Grandma

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

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...

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

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

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...