Cheers

Another fun card was made with Crate Paper's Maggie Holmes Confetti collection. This one was inspired by the CardMaps challenge over at Scrapbook.com using a Becky Fleck sketch.

Supplies: Maggie Holmes patterned paper, stickers embossing folder (Crate Paper), cardstock (CTMH), icraft Deco foil (Thermoweb), glitter (Dollarama), gingham ribbon (O'Scrap!)embroidery floss (Anchor), Tim Holtz tiny attacher and staples (Advantus)

The music score embossing folder adds just that right touch to the background. 

For easy gold embellishing of the tag, I ran a quick swipe of glue stick around the edge and then added some gold foil.

TTFN,

Brrr ~ It's Cold!

Baby it's is cold and icy outside.  We got dumped with freezing rain on top of layers of snow making for some interesting sidewalk and road conditions.

Perfect though for hanging out in a cozy warm house and crafting.  I created this seasonal card from this month's PageMap Blog sketch challenge.

Supplies: cardstock (Bazzill), patterned papers (K & Company), diecut (My Favorite Things), punches and Heat'n Stick(Stampin' Up), Silhouette sketchy circles cut file (SCT Nicole Nowosad), embossing folder (Cuttlebug), VersaMark (Tsukinenko), baker's twine (The Twinery), pen (CTMH), stickles (Ranger), mirror snowflakes, vellum and glitter (Dollarama)

Again, I dug into my stash and used some older Christmas papers and My Favorite Things die cuts.  I created the bottom piece by swiping a VersaMark pad over the flat side of an embossing folder, then sprinkling Heat & Stick to it.  After heating it with a heat gun, I sprinkled white glitter on, thus the recessed snow effect.

For a touch of newness, I used a circles cut file created by Nicole Nowosad that was available for free on the Scrapbook and Cards Today blog.


I stuck pretty much to the sketch and the pattern theme. It just fit my scrappy mood for today.

It is such a pretty sketch with lots of potential other than seasonal snowflakes don't you think?  Check out how others chose to use it here.


TTFN,

PageMaps Prettiness

When I saw this sketch over at the PageMaps blog, I knew right off what paper collection I wanted to use.  The sketch looks like it could have been created with a MME collection in mind.  In this case, I wanted to use the Miss Caroline Dolled Up collection.





Supplies: patterned papers, die cut, cardstock stickers, layered sticker, rub ons, baker's twine (MME), border punch (EK Success), felt letter stickers and ink (CTMH), thread (Aurifil Mako' ne), pen (Staedtler), pearl jewels (Dollarama)

Here is the PageMaps sketch:

I even stuck with the floral border, woodgrain, journal spot, and gingham patterns within the sketch.  I switched up the hearts for dollies and butterflies that worked better with my theme. 
 

TTFN,

PageMaps Anniversary 1-2-3-4 Challenge Card

It has been a while but I am still here.  Another new job assignment leaves me with very little me time thus minimal scrap time.  I found myself really needing a mini crafting fix and decided to make a quick card.

My inspiration... PageMaps of course! LOL! I visited the sight and see that Becky has oodles of events going on for her site's 7th Anniversary.  I decided to do the 1-2-3-4 Challenge which encompasses 3 areas: a recipe, a colour scheme, and the use of a card sketch.

Here is what I came up with...

Supplies: Patterned papers and chipboard (Echo Park), baker's twine (Jillibean Soup), border punch (Fiskars), cardstock (Bazzill), brad (Making Memories)

 I used one of my favourite Echo Park lines-  the "This & That Graceful Collection". Perfect for the four colours of the recipe.  I have the 1 brad, 2 patterned papers, 3 layers and all four colours.  I used baker's twine to create the lollipop with doublw side tape on a circle punch shape.

This was the recipe card...



and the card sketch...






















TTFN,

Something Old but New

Over the next several months, I am determined to complete the many partially started projects that I have in storage folders just waiting to be completed.  For me it is those ones that get pushed aside in favour of the more pressing time oriented ones.  LOL!  Do you happen to do this too? Do you have any unfinished projects just sitting around waiting to be completed?




Supplies: patterned papers, stickers (Crate Paper), fabric chipboard letters (American Crafts), stamp (Kelly Panacci by SandyLion), ink and pen (CTMH)

This layout is about about the start of a friendship and it is based on a sketch from the PageMaps blog.  I used both the sketch, the theme and the book cover as inspiration.  I used Crate Paper's Story Teller Collection.


TTFN,

PageMaps February Challenge

I had a great time playing with patterns today.  I  had picked up some of the pretty new MME Collectable collections at Crop and Create Markham and when I saw this month's PageMaps Blog challenge last night, I thought it would work wonderfully with all the patterned elements in the design.






Supplies: patterned papers, die cuts, chipboard (MME), chipboard letters (American Crafts), ink (CTMH), pen (Staedtler), thread (Aurifil Mako'ne)



I was not disappointed.  I was able to use a bunch of different ones from different lines of the collection as these patterned papers go together seamlessly. Such fun colours and embellies which work well with these fun photos of my daughter.

Here is the sketch and as you can see, I kept pretty true to it.

TTFN,

Indie Chick with Indie Chic and PageMaps

I have been waiting for just the right paper to come along and do justice to these fun first day of school photos of Alex in 2010.  She definitely has her own individual style which includes a hat thing. That was the year that started her fedora collection. LOL!

The My Mind's Eye Indie Chic Ginger collection, which was in My Scrapbook Nook's July kit, was not only inspirationally title apropos but also colour wise, it works beautifully with my daughter's style colour choices. Add in the awesome July PageMaps Challenge sketch and it makes for one fun layout that is coordinated and gives a whole feel that fits the story.

Supplies: patterned papers, sticker, metal flowers and Baker's Twine (MME), doilie (Michael's), cardstock (Bazzill), foam and glitter letters (American Crafts), emboss border punch (Fiskars), tag die (Sizzix), thread (Coates), ink and flower jewels(CTMH), marker (Sharpie), jewels and small metal filigree (Dollarama)

I also added a little sparkle with the title as a tie into Alex's outfit. For if you look closely at her top, you might be able to see some of the black sections are sequenced

Here is the original sketch that was my starting point inspiration.

I rotated and then flipped the sketch to have the banners running down and to accommodate my photos.  If you are interested in learning how I do this in a word document to make it easier to change up the sketch and then work from it, check out my tutorial here.   

TTFN,

Random Cuteness!

I am very much loving Crate Paper's Random collection! This line is so pretty and versatile.  This layout, is my take of a fun sketch from the January PageMaps collection.

Supplies: patterned papers (Crate Paper), stamps (CTMH, Inkadinkado), ink (Rangers, CTMH, Studio G), glitter letter stickers (MM), fabric letter stickers (Prima), punch (Fiskars), baker's twine (We R Memory keepers), pen (Creative Memories), twine and staples (misc.)

The sketch really resonated with me due to its unique design.

I flipped and moved some of the elements around to better suit my photos.  I used six different patterned papers as well as lots od stamping and faux stitching.

TTFN,

November PageMaps Newsletter

I cannot begin to describe how excited I am about the November PageMaps Newsletter.  Firstly, because I am honoured that I had the opportunity to contribute to it (you all know what a fan I am of Becky) but secondly, I absolutely love how my take on the sketch turned out.

Supplies: patterned papers, dimensional stickers, chipboard, pearl swirl, pearl swirl packaging background, and burlap trim (MME), fabric chipboard numbers (American Crafts), Tim Holtz distress inks (Rangers), blk ink (StazOn), pen (Creative Memories), twine and thread (misc.)

I used the Nook's October Kit and add-ons featuring MME's Lost and Found Two Sunshine collection.  These papers have such a richness to them and with all the textures and layers of the collection products... oh my... how can a girl go wrong?

Here is the sketch that I interpreted:

 

As you can see, I stuck pretty close to the original design. I am grateful for the amazing inspiration that it provided in my coming up with this layout.

A close up shot:

I fussy cut the lace doily, distress inked the edges, stitched it, the layout border edges and burlap trim in a pleated fashion with a golden mustard coloured thread, and used the swirls packaging card as my journal spot after distress inking the top label cut edge to match the other sides. I hymned and hahed over whether to use black and white or sepia photos.  After trying both versions, I went with the sepia as it just went beautifully with the brownish tones and the burlap trim and twine.

If you love the look of glitter paper but not the accompanying mess of glitter virtually everywhere, I used this neat tip I picked up at ScrapFest from the ladies at The Memory Keeper booth.  I lightly sprayed the glittered parts of the paper, layered sticker and chipboard with a nonscented aerosal hairspray.  By george it did the trick and held the glitter in place!  I also discovered that by using a static cling floor wipe like Swiffer sheets, I was able to easily deglitter the plain side of the papers and my work surface. Yeah for alternative uses!

A huge thanks to Becky for letting me contribute.  Be sure to check out her other marvelous sketches and the fabulous sample layouts of my fellow November newsletter contributors here.

TTFN,

Always a first time for everything

It is funny how things work out.  I hadn't updated my galleries for September & October (where did the time go) and had some time on the weekend.  Totally a surprise to go visit Two Peas to do some wish list building tonight when I came across this on the main gallery page.

My first time, that I know of, being in the Top 3 and with 2 very different layouts.  I think that is soooo cool! Can you tell that I am just a little excited? 


TTFN,

PageMaps September Sketch Layout

This was a great PageMaps sketch by Becky for September.  I love how she inspires me and many others in the creation of great layouts. 

As soon as I saw this one, I knew I wanted to do a school themed layout.  Here is my take using some Magenta fall lines, corrugated products, stamping, sewing and lots of inking.

Supplies: patterned papers, corrugated buttons, journal stamp (Magenta), wht cardstock (Bazzill), fabric letters (American Crafts), chipboard letters (BasicGrey), sticker letter H (Fancy Pants) kraft cardstock, ink, marker, word stamp & blending pen (CTMH), watercolour pencil crayons (Reeves), sticker tab (DaisyD's), mini letter stickers (Cosmo Cricket), twine (Jillibean Soup), eyelet (Making Memories), pen (Steadtler), thread (miscallaneous)



This was a fun way to look back and finish off the summer with only one more day before the start of another school year...  grade 6, her she comes.  More first day photos to add to the memory files come Tuesday.



TTFN,

PageMaps July Sketch Challenge

This month Becky Fleck has not one but two sketch challenges for July over at PageMaps.  This one was a great sketch sponsored by Punky Sprouts that I have scrapped before and just as there are always so many different takes on a sketch, I too have a vastly different take this time around.

This one had the added fun of being scrapped at the cottage which means I am left with the supplies on hand as opposed to a fully stocked scrap room.  I had my yet untouched June 2011 Nook kit featuring Lily Bee Picket Fence and a small scrapping supply stash.  In addition, I used supplies that are readily found at our cottage...aluminum foil, a tea cup and saucer, birch bark and freshly taken photos of my daughter.  Add the use of scissors and some punches and this is the result.

Supplies: patterned paper, letter stickers (Lily Bee), chipboard letters (American Crafts), border punch (Recollections), Glimmer Glazes (Tattered Angels), butterfly punch (Martha Stewart), ink, cardstock (CTMH), pen (Staedtler), tea cup and saucer, birch bark and aluminum foil (miscellaneous cottage items)

Recalling the use of tin foil on the Scrapbook and Cards Today Blog, I was inspired to give it a try on my layout by border punching  it without the benefit of double sided adhesive.  {**Design Note: foil is very fragile and patience is required to slide it along in the punch and when creating gathers to fit the circle shapes.}  I had pink and teal Glimmer Glaze and after a little colour experimenting, I was able to create a mauve that worked.  I traced the tea cup and saucer to give a wavy shape to both circles and adhered the foil once dry behind it.  We have a vast supply of birch bark due to a tree coming down this spring and here I thought to experiment with a butterfly punch.  It worked marvelously and thus the addition of the birch bark butterflies which coordinates with the title colouring.  A little inking, sewing and journaling et voila! A very unique layout!  Lovin' the results!


TTFN,

Get Picky Sketch #6 from Guest Designer Becky Fleck

You only have to look on my sidebar to see I am a fan of Becky Fleck and her PageMaps sketches.  Not only will you find a site badge, but you can see from the number of posts/layouts in the labels menu, that I am.  As some of my favourite layouts that I have made are based on her sketches, I was so excited to see that Becky was the Guest Designer at Get Picky in March.  While I did not have the opportunity to participate in the contest part of the challenge, I loved the sketch and wanted to use it.  Here is the sketch used for March's challenge.

Here is my take:

Supplies: patterned papers, chipboard (MME), cardstock, chalk and blue marker (CTMH), VersaMark (for chalked shape), punches (Stampin' Up, Fiskars), pen (Staedtler), kitchen twine (Misc.)

I had picked up the MME Fine and Dandy from Scrapbook Memories - The Design Studio's brand new location on a March Break sojourn to London, Ontario where I naturally had to LSS shop both on my way and in London.  Once I started to think about what I wanted to do with the sketch, I knew that I wanted to use this line and exactly which pictures I wanted to use.  So again this month it required a trip down memory lane to find the photos in my pre-scrapbooking 35 mm film days.  This time it was back to 2001.  The outfit my DD is wearing is one of my favourite's from her toddler years.  So have to love the Gap for their adorable coordinated lines!

I marvel that I actually have some good photos from then, as I was really just beginning to learn more about photography and how to use my manual camera.  Not to mention, you get what you get as no editing was available with the film developed as is.

Be sure to check out both the Get Picky DT's takes as well as the spectacular entries.  This site is proving to be one hugely internationally talented inspirational place to visit!  April's sketch challenge closes in a day so there is still time to get your entry in.

TTFN,

The Perfect Pairing!

New for 2011, Scrapbook and Cards Today and Becky Fleck's PageMaps launched a 2011 Sketch Calendar.  The sketches are inspiring per usual which is why I love Becky's PageMaps.  I have a plan to use the calendar such that I do the monthly sketch with the products from My Scrapbook Nook's monthly kits.  Thus, at the end of the year I will have some fabulous pages that combine my two favourite scrapping things.  So here is my take on February's sketch with the Nook's kit featuring Webster's Pages.


Supplies: patterned papers, trims, fabric (Webster's Pages), cardstock (Bazzill), journal spot (Maya Road), glitter chipboard letters (Cosmo Cricket), pearls and rhinestones (Dollarama), pen (Creative Memories), ink (CTMH), font (Amura)

The Webster's Hollywood Vogue line is some gorgeous stuff.  You almost don't want to cut into it, it is so pretty. 

As to March's sketch...  I am looking forward to receiving my March Kit in the weeks to come.  Here is what it looks like.

Hot off the heels of CHA, this kit features Crate Paper's Emma Shoppe and MME's Stella Rose with some Webster Pages trims.  Ooh... this is going to be a fun one!

TTFN,

It has just taken 4 months!

At the end of October, I went to my first CreativFestival in Toronto (no that is not a typo, just their way of titling the event).  It is a crafting exhibit of multiple genres that happens in the spring and the fall.  There was beading, sewing, knitting, embroidery, quilting, designing, decorating, stamping, card making and ... of course my favourite and the reason I went... scrapbooking.  I was inspired to attend after a blog post on Scrapbook and Cards Today Magazine's featuring the CreativFestival and Sarah Hodgkinson's layout class that still had some spaces available.


I can't say enough good things about the class.  Sarah is an ideal teacher.  She is very organized, goes step by step and allowed plenty of time for all levels.  She even brought her sewing machine ... need I say more.    The layout was based on one of my favourite sketch go-to-gals, Becky Fleck's PageMaps.  It has just taken me 4 months but I finally got around to finishing my version of the layout.  It features Jillibean Soup's Pasta Fagioli and Core'dinations Cardstock.

Supplies:  patterned paper, cardtock stickers (Jillibean Soup), cardstock (Core'dinations and Bazzill), photo negative die cut (Tim Holtz), punch (Fiskars), font (Disney Print), ink(CTMH), pen (Staedtler), thread and twine(misc.)

 See Sarah's cute layout here.  We also made that adorable Dove Christmas card with the Core'dination materials and some Jillibean Soup's Christmas Chestnut Soup that you see in Sarah's blog post link.


I felt the class was great value for money.  For forty dollars I got the class which was the double page layout and card, a small animal print Xyron, a full package of JilliBean Soup Core'dinations cardstock, and the Jillibean sticker sheets and patterned paper remnants.  On top of that, I even won a package of the new Stacy Julian Core'dinations pack in a give away.  Wow, such fabulous manufacturer sponsorship!  A big thank you to those companies.


It was a great crafty experience and I would definitely take a Sarah Hodgkinson class again in the future.  The Spring CreativFestival is coming soon and I look forward to seeing the class schedule.  Fingers crossed for another Sarah class.

TTFN,

Family Time

Here in Ontario last Monday was Family Day. An actual statutory holiday devoted to spending time with your family.  In our often insane fast paced daily lives the simple pleasure of enjoying ones family can get lost.  When I saw Becky Fleck's PageMap Blog Challenge sketch for February, I knew the photo I wanted to document.  One I had taken earlier in the month at one of our Sunday dinners of my husband, his sister and his mom.  I love the special time spent with his family and the relationships developped both by and with myself but also amoungst the cousins.  It all goes to building a special bond and lifetime memories ...  Sunday dinner at Grandma's.

Family time...time well spent!

TTFN,

Snow, Snow & More Snow!

This winter have seen some amazing amounts of snow where I live.  Several times we broke records just to break them again a day or 2 later.  As I am posting, it is once again snowing.  Spring can't come soon enough at this rate.  You know I have had enough when I am looking forward to the dirty slushy March period so that I know the end is in sight!

Supplies list can be found here.

On the bright side, I have some great fun photos of my daughter and friends playing in the snow at various points of the winter.  Thus I have a lot of material for creating winter pages.  Last night I finished this fun layout of my daughter and her friend on one of the snow days when school got cancelled.  They made what my daughter termed the Best Snowman Ever.  He was super cool and lasted for several weeks.  I loved his apple nose, raisin eyes, mouth and buttons, his plastercine pipe, top hat and Joan's scarf which looked fabulous and toasty.

TTFN,