Forever Friends | Dust It Off challenge | March homemade kit

Hi friends! Today I am here to wrap up my March homemade kit series, sharing the last of my projects created using this kit. From the scraps that were left in my box, I managed to squeeze out one final layout and a card and I think I can now officially say this kit has been killed! 

Here is my final layout...

(Click on photos for a better view)

For this layout I decided to document a photo of my gorgeous girl and her best friend of many years that was taken the night of their primary school graduation. I had nothing left but scraps to work with, so I used a white cardstock base and added some paper layers from what I had left, including a piece of the Hambly Screenprints heart transparency. I also added in a paper doily from my stash.

Once I had the paper layers in place and added my photo on top, I turned my attention to the embellishments. I had a limited number of Pebbles 'Patio Party' die cuts and stickers left to use up, so I started with those. To the left of my photo I used the forever friends die cut piece, which also served as the title for my page and tucked in the cute floral beetle in behind it.

I created a second small cluster above my photo using a die cut and a sticker, plus I added a die cut butterfly nearby. One of the other items I had left in my kit was the tiny wood veneer hearts, so they all got added to my page as well.

To the right of my photo, I created my third small cluster (gotta have that visual triangle!) using some stickers, more wood veneer hearts and a Freckled Fawn arrow paperclip.

I finished off my page with splatters of 'Bahama Blue' Glimmermist and some stamping using one of the Dear Lizzy roller stamps.

Once my layout was complete I looked into my kit box to see what was left. I spotted one piece of coloured paper I thought might be big enough for a card front and had a few remaining stickers, so I thought to myself why not? and then put this card together...

I think I will keep this aside until I need it for a girl's birthday and then use Thickers to put the age number in the top left corner.

So my final tally from this kit was seven 12x12" layouts; one traveler's notebook spread; and three cards. I have quick flip through video so you can see them all together and so I can show you what I had left over.

You can watch it here:


I have so enjoyed the challenge of using my kit this month, and am looking forward to Khristina's new list for April. I hope some of you will join me!
Until next time, happy scrapping! X

"Thank You" Card & Colour Blast Retreat Classes | Colour Blast

Hi everyone!

Just popping in to share a "thank you" and to give a quick wrap up on my classes from the recent Colour Blast retreat in Brisbane. I had such a fabulous day with all the ladies, and I was so happy to be able to share my love of Colour Blast products with everyone. 

I was also lucky enough to bring a couple of new Colour Embossing Powders home with me (perks!); and I couldn't resist using the stunning 'Golden Purple' right away to test it out, so I whipped up a quick "thank you" card. 

I started with very basic supplies for this one - white cardstock; a small Heidi Swapp stencil and stamp set; 'Lipstick' Colour Shimmer Spray and 'Golden Purple' Colour Embossing Powder. 

I started by securing my stencil onto the cardstock using washi tape (so it peels off easily) and then spraying the heart in with the Colour Shimmer Spray. I sprayed it lightly because I just wanted the heart to be part of the background, rather than too dominant in my design.

Once it had dried, I took the Heidi Swapp stamp and stamped the sentiment over the top using embossing ink. Then I applied the powder over the top.

Look at that amazing colour! You can see the golden sparkles through it already. I tipped the excess powder back into the jar and then set the powder using my heat gun before repeating the process with the word thankful (also a Heidi Swapp stamp).

Photos really don't do this embossing powder justice - it has the most gorgeous golden flecks speckled through the purple tone. I then added a few splatters of the 'Lipstick' Colour Shimmer Spray by flicking the nozzle from the bottle and then set it aside to dry.

Next, I mounted the cardstock onto a piece of patterned paper to form my card base. I then added some small pieces of torn washi tape and a few purple enamel dots to tie it all together and finish it off.

There you have it - a quick an easy project you can create with a small amount of supplies. (And gives me a card in my stash for when I next need one!)

Not only did I want to use that gorgeous Colour Embossing Powder right away, but I also really wanted to create something that expressed how thankful I was for the opportunity to teach the lovely ladies at the Colour Blast retreat. So. Much. Fun.

Here we are getting busy in class one - the layout class. We used Colour Shimmer Spray; Colour Paste; Colour Artist Ink and Colour Shimmer Cubes on the page, along with products from the new 'More Than Words' collection from Cocoa Vanilla Studio.

Sometimes I just can't help myself but get "hands on". (Thank you for trusting me Dianne!)

This is the layout the ladies were creating...

In the afternoon it was time for the "messy" class, where everywhere created their own canvas panel and I got to share my love for (my favourite) Colour Artist Inks. This class was very free-flowing, with everyone able to interpret it as they wished and I loved seeing the ladies "go their own way" with it!

Everyone was heads down and hard at work during this class...

This is the piece that I created for the class...

Besides Colour Artist Inks; we also used black and white Heavy Gesso; Colour Paste; a fabulous quote and stencil from Flutterby Designs and some gorgeous 'Bohemian Dream' vellum accents from Cocoa Vanilla Studio.

Here's a peek at some of the amazing interpretations that were produced...

Thank you so much to everyone who came along, I hope you all went away inspired to create more. (And remember what I say - "less think, more ink!")

There is another Colour Blast retreat being held at the same venue in Brisbane in October. If you are interested in attending, the details can be found in the Facebook event HERE

I will be back again soon with another project to share. Until then, happy scrapping! X

Class Details: Mixed Media Scrapbook Layout + Card

Hi everyone!

Just popping in to share the details of my upcoming mixed media scrapbook layout and card class I have next weekend in Brisbane:

SATURDAY 10TH FEBRUARY

1.00PM - 3.30PM

A PLACE TO CREATE - 1150 SOUTH PINE ROAD, ARANA HILLS QLD

COST: $35

BOOK VIA THE STORE

PHONE: (07) 3851 2200

In this class we will be working with the Cocoa Vanilla Studio 'You Rock' collection, as well as assorted mediums from Colour Blast, including the new Colour Artist Inks.

Participants will create a mixed media scrapbook page (that could be used for either male or female) as well as a card.

All students will also receive a discount voucher entitling them to 20% off all Cocoa Vanilla Studio and Colour Blast purchases in store on the day!

Class kit includes:

- 4 x 'You Rock' patterned papers

- 'You Rock' die cut ephemera pack

- 'You Rock' wood veneer pack

- 'You Rock' enamel shapes pack

- Card + envelope

- Printed instructions to complete both projects

(Value of kit contents is over $25 RRP)

Class cost also includes communal use of all Colour Blast products required including White Heavy Gesso, Colour Artist Inks and Colour Paste.

Thanks for stopping by today. 

If you are in the greater Brisbane area I would love for you to join me next weekend so I can share my love of these products with you! 

Don't forget to contact the store direct to book a place.

Phone: (07) 3851 2200 or email info@aplacetocreate.com.au for more information.

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

'Summer Splash' layouts & cards | Uniquely Creative Kit Club

Hi everyone!

I was lucky enough to be asked to be a guest designer this month for Uniquely Creative Kit Club. 

For anyone who hasn't heard of Uniquely Creative - they are an Australian company who release very popular Scrapbooking; Cardmaking; and Stamp & Colour kits. They also stock their own label dies and stamp sets. New kits are released monthly and are available on a subscription service (which not only saves $'s, but also ensures you never miss out!); or kits can be purchased individually from the Uniquely Creative store. 

I worked with the November 'Summer Splash' Creative Kit as well as the two add-on dies. When I first opened the kit, I really didn't know where to start. It was so jam-packed with product including cardstock; papers; stickers; a stencil; inks; a word die; washi tapes; and plenty of extra embellishments and textural elements.

I couldn't resist all the gorgeous textures or the inks and stencil in the box; so I started by creating a mixed media page. I had a pile of photos of my kids taken at the local pool that were yet to be documented, so this kit was perfect for those.

"Soak up the Sunshine" 

Here's a closer look at some of the awesome textures I had to work with...

For the second of my pages, I decided to go with something more paper-based, so I could make good use of some of the fun patterned papers, as well as the collectables and stickers.

"Surf's Up"

Here's a closer look at some of the fun details on my page...

In addition to the layouts I created, I also made a couple of cards. Again, I decided to split the style of these cards. Opting to complete one in a mixed media style, whilst the other was a more simple paper-based one.

"You Always Brighten My Day" card

Here's a closer look at some of the layered textures on the card...

"Wish You Were Here" card

Here's a closer look at the dimension on the card...

Thanks for stopping by today so I could share these projects with you. 

If you haven't been over and visited the Uniquely Creative shop yet, click HERE and see the range of kits and products available. (There is currently a 20% off Christmas kit sale, but you will have to be quick before stock runs out.)

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Mothers Day card!

Hi everyone!
Just popping in quickly today to share this card I created for my mum for Mothers Day. (Yes - A CARD!!! Those who know me will giggle, as I am not known for my penchant for card making.)
If you would like to know how I created this card, I have a step by step tutorial over on the Off the Rails blog today. You can find it HERE

{Patterned papers by Cocoa Vanilla Studio; blank card by Kaisercraft}

Here's a close-up of some of the details...

{Freckled Fawn arrow paperclip, paper leaves & flowers, loose sequins - all available from D-lish Scraps;
glitter bow by Crate Paper}

I would love for you to pop over to the Off the Rails blog and see my whole tutorial. While you are there, don't forget to check out the current challenge too. There are only a few days left to enter and be in the running for a fabulous prize from 2Crafty!

Happy New Year!

Happy new year to all! It's shaping up to be a busy start to my scrap year and I have a few things to share, so please bear with me...

*** Firstly, I am VERY pleased to announce I have re-joined the Design Team at Wild About Scrap. For those who have been following my journey, you will remember my term with WAS was interrupted with the premature arrival of my boys. Now that I have FINALLY started to get my scrap on again, Veronica has graciously accepted me back on the team. Look out for some Wild About Scrap projects coming soon!

*** Secondly, I am also pleased to announce that I have joined the Design Team for Show Us Your Stuff. SUYS has recently changed hands, and is now being managed by my darling friend Vicki (who also owns Scrapbooking Top 50 and Burdy's Handmade)...she knew I couldn't say no to her! hehe I am thrilled to be working alongside some awesome creative peeps too!

For anyone that doesn't already know, Show Us your Stuff is a challenge blog devoted to showcasing all things HANDMADE via monthly challenges. If you love to use handmade items (they don't have to be made by you!) on your layouts / cards / OTPs, then be sure to check it out! The January challenge is this mood board...

I took my inspiration from the fireworks (but put a twist on it), the date (the date my photo was taken, which I included on the LO) and (obviously) the bright colours. Here is my take on the challenge...

{Layout published in Scrapbooking Memories Vol 17 No 1}

For my handmade items I included a lollipop flower from Burdy's Handmade, and a fabric button & felt flower from my own Lovelybug Bits n Bobs...

*** I will also be continuing as a DT member for Off The Rails Scrapbooking - an Aussie challenge blog featuring an international DT, fortnightly challenges & awesome prizes. Entry to the challenges is open to traditional layouts (paper / digi / hybrid); cards; mixed media art or OTP projects, as long as they fit the challenge criteria.

The current challenge at Off the Rails is HEIGHT - add dimension to your project. I decided to create a card (as I needed one for my nephew's birthday) and I don't tend to do cards very often. Here's what I came up with...

(No close-ups sorry, my camera went flat.)

I added dimension to my card by layering the elements using foam mounting tape. I also created the illusion of extra dimension by adding borders to each of the elements.

*** Last, but not least, don't forget to enter my Quote Challenge at Scrapbooking Top 50 this month. Not only am I the guest DT for this challenge, but my own Lovelybug Bits n Bobs is the sponsor too!

If you have stuck with me to the end of this post, thank you! I hope to see you joining in on the challenges I have mentioned and I look forward to sharing more creations with you soon!

Some Halo Goodness!

Just a quick post from me to share this card I made...

I used Echo Park 'Victoria Gardens' pp as the base and teamed it with some Kaisercraft transparency (both from Handmade By Suzanne), then added a misted paper doiley. I couldn't think of a better embellishment to compliment all that, than one of Handmade Halo's ornate resin frames. The centre of these frames are empty, allowing you to fill with whatever you wish. I used book paper, which I inked slightly and then topped with a mini flower. I love the little cluster it's created...

These frames are just one of the many gorgeous resin items available in the Handmade Halo store. So if you are looking for that 'something extra' to add to your creations, then be sure to pop over and have a look! :-)

A couple of Top 50 challs...

Sadly, my Jillibean Soup 'Blossom Soup' DT kit from Handmade By Suzanne is almost at an end, but I did manage to squeeze one more creation from it - a card for the Scrapbooking Top 50 'Dare' Chall. The members came up with the following criteria for the DT - stars; paper tearing; glitter or bling; cannot be square. Here's my take...

As you can see, I included a bit of 'Cappuccino' bakers twine, and also some gorgeous Green Tara Bud 'n Bow ribbon and a mini flower. I made the large flower by tearing up tissue paper, securing with a brad and then I sprayed it with glimmermist.

The next challenge I completed was for the April 'Sweet Treats' CC - Vicki's 'Sweet' Criteria challenge. The criteria that were chosen for me were distressing; handmade embellishment; fabric / felt; black background. Here's what I came up with...

For this LO I used some scraps of Kaisercraft 'Love Notes' pps I had (which are currently 30% off at HBS!), as well as a doiley sprayed with 'Polka Dot Pink' Chalkboard Glimmermist (isn't the colour DIVINE? I LOVE this stuff!) I also used 'Chalk' Chalkboard Glimmermist splattered on the background. The gorgeous pink satin flower came from Vicki @ Burdy's Handmade Embellies.

Speaking of handmade embellies - have you entered my Lovelybug Bits n Bobs giveaway yet??? If you are reading this you are most likely already a follower, so all you have to do is leave a comment HERE and you're in the running! And, if you blog about my giveway on your own blog, I'll give you an extra entry (and love you forever!) ;-)

More My Little Shoebox Rejects!

I promised the rest of my rejected projects, so here goes...LOL
Besides the LO featured in the previous post, I also created this one using a mixture of My Little Shoebox stuff. The cute little toadstool button on there is a My Vintage Blossoms creation by Krissy from Wicked Princesses...

Besides 2 LO's, we also had to submit a 'project' of some description (definitely my weakest link). I took the opportunity to kill 2 birds with one stone and made a name plaque for Brielle's bedroom door (which she will get in a few weeks time as part of her 3rd birthday present)...

The final part of the submission was to create a card, and I am happy to report that I can't share it here and have to hang out this sign instead...

My card has already been picked up by Scrapbook Creations and will feature in a few issues time (including step-by-step instructions - a definite first for me!) :-)

Bubblegum Hills Goodness!

This month I was sent the aptly named (coz it's soooo yummy!) 'Bubblegum Hills' collection from Kaisercraft in my DT kit from Handmade By Suzanne. The hoarder in me came out as soon as I saw the pps, coz they were so pretty I didn't really want to cut them up! LOL I did get over it though, as was soon happily cutting away...

For this LO, I actually used the reverse side of the 'Berry Surprise' sheet, as I loved the patchwork look of it. (I just added some machine stitching to make it look more authentic.) The cute flowers were handcut from the 'Calipso Punch' sheet and then layered with foam mounting tape. The larger layered flower is one of the coordinating printed chipboard pieces, which even have the button already attached for you - gotta love that! The alphas are 'Cushies' from Pink Paislee (you can snap them up now at 40% off!) Of course the LO wouldn't have been complete without my beloved Bakers Twine and a sprinkling of coloured pearls - can't get enough of either of them! I also snuck on a bit of green spotty washi tape.

I also made this card...

I love how the orange / pink combo came out on this card! I used the 'Orange Pop' pp for the base, and the sentiment came from 'Berry Surprise' (the top side this time). The gorgeous butterfly (as with the one on the LO above) was cut from the stunning 'Fruity Galaxy' specialty glitter paper (and was the sheet I most wanted to hoard...LOL) I also used a Queen & Co felt 'Doodle' border, more yummy pearls, an old Kaisercraft epoxy brad and a chenille button from my stash.

If you haven't shopped with Handmade By Suzanne before, pop over and register, as everyone receives 15% off their first order. The store is always bursting with new stock as well as lots of 40% off sale items and even 60% off sale items to tempt you! In other exciting news, ALL orders are now sent via registered post at no extra charge (so still only flat rate $5), with orders over $50 being posted for free. Significantly reduced express post rates are now also offered - so if you just can't wait for that parcel, ask for a quote when you order! :-)

I'm still here!!!

Yes, I'm still here and although the past week hasn't been as scrappy as I would have liked, I did manage to get a bit done. (Unfortunately some of it is secret squirrel stuff though, so will have to wait!) A couple of things I can share though is this card, that I did for the February 'Dare' challenge at SBT50. The criteria given to the DT were edge punching / tearing; red; something fabric (of course I used one of my own Lovelybug Bits n Bobs buttons) and something 'shimmery'. I took the opportunity to create a card for my BIL's 40th next week...

I also managed to complete Vicki's February Challenge @ SBT50, which was a sketch challenge. Besides using the sketch, we also had to include lots of journalling and at least one heart. I decided to use the sketch and turn it into a 8.5x11" LO, and instead of journalling a story, I included a recipe...

I decided to keep it simple and created the LO using some left-over Imaginisce 'Cottage Christmas' pps, my fave 'Patchwork' fabric Thickers, a My Minds Eye brad and a machine stitched a border. And although I usually hate to look at my own handwriting, I figured Brielle will treasure this LO more in years to come if the recipe was handwritten.