Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Easter!!

 
 
 
Happy Easter to all my friends and family.  I hope you have a fun filled day surrounded by the ones you love.  If you are on the roads stay safe and don't forget... a little bit of chocolate before breakfast can certainly be enjoyed!!!
 
 

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Jillibean Soup | Handle With Care...

Hi Friends.  Just letting you know that I have had a layout up on the Jillibean Soup blog this week. 
 
As part of the DT we were challenged to use as much patterned paper from as many different Jillibean collections as you dare!  And where I didn't get anywhere near the 75 or 68 different papers on my layout like some of my team members (!!!) I gave it a good go but stuck close to my normal style.  *grin*


"Handle With Care"

products used: cs - Kaisercraft; pp - Jillibean Soup; other - Jillibean Soup: stickers, pea pod parts, die cuts, wooden flags, resin sugar picks, journaling spots; mist, ink.. see full list here.

I have combined both the new and old collections and have created a multi-layered look.


I have attached hidden journaling to the "Handle With Care" die cut, which slips in behind the photo.  I also love this quote on the 3in x 4in card. I hope you will visit the Jillibean Soup blog to check out the amazing talent of my fellow DTers.  Thanks so much for visiting me here..x

 

Friday, March 29, 2013

Life.Paper.Scrapbook | March Sketch...

Hi Everyone!  I hope you are all enjoying your start to the Easter weekend!  We have started school holidays in Queensland and already we have so much to do! 

Today I want to share with you the March sketch challenge over at Life.Paper.Scrapbook.  But before I do, here  is some exciting news!!  Life.Paper.Scrapbook have released their first online magazine - Issue 1 Autumn.  And guess who had the honour of being a cover girl!

 

It is a free online scrapbooking magazine with 100 pages of inspiration and eye candy!! Please check it out!  It will be worth your time.  Don't forget, you can always submit your own layouts for publication here.  :)  ps  - that flair is one of the new gorgeous In Style patterned badges from Greatest View.
 
At the moment, over at LPS, the new March sketch challenge has been released.  Here is the sketch...
 

and here is my layout...

 
"He*Art"
 
products used: cs - kaisercraft; pp - Dear Lizzy (5th & Frolic), MME My Girl; alpha - American Crafts (Amy Tangerine), Dear Lizzy (5th & Frolic); other - Greatest View badge/flair, glimmermist, dylusions, silhouette cut file, Dear Lizzy ephemera, Jillibean Soup sticker; tools - typewriter, silhouette portrait.
 
As you can see, I've turned the sketch on its side and used only one photo.
 

I love taking photos of my kids' artwork.  On this day, Cam wanted rainbow hands!  I was happy to accommodate and he was happy to finger paint! *grin*  I win! He wins! 


 
Our Sponsor for this months Sketch is Raquel from A Piece of Cake Designs..

A Piece of Cake Designs is a unique and scrumptious monthly scrapbooking kit club which provides kits that are jam packed with papers and cool embellies. Owner, Raquel Bowman, prides herself on the fact that all the hard work of combining and creating unique colour combinations and brands is done for you, therefore making it 'a piece of cake' to start scrapping and creating in this busy world we live in!


The winner of this challenge will receive 2 packs of her cherry flair (winner's choice of packs) AND a 15% off store voucher!! UNREAL! Raquel is also a Guest designer for us this month. Head on over to the Life Paper Scrapbook blog and check out the rest of the teams fantastic creations and enter your layouts for the chance to win this awesome prize.
 
Good Luck!  And thanks for visiting..x
 

 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Bella BLVD | Easter Egg Hunt...

Hello Friends!    Today I have something exciting to share with you.  It is part layout, part mini album, part 3D pop up interactive extravaganza!  *grin*  Alright.  That last part, maybe not so much.  But I have still included the 3D pop up surprise!

Over at Bella BLVD this month, the DT were challenged to create projects with either Spring or Easter in mind.  Well I couldn't miss an opportunity to mix the two themes together, even though here in Australia, we are heading into Autumn.  :)  So I went straight to the Sand & Surf collection and chose the gorgeous flower patterned paper (Paradise).

 
"The Easter Egg Hunt"
 
**Sorry - Removed for Publication**

products used: cs - Kaisercraft; pp - Bella BLVD; alpha - Bella BLVD; other - Bella BLVD: ciao chip chipboard borders, flags, miniature stickers (Spring Flings and Easter Things); paper clip, string, mist, free pop up bunny image; tools - home printer.


Initially the layout looks like a normal page.  White space, clustered elements and a little bit of mist splatter!  :) I chose this design because I wanted the bunny to be a sweet surprise.  I have held down the flap of the pop up with a simple paperclip.  It does the job perfectly and melds into the background.
 
As you open the flap, you will soon discover a little Easter bunny on a field of Spring flowers...






I found this free pop up template on Pinterest and adapted it to fit my page.



Of course journaling is also important for me to include and so I shared the story of Easter 2012, on the inside of the title page.


If you would like to learn a few more details about creating a similar look for a layout of your own, please visit Bella BLVD here.

Thanks so much for visiting...x


 

Monday, March 25, 2013

The Scrapbook Store | Everyday Smile...

Hi Everyone.  I hope you all had a lovely weekend.  I spent mine preparing for the Easter school holidays! Yay!!

Today I wanted to share with you another layout created from my lovely DT kit from The Scrapbook Store.  I have so enjoyed playing with My Mind's Eye My Girl collection!  I love it's bright and funky splashes of colour. 

"Everyday Smile"

products used: cs - kaisercraft; pp - MME My Girl; alpha - silhouette portrait cut file; other - MME decorative buttons & felt flowers; Tattered Angels glimmermist (sunflower); American Crafts Dear Lizzy date stamp, Close To My Heart ink; tools - silhoutte portrait, black pen (sharpie).


The gorgeous yellow from the smile patterned paper, was my starting point.  I followed through with more touches of yellow in the embellishments to create that visual triangle and then actually finished it off by journaling about my daughter's smile.  *grin*



If you would like to get your hands on these patterned papers, head on over to The Scrapbook Store.  Suzanne has a wonderful and prompt service and there is plenty of MME goodness available.

 
Thanks for visiting..x
 

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Bella BLVD | Super Hero..

 
 
Hello!  I just wanted to share with you my layout that is up on the Bella BLVD blog today.  Remember that little sneak from last week?  Well, here is the full reveal...

"Super Hero"

products used: cs - Kaisercraft; pp - Bella BLVD All American collection; alpha - Bella BLVD; other - Bella BLVD All American: flags, ciao chip chipboard, stickers, designer tape; white embroidery floss; tools - type writer, machine stitching, Martha Stewart circle punch.


Liam is a huge fan of "The Avengers".  Everything at the moment seems to involve super heroes or villains!  It is definitely a boys world.  His all time favourite hero (at the moment) is Captain America.  So can you imagine his absolute delight when his dad came home with bubble bath in the shape  of his fave super hero!  LOL! I did mention he lives, breathes and bathes super hero at the moment didn't I?! *grin*




My inspiration for this layout came from the all of the stars sprinkled throughout the collection.  I even cut some stars from the new designer tape - Navy dot. 
 
Thanks for visiting and don't forget to visit the Bella blog to see what the DT has created with this stunning All American collection.




 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The Scrapbook Store | Family Is..

Hi Everyone.  As you know, I've recently taken delivery of my DT kit from The Scrapbook Store.  To my delight I discovered all the quirky sayings and beautiful colours of the latest Bo Bunny collection, "Family Is..", in among all of the goodies!

How appropriate did I find this collection?  Well, I'd say it hit the nail right on the head with my kids at the moment!!  LOL!  They are competitive and with that comes some swipes at each others personalities.  And of course the constant barrage of "Muuuuum!!  He touched me!!!" and the classic.. "MUUuuUUmmM! He's looking at me!"  sigh...

 
"Keep Your Hands To Yourself!"
 
products used: cs - kaisercraft (vanilla); pp - Bo Bunny "Family Is.."; other - Bo Bunny jewels, Greatest View badges/flair, October Afternoon sprinklers (twilight/token), Tattered Angels (sunflower), clothes peg; tools - black pen (sharpie), foam tape.


I have also used some Greatest View badges/flairs on this layout.  The yellow one is from the new In Style collection and the other is a Boy Definition badge.


I also love the subtle cream colour in the patterned papers.. It matched perfectly with the "Vanilla" Kaisercraft cardstock.  
 
I didn't want my layout to have a neat and tidy appearance... since it is to reflect my boys' stubborn competitiveness. But at the same time I didn't want to overwhelm the eye with too much randomness either. However, I discovered that with each piece of patterned paper I sifted through, I chose pieces with purpose to communicate my story.
 
The irony in the calmness of a little boy's silhouette among the craziness of layered paper, presents a juxtaposition I quite like. It reflects my hope that even though there is bickering and fighting among the two of them, they also have a gentle, fun loving spirit too. The journaling and boy definition badge with "rough" written on it, reinforces my story.
 
And let's just say.. the "go ask your dad" quote, is all about me throwing up my hands in frustration with these two!  *grin*


If you would like to learn more about this layout, please visit Greatest View.  If you would like to purchase the new Bo Bunny collection, visit The Scrapbook Store here.  :)  Thanks for visiting...x


 

Monday, March 18, 2013

The Scrapbook Store | Hello Study...

Hi Friends!  Today I am sharing with you a layout created with my DT kit from The Scrapbook Store.  This month I get to play with the gorgeous My Mind's Eye - My Girl collection.

 
"Hello Study"

products used: cs - Kaisercraft (egg shell); pp - MME - My Girl; alpha - American Crafts (Amy Tan) thickers; other - October Afternoon sprinklers (token), MME felt stickers, MME decorative buttons, Bo Bunny jewels, homemade silk flower; tools - machine stitching, black pen (sharpie), foam tape.



The chevron patterned paper is just divine!!  I love the soft greys mixed in with the vibrant yellow tones.  Here I have cut small triangles from it, layered them together and then machine stitched them to the cardstock.  I've also distressed the triangles to create some texture  on my page. 


The felt stickers and decorative buttons were clustered together down the length of my page to help move the eye over the layout.  The "hello" speech bubble was mounted onto foam tape for the same reason.


This collection is fast becoming a favourite of mine and will suit all types of girly pages.  I can't wait to share some more projects with it.  *grin* Thanks so much for visiting..x


 

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Bloglovin' | Followers..

 Hello Friends.  I am trying something new for my followers..  BlogLovin ...  Please check out the link in my side bar.  :)


Thanks for visiting..x

Saturday, March 16, 2013

All American | Bella BLVD release...

Hello Friends!! Today I get to share in the excitement of Bella BLVD's brand new mid-season release!  It has been TOP SECRET until now!



This is Bella's first ever Patriotic collection.  But Friends, don't worry if you don't live in the USA and think that this collection will not suit you or your scrapbooking.  It is incredibly versatile and can be used for many different layouts.  Here's a little look at a glance...



And this patterned paper right here....  Has to be my favourite!!!

 (American Pride - front)
 
(b side)

I adore the turquoise/gray/navy/red combination!! LOL!  But if you are not a first time visitor here to my blog, you would have had a good shot at guessing that!!! *grin*

This entire collection will be shipping on April 1st.  Check out the full catalogue here

Soooo... Want to see another sneak peek of one of my upcoming layouts...

(hee hee.. I did say it was a sneak!)

Okay.  If you have made it this far through the post, here is some exciting news for you!  You now have a chance to win this collection + the coordinates before you can buy it!  Check out Stephanie's post over at the Bella blog.  AND if she gets 800 comments with genuine links to help spread the word, Stephanie will not give just one collection away BUT five!!! How exciting!  So get out there, check the blog post for the details and spread the word about "All American" on FB, twitter, Instagram or your blogs!  It is as easy as that.  You have the entire weekend to meet this challenge!  Ready. Set. Go!!!
 
*grin*
 
 
 

 

Friday, March 15, 2013

LPS + Greatest View | Colour challenge...

Hello lovely friends!  Today I have double the fun sharing with you the latest colour challenge from Life.Paper.Scrapbook and announcing that the sponsor for the challenge is Greatest View. How exciting is that!  The winner of this months challenge will receive a $15.00 gift voucher to spend in the store and there are SO many great things in the store at the moment!!!

Here is the colour palette...  A beautiful selection of soft grey, brown and yellow hues.


 

"Beach"

products used: cs - kaisercraft, best creations; pp - Crate Paper, Authentique, Kaisercraft, Echo Park, American Crafts (Amy Tan), Bella BLVD, Ruby Rock-it; alpha - silhouette portrait; Greatest ViewFresh Style badges/flair; other - American Crafts clear stamps (Amy Tan), Crate Paper border stickers, home made flower, kaisercraft mini bloom, October Afternoon sprinklers (token), Close To My Heart (chocolate) ink; tools - silhouette portrait (stars + arrows/alphas), typewriter, hole punch, machine stitching.

I have chosen to scrap a Summer photo.  Not something traditionally suited for beach themed snapshots but I wanted to showcase the beautiful colours of the ocean that were captured with my iPhone camera.


The alphas were cut using glittered card stock (Best Creations) and my silhouette portrait.  The name of the beach we stayed at, on our mini holiday, was called Golden Beach.  To subtly link or mesh two elements together is always something I challenge myself to do on each layout.



If you would like to learn more about my layout, please visit Greatest View where I am sharing the details and story. 


And don't forget to play along with us at Life.Paper.Scrapbook.

Here are the details:

- You can submit ANY kind of project - cards, minis, layouts, PL pages or any paper project.

- You can include any neutrals you like - black, white, grey, kraft

- You can use the sketch and colour challenge together just make sure you link it up to each so you have a chance to win in both.

- Colour challenge #2 runs until 11.59pm 05 April. (Don't forget we are in Australia)

- The winner of the prize will be randomly drawn

- We will also feature three of the favourite layouts and the selected layouts will be asked to guest design for the next colour challenge.

Thanks so much for visiting..x

 

Monday, March 11, 2013

Jillibean Soup | Just For You...

Hello Friends.  I want to share with you a card I created for Jillibean Soup.  I had quite a bit  of fun putting this one together and it was created mostly from the scraps left on my desk!  *grin*  The benefits of being a 8.5in x 11in scrapper! :)

"Just For You"

It looks quite simple from the front, but as you open it up.....



...it creates a completely new dimension to its simple look.


products used: cs - kaisercraft; pp - Jillibean Soup; alpha - Jillibean Soup; other - Jillibean Soup: beanstalks (twine), soup labels, die cuts; kaisercraft; pearls; tools - Tim Holtz distress ink, machine stitching, silhouette portrait.

The butterflies were cut on my silhouette portrait and layered using the Soup Staples II, yellow salt patterned paper... This is one of my favourite papers!

Don't forget to visit the Jillibean Soup blog today to check out some more fabulous cards from the team.  Thanks for visiting..x


Sunday, March 10, 2013

Bella BLVD | Saturday Sketch...



Just a quick post here to let you know that Bella BLVD has the first Saturday Sketch for March, up on the blog today.


 
"Beach Party"
 
products used: cs - Kaisercraft; Bella BLVD - Sand & Surf: Borders, Surfs Up, Paradise, Alpha+Bits Stickers, Miniatures, Just Write Journaling Stickers, Ciao Chip Icons; Freestyle Sophisticates: Freestyle Saltwater; Sophisticates: Sprinkles & Lace Oyster; High Five Alpha Stickers: Gulf; Designer Tape: 12mm combo; tools - machine stitching, black pen.


I've played with the beautiful Sand & Surf paper collection.  Absolutely ideal to document my daughter's beach themed, swimming carnival.

 
 
Head on over to Bella BLVD today to check out which amazing DT members played along.  Thanks for visiting..x