Wednesday 30 November 2011

Pages and planning

Though it was about time I popped back in (and after checking my last post, it would appear I was right!)
Sooo much going on! So heres a quick update:

Paper Geekyness:
Yes, still scrapping! Heres a few of my (not so) recent creations...

Yup, I did a tag, my first EVER! Lots of distressing and great fun. No idea what I'm going to do with it mind... answers on a postcard!


 This was made in January would you believe! While The Boy was out in Afghanistan. I'm dreadful for storing LO's in boxes, recently I remedied this and sorted out my albums, but thats another story. I discovered this in one of said boxes... I love the papers, the misting, the buttons, the photo... the list goes on!

And finally, a rather random LO. Lots of scraps were used and yes, I know, the marigolds aren't in focus, but that's kinda the point. Movement was a big part of this. Oh, and the bright yellow Cosmo Cricket Letters!



The Big Day:

I've had lots of questions about this, so just to update

At the moment I'm working on the stationary side of things, as we've people coming from the US and New Zealand and a few military types, we need to get our 'save the date' cards sorted ASAP. Also, since I want to make my invites, I'm cracking on with them. Ideas welcome!!!

I've also developed an obsession with Pintrest, which has been a great resource and meant I've kicked the magazine habit! Pretty much.



Next up, boquets, buttonholes and table decoration -type-stuff!

Anyone else still wondering where 2011 has gone to? It's almost Christmas!

Sunday 20 November 2011

Errm... Yeah!

I have no idea what happened to the last week and a half! It has disappeared into oblivion!

In among the madness I have managed a little scrapping... When I say a little, I mean quite a bit. Last weekend, Cocoa Daisy held their Autumn (Fall) crop. Now, the challenge deadline is pretty much over, but I love how inspirational the challenges and classes were. And yes, of course I had a go! As you might have guessed, I am a bit of a class/crop/challenge addict.

Drum roll please!


Yes, I know, I used white!! I never use white. This was inspired by a quilt.
And I even lugged out my sewing machine for good measure.

And next we have....
 Inspired by crochet... and as an added bonus, used up a good chunk of my smaller scraps.

 Finally... Would you believe it?? I MADE A CARD!

Now for some people, this may not seem like a big deal, however, I haven't made a card for over 10 years. So for me this is kinda a big deal.

I'm off to visit the world of blogs and catch up. Back soon with a few more LO's I have to share :)

Wednesday 9 November 2011

Meet the family

I'm very much a 'current' scrapbooker, I don't feel the need to scrap chronologicaly and 'catch up' as it were. However, that doesn't mean I don't scrap my older photos (they are mainly of family as I discovered scrapbooking in it's current form quite early as it were)

Recently I was looking through photos to work with September's Scrap a Go Go kit and would up in my 'family' box. I hit the ground running!

This LO is of my dad, this was a typical sight during my childhood, dad sitting, eating toast and marmalade.






This next LO is my sister, demolishing the last of the ice cream, I did have an alternative title, but I'd run out of letters making the previous LO!


I did alot of fussy cutting for this, and it was a sketch inspired LO but I can't remember what! If I figure it out, I'll link it up. (or if you know, drop me a line.)


After these, the family photos have been put back in the box and await the next nostalic kit. Which leads me onto my question, how do you scrap older family photos?

Saturday 5 November 2011

This is the last completed LO from the getaway. I've two other classes to finish, hoping to do them this weekend, but we'll see.

Here is Mr. Sarcasm himself. Aka, The Boy.

I GOT TO PLAY WITH BUBBLE WRAP AND PAINT!!! Can you tell this makes me silly excited??


*deep breath* I love the colours on this LO. The photos was stolen from FB and is, true to form, cr*p quality. But it works.

I've spent the evening hidden upstairs with the cat, neither of us like fireworks! But hope everyone's had a good night whatever you're doing.

On a rather random note, I don't know about you, but I'm seeing so many sites and people focusing on their albums, creating a story so to speak. Do you use your albums to tell a story or are you like me, throw in the LO in the next available space?

Friday 4 November 2011

Go, See, Do

also known as a mini book created by Nicola for Scrap-a-Go-Go. I avoid making mini books like the plague! But I try to sign up for mini book classes, see if one day I get my head round them, and they are a real challenge for me.



Nicola used hers as a travel album and no surprises, I used my New Zealand trip for the subject and tried to cover some of the places we visited.



I really love this one, using envelopes as the base and check out the little taxi on each page! I've two more pages from the weekend that are complete so they will be up next, the final two I'm hoping to finish at the weekend.

P.s I'm shamelessly scrounging title help for these two LO's. Any suggestion welcome.

Tuesday 1 November 2011

Titles, tiles, titles.

Well, I'm back safe, unpacked and want to go back! For those of you wondering, I spent my weekend at the Go-Go Getaway. I had an amazing time and can't thank the ladies of Team Go-go enough.

Gushing over, I'm after some help. I've two LO's from the classes that I need a title for. I've hummed and ahhed for a few days, and it just isn't coming to me. So, I'd appreciate some assistance.



If you've any ideas, any at all, PLEASE leave a comment! I don't tend to add journalling to class LO's like these, I use them for inspiration and techniques so don't worry about the 'story' behind the photos.


I have some awesome LO's to add to my albums and another round of happy memories (along with a lighter purse and much heavier bag!) And since I do have some more projects from the weekend, this blog will be a go-go dedicated area for a few posts, hope you don't mind!

Saturday 29 October 2011

Scrapfest continued

By the time you read this, I will be in Cheshunt at the Go-Go getaway. I'm looking forward to a weekend of scrapping and I may have to squeeze in some study this weekend too. I suppose I have to have something to keep me grounded while I'm having fun.

I'll share it in the near future. However, rewinding to the weekend; I joined in with the Jennie Bowlin online crop. It wasn't the only thing I did, but since all challenges have deadlines, I didn't want you to miss out!



This particular challenge was the second from this crop. I know, I know, journalling! However,, I have a few more photos from this day and I'm putting a photo page protector on the next page along with some journalling blocks. Or at least that's the plan. When I get around to organising my albums!

The grid was made by using scraps of papers and a temporary adhesive stuck to the cardstock. I then sprayed my mist. Once it was dry I removed the paper squares and stitched the grid.

Note: when using your sewing machine, check you're using the stitch you want. I still had mine on zig-zag from a previous project... oops!

And those things in the corners are magnets, to try and keep the paper flat after the misting.

Don't forget: there are prizes up for grabs with these and the deadline is 30th Oct 2011 @ 3pm CST. Which I *believe* is 9pm GMT. Have a look ----> HERE if you fancy a go or just some inspiration.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Scapfest - with Jennie Bowlin

So, I was on about my little weekend scrapfest. I have another LO to show you and a challenge to share - not my challenge I must add, although I might set one... one day. Jennie Bowlin had an online crop this weekend and there were several challenges included.

As you might now, I tend to avoid journalling. It's something I'm trying to remedy, so I went for the journalling challenge - journal on at least 1/3 of your page


I truly love this page. I've used both the paper and photo on a LO which I dismantled because I didn't like it at all. The paper was in my 'use it or loose it' pile so I decided to give it one last try. I'm so thrilled with the results.

 Funny story - when making your title, write it out first, it would have saved me spelling and sticking down 'squaddie' as 'squddie' and prevented some careful peeling too!

Just a quick note on challenges:
I found the secret to online crops & challenges is to CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE and don't try to do them all. Every time I go for them all, I hate the pages, ALL of them. So I urge you to choose something that is a challenge (that said, if you can rattle out a page an hour, by all means go for them all!) and to create a LO you are happy with rather than 10 you don't like.

There are prizes up for grabs with this and the deadline is 30th Oct 2011 @ 3pm CST. Which I *believe* is 9pm GMT... Please don't shoot me if I'm wrong!

So, I hope you take a look and get some inspiration. Or failing that, get a chuckle from my journalling!

Sunday 23 October 2011

My Pretty Purple Shoes

Wow, October is flying by! 

I've been wanting to join in with Julie's purple phase over at Notes on Paper, but I don't own any purple paper would you believe, in over 300 sheets of paper not one in purple!

However, I do own a pair of purple shoes and some purple paint. And I had fortuitously ordered some of the KI Memories calender papers which included a purple one! So this weekend, I've had my own little scrapfest which included creating this.


The tag was made with distress inks and water and the paper is Crate Paper from the portrait collection. The purple letter stickers are by Jillibean Soup and a lick of purple paint followed by a coat of Glossy Accents and the other alphas are AC thickers.

I have blogged these shoes as a LO before, in July 2010 -----> HERE for said LO. I've never been all that keen on it if I'm honest, great experiment, not so great LO. So, I guess this is the remake!

I'll be back later in the week with more details of my Scrapfest!

Sunday 2 October 2011

When life gets busy

Or, when it decides to rain, it pours!

Everything is silly busy here at the moment, lots going on and not enough time! I'm sure I'm not the only one in this predicament. I was hoping to follow up my last post with one about sketches, but, thus far, it hasn't transpired. So, with time at a premium, I wanted to show you one of Shimelle's Starting Point challenges.


Sadly, I forgot to photograph my starting point, but I'm sure you'll all cope :) And funnily, it's useful to use up a few scraps too!

Hope everyones had a great weekend and how do you use up your scraps? I'd love to hear from you.

Tuesday 13 September 2011

Scrap kits

Ok, I'm on a mission, to use up some stash. Seriously, I've got paper that I've had since I started scrapping that I adore, but just haven't used. And it needs to be used, paper isn't only for stroking, no, really it isn't. If it's in my album, I can gaze on the prettiness forever. If it's in my stash, after a period of time, it becomes rather uninspiring, but still pretty. So today, I'm prattling about kits.

I'm a proper sucker for kits, I don't know about you. Currently, I subscribe to Scrap-a-Go-Go, but if that's not your cup of tea, there are tonnes to choose from, Sarah's Cards, The Craftz Boutique, Studio Calico, Cocoa Daisy to name just a few. (Seriously, there are loads!) It's a great way to scrap, all the matching has been done for you.

Before you berate me for buying yet more stash while rattling about using things up, there is method to my madness. It makes me try papers and combinations I wouldn't have, which broaden my horizens and kits aren't the only way I scrap, I wind up with scraps from making pages, I've got papers I bought because I love them. But they all need to be used.

With that in mind, rather than buying a kit, I started making my own. The kits came about because I got withdrawal symptoms at the thought of being away for a weekend without being able to scrapbook. This inspired me to make some page kits to take with me on said weekend away. I did absolutely no scrapping that weekend, but putting the kits together was fun (as has been using them!)


So, this is one I came up with. It contains 6 full sheets of paper/cardstock, some embelishments a few scraps and a some photos. I wanted them to be page kits rather than all out kits as they were intended to be a 'quick fix' for me. These are the two LO's from the kit. I could have done more, but I didn't.


I've had this background paper for 2 years and the same goes for the woodgrain brown, which was in one of my first go-go kits (think 3 years +). For me, that's too long. It felt so good to finally use it.


This LO used some Pebbles chipboard elements (I've no idea when or how I got these, mystery box springs to mind though).

I'm pretty chuffed with the finished LO's, I've used up paper I love that I didn't know what to do with, some scraps and some embellies I've had forever! Added bonus, I no longer feel guilty about keeping those papers for so long, or buying the pretty ones but not using them straight away.

If you've not yet tried a kit club, have a look at this article on Paperclipping. It doesn't really cover any UK kit clubs, but it's informative and check out the comments too. Also, check out UKS here for UK based kit clubs.

If you fancy having a go yourself and DIY-ing it, have a look at this article by Tami Taylor which *really* covers DIY in a nutshell IMO. Just a quick note - I found for page kits, 2-3 'solids' or cardstock and 2-3 patterned papers worked well (along with some scraps). For all out kits, I've found 4-6 'solids' or cardstock and 8-10 sheets of patterned paper seems to be a good ratio. Oh! and don't forget some alphas! Yes, voice of experiance!

And finally, if you're struggling with colours and things that work, check out Shimelle's Explore class, specifically week three. It has lots of valuble information that seemed to reinvent page kits for me.

So, there's my tupenny worth on making your own kits (and using stash and scraps). Hope it's inspired you to use your stash!

Wednesday 7 September 2011

Stairway to sand dune...

Evening all, just poped in to show you a LO I did recently and to tell you all I haven't disappeared!

I've been busy Spring Autumn cleaning in preperation for my next year of study, so full of busy. This has also extended into my scrapping, so I'll have a few things to share with you over the coming weeks.

Oh, and I also hope to have some shiny stuff from the GNPE show this weekend. As ever, The Boy is earing brownie points by taxi driving to and from the venue and I hope I can pursuade him to 'pop' into Art from the Heart nearby for their 10th birthday celebrations. I'm going to bake brownies this weekend to, in the hope of sweetening him up *ALOT* so fingers crossed.

Anyhow, I digress. This is 'Stairway to Sand Dune' an awesome activity involving a sledge and a sand dune... It is immense amounts of fun, but getting to the top of the dunes are hard work.

 Have a great weekend!

Friday 19 August 2011

HOOPLA!!!

Ok, not really. I loved the idea of scrapping on a 7x7 square on a 12x12. So, here's the challenge and here's the page:
Mum and I went in this photo booth at a wedding fair. No surprises only one photo was any good. I love this paper, it's the most awesome colour combo EVER! I've been saving it as I wanted to use it in a page where you can see most of it. Yup, I'm happy with it.

Half a page

The Boy took this while we were in New Zealand, I think it looks awesome! Some of the others show the feather shafts as UV, they really are amazing. There will be more to come. However, here's the challenge... I don't know how this LO came together, it was driving me mental! But I love it.

Cherubicly Retro

Another challenge. This photo was taken in 1988, not long after my sister was born. Ok, this one is a copy, but I love the photo, we look soooo innocent! Here's the challenge.

I {heart}...

Yup, from Shimelle's crafty weekend of goodness. Check out the challenge here. They're generic beach piccies, I can't remember the exact location somewhere between Cape Reinga and Auckland (yup, New Zealand)

And I have more to come (been a busy girlie this weekend)

Tuesday 16 August 2011

A Starting Point

I did a few of Shimelle's challenges this weekend and I'll probably spend the week posting them randomly as I finish them. The challenges will be on the blog forever (or until the interweb dies) but you can join in for prize opportunities until Sunday 21st Aug.

First for the week.... A starting point. I wanted to walk through my process for this too... just out of interest.

So this was my starting point:


From there, I chose my photo's to complement the colours I'd used

I used a piece of patterned paper to mat my photo so they didn't fade into the background...
Then started playing around with embellies, papers scraps, borders and journalling cards...

And this is what it became.

It's quite a bit lighter and airy than my usual style, but I'm chuffed to bits with the result :)

Sunday 14 August 2011

I'm Proud

Proud to Scrapbook.
Yup, I've been over at Shimelle.com there's lots of scrap challenges this weekend which have me running for the paper trimmer and glue dots. Nothing like a lazy Sunday :) But it was this post that got me thinking about the way I conduct my hobby.

Have a think, when was the last time you discussed your hobby, not with  fellow crafter, but somone who gave you that puzzled look when you told them 'I scrapbook'?  The last time was to a work colleague who wondered what I was surfing during my lunch hour. The discussion ended with me saying "google it". In my defence, said work collegue was male and anyone who has tried to explain scrapping to their better half will probably know *exactly* what I mean.

But that doesn't mean I'm not proud of what I do. I ordered my wedding dress yesterday and asked for a sketch. I did get a bit of a puzzled look and I told them I wanted it to scrapbook. I didn't get 'that' look. But I did get a non commital 'aah'. But maybe that's why we're so quiet about it, it's kinda the paperworld equivilent of being a geek. I hide away in a room surrounded by 'equipment' and 'play'. But I don't care. I scrap and I'm proud of it. So my new resolution, to share my work on more than just my blog. I'm going to put my LO's on FB too and be truley proud to scrapbook. Anyone fancy joining me?
ETA: If you want to see my FB scrapbook album, it's here :) I will add to it and put some descriptions in when I have a little more time :)


Saturday 6 August 2011

Right as rain

Yup, we have rain. So I'm tucked up indoors, no plans to go out. Going to crack on with some wedding planning - invitations, bouquet, dress and cake are at the top of the list at the moment and hide out in the scrap den (aka conservatory). While I have had a gap in my blogging I've still done some scrapping and I realised I've not put any of it up!


I'm not too happy with the journalling on this LO, it doesn't work. But, you can't win everything! It's another engagement page and I used July's Go-Go kit (which is taking some SERIOUS abuse!) and a couple of Making Memories tag/jouralling card things.I ADORE The map papers and the grey dots.

To finish off this mornings post, a LO of kitty (who else). My sister has started vocalising the cat's wishes, starting with 'Dear Upright' (It was something included in one of Shimelle's True Stories prompts which has stuck) and signing off 'Regards, Four Paws'


The journalling includes a few of the 'kittyisms' she uses which make me and mum howl! But that's another page.


Have an awesome weekend whatever you do and don't get too wet!

Tuesday 2 August 2011

A week in the Life

Yes, I did join in... I couldn't get in to blogger, caught a virus and spent the week shattered. It was certainly an interesting week. But I did it! The photo's have been uploaded and ordered and I'm now putting things together. I'll show you the finished project when it's done. Here are my 'picks' from the week.

Monday: HRH Metro, skewering a chicken treat

Tuesday: Yup, I caught a virus...

Wednesday: Mum battling the new pilates machine


Thursday: Clarins evening event haul

Friday: Catching up with e-mails and stuff.



Saturday: Cat sitting the stubborn little sod!

Sunday: A day in the craft room... yes, it's usually like this when I'm doing...


Actually, it was really interesting as a project and I'm really looking forward to putting it together. I was a little narked with the boy who refused to let me take photos of him and just looked grouchy when I did. Bloody men!

So, did you document your week? Leave me a link, I'd love to see!



Monday 1 August 2011

Finally!

I can sign in to blogger! *woop*
Just to let you know I am still here and will update asap!


Wednesday 20 July 2011

Week In The Life

I've never really hunted out projects. I just mill around sites and blogs looking for inspiration. However, while milling a few weeks ago, I came across Ali Edward's blog. Yes, this was the first time I'd ever visited... *GAWK* Yes, I know, don't ask, I have no idea how I haven't been there before.

So apart from the HUGE scrappy inspirational resource bucket I  uncovered, something else caught my eye. Ali's Week in the Life project. Honestly, I think it's a fantastic idea. Documenting everyday 'stuff' is something I rather enjoy and who says scrapbooking has to be for special memories only? Your daily memories ARE special, right? Trust me on this.

From the kitty lounging in the sun...


To The Boy putting my Go-go kit on top of the door (I'm 5ft, the door is about 6 1/2 ft)...


...which I spent 5 minutes trying to knock down and failing causing much hilarity for him and grouchiness for me.

 I actually loved this idea so much I've been documenting this last week, also because I've been wedding dress shopping and as irritating as I've found it, I know I'll want to remember it. So I'm documenting my wedding planning ^_^ (How snowed under will I be at this rate! *lol*) It was really interesting, even more so as I work in a secure office and I think taking photo's of personal data or having a camera out would have me sacked! So the camera was away for a big part of my day, yet I still got alot of photos. This really was quite a surprise for me, I expected it to be much harder than it was.

I also found my photography skills improved too, I played with the settings more and more and have some photo's that are fabulous and fun. Be brave, it's worth it.

Anyhow, Ali does this every year and this year, she's chosen 25th July to 31st July. So, I'll be giving it a go, it's free and should be alot of fun. Camera battery charged, memory card cleared, essential chocolate supplies, CHECK!


 So it is with renewed vigour I approach this project and quite alot off enthusiasm. All that remains is for me to get The Boy on board!

Funnily enough, Shimelle, of errrmmm, Shimelle.com fame had a guest spot there yesterday. Guess what the subject is... Have a click, take a peek HERE. *watch the video*

Oh and I meant to mention, I've cleared my work desk too!
*chuckles* Hope some of you will join me :)