Welcome Little One - mini album

What a mammoth effort I have put into this mini album I have to share with you all today.  Here is my DT creation for the latest challenge at Southern Girls Challenge where this time the theme is my all time favourite - FLOWERS - yay! !  I am also entering this into the I am Roses monthly challenge as I have used their gorgeous flowers throughout.

 This gorgeous little album measures 6" x 6" and is FULL of tags, cards, flaps, pockets, booklets and quotes.  Throughout I've used papers from the Kaisercraft  'Pitter Patter - Girl' paper collection and collectables.  Every edge has been inked using TH Spun Sugar distress ink.

I got the idea for this from one of the lovely Maja DT's -  Cathy McGrath who showed off her version of this album here.   I followed her link to the You Tube tutorial where she learnt this from Ginger at My Sisters Scrapper here.  Its a 6 part tutorial, but well worth every minute.

Still photos really don't show this off to its full potential, but I hope you can see it well enough to enjoy and be enthused to make your own.  It really is quite easy.I

 

 

There are LOTS of places for photos and journaling.  Inside every page a large 6" x 6" photo mat is tucked (you will see them with the tabs to help pull them out.  I made a couple of small envelopes which store more cards, for journaling and the waterfall on the inside back cover adds even more photo mats.

 

I tried to use as much of the extras on the sticker sheet and collectables as possible.  And of course it wouldn't be a girlie album without heaps of drop dead gorgeous flowers.  I've used some rosette roses, but mostly I am Roses blooms.  Here I've used Daisies, small daisies, cherry blossoms, S10 blooms, rosebuds, leaves.  And of course pearls, rhinestones, satin ribbon & seam binding.

 

Now this is finished I am packing it up very safely and posting it off to my best mates daughter in England who just this week had her baby girl.  I'm hope Ally will love this and put all her photos and memorabilia of Lani's first days in here.

 

Two for the Price of One

I think I've been very clever this week, I've used one LO sketch and created 2 totally different layouts.  I followed this sketch from Artfull crafts

 

Here is my 1st layout which I will be entering in the Artfull crafts monthly challenge.

 



This was fun to make, using lots of plain, bright coloured paper & scraps, matching the colours in the photo.  Using the TH filmstrip allows lots more photos to be added also.

All the time I was making 'Legoland' I had ideas churning around in my head for a totally different looking layout using this same sketch and this is how it has turned out, looking nothing like above.

Lots of different elements have been used here.  I started by spraying some Dylusions Ink Spray - Lemon Zest in the areas where the photos were going, then used Dylusions Crushed Grape to colour the burlap, Elegant Frame DA869, Heart Arrow #2 DA1026.  Dylusions Slate Grey was used on the Page Pebble #10 DA11154. All sprays were dripped over the page.  Prima bling and random flowers finish the page.

 

 

 I am entering this one into the Dusty Attic challenge and have used their Inspiration Board for the colours.

 

It really helps when you've got great photos to work with, both layouts were make with photos I 'borrowed' from facebook.

Mia's Christening

I've found a new challenge site and what great timing, its their birthday this month at Scrap around the World and they have gone all out with prizes from their fantastic selection of sponsors.  This  is their fantastic Inspiration Board I've used.  Straight away I loved the delicate shades of pink, the roses and the sparklies which reminded me of this gorgeous christening photo I've used, and of course it was a great celebration.

I've created this layout trying out a new style to me, which is successfully used by lots of hugely talented ladies out there.

I've used lots of Kaisercraft papers from the 'Precious Moments' & 'Key to my Heart collections' (5 actually if you are counting), which I have layered up once all were distressed, punched or stitched, with the photo layered up on a total of 8 different layers.  The lace layer breaks up the background a bit.  Dusty Attic chipboard, BoBunny  & I am Roses blooms add more of the soft feminine feel to the page.
Enjoy these closeups

 

Also I'm using this lovely layout as inspiration for all the entrants at the latest Southern Girls Challenge where this time the theme is 'Tic Tac Toe'.  I've used the first line on the grid which is 'Lace - Patterned Paper - Roses'.  This type of challenge ends up with some amazing combinations and is such fun, I can't wait to see what you all come up with.  As usual there are great prizes to be won here from our fabulous sponsors.  Why not join in. 

Meeting Santa

Oh dear everyone is now starting to talk about Christmas . . . . I am not even in that mind set yet.  So when I received my latest pack of goodies from Jo at Imagine if .    I had to quickly put my denial aside, grab the bit between my teeth and embrace the fact that there's only 2 months left till the end of yet another year.  Jo has sent us all lots of xmas goodies to show you all, so get ready to be 'wowwed'.

I've started off with a xmas layout using a lovely photo from last xmas, showcasing the awesome chipboard 'Santa's sleigh and reindeer' pieces.

 

I started with a Kaisercraft Christmas Basecoat paper, then layered on lots of gorgeous G45 Twelve Days of Christmas papers, following this sketch which was the October LO sketch challenge at Artfull Crafts  (which I entered AND won)

 

 

As I am no artist I simply gave the chipboard a weathered, aged look using a fab new product I've come across 'Ceramcoat' Crackle medium - I LOVE IT, and its so easy to use.  Watch out you will be seeing a lot more of it in the future.

 

This flower stalk is a gorgeous Prima product which I beheaded, then painted to suit.  The little cones I found on the roadside, have been painted, then finished with a bit of gold stickles which sadly is not showing well in this photo.  The large flower is from BoBunny.  All the different layers were hand stitched as well.

If you are following this blog hop correctly you should have come to me from Carols awesome xmassy layout and next follow this link to visit Tash with her gorgeous creation

We are Family

Another busy week  has been had by us all yet again, so instead of a blog hop as we usually do just follow the links at the top of the Imagine if . . home page.

This week we are all showing off the new range of frames, and from what I've seen before this has even gone live . . . WOW . . . there is some amazing work being done.  As I'm now really busy at work I've stuck with something fairly simple, which I'm sure showcases the Imagine if . .  products well.

 

Lately I've been spoilt with lots gorgeous photos, which are usually mostly 'girly', so I'm loving this chance to show off a male page. 

Another Kaisercraft paper has been used, this one is from the 'Honey Chai' collection and is a lot bluer than the photo is showing.  I've distressed, inked & stamped the background, then underlayed some burlap & fluffy trim.  I've used 2 Imagine if . .  frames on this lovely 4" x 6" photo, which were firstly embossed to give a bit of texture, then painted, inked then finished with some crackle accents (they look great in person).  Cogs and arrows add more 'male' items to the page.



 

And lastly, no matter how hard I try I just can't seem to do a page without using some flowers.  I love this big blue Bo Bunny bloom, it works well with the I am Roses daisy and the whole colour theme of the page.

Thanks for visiting, please take a look at what the other DT ladies have created for you also, you'll be amazed, and also check out all the gorgeous products now available on the Imagine if . .  website.  As always your comments are greatly appreciated.

Cheeky Monkeys

Gee where has this last week gone, here we are again, time for another blog hop with Imagine if . . where this time the prize for visiting all the DT's and leaving a comment is 2 sheets of quotes of your choice.  These are an awesome prize, very versatile, I use them on everything.

My layout this week is sadly a rush job as I was working on the wrong project, and didn't find out my mistake until Thursday night.  I hope you can't tell I struggled for inspiration.  This week Jo wanted us to showcase her awesome stencils of which I only received earlier in the week.  These are awesome, and who can't use more stencils?

 

I started with a Donna Salazaar paper and firstly using the bubble stencil I added some texture paste on both sides of the photo, I also inked thru the same stencil randomly around the page.  Next came the wording stencil inked around the edge, very apt for the photo I think.  I then added a bit of subtle colour by sponging ink on random places.  The cogs were heat embossed, monkeys got painted then flocked, bird on top was glimmer misted.  I've used another of the new zipper flowers I have just learnt to make.  Finally to use the 3rd stencil required I inked on some birds

 

The page feels quite strange to me, I'm not sure whether its the pale colours I've used, or whether its just the fact that I didn't have too much time to think over things.  Anyhow it has all come together quite nicely and shows off the photo well.

 

If you are following the blog hop correctly you would have come to me after visiting Jo, and now to continue on your way the next stop is Lilian.  As usual please leave a comment here and every stop to be in with a chance to win the lovely prize.  Good luck.

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Love our Dog

Time for another new challenge at Southern Girls Challenge where the theme this time is 'You spin me right round baby' (circles).  Straight away I thought of using circle shaped photos, and then the rest just grew from there

 

I started with a Heartfelt Creations paper where I've distressed the edges, then lots of texture was added using 2 different TCW templates.  A bit of ink was rubbed under the larger stitched circles, then I just stitched the smaller circles to match in the corners.  The awesome little dogs, chipboard word & lettering come from Imagine if . . .

 

This closeup shows the lollipop flowers (yes, more circles) with the clear beads in the centres.  The satin fabric I've used was different thickness, hence the different effects I've got when heating the edges.

 

This has been a fun page to make, especially when I realised that I haven't actually made a layout since the last SGC layout I made 6 weeks ago.  I've been too busy doing OTP creations for SENZ, which is finally upon us this weekend.  I hope some of you can make it and go and see some of my work, and that of the other awesome designers at the Imagine if . . stand.

 

Thanks for visiting, please leave a comment, as I will when I visit your entry into this challenge.  Lets see what you can all do with circles.  Good luck to you all.

Funtime for the Boys

How about this for something different?  This merry-go-round is the latest 'new release' from Imagine if . . , and is part of our very first blog hop.  We are having a give away at the end of the week, so all you have to do is visit each designers blog following the links provided, and leave a comment at each post.  Also for another chance to win leave a comment of our facebook page.  You may only enter one comment per blog, then once on facebook to be in with 9 chances to win your own merry-go-round with horses.  Each of the Design Team have been given a different theme to complete, you'll be amazed at how different they all are.

To make sure that you are on track in the blog hop you should have come to me after visiting Carol's blog, and before her from Imagine if.

My theme was 'boys', so I was given a car, truck, helicopter & plane to decorate the merry-go-round.

 

When I got all the chipboard pieces I was actually quite intimidated, but when you sit down and get into it, it really is quite easy and fun to put together.  Without the flag on the roof this stands 18cm high with the base measuring 17cm. 

 

 

I started the base firstly by covering the side with this gorgeous My Minds Eye paper along with the central pillar.  For the floor I have used aluminium foil which I embossed with a cuttlebug folder.  This was painted black, then I rubbed most of the paint off the give a bit of depth.  The poles are bits of dowel that I painted silver.  The roof has been covered with the gorgeous Bella Glitz glittered cardstock, which really gives this a 'circus' feel I think.  I have painted all the vehicles fairly traditionally, and added photos to them for a little more interest. 

 

 As my vehicles were quite large I soon realised I wouldn't have room to fit all 4 around the bottom, so I've attached the plane to the top of the roof as if its flying over.   I liked the extra fun look of the multi-coloured flags hanging around the roof (more of that circus feel)

 

This has been a real fun project to tackle and I am really excited with how its turned out, just let your imagination go wild as to all the possibilities to make your own very personalised merry-go-round.  Browse through the chipboard available at Imagine if . . to find and create the theme of your choice.

 

Thanks for taking the time to visit and please don't forget to leave a comment before you hop to the next blog which belongs to Ngaere and gee has she got an exciting merry-go-round to share with you all. 

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Family Portrait

Things are moving a bit slower this month as to sharing my creations with you.  I've had to get on with next months DT projects while I've had the time, so sadly you'll have to wait till then to have a peep . . . but they ARE worth the wait, even if I say so myself.

This layout has been created for the monthly LO sketch challenge at Artfull Crafts, where this month their theme is either 'furry friends' OR the sketch.  I enjoy using the sketches for inspiration.  Here I've made a quick and easy layout featuring some of my lovely English friends after a family photo shoot.  The whole extended family were involved, but had to wait until little Mia (shown here) was born.  Watch out for more of these gorgeous photos to come.

 

I started the page with a G45 'Playtimes passed' paper which I've had in my stash forever, then kept things extremely simple because of the busy paper.  Although its hard to see on the photo I love the effect of the punched corners.  All papers were inked with TH Walnut Stain to give a bit of definition.  Don't you just love the little felt car & caravan, which has come from Imagine if . . . ,  the colours and theme fit the page perfectly.  I've popped a tag with my journaling on behind the photo matt.

 

I hope you will join me in this competition, its one I take part in every month, I love to support the locals.  Keep an eye open for how I'm going to showcase more of these gorgeous photos, but until then thank you for visiting, and enjoy your long weekend.

 



Kayden

Time for a new challenge at Southern Girls Challenge and this time Lou has chosen 'Stripes'.  Easy peasy I thought until I received my new toys - 3x Martha Stewart 'Around the page' punches, so I just HAD to use one of these on my layout.  Actually incorporating stripes with pretty edges really made me think a bit, and then when I decided to use this gorgeous boy photo I had to be very careful.

 

Here I've used a random paper from my stash, which I punched with the 'Large Spiral Arches' punch, then kept everything very simple and let the photo & trucks speak for themselves.  Don't you just love these gorgeous felt trucks?  They come from Jo at Imagineif and come in a set of 3 (digger included as well), you can buy these in felt or chipboard, gotta love them for anything boy related. 

 

I am really happy with how the edge has punched, I can see I'm going to have fun with these.  I've managed to keep the whole page clean & simple, but it was hard as this is not really a style I do much.  Overall I'm please with the end result. 

 

Thanks for visiting, I'm glad to share this with you all and hope to see your awesome projects on our challenge site also.

Nana time

Well I'm really on a roll getting thru all my challenges well before the end of the month for a change.  For this layout I've followed the sketch from Dusty Attic and used another gorgeous photo 'lifted' from facebook of my pommie mate with her grandchildren.  This photo is 'oozing' love which is also part of the challenge.

I started with a Kaisercraft 'Key to my Heart' paper (have I said how much I LOVE this collection), then layered lots of banners on top of stamping & inking.  The DA Skeleton Clock face DA0430 was painted white then finished with crackle paint (not easily seen on the photo). I've used a mixture of flowers from Retail Girl, I am Roses & Dusty-in-Bloom Champagne kisses DA801.  Lettering is DA0476 & 477 mini words #2 & 3.

I love the colours in this layout, which are suitable for both male & female I think.
Thank you for visiting, have a happy, scrappy day.