I am a Guest DT & Sponsor!

This month I have accepted a Guest DT spot over at Scrapbooking Top 50 to do one of the December - January monthly challenges. I will also be providing the prize - some scrappy goodies from my own Lovelybug Bits n Bobs. I took on the quote challenge, and my challenge was to come up with something a bit festive, but that could also be used for a non-Christmas LO. In the end, I decided to use a quote from one of my favourite Christmas movies...

And here is my LO...

{Published in Scrapbooking Memories Vol 17 No 4}

(As you can see, I decided to go the NON Christmas route!)

This LO was inspired by an online workshop by Gwénaëlle Scharlipp in the Pop & Colours series being run by Studio Shirel and I loved getting my hands dirty putting it together! (I am pretty happy with the result too.)

Given that Lovelybug Bits n Bobs is the sponsor for this challenge, I HAD to include a Lovelybug button. This bird one was perfect...

To create the background I adhered a doiley and small scraps of paper to my base sheet, smeared with Gesso, and then built layers over the top using stencils, mists, inks, stamps, pen, gelatos, washi tape and finally, embellishments. You can see how using the gelatos has highlighted the texture of the doiley here...

This was the perfect quote for my little man Hunter, who LOVES a camera (and makes the perfect selfie partner in crime! hehe)...

I do hope you will join in my challenge, which is open right through until January 31st (plenty of time over the silly season!). You can find the challenge HERE

Monopoly Week 7!

I can't believe that it's almost over! (Or more to the point, that I made it this far! hehe) Only one challenge now remains in the Scrapbooking Top 50 Monopoly game, and I have really enjoyed them all. It was the best kickstart to my mojo I could have asked for, and Vicki, Sarah and Chloe have done a fantastic job organising it all.

So, Week 7 was Quote Week, and I landed on "Bling Chest", which allowed me the choice of challenges, with the extra criteria of bling. I chose the "Lovers Lane" challenge, which was to use hearts and the quote provided.

Here is my LO...

This quote was perfect for a LO of my princess, as I tell her this all the time...

(Not the greatest of pics sorry, as sunny Qld is not quite living up to it's reputation today!)

Some Exciting Scrappy News!

Finally I can share my little piece of scrappy news - I have been asked to join the Design Team for a brand new challenge blog - Off the Rails Scrapbooking.

"Off the Rails Scrapbooking blog is no ordinary blog, we are here to challenge you. When designing a card, a layout or a mixed media project think outside the square, go where you have never gone before. Go Off the Rails! We have an amazing Design Team that come from all over the world and are here to inspire you.
Our challenges are posted Friday and run for 2 weeks and every second Friday a new challenge will be posted."

I am so excited to be joining this team alongside some very talented scrappers! Please pop over and follow the new blog HERE and join us when the very first challenge goes live on the 29th November!

Monopoly Week 6!

Not much in the way of scrappy time this week thanks to life getting in the way (in fact it took me 3 sittings to get the time to finish this LO), but I am glad I am still managing to stay on track in the Scrapbooking Top 50 Monopoly game.

Week 6 saw me land on "Chance", so I had my choice of the challenges on offer. I chose "Flower Thoroughfare", which was flowers, punching & resin. I also had to include a polaroid frame or film strip.

Here is my take on it...

It was good dusting off some of my punches again (and yes, there really was dust on them!), and I always enjoy rifling through my flower stash. Love this wild rose from D-lish Scraps...

I layered a resin flower over a resin frame and topped it with a punched butterfly (I NEVER get tired of this MS punch!)...

I am hoping that the kids will soon be well again and things settle down enough for me to get more than 1 LO done this week... *crosses fingers*

Monopoly Week 5!

Over half way in the Scrapbooking Top 50 Monopoly game, and I am still LOVING the challenges! (And managing to keep up to date too!) This week (Sketches Week) saw me land on "Circular Quay". The challenge requirements were to use the sketch provided and also include twine. (I did "tweak" the sketch a little.)

Here is my take on it...

I love that I got a chance to scrap these photos of the boys - just another example of how very different in personality they are!

The cute little cupcake button is one I had been hoarding in my stash from My Little Bit of Whimsy. (Such a shame it has now closed!) The little flags I whipped up with toothpicks and washi tape to add to the "celebration" feel of the LO.

SFS October Quote Challenge

With the return of my mojo, I needed another challenge and when I saw the October Quote Challenge at Scrapbooking From Scratch, I knew I had the perfect pic for it! The quote was "be the reason someone smiles today".

Here is my LO...

(I initially tried to go for a clean & simple style with this LO, but it just didn't sit well with me, so I had to grunge it up a bit with some doodling, splatters & staples...LOL)

The big spotty fabric button is one of my own Lovelybug bits n Bobs buttons, and the cute little flag I found in my stash from Chloe at Rainbow Splendour...

Wow, another challenge done - I really am on a roll now! :)

Monopoly Week 4!

Week 4 (Techniques Week) in Scrapbooking Top 50's Monopoly, and I scored "Background Boulevard" for my challenge. The criteria were to create a LO with a background that really stands out, and to include leaves.

Here is my take on it...

{Layout published in Scrapbooking Memories Vol 16 No 11}

I used a variety of techniques to create my background - masking & misting; masking & texture paste (with glitter sprinkled over paste whilst wet); stamping; splattering; and stencilling & doodling using gelatos. (Pretty sure that was enough techniques! LOL)

Here is a closer look at some of my background...

For the leaves criteria, I stamped some leaves directly onto the background, and also included some fussy cut leaves in my embellishment clusters...

Really enjoying these challenges so far - can't wait for the next one! :)

Monopoly Week 3!

Week 3 (Colour Week) in the Scrapbooking Top 50 "Monopoly" game, saw me land on "Chance", so I was able to choose from all the other challenges. I chose "Complimentary Close" which (as the name implies), is all about the use of complimentary colours. I chose blue & orange, as I thought this would be the perfect CHANCE to get another boy LO under my belt. The criteria also called for the use of tags and a polaroid frame or film strip.

Here's what I came up with...

I cut my own tags for this LO, and also included a Lovelybug Bits & Bobs star fabric button...

For the filmstrips, I used my TH filmstrip stamp on acetate...

This LO seemed to come together quite quickly - hopefully that means I am getting the hang of the "boy" thing???

SBT50 Monopoly Week 2!

My week 2 roll in Scrapbooking Top 50's "Monopoly" game that is currently underway earned me a trip down the "Freestyle Freeway". This challenge was RIGHT up my alley! (I definitely felt the mojo return on this one!) The criteria for this challenge were to create a bright page with doodling; unusual journaling technique; and doilies.

Here is my LO...

I took my inspiration from the cake in the photo for the colours of this LO, and had a lot of fun creating a mixed media background.

You can just see one of the paper doilies I used (amongst my many other layers) to add depth & texture to the LO...

And no mistaking the presence of bright colours & doodling...

I am so looking forward to the next challenge in this game already...bring it on!!! For anyone still keen to join in, it's not too late, pop over to the forum and check out all the details HERE

I Dusted Off the Mojo!

I decided that the only way I was going to get creative was if I MADE myself do it (and perhaps with a little nudge from some friends too! hehe) So along came the perfect opportunity to motivate me and dip my toe back into the scrappy waters - the Scrapbooking Top 50 Monopoly Challenge! Although the game has officially started, IT'S NOT TO LATE TO JOIN IN!!! There are heaps of great prizes up for grabs (including a grand prize worth $200!) and the challenges also promise to be great.

Soooo...first up is the "GO" Challenge, which gets you onto the "Go" space on the board. You have to create a LO with the letters GO as the start of a word in your title or subtitle, and include a "game" item such as a ticket, playing card, etc.

Here's what I came up with (first LO in over 18 months and the first one of my boys - I felt SO rusty!)...

I used the word "gorgeous" and included a bingo card (you can see it peeking out from under the pp). I also used one of my own Lovelybug Bits n Bobs fabric buttons...

The next challenge (Week 1) is all about trends. The challenge varies, depending on what number you "rolled" on the board. I landed on "Bling Chest" which meant I could choose any of the other Week 1 challenges, plus include bling on my LO. I chose "Glitter Lane" and the criteria were paints, glitter & stars.

Here is my LO...

There is lots of sparkle & shine on this LO thanks to metallic paint, glimmermist, kindy glitz & sequins (so hard to show in a photo!)...

Now I have 2 challenges done, I am itching for more! LOL (I hope this mojo sticks around!) X

I'm back!!!

HELLO!!! After a looong extended break I am finally back! After moving house, my pregnancy, and sudden premature birth of my twin boys last year, the time (and desire) to create simply vanished. Now however, I am happy to report that the time seems right to dust off my mojo and get creative again.

For those who don't already know, Hunter & Kaden were born at 28 weeks gestation weighing 790g (1pd 11oz) and 1216g (2pd 12 oz) respectively. It was 4 days before I got my first cuddle, and 17 days before I was allowed to cuddle them both together. We spent almost 11 weeks in hospital, starting off in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), then graduating to Special Care before being released 12 days prior to their due date on Father's Day last year.

Here are a few pics from our journey...

Turning 1...

And here they are recently...

Back with a creative share soon! X

Latest Creation!

I didn't expect to be posting again so soon, but my goodies from Wild About Scrap were just too hard to resist! This layout was created using paper and embellishments from the Fancy Pants "Childish Things" range...

I actually started this LO with the "Childish Things - Glitter Cuts" in mind, as I LOVE using transparencies (especially ones that sparkle, it turns out!) These gorgeous glittered die cuts come on an 8 x 8" sheet and look even better in the flesh. Again, I used some "Prima Garden Picks - Small Butterflies" as I just love these too...

The yoyo flower is from Burdy's Embellies and the gorgeous ladybug is from My Little Bit of Whimsy (you will note a couple of my other permanent faves too - paper doiley and paint!)...

Thanks to everyone who has stopped by and left me some love lately - your comments (and congratulations) are very much appreciated! XXX

First LO for Wild About Scrap!

Well I did it! I finally found time to have a play with my gorgeous Wild About Scrap DT kit that has been sitting here calling my name. Having not scrapped for a little while, I felt a bit lost at first, but that first cut into the paper sorted me out!

Here's my layout...

I created this LO using pps from the Fancy Pants "Be You" range - which is bright, happy and full of colour...right up my alley! The title was created using a "Tim Holtz Texture Fades - Valentine Background and Borders" embossing folder set along with some "Core'dinations Cut & Emboss Gemstones" cardstock (these are the PERFECT size for use in embossing folders!)

The large flowers, are from the "Prima - Dollhouse Collection - Tuesday" and the butterflies are "Prima - Garden Picks - Small Butterflies" which I attached simply using staples for a bit of contrast.

For a more detailed explanation on how I created this LO, or to see the work from the other Wild About Scrap Designers, pop over to the WAS Blog HERE

There's been LOTS happening!

I know I have been absent recently, but I have very good reason(s)! Firstly, the "illness" that hit me a little while ago, turned out to not be an illness at all, but instead we were told we are expecting twins later in the year...yes, TWINS! Hot on the heels of that news came moving house (couldn't have come at a better time in hindsight! LOL), a blown up computer, a trip away, mum in hospital, Easter, houseguests, DD's 4th birthday...am I forgiven now for not scrapping or blogging? ;-)

Now onto my exciting scrappy news...I have recently been appointed to the first ever design team for Wild About Scrap!!! I am very excited at being selected to represent WAS along with my fellow DT girls Sharon and Sue (yep, there's 2 Sue's!) and I am just getting stuck into my new DT kit now things are settling down for me. In the meantime, be sure to pop over and "follow" the new Wild About Scrap blog HERE, and for those on Facebook, "like" the Wild About Scrap FB page HERE for your chance to win.

I'll be back to share my first Wild About Scrap creations with you soon! XXX

Feb 123 Challenge!

Once I saw the criteria, I couldn't resist the Feb 123 challenge! I had an idea right away, and a coupled with a burst of creativity, I managed to get it complete within a couple of days. (My patience was tested as it took LOTS of drying time, as it has been so wet & humid here this week.)

Here's what I came up with (and yes, it's a canvas!)...

The criteria for the challenge were the colour FUSCHIA...

(I SO love these chippie mushrooms from Dusty Attic, which I painted then coated in crackle paint)

 the word FRESH or FREE...

(I am glad you can see some of the gold shimmer paint I used for highlights, it was hard to show in the pic!)

and last but not least, FRAYING or FRILLS...

(I thought this frayed mesh would add some great texture to my canvas)

I REALLY enjoyed this challenge and creating this canvas (which Miss B tells me is going to hang in her room...LOL), and might see if I can complete another one this week (between packing boxes!) :-)

A Quick Share!

Firstly, thanks to everyone for their well wishes over the last several weeks whilst I have been unwell. Your lovely words are very much appreciated and I am thankful to you all for thinking of me. Mwah!

Anyway, back to scrappy business, I just wanted to quickly to share a layout I did for the Scrapbooking Top 50 Feb 'A Novel Approach' Cyber Crop. My challenge was a "Dictionary Challenge", where you had to choose a word from the dictionary to use as a title, and to also include the definition of that word somewhere on your LO.
Here is my sample...

I used Bo Bunny's 'Sweet Tooth' range for this LO, which I think suited this pic of Miss B "helping" me with the baking (AKA licking the bowl...LOL) perfectly.

A bit of Prima from my stash...

My word was "happy", and don't you just love those gorgeous glittered Thickers?...

I'll be back again later with another share (if the sun comes out long enough for me to get a decent pic!) In the meantime, thanks for popping by! XXX

Stuck Sketches - Jan 15th Sketch

If you were here looking out my window right now, you would know that we are in no danger of drought outside (it's pouring AGAIN!) but I am also pleased to report that the scrapping drought for 2012 has broken. I have been struggling a bit lately, so I decided the best place to go when I was stuck was...Stuck?! Sketches of course!

The first sketch I saw was the January 15th sketch and it grabbed me right away. Despite the fact the sketch was designed as an 8.5x11" sketch, I decided to resize it to make it 12x12".
Here's my take on it...

Hopefully I will be back to share more scrapping soon - if I manage to find some more mojo, that is! ;-)

In the meantime, for anyone who hasn't seen the new product range I released for Lovelybug Bits n Bobs the other day, please pop over and look HERE...they are just perfect for little princesses!

Happy New Year!

Happy new year everyone! Hard to believe that we are now in 2012 isn't it? (Makes me feel old! LOL) Anyway, I'm not going to bore anyone with any resolutions, I'll just get straight into the scrappy stuff...

* First off, Lovelybug Bits n Bobs is sponsoring the January challenge over at Scrap That Song. The theme this month is a fun one - 'nursery rhymes'! Make sure you pop over to the STS blog HERE for all the challenge details and to check out the CT samples using some Lovelybug Bits n Bobs buttons! (There will be more sponsorships to come during 2012 to spread the Lovelybug love!)

* Other exciting things are happening for Lovelybug Bits n Bobs this year! I have some brand new products and packaging I will be unveiling in the near future and other excitement on the horizon too! ;-) If you aren't already a fan of Lovelybug Bits n Bobs on Facebook, be sure to join the page HERE for all the latest news.

* Now onto the January challenges at Scrapbooking Top 50. With Ant away on hols, I have taken on TWO of the challenges! The first is a colour challenge - white + one other colour of choice. Polka dots are the additional criteria.
Here is my sample LO...

Lots of yummy layers - My Minds Eye pp, paper doiley, Hambly transparency, Prima chippie & Manorhouse Creations flower...yummo!

The second challenge I've taken on is a sketch challenge...and I did the sketch!!! I haven't done a sample LO, but I did design the sketch at least! LOL
Here it is...

You can pop over and see the details for all the challenges (including Vicki's challenge) in the forum HERE

What??? A canvas?!?

Can you believe that it's not only the 1st of the month again, but it's the LAST 1st of the month for 2011??? That means new challenges have been posted today and my last challenge for 2011 is up at Scrapbooking Top 50. To end the year with a bang, I've set a technique challenge for everyone - MIXED MEDIA! With the recent popularity of mixed media art influencing scrapping, I have decided to challenge everyone to try it themselves. Having said that, I am still happy for people to do what they are most comfortable with (i.e. layouts / cards / ATCs) but would love to see people challenge themselves to try something different such as a canvas / altered book / home decor item. (The key to this challenge is the techniques and use of materials & mediums!)

Of course I had to "practice what I preach", so I challenged myself to do a canvas and am pretty happy with the result...

I have posted a tutorial over at Top 50 HERE about how I created this canvas (although I am sure there are plenty of  REAL mixed media artists that will shake their heads at my "process"...LOL)

Despite not producing a layout, I still managed to squeeze on a few items from Handmade Halo. Down the bottom there are a couple of gorgeous little aqua resin flowers, and I also used a beautiful handmade ribbon flower to add some extra dimension.

I am SO looking forward to seeing people's creations for this challenge, so if you are one reading this who would love to give mixed media a go, pop over and check out the challenge details HERE

Update 27/12: I am linking this post up to Tip Junkie's 'Tip Me Tuesday' to share my creation. :)