LiFe AnD tImEs of A 12x12 ADdiCt

Sweet as Candy

2011-11-30T06:00:00.002Z

To create a quick gift for a friend of mine I covered and decorated a box, which was then filled with sugar coated almonds - which I know are her favourite treats.

To create the tag which nestles amongst the roses, I used a stamp from the Beautiful Dreamer clear stamp set from Glitz Designs - the Epoxy accent sit inside the decorative border perfectly.

Product used - Glitz Designs Beautiful Dreamer Damask BD3548, Houndstooth BD3562, Trim TR3395, Epoxy Words ES3364 and Clear Stamps ST3265.

Thanks for calling by.
T.x.

Beautiful Dreamer

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000Z

Its that time of the month when I get to share a couple of projects created using the wonderful Glitz Designs.

To create this page I hand cut and layered up the floral designs to sit beneath my photograph. I cut one of the Peek a Boo printed transparent embellishments down to create the frame around the photograph and used a combination of Cardstock Stickers and Epoxy Words to create the title.

Product used - Dance in Sunshine Birds DS3463, Floral DS3418, Damask DS3425, Whatnot WN3159; Beautiful Dreamer Polka BD3579, Toile BD3555, PeekaBoo PAB3173, Epoxy Words ES3364, Titles TS3081.

Using a large photograph on this lettersized page meant that the photograph remained the main focus, with the addition of a small cluster of accents to embellish.

Product used - Beautiful Dreamer Damask BD3548, Houndstooth BD3562, Polka BD3579 Cardstock Stickers JS3050, paper laters PL3111, PeekaBoo PAB3173, Titles TS3081, Trim TR3395, Rhinestones GR3326, Epoxy Words ES3364, Teeny Alphas TA3227.

Thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

Two Turtle Doves

2011-11-17T09:09:00.001Z

They say old friends are always the best and over the past few days Ive reacquainted myself with one of my old familiar pals - Mr Big Shot!
He'd sat lonely and unloved, gathering dust on the bottom shelf of my craft cupboard - well not anymore!
Mr Big Shot and I are friends again - long may this new found love last :)

Two Turtle Doves
1. Cut an 8 inch circle with a 6 inch aperture from a piece of chipboard.
2. Using Festive Greenery die, cut enough pieces to completely cover the 8inch circle. I used 3 sheets if coordinating Bazzil cardstock.
3. Arrange and layer Festive Greenery die cuts around the circle and adhere in place.
4. Add clusters of Holly with berry centres punched from red cardstock. I used my CropaDile to punch out the berries and the Holly leaves were gently bent to add dimension.

5. Using the Sizzix Snowflake #21 die, I die cut three snowflakes from white Bazzil and adhered these in to place. The remaining star centres from the die cuts were dotted around the wreath.
6. Using the Caged Bird die, I die cut the cage from black foam board and attached it to the centre of the wreath using red thread. Thread red cotton through a bead and then thread through the hole at the top of the cage. Stitch the thread through the wreath to keep the cage in place and for it to be nice and secure.

7. The two turtle doves were die cut from white Bazzil, using the Bird #5 die.
I cut 2 dies per bird and layered them up using 3d foam pads before attaching them to the cage.
8. Finally to finish of the wreath, I added a red voile bow and additional beads were adhered to the bottom of the cage.

We are going for the "brown paper packages tied up with string" look for our Christmas presents this year - for the little ones in the family we are using red bakers twine with candy canes to decorate - for the adults I'm thinking red hessian bows with fir cones and cinnamon sticks - the above wreath I plan to use to decorate the front of a Kraft coloured gift bag, which will be for my Mom's gifts to sit inside - because Mom's are special and need that extra little something to show them just how much you love them :)

Thanks for dropping by,
T.x.

Fancy That!

2011-11-14T11:24:00.000Z

"Its the little things" from Fancy Pants has to be one of my favourite's from 2011.

Pencil Lines sketch 259

Pencil Lines sketch 255

Pencil Lines sketch 253

Pencil Lines sketch 250 - and finally one from my all time fav manufacturer - Sassafras - sad that the Sassafras brand will be no more but Ive had a complete blast being on there DT for the past few years.

A photo of my guys taken in 1998 - I cant believe my Bobs will be 18 in just a few weeks time - where have all the years gone????

I just wanted to post a little shout out to welcome the new members of the Pencil Lines DT - Camilla Eckman, Solange Marques, Kerryn Lawson, Carole Maurin and Sam Ball - Im looking forward to working alongside these talented ladies - go check out there blogs for plenty of eye candy.

Thanks for popping by,
T.x.

So Tweet

2011-11-03T14:48:00.010Z

After watching Kirtsie's Handmade Britain last week I couldnt help myself - I had to have a go at making a bird for myself.

Hubs thinks Ive got a problem because Im now hooked to squishing paper and tearing tape!!!

Thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

Boo!

2011-10-30T06:28:00.004Z

This year has certainly flown by and I can hardly believe that Halloween is already upon us.....next it'll be Christmas! YAY! My favourite time of the year :D

Decorating the house for Halloween is becoming more and more popular in the UK and whilst we have the mandatory Pumpkins sitting outside our home, I wanted to create a banner to greet the "Trick or Treaters" who will no doubt be making their way to our door.

Triangles of card were cut from empty cereal packets (I love to recycle) and then covered in papers from Glitz Designs. To pretty up the edges, I simply cut strips of patterned paper and then punch the edges using a Martha Stewart punch. The punched strips were then attached to the reverse of the triangles before I covered the reverse sides with co-ordinating paper.

Paper roses are one of my favourite quick fix embellishments to make - they are so quick and easy and a great way to use up scraps of patterned paper. Chipboard alphas added my greeting "Boo!" and to add a little sparkle to my banner I added crystal swirls.

Product used - Glitz Designs Patterned Papers - Distressed Couture DC2310, Scarlett S2075and S2051; Scenic Route alphas; Prima Say it in Crystals; May Arts Ribbon.

Thanks for dropping by and I hope you have a very Happy Halloween.

T.x.

Follow your Bliss

2011-08-20T06:26:00.001+01:00

One of my paper crafting passions is creating mini albums to share as gifts with my friends and family. Using a Glitz Design Chipboard Album, teamed up with other Glitz goodies from the Laced with Grace collection I created this mini album to give as a gift for a very special friend.

A transparent Peek a Boo lies beneath the Journal and Title stickers which decorate the front cover of the album.

Butterflies were hand cut from patterned paper and layered before a little Glitz frosting was applied to give this cover a touch of bling.

The inside page was covered with patterned paper and embellished using What Nots and Stickers from the Laced with Grace collection. A length of lace was wrapped around the stickers before they were attached to the page and then further embellishments added to create a point of interest.

Decorating only one of the pages from each two page spread meant that there is plenty of room in this mini album for your journaling and photographs. To keep the embellishment design running smoothly throughout the album I decorated just along the edge of one of each of the pages. A Sticker was cut in half and attached to the page before being embellished further. The remaining sticker can then be used elsewhere through out the mini album.

Attaching the Stickers to cardstock and then cutting them out makes them a lot sturdier and also allows for the use of 3d foam pads to be applied. By layering the Stickers above Glitzers it added plenty of dimension to this page.

The use of blooms and lace adds texture to the page.

A Title Sticker was adhered to a Peek A Boo before being 3d layered across a Butterfly What Not from the Laced with Grace collection. Pearls were added to the outer edge of the accent sticker to draw focus to the page title. A Glitzer sticker was cut and attached to the bottom left of the page -

leaving the other half to be used on the opposite page - helping to keep a sense of continuity running throughout the mini album.

A Paper Layer from the Laced with Grace collection was used to cover this page which was embellished using a Glitzer decorated with a bloom. Wording was added to the page using Wood Grain Teeny Alphas.

To create a framed base for the blooms to sit upon a Glitzer was cut in half before being attached to the page. A Butterfly was hand cut from the patterned paper and attached using 3d foam.

A large What Not was used to create the background for this page, which was embellished using a floral design which had been hand cut from a smaller What Not.

The remaining half of the brown frame Sticker was used to peep out from beneath the lace and a small rose used to embellish.

A combination of What Nots and Stickers were used to decorate the inside of the back cover, which had first been covered with patterned paper.
Finally the book was bound by threading along the spine using a length of coordinating ribbon.

If you have used one of the Glitz Designs Chipboard Albums then please leave a link here because I'd love to see them.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for dropping by,
T.x.

Craving the return of NORMALITY

2011-08-19T16:52:00.002+01:00

A quick catch up - The first weekend of May I had the pleasure of spending time with a great bunch of gals at the "creative heART & soul retreat" - where I taught a 8x8 album class using calico, crochet pieces, tulle, glass bottles and a hole host of other yummies from Glitz Designs

My class was so much fun to teach and I hope the ladies enjoyed it just as much as I enjoyed creating it especially for them.
When the event came to an end all of the delegates were asked to sign a slate heart - which was then hung around a tree which was planted by the event organiser in the grounds of the venue - what a wonderful way to leave our mark eh?

The retreat was without doubt the best UK weekend event that I have ever attended - the venue was idyllic, the food divine, the rooms were luxurious, the sweetie bar was far to tempting and all thanks to the ever so talented Debbie Nicholas. I'm excited to have been invited to return and teach again at the next event in October, which I believe is sold out - however there a just a few spaces left for the May event which is being held in Lake Windemere......with the ultra talented Lida de Witte and Jen Starr teaching at the event I'm sure it will be a weekend of non stop creativity.

During May I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Israel where I was invited to teach three classes. My stay in Israel may have been short but the memories I have will last a lifetime. The event organiser, Alice, was the perfect host and shared with me some of the sights and sounds of her country - which of course is filled with so many biblical and historical places to visit.

Tel Aviv

The beautiful Alice

The girls who attended the classes made me feel very welcomed and at ease and we had fun as we worked with products from Glitz Designs, Fancy Pants and Echo Park.

Within hours of my return from Israel things started to go a bit whacky around here.
Hubs got sick - really sick and had to undergo emergency surgery to his leg (which after 11 months of suffering still isn't sorted!) He developed an infection in his bone marrow which is a tricky little blighter to clear - anti b's don't appear to be working and he's too and fro to the hospital several times a week.
More surgery is needed on his leg, but things are a bit up in the air until we can get the infection under control - with so much uncertainty as to when the surgery is going to take place I was left with no other choice but to decline any invitations to teach overseas for the rest of 2011 :(

Things have gone from bad to worse for us as a family and to be honest I haven't had very much time to do anything else but look after all of my boys the best that I can. On the odd afternoon when normality comes and pays us a visit I sneak out my stash and manage to have an hour or two to play - sadly though, normality doesn't drop by very often at the moment :(

I'll leave you with a few of the LO's that I have managed to create and wish you all a happy and peaceful Summer - whats left of it.

designed for Scrap Rat Kits

Glitz Designs

T.x.

435

2011-05-05T10:05:00.001+01:00

435 miles in 7hr and 26 mins - that's how long it would take me to drive up North to spend the weekend with the bunch of lovely ladies attending the creative heART and soul weekend - Ive opted to travel up by train and will be leaving shortly - suitcases are packed with my class kits - I'm going to need some pretty strong muscles to lift them both : )

The lucky winner of the SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES by 3L giveaway is this lovely lady - email me your address and I'll get the adhesive sent out to you.

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for dropping by.

T.x.

All is Revealed

2011-05-01T07:00:00.001+01:00

Today sees the reveal of the second kit from Scrap Rat Kits.
I loved working with this months kit - its filled to bursting with lovely Echo Park and Crate Paper goodies.

I'll share one of my pages created using the kit - head on over here if you want to see more designs created using this months stunning kit.

If you'd love to win some Echo Park goodies for yourself, then head over to here before Monday and simply leave a comment to say I sent you - one lucky commentor will win a bundle of stash from Echo Park : )

Ive been really busy scrapping lots of the past couple of weeks - It was my complete pleasure to guest design for Le Shabby Cafe Scrapbbok Kit Club, owned by my sweet South African pals Sophia and Tracy. Le Shabby Cafe's May kit also launches today - check them out here.

These are the pages I put together using the kit - which, by the way, is totally divine - and again focuses on Crate Papers Portrait Collection.

Sitting in my scraproom was a metal box which was given to me when I was in South Africa - safely stored inside the box are my mementos of my time spent in one of the most beautiful countries on this planet - boarding passes - receipts - room cards - serviettes - loose change - just all those little things that bring so many happy memories flooding back.
I couldn't resist using the kit to decorate the box and I'm pretty happy with how it came together.

Don't forget to leave a comment over here if you want to win some super goodies from SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES by 3L.

Have a wonderful Sabbath day and thanks for calling by.

T.x.

Hip, Hip, Hooray - Giveaway

2011-04-29T14:56:00.001+01:00

What a wonderful day today has been - a day when the nation comes together -when the world unites - to celebrate love.

I couldnt resist snapping a few pics whilst I was scrapping a layout and watching the ceremony on the TV -

Long may they stick together and their love be permanent and ever lasting.

To mark this wonderful day, I have a super sticky giveaway up for grabs -

1 variety pack of 3D Foam Squares in black, 1 pack of small 3D Foam Squares in white, 1 pack of large 3D Foam squares in white, 1 E-Z Runner permanent vellum adhesive, 1 E-Z Dots Repositionable Adhesive, 1 My Stik Repostionable Adhesive and 1 pack of Permanent Mounting squares all from SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES by 3L.

Just leave a comment on this post before Midnight on Monday 2nd May and I'll announce a winner on Tuesday - I'd love it if you could share this RAK by telling your friends too : )

Have a wonderful day and thanks for calling by.
T.x.

Best Step Forward

2011-04-28T21:28:00.000+01:00

This is what's been keeping me busy -

creating projects for my sweet South African pal, Sophia, over at Le Shabby Cafe

and these projects for the super talented Amanda over at Scrap Rat Kits

and this for SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES by 3L - check out their blog here for details of how I put the page together.

As well as scrapping LOTS - Ive spent time with the family - my Sis and lil Nephew came to stay over the Easter break - which was wonderful - and I completely over indulged in Auntie cuddles : )

We had plenty of this

and this

and had a thoroughly good time - until a run of bad luck hit us this week : (

My youngest Sis got sick - really sick - and needed emergency surgery : ( She had further surgery last night and is now on the road to recovery : )

Unfortunatly I had to endure two trips to this place -

My oldest boy - Bobs - he got in a fight with a 2 inch piece of tempered steel whilst doing one of his super dooper micro scooter tricks - only he lost and the steel embedded itself in to his head - OUCH! - so he spent the night at the local hossie having micro surgery to "fix the 'ole in 'is 'ed"

My hard drive died this morning - thank goodness I backed up a my photos and am only missing a few : ) - we dashed to PC World to buy a new 'puta and on the way home - a silly tractor driver decided to reverse out of the field -

just as we were passing by : (

But hey! We are all fine and the sun is shining : )
These things are sent to try us - but in good ol British fashion, we roll up our sleeves and with our best step forward - we carry on : )

Thanks for dropping by - call by tomorrow if you can because I have an amazingly sticky offering to share : )

T.x.

Alive and Kicking

2011-04-16T16:21:00.000+01:00

This week has flown by - it only seems like 5 minutes since it was last Saturday and I was crossing the bridge over to Wales.

I had the pleasure of spending the day with the lovely ladies in Chepstow - and what a day it was - I'll certainly not forget this wonderful bunch of scrappers - they made me feel so very welcomed and at home amongst them all. If you live around that area and scrap - then you really should pay them a visit sometime - what a great group they are.

The classes went down well - I taught a double page layout using product from Kasier Craft - with the proceeds of the sale of this kit going to BreakThrough Breast Cancer Charity - a charity which is very close to my heart - the amazing ladies at Chepstow helped me to raise £330 for this worthwhile cause - so a big THANK YOU ladies .x.

With the remaining pieces left in the kit I shared how to make a quick 6x4 mini book.

My second class was a single page layout using the ever so lovely Paper Crush from Sassafras.

With kits bursting at the seams - after the class had finished I also shared an additional 3 pages which could be created using the leftovers from the kit - I love to use up every last scrap and can't bear to throw anything away :)

One of the additional layouts I created appeared over on the SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™ blog - I am honoured to have been recently invited to join their DT - I am really looking forward to creating alongside so many of my favourite designers over the coming year - do check out the blog as its packed full of inspirational tips and techniques.

To create the page I simply cut a 9 x 2.5 inch strip of patterned paper and fixed it horizontally across the page - I then layered up and overlapped some of the leftover Sassafras Journal Stickers - the stickers had been applied to cardstock beforehand and were cut out.

I added a strip of Sassafras Banner Stickers along the bottom of my paper strip - using 3d Foam Squares by SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L™ I positioned another border strip over the top - another Sassafras border sits beneath the photograph and again this was attached using 3d Foam Squares - Sassafras Sweet Treat Stickers were applied to cardstock and cut out before being applied to he page using 3d Foam Squares.

Finally to finish the page I added one of my favourite all time scrapbooking products - a Sassafras Vintage Brooch.

Family life has been a little busy this past week - Hubs is recovering slowly from his last operation - he said last night that he feels as if he makes a huge step forward in his recovery - and then after the operations - a giant step backwards - but its all part of the process to rebuild his leg - and we know it going to take time - thanks to everyone who has mailed or called this past week to check I was OK - I am alive and kicking just busy with the guys on half term, scrapping, classes, nursing Hubs and trying my best to be Super Woman! LOL!

I leave you with a sneak of my layout for Pencil Lines - which goes live tomorrw at 8pm GMT - the layout is for a friend - she is amazingly gifted and used her gift this past week to really help Hubs.....but that's news to be shared another time.

Thanks for dropping by - have a great weekend - and enjoy the sunshine :)
T.x.

Follow your Bliss

2011-04-08T06:47:00.005+01:00

Of all the seasons - Spring is my favourite - not only is it the transition between Winter and Summer - but its a time of new beginnings - of regrowth - rebirth and renewal. Its a time when we can refresh not only our homes - but also our own personal lives. A time for us to take note - to make changes and to commit to following our bliss.

The colour tones of the new Laced in Grace accents from Glitz Designs remind me of Daffodils and Primroses - both of which are my favourite spring flowers.

To create this page I simply layered some of the new What Nots, Peek a Boo's, Cardstock Stickers, Paper Layers and Page Titles from the Laced in Grace collection and attached these to a sheet of Scarlet "Bouquet" patterned paper. Butterflies were cut from Laced in Grace "Butterflies" patterned paper and Glitz Frosting added to give that extra little bling - the butterflies were then attached to the page using 3d foam pads.

Have a wonderful Springtime and thanks for dropping by.
Tracie.x.

Today

2011-04-06T04:36:00.015+01:00

Its early and Im tired - Ive not slept well - we got a call yesterday that kinda threw us for a while - but its all good - today we are heading south - down the M5 and back to the hospital.
Hubs is due in theatre at 9.30am - when we went back to the hospital on Monday the Xrays threw up a few broken bones - for some reason these little blighters are refusing to heal - but its all good - the surgeon has promised that today he will fix them and at the same time remove the plate and metal work that has been holding Hubs foot together for the past 6 months.
If all goes well - we should be returning home later on tonight - Hubs will be back in cast for a while - but its all good - he's heading in the right direction and that's all that matters.

I have to keep telling myself that its all good - and I know it will be.

Thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

sketch scrapping

2011-04-05T11:23:00.003+01:00

A day doesn't go by when I'm not inspired by something - everywhere we look we see things and for me these things are often the spark that inspire me to reach for my sketch pad - I love to draw sketches and carry a little jotter with me where ever I go - just in case I see something which inspires me to scribble down a quick sketch - adverts in magazines - signs in shop windows - the layout of a building - packaging - all of these things inspire me.

Sketches give me the starting point for creating a page - sometimes I just use the sketch to give me an idea where to put my title or position my photographs - sometimes I go off on a tangent and end up with a page that doesn't resemble the sketch at all - other times I completely stick to the sketch - either way is fine - but my creating process always starts in the same way - with a sketch.

Pencil Lines is a great place to visit if you are looking for a sketch to ignite your creativity - this weeks sketch features guest designer Noel Mignon Fabbri - the owner of Noel Mignon kits - not only is Noel this weeks guest - but she has also offered up an amazing RAK to the Pencil Line readers - one lucky lady will be the winner of one of Noel's kits -

WOW! - just look at all of that stash! - and all you have to do to win it - is submit one layout during this month to the Pencil Lines website - using one of the April Pencil Line sketches as your point of inspiration : )

This is my take on this weeks sketch - using a photograph of my Mom and I - I sent this to her instead of a Mothers Day card - she isn't a fan of cards but loves a page or two to pop in her album : )

I used the ever so adorable Sweetly Smitten papers, Mini alphas and Foldies from Sassafras to put this page together.

There is also a sketch based challenge posted over on the Sassafras blog.

Using the sketch I decided to create a letter sized page - instead of using patterned paper to create the blocks - I used journaling stickers from Sassafras's the newly released Ellie's Tale - *swoon*

Do pop over to the Sassafras blog to see how the DT created their pages using the same sketch - they all look so very different.
If you play along with the Sassfras sketch - then dont forget to share what you create with the guys at Sassafras - there is a box of $50's worth of Sassafras stash up for grabs for the winner of Aprils Sassafras Sketch challenge : )

So what are you waiting for? - go grab your stash and have some sketch scrapping fun!

Thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

Happy Mothers Day

2011-04-03T18:08:00.000+01:00

Happy Mothers Day to all in the UK.
May your day be filled with love and happiness.

My day, so far, has been wonderful - breakfast in bed (that's twice this week that, that has happened :D) - the guys all bought me a bunch of flowers - which means, when combined with the flowers we received for our anniversary, the house looks like a florist shop - but I'm not complaining - I love fresh cut flowers in the house.
We had planned on popping out for lunch, but changed our minds and have spent the day pottering - tonight we plan to watch one of my Mothers Day gifts - Made in Dagenham - Ive heard its a good movie - but the guys will probably be bored senseless as it doesn't involve fast car chases!!

The guys also bought me a set of Liquitex acrylic inks - and as its my friends birthday tomorrow I couldn't resist having a little play - I made her this

Whilst at my crop yesterday, Hubs called by and dropped this off

it was a belated wedding anniversary gift and I love it - I'm certainly feeling very spoilt at the moment.

My only regret about today, is that I wasn't able to spend it with my Mom - Hubs is back to the hospital tomorrow - his leg is acting up a bit - which is a good sign - we were told that if he suddenly got a crushing feeling in his foot that it meant the plates were ready to come out - we are feeling so hopeful that tomorrow the surgeon gives the green light for the next round of surgeries and that he can lose the chunks of metal - its just over 6 months since his accident - which means we are on the homeward stretch to him getting back to normal - his pain levels have been really tested over the past few days and he just wasn't feeling up to being in the car for the 3hr journey "home" - I'm just glad my Mom is the understanding kind.
I heard this morning that my Mom and Sisters loved the rocks I made them - and they loved the way I'd wrapped their gifts - which was nice to hear because it was a bit of a mess up!

With my head elsewhere, I'd forgotten to buy tags for their gifts - its a good job I craft because I was able to knock up a few tags in less time than it would have taken me to drive to the store to go and buy them!

I'll leave you with a sneak of my layout for this weeks Pencil Lines sketch - which goes live at 8pm tonight - with the new DT making their debut appearance.

Have fun and thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

Revealed

2011-04-01T12:16:00.000+01:00

The new kit went live at midnight last night - Beckie Dreyer was the lucky lassy who randomly got picked to be Mays guest designer - and the ever so talented Lou Collins won the April kit to play with : ) - I cant wait to see what both ladies do with their kits - I'm sure it'll be awesome :)

From what Ive heard there are just a couple of kits left - so you need to be quick and head here if you want to grab one for yourself
The DT gallery is now open - but I'll leave you with one of my layouts which I created using Aprils Kit - head on over here to see the rest of the DT's projects.

I think the style of this layout is very different to what I usually create - at first I wasn't sure that I actually liked it very much, but its kinda growing on me now - the little boy in the photograph - his name is Samuel and he is one of the South African orphans, that as a family we sponsor.

Thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

as Midnight strikes

2011-03-31T18:47:00.003+01:00

Over the past week Ive had the pleasure of working with some of the yummiest products - Ive been creating layouts for the launch of a new UK based kit company - the owner, Amanda, invited me to play with the kit - and I loved it - especially as the kit is crammed full of the prettiest pretties - as well as a stack of papers to play with - It would be rude of me not to share a few sneaks :D

The kit launches at midnight tonight - all the details can be found right here.
For more sneaks of the kit you can hop on over here to spy some from April's guest designer.

How would you like to be Mays guest designer?
Amanda will be choosing a May guest designer from the kits Facebook Fans at midnight GMT tonight to celebrate the kits LAUNCH PARTY!
She will also be selecting a (random) winner to take away the April kit - To take part in BOTH contests, simply post a link to your blog or gallery on the Facebook page between now and midnight tonight, and you'll be entered! [international entries are welcome - If you are already a subscriber and you win either contest, you will receive your kit free of charge]

Thanks to those who left happy anniversary wishes - Hubs and I have had a wonderful day - the boys made us breakfast in bed before they scooted off to school/college - we have met up with friends and enjoyed a scrumptious meal at our local Italian - followed by a stroll on the beach - and now we are spending the evening curled up on the sofa and relaxing with a cuppa!!

Have fun and thanks for calling by.
T.x.

twenty one years ago....

2011-03-31T07:51:00.001+01:00

31st March, 1990 : The worst violence ever seen, in a series of Anti Poll Tax demonstrations, erupted in London during the largest rally when nearly 100,000 people took to the streets in protest at the new government levy. More than 400 were arrested and property was damaged with repairs estimated at £400,000 after the demonstration .

31st March, 1990 : Snap - The Power was number 1 in the charts.

31st March, 1990 : Eastenders was the number 1 UK TV show and Cheers, the number 1 US show.

31st March, 1990 : The average cost of a pint of milk was 30p and a litre of petrol cost just 40.2p!!

31st March, 1990 : At 10.30am on a sunny spring morning - I married the most amazing man.

Happy 21st Anniversary Hubs - 143.

T.x.

and the winners are.........

2011-03-30T16:49:00.000+01:00

A huge thanks to everyone who popped by my blog yesterday and left such lovely comments about my rocks - YOU ROCK :D

The winners of the blog candy give away are - Kim and Julia - email me your addresses and the boxes of goodies will be on their way to you.

Have a great day and thanks for dropping by.

T.x.

between a rock......

2011-03-29T05:59:00.003+01:00

Sometimes thing's happen that leave you stuck between a rock and a hard place - when that happens to me and I need to clear my head, I take myself off to the beach - whilst sitting on a rock - watching the waves - thinking my thoughts - I spotted a few things and picked them up - Hubs filled his pockets for me - and when I got home I locked myself away to create these for my Sisters and my Mom.

For Mom.

For Sis number one who's birthday it was yesterday.

For Sis number two who's birthday it is tomorrow - she will be hitting the big 40 and beginning a new era in her life.

The She Art Workshop was by far one of the best online classes I have ever taken - if you want to dabble in something a bit different then I'd highly recommend joining up - the next course begins very soon.

Thanks for dropping by.

a moment in time

2011-03-28T16:29:00.001+01:00

From the moment I saw this weeks Pencil Lines sketch, I loved it and I had so much fun putting my page together.

I used product from Fancy Pants "Its the little things" to create this page of my Sisters and I - the photographs were taken on Mothers Day a few years ago - we had so much fun that day - at the time Hubs was trying to get to grips with my new camera (D300) and was really struggling as there is no auto function - it was blowing a gale and we were freezing cold - but Mom wanted a "nice posed" photograph of us all together - so we persisted - but after about 30 shots we gave up - we had such a fit of the giggles - there was no way we would have ever been able to get a "nice posed " shot of the three of us......however I treasure the shots that Hubs did manage to take - even though they may not be, as my Mom puts it "nice" - they are photos of a happy moment in my life - Im glad scrapbooking allows me the opportunity to record these moments in time - because sometimes they are far to easy to forget.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for calling by.

Cherished

2011-03-25T19:31:00.000Z

This weekend is going to be special in so many ways - over the next 5 days it'll be my lil Sis's 40th birthday - my others Sis's 41st birthday - and Hubs and I are celebrating our 21st Wedding anniversary too!

So this weekend has been put aside for us - the family - to gather together to celebrate - and I really can not wait to get to hang out with my Sisters - because there is nothing quite like the cherished love of one, who is both a Sister and a friend.

I used photographs of my Sisters and I to create a layout for this coming Sundays Pencil Lines Sketch - which goes live at 8pm GMT.

Did you know that Pencil Lines now has a FaceBook Fan page? In just a few days it gained 500 fans and one lucky fan won herself a copy of the Pencil Lines Sketch book.

Another copy is up for grabs when Pencil Lines receives 1000 fans - so head over to FaceBook and join the Pencil Lines Sketches Fan Page if you'd like to try and win yourself a copy of the book.

and finally - you have just a few days left to enter my Mini Blog Candy Giveaway - to win the goodies up for grabs - you need to go to THIS POST and simply leave a comment.

Have a great weekend and thanks for dropping by.

with a happy heART

2011-03-24T15:39:00.000Z

There are happy smiley faces all around - thanks to the Sunshine - what a difference it makes, eh?
Whilst sitting in the garden, crafting, Ive noticed a definite spring in the step of those who have passed by and it makes me happy.

As Ive sat enjoying the warmth of the sun, I've kept myself busy by working on my class for the creative heART & Soul retreat which is being held at Woodhill Hall, in just over a month's time.

There are a couple of spaces which have unexpectedly become available, so if you fancy treating yourself to a weekend where you can awaken your creative heART and soul, then check out the details right here.

My class has turned in to a real labour of love and Im really excited by how its all coming together - Im just hoping the ladies who will be attending the retreat love it just as much as I have enjoyed creating it.

Have fun and enjoy the sunshine - I hear its here for a few more days :)

Sassafras Mini's

2011-03-23T06:56:00.002Z

Sassafras Mini Alphas are the ideal size for using on a variety of your paper crafted projects - be it on layouts or your off the page designs, they are simply perfect.

To add the title to this page I used Sassafras Yellow Paper alphas and slightly staggered the letters so that they overlapped one another.

In the U.K. , with Mothers Day fast approaching I whizzed up this little gift bag and used Sassafras Pink Glitter Alphas to add the greeting to the front of the bag.

The bag was embellished using layered Sassafras Journaling Stickers.

Sassafras Glitter Alphas have such a wonderful sheen to them and instantly add a sparkle to any of your designs.

Thanks for dropping by.

I do it like this.....

2011-03-22T14:40:00.001Z

Sketch 230 is live over at Pencil Lines, with guest designer Yoko Tsubaki.

To create my take on the sketch, using a pencil, I drew out a rough grid pattern on to a sheet of patterned paper and then machine stitched over my pencil lines.
Instead of using patterned paper to create blocks for the background, I decided to use, some of the ever so cute, Journaling embellishments from Fancy Pants, "its the little things" collection.

Photographs were then added, along with die cuts from "its the little things" Embellishment pack - these are seriously fun to create with - I also hand cut some elements from a sheet of Fancy Pants patterned paper and layered these up using 3d foam pads.

A die cut piece from the Embellishment pack was used to create the title - as well as some Echo Park Alpha stickers.

The sub title was then added using another of the Fancy Pants embellishments pieces and more alphas from Echo Park.

A couple of ticket embellishments were layered together and added to the top right corner of the page - embellished further with a chipboard piece and a couple of accents from the embellishment pack, which worked together to completed the cluster.

More accents were then added to the bottom left of the page -

and Voila - my page was complete.

Have a great day and thanks for dropping by.

Mini Giveaway

2011-03-16T06:58:00.003Z

A couple of weeks ago I created this little heart shaped mini book using an acrylic Prima Build a Book and some of my beloved Sassafras goodies.

If you would like to win a set of 12 Sassafras Apple Jack papers, a packet of Sassafras In a Stitch Blooms, Apple Jack Sweet Treat Stickers, one Prima Build a Book and some Bakers Twine to create one of these minis for yourself then just leave a comment on this post....its as simple as that :)

I have two sets to share - which means two lucky names will be drawn at random to receive this mini giveaway from me - and of course I'd appreciate it if you could share the news of this giveaway with your friends too :)
The draw starts today and closes at midnight on 29th March - I'll announce the names of the winners on 30th March 2011.
DRAW NOW CLOSED
Have fun and thanks for calling by.

Getting Sticky!

2011-03-15T06:15:00.004Z

Sassafras cardstock stickers have to be one of my all time “must have” products to create with.
From the whimsical Banners to the adorable Sweet Treats – I just love them all, but my ultimate favourite has to be the Journal Stickers.

I love to use Sassafras Journal Stickers to create fun and layered backgrounds for my pages – but I’ll confess to being more than a little hesitant when it comes to attaching the stickers directly to the page, as I am fearful that once attached I’ll have a change of mind and want to move my sticker to elsewhere – I guess you could say I suffer from “sticker issues”.

A single page layout can see me “paper pushing” around the page for a good hour or so, before I finally commit to reaching for my adhesive – so to solve my “sticker issues” I simply adhere the stickers to cardstock scraps and then cut them out - by doing this, I can “paper push” my stickers around the page until I am absolutely certain of their position.

Creating a page using Journal Stickers as your background works especially well when they are layered up – and when used with black and white photos they add fun pops of colour.

To create additional texture, on this page, I home printed my photograph directly on to a sheet of canvas and attached it to the page using 3d foam tape.

By applying the sticker accents to cardstock, this also allows me to layer up and attach these fun embellishments to my page using 3d foam pads – which is a great way to add dimension to your designs.

Using these fantastic Sassafras scrapbooking products really does make creating scrapbook pages a breeze.

Have fun with your stickers and thanks for dropping by.

Sketch#229

2011-03-14T06:52:00.004Z

Pencil Lines sketch 229 went live last night.
This is my take on the sketch -

I went for a letter sized page (8.5x11) and squished the sketch to create a smaller version using the ever so lovely wee bundle paper pad designs from Sassafras's Apple Jack collection.
Apple Jack Sweet Treat stickers were used to embellish - along with some brads and accent and alpha stickers from Echo Parks For the Record collection.

The photographs are ones I used last week to create a collage of J.
I created the collage using Picasa3 - which is super easy to use if you want to create a 6x4 assortment of images to print at home (and its FREE to download!).

Hope you are having a wonderful day.
Thanks for calling by.

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

2011-03-13T12:35:00.000Z

With a busy week behind me and an even busier one to look forward to, Ive decided to take a day off from my scraproom and will be heading to the beach for a few hours - especially as the sun is shining : )
The guys are off out with mates - so Hubs and I are pottering around doing our own thing :)

This funny quote by Ellen Degeneres is pinned to my cupboard door -

"I gotta work out. I keep saying it all the time. I keep saying I gotta start working out. It's been about two months since I've worked out. And I just don't have the time. Which uh..is odd. Because I have the time to go out to dinner. And uh..and watch tv. And get a bone density test. And uh.. try to figure out what my phone number spells in words."

which has spurred me on to making time to shed the excess poundage and spend a little bit more time on getting healthy - its working as the weight is coming off. Im not dieting - Im making healthy food choices and feel so better for doing so. Ive dumped tea, coffee and coke as well as bread, pasta, rice and spuds.....Im eating a lot more fish and no red meat - drinking more water and detoxing once a week - so now I need to make the time to excercise my lardy backside and that starts today!!

I'll leave you with a sneak of my take on Pencil Lines Sketch 229 which will be going live at 8pm GMT tonight.

Its an exciting time for Pencil Lines as the new DT will be being announced very soon - I'm just as eager as everyone else to find out who will be working with the sketches over the next 12 months.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for popping by.

Over the bridge, I go.

2011-03-12T11:56:00.001Z

I'm heading over the bridge and in to Wales on Saturday April 9th to go teach a couple of fun classes at Chepstow Pink Scrappers.

Truly, Madly, Deeply is a double page class, which I have created with all proceeds of the sale of the class going to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, which is a charity very close to my heart - there are just a couple of spaces left, so if you fancy coming along and joining in the fun you'd also be helping to raise funds for this worthwhile cause.
More info about the event can be found here.

Yesterday, I took myself off to my scraproom (to unwind after what had been a rather stressful day, most of which was spent at the hospital with J !!) I had a little play with my take on this weeks She Art class.

This canvas is for a friend - who is a mad keen gardener - I wanted to try out the layered skirt technique - so made that the focus of the project.

I'm not quite sure I got the wellington boot looking like a wellington boot - but I'm quite pleased with how it turned out - I'm working a lot more freely than I was last week - learning not to be so uptight when it comes to outlining and adding rubons : )
6x12 canvases are not easily found locally, so I ordered some online - they arrived this morning : ) - working on the smaller canvases has been fun, but I'm looking forward to creating something a bit bigger.....especially as my new paints and brushes have also arrived : )

Totally not scrapbooking related - but I'm a bit of a shoe collector - especially of Alegria or Rocket Dog shoes - over on Facebook I posted a photo of some new shoes I picked up last week - they usually cost around £80 - but I managed to grab some in the sale at tRreds - for £30! A few of my FB friends have also made purchases - there are loads of different styles and they have Doc Martins Mary Janes at a half price - I thought I'd share this info here as the sale ends this Sunday.
Happy Shopping!!!
Have fun and thanks for dropping by.

Celebrations

2011-03-10T06:03:00.001Z

March is a busy month for us as a family - with lots of birthdays and anniversaries to celebrate.
My youngest boy, J, kicked off our celebrations with his birthday yesterday!
To document his special day, I couldn't miss the opportunity to use some of the wonderful birthday delights, which can be found in the Glitz Hoopla collection.

Hoopla is the perfect scrapbooking product to use for birthday themed layouts, cards or off the page projects. The bright citrus/teal colour scheme means they work so well for both the guys or dolls in your life.

Supplies - Glitz Designs Distressing Round Stamp. Hoopla Zebra, Floral and Cake patterned paper. Hoopla Glitzers, Whatnots, Paper Layers, Titles, Journaling, Rubons. Frosting, and Giant Rhinestones.

Towards the end of March, my youngest Sister will be ending our month of celebrations - as she celebrates her 40th birthday. Over the past few weeks I have been putting an album together for her which documents her life - this is one of the final pages of the album - her life as a mother.

Supplies - Glitz Designs Love Nest Floral and Blocks patterned paper. Love Nest Paper layers, Whatnots, PeekaBoo. Teeny Alpha brown Round. Frosting.

The zingy and soft colour pallet of Glitz Designs Love Nest worked so well for this page. I wanted to keep with the Vintage theme, but wanted to add a modern day twist to the page - which I achieved with the addition of the hand cut, brightly coloured floral design.

Have a great day and thanks for dropping by.

A Son

2011-03-09T07:20:00.002Z

A Son :

* A child of the male gender
* They come in various shapes and sizes
* Known to eat their own body weight in food
* Most commonly found in front of a computer or television screen
* May be allergic to mornings
* They prefer to communicate with a series of incomprehensible grunts and growls.....despite this sons also inspire limitless love, pride and happiness and remain a highly prized addition to the family unit.

Happy birthday J - 15 today!!!
T.x.

Busy as a Bee

2011-03-08T19:44:00.002Z

There is an air of excitement in our home as a certain young man will be 15 tomorrow!
Ive been busy - doing all the things Moms have to do to ensure her boy has a wonderful day - although, he's not too happy that his birthday falls on a school day and has begged for a "day off" - he knew the answer he'd get would be a big fat negative - but it was worth a try!
Pressies have been purchased - wrapped and hidden away - the cake has been baked and the table booked - now all we have to do is wait - and the waiting is killlllling him - he's eager to open his pressies - but he can wait - Ive told him patience is a good character trait to posses - so, why do I feel so mean???

Besides doing the Mom thing - Ive been a busy bee and have been on a scrapping frenzy :D

Have fun and thanks for dropping by.

Mix and Mend

2011-03-07T14:19:00.001Z

This weeks Pencil Lines sketch is live and I couldn't resist using some of my favourite Mix and Mend collection, from Sassafras, for this adorable photo of Lilly.

Supplies - Sassafras Mix and Mend, In a Stitch Blooms, Sweet Treat Stickers, Vintage Lace from personal stash.

Anna took the photograph of her beautiful girl and kindly let me scrap it - with no girls in the family I often crave to scrap something girlie - thank heavens I have enough pals who are happy to oblige and let me borrow their photographs.

How would you like to win yourself a box filled with $50's worth of Sassafras to play with ?
Then hop on over to the Sassafras blog to find out just how you can get your mitts on a bundle of goodies for yourself = )

Today, The She Art Workshop moves on to week two - I'm looking forward to seeing whats in store for us over the next 7 days - its been great fun so far and I'm enjoying learning new techniques.

This is my current unfinished "She" - she started out yellow and brown - but I didnt like her - so I painted over everything and started again - this time I went for brighter colours - eventually "She" will be part of a double act - but She has been put to one side for the moment - I'm busy creating new classes for next month :D

Have fun and thanks for dropping by.

Tuesday's Child

2011-03-06T14:12:00.001Z

Mondays child is fair of face,
Tuesdays child is full of grace,
Wednesdays child is full of woe,
Thursdays child has far to go,
Fridays child is loving and giving,
Saturdays child works hard for his living,
And the child that is born on the Sabbath day
is bonny and blithe, and good and gay.

I am a Tuesdays child.

She Art canvas #5.

To add more texture to my background I grabbed some toilet tissue - split the ply's and pasted them to the canvas.

More practice is needed on the hair - but I think this one is my favourite so far.

I'll leave you with a sneak of my Pencil Lines layout which will go live tonight at 8pmGMT.

Have a great day and thanks for dropping by.

A Crafty Day

2011-03-05T17:48:00.000Z

Today has been a good day - a day spent with friends - scrapping - chatting and having fun.

I taught two layout classes and a little canvas - which meant I didn't get time to create anything, apart from lunch - After such a fun day, I'm feeling all inspired - so off to my scrap room I go, as its now my time to play.

listening - to American Idol on TV
eating - a huge bowl of salad
drinking - water
wearing - my scrapping PJ's
feeling - a little sad to hear a crafting friend has passed away
weather - cold
wanting - to create
needing - to fetch in some more logs but its soooo cold outside!!
thinking - how very blessed I am to have the friends I have, in my life
wondering - whether to scrap or paint tonight??

Thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

She Dreams

2011-03-04T07:30:00.005Z

In between scrapping I have been doing bits to a new She canvas - I love the way my background went together - not too happy with the "She" though - her neck is too fat and I cant "get" the "hair" right just yet - the She Art gallery is amazing - I could spend hours just looking at everyone else's "She's" - they are all so beautiful - so inspiring - and each has a story of its own.

She Art - She Dreams

listening - to the guys getting ready for college
eating - Special K
drinking - tea
wearing - in my smarts - I'm off to the city today!
feeling - excited
weather - chilly but dry :D
wanting - to get out of my smarts and thrown on some jeans!
needing - to head off soon, or else I'll be late
thinking - I really do need to shoot outta here!
wondering - if the traffic on the M5 will be heavy today??

Have fun and thanks for dropping by.

Three She's

2011-03-03T08:30:00.006Z

Exploring, testing and trying out new techniques have left me feeling a little unsure of myself.
Getting in a mess - making a mess - being messy - all things I'm not so good at!

I don't like inky fingers - I think I am a clean scrapper - but inside I want to be messy!
I want inky, painty fingers and I want to make a creative mess.
Like a sponge, I'm sucking up the tips and techniques - and I'm lovin every minute.

My first She Art - "The Three She's"

The three "She's" are my sisters and I - three separate canvases which when combined together create one - that's sisterhood.

They are gifts from me to them - to celebrate their birthdays at the end of this month.

listening - to The Script
eating - an apple
drinking - water
wearing - jeans, tee and boots
feeling - inspired
weather - sunny
wanting - a hug
needing - to pack kits
thinking - how happy everyone is when the sun shines
wondering - if I'll get chance to work on my next "She" today?

Thanks for popping by.

I messed up...

2011-03-02T07:30:00.001Z

Since Monday I have been signed up to the She Art workshop - I'm really enjoying the experience.
I'm learning new techniques - I'm getting painty and inky and messy - and I'm lovin it.
Over the weekend, whilst I was waiting for the workshop to begin - I created this

but I messed up big time - I was lovin how my background was coming together - I added the bird from packaging from Echo Park For the Record - the bird sits on a sticker swirl which I thought kinda looks like a branch - I added rubons and bunting - I outlined and doodled where needed - and all was fine - until I applied the PVA!

I thought I had picked up my permanent waterproof pen - when, in fact, I hadn't! - as the PVA started to dry the ink started to bleed :( - and to make matters worse the string moved - I could fix it - but I don't want to - I want to keep it as a reminder that its OK to make mistakes - we learn by our mistakes - and have fun along the way.

listening - to the radio
eating - porridge with dried cranberries
drinking - tea
wearing - a skirt, leggings and boots.
feeling - smiley
weather - there's a nip in the air today
wanting - to spend the day creating
needing - to attack the ironing
thinking - of friends who are no longer around
enjoying - that I haven't worn this skirt in 6 months and can now fit in it :D
wondering - if I should make that call?

Thanks for dropping by.

Re-creating

2011-03-01T06:19:00.002Z

A few years ago I made a free standing picture frame using a giant wooden peg -

which has sat on a shelf in our living room for the past 3 years -

Over the weekend I decided to give it a new lease of life -

Supplies - Echo Park;SEI

I really wish these pegs were still available because I LOVE them -

The photo is an old one of Hubs and I - we really do need to get us some new photos - I just seem to be photographing the guys a lot at at the moment - they are turning from kids in to young men - and its happening so very quickly!

listening - to Radio 2

eating - SpecialK

drinking - tea

wearing - jeans, sweater and socks

feeling - contented that I'm finally getting back on top of my "to do's"

weather - its a bit early to tell, but I think we are going to have another nice day :D

wanting - a slice of toast - I can live without spuds and pasta, but I'm missing bread lots!

needing - to visit post office

thinking - what to cook for supper???

enjoying - my morning cuppa

wondering - if I'll receive a delivery today?

Thanks for dropping by.

Beach Bum

2011-02-28T10:02:00.002Z

The guys love hanging out down at the beach, especially when the surf is up - they will spend hours battling against the ocean just to ride that one wave - but of course that one wave never comes, because there will always be a bigger and better one on its way.

I used recent surfing photographs, of Bob, to create my take on this weeks Pencil Lines sketch.

Supplies used - Fancy Pants Beach Bum collection; American Crafts Thickers; Heidi Swapp

I handcut the surfboard stack to sit beneath the photographs - the main image is of Bob as he left the water and its one of my favourite photographs that I have taken - Ive finally sat down and begun to read my camera manual and am getting to grips with lighting etc.
I handcut some of the waves from the paper and positioned them so that they peeped out from behind the images - I highlighted the waves using a white Signo pen and left the tails of the waves unstuck, so that I could gently lift the waves to create additional dimension.

The smaller images show my boy as he is heading in to the sea, attempting to tackle 8 ft waves and then, finally, after 2 hours leaving the water feeling totally surfed out - hence the title which is created using American Crafts Thickers.
Journaling reads -
"eight foot waves didn't deter you from battling against the ocean - in such extreme conditions you were well and truly surfed out"

listening - to the radio
eating - porridge
drinking - tea
wearing - leggings, black tunic and big fluffy slippers!
feeling - excited to be part of this
weather - hello blue skies and sunshine - its so good to see you again :D
wanting - to get my jobs done early today so I can play
needing - to clear my desk
thinking - about my class for here
enjoying - peace and quiet
wondering - if a woman's work is ever done?

Have a wonderful day and thanks for calling by.

The Challenge

2011-02-27T06:00:00.003Z

Earlier this week I set a mini challenge, which you can read about in this post.

Anita, Sandra and Olivia all rose to the challenge and here's what they created using up their old stash -

Anita used some really old Cosmo Cricket Jitterbug papers to create her patchwork effect page. I love how she repurpose an old manilla envelope to punch out her butterflies. Using the older papers cut in to smaller pieces, really is a great way to use up your forgotten stash.

To create her page Sandra used some old Scenic Route papers ( I do miss them :( )
The stunning butterflies were created using a stamp which was purchased way back in 2004!
Using current trends, such as banner bunting, misting and border punches, Sandra gave these old papers a new lease of life.

I love how Sandra used the punched flower heart on her page, which was inspired by this frame

which I created for Valentines day, using product from Glitz Designs.

Olivia used up some of her beloved Mia collection from Crate Paper to create this double page entry for her 2010 album.

Double page layouts are a great way to use up stash - which is one of the reasons Im on a bit of a double page "thing" at the moment :D

Its impossible for me to select just one winner of the challenge, so Ive decided to send all three ladies a prize :D
Email me your addresses and I'll send the boxes out early next week.

Dont forget to get your submission emailed over to Pencil Lines, as today is your last chance to enter the Pencil Lines DT call - from what Ive heard there have been some pretty amazing entries so far.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for calling by.
T.x.

Refreshed

2011-02-26T14:13:00.000Z

Its good to take some time out every now and then and remember that I am an human being and not a human doing.
Its a busy scrapping weekend for me - but too many hours at the table makes my back ache - so I took myself off for a walk across the beach - Im feeling totally refreshed and am all ready to get back to my table for another scrapping session :D

listening - to The Specials - a blast from the past :D
eating - nothing - I'm on a 24 hr fast
drinking - water
wearing - jeans, pink top and slaps
feeling - happy
weather - hello blue skies and sunshine
wanting - the sun to stay
needing - to emigrate
thinking - why we didnt emigrate when we had the chance *sigh*
enjoying - the sun being around
wondering - if I should sign up to this online e-course?

Have a great day and thanks for passing by.
T.x.

On a mission

2011-02-25T15:10:00.000Z

There's a scrap frenzy going on here today.

The weather is awful so I'm locked away in my scraproom, and will be for the next few days, as I'm preparing for upcoming classes :D

listening - to Dido
eating - apple and cucumber
drinking - water
wearing - Jeans, sweater and my favourite duvet boots from Fat Face
feeling - inspired
weather - awful - but nice if you're a duck!
wanting - the rain to go away!
needing - to sort out my desk top - its making a funny whirring sound :S
thinking - of maybe going out tonight - just to the local for a bite to eat (it'll be a salad for me)
still enjoying - the half term break
wondering - when will it stop raining????????

Thanks for dropping by.

T.x.

Final Call

2011-02-24T07:23:00.006Z

Supplies - Fancy Pants Beach Bum

A sneak of my layout for Pencil Lines sketch 226 which will go live this coming Sunday.

You have only a few days left to get your submissions in for the Pencil Lines call for 12 new design team members.....entries are welcomed from right across the globe - so why not give it a try?
Submission info can be found right here.

24.02.11

listening - to the sweet sound of silence
eating - plain yoghurt sprinkled with dried cranberries
drinking - boiled water with a slice of lemon
wearing - red checked PJ's
feeling - refreshed
weather - undecided
wanting - everyone else in the house to wake up
needing - to get organised
thinking - about which job to tackle first
enjoying - the half term break
wondering - if I'll manage to get all I want to do, done today!
Have a fun day and thanks for passing by.
T.x.

Almost there

2011-02-23T15:11:00.002Z

The stash sorting is almost there - a second shelved cupboard is in the making - as I need somewhere to store my 12x12 albums - they become quite cumbersome and heavy things when they are full!!

Do you ever go to bed and cant switch off? Thankfully it doesn't happen to me too often - but last night as soon as my head hit the pillow my mind went into overload - I lay there wide awake for an hour.....sleep wasn't going to come - so I got up and spent a couple of hours tidying the last bits in my scrap space.

23.02.2011
listening - to Adele 21 - love this interview with her
eating - low fat cottage cheese - straight from the pot : )
drinking - Tesco's own brand Cranberry juice
wearing - my favourite lime green sweater
feeling - tired - after last nights late night tidying session!
weather - it cant make its mind up today - raining and then the sun peeps out for a wee while
wanting - an early night!
needing - a cup of rosie lee
thinking - I need to get my nails done
enjoying - that Bobs passed his physical and has been offered a place at college, starting September : )
wondering - how many hungry teenagers will be here for a sleepover tonight - do I need to send out for more supplies????

Have a great day and thanks for calling by.
T.x.

Thinking Thoughts

2011-02-22T12:14:00.001Z

Whilst hopping through some of my favourite blogs I spotted this post by my scrapping friend, Ania, where she had been inspired by Mari and TrudeJulie to document a few feelings each day....I love the idea of doing this and have decided to jump on board and play along too.....its a great way to keep a record of my daily thoughts and I'm thinking that I may turn my "feelings" in to prompts for my art journal pages??

listening - to Mumford and Sons.
eating - a carb free diet and missing bread!
drinking - pukka organic aniseed, fennel and cardamom tea, to detox.
wearing - jeans, green A&C sweater and a pair of Hubs wool socks - its cold today.
feeling - overwhelmed by how much stash sorting I still have left to do.
weather - cold but dry.
wanting - a slice of toast with lashings of honey.
needing - more hours in the day.
thinking - I need to get cracking on sorting out stash!
enjoying - having a full nest :D
wondering - what to cook for lunch??

Yesterday we had a busy day spent at the hospital - Hubs has a screw loose (in his foot) and we will find out in the next couple of days if he needs further surgery, to tighten it up!
When we arrived home, all I wanted to do was curl up on the sofa with a cuppa and veg out - but I'm on a new healthy living regime and instead, I went for a stroll along the beach whilst Bobs went for a surf!

He's a lot braver than I because 1. the surf was huge and 2. it was freeeezing!

I leave you with a LO I created a while ago.

Kit from Crafty Stash

So, what are you thinking today?

T.x.

she laid down the gauntlet

2011-02-21T06:19:00.005Z

For the past few weeks I have been slowly - and I mean slowly - sorting out my crafting space.
Ive been ruthless and have almost halved what I had - which was not easy as I'd collected an awfully large amount of crafting products over the past 7 years!!!
Anyways, a week or so ago, over on my Facebook page I updated my status to say that I'd found some scrapping papers that must have been 6 -7 years old and I wondered if that made them almost vintage! LOL!
One of my lovely friends only went and laid down the gauntlet and challenged me to use the old and unloved papers to create a page.....and so I did.

Pencil Lines Sketch 226

Supplies - Scenic Route, Prima Marketing, Urban Lily and Glitz Designs.

I'm so glad that she set me this challenge because I went back through the pile of "to be thrown away papers" and rescued some that I really truly loved - just because its old and no longer in vogue, it doesn't mean its useless..... you can still create with it. Thank you Chrissie .x.x.

People create their scrapbooks/ art journals/ paper projects for so many different reasons - some to preserves memories, others for creativity or "arts" sake - either/ or is fine - but in 20 years time, when little Johnny is all grown up, is he going to look at your scrapbook/ art journal/ paper project and gasp in horror because you created that said piece with a piece of outdated paper or embellishment - of course he isnt - he wont even bloomin well know!

* Challenge now closed*So now its my turn - I challenge you to go grab your oldest unused stash and create something with it.
Once you are done - leave a comment on this post with a link to your project and I'll pick one winner who will receive a bumper box of stash to play with.
The challenge will end at Midnight GMT 26th Feb 2011......so what are you waiting for go get busy and start creating with that unloved stash you have been hoarding for far too many years.

Have fun and as always, thanks for dropping by.

T.x.

Stitches

2011-02-20T06:00:00.001Z

The UK's largest wholesale gathering of stitch and crafty types begins today at the NEC - bright and early this morning, I should have been whizzing up the M5 to be there - but things went a bit hectic here - my plans had to be changed - and I needed to stay home - all will be well - thank goodness - that's the excitement of life - you can make plans but you are never quite sure what's going to happen!!

I'll miss catching up with friends - but they understand - real life happens - my family will always come first.

There is just one week left to submit to the Pencil Lines call for 12 new DT members!

It would be wonderful to see more UK girls apply - one layout every two weeks plus there is also the added bonus of free product to scrap with from the many manufacturers, etsy and kit companies who kindly sponsor the team throughout the year. ; D Hop over here to find the details for submitting.....and good luck to all who apply :D

I'll leave you with a sneak of my layout for this weeks sketch which will go live at 8pm GMT tonight.

Have fun and thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

Reunited

2011-02-19T12:29:00.001Z

Last night I reunited myself with some of my old favourite scrapping supplies and totally inspired by this easy to follow online tutorial, I created this.

My Mod Podge was almost out, so I had to resort to using some good old PVA....and me, being me, I was far to impatient to wait for each layer to dry..... so I reached for my heat gun and gave everything a blast.....which resulted in a wonderful bumpy texture being created as the acrylic paint dried and cracked and the PVA bubbled and popped.....I love the effect and will use it again and again :D

To create this mini piece I used product from companies that sadly are no longer around and I miss them all - Scenic Route, Urban Lilly and Daisy D's :(

As much as I love this little canvas, I wished I'd used a larger one because as I was putting this one together I had a light bulb moment.....which means I ~~have~~ ~~must~~ NEED to now pop to town to go buy a bigger canvas :D

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for calling by.

T.x.

Playing with Fire

2011-02-18T17:30:00.001Z

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of spending the day at Mango Beads.

My scrapping pal, Amanda, from The Studio joined me in a days play :D

There is nothing as relaxing as an hour or two working in front of a flame - I find it so therapeutic.

I called in to Mango Beads workshop yesterday, to have a quick catch up chat with the ever so talented Amanda Muddimer and Sarah Wadley - do go check them out to spy just how talented these girls are.

Before I left to head home, Amanda gave me the beads I had made two weeks ago, as they had been baking in the kiln and were to hot to handle when I left.......I love them lots and now feel all fired up to dedicate one night a week to playing with fire.

Thanks for dropping by
T.x.

Bargain Hunting

2011-02-16T14:27:00.001Z

Whilst the guys were watching a man movie I had a little play with some Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist and Chipboard and made this tag for a friend.

Supplies - Tattered Angels Tags, Glimmer Mist, Glimmer Glaze & Chipboard.

The pink ribbon, metal heart, crown and "love" are all finds from a quick whizz around our local Primark!
I managed to bag a few pieces of jewellery that I can pull apart to use on my projects - keys, crowns, resin flowers, birds....all at less than half the cost of buying branded scrapping goodies - I love a good bargain find - how about you ?

Thanks for calling by.
T.x.

Oh Boy!

2011-02-15T09:15:00.000Z

Pencil Lines sketch 225 is now live, with Australian scrapper Anthea Peterson as this weeks guest designer. Take five minutes out to go check out her blog, as she creates such inspirational pages.

For my take on the sketch I took last weeks sketch 224 and merged it with this weeks sketch 225 to create a double page layout. I love how adaptable sketches are and use them as the springboard to kick start my scrapping sessions.

Supplies - Sassafras Apple Jack

I posted a few weeks ago about how I'm scrapping more double pagers than ever before. For me they are great way to use up stash, knock a dent in to the mountain of photographs I want to scrap, plus they helping to fill up my Sisters album a lot quicker! She will be hitting the big 4-0 very soon and I'm in the process of putting an album together for her (I can post this info here, safe in the knowledge that she wont see it, as she is overseas at the moment and has no Internet connection for the duration of her stay :D)

Don't forget that Pencil Lines are holding a DT call for 12 new designers - Internationals are more than welcome to apply - for all the details check here.
A big thank you to everyone who popped by my blog yesterday and left such lovely comments - I really do appreciate each and every one of them.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for passing by.
T.x.

Love is in the Air

2011-02-14T07:00:00.004Z

Happy Valentines Day to you all....a day to celebrate being in LOVE and being LOVED.

Using the soft tones of Glitz Love Nest and some chipboard pieces, I created this free standing frame as a gift of LOVE for my husband.
The chipboard pieces were covered with patterned papers and layered on top of one another to create this dimensional home decor piece.
The blooms were created using scraps of paper, to which I added puff paint in order to create extra texture.

Supplies - Love Nest Block L2020 and Sky L2006; Scarlet Journaling Stickers C2204; Frosting; Glitz Tulle; Teeny Alpha C2327

My boys are the LOVE of my life - we have a secret code that we use between ourselves, when we are ending SMS text or email messages to one another - 1.4.3 - it means I LOVE YOU.

Supplies - Hoopla Titles C2174; Glitzers G2105; Peek-A-Boo PAB2280; Floral H2969,Frames H2921, Pipework H2945 and Cake H2938; Frosting F2884; Teeny Alpha C2808.

and finally I LOVE my home, its the one place in the world where I know I am LOVED.

Supplies - Hoopla Frames H2921; paper layers; Frosting; Teeny Alphas C2358; Love Nest cardstock stickers.

This box framed home decor piece was created by punching out small blooms from scraps of patterned papers. A single Glitz Frosting gem was added to the center of each bloom, before they were attached to a chipboard heart. The heart was then attached to one of Glitz Paper Layers and simply popped in to an inexpensive box frame.

I hope that your Valentines Day is filled with LOVE and happiness.

Thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

Peeps

2011-02-13T12:58:00.001Z

Just a few peeps to share of some of the projects I have created over the past few days -

All Valentines projects which will go live tomorrow :D

My scraproom sort out is nearly complete :D
I'm just tidying up those last bits and pieces and then it'll be done - never, ever again will I let it get so unorganised - Ive need to learn to stop hoarding every little snippet of paper "just in case"!!

Finally here's a sneak at my page for Pencil Lines sketch 225 which goes live at 8pm(GMT) tonight.

Don't forget Pencil Lines are holding a call for 12 new DT members - all details can be found right here.

Have a wonderful Sunday and thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

DT Call

2011-02-11T15:50:00.001Z

Pencil Lines Sketch 224 is live - I'm a little late sharing my take on this weeks sketch as Ive spent the past few days buried underneath a mound of stash!
The stash sorting, organising and de-cluttering is almost done. My scraproom has had a coat of paint and is looking rather tickety boo - Ive put up new blinds and Hubs helped me build a corner shelf unit from scratch (using pieces of reclaimed wood which I have given a white wash) - it looks fantastic and serves as a great place to store my crafting tools....I must have done OK with its construction because its still standing!

*blushes* Opps! Ive digressed slightly - sorry!

Here is my take on the current Pencil Lines Sketch -

Supplies - Sassafras Apple Jack; Raffia, Foam and Buttons from personal supplies.

The title for this page was punched out of a sheet of foam using a Quickutz Chemistry die.
Both the Raffia, which I wrapped around the page, and the foam had been laying forgotten at the bottom of a box - so thanks to my tidying session they have been given a new lease of life :D

The photograph is of my lil nephew - he came to stay with us for a few days last Summer and loved paddling his toes and building sandcastles down on the beach - it was simply Sandtastic - hence the title!

Did you know that Pencil Lines are holding a call for 12 new DT members - all the details can be found right here.

Thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

Faith

2011-01-31T10:47:00.001Z

Pencil Lines sketch 223 is now live.

Here's my take on the sketch -

Supplies - Fancy Pants, Prima Marketing, American Crafts.

Using a sewing machine I stitched a Fancy Pants transparency to a sheet of Lilac House patterned paper. Cardstock stickers create a mat for the photographs and a Prima bloom was added to the card stock heart. American Crafts Thickers were used to create the title - FAITH.

Prompted by my husbands accident last September, I decided that my word for 2011 would be FAITH.

Faith to look beyond the problems of the moment, to the miracles of the future.
Faith to bridge the chasms of uncertainty and doubt.
Faith to do what is right and let the consequence follow.
Faith to keep dreams alive.
Faith and belief in myself , in my vision, my determination and my dedication.
FAITH makes all things possible.

Which word did you decide upon?

Have a great day and thanks for dropping by.

T.x.

"Kiss, Marry, Dump"

2011-01-30T09:11:00.003Z

Just a quick sneak today of my Pencil Lines layout which goes live at 8pm (GMT) tonight.

Hope your Sunday is going well - I'm busy re-organising and sorting out my scrap room (for the third time in a year!) ......I'm playing a game of "Kiss, Marry, Dump" with my stash and it hurts more than I ever imagined it would :(

Why do we get sooo attached to pretty papers, in a way that no non scrapper can understand??
*sigh* back to the paper divorcing....especially since I gave up sorting stash last night, in favour of putting my feet up and playing with Picnik - Sasha Holloway mentioned it to me and, as I'm a total novice when it comes to Photoshop, I thought I'd check it out - its really easy to use and I created the blog banner up top in a jiffy - not sure I like it - but it was my first attempt!

Have a great day and thanks for popping by.
T.x.

1...2...3 - Sketches2Scrapbook

2011-01-29T12:36:00.000Z

Sassafras have released yet another gem.
Do you like to hand cut paper details to create embellishments for your pages?
I know I do, but time isn't always on my side - well, thanks to Sassafras, I can now achieve that hand cut layered effect by simply reaching for these little beauties - Foldies.

Beautiful, layered,dimensional clusters can be achieved in seconds by simply popping out a die cut piece, gently folding and attaching directly to your pages , cards or projects.

You can see more of the Foldies and how some of the talented DT used them right here.

Have you seen the latest Sketches2Scrapbook app?

If you love sketches, as much as I do, then you'll not want to be without this app., which is sure to give your creativity a kick start when your on the go. The app. contains 78 sketches - giving you a host of inspiration at right at your fingertips.
The ultra talented Anam Stubbington is the master behind this innovative little app. and I'm extremely honoured to have been invited to contribute to the second edition of Sketches2Scrapbook.

The new app can be purchased from here - with a FREE version of 12 sketches for you to sample, available right here.
The first edition of Sketches2Scrapbook is also available to purchase at a discounted rate right here.

I was invited to create a layout and a card -

Happy Together

Supplies - Fancy Pants (Summer Soiree and Happy Together), Prima Marketing, American Crafts, Tattered Angels,7 Gypsies and Martha Stewart.

I LOVE YOU

Supplies - Glitz Design, Prima Marketing,7 Gypsies, Making Memories and Martha Stewart.

Have fun and thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

Ellie's Tale

2011-01-28T08:00:00.002Z

Staying true to themselves, the guys at Sassafras have produced a range that instantly screams Sassafras.....and I love it.

When I saw this collection, the very first thing that popped in to my head was one of my favourite childhood songs - Nellie the Elephant.

The papers also remind me of patterns from some of my old Milly Molly Mandy books......I'm sure I'll be digging out a few of my childhood photographs to scrap with these papers.
How about you?
How will you be using Ellie's Tale?
Want to win some for yourself?
Then pop on over to the Sassafras blog, where you can see the entire collection as well enter the draw.

Have fun.

T.x.

Peek-A-Boo

2011-01-27T07:00:00.004Z

As we are in the midst of Winter, here in the UK, I find that indulging in an afternoons paper play soon eases those Winter blues, especially when the photographs I'm scrapping evoke memories of sunnier days or times gone by.

When putting this page together I wanted to draw focus to the photograph using one of the wonderful Glitz Designs Hoopla Peek-a-Boo frames. To give the frame more density, I simply applied a thin layer of white acrylic paint to the reverse of the printed transparent piece. Once the paint was dry, I attached the frame, above the photograph, using 3d foam pads.

Product used - Glitz Designs Hoopla Patterned Paper, Cardstock Stickers, Page Titles, Glitzers and WhatNot; Glitz Design Rub on; Glitz Design Crystlas, Glitz Design Tulle; Glitz Design Teeny Alpha.

The same paint technique was used on the reverse of the Scarlet Peek -A- Boo that "frames" this photograph of my husbands Mother,which was taken on her 21st Birthday.

Product used - Glitz Designs Scarlet Patterned Paper, Peek-A-Boo and WhatNot; Glitz Designs Love Nest Rubons; Glitz Designs Teeny Alpha; Glitz Designs Tulle.

Have you used Glitz Designs Peek-A-Boo's on your pages and projects?
If so, then leave a link here, as I'd love to pop by and take a peek.
Have a creative day and thanks for calling by.

Tracie .x.

Its the little things that leave me Sweetly Smitten

2011-01-26T07:29:00.005Z

Its the little things in life that makes my heart skip a beat .......

(Little Miss Fancy Pants does it again :D )

......and leave me sweetly smitten.

(Sassafras designs are always so much fun.)
Swooooooon.

Pop over to the Sassafras blog to win yourself some goodies.

T.x.

Paper Crush

2011-01-25T08:58:00.003Z

Yummy!

And how about these - "starters" is Sassafras's brand new innovative line of just that... the starting points. Think of these as a foundation to build on....the potential for layering patterns, stickers, foldies and embellishments are unlimited.

The guys at Sassafras always know how to send my heart a fluttering.
What do you think?

These little beauties from Hambly Screen Prints also made my heart skip a beat....delicious.

Which CHA releases are you lovin?
Care to share?

T.x.

Lucky

2011-01-24T08:00:00.003Z

This weeks Pencil Lines Guest Designer is UK Scrapper, Lisa Saunders.
I love how she used Anna's sketch to create her stunning page - you can see it for yourself right here.

Here's my take on the sketch -

I minimised the sketch and used a journal spot to mimic the scalloped area....I guess that's why I love sketches so much - you can either replicate them exactly - or you can use them to kick start your creativity.

Product used - Sassafras Count Me In and Mix and Mend

I'm lovin the sneaks that are popping up all over the world wide web - especially these little beauties from Fancy Pants - Artist Edition - perfect for misting and painting- swooooon.

Want to win some goodies from Glitz Designs?

A Love Games collection is up for grabs - head on over to the Glitz blog to find out how :D

Be Lucky.
Have fun and thanks for passing by.

T.x.

A bit of a Zesty Faze!

2011-01-23T16:30:00.003Z

With an afternoon free I'm trying to catch up on a few things - one of them being my blog!

My time has been utilised well as Ive been concentrating on sorting out my teaching schedule for the coming year, as well as getting myself really organised....I'm ahead on everything and it feels so good :D
The only thing left to do is to give my crafting space yet another bloomin' good sort out - Ive decided that I'm going to go for the "less is more" approach and will be waving goodbye to some stash that's been sitting unused for at least the past 5 years - I'll be sad to see it go, but I need to de-clutter and learn to let go!! Just how much stash actually makes it to the "get rid" pile, is yet to be seen.....I'm such a hoarder!!

Its been a while since I shared some pages - so here you go -

Pencil Lines Sketch 221 - sketch and guest designer Cheryl Ashcraft.

Product used - Sassafras Mix and Mend Patterned Papers, Sweet Treat Stickers, Flag Banners, Glitter Alphas, Brads and Vintage Brooches; Prima Marketing Blooms.

Did you know Sassafras Mix and Mend collection was designed by one of the Sassafras DT members? Michelle Clement is amazingly talented in so many ways - for instant inspiration, go check out her blog right here.

I embellished the page using Sassafras's Vintage Brooch blooms - they have to be one of my all time favourites from Sassafras.

The blooms come, two to a pack and they are available in really pretty colours.....great for so many different projects - from card making to jewellery creations...I just love them : ) How about you?

I think I may be going through a bit of a zesty faze at the moment - I keep reaching for lemony lemons, orangey oranges and limey limes!!! A sure sign I'm missing the summer sunshine!

Product used - Sassafras Count Me in Patterned Papers, Journaling Stickers, Sweet treat Stickers; Sassafras Brads, Chipboard Numbers, Paper Whimsies.

This layout features my wee nephew, Wills. He was 3 when this photograph was taken - hence the heavy use of the number 3!!

Product used - Sassafras Count Me In Patterned Papers, Flag Banners, Sweet Treat Stickers, Journaling Stickers;Sassafras Garden Bits Orange; Sassafras Mini Alphas Graph; Sassafras Paper Whimsies;Bazzill cardstock.

I really enjoyed putting this page together - the Sassafras Garden Bits are really fun to play with. I could have just sat their stacking them one on top of another all day long - they work really well when combined with the Sassafras Paper Whimsies.

A big thanks to Lilly for letting me use one of the photographs her Mom took of her .x.

and finally - a sneak of my layout for this weeks Pencil Lines Sketch, which will go live later on tonight.....

......yikes - that's orange too!!!

Thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

For the Record.....

2011-01-15T00:12:00.000Z

Just for the record - I love this collection from Echo Park - soon to be found on the shelves of your favourite scrapbook store :D

Its almost as lush as Be Mine.......

....which is perfect for all those lovey dovey photos I'm planning on taking of Hubs and I as we celebrate our 21st year of marriage, later on this year :D

Which new releases do you love? Care to share?

Have a great Saturday - I'm off to spend some girlie time with some of my bead making pals at Mangos' Open Workshop Day, which is going to be a nice break away from my scraproom - which looks like a bomb has hit it, as its been rather a busy week scrapping wise.....unfortunately I cant share anything just yet ;)

Have fun and thanks for calling by.

T.x.

Sneaks

2011-01-12T10:21:00.000Z

Its that time of the year when peeps of new releases start to appear and these three sneaks just landed in my inbox, hot of the press from Glitz Designs.

I like.....how about you?

Thanks for dropping by.

T.x.

Celebrating

2011-01-10T20:31:00.000Z

Its been an age since I last blogged - I'm not sure why Ive left it so long.....possibly because Ive not had any earth shattering news to share!!
Its snowed - just like almost everywhere else in the UK. We got the flu bug - just like almost everyone else in the UK. We were busy prepping for the festivities - just like almost everyone else in the world!!

And so, another Christmas has been and gone - we had a quiet chilled out family affair, spent at home, with all of the usual celebratory over indulgences. When the snow fall allowed, friends and family popped in to say hello and share a glass or two with us.....it really was the most chilled out Christmas we have ever had - mainly due to the fact that Hubs injuries render him not as mobile as he'd like.

Scrapping was placed on the back burner over the festive period - I did however manage to spend an afternoon documenting the fact that we stayed home for the holidays.

I dug out some papers from Websters Pages and added blooms from Prima Marketing. The beaded vines are "bits" that I found lurking at the bottom of our Christmas decorations box! The Vintage Bingo Card and Wooden Bingo Chips I purchased from here.

New Years Eve saw us celebrating the end of 2010 with my Mom, Sis and her family - a meal at the local pub, followed by a slow walk home, listening to the church bells chime, as we welcomed 2011 in.

Before we knew it, it was January 4th and our oldest boys 17th birthday - I really cant believe how quickly that has crept up on us. He's now on the road and learning to drive, which prompted me to create my layout for this weeks Pencil Lines Sketch, as I took the opportunity to document the beginning of his journey towards independence.

Product used - Fancy Pants "Its your Day" Patterned Papers, Rubons, Cardstock Stickers, Glitter Cuts, Buttons and Brads; American Crafts Thickers.

Hubs is improving slowly - 5 hours spent at the hospital today wasn't so much fun - but hey! - he's moving in the right direction and that's all that matters - if all goes to plan, he should be up and about just in time for the start of the Summer = )

I hope your Christmas and New Years celebrations went well and that 2011 is a happy, healthy and creative year for you.

Thanks for dropping by.
T.x.

Pencil Lines

2010-12-19T21:44:00.000Z

Its been a while since I uploaded my Pencil Lines layouts to my blog - so here goes!

Sketch 213 was provided by guest designer Laura Buckingham
I used papers from Prima Marketings's Sew Cute collection to create my take on the sketch.

The photos are of my wee nephew, W, who is growing up just too quickly for my liking!!!

Sketch 215 was provided by one of my favourite scrappers and old team mate from my Bad Girls days, Jennifer Mattot.

I used papers and chipboard from the delish Circa 1934 collection by Cosmo Cricket to create my "family" page.

Emma Trout was the guest designer for sketch 217, with the sketch provided by Anna.
I decided to use the sketch to create a double page layout.....of my sister and I sharing our dream to visit South Africa together.

I dug out some old Sassafras papers and teamed them up with some of the new Sassafras Via Air Mail Paper Whimsies and Mini Alpha Stickers. ...I love mixing the old with the new :D

Sketch 218 went live tonight and was provided by Daniel Askeland - go check out his amazing work - he's a really talented fella!

I used Echo Park's Everybody Loves Christmas to create this fun page documenting the fact that its just 6 more sleeps 'til Santa pays us a visit :D

And finally......the winner of the Everybody Loves Christmas collection pack is this lucky lady :D
Email me your address and I'll get the goodies in the post.

Thanks for popping by.
T.x.

Everybody Loves Christmas

2010-12-12T09:00:00.003Z

The vibrancy and whimsical nature of Echo Parks Everybody Loves Christmas really shouts out to my creative inner self - I just LOVE all of the releases from this relatively new kid on the block.....they certainly hit the right buttons for me and I'm looking forward to getting my mitts on some of their new Be Mine collection very soon - I'm thinking ahead to Valentines projects and a trip to Paris to celebrate my 21st Wedding Anniversary in March!!

Over the past few weeks Ive found myself scrapping more double page layouts than ever before - I'm liking the way I can easily attack the mountain of photos I have waiting to be scrapped - I like the way that multiphoto pages tend to tell more of a story - after all that's what scrapbooking is all about!! Im also journaling on my pages a lot more since I started this double page thing.....I wonder how long it will last????

Here's a double page layout using Everybody Love Christmas -

click on images to see bigger size

I couldn't help myself - I had to hang those baubles from the top of the page!!

I also whizzed up a simple little minibook using the same collection -

and this is how I created it - click on images to see bigger size

If you would like to win yourself an

Echo Park Everybody Loves Christmas Collection Pack then simply leave a comment on this post.

I'll pick one winner on the 17th December 2010.
Open to International Scrappers as well as those from the UK :D

Don't forget to pop over to Pencil Lines tonight - the new sketch goes live at 8pm!

Thanks for dropping by.

T.x.

Tradition

2010-12-11T09:31:00.000Z

Its been a while since I updated my blog - Ive so many projects to share that I really don't know where to begin!! The reason for my lack of blogging is that Ive been busy looking after Hubs and driving him to and from various hospital appointments - things are moving slowly, but in the right direction :D

Towards the end of November I had the pleasure of spending time with the girls from

3 Jolly Scrappers

- the 5 hour drive across country to join everyone for a days Christmas crafting, was worth driving every mile for, as we had such a wonderful day - plus I got to hang out with some of my scrapping pals whom I don't get to see as much as I'd like.

There are so many wonderful Christmas ranges out there, but this year I think my two firm favourites have been Fancy Pants "Tradition" and Echo Parks "Everybody Loves Christmas".

I whizzed up this page using products from Fancy Pants Tradition collection -

I adore the velvet covered brads and as always Fancy Pants double sided papers are a dream to work with.

With so many wonderfully festive papers to play with I couldn't resist making another paper curled Christmas Wreath......a few people have emailed me to ask how to make one of these and it really is quite simple.

I cut 1/2 inch strips from sheets of 12x12 and simply curled the strips using a bone folder - kinda in the same fashion as you would curl gift wrap ribbon - I found it easier to hold the strips in the centre and curl each end - that way you get really nice tight curls.
The paper curls were then fixed to a polystyrene wreath - I add a dab of Tacky Glue before pinning the curls to the wreath using ordinary dress making pins.

To jazz the wreath up a little, I added some small glass Christmas Tree baubles which I purchased from our local garden centre!!

The wreath I used measures 8.5 inches which required 7 sheets of paper to create enough paper curls to cover it fully.
The wreath takes approx. 1 hour to make from start to finish - I sat curling the paper whilst watching TV!..... It really isn't very taxing at all - although I do think the technique looks quite effective.

With my crafting time being so short at the moment Ive been trying to get quick fixes to ease the withdrawal pains - its feels like forever since I actually sat and spent a good few hours in my scraproom....and I miss it lots *sigh*
I used rubons from Fancy Pants to jazz up this plain white Christmas Tree bauble -

I carefully adhered the rubon and then added Stickles and crystal gems to bling it up...and used Fancy Pants ribbon, tied in a bow, to hang this sparkly pretty from our Christmas Tree.

Check back tomorrow because I'll be sharing how I made a cute little Echo Park Christmas Minibook - as well as a having festive giveaway!

Thanks for dropping by.

T.x.

Scrapping the Old

2010-12-07T07:00:00.001Z

Whilst sorting through an old box I came across this photo booth photograph of my Grandma and a young girl, which was taken in 1937. Not being exactly sure who the young girl was, I gave my Mom a quick call to see if she may know....and thankfully she did....it was my Moms older sister.
Mom and I chatted for a while about the good old days and it was wonderful to hear the sentiment in her voice as she remembered her childhood days - that's when I decided to set to work and create an album filled with the "good old days" photographs as a Christmas gift, especially for her.

I couldn't resist using product from Glitz Love Nest collection to kick start the album, which is filling up rather nicely :D

Product used - Glitz Designs Love Nest "Polka" patterned paper, Journaling blocks, Glitzers, Whatnots, Paper Layers and Giant Rhinestones.

With Christmas less than two weeks away Ive been busy decking the halls and making our home as festive as can be - Christmas has always been my favourite season - I love the sights, smells and sounds of this festive time of year.

The wall in my office was looking a bit bare so I whizzed up this cute little Festive Wreath using a simple but effective paper curling technique, as well as mixing some older Glitz papers with some new.

Product used - Glitz Designs Love Nest "Block" and Vintage Love "Polka" and "Stripe" Patterned papers.

Ive still presents left to wrap so I better get going!!

T.x.

Quick Cards, Made Easy

2010-11-30T06:00:00.002Z

Glitz Wotnot's make great page accents for your scrapbooking pages, but they are also one of my favourite quick fixes to reach for when I need to whizz up a greetings card.

Combine the Wotnots with Glitzers and your card is guaranteed to come together in next to no time at all.

Add a Glitz cardstock sticker and Voila!!, you have an instant greeting to add to your card!

Glitz product = Quick Cards, Made Easy.

Product used - Glitz Designs Love Nest "Stripe" patterned paper, Glitzers, Whatnots and Cardstock Stickers.

Thanks for dropping by.

T.x.

Making Time

2010-11-05T07:00:00.008Z

Like many other Scrapbookers out there, I am and Wife and a Mother and sometimes, thankfully not very often......just sometimes, everyday life gets a little hairy.
Our days as Moms can be filled with many things - caring for our children and partners, working, cleaning house as well as taking responsibility for the transportation needs of the entire household - including the family dog!!!
As a busy Mom I'm very aware how important it is to indulge in a little "ME" time and to remind myself of this, I have a sign hanging in my scrapping space which says -

"Make time, for Play time".

With my available scrapping time being very limited at the moment, I snatched an hour or two to squeeze in a much needed crafting session, where I created this simple page by combining a sketch from Pencil Lines and my favourite Hoopla papers and product from Glitz Designs.

I stamped the fancy frames on to acetate using Stazon, and then cut them out before adding the photographs using 3d foam pads.

Using up the scraps of papers from the layout and a Tim Holtz Sizzix die I made this greetings card for a couple of friends who are celebrating a very special occasion in their lives.

Product used:

Glitz Design Hoopla Polka, Zebra,Cake and Floral

Glitz Designs Fancy Frames Clear Stamps

Glitz Designs Glitzers

Glitz Designs Frosting

How do you ensure you make time for your play time?
I'd love to know.

Thanks for dropping by.
Tracie.x.
LiFe&tImEsOfA12x12AdDiCt

Normal Service Resumed

2010-10-28T17:42:00.000+01:00

Life during September and most of October appears to have been consumed by the aftermath of Hubs unfortunate accident. His recovery is going to be a gradual process and slowly things are settling down here at home - Mom has returned home for a while, the guys are on their half term jollies, Hubs is resting up and I'm getting back in to the swing of things.
Scrapping really has taken a bit of a back burner - however I have managed to grab a few sessions in my scrap room as and when time (and my Mojo) has allowed.

At the beginning of October I attended The Fairytale event in Amsterdam. My decision to attend was made after lots of careful thought and consideration.....Hubs was in the hospital being cared for - my family were all visiting to help out with the guys etc - so with their blessing I took myself off for a couple of days - it was really difficult to leave the family, but I needed to have a break away from the upheaval at home.
The event took place in an old Dutch castle - which was the most amazing setting. It was fun to meet up with some of my Dutch pals and spend time with them - however my mind was elsewhere and I will confess to having to disappear a few times to go and have a little cry.

I cant thank the event organiser, Truike, enough for her amazing hospitality and her words of support when I began to feel emotional and was missing being home.
Details of next years event will be available soon - if you fancy a scrapbooking weekend away I would highly recommend checking out The FairyTale Event - the classes were all amazing with kits filled to overflowing......plus the Dutch scrappers are such a friendly and welcoming bunch of girls - you'd have a great time - guaranteed!

We have had lots of family visiting - all wanting to spend time with his Nibs.
My Sis and her clan came to stay for a few days and then my Lil Sis and her family followed. (I'm extremely proud of my Lil Sis as she recently won The 2010 Pixel Awards for The UK's BEST Independent Photographic Mini Lab.)
Bobs has been busy surfing lots and J - well as if Hubs injuries haven't been enough to cope with - J decided to come off his bike and fall head first into a bramble bush! OUCH!We were picking thorns out of his face for days!

Normal service resumed :D
T.x.

happy dances

2010-10-24T10:24:00.000+01:00

He's HOME and has been since Friday.

Surgery went fine - after 4.5hrs of working his magic the surgeon managed to save Hubs foot.
I was more than relieved to see all five, rather swollen, toes peeping out from his plaster cast.....which is when I crumbled and allowed myself a jolly good cry.

The past few weeks have certainly seen me on an emotional roller coaster ride.....but now it time to stop the ride and get off.....its time to fix and mend and take things s....l.....o.....w....l.....y for a while - for those who know my Hubs well, thats going to be a mission in its self - he is always on the go, always keeping busy and never sits still.
He goes back to the surgeon on 1st Nov for a minor op - then stays in plaster until mid Jan when he will have more surgery......6 weeks in plaster and then more surgery to fix his knee.....which will leave him in a cast for a further 6 months!
Its going to be at least a year before he will be able to weight bear through his leg and 18 months before he will be almost back to normal.

Ive taken the weekend to get some sense of normality back in our lives and will be going back to my scrap room tomorrow - I CAN NOT WAIT!

T.x.

Rescheduled

2010-10-18T11:39:00.000+01:00

Hubs was due to have surgery today but due to a heavy workload the surgeon has cancelled his operation - he wants to dedicate as much time as he can to fixing Hubs - so surgery is rescheduled for first thing tomorrow morning.
The nursing staff are amazing and have been very supportive - so much so that they have spied just how exhausted I am - the drive back and forth from the hospital is a nightmare - Ive been leaving home at midday each day and not arriving home till past 9pm.....so the staff have found us a family room at the hospital and Im heading down there shortly to stay for the duration - if all goes to plan then Hubs will be home at some point over the weekend or early next week :D
He'll be in cast for 3 months - the next round of surgeries are planned for mid January and then in March he will have, what we hope will be, the final op to fix his badly damaged knee - once the final surgery takes place he will be in a full leg plaster cast for 6 months!!!!!!!

Im craving for a sense of normality in my life - I so wanna get back to my scrapping and playing with pretty paper!

Thanks for the messages of support - I really have appreciated each and every one.

T.x.

Happy Birthday

2010-10-16T19:44:00.000+01:00

Can you believe that tomorrow Pencil Lines will be celebrating 4 years of inspiration and creating new sketches for you!

The design team has gone from strength to strength and have had over 200 amazing guest designers, and over 40 gorgeous RAKS have been sent out to you, our readers and fans! Pretty impressive dont you think?

Tomorrow we are celebrating with sketches past and present. Our design team have chosen a sketch from the archives, and will be sharing with you why they love sketches so much.

On the hour, every hour from 8am GMT, a sketch will be posted along with a RAK from one of our sponsors. That is a lot of prizes and a lot of inspiration! At 8pm GMT we will post a brand new sketch as normal.

To start the celebrations off, go spread the word and pop our blinkie on your blog, grab your blinkie below and be sure to GO TO THE PENCIL LINES BLOG and add your link.

Anna will draw a winner on Sunday at 8pm GMT!

Good Luck.

T.x.

We WILL get through this...

2010-10-14T10:49:00.000+01:00

A quick update -

Hubs took a turn for the worse yesterday afternoon and was dashed down to Exeter - he now has a bed in what is reported to be the best Orthopaedic Hospital in Europe - this will become his home for the next few weeks - Round one of many surgeries is planned for tomorrow - The KWire in his foot needs to be removed as it is causing damage to what little bone he has left - The Doc is going to do all he can to enable Hubs to walk again - I'm praying harder than ever that the surgeons hands are blessed and enabled to perform miracles - My heart is breaking - My head is hurting - I'm tired - I'm emotional - I feel lost when Hubs isn't around - The distance between here and the hospital is just too far - The drive back and forth takes 90 minutes each way (so long as you don't get caught up behind a tractor!!) - I arrived home at 3.30am this morning to find J curled up in our bed (he is missing his partner in grime more than we ever anticipated possible for a kid who suffers from attachment difficulties)

The bed is too big without Hubs in it and our house doesn't feel like home when one of us is missing.

Feeling totally bleurgh today but also thankful that my Mom is here to hold my hand and wipe away my tears - and to tell me that in time, its all going to be OK.....I know she's right - I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed by the events of the past few weeks and the reality of it all seems to have hit me hard over the past 24 hours.....I NEED to continually tell myself to stay POSITIVE......WE WILL get through this.....I KNOW we will.

T.x.

Killing Time

2010-10-12T12:36:00.001+01:00

I'm killing time, so thought as Ive badly neglected my blog I'd share a quick update - emotions are running high here as this afternoon we will be told the plan of action to rescue Hubs foot.
He needs lots more surgery - that we know - surgery which cant be performed at our local hospital - so its a trip away from home, to where, we aren't sure?? Maybe Exeter...maybe Plymouth....maybe Bristol - but even if its to Outer Mongolia, we will be there - we will travel to the Moon and back if needs be, just to get him fixed.
We will find out at 2.30pm today what the next stage of his recovery will be - things haven't gone to plan - things that shouldn't move, have - metal work has slipped - his body isn't happy to have foreign objects protruding from it - we have battled blood clots, infections, pain and bed sores - but despite everything - he's still smiling.

I'll update more as soon as I can, but wanted to say THANKS to everyone who has sent messages of support, THANKS to all those who have kept us in their thoughts and prayers, THANKS to those who have called to listen to me as Ive blubbed and screamed that life just isn't fair.....your actions have been deeply appreciated.

T.x.

One of Life's Most Precious Gifts

2010-09-30T02:33:00.001+01:00

Time has been precious since I arrived back home from the South Africa Scrapbook Convention, as every spare second has been spent with Hubs - who is doing as well as can be expected given the extent of his injuries - they say that "Time is a great healer" and so now we have to sit back and let his body heal at its own pace. If all goes to plan he may be home next week.

Real life really has kept me busy and Ive not had time, until now, to upload my photos......how bizarre that these should be the first ones to upload.

These photos were taken at the top of Table Mountain.....such a magical place and I'm still pinching myself that I made it to the top ( I have a serious fear of heights so reaching the summit, via the cable car, was a great personal achievement for me ).

I have so many magical memories of my time in SA that its almost impossible for me to list them all - I'm so glad that I journalled every day because I never want to forget just how amazing the trip was. I feel truly blessed to have been able to share the experience with my Sister by my side.

My Sister doesn't "do" scrapbooking - she doesn't "do" any kind of crafting at all - she much prefers to spend her time working on her farm and I guess as taking care of livestock is a 24 / 7 /365 commitment, so she really doesn't have a lot of free time to indulge in pass times.......well she may just need to find the time because on our very last day in SA she took herself off to Debby Schuh's class and created a wonderful minibook....all without the aid of a safety net!!

Ive got so many photographs that I cant even begin to chose which ones to share....here's a few of my favourites -

THANKYOU to all of the ladies in both Jo'berg and Cape town for making my visit with you so much fun .x.

And now for some photos from the bush -

Debby and David Schuh - missing them LOTS.

Little Miss Fancy Pants - Jodi .x.

Kichaka Game reserve is the most amazing place that I have ever been fortunate enough to visit and I'll treasure my memories of this place forever.

Shopping was high on the agenda for some of us girlie's and there's no better place to shop than at the V&A in Cape Town.

Can you believe the cheek of this flutterby who dropped in us whilst we ate our lunch!!!! He obviously had a liking for ketchup!

The Malay quarters are a riot of colour - such a pretty place to drive through.

This really was a trip that I'll never ever forget - THANK YOU Nic, Paul, Jacob, Debby, David, Candice, Charles, Jerri, Joanne, Jodie, Ashleigh, Auntie Val, Deidre, Lynn, Niki, Kim, Deb, Debbie, Annie and all of the wonderful classroom helpers and delegates at both events - you really made my trip all that it was - totally overwhelming.

My biggest Thanks has to go to Gary and Glenda - I love you both so very much (but you know that!) I can never ever thank you enough for making my dream come true, not once, but twice - Your friendship to me is one of lifes most precious gifts - until we meet again - God Bless .x.

T.x.

Thump.

2010-09-26T23:25:00.000+01:00

It feels like an age since I was sitting in the African sunshine whilst writing my last blog post.
So much has happened over the past week that my head is spinning (and my heart breaking) and I've been well and truly stopped in my tracks.

I certainly came back to earth with one gigantic ~~bump~~ thump.

After a rather tearful goodbye, Annie and I departed from the rest of the group and headed to the airport to catch our homeward bound flight.....I was sad to leave my South African friends but soo looking forward to being home with my boys.
Annie and I checked in and decided to make one last call home to let our guys know we were safely on our way.......that's when the dream ended and my nightmare began.

Bobs answered the phone and immediately I knew there was a problem - after lots of tears and snotty drivel, the news was broken that my darling Hubs had been involved in a serious motorbike accident - not something you want to hear when you are 6,000 miles away from home :(

I think I cried for entire duration of the eleven and a half hour flight home :(
Why? Oh Why did we fly from B'ham International Airport?? - driving down the M5 for 3 hours was the longest drive of my life - but at least I had my Mom with me for company and I really don't know what I would have done these past few days without her by my side - she has totally taken over the running of the house, as well as supervising the guys whilst I have focused all of my attention on my darling Hubs.

Hubs underwent a series of surgeries this past week and we are now playing the waiting game to see if the surgeons have been able to repair his badly damaged right leg and foot.
He was catapulted 35ft in to the air and travelled approx. 40ft before hitting the deck feet first ( J says his Daddy "did a Superman"!! )
The impact was so severe that the bones in Hubs right foot have totally shattered and now resemble grains of sand - the surgeons have positioned a series of wires through his foot in hope that the tiny fragments of bone will calcify and form some kind of bone like mass - which at a later date, God willing, can be restructured.
He also has snapped ligaments, damaged muscle tissue and tendons and a dislocated knee.
The surgeons have told us that he will never be able to use his right foot normally again - NEVER isnt a word we do well in this house and Im 100% certain that Hubs determination will prove the professionals wrong.

I have spent every waking hour by his side - and when I'm not with him he is always in my thoughts - sleeping isn't easy and it is during the night, when everyone else is asleep, that I have a jolly good old cry....staying upbeat and positive for the guys is hard at times but I don't want them to see me when I'm a snivelling wreck.
Last night Hubs started to get sick and his level of pain increased to an unbearable level - after investigation it was discovered that a blood clot has formed in his right calf :(
To complicate matters, Hubs can not take the medication needed to deal with the clot so we are awaiting the decision of the surgeon tomorrow as to what the next move is.

Due to the formation of the blood clot, the surgeons have removed his plaster cast and I wished they hadn't because the reality of what has happened to his leg is so much more visible now and is scares me beyond belief.
Right now the guys are sleeping and Mom is pottering in the kitchen - the house is quiet and Im scared, really scared of what the future holds for us - but I know that whatever it is we will get through this and we will survive.
I have never prayed so much in my life and I am thankful for my dear friends who have prayed alongside me - Im thankful for those who have sent positive healing and for those who have sent messages of support - all have been deeply appreciated.

If you believe in power of prayer - may I ask that you please spare a prayer for my Hubs and ask that he makes a speedy and successful recovery.
Positive healing vibes would also be very welcomed.....we need all the help we can get at the moment.

Thanks.

T.x.

LiFe AnD tImEs of A 12x12 ADdiCt

Sweet as Candy

Beautiful Dreamer

Two Turtle Doves

Fancy That!

So Tweet

Boo!

Follow your Bliss

Craving the return of NORMALITY

435

All is Revealed

Hip, Hip, Hooray - Giveaway

Best Step Forward

Alive and Kicking

Follow your Bliss

Today

sketch scrapping

Happy Mothers Day

Revealed

as Midnight strikes

twenty one years ago....

and the winners are.........

between a rock......

a moment in time

Cherished

with a happy heART

Sassafras Mini's

I do it like this.....

Mini Giveaway

Getting Sticky!

Sketch#229

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

Over the bridge, I go.

Celebrations

A Son

Busy as a Bee

Mix and Mend

Tuesday's Child

A Crafty Day

She Dreams

Three She's

I messed up...

Re-creating

Beach Bum

The Challenge

Refreshed

On a mission

Final Call

Almost there

Thinking Thoughts

she laid down the gauntlet

Stitches

Reunited

Playing with Fire

Bargain Hunting

Oh Boy!

Love is in the Air

Peeps

DT Call

Faith

"Kiss, Marry, Dump"

1...2...3 - Sketches2Scrapbook

Ellie's Tale

Peek-A-Boo

Its the little things that leave me Sweetly Smitten

Paper Crush

Lucky

A bit of a Zesty Faze!

For the Record.....

Sneaks

Celebrating

Pencil Lines

Everybody Loves Christmas

Tradition

Scrapping the Old

Quick Cards, Made Easy

Making Time

Normal Service Resumed

*happy dances*

Rescheduled

happy dances