Forecast Friday: The LOAD inititive - installment 2!

So, May is finally over. This means, so is LOAD. At the beginning of the month, I was a girl with a plan (for full details of this master plan, click here.) I wanted create a LO every day. Not play catch up at the weekends, or do only the weekend prompts. I wanted 31 LO's, one for each day in May.

I did it ^_^ and I am, needless to say, mighty proud of myself. It's a huge achievement for me and I've still done the study I need to **cue smug moment** I've included some of my favourites in this post.

 

However, the purpose of this post was not simply for me to brag (although I admit I am, and feel a little bragging at this stage is justified), but to evaluate my grand LOAD plan. I started out with some ground rules, a newly-purged stash of supplies and an untidy desk. These rules were as follows:

• Study and dinner come first. I'm grouchy and unproductive if I don't eat and my degree is more important to me than a scrapbook page.
• 1 hour per LO. That's it.
• Stock up on adhesive BEFORE starting. That way, I'm not checking my supply each day and wasting time.

 

So how did it go? Actually, really smoothly. I watched the video in the morning, went to work, mulled things over, came home, ate, studied, completed chores and scrapped. Even on those days I didn't want to move from the sofa, I created a page. It was even more satisfying knowing I'd earned my scrapping time by completing my study. 

 The 1 hour limit... Lets talk about that for a minute.

Ok, so I was a little flexible. I usually have some idea of where I'm going with the page, if not I just look through my photos or papers until something catches my eye. If, after 10 mins or so I've done nothing constructive or it's not flowing for me, I'd go and do something else. (This only happened three times over the month, I had a shower, got a cuppa and went back to the LO). I don't set an alarm or finish after an hour regardless, just until I'm happy the LO is finished. The longest was 1 hour 30, shortest, 45 minutes.

 

I didn't feel stressed or under pressure at any point. I just scrapped until I was happy with the page. I have to admit that I have gone back to a couple of the LO's to add an extra layer, journalling or embellishment, but that doesn't mean they weren't finished before that, call it artistic prerogative. 

There were other benefits, out of the 200 papers I pulled out, I now have 67 and a similar size pile of scraps to the pile I started with. I had to refill my embellishment box halfway through the month, so I suspect I will need to restock shortly. I've spent half the month cutting up letter stickers to make the one that was missing (take note - WE NEED MORE VOWELS, S's, R's AND T's) and have made a huge dent in my alpha collection. I now have an excuse to shop and best of all, I won't feel guilty!

 Oh, and yes, I did have enough adhesive!!!

If you want to see my full LOAD, they are in my flickr gallery, please excuse the bad photography. English evenings have not been my friend (although photoshop has helped!) 

Thank you for stopping by, and if you are interested in joining in the next LOAD, stop by LOAD on facebook for more information.

The LOAD Inititive

Let's talk LOAD, or as it's known in certain circles Layout a Day. It's a one month challenge to create... *drumroll* a layout a day! (I bet you'd never have guessed it)

I have the motivation of a hungover student when it comes to classes and challenges, the will is there, but movement is lacking. I did a 7 or 8 LO's in May 2012, 1 in October 2012 and non in February 2013.

This time, I wanted to give it a real go, the Boy is away, there are only so many games I can play and I thought it was the ideal time to have a proper stab *snigger* at it.

This is what my desk looks like halfway through, I tend to tidy so I can work, but that's pretty much it. I'm an 'out-of-sight-out-of-mind' person, if I can't see it, it won't get used.

Now, like most people, my house is moderately tidy, cleaned as and when it gets dirty. I work 9-5 (well, 8-5), I study and I need to wash clothes and eat. This means I need to do a little planning when it comes to LOAD.

I set myself a few 'ground rules'

• Study and dinner come first. I'm grouchy and unproductive if I don't eat and my degree is more important to me than a scrapbook page.
• 1 hour per LO. That's it.
• Stock up on adhesive BEFORE starting. That way, I'm not checking my supply each day and wasting time.

Speaking of stocking up, I have quite alot of stash, so I haven't purchased anything new. I do have a monthly kit subscription, but I want to use what I have, so with the exception of the kit, no shiny new papers for me. I also have scraps, like most people, so they sit on my desk to be fished through.
 

I had one other trick up my sleeve before the 1st May 2013 rolled around. I purged (and I do mean PURGED) my stash. Considering I need to get through 31 layouts, you would have thought I needed all the stash I can get... Sounds extreme? Here's my rational:

I scrap at a desk with my stash behind me, but for me, out of sight, out of mind is quite accurate. It's for this reason I keep a box of paper next to my desk and a box of embellishments on my desk. By purging, I sort through everything. I pull out 'new' papers (and my 'use it or loose it' pile), put lack-lustre ones away (they come back out next time round as 'use it or loose it) and get rid of papers I really don't like anymore (I donate these). The same applies to embellishments. I find that this way, I rotate my stash and there is always something new on my desk and I don't get overwhelmed.
It also meant I could have a huge pile of new goodies to work with ^_^ 

As of Thursday, this is my stack of LO's (minus the first 5 days). Looking good so far...

So... This was the theory... How did I get on..? Find out in a couple of days!

Inspired by...

Anyone else a little addicted to Glitter Girl?? Yup, me too. Although I have to admit, I don't tend to join in with the challenges, I find her videos intriguing and inspiring. So, a few weeks ago, I saw Layouts within Limits which got me thinking... I have a mountain of wedding photos I want to scrap. Would this work for me? Then Shimelle put up a post about 'batch' scrapping. 

So who am I to ignore writing on the wall blog!

I chose my photos and papers...

I promise, the yellow paper in the bottom left is the 'B' side of the blue swirly paper in the middle of the top photo. I love the yellow, but it wan't working for me. So rather than return to my stash, I flipped it over.

I worked with my scraps box, well, pile, and the embellishment stash I keep on my desk (I put new stuff in as I empty it and I made sure it was full before I started this)

 I chose two letter stickers, a Jillibean Soup and some thickers, a selection of paints and mists, 3 rolls of washi tape and my favourite embossing powder to go with my 'kit'.

And then, I scrapped! It was an intersting process. The pages come together quite quickly and I'm happy with them. Limiting my supplies meant I made things I had work rather than returning to my stash (I keep everything in RUB boxes) and I tried different things to make them 'work'.

As you may have guessed, this was our first dance 'Stripsearch' by Faith No More. It gives me goosebumps whenever I hear it. 

Next up: All in the details, just to record some of the little things... I'm planning some more of these pages I think

Again, I used scraps from my scrap pile and a little washi tape with some enamel dots.

And finally, one of my favourites: the vintage bus

I cannot tell you how much I love this photo... and the LO.

So there you have it: my bash at batch scrapbooking. Has anyone else tried this? How did you get on? I'd love to know.

P.S for those of you wondering, here's 'Stripsearch'

Forecast Friday: Bank Holiday Heatwave?

I know it's warming up at long last, but there are some times a lie in is on the cards. So, I intend to make the most of the weekend.. Well, Sunday onwards. I'm off to Scarborough tomorrow to visit my sister in law, her partner and bump. Bump is about a week overdue, so there may be a swift change of plans if he arrives in the next 12 hours! 

In other news: I'm taking part in LOAD this month, Layout a Day for those who don't know what I'm on about. So I'm aiming to make pages like crazy and use up stuff. 

This page was from day one. I have journalled since taking the photo, it's about my determination that my wedding dress wouldn't be white.

I'm hoping to keep up making one a day - we shall see. They'll be on Instagram, it's just easier to share... Titch_TSO if you are interested. The better ones may well make an appearance here over the course of the month.

So, scrapping, chilling out and maybe some baking are on the cards this weekend. How about you? Oh, and if you are joining in with LOAD this month, have fun!

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!

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 :)

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?

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?

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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)

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 :)

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 :)

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!