March Sketch Challenge at The Scrapbook Store

I can't believe that I have totally forgotten to post this earlier!  Actually, I can believe just about anything can happen after these last 10 days.  What a busy time we've had!  My WA blog friends will probably know that The Scrapbook Store has moved into warehouse premises in North Perth.  We moved in on the 1st of March and the Grand Opening took place on Saturday, the 8th.  I must tell you I didn't realise that there were that many crafters in Perth... the place was buzzing!  It was a very busy but totally wonderful day!  We will also now be open every Wednesday and Friday afternoon as well as Saturday mornings, so I'm hoping to meet many more lovely crafty ladies soon. :)

Anyway, the reason I'm here is to share the March Sketch with you.  It's a PageMaps sketch and a very easy one to adapt to your own style.  Just have a look at all the beautiful examples from the DT in the Gallery.
Here is my take on it.  I've used more of the Echo Park 'Times and Seasons 2' collection that was part of my DT kit for February.

I've used a WOW chipboard word and a sticker from the collection to form my title.

Another close up of some of the layers.  All are papers, stickers of layered chipboard from the collection.

And another close up... just for fun. :)

And here is the gorgeous PageMaps sketch. 

I hope you get a chance to play along. There is a $40 store voucher up for grabs and it includes free shipping too.  The winner gets determined by random draw so anyone can win!  All you have to do, is enter. :)

That's all I have for today.  Hope you have a fantastic day!

Until next time.

M xox

 

More 'Times & Seasons' and Scrap Africa Sketch Challenge no. 27

Hi everyone!  Today I want to share my take on Scrap Africa's March sketch challenge.  I have used more of my February DT kit from The Scrapbook Store.  The photos are of my hubby.  He decided to grow his beard over his 2 week December break. I couldn't decide wether I liked it or not.  When he finally shaved before going back to work, I sort of missed it! Lol!
I've used the Echo Park 'Times and Seasons 2' collection.  I simply love the colours of this range.

A close up some of the embellishments.  The chicken wire chipboard is from Dusty Attic and the metal gears from Tim Holtz.

 The arrow charm is available from the TSS store. 

A metal button, a Petaloo flower and a camera charm.  The mesh is plasters mesh from my local hardware store. :)

I've cut my title using my Silhouette Cameo machine and created depth by applying foam tape between the two layers.

And here is the gorgeous sketch.  For more detail and to check out the stunning examples from the rest of the DT members and Guest DT members, have a look HERE.

It's a great sketch, so why not play along?  There are great prizes up for grabs!  You have until the 14th of March to get your entry in.

That's all for today.  Thank you so much for visiting.  Have a great week!

Until next time.

M xox

 

Echo Park 'Times & Seasons 2'

Hi everyone! I am rushing this post through as there are only a few minutes left to get my entry in for Stuck?! Sketches.  I completed this layout over the weekend but haven't had a chance to take photos or do a blog post! Lol! Nothing like working under pressure, hey?!
Well here is my entry using the wonderful Echo Park 'Times & Seasons 2' collection. The photo is of my DS when he went to Malaysia and Singapore in February 2012.  He thought he was very clever by covering the 'et' of Market Place to discover his very own place. :)

 I painted the wood veneer title from WOW to suit the colours of my layout.

 I love adding hessian to my male pages. The flair badge matches the whole theme perfectly. :)

The chipboard clock face frame and circle are from 2Crafty.  I first gave it a layer of gesso and then inked it using a couple of different coloured inks.  I finally added some Diamond Dust in random spots.

A matching tag for my journaling.  All the butterflies have been fussy cut from this piece of patterned paper and then painted using 'Smooch Glitz' to give it some sparkle.

Here is the Stuck sketch from the 1st of February which I based my layout on.

That's all for today.  Now I better hit the 'publish' button and get my entry linked up, before it's too late!

Thanks for visiting and have a lovely day.

Until next time.

M xox

My last CT layout for Scrap The Girls

Hi there.  I'm a little sad doing this post today. I have been on the Creative Team for Scrap The Girls for 18 months now and the time has come to say good bye. :(  I have enjoyed every minute of my time on this awesome team and Malinda is the best to work with.  I will miss all the lovely ladies I've been working with over this time.  Life is just getting a little too busy for me at the moment and it might be time for me to slow down for a while to sort my health problems out too. Nothing too serious... my energy levels are just a bit on the low side. :( 
Anyway, as I was saying... I'm here to post my CT example for the July challenge at Scrap The Girls.  This month you have to use the words from a song 'How sweet it is to be loved by you' as your title or in your journaling. Easy hey?  Just remember, GIRLS only. :)

I have used an older collection from Echo Park called 'Victoria Gardens'.  I love the gorgeous mixture of pinks in this range and decided that it will go well with a bit of black in the mix. :)  The roses were fussy cut from one of the papers and I just added a few Green Tara Mini roses to it.

 I also love a bit of sewing on my pages to finish things off.

 My title using Basic Grey Mini alpha stickers.

You have until the end of July to get your entry in!

That's all I have for today.  I am planning a huge blog catch up over the weekend, so if you haven't heard from me in a while, watch out! Lol! :)

Thank you for popping by and have a wonderful weekend!

Until next time.

M xx

More 'For The Record 2'

Hi there lovely people!  Hope you are all well and enjoying a great week. :)  I have created another layout with my gorgeous DT kit from The Scrapbook Store that I want to share with you.  This one is of hubby and I during a recent holiday.  Now I'm not 100% sure that I love how this turned out, but it's growing on me. Lol!
I really love the earthy tones of the Echo Park 'For The Record 2 - Documented' collection.  Great for seaside shots. :)

 A close up of my little corner cluster.

And a close up of my title.  I searched the net the other day and found this lovely quote.  Thought it would be great with this pic of us.

That's it!  Nothing more to share. Lol!  I hope to change that soon.  In the meantime, I will do my rounds to my favourite blogs over the next few days to see what you've been up to. 
Thank you for popping by and for your lovely comments.  They are very much appreciated.
Until next time.
M xox

Special Times

Hi everyone! It's turning into summer here in Perth.  Yesterday we had a 30 degree day!  Not sure I'm quite ready for the really hot weather though.  It does mean that I stay indoors more to avoid the heat, which generally makes for more scrappy time. :) 
So, I've decided to play along with Sketch #10 at Scrap Africa this month.

Here is my take on the sketch using my October DT kit from The Scrapbook Store.  I loved the original 'For the Record' collection from Echo Park, so when I saw them bringing out a 'For The Record 2' range, I was very excited. Everything used on this layout is from the 'Documented' collection with the exception of the lace trims from Kaisercraft, the paper flowers, ribbon and the paper doilies. It's not my usual colour palette, but I think I like it. :) The pic is of my two kids with my parents when they were visiting earlier this year. I have some hidden journalling on the tag sticking out just above the photo.

A layered chipboard piece from this collection and some gorgeous TSS Mulberry paper roses.

 A little close up of the title using alphas from the sticker sheet.

I've used the Martha Stewart Monarch medium butterfly punch and some pearls to create the butterflies. :)

That's all I have to share today.  Thank you so much for visiting and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Until next time.
M xx

Two challenges for you!

Hi there! I'm running a bit behind... maybe I'll just blame it on the public holiday we had on Monday.  It messes with my week you know. Lol!
I've got 2 challenges to share with you.  First up is the June challenge at Scrap The Girls.  Check it out.  It's a really easy one and there are some great prizes up for grabs.  All you have to do is to scrap some outdoor photos.  You've got until the last day of June to link your entries up but remember GIRLS ONLY.  Here is my example:

 I love the colours in this new range from Echo Park called 'Paradise Beach' The alphas for my title is the new Jillibean Soup Alphabeans.

The next challenge is the June sketch at Handmade by Suzanne.  Another beautiful sketch designed by Nadia Cannizzo.

My take on the sketch using the gorgeous My Minds Eye 'Follow Your Heart' collection.  The pic is of my dad when the were visiting a short while ago.  He sure has a heart of gold. xx 

 I've used a Kaisercraft wooden Roman Clock face and small wooden leaves as well as a variety of Prima flowers and Green Tara Mini roses.

 Another close up. :)

To enter this challenge all you have to do is create a layout based on the sketch and upload it into the gallery at Handmade by Suzanne.  You can win a $30 store prize from HBS.  The winner gets determined by random draw. :)
I hope to see lots of entries from my blog readers.  Both these challenges are super easy and there are great prizes up for grabs. 
That's all for today!  Hope you are having a great week.
Thanks for visiting.
Until next time.
M xox

February sketch challenge at Handmade by Suzanne

The new sketch challenge is up at Handmade by Suzanne and it's another beauty! I've had my example done for a couple of days now, but we had no sun in Perth for the last 2 days, so I couldn't take a pic of my layout until today.  Not that I'm complaining... it also meant that the temperature has dropped to under 30 C, Got to love that!
Lol! Before I get to carried away about the weather, here is the sketch.  As always, there is a $30 store voucher up for grabs and the winner gets determined by random draw.  You've got until the end of February to get your entry in. :)

 

And here is my take on it.  I've used the Echo Park 'Times and Seasons' collection. It's one of my fave Echo Park  ranges this far.  All products are available at Handmade by Suzanne. :)  The pics are of my DS during a photoshoot before his Year 12 ball in 2010.  He was waiting on the side while the others were getting there pics taken and we snapped these 3 pics of him... just being himself I guess. :):)

 A close up of my title. I've used the Tim Holtz mini rosettes die to make the rosette.

 And another close up of the 3rd pic of my wacky boy. :)

There is always a lot going on at Handmade by Suzanne, so if you don't want to miss out on anything or any news, why not sign up for the newsletter?  The latest newsletter can be viewed here.
Okay, that's all for today. Thank you so much for popping by and have a wonderful weekend!
Until next time!
M xox

More Echo Park 'Yours Truly'

It's been VERY hot and humid in Perth during the last few days and today is just a little bit better... I think 31 C max.  Only until tomorrow when it will start again! :(  They predict  40 C for Australia day this coming Thursday! Guess how I will be spending my Aus Day?  Scrapping under the airconditioner sounds like a plan!
Yeterday I spent a wonderful day with some gorgeous scrappy friends and I managed to complete another layout using my Handmade by Suzanne DT kit.  I tried a different (not so formal) style for this one and quite like the way it turned out. :)

I've used Echo Park 'Yours Truly' pattern papers and punched out some hearts. I then filed the edges a bit to go with the whole distressed look. :)

I've used mainly Kaisercraft paper blooms for the cluster and my favourite Martha Stewart 'frond' punch for the leaves. Used an inkpad with the Crafters Workshop 'Cherry Blossoms' template on the white background.

That's all I can share today. :)
Thanks for popping by! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and that you had a bit of time to be creative too.
Until next time.
M xox

More love...

Lol! I mean more of Echo Park 'Yours Truly'... although this range will be perfect for any 'love' theme.  Since I got my housework under control this week, I created another layout using my January DT kit from Handmade by Suzanne.
Do you know that I have never scrapped any of my own wedding picture before? Well, until now. We'll be married for 22 years this coming April. :) So, I thought since this paper range is perfect for weddings and all things love related, I might just as well.  It looks a little dramatic to me with this strong colour combonation, but then weddings are a bit dramatic, right?
Here is my layout.

I've used some gorgeous Prima flowers, a Kaiser paper bloom, some Green Tara mini roses and a stunning Prima metal wall lamp. I punched the leaves out using my favourite Martha Stewart 'frond' punch.

The flourish is from Zva Creative and come in so many colours and designs. Love this product!  All the stickers used on here is from the EP 'Yours Truly' range and the frame of my photo was punched using the Martha Stewart 'Layered Arch' punch around page set.

A close up of my big bow. Lol!  My DD bought it yesterday to wrap a present and I thought it would be ideal for my page. :)

That's all for today. I hope you all had a great weekend.

Thank you for visiting and for your lovely comments.

Until next time!

M xox

Echo Park 'Yours Truly'

Hi there scrappy friends! I hope you are all having a great week. My DH went back to work yesterday and I am having a major house clean at the moment. So fun... NOT!  Lol!  I suppose that's what you get when you relax for 2 weeks and don't do much. :)
Just want to share a layout I did using my gorgeous DT kit from Handmade by Suzanne.  The papers and stickers are all from the Echo Park 'Yours Truly' range. I love the colours in this range and I thought it would go well with these pics of DH and I taken 4 years ago.

A close up of the Zva Creative 'Triumph flourish'. You should check out these beauties. They come in such a variety of designs and colours and the quality is outstanding!  And I've used my favourite Martha Stewart 'Swirling lace' punch again. :)

The little flowers on the edge of my circle photo are Mini Blooms from Kaisercraft and so is the wooden 'Eiffel tower'. The flowers in the corner are a mixture of Kaisercraft Mini Blooms and Green Tara 'Mini Roses'. 

Okay, that's all for today. I have to go and do some more cleaning now... :(
Thank you so much for visiting! Have a wonderful day!
Until next time.
M xox

Bring on 2012!

First of all, I want to wish all my scrappy friends and blog readers a fantastic New Year! I hope that 2012 will be the best year yet!

I haven't been scrapping at all for the last 2 weeks. My DH has taken 2 weeks off work and will be home for another week. We have been enjoying some lovely family time and lots of socialising with friends.

I have some exciting scrappy news to share though. Scrap The Girls has announced the new CT and I'm one of them!  I seriously love this challenge site. Malinda sets the coolest challenges and if you have girls (or even just one, like me) you will love it too!  To see the announcement and the rest of the CT's stunning examples, go over HERE.

The challenge is to create a layout using a monochromatic colour scheme. Minimal black and white is allowed and remember 'ONLY GIRLS'.

Here is my example.  I love these pics of my gorgeous girl.  So happy and carefree. :)  I've used a combonation of Echo Park 'Victoria Gardens' and Authentique 'Uncommon' pattern papers.

A close up of my flower cluster. I've used a combonation of Prima flowers, Green Tara Mini roses, Kaisercraft paper blooms and Kaisercraft resin blossoms. The leaves were made using a Martha Stewart 'Frond' punch.

The chippies is from Dusty Attic. I've painted it, distressed it a bit then added some Diamond Dust over the top.

The edges were punched using the Martha Stewart 'Swirling Lace' Punch around the Edge set and the rhinestone flourish is from Kaisercraft.

All the products used are from Handmade by Suzanne.
I hope you will have a go at this challenge too. Can't wait to see what you create. :)
That's all for now (I think). I'm hoping to visit my favourite blogs very soon for a catch up.
Have a great week and thanks for visiting.
Until next time.
M xox