Monday 23 June 2014

Sneaky Peeks...

I just have some little sneaky's of what I've been working on over the weekend for Tomorrow's Memories.  I had a migraine Thursday and Friday... finally it started receding Saturday... so I took it easy and scrapped the weekend away between naps - got to love it when something bad turns into something so much fun!

This first is from a layout I created for the take home kits. These offer fabulous value for money as they contain just the elements you need, without being over-charged for full packets of things you may not need or use again!  This one was also set as a challenge amongst the DT to create using mostly paper like our DT Member Louise Beerens does.  What she can do with just a couple of sheets of paper is amazing, she's truly talented!

Pop into Tomorrow's Memories regularly and check out what kits are available, as these are strictly liminted and ever changing.


This next one is for an upcoming class and was lots of fun to create.  At first I chose these gorgeous Kaisercraft Dream Big papers for the colours alone, and was delighted at how versatile the design was {and so so pretty with the butterflies and doily shapes}!  It's a fun, happy layout with a couple of not so messy techniques using gesso and loads of layering!
 
Dare to Dream


This one goes back to my vintage grungy style... with an iddy SteamPunk twist!  And like all grungy work, it has a wonderful messy technique I'll be sharing with you as well as lots of  layering, fussy cutting and distressing.

 Carpe Diem


Class schedules are available online HERE or you could email them HERE to sign up for Tomorrow's Memories Newsletter to keep informed of upcoming class schedules so you can book your spot before they sell out!


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Sunday 22 June 2014

True Love - Australian Scrapbook Ideas #27

Here's my last share from Issue #27... a wedding photo of my beautiful friend and her hubby. They are a beautiful couple with loving, generous hearts.


I LOVE this Dichroic Glass effect, created with the Croco Paint in the background.  There's step by step instructions on how to do this in the magazine!  I kept the layout quite simple, adding some stunning turquoise flowers to frame the photo and the Dichroic Glass chipboard hearts as the focus embellishments.



All article layouts in Australian Scrapbook Ideas come with full instructions, so ask for it at your local newsagent or subscribe so you don't miss out!  You can find them online HERE and you can keep up to date by following them on Facebook HERE.


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Friday 20 June 2014

Looking Back - Australian Scrapbook Ideas #27

Here's another vintage style layout, this time with my maternal grandparents. These photos were taken in the 40's, they had such style back then... how dapper was my grandpa!!


I used an impressive chipboard frame for this one from Dusty Attic.  It was perfect for the era, the vertical layers and held the Croco beautifully.  For this one the cracks were accented with some Viva InkaGold, one of my favourite mediums for highlighting textures you've created on your work.


All article layouts in Australian Scrapbook Ideas come with full instructions, so ask for it at your local newsagent or subscribe so you don't miss out!  You can find them online HERE and you can keep up to date by following them on Facebook HERE.  I won't have any shares for you from Issue #28 when that's released as I took a mini break... but there's more coming up in Issue #29!


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Wednesday 18 June 2014

Creating, Chatting, Learning...

Wow... I've just been reading back through my blog, wayyyyy back in 2006.  I can't believe I've been blogging so long!  And while there are so many changes, so many things are just the same!  It has made me realise though that this is such a great 'diary' tool, looking back at my journey through scrapping and life.  And for someone with a brain that doesn't remember all the little things that happened around me, it's really helpful.  

So... today has me wondering about how I went with Kaisercraft; like I'm sure the rest of us finalists are {I'm not sure when they'll make their decision - it would be such a hard job}.  I haven't created a lot lately, with so much happening at home, getting sick, stressing over money, trying to get and keep the house clean, working double roles at work, oh and being a single mum {yes it might be to a 17yo, but it's still harder work than it was before}... all those usual crazy things that my life brings.  I found that I was pushing my creativity aside, I even considered putting it away for good.  And then the Kaisercraft DT Call came up, and I felt that creative itch surfacing again... so even if I don't make it through to the Contributing Team, I am so very thankful for regaining that 'need' to create.  I love creating, I need to create and should never make creating a 'disposable' part of my life. 

On the weekend I even created some more work for Donna Salazar. I've been having a little holiday {thanks again Donna for your understanding and support}, but now I have some projects to photograph as soon as I get some good light {and put some photos on the layouts LOL}.  Here's a little snippet of an iddy canvas which is still a work in progress...



I've been doing some ATC classes as well these last couple of month with Kelsey O'Mullane... I'm learning so much and having such fun!   And now in a couple of weeks time I'm doing a weekend workshop with Jen Crossley, yikes!  This will be well and truly wayyyyy out of my comfort zone, but I'm really looking forward to doing it!  I'll be learning to make some pendants and brooches as well as afabulous CookBook.  We'll be playing with Ice Resin and doing Metal Etching and all sorts.  My sister wants the CookBook, for her aromatherapy blends of all things... but it's very her and I know she'll love it and use it

http://amarkintime.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/captain-underpants-perth-tour-yea-haw.html

How cool does that CookBook look, I hope I can make mine look almost as good!

Life on the homefront is settling into a chaotic routine, but there's routine there LOL.  Work is great {I know, don't fall off your chair}.  I have someone to help me in estimating now, finally a real estimator after years without one.  We have a new planning system in place which I am loving using, learning new things, putting more feathers in my cap.  Yep, work is good!  I have put some of my art pieces and layouts up in my office, it's amazing how motivating that is, should have done that ages ago. 

My sister is coming over on the weekend to watch the final episodes of Game of Thrones, then we impatiently wait for the next season.  Luckily we'll have TrueBlood and then hopefully Walking Dead to keep us occupied in between!

Well I think that's enough rabbling on for me!   Until next time... take care of you.

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Mona Ruby - Australian Scrapbook Ideas #27

Crackle to me means VINTAGE!  It adds such a lovely worn distressed effect to embellishments for heritage styled pages.  I chose a lovely swirly name plate to coat with the Croco Crackle for this layout of my grandmother.



The paint for this one was white, which was a bit bright for the vintage photo and papers, so I gently distressed it with Antique Linen Distress Ink.


All article layouts in Australian Scrapbook Ideas come with full instructions, so ask for it at your local newsagent or subscribe so you don't miss out!  You can find them online HERE and you can keep up to date by following them on Facebook HERE.

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Monday 16 June 2014

Butterflies Canvas - Australian Scrapbook Ideas #27

Onto Issue #27 of Australian Scrapbook Ideas, this is the most recent out at the moment!  This article was all about fabulous Viva Croco Paint... love!!  I got to do a "Tried and Tested" article which was a whole load of fun to write up, as well as it was to create.

I decided to create a little canvas for one of my Croco samples, which I then covered in UTEE.  I did try to see how it'd turn out with Glossy Accents, but that gave the surprising result of totally filling in the cracks so they went away!


Look how fabulous those cracks are!!


All article layouts in Australian Scrapbook Ideas come with full instructions, so ask for it at your local newsagent or subscribe so you don't miss out!  You can find them online HERE and you can keep up to date by following them on Facebook HERE.

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Sunday 15 June 2014

Teens - Australian Scrapbook Ideas #26

My kids... love these two nutters!  Well one is mine, and the other is my god-daughter... but I call her mine!


This backgound was amazing to create!  Believe it or not it started as aluminum foil!  If you can get a hold of the magazine there are step by step instructions on how to recreate it.



With such a dramatic background, and a busy photo all this layout needed was a few well placed embellishments and it was done.  Probably one of the quickest layouts I have done... but one of the ones that gave me the most fun!



All article layouts in Australian Scrapbook Ideas come with full instructions, so ask for it at your local newsagent or subscribe so you don't miss out!  You can find them online HERE and you can keep up to date by following them on Facebook HERE.

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Saturday 14 June 2014

Tea Time - Australian Scrapbook Ideas #26

I am loving the papers by designer Marion Smith... they are so perfect for me!  Grungy, yet pretty, vintagey yet modern... and they have all these fabulous bits you can cut out!  These papers, and the iddy little resin teapot I found in my stash inspired me to create a layout featuring my Grandmothers Tea Set.



I really love these sweet little resin shapes... they were white, but they've been painted with Black Gesso and touched with Jasmine and Peridot Mix'd Media Inx.


The little chipboard banner was given the same treatment, with some shading using a black and a white gel pen to give it more definition.



All article layouts in Australian Scrapbook Ideas come with full instructions, so ask for it at your local newsagent or subscribe so you don't miss out!  You can find them online HERE and you can keep up to date by following them on Facebook HERE.

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Friday 13 June 2014

Finalist Entry Kaisercraft DT 2014/15

Here we are... my Finalist Entry for the KaiserCraft 2014 Design Team.  Oh my, the nerves were well and truly happening creating these, it's like I had stage fright.  However once I'd chosen which papers to start with and cut my first piece, I was off and running, having pure fun!  I'm so excited that I simply got to this stage, can you imagine me if I get all the way through!?!

Kaisercraft sent me 2 beautiful brand new paper ranges to work with, Rustic Harmony and Yuletide.  I have to admit it was so very wonderful to be playing with papers that haven't been released or seen by anyone yet, it was a great honour! 

First I will share with you some pieces I have made with the Rustic Harmony Collection.  I couldn't resist focusing on the lovely subtle peach, aqua and grey tones featured in this range.

Collect Moments


I went for a shabby soft look with this range, choosing papers with similar hues and tones. I found it such fun to create with papers that have so many matching colour options from Kaisercraft's range of embellishments.


 

Kaisercraft used: Rustic Harmony {Enchantment P1655, Peace P1649, Euphoria P1653, Delightful P1654, Sticker Sheet SS259}, Cardstock {Smoke CD103}, Paper Blooms {Coconut F627, Sage F632}, Mini Paper Blooms {Coconut F644, Honey F645, Dusty Pink F658}, Rhinestone Flourishes {Decorative Silver RS474}, Rhinestones {Silver SB700}, Flourish Pack {Berry Vine FL376}, Crochet Doilies {Cream Lace EM948}
Other: Polka Dot Organza Ribbon, Border Punch, Rhinestone Button, Embroidery Thread, Peach Ink, Foam Tape


Live a Beautiful Life Card



Kaisercraft used: Rustic Harmony {Peace P1649, Delightful P1654, Unity P1650, Enchantment P1655, Sticker Sheet SS259}, Cardstock {Blush CD130}, Paper Blooms {Coconut F627, Sage F632}, Mini Paper Blooms {Coconut F644, Dusty Pink F658}, Sparklets {Crystal RS408}
Other: Crochet Trim, Embroidery Thread, Foam Tape


I couldn't quite stop there with this range... I had to create a small reverse canvas. 

New Beginning


This one is quite personal to me, although all my artpieces usually have some meaning and emotions behind them.  This one is to remind me that just because something ended, it doesn't mean it the end... it's merely a new beginning!




Kaisercraft used: Rustic Harmony {Tranquil P1648}, Paper Blooms {Coconut F627, Sage F632}, Mini Paper Blooms {Coconut F644, Honey F645}, Alpha Stickers {White AS252}, Rhinestone Flourishes {Decorative Silver RS474}, Sparklets {Crystal RS408}, Flourish Pack {Vines FL303}, Crochet Doilies {Cream Lace EM948}, Embellishments {Decorative Eggs EM996, Decorative Nests EM997}
Other: Canvas, Gauze, Vintage Crochet Trim, Crochet Lace Trim, Ribbon, Bird.
Mediums: Texture Paste, Fibre Paste, Colour Sprays, Inks, Metallic Rub


The Yuletide Collection is perfect for those who love the traditional vintage style Christmas!  It's perfect with it's deep greens and reds, boughs of holly and traditional Yuletide sentiments.   

 Trimming the Tree


Kitty cats make the sweetest Christmas Tree ornaments, don't you think? I'm tempted to say I don't understand their fascination with them, but really how could we expect them resist all those glittery baubles when a red laser dot can keep them occupied for hours! 


Kaisercraft used: Yuletide {Miracle P1620, Goodwill P1618, Christmas Eve P1617, Festive P1614,  Nutcracker P1613, Sticker Sheet SS255}, Cardstock {Mocha CD110}, Paper Blooms {Coconut F627}, Mini Paper Blooms {Coconut F644, Honey F645, Fire Red F669}, Pearl Flourishes {Decorative Latte PL516}, Tag Pack {Raw EM925}, Crochet Doilies {Cream Lace EM948}, Template {Lattice T610}
Other: Embroidery Thread, Crochet Trim, Seam Binding, Glass Pebble Cabochon, Gauze, Buttons, Foam Tape
Mediums: Texture Paste, Evergreen Colour Mist

And you can't make a Christmas layout without a card as well!  I concentrated on layers of soft cream patterns for this card and topped it off with one the holly stickers.  Nice and simple, yet full of visual texture.

Joy to the World Card



Kaisercraft used: Yuletide {Nativity P1615, Garland P1616, Miracle P1620, Sticker Sheet SS255}, Cardstock {Vanilla CD113}, Pearl Flourishes {Decorative Latte PL516}, Flourish Pack {Frames FL305}
Other: Embroidery Thread, Foam Tape
Mediums: Gesso, Brown Ink, Glitter, Brown Colour Mist

Thanks so much everyone for your support and encouragement.  Wish me one last lot of luck now to make it through this last round.  I'll let you all know the news as soon as I can!!  Either way, I hope I have inspired you to grab these papers once they are released, they truly are must have collections for your creative supplies!


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Just Me - Australian Scrapbook Ideas #26

I love this layout... and I was SO excited when it got the Cover of the magazine.  My very first cover and I was so happy that it was with Australian Scrapbook Ideas. 



I usually struggle using black accents on my work... there are some amazing scrapbookers out there that make this look so good, but I've never really found a balance with it - until this layout!


So many accents were altered with the Black Gesso for this layout. The resin flowers, the resin frames and the gorgeous chipboard butterflies.



All article layouts in Australian Scrapbook Ideas come with full instructions, so ask for it at your local newsagent or subscribe so you don't miss out!  You can find them online HERE and you can keep up to date by following them on Facebook HERE.

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Thursday 12 June 2014

KaiserCraft Design Team Finalist

Ok... gotta say, I'm a bit excited that I've made the second round finalists for the KaiserCraft DT, there's nothing quite like some good news to get your creative mojo revving!!

Soon I'll have some new creations to share with you featuring some gorgeous new papers from Kaiser as my Finalist entry... so wish me luck that I make it through!

Congratulations to all the other finalists... you can see them all HERE on KaiserCraft's Blog, with links to each of their application entries.


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GameBoy - Australian Scrapbook Ideas #26

Once again I'm playing catch up!  Ever since my ex and I split life has been better, but I definitely don't have anywhere near as much 'free' time.  Yes, I have down-time... but I need to keep that as 'do absolutely nothing' time or I'll fall in a heap!

Here's a layout from Issue #26 of Australian Scrapbook Ideas... 2 editions ago now.  So for those who haven't been able to get the magazines, be prepared to be bombarded the next few days with my catch up posts!

This article was all about Black Gesso... fun!



For this layout I created a truly grungy background from corrugated cardboard and created am industrial chalkboard effect.


I splashed around some 'Goosebumps', I love the glossy effect on the chalky background.


I continued the chalkboard effect on the letters.  I painted the plain alphas with Black Gesso, inked a messy edge with some Jasmine Mix'd Media Inx and then glossed it up with Glossy Accents.


It was fun to create a totally grungy boy style layout - I love my flowers, but to create this 'messy' style surely is satisfying!

All article layouts in Australian Scrapbook Ideas come with full instructions, so ask for it at your local newsagent or subscribe so you don't miss out!  You can find them online HERE and you can keep up to date by following them on Facebook HERE.


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