All The Feels Layout

I *think* this may be my favourite make of 2018. When I filled out my Style Profile for this month's Wild Hare Kit, I had absolutely no idea that I would end up scrapping a wedding. It really wasn't on my radar. I had no idea what I wanted to work on, so I asked for a versatile kit - one that would work for cards, layouts and other craftiness - and that's exactly what I received. (You can see my Wild Hare Kits: September 2018 Kit Reveal on my YouTube Channel.) 

I adored all of the black and white elements in my kit; a lovely mix of cardstocks from Amy Tan's 'Shine On' collection, Project Life cards, Simple Stories washi and, of course, the beautiful (exclusive) sequin mix from Spiegelmom Scraps. 

Basing the layout on this month's sketch, I had tried several of the Project Life cards with a different photograph. But, I didn't like the colour combination and I wanted to 'lift' the layout a little. Then I found this photograph of my nephew and his lovely bride, taken at their wedding in April 2017, and I knew I was 'onto a winner'.

Once the main area of the layout was completed (it did take a little while to make sure the idea of that sequin section worked well!) I moved on to embellishment. First I added a little extra embellishment to the sequin section, with an Epoxy Badge from the Simple and Sweet collection by Pinkfresh Studios. I love the little bit of colour and how it brings out the shimmer in the sequins. I then added extra detail with a little stamp from the Heidi Swapp 'Hawthorne' set, and set it off with a few enamel dots that are also from the Simple and Sweet collection.

I added the date of the wedding, with the Hawthorne set (so, so versatile!) and then used some of the 'Shine On' cardstock to make a little bow detail above the date. At the base of the layout I added a section of washi from Simple Stories, with two score lines above for a bit of extra detail. 

I'm so thrilled with my (unintended) layout! 

Wild Hare Kits: August 2018 Sketch

Each month at The Wild Hare Kits I release a new sketch that the DT often use sketch for their own cards and layouts. (Check out the Wild Hare Kits: Sketches Pinterest Board.)

Whilst I normally share my own projects based on the sketch towards the end of the month, I wanted to share the August 2018 Sketch a little earlier so you can use it to inspire your own makes!

Remember to tag us with #wildharekits if you use it. We'd love to see what you're making!

Ten Minute Cards

Hello. Today, I have two little 'ten-minute' cards to share, inspired by the latest challenge at Inkspirational. I love cards that are easy to make (and easy to re-make) because there are times when I want to create, but without too much effort! Obviously, it takes a little bit of effort to make it work the first time, but then it's a doddle to make all of the details the same (or a wee bit different) the next time.

To start the first card, I created a section to one side with some old, not often used washi; then I blended in some Distress Inks (Mermaid Lagoon and Cracked Pistachio.) I then removed the old washi and added some much loved, and often used, washi (!) on one side of the inked area. To finish, I found a small sentiment sticker from Pinkfresh Studios to add to the centre and a small enamel from One Canoe Two, which adds a little texture!

The second card, started in a similar way, as I used the washi to create a central section of blended inks. I decided not to over-decorate, so once I removed the washi, I chose a little sentiment from the New Beginning Stamp Set by Studio Forty and added it to the centre of the card with some Tuxedo  Black Ink from Momento. Isn't the sentiment cute?

I can't wait to re-make these cards with different colours, washis and sentiments for a whole new look!

Wild Hare Kits: Time To Have Fun Layout (and Sketch)

Did you know that each month there's a sketch over on The Wild Hare Kits Blog to help inspire your layouts? And did you know that sometimes our layouts inspire the sketch? 

I knew as soon as I saw the die-cuts from Crate Paper's Here & There Collection, that were included in my kit, that I wanted to create a banner effect! It's a look - and colour scheme - that's a little different for me, but I love it! 

In fact, I loved it so much that I decided to use it as the base for our sketch this month. There's a few tweeks, obviously, but the basics are there. I love how cyclical inspiration can be! There's still lots of time to order a kit this month and to join in with a layout (or card, or mini) based on the sketch!

Wild Hare Kits: The Monthly Sketch

My enthusiasm for all things Christmas knows no bounds. I am *still* crafting from my 'full on holiday' kit from The Wild Hare Kits and today I'm on the Wild Hare Kits Blog sharing my take on this month's sketch (created by our very own Jess!)

As usual, I've used the sketch to create a card - and was thrilled to use some of the little star dies that I've been obsessing over recently!

Creating Cards With A Layout Sketch {Wild Hare Kits}

The Wild Hare Kits have introduced two monthly challenges, aimed at helping Wild Hare Kitters to make the most of their custom kits! Each month we'll have a Sketch Challenge and a Wild Challenge - and the Wild Hare Kits DT will be offering some inspiration! 

This month, I've worked with the sketch. I'll be the first to admit that, as a non-traditional scrapbooker, I don't often use sketches, but I want to share how I've taken inspiration from our lovely sketch, and applied it to something a little different. 

I was initially drawn to the lines of hearts and circles that dominate the sketch and decided that I would incorporate some machine stitching to emulate the lines. I also really wanted to use a repetitive element - like the hearts or circles - as the main focal, but wanted something a little more cheerful to work with the colours in my kit. In the end, I settled on the butterflies and am really happy with the result. 

Once I'd die-cut all of the butterflies (27 in total!) I took further inspiration from the square elements in the sketch and chose to use several, layered squares as the base of my card. To finish off the card, I took my final inspiration from the floral elements in the sketch and tucked some die-cut leaves behind the main section of my card for a little bit of depth and interest. Et voila! I love it so much, that I may even use sketches as an inspiration more often!

I hope that you'll find some inspiration in the sketch to help you make the most of your Wild Hare Kit. Head on over to the Wild Hare Kit Blog for more inspiration and ideas from the Wild Hare Kit DT.

Inspiration Everywhere

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*

Scrap Sketch Challenge

It might seem a little strange that, as a scrapbooker, I've never really tried working with sketches before. I've always found them a little bit limiting. But, as part of the big 'Challenge Blog' Blog Hop the party started at Scrap Sketch and decided that I really should try using a sketch - just to see.


In the end, I flipped the sketch over and worked with it upside down, but I'm sure that's allowed. I can't decide whether I like the final layout or not, but it did challenge me and I'm sure that if I give it another go, I'll feel less restricted and come up with something a little bit more 'me'.What do you think? Did I do okay for a first timer?