ScrapFriends Sketch Challenge #7

Hi there!

There's only a few hours left to enter the ScrapFriends Sketch challenge #7, and as usual, I have just made it in time! I really must try and get my entry in much sooner. That will be my personal December challenge.

Here is the sketch:

And my version:

Supplies used: Cardstock (Bazzill), paper (Basic Grey), acrylic paint, sequins, gesso, gemstones (Kaiser), enamel dots (My Mind's Eye), alphas (Bella; American Thickers), twine (We R Memory Keepers; Jillibean), stamp (Stampin' Up), ink pad (Stampin' Up), washi tape.

The photo was taken early 2009. I have very few photos of myself with my children, so it's quite special to me to have this one of my youngest and myself. As you can see also, I've been experimenting with paint. I'm the sort of scrapbooker who measures everything and quite fearful of ruining the paper, so I was trying to extend myself and just go with the flow. There are a few little things I would change, and looking at it via a photo makes it more obvious to me what I could have done differently. But I'm pleased with myself for letting go a little.

Thanks for coming by.

ILS November Sketch Challenge

Hi there!

I only recently came across the ILS (I lowe scrap) blog and found a sketch challenge that had AMAZING design team layouts for the great sketch offered. Thought I'd give it a go.

The sketch:

And my interpretation didn't waiver much at all from the sketch:

Supplies used: Cardstock (American Crafts); paper, stickers & alphas (Echo Park 'Little Boy'); arrows (Studio Calico mistables); paint/ink (Mont Marte acrylic paint, Studio Calico Mr Huey's); gesso (black and white); sewing thread; speech bubble (Studio Calico wood veneer; liquid pearls (Ranger); The Crafters Workshop template.

Although I love white cardstock as a base, I had been wanting to try black for some time, and thought this photo would suit. I used black gesso over the black cardstock, then added the white gesso followed by the paint and inks. I probably didn't need the black gesso, but wasn't sure at that stage what paint effect I wanted - I only knew that I wanted something.

I really admire scrapbook designers (and there are many of them) who are able to make their layouts look so free and easy. I am still so restrained in my style - 'neat' is a word that has been used. I guess style is so much a reflection of one's personality and where one is at that time of their life. Still, I'm sure with more practice, I'll settle into a style that is more the inner me. In the mean time, I'll enjoy the journey of self discovery.

Thankyou for coming by.

Skissedilla Sketch #185

Hello all,

Thanks for coming by.

One of my favourite sketch challenges is Skissedilla. However, I've only entered it once, so today, I'm making it twice, and entering Sketch Challenge # 185.

Here is the fabulous sketch:

And my version:

Supplies used: Paper (Becky Higgins, Project Life); Cardstock (Core'dinations); vellum, crackle paint (Tim Holtz), chipboard (Maya Road); brads (Basic Grey, My Mind's Eye); paint/ink (Jenni Bowlin, Adirondack, Kaiser, Studio Calico-Mister Huey's), gesso, silhouette die cuts, gems (Kaiser), embossing folder (Craft Concepts).

(I have to apologise - I photographed the layout in the evening, and my lighting isn't too good. I'll have to redo in daylight).  (I have now updated the photos, taken in natural light).

One of the trends going around at the moment is using bundled thread behind paper or elements. It's the first time I've used this idea and love the subtle texture it gives. I've used DMC metallic embroidery thread combined with sewing thread for a hint of sheen - it's more obvious in reality than in a photograph (especially when done in bad lighting). But I was thinking, does anyone know who started this thread trend?

The photograph is of my two girls, in the midst of playing dress-up. I just love that they play so well together.

Just also wanted to say a big THANK YOU to those of you who have become followers and/or leave such lovely comments either in response of my visiting your blog, or just because you feel like it. I greatly appreciate it.

Hope you are all having a great day!

Scrap entre Amigas - Sketch #14

Hi all,

There are just a few days left to enter Sketch Challenge #14 at Scrap Entre Amigas. This sketch is by one of my favourite scrappers, Maisa Mendoca.

This is the sketch:

The colours are optional, but I can't help but be swayed by them when I do a sketch.

Here is my entry:

And a few close-ups:

Supplies used: Paper (Prima, Crate Paper, Basic Grey, vellum); Flowers (Prima, Petaloo), Diecuts/Punches (EK Success, Cheery Lynne Designs); Distress Inks, Other (Flourish: Kaiser; Floral vine: Basic Grey; Pebbles: Prima).

The photo was taken almost 2 years ago, and I finally got around to scrapping it! It was my eldest daughter's dance graduation. Her shoes had lights in the heels so that everytime she took a step, they would light up and flash.  She certainly shone that day as she performed a little dance on stage.

Thanks for coming by.

Keeping the best...Sketch Challenge #46

Hello all,

There is a fabulous sketch challenge over at Keeping the best.... They always have such great sketches and this fortnight is no exception. What all the designers have done is just amazing. Even if you don't enter the challenge, it's certainly worth having a look.

Here is the sketch:

And my version:

And some close-ups:

Supplies used: Paper: Crate Paper; Rub-ons: Kaisercraft; Stamps: Kaisercraft, Studio Calico; Mistable arrows: Studio Calico; Inks: Distress Inks, Memento; embroidery thread, buttons, machine stitching.

The paper I used is a fairly old collection from Crate Paper (Brook Collection). I'm a huge fan of their paper - their colours are always divine. I particularly like the colours in this range with the mustard, teal and green. Such a fabulous mix. It's also the first time I've used mistables, and I can say I've fallen in love!

The challenge ends in a few hours - as usual, I seem to just make it in the nick-of-time!

Thanks so much for coming by.

ScrapFriends Colour Challenge #6

Hello all,

It's been a little while since I last posted. I have been busy with my children (one or two little issues that arose) and my studies, which has left very little time for anything else.

However, I'm keen to get back into the swing of things again, and thought I'd start with one of my favourite challenges - a colour challenge by ScrapFriends. When I first saw the challenge I fell in love with it, and knew I had to enter. Here it is:



As ScrapFriends allows digital entries for their colour challenge only, I thought it was a good opportunity to enter one. I haven't done any digital layouts for ages, I almost forgot how to do a few things! So this is something I think I'll need to be repeating in order for my brain to retain the limited knowledge I've accumulated and hopefully expand on over time. So here is my entry:

Supplies used: Template: Lauren Reid (Transformers); Paper & Elements: Dido Designs (Only Love Matters kit), Sabrina Dupre Designs (Almost White paper collection), Agnes Biro (Eye Candy kit), Allison Pennington (Perfectly Suited kit), Juliana Kneipp (Craft Time for Girls), Studio DD (Readymade Circles You, Readymade Banners For Mom); Stitching: Katie Pertiet (Assorted Messy Stitches White No.1, Assorted Messy Stitches 2); Brushes: Katie Pertiet (Spot Dots Brushes No.9), Kara Dudley (Friends kit). 

Thankyou so much for coming by.