Christmas Crackers

Hi Everyone,

It's not long now til the big man arrives with gifts for all.  I love this time of year, thinking of what unique gifts or decorations I can come up with each year.  People seem to enjoy the handmade gift more I think because it shows  how much effort and thought you have really put into each gift.
Christmas crackers were on my design team list to make this month.  This turned into more of a chore than I intended.  I had originally intended to decorate an old tin I had and fill it  with a glass Christmas decoration I had found at Crabtree & Evelyn.  Unfortunately I forgot to leave 1/4 of an inch at the top so the lid would fit on again, so it didn't fit!!  What to do?  So I chopped off the bottom with a can opener and carried on, so my container turned into a Christmas Cracker.
The paper I have used is from last years Pink Paislee Christmas range - honestly I have so much Christmas themed paper that I have tried to be good this year.....................................................until I saw the new range from The Scrapcake, but thats a whole nother story :)

So heres the end result of my inital mistake :)

and heres a few close up shots.

I have used to Spellbinders Poinsettia and 2011 Christmas Ornaments to decorate the cracker.  The bauble ornament has been stamped with embossing ink and embossed with white powder.  The stamps are from Waltzing Mouse Stamps.  The triple bow is made with a bow maker.
To make the ends of the cracker.  I have pleated a strip of calico and used double sided tape to adhere it - hot glue did not work against the metal of the tin.  For the paper I would advise to have two strips of 12x12 cut in half and then pleated using an acordian fold method.  When I made mine I discovered when it was too late that I only had one sheet of the striped paper to go around each side, when I think it would've looked better with two strips joined together, so I had to make do.  So if you do use x2 pieces of paper you would have more of a pleated look that what I have.  The edges of the paper are punched with a Martha Stewart border punch.  Considering how things went Im pleased with how the cracker turned out .................mistakes and all! :)

So have a go, would love to see what you come up with!

Happy Scrapping
Megan

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Design Team Inspiration - Pink Paislee Vintage Vogue

It is time for another DT inspiration post!

This time I was lucky enough to receive some Pink Paislee Vintage Vogue goodness in my design kit. I really really really enjoyed working with these papers. One of my favourite parts of designing is getting to work with ranges that I wouldn't have normally picked out for myself.

Pink Paislee Vintage Vogue is full of yummy pinks, purples, sea foam greens and blacks which give your layouts a hint of glamour but still being fun and easy to work with. In Particular, Vintage Vogue works well for girls of all ages from wee little ones (like my Taylor) to the tweens and even BOM pages.

My first layout encompasses several of the patterned papers in several layers. I have used the reverse side of the Eau de Parfume to form the base of my layout. Used a die cut template (from some Prima Packaging) to make the layered parentheses shapes with the Corner Boutique and Dress Shop patterned papers and cut out the little shape at the bottom of this paper to use an embellishment.

Other products used: Ephemera, Prima Bling, Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch, Prima Cream Trim, Prima Butterfly, Scrapware Birdcage, Twine

My second layout compasses more Vintage Vogue Ephemera which is great value at $7.90 for 112 different pieces, both sides of the Beauty Parlour patterned papers and left over pieces from the papers I used in my first layout.

I hope you have enjoyed my inspiration for today. I have just sent both of these layouts to the store so they should be up for display shortly if you want to see them in real life.

Have a great day!
// Michelle

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Step By Step with Francine- Teacher Gifts

Hi ladies and welcome to Tuesday Step by Step.

This week i wanted to show you something simple that you could make for those all important teacher gifts for the end of the school year. When i was little my sisters and i would always make our teachers a container of homemade sweets (and our neighbours as well at Christmas time). We had heaps of fun making and tasting as we went along making chocolate, fudge, chocolate balls, marshmallow and coconut ice to go in our little parcels.

So i decided to zoosh up my containers a little as the step by step this week- going from an ordinary margarine container to this

I used my extras that i received after doing the Prima Roadshow class- all beautiful Alla Prima papers and prima flowers. As you can see i haven't done my baking yet but will when the time gets nearer and replace the chocolates with real homemade ones!

This was an easy project to make and quick! My daughter made this one for her teacher- he loves hardboiled lollies so i helped her make a little container for him to keep on his desk all year round! So this could be a great opportunity to get your kids creating with you to make those gifts too!

As for the step by step-

1. I used strips of patterned paper to cover my container.

2. I then cut a circle to fit the lid of my conatiner in matching papers.

3. Add ribbon trim around the lid- i used pom pom trim then add white trim to the bottom of the tub.

4. Now embellish- i added flowers , leaves and bling to my container

5. i then embellished my lid with flowers, raja centres, glimmermisted flowers, leaves and tags.

6. Add your chocolates or homemade baking and you are all done!

I hope that you will give these a try - quick and easy to make and a great way of using up some paper scraps too- and best of all the conatiners can be refilled or used for another purpose on the teachers desk all year round.

Happy Scrapping

Francine

Products used

Prima- Alla Prima paper stack 8x8

Prima - Craftable Mixed White flowers

Prima Lace- white

Tattered Angels Glimmermist- Sunflower

Prima Blooms

Prima Leaves

Raja Centres

Silver trim

Prima Swirl

Pom Pom trim

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Inspiration Wednesday with Francine- Crate Paper - Part 2

Hi Ladies and welcome to Inspiration Wednesday.

This week i wanted to share the second layout that i completed with the beautiful Crate Paper range "Portrait". This range covered alot of colour options- from red and green to brown and to black and white and yellow also which makes it very versatile to use for whatever photos you would like to scrap.

For my second layout i wanted to show you how you can use yellow- as i know that a lot of people hate yellow and tend to avoid using the colour in their albums. I think of yellow first and foremost as a happy summery colour but i think that when you use yellow and black and white it can also look stylish and elegant. That was the effect that i was going for in this layout! I tried to keep the layout pretty simple because i wanted the photos to be the dominant force of the layout and yellow and black is a pretty striking combination which i feel doesn't need alot of embellishing!

 I decided  to layer my papers in a horizontal direction and used a series of punches to give the layering some extra interest. Here is a close up...

I hope that i have managed to show you 2 different looks and colour schemes that can be used with this range and that you will have a bit of play with them too!

happy Scrapping

Francine

Products Used
Crate Paper- Portrait Collection- Honeymoon
Crate paper- Portrait Collection- Vintage Lace
Pink Paislee- Nantucket Ribbon trim
Cheery Lyn Dies- Fanciful Flourish
Prima Flower
Prima Leaves
Basic Grey Black Alphas
Crate Paper Diecuts
White Bazzill Cardstock
Martha Stewart Punches

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November Challenge #2 due 30th November

Hi,

It is time again for the second fornightly challenge of the month!

This challenge will be a colour challenge. I have chosen a colour palette from the color room for you to create a layout using this colour combo:

You have until 30th November to upload your layout to the gallery here. To be eligible to win a RAK and be chosen to be 'In the Spotlight - you need to take part in this challenge along with two other November challenges.

Cheers
//Michelle

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Easy Christmas Gift Cards

Hi everyone,

Welcome to my second instalment of Christmas inspiration. Today I am going to share some easy gift cards that you can create for all your friends and family this Christmas. I did find the bases of these gift cards online but have tweaked them to suit my own style.

Again, I have used the KaiserCraft Christmas Silly Season range (see my previous blog post here if you want links to the products used) teamed up with Kraft and White card stock to create a Wine Bottle Gift Card (that sits over the neck of the wine bottle), a gift card holder and a cute little gift tag that opens up to reveal your message.



What I love about these three projects is that they don't just have to be Christmas based and you can adapt them just by using different types of papers to fit any occasion.

The first project I am going to show you how to make is the gift card holder at the bottom right of the picture above. These days the little plastic gift cards are such popular gifts to give those hard to buy for people in our lives and this gift card holder is a neat way of combining the gift card with a little message for that special love one.

Gift Card Holder Instructions






It is kind of hard to photograph the whole gift card and the card inside but I hope you get the picture from the instructions!

The second project I am going to give instructions for tonight is the wine bottle gift card holder. I just love how this card can sit on the neck of the wine bottle... no more loosing cards or trying to stick a card to an awkward bottle.

Wine Bottle Gift Card Instructions





I do have instructions for the little gift card to share and a cute little kids project but I may post them up tomorrow seeing as this post is so picture heavy already. I hope you have enjoyed reading my post tonight and that you might give these projects a try sometime in the future!

//Michelle

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In the Spotlight 'Just For Fun' Sketch from Trace

Trace has chosen this cool sketch from http:paperscissorsglue.blogspot.com .
for her 'Just for Fun' sketch.  

 

If you would like to take part in this challenge upload your take to the gallery by 30 November.

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Product Focus- Putting on the Glitz with Glitz Glitzers

Hi Everyone. This week i wanted to share a layout that i did recently using the gorgeous Glitz Designs- Glitzers. They are truly gorgeous and would be lovely not only on layouts but cards also...They are transparent with diamond bling on the pictures or around the words and each new range of Glitz designs has their own matching embeliishments. They would be very easy to mix and match with other ranges of papers too - particualrly if you like the shabby vintage style.

Sadly my mojo has been terribly lacking over the last few weeks- i think that i am in a bit of a rut with my scrapbooking so i was delighted to find MIss Arts Papercrafting school. If you haven't checked them out yet- then you must! What a fabulous fabulous site! They run classes online- 3 at a intermediate level per month and three at a more advanced level for only $5-10 US per month. each class is taught by an internationally renowned tutor- and has a series of videos for you to follow to create with them. They are very technique based and they create their layout in front of you!

Every few months they have a free class- i recently did a Stacey Cohen class and last weekend they ran another free class by Julie Winks- wow was this class chocka full of technique - 12 videos!!! Anyhoo- since i was feeling that my layouts were abit samey i decided to give this a go- mine still looks very average next to hers but i loved trying some new techniques- masking- painting, chipboard distressing- using a Tim Holtz die that i hadn't used yet and her fabulous "nests:. Please check out Julie's blog for more of her wonderful work
Julie Winks Blog and also
Miss Arts Papercrafting School

Anyhoo this is the layout that i did based on this class

A close up of one of the Glitzers

Close up showing some of the masking and all those layers and textures

Tim Holtz dies

Using my new banner punch - love it!

 I hope that you will try the Glitzers- they are perfect for that extra special touch and so versatile no matter what paper ranges that you are using..

Also have a peek at the Miss Arts site for learning lots of new techniques

Happy Scrapping

Francine

Products Used
Glitz Designs- Vintage Blue- Glitzers
Glitz Designs- Vintage Blue paper- Floral
Kraft Bazzill
Book paper
Twine
Prima Canvas
Prima Pixie Glen flowers
Prima packaging
Stampin Up punch - banners
Tim Holtz die- keys and locks
White paint
Tim Holtz distress ink
Glimmermist
Cheery Lyn flourish die
Cardboard
Alphas
Buttons
Glitz - Beautiful Dreamer- Whatnots

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A KaiserCraft Christmas!

Hi everyone,

My inspiration post today is all about Christmas!!

It isn't long now til that big day arrives... and I am sure every year it seems to come by faster and faster! Are you one of those people who are right into the spirit of Christmas? Are you organised? I would love to hear how you celebrate Christmas Day? I have started my Christmas shopping but I know that I will probably just keep buying things right up until the big day! I just love giving thoughtful gifts and having lots of little gifts being opened on the day... so I do go a little CRAZY around this time of the year.

Later on in the month, I am going to share with you some easy Christmas paper crafting that you can do at home (so make sure you check back to see that post). Until then, today I am going to share with you a layout I created using the KaiserCraft Christmas Silly Season range.

Each year, we have a tradition where we take a family portrait in front of the tree before we start opening presents and I love to see how much our family has grown over the years. This layout features Liam's second Christmas back in 2006. (hmmm, check out me as a Brunette too!!)

I just needed to use my gorgeous Prima leave mask sprayed on the red card stock using some Studio Calico Huey Mist in White. I think it looks a bit like snow and resembles the Christmas Wreath. I have created several layers with the patterned papers (listed below). I then wanted to wrap up the whole layout like a present so I used a piece of ribbon and then added the bow!! Lastly, the KaiserCraft Chipboard shapes make the perfect embellishments. I added some Hollie and created little hanging embellishments using some twine to finish the look. I just love love love TWINE!

Products used:
KaiserCraft Silly Season Chipboard
KaiserCraft Silly Season Paper - Candy Cane
KaiserCraft Silly Season Paper - Elf
KaiserCraft Silly Season Paper - Milk & Cookies
KaiserCraft Silly Season Paper - Jingle Bells
Prima Mask (similar one that is in stock)
Studio Calico Mist
Twine from MME

Okay, I am feeling the spirit of Christmas... leave a comment on this blog post about either how you celebrate Christmas, your family Christmas traditions and/or what you LOVE about Christmas and I will give away a RAK to one lucky blog reader. You have until the 30th November to leave a comment!!

Until next time
Take care
//Michelle xx

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OTP Inspiration

Hi everyone!
Im sorry Im a bit late with my post, I have been unwell with a kidney stone, then reacted to the medication I was prescribed to get rid of it, and that just sent my mojo out the door for a while - thankfully it has returned :)
My DT kit this month, I chose, and there was none more surprised than me!  I certainly stepped outside of my comfort zone with this range this month.  Ive used WE R Memory Keepers Family Keepsakes range, Dusty Attic chipboard and Melissa Frances Resin Frames, and Petaloo flowers, and Martha Stewart Butterfly and Leaf punches.  Ive looked at it for awhile, liked the subtle colourings of the papers and for some reason it looked all patchwork quilty to me. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it too!

Ive purchased a frame from the Warehouse and removed the glass.  Ive then cut out 6 postcard edged pieces of paper using Spellbinders dies and layered them with magic mount, then decorated each 'patchwork piece'.

Thinking outside my comfort zone turned out not to be as bad as I thought :) and Ive already know what Im going to do next with this range.  I love the fact that its all about family and home and with that as the basis theres no end of possibilities!

This would make a lovely gift for that special person - either for Christmas or birthday.

Happy Scrapping

Megan

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November Sketch Challenge

This month we have this beautiful sketch from Page Maps to challenge you, closing date for submissions is 30 November.  Upload your take to our gallery, along with your take on two other November challenges to be in to win a RAK and be chosen to be 'In the Spotlight'.

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This month's spotlight is on....

Tracey Agnew!!!  Congratulations :)  Here are Trace's stunning October challenge layouts...

Challenge One layout

Challenge Two layout

 

 Sketch Challenge Layout

We have interviewed Trace so that you can get to know her a bit better :)
 Tell us a little about yourself

I'm twenty one (okay not really...).  Married sixteen years to Lyall.  Originally Aucklander's, (from Beachlands) who three years ago shifted south, (to North Canterbury). where we have a lifestyle block that is gradually becoming like Old MacDonalds farm :-)  We have three dogs, a cat, six chickens, two piglets and soon to have three calves.  If I have my way, a couple of horses would be on that list as well...

I am very close to my nephew and you'll see him feature often in my layouts.

 How long have you been scrapbooking?

I've been scrapbooking way to many years to remember - a friend in New Plymouth got me into it and her son is now thirteen, so it has to be somewhere around  the ten to thirteen  year mark.

 

What got you started in scrapbooking?

Whoops jumped the mark on that question didn't I!  Seeing her scrapbook of her son, I was like 'yep, this is for me'.  Of course way back then in the dark ages, you couldn't get much in the way of products or magazines in NZ.

Where do you get most of your inspiration from?

I get inspired in a number of ways.  Like most people I go through swings and roundabouts in terms of my creativity.  When the mojo is running full mode, I can dream about layouts and have been known to get out of bed and write notes so I don't forget in the morning...When I need to get some outside inspiration then I check out websites, blogs and magazines.  I'm lucky that some of my best friends have evolved through our love of scrapbooking and I gain much inspiration and laughter from them as well.

If you had to choose just THREE products, what would they be an why?

Hmm just three products - patterned paper, a die cut machine, and dies (because  then I'd have alphas, and flowers and any other embellies I wanted LOL)

Who are you favourite celebrity scrapbookers?

Honestly, too hard to pick - there are so many talented artists out there...

 Your favourite quote is......

My favourite quote is...hearing my friend Vicki when cropping say "just do it" LOL.  You know when you are considering the best placement for something and can't quite decide, then just do it/just stick it down!

I also like "having somewhere to go is a home, having someone to love is a family, having both is a blessing."

I hope you have enjoyed learning about Trace.  Enter three challenges this month and you could be November's In the Spotlight winner.

Have a great weekend!!

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Inspiration Wednesday with Francine- Crate Paper

Hi Ladies and welcome to Inspiration Wednesday. This week Adrienne gave me some of the Crate Paper- Portrait collection to create with. This range comes in a variety of colours from black and grey to yellow and soft green and reds- so it covers almost the whole colour spectrum! I designed 2 layouts with my kit - one that i will share today and one next week.

This first layout i decided to step out of my comfort zone a little and focus on the reds and greens- not colours that i traditionally would use but i was happy with the end result! I layered lots of the paper and by cutting out various squares and using the back sides of the papers too- you can get a multi' layered effect from just a couple of pieces of paper. I handcut some of the flowers from the flowery paper to use on my layout too and only added a few smaller flowers to bulk it up a little.

By adding some punched edges and some punched butterflies ( how do i love thee Martha Stewart) and a few other embellishments it added to the texture and visuals of the  layout. I hope that you will give this range a try - it would be great for both boy and girl layouts- vintage layouts too- something for everyone!

I'll be back with yellow- a colour that most people avoid and black next week- to show you how you can create something simple and striking with these colours and this range.

Happy Scrapping

Francine

Products Used

Crate Paper- Portrait Collection- Bouquet

Crate Paper- Portrait Collection- Bridesmaids

Portrait Collection- Something Blue

Glitz Designs- Peek a Boo Transparencies

Jenni Bowlin - Mini Cards- Vintage

                                              Martha Stewart Punch- Large Monarch Butterfly
                                         Jillibean Soup- Chipboard Alphabeans- Newsprint
                                                   Elements Pearl Brads - Metallic
                                                        Pink Paislee Brown Paper
                                              Martha Stewart Deep edge heart punch
                                                           Prima Red Flowers
                                                   Kaisercraft Chipboard Hinge
                                                         Crate paper Diecuts
                                                                     Ticket

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Ist Fortnightly Challenge for November

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the first fortnightly challenge for November.

This month I would like you to create a 'multi photo' layout but it must be about a celebration!! This challenge will be the perfect opportunity for you to scrap those occasions which include: birthdays, graduations, christenings, weddings, engagements or anything that you have celebrated.

You have until 14th November to upload your take on this to the gallery. To be eligible to win the RAK from Adrienne you need to enter at least 3 of the challenges in November.

Here is my example layout:

Looking forward to seeing all the layouts in the gallery!!

Michelle

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