Yum | Dust it Off Challenge | March Homemade Kit

Hi all!

I can hardly believe I am saying this, but I have another layout to share using my March homemade kit! This brings my total number of projects from this kit so far to six, which is more than I thought I would create when I began! If you have been thinking about putting a kit together from your stash, I have to say that based on my own experience, I would highly recommend doing it. (I used the March homemade kit recipe from Khristina Sorge - you can read all about it and find a printable version of it on her blog HERE)

For this page, I really wanted to try and use up some of the Pebbles food themed die cuts from the kit, so I printed out some photos of my boys having hot chips after a day at the beach from a few years ago.

Here's my layout...

(Click on photos for a better view)

I decided to make an effort to use the Gelato set I had included in the kit, so I began with white cardstock. This time, I wanted to use all 4 of the colours so I grabbed the small floral stencil from the kit and I used a stencil brush to add some flowers to the background so it looked like this...

With the flowers done, I turned my attention to all the paper pieces I had left in the box. I grabbed an assortment of smaller sized scraps and starting layering them randomly across my page (trying not to cover up too much of the stencilling I had just done). 

Amongst my layers I also added half of a paper doily; a couple of transparency scraps;  and some paper lace strips that I punched from scraps with the Martha Stewart punch I included in the kit. One of the other items I had in my kit was clips, so I pulled a couple of brightly coloured arrow ones out and slipped them onto the edges of my photos before sticking my photos down.

Next it was time to go a little embellishments crazy! As I mentioned earlier, my goal was to use up some of the Pebbles food themed die cuts, so I began by tucking several of them into the paper layers and around my photos. 

I also grabbed the roll of leaf print washi tape that had made it into the kit and added several pieces around the page. 

Next on my hit list was the Prima chipboard, as I had hardly used any of the pieces from the kit so far. (And frankly, due to the "cutesy" nature of them, I don't think I will be using many more, so it will be off to school with them at the end of the month.) I did manage to use one though, a floral piece featuring the word hello that I slipped in under the left edge of my main photo.

Looking into my kit, it was clear there was something else that I had clearly been ignoring - flowers. I had a small assortment of paper and resin flowers, as well as a couple of fabric daisies that had come from the D-lish Scraps 'Just Add Paper Kit'. So I pulled them out and started sticking them down.

I thought the page needed a bit more vertical flow, so I created two small clusters at the top and bottom of the page using some scraps of paper and some of the flowers.

To finish off my page I dug through the kit to find a few more items. I used the Martha Stewart butterfly punch to punch out three different paper butterflies; added the date with a small journal tag, and splattered some of the 'Bahama Blue' Glimmermist around. I used the small lime Thickers to add the title and then pulled a different roller stamp from my stash to stamp the sweet life around my page. 

And with that I was done! It turned out to be a very busy page full of colours, layers, and fun elements; but most importantly, I used up a heap of stuff AND documented a memory so that made it a winner for me!

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

Happy Days | Dust It Off Challenge | March Homemade Kit

Hi everyone!

I'm back again today with another layout for my "Dust It Off" challenge. This time my layout was created from a kit that I put together from my stash. The kit was inspired by a list published by Khristina Sorge (from Redefined Kreative and The Secret Not Secret Kit Club) as part of her "For the Love of Homemade Kits" series on YouTube. 

Here's the March kit contents list...

And this is the kit I put together...

I used a mix of papers from Cocoa Vanilla Studio; Glitz Designs; Studio Calico; Kaisercraft; My Little Shoebox; Pink Paislee and Hambly Screenprints. The embellishments included Prima chipboard; Pebbles 'Patio Party' by Jen Hadfield stickers and die cuts; Jillibean Soup stickers; a D-lish Scraps "Just Add Paper" kit; assorted clips; wood veneer hearts; some AC Thickers; and Cocoa Vanilla alphas. For the mixed media component I grabbed a small set of Gelatos and some old Glimmermist sprays. To complete my kit I added two old punches and two barely used roller stamps. Hopefully I will be able to create quite a few pages with my kit throughout month - I will keep you posted!

I was really excited to dive into my "new" kit, and thought I would start by pairing it with the photo of the girls and I taken during our recent scrappy weekend away...

I did begin by pulling one item from my stash - the white cardstock for my background. I used the 'Bahama Blue' Glimmermist to add a soft watercolour wash to the page first, then added splatters of 'Key Lime' over the top. 

Next, I created a stack of assorted papers, using a strip of the black and white print as an anchor point (and to coordinate with the photo); then focused on the aqua / mint tones over the top before stapling them all down onto the page. I then cut a couple of small pieces of the heart print Hambly transparency and tucked it into my layers.

 Now it was time to turn my attention to the embellishments. I began with the roll of leafy washi tape from the D-lish kit, adding some torn strips around my page for a little splash of green. I then cut three yellow floral pieces from a Sassafras Lass foldies sheet and tucked them in amongst the paper layers (to form a visual triangle around where my photo was going to be).

To place my photo, I first adhered some scrap cardboard on the back, then I arranged the floral stem from the D-lish kit to tuck around the corner and trail from under the top before sticking them both down on the page.

I then began to cluster embellishments around my photo including a couple of the Prima chipboard stickers; some daisies from a strip of daisy lace; flat and puffy stickers; and a flair button. 

On the corner of my photo I added a small cluster comprised of a gold geo tag paperclip; a leafy sticker and the word hooray that was actually cut from the branding strip of one of the papers.

For my page title, I used one of the Jillibean Soup word stickers mixed with the tiny alphas from the Cocoa Vanilla Studio alphabet sheet. 

I finished off my layout by using one of the roller stamps to add the hello sunshine phrase around my page using Archival Ink; then added a few of the small wood veneer hearts and my handwritten details. 

This layout was super fun to create with my homemade kit and I am so happy with how it all came together. (And now I can't wait to make something else with it!) If you would like to join me and bust some of your own stash, I would highly recommend using Khristina's kit recipe as a guide to create your own - it was a perfect prompt to help me continue on my mission to "Dust It Off". 

Until next time, happy scrapping! X 

No! | Dust It Off challenge

Hi everyone!

I've got a special layout for my "Dust It Off" challenge to share with you today. You may have seen via my Facebook page that I recently had a long weekend away with some of my fave scrappy friends? This is an annual weekend that we do together that I look forward to all year. It's so relaxing - nothing to do but eat, drink, chat and scrap allllll weekend. 

And here they are! Aren't we a gorgeous bunch?

(And yes, those sunglasses were hiding some very tired eyes!)

So, back to my challenge. Whilst I was away I had taken some of my older stash to create a stash-busting layout or two. Someone - who shall remain unnamed (Amanda Hartmann! haha) spotted a large green pickup truck on an Echo Park sticker sheet amongst my stash. The truck sticker became a bit of a running joke and it was suggested I use it on a page. Never let it be said that I am one to back down from a challenge - I came home and used that damn sticker!

I present to you the resulting page featuring "big green truck" as it became affectionately known...

(Click on photos for better view)

To create this page, I started with some mixed media on white cardstock. I used 'Barn Door' Distress Oxide to make a watercolour style background, which I topped with splatters of Bee Arty 'Grass' and 'Lime' Colour Artist Inks. I also added the stamped crosses using one of my fave stamps from Viva Las VegaStamps. 

Next, I moved onto dusting off some stash! I chose papers from the Glitz Design 'Finnley' collection (which was released in around 2013!), as they featured the colour palette I was going for. I cut an assortment of pieces, which I stacked on my page, topped with a paper doily, and then stapled it all down. 

Next, I grabbed for some washi tape to add some extra layers (this was the same tape I used on my previous challenge layout, which featured a few different tapes - you can see it HERE). I also added some messy black cotton thread before adding my photo on top of the stack. 

Now it was time for the main event! I added some scrap cardboard to the back of the truck sticker (because I wanted to make sure it was a reeeeally prominent feature on my page) before adhering it below my photo. I added extra details to it by layering a couple more stickers and a tiny black acrylic arrow from Corbett Creations. 

Then I went a little embellishment crazy - adding lots of stickers from the Echo Park and Glitz Design sticker sheets; enamel dots from Uniquely Creative; two acrylic chevrons from Corbett Creations; a MAMBI sticker; a paper clip; half a Heidi Swapp die cut; and some D-lish Scraps coloured wire. (Almost all of which had been in my stash for several years or more.)

I finished off by stamping the you've got to be shitting me phrase using a roller stamp from Typo; more Glitz Design stickers for my title; and added my handwritten journalling - which tied in the reason for including the truck sticker on this page. 

So there you have it - big green truck sticker challenge complete (thanks Amanda!) I also managed to dust off a number of items from my stash - the oldest dating back almost 7 years. If you've got a suggestion of an item you'd like to see me use please let me know. You can comment here, on my Facebook page, or via my Instagram account. (And if you would like to play along too, I am using the hashtag #dustitoffchallenge on Instagram.)

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Summer Fun | Dust It Off challenge

Hi everyone!

Today I am back to share another layout that I created for my personal "Dust It Off" challenge. For this page, I delved deep into my stash and pulled out an assortment of scraps and left-over items that I hadn't touched in a looong time. I also had a special request (thanks Tina - great suggestion!) to use washi tape, so that was a good push for me to try to incorporate that onto my page too. I even used a photo that I printed ages ago but hadn't gotten around to scrapping yet. So yes, this page definitely ticked the "dust it off" criteria!

Here's what I came up with...

(Click on photos for a better view)

For my layout I began with a sheet of white cardstock and Distress Oxides in 'Carved Pumpkin' and 'Mermaid Lagoon'. I applied these to my page by swiping the ink pads onto my messy mat, adding a spritz of water, and then laying my cardstock over the top to pick up the ink. (I did the blue first and then repeated with the orange once it was dry - don't do them together or you will just make mud!)

Once I had the colour down on the background, I grabbed some patterned paper scraps to layer for my photo mat. These were left-over from the Echo Park 'Sweet Summertime' collection (released way back in 2015!), and I also found a few stickers and chipboard pieces too. 

Once I had the paper pieces down, I added a small yellow paper doily to the stack then went to town adding torn pieces of washi tape to add further layers. The washi tapes I used were from Dina Wakley and Amy Tan - I write on the inside of the rolls so I know where they come from. 

(I've included a process photo below so you can see where I was up to at this point.)

I added the Echo Park chipboard tag (which I tied with twine) and the cute little bird sticker below where my photo was going to sit; then added some frayed gauze to my stack before securing the photo on top. 

For my title, I fussy cut the word summer from one of the paper scraps, then used some of the small alpha stickers from the coordinating sticker sheet to add the word fun along the top edge of my photo. I also added some sticker clouds to my background.

To the right of my photo I created a cluster using a handmade felt star from Charms Creations; topped with an old flair button (it might have been from D-lish Scraps?) and a tiny phrase sticker I got from my sister. The small epoxy the good life sticker was a left-over from a Studio Calico kit. 

I finished the page off with a few acrylic hearts and some left-over sequins (pretty sure they were both from D-lish Scraps too); some stamped phrases and a tiny splattering of ink. 

So there you have it - a total stash-buster "Dust It Off" layout comprised of mainly scraps, left-overs and old items from my stash. I am thoroughly enjoying this challenge, so if you have any suggestions for me, please let me know in the comments or pop over to my Facebook page and leave me a comment there. (It could be something you have in your own stash that you want some ideas for?)

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

#Awesome | Scrap the Girls August Challenge

Hi everyone!

Time to share my take on this month's challenge at Scrap the Girls. Have you seen it yet? It's a perfect challenge for all the social media fans out there - and even those who aren't, as it can be interpreted so many ways. (That's one of the things I love about the Scrap the Girls challenges - they can inspire everyone in different ways.)

Anyway, here's a look at the August challenge, called "Insta Love"...

That's right - be inspired by Instagram! Square photo, colours of the logo, the logo, likes - its up to you.

Here's a look at my page - see if you can guess what inspired me...

I was initially inspired by the coloured stripes in the corner of the logo, which I recreated (in reverse order) using watercolour paints. And with all that colour, I couldn't resist documenting this super fun photo of Zoe (from Cocoa Vanilla Studio) and I dressed up at an 80's night at a scrappy retreat a few years ago. (Can't believe I hadn't actually scrapped this classic shot sooner!)

Once the paints had dried, I wanted to add some subtle texture to my page; so I used a stencil that was released by StencilGirl as part of the StencilClub January 'Mash Up' release. This release was designed by Mary Beth Shaw and Seth Apter and I used the row of soft edge squares from the 9x12" stencil (because Instagram is all about squares, right?) I applied Colour Blast 'Snow White' texture paste through the stencil using a palette knife.

Once the paste had dried, I added some stamping using black ink and the Brick Background stamp (one of my faves!) from Viva Las VegaStamps.
I then added a piece of black and white striped tissue paper, that I had folded roughly; before adding my photo to the page as well.

To embellish my page, I used a variety of chipboard pieces from the Cocoa Vanilla Studio 'Boys Rule' collection. I added the Mr Fantastic banner piece along the bottom edge of my photo; the hey you're pretty rad speech bubble above my photo; the Facebook "like" button on top of my tissue paper; and the large # AWESOME word along the bottom edge of my page for my title.

Alongside my photo I added a Charms Creations handmade heart embellishment topped with a Cocoa Vanilla Studio flair button.
Then on either side of my photo I added some silver colored wire from D-lish Scraps, that I twisted and stapled in place.

I finished off my layout by adding some small hearts that I had cut using my Silhouette and the free 'Happiness' cut files designed by Cut to You for Cocoa Vanilla Studio. I also added a scattering of Cocoa Vanilla Studio enamel dots and a few clear stickers.

I hope you will play along with this month's challenge if you haven't already. We have the fabulous Helmar sponsoring us this month (and who doesn't need adhesives, right?!) You can link up your entry via the blog, send a message via the STG Facebook page, or even tag Scrap the Girls on Instagram to enter! Get on it!!
Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Simply Amazing | Scrap the Girls April Challenge

Hi everyone!

Popping in today to share my take on the April challenge at Scrap the Girls. This month's challenge is called "Knock Your Socks Off" and it's about you at your best! I chose to document some photos of my daughter when she was all dolled up and wearing a pretty dress. (This is a rare occurrence for my little tomboy, and I was lucky to capture these just before she went off to a high tea birthday party.) 

I began this layout using a variety of products from Colour Blast - first, I chose the Fearless patterned paper from the 'Graffiti Grunge' collection as my base. Next, I used some 'Blush' Colour Paste, which I spread in small amounts randomly around the page using palette knife. I then added some stamping to my page using black ink and the 'Peony Dreams' stamp from Colour Blast.

Once the paste and ink had dried, I set about creating some layers for my photos to sit on. I gathered together some more pieces of patterned paper from the "Graffiti Grunge" collection and cut them into different shapes and sizes. I also fussy cut some of the tags from the Perfect Tags paper, then tied them off with green paper string. I then layered the tags and paper pieces over some pale pink tissue paper and tucked in a pale pink paper doily.

I then topped off the layers with some frayed gauze and messy black cotton - both for added texture, before adding my photos on top. Next, I added some small pieces of torn floral washi tape (from Chiyogami Designs) and some snippets of punchinella, which I secured in place with staples.

For my title and embellishments, I used various pieces from a couple of packs of die cut ephemera - one from Kaisercraft and the other from the Reject Shop. I tucked pieces in amongst my layers under and around my photos. I also added some small pieces of twisted pink wire (again, secured with staples); and a sequin bow under the bottom edge of my photo - both from D-lish Scraps.

To finish off my page I added a scattering of sequins; a few green butterfly stickers (these are From a Mothers Art by Kelly-ann); and then a few stamped phrases and my handwritten journalling.
I was really happy how this one came together and the balance between girly and grunge.

I hope you will join in with this month's challenge. We have the fabulous Charms Creations sponsoring us (and even though I didn't end up using a Charms embellishment on this page, you already know how much I love them!) Check out all the challenge details, plus inspiration from the rest of the design team on the Scrap the Girls blog.
Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Pretty Fierce | Scrap the Girls March Challenge

Hi everyone!

Popping in today to share my take on the March challenge at Scrap the Girls. If you haven't already seen the challenge, it's called "90's Chick"...

"It's time to be a little nostalgic and be inspired by one of your Favourite 90's films.  Create a layout inspired by it.  Now, this challenge isn't about reliving old photos (you can if you want), nor is it about picking one of the films on the moodboard (but you can if you want to) rather it is about being inspired by the style of the era or the genre of the film and using it in a modern layout.  When you link up your entry (however you choose) you MUST share which movie inspired your layout to go in the running for a prize."

For my layout I chose to be inspired by the 90's cult slasher movie "Scream"...

And here is what I came up with...

 I chose photos of my daughter taken at Halloween to represent the horror genre; and the original movie poster as the inspiration for my page design - using a black and white (with a tiny touch of blue) colour palette.

I started my layout with black cardstock and applied some Mont Marte Dimension white acrylic paint to it roughly using a wide brush. 

I then added some stamping over the top using stamps from Viva Las VegaStamps; and some texture using a Dusty Attic stencil and Colour Blast 'Dusty Charcoal' Colour Paste. I also added some white and pale blue splatters using thinned down acrylic paint. 

Once my background was dry, it was time to build some layers for my photos to sit on. I used various pieces of tissue paper, a paper doily, punchinella, plasterers tape, washi tape, and frayed gauze (many of these items from D-lish Scraps); stapling them in place before adding my black and white photos on top.

I then added some embellishments to my page - small pieces of blue wire, stapled in place; some wood veneer stars that I coloured white with a Posca pen; and my title - a fabulous custom acrylic piece from Corbett Creations. 

Thanks for stopping by today so I could share this with you. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone's interpretations of this challenge! You have until the end of the month to enter, and our sponsor is the awesome D-lish Scraps.
For all the challenge details, or for more inspiration from the design team, check the blog post HERE
Until next time, happy scrapping! X