Iso Hair | Dust it Off Challenge | May Homemade Kit

Hi friends!

Well it's official - after almost 9 very long weeks I was finally able to retire my teacher's hat and send the kids back to school yesterday. (I am not sure who was happier about it - them or me? hehe) So now I have the chance to get a bit of quiet time, it's time to get back to my "Dust it Off" challenge, and what better way than by getting stuck into a homemade stash kit?! 

So today I am sharing the first layout that I created from my May homemade kit, that I put together using Khristina Sorge's "For the Love of Homemade Kits" May recipe below. 

And here is my layout, "Iso Hair"...

(Click on photos for a better view)

I had these cute photos of my daughter with her dyed green "iso hair" to document, so I knew I had to use green to coordinate with them. I started my page with a sheet of white cardstock that I trimmed down to measure 11x11" then backed it with the My Minds Eye large grey spot paper to form a border. Next, I took my Dina Wakley 'Elephant' acrylic paint and used a wide brush to dry brush a small amount on my background.  

Now it was time to turn my attention to the papers in the kit, so I picked a variety of pieces to start creating some papery layers. The papers I used were a mix of Crate Paper, My Minds Eye and Heidi Swapp in varying shades of grey, green with a touch of pinky-peach thrown in. I cut the papers into an assortment of shapes and sizes and arranged them so the patterns and shapes were more horizontally dominant. I also added a grey paper doiley to my stack, then placed my photos on top and used some fussy cut chevrons to help draw the viewer's eye to them.

To embellish my page I used a variety of pieces from a die cut pack I got from the Reject Shop; a D-lish Scraps flair; and a tiny little banner from the Crate Paper 'Confetti' chipboard sheet.

I also added the Webster's Pages I'm so fancy sticker; a small flower button from the Cocoa Vanilla Studio 'Free Spirit' collection; and some Heidi Swapp acetate hearts (I used my tiny attacher to secure them to the page). I used two different Cocoa Vanilla Studio alpha stickers for my title and then added some tiny splatters of black ink and I was done!

If you would like a look at the full contents of my kit, you can watch my kit reveal video here:

That's all from me today, I'll be back soon with another layout to share.

Until then, happy scrapping! X

Life is a Beautiful Mess | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

Hi everyone! Today I am sharing a layout I created during the Cocoa Vanilla Studio International Scrapbook Day celebration event. It was such an amazing weekend - full of fun, friendship, and of course, inspiration! I am so proud of our team and all the work they put into the event, and to hear how much everyone who took part enjoyed it, really made it all worthwhile.

So the layout I am sharing here was designed for Gwen's "Grab 5" challenge where we had to include - a chipboard element; a die cut title; a flair button; enamel dots; and something fussy cut. I decided to document this fabulous photo of my daughter being hit with holi powder that was taken by a lovely friend of mine who is a photographer. And what better to pair a splash of colour with, than the beautiful 'Bohemian Dream' collection?

Given the "arty" theme of this photograph, I decided the best approach would be to have some arty fun whilst I created it. I started with a sheet of white cardstock that I cut down to measure 11x11" with the intention of mounting it on patterned paper later on. I pulled out my gelatos (if you don't have gelatos you can substitute any sort of water soluble pastel or art crayon). I chose some colours that would match with the palette of the collection, and used them to create a very simple "scribbled" background in a rough square shape. I then used my fingertip and a baby wipe to blend the colours out. 

With my background work complete, I then turned my attention to creating some layers for behind my photo. I gathered some scraps of the Gypsy Heart and Dreamer papers and added them behind my photo, tucking in a yellow paper doily from my stash as well. I also added a tag that I cut and the you brighten my world tag sticker from the Accessory Sticker sheet, both tied with twine.

For the fussy cut element of my page, I couldn't go past using the stunning floral print from the collection - Abundant. I cut three pieces from the paper, tucking each of them under the edges of my photo to form a triangle around it. I also added the live a colourful life sticker along the bottom edge of the photo.

By now I needed to tick off a few other items from my criteria list, as I only had one in place so far. I grabbed a flair button from the Flair Button pack, adding it on top of the floral cluster to the left of photo. The next element I wanted to add was the chipboard element, so I chose a few pieces from the coordinating Chipboard Accent Sticker sheet - a couple of small hearts and the beautiful pink moth. 

For my title, I knew exactly what I wanted it to say, so I grabbed the 'Happiness' Die Cut Titles pack and chose the words life is beautiful. To complete my title I fussy cut a mess from one of the cards on the cut apart Boho Bits paper, then mounted all the words down along the right side of my photo.

I finished off my page with a scattering of sweet enamel shapes (hearts) and a splattering of some navy mist. I was so happy with how this pretty page turned out!

If you haven't joined the INSD group yet, you can find it on Facebook HERE. Despite the fact the challenges have now closed there are still lots of things you can access to inspire you - a free online class from Zoe (including a printable digital kit); process, live scrap and instructional videos from different members of the team; and plenty of layouts to see too.

Thanks so much for stopping by today so I could share this with you. Until next time, happy scrapping! X 

Lotsa Style Mini Trash Can - Product Review

Hi everyone!

I've got something a bit different on my blog today - a product review. I was recently sent this adorable mini trash can from Lotsa Style and asked to put it to the test. It was perfect timing, as I am currently in the process of creating a new craft space for myself (you may recall that I have previously mentioned that the kitchen table was my craft area). So the arrival of this desktop bin was a great addition to my new space. 

These mini trash cans come in a range of colours and are perfect for throwing all your scraps into. There are also custom bags available to fit it, which come in neat little rolls of 100. This means that I can put the wet paper towel and baby wipes I use for mixed media straight into it with no mess. I store my spare bag rolls in the blue drawers you can see on my shelf.

Now any crafter knows that setting up the right space is a process of evolution, as you discover what does and doesn't work for you. And just as my space is evolving, so has my little bin! I couldn't resist giving it an overhaul and injecting a little bit of personality into it. What do you think...

It's very "me", right? I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut this vinyl decal, which gave it the perfect bit of sass needed to finish it off. 

Now, for some good news - you can grab your own mini trash can for your craft space / office space / kitchen bench AND you can get 30% off using my special code SUE30

You can find them in store at Lotsa Style here: http://bit.ly/2MryefO

(And yes Aussie peeps this is local stock, so domestic shipping charges only apply!) 

But that's not all (and no, I am not offering steak knives, haha) - if you do purchase one and you would like my special "f*ck-it bucket" cut file to personalise yours the same I am only too happy to share. Just send me a message, email or comment and I will get it to you.

I might need to grab another one of these for my craft space now, because they make perfect storage too (think Posca pens, paint tubes, paper pads...the possibilities are endless!)

Thanks for stopping by today, let me know if you grab one and want my cut file.

Until next time, happy scrapping! X 

Super Silly Fun | Cocoa Vanilla Studio

 

Hi everyone! Just wanted to pop in and share a recent layout I created for Cocoa Vanilla Studio. For this layout I was tasked with incorporating the theme of “sewing”, which gave me a great excuse to dust off my sewing machine and put it to good use. I decided to use the ‘Legendary’ collection for my page and pair it with a series of photos of my boys and hubby having some fun with a swing at the park.

I started with a sheet of white cardstock that I cut down to measure 11×11″, and then mounted it against the fabulous rainbow stripe of the Wild One paper. I chose this paper as my base as I really wanted to coordinate with all the colours that were present in my photos. It also opened up a broad colour scheme for the papers I was going to use on my page.

For my design I knew I wanted something fun with lots of colour and a feeling of movement to echo the action in the photos, so I decided to create a large banner. Once I had decided where my photos were going to sit on the page, it was simply a matter of cutting an assortment of different sized paper pieces for the sections of the banner. (The papers I used included All Star; Total Legend; Wild One; Offbeat; and Explorer.) I then used a small amount of glue to tack the pieces lightly in place before I used my sewing machine to stitch down the middle of a few of them.

I then tacked the photos lightly in place before adding several lines of stitching back and forth across the top to represent the string of the banner and hold them firmly in place. (I deliberately left all the loose threads hanging intact, as they added to the texture of the page.) I then went back and bent up the tails of the banner pieces, as well as the bottom edges of my photos so they would look as though they were blowing in the breeze. Now it was time for some embellishments!

I started by tucking the large circular frame / mandala piece from the Die Cut Ephemera pack in underneath the middle photo, then added a large star over the top (which I also bent up from the page). I chose the words super and silly from the Die Cut Titles pack and tacked them along the top of my photos. I then took to it with my sewing machine again, and added some lines of stitching over the top, before I added the word fun from the Clear Stickers pack underneath.

In amongst the banner pieces, I tucked in a couple of tickets and a small flag from the Die Cut Ephemera pack; then I added a couple of phrases stickers from the Accessory Sticker sheet along the bottom of the left photo. From the Clear Sticker set, I added two chevrons on either side of my photos to indicate a “swinging” motion and to help draw the viewer’s eye through.

At the top of my page I added some crazy, silly stitching in each of the top corners, then added a date label from the Accessory Sticker sheet to the right hand side. I finished off by adding a few paint splat Clear Stickers, and then a few splatters of black ink and I was done!

This was a really fun page to put together, (especially doing all that random wild sewing!) and I am really happy with the result. If you have a sewing machine but you aren’t confident sewing on a layout, then this type of project might be right for you because perfection is not necessary.

Thanks so much for stopping by today so I could share this with you. Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Follow Your Heart | StencilGirl®

Hi friends!

Today I am here to share a project that I created for the StencilGirl® Creative Team. This time around our team was challenged with the themes of "Stencilled Poetry or Spring Break Stencil Party." As soon as I saw the word spring, my mind immediately went to flowers and my decision was made instantly. 

I am a huge fan of using flowers in my creations. In fact, I probably own more floral-themed stencils than any other type. And regardless of how many floral stencils I already have, I am always drawn to new ones because each one always offers something different. For this page, I decided to showcase one of my most favorite floral-themed stencils - Wildflower Bouquet designed by Wendy Brightbill. I wanted to allow the stencil to really shine, so I kept the remainder of the background quite minimal - it was perfect for this photo of my daughter in one of her Cosplay costumes.

I began with a sheet of white cardstock and some Distress Oxides in Spun Sugar; Worn Lipstick and Picked Raspberry. I began with the Spun Sugar and applied the ink to my non-stick craft mat. I then spritzed it with some water and swirled it through with my fingertip to mix the color. I laid my cardstock over the top and smoothed it down with my hand to absorb the ink. I then dried it off and repeated the process with the other colors, which I used more sparingly than the first. (This was so I didn't overwhelm the stencil design that was going to be placed over the top.)

With the inks in place and dried off, it was the time to add my stenciled design over the top. I chose a Colour Blast by Bee Arty Colour Paste (Deep Water) to apply the design, as I wanted to use a product that would also add some texture. My paste color choice was largely dictated by the photo I was using, but also because I wanted something beautiful and bold to show off the floral design. To apply the paste I simply taped the stencil down onto my cardstock using washi tape; then masked off the stems of the bouquet, and then used a palette knife to spread the paste through the stencil and then set it aside to dry.

Once dry, I decided to add another stenciled layer to my background. This time I used another Distress Oxide (Lime Citron) and sponged the ink through the stencil. The stencil I chose was a soft, flowing script called Rembrandt's Words (small), designed by Carolyn Dube. The addition of the green provided an instant lift to the background, and the loose, organic design of the stencil added an extra layer of softness as well.

The final step for my background was to add some ink splatters. I used two inks - black and an emerald green, and a small stiff brush to add tiny splatters around my page. This added a bit of a "grunge" factor and helped tie in my photo. I then set my page aside and turned my attention to working on the layers that would go on top.

I gathered together a variety of patterned paper pieces that I cut and tore into different sizes and shapes and then stacked them together, securing the pile with a couple of staples. I then used tape to fix the stack onto my background before adding some frayed gauze and then my photo on top.

Now it was time for some more flowers! This time I didn't use a stencil however, it was time for some paper ones instead. I grabbed a selection of pink flowers and some green leaves from my stash and created 3 clusters with them, framing around my photo.

There was just one thing my layout was missing now - butterflies! When I think of spring and flowers, I also think of butterflies, so that was just what I needed to complete my page. I grabbed my Paint Tin and Butterflies stencil designed by Cathy Taylor (another of my favorites); Archival Ink and a sponge dauber. I chose a piece of watercolor style pink patterned paper and stencilled 3 butterflies of varying sizes onto the paper. I then fussy cut around them and adhered them onto my page.

Now it was time for the finishing touches. I added a few enamel dots on top of my butterflies to give them some extra detail; as well as placing a few extra scattered enamel dots around my page. I added a page title using a clear sticker from MAMBI, and a few coordinating clear heart stickers.

Here are a few close-ups of my finished project so you can see some of the details...

That's all from me today, I hope I have inspired you to pull out some stencils and get creative too.
Here's a look at the three stencils I used...

Wildflower Bouquet

Rembrandt's Words

Paint Tin and Butterflies

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Happiness Found | Scrap the Girls May challenge

Hi everyone! Popping in today to share my take on this month's challenge at Scrap the Girls, which is called "It's in my Soul". The boho vibes are strong with this challenge, with the mood board featuring some gorgeous bohemian inspired images.

Here's a look at the board...

And here's a look at my layout that was inspired by the board...

(Click on photos for a better view)

To create my page I began with white cardstock and acrylic paints; using the Dina Wakley "Night" paint applied with a brayer first, then adding some highlights of a peach/pink shade by using my fingertips. (I always say that fingers make the best brushes!)

Once that was dry, I used one of my favourite StencilGirl stencils, "Rose Bouquet" with some Vicki Boutin Iridescent Glaze to add some texture and shine over the top.

With my background complete I then turned my attention to creating some papery layers. I used some scraps (that I think may have been Heidi Swapp papers?), adding a torn piece over my background, and then cutting a double layered mat for my photo. I also tucked in a grey doily to soften some of the straight edges.  

To embellish my page I chose a beautiful floral paper from the Pink Paislee 'Take Me Away' collection by Paige Evans and fussy cut a couple of pieces from it. I then tucked them in on either side of my photo to help frame it.

I continued embellishing my layout using die cuts from a pack that I got from the Reject Shop. I pulled several flowers, a small wreath frame, a couple of butterflies and then finished off with the happiness found banner and the sweet woodland fox. (Isn't it adorable?!)

And with that, my layout was done! I loved being inspired by the board for this challenge, and I am very happy with how this page came out. I would love to see you play along with us this month. Our Aussie sponsor for May is one of my fave peeps - the lovely Gwen from Cut to You. And for our international winner, we have a brand new sponsor on board - Tanya Leigh Designz. Make sure you pop over and check them both out.

And if you want some more inspiration, you can see all the layouts the team created for this challenge HERE

Thanks for stopping by today. Until next time, happy scrapping! X

You Shine and Best Buddies | Scrapbook Class for the ScrappingClearly Cyber Crop

Hi everyone!

A bit of a catch up post from me today, as I didn't realise I hadn't shared this pair of layouts on my blog yet. In case you didn't see via my Facebook page last month, I was thrilled to be asked by the lovely Kylie Tout from ScrappingClearly to be part of her April Cyber Crop. It was such a sensational event, filled with inspiration from a multitude of mixed media and papercraft artists. Just take a look at this stellar line up and see how many faces you recognise...

And yes, that's little ole me in there included in the mix!

So for my contribution to the crop, I decided to design a free online scrapbook class that people could follow along at home and create their own version of my layout using whatever materials they had on hand. I created two versions of my layout for my class - both feminine and masculine, using the Cocoa Vanilla Studio 'Unforgettable' and 'Legendary' collections respectively. This was to demonstrate that the class instructions could be applied to either one. I also included some basic mixed media techniques to ensure that people of any skill level could achieve.

Here is the feminine style layout "You Shine" first, using 'Unforgettable'...

(Click on photos for a better view)

I won't go into all the details of how I created it here, as you can watch my process video to see how I did it below, or follow along with my printable instructions which are available to download HERE

Here's a few close-ups...

You can see below how I layered the flair button with a handmade star embellishment from Charms Creations. 

And just to show how versatile this class can be, I created a second layout "Best Buddies" in a masculine style using the 'Legendary' collection...

As I mentioned earlier, you can adapt this class to use whatever materials you have on hand, and if you aren't fussed on using mixed media you can simply leave it off.

Here's a few close-ups...

Again, I used a star from Charms Creations to layer under my flair button.

If you would like to see exactly how I put my "Shine Bright" page together, you can watch the process video here:

That's all from me today, thanks for stopping by. If you use my class to create a layout of your own please make sure you share it with me! You can post to, or message my Facebook page, or tag me on Instagram @sue.plumb

Until next time, happy scrapping! X