Scrapping favourites of 2012..

As we see out the old year and bring in the new, it is always nice to reflect a little on the past.  For me it always makes me catch my breath, knowing that another year has past, my children grow another year older and that in the midst of it all we have had fun, craziness and even a few tragedies over the past 12 months.

I don't think I have ever reflected the past year through my layouts though...  I've had a huge year when it comes to scrapbooking.  Not only have I had the honour of being a Scrapbooking Memories Master, but being a team member for Jillibean Soup and Bella Blvd is mind blowing!   And I am forever grateful for Gail and the wonderful friends I have through Greatest View, who encourage and stretch me with my projects.   So here goes.. Some of my creative process of 2012.

 

1.  Baby.. One of my submission LOs for Bella Blvd.  Definitely not a photo taken this year but finally scrapped in 2012!

 

 

 

2. Travel.. This is a fave of mine because not only does it help me tell some of the story of our holiday in 2011, but Amy Tangerine graciously signed the front of it after I convinced her it would be okay to do so!  LOL!  Thanks Amy!! :)

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Some Days..  I love that I need to capture both the good days and the bad... This particular phase in Cameron's behaviour is all part of growing and learning.  Fortunately for me.. he is baby #4.  Unfortunately for him.. he is baby #4!  *grin*  Cameron (3yrs).

 

 

 

4.  Sunset..  This simple LO took me on a bit of a roller coaster ride in regards to the attention it got on TwoPeas.  :)  I was both shocked and overawed with the love scrappers gave it.  Thank you..x

 

 

 

5.  Mr?..  Ah!  My Girl.  Sort of... LOL!  She is my constant source for scrapping the fun and zany!

 

 

 

6. Original.. okay.. Having just said that about Tahlia (12 yrs) above.. Liam (10yrs) is not far behind her in the crazy stakes!  LOL!  However, he is MUCH harder to get in front of the camera.  Therefore, this LO makes it into my top 12.  *grin*

 

 

 

7.  First Snow.. More of our 2011 holiday scrapped.  :)

 

 

 

8.  Art.. Oh my.  This boy loves his art and craft with a passion.  This LO of Ethan (6yrs) with paint all over his hands and formed into the shape of a heart was my submission for Jillibean Soup. 

 

 

 

9.  The Pink Legwarmers..  Dance has been a big role in Tahlia's (and the rest of the family's) life this year.  It was only fitting that a few photos of her in the dance studio made it to the scrapbooking page.

 

 

 

10.  Sonshine.. Another baby photo of Cameron scrapped.  I guess I'm not a slave to scrapping things chronologically!  LOL!  Love the colours and the simplicity.  Also a fave because it was created while being filmed for The Scrapbook Store!  See >>here<<. 

 

 

 

11.  Ribbons..  More dance but specifically has hidden journaling about her journey through dance.

 

 

12. Daddy Hugs..  I wouldn't be true to myself is I didn't say this was one of my favourite LOs this year.  It made the cover of Scrapbooking Memories and had me happy dancing for a few days!

 

 

So there you have it.  My 2012 favourites.  Do you have a list?  I must admit I think it has made me focus a little on what I have actually scrapped and the things I have missed that should be written down.. Maybe I should make a list of those things now and scrap them before memory fades..  hmmm.. I think I have just found my New Year's project resolution.  :)

 

Thanks for visiting..x

 

 

 

Bella BLVD | 10..

Hello!!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!  Ours was very peaceful and relaxing!  Just what I was hoping for.  LOL!! 

Today however, I have a little www house keeping to do!  After being away from the computer for a few days I now need to post some layouts (in the coming days of course), in order to play catch up!  *grin* 

And since we are on the verge of New Year's.. I thought I'd start with my Bella BLVD one.  :)

{10}

products used: cs - kaisercraft; pp - Bella BLVD Birthday Boy: Borders, All for You, Eat Cake, Toadilly Cool, About A Boy; alpha - Bella BLVD Chipboard Icons; Simply Simona Chipboard Numbers: White; other - Bella BLVD: Flags: Birthday Boy 2; Designer Tape: Orange Stripe, Pickle Juice Chevron; tools - typewriter, star punch, Martha Stewart cornflower punch, hand stitching.

This rather simple layout was completely inspired be the green Chipboard Icons asterisk.  It reminded me of fireworks exploding and celebrating good things.  I teamed it up with the gorgeous Bella BLVD Birthday Boy colours and a photo of my now ten year old boy.  :)

 





Once I had fireworks on my mind, I set about creating smaller versions of the asterisk with the navy Toadilly Cool patterned paper. Using a flower punch, I trimmed the rounded petals to create the firecracker form. I then added a curved line of hand stitching. It also reminded me of the fireworks' trails in the sky.

 



 

Add a few stars to blend into the background cardstock... and there you have it.  A layout that will suit any form of celebration!!

So... with all this chat of fireworks, I hope everyone has wonderful celebrations to attend for New Year's eve tomorrow.  And of course have safe journeys on the roads in the next few days.  If nothing is planned, I hope you find the time to sit back, relax and scrap a while. ;)

 

Thanks for visiting..x



Merry Christmas!!

From Our family to Yours...

 

 

 

Have a wonderful and safe Christmas...x

The Scrapbook Store | Butterfly Kisses..

Hello Friends.  Happy Christmas Eve!  I hope you are all relaxing and finding the time to do something or be with someone you love over the next few day.  :)  I am going to be doing just that as soon as I tick some items off my very long to-do list!  LOL! But before I can finish off some of those last minute wrapping or baking items on that list, I want to quickly share this layout created for The Scrapbook Store.  *grin*

"Like Butterfly Kisses"

products used: cs - kaisercraft; pp - Echo Park For the Record 2; alpha - Echo Park For the Record 2 sticker sheet; other - Echo Park: For the Record 2 chipboard & decorative brads, kaisercraft paper blooms & mini blooms, Amy Tan clear stamps, Jenni Bowlin paint, Mister Huey's color mist.

This was one of my instagram photos from the crazy behind the scenes chaos at Tahlia's recent end of year concert.  I love this candid moment.  It will also find its way into our December Daily for 2012.  (Umm. Yes.  I am quietly working my way through this...)

"Butterfly Kisses" was the name of a song she danced to some years back, but I love the reference to the mascara being applied as well...

I've also added the "bunch" of roses to the LO as a reminder of the bouquets she gets after each yearly concert.  So, even though there is no journaling on this page the symbols and embellishments tell the story for me.

 

If you have been inspired to use some Echo Park For the Record 2 papers check out this link here.  Maybe you could get some as a last minute Christmas gift!!!  LOL!

 

Thanks for visiting..x

 

 

Jillibean Soup | Plan A...

Hello Friends!  Do you ever get the feeling that some days you should have just stayed in bed?  LOL!  I think that was the kind of day my youngest was having when I snapped this photo.  At the very least he was over due a nap that day!  *grin*

This month over at Jillibean Soup, the DT were challenged to use a quote on their layouts.  So off to pinterest I went.. *ahem*  as you do... of course!  :D  And I found this little beauty...

 

"Plan A"

products used: cs - kaisercraft; pp - Jillibean Soup (Macho Nacho, Soup Staples II, Coconut Lime); alpha - Jillibean Soup (alphabeans, Country Pumpkin Chowder), MFT dies (By the Letter); other - Jillibean Soup: Pea Pods, Hexies & Coordinating cardstock stickers, kaisercraft clear stamp, Close to My Heart ink, Mister Huey's color mist.

hee hee.. Clearly I couldn't resist teaming the photo and the quote together!  And check out those Alphabeans!  They are the small kraft coloured letters.  Aren't they gorgeous!  And they come in an amazing range of colours!!  *swoon*  hee hee...

 



So.. What do you think?  Have you every had this kind of day?  LOL!  I know I have.  :) If that is the case, please head on over to Jillibean and leave some love for the DT and their fabulous projects.  I know they are really appreciated.

Thanks for visiting..x
 

The Scrapbook Store | December Sketch..

Hello Friends.  I'm slowly getting back to my regular scheduling program of blogging.  and scrapping.  maybe... LOL!  The kids are now on school holidays so I have to squeeze it in when I can.  Like today!!

Today I want to share with you my interpretation of the December sketch over at The Scrapbook Store.

Here is the sketch...

 

And my version...

 



 "Let's Have a Great Day"

products used: cs - Kaisercraft; pp - Echo Park (For the Record 2), October Afternoon (Midway); other - Echo Park (For the Record 2) decorative brads, chipboard stickers & coordinating stickers, Greatest View sequins, October Afternoon packaging, washi tape, versacolor ink, button; tools - MS pinking circle punch, Amy Tangerine clear stamp, black pen (sharpie).

Noticeably I've turned it on its side and replaced the artisan shape with the banners. I've moved the title and journaling to the bottom corner to balance the photo and layered paper cluster.

All of these delicious patterned papers came in my DT kit and are available in the store.  So are you inspired?  I'd love to see your interpretation of the sketch.  Please come and join us over at The Scrapbook Store. 

Thanks for visiting..x
 

Jillibean Soup | Tags...

Hello Friends!!  Sorry for the absence of late.. but we are having a mini pre-Christmas holiday to help celebrate my Mother-In-Law's 60th birthday!  The Sunshine Coast is so beautiful during Summer!  And this break away from the craziness is a welcome relief at the moment.  *grin* 

Today I also want to share the Christmas tags I created for Jillibean Soup.  The DT has come up with some amazing and inspirational ways to give your gifts a little touch of homemade goodness!  You must head on over and check them out..

products used: tags - Jillibean Soup kraft tags; pp - Jillibean Soup (Winter Tortellini & Spinach Soup/Soup Staples II); other - Jillibean Soup: bean stalks, coordinating cardstock stickers, soup labels & felt blossoms, mini doily (Greatest View), Tim Holtz distress ink, clothespin.

 

Isn't it fun how a few pieces of scrap paper can be layered together!! I think I will be creating some more of these before our BIG Christmas celebrations begin!

So... Thanks for visiting.  I'm heading back to the balcony now to enjoy our glorious view.  I hope you are enjoying your day just as much...x

Bella BLVD | Splash...

Hello Friends!  phew.  So far we have had a very busy week-end in the Allinson household and it is still early morning here on a Sunday!  lol!  Tahlia has now finished up her dance commitments for another year and we can finally relax and not worry about getting to dance 3-4 times a week! yay!  Last night she had her final dance concert.  It was a beautiful tribute to her teacher who, after six years of teaching Tahlia to dance, is leaving to go to the US.  *very sad face*

 

Anyway... Today I wanted to share a little Bella BLVD.  The Saturday Sketch is live and I got the chance to play along!

 

 

Here's my take on the sketch...

 

 

"Splash"

 

products used: cs - Stampin' Up, Kaisercraft; pp - Bella BLVD (Kiss Me); alpha - Bella BLVD; other - Bella BLVD: designer tapes & stickers; tools - typewriter, machine stitching, black pen.

 

 

 

 

I've turned the sketch on it's side and created a feature out of the designer tapes.  The tapes were adhered to white cardstock before being added to the layout.  If you would like to see a few more details, head on over to the Bella BLVD website. 

 

Thanks so much for visiting..x

 

 





Jillibean Soup | All I Want...

Hi Everyone!  How has your week been going?  For me it has been super busy!!  Lots of end of year projects both for myself and for the kids are being finished up.. Not to mention my December Daily!  But today I want to share a layout created for Jillibean.  *grin*

This photo was one that I happened to snap before Master 6 became very self conscious of his missing front teeth.  We all thought he was terrible cute.  :) 

 

"All I want for Xmas"

products used: cs - Kaisercraft; pp - Jillibean Soup: Soup Staples II, Winter Tortellini and Spinach Soup; alpha - Jillibean Soup: Alphabeans, coordinating cardstock stickers; other - Mister Huey's color mist, kaisercraft: rhinestones, pearls & ink, twine, Jillibean Soup: pea pods (diecuts); tools - fiskars border punch, Fancy That Dies: mixed leaves.

As this photo was taken in September this year, he really was going around saying that this is what he wanted for Christmas!  Currently, his front teeth aren't fully down, but he still has a good chance of having this wish fulfilled!

 

I have also used some of my Fancy That Dies (mixed leaves) in the above photo to create a sprig of holly.  And the pinwheels are for that extra touch of whimsy! LOL!  I think we all deserve a little bit of whimsy and magic at Christmas time.  *grin*

 

Thanks for visiting and don't forget to check out what the other designers have created over at Jillibean Soup today..x

 





Scrapbooking Memories Blog Hop...

Hi Everyone and welcome to the Scrapbooking Memories Blog Hop!!

This will be one of the very last challenges as my term as a Scrapbooking Memories Master comes to an end.  It has been both a challenging and very, very rewarding year.  I can only hope that the new Masters will have the same amount of joy.

Anyway... Back to the blog hop!!  Each of the ten contributors in this hop, will post their projects over the course of the week and we will be keeping you guessing!  Make sure you pop back to the Scrapbooking Memories blog for handy hints and you can always have a guess while you’re at it!  Leave a comment here on this post, if you think you might know what the theme is!

Hopefully you have already visited Jasmine's blog earlier this morning and now I get to share a layout of mine...

"Wanderlust"

products used: cs - Kaisercraft; pp - Echo Park (For the Record 2), October Afternoon; alpha - Echo Park (For the Record2) alpha sheet; other - Echo Park decorative brads & alpha sheet stickers, vellum, sequins, Bella BLVD designer tape (Orange Stripe), washi tape (grey), Tattered Angels glimmermist, Shimmerz mist, washi tape (yellow); tools - sewing machine, typewriter.

This layout was created using my DT Kit from The Scrapbook Store.  I just adore Echo Park and this collection is gorgeous!

My littlest boy loves to travel.  Even if it is just off to the shops to buy some milk!  So can you imagine his delight when the school bus driver let us travel with the kids for one short stop!  LOL!  The driver would of happily have taken us all the way to the school, but then I'm sure my little traveller wouldn't be so happy on the walk home!!  (..between 10 and 15 kms!) *grin*

And now after visiting my blog you have another clue as to what the blog hop theme is all about.  Have you guessed it yet?  Or is it still early days?  Remember to stay with us on the hop this week to discover more clues as you visit some friendly bloggers!  :)  Check in with the team over at the Scrapbooking Memories blog tomorrow morning to see where to journey to next. hint:  It's Sharmaine!! LOL!  You can find her blog here.

 

Happy hopping!  And thanks for visiting..x

ps - I was completely and utterly inspire to create this layout after seeing some beautiful creations by Maggie Holmes.  She is amazing and I thank her for sharing her beautiful work..x

 

Christmas with Etzcetera Magazine...

Hi Everyone!  I just wanted to share the news that the latest edition of Etzetera Magazine | Issue 8 is now available.

It is so full of wonderful Christmas ideas from gift giving to food for the table! Check out this sneak...

I've also created a little mini album and shared a step by step guide to show how you can recreate one for yourself!  :) 

So head on over to Etzcetera today and buy yourself a copy!  Kim and the Team have done another amazing job!