I've had the most wonderfully lazy Sunday. Breakfast in bed; watching old episodes of Teachers; and scrapbooking. It seems like forever since I last did some 12x12 layouts, so I've got a couple to share.

First, there's my interpretation of the 'I Wish, I May, I Might' Pre-DT Challenge on the new challenge blog It's All About Me. At the moment, I'm working hard to turn my life around and there's so much that I want to do, and so much that I need to do, that it sometimes seems overwhelming. I'm wishing for the courage I need to change my life for the better; to have a little faith in myself.

I chose a nice, subtle cardstock for my background and distressed it (a lot) using the edge of my scalpel. A few of the scrap pieces of cardstock I used also got the rough treatment and I frayed the edges of the material to make some of the threads loose around the edges.

Then it was just a case of stacking everything together and machine sewing it all together. There's no glue on the page whatsoever - unless you count the little word stickers from Making Memories - and, since they have a tendency to fall off, I sewed them down anyway. My sewing machine, which sewed through several layers of cardstock and chipboard, probably hates me.

The other layout is a little more..um..sparse? I'm often inspired by clean lines, graphic design and a desire to use the beautiful bits of scrap that have been stashed away in my cupboard. The cardstock is by Anna Griffin and looks a little bit like washed denim in real life. I chose a few pieces of scrap to co-ordinate and cut them down to match the width of a photograph from an old interiors magazine. Then the poor little sewing machine got another exercising while I sewed on all the pieces.

It was still a little too bare, even for me, so I punched out some leaves from more scrap card and sewed them directly onto the cardstock. To achieve a 'leaves blowing in the wind' look, I sewed each leaf on to the page with a few running stitches, then lifted the machine foot and moved the cardstock over to the next leaf - without cutting the thread. To finish off, I just moved the needle down to the right hand corner and sewed a few zig zag stitches to anchor the thread and balance the layout.

I'm really happy with my afternoon's work and, considering the weather, I'm also happy to have Shimelle's class, Learn Something New Every Day to look forward to tomorrow. I'm off to start gathering all of my supplies together. Hope you're all enjoying your weekends x

Making Mini Books From One Piece Of Cardstock

Before I start on the tutorial today, I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who's added my blog to their favourites; added themselves as a follower, or comments on my blog. I have been overwhelmed by the genuine 'niceness' of everyone I've encountered in the blogging world and, honestly, you have all been a boost to my confidence and have restored my faith in people.

Okay, smaltz over with, let's crack on with the tutorial.

Anyone who knows me in the 'real' world of scrapbooking, knows that I'm a bit, um...stingy with my scrapbooking supplies - I like to get some bang for my buck and I am regularly trying to find ways to stretch my supplies that bit further. I use this basic way to make mini books from one piece of cardstock. It's easy enough to complete in one sitting - and this makes it one of my favourites.

I should note that this tutorial is, in no way, original. There are lots of similar versions out there (and if you know of one, let me know so that I can link to it here.) But, I've been asked how I make these little books at scrapbooking crops and thought I'd share the way that I do it. So, here goes....

You'll need:

A sheet of 12 x 12 cardstock;
Some card/paper scraps to decorate;

Ruler;
Scissors, trimmer or craft knife;
Adhesive;

Embellishments and photographs of your choice.

Take your piece of 12 x 12 cardstock and cut into three sections, each measuring 4 x 12.

Next, take one piece of the 4 x 12 cardstock pieces and fold in half. This will form the cover of your mini-book. (If you are using double sided cardstock, choose now which side of the cardstock you want to appear on the front of your mini book.)

Now take the second piece of 4 x 12 cardstock and measure sections of 3 1/2 inches, 4 inches and 4 1/2 inches. Score along the lines, but DO NOT CUT. (I missed out the photograph for this piece - sorry - but if you read through the rest of the instructions and check the following photographs, it should make sense!)

With the final piece of 4 x 12 cardstock, measure sections of 1 inch, 1 1/2 inches, 2 inches and 3 inches. (The remaining two inch section will be used to join our pieces together.) Score along the lines, cut off ONLY THE 1 INCH FLAP.

Score and fold the 1 inch piece in half, so that you have to flaps, 4 inches by 1/2 inch. Adhere one 1/2 inch flap to 4 1/2 fold of your second piece of 4 x 12 cardstock. (As shown below.) Then take your cover and adhere one side of the 1 inch flap to the back of the cover, right next to the fold. (Nestle it in as tightly as you can.) Now fit the final piece of cardstock to the booklet, by adhering the 2 inch section at the end of our final piece of 4 x 12 cardstock to the top most flap in our mini.

Bend all of the flaps (one forward, one backward) until the mini book forms an irregular accordion style booklet. If you're anything like me (I can't cut or score in a straight line!) the edges of your book might not line up properly, so just hold the covers together and trim them straight. And, you've finished - a cute, chunky little mini ready for your photographs and embellishments.

Hopefully, the instructions and the photographs are clear and easy to follow, but please let me know if you have any questions about the tutorial. And, if you have a go at making one, I'd be delighted if you left a link in the comments so that I can have a peek :)

Scrapbooking Central

For some reason, after a few nights of fantastic sleep at perfectly reasonable hours, I can't sleep. Why? Oh, why? Could it be that the world of scrapbooking is just too exciting? I have no idea, but I thought that I might as well pass the time by telling you all about the things that have caught my interest recently -

Shimelle. In the last week Shimelle has: posted a pretty fine Travel Journal Tutorial for Ali Edwards, scouted out fantastic crafty tutorials and organised kits and sign ups for her new class Learn Something New Every Day - which I'm so excited to be participating in over the next month! People have no right to be this damn talented.

Melissa. Melissa is creator and Design Team Co-ordinator for the new challenge blog It's All About Me and, in the middle of co-ordinating Design Team applications, starting a new (and very friendly forum) and working full-time, she's bravely started her own business Creatividad Designs, designing wedding invitations and stationery. How's that for entrepreneurial spirit?

Kara. Kara has a wonderful, whimsical scrapbooking style all of her own, is a talented photographer and an extremely creative and supportive teacher. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to details of her autumn class, because her last class rocked. If you missed Music + Art Journalling Adventure it's now available in her etsy store The Sequined Shoe.

Have you been inspired by something in the scrapbooking world - or craft world in general - recently? If you have, please leave a comment telling me all about it, it's not as if I really need any sleep!

My (Very Own) Creative Space

It's been a little while since I've been able to blog about My Creative Space. We've been busily re-arranging and re-decorating our little home and all surfaces have been covered with books. (I knew we had a lot of books. I just didn't realise we had a LOT of books, if you know what I mean?) There was just no room for creativity.

Until now, the majority of my crafting materials have lived in our dining room and no matter how tidy they were (and, let's face it, they generally weren't tidy) the dining room just didn't look finished. Our study had long since been lost under all of the things we threw in there when people came to visit (don't pretend that you don't do that) and we needed a change.

I've spent a couple of weeks shifting things; cleaning things; painting things and shifting things again - and the final result of all this upheaval? A home which is starting to look smarter, cleaner and more finished. Oh, and did I mention, my very own creative space?

I'm delighted to be able to give you a tour -

The room is light, bright and airy. Everything that you could want in your own creative space. I was totally surprised when I managed to fit everything in (though I have been making a concerted effort to use my stash before buying any more.) There's even room for larger bookshelves if I need them eventually.

On my desk are the tools that I use most often and all of the little lovelies that I've collected to use in my crafts. (The jars are all old Nutella jars. We eat a LOT of Nutella!)

On the bookshelf, which is actually an Ikea shoerack, I've got my craft books, scrapbook albums, mini-albums and, on the lower shelf (not shown) are my scrapbook alphas and some works in progress.

On the top photograph, you can see that I also keep my sewing machine and my photo frames in this corner - out of the way.

And lastly, in the corner, is a beautiful bureau that I've inherited from my late aunt. (It's so nice to have something that belonged to her and is both beautiful and functional!) Inside, I've hidden away my office equipment, fabric, photographs and scrapbook papers. On top, the two boxes hold my sewing notions and bead stash, nestled into the wool I scored on Freecycle.

I can't wait to get started on some new creative projects, so please come back and visit - I'll be sharing - starting tomorrow with a little mini-book tutorial :)

I Knew This Would Happen

I just knew it. I turn thirty and the whole world starts to wonder when I'm going to settle down and start a family. Suddenly all of my friends have children (or have children on the way) including my oldest, bestest friend, who introduced me to her first born - Ethan - this weekend. I have to admit, he was a lovely little fella, even with the snoring and the trumping on my leg. Who knew babies snored? (I knew they trumped.)

However, inevitably, I'm being asked more and more often whether The Steve and I have given any thought to starting a family. Um. Honestly? Neither of us are particularly broody. I think we'd rather have a dog. We've definitely discussed having a dog.

We've discussed the need to finish decorating the house and tidy the garden. We've discussed the need to ensure that our little dog wouldn't be left at home or with family while we were working long hours or taking regular trips away from home. We've discussed who would feed the dog and who would walk the dog. We've even discussed what kind of dog we'd prefer and come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter as long as it's happy and healthy. Shit. Sounds like we are broody after all.

I Wish...

...that I could bundle this last weekend up into my pocket and bring it out whenever the skies are grey and miserable.

Home

I'm heading 'home' home today for a weekend full of family and old friends. Back on Monday with some photographic evidence. Have a good weekend x

Coveting

If I woke up tomorrow with this much style (and that Maxmara coat and those Louboutin stillettos) I would know that I had died and gone to heaven.

........Simple Black......... by *Merotal*my own style contest featuring Max Mara

I could spend all day scouring the sets on Polyvore. It's like window shopping except there's no sore feet or need for emergency umbrellas and, when you can add Jimmy Choo's to your 'basket', you'll never feel the compulsion to nip into New Look for some new pumps (and a vest top.)

Oh, and while I'm on the subject of fashion. Katherine (who has been knitting cowls) and Gem (who shares my proclivity for crawling around in tights/leggings and just happened to mention 'snoods' in passing) were well ahead of the game in spotting The Next Big Thing. I have such fashionable friends!

Opinions Please - Mad Or Genius?

You may remember that some time ago I published my list of 30 Things To Do While I'm 30. Well, I am slowly and surely working my way through it. (You can check the list to see how I'm coming along.)

Yesterday I started tackling both No.3 and No.15 by sorting through my fabric stash, which mainly consists of fat quarters; some thrifted tablecloths and pillowcases; and a rather large pile of clothing that is waiting to be mended, re-fashioned or made into something exciting. Oh, and a rather large pile of tights with holes in them!

I should explain here that I'm the kind of person who puts ladders and holes in my tights very easily - no matter how thick they might be. Lying down on pavements to take photographs, decorating in dresses and just generally being the kind of girl to climb over walls whilst wearing skirts means that my poor old tights don't really stand a chance of having a long life. This makes me feel rather guilty. Too guilty, in fact, to throw them away.

So, when I came across my poor old tights in a corner today I was determined to do something with them (instead of shoving them back in the cupboard until the next clearout.) Inspired by Skacore Princess I ended up with.....

A Necklace Made From Recycled Tights Which Vaguely Resembles A Necklush. Catchy, huh?

Now, I'm thrilled with how this turned out (and not just because it frees up some space in my cupboard.) I've been coveting a Necklush for some time and my wardrobe is in dire need of a little funkifying. However, I've no idea whether this little number is actually mad or genius. I have, of course, asked The Steve's opinion but, lovely though he is, he's a man. I need girlie advice, you know?

Do you like it? Would you wear it? Is it tutorial worthy? Let me know, won't you? Before I wear it outside of the house.

Mini Book Madness (& More)

Madness! Madness, I tell you! UK Scrappers have been hosting a Summer Mini Book Challenge, which continues over the course of this week and there are lots of free mini book templates available to download. Amanda Johnson, who is one of my all time favourite 'celebrity' scrapbookers, also has a couple of current mini book tutorials on her blog Here's Looking At Me Kid. They look uh-mazing and I'm dying to get stuck in and have a go at making a mini book Mandi style.

Unfortunately, over the past week I've been trying to work on some projects at home (cleaning, tidying and decorating - nothing overly exciting) inbetween bouts of illness (bleh!) and really haven't had the time - or the inclination - for any craftiness.

Now that I'm starting to feel a little better, I've spent the day catching up on a few chores; packaging up some parcel goodness for some lovely ladies and finishing off a few works in progress. (Remember the necklace from last week's Sunday Stash?)

Normal service has finally resumed. *Sigh!*

~Interlude~

Normal service will be resumed shortly. I'm a little busy with some projects at home this week!

Today I Am In Deep Detox

My head is pounding rhythmically; I have slept for the majority of a perfectly sunny day and most of my mental functions have shut down in protest at having to operate in tea-free conditions.

I should explain that there is not a (normal) day which passes without tea. I love tea. I would rather drink tea than water, cordials and alcohol. Tea is my first; my last; my always. Tea is my drug of choice and without it life is starting to feel a little bleak.

I am hoping that once the withdrawal clears that I will have bright eyes; clear skin and more energy. I am hoping that once the withdrawal clears I will feel stronger and more committed to a detox diet and an energising exercise plan. I am hoping that once the withdrawal clears I will emerge from my self-imposed cocoon looking like two-stone lighter version of myself (though I have the perfectly horrid feeling that it might take a while to reach that point!)

The Last Few Days

No breeze. Hot and sticky on the underground. Hugs and kisses at the train station. Idle chit chat over dinner. Drinks at the local pub and a quiet, peaceful stroll home in the late evening. Sleep. Lunch with Sarah's family. Walking the dog. Playing ball with the dog. Falling in love with the dog. Chocolate biscuits and cups of tea whilst watching old movies. Harry Potter (for the second time.) Sleep. A lazy breakfast. The Tube into London.

Lunch in Kensington. Lots of talking. (Talking is good.) Admiring South Kensington Gardens. The Victoria & Albert Museum. Tea and Tiffin. Covent Garden. Hustle and Bustle.

Sitting on steps and watching the world go by. Iced tea. The Woman In Black (for the fifth time. Sarah's first.) Goosebumps and ghostly tales. The Tube home. A cool night breeze. Sleep. Early morning wake up call. Tea and toast. Hughenden Manor.

Walk and talk around the estate. Butterflys. Refreshments at the little shop. Hugs and kisses at the train station. Hot and sticky on the underground. No breeze.

Seed Beads - My Sunday Stash

I'm well aware that my stash of crafting materials has expanded somewhat since I bought my first glass paints at university. Once I'd conquered glass painting, I started beading and wire-working to make jewellery. Then I started papercrafting; making cards and scrapbooking. Now I've started embroidering and I have plans to learn how to knit properly and crochet. It's all sort of spiralled out of control. And so has my stash.

In an effort to find an (enjoyable) way to sort through the chaos, I went searching for inspiration and stumbled upon Sunday Stash. Tamara from 1/4 Of An Inch came up with the wonderful idea of sharing our stash (and possibly our plans for using it!) each and every Sunday. And, of course, I knew that I wouldn't be able to show you photographs of it looking all disorganised and dusty. Just the kind encouragement I need to sort through my stash and, instead of buying more, remember what I have.

This week, in between the emo blogging, I've begun on sorting out my beading stash. I now know that I don't need to purchase any more seed beads for quite some time and that I should really tackle some new projects.

I've even made a start. It's a pretty complicated netting pattern, so there's only a little bit to share with you. I'll share the full project just as soon as it's finished.

I'm off on another (mini) road trip this afternoon - visiting my university pal Sarah. I'll be back on Thursday and will diligently follow up on comments; check e-mails and visit other Sunday Stashers. Hope you're having a great weekend x

Project Lovin', Happened So Fast!

There's so much awesomeness in the world of internet and blog today that I really need to share. The ever so lovely Katherine from Paper Pocket may have finally given me a good reason to learn how to crochet with the cutest crocheted headband this side of Elsie Flannigan.

Then, I discovered that Kirsty has designed some awesomely attractive (and ultimately useful) CD Cases using some printable downloads from Shimelle's new class Go To Print.

As if that wasn't enough, One Pretty Thing has featured a Covered Bangle Tutorial from See Mi Knit using swatches of knitting. Which means that even with my rudimentary knitting skills, I can make something that's actually in fashion. (Edited - or at least it was in 2007!)

Oh, and one last thing. The perfect mojito to enjoy while you're busy working out which project to try first. Have a good weekend!

Original Photography - Design Sponge