Journal your Christmas

In a rash moment I have signed up for Shimelle's online 'Journal Your Christmas' class. It looks really fab - loads of ideas to get me buzzing...though I am now having odd moments wondering if it was wise to add anything more to my 'to do' list.

The idea is that I get sent daily journaling prompts throughout December with the aim of completing a (mini) album. Even if I don't get loads done in December (realistic if nothing else)then I hope to get some journaling done each day which I can then use later. I also love the idea of trying to take at least one photo each day whatever is going on. Watch this space...

Magazines...

Eeek! I've just received a letter from the Scrapbook Inspirations subscription people saying that the magazine is stopping. This is a real shame - especially as they'd just given it a new look. I have loved reading SI and used to look forward to it arriving for my next 'scrapbooking fix.'

I got my last issue of Scrapbook Inspirations through the door yesterday - and Cathy Knight (Scrap Happy regular) has got another fab page in the reader's gallery - check it out on page 64.

A totally different style from Scrapbook Inspirations, but if you 're not already hooked, do go and get yourself a copy of Scrapbook Trends (available at WHSmith) - it is bursting with gorgeous layouts. Now I just need to persuade Andy to buy me a subscription for Christmas!

I don't sew!

I don't sew! Whilst I admire those who cross stitch I haven't the patience for it myself...and I've always been pleased to hand curtains etc to my Mum to make! A couple of years ago I asked for a sewing machine for Christmas and my whole family mocked me and questioned whether I would use it.

My sewing machine is perfect - it's only little but as I only wanted to sew paper that's fine (and thankfully its not quite sturdy enough to sew curtains so they still go to my Mum).

Fast forward to the present...last week 'stitching' was the class focus at Scrap Happy and I've had a fab time getting stuck in with my needle and threads (though Scrap Happy was unusually quiet as we were concentrating so much!). We used both the machine and the bazill & papermania stiching templates and I think the stitching adds a lovely bit of texture to the layouts without being too heavy.

'Hannah'

Supplies: Paper - Basic Grey, Junkitz; Journaling stamps - Banana Frog, Heidi Swapp; Alphabet Stamps - Making Memories, Hero Arts

'Pudsey'

Supplies: Paper - October Afternoon, American Crafts, Doodlebug; Stamp - Stamps Away; Die cuts - Sizzix; Dymo labeller

'Relax'

Supplies: Paper & Cardstock - Creative Memories; Letter stickers - Thickers (American Crafts); Stamp - Stamps Away

'Beach fun'

Supplies: Paper: American Crafts, Fancy pants, Doodlebug, DCWV, K and Co; Letter stickers - Thickers (American Crafts); Paper flowers - petaloo;

As I had my machine out I then also added some stitching to a batch of cards I was making:

'Boys Rock' card

Supplies: Paper & Cardstock - Crate Paper, Papermania, Creative Memories; Die cut - Sizzix

...and of course, now I want to use stitching on everything - the layout I worked on at the next Scrap Happy felt a bit bare - I think it might need some sewing! Watch this space...