CSI-Case File #48

OK - my personal challenge for this month of submitting an entry to a scrap challenge with days to spare hasn't got off to a good start! I'm entering the CSI challenge due today. [LOL - I have to laugh at myself!]

I just love the challenge colours so felt compelled to enter this one. Here it is:

I'm entering a digital layout. I asked in the Interrogation Room at CSI if is was permissable, and so far haven't received a negative on that, so am assuming it is allowable. I'm sure someone will tell me if it's not, in due course.

So here is my entry:

Supplies used: Template (Studio DD Layered Works No. 190), Paper (Sabrina -Almost White; Echo Park-For the Record (recoloured); Elements: Chevrons (Patti Knox-Absolutely Acrylic:Chevrons); Alphas (Katie Pertiet - Wire Rimmed Alpha No4; Brushes (Katie Pertiet - Watery Banners No1, Watery Chevrons No2); Word stickers, clock (Echo Park - For the Record (recoloured); Stylized flowers (Jenna Desai - Boy Wonder (repainted)); Cross-stitch (Katie Pertiet-Candid Kit).

Evidence used:

• clock
• silver metallic accents (wire-rimmed charm elephant, brackets and alphas)
• transparent element (chevrons)

Testimony: 

• inspiration words - create, time

Journaling reads:

Every time you have some spare moments, you are creating something. Either you're rummaging through the recycle bin to make something with loads of sticky tape (or 'stippy take' as you call it), or you are drawing with your favourite current medium, oil pastels.  I just love that you are expressing yourself in creating little masterpieces with such focus and dedication. I love you.

Thankyou for coming by.

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.