glossy Accents to the dots on the leaves to give it some depth. I then added ribbon, buttons, brads, metal flowers- any bits that were laying around really. The whole thing only took after the stamping bit about 1/2 hour.

I was so pleased if a little embarrassed to win the prize for the badge- although there were some amazing ones there. The prize was just breath taking- a whole 12 x 12 baggie full with the most gorgeous Prima goodies you could ever only dream of having.

I am no longer the owner of the badge................ a lovely lady Helen wanted it so I gave it to her, end of!

2010-01-31T16:34:00.002Z

Like always I make these promises to keep this blog up to date.......... but nah it never happens !
This is one of the layouts I did yesterday. I used the MME papers and a lot of photo of the same image that I printed trying to get a particular size. So instead of wasting them decided to use them all on one layout.

2010-01-31T16:23:00.001Z

2009-11-13T18:35:00.002Z

WOW!......................... Another posting.
These are a few pages of a Christmas Mini Book swap I am in over on UKS.
I used K&Co speciality papers- they are just so yummy and have been hoarding them for well over a year. They have been replaced by some equally yummy ones!
The title ' Little Book Of Christmas' is done using some very pretty glitter alphas although the photo does not really show how shiny they are.

Currently this mini book is winging its way across to the 'Emerald Isles'. I hope she likes it!

Thanks again for dropping by and so soon.

2009-11-11T13:37:00.002Z

It has been a long time since the last entry. I have over the last week been reminded that I do indeed have a blog!

I recently attended a retreat in Teleford which was organized by SKRAPZ. You may want to go check them out they have another retreat organized for next year- go see at http://www.skrapz.co.uk/

Anyway that is my plug done- for no reward might I add!

I produced quite a few pieces of work this time,which makes a change as I usually spend my time chatting and little else!
I took 2 classes designed and taught by LIBERTY CHANCE. They were really excellent classes and she is such a lovely lady and a brilliant teacher even though she told us that it was her first time teaching. She did a sterling job- Thanks Liberty!
This first layout was created using a kit from www.sarahcards.co.uk I used the ideas book that was with the kit.

This layout is also from the Sarahcards kit.

This is one of the classes from LIBERTY CHANCE. I loved it so much I decided to make it into a double layout. The title was cut from an old pizza box using a cuttlebug- very effective and cheap in fact free. It was jazzed up with a squirt of stickles. The papers and acetate baubles are from Fancy pants. Also used was some old music sheets.

This is the second class I took- the layout has an acetate background which is not obvious in the photo.

This is a layout done with an old holiday photo of myself and Nadia on holiday in Turkey.I thought the papers went so well with the photo. I used a fabulous border punch which has a real Turkish feel to it

I used up some scraps of papers on this layout, which for me it unusual as I don't usually keep scraps.

This was a retreat challenge. 'Something old- something new' I used some old papers along with a new punch and new prima flowers

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog and would love to hear any comments from you........ Till the next time!

2009-05-30T16:41:00.004Z

chunky fat book...
These are 7 of the 8 pages of a Chunky Fat Book swap I have joined on UKS.
The first is 'Winged' animals- I decided to do peacocks as I love the bright, rich blues and greens.

For the second page the theme was 'wine/wine glasses.

The next theme was 'Secret Garden' I layered up lots of different flowers, plants, trees, birds and animals. I used stamping for the title.

The next theme was 'Vintage Navy'. For this I took the theme literally and did Navy.I even google how to tie some nautical knots- although I am not sure I succeeded with that task!

The next theme 'Flora and Fauna. Here again I layered lots of bits. I also stamped, stickled and Glossy Accented everything.

This next one I think is my fave although the photo is not good. 'Dragons' I stamped the dragon, cut it out and glossy Accented it adding red ink for the flames and red stickles for the eyes. I have used silver mesh behind the 3D mounted dragon and a Chinese symbol which was coloured with Krylon as it was gold in a previous life.

The last theme 'Art Nouveau'- I found this to be the most taxing and I hope the recipient likes it.

2009-05-04T10:15:00.002Z

I am back from another fabulous ( that's is for Jane and Helen LOL)weekend of scrapping and chatting, not to mention stash buying and eating!
Over the last 2 weekends I have eaten so much I have put on 6lbs!I don't know how to face my Weight Watchers consultant on Wednesday.

This is what I have produced over this weekend. For me it has been a massive increase in what my 'normal' retreat production has been in the past.
This first layout was the 'Goody Bag' challenge - we had to use some of the products in the bag to create a 'Heritage' layout. The Goody Bag was really fab. It contained Thickers, and felt alphas, a gold and silver gel pen, 2 vintage/heritage journal spots, double sided tape and glue gun. I used the double sided, glue gun, pen and journal spot from my bag. I added from my stash some odd 7G's stickers, a few buttons. MME papers and a whole lots of punches and dies. I won joint first with this- the prize was a 2 months sub to the Skrapz 'Write' kit! Brilliant prize.

The second layout was also a challenge. This one was set by Shemille. The criteria was to use 3 or more pattern papers.I used Prima Marketing papers, paper lace, a few buttons and some pearls. I won an ideas book.

This next layout uses the Sarah cards April kit-just loved the white overlay.I added a white Bazzill- just the edge which I inked in purple to blend in with the papers.

This next one has also used the Sarah Cards April kit- the owls are just so cute.

For the next layout I have used Basic Grey Ambrosia. The colour are so beautiful. I love the orange tones and the butterflies. I have added a couple of 'peel off' type acetate butterflies which are 3D just to give the page a bit of lift.

This layout was created with Daisy D's papers, fabric journal patches, buttons(again) and some gorgeous bobble ribbon- don't you just love it?

'Tike on a bike' was a class taught by Morag Cutts- I really enjoyed using the Buzz and Bob laser cut chipboard.

I think this was my favourite class I have taken for quite a while. I learnt how to make the most beautiful flowers using glitter and snow writer.I have had some in m craft room for about 3 years and didn't know what to do with it- now I will be flower making till the come out of my ears! I also learnt how to make a little sliding frame to hide some journaling and an extra photo.

Thank for staying to the end of this long post- I hope you have enjoyed looking at my layouts. Please call again.

2009-04-29T12:19:00.003Z

And another one.........

This is another layout I did whilst on retreat. I just love the colour combo on this. I cut loads of flowers of different sizes on the Expressions using both pattern papers and card stock. I layered up the different sizes with 3D pads and added a bit of glitz to the centres of each. I cut some leaves using a Sissix die and layered then in amongst the flowers.
The background is layered pattern papers, some have been scrunched up, inked and sanded with a bit of machine stitching to hold it in place.
The 18 was cut on the Expression and given a generous coating of Glossy Accents.

2009-04-28T14:57:00.002Z

Here are a few of the things I did at the Guildford Scrappers Paradise retreat last weekend.
This first one used Noteworthy paper as the background and Black Market Paper Society Let it Bloom was cut into for the floral embellishment. I added a few gems to the centres of some of the flowers. The title were chipboard alphas which were inked.

The next layout used Daisy d's Papers,Me and My Big Ideas fabric stickers and some fabby metal alphas, paper lace, Adornitt mini alpha stickers and a few buttons.

This is a challenge that I entered we had to alter an album cover. I used Prima Marketing papers for this. I cut out all the flowers and re assembled them using mountains of foam pads.A strip of cream lace was added across the bottom of the album. I cut some beautiful flourishes on the big shot and entwined them with the flowers. I added loads of gems and pearls with a dash of stickles. Then I finally added stickles to the button to tie it in. I won second prize for this. I am not sure if it will remain an album cover. I may take off the title 'memories' and add a photo and used it as a layout.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and I hope that I may hav inspired you in some small way.

2009-04-27T20:44:00.002Z

The Dress!!!!
we got the dress as I said in my last post. Nadia was going to have a pre-ball hair and make up session but couldn't be bothered! But she did put on the dress and do a bit of posing for me so I cant really complain can I? Although you cant see the dress in it.
This is one of the many photos I took of her. She of course hates them- she looks too 'fat'- her hair is a 'mess'- she has 'bad' skin, all the things the normal mirror loving teenagers says.

This last weekend I went to Guildford to the Scrappers Paradise retreat. I managed to get about 9 layouts done- quite a record for me as I usually spend most of my time chatting. I will get the camera out tomorrow and get some snaps of them to share with you.

On Friday I am heading to Teleford for another retreat- looking forward to it and hoping to do quite a few layouts as I have a mountain of photos to scrap.

2009-04-14T15:25:00.003Z

An update!!!..................................
This is a layout I created using Polar Bear Press papers. I cut the circles on the Cricut using the George cartridge. I have also used my old faithful Retro Flower punch and of course buttons! I really seem to have a slight addiction to button they are on almost every layout I do.

The photo is of Nadia at a school disco at uni for fresher fortnight last October.

She likes nothing better than dressing up! I am hoping to have some new photos by the end of this week as Nadia is having a trial run at doing her hair and make up for the Uni May Ball. The perfect chance to get some photos when she is in a sober state! Last week we went into Cardiff to find a dress- it had to be perfect. We went to loads of shops from department stores to small independent exclusive shops and found nothing. Then we decided on Debenhams and the first one she tried on was the 'perfect' one. It is black taffeta- plain, simple and elegant. I am really excited about having some photos of her in it. Watch this space.................

2009-04-05T10:51:00.003Z

This is a couple of layouts that I did at a crop yesterday.
The first one is using the yummy Imaginisce papers- Fairest Of Them All witch I have been hoarding for a while but decided the time had come for them to be cut! I painted a Scenic Route chipboard flower with Making Memories acrylic paint in Celery along with a 'Just the Edge' scallop from Bazzill. The alpha was another hoarded piece of loveliness from Doddle bug. I used some gems that I got from the NEC a years or so back. The flower was created by punching out several with the retro flower punch and layered up using 3D pads and Diamond glaze to really give it lots of height and dimension.I finished off with a piece of bobble ribbon from a kit.

A close- up of the punched flower.

For this second layout I have used Sassafrass Lass- Happy Place. I cut out lots of bits and layered it up using 3d pads. I added a few buttons to give added interest.

This photos are of Nadia on a night out celebrating her 19th birthday in Newport.

Thanks for dropping by my blog- I hope you enjoyed the experience- please call by again.

2009-03-29T14:39:00.002Z

I just cant seem to remember to up date my blog- I just put it down to age because I don't remember to do anything.
I have booked myself onto 3 retreats. The first one is with Scrapper Paradise at the Holiday Inn Guildford in April and then the following weekend I am off to the Scrapz one again at the Holiday Inn but in Teleford and the third is not till March 2010 - the Sarah Card's one in Warrington. Now that sold out so fast it was amazing.
Here a selection of random stuff I have been doing over the last couple of weeks.

This first layout was something I did for the UKS March house challenge. I used Crate Catlin papers for this. The photo was a printing error- I had the setting on panoramic instead of 6 x 4 . I rather like the size and so just had to use it.

The nest one is a class I took at a crop in Cardiff, taught by the talented Alison Docherty. I just love the green and blue of this MME paper. I even managed to do stitching which for me is a NO-NO!!!!

This next creation was a class I took at a 12 hour workshop by Artcards. The guest was another very talented lady- Tracie Hudson. I just loved this class. Although it was very time consuming as there was so much cutting out it was all well worth the effort. Thanks Tracie!

The creation was a pre workshop challenge to make a name badge that was not a badge.

This was also a pre workshop challenge. The criteria for this was to make a mini book using Basic Grey saying why you love to scrap book. Well I didn't want to waste my beautiful Basic Grey - Granola papers, so I did a mini book but just filled it with photos of my DD. Needless to say I didn't win sadly as the prize was the scrummy Basic Grey Lime Ricky - ah well never mind it will be in the shop soon.

This is another taught by Alison Docherty at her Cardiff crop and yes more sewing!!!

This is another class by Tracie Hudson at the 12 hour workshop.

Thank you for taking the time to drop by and read my blog.

2009-02-17T15:25:00.002Z

I have added a few of the layouts that I have done over the last couple of weeks.
I also did a few layouts for the UKS cyber crop which I shall up load later.
This first layout involved a lot of cutting out, but once that was done it all came together really fast.

For this layout I used Dream Street Papers. The title Unique was cut using Graphically Speaking on the Expression- I think that this cartridge is really worth the money - you can do so much with it.

This layout again used Dream Street Papers- I cut lots of trapezoids and layered them up.

Finally this is my effort for the UKS monthly house challenge. The theme is 'Winter'. This photo is of Nadia trying to catch the snow on her tongue. I thought the title 'Tasting The Elements' to really suit the layout perfectly. I used Basic Grey- Figgy Pudding. The title tiles were stamped and chopped into irregular shapes and then coated with a flat varnish and fixed with 3D pads. I punched out a few snowflakes and also fixed them to the layout with 3D pads.

2009-02-03T18:08:00.002Z

It has been a long time again- just don't know where the time goes. Here we are already into February.
Here are a few of the many layouts that I have done since Christmas.
This first one used the gorgeous MME papers. I have cut the flowers out and them stuck them to the layout with 3D pads.

The next one uses Junkitz Salsa Paperz. I have doodled and used a lot of rectangles on this.

One this Layout I have used Scenic Route, hessian and string. The hessian gives a real outdoors feel to the layout.

This layout used Dream Street papers- so love Dream Street!

Under the photo is a book that can be filled with journaling or more photos.

For this one I have used American Crafts and Cherry Arte papers. I used loads of small photos on this. I designed the layout so your eye travels around the page in a smooth flow.

2008-12-18T23:32:00.002Z

DECEMBER HOUSE CHALLENGE...........
This is my take on the December house Challenge over on UKS.
I have used the scrummy Basic Grey Eva range and Bazzill card stock.
The theme for the challenge is 'Ugly Bug Ball'. I had a really nice photo of Nadia and Steven when they went to a Summer Ball in Penarth in August this year.
The products that had to be used on the layout was acetate and stamping. I had some pretty acetate flowers and I stamped them with a Delish Designs tiny script stamp. I also stamped the title.I used loads of Paper Mania gems and of course everything was inked to an inch of its life. I folded the paper into ribbon pleats to give a bit of dimension to the layout.

2008-12-11T12:19:00.002Z

Time passes so fast

It has been a while since I have last made an entry.
Here are a few of my layouts. I have loads more stuff to up load - time is what I don't have a lot of.

This first layout is of Nadia -who else LOL.The photo was taken to celebrate 3 years going out with her boyfriend.

This layout is again of Nadia and her second cousin Harry- This photo was taken on Christmas day 2004. There is a Little mini book tucked behind the photo that is filled with smaller photos of the day.

This layout was a class I took whilst on a skrapz retreat in November. The class was taught by Shimelle- but me being me went off the instructions a bit!

This again is Nadia I have purposely left the journaling block empty- there are personal things I want to say and I don't think Nadia would want them made public.

This is another LO celebrating her 3 year romance with Steven- young love!!

Thank you for calling by and taking the time to look at my work. I hope that I may have inspired you in some way. If I have I should love you to leave a comment.

2008-10-23T08:09:00.002Z

This is a layout I designed for my crop in Pontypridd.
I have used Dream Street papers- Sk8ter Boy.
Although they are boy papers I think they lend themselves very nicely to girlie and baby layouts.

I have used a photo of Nadia when she was away at an Air Training Corp holiday camp- although I cant see were the holiday bit came into it as she was up and in full uniform by 6am!! This photo is not the most elegant photo of her, but I think it shows another side to the girlie girl.
I used a sissix long cuts for the border which I cut from Bazill Bling. I cut all the little circles and stars from the pattern paper and stuck them in groups using 3D pads. I also went heavy on the brown ink to make it a Little grungy.

2008-10-21T14:46:00.002Z

Anyone for coffee?

This is a little book made out of coffee filter papers. I first got shown how to do it at a crop I attend in Swansea. My first attempt was pretty appalling to say the least.

I used Paper Salon pattern papers and Bazzill card stock. On the outside front cover I used lace, bling and some very pretty crochet flowers held to the book with pearl brads.
Throughout the book I have used epoxy stickers- words and hearts.

I have also used some Kay & Co stickers. They went so well with the colours of the pattern papers.
In each of the filters is a tag tied with ribbon for extra photos or journaling.
The filter bags are all bound together by stitching with ribbon.

For my next project I have a photo frame..............???? Watch this space.

2008-10-20T08:38:00.002Z

My team on UKS - Ready Steady Scrap, are setting the weekly challenge. The theme is Autumn colours, I have used rich reds, greens, browns and orange. October being the 10th month use 10 of something- I used 10 buttons. We had to use a photograph that was taken outside so I have used one with Nadia up our local forest. Finally we provided a fab sketch to use.
So, this is my interpretation of it.
I used Scenic Route papers,Bazzill card stock, a scrap of ribbed card stock, buttons and foam alphas from WHAT!!. I really enjoyed doing this challenge as I just love the colours of autumn. Why don't you go check out the weekly challenge section on UKS and let me see what you come up with?.

2008-10-19T10:11:00.002Z

This is me!!!
This is a photo of me taken at the Me' Treat in Chester at the beginning of the month. The photo was taken by the very talented Cheryl Johnson. www.feelgoodphotos.com Go take a look at her fabby work.
I am really not at home on that side of the camera, so she has done a fantastic job. She got me to smile and naturally . I usually have forced grins on photos. So, I am really pleased with them.

2008-10-16T12:48:00.002Z

This is a layout yet again of Nadia. I have used a Sarah Cards Kit.
I just love the blue/green colour combi. It is so fresh. I started to use a layout from the samples in the booklet that come with the kit, but as normal I went my own way. I really tried not to ink on this layout but the wicked black ink pad yet again took control.
I used the beloved 'Base Camp' cartridge on the Cricut for the title.
The photo is of Nadia dressed up to go out on a themed night. She was supposed to be a gangster. I think she had a very french look about her- but what do I know?

2008-10-15T07:37:00.002Z

This is another piece of work I did at the Me'Treat. The project was create a layout using the the pattern paper in the 'Goodie' bag. We were able to add to it, thankfully. There was 1 piece of orange mottled pattern paper that was pretty nasty, half a sheet of green 12 x 12 card stock- loved the colour of that and a length of orange fibre. So all in all not a lot to get the creative juices flowing. I found some bits of green pattern paper in my stash that matched. I thought I would try to do blocks of colour but that didn't work so I was left with even smaller bits of paper so I cut lots of small circles and brought it all together with dots in white gel pen all around the edges of the paper. I found a small brown parcel tag in my stash and attached it to the layout with a brad. I cut a corner swirl using 'Story book' cartridge from Cricut. I used 'Base Camp' and the green card stock to cut the title. I was fairly pleased with the end result considering it was done with scraps and stuff I would not give space to in my stash.

2008-10-14T10:40:00.002Z

BOX CHALLENGE.
This is a challenge that I took part in and won first prize at the Magical Me' Treat I attended in Chester.
The challenge was to alter a box in anyway you desired.
There was a table full of boxes of all shapes and sizes to choose from. I decided on a square shallow box that in its past life was a jewellery gift box for a necklace. It had a blue velvet frame inside where the necklace hangs from and that is where the idea came from.

I first started on the box lid. I covered it with Kay & Co papers which were in a very pretty pink and creamy yellow. I inked all the edges and stuck a length of pretty lace around the top edge.
I cut out loads of butterflies - also Kay &Co pattern paper and built them up with 3D foam pads. I added a little sparkle to the wings with stickles.
For the frame part I removed the the support from the original frame and kept it. The rest was far to bright to use with the papers I had used for the box. I cut a piece of mount board to fit inside the box and attached the hinged support to it. I covered it in co-ordinating papers, inked the edges and added a photo of my girlie, Nadia. I embellished the corner with another butterfly to echo the theme of the front lid. I lined the box with gold tissue paper that I crumpled up and the stamped with a script stamp.
I was really pleased with the end product. It is perfect for a gift to Nadia's grandmother.

2008-10-13T18:26:00.002Z

IN FULL BLOOM.

This is a layout I did for a retreat class.
I used Kay & Co 'Wild Saffron' papers and Bazill card stock. The flowers were punched using the Whale Of A Punch 'Retro Flower' and a button was added to each one.

The title was cut using 'Base Camp' on the Cricut. I also added 3 gems down the bottom right side for a bit of sparkle.

2008-10-12T18:26:00.002Z

YOUV'E BEEN FRAMED.

This is a little project that I did for a class at the Magical Me' Treat I recently went to.

I used Kay & Co papers in gorgeous greens blues and beige.
The box was constructed from card and covered in pattern papers. I added lace and a prima- with a velco closure.I also added the year to the front of the box. I painted the letters with Anita's acrylic paint, inked the edges and gave it a couple of coats of Glossy Accents.
The frame is made in 3 sections from mount board, laced together with ribbon. I have added a funky foam swirl cut on the Big shot using the vines and flower die.
I cut another title again using Fun Serif upper case alphabet. I painted and inked in the same way as the date title.I added the name to the front of the frame. The frame folds into three and fits neatly into the box.
I am planning to make a few more of these in Christmas colours as I think they will make fab gifts.

2008-10-09T13:31:00.004Z

I'M BACK.

I spent last weekend at a fabulous retreat up in Chester. The retreat was the Magical Me' Treat run by Moira, Chris and Gill. It was in the Mollington Spa Hotel and what a fab hotel it was. Nothing was too much for the staff. The food was delicious, the staff were friendly, all in all it was a great weekend.

Cheryl Johnson was there clicking away with her camera. She took some fab shots of me being silly, I am waiting for the CD to arrive - she is making me beautiful if that is at all possible!!!

I taught a couple of classes whilst I was there as well as learning a fab technique- fabric paper making.More of that another time.

This is one of the project I taught- a decorated wooden door hanger. It has gold leaf and bead and wire techniques on it.

This shows the wire work on the heart
This is the wire and beading that is threaded through holes along the bottom of the hanger which were made with crop-o-dile.
The drive home from the retreat on Sunday was a complete nightmare. We left the hotel at 4.45 pm, I arrived home at 11.45 pm. All the roads through Shrewsbury and surrounding area were closed due to flooding. I did a 150 mile detour and added about 3 hours to the journey. By the time I had reached home I was completely shattered. I didn't leave the house till Wednesday.
But I would do it all again.

2008-09-25T10:09:00.002Z

UKS 'DUCKIE SWAP....
This is my trio of ducks that I received today from a UKS 'Duckie 'swap.The swap was organised by Wisher and what a sterling job she has done, sorting and packing approx 100 'duckies' and making sure that we didn't get our own back.
I am so pleased with my squadron- let me introduce them to you.

This handsome chap is 'Claude' don't he just look so sexy in his red beret?
This is Constellation- black and mysterious
Ans last but by no means least is the adorable Olbas- he looks a rugged kinda guy with a big heart.

Here they all are together- I hope they will be happy in their new home.

2008-09-16T12:29:00.002Z

This is my take on the challenge set by 'The Stash Invaders' on UKS.
The criteria was-
To use 3 or more manufactures of pattern papers. I used Daisy Bucket, Pink Pasliee, Cosmo Cricket and some 12 x 12 ledger paper who I have not got a clue as to the manufacture.
To use a cluster of embellies grouped together - I used a group of red buttons,
To 'bling' it up- I used stickles around the star.
And finally to do at least 5 lines of journaling - at which I failed miserably.
So I claim 25 points for my team 'ready Steady Scrap'.

This is a photo of Nadia in a giggling fit- we never know what she giggles at- usually very random things that are not even that funny.We were in the hotel in Calella watching the entertainment- don't think it was supposed to be funny, I believe it was a Micheal Jackson impressionist- perhaps it was funny then! I do remember that he seemed to think that all Mr Jackson's act consisted of shrieking and crotch grabbing moves and moon walking.

2008-09-14T16:29:00.002Z

This is something I did at my crop yesterday. I very rarely get anything started, so finishing this was a miracle.
I used Scenic Route papers, Bazill bling and card stock, Kaiser gems, Scenic Route swirl stamp and Doodle Bug borders.
I used all old stash again with the exception of the Kaiser gems only because I left mine at home.
The photo is of my girly Nadia and our kitten cat- Baby.

2008-09-12T21:36:00.003Z

I designed these 2 layouts for Penally's crop.
I have used Dream Street papers- Act Naturally.
The first layout I cut out loads of the flower circles and re arranged them over lapping and raising some with 3D pads. The title was stamped and then given a coating of Diamond Glaze.

The second layout I cut out the flowers and layered them up onto the background paper. I then cut thin strips of card stock and pleated it to make stems. The title was cut on the Cricut using my old faithful 'Base Camp'.

2008-09-11T14:41:00.002Z

Blogging twice in one day - whatever next?

This is a layout I have done today. It is an entry for the Scrummy Stash Cafe's Saturday Challenge. The layout had to have a title, sentence or if you were brave a whole paragraph in a language other than English.
I have gone for Spanish. The title 'La Caudrilla' loosely translated means 'The Gang'. The little bit of journalling along the bottom basically says - 'The gang at a medieval night at purpose built castle, just outside Callela, Spain.'

The papers I have used for this layout are from a Kay & Co Designer paper stack- Charlotte. I have used a sisix longcuts to cut the daisy border. I also used Base camp on the Cricut for the title.

2008-09-11T07:01:00.003Z

Woo Hoo !!!!!

Well what a surprise I had last night........ I won a £10 e- voucher for entering a layout on the Scrummy Stash Cafe Blog. The layout was a class by the very talented Rachael. I used the fabulous Scribble Scrabble papers that had been hanging around for ages begging to be cut. So I am still on track to use all older stash. I have to admit I have purchased replacements for all, if not more then I have used which really defeats the whole purpose as I wanted to reduce my stash and only buy when I needed.

2008-08-31T11:48:00.002Z

STILL USING OLD STASH..................
I created the basis of this layout back last year but I wanted to improve it a bit.
This time I have used Scenic Route papers.
I made the 'front pages' by cutting a circle in the centre of the paper and then cut it directly in half. This formed a window that you can open up. I added the title to the front using chip board alphas that has been in the bottom of the drawer forever.The tabs are from 7 G's, I stuck a paper flower on the top of each with Diamond glaze. On the right side of the window I have put pink brads all around the edge.

On the inside I have made little pockets that have tags in for journaling and an assortment of small photos.

I have stamped some flowers onto the pattern paper and cut out and fixed around the main photo with 3D pads. I added a bit of glitz with stickles in the centre of the flowers.

I have put gold embossed photo corner charms on the corners of the photo.

This project has used a lot more of the put away and forgotten about stash. I don't think I purchased any of it within the last year.

2008-08-12T11:32:00.002Z

ARTY FARTY DUCKIE SWAP.
I have joined another UKS swap- The challenge is to alter 4 rubber ducks from Early Learning Centre, at £3 a set of 4.
The swap was organised by Gill Cameron (Wisher).
So, after using gallons of PVA, tissue paper, gems, beading wire, primas, beads and fluffy stuff this is the end result.
Let me introduce you to the Pontypridd Squadron.

Firstly we have Timmy he is the clever one- likes to read, always has his specs.

Next we have Gypsy Rose she is all seeing all knowing- ask her she will tell you the lottery numbers.
And finally, this is the lovely Leona- she just spends the day preening herself. She just loves fur and pearls.
So this the the Pontypridd Squadron preparing for flight.

2008-08-11T20:57:00.002Z

MINI BOOK MONDAY.
Today is the return of the mini books on UKS.
My mini book is dedicated to the other love of my life my cats. It makes a change from my girl and I am sure you are all fed up with seeing her photo on my blog.
This mini book was designed by Scrap Dolly and what a fab little simple to construct mini book.

I have used more old papers, again Scenic Route. I am now able to see the bottom of the Scenic Route pile, but I am still not bored with it.
I have filled all the pages with photos of my 3 cats Daisy, Baby and Baby Cat. I bound the mini book with the BIA and tied ribbons on the wires.
The photo is an entry into the August photo competition on UKS. This is Baby Cat. He is 18 months old and he is such a lovable little sweetie. He also has a wild side, he is a very capable ratter and quite often he brings one home to me, plus an assortment of birds,mice, slugs and what ever he can carry. He has murdered a far few of my husbands hens and pigeons.But I am sure he is really sorry for his crimes.

2008-08-10T14:28:00.003Z

GAME ON!!
The weather is still foul keeping me in the house like a prisoner. Therefore, I just have to scrap.
I found these old photos of Nadia. They were really not very good, out of focus, long distance and not much good for anything. So, I chopped them and arranged them into a block.
They were taken at Butlins, Minehead in June 2000. Nadia was always on the stage performing in some show or another.But, way back then I had never heard of scrap booking- let alone doing it, so there was rarely a camera out.

I have used Scenic Route and some fab glittery alphas I had in a UKS swap- thanks Amanda. I am really happy that I am now using loads of my stash that is collecting dust. Just another couple of hundred layouts to do and I may have made a sizable hole in it.

2008-08-09T14:38:00.002Z

Two posts in one day.................
This is my second layout of the day. I am nearly there with the Sultry Summer Bash, just today's to go.
I have used one of my most favourite photos of Nadia for this layout.

I have used Scenic Route papers- just love this range. Also I used Jute lace from the paper Cellar and paper lace from WHAT. Now this paper lace is a real bargain 4 rolls in different styles for £1 fab. I have also used a few of the mountains of buttons I have amassed over time.

I didn't quite stick to the sketch because I didn't see the small photos on the top left corner till I had finished the layout,. So, I had to place a journaling block there, but I don't think I really like it, may have to take it off.Maybe put a cluster of buttons there instead.

2008-08-09T12:00:00.003Z

STILL PLAYING CATCH-UP!
This is the Thursday Sultry Summer Bash layout.
The criteria for this was to use re cycled items. I was able to achieve this by using ribbons from clothing tags and a spray of plastic flowers that were from a decoration of some sort that I had to 'save' because I might need them- and I did!!

The subject of the layout once again is Nadia. On this occasion she was going out on a Ladies Night- dining evening. This is a dinner that as the title suggests is for females only. The females are all from the Air Training Corp. Nadia represented Pontypridd squadron.
I used the sketch but instead of the circles across the middle of the layout I decided on hearts.
The papers I used were the Basic Grey Euphoria range. The bright pinks were a very good match for the shawl Nadia was wearing.
I have added a few gems across the hearts.
As today is yet again raining , I may be able to get up to date with the layouts. Only Friday and today's to do.
Thank you to all of you who visit my Blog, I hope that in some small way I have been able to produce something that you enjoy looking at.

2008-08-07T16:36:00.002Z

WEDNESDAY WORKOUT ...........on Thursday!

I have got a bit behind with the Sultry Summer Bash. This is my offering for Wednesday. I didn't even manage to do both of the sketches. The spec was to use the sketch and add bling, shiny and sparkly stuff- lovely.

I really love this photo of Nadia she has the most amazing eyes- big, brown and beautiful you can just get lost in them. Hence the title ' SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND'.

As with my yesterday's layout I have used older papers. These are Basic Grey-Fusion.
I also used the extended cuts Sissix die for the row of flowers and the swirls.
I added a gem in the centre of each flower on the extended cut border and a button and some stickles on the punched out ones.
I hope to catch up with today's - 'Try it' Thursday when I get back from Slimming World -AKA Fat Club.

2008-08-06T18:37:00.002Z

REVIVING OLD STASH.......
I was tiding my craft room , sorting and putting stuff in some kind of order and came across the yummy Scenic Route papers.
I got them about 2 years plus ago and filed them away and they have not seen the light since. Until yesterday that is.
I thought that they would be just right for the UKS house challenge. This month the theme is 'flowers'- either handmade or shop brought.

The spotty paper, I cut into a 10 x 10 square and sanded it all over lightly and them I rolled the edges. I wanted to get an aged look.

From a paper that had large blooms on, I cut out one and the cut the inner petal 2/3 rds of the way round, just enough to allow them to lift. When it was stuck to the layout I put 3D foam pads beneath the petals to raise them off the page. I put a thin layer of Stickles o the petals for a bit of glitz.
The title 'Grow ' was cut on the Cricut' using 'Base camp' font.

I punched out several flowers using the 'Retro' flower Whale of a Punch. I then punched some spiky flowers using a Carl's punch. These flowers work really well as the centres. I added a button to each centre. The flowers are fixed to the layout with 3D foam pads to give some depth to the layout.

The swirl was cut on the Big shot using an extended die.
I am happy with this and with the fact that I have managed to use some very old stash in the process. I have found loads of older papers and have decided I would not or at least try not to buy anymore papers until I have made a considerable hole in what I already have. But, that is so easily said!!!

2008-08-05T18:08:00.003Z

TECHNIQUE TUESDAY..........
Today is Technique Tuesday on UKS. A sketch was provided as a basis for a layout and the stamping the technique.
The sketch is a fabulous offering from Pagemaps.

I used some really pretty paper that was part of 'Follow the Leader' swap on UKS. I
was lucky enough to have Amanda (westiegirl) send my pizza box and some lovely stash was in there I might add. Thanks Amanda.I cut the shaped edge paper in half and took a couple of inches from one piece. I then stuck these at the top and bottom of another pattern paper. I stuck the phototo the right of the layout and then put the stamped acetate over the photo so that the stamped image was slightly over the photo.

I stamped an image from Stamps Happens inc. 'Baroque' onto acetate with brown Stazon. I added some lace and ribbon to the right of the photo and printed some words onto blue card and stuck them to the left of the photo above and below the main tile 'Love'.I am really enjoying the Sultry Summer Bash it is really motivating me into using my ever increasing pile of stash.

2008-08-04T12:06:00.002Z

SULTRY SUMMER BASH 2008.
Today sees the start of the 2008 Sultry summer Bash on UKS.
The first class is mini books- these beautiful mini books are the creation of Annette (Voodoo Vixen). I have put together the very pretty circle mini book.

On the front I have used a Maya Road chip board birdie, which I inked with Stazon.
I have put cream lace around the edges.
I have used the gorgeous Spring Fling papers for this project.
The metal rimmed tags are from Paper Mania and the ribbons are from a Sarah Cards Kit.

I have really enjoyed making this mini book - so Annette thank you very much for the constructions!!

2008-08-03T12:50:00.002Z

FINISHED!!!!!!!!
I promised this mini book to Amanda ages ago and at last I have got around to finishing it for her.
I used Basic Grey Euphoria papers. She really likes pastel colours so I thought these would foot the bill really well. Although there are some quite rich purples and pink in the pattern but they are watered down with much softer shades in the same pattern.

The front cover has been covered in a floral and I have added a strip of raffia lace in white by Paper Cellar. I have also added a handmade paper flower by Colour Connections, as a finishing touch I put in a pearl brad from What.

I have used the die cut shapes that came in the paper pack and punched out journaling blocks with a scalloped edge punch.

I just added a square punched journaling block which I stamped with a 7G's post office style stamp.

The above right side page has a pocket that I have added a chipboard tag with a glittery Prima flower fixed with a pearl brad.

The right side page also has a pocket with a tag.I have used a few Bijoux gems through out the book.

I will not show anymore pages until Amanda receives it- don't want to give it all away before she get it.

I hope that she will enjoy it and find some photos to fill it.

2008-07-31T21:22:00.002Z

I have been on a roll today. I have produced two layouts.
I have lost my way in the scrapping world of late- seems like my Mojo decided to stay in Spain without me.
I have now got on top of things. I set one of my Teamies a challenge and I decided to also do it. The other layout is the weekly Challenge set by The Secret Stash Strokers.

This layout uses Basic Grey Euphoria range. I just love the colours of this range. They are so feminine and pretty. I thought that they were the idea ones for this photo of Nadia and Steven. This photo was taken of then just before they went out to dinner to celebrate 2 years of being an 'item'- that was back in April 2007.

In this layout I used some very old Basic Grey- colour Me Silly. I love the vibrate colours of these papers. This layout was in response to the weekly challenge set by Secret Stash Strokers.
The brief was to use Circles, 2 of something and 4 of something else I used 2 brads and 4 buttons. We also had to use a photo with a sporty or activity theme. I used photos of Nadia trying her hand at archery at St. Fagan's museum of Welsh Culture. It was on May day 2007.

2008-07-29T20:33:00.002Z

I have joined another UKS swap- this one it to alter rubber bath ducks!!!!

So, always game to try something I just had to have a play with these.

This is the first of 4- She is called Rose. Why Rose? I used rose pattern tissue paper to cover the duck. I did it in a paper mache fashion- good old PVA. I made a little head garland from beading wire and pearls and added some tiny primas.

I added a large bloom on her body secured with a dress makers pin.

The other three are- a tiger, a leopard and a gingham one. I will post them as they are finished. I am really looking foreword to receiving my ducks in a month or so.

2008-07-22T10:08:00.005Z

HOLIDAY MINI BOOK SWAP.

This is the mini book I made for a UKS mini book swap.

I used paper that had a fresh, zingy feel to them. I also used 7G's metal bits and pieces, loads of ribbons and then I bound it altogether with the BIA. There are pockets and flap inside.

I hope that the recipient will be pleased with it.

2008-07-01T21:16:00.002Z

PIT STOP!
This is a layout that I did for the July week 1 team challenge. I
used Bohemia papers- Maya Road chip stars- Paint Dabbers and Bazzil card stock. I freehand drew the star and cut it out and stuck it to white card stock I cut 2 narrow bands of pattern paper and a wider one. I threaded it through the points of the star and stuck it down.I painted the chip stars with paint dabbers and stuck them to the left of the layout, some on 3D pads. The title 'Pit Stop' is foam alphas from What!! and the bottom sub title is cut on the Cricut using 'Base Camp' font.

2008-06-29T18:43:00.002Z

PRODUCTIVE WEEKEND.

I had a fairly productive day yesterday I managed to complete 3 layouts and start a circle Journal.

This layout was for the week 4 team challenge. The spec was to use a given sketch, scrap a city, use pattern papers and ribbon.
Being from Oxford originally I had to scrap that. I used Kay & Co, Blue Awing papers for the layout. I though the blues were very Oxford.I cut a couple of swirls using a sissix die. I tied ribbon on the swirls.The title used foam alphas from WHAT!and the journal spot is from PDQ. I claimed full points for my team Ready Steady Scrap.

The second layout used Pink Pasilee - Spring Fling.I used lace and buttons and again foam alphas for the title.

The third layout I used Kay & Co papers, Bazzill chip flowers which I painted in pearl acrylic paint. I got the paints from What!!. They were £5.20 for 10 pots- fantastic value.I used PDQ journal blocks.I cut some narrow strips of paper and pleated it into a ribbon and added a few sparkly gems.

Next Saturday I am off to sunny Spain- Costa Brava for 2 whole weeks of R&R. I am taking my precious Canon 400 SLR with me so I will have some new photos to scrap.

So, my Blogger friends I will 'see' you in a fortnight. Be good to yourselves.

2008-06-20T18:41:00.002Z

This is a layout that has been sitting in my craft room for a couple of weeks waiting for the title.
I did this layout at the 'Scrap Bus' one day event at the Hilton Hotel, Newport a couple of weeks ago. The class was taught and designed by AMBER LEWIS.
I have change around a few things to accommodate my photo and used a different font for the title.
The papers are the gorgeous My Minds Eye 29th Street.The ones used are Happy Floral and jolly Dotty. Also used is Bazzill card stock in dark brown and a selection of buttons and brads.
The flowers were cut from the pattern paper in a border and stuck over and under one side of the photo. The title was cut on the Cricut, using Base Camp font.

This photo was taken in December 2007 for Nadia's 18th birthday. Since the photo I have lost over 3 stone - so, I hope I look a little smaller.

2008-06-18T16:41:00.002Z

MOTHERS PRIDE.
To me my darling daugther is the best thing since sliced bread-Mothers Pride.I am immensely proud of her. She is such a source of delight to me. Yeah, at times I could shake her, but the majority of the time she is truly amazing.
This layout was created using Kay &Co papers. They are from the specialty paper Blue Awning collection.
I used a plain Bazzill card stock as the background paper set upon a blue card stock frame. The top layer of card was anchored down at each corner with gold thread stitching- don't do a lot of stitching if I can help it.
I used the Blue Awning in wide bands going down and across the layout. The band that runs down the right is inked and the edges have been rolled.
I have cut a square a the base for the photo, those edges have also been inked and rolled. I matted the photo and stuck it at an angle. I then cut a frame from card stock and fixed it with 3 D pads. I have also used some lace raffia on the left bottom of the layout. I finished it all off with 4 square brads and tied some brown ribbon to the corners of the frame. The title was cut using 'Base Camp' font on the Cricut.
This layout was created for the weekly challenge on UKS. So, thanks to the Scary Cats for setting a fabulous challenge.

2008-06-16T07:34:00.002Z

TEAM MINI CYBER CROP
This weekend our UKS team, namely Ready Steady Scrap had a bit of of a mini cyber crop.
I put instructions on our team blog to create the layout below.
The instruction were fairly easy until it came to describing how to fold the paper to make the booklet- I am sorry to say I failed miserably.
Yve and Elaine finished theirs quite quickly considering the bad instructions.
Amanda on the other hand was at an advantage- I had sent her the template in the post. I needed her as a back up when things went pear shaped.
The layout used MME papers, Bazzill card stock ,2 white photo turns, 2 brad and an assortment of punched out flowers.

The booklet opens out to reveal either more photos or journaling and is held together with photo turns.
The layout 'ADORABLE'

Yet again this layout features my Darling Daughter, Nadia and her boyfriend Steven.

2008-06-12T13:24:00.003Z

ALL ABOARD THE 'SCRAP BUS'...........
TICKETS PLEASE............
On 7th June I boarded the 'Scrap bus's' first journey. What a ride it was!!!
The first stop was at the Hilton Hotel, Newport. One arriving we were greeted by the whole bus crew- Fiona, Amber, Julia and Sue. It was a fabulous, warm welcome. We were given a 'goodie' bag, and what a goody bag filled to the top with lovely bits and bobs - useful one as well! There were 3 classes. A beautiful class by Amber using MME papers- which I have almost finish, still deciding on the title. The second class, another gorgeous creation by Julia using Crate Papers in beautiful greens and blues, that is also almost completed, waiting for a title.
The third class, although taught first by Fiona I have completed. This uses We are Memory Keepers-All Coppered Out. I have added lots of extra bits to the kit.
The class was a mini book- not any mini book because that is not Fiona's style. She used a child's board book for this project. We sanded and inked and covered in the pattern papers.

In the last pages there is a secret little place to hide a 'treasure'. I added a little door knocker brad to the kit.
There are fold in the pattern paper to make little pockets for tags- I added We Are Memory Keepers chipboard tags to this page. I have added We are Memory Keepers chip board brackets to the page.
The journaling are the words from a Jon Bon jovi song 'Wild Flower'.
The front cover has torn up pages from an old dictionary. It was great fun checking to make sure there were no indecent words on the pages. Of course I would have to find one and I found it after I stuck it to the cover, you can see the brown finer liner mark to the left of the top flower- it says phallus. Although phallus in itself it not indecent I would rather it not be on a mini book about my daughter. I added 7G's metal book corners to the front cover. The title is foam alphas from the cheapy What shop.
I will get the other 2 layout finished and post them real soon.
Thanks girls for a fab day and I hope to board the 'Bus' again soon.

2008-06-05T16:07:00.002Z

OK, so it is another cheats layout using the PDQ papers. I know for the purist's out there this is not scrapbooking. But when you got a shed load of photos to scrap they are the best thing since sliced bread!I think it is difficult to see that all the embellishments are printed onto the paper when they are view on line, of course it become very obvious IRL.
On Saturday I am off to the first stop of the 'Scrap bus' . This is a day event at the Hilton hotel ,Newport, Gwent. The owners of the scrap bus are 4 very talented ladies Sue, Amber, Julia and Fiona. I am really looking forward to going and I hope that I will learn a few new techniques whilst I am there. I will get back to you all on this subject later.

2008-06-04T15:38:00.003Z

HATS OFF TO PDQ.....
This is another layout using the PDQ papers- yeah I know it is a cheat I suppose but I am really liking them at the moment.
This weeks challenge on UKS was set by the Cropodile Chick, the spec was to use a Rolling Stones song title,I used 'Indian Girl'. I had these 2 photos of Nadia when she was 7 dressed as a Indian girl. It was an international Brownie night. So they fitted the title perfect. The other things were bling, holes or eyelets,6 of something and finally to use pink. I think I managed to fulfill the challenge.(I have just noticed that the title is some what wonky- sorry)

2008-06-03T19:02:00.002Z

SUPER SPEED SCRAPPING!!!!!
This layout was created in less than 10 minutes and that included getting out the cricut to cut the title.
I came upon these fab kits in Craft Central today. They are by Bisous. and are PDQ (Pretty Darn Quick) Take- out kits.
Each page is printed with all the elements on them and they are really great I just adore them and I am needing to get more of these.
You get 10 pages in a kit, 5 designs- 2 of each for £7.99 ish.
Which means I did a whole layout for 79p plus scraps of black card stock for the title. Bargain I would say!!!
If you are interested the website for these papers is www.bisous.biz go take a look at what they got.

2008-06-01T18:24:00.005Z

Two posts in one day- whatever next!!!

This is the mini book that I made yesterday and just finished some bits and bobs off today.
I have used loads of leftover pieces.
The mini book itself is a 7 G's ring book.
I used Cosmo Cricket 'Gretel' and Bazzill card stock.

On the front over I used Bazzill and Scrap Pack blooms and put a button in the centres of each. The title used alpha stickers. I stuck 7G's gaffer tape along the top and bottom. I tied an assortment of co-ordinating ribbons around the wires.

Each of the pages have little pockets for tags and memorabilia.

On this page I have used Jute raffia, Bazzill blooms, Junkits epoxy stickers and buttons. There is a little pocket with a tag.

On this page the photo is on a piece of mount board which has been covered in Cosmo Cricket papers, a hole made in the top and a black ribbon tied through it. I have used a 7G's Zanzibar clip, red gems and a Bazzill Wings monogram.

This pages uses a single Scrap Pack bloom with a large brown button.

Here I have used Bazzill blooms and a Junkits epoxy sticker.

Again I have used Junkits epoxy stickers,Aunt Sarah's Bloomers and Foo-a La button.

I have used MME "Tres Jolee" journaling block, MM paper clip, Junkits epoxy stickers and some super lush beaded brown lace I had in an UKS lace swap.

There is a large pocket behind the journaling block where I have slipped the photo.

This pages has used scraps of Cosmo Cricket and Bazzill card stock and an odd sticker that was in my stash. Also some more buttons.

I have made a tag from some Bazzill card stock and punched the edge with a leaf punch to create an interesting border. I used the leaves on one of the other pages. I used an epoxy heart that has been in my stash for years waiting for the perfect project.

You have reached the end, I am sorry if you got bored it has been a long post. I hope that some of this project might have inspired you - even in a tiny way.

2008-06-01T09:16:00.005Z

Yesterday saw me at a really lovely crop in Cyncoed Cardiff, run by the fab Alison AKA Sunflower on UKS. There was a great bunch of girls there quite a number of them come along to our crop- Miar, Yvonne, Amanda, now they are a bunch of very funny ladies!!!
I, as normal didn't do very much except laugh. Although, I did manage to complete a layout and a mini book.

Once again the sketch was given to me by Amanda- my teamie on UKS AKA Westiegirl. I did not really stick with the sketch, only using the circles and photo placement.
I used MME pattern papers, Bazzill card stock and that was about it really. I used Technique Tuesday chipboard circle templates and the Cricut 'Base Camp' cartridge for the title.

This is a really easy layout to put together as it only has a rectangle of pattern paper and 2 circles that overlap each other, 2 photos matted onto card stock and the embellies were cut from the pattern paper and fixed to the layout with 3D pads. The most important thing, inking, loads of inking.

I will post the mini book later as I have just got to do the title on the front cover.

2008-05-27T20:49:00.002Z

This is my take a the weekly UKS challenge set by the Chit Chat Chicks.(Thanks Girls)
The spec was to use PEACE within the title and to incorporate a bird, mainly white ,no pattern papers, metal, 2 or more photos and follow a sketch.I used black and white card stock and MM spiral bound journaling book. I cut the title on the Cricut using Base Camp font. I cut the swirl from black card stock using a sissix extended cut die. I used a Maya Road chip board bird, which I inked with black Stazon and then embossed with clear embossing powder.The leaves were punched from black card stock using a Carl punch.I journalled on the black swirl with a white stigo pen, also on the bottom left corner.
I found this challenge to be quite daunting to say the least. The absence of pattern papers was difficult but I like the end result. I now think I may do more layout using just card stock. The photos become more dominate.

2008-05-21T20:09:00.002Z

Today I felt I had lost my way with scrapping and called upon my Teamies from Ready Steady Scrap to set me a bit of a challenge. Amanda bless her heart, jumped right in there and gave me this sketch. Well, I was not sure what to do with it but decided to give it a go. What did I have to lose? I received my yummy Sarah Cards Kit on Saturday and decided to cut into them!!

I choose the most vibrant colours in the kit hoping to be inspired by them. This is what I came up with. It started like the sketch but I kind of went off on a tangent. But, I am pleased with the result. I just love the Sissix swirly die. So what do you think?........answers on a postcard!

2008-05-21T10:07:00.002Z

This is a layout of Nadia taken at St. Fagans museum of Welsh life and Culture. The costume is that of a educated Victorian young lady.
For the layout I used Tinkering Inks papers, Aunt Sarah's Bloomers, a chipboard clock and measuring tape ribbon. The title was cut using 'Base Camp' on the Cricut.(Please forgive the appalling photo- slightly wonky to say the least)

2008-05-19T08:34:00.007Z

THE MINI BOOK!!
I have finally finished the mini book that was a class at the Skrapz retreat last month.The mini book was a class by Shimille.
I have added loads of fibres and ribbons to the 'Bind It All' wires to pretty it up a bit.

I have added lace ribbon and buttons and quotes.

The heart and arrow embellishment is from the May Sarah Cards kit, the colours were just right for the papers that were in the kit. The papers on the 'Eye' page are from Dove craft 'Fantasy' range. As my Girlie is 'into' faeries it was very apt. The heart embellishment was made by my dear friend Ally- thanks Hun!!!

On this page I have mounted the smaller photo with 3D foam pads to give a little dimension.
The little row of stamped hearts can be pulled out and has space to journal. The stamps are from Banana Frog. They came as part of the kit.

I have used Aunt Sally's Bloomers throughout the mini book.

The papers are Sassafras Lass. The have added a scalloped edge to the reverse of the advertising strip- a brilliant idea!!
I have also used a very pretty red and pink lacy ribbon from www.skrapz.co.uk

On this page I have used some very shiny PM gems in pale blue.

This page has the 3D shakers faeries from Dove craft. They are really pretty. I think Dove Craft are now producing some very nice, value for money scrapping item.
This page again uses Sassafras Lass papers.

I really enjoyed creating this mini book Albeit a long -winded affair. All the photos with the exception of the last 3 were taken a week before Nadia was 18. I try to have photos taken of her every birthday. These beautiful photos were taken by the mega talented GARY MILES. Thank you Gary.

2008-05-15T06:44:00.005Z

And another two......
Well it is one really. This is one of the layout I did for my crop last Saturday . We had more ladies wanting to do the class than we had kits for, so I had to do the layout again in a different colour way. But I think that the same design has worked in both ranges.
The first layout 'Girl Racer' uses the gorgeous Daisy Bucket -Under the Boardwalk. I just love the blues and greens of this range.

The second layout also uses Daisy Bucket but Astor Park. This range is very fresh and girlie. The titles for both the layouts are the fantastic value foam sticker alphabets from WHAT!. I just love these alphabets and use them on most things.