Creating Paper-Based Layouts | Scrapbooking Memories magazine

Hi everyone!
Popping in today to share a couple of older layouts that were included in my Creative Team 'Paper Play' article that was published in Scrapbooking Memories magazine (Vol 20 No 5). This article was about creating more "traditional" paper-based layouts, and techniques and ideas to include.
Sadly, as it turns out, this was the final issue of the magazine that went to print and it has since ceased publication.

This first page was created using the beautiful Cocoa Vanilla Studio 'Wild at Heart' collection and featured a photo of myself, my hubby and our best friends during a climb up Mount Beerwah.

I used lots of layering, and fussy cut some of the floral elements from the 'Memento' patterned paper to use as embellishments for this page.

I also used the coordinating chipboard accent stickers and Sparkles enamel dots from the collection to embellish my page.

I used paper tearing and the addition of some messy cotton thread to add texture to my page.

The second layout included in my article, was a 'stash-buster' that I created from one of my favourite older ranges - 'September Skies' by Heidi Swapp. I used up a variety of paper scraps I had left on this page, along with some coordinating ephemera pieces. (I may still be hoarding a few final scraps! LOL)

I even managed to use a photo of the kids that I had printed out long ago as well! #winning

 Extra embellishments included a limited edition flair button from Cocoa Vanilla Studio; dip dye tag and twine from D-lish Scraps; and some foam stickers from Pink Paislee.

Again, I used paper tearing and cotton thread to add texture to my page.

Don't be afraid to use lots of overlapping bold patterns and colours if it fits in with the theme of your photo. I love seeing these papers all layered over one another.

Thanks for stopping by today so I could share these with you. I will be back very soon with a new project to share with you. Until then, happy scrapping! X

Mixed Media Layouts | Scrapbooking Memories magazine

Hi everyone!
Just a quick post from me today to share the two layouts that were published as part of my "How To: Mixed Media" Creative Team article magazine Vol 20 No 4. In my article I discussed some of the techniques and materials I often use when I create mixed media layouts; and provided two sample layouts in different styles.

For my first page, I created a traditional paper-based page that featured subtle mixed media to enhance it. I used the Cocoa Vanilla Studio 'Make a Wish' collection and incorporated watercolor paint (applied directly to the page and splattered about with the brush) as well as stamping with stamps from Viva Las VegaStamps (with multiple colour inks).

For my second page, I took a different approach by starting with blank white cardstock and creating my own background. I used Flutterby Designs Flutter Colour paints; and Colour Blast Colour Paste and Colour Sprays to create a layered and textured base. I then added further layers of colour with paper and embellishments. (Papers and ephemera by Heidi Swapp; flair button and wood veneer by Flutterby Designs.)

Be sure to look out for my Creative Team article in the current issue which is one for the traditionalists, and all about paper based scrapping.
Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Masculine Layouts | Scrapbooking Memories magazine

Hi everyone!
Just a quick post from me today to share the two layouts that were published as part of my 'How To: Masculine' Creative Team article from Scrapbooking Memories magazine Vol 20 No 3. In my article I discussed some of the techniques and materials I often use when I create masculine layouts; and provided two sample layouts in different styles.

For my first page, I told a story about my hubby and his best mate when they were involved in a mountain rescue of some trapped climbers, so I had lots of journaling to include. I used some of my favourite scrappy supplies on this one - a combination of Cocoa Vanilla Studio and Flutterby Designs goodies. (Which blended extremely well together!)

"You Rock"

For my second layout, I took a mixed media approach for this photo of my boys at the beach drinking orange juice. I used the photo as inspiration for my colour palette and a combination of supplies from Colour Blast; Cocoa Vanilla Studio; Flutterby Designs; D-lish Scraps; and stamps from Viva Las VegaStamps.

"Hello Sunshine"

The next issue of Scrapbooking Memories magazine is hitting mailboxes and shelves about now, so be sure to look out for my next Creative Team article inside which is all about mixed media scrapping.
Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Feminine Layouts | Scrapbooking Memories magazine

Hi everyone!
Just popping in today to share the two layouts that were published as part of my 'How To: Feminine' Creative Team article from Scrapbooking Memories magazine Vol 20 No 2. In my article I discussed some of the techniques and materials I often use when I create feminine layouts.

For my the first page I took a typically traditional girly approach, using both pinks and flowers to convey a sense of femininity...

"Fabulous"

I used Cocoa Vanilla Studio materials for this layout; mixing up items from both the Hello Lovely and Free Spirit collections.

For my second layout, I used a largely neutral colour palette (the colours could have been equally at home on a masculine layout); but despite this, I was able to achieve a sufficient level of femininity through the use of other elements...

"Scrap Sistas"

I used a wide variety of materials for this page, using up lots of older supplies including papers from Crate Paper and My Mind's Eye; and embellishments from D-lish Scraps. I even dusted off one of my old Martha Stewart punches! (I love a good stash-busting layout!)

The new issue of Scrapbooking Memories magazine is due to hit shelves any day now, so be sure to look out for my next Creative Team article inside which is all about masculine style scrapping.

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Theming a Photo | Scrapbooking Memories magazine

Hi everyone. Just wanted to pop in and share the two layouts that were published as part of my "Theming a Photo" Creative Team article from Scrapbooking Memories magazine Vol 20 No 1. In my article I discussed my process for how I theme my layouts using my photos, and I hope it gave readers an insight to how my creative brain operates.

Here is the first layout...

"This Makes Me So Happy"

For this page, which features a photo of Zoe and myself on the Cocoa Vanilla Studio stand at last years Brisbane Scrapbook Expo, I used the Cocoa Vanilla Studio 'Love Always' collection. 

For my second article layout, I headed in a completely different direction...

"Awesome You"

This page features a photo of my (crazy, random) kids, and I themed it by using an equally crazy, random mixed media style. I used lots of products from the Flutterby Designs 'Mad About You' collection and some Flutter Colour paint; as well as one of my favourite Colour Blast Colour Pastes and some stamps from Viva Las VegaStamps.

The new issue of Scrapbooking Memories magazine is due to hit shelves this coming week, so be sure to look out for my next Creative Team article inside which is all about feminine style scrapping.

Until next time, happy scrapping! X

D-lish Scraps January Layouts!

Hi everyone! Just thought I would pop in with a round-up of my projects I created for D-lish Scraps last month that were featured on the blog.

First up, a layout I created using left over pieces from a previously released Just Add Paper kit. I first used this kit back in November, so I thought it would be fun to challenge myself to use only the left overs and prove that you really do get more than one layout from each kit!

{Published in Scrapbooking Memories Vol 19 No 3}

I used a sheet of Cocoa Vanilla Studio patterned paper from the Made of Awesome collection as my base. From the D-lish kit left-overs I added tissue paper; some white punchinella; a flair button; flowers; a wood veneer diamond; black coloured wire; sequins; and pieces from the kits journal pack. I also added a gold & white striped 5x7 paper bag, which was the only embellishment not included in the original kit.
Last of all, I splashed on some gold Heidi Swapp Color Shine.

This next layout was created for a guest designer spot for CSI (Color Stories Inspiration) challenges. As D-lish was one of the sponsors during January, the D-lish DT were asked to play along with the CSI team.
I chose to work with CSI Casefile No 188, which looked like this:

And here is my layout...

In creating this layout, I used a dip dye printed tag tied with twine; Freckled Fawn glitter star chipboard stickers; flair button; yellow paper doily; orange hand-dyed muslin; orange sequins; Journal Its journal pieces; felt polka dot bow; Freckled Fawn birthday wood chips; orange mini paper doily; and some blue coloured wire.

For my final layout, I opted to keep my design more clean and simple...

For this one, I once again started with some papers from Cocoa Vanilla Studio and then added my D-lish embellishments. I included gold foil doily; Journal Its journal pieces; flair button; Freckled Fawn arrow paper clip; wood veneer heart, pinwheel and 'shine' title; D-lish Dots enamels; dip dye tag; cotton twine; pink washi tape; and a sequin bow.
I also used gold glitter and some Dylusions ink spray.

So that's my January projects. Thanks for popping in so I could share these with you. If you would like any further information about them, or for more close-up photos, please visit the D-lish Scraps blog HERE. You will also find plenty of other inspiring projects from my fellow DT girls.
Until next time, happy scrapping! X

Scrapbooking Memories Product Showcase

Hi all! Another share from me today, and one which I am sure a few of you have already seen. This layout was created as part of a product showcase I was asked to take part in for last month's issue of Scrapbooking Memories magazine. Myself and three other SM contributors were each sent a package of products from Close To My Heart and asked to create a project with them.

Here is what I created...

I had been hoarding this photo of the kids and I for some time, which was taken on Mothers Day 2013 (my first Mothers Day as a mum of 3!) And now I am glad I did as the colours worked perfectly with this collection. (I am not usually a fan of purple, but happy with the result.)

In addition to the papers, stickers and stamps from CTMH; I also used wood veneer pieces from Cocoa Vanilla Studio and flowers, flair button, glitter washi and coloured wire from D-lish Scraps.
(Sorry, no close-ups today - I forgot to shoot them before I mailed it off!)
Thanks for stopping by.
Til next time, happy scrapping! X

D-lish Scraps - June Projects

Hi all! Back again today for another catch up post featuring my D-lish Scraps projects that featured on the blog during the month of June. (Warning - lots of photos ahead!)

First up, my take on the June Inspiration Board challenge which looked like this...

And my interpretation...

{Papers by Amy Tan for American Crafts and Bo Bunny}

I LOVED the colour palette of this board and I am so disappointed I missed out on the "Just Add Paper" kit that went with it after it sold out so quickly.

Despite missing out on the kit, luckily I already had a healthy supply of D-lish pretties I could put to good use instead...

{Black Wild Rose; white Alder flower; yellow Forget Me Not; yellow sequin bow; and a wood veneer heart}

{Another white Alder flower; lemon carnation; slate paper doiley; wood veneer speech bubble; yellow chevron 5x7 paper bag; and some pieces from the Wordfetti - Everyday Moments sheet.}

{Journal-It from the rainbow heart round set; yellow Forget Me Not; yellow spot washi; and flair from the "Captured Moments"white set}

Next up, for something a bit different was this bright, happy "patchwork style" layout...

{Papers by Cocoa Vanilla Studio;
Published - Scrapbooking Memories Vol 18 No 10}

Here's a closer look at some of the details...

 {'happy' die cut from the Pinkfresh Studio "Up in the Clouds" foil die cut pack; gold paper doiley}

 {Little Birdie "Boutique Elements - Symphony Strawberry Fields" flower; yellow Cosmos Daisy; white Bitty Bloom}

 {Another die cut from the Pinkfresh Studio UITC pack, Little Birdie flower and Bitty Blooms; plus a journal spot from the Journal It's "Rainbow Heart Rounds" pack}

{Flair button from the "Woodgrain Hashtags" set}

My final project was a challenge to myself - to use my unopened "Atzec Dreams" Just Add Paper kit from a previous release. 

Here's what I created with it...

{Papers by Heidi Swapp} 

The JAP kits always include an amazing variety of coordinating embellishments - assorted paper flowers, resin flowers, flair buttons, washi tape, paper doilies, sequins, crochet items...just to name a few. This one also contained some exclusive watercolour pocket scrapping style cards that were just gorgeous!

If you are looking for a fast and easy way to embellish a layout I really do recommend the "Just Add Paper" kits. (The only downside is you have to be quick, because they are usually highly sought after and only available in limited quantities, so they tend to sell out fast.) Kits are released on the 1st of each month, so be sure to follow the D-lish Facebook page HERE for exclusive sneaks and notification of when kits are available.

That's all from me for now, thanks for stopping by! X

Show Us Your Stuff June Challenge!

I promised I had another mixed media layout coming. It came after being inspired by everything I saw and the Fiona Paltridge class I attended during my recent visit to the Scrapbooking expo. This is the layout I created for the June challenge at Show Us Your Stuff.
It's a mood board designed by Paula Perry...

I drew my inspiration from the cold theme and also from the colour combination in the image of the candles.

{Paper by Cocoa Vanilla Studio;
Published - Scrapbooking Memories Vol 18 No 7}

As the lovely Anita from Flutterby Designs is sponsoring the challenge this month, I used lots of Flutterby goodies on my layout.

{Flutterby Designs flair and photo cut out tab; D-lish Scraps glitter washi tape & sequins}

{Flutterby Designs wood bits; Burdy's Embellies foam arrow}

{Flutterby Designs fussy cuts & wood bits} 

I created the background by first priming an area with gesso, and then using my Dylusions ink sprays diluted with water as watercolours. I applied them using a technique I learned from Fiona Paltridge in her class at the expo. I added machine stitching, strips of torn washi, splatters of black Heidi Swapp Color Shine spray and some black ink stamping. I even took inspiration from the script of the quote and dared to handwrite part of my title...

{Burdy's Embellies foam arrow; D-lish Scraps coloured wire & sequins}

I really enjoyed this month's challenge. I would love to see some of my scrappy friends playing along too. It's great to see people support our monthly challenge, as without participants or generous sponsors, blog challenges like ours just can't exist. We aren't attached to any store to generate income & prizes from, we just do it because (like you) we love scrapping and it's fun to take on a challenge!

You can follow the Show Us Your Stuff blog HERE or the Facebook page HERE