Scrap Happy Days

Another canvas

2012-01-23T16:52:00.000Z

I promised one of my best friends a canvas for her birthday...last April. Unfortunately life got in the way and I didn't manage to make it until the autumn. The advantage to that is that I was able to use photos from a glorious day during our summer holiday in Wales when we visited the amazing Aberdulais Falls.

Although this is larger (16" x 16"), I used the same basic sketch as in my 'Hannah' canvas. I then used a mixture of acrylic paints and spray inks to create the background. Unfortunately the canvas didn't 'take' the ink terribly well so I ended up splattering acrylic from my paintbrush to create my splashes, instead of spritzing the inks, but I got there in the end!!!

'Waterfall canvas'

Supplies: Paper - Basic Grey, Bo Bunny, My Mind's Eye, Echo Park, Three Bugs in a Rug; Bazzill in stitch'z templates; Die-cut - Sizzix; Acrylic paint; Spray inks - Ranger Perfect Pearls Mists.

Another one...

2012-01-13T10:25:00.000Z

I have now made so many layouts from this sketch. I have found it's great to use with scrapping beginners, so each time I need to run an intro session at Scrap Happy I pull out this sketch...again! And of course, I end up making another page, so as to provide a step-by-step demonstration. The lovely thing is that although the pages start the same, they always end up so different once I've added my bits and bobs.

Anyway, this is the latest. To make the bubbles I cut circles from vellum which I then ran through my sticker machine before attaching to my layout. I then machine stitched (rather wobbly) round the circles to give them some definition.

'Bubble'

Supplies: Paper and cardstock - My Mind's eye, Creative Memories; Alphabet stickers - American Crafts Thickers, Sizzix; Border punch - Martha Stewart; Ribbon from stash;

Ten things...

2012-01-11T10:54:00.032Z

I was given a fantastic bundle of 'scrappy' books for Christmas (and my birthday which is also in December). I've already read a couple from cover to cover (it is only the beginning of January after all) and others I've skimmed through. There are some fantastically inspiring layouts and ideas in these books and once I've written this I'm going to start sorting out my photos ready to get making!

On the 10th of each month Shimelle shares a list of ten things on her blog. You can find this month's list here.....so I thought I'd join in the fun (albeit a day late) and make a list of my top ten 'Scrappy Books' old and new.

So here goes....

1. '52 Scrapbooking Challenges' by Elsie Flannigan

2. '52 More Scrapbooking Challenges' by Elizabeth Kartchner

3. 'Journaling Solutions for Scrapbooks' by Creating Keepsakes

4. 'Playing with Paper' by Angelia Wigginton

5. 'We dare you' by Kristina Contes, Meghan Heath Dymock, Genevieve Simmonds & Nisa Fiin

6. 'Clean and Simple Scrapbooking' by Cathy Zielske

7. 'The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages' Edited by Kelly Biscopink

8. '365 days of Scrapbooking Ideas' by Better Homes and Gardens

9.'Scrap Simple' by Hillary Heidelberg

10. 'The Busy Scrapper' by Courtney Walsh

Passport photo

2012-01-08T14:37:00.000Z

I have been meaning to scrap these photos for ages. I love these tiny photos of my tiny girl...but as the journaling explains, they were not easily taken (and were rejected by the passport office!). This was one of many occasions as a brand new Mum when I discovered that the simplest of things could be really quite tricky with a baby in the mix!
I didn't want my papers to overwhelm the little photos, so I used glimmer mists to create a delicate background and added a few stitched strips of patterned paper. Similarly, as my story is quite long, I added my journaling in strips, so as not to have too heavy a block of writing.

'Passport Photo'

Supplies: Paper – The Girls’ Paperie, Creative Memories, Fancy Pants; Stickers – The Girls’ Paperie; Alphabets – Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type, Paper Cellar Glitter Alphabet; Tickets – Jenni Bowlin; Ribbon – Rex Home, Sass & Belle; Stamps – Studio g alphabet set; Inks - Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists, Creative Memories chalking ink, StazOn.

Festival girl

2012-01-03T12:50:00.000Z

Well the children don't go back to school 'til tomorrow, so there's no chance of me getting any scrapping done yet....but in the meantime here's a page I finished just before Christmas. I love these pictures of Jessie at Greenbelt the other year, and wanted to create a really colourful, festival feel to the page.

I used paper piecing to create both the background and some embellishments for this layout. First I used Fancy Pants 'Summer Soiree' Paper for the background and cut along the sun's 'rays' with a craft knife. I then stuck a variety of patterned paper pieces behind the holes and machine stitched along the joins, adding ric-rac for extra interest.
To create the girl and rainbow embellishments, I stamped them onto different scraps of patterned paper and then cut out each section, before glueing them back together.

I stepped right out of my comfort zone layering stickers and alphas and journaling boxes...but I loved making this page!

'Festival Girl'

Supplies: Paper & Cardstock – Fancy Pants, Creative Memories, We R Memory Keepers, Love Elsie, Junkitz; Stickers – Cosmo Cricket; Alphabets – American Crafts Thickers, Sticker Trendz; Journaling box – K & Co.

Sketch club challenge @ the Christmas Craft & Crop

2011-11-12T12:37:00.002Z

In every spare moment I've been getting ready for the Christmas Crop ...and here are the designs for the sketch club challenge. I've loved making these. I kept the sketch simple as I wanted it to be suitable for card-makers too - and I think it worked! If you would like to see the actual sketch look here.

'Snowy friends'

Supplies: Paper & card - Creative Memories, Papermania; Snowflake border punch - Martha Stewart; Stamps - free with 'Papercraft Essentials' magazine.

'Frosty the Snowman'

Supplies - Card - Bazzill bling; Sticker - Penny Black; Ribbon - from stash; Gem - Paper cellar; Snowflake border punch - Martha Stewart; Small snowflake punch - Creative Memories

'Probably ...'

Supplies: Carstock - Creative Memories, Bazzill bling; Paper - Basic Grey; Letter stickers - American Crafts 'Thickers', Stickopotamus, Words & Crafts; Brad - American Crafts; Snowflake border punch - Martha Stewart; Small snowflake punch - Creative Memories; Snowflake die - Sizzix; Ribbon - from stash.

Sneak Peek

2011-11-06T15:00:00.000Z

Only two weeks to go before the Christmas Craft & crop!!! I thought I'd post a quick sneak peek of the acrylic album. If you'd like to book a place, do email me and I'll send you a booking form x

Christmas Craft and Crop 2011

2011-09-12T09:21:00.000+01:00

It's that time of year again! The Scrap Happy 'Christmas Craft and Crop' is on Saturday November 19th at Keene Hall in Galleywood, Chelmsford. Whether you are a scrapper, or a card maker, or a bits'n'bobs crafter...this will be a fantastic day.

Running from 10am til 5pm (with half day options available), you can make the day your own! Spend the day scrapping your own projects or use the time to get your Christmas cards made. Alternatively, book into the classes and enjoy the take'n'makes and demonstrations running throughout the day. Have a look here to find out more, and do email me for further info or to book a place.

Books on the go - The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages

2011-07-15T13:06:00.001+01:00

Wow - what a fantastic book! (You can find it on Amazon here.)

On my friend Clare's recommendation, I snuck this into my Amazon trolley when no one was looking...and it's fab! There are so so so many beautiful layouts in here and I've been marking pages with post-it notes so I can go back and have a play later. If you love scrapbooking (and if you're in the UK you're probably still missing Scrapbook Inspirations and Scrapbook Trends), then do get your hands on this book:)

To journal or not to journal???

2011-07-12T11:31:00.000+01:00

The big question about this layout was whether or not to add any journaling. I'm a big fan of getting the stories down, especially in the children's albums...but as you can see, on this occasion I opted out. The photos look great but in actual fact Tom didn't have such a good afternoon. Before the races, the children have a choice of about thirty activities dotted around the field...and the real story is that it all proved too much for Tom and he had a huge stroppy meltdown. The happy photos at the end are thanks to the miracle working of his teacher.
So there is a story to tell, but I chose not to tell it. I really do believe in 'warts and all' journaling...but in years to come does Tom need to read that he had a bad day and it was embarassing for me having a wailing son in front of all the other parents? I thought not! I'm sure those of us who had happy childhoods also had 'meltdown' days but our memories filter out some of those bits. I'm happy for Tom's memory to do the same:)

'I ran in a race'

Supplies: Paper and cardstock - Creative Memories, Bazzill, SEI, The Girls Paperie; Stickers - American Crafts 'Thickers', Cosmo Cricket 'Tiny Type', My Little Shoebox 'Mini Alphabet Sticker'; Journaling boxes - October Afternoon, Echo Park; Bunting punch - Woodware

And at last...I have used my new 'bunting' punch on a layout!

Time flies!

2011-07-11T09:42:00.002+01:00

Well, time flies! I can't believe I am now the Mum of a ten year old! It's fun (yet scary) to watch her become more independent and grown up. And to think that she has only one more year left at primary school!
Anyway, the challenge for me was what card to make for an "in-betweenie" - not too babyish, but not too grown up. Favourite colours blues and purples...but NOT pink!
I remembered some old Rusty Pickle paper lurking in my stash that seemed suitably 'doodly' and found some cool badges in Paperchase...and this is what I came up with....

Supplies: Cardstock - Bazzill Bling; Paper - Rusty Pickle; Badges - Paperchase; Stamps - Sizzix; Punches - woodware; Die-cut numbers - sizzix 'bigz sassy serif numbers'

I coloured the paper using my pro-markers (fantastic pens btw). I used pliers to remove the pins from the back of the badges, and then attached them to the card using sticky foam pads. The card then opens to reveal a big glittery '10' cut using sizzix dies.

I am now thinking of all the other cards I could make using badges...so watch this space!

July Sketch Club

2011-06-29T18:49:00.002+01:00

This month's sketch is based on my 'Keep off the Grass' layout that you can see here...I thought you'd like something nice and summery:) I look forward to seeing your pages!

Books on the go

2011-06-16T13:13:00.000+01:00

I love reading! As a child I read under the covers by torchlight (and now tell my children off for the same offence!). Taking inspiration from Shimelle's Blogging for Scrapbookers course I thought I'd try to add a quick weekly post about what I'm reading at the moment. Having always read avidly I have found myself dipping into magazines more in recent years, as life with three small children meant I didn't have the time (or energy) to get properly stuck into a book. I loved Scrapbook Inspirations - and still miss it:(
But now, with the children all at school and all sleeping through the night, I have been making up for lost time. I'm still sometimes limited to grabbing a few pages whilst I clean my teeth but I've enjoyed catching up with a few old favourites and finding some new gems!

And for the past couple of weeks I've been having an Austen fest. I've reread Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma and Persuasion countless times..but can't remember the last time I read Northanger Abbey or Mansfield Park, so I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the modernity of the books - I always tend to think that facetious, understated sarcasm is a very modern style of humour...until I read Austen and realise that people have been the same for a long time regardless of the outward trappings. Anyway, I hope to finish Mansfield Park today and then its on to Sense and Sensibility.

The littlest bridesmaid

2011-06-13T10:58:00.000+01:00

When I first made this page for the Papermaze blog I ummed and aahhed for ages trying to decide which photo to use...and ever since then I have been meaning to make a second page using the 'other' one!

And I have finally done it! I've changed the colours to match the wedding colour scheme, but other than that it's a straight scraplift (which is ok because one will go in Jessie's album and the other in Hannah's album). I'd love to know what you think x

'The littlest bridesmaid'

Supplies: Paper - Bazzill swiss dot, My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon, The Girls Paperie; Alphabet stickers - Cosmo Cricket, American Crafts 'Thickers'; Flowers - Prima; Ribbon - RexHome; Die cut - Sizzix 'Tattered florals'; Stamps - Sizzix, Hero Arts; Bazzill In Stich'z templates;

Keep off the grass

2011-06-11T14:29:00.000+01:00

I've had this layout on the go for a few weeks...but have finally finished it:) I love this picture - Hannah crawled round and round the blanket but wouldn't venture off onto the grass.

'Keep off the grass'

Supplies: Paper - Creative Memories; Stickers - Creative Memories, Echo Park; Glitter border - We R Memory Keepers;

a bit of a birthday layout...and a sketch

2011-06-07T12:23:00.002+01:00

...and here's this month's sketch and layout!

I seem to make lots of pages using three photos and this is no exception as I couldn't choose which photo to use. This is Jessie looking ever so grown up on her 7th birthday (in new birthday clothes)...and the photos show her having just blown her candles out before we had had a chance to sing, then joining in singing 'Happy Birthday' to herself, and then finally blowing her candles out at the proper time!

I really enjoyed going all girly, and piling on the bling for this page...and I was pleased with myself for using up some old Creative Memories paper lurking in my stash (the checked pattern) - something I should do more often!

'Cake'

Supplies: Paper and cardstock - Bazzill bling, Creative Memories; Journaling card - Elles studio; Ribbon, flowers and gems - WHSmith; Butterfly border - sizzix;

2011-05-23T12:06:00.002+01:00

Such a long time since I posted anything on here....unfortunately life has been rather manic with builders and family!
But here are a couple of pages I have managed to finish recently. The first I did at Cropping Bug - a new crop held in the Reading Rooms in Billericay. It was lovely to be a punter at a crop instead of running one and I've already paid my money for next month...thanks to Nina for organising a lovely evening.

Using this sketch by Shimelle as a starting point - this page shows photos from a glorious day's sailing (probably the best we've had since having the children) but the hidden journaling tells the story of our later trip to casualty when Tom tripped and ended up underneath the boat and trailer. Thankfully he had no bones broken and although he limped for a couple of weeks he is now fine and back to trampolining lessons....and he also wants to go sailing again which is good:)

'Calm'

Supplies: Paper - Creative Memories, We R Memory Keepers, Echo Park; Stickers & Alphas - We R Memory Keepers, Echo Park, Doodlebug, Artoz; Stamps - Anita's, Danette Johnson; Border punch - Martha Stewart, fiskars 'threading water';

And I made this page as a demo for an 'introduction to scrapbooking' session for the local WI. I had a lovely time on Monday morning with the Tile Kiln Women's Institute (nice cake!)and may have some converts to scrapping. I did a step by step using this sketch and it was lovely to see how different each layout was, even from the same starting point.

'Reach for the skies'

Supplies: Paper & Cardstock - October Afternoon, Creative Memories; Journaling tags - October Afternnon; Alphas - Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket; Punches- fiskars, woodware

Think Pink cancelled

2011-04-26T10:37:00.002+01:00

Unfortunately I have had to cancel the Think Pink crop for the 7th May due to family circumstances … hopefully it will be possible to book another date sometime soon.

However Tuesday Scrap Happys ARE still on however so I hope to see some of you on Tuesday 3rd May.

Thanks for your understanding…and sorry for the inconvenience.

Mothers' Day

2011-04-15T17:02:00.006+01:00

I know...Mothers' Day was two weeks ago...but the builders started the next day so I haven't had a chance to post these. We were so behind on jobs that we had to spend much of the day clearing the kitchen ...but nonetheless I still felt pampered.

Jessie gave me this beautiful peacock card that she had made at school - simply gorgeous. And I love the message inside. Proof that it is worth sitting up on the nights before the children's birthdays to make them a card, rather than dashing to the shops!

Tom also made it all seem worth while with his note! Written on a flag, stuck into a plant pot, it reads "Thank you Mummy for making me scones. Tom". What fab writing:)

And to top it off I spent the morning crafting! I hadn't had a chance to make my Mum a card during the week so I had to do it on the Sunday morning. Sounds like another job to do?? Not at all - how lovely to have 'permission' to spend my time crafting when I would otherwise be busy.

The finished product is quite a quick make but it gave me a chance to play a bit more with my Martha Stewart Round-the-page punches and discover that I can cut denim with my BigShot (the flowers are Tim Holtz's 'tattered florals' which I love). My Mum was suitable impressed that I had actually got out needle and thread to make her card as she knows how rubbbish I am at sewing. (I know Jessie's card had rather more proficient needlework on it!).

Scrap Happy Think Pink - 4 weeks to go

2011-04-13T11:50:00.005+01:00

Only four more weeks until the Scrap Happy 'Think Pink' crop and I'm busy planning sketches and hunting down gorgeous bits and bobs for the goody bags.

The Think Pink Crop is on Saturday 7th May at Keene Hall, Galleywood, from 10am - 5pm...and it will be a fantastic day raising money for Cancer Research UK with loads of classes, demos, shopping, refreshments etc to fit in as well as scrapping and chatting! You can choose to spend the day scrapping your own projects or join in with the classes and demos available.

The programme for the day is as follows:

10am Registration and welcome
11am – 1pm Class – ‘Exploding box albums’ (pre-booked)
1.45pm - 2pm Demonstration
2.30 – 3.30pm Class – ‘Focus on Design – using white space’ (inclusive)
4pm Raffle and competition winners
4.30pm Shop closes
5pm Home!

For those of you who are planning to come…but haven’t yet sent me your forms, please do let me have them asap. The 7th May is fast approaching and I need to know numbers for goody bags etc.If you aren’t able to come for the day, do pop in for a coffee and cake (entrance £1 into the charity tin) and feel free to invite your friends - ‘non-scrappers’ are welcome – this is a chance for them to come and see what all the fuss is about!

...And if you are reading about this, but live too far away to join us, please do watch this space. I will be posting some 'Think Pink' bits and pieces for you to join in the fun and if you would like to donate to Cancer Research UK you can do so by following this link.

I hope you can join us - I look forward to hearing from you.

Birthday boy - some more double layouts!

2011-04-10T12:24:00.001+01:00

Last week was Tom's 5th birthday...and as well as making some new birthday pages I've been looking back at some old ones...
I love these photos of Tom earlier this year at my 40th birthday party. He's suddenly turned into such a cool dude and he had a fab time dancing to 'Five colours in her hair' by McFly - his favourite song of all time! ....and I had a fab time making this page! It's a million miles away from the girly pink pages of the girls or even the slightly more softly softly pages of him when he was smaller. I probably ought to go shopping for some more supplies!!!!

'Air Guitar'

Supplies: Paper and Cardstock - Bazzill bling, My Minds Eye, Fancy Pants, Creative Memories; Stickers - American Crafts, Creative Memories; Sizzix dies - Phrase Boys Rock, Stars w/swirls

And I can't believe this layout is now two years old! I took these photos on Tom's 3rd birthday. I had just been reading Cathy Zielske's 'Clean and Simple Scrapbooking' when I made this and was really inspired by her style..so this is my take on it!
The journaling reads:

Tom loves his new bike…he loves the bell…he loves the ‘treasure box’ at the back…but at the moment, actually cycling is just “too hard”!
The photographic ‘evidence’ to the contrary is deceptive – he may look as though he is cycling along the pavement but actually he is stationary (far easier to get the shot in focus though!).
Instead “me look daisies”. Tom enjoyed taking his bike for a walk and collecting dandelions for his treasure box.

'Tom's new bike'

Supplies: Paper and Cardstock - Basic Grey; Stickers - Basic Grey; Embellishments - Basic Grey; Sizzix dies - Baby Says Yeah alphabet

seeing double

2011-04-09T15:43:00.005+01:00

Just a quick post...we've got builders in and are living in chaos at the moment...but I thought a quick foray into blogland might take my mind off the dust!!!

I have been making a lot of double layouts recently - mainly because I take far too many photos and I am hopeless at narrowing my selection down to just two or three! I also like to have a bit of space around my photos and hate to cover up too much patterned paper!
This sports day layout was inspired by a fantastic page by Melissa Inman (found on p163 of '365 Days of Scrapbooking Ideas'). I've created a sketch from it which can be found here if you'd like to have a go.

'Challenge'
Supplies: Paper and Cardstock - We R Memory Keepers, Creative Memories; Stickers - doodlebug; Embellishments - We R Memory Keepers; dymo labeller; journaling stamps

And this layout has been lurking in my 'Ongoing projects' box (aka 'haven't got round to finishing' box) for far too long. But I have finally added my finishing touches and I love these photos of the girls in Portugal - they don't always look that sweet! I love the Basic Grey paper and embellishments...so much so that I inadvertently bought the same pack of embellishments twice. I guess there are worse mistakes to make:)

'Strolling along'

Supplies: Paper and Cardstock - Basic Grey, K & Co, Creative Memories; Stickers - Basic Grey; Embellishments - Basic Grey

Not terribly serious....

2011-03-30T18:12:00.001+01:00

And here's a very unscrapping challenge for you....

1: go to google maps and select "get directions",
2: select Japan as the starting location, and China as the end,
3: scroll down to number 42 on the instructions

Have to say I'm a little worried about my luggage!

Craft room!!!!!!

2011-03-25T16:53:00.001Z

I do have an excuse for not blogging much recently...and that is that we've been decorating! Next week the builders come to start demolishing supporting walls and (hopefully) build a new kitchen. In the meantime we have decorated Tom's room (so much textured wallpaper to remove - uuurgh!) and created a craft room !!!!

The craft room started life as a playroom but with the kitchen works being imminent we realised we would have to find somewhere to store all my lovely craft stuff (previously living in an enormous, soon to be destroyed, kitchen cupboard). And so, after a bit of negotiating, we decided to create a craft room, on the proviso that I played nicely and shared it with the children. (Space has therefore been found for poster paints, moon sand, play dough, wiggly eyes etc).

Just before Christmas a carpenter friend of ours came and built huge floor to ceiling shelving along one wall. One laminate floor, two tins of duck egg paint and two fantastically groovy polka dot blinds later ... and I was ready to start moving in. It's taken a long time to sort things out, and I'm still not there...but today I sat at the table, in the sunshine, and did some scrapping in my very own craft room. How cool is that??

Sketchy Thursdays

2011-03-22T11:30:00.000Z

I have just discovered Sketchy Thursdays - another brilliant blog full of scrapbook sketches. Do check it out - there are some fantastic layouts on there. They can also be found on facebook - Sketchy Thursdays on Facebook.

Thanks to Clare for sending me the link:)

Catching up...

2011-03-14T16:18:00.006Z

Oops...It has been such a long time since I blogged. Life has been rather busy with work and birthdays and decorating Tom's room and so on and so on...

Anyway, lots to catch up...

Firstly, the booking forms for the Think Pink Crop on 7th May are now available! This will be a fantastic day...choose to spend the whole 7 hours scrapping, or join in with the classes and demonstrations. We'll be raising money for Cancer Research UK as we scrap...and there'll be plenty of coffee and cakes and chat to help us! (And I've just ordered the papers for the goody bags - I won't give it away but they're rather lovely!)

Have a look here to find out more.

We 're now in birthday season in our family, starting with my daughter's 7th birthday. Here is the card I made for her - not as pink as most 7 year old girls' cards...but she was desparate for a 'jungle book' party so that they could play 'Please Mr Crocodile' (a game she plays at Rainbows). Anyway, the party was a great success with jungle games and jungle crafts and a very jungly cake...And this is the card I made for her, using toppers from Hobbycraft and some gorgeous We R Memory Keepers papers.

'7 today'

Supplies: Paper - We R Memory Keepers, Bazzill Bling; Toppers - 'Express Yourself DIY' Hobbycraft; 'Happy Birthday' border punch - Martha Stewart; Sizzix Dies - Go Slim, Sassy Serif Numbers;

And in the midst of everything else I have found time to browse some of my 'Christmas' books. I am really enjoying this book (365 Days of Scrapbooking Ideas). So many ideas - some of the pages are stunning and I just need to find some more scrapping time...I really recommend it!

Playlist

2011-01-25T14:38:00.000Z

Having made an ultimate playlist for my 40th birthday party the other week, I thought I'd carry on and make a Scrapping playlist. Check out the playlist on the sidebar...some of my favourites...and at the moment I have 'The Call' by Regina Spektor on repeat play...simply gorgeous!

Family Christmas cards

2011-01-25T13:46:00.001Z

I promise these will be the last Christmas cards I post for a while...but these are the cards I sent to my family. They're all fairly similar in style but I had a lovely time playing with some of my new 'birthday' tools and dies. These included rounding the corners with my Crop-a-dile Corner Chomper, and making lovely snowflakes with my Martha Stewart deep edge snowflake trim punch. For Jessie's cards I also got to play with my new Letraset Promarkers. These pens are simply fantastic - they create a brilliant finish with no felt-tip lines, and the colours are gorgeous. I never knew colouring could be so much fun!

'Tom'

Supplies: Paper - Papermania 'deck the halls'; Sizzix penguin die; Lettering - sizzix 'rat-a-tat' alphabet; punch - Martha Stewart deep edger snowflake trim

'Hannah'

Supplies: Paper - Papermania 'deck the halls'; Sizzix reindeer die; punch - Martha Stewart deep edger snowflake trim; dymo labeller;

'Jessie'

Supplies: Paper - Bella BLVD; Angel stamp - hero arts; Lettering - Sizzix 'Girl's are weird' alphabet;

'Happy Christmas'

Supplies: Paper - Papermania 'deck the halls'; Stamp - Personal Impressions; Gems greeeting - WHSmith;

Christmas Cards

2010-12-23T15:19:00.001Z

I know...everyone else posted their Christmas creations ages ago...but I've been busy writing and literally posting my cards amongst other things. So here are a few cards made - some to send but some to sell in aid of our Church's Big Project.

The ones above were made courtesy of a trip to Tesco! Starting with a Papermania card blank, I used Tesco Christmas paper chains to cover a triangle of card...and a Tesco 'table scatter' snowflake as an embellishment. Very quick..and very easy!!!

Below, are a few from a set of photo Christmas cards I made,inspired by Fiona Beckman's card on page 83 of Papercraft Inspirations (Issue 80). Take a few Christmassy photos, one sewing machine and add in some dymo tape....

And talking of magazines...do check out p77 of the latest Scrapbook Magazine (issue 51)!!!

Scrap Canvas @ the Christmas Craft and Crop

2010-12-16T13:27:00.000Z

At last....here are some photos of the fantastic canvases made at the Christmas Craft and Crop back in November. Sorry its taken so long to post them... but they're worth the wait. I loved how different each one was, even though everyone started with the same sketch and example (see below). Thank you to my Scrap Happy ladies for letting me photograph their work x

by Hazel Tyler

by Val Hadfield

by Suzanne McAllister

by Charm Hobbs

Rocky Road @ the Christmas Craft and Crop

2010-11-30T20:11:00.001Z

Thanks to everyone who came to the Christmas Craft and Crop on Saturday. We had a fantastic day with some amazing canvases and layouts being created. I'll try and post some images over the next few days.

In the meantime...I thought I'd post my Rocky Road recipe. This is seriously yummy - enjoy!!!!

Rocky Road

175g margarine

2 tablespoons golden syrup

200g plain chocolate

200g milk chocolate

1 pack chocolate digestives

1 pack rich tea biscuits

Handfuls of chopped cherries, maltesers, mini marshmallows

Icing sugar to decorate

Crush biscuits in a plastic bag

Tip into large mixing bowl and add cherries etc

Melt margarine, syrup and chocolate in a saucepan

Pour chocolate mixture into bowl and mix thoroughly to coat everything in chocolate.

Tip into large flat tin and cool in fridge

When set, empty out, cut into pieces and dust with icing sugar

Christmas Canvas

2010-11-13T12:28:00.000Z

Have a look at this gorgeous canvas made by Clare, a Scrap Happy regular. She has used the same sketch as I did for my 'Hannah' canvas - but with amazingly different results. I love the criss cross stitching (using Bazzill in stitch'z) and the Sizzix Christmas tree.

Thank you Clare for letting me use it on my blog (and for the company whilst we made our canvases the other morning).

If you'd like to join the 'Scrap Canvas' class at the Christmas Craft and Crop do have a look here and drop me an email .

Scrap Canvas

2010-11-06T13:49:00.002Z

At last! I've finished this canvas of Hannah when she was 4 days old. This is one of my favourite baby photos ever - I love how tiny she appears on Andy's arm - and I also quickly learnt to love the fact that she was asleep (a bit of a rarity for baby Hannah!). My grand plan is to make one of each of the children to put up in our bedroom - and as this didn't take too long I might even manage it!

'Hannah'

Supplies: paper - Fancy Pants, Creative Memories, The Girls Paperie; ribbon - RexHome; flowers - Prima; buttons - from an old pair of slippers; die-cuts - Sizzix 'tattered florals'; Bazzill in stitch'z;

I painted the canvas with some cheapy twinkly watercolours from the Works - I was going to use acrylics but I rather liked the sparkle from these paints and they seemed less heavy for a baby page. The rest of the layout is based on this sketch, minus the title and journaling:

I used my bazzill in stitch'z templates again to add some detail..and I'm really pleased with the result.

If you would like a chance to make your own canvas there will be a 'Scrap Canvas' class running from as part of the Scrap Happy Christmas Craft and Crop on 27th November. The 2-hour class starts at 11am and you can either come and scrap for the whole day or book for just the Scrap Canvas class. If you would like to know more please check out this page, or drop me an email .

True Stories

2010-10-17T12:42:00.001+01:00

I've just signed up for the Shimelle 'True Stories' course :) For those of you who know me, I love the idea of including lots of journaling on my pages (and have a huge collection of journaling stamps to prove it), but don't always manage to actually do it! This is a 3 week course with daily email prompts to help with telling our stories...can't wait! If you fancy having a go, check out Shimelle's blog here .

Christmas Cards

2010-09-28T14:18:00.002+01:00

I had a fantastic time at Ally Pally on Saturday with my friend Suzanne. We were there for the Big Stamp and Scrapbooking Show...and I went clutching (in cash) all my Scrap Happy money from the past couple of months.

Naturally we went and visited Sugar and Spice first, even though they're only down the road, and I also loved the Scrapshed and Scrap Revolution stalls. I now have lots of new projects buzzing around in my head, but the first thing I've put to use are my new 'Hero Arts' Christmas Tree stamps.

I'm not sure if its organised or sad to be making Christmas cards in September but I used one of the stamps to make a very simple set of cards.

First I stamped the two trees and a greeting on a tall card blank.

Then I stamped the same image onto patterned paper (a great way to use up scraps). I cut just the triangle shape out - nice and quick and easy ... which is good coz I hate fiddly cutting out.

Finally I stuck the patterned paper over the top of the stamped images, and coloured in the tree trunks and stars.... a very quick set of cards!!!

Birthday Princess

2010-09-19T09:15:00.003+01:00

During the summer holidays I had a lovely couple of days (with the children at Granny and Grandad's) and managed to get a bit of scrapping done, as well as planning a new kitchen and some never ending 'sorting out.'

I made this page for the Papermaze blog 'Saturday sketches' and I'm really excited that they've used it on their blog (check out the Papermaze blog here).

The big heart shape took me right out of my comfort zone and it took me ages to find a photo that I thought would go..but I am pleased with the end result!

'Birthday Princess'

Supplies: Paper – The Girls Paperie, Fancy Pants, Bazzill Dotted Swiss; Stickers – Creative Memories, Basic Grey; Flowers: Prima; Bazzill Basics In Stitchz; Alphabet – sizzix ‘bloom’; Stamps – Collage press (Charleston Rings), Woodware;

My Little Book of Lists

2010-09-17T11:07:00.004+01:00

As some of you know, I have been running a monthly course called 'My Little Book of Lists'. This is basically a book of me, presented in list form. Each month we create an 8" double page about ourselves and topics so far have included our new year's resolutions, favourite foods, favourite books etc.

I am really enjoying the discipline of making a particular page each month..and this is the first time I have appeared on my own scrapbook pages. Exciting to think that in November I will actually have completed an album - a first for me!!!

..And here are some of the pages I have made so far...

'Playlist'

'My Favourite Food'

'I love books'

'One day in my life'

'Friends'

Starting school

2010-09-13T11:55:00.000+01:00

Big news - Tom started school last Monday! He seems to have really settled in and is loving it so far - though he is so tired that most days he has been in his pyjamas by 1.30pm (he's only doing mornings at the moment!).

And this has left me with a little bit more time...to do housework, or shopping, or school planning, or......
I had a lovely time last week. I spent one morning making cards, another scrapbooking and another meeting a friend for coffee at Barleylands and visiting Sugar and Spice! Very little housework got done! Maybe this week....

I spent my scrapbooking morning catching up on the children's school albums. I've got a school album for each of the children. As well as the school photos, I have also included ballet and swimming and brownies stuff...and there are also plastic pockets to hold certificates and other memorabilia. This is one project I am deternmined to complete!

I had a lovely time looking back at their 'first day at school' photos - and enjoyed using these gorgeous letter stickers from Echo Park.

Here are a few of my 'school album' pages:

'Tom's first day at school'

Supplies: Paper & journaling boxes - fancy pants; letter stickers - Creative Memories, Echo Park; Stamp - My Mind's Eye

'A new rainbow'

Supplies: Paper - Kaiser Craft, Creative Memories, : Letter stickers - American Crafts 'thickers'; Dymo labeller; Ric-rac

'Back to school'

Supplies: Paper - Creative Memories, Fancy Pants ; Stickers - Echo Park;

'Friends'

Supplies: Paper - Bazzill swiss dot, Collage Press, Creative Memories; Stickers - Echo Park, K & Co; Punch - Martha Stewart; Loopy swirl - sizzix;

Scrap Happy Christmas Craft & Crop

2010-09-09T17:09:00.002+01:00

I have got my act together and the booking forms for the Christmas Craft and Crop are now available!!

This year's 'Christmas Craft and Crop' is on Saturday 27th November at Keene Hall, from 10am - 5pm. We had a brilliant time back in May and once again, it should be a fantastic day with loads of classes, demos, shopping, refreshments etc to fit in as well as scrapping and chatting!

And we have a really exciting additional session this year. From 11am - 1pm you can book into a Scrap Canvas class where you will use scrapbook techniques and your favourite photos to create a piece of unique wall art. In this session you will use ribbons, paints and fabrics (as well as your usual stash) to create a ‘layout’ on artists’ canvas. They make great presents and I have made a few canvases as gifts - though I'm planning to keep the next one I make!

There will also be some old favourites, with a 'sketch club' challenge competition..and we will be raising money once again for Cancer Research UK.

Please do get in touch if you'd like to know more x

sketch club coming up

2010-06-28T13:56:00.000+01:00

I'm just getting organised for next months sketch club..and here is my layout:

'Cherish'

Supplies: paper & cardstock – daisy d’s, bo bunny, my little shoebox, Creative Memories; flowers – Creative Memories; stickers – words & crafts; Silhouette words - Heidi Swapp; ribbon – from stash

....and here are the sketches for July and September. Scrap Happy sketch club starts at 8pm at Keene Hall in Galleywood on Tuesday July 6th and Tuesday September 7th. If you'd like to book a place please drop me an email....or just have a go at making your layouts at home!

Think Pink thanks

2010-06-14T17:39:00.001+01:00

It's taken me a while to post this but thank you to everyone who supported the Scrap Happy 'Think Pink' scrapbook day. We had a brilliant time - and it was lovely to see some new faces too. We also raised £108.08 for Cancer Research UK - well done!!!

Now for a few photos...

And the next all day Scrap Happy crop is the Christmas Craft and Crop on Saturday 27th November. Do put it in your diaries now!

Scrap Happy Think Pink Charity Crop...less than a month to go...

2010-04-27T10:58:00.002+01:00

I've been busy preparing for the Think Pink crop on May 22nd. Less than a month to go and lots to get ready...

This will be a fantastic day and we will also be raising money to support Cancer Research UK.

There are lots of different booking options for you to get the most out of your day. Come for either the whole day or half a day… Enjoy the chance to work on your own projects or try something different and take part in the classes and demonstrations… There are also discounts available for group bookings so do invite your friends to come and make a day of it – the more the merrier!

Everyone booked will receive a ‘scrappy’ goody bag and the day will include:
• ‘Introduction to scrapbooking’ session for beginners
• ‘Sketch club’ challenge competition
• Think Pink ATC swop
• Additional ‘CD mini album’ class
As always, there will be a wide range of tools available to use (trimmers, sizzix, sewing machine, big bite etc).

If you aren’t able to come for the whole day, please do bring your friends and drop in for a cup of coffee and a cake anyway. Entrance is £1 (proceeds to Cancer Research UK).
There will be:
• A huge scrapbook shop including an album sale
• A bring’n’buy charity craft stall
• A charity raffle
• Cake stall

I hope to see you on the day x

Better late than never...

2010-04-17T14:04:00.000+01:00

I've been making cards...and even managed to get some made for my own family, rather than just for other people. So here's one I made earlier...

Valentines card for Andy

supplies: paper - kelly panacci; dies - sizzix, cuttlebug; dymo labeller

...and in my defence, I did give Andy this Valentine's card on time - I just didn't get round to photographing it and posting it on here:)

A bit of t-shirt inspiration

2010-04-02T13:37:00.002+01:00

Sorting the washing again - here are a couple of (wonky, unironed) photos of Andy's tops. I couldn't help thinking they'd make great layout sketches! I'm thinking big titles and journaling maybe with foam alphabet stamps to give the title a real kick. Anyway, when I make the layouts I'll post them on here - in the meantime, why don't you have a try?

Going digital

2010-03-28T15:21:00.013+01:00

Well, I've been meaning to have a try for ages - mainly because I have downloaded some lovely freebie digi papers etc over the years.

...Anyway, I was working on some layout sketches for sketch club and thought I'd have a quick play to see if the sketch 'worked'. Here's the sketch - based on a brilliant layout found on p80 of the Spring 2010 edition of Scrapbook Trends.

...And this is my attempt at digital scrapping (I'm sure I'll have a go in paper before too long).

'Back to school'

Supplies: digital papers and embellishments - 'Spontaneous delight' by Carrie Stephens Designs; Alphas - 'Refresh' by Scrap Girls

...And here's the paper version - please excuse the rubbish photography of a double page - it looks nicer in real life!

'Mont St Michel'

Supplies: Paper - Creative Memories, My Little Shoebox; Stickers - WHSmiths; Font - Sizzix 'Slim Jim'

Scrap Happy Think Pink Charity Crop

2010-03-25T15:59:00.002Z

Here at last – this year’s charity crop in aid of Cancer Research UK!

This year’s all day ‘Think Pink’ crop will be on Saturday 22nd May at Keene Hall, Galleywood. The cost is only £20 for a whole day’s scrapping, goody bags, refreshments etc. There are also discounts available for group bookings so do invite your friends to come and make a day of it – the more the merrier!

This will be a fantastic day. You can choose to spend the day scrapping your own projects or join in with the classes and demos available. Following on from the Christmas Craft and Crop, we will be repeating the ‘sketch club challenge’, and there will also be ‘take’n’make’ tables for you to have a go at something new!

In the morning there will be a hands-on introductory session for those who haven’t scrapbooked before, so do feel free to invite your ‘non-scrapbooking’ friends – this is a chance for them to come and see what all the fuss is about!

In the afternoon (2 - 4pm) there is an optional class making CD mini albums. This class includes a kit of everything you need – just bring photos! If you are booked for the day this session will cost £7.50. If you can’t come for the whole day, do feel free to book just for the class (£10).

As we are also raising money for Cancer Research there will also be a cake stall, raffle and ‘bring and buy’ craft stall. Last year we raised £128.36 – I’d love to beat that figure!

If you'd like to know more,or would like a booking form do drop me an email - catherinebeales@btinternet.com

I look forward to hearing from you x

Scrapbook Inspirations ideas book

2010-03-23T13:36:00.003Z

Hooray - I've had emails and messages waiting for me to say that the Scrapbook Inspirations Ideas Book is on its way!
Issue 1 of the Ideas Book is available worldwide by mail order from http://bit.ly/ce7J92 It also goes on sale in the UK at WH Smith, Sainsbury’s and leading newsagents from 31 March, priced £9.99.
I've really missed my monthly dose of Scrapbook Inspirations and I can't wait to see the new format :)

Finishing off

2010-03-23T13:28:00.005Z

After a frantic few weeks of extra hours at work and family birthdays (will post pirate party photos later), I finally snatched a couple of hours scrapping yesterday morning. I went straight for the 'ongoing projects' box and managed to finish several pages that have been sitting around waiting for dates, titles,journaling etc. And here are a handful...

'Fairy'

Supplies: paper - fancy pants, my little shoebox; mini alphas - my little shoebox; overlays - fancy pants; badge - Tesco

'Sweet'

Supplies: Paper - Bo bunny, my little shoebox; sticker - Bella BLVD; dymo labeller; felt flowers - freebie

'Zoo'

Supplies: Paper - Creative Memories, Fancy Pants; Stickers - Tesco; Journaling sticker - American Crafts

What would Cathy do???

2010-03-10T17:55:00.001Z

Had fun at Scrap Happy last night (it wasn't my turn to huff and puff and get cross with my layout!)...
..and a new phrase was coined. One of our regulars, Cathy, makes stunning pages with loads of bling and embellishments - and the rest of us often don't know how to start with glitzy stash. So now, when stuck for inspiration, we can just ask ourselves "What would Cathy do?"

Grandma

2010-02-25T10:12:00.010Z

A timely page - I've been meaning to scrap this photo of my Grandma for ages...I've even had it printed and waiting...but only got round to it a couple of weeks ago on the day of Grandma's funeral. After a busy day I had to rush back and set up for Scrap Happy - what better photo to scrap? I'm pleased with the simplicity of this page - I can't imagine her with anything fancy - but it needed lots of blue (Grandma's favourite colour).

'Grandma'

Supplies: Paper - Basic Grey, Laura Ashley; Flowers - Creative Memories

Sketch club

2010-02-21T14:19:00.009Z

I thought I'd post my most recent 'sketch club' layout... For those of you who don't know Scrap Happy Sketch Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month at Keene Hall (8pm - 10pm). Each month I send out a layout sketch and then we all use it as a starting point for our own pages - and its great to see all the different interpretations of the same sketch.

Last month I was really pleased with my sketch...and then huffed and puffed all evening as I struggled to make a page with "the stupid sketch!" (got just a little frustrated). Anyway, a week later I started again and I'm really pleased with the way this one turned out.

The next Scrap Happy Sketch Club is on Tuesday 2nd March from 8pm - 10pm. If you'd like to join us at Sketch Club please do drop me an email or have a go at the sketch (see below) at home. Happy scrapping!

Wrapping paper...

2010-02-09T14:16:00.009Z

The other day a friend asked me to make her a couple of cards to give to men. I needed something quick and easy as I didn't have much time and I haven't got any blokey stamps or embellishments lurking in my stash...but I have got wrapping paper! I made these cards using some wrapping paper and just added a stamped greeting raised up with sticky pads.

Quick note though - I felt these cards worked because the wrapping paper was quite thick and had a matt finish - I'm not sure I'd want my cards to scream "cut out wrapping paper" which they may do with the shinier stuff...maybe it's time to do some experimenting...?

Having made a couple of these cards I can now think of a few men who would appreciate this design so I might just go and make some more...

Christmas Cards

2010-01-15T16:29:00.010Z

I know, I know....Christmas has been and gone... but life has been busy and I thought I'd show you my Christmas cards anyway.

I made a batch of these cards 'though this one was for Andy. I used a Papermania triangle card base and simply added strips of ribbon and glitter paper to a green triangle of card, finishing off with a fabric sticker. They were really quick and simple to make..but I think rather effective.

I admit these next cards are less exciting (or are they?). These are the three cards I made for my children and I was really pushing it to get their cards made in time - hence the very simple (boring?) designs. However, I know the children wouldn't be too fussed about what was on the front...as when they opened their cards they played 'Jingle Bells.' I got the music modules from Baker Ross - they are really simple to use and add a real surprise to handmade cards. I'll definitely use them again!

Journal your Christmas

2009-11-19T21:51:00.003Z

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...

2009-11-10T09:37:00.003Z

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!

2009-11-07T10:01:00.028Z

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...

Scrapping without photos

2009-10-21T10:13:00.008+01:00

These are some of the hardest layouts I've ever made - not because they are anything fancy but because they are about one of my best friends, Stephen, who died in a car accident last week.

A scrapbookers dilemma - I have so many memories of Stephen that I want to record and yet I've found I only have a handful of photos from university - nothing more recent. I guess in our twenties we felt no need to record the day to day stuff - everything seemed permanent (and there were no digital cameras!)

This first layout is simply an 'in loving memory' page, using a photo I found on facebook.

'Friends'

Supplies: Paper - Fancy Panys, Paper Pizazz, Scrap within reach, Core'dinations; Stamp - Stamps away; dymo labeller

This next one however was more of a challenge. We used to spend hours listening to music and browsing in HMV and Virgin...but our musical tastes were really different. He loved shiny, trashy pop and I was a bit of an indie girl. There were just a few things we agreed on and I wanted to remember some of the gems. I have listed (with my trusty dymo labeller!) some of our favourite tracks. The 'friends' tag can be lifted to open up the circle, revealing far more journaling about favourite songs, concerts, memories etc.

'Playlist'

Supplies: Paper - Fancy Pants, Scrap within reach, Core'dinations; Alphas - thickers, MAMBI; border punch - Martha Stewart; Stamp - Stamps away; dymo labeller

Some of you know how much I try to get everyone journaling - but I hadn't expected to lose the photos all together! However I am sure I will be making more 'photo-less' pages about Stephen - a very special person to remember :)

Christmas Recipe Book

2009-10-19T14:24:00.003+01:00

I've been taking photos! These pictures are of my Christmas Recipe Book which I made using the Creative Memories 'Merry & Bright' paper album kit. The kit includes backing paper, photo mats, stickers etc and it was really easy to put this recipe book together. I took photos of my favourite Christmas bakes and typed up the recipes. I've kept mine but I reckon it'd make a brilliantly personal Christmas present.

If you want to have a go, there will be an optional 'recipe book' class at the Christmas Craft & Crop on November 28th @ Keene Hall. The class will run 11am - 1pm and the price includes the paper album kit, recipes and photos (though you are welcome to bring your own recipes if you prefer).

More dymo tape

2009-10-07T20:41:00.001+01:00

Yay! Jaynie bought me some more dymo tape -these ones are red, lilac and pale blue - looking forward to playing some more!!!!

Monster cards...

2009-10-06T14:15:00.010+01:00

In a bid to save money and tidy up, I've recently set myself a challenge. I thought it was time to start using up some of my stash....so the challenge is to grab a pack of stickers or embellishments from my cupboard and use them to design a batch of cards.

...and these were yesterday's attempt! I had a lovely time (with my dymo labeller of course!) using these monster stickers. I can't remember where I got them from but it was somewhere like Tesco or Poundland...and I'm rather pleased with the results - makes a change from all the girly stuff!

I love ... my dymo labeller

2009-10-01T11:47:00.010+01:00

Is there a prize for the most journaling using a dymo labeller?? If so....

I made these layouts months ago (just after the 'big snow' in fact) - but never got round to adding any dates or journaling ... until today!

Although not a double LO they do sit opposite each other in my album so it was nice to give them a similar treatment. And yes...I love my dymo labeller!!!

'Cool'

Supplies: paper & cardstock - Creative Memories, Daisy Bucket

'Sledge fun'

Supplies: Paper - Creative Memories; Stickers - Creative Memories, Creative Imaginations, Scrapbook Inspirations freebie

A few more reasons why I love my dymo:

It's great for journaling strips (and everyone knows how much I like journaling strips)
It's quick and easy - great for lazy people like me who look for ways to avoid anything too fiddly
Its kind of grungy
There are funky colours (I now have black, blue, red, yellow, orange & green - but need to make a trip to Basildon Staples to get the cool clicks colours)
You get white text without any fiddling on the computer or using less than brilliant white pens

Need I say more?????

Think Pink coffee morning...and wordle

2009-09-30T09:29:00.007+01:00

I've been drumming up support for my Think Pink coffee morning - and thought you'd like the 'wordle' image that I've used for my advertising. You can make your own at http://www.wordle.net/ - do go and have a play -it's fab - and I think there are loads of scrapbooking applications. These word clouds would make brilliant titles printed out on acetate for example.

..oh, and please do come to my coffee morning - Thurs October 22nd 10am - 12 noon at mine. Raising money for Cancer Research UK - there'll be lots of cakes, a raffle, some cards for sale and a scrapbook stall. xxx

2009-09-26T17:54:00.002+01:00

Just had a lovely relaxed day at Scrap Happy. I got three pages done except for journaling - there's a job for Monday morning!
...and here's one I did earlier!!! I made this layout as preparation for 'Lost for Words' (4 week journaling course). It'll be the last session on Monday and I think it's gone well - but you'll have to ask those on the receiving end to be sure! This layout was for a session on 'writing frames' - this one being a recipe style.

...oh and by the way, I'm loving using my new dymo labeller. Andy did ask if I was going to use it on all my layouts from now on as it seems to have been in constant use over the past few weeks!

Inspiration

2009-09-25T17:44:00.003+01:00

I've seen a few really great layouts with a 3 x 3 grid design (see last months Scrapbook Trends for starters!) - and I love this t-shirt of Tom's.

Anyone fancy the challenge of using his t-shirt as inspiration for a layout? Either the grid pattern or the colours or use of text.....I now want to go and start straight away, but have to collect Tom from preschool!

I've got Scrap Happy all day on Saturday (10 - 4) so I'll hopefully make a start then and post some layouts next week :)

Welcome to my blog!!!!

2009-09-23T16:28:00.012+01:00

Finally...I've taken the plunge and started a blog. My plan is to upload my layouts and bits and bobs that inspire me. I'll also add in some details of Scrap Happy events.

To get started I thought I'd post some of my latest layouts from our summer holiday in France. I've been enjoying getting some scrapping done whilst Tom has been at pre-school - though haven't yet made a start on the housework!

Anyway, I love the photos on these layouts (they did make 'sad' faces with their melon too but I haven't used those!)....and I used my Bazzill in stitchz for the first time on the 'Watermelon' page and now can't wait to try it again.

'Watermelon'

Supplies: paper- Creative Memories, coredinations, my little shoebox, american crafts; stickers - doodlebug; dymo; bazzill in stitchz

'Smile'

Supplies: paper - Bo Bunny, Basic Grey; flowers - petaloo; chipboard alpha - prima; stickers - Tesco; stamps - studio g, anitas