Obstinate Pursuit

Pass The Page Blog Hop - Bonkers For Conkers

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000Z

Hello & Welcome! If you've just arrived by way of From High In The Sky and have never visited before, you won't be aware that it's been well over three months since I last posted. (If you used to be a regular visitor, don't let these new folks in on my shameful secret! It was never my intention to take such an extended break and I have the lovely Julie to thank for bringing me back to the 'world of the blogging.')

If you're not familiar with the concept of Pass The Page, you might want to start the blog hop 'officially' at Letting The Days Roll By where all will be explained. And, as an added bonus there's a few prizes to be had for commenting along the way.

My part in the blog hop was to adapt Sian's rather beautiful layout (which always meant that mine would look rather dull by comparison.) Initially, I was inspired by Sian's use of layering, as well as the overall balance of her page. I liked the large rectangle created by the papers in the bottom half of the page and the embellishment cluster. However, the thing that I always love the most about Sian's pages is her emphasis on storytelling.

There were many twists and turns in the completion of my layout, so it's totally different to how I imagined it! But, I got the story down on paper - so that's good enough for me!

***Although no cameras were hurt during the photographing of this project, I had just damaged my camera lens. I still haven't replaced and this is the only photograph I have of this layout. Forgive me the bad lighting and the lack of detail shots?***

Now, I don't know about you, but I am dying to find out how the story ends. Your first step on the way to finding out should be Craft Imperfect where Helen has taken inspiration from my layout to make her very own. But, before you go, remember to leave a comment to be in with a chance of winning...

...You never know there may be a sneaky, surprise type of prize too :)

She Speaks Melsh

2011-11-14T19:01:00.013Z

Another layout to share with you today, using a background paper from my November Counterfeit Kit and some scraps from my October Counterfeit Kit. Actually, October's Kit may never end. Seriously, I have been using scraps from that kit for the last couple of weeks and I still have a ton of them. It's fun seeing how many different projects I can make out of them though, so I'm not too worried.

Anyway, back to today's layout, which was inspired by - you guessed it - a prompt from Pretty Paper Party. The prompt was to use scraplifting as a starting point so, I was on a look out for the perfect scrapbook layout to emulate, when I spotted this beauty over on An Ounce Of Creativity and decided it was the one.

The dinky, little photograph of Mel was sat on my desk just waiting for inspiration to strike and, it did. Don't you love it when scrapbooking seems effortless? Well, not quite effortless. I did hand sew all of that embroidery thread.

Source: anounceofcreativity.blogspot.com via Clair on Pinterest

The journalling is a little twist on Mel's 'About Me'. It says - "Melsh is what she speaks. It describes what she says (nice things, mostly) and how she says it (her accent is a bit of a mixture.) The word comes from her name and from the fact that she's quarter Welsh. But there's no Welsh in her accent. That's Mel all over - lots of lovely quirks. I'll always be proud to be her first blog follower and, of course, her friend".

Not often that I love a layout, but this one's a definite keeper!

Scrapbook Paper From Scraps

2011-11-09T17:17:00.006Z

It's one of those ideas that has been on my craft to do list for far too long, so when we were prompted to use quilting as an inspiration during Shimelle's Pretty Paper Party, I knew I had finally been given the 'excuse' I needed to work on a more time intensive project - making my own scrapbook paper from scraps.

So, I gathered together the scraps from my October Counterfeit Kit and pulled out some additional scraps in more neutral colours. I planned a very simple design, no fancy cutting for me - just beautiful papers, colour and stitching.

I cut myself a 12x12 sheet of plain white cardstock, then arranged my scraps in a very rough order before cutting them down to size. Since I knew I would be stitching onto my project, I used a simple glue stick which has the added advantage of keeping the scraps mobile for a moment or two while you manoeuvre them into position.

To finish off the paper, I used a simple zigzag stitch on my sewing machine. And believe me when I tell you that it's not perfectly straight. Still, I seriously couldn't be happier with the results.

Oddly, the morning after I finished my stitching, the Counterfeit Kit Challenge posted a tutorial on creating your own Patchwork Paper Using Scraps. It's a more structured pattern, but it is beautifully made and there's some excellent tips for those of you who might not be confident enough to sit down and just start stitching.

An Autumn Afternoon {November's Counterfeit Kit}

2011-11-08T19:40:00.001Z

Finally a little bit of me time and I've spent it having some fun putting together my November Counterfeit Kit. This month's inspiration kits were both from The Scraptastic Club and I immediately fell in love with the rich colours of the Autumn Splendor Kit. I don't generally use such rich colours in my scrapbooking, but I knew I had some perfect paper choices hidden away in my stash.

My papers include American Crafts: Hello Sunshine - Spree & Brilliance; Garden Cafe - Petunia's Pastries; Botanique - Amelia; Peachy Keen - Cool Cat, Jitter & You're A Peach; Classics - Huckleberry Finn & Canterbury Tales; Sassafras - Mix and Mend, Fancy Free and Bella Blvd - Finally Fall, Autumn Splendor. There's also three, now nameless, half sheets of American Crafts patterned papers in brown, turquoise and kraft. Many of the papers that I've included have a solid reverse, but I've also added in some plain cardstock in kraft, steel blue, dark grey and turquoise.

I've deliberately kept my embellishments light - including alphas from American Crafts, Sassafras and October Afternoon, along with a half packet of Sunnyside Delights by American Crafts. I'm hoping to pull embellishments from my stash as go along, but I'll also be making an effort to use my stamps this month. I have a few sets that are perfect for autumn. And I promise they're not by American Crafts*

* How many times can I mention their products in one blogpost?

There Was Laughter {Pretty Paper Party}

2011-10-25T19:00:00.000+01:00

I was thrilled when I received today's prompt from Shimelle's Pretty Paper Party. It's all about combining colours and, just last night, I finished a layout using one of the example colour combinations. I have never been so up to date with a class!

A certain someone will recognise this photograph immediately. In all honesty, it about time that the story of Meeting Mel made it onto a layout. And it's particularly apt, because we met through a Shimelle class! The journalling, and some of Mel's Photographs, are all on the blue piece of card that's tucked away behind the main photograph.

All of the cardstock and papers on the layout are from my October Counterfeit Kit only the base cardstock was a new sheet. I love the papers and the calm colours (though this colour combination could be a riot in different ratios!) but I think it's the splash of blue ink that really makes the layout come alive.

Whatcha think Mel?

Stashbusting Session {Pretty Paper Party}

2011-10-22T19:40:00.000+01:00

I had a mammoth card making session last night. Mammoth. I decided to take inspiration from one of the Pretty Paper Party prompts - Dots & Stripes - and decided to use up some of my scraps.

I have a ton of long thin strips of paper, which I keep in a (burgeoning) 12 x 12 box, and another selection of scraps in an old shoebox, which I have sorted by colour. And you know what? No matter how much I try to whittle them down, I never seem able to make a dent in them. Still, it's worth a try if you end up with something to show for all your effort.

Anyway, here's a few of the cards I made last night....

I've also used some scraps from my August Kit and, a few that have already piled up from my October Kit.

I embellished with a few bits and bobs from the 'leftovers' tub I keep on my desk. At the end of a crafting session I just throw all of my brads, buttons, sentiments and such into a big tub. It saves tidying up and serves me well whenever I have a card making session. Whenever I get bored of rummaging through the same old things, I sort them and start all over again.

I'd love to know how the rest of you organise your scraps and such, and how you organise yourselves for a crafting session. Do you focus on creating each card one by one, or do you have a more 'assembly line' attitude?

Best Day {Pretty Paper Party}

2011-10-20T20:15:00.000+01:00

It was an awkward moment. We hadn't seen each other for such a long time. But thanks to Shimelle I have, at long last, been reaquainted with my crafty mojo.

Shimelle's new scrapbooking class, Pretty Paper Party, arrived at just the right time. I needed a little bit of focus - and the class is certainly focused. On encouraging us to use up our pretty paper stash.

So far, Shimelle has been easing us in gently. Prompting us to look at new ways of combining our patterned papers - looking at colour combinations, base colours and pattern size. Although I've never felt afraid of pattern or colours in my scrapbooking, but it's been awkward for me to incorporate both into a style that suits me and my, slightly, minimalist tendencies. But, I have a couple of layouts done and dusted and, although they've incorporated lots of colour and pattern, I love them! Here's one, I'll share some more as soon as the light's good enough to take more photographs....

Shimelle has also been talking a little about how she puts together her cardstock and patterned papers for a crafting session. I smiled a lot, when she described the principles I use to put together my Counterfeit Kits.

Having my October Kit ready and at my side while I've been working through the prompts has made it so easy to pull out co-ordinating colours and patterns without constant rummaging. I have no idea how I used to scrap before I started counterfeiting. I only know that it used to feel so much harder. So, if you're visiting from Pretty Paper Party and the Counterfeit Kit Challenge is a new concept, I can highly recommend it. Enjoy!

Rose Garden {October's Counterfeit Kit}

2011-10-18T14:30:00.001+01:00

How lovely it is to have a little bit of time to myself! I'm looking forward to - finally - having some time to work with my Counterfeit Kit. I actually started work on putting together my kit as soon as the October Inspiration Kit was revealed, but I haven't had much chance to show it off!

The Inspiration Kit was chock full of American Crafts - one of my all time favourite scrapbook manufacturers. I just love how each and every one of their patterns co-ordinate with each other, even across collections!

To start with I raided my stash for some of my favourite American Crafts papers, then added in some co-ordinating colours and styles from Echo Park and Prima. I've included co-ordinating alpha sets from Papermania and October Afternoon and a sheet of beautiful cardstock stickers from Echo Park's Victoria Gardens.

I've made some of my own floral style embellishments, using some trim and a few bits of bling that I had in my stash. I love the way these look - and hope you will too - watch out for a wee tutorial later this week!

I'm excited to start working with my luscious little kit and even though there's not really all that much of October left, I've received the first few prompts from Shimelle's new class - Pretty Paper Party - so I have no excuse not to get creating.

Obstinately Pursuing

2011-10-17T23:30:00.005+01:00

I think it's about time that I pulled myself out of my self-pitying stupor! With work, illness and the anniversary of my mum's death hanging over me like a black cloud for the last few weeks I've been feeling tired, uncreative and more than a little bit 'bleh'.

Everytime that I've sat down to write something, it hasn't felt right; hasn't felt good enough. On my own blog. I'm not good enough for my own damn blog! And yet, I began this blog as an outlet - as somewhere to speak my own mind; as somewhere to be myself; and be braver with words than I am in real life.

I need to remember that I began this blog to obstinately pursue* my own individuality, happiness and dreams.

I'm also craving a little bit of a fresh start. So maybe, just maybe you'll be seeing some changes around here over the next few weeks. A new, fresh look and, shocking though this may be, some actual blogposts.

* It was so tempting to complete that sentence with "...to obstinately pursue where no-one has obstinately pursued before." So, so tempting.

Such Bad Weather (For Photography!)

2011-09-21T19:00:00.002+01:00

Hello! Hello! I have no idea what kind of weather you're all experiencing at the moment, but I've been surrounded by grey, miserable rainclouds for the last few days - and I must apologise because they're seriously affecting my ability to take a good photograph of my crafty makes!

I've been clinging to my memories of summer for as long as possible by using Admit One from Lawn Fawn's Summer Release. Though if you're hankering for some autumnal projects, may I suggest that you take a peek at the rather delicious Autumn Release now available at Make The Day Special?

My sentiment is created using the super cute ticket stamp (which is set to be an all time favourite) and I've also used two of the sentiment stamps that came with the set. It's fairly easy to mask of individual words with a couple of Post-It-Notes and you end up with a whole new sentiment!

To add a little bit of 'pop' to the card, I've also added the larger of the two pinwheel stamps that come with the set, colouring it with Pro-Markers to co-ordinate with the spray ink on my card base.

Et voila!

Travelogue - Salzburg

2011-09-18T17:40:00.000+01:00

Hello. Hello. I'm still desperately trying to catch up with everything after a week away from home. But I don't regret it! It was an absolute blast! A super weekend with The Steve and then a weeklong work conference, where I got to catch up with a lot of friends. I just wish this weekend was a day longer :)

But, I didn't want to leave the little ol' blog too much longer. Have you noticed that the longer you leave it between blog posts, the harder it becomes to think of something to say?

Anyway, I'm sharing one of my travelogue layouts with you which will no doubt end up as a 'chapter' style page within the album. I made this very simply by using some of the papers left over from my Notre Dame Layout - I didn't even cut them - and a few embellishments that were leftover from My Counterfeit Kit For August, plus a couple of lovely roses from Precocious Paper.

I'm trying to keep the separating pages clean and simple, but have recurring themes and colours throughout. I'm hoping that will give the whole album, with it's very different stories, some much needed continuity. I've never actually made layouts with the whole album in mind before. In fact, I'm not sure I've ever made a whole layout album before, I normally stick to mini albums, so this is all new!

Now, there's some washing and ironing calling my name. *Groan* Wish me luck!

Hello Autumn {A Little Interlude}

2011-09-12T09:30:00.000+01:00

I'm away all week at a conference, but the fella had the chance to come with me for a short weekend away before all of the seminars started. We've had lovely weekend, walking along canals in the low, September sunshine; taking guided tours of dungeons and playing around with my camera.

I'll be catching up soon, so if you've left me a comment recently and I have been to visit or sent you a message, don't give up on me x

Grandma's Storecupboard {September's Counterfeit Kit}

2011-09-09T22:15:00.004+01:00

It's been a little bit quiet around here of late. I'm sorry! But I've been a bit busy having a shitty week! *Deep Breath*

And...moving on!

I'm finishing the week in style though, because I've had a lovely evening putting together this month's Counterfeit Kit. And I'm loving it! There were two inspiration kits this month, both from The Sweet Peach Crop Shop and, much as I would love to counterfeit them both, I just don't have enough blues left in my stash to make up my own version of the Main Kit. All this counterfeiting has obviously been working!

I looked carefully at the cardstock and papers that I have got left in my stash and realised that the colours and styles were perfect for counterfeiting the Juicy Kit. So, craft shop splurge averted, I started pulling out all the papers that I love, but just haven't managed to work with. And, oh goodness, what sweetness!

Cardstock: Bazzill - Kraft, Chocolate Cream, Sunflowers and Jenni Bowlin/Coredinations - Grandma's Rocker.

Patterned Papers: Echo Park, For The Record - Fabric Store, Table Cloth, Vintage Linen, Advertisement, Stamp Of Approval. American Crafts, Enchanted - Wise Tortoise, Craft Fair - Myrtle O'Seam (And Two Papers from the Letterbox Collection that I don't know the names for!) My Mind's Eye, Lush - Green Houndstooth. Sassafras Lass, Mix & Mend - Fancy Free and Jenni Bowlin, Family Tree - Cousin Rose.

Embellishments: Papermania Birdsong Alphas, American Crafts Thickers, Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type in Red & Yellow. Love Elsie Jack & Abbey Cardstock Stickers. Quote Cards - From A Massive Selection At Kind Over Matter. Handmade 'Family Heart' Embellishment. Assorted Ribbon. Prima Orchard Mix Dew Drop Flowers and Paper Roses from my little, local craft shop.

The vintage colours and patterns have made me so nostalgic that I'm going to be spending some time sorting through all of my old family photographs, searching for the right ones to scrap with these lovely papers. I'm also hoping that the mix of traditional reds and greens might make their way onto a few Christmas Cards, or possibly into a (very early) mini-book ready for December Daily.

I can't believe I just mentioned Christmas!

The Story Within {Precocious Paper Birthday Bash Blog Hop}

2011-08-29T14:00:00.000+01:00

Hello! Hello! Welcome to the Precocious Paper Birthday Bash Blog Hop! If you’ve been following along the hop and have just arrived from Rebecca's blog My Cluttered Corner then you’re heading in the right direction. If you’ve only just joined us, then you might want to start at the beginning by visiting Perfectly Precocious. Need an incentive? Then how about the chance to win your share of $100.00 worth of gorgeous hand-rolled roses, fantastic felt flowers or delicious paper embellishments? Hmmm. I thought that might get your attention!

So, what’s all this in aid of? Well, the super lovely Tessa Buys is turning 30 and she’s celebrating with a Birthday Bash Blog Hop, sponsored by her rather delectable Precocious Paper Etsy Shop. I’ve long been a fan of Tessa’s handmade embellishments and you’ll have seen them appearing in lots of my scrapbooking layouts and paper projects.So, when Tessa asked if I'd like to contribute to her birthday celebrations, I did a little "whoop, whoop."

When I received these beautiful, fabric flowers I was so enthused by the gorgeous yellow colour that I really wanted to scrapbook something fun! It has a much brighter, lighthearted feel than my usual pages and I love it! Along with the fabric flowers, I've added a felt leaf, a wired leaf, some polka dot ribbon and a gorgeously dinky blue pin - which came in one of my samplers earlier this year. (Everything else is from my Counterfeit Kit.)

So, do you think you might like some Precocious Paper goodies to create with? Yes? Good stuff. Here’s how you can win your share of $100 worth of beauties...

1. Complete the entire blog hop and leave a comment on each of the blogs and you might just win the grand prize – the September, October, November & December Monthly Samplers – worth $54!
2. Follow Tessa’s Blog Perfectly Precocious and you might just win a $20 credit to the Precocious Paper Etsy Shop.
3. Like the Precocious Paper Facebook Page and get another chance to win a $20 credit to the Precocious Paper Etsy Shop.
4. And, be sure to leave a comment on this post, because Tessa will also be giving away credits to random participants throughout the Big Birthday Blog Hop.

And, even if you don’t win, you can use this checkout code - CRBBHFREE – until the 5th September to receive free shipping and a thank you gift. Not bad, eh?

Your next stop on the blog hop is Yara's blog It's Summer Everyday. Happy hopping! x

Nearly, But Not Quite, Autumn

2011-08-27T16:15:00.005+01:00

It's nearly autumn. I can feel it in the air and I am so excited. Every year I eagerly anticipate the return of thick tights, scarfs and woolly jumpers. And, of course, the return of slightly colder weather and the odd rain storm that make me feel justified in staying indoors to craft and drink copious amounts of tea!

I busted out one of my autumn stamp sets earlier today, just to start playing around with some ideas that I've had in my head for a little while.

I used just one of my stamp sets from Make The Day Special (Unity's Harvest Of Memories) to create the card, because it comes with so many different little leaf stamps and the perfect sentiments. To make sure that I could easily stamp the leaves in a circle, I actually cut apart one of the longer stamps to make each leaf an individual stamp. Shock! Cutting my stamps!

The resulting card isn't quite what I was expecting. It's one of those projects I think is 'nearly, but not quite' but I'll definitely going to be trying this again with some different colours, techniques and probably a bit more layering. It's good to experiment, right?

*** By the way, if you've not visited Make The Day Special for a little while, be sure to take a peek at Emily's new stock - there's new Zig Pens from Kuretake, Papersmooches Stamps from Kim Hughes and there's some fantastic reductions in the August Sale. ***

Travelogue {Inspired By Explore}

2011-08-21T10:30:00.005+01:00

I may have been away for the majority of Shimelle's latest class - Explore - but I returned to an inbox full of inspiration. I've been working through some of the journalling prompts, coming up with ideas for new scrapbook pages and one thing became extremely evident. Unlike the majority of scrapbookers, I've never really concentrated on scrapping my travels - I love to travel and I have learnt so much through my experiences - so this is a major omission.

It might be a little difficult to create entire albums for each travel experience - it's so much easier to create in the moment or at least while the memories are fresh. So, I've decided to create a travelogue. One album to house all of my travel related scrapbook pages - and I'm going to focus on the journalling. I want to tell the stories of the places, the people and the memories.

I've started simply - using this month's counterfeit kit - by creating what might become a section/title page. The photograph is of Notre Dame and the journalling is simply printed information from our Paris Guide Book.

The style is a little different for me, but I'm liking the super, simple layout which has lots of room for journalling. I may be adapting this layout throughout the album! What is me, though, is the embellishment cluster - a cute flower, some sparkle, a leaf or two and a couple of diecuts. Good enough for Shimelle's Signature Accent Challenge, right?

A Confession & A Craft Catch Up

2011-08-20T09:30:00.001+01:00

I have a little confession. I scheduled all of my Make The Day Special DT Projects for while I was away, but never even thought about scheduling posts for them over here on my own blog. Duh!

So, here's a little crafty catch up...

This little note card uses one of the longer, background stamps from Beautiful Botanicals, along with one of the sentiment stamps from Sophie's Sentiments.

Using an ink in a similar tone to my cardstock, I simple stamped back and forth to create a subtle background pattern on my base. Then added my sentiment and a handmade ruffled ribbon flower. Done in minutes!

This bright and beautiful card uses three of Lawn Fawn's most popular stamp sets - Jessie's ABCs, Blissful Botanicals and Bon Voyage. Jessie's ABCs is a super set full of letters - upper and lower case - along with numbers and punctuation. It even includes multiples of some letters, making longer words and phrases easy and quick to stamp. I can now stamp my own sentiments whenever I like - versatile and easy on the pocket!

So, to use the sentiment I'd stamped, I then created a card to showcase it a little. The background is created using one of the stamps from BLissful Botanicals - stamped in the 'sing along' colours of the rainbow - and the clouds are from Bon Voyage.

A little tag that I made using some of the leftovers from a project using my mist inks. Little cards and tags really are a great way to use up all of those scraps you have lying around!

The base of the card was already misted in autumnal colours, so I wanted to create something 'earthy'. I used the corner stamp from Lawn Fawn's Blissful Botanicals and coloured it using Promarkers, then added a suitably nature inspired sentiment from Unity's Naturally You. Quick, simple and, yet, extremely satisfying!

And, of course, today's teeny tiny card...

I just love this cute label stamp from Unity's Garden Variety set - which is part of the Make The Day Special's Amazing August Sale. The label can be stamped with or without the 'Genuine' sentiment, but I left it in and then squeezed in some extra alphas from Lawn Fawn's Jessie's ABCs and made a little 'congratulations' card with a difference.

And if that's not enough inspiration for you, do head over to Make The Day Special to catch up on all of the projects from our amazing design team.

Have a good weekend folks x

Garden Party {August's Counterfeit Kit}

2011-08-18T12:30:00.001+01:00

Balloon hats and wooden spoon puppets aside, I missed making things while I was in India. So, once I'd had a bath, a good night's sleep and a properly brewed cup of tea (who would have thought you couldn't get a good cuppa in India?) I decided to act on my urge to create and headed into the craft room to put together a Counterfeit Kit.

This month there were four inspiration kits to choose from, all originally available from My Creative Scrapbook in September 2010. I liked both the Main Kit and the Album Kit - but because there's less than half of the month left and I'm not a speedy scrapper - I combined what I liked from each of the kits into just one main kit for me to use. I'm calling it Garden Party.

I loved the floral elements from the papers and embellishments in each kit, along with the use of small repeat patterns and vintage style flourishes. I also adored the colours - pink, turquoise and green - and, although it looks as though I haven't used much pink in my kit, some of the sheets have pinks on their reverse sides. I love how versatile this makes my kit, without making me feel as though it's too big to work with!

Having restrained myself with my paper choices, I went a little crazy with my embellishments. I've pulled out three alpha sets, tons of pretty flowers from my stash and some super pretty die cuts. I've also added a couple of cute little birdcages that I stamped using Elegant Birds from My Cute Stamps.

Hiding under the flowers in the bowl, there's also a ton of buttons, beads and brads. Everyone needs a little bling every now and then, right? And let's not even talk about how much ribbon I've pulled out of my stash!

Back Home

2011-08-17T20:30:00.002+01:00

So. India was amazing. I'll be sure to tell you all about it soon. But at the moment I'm still catching up: on sleep, on washing, on blogging.

And, more importantly, on hugs from The Steve.

I'm A Card-Making, Pennant Monster!

2011-07-23T11:20:00.000+01:00

Ah! It's been a strange old week! I had a little bit of a reaction to one of my injections for India (which is now only a week away - excited) and have been unbelievably ill. Bleh! So there's been very little craftiness in this house over the last week. The inspiration has been there, the inclination has not.

But, after reading through the posts in Going Postal, a new blog series by Julie Kirk, I had the undeniable urge to make cards. So I sat down last night, cracked open my Counterfeit Kit for July, and came up with a card inspired by Julie's General Greetings.

The base of the card is quite simple - a little patchwork of co-ordinating papers and a bit of stitchery. To create the pennant greetings, I stamped the ticket image from Admit One and used Jessie's ABCs to add the lettering. (Both sets are available from Make The Day Special.)

I then 'strung' them onto some embroidery thread (by sticking them with double-sided tape) along with some colour co-ordinating beads. And voila!

I've never used the tickets as pennants before, but I feel a lot of cards on this theme coming on. I have a feeling that Julie may have inadvertantly created a card-making pennant monster!

All Packaged Up {Giveaway Winner!}

2011-07-17T10:00:00.000+01:00

I just wanted to say a really big thank you to everyone who took the time last week to visit Make The Day Special and join in our Get 'Em While You Can Blog Hop. All of the DT Girls were thrilled with the extra love!

I've had a little giveaway planned for one lucky follower of the Make The Day Special Blog and thought it was about time that I put you all out of your misery. I used Random.Org and then checked the blog's followers....

....which means Louise, you're a winner! I'll be contacting you later on today to ask for your address and then I'll be packaging up this little pretty.

It's decorated with a combination of embellishments from The Girl's Paperie, Precocious Paper, John Lewis' Haberdashery - and, of course, some stamped images from Blissful Botanicals and Harvest Of Memories. Inside there's a little packet of tickets I stamped using Admit One, plus the Sweet Little Notes I showed you yesterday. There's also some handmade flowers, jars of teeny tiny embellishments and some pretty, pink lace.

Remember, if you entered any of the other competitions along the way, you'll need to visit everyone's blogs to check whether you've won. You never know what could be waiting for you!

Sweet Little Notes

2011-07-16T09:30:00.001+01:00

After finishing up a craft project, I often find myself with small leftovers and there is nothing more pleasing than finding a use for them! Yesterday, I ended up with a long piece of stripy kraft cardstock. I decided to cut it down into smaller pieces and create some sweet little notes using the teeny tiny stamps from Sophie's Sentiments and Say Cheese Too.

It can be all too easy to overlook some of the smaller stamps in these sets, but I think they're really versatile - and they're fun too! I also added a couple of small sentiments to the mix, by only inking up part of the larger phrases. You can see that with just a few stamps, some black ink and a little bit of time - five minutes to be exact - I ended up with something I can use in other craft projects, instead of something to add to the scrap pile.

I'm thinking gift tags, tiny journalling spots, or cute card toppers - lots of options. So, make the most of your own stamps by constantly looking for new ways to use them!

And, don't forget that some of the giveaways we featured as part of last week's Get 'Em While You Can Blog Hop are still open - including my own - so now's your chance to make some last minute entries.

Cobwebs Cache Jewellery Giveaway

2011-07-11T10:00:00.002+01:00

Louise Goodchild, of Cobwebs Cache, is having a bit of a giveaway over on her blog to celebrate 50,000 views of her Flickr Stream. And believe me, once you've visited Louise's Flickr Stream, you'll understand why people keep going back.

Blossom Hill Tree Of Life from Cobwebs Cache

Louise's creations are - undoubtedly - beautifully executed, but I know there are many other talented wire artists out there. What sets Louise apart is her playful imagination and whimsical designs. Each and every one of them takes my breath away.

Golden Tree Of Life from Cobwebs Cache

Honestly, I can't really believe that I'm telling you all this - because all I'm doing is reducing my own chances of winning! But hey, I'm a just 'good deed' kind of person.

Have a good week folks x

PS Don't forget about my own giveaway which is open until Saturday 16th July.

Get 'Em While You Can {Make The Day Special Blog Hop}

2011-07-09T09:00:00.004+01:00

Hello! Hello! Welcome to Make The Day Special's Blog Hop! Today, we're all showcasing some of the beautiful stamp sets that, unfortunately, are running low and *sob* won't be re-stocked.

We'll soon be seeing the last of Smeared Ink, QKR Stampede; Unity Mounted Singles; and Unity Co-Brands - Cosmo Cricket, Samantha Walker and Iron Orchid Designs. You can't buy these ranges in other UK stores, so it really is a case of first come, first served on these stamp sets. Get 'em while you can!

If you're a regular visitor, then you'll know that stamping is a fairly new addiction for me. I was only a semi-serious stamper when I joined the DT for Make The Day Special, but since then I have become devoted to learning new techniques and trying new styles.

However, I must admit that when Emily sent me the - undoubtedly beautiful - Paris Stamp Set from the Iron Orchid Design range, I went into a little panic. They just weren't a style that I'm used to creating with. Not to be defeated though, I sat down to create a 'shabby chic' style card and, you know what? I have never loved a card more. The stamps look delicious - and, let's face it, they've done most of the hard work for me!

Frame and Butterfly - Paris Stamp Set from the Iron Orchid Design range and Enjoy This Day Sentiment - Life Becoming from the Unity Store Kits range.

***So, to celebrate the blog hop - and the fact that I've embraced a new style - I'm going to have a bit of a giveway.*** I'll be sending the lucky winner a set of these shabby chic style cards, along with a little package of handmade embellishments - some stamped, of course. And you all know I do Pretty Packaging, right? To have a chance of winning, you'll need to make sure that you're a follower of the Make The Day Special Blog. How simple could that be?

I'll announce the winner's name next Sunday. So, you have plenty of time to visit the rest of the DT Girls, starting with Jo over at Here I Go Again, who have more lovely designs and giveaways planned for today. Yay!

The Patriot {July's Counterfeit Kit}

2011-07-06T16:15:00.002+01:00

The inspiration kits for the Counterfeit Kit Challenge was 'revealed' yesterday morning and, because I was poorly sick, I didn't manage to use any of the kit I created last month. So, I've decided to keep it small and simple this month. I'm going to concentrate on using my kit this month for cards and maybe a mini-album, but I'll keep last month's kit in mind for layouts. It all depends on what life decides to throw at me next!

There were three inspiration kits to choose from this month, but keeping in mind that I wanted a small and simple kit, I chose to focus on the Liberty Shores kit - full of red, white and blue. Obviously the original was full of Americana, but being quintessentially British, I can still call a kit with these colours patriotic! Yay!

My paper selection is definitely on the small side - compared to normal. There's cardstock in red, blue and kraft, a collection of smaller scraps in similar colours and several papers which were free with the latest issue of Simply Homemade Magazine.

I was a little more generous with my embellishments, adding tons of floral embellishment, crocheted doilies, ruffled ribbons, buttons, brads and a handful of matching trims and threads.

And, in keeping with the Counterfeit Kit Challenge's urging to Use Your Stamps To Their Fullest Potential, I'll be creating a lot of my own embellishments this month using my stamps from Make The Day Special. There are too many suitable sets to list them all now, so I'll make sure to include details when I'm using them.

Right, I'm off to try and make something. It's been too long since I sat down to do some crafting. Have a great month Counterfeiters x

The Bead Swap Blog Hop

2011-06-15T21:00:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I mentioned the bead swap organised by Sarah at My So Called Junky Life and revealed the Pretty Packaging that I made to parcel up my beads for Sarah. (Which, thanks to a certain Curly Scrapbooker, has quickly become a Pinterest favourite. Thanks Jo!)

Today, I'm able to show you the beautiful package that I received in return and, of course, the beads it contained. Since I was partnered with Sarah herself, I knew that I'd be in for a shabby chic treat and I was not disappointed. Just look at that ruffle and those gorgeous rhinestones! *swoon*

Inside, I found the cutest, little birds nests. I wasn't able to get a good photograph of them - because of their teeny-weenyness - but they're sure to be on show at some point! There was also a dinky bag filled with the most luscious beads - freshwater pearls, glass sparklers, rhinestones, cute charms and lovely findings. I'm a very lucky lady!

I haven't had chance to make anything with my new stash, but I'll be sure to share when I do. In the meantime, you might like to pop over to My So Called Junky Life to see photographs of the beads that I sent - because I'm a doofus and forgot to take photographs - and you'll also be able to find links to the other swap participants. I've found some fabulous new blogs to oogle!

Pretty Packaging

2011-06-14T10:30:00.000+01:00

I discovered My So Called Junky Life a little while ago and spent a wonderful hour or two looking through Sarah's blog archives - oohing and ahhing over her super pretty jewellery and gorgeous photography. But out of all that loveliness, I was especially in awe of beautiful beads and pretty packaging that Sarah had featured in the Petite Bead Box Swap. How amazing it would be to take part in a bead swap like that!

So, I was beyond thrilled when Sarah decided to host another bead swap and I signed up to take part straight away. Then, of course, I had a moment or two of panic - the ones which always come with needing to send something impressive to a complete stranger.

I decided to make an envelope parcel using what has to be my favourite cardstock of the century - Basic Grey's Kraft. I then decorated the envelope using some handstamped leaves from Blissful Botanicals and Harvest Of Memories, along with some ribbon and flowers from Precocious Paper.

I'm thrilled with the way my packaging turned out and can guarantee that come Christmas I'll be trying this with traditional reds, greens and little bits of holly! It's a little early to be thinking of Christmas, right? How did that pop into my head?

I should be able to reveal the parcel that I received - along with it's beautiful contents - over the next day or two. In the meantime, perhaps you can tell me where you get your packaging inspiration?

The 'I Love It' Counterfeit Kit!

2011-06-05T15:20:00.002+01:00

I hesitantly checked the Counterfeit Kit Challenge this morning for this month's inspiration kit - and I was absolutely thrilled with the kit for counterfeiting this month from Burlap & Buttercups.

I was so excited that I started on my kit straight away and initially pulled over thirty (!!!) pieces of patterned paper and cardstock. I finally managed to whittle that down to a main kit of sixteen pieces - larger than any of my other counterfeit kits. Obviously these are the colours I've been craving!

I've also added some Cosmo Cricket Tiny Types, a We Are Memory Keepers chipboard alpha set, gorgeous diecuts from The Girl's Paperie and some buttons from my stash. The cute lollipop flower, ribbon leaves and blue pin are all from Precocious Paper.

My fingers are literally itching to break into my new kit and start creating, but I'll definitely be visiting other counterfeiters to see how they've interpreted the kit. I think it's going to be a good month!

Just a note: I will visit everyone who posts a counterfeit kit this month - I love looking at the kits everyone puts together because it's always inspirational. But, Blogger still won't let me comment on all blogs (I'm still having trouble if you embed your comments.) I would comment if I could x

Cute Cards Continued!

2011-06-03T23:20:00.002+01:00

As you know, I've been busy making little cards from all of my scraps this week and I just couldn't resist using the stamps from Lawn Fawn's Summer Release. They are just oh so lovely!

My first card features some of the leaves and a dinky little flower stamp from Blissful Botanicals and a sentiment stamp from Cruising Through Life.

The second card uses the most adorable clouds you'll ever see - they're from the Bon Voyage Set - along with the balloon stamps from Admit One and a sentiment from Blissful Botanicals.

And, last but not least, an idea for Father's Day using the sentiment stamps from Say Cheese Too and a couple of stamps from Admit One. Cute, right? Go get 'em!

Card Making Central

2011-06-02T20:00:00.000+01:00

I'm sighing little happy sighs at the moment! I finally managed to sit down and create something - and with my May Counterfeit Kit. The one I really wasn't sure about. And you know what? Even though I didn't love the original inspiration kit, I do love what I've made.

Stamps from Lawn Fawn's Admit One and Papermania's Cupcake Minis

Stamps from Unity's Life Becoming

Anyway. I've been making cards again. You guessed that, right? All of a sudden I can't get enough of them. I'm so glad that I didn't give up on card making when it all seemed so hard!

Stamps from Unity's Quiet Essence and Lawn Fawn's Sophie's Sentiments

I think these dinky, little numbers are suitable for lots of occasions. Perfect for stashing away for unexpected moments of panic.

I've still got quite a lot of kit left - even if there is only a couple of days until the next Counterfeit Kit reveal - and there wasn't really a lot to begin with. But, I have big plans to create a mini book this evening. I'm joining in Kel's 52 Weeks & 52 Lists project which starts this Sunday and I want a little somewhere to keep them all. Watch this space!

Promarker Practice

2011-05-28T11:30:00.000+01:00

A little while ago I bought my first few sets of Promarkers. On the same day I was lucky enough to receive a bumper pack of stamps from Make The Day Special. Emily is the most generous DT Co-ordinator - ever!

I immediately decided that the gorgeous blooms in the Quiet Essence set were perfect for a little bit of promarker practice - and, of course, they'd be perfect for all of you promarker pros too!

For this card, I stamped one of the images several times onto some smooth cardstock and then coloured using a variety of pinks, blushes and springy greens. To give the images dimension, I cut out elements from each of my stamped images and layered them using some small foam dots. I also added in just a couple of extra little leaves, which I curled with my finger nails to lift them a little.

Not bad for a practice piece, eh?

A Manic May

2011-05-26T20:00:00.000+01:00

Okay. Okay. I'm sure that I could have popped in and said hello. In fact, I'm sure that I should have popped in and said hello. But honestly? It's been manic! In the past two weeks, I've only slept in my own bed a handful of nights - and no cheeky questions about whose bed I've been sleeping in instead! My life isn't quite that interesting!

I've been busy working away at improving my career - only fitting for someone who works in the world of career development. In the last week or so I've managed to fit in two conferences, a four day residential training course, my probation review, the completion of my NVQ - and a six mile walk to raise funds for Queenscourt Hospice.

The training course wasn't really that much of a chore!

I'm very, very thankful that we have a Bank Holiday coming up! What will you be doing with your extra long weekend?

The 'I'm Not So Sure About This' Counterfeit Kit

2011-05-07T18:30:00.001+01:00

I've been eagerly awaiting the 'reveal' of the kit that the ladies at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge chose to use as their inspiration this month, but I really wasn't sure how I felt about the Work In Progress Kit that they chose. It just didn't call out my name like the other kits they've counterfeited.

Normally, I'll base my counterfeits on either colour, pattern or theme and will choose the elements that appeal to me. But, alas not much about the kit really did apppeal.

So I thought about it for a couple of days and realised that, the oddly 'bright, but dull' colours (and I do realise how weird that sounds) combined with the fact this is a kit obviously designed for people scrapping their children, were the main things putting me off counterfeiting it - it's definitely not a kit I would normally swoon at. I was far more excited about the Mother's Kit, so watch out for that appearing soon!

Anyway, not to be put off, I've pulled together a smaller kit which nods towards the original, pulling out some papers with the same base colours - red, black, yellow and aqua - I've also added some cream and kraft. There's also sheet of scrabble themed paper which I got free with a magazine a little while ago.

The original kit was a little short on embellishments and, although I've added a few tickets and labels, I've kept it that way - mainly because I think I'll end up using this kit for card making and I tend to keep my cards clean and simple. By far the most exciting part of my kit is the Say Cheese Too stamp set which arrived through my door this morning!

You never know though, I might end up loving all of the projects that I create from this kit and that's what counts, right?

Spring Cleaning...

2011-05-06T21:00:00.000+01:00

...here on the blog. Don't mind me while things move around a little x

Leftovers Make Pretty Projects

2011-05-04T19:30:00.002+01:00

Last week, I had a big spring clean of the craft room - in which I pulled apart some 'never going to get finished, because I don't like them' crafty projects; reorganised some of my smaller items of stash; and finally started putting away the leftovers from previous projects that were messing up my mojo.

By Monday, my craft room looked clean and tidy, but there was still a large pile of odds and ends - paper scraps, embellishments, etc - on my desk. I just couldn't summon up the energy to put them away, I really wanted to get on with some actual crafting.

So, having already learnt the lesson that Leftovers Make Pretty Projects, I challenged myself to create three cards from all that scrappy stash. Though attempting three cards originally sounded like quite the challenge for someone who used to be afraid of cards, in the end it was quicker and far more enjoyable than tidying it all away. The only extras I used were a couple of stamp sets.

I think I need to employ this technique a little more often - I get such a kick from using up bits other people might throw away. Mini cards are definitely the way forward!

How about you? Do you make an effort to use your scraps? Am I preaching to the converted?

Tackling That Beadstash....

2011-05-03T22:00:00.001+01:00

A little later than expected (due to the fact I forgot to hit the publish button after writing my draft blogposts!) I've introduced a new feature called Bead Busting Monthly over on the Operation Tackle That Beadstash blog.

When Sarah started the blog, her main aim was to help other beaders to tackle their bead stash one goal at a time. As the blog has grown, our individual goals have become a little less prominent and the contributing team has made a decision to go back to it's roots. But we wanted to make sure that we involve the blog's followers too - after all who doesn't want to see the beautiful things other people are making? And we all need a little bit of encouragement to dust off the beads we've been keeping for a 'special' project and just use them, right?

As for my own goals, this month they are quite simple. I'd like to focus on completing the bead embroidery piece I started for the April Moodboard; I'd like to create something for the May Moodboard and I'd like to finish a blue version of my Safety Pin Bracelet - the beaded pins have been sat there for months!

Wanna join us in some bead stash busting? What will your goals be?

Playing Along With Color Cue

2011-05-02T17:00:00.002+01:00

After a bit of a tidy in the craft room, I've a big pile of project leftovers on my desk that I can't be bothered to put away properly. So, I decided that I'd challenge myself to make cards from the bits and pieces I had to hand and, as I've not played along with any blog challenges for a while, I went on a little hunt for some extra inspiration.

You can expect a few more cards to pop up here over the next couple of days, but I wanted to share the card I made for Color Cue 14. It's stupidly simple card, but I'm beginning to realise that I like a lot of embellishment on my layouts, not on my cards. Who'd have thought?

Although this is the first time I've played along with the Color Cue challenges, I think I've finally hit my card making groove and I'll be playing along a little more frequently. Yay!

Happy Birthday Marti!

2011-04-29T13:00:00.008+01:00

One of the most fantastic things about blogging is that, across the miles, people can connect and become friends. We can share parts of our lives with others - good or bad - and know that someone, somewhere will appreciate our knowledge, experience or courage.

Today is the birthday of one very special lady, Marti. We've never met. I only know her first name. And she has probably never even heard of me. But that doesn't really matter, because this special lady has her very own support team - Team Teal - masterminded by her daughter (and my good blogging friend) Deb @ Paper Turtle.

Happy Birthday Marti by Obstinate Pursuit

You might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Well, Marti was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer on 18th February 2011 and, since then, has been battling with chemotherapy treatments to reverse some of the damage. Her family has been bravely rallying around to support and encourage her - and I think, a birthday wish from some complete strangers might just help to make her day that little bit more special. Really, it's the least we can do!

If you get chance today, pop over to Paper Turtle to see Deb's own post and leave a little birthday message for her mum.

Happy birthday Marti x

The Month Of Works In Progress

2011-04-28T12:30:00.002+01:00

I've been a little bit on the quiet side this month and I've realised that this is because I much prefer to share finished projects, than works in progress. There's just something wonderful about proudly showing off a completed project! But, this month has been a month of works in progress and I've decided to share. That way, when all is done, I can feel extraordinarily smug.

We're about halfway through the redecoration of our hallway. I say that lightly because, really, we're in the finishing stages. We've lived with holes in the walls, no carpets and more dust than you can believe for at least the last three years. We're finally at the painting stage, but who would have thought a hallway could have so much woodwork? *sigh*

There's been a little re-organisation of the craft space as well - am I the only crafter that seems to spend more time organising than crafting? I'm making an effort to use more of my stash, so I've been methodically working through my huge box of paper scraps. Larger pieces are now back with my full sized sheets; smaller pieces are now in a dish on my desk, so that I can rummage through them easily and I've made a huge stack of ATCs - there's well over 100.

Of course, the box looks just as full as it always did, even though I can't figure out why! I swear the scraps are multiplying faster than Tribbles.

My buttons and brads are now out of their packaging and displayed in a little, vintage dish just at the side of my desk. It makes looking for the right one just that little bit easier and reminds me to use them. Plus, a little bit of eye candy never hurt anyone, right?

There's also been a little bit of beading. I've been working on my first piece of bead embroidery for this month's Monthly Moodboard over on Operation Tackle That Beadstash. I'm even using a pattern shared by one of our contributers, Liz, which was featured in Bead Magazine. For my first piece, it's coming along really well (just not fast enough) so Liz's instructions must be fantastic!

Okay, I'll admit it. That's a brad in the centre of my beading. It just worked so well with my beads!

Another Simple Saturday

2011-04-23T17:00:00.000+01:00

Just popping by to show off another simple, but 'oh so cute' card that I made this morning for Make The Day Special.

Since my cardmaking breakthrough last week, I've been embracing the 'clean and simple' with the help of the Sophie's Sentiments stamp set. Who would have thought that a simple (though lovely) little sentiment set could change the way I feel about cardmaking?

I've made a few this morning, but this one's my favourite. I stamped directly onto my ribbon using Stazon - no bleeding of the ink! Hurrah!

Have a good weekend folks x

Don't Be So Negative {The Alphanumeric Blog Hop}

2011-04-17T14:00:00.000+01:00

Hello and welcome to The Alphanumeric Blog Hop. Hopefully you'll have arrived here from Michelle Loves Allsorts but there's no need to panic if you haven't. You can start the blog hop from the beginning by heading over to I Speak Melsh where you can find a list of all the participating blogs. There are prizes to be won, so do join in.

When Mel asked me to take part, I was originally thinking that I'd be assigned just the one letter or number. Imagine my shock when she asked to write about the whole bloody alphabet!

I like to get the most out of my crafting supplies, so I hope you'll join me in some appreciation of the humble negative - the way to include typography (and a little interest) to your scrapbooking pages. Those of you who know me will already be aware that I'm not a stranger to using the leftovers from my chipboard alphas or creating with the remainders of my sticker sheets. So today, I wanted share a technique that's new to me - even though it's been around forever - stencilling.

If you want to have a go you'll need a spare piece of cardstock or watercolour paper, an old (but still useful chipboard negative) and some spray inks. You may also want to have your art journal on hand if you have one.

1. I've set up my desk so that my cardstock background is lying on top of a larger piece of watercolour paper which happens to be part of my art journal. You'll see why later. If you don't want to do it this way, at least make sure that you're not spraying onto your best tablecloth. Learn from my (bad) experience.

2. Pop your chipboard piece down onto the cardstock and choose one colour of spray ink. Now spray. The closer you are to your page, the darker and more concentrated the colour. Experiment. It's good for you.

3. Now lift off the negative carefully and if you have an art journal handy open it at a blank page. Pop the stencil in with all that lovely ink still swimming around on the top. Close your journal and press down over the surface.

4. Take your negative out of your journal and re-position it on your cardstock, choose another colour of ink and get spraying.

5. Again, take your negative off carefully and pop it into your art journal. Remember to apply a bit of pressure across the surface.

If you're lucky, you'll be left with some awesome backgrounds in your art journal as well as your original background cardstock. Result!

Now, I've not tried it, but I'm also thinking that by piling some of my old and dusty mis-matched letters onto a piece of cardstock and getting busy with the inks I could come up with a different look altogether. Hmmm....

The next stop on the hop is Over At Our Place, so before you get your fingers all inky, pop over and say hello to the lovely Amy. She's bound to have something special up her sleeve.

Note: If any of the posts aren't up yet, please bear with us - the different time zones and the peculiarity of blogging platforms when it comes to autoposts may mean that one or two posts don't appear on time! If that's the case, head back to the list at I Speak Melsh and pick up from the next blog, but do please pop back and try the other link later, when the post should be there for your enjoyment.

Simple Saturday

2011-04-16T16:30:00.000+01:00

I think that all the hard work and long hours that I put in at work last month have finally caught up with me. Despite a complete slow down - almost to the point where I've been a little bored at work this week - I've been so, so tired. I've been in bed by eight most nights this week. I'm such a party animal!

So, all I've got to share with you this week is a clean and simple card that I made for one of my bestest friends. She's just had a little girl and I thought something appropriately pink and pretty was in order to celebrate the occasion.

I used the Martha Stewart Daisy Border Punch to create some borders (I finally treated myself to a border punch so expect to see this motif on everything for a little while!) and my set of Sophie's Sentiments stamps. Just a couple of little ribbon roses to accent the card and I was done.

Thank Saturday for simple projects!

A Little Card I Made (That I Actually Like!)

2011-04-09T10:30:00.001+01:00

There's something about card making that I always find really difficult, so it was with some surprise that I made a little card that I actually like. I think I'm starting to get into my card making groove - a little like scrapbooking it's all about becoming happy with your own style.

Today I'm sharing a little card for my sister who's a bit fed up with being ill and off work. A 'Get Well Soon' card didn't seem appropriate but, luckily, the Sophie's Sentiments set from Lawn Fawn has something that will work for almost any card.

I've used the 'Thinking Of You' sentiment, along with one of the stamps from the Naturally You set - which is just peeking out behind the embellishments. This set is only available in stores, so head on over to Make The Day Special and snap yours up. You'll be the envy of all your friends!

The papers and embellishments are all from this month's Counterfeit Kit - including the little ladybird. Isn't she cute? So, all you beautiful blogreaders, have a wonderful weekend x

It's Counterfeit Kit Time!

2011-04-07T16:30:00.005+01:00

I think we're all aware of just how much I love the Counterfeit Kit Challenge. I have truly had so much fun playing along with the challenge; putting together cute kits from my own stash and creating some much loved layouts as a result. And the love affair is not about end any time soon.

This month the Counterfeit Kit DT chose the amazing A Little Birdie Told Me kit - the first from Front Porch Kits - to counterfeit. Since it sold out within such a short period of time, I have no hesitation whatsoever in a little copying.

The kit is based on Echo Park's collection For The Record and, although I have the kit on order, I just could not wait to play along and put my own kit together. (Though I'm sure that once it arrives, some of the papers may find their way into my kit this month.) So, in my version of the kit, I have tons of Bazill Cardstock - I'm a big, big lover of Kraft - and some of my favourite patterned papers from American Crafts.

This time around I've 'splurged' on the embellishments and I've added a huge amount of flowers - some bought and some handmade - along with a variety of leaves, brads, buttons, chipboard shapes, beautiful trims and some yarn remnants. Disappointingly, I couldn't find my 'googly eyes' so expect them to appear in the kit at a later stage if I manage to hunt them down!

I'm also using my new stamp set from Make The Day Special - Naturally You. How perfect are these stamp sets? I couldn't believe it when I saw the kit and knew I had just the right stamps!

In the process of putting my kit together, I also pulled rather a large amount of scraps - some paper, some fabric - and although there's no add on kits with the original I've made my own - Birdhouse In Your Soul.

This little kit is perfect for making mini-books, cards and smaller, little projects and is made up a ton of paper scraps in colours and patterns to match the main kit. Also included are several fabric remnants, burlap and some tidbits of ribbon, along with more delicious trim and another stamp from Itty Bitty - Dreams Make 'Em Happen. What do you think? Can I manage to make teeny, tiny scraps look appealing?

I can't wait to start creating with my counterfeit kits, but before I love you and leave you, I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all the comments on my kits and layouts last month. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude, especially for those of you who wanted to scraplift my layouts - what a compliment! Please go right ahead! And then show me? Anyway, I just wanted you all to know that during what was a tough month at work, you all seriously kept me going. Much love x

Enjoying The Spring

2011-04-05T10:00:00.002+01:00

Today I'm enjoying the spring - even though it's a little gusty - and I'm looking forward to visiting Mitsy over at Artmind to find out what everyone else has in their flickr favourites this week.

"Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day." ~ W. Earl Hall ~

1. MMXI::SEVENTEEN::AFTER, 2. Sunset, 3. birds, 4. family of five, 5. Vintage Fence, 6. Sweet Peas

Where would I be each week without my stock of quotes? What makes a photograph a favourite? Tell me. I'm interested!

An Indian Summer!!!

2011-04-02T17:45:00.002+01:00

So, it's official. I'll be spending two weeks during the summer in India! At the university where I work we have a dedicated charity which, every year, sends teams of staff and students to development projects around the world to work.

This year teams are heading to India, Brazil, Mauritius, Uganda and Malawi - and I feel so amazingly privileged to be heading off to a country that I have never visited (have never even dreamed of visiting!) and to be working with the local community on a project which will benefit them long after we come home.

In the run up to our departure I'll be getting to know the other members of staff who'll be accompanying me and meeting the team of students we'll be taking with us and, together, we'll all be fundraising to cover the costs associated with our project. The journey starts right now!

To make sure that I don't miss out on documenting any of it - the 'getting to know you' meetings, the fundraising, everything - I've put together a mini-book using some of my Counterfeit Kit.

I've used a lot of papers from my versions of Into The Woods and Sunny Clearing, because the colours are so vibrant - just how I expect India to be. I've also added in scraps leftover from my projects using the other kits, so I've used up quite a bit of stash!

To add extra details to my mini-book, I've added some stamped images using my Make The Day Special. stamp sets, All About The Journey and A Girl & Her Adventures. I don't think there could be any stamps sets more perfect for documenting this trip. And aren't they beautiful?

I'm so impressed that I've been able to use my kits from the Counterfeit Kit Challange this month despite being extremely busy. Obviously having everything ready in kit form is just what I need. I cannot wait to find out which kit we'll be counterfeiting next month!

Believe In Good Things {Counterfeit Challenge Blog Hop}

2011-03-28T00:01:00.002+01:00

If you're stopping by as part of the Counterfeit Kit blog-hop then 'Hello. Hi. Welcome.' If you haven't heard of the Counterfeit Kit Challenge then, oh my, you've been missing out! The idea is to create your own scrapbooking kits from stash, using some of the most popular kits available as inspiration. And, despite the fact that I've not yet spent a single penny, I've been creating with some fabulous combinations I would never have normally used; had access to mini-challenges all month long; and become part of a growing on-line community. Sounds good, right?

When I started scrapbooking, I often saved links to layouts that I loved and I would try to emulate those layouts when I sat down to scrap - only, I'd never really like them because they never seemed to measure up to the original! As I've become more confident in my own style, I've relied less and less on the idea of scraplifting - though I still love looking at other people's layouts - and I've started to love my own layouts, simply because they reflect who I am. I no longer feel as though my layouts have to look a certain way or they 'won't be good enough.'

So, I went back to my old layouts and chose one that I love - just because it was one that really feels like my own - and copied it. The colours might be a little different, but it's still bright and cheerful. And, since I've only used one piece of cardstock, plus scraps and a few embellishments (all the last few in their packets) it's the perfect use for all of those scraps we accumulate while using our kits!

Now, I'm off to the next stop on the blog-hop - Kathy-Jo - to check out what she's been creating, but if you'd like to make sure that you're not missing out you can head back to the beginning at the Counterfeit Kit Challange.

Inspiration Everywhere

2011-03-27T10:48:00.004+01:00

Last week's Layout Challenge at The Studio Challenges was instantly inspiring. I knew exactly which photograph I wanted to use and it took mere minutes to pull together the right elements for the page because my Counterfeit Kits were ready and waiting.

I used my version of the Babbling Brook kit, plus a few embellishments that I pulled from my version of the Wildflower Kit - and look - a patterned paper background! Unbelievable! That's twice in a row! There was also an additional challenge to accompany the sketch of using a ruffle somewhere on your layout, so I made my own ruffled ribbon out of some cream satin and added it beneath my photograph. Then I clustered all of my embellishments together to form a focal point and to break the lines of the layout a little. I included one of my handmade rolled roses, some polymer clay leaves, one of roses from my original kit and a cabachon glued onto a chipboard button. Lots of extra used in such a small space. Loving it!

But, there was something missing. Just beneath the cluster of flowers there was a little space and every time I placed another flower there it just didn't look right. I was at a bit of a loss and put the layout to one side for a whole week before inspiration struck.

I'd headed back to The Counterfeit Kit Club and noticed the Inspired By Etsy Mini Challenge then and immediately went to search through my favourites. When I came across these beautiful Temple Lotus Hoops by Lala Design Studio, I knew I'd found the cutest, little addition to my layout. One dinky, pink glass teardrop bead and I finally had the perfect layout.

*happy sigh*

Missing In Action {A Little Interlude}

2011-03-22T20:15:00.004Z

Deadlines. I thought I'd finished with deadlines the day I handed in my dissertation. But no, I have a major deadline next week and, although I'm unlikely to have to pull an all nighter and then do my printing on the morning of my deadline* - ahem - I currently look very much like this. Isn't this photograph fantastic? I'll be around over the weekend. See you then x

* Not something I'd recommend for those suffering from low or high blood pressure, panic attacks or...um...hangovers!

Hello. Hi. How Are You?

2011-03-19T16:15:00.000Z

I'll be the first to admit that I've never really been much of a card maker, but I'm determined to use up some of my smaller scraps and conquer my fear of small (design) spaces by making some cards. So, in an attempt to make life easier for myself, I've been designing more mini cards.

These dinky, little cards have a canvas size smaller than an ATC, so filling up the space is a lot easier than when you're designing a traditionally sized card - especially when you have such beautiful stamps to hand.

The first card features one of the suitcase stamps from the A Girl & Her Adventures collection but once again I've used it almost as a background stamp and it's made a plain bit of card into an 'oh so pretty' piece of patterned paper and adds a shabby chic, vintage touch. A couple of stickers and embellishments later and I was done.

For the second, I simple stamped a quote from the delicious All About The Journey collection, added some scraps of paper and a hand rolled fabric rose. All done in less time than takes to make a cup of tea - and just as refreshing!

Two of the easiest cards I've ever made, yet easily two of my favourites. I'm sure my Make The Day Special stamps will be getting a little more use this weekend, as I play around with the big pile of scraps that's accumulated on my desk.

Make A Simple Necklace Tidy {Waste Not Wednesday}

2011-03-16T10:00:00.002Z

I know that I've been neglecting my little blog for the past few months but spring has finally sprung; my mojo is back and there is light at the end of the 'huge piece of work that has been killing my social life' tunnel. So, at the weekend, I decided that a little spring clean of the craft room was in order and one of my first tasks was to come up with somewhere to put some of my finished jewellery.

As someone who likes to design her own stuff, I'm often a little short on space to keep all of the necklaces and bracelets that I make and I absolutely hate it when they get tangled after being thrown in a drawer or jewellery box. I knew that I really needed somewhere to hang them, so I rummaged around in my stash until I found a piece of binder from an old diary and then pulled down a piece of artwork that usually hangs above my desk. The result is a cute, but ever so simple, solution.

Now make your own version using my (almost) completely redundant how-to. You all know how to punch holes, right?

You'll Need

Artwork - My little tongue in cheek beauty came from the 31 Experiment almost two years ago. It's still there and downloadable but if it doesn't float your boat try Feed Your Soul for similar, free art work.
Binder - from an old diary or photo album.
Cardstock - in whatever size you have handy.
Hole punch or crop-o-dile.
Drawing pins or ribbon.
Pencil.

1. Print your graphic onto your cardstock. (I'm easing you in gently.)

2. Line up your binder with the base of the cardstock. If the binder isn't long enough to cover the base completely either center it or cut it into two and line up against the edges. Whatever works best for you.

3. An old page or cover from the diary will help you line up the holes or you can mark the base of the cardstock where you will need to punch holes by marking it with pencil where the 'prongs' touch the page.

4. Punch holes. (Shocking that that came next, right?)

5. Pass the binder through the holes in your cardstock, making sure that you 'thread' the binder through the holes from front to back.

6. Use drawing pins or ribbon to hang and then stand back and admire your new jewellery hanger, made in a matter of minutes.

Such a simple project, but believe me it makes a huge difference to the tidiness of my craft room and, surprisingly, all of my guests have commented on how much they like the idea. There's lots of ways that you can personalise it with your choice of graphic or by embellishing with your scrapbooking stash.

As always, let me know if you have any questions. And, I'd love to know if you try this or any of my other Waste Not Wednesday projects. They're over there in the right hand side bar, in case you're wondering :)

Such Is Life When Lived {Flickr Favourites}

2011-03-15T10:00:00.004Z

This is my first Flickr Favourites for quite some time and I'm looking forward to visiting Mitsy over at Artmind to find out what everyone else has in their flickr favourites this week. For me, a little collage of recent favourites, inspired by one of my favourite passages.

"I used to sit on the banks with a raft and watch the water roll lazily by. One day I pushed my raft into the shallows of the water and found the water moved swifter than I thought. My raft was actually a boat. Then, after some time, I rowed my little boat into deeper water. There were great storms, mighty winds, tremendous waves, and sometimes I felt so alone. But I have noticed my little rowboat is now a mighty ship manned by my friends and loved ones; and beautiful calm seas, warm sunny days, and nights filled with comfortable dreams always double after a storm. Now, I could never go back and sit on the bank. In fact, I search for deeper water. Such is life when lived." ~ B.D.Gulledge ~

1. Then, I'll sail the seas, 2. The Seven Seas of Ryde, 3. ..., 4. ...

The passage perfectly describes how I feel about my 'life lived' and how grateful I am for my 'crew' - my beautiful family and friends.

Bee-oo-tiful

2011-03-14T21:30:00.002Z

Since putting together my counterfeit kits, I've been dying to work with my version of 'Wildflower'. It's no surprise that it was my favourite of the kits I put together - and in fact - when I've been visiting other counterfeiters, it's generally been my favourite of their kits too!

I started with one of the many photographs I took on a beautiful weekend. One I will never, ever forget. Since the memories of that weekend are so special, I decided to be really, really brave and pulled out my favourite piece of cardstock - Japanese Tea Garden from Basic Grey's Pheobe collection and used that as a base for my layout. I added in a page from an old children's books and a journalling sheet from My Mind's Eye, plus several partial sheets of patterned paper from my kit.

I distressed the edges of my cardstock using my craft knife and then blended some inks onto the book page to give it an aged, antiquey look. It's the first time I used my new distress inks and I'm so pleased with how they turned out - something actually worked!

I swapped out the large flower from my original kit and replaced it with a pink one, then combined it with a couple of handmade flowers from last month's kit. The one I hardly used. I also added in some leaves, some of fabric and some of polymer clay - both of which have been in my stash for quite some time.

Of course, I knew that I wouldn't be able to resist adding in embellishments once I started (which is why I tried not to act smug when visitors congratulated me on keeping my kit embellishments to a minimum!) But I think that the freedom to add in bits and pieces is what makes the whole process fun. Besides, it's all from stash, so it's all good.

Counterfeiting Calico

2011-03-06T02:23:00.019Z

Here's the deal with my Counterfeit Kits. In January, I managed to put together a beautiful kit, which I didn't manage to use - at all. In February, I managed to put together another beautiful kit, which resulted in just one layout.

This month the team have counterfeited all five of this month's Studio Calico releases - and I'm wondering whether I'll manage more than putting them together. But, with the exception of the Mossy Knoll kit (which was just too dark) I had no trouble at all feeling enthusiastic about the colours, patterns and themes. I actually had to force myself to eat breakfast before running off to 'shop my stash'. So, I am hoping that this will be the month that I shake off the winter lethargy and find my crafting mojo!

Here's my four counterfeited kits, along with links to the original 'inspiration' kits.

I tackled the Sunny Clearing kit first because I knew that I would be able to use papers from my We Are Memory Keepers stack, 72 & Sunny. I didn't really need to add much, so I kept it simple with some co-ordinating ric rac and butterfly punches, along with some Buttons and Thickers from American Crafts.

Next, I took on the challenge of counterfeiting the main kit Into The Woods. Again, I pulled quite a lot of the papers from 72 & Sunny, added in some American Crafts and pulled together some co-ordinating cardstock. There's also a partial sheet of Love, Elsie stickers, Thickers, labels, dimensional butterfly stickers, a chipboard frame, wooden star and some butterfly ribbon.

Moving on, I chose to work on the Babbling Brook kit next. At first I thought that I might not be able to find matching colours or patterns in my stash, but I decided to work with the circular theme or the kit and pulled out some more 72 & Sunny (the stack that keeps on going) and some polka dot papers from American Crafts, before adding in a Jenni Bowlin paper which - somehow - works really well. There's also some Papermania cardstock alphas, sticky labels, chipboard embellishments and some pretty, flower trim.

Flagging a little by this point I moved onto the last of the kits, Wildflower. It's so much more feminine and much, much softer than the other kits, but it's turned out to be my favourite and I can't believe it's the only original kit that's still available.

In my counterfeit kit is a very special Basic Grey paper that I've hoarded for far too long, several sheets of patterned paper of unknown origin and some additional, partial sheets of Basic Grey. To complete the vintage feel I've added some pages from Enid Blyton's 'Hedgerow Tales'. The alphas are, of course, American Crafts - I am in no way affiliated with them, just in case you were beginning to wonder! There's also some pretty laces which I've added to an old ribbon card and a sheet of chipboard buttons from Crate Paper's Sweet Branch range.

Now, just in case you're wondering the beautiful rose cabochons and the pretty, lace flower are both from....Primark. Check out the accessories aisles and you'll be able to pick these up for just a pound or two. It's my secret source of scrapbooking products!

So, now that I've shared all my secrets and sources, do let me know what you think of the kits I've put together. I've had so much fun and I'm beginning to wish someone would pay me to do this for a living.

Getting Shifty With My Counterfeit Kit

2011-02-19T18:15:00.005Z

Last night I sat down in my craft room with only one objective: to make a page for this year's One Little Word. I've definitely had my word - shifty - in mind recently and I'd like to start documenting how it's starting to define me and my choices this year. But first, a title page.

So with this month's The Counterfeit Kit on standby, plus a few of my gorgeous stamps from Make The Day Special, I got a 'shift on'.

I would never have used this Making Memories patterned paper as a background (or possibly, ever) without the encouragement from the Counterfeit Kit Club. It seemed just too damn special. So, in order to make myself feel a little bit better about using it, I pulled the rest of the papers from my scrap stash.

The main focal paper was a practice sheet which I'd tested out my shimmer mists and stamps on and I've only added a couple of pieces straight from the packet - some American Crafts Remarks, Thickers and a little bit of bling.

Here's to shifting some of my stash!

Mini Makes For Valentines

2011-02-13T13:15:00.001Z

Whilst I was putting together my Counterfeit Kit with The Awesome One, I came across a little bag of sequins in her stash and had a 'eureka' moment. Mel graciously let me steal them on the condition that I share what I did with them. So, as soon as I got home on Friday night, I sat down in my little craft room, pulled out some pieces from my kit and made some mini cards to send to some of my friends - just a little reminder that I love them too!

To make a similar card all you need is a card base, a piece of acetate that matches the size of the card front, stazon, sequins, a sewing machine and, of course, your favourite stamps. Mine are from Make The Day Special.

Stamp your image or sentiment into the middle of the acetate using your Stazon and set it aside to dry for a couple of minutes. When the ink dries, place it onto the front of your card and sew around three edges using your sewing machine.

Leave the needle down, through your acetate and cardstock and carefully stuff some sequins through the open edge of the acetate pocket - make sure that they aren't near the edge. Then sew around the edge of the card a couple more times to finish off. Simple!

I'm sure you could adapt this idea to all sorts of occasions - and all sorts of projects. I'm just glad that for once, I managed to sit down and make something as soon as I thought of it.

Hello? Hello? Is Anyone There?

2011-02-12T21:00:00.002Z

I can't quite believe that I've been 'missing in action' for so long. I've had all sorts of computer troubles which are now, thankfully, behind me and my week has ended on a couple of good notes. Getting back my laptop and spending yesterday with The Awesome One.

Now, although we meet quite often to chat and craft, we generally end up spending at least an hour 'showing and telling' - showing each other any new bits of stash, sharing finished projects and telling each other about new techniques we've learnt. Yesterday was no different, Mel showed me some of the beautiful things she's been receiving in her monthly scrapbook kit club and I tried very hard not to be jealous of her Crate Paper and Studio Calico. *Sigh*

I've been um-ing and ah-ing over joining a scrapbooking kit club myself for...ooh...at least the last six months and I've finally made a decision, deciding that I would much rather purchase a few tools - punches, stamps and die-cuts - than spend my money on more patterned papers. Pretty though they are, they do tend to sit in my craft room while I use more and more kraft cardstock.

So, I'm super excited by new scrapbook challenge blog, The Counterfeit Kit Club and I spent yesterday putting together my kit from the stash I'd taken along to Mel's. She watched on as I spent at least half an hour arranging everything prettily before taking photographs and kindly told me I'd be excellent at putting together kits. Oh, a girl can dream!

This month's inspiration kit from Scraps of Darkness is full of beautifully rich colours and romantic designs and I wanted to stay as true to the kit as possible, so I pulled out a sampling of reds, blacks and pinks - and, because I don't have any purples or lilacs, I added some turquoise as a contrast. In addition, my 'main kit' contains some beautiful lace ribbons, Remarks by American Crafts, a Jenni Bowlin Bingo Card, Making Memories Notelets, Papermania bling and some chipboard frames. There's also some handmade journalling notes and flowers - and of course, a doily. What kit is complete without a doily these days?

In my 'add on kit' there's some complementary cardstocks, embroidery threads, some deep red teardrop shaped bling, a couple of handmade beaded embellishments and a chipboard Eiffel Tower - from a swap c.2009. I'll be adding in the 'colour kit' made up of Cosmic Shimmer Mists in Candy Pink, Aqua Lagoon and Mallow Blush - all of which I'd left at home.

Now, seriously, if you received all of this in a kit, wouldn't you be thrilled? And, you want to know the best bit? If I don't use it all this month, it's fair game for next month's kit. Hurrah!

It's good to be back 'showing and telling' here on the blog and I'll be around soon to catch up on everything you've been up to - I've missed you all so! x

One Little Word

2011-01-01T07:33:00.012Z

Followers of Ali Edwards will probably be familiar with the concept of One Little Word - a choice of word to help define the year ahead. Though I have thought about it many times whilst following Ali's blog, there has never been a time before when one word seemed to be appropriate. But, reading through the words from the thousands of people taking part this year, a word suddenly popped into my head - and it made sense on so many levels.

Tilt Shift - Photo Credit: Conwy Marina In Miniature by Eifion

So, what was it? There were so many beautiful, descriptive words to choose from - believe, passion, peace, story, strive, nourish and bloom - to name just a few. Mine? Shift. That's right, shift. It may not be the most beautiful of words, but don't judge too quickly. Once I'd thought of it, it lodged itself into my brain and started telling me what it could do to help me define 2011.

Shift will help me to:

Change direction - a shift in the wind;
Rearrange my living space - shift things around;
Reinterpret the world - paradigm shift;
Look at things from a new perspective - tilt shift;
Become more confident and independent - I can shift for myself;
Re-evaluate priorities - shift emphasis.
Lose weight - shift a few pounds; and
Get out and about more - shift my arse.

Here's to a year of being 'shifty'. Oh, no, wait...

Learn Something New Every Day {Finally Finished Fridays}

2010-12-31T18:30:00.002Z

After categorising some of my works in progress at the beginning of November and promising to complete at least one project each week - a promise which I managed to keep for all of three weeks before I became ill - it looked as though the pile of unfinished, unloved projects would once again be forgotten. But the sense of satisfaction that came from finally finishing a project that has been sat gathering dust was hard to forget and I've decided that the idea of Finally Finished Fridays is worth continuing on into the New Year.

I admit that it will be hard to pick up those old, unfinished items when new projects are beckoning but, thankfully, I have you - my lovely blogreaders - to keep me on track and tell me off when I don't post something each week. You will help me, won't you?

Anyway, just to prove that I'll be following through on my promise this time around, here's a completed project to round off 2010. (There's so many photographs of it, I've had to pop them into a slideshow!)

I started this mini-album in September, when Shimelle's annual Learn Something New Every Day project began in earnest. I was determined to keep up with the project but, I had some extremely bad news not long into the project, and although I continued to keep notes, take pictures and jot down my journalling, it was too difficult to complete the actual album at the time. (And it's easy to see why once you start scrolling through the photographs.)

I'd made a start on putting together some of the pages at the beginning of November, because I felt that since I'd managed to keep on journalling and taking photographs, that I should be able to finish the album without too much trouble. But, because there were some very hard lessons for me in September, looking back was difficult - and a little overwhelming, and I only managed a few pages at a time. I finally finished today (though the photograph from Day 18 seems to have gone missing!) and it feels just a little bittersweet.

But, if I can finish this little album, I can finish anything and I feel as though I can let go of the events of 2010 and move forward into 2011.

Have a Happy New Year x

Thanks, You Are A Star! {The Altered Element}

2010-12-29T16:00:00.001Z

I'm feeling especially thankful for the wonderful gifts that I've received from family and friends over the last few days so, inspired by this month's celestial theme over at The Altered Element, I've started to put together some cards.

To start, I sifted through my scraps of Bazill Smoothies Cardstock to make a card base and then found a few co-ordinating leftovers from scrapbooking projects. I then trimmed my cardstock and papers to size and added some definition to the edges by adding stitching and by using a variety of inks from the Tim Holtz Distress Inks Range.

To make my greeting, I used some Alpha Beads (which are, unfortunately, no longer in stock) along with some smaller beads from the Blizzard Glass Bead Mix as spacers between each word. These were threaded onto some Silver Coloured Copper Wire and I fixed them in place with a little superglue.

I then bent the wire around a layer of card and began fixing each of the card and paper pieces to the card base. At this stage, I decided to add a little extra sparkle to one of the papers by dotting some Cosmic Shimmer Twinkles around the edge. There can never be enough sparkle!

To finish off my card, I embroidered a star onto some card using some White Venus Embroidery Thread, cut it out and added it to the top of the card using some Mini Mounting Pads.

This will be my last Design Team project for The Altered Element before the shop officially closes at the beginning of January. It's been a huge amount of fun and I shall miss the team dearly. But, don't forget that you can still order from The Altered Element until midnight on the 1st January 2011 - so don't miss your chance to pick up some bargains in the closing down sale.

It Made My Day Special

2010-12-19T21:00:00.002Z

I start each and every December in the same way - excitedly planning which festive markets to visit; which carol concerts to buy tickets to and which evenings will be best for a spot of shopping. But, each and every December seems to hit me in the same way - a hugely busy period at work; a killer bug that leaves me feeling rather lifeless and a massive to do list that I need to fit into just a few days. It's almost tradition. *Sigh*

The good news is that I've had plenty of time wrapped up warm, in bed, with copious amounts of tea and - although there's no way I can ever catch up on my Journal Your Christmas project - I've been busy thinking of new projects, promising myself that I'll finish some old ones, and I've been accepted onto the Design Team for Make The Day Special. My fingers are itching to get started on some crafting. (It's not a symptom of the lurgy, I promise!)

One of the gorgeous stamp sets that I've received to play with. Yum!

If you haven't come across Make The Day Special before now, they're the UK's only stockist of Unity Stamps - and believe me the range is stellar. They're perfect for scrapbooking as well as cards because they co-ordinate with some of the better known scrapbooking brands like Echo Park, Websters Pages, Bella Blvd, Jillibean and Melody Ross. I actually did squeal when my first set arrived in the post last week. In fact, it made my day special!

Shopping My Stash {Journal Your Christmas)

2010-12-01T20:45:00.002Z

I hadn't really intended to be participating in Journal Your Christmas - despite my love for all of Shimelle's scrapbooking classes - but my lovely friend Cheryl bought me a class pass as an early Christmas present and I started receiving e-mail prompts in my inbox this morning! What a lovely gift!

I've been busy 'shopping my stash' this evening, pulling out random bits of stash that I am hoping to sit down and combine into an album sometime over the weekend. I absolutely love the beginning of a project when I can have a really good rummage in my papers, embellishments and ribbons to make my very own little kit! I wish it looked as cute as this one - maybe I need to stage all of my own photographs in tea cups?

Expect some updates on my progress throughout the month - but not every day - I'm not a speedy enough scrapper and I need to have my photographs printed. Just every now and then, deal?

How Winter Should Look

2010-12-01T10:00:00.001Z

"The city is caught in the grip of ice. Trees, walls, snow, are as under glass." ~ Anna Akhmatova.

1. Snowblind, 2. Love The Sink Houses By Walther & Co, 3. Some Kind Of Blue, 4. ..., 5. Paloma's Parade Sash /Hairband, 6. Warm Hugs

Fringe Necklace (The Altered Element}

2010-11-29T20:30:00.000Z

I've spent the last week in label sticking, envelope stuffing miserableness, so you'll have to forgive me for my lack of blogging. However, I'm sneaking in one last recycled project for The Altered Element DT - a super cute, fringe necklace made with the beads from some 'recycled' jewellery and some rather lovely, leather thong.

I have a massive collection of beads that I've saved from broken necklaces or from old and outdated pieces that I've found at my local car boot sale. I've been wanting to make a necklace using some of the larger beads for quite some time now, but couldn't find a leather thong thin enough to fit through most of my beads.

However, at just 1mm thick and only 30 pence per metre, the leather thong from The Altered Element is perfect (and it comes in dark brown or natural/nude too!)

To make your own version of this necklace you'll need at least two metres of leather thong, some recycled beads (or maybe a selection like the Dress It Up Beads which come in a wide range of colour mixes.) You'll also need some end caps, some jump rings and a lobster clasp to finish your necklace.

To start, simply cut one piece of thong to the desired length of your necklace, then cut additional pieces of thong to a variety of lengths for the fringe. Add beads to each smaller piece of thong and then, keeping the longer pieces towards the middle, add them to your main length of thong using lark's head knots.

To complete your necklace, fasten an end cap to each end of the necklace, then add a clasp using a couple of your jump rings. Done!

A Proud Moment {Finally Finished Friday}

2010-11-19T20:30:00.001Z

I know, I know. I'm cutting it a little fine with my Finally Finished Friday project this week but, since I actually managed to complete something earlier in the week and didn't save it until today, I'm not too worried. And, after all, it is still Friday.

For one reason or another, this project has been worked on in several stages. I first misted the background onto my cardstock about two months ago and absolutely loved the effect - I thought it looked like a starry night - and wanted to save it for the perfect project.

Back in October, the perfect project finally came along in the guise of a monthly challenge over on All About Me - a proud moment or achievement - but due to the timing, I was unable to take part in the challenge at the time. Over the next week or two, I got as far as finding the chipboard elements, trinkets and wording that I wanted to use but, until tonight, I never got as far as actually sticking them down on paper. Oh, how I love sticking things down on paper!

I even managed to squeeze some journalling on there - not always one of my strong points - all about how I managed to buy my own home at the tender age of 24.

It feels wonderful to have this layout finally finished and, thankfully, it looks just how I envisaged it all those months ago. Now maybe I'll have chance to play along with this month's challenge?

Paper Flowers {Altered Element}

2010-11-17T18:00:00.001Z

This week I have another sweet, little tutorial for the Altered Element Design Team. As you might remember, this month's theme is recycling, so I hauled out my absolutely massive box of paper scraps and dug around until I found some old sheets of music. They had been festering in my 'must use' pile for some time and were practically begging to be turned into something pretty.

What You'll Need:

Ink Mists - I used Cosmic Shimmer Mists in Bronze Blush and Rich Gold, but they're all beautiful.
Brads - I used these 6mm Round, Gold Brads but it doesn't really matter which colour you choose because you won't be able to see them. Buy colours you like and use them for something else too!
Sheet Music - If you can't find any sheet music, I'd recommend some old book pages or some Bazill Smoothies Cardstock
Scallop Circle Punch - You could also use a die cut or a round circle punch.
Craft Knife or Scalpel - Be careful with these. I'll accept no responsibility for slightly shorter than normal fingers or thumbs after you've finished.

1. Punch - Depending on the punchability (that is so a word!) of your scallop punch or your die cut, stack up your sheet music and punch through as many sheets of paper as you can in one go.

2. Pile & Poke - Split your paper circles into little piles - I've used around seven to ten circles per flower, it doesn't have to be an exact science. Then, using your craft knife or scalpel, stick a little hole - big enough for your brad to go through - in the centre of each pile of circles and pop your brad through.

3. Start Scrunching - Starting at the top, scrunch a paper circle up and around the brad.

4. Scrunch Some More - Scrunch each layer in turn. Leave the last couple of layers fairly flat, but use your fingernails to 'lift' the edges a little.

5. Spray & Splatter - When you've assembled all of your paper flowers, it's time to get messy with the mists. I normal lay out my flowers on some old sheets of newspaper or pop them into a cardboard box. (This time I popped them onto some white card, which I'll be using for another project once it's all speckled.) Spritz your flowers with the mists - making sure that you aim some of the mists around the edges of the flowers as well as over the tops. Leave to dry.

6. Beautify - Now use your recycled flowers to beautify your scrapbook layouts, mini albums, altered art or to decorate your craft room.

Colours Of The Rainbow

2010-11-15T21:00:00.000Z

Each week on Operation Tackle That Beadstash, Liz puts together a Monday Moodboard with the aim of inspiring contributors and followers alike to dig around in their bead stash and make a little 'something, something'. There's a new one up today, so check it out!

A little while ago, Liz posted a rainbow themed moodboard and I managed to find a small tub of plastic seed beads that had come free with a papercrafts magazine. At the time they had been separated by colour, but at some point I must have mixed them altogether - perfect for making something multi-coloured. Mainly because I could never be bothered to try separating them again. Ahem!

I had intended to turn them into one of my safety pin cuff bracelets but, in the end, I had far too many safety pins for one bracelet and not enough for two. Having spent so long threading the seed beads onto the safety pins, I was loathe to start all over again. So I've had a pot of safety pins, sat in all their multicoloured glory, on my desk for several months.

The other day, I came across a length of pure white ribbon and decided to try threading it through the backs of the safety pins to create a choker style necklace. Lo and behold, it works - and it looks pretty cool with my white shirt for work.

Now, I must confess that I started writing this post with the intention of scheduling it as this week's Finally Finished Friday, but figured that if I posted it tonight, I'd have extra incentive to complete another project by the end of the week. I'm pushing myself people!

A Small Start {Finally Finished Friday}

2010-11-12T10:00:00.001Z

Although starting a new job seems to have caught up with me this week and the energy with which I enthusiastically tackled spreadsheets last week begins to wane, I didn't want to have to admit defeat in the very first week of my attempt to finish some of my (many) works in progress.

So, I'm starting small and have finally finished a small pair of earrings, using the leftover pink crystal beads from an earlier bracelet project - a project which had also been on my 'to do' list for a long time.

Finishing these wee beauties might have been a fairly simple task, but I still feel a sense of achievement and I've finally crossed one 'work in progress' off my list.

Progressing Nicely

2010-11-09T12:00:00.001Z

I spent some time this weekend trying to categorise my works in progress - barely started; got going; halfway through; a couple of tweaks; and almost finished but too lazy to add the last, necessary component. Is it just me that has this problem with completing projects?

I'm going to try and finish at least one project a week between now and the new year - when I shall be recovering from the excesses of the holidays; when my probable detox diet will be creating issues with my manual dexterity; and when I shall, most likely, abandon all ideas of completing works in progress and start afresh.

I'll be sharing all of my 'in progress' and 'finally finished' photographs as incentive, but it won't work unless you, my lovely blog readers, hold me accountable. So watch out for Finally Finished Fridays and, please, tell me how you find the motivation to start working on old projects!

Recycled Bottlecap Embellishments {Altered Element}

2010-11-08T20:00:00.000Z

This is my first post as part of the new Altered Element Design Team, so I've been keen to work on something that's versatile and can be used in many different types of projects. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner, you'll be able to use these cute embellishments in your jewellery, interiors or scrapbooking projects - and as a bonus they're made from stuff that most people throw away.

What You'll Need:

Glossy Accents - A versatile 3D clear, gloss medium that you can use for lots of things. There's also a Matte, Sepia and Crackle version - so good!
Cord - I actually used a lovely Leather Cording, but I think these pretty Metallic Cords would be perfect with winter colours.
Bottlecaps - If you're not a big drinker, fear not. Ask friends or relatives to collect them for you or head down to your local bar, ask nicely and flutter eyelashes. Works for me!
Spray Paint - I used Plastikote Project Paint in matt white and bronze, but if you'll be sticking your embellishments down instead of hanging them, you can skip this.
A Selection Of Bits & Pieces - I used punched paper circles, buttons, small seashells and beads in my embellishments. These Alpha Beads and Spangles & Trinkets would also be excellent and are on my wishlist for next time I make these!
Hammer & Screw - Optional for adding a hole to hang your embellishment.

1. Before The Beautifying - You might like to clean up your bottlecaps by boiling them for a few minutes to get rid of any residual beer stains and tarnish. If you want to remove the small plastic inner, boiling will also help to loosen it up, but be careful trying to take it out while it's hot. We'll be covering this up anyway, so there's no real need to try this unless you're one of those people who like things to be as perfect as possible.

2. Painting - I used Plastikote Project Paint to re-colour my bottlecaps. Just lay your bottlecaps face up on a sheet of newspaper and, with the spray about a foot away, lightly mist over your bottlecaps. A couple of light coats if better than one heavy, clumpy one.

3. Adding A Hole For Hanging - If you'd like to add a small hole to your bottlecaps so that you can use them as ornaments or jewellery charms, it's pretty easy to do. Grab yourself a screw and a hammer. Hold the screw at the edge of your bottlecap, hit it really hard a few times with the hammer and voila. (Using a screw instead of a nail might seem counter-intuitive but I find that they don't bend and are, therefore easier to use!)

4. Creating A Collage - I like to line the base of my bottlecaps with a punched paper circle. (If you haven't got a punch for this, just draw around the base of your bottlecap and cut out - or use beads and spangles to cover the base instead.) Layer up your collage using additional punches, stickers, sparkles and beads - sticking them down with a little dot of Glossy Accents to keep them in place.

4. Using The Glossy Accents - Don't shake the bottle - this will add bubbles. Just turn your bottle upside down really quickly, then squeeze onto a piece of scrap paper. Start adding to your bottlecap around the outside and then around the edges of your accents, then fill in the remaining space. Try to make sure that the hole for hanging is clear, but don't worry too much - it's easy to bang in another through the Glossy Accents.

5. Leave To Set - Your Glossy Accents will look less than glossy at first, but leave them to dry overnight (somewhere level) and by morning they'll dry to a hard, clear and glossy finish.

6. Hanging Your Charms - Use your screw to ensure that your hanging hole is free of Glossy Accents (just wiggle it about a bit - technical term) and then thread through some leather cording, knot and hang.

I'm planning on adding these embellishments to my scrapbooking pages, gifts, mini-albums and jewellery - and how cute would these be on your Christmas tree? There's so many ways to make them work in your projects!

As always, if you have any questions or have a go at making some I would love you to let me know in the comments.

And Now For The Good News.....

2010-11-06T21:00:00.001Z

I'm On The Altered Element Design Team!!! I am absolutely delighted to be joining The Altered Element Design Team. If you haven't visited The Altered Element before then I think that you're in for a treat. The shop is full to the brim of the most amazing supplies - and is especially proud to stock some of those hard to find items.

I'm joining a seriously talented team of crafters and you can, of course, keep up with all of our design team projects over at The Altered Element Blog However, could I also encourage you to check out everyone's personal blogs? It will be worth it! Visit them here - Anikraft, Adorn, Crafty Makes, Welcome To My World, Mixed Media Musings, Jasmoon Butterfly, Gingersnap Creations, Crafty Dawn, Zuzu's Petals and Inspired Scilly.

And, as if that's not enough good news - I have a new job! I was due to end my current contract at the end of October and, with mum suddenly becoming ill, I had hardly managed to start looking for a new role. I managed to complete an application form for the one job that I really, really wanted. I was invited for an interview, which for obvious reasons, was difficult to attend while mum was ill. But, I knew that she would want me to attend the interview - she always did want what was best for us - and perhaps in some ways, having something else on my mind took away all my usual pre-interview nerves because I was offered the role.

I started last Monday and I can honestly say that I already feel settled. I'm doing a role that I love - working in a university careers department - and my new team are amazing.

For all this - and for the lovely comments and e-mails I've received since my last post - I am extremely grateful x

Surrounded By Love

2010-10-26T15:00:00.002+01:00

Some of you may have wondered a little at my absence from blogging over the past couple of months. At the beginning of September, I was all ready to start a couple of projects and was settling down to the serious business of crafting.

Only, on the 3rd of September, I learnt that my mum had developed lung cancer. For a short time - the shortest time imaginable - we thought that she might have a chance of beating it and we were busy preparing ourselves for the fight of our lives when we suddenly found out that the cancer had spread into her bones and was terminal.

On the 17th of October, mum passed away. My only comfort is that we spent those last few days with her, showing her the love and care she had always shown us and that she died at home, where she fervently wished to be, with her family and surrounded by love.

Thanks for sticking around while I've taken a little break from the on-line world. I'll be back in business at the beginning of next week. In the meantime, just know that I appreciate you being out there.

Monday, Monday. So Good To Me.

2010-09-27T09:30:00.000+01:00

This morning feels good. I've only been out of bed for an hour - long weeekends and lie-ins are good for the soul - and I've taken delivery of two parcels, emptied and filled the dishwasher, started the clothes washing and finished my ironing.

Now, if I could manage to finish off some of those projects that are lying around the house, whispering 'finish me, finish me', then the day would be even better. I've been working on a couple of tutorials for what feels like weeks and I've got a few things that I would love to share with you, but I can't until they've found their way to their new homes (as presents!)

So I suppose that it's time to make myself a large pot of tea and settle down to the serious business of crafting....

Delicious Autumn! {Flickr Favourites}

2010-09-21T10:02:00.006+01:00

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." ~ George Eliot

1. The Wooden Path, 2. Spree, 3. Untitled, 4. Poppies At Dawn, 5. Untitled, 6. It Was Cold Today

There's always something about the coming of autumn that makes me feel truly alive. The hope of crisp, clear mornings; the excitement of bonfire night; the smell of jacket potatoes on the air! Ah, it's as if my soul is being renewed.

Visit Mitsy over at Artmind and find out what everyone else has in their flickr favourites this week.

A Change Is As Good As A Rest

2010-09-06T20:30:00.001+01:00

And since I'm unlikely to get a rest any time soon, I decided that a change would have to do. I've got a new blog header, tweaked a few little bits and I've added links to all my tutorials over in the right-hand sidebar.

Let me know what you think?

Currently...

2010-09-05T19:45:00.003+01:00

...avoiding the last fews items in the ironing pile by completing a meme I found via Kirsty.

listening: Simon & Garfunkel: The Definitive Collection. The Sound of Silence is very much The Sound of Sunday.
eating: I've just eaten a very large oatmeal and raisin cookie. But don't tell The Steve.
drinking: Tea? What else?
wearing: Oh...um...my comfies. Jogging pants and a t-shirt.
feeling: Like I've forgotten something.
weather: Blustery.
wanting: To read something new and exciting. Any recommendations?
needing: A neck massage. The cracking makes me feel nauseous.
thinking: About the arrival of autumn but hoping the skies won't always be so grey.
enjoying: Recorded episodes of Glee. Just as good as the first time.
wondering: What to do next. Don't say the ironing...

A Little Something To Share

2010-09-03T14:00:00.002+01:00

You know what really makes me happy? Making something new out of things that would otherwise be thrown away or over-looked. I've no idea where this love of busting stash came from, but it really floats my boat!

I sat down last night with several pieces of card that had been 'ruined' by my practice attempts with my new Cosmic Shimmer Mists. I cut them down into tag shapes, then added a ton of teeny, tiny paper scraps and mis-matched embellishments to make a cute, dinky, little mini-book for my Learn Something New Every Day album. And, because I haven't used anything new, I'm fulfilling my Stashbusting September obligations as well. Result!

I'm going to add smaller sized photographs and my 'lessons learnt' as and when I manage to have my photographs printed. For now, I'm keeping my notebook handy and jotting everything down everything I learn - like, "Leftovers make pretty projects."

Goodbye August....

2010-08-31T20:30:00.002+01:00

....the month that I forgot all about blogging. There is a myriad of reasons for my absence - not including the broken - but now fixed - laptop and the craft room overhaul - which I haven't been able to use as much as I would have liked!

I started the month with a shift from part-time hours at work to full-time hours, a slightly new role and lots of travelling around the city. Add to that a (un)healthy dose of viral infection complete with dizziness and fainting incidents, studying for a NVQ and an increasingly large pile of ironing - which, let's face it, makes anyone ill at the best of times - and you'll perhaps understand why blogging might have been the last thing on my mind.

So, I'm looking forward to tomorrow. September has always been a month of new beginnings for me - and, as well as settling down to some serious beading - I'm hoping to try and keep up with two new projects. Learn Something New Every Day from the lovely Shimelle and Stashbusting September from the awesome T-Shirt Diaries, both of which kick off tomorrow - bugger the ironing!!!

PS. I must say a really big thank you to everyone who has left comments or e-mailed to check up on me while I've been away from the blog. Your thoughts and kindness have been a real boost. Love to you all!

The New Look Craft Room

2010-07-25T17:00:00.000+01:00

At last! It's done! It was a major task - taking me all weekend and most of my free evening last week - but my little craft room now looks how I've always dreamed it could look. I've moved around the furniture, bought some new bookshelves and thrown away at least five bags full of rubbish! But, I'm left with a room that looks lighter, brighter and more spacious - and I can find everything!

I'm sure you can tell how excited I am just by noting the number of exclamation marks I've used in the last paragraph. I'm so looking forward to getting on with some actually crafting.

And it looks as though I'm going to have the time. My poor little laptop has decided that it's overworked and is refusing to charge itself. So, in the meantime, I'm reduced to fighting The Steve for control of the main computer.

If I'm a little quiet this week, you'll know that 'someone' in the house is happily playing World of Warcraft, while I'll be whittling away the hours I would normally spend blogging playing with pretty ribbons and papers. It's a hard life.

Pretty Pinks

2010-07-19T21:30:00.004+01:00

The Operation Tackle That Beadstash Team have been busy creating pieces this week to fit in with our new Moodboard Monday feature.

Every other week, we're showing off a new moodboard to encourage the team and, of course, our readers, to create something inspired by the colours, textures or themes of the moodboard. Inbetween, we're showing off our creations. Because that's what we do, you know?

If you could do with some inspiration, want to know how my piece was inspired by the moodboard or just want to see what the rest of the team made, do pop by and say hello. We would love to know your thoughts about the blog and our new features.

Ever Started Something...

2010-07-17T18:15:00.000+01:00

...then immediately wished that you hadn't? I decided at around lunch time today that I'd give my little craft room a quick clean and tidy. Half an hour later, it looked like this. Hmmm.

Somehow that quick clean and tidy has turned into a complete re-organisation, several bags of rubbish and the purchase of some new shelves. *Sigh*

Creative Ingredients

2010-07-15T07:45:00.000+01:00

Inspired by a prompt from Shimelle Laine's current class on photography for scrapbooking - Love Your Photos, Love Your Pages - I got a little creative with my creativity earlier this week and ended up with what may become one of my favourite photographs of my craft room.

The class is, as always, really inspiring, so it's a shame I haven't had more time to work on it. I think I'll be adding new photographs from the class to some older photographs and dedicating a mini-album to my little craft room. If something deserves mention in a scrapbook, it's your very own space to scrapbook in, right?

Safety Pin Cuff Bracelet Tutorial {Waste Not Wednesday}

2010-07-14T07:30:00.001+01:00

I've had a large bag of mixed seed beads in pinks and creams languishing in my beading stash for several years, leftovers of several projects. Unfortunately, all of the beads are slightly different sizes and shapes, which made it difficult to think of the perfect use for the mix - and I definitely wasn't going to spend my time trying to sort them! Definitely in need of a Waste Not Wednesday.

When I came across some safety pins for only a penny each at my local haberdashery store, I had a eureka moment, bought 150 of them, and sat down one evening to make myself this cute little cuff. And I still have enough safety pins left to make another one in a different colour. Score.

You'll need:

Safety Pins, Seed Beads, Beading or Sewing Elastic, Glue - and lots of patience. This isn't a difficult project, but it is a little time consuming.

1. Open one of the safety pins and randomly thread seed beads onto the pin. Leave a little bit of space at the top of the pin, so that it will close. Now close it. Simple, see?

2. Continue threading seed beads onto the safety pins until you have enough to span your wrist. I only used half of mine in the end, but the number you'll need will depend on their size and on your wrist measurement.

3. Thread the elastic through the safety pins, alternating between the tops and the bottoms of the pins so that they nestle together neatly.

Top Tip - If there's not much of a hole in the tops of your pins, guide the elastic between the edges of the metal and pull gently. The elastic should 'pop' into the gap and fit snugly.

4. When you reach the end, secure the thread with a surgeon's knot and dab with bit of glue.

5. Repeat with the other side of the bracelet.

It's by no means a new idea, but the different sizes, shapes and finishes on the beads only seem to make the cuff shimmer all the more. And I've finally made a dint in my bead stash!

Like A Rainbow {Flickr Favourites}

2010-07-13T08:00:00.001+01:00

Inspired by reading the lovely Cindy's post listing what treasures she would like to find at the end of her very own rainbow, my flickr favourites are a multitude (multi-hued?) of colours.

1. Birthday Bokeh, 2. Paper Rainbow, 3. Esperando un arco iris.../Waiting for a rainbow..., 4. Today Is A Colourful Day

Visit Mitsy over at Artmind and find out what everyone else has in their flickr favourites this week. They're always good for the soul.

Along Came Life

2010-07-11T10:15:00.001+01:00

Every time that I try to settle down to the business of blogging, something seems to get in the way of my best laid plans. I had the best of intentions. I'd set myself a schedule; I'd signed up for Shimelle's new and wonderful photography based class; and I'd suddenly had plenty of crafting inspiration.

Along came life. You know. The kind of life that just derails all other activities. You see, although I am loving my new job and my new colleagues, my contract ends in October and I am desperate to find another job before then. Because - for the sake of my sanity, happiness and all that is good in the world - I cannot spend more time at home. I mope.

So, this week - instead of crafting and enjoying the sunshine - I've been busy completing job application forms, attending a shitty interview and sobbing with the disappointment that can only come from finding out that you were second.

For now, I can only ask my lovely readers to be patient. I'm not happy to have made crafty, blogging promises that I can't currently keep but I know things will turn out right. Eventually.

Love Your Photos, Love Your Pages {Scrap Sunday}

2010-07-04T10:00:00.000+01:00

I lost my crafty mojo over the last month. Nothing seemed to inspire me - no wait, everything inspired me, but I just couldn't seem to do anything. I needed something that would give me a kick-start and, luckily, Shimelle Laine has done it again. Her new class Love Your Photos, Love Your Pages starts tomorrow!

My lovely friend, Cheryl, bought me a class pass for my birthday and I am so very glad that she did. With both photography and scrapbooking prompts, the class is absolutely perfect for me - and will most certainly give my creativity a much needed boost.

In fact, just registering for the class and having something to look forward to has improved my mood and brought back my mojo - I've spent the last week making jewellery, art journalling and sewing. So, thanks again for the inspiration Shimelle. I love your photos, love your pages and love your classes.

The Summer Of Slouch

2010-07-02T08:30:00.002+01:00

Summertime and the living is easy. Yes, indeed. So, forget smarts this season and spend your hard earned pennies on some casual, slouchiness instead. Slouch is good.

Slouchy Summer by OPCreative featuring TopShop

Denim Vest - Valleygirl, £28; Faded Floral Ruch Skirt - Topshop, £17; Camisole - Debenhams, £9/Pack Of Two; Strappy Stiletto Sandals - $15DollarStore.com, £10; Denim Slouch Bag - Dorothy Perkins, £20; Ruffled Flower Chain - TopShop, £10

With a subtle nod to this season's floral trends and a touch of double-denim, this outfit is evocative of dewy mornings, picnic lunches and star spangled nights.

And all for less than £100. Nice!

2010-07-01T17:00:00.001+01:00

Okay. I'll admit it. I've been a bad blogger. I can't believe that it's been a month - exactly a month - since I last posted.

*Slaps own hand in disgust!*

I didn't really intend to stay away from the blog for quite so long, but it becomes more and more difficult to return to it when you lose the habit. I hope you'll all forgive me, because I think that the break has been refreshing, and I'm returning with lots of fresh, new ideas and projects.

So, maybe I'll see you around soon?

The Language Of Being Alone {Flickr Favourites}

2010-06-01T17:01:00.001+01:00

This week there is a general theme to everyone's flickr favourites - loneliness or emptiness. I'm pleased that I was able to pick out a few photographs that have been in my favourites for an awfully long time and combine them with another of my favourite quotes.

“Language has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone.” ~ Paul Tillich

1. She Doesn't Love Walk Alone., 2. Alone With Birds And Crazy Sea, 3. Untitled, 4. Untitled

I'm curious to see how the rest of this week's participants have interpreted the theme, so I'll be heading over to check them out at Artmind as soon as I get back from work. Of course, if you have time, you should do it now.

{My Creative Space}

2010-05-27T07:30:00.000+01:00

I've been spending a lot of time this week in front of the computer - working with my photographs instead of with my hands and, as a result, My Creative Space has managed to stay relatively clean and tidy. There's always a first time for everything!

I've been using Photoshop Elements to learn more about adding texture and grain to my photographs, adding a softer or more vintage feel to my images.

If you have time before heading over to Kootoyoo to check out all of this week's creative spaces, I'd be grateful if you'd tell me what you think of the effects I've used or tell me your own tips and techniques for altering your photographs.

Most Precious Resources {Flickr Favourites}

2010-05-25T07:30:00.001+01:00

Continuing the theme of combining my flickr favourites with my favourite quotes, this week's choices are inspired by naturalist, John Burroughs who said, "If I were to name the three most precious resources of life, I should say books, friends and nature; and the greatest of these, at least the most constant and always at hand, is nature."

1. Rain, 2. I Remember Lying In The Grass And Watching The Clouds Go By, 3. Untitled, 4. Torn

If you'd like to see more flickr favourites (or play along with your own favourites) then head over to Mitsy's blog Artmind.

Crazily Overdue.

2010-05-24T20:45:00.002+01:00

Not only have I managed to completely miss my blogging birthday (in April) but it seems that I also managed to completely forget about my list of Thirty Things To Do While I'm Thirty and having now turned 31 (in April!) a review is long overdue. Don't you think?

Here's the list -

1. Start running again and enter the Liverpool 10k. (I've started running, but no 10k race - yet!)
2. Complete my photography portfolio for my Beginners Photography course. (Check.)

3. De-clutter, de-stash and stick with the Use What You Have philosophy as far as possible. (See Waste Not Wednesday.)
4. Drink more water. (Check.)
5. Start a blog. (I'd already done it. Check.)
6. Throw a big garden party.
7. Spruce up the garden in preparation for the garden party!
8. Go camping and sleep under the stars.
9. Go to the fairground. Yeah baby. (Check.)
10. Make these lovely necklaces, this fantastic skirt and this beautiful bracelet instead of just drooling over the pictures. (Major fail!!!)
11. Build sandcastles on the beach.
12. Spend more time with my parents. (Check and Check.)

13. Have cocktails with some good friends. (Check.)
14. Plan a weekend away; take a road trip or just go somewhere new. (Check and Check.)
15. Refashion my wardrobe, mend old favourites and donate old clothes to charity. (Made A Start!)
16. Send a message in a bottle.
17. Dust off my bicycle and get my groove on.
18. Go to the cinema at least once a month. (Check.)
19. Take some craft classes. (Check, Check. and Check.)

20. Learn a new beading stitch. (Check.)
21. Climb a mountain.
22. Start the family tree.
23. Organise my life and home. (Life? Getting there. Home? One thing at a time, eh?)

24. Display more photographs - get them off the hard drive.
25. Take some photographs of Me and 'The Steve' - using these fabulous people as inspiration. (Check.)

26. Learn to make pretty cupcakes.
27. Do something that scares me. (Oh! Many, many times!)
28. Clear out and organise our little shed. (Check.)
29. Put up an inspiration wire or board.
30. Laugh more. (Check!)

I didn't manage everything and that's okay. I can't decide, though, whether I want to write another list. Has anyone else written one before now? I'd love to hear your thoughts or see your list if you have, so please link or comment x

Need A New Notebook? {Waste Not Wednesday}

2010-05-19T18:10:00.001+01:00

Behold! The triumphant (ish) return of Waste Not Wednesday! Last week I found myself without a notebook and decided that rather than buy a new one, I'd use some of my existing stash! Go me!

All you'll need to replicate my efforts are some scrap papers, a hole punch and an old spiral bound notebook or photograph album (like the one I've used.)

1. Start by taking apart the remains of your old notebook by opening up the covers and gently prising apart the spiral binding and remove the notebook's covers. You'll notice that you'll need to remove the back cover, then the front cover and finally any remaining pages.

2. Prepare your notebook pages.

Tip - I had a stack of 4 x 6 scraps already cut for scrapbooking and used these as my pages, but you can cut your scraps to size using your covers as a template or opt for a more loose-leaf style with pages of different shapes and sizes.

3. Use one of your covers as a guide for punching holes into your new notebook pages. Do this by stacking the cover onto your page and punching through the exisiting holes. Check your first page against the wire spiral to check the holes are in roughly the right places, then continue punching through the remaining pages.

Tip - If the holes in your notebook covers are square, simply use a pencil to mark the position of the holes, like I've done, then punch the holes into your first piece of paper. You can then use this a template to punch the remaining pages.

5. Once you've punched through all of your pages, put your notebook together again - reversing the process you used to dismantle the old notebook. First place all of the new pages onto the wire spiral, then add the front cover of the notebook - making sure that the front faces upwards. Now add the back cover of the notebook onto the spiral - making sure that the inside of the cover faces upwards.

6. Gently pinch the wire spiral back together again and voila!

This project is perfect for reusing notebooks that have such great designs that you don't want to throw them away, but since I used a plain, old photograph album I'll be decorating mine over the next few days. So, do pop back and have a peek at the weekend, eh?

The Very Pink Of Perfection {Flickr Favourites}

2010-05-18T07:15:00.001+01:00

I must be going soft in my old (but not that old) age, but pink is a colour that seems to appeal to me more and more with the passing of time. This is just a small selection of pink favourites from flickr.

1. Pomegranate In Pink, 2. NG351 - Detail, 3. Pinks, 4. Howlite

Just in case pink isn't really your thing, you can head over to Artmind and feast your eyes upon the ever interesting favourites chosen by Mitsy & Co this week.

Combining My Crafts {Scrap Sunday}

2010-05-16T20:45:00.000+01:00

Despite the focus on beading this week, I haven't forgotten all about my scrapbooking. Oh no! Instead, I've been busy combining my love for beading with my love for scrapbooking - I've been designing (and creating) some beaded embellishments.

This is just a sneak peek because I haven't managed to get them onto any pages yet but, hopefully, they'll be adorning some scrapbook pages very soon and you'll be able to see them in all their glory!

My Cup Runneth Over....With Stash (My Creative Space}

2010-05-13T18:15:00.000+01:00

My parents, who are now retired, head off to local thrift stores and car boots sales then generally top off their relaxing afternoons of pootling around town with a cake and a cup of tea. Not that I'm jealous. Well, okay. Just a little bit.

But, that jealousy is tempered by the fact that whenever they come to visit me, they always bring me a huge stash of thrifted 'allsorts' that they think I might like to use in my crafty endeavours. Added to my own thifted stash and my craft room suddenly became a haven for carrier bags, plastic containers and cardboard boxes.

So, My Creative Space, this week has seen me starting to sort through the smaller items - beads, buttons, old watches and broken jewellery. It's amazing. There is so much inspiration in a box full of odds and sods.

And, of course, it all had to be sorted by colour!

I'm off to check out everyone else's creative spaces over at Kootoyoo and then I'm going to get busy making stuff with all of my lucky finds.

Big Thoughts & Small Pleasures {Flickr Favourites}

2010-05-11T07:45:00.000+01:00

Inspired by one of my favourite quotes from H. Jackson Brown, Jr " Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures" I've put together a small collection of my favourites from flickr this week.

1. Paris Et Ses Monuments, 2. Widemouth Sands II, 3. The Option Number Two, 4. Blissfully Relaxed, And Slowly Catching Up

If you'd like to see more flickr favourites (or play along with your own favourites) then head over to Mitsy's blog Artmind.

Colour In Combination:

2010-05-10T18:00:00.002+01:00

Last night I did one of my most favourite things. Steady now. I pulled out all of my beading magazines and started flicking through them to find inspiration for some new beading projects. Only, it just wasn't as satisfying as I thought it would be.

It seems that there comes a time in a beaders life when she has flicked through the same magazine too many times for the projects to seem new and enticing. So, of course, I used it as an excuse to have a little browse through all of the craft magazines in our local newsagents - and for purchasing a new, lovely and very colourful copy of Bead Magazine.

This month's magazine is a special, dedicated to using colour. Something I would like to be a little more daring with myself. I find that I use the same colours all of the time - in my beading, my scrapbooking and my decorating! Anyone that's in a similar kind of colour rut, might like to check out one of Kirsty's latest posts on The Copy & Paste Project all about finding colour inspiration in the everyday. It's spot on and, obviously, just in time to help me avoid disaster.

I'll be sure to let you all know how I'm getting on with my projects, but first a cup of tea, a biscuit and my new magazine. Bliss!

Normal Service Is Resuming {Scrap Sunday}

2010-05-09T19:45:00.002+01:00

I'm finally managing to settle into a routine that works around my new job (can anyone else believe that it's been five weeks since I started?) and I'm looking forward to working on new projects and blogging more regularly now that I no longer require afternoon naps!

One thing that I'm particularly looking forward to is contributing to Operation: Tackle That Beading Stash. After Sarah, who set up the blog, linked to my Bead & Button Bracelet Tutorial, I pretty much invited myself onto the team. (If you don't ask, you don't get, right?)

The reason that I'm so pleased to be working with these lovely ladies is because, although I don't often feature my beading, it was actually my first crafty love and I wouldn't have tried scrapbooking, card making, glass painting, embroidery or sewing without having discovered a patience that I never knew I had.

Seed beads really are very fiddly and I realised that if I could cope with them, then I could easily cope with sticky tape, ribbons and threads.

In honour of my joining the team, I've (finally) completed a scrapbook layout that I started on National Scrapbooking Day over a week ago. It features a photograph of one of my beaded necklaces and, of course, some handmade beaded embellishments in the form of branches. See the little leaf shaped beads? Love.

I also added some of my hand rolled ribbon roses, which are one of my current favourites, along with some hand cut leaves and sewing pin details. With all of the handmade details, embroidery and all of the gems I had to stick on with superglue one by one, this layout took an absolute age to finish, but I think it's worth it. For my first (crafty) love.

Looking forward to catching up with some of my own favourite blogs this week and resuming normal, blogging service. Leaves on the tracks permitting.

Getting To Know You, Getting To Know All About You.

2010-05-07T22:30:00.001+01:00

One of my favourite challenge blogs - The Copy & Paste Project - is celebrating it's first birthday this weekend with fantastic projects from some amazing guest posters and some rather nifty prizes to be had.

As part and parcel of the party The Copy & Paste ladies have asked their readers to share a few things - so that we can get to know each other. Thank goodness I'm sharing before I start on the cocktails!

1. Everyone knows that I love my arts and crafts but you'd never guess that I also love me some science. I'm a geek and that's okay.

2. I'm proud to admit that I like reading but my guilty pleasure is chick lit.
3. I'm inspired by kindness and it surprises me when it comes from strangers.
4. I'm always saving project ideas but I'm never able to finish (or start!) them all.
5. I've got lots of lovely, wonderful friends but I've always wanted more. You can never have too many.
6. I tried to crochet once and it made me feel stupid!
7. If I never figure out why my feet suddenly shrank two sizes a few years ago it will be a mystery forever.
8. I didn't watch Glee on Monday and now that I've managed to see it, I feel better.
9. It's not that I don't like the gym but I'd really rather be asleep. I'm still forcing myself to go though. *Sigh!*
10. Doing something new makes me feel nervous but, sometimes, it's worth it!
11. Someone once told me to hang my bottoms from the tops and my tops from the bottoms and then my clothes stayed in excellent shape while they were drying on the washing line :)
12. I'm happy to say that I love The Copy & Paste Project and even love the two ~~loons~~ lovelies who organise it all. You know who you are.

If you've not checked out The Copy & Paste Project before, well then head on over to the party. It's one of the most splendid arts and crafts blogs around with challenges that encompass all sorts of crafts and can be adapted to suit your own crafty yearnings. Enjoy your weekend.