ScrapFX

The Sketchbook Project 2012 - Pages 5

2012-02-14T18:00:00.000+13:00

At last the final installment of my Sketchbook Project entry... for this year at least!!
I wanted to make sure that my journal had a uniquely New Zealand feel, so I made sure I used New Zealand designed patterned paper on both the front and back covers. A couple of delicate rub-on scrolls to finish the corners and some gaffer tape to cover the spine. The title is chipboard, painted white (to stand out on the deep green patterned paper) and coated with Glossy Accents to finish.

And a quick glance at the gaffer tape on the spine.

The front page - the first page anyone viewing my Sketch Book will see.
Quote:
"The phoenix hope can wing her way through the desert skies and still defying fortunes spite, revive from ashes and rise."
Miguel de Cervantes

The back cover - the patterned paper is pre-printed with "Aroha". The rub-on scrolls the same as the front and the official label with the bar-code that had to stay on the back of the sketch book.

Finally the inscription I wrote inside the back cover.

The Sketchbook Project 2012 - Pages 4

2012-02-13T23:10:00.000+13:00

I received an email over the weekend from the Art House Librarian Robot, from the Boston Art Library advising me that they had received my Sketchbook Project 2012 entry. So if you ever make it to Boston and you happen to find yourself wandering around the Boston Art Library looking at various Sketchbooks from the Sketchbook Project 2012, then be sure to look up call number 157A.2-4 and you will be able to see all the pages I created up close and personal.

Quote:
"Hope is the elevating feeling we experience when we see - in the mind's eye - a path to a better future."
Jerome Groopman

Hope Definitions - Embossed Stamped Image

Quote:
"Hope is not like a lottery ticket you can sit on a sofa and clutch, feeling lucky...
Hope is an axe you break down doors with in an emergency!"
Rebecca Solnit

Quote:
"All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word:
Freedom, Justice, Honor, Duty, Mercy, Hope."
Winston Churchill

When good planning goes out the window...

2012-02-08T15:19:00.000+13:00

I had all these great plans after Christmas for some multi-day crafting lead up to Valentine's Day but alas it hasn't happened.

It might have gone to plan if I had remembered to organise the trailer for the first long weekend we had (Auckland Anniversary) so that I could put all the rubbish in there instead of having to pile it all up for a week but then I would have missed out on some quality time with my family, especially with my darling hubbie.
It might have gone to plan if I had organised some help, other than just my husband and I, to clean the studio up. Luckily my son and nephew were available the next long weekend we had (Waitangi Weekend). This meant we got all the heavy moving and rearranging done a week later but then I probably wouldn't have had everything out of the studio, the studio swept, the carpet laid and then everything back in the studio in under three hours.
It might have gone to plan if I had kept on top of upgrading my website instead of missing out an upgrade and then having to upgrade manually instead of automatically. But then I wouldn't have found out that my old host couldn't or wouldn't help me, so I wouldn't have gone looking for someone I could pay to do the upgrade and then I wouldn't have ended up with an amazing new look website that is supported by a fantastic guy Steve, who is probably sick of me harassing him already, even though its been less than 24 hours since he took over things.

We make plans with the best of intention... that is what my mission of getting organised is about this year... but for me part of being organised is also being flexible enough to know and understand that sometimes even the best laid plans of mice and men are apt to go straight out the window. What we need to remember is that sometimes... what we get instead is even better than what we planned to do.
My studio cleaning is still under way... there will be a blog in the next week or so about it, along with pictures - before, during and after. The Valentine's crafts will still happen, though maybe fewer than I had hoped for, but those that do get made will still serve the purpose of letting those I love know just how much I love them... and after all isn't that what Valentine's Day is all about... (if you forget all about the commercialism of it all LOL).

And do you like the new blog look... in honour of the big "V" Day. Just doing my part to share the love.

Sketch Book 2012 - Pages 3

2012-01-21T02:04:00.000+13:00

Last few pages for a bit, but I will show you the rest before I send the completed Sketch Book to Boston.
Quote:
"Blind hope faces a blank wall waiting for a door to open.
Doors might be nearby, but blind hope keeps you from locating them."
Rebecca Solnit

The brick wall was made by running scraps of craft cardstock through my Cuttlebug machine using the Tim Holtz Alterations Texture Fades "Bricked and Woodgrain Set" embossing folders.
I then inked both the bricks and the door with Distress Inks - AMM Caramel & Chocolate Paper Stain Inks; Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Mustard Seed & Fired Brick. The colours were all layered on and blended until I was happy with the finished result. I adhered the cardstock to the Sketch Book pages. I then added details to the door using a fine tipped brown journaling pen before adhering this with photo splits on one side and foam squares on the other. I hand drew in the door hinges.
Finally I attached the blue and green patterned paper scrap to kind of look like a jumble of sky and leaves. I hand wrote the quote onto this.

Close up of the wall (above) and door (below). The colours here are more realistic than in the picture above which looks very red compared to the actual page. I really LOVE the finished result. Not sure if it's because of the embossing or the inking... either way this is definitely an effect I will be trying again!!

Sketch Book 2012 - Pages 2

2012-01-19T18:00:00.001+13:00

Some more...

Quote:
"All it takes is one bloom of HOPE to make a spiritual garden."
Terri Guillemets

Plain blue scrapbooking paper. I sanded the paper with a scalloped template underneath, this gave the outline of the clouds. I then added coloured chalk to add highlights and dimension before adhering the paper to the Sketch Book pages. I hand cut (eyeballed) the curves for the hills and fore ground and adhered these as well. I hand wrote in the quote and added some more chalks to give the fore ground more dimension and interest.

Close-up of the cloud detail. I'm really pleased with the way these came out. Before adhering the flower I gave the pages a light spray with hair spray to set the chalks so that they wouldn't rub off.

The flowers were all white, so I added pink and purple chalks onto each layer. I then sprayed these with hair spray as well before layering the flowers and adding the bling brad. The hair spray not only set the chalk, it really intensified the chalk colours especially on the flower. Way brighter than I was expecting but I love the finished result.

Quote:
"Learn from yesterday;
Live for today;
Hope for tomorrow.
The important thing is not to stop questioning."
Albert Einstein

The is the last page in the Sketch Book and I kind of cheated a wee bit. I did the calligraphy and writing directly onto the page. No patterned paper its all just pen and ink (so to speak). For me it was just about playing and experimenting, as the whole journal has been so far. Me trying out a whole of of new techniques or techniques I haven't done for a while.

Sketch Book 2012 - Pages

2012-01-18T23:39:00.000+13:00

As the postal date draws ever closer for me to post my Sketch Book away to the Boston Art Library, I thought it would be nice to show some of my creations in it so far. (I also wanted to prove I haven't got so caught up in getting organised that I haven't had a chance to get crafty.)

Here are a couple to check out... more to follow.

My chosen theme is "HOPE". I found some amazing quotes on the internet and have decided to scrap my sketch book with what these quotes mean to me.

Quote:
"Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops... at all."
Emily Dickinson

I dry brushed pink and yellow paint directly onto the pages before spritzing with Tattered Angels - Glimmer Mist - Pearl. (It doesn't photograph well, but looks so delicate in person which is exactly what I wanted.)
Hand written quote in gel pen as well as some musical notes. (Does it show I never studied music!!)
Hand-made feather wings with chipboard topper covered in patterned paper. The "Hope" was embossed on with a pearlescent embossing powder that shows from certain angles only.

Close-up of the feathered wings. I pulled off clumps of feathers from dyed craft feathers and then individually attached them to the wings. The feathers are mainly white interspersed with various pastel colours. The recycled chipboard heart was cut from some leftover packaging. I covered it with scraps of patterned paper I received in a card swap.

Quote:
"The deepest dark, reveals the starriest hope".
Gerald Massey

Believe it or not this is Bazzill Black cardstock (even though it looks decidely grey). Very simple treatment on these pages. The quote was handwritten with a silver gel pen. The "Hope" was embossed with silver embossing powder on calligraphy letters I created with an embossing ink pen. The stars were embossed with the same pearlescent embossing powder I used on the heart and feathers wings. I wanted the hope to stand out more than the stars. I wanted the stars almost to be hidden unless you stopped to pause and look at the word hope and took a close-up look at the page.

New Year's Resolutions and Bathrooms

2012-01-10T23:31:00.000+13:00

Don't you hate it when you realise that you couldn't see the wood for the trees, and instead of being happy that you finally saw the trees, you are instead annoyed at yourself that it took so long for you to change your perspective so your could see the trees. And the smaller the change in perspective from before until now, the more annoyed you are with yourself.
It just hit me this afternoon how to summarise my New Year's Resolutions into something meaningful to me. I've been thinking about it few a couple of weeks and I knew I was close... I was in the forest, but I just couldn't distinguish one tree from the other. What was important and what wasn't, what did I want to commit to and what wasn't important enough to do it right now. I should have known that all I needed was a light-bulb moment in my usual light-bulb producing location... the bathroom!
Yes I know it is a bit weird, but the bathroom has always been my go-to location when I am struggling. I can remember being only 9 or 10 and coming to this realisation and since then it has always been true. If I am stuck on a problem, struggling for inspiration, questioning the best path or the optimal solution I don't "Go to the mattresses" a la The Godfather... I go to the bathroom. Some how I can't see this being the inspiration for a movie, nor one of the more memorable lines that people will quote, but it works for me.

Moving right along...

This year my word is "Organisation". It is a common theme for a lot of people because it seems that wherever I look, everyone is talking about getting organised. Some people favour an intense go for broke, hell for leather, all in one month approach. Others, like myself, have a made a 12 month commitment to get organised. Personally I think the later is a more realistic. I know I can't devote such an intense amount of time to get organised... I have a life (believe it or not). The other reason I prefer my version is that realistically I don't expect myself, let alone my family to make such wholesale and dramatic changes to the habits we currently have and then stick to them if I make a whole lot of changes all at once. At least if I make smaller, more subtle changes, then I have a chance of some of them sticking and being followed by the family. I am a realist.
I wanted my New Year's Resolutions to reflect my commitment to getting organised this year as well as all the different aspects of my life that I am focusing on - Household, my business, my scrapping area and my studio. I also wanted to ensure there were some challenges built in in terms of my scrapping and crafting to make sure that this did not go by the way-side in deference to everything else I am trying to do.
There was one final thing I needed to do... make sure that whatever I came with was not so overwhelming that I would give up after a week and wouldn't stick out the whole year.
So here is the double page layout I've created to record my Resolutions for 2012. Once again I have gone for a simple colour scheme - black with one colour with a simple page style as well.

Each week I will:

create at least one meaningful scrapbooking layout
do one thing that inspires the organisation of our household
learn one new scrapbooking or crafting technique
do at least one thing that strengthens my business
create at least one card
do one thing that contributes to my personal development
do at least one thing that improves the organisation of my scrapping space and studio
make progress towards the completion of my monthly Off-The-Page project

Oh and can I just say... for a change I really love my handwriting on these pages LOL!!!!

New Year's Resolutions and other stuff

2012-01-09T02:23:00.000+13:00

Despite the fact I already feel so much more organised this year and I have some great new tools to help me, I still feel a little like I haven't achieved much craft-wise.
I know part of this is because I was so crafted-out after the Christmas Craft Challenge that I didn't want to even thinking about crafting for a wee bit... 24 blogs about 24 different craft items... I was due a break. Unfortunately it's also that my craft studio is such a mess that I dare not start anything until it is returned to some semblance of order.
The reasons for this are many...

My craft studio was destroyed for Christmas Day. As we had Christmas Day at our place, with all the family, we needed extra tables and chairs so some of those in the craft studio were borrowed but not put back exactly where they had previously been.
I also had great plans to do a complete overhaul, clean out, rearrange, revamp over the Christmas holidays but that didn't happen for a couple of reasons... 1) because the weather has been so miserable that there was no way I could open the studio door and take everything outside to then rearrange and clean and stuff and 2) because in the last week or two before Christmas I tore the ligaments off my bicep so I am on a strict NO HEAVY LIFTING policy for at least six weeks. My physiotherapist has been very strict about this. Even if the weather had been good, I still couldn't lift everything to move it around and as much as my family love me... I couldn't see them doing all of it for me. (At least not without considerable grovelling, begging and significant money payments being made.)

I am in the process of planning a Studio Clean-Up which anyone can join in with. It will be running along the same lines as the 52 week household cleaning challenge I am participating in and will be based on a wonderful scrap clean-up and organisation challenge I found online, though with a few differences. I need to consider things not only from a personal scrapping point of view, but also from a business point of view in that my scrapping space is not only used by me, but also by my customers who come here to buy products, and attend crops and classes.

Despite my misgivings about it, I will be taking some photos before I start to clean up, so I can share the "Studious Horribleness" with some before and after shots.

But has this got to do with my New Year's Resolutions. The past couple of years I have scrapped double page layouts of my New Year's Resolutions. I didn't blog 2010 but here is the 2011 layout. So far this year I still haven't been able to suss out what my resolutions are. I've started but they are still not in a workable format... if that makes sense.

I'm an accountant by trade, which means I think in dollars and cents, numbers and stats... boring I know. It also means that I have to have things in terms that are measurable... far too many performance management seminars in my past for me to ignore the concept.

Some things are easy to measure. This year I want to complete the following scrapping/crafting targets...

52 layouts in 52 weeks

52 cards in 52 weeks

12 off-the-page projects in 12 months

These are easy to measure. I've even made a special chart to record my performance which now has pride of place in my Annual Planning Folder.

It's just everything else I'm having trouble with. I'm sure I will suss it all out before the end of the year!!

Has anyone else set them self a target for layouts, card or OTP's for the year?

Does anyone else scrap their New Year's Resolutions or "Manifesto"?

And is anyone interested in joining in the Scrap Organisation Challenge?

I will post some more information about this in the next day or two. You are welcome to join in for the whole thing or just bits and pieces of it.

Organisation - 52 Weeks Organised Home Challenge - Week 1

2012-01-08T22:36:00.000+13:00

Okay, so technically I actually started on week 52 of the organisation plan on the Home Storage 101 website I am following but then the instructions did say I could start anywhere, so I'm still following the plan.

Keep a Family Calendar:
This week's challenge was to organise a family planner or calendar where you and the rest of the family could write up what is happening so you can plan car pooling, mum's taxi, meals, sports practices, dance rehearsals etc etc.
You can buy calendars like this with columns already setup for multiple family members. I know Kikki K does one each year. I received one as a gift from my wonderful cousin Alison a couple of years ago. I'm sure other stationers and printing companies have them as well. However as I have a laptop and an A3 printer and know how to use Microsoft Excel, I decided to make my own.

It really didn't take long to design and print - maybe two hours altogether, and that was starting from scratch as well as adding personalising touches such as family names, birthdays and public holidays etc.
I have set the calendar up with six columns - one for each member of the family. This gives everyone space to put in their appointments, practices, work commitments etc. As we currently play taxi to the three kids at home as well as my mother-in-law from time to time, using this will allow us to plan better our taxi services as well as when we are unable to play taxi so people know when they have to organise their own way to and from work or where ever.
I've also added a larger column to include things that relate to the whole family. This includes family birthdays, public holidays as well as family dinners or trips.
I have done this for each month and printed them out. I stapled all the pages together then punched holes across the top so I could hang my calendar. The pages need a little stiffening to prevent them from folding in against each other, so I adhered a strip of heavy card board across the top of the pages and punched the holes through this as well. (The cardboard is at the back,so you can't see it... sorry).
I had a piece of dowel left over from my Photo Booth Christmas Craft. It was the perfect length (by good luck rather than good design). To craft it up a bit, I wrapped jute around the length of dowel. Thinking back to my days as a Girl Guide, I was able to wrap the jute so as to not use any glue including tucking the trailing end underneath as well.

You can just see it at the top of the picture. (Sorry the better photo was too blurry to show the detail.)
I then added loops of jute through each of the holes as well and tied these to the same length. I slipped the jute covered dowel through the loops and then added a hanging string from one end of the dowel to the other, so I could hang over a pre-existing nail in the wall.
The finishing touch was a pen which I attached to a LONG piece of jute, so that hopefully it doesn't walk!!!

And now in a first for me (fingers crossed it works)... I have attached the template for the Family Planner. You can download it here.
Remember it is set up to be printed on A3 paper, but if you don't have access to an A3 printer all is not lost. Download the file, personalise it with your family's names, birthday etc, then save to a memory stick or disk and take the file down to your local copy shop or stationer to get it printed.
And here is a tip - you only need to add your family's names to January and this will populate the other 11 months of the year.

Annual Planner

2012-01-05T14:00:00.001+13:00

In my 2011 diary, I added some pages to help me with planning my blog as well as remembering what birthday and anniversary cards I needed to create. I loved that it was always at hand so I could see at the drop of a hat what I needed to get done for when. Unfortunately by the end of the year my diary ended up double its original size and just about in need of its own zip code.
When I covered this year's diary, I didn't add the extra pages but instead put them into a separate folder - my Annual Planning Folder.
I started with a plain green A4 folder (the cheapest I could find at Warehouse Stationery). I personalised it with some black vinyl word and flourish rub-ons and wallah... a sexy new folder to inspire me to be creative and organised.

The folder opened out to see see both the front and back cover.

Front

Back
Another step towards my annual challenge to get organised.

Getting Organised

2012-01-05T01:53:00.001+13:00

If you read my last post for 2011 you would have seen my bold announcement that my word for 2012 is ORGANISE. So to show that I am walking the talk I want to share with you my first tool to help me organise.
But before I show my first creation for the New Year I have to ask a question and share my thoughts. For obvious reasons I have been pondering the term "Altered" and how it relates to off-the-page projects. To me "Altering" an item means that not only do you alter the way it looks, but you also alter its purpose or the way in which it functions. For instance if you turn an old book into a shadow box by cutting out the centre of the book, then it can no longer function as a book so it's purpose has changed, so it is an "Altered Item". If you decorate an item but it still retains its originally purpose and functionality then I considered that not to be altered as such but personalised.

What does everyone else think? Agree, don't agree? Or am I just talking semantics and it doesn't matter and no one really cares?

My first OTP project year is personalising my diary. This is the third year I have done this, though I only blogged last year and not the year before - sorry. Last year I added some extra pages - cardstock monthly dividers which I loved and found them to be a really useful planning tool, but to be honest by the time I got to the end of the year, I swear my diary ended up double the size it started!!!
This year I've re-covered the diary covers but created a separate Planning Folder for all those extra bits and pieces. OK it means I don't quite have the portability with everything in one location but I don't have the bulk (which was definitely an issue last year - and it weighed a ton!!!) and I think the new planner will be able to have more functionality once it is fully set up and operating smoothly. And it fits the bill of getting more organised!! (BONUS)
I know most people know how to (re)cover a book or journal but here is a step by step with pictures anyway. It's always useful to see how other people do things.

Personalising a Book/Journal/Diary:

Diary - fresh from the shop

Remove the front and back covers leaving the pages intact and still bound. If you intend to add other bits and pieces you will need to remove pages as appropriate.

Cut patterned paper for front and back covers. My diary is 8 1/2" x 6" so I cut the main patterned paper 10 1/2" x 8" (1" wider on all four sides).
Cut the coordinated secondary patterned paper (for the insides of the covers) I cut 8 3/8" x 6".

Adhere main patterned paper to the outside of the front and back covers. Take care with this step if you are using a patterned paper with a right way up. I used Helmar Acid Free Glue whenever I am covering hard board like this because it dries reasonably quickly and holds on well and truly. It also dries clear which is a bonus in case you get some glue somewhere you shouldn't. I drip a trail around the cover (not the paper) then spread it evenly over the cover using an old credit card. Leave to dry, though this may not take too long if you have a nice even and not too thick coating of glue. You can roll with a brayer to make sure there are no air bubbles though I usually just run my hand across the page to make sure it has stuck properly.

If you are re-using the existing cover which has punched binding holes you need to re-use, manually cut one hole out of the patterned paper to give yourself an alignment hole. If you plan to use your Bind-It-All or similar you only need to cut one hole. If you are cutting your holes manually, then you need to cut all holes. If you skip this step, it will be MUCH HARDER to align up where your holes are to match the binding wire if you are re-using it.

Cut the mitre corner across the corner of the patterned paper but be sure to use either an off-cut of the hardboard used or an approximation (e.g. multiple layers of cardstock to same thickness as cover) to measure the distance out from the corner to cut.

Pre-fold the overhang around the side and onto the back of the cover and finger press into place. Try to make this as tight and crisp as possible.
Glue down either the top and bottom overhangs or the two sides. Using your thumb nail or a bone folder, press the mitre corner hard against the edge of the cover to give a nice tight and tidy corner fold.
Glue down the other two sides and then repeat for the other cover.

Sand the edges of the backing paper slightly if desired.
Glue the backing paper so as to cover the overhangs on the inside of each cover. Glue using the same methodology as mentioned in step 4 though put the glue on to the paper instead of the cover. Check your paper direction if appropriate. Leave to dry before attempting the next step to avoid clogging up your binding machine. Sorry I forgot to take a picture of this step... doh!!!
Line up the paper stop guide on your Bind-It-All with the hole that you cut manually under step 5. Use this as your guide to align the new holes in the covers. Punch holes along the binding side following your Binding machines specific instructions. Repeat for both covers.

Re-attach your covers back in place.
Embellish as desired. I have attached die-cut numbers using my Xyron. After I had run the numbers through the Xyron, I coated them with Glossy Accents to give them a bit of added dimension.

The top "1" is plain paper (scraps from the patterned paper used on the inside of the covers). The 2012 is the end result after coating with Glossy Accents. For a tutorial in more detail (inking foam letters) check out this earlier blog.

Add any additional embellishments such as a ribbon page marker if desired.

The diary with the pages open to see both the front and back.
I received a present bought from Kikki Stationery and gift wrapped in store complete with their personalised ribbon. I loved it so much so kept it to use eventually. The colours worked perfectly with the papers I had used to personalise the diary covers. I'm stoked I finally got to use the ribbon and I get to enjoy it every day.

Step 1 towards my 52 weeks to get organised.

My Word for 2012

2011-12-30T00:39:00.000+13:00

Over the past few years I have watched as many of my scrapping and crafting friends have deftly announced their word of the year for the coming year. The word that will be their inspiration, their guide, their goal, their focus for the coming 12 months. I've never been so inspired or motivated to have my own "Word", until now.
This is kind of a new thing for me. I've no idea what to expect, what to plan, what form it will take, how I will record what this word means to me... nothing, just the word itself. I have faith that this is the right focus for me. I have faith that this is the right time for me to follow this creative journey. I have faith that things will all fall into place.

My word for 2012 is "Organisation".

Some who know me might question my choice... I know I have, several times. I'm an accountant, my day to day working life is all about organisation, I love systems, love methodologies, love organisation so surely this seems a bit defunct, a bit pointless, surely??
If I be honest with myself, and you... and in the past I have been (sometimes too honest)... despite my love of organisation at work, in my family life, my business, my scrapping, my home... it's all more like complete and utter chaos.
I'm not sure if it's a delayed reaction to what has been going on in the world around me the past 12 - 15 months or the impending threats of world annihilation (depending upon whether or not you agree), but being organised and prepared for whatever life is going to throw at me, seems really appropriate for the coming year.
Along with all my crafting bits and pieces, new products, tutorials and everything I throw at you, I will be sharing some of my organisational tips, tricks, trials and tribulations. That and whatever and however I end up recording all of it.
I've taken my first step already...
I've signed up to the 52 weeks to an organised home - weekly challenge through Home Storage Solutions 101. The schedule is up on their website for all to see, so you know what to expect when - I like this already. It also means that you can plan and alter as appropriate to suit your needs... for instance if you don't have kids or your kids are too old for you to clean their room, then you can always substitute these weeks for something else.
There is a link to the right (way down the bottom) of my blog so if you want to know more then by all means please go take a look.
There are going to be lots of other organisation and storage ideas over the next twelve months so be sure to check back for some inspiration.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Bonus

2011-12-26T00:35:00.000+13:00

We've had a fantastic Christmas Day. Lots of presents, lots of lovely food... including my first ever turkey I've ever cooked with the most amazing Cranberry and Cashew Stuffing.
But I wanted to share the Christmas Cake my niece Kerry made for us.

The Santa on top is a ceramic candle holder for a tea light candle.

The Santas on the side are scrapbooking embellishments which were removed prior to eating.

As you can see below, Kerry made the cake with two different layers. The top was a Vanilla Sponge while the bottom layers was traditional fruit cake. We could have a piece of either layer or both.

I just love the look on my Granddaughter Sonia-Marie's face as she watches Kerry cut the cake.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 24

2011-12-24T23:52:00.000+13:00

It's Christmas Eve at last and this is the final official blog post for the last day of the Christmas Craft Challenge for 2011.
We're having a bit of a sleepover here tonight. Our eldest, her partner and daughter are staying over so we get an early start on the present unwrapping in the morning.
I kind of threw together a layout for today's challenge. I started it a few days ago and have spent a couple of days trying to copy this photograph without success... well that is to say I'm still not happy with the end result.
I'm also not that happy with the photographing of the layout... maybe I'm just a perfectionist - the red patterned paper has a foil finish that you just can't see well enough to keep me happy LOL.

Materials used - Bazzill Cardstock - White; Patterned Paper - DCWV & Tim Holtz Craft Resist Pack - Christmas; Chipboard - The Dusty Attic; Glitter Letters - KB; Tim Holtz Distress Inks; Radiant Rain Paint Dauber; Tattered Angels - Glimmer Mist; Photo Splits

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 23

2011-12-23T23:58:00.000+13:00

Today is also known as my first official day of Christmas Holidays. Ahhhh my bed felt so good this morning as we two enjoyed a few quiet moments together without the rude interruption of an alarm telling me to get up once, twice, three times. I could have stay with you even longer this morning has it not been for the noise of visitors and the pressure of a morning routine.
But now for the blog...
I've seen this idea in various guises in lots of places, especially Pinterest and I've always loved it and thought i was a really great idea and more importantly thought it would be lots of fun... and after all that's what life is all about.
I'm talking of course about Themed Photo Booths. I've seen them designed for weddings, engagement parties, birthdays and of course Christmas. Not only is there usually a setting but also Photo Booth Props and this is today's craft item.
I've made some Santa beard props for our family photos. As everyone will be wearing their Santa hat, as per the request in the Christmas Day invite, I just know the perfect prop is of course a beard and mustache. I saw some links on Pinterest to various different ideas so I have created my own using what I had at home.

Firstly I sketched some mustaches, cut them out and measured them against my face for sizing. (Sorry no templates as I free-handed this)
I figured I needed this to be a solid base to hold everything together so I used some Paper Clay to form the mustache. Mold it and shape it into a flattish sheet then trace around the patterns from the first step. I use an awl with a fine point to trace them, then cut around the pattern using a craft knife.
Repeat for the second pattern (if you want a second mustache/beard set) then leave to dry overnight. The humidity was so bad here that on day three I put them into the roof access and they finally dried out overnight.
Sand them down to remove the sharp edges from cutting them out and reshape them a little to look more natural. I used three grades of sandpaper... just from my scrapbooking distressing stash.
Dust them well with a hard dry-brush then paint with a double layer of white gesso on both sides as well as the edge. For a more magical look paint a double layer of clear glitter paint on the front only. (Unfortunately this didn't show up very well in the photos - must be my poor lighting in here again.)
Sketch a pattern for the beard making sure to trace the bottom edge of the mustache to get the fit right. Fold the paper in half before cutting to make sure both sides ended up looking the same.
Pin the pattern onto white felt and cut out.
As an optional extra decorate your beards with hand or machine stitching. Although it is a decorative extra, I did this also to stop (hopefully) the felt being stretch or torn during all the photos.
Glue the beard to the bottom of the mustache. I used about 1/4" crossover and used Helmar Tiger Grip for the glue. It was dry in about 2 hours, though I made sure I did this a couple of days before the props are needed just to allow some curing time.
Finish by attaching a wooden dowel or stick to use as the mask handle. I cut mine 30cm long and attached it with the Helmar Tiger Grip Glue, though you could also try a hit glue gun for both of these steps. Unfortunately you can't see the dowel very clearly as it's inside the bottle I'm using as my display tool.

Put the props inside your photo booth and let the fun begin. I will be posting some of the photo booth pictures both here and on Facebook, so be sure to check back after Christmas Day to see my nutty family and how much fun we all had with our Christmas Day Photo Booth.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 22

2011-12-22T22:26:00.001+13:00

Dear Santa and blog readers,

I've tried to be a good girl, honest...
I've tried really hard to hold off on blogging this Christmas Craft item, honest...
But you see I finished work today, so I feel the need for some kind of a celebration...
So I can't wait any longer, I just HAVE TO share this Christmas Craft!!

My Christmas Angel

When I bought my 3D Christmas Tree I also bought an Angel on sale. I've wanted a nice handmade angel for our Christmas Tree for a while now, but I've never been able to find one that I really loved so I figured if I didn't love one of my own creations, then I would have no one to blame but myself!!!
I found this strange beige little angel in desperate need of some tender loving care and a splash of colour. (Where is Gok when you need him??)

See she was quite pretty, if a little plain.
First thing I did was clip her wings. Well actually I did more than clip them, I removed them completely... though it was only temporary, she does get them back at the end of the make-over!!

The wings sans body. In case you haven't guessed (cos I forgot to take a before photo), I then drew a pattern around the wings and cut out the bits I didn't want. I left a frame about 5/16 on an inch (6mm) around the outer edge as well as the bottom of each layer of feathers.

The next step was to then paint the wing frames in a couple of coats of gold acrylic paint. I left the paint to dry overnight (yes instead of using the heat gun, for a change) between the layers of paint. I was concerned that using the heat gun too much might warp the frames hence my enforced patience.

After the gold paint has dried. Now doesn't she look so much better already... and that's without a head or body!!
While the paint was drying on the wings, and so it didn't feel like I was sitting watching paint dry and doing nothing... I also painted the body of my fair maiden. I painted her head to toe in a couple of layers of white gesso... with a KaiserCraft foam brush of course. These truly are a Godsend to every crafter and you can pick them up very reasonably. I have three different sets in my eCommerce shop.

Then I painted her head and hands with a skin-toned acrylic paint (but you probably guessed that).
I had seen the technique I ending up using to decorate her on a Christmas Tree and thought it looked beautiful, so I decided to "do it my way" and tried the same thing on my Angel.
I trimmed small paper doileys (from the $2 shop) in half. I adhered them in place around the body using a glue dot on either side of the doiley. I didn't worry about putting the glue dot on the die-cut part as I knew I would be layering the doiley halves on top of each other for complete coverage. It only got a little tricky around the arms... mainly it was just a matter of placement around the arms though as the body became significantly smaller near the head, I did have to trim the doiley halves a little and add some additional cuts to aid the shaping at this point. It was pretty much a feel it as you go type of thing.

The next thing I did was add some hair. Now I need to point out that this was the FIRST time I have ever used doll's hair. I had intended to use long ringlet curls, much like my own hair (on a really, really, REALLY good hair day) but alas the dolls hair wouldn't do what I wanted it to do, so I after re-reading the instructions, I resorted to short, frizzy but still curly hair.
I think I prefer this, because as soon as it was done, I couldn't help thinking how much she looked like my late Nana - Lillian Mary Wilson (nee Walker). So from the time she received her hair, she also received her name. She is the Angel Lillian.

And then of course I added a demure look on her face simply with acid free journaling pens.

By now the wings had well and truly dried so it was time for their special treatment. If you've been following my blog during my Christmas Craft Challenge you would have seen my earlier blog about the Christmas Card swap I did and the non-traditional card with the removable bauble ornament. I used the same technique for my Angel's wings.
I cut some Angelina's Heat Bondable Film to the size of the wings.
Glued the film in place using Helmar Tiger Grip Glue and left this to dry overnight. This may have seemed like a long time, but I wanted to be sure.
I trimmed the film down to a 1 - 2mm overhang around the outside edge of the wings.
Using my trusty head tool, I heated the Angelina's film until it was taut across the frame of the wings.
I was not expecting the film to pull and re-shape the wings as much as what it did though I love the end result even more than I expected. The extra shaping just adds another design dimension that I love so much.

I re-attached the wings to the body once again using the Helmar's Tiger Grip Glue and left her to dry. Then I added a halo which I made from a gold metallic pipe cleaner.
The final step was to add a little bling by dotting individual pearls and gold rhinestones on each of the roses in the die-cut part of the doileys forming the Angel's dress.

And one final photo opportunity - in her pride of place on top of the Christmas Tree in Nana Lucy's lounge (my mother-in-law who lives with us).

Since this photo was taken, the number of presents underneath the tree has increased significantly!!!! Unwrapping presents, may take all day!!
{Edited - Added Before & After Photo}

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 21

2011-12-21T22:03:00.000+13:00

Warning - Today's Blog comes with a warning. Anyone with a delicate disposition should not proceed any further. Do not read this blog in front of children or anyone with a faint heart.

It contains not only stripping but partial nudity (of a sorts).

Turn around...

Go back now...

OK, don't say you weren't warned!!

Here it is at last... my 2011 handmade Christmas Card.

Final chance to turn around...

Enter at your peril...!

As you know our theme for Christmas day this year is Santa.
So far we've had:

Santa Invites
Santa Gift Tags
Santa Candles

Well now it is the Santa Christmas Card...

I must give credit to Melanie Evans who's original design I discovered in "Cards & Crafts for Christmas Magazine" - I think the first Christmas special publication.

The Outside... Yes that is the same belt, well not the EXACT SAME belt, but you know what I mean.

Right about now is where you should expect to hear "The Stripper" music playing in your head...
As Santa slips off his belt... just a little tease of what is to come! (Yes I am warped!)

The Inside...

Let the therapy begin!!! And no I don't mean RETAIL THERAPY... unless you want to head along and do some shopping here!!

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 20

2011-12-20T23:58:00.000+13:00

Great, simple and yummy craft today, thanks to my lovely friend Glenna who showed me these a few years ago... it's taken me until now to finally make them!!

Reindeer Candy Canes

Sorry he started off a bit camera shy on his own... didn't want to look the camera straight on, kept blinking every time the camera went... bit of a diva really!!! Of course once he was joined by a few friends... and then a few more, he became a bit more cooperative!!

Candy Cane (pre-wrapped in hygienic plastic).
Wrap the pipe cleaner around the hook then twist a couple of times to hold in place.
Wrap each end around a pencil then stretch out and up to give the reindeer horns.
Attach buggle/boggle/wobbly eyes. I used Tiger Grip Glue.
Leave to dry.
Optional extra - you can add a mini pompom for a nose. I didn't have any so they are all noseless.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 19

2011-12-20T00:20:00.001+13:00

Yes another late one tonight... I admit it, I'm a tiger for punishment that's all there is to it.
After last Christmas I picked up some paper mache ornaments marked down after all the Christmas Sales. I picked them up already with thoughts of adding them to the 2011 Christmas Craft List. I didn't know what I would do with them exactly, but I knew I had a little under 12 months to think about it a bit.
I loved this three dimensional tree as soon as I saw it (which was actually before the sale). I contemplated buying it several times, but thought it was a bit expensive... not so on sale.

Here it is in its naked state... raw... au natural. The tree is about two foot tall (guesstimate) and fitted on 2 A3 papers laid sideways.

I painted the tree all over in white gesso, two coats. I knew I was going to cover it, so I wasn't too particular, just tried to get it even... thank goodness for large foam brushes!!!

(This picture is intentionally on a slight angle to show you the depth of it.)
I cut a pattern by tracing around the outside with a pencil then decided on my design and hand sketched it. Once I was happy with the design I labelled the pattern pieces then cut them out. Then the fun started. I searched though all my scraps of red and green to find the right pieces to fit all the pattern pieces. From there it was simply a matter of tracing around the pattern pieces and cutting them out before finally adhering them onto the tree base.

I really like the way it has turned out. I'm still contemplating what to do about the sides... for now they will just stay white. I'm also deciding whether or not to add any embellishments or just let the pattern speak for itself.
{Edited - Added Before and After Photographs}

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 18

2011-12-18T21:28:00.000+13:00

Well we are into the home stretch. It's a week until the Big Day itself - Christmas Day.
Am I ready... kind of.
ONE present to buy.
TWO parcels to post to the South Island.
THREE impatient kids to put up with for a week who are all trying to come up with every excuse under the sun for why the presents currently under the tree need to be rearranged, AGAIN!
FOUR days of work left.
FIVE more Christmas Craft Challenge items to finish (yes some already completed - thank goodness).
SIX(TY) odd Christmas cards still to be finished and written and then posted.
SEVEN sleeps until the big day which I know will just fly by far too fast and then it will all be over for another year and I can relax!!!

I'd never heard of gift card wallets until last Christmas when I was googling and found a tutorial on them. I made a couple last year for various presents and have become quite a convert!
This year I have made another couple. One is what I would call credit card size, the other is card size. I can't say too much as you never know who is watching, but suffice it to say the second gift card comes with a "To, from and how much" tear-off portion on the top, so its double the size of a credit card.
I've made the same style of gift card wallet for each but the sizes are different as are the method closing/fastening the wallet.
The smaller gift card wallet has a slip over band... in keeping with this year's theme. If you think it looks familiar you probably saw it here and just a hint... you will see it once more.

And that is an OLD gift card not the real one for anyone playing guess the gift card at home!!
As the larger gift card wallet couldn't be sealed at the sides (it would have been too wide for the envelope) I used the belt to hold everything in place by adhering it in position. The top flat folds inside the pocket to seal it closed.

Believe it or not, both belts and buckles are exactly the same size on both gift card wallets.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 17

2011-12-18T01:39:00.001+13:00

Ok I know I am late, as technically its now the 18th here, but I have a good excuse. Today (the 17th) was my darling hubbie's birthday, so I've been in birthday mode all day instead of Christmas Craft Challenge mode. Although we didn't do anything special, no big party - thank goodness as it has rained all day - we've still had family over most of the day as well as phone calls to and from my parents and sister.
As long as I can remember we've always had a candle(s) on the table on Christmas Day. I can't remember why or when this tradition started but I have vague recollections of it being my fault after I insisted on my mother buying a HUGE Santa Claus shaped candle because I thought it was just the bee's knees. It was the first "shaped" candle I had ever seen... so given this fact, I was probably around 8 - 10 at the time... so a few years ago. He was a good'un that Santa Candle as I know we lit him every year for at least three or four years and apart from loosing his hat to the power of the flame, he served as well.
Anyway... so in keeping with tradition I've made some candles for Christmas Day. We've got 22 - 24 for Christmas Day so it's probably going to be three or four tables end to end in the big garage. (Our small garage is my Craft Studio aka the Dungeon.)
I've made two candles to keep with our Santa theme. One is a really simple decoration... the other is even more simpler. And then two more to complement - these were the problem children tonight and why I'm late posting. More on that later in the post.

Santa Candles:

Simple Version

Start with a white church candle, whatever diameter & height you like. I would have liked mine to be slightly taller, but I couldn't get a matching pair the same diameter & height, so got the closest I could without spending a small fortune.
Measure the height of the candle & the diameter, then cut a piece of red cardstock that exact height but 3/4" - 1" longer than the diameter of the candle (so you have plenty of wrap around the candle).
Adhere some strong double sided adhesive along one of the short ends. I used Wondertape as it seems to have a much stronger hold than ordinary double sided adhesive. As I've found out in the past you do need an extra bit of grip when trying to keep cardstock to stay in place around a curved object.
Roll the cardstock around the candle and adhere closed.
Cut a strip of black paper 1" wide and the same length that you cut your red cardstock. Remember it needs to go around the entire diameter of the candle with a bit spare to adhere one end securely over the other end. I used Teresa Collins "Timeless Black Flocked Paper" which has this amazing velvet feel. It is so perfect for Santa's belt not only because of the feel but also the colour... it is sure a pure looking black.
Cut a 1 1/2" square from silver mirror paper. I used Teresa Collins "On the Edge Reflective Paper". It lives up to its name to be sure. It's so reflective you can see your image in it when you look at the page. I then ran the square through my Cuttlebug and cut a 1" square in the middle to create a buckle. It did take a bit of eyeballing to line up the die but as you will see in a later post I had a few to do, so I soon became a dab hand at it. You can always measure and draw lines, then cut the centre out with a craft knife if you don't have a die cutter or the right sized die.
Adhere the buckle onto Santa's belt.

Simpler Version

Buy a red candle then follow the above from the belt on. It still looks just as effective as the Simple Version - only Santa has a red hat instead of a white head.

Candy Cane Candles:

Start with straight sided white candles. These are 5cm diameter & 15cm tall.
Cut acetate to size - same height as candle, length slightly longer than the diameter of the candle. (I did try sticking the adhesive directly onto the candle but neither double sided tape of even Wondertape would stick - grrrr, oh well, we live and learn)
Adhere double sided tape of various widths on a diagonal across the width of the acetate. I did all the full length stripes first as it was easier to use the lines on my cutting mat to make sure I was laying the double sided adhesive and Wondertape on straight.
Adhere a strip of Wondertape along one of the side edges then roll the acetate around the candle and adhere in place. (This was about where I found out that neither candle was actually straight... but no one will ever know the truth!!!)
Finishing adhering stripes that cover the seam in the acetate.
Remove the backing paper from the adhesive stripes and cover with glitter. Be sure to do this task over drip paper or a glitter tray to catch the excess so you can reuse it. I used glitter trays so was able to roll the candles around in the glitter to help it adhere.
NOTE: This is the messy bit of the craft. Be warned - no matter how much you try to wrangle your glitter to keep it in place, its still going to end up everywhere!!!
Once you are happy with the coverage of the glitter, use a firm brush to remove any excess glitter. (If you thought the above was messy... this step is even worse!!)
Return the excess glitter to the bottle. I have found a mini funnel is perfect for this task even when using a glitter tray to catch the excess.

Here are all the finished candles. I think they all look great.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 16

2011-12-16T18:00:00.001+13:00

Following from yesterday's craft... here is a more complicated version.
As the insides of the tubes were already white, I only painted the outside of the tube (bonus) though I did do four layers of paint - two white and then two clear with crystal glitter.
Once I had stuck the loops altogether... following the instructions from yesterday, I then added some bead combinations for something more spectacular.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 15

2011-12-15T18:00:00.000+13:00

I'm a great proponent of recycling, reusing and re-purposing especially in my crafting. (I'm not so hot with sorting my recycling for the rubbish collection, but nobody's perfect).
I don't know about anyone else but in our house we seem to go through toilet paper like its going out of fashion which means of course that we end up with what can seem like thousands of toilet roll tubes.
I've made toilet roll albums in the past... these still need some work for me to be happy with the end result but then I know I am a perfectionist.
During one of my many, many, MANY trolling the internet sessions on Pinterest I saw these really cool ornaments. Not only do they use up the toilet roll inner tube, but these are a great craft for kids to try.

Find some toilet roll inner tubes without any toilet paper dregs stuck on them. It just looks tidier on the end result.
Squish the tube flat - I used my fingers for the first bit of squishing, then finished off with a bone folder to clean up the fold. For kids you can just use finger pressure.
Measure along the tube to get six even slices of tubes. I made my slices 15mm wide and ended up with about 10mm left over... bin this bit.
Cut along each line to give you six rings. Re-shape these slightly to give you an oval shaped ring.
You can then colour the rings inside and out if you want to. I painted mine both inside and out. If you are doing this craft with kids you could try fingers painting or crayons instead... just make sure you have plenty of protective paper down. Using acrylic paint, the first was well dry by the time I finished the last one.
Now the fun of putting them altogether. The trick to making this step easier... paperclips!!! Use the paperclips to hold two rings together, joining all the rings into a six-pointed star. Using the paperclips you can keep rearranging the loops until you get the loops linked the way you want.
Once you are happy with where the joins will be... remove one paperclip noting where the tape needs to be. Then adhere double sided tape in exactly the spot where the paperclip held the two loops together. I used Wondertape. It is incredibly tacky and will hold anything together. I found it was perfect and I didn't have to wait for the glue to dry... always a bonus as we all know how impatient I am!!!
Repeat step 7 to join all six loops together.
Finally add a small hole using your trusty Crop-O-Dile into what will be your top loop. Thread through some string to use to hang your ornament with. I did find I needed to add beads to stop the threads passing through the hole in the top of the loop. For a kids version, you could just tie the string around the top loop rather than worrying about a hole.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 14

2011-12-14T18:00:00.001+13:00

Glass Bauble - Joy (last one I promise)

I found this coloured stuff in the supermarket while I was doing my grocery shopping a couple of weeks ago. Each real had four colours - lime green, hot pink, royal purple and teal and to be honest it was the intense colours that appealed, so a couple of rolls of the stuff found their way into my shopping trolley.
Once I had returned home and unpacked the real groceries, I just had to have a closer inspection of my pretty colours. What I had bought was an elastic tinsel type product.
I fed a couple of lengths of the elastic into the bauble then added a sentiment in a coordinating colour. I love the bright colours here... so Christmas!!

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 13

2011-12-13T18:00:00.001+13:00

Glass Bauble - Beads

After I had finished my beaded wreath, I had about 1 metre of each colour of the strung beads left over. What to do... what to do...
I managed to squeeze all every last strung bead I had into one glass bauble (those it was looking a bit close towards the end.)
I then added glitter sentiment stickers to finish my ornament off. Simple but a great way to use up those leftovers. (And I can easily change the colour combination next year if I so desire.)

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 12

2011-12-12T18:00:00.003+13:00

Gift Tags

I finally got these started and finished over the weekend which meant I could then get all the presents wrapped for the family which in turn means I can now stretch out my legs under my crafting desk... FINALLY!!
Can I just say I am about over all the production line scrapping stuff for the time being. Just the last thing to do to finish off my Christmas cards, which I need to post this week if people are to get them in time and then I don't want to have to do anything production line style for several months!!!
Still it was all worth it when you see the gift tags I made. Now these are the ones for the family presents that I hinted at in my earlier blog on the Christmas Tags I made for the swap at Crafting Passionz.
Our theme for Christmas Day is Santa if you recall from my earlier blog on the invites I made for Christmas Day lunch at our house. So what could be cuter than little Santa Hat shaped Gift Tags.

Here is a close up of one of them. They were simple to make (once I had thought through my methodology) and used Bazzill Red Cardstock and Bazzill White Cardstock. The white is double thickness with the red hat sandwiched between two white pom poms and bands.

Cut red cardstock into 3" x 12" strips - I used three full sheets to make 60+ hats.
The base width is 2 1/2" so I marked these increments along the bottom edge then repeated along the top with an offset of 1 1/4" so my peak would be in the centre. (I didn't rule the lines just marked the end of each cut and eye-balled.)
Using my trusty trimmer I then cut my triangles out. You can cut 8 triangles out of each 3" x 12" strip.
Cut 1 1/4" x 12" strips of white cardstock.
Punch 1" circles from the white strip - you can safely cut 11 from each strip. Be sure to double the number of circles that you cut so you can sandwich the peak of the triangle between two circles.
I then cut strips of white 3/4" x 12" which I further cut down to 3/4" x 3" - again double the number of these as well.
Using your trusty corner rounder punch, shape the corners of the white hat band. I started using my corner rounder... one corner at a time. Then I remembered I have a Zutter Corner Rounder which can cut through heavy card and chipboard. Using this I could cut four at once, though I did try to stick to only three. This was MUCH QUICKER!!!
Run all the white circles and strips through your Xyron... this is so much easier than having to glue or tape each piece individually. When doing anything production line style... quicker and more efficient is always better!!!! (And helps to keep you SANE)
Stick it all together. I started by adding the bands to the hats first - both sides of all hats. Then repeated with circles... both sides all hats. This was also my check that I had cut enough to pair/match everything up.
You can leave them like them and just tape them onto the gifts or continue on with the next step.
Using trusty Crop-O-Dile hole punch cut holes through the centre of each pom pom. Be sure to make sure the hole you punch is the right size for the eyelet you will be adding... obvious I know (well it's supposed to be, but some of us have blonde moments when its a little late at night and your are starting to see red triangles and white circle blurring before your eyes!!)
Using the other bit of the trusty Crop-O-Dile squish the eyelet in place. You might like to make sure you have enough eyelets of the size and style that you need at hand otherwise just use creative license like I did and use whatever you have that fits. I did stick to white, red, silver and black - yes I was getting desperate by this stage)
Cut tie to length (I did mine 15cm or there abouts - sorry mixing my metrics and imperials... its how I work)
Tie both ends in a knot, thread through eyelet and loop ends through the loop so you have something to hang the gift card from.
Write your To and From on the front and/or back of the card and attach to the present.
Optional extra - send the present to me, especially if its scrapbooking related

A selection of the various eyelets...

There were a few others... but they didn't fit into the pretty pattern LOL

Finally attach to your present.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 11

2011-12-12T00:05:00.001+13:00

Tinsel Tree

Quick post as I'm running late. This is a small foam cone which I have decorated with tinsel. I held the tinsel in place using bead pins, so the tinsel can be removed and reused on something else and the cone can be decorated differently next year. I also have it for you plain as well as several different decorated versions... all done by changing the accents. Ideal for utilising the same decoration and changing your accent colour to suit your colour scheme for each year.

Plain - a collection of these tinsel trees in various colours and sizes without any accents would look lovely grouped together on a mantle or side table.

This is with a necklace of red faceted beads strung around it. I picked the beads up cheap in a mall and intend to remove the beads and re-use in other projects though for now they are adorning this cute little tree.

Beads threaded onto corsage pins with coordinating pin heads and then just stuck into the foam core. I left them extended enough so that they could be seen just out of the tinsel. Not only can you then alter the tinsel but also the colour of the pins and beads each year - fantastic budget decoration idea.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 10

2011-12-10T18:00:00.000+13:00

Glass Bauble - Tinsel

My lovely friend Gypsy has been writing a blog since forever. And I have religiously followed her blog posts each day for some time now. Over the months (years) I have viewed her creations with envy, amazement and a frequent desire to copy the hell out of what she creates. One of my favourite creations (well there are lots of these really) are all the personalised Christmas baubles she makes.
So I have started this tradition with my family... well my granddaughter only really, though I am sure once the rest of the family see Sonia's bauble I will soon be asked where is everyone else's bauble????

Remove the cap of the bauble.
Fill with tinsel. I threaded the tinsel in until I felt the bauble looked full enough then trimmed the tinsel to fit.
Replace the cap of the bauble.
Adhere glitter alphabet stickers to spell out the name or sentiment you wish to have on the bauble.

This took all of 10 minutes, if that. I love the way the tinsel catches the light. This is a nice easy craft and would be easy enough for any children to try as long as there was adult supervision given you need to use scissors and because the baubles are made of glass.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 9

2011-12-09T18:00:00.000+13:00

Glass Bauble - Music

I have always wanted to use these, but have been a little scared to try them out as I've never found them at a reasonable price... and given my talent for uncontrollable clumsiness from time to time, playing with fragile glass objects didn't sound like a good idea.

At last I decided to fight the fear and do it anyway. Here is the first bauble...

Music has always been an important part of life and no doubt will always continue to be so as soon as I saw this idea I just knew I had to try it.

Download printable sheet music - this can be found all over the internet. I found a vintage copy of "Jingle Bells" which I used for this project.
Print out the sheet music. I printed this onto ordinary photocopy paper.
Cut the sheet music horizontally into strips about 3/4" wide.
Curl the patterned paper strips. I used my Petal Roller tools which I totally love for any curling, quilling and shaping paper flowers. You can get these from my shop. There are two sizes... thin for paper only and a thick version for paper or fabric. I have used both and think both are fantastic.
Remove the top of the bauble. Push the curled paper into the glass bauble until it looks to be full but not over-full. Replace the top & loop.
Adhere black glitter music themed stickers to the outside of the bauble.
Hang on your Christmas Tree or display in a bowl with like items.

I've seen the baubles with sentiments but I loved the idea of the music icons (staff and notes) in keeping with the theme of the decorations inside the bauble. This also means I can use them at times other than Christmas... definitely a bonus as far as I'm concerned.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 8

2011-12-08T18:00:00.000+13:00

Beaded Wreath

Ok I admit that I have been trolling the internet and Pinterest for cool Christmas Craft ideas... A LOT!!!
Along the way I have seen some cute things, some totally gorgeous things, some beautiful hand-crafted things and a whole lot of "I so need to try that" things.
Being so close to Halloween and Thanksgiving I found a lot of similar crafts but in different colour-ways depending upon the season / holiday. One thing I loved the look of was a Halloween Wreath that had been decorated in beads collected at Mardi Gras celebrations. I didn't have a supply of beaded necklaces like in the sample I saw, but I did have long strings of beaded Christmas decorations... so I saw some potential to do my own version.

Start with a foam wreath.
Wrap it completely in a ribbon of your choice. I choose a red sheer ribbon which had silky strips along each edge. I picked the ribbon up in a local $2 shop and I used up most of the three rolls I had.
I pinned the ends of the ribbon in place with short bead pins and tried to keep the wrapping even across the entire wreath - easier said than done... this took two attempts.
Then wrap the wreath in the strings of beads. I initially used 2 10m lengths of beads but this wasn't enough to cover the entire wreath, so I added a third string of beads. I had to chop about 1m off each string of beads. I also used the bead pins to hold the various ends of the bead strings in place.
Decorate your wreath with tinsel, flowers, extra ribbon etc if desired.

I actually quite like the wreath plain but I have also attached a photo of the wreath with some decoration (tinsel and the leftover ribbon) in place. Which do you prefer?

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 7

2011-12-08T00:41:00.000+13:00

This year the budget is tight, but then who's isn't? The recession is hitting everyone hard despite reassurances from government and economic agencies alike that things are on the improve. With this in mind here is one of the cheaper crafts I'm really pleased to share with you this year.
Here in New Zealand, we have a chain of stores called "The Warehouse" also known as the Red Sheds - where everyone gets a bargain. For anyone reading my blog from overseas, I presume (because I've never been to the US though if anyone wants to pay for me to go over I'm ready, willing and able) these are the equivalent of K-Mart or Walmart.
I picked up a felt Christmas Stocking for less than NZ$2.00. I know that if I was to make it myself from scratch, even the material would have cost considerably more than that, let alone my time to make it. The stocking had a printed holly berry & leaf decoration on the fold down top which to be honest just looked a bit "naff" (cheap and tacky).
To give it a hand-made look (and make it look a lot more expensive than it really was) I appliqued on some holly berries and leaves using some felt remnants left over from last year as well as hand stitching the stems and branches to finish it all off.

Photocopy stocking top @ 100%, then cut out the accents to be appliqued. I did the holly berries and leaves. Photocopying at 100% gives you exactly the size template you need for the applique pieces.
Cut out the felt applique pieces. I cut these all about 1mm wider along all sides so that I could be sure the printed berries and leaves would be hidden.
Turn the stocking inside out - this gives easier access for the hand sewing.
Sew the stems and pine branch using a running stitch. For a how-to on how to sew a running stitch be sure to check out my previous blog post here.
Cross stitch on each holly berry. On the two largest berries I used a modified cross stitch rather than "proper" cross stitches. I felt the stitches would have to be too long so instead I joined each stitch like the spokes on a wheel all meeting through a single centre point. For a tutorial on basic cross stitching... follow this link to my earlier post.
Pin on the holly leaf halves. I did them in two colours and hung some off the bottom edge to give some added dimension. Sew these in place using a running stitch like you used for the branch & stem. Throughout the project, try to use coordinated embroidery threads or cottons for a really smart look.
Turn the stocking back in the right way and straighten out the turn over cuff to show off all your hard work. Then hang your completed stocking on the mantle piece, door handle or where-ever you think Santa is most likely to find your Christmas Stocking on Christmas Eve.

The whole process took about 2 1/2 hours but I was multi-tasking (reading and sewing) so you could easily get it all completed in an hour or so with less distractions.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 6

2011-12-06T10:00:00.001+13:00

Secret Santa Gift Swap

So here is where the definition of "craft related" starts to get a bit broad but I don't mind.
The guidelines were that the gift had to include the follow items:

Total cost not more than $20.00
Included a hand-made project
Trim or ribbon - at least 12 inches
Embellishments - such as buttons or bling etc
Flowers - handmade or store bought
Anything else you like

This is the contents of the parcel that I sent to Fiona.

The hand sewn felt star you saw yesterday and the beaded ornaments are from here and here. I also sent Fiona one of Christmas bauble cards you can see here.

These are the tickets in front that don't show up so well. These are some Christmas Printable tickets that I downloaded from Miss Cutiepie Inspiration. I printed them out in colour onto Kraft cardstock them trimmed them down using my cutter and scissors. I also like the look of them on her blog, with the distressed edge.

This is what I received from Fiona in return:

Cute self-adhesive printed canvas tags and labels.

Die-cut Card Making Pad

Gorgeous Vintage Button Bling

Beautiful Lace

Cute Embossed Christmas card.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 5

2011-12-05T10:00:00.000+13:00

The original star was the home-made item I made as part of the Secret Santa Swap for Crafting Passionz. I loved it so much that I decided to make myself one as well. I filled inside star completely so that it would match the felt heart I made a couple of years ago. I'm still contemplating whether or not I add some dangly bits like on the heart so it looks like a shooting star. These were really easy and great to take to work to hand stitch the running stitch around the edges as well as sewing on the sequins during my lunch break.
Original - Blue Star with Black Sequins

I love the way these oil-slick black sequins catch the light. Fiona (who I sent the Secret Santa Swap gift to) has boys - hence the blue star.

Second Star - Silver and Pink for our Christmas Tree.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 4

2011-12-04T10:00:00.013+13:00

Crafting Passionz Swap - Christmas Tags
One of the things you just can't do without at Christmas time is wrapping paper, well you can if you get creative... just ask my family. You name it they have probably used it. The other thing (not counting sellotape) is a Present Tag. However yet again my family frequently ignore this unwritten rule.
They occasionally use tags - usually ones I have made or bought (in the past) and beg, steal or borrow them to use themselves. They also use a big black vivid permanent market and write directly on the parcel. And sin of all sins... they do nothing and hope they can remember on Christmas Day who the parcel belongs to. {Shakes head and walks away in shame}
Last year I made tags for the Christmas Presents. My first foray into this as a craft item received a mixed reception from me. Some I liked, some I hated. Still I loved the idea of something hand made even if the rest of the wrapping paper wasn't, nor was the present; and even though most of my family threw the tags away with the wrapping paper without even a second look... leaving me distraught and devastated {insert sad melancholy music interspersed with quiet sobbing}, I have decided to once again make the tags.
I still thought it was a nice touch and will do the same this year.
So anyway... we had a Tag Swap... so I got some early practice in and here is the final result. Still thinking about what to do for the family present tags.

Very simple tag - though again trying out some interesting techniques.

Cut cardstock to size for base of tag. I did this first as the tag had a set finished size per the sign-up instructions. Also I used this colour cardstock as I had a bunch of it left over... waste not, want not. Rounded corners with corner punch.
Cut Bazzill Cardstock - White to size. Rounded top corners with corner punch then used Fiskars Border punch to create bottom edge.
I distress inked the edges of the white card only as it looked too clean and I needed to soften the palette so it coordinated better with both the cardstock and the patterned paper. With either it looked great, but with both it looked wrong. I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Vintage Photo and; my Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink Applicator
Cut patterned paper to size and rounded corners (From DCWV Mrs Claus Kitchen Stack) - based on the size of the stamp I used. It wasn't exactly the colour I wanted to match the cardstock, it was more traditional red that the burgundy of the cardstock so I heavily spritzed it with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Pomegranite. The end result was perfect!!
Stamped Christmas Tree using Embossing ink, sprinkled with Stamp Effects Thick UTEE gold embossing powder, cleaned off excess and then heat embossed with my trusty heat gun. (Yes it has really be getting a "proper" work out of late and not just being used because I am so impatient).
Stamped Merry Christmas sentiment using Tsukineko Versa Colour Boysenberry ink.
Layered everything together then punches holes for ribbon using Crop-O-Dile.
Cut ribbon to length, threaded tags and tied knots.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 3

2011-12-03T10:00:00.000+13:00

As if I wasn't already busy enough, I once again joined in some swaps through Crafting Passionz a networking group for New Zealand & Australian scrapbookers & crafters. Not one, but three swaps. So here is the first of these.

Crafting Passionz Swap - Christmas Cards
We each had to create two Christmas Cards to swap with the other participants.

I wrapped some cardstock in tinfoil then embossed it using my Cuttlebug machine and a Christmas Subway themed die. I then dabbed Adirondack Alcohol Inks over the embossing to add some colour. I mounted this on a coordinating cardstock and then directly onto the card itself.

I love the second set of cards for a number of reasons. The colour most definitely - I am a bright, clear colour kind of gal rather than a muted, pastel type of person. I love the Christmas Bauble on the front - they turned out better than I hoped for and more importantly... I love that it can be removed from the card and the ornament used each year as a Christmas decoration either on your tree or hung in the window to catch the light.

I used these Christmas Bauble die-cuts from Dusty Attic which you can get from my Scrap FX online shop.
I painted them with the Creative Imaginations Radiant Rain Paint Dauber in Gold and then Red
Then some heavy spritzing with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Gold.
After waiting for the paint to dry... OK I used my heat gun to speed up the process...
I then affixed behind each bauble a small sheet of Angelina Heat Bondable Film using Helmar Tiger Grip Glue.I let this dry at least 30 minutes before trimming around the bauble as close as possible (about 1-2mm edge). Note - I used four different colours, one behind each bauble so they are unique.
I then used my trusty heat gun again to shrink the Angelina Film. It shrinks as it is heated which in turn creates a myriad of amazing colours and colour swirls somewhat akin to the Aurora Borealis lights.
I mounted some patterned & glittered paper onto some cardstock and then the card base.
Punch holes in the top of the card using my Crop-O-Dile to feed the ribbon through.
Finally attached the bauble using a bow (so it can easily be removed)

Here is a close up of each bauble before it was attached to the card.

Watch this space for another Christmas Craft project using the Angelina Film.

I will be running some classes in the new year on using the Angelina Film with some really cute Dusty Attic chipboard die-cuts, so if you are keen to find out more, please let me know and I can send you some details about the classes.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 2

2011-12-02T21:51:00.000+13:00

As mentioned in my first Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 blog this year I have done some pre-planning. I started this way back on September 25, in the middle of the Rugby World Cup which was held here in New Zealand. I recall having an epiphany that it was exactly three months until Christmas Day, so I had better start to think about our plans. This was especially true given that the family lunch was to be held at our house, Rosehill Manor, this year. This was followed by the sudden realisation that I was losing time, because we were far too far through the year for what I thought we should be.

I set about sending all the family their invites to Christmas dinner. I decided that I wanted to get everyone into the spirit of Christmas for the day so that it would all be about fun, family and having a good time. I also decided I wanted a theme for the day.

The theme was really easy for me. What else epitomises Christmas but Santa? I should warn you then, that many of my Christmas craft creations this year will most likely be Santa related for that reason.

Keeping this in mind I set about drafting the invitations for the big day. I wrote a poem (well reworded one) to fit my needs, typed it up, made it look pretty, printed it out and then wrote a plain English version for those non-poetry aficionado in the family. I then search high and low and every corner of the internet for a really cute and really cool (and FREE) picture of a Summer Santa for the Southern Hemisphere... you have no idea how hard that was!!!!

I eventually found one which was the picture of a Santa at the Beach Statue for sale... I would like to buy the statue when I am a little more financial because the Santa just looks so much like my Dad.

So here it is...

Front Cover

Inside Poem

Back Page (English version lol)

I also want to send out a link to my lovely friend Gypsy and her blog. Gypsy is joining in and sharing her Christmas Crafts. She has always been an inspiration for me in so many ways not only as an amazing crafter but the coolest mother for four fantastic kids and an incredible teacher. Be sure to check out her Christmas Crafts as well.

Christmas Craft Challenge 2011 - Day 1

2011-12-01T12:02:00.000+13:00

It's here, it's here!! No Christmas Day has not magically appeared to move time and be NOW!!! (Thank goodness) But it is Day 1 of my third annual (hello what else can it be) Christmas Craft Challenge.
This year I have done a LOT MORE pre-planning so I'm confident the wheels will not fall off like last year. I'm also hoping to pre-write some blogs and then schedule them but that is going to happen behind the scenes so you won't even know I'm doing it... maybe I shouldn't have told you then... hmm oh well.
I can't help it. I'm finally starting to feel a bit more enthusiastic about Christmas. My darling hubbie and were saying only a couple of weeks ago that we really didn't feel like we had the Christmas Spirit at the moment and hadn't really felt "in the mood" for Christmas for a couple of years, but hopefully that is starting to dissipate as we rediscover what Christmas is all about for us as a family.
I think part of it is that Christmas time for us has been tainted by some bad memories with family illnesses. Last year was our children's maternal grandfather, a few year's before that my father-in-law. And whilst we try to keep positive and enthusiastic, at times that is easier said than done. For now though, enough reflection on what has been for it is time to start the Christmas Countdown... or should that be Count-Up.

So what is this Christmas Craft Challenge thingey all about.
It start three years ago in 2009 when I issued myself the challenge of making and blogging about one Christmas related craft item(s) every day from 1st December through to 24th December. It was partly because I wanted some more Christmas decorations for my tree and house, but was also because I needed something to motivate me to get crafty. I'm a procrastinator... there I said it. I have been one as long as I can remember and though I am trying to get myself out of what is for the most part a 'bad' habit I think it will always be a part of who I am. I know that I work best and can usually pull all stops, get it done, produce the goods and beat the odds when I am under pressure. So having such a demanding schedule as having to craft things in as many days (as well as working full-time, being a mum, nana, wife, hosting Christmas, running a business and sleeping somewhere in amongst all that) suits me to a "T".
I digress... so over the next 24 (possibly 25 days) I will be sharing with you my Christmas Craft Creations. Sometimes the definition of "Craft Creations" and even "Christmas" maybe a little stretched, a little broad but when it comes down to it, it's my blog and I can do what I like :-)
I really do hope that you will join me for the next 24 days and longer. Be sure to stop by daily. If you are joining in the Christmas Craft Challenge, doing your own Craft thing or your own version of some of these creations... please let me know and I will post a link to your blog. I would love to see what you are creating and I'm sure there are hundreds of other people who would love to see them as well.

Day 1 - Advent Calendar
Until I started the Craft Challenge we never really had an advent calendar other than a pre-made, chocolate billed, latest cartoon character inspired version. My first year I made an advent calendar which I still totally love so I'm sharing it with you here again.
I pulled it out again last night. I need to fill it with lollies today so we can start to count up to Christmas. We replaced the TV this year to a slim-line one, so we need to find a new home to display it but it will be proudly displayed somewhere in the lounge.
I think the snow on the roof will be in for a bit of an overhaul after Christmas as its starting to look a little tatty (or should that be melty) so some more photos of that once it's done.
Here it is... the first Advent Calendar:

This year I have made another advent calendar, this one is just for me.
I wanted to do something that didn't revolve around food for a change and I have seen some amazing advent calendars which had fun tasks to do each day or inspirational quotes so this sounded like a great starting point.

I started with some DLE envelopes which I have sealed closed. You can use new envelopes like I did (the self-stick was becoming a little dodgy) or recycle old envelopes.
Cut the envelope in half (short half not long half) to give two almost squares (not two long rectangles).
Decorate both sides of envelope with a square of patterned Christmas paper. I cut my square 10cm x 10cm so I could get 9 out of each sheet of patterned paper. I used 6 sheets of different but coordinated patterned paper from the DCVW Mrs Claus Kitchen Stack. I choose papers that all had an underlying light gingerbread (beige) colour scheme. I inked each square with Tim Holtz Distress ink - Walnut Ink.
Numbered the envelopes 1 - 24 after sorting them so that there was some variety, (then resorting them several times because I'm a perfectionist). I used three colours of numbers and alternated them - green, gold & red - all were $2 shop letter packs I picked up cheap.
Printed inserts, sliced using my Tonic Studios Cutter and slipped them into the envelopes.
Placed all the envelopes in naked remote control holder I picked up a while ago from Countdown. I will decorate it at some stage, still just contemplating how.

Now here is the little twist. Instead of fun tasks or inspirational quotes I decided to create a place where I can write something about each day.

What about today appealed to me?
Inspired me?
Stood out about today?
Made today magical?
Made today memorable?
Reminded me about the Christmas Spirit?
Made me stop and think or smell the roses?
What about today was different or amazing or momentous or made my heart sing or my eyes twinkle or my face flush with anticipation?
What made today special?

Once I have completed every day's thought for the day and the hectic events of Christmas are over, I will then be able to turn each day's thoughts into a mini album... and a new Christmas Tradition for me each year.

Now doesn't that sound so much better than chocolates???

Countdown to the Countdown

2011-11-24T22:07:00.000+13:00

Today it is only a week until the 1st of December and all I can say is where has the year gone? It feels like it should still mid-May or June at the latest and certainly not almost on the back-straight towards the finish-line of the year. (I'm a car girl hence the motor-racing metaphor.)
I still have two more birthday's I haven't thought about before Christmas and one the day after not to mention all the family turning up on Christmas Day for dinner at Rosehill Manor (aka our house).
I have at least purchased a few Christmas Presents, (no birthday ones!) and more to the point I have made quite a start on the crafts for my Christmas Craft Challenge. I have been so tempted to give a few hints and glimpses of what is to come, but I don't want to ruin the surprise so sorry, but you will just have to wait. Good thing it is only for another week!!
Be sure to come back and visit from the 1st December through to 24th December to see this year's instalments of my Christmas Craft Challenge. And fingers and toes crossed, hopefully even a "How it all turned out on the day" post on the 25th... if I haven't fallen asleep after all that yummy food I know I will be eating Christmas Day.

TradeMe Bargain

2011-11-15T23:16:00.000+13:00

For some time now I have been looking for furniture for my craft studio aka the Dungeon (yes it comes complete with spider webs). I don't care if the furniture looks pretty or not, or whether or not it all matches just as long as its functional.
As money is pretty tight (damn this recession, hurry up and be over) I really haven't been looking at that seriously for furniture though I have managed to pick up some bargains over the past couple of months.
First there were the lovely soft padded chairs and my wheelie chair that I picked up from the place I am working at the moment. Nothing is worse than sitting for hours intent on creating and scrapbooking only to try to move and your butt has gone to sleep cos the seat is too hard.
I got the chairs for $10.00 each... a real bargain as far as I was concerned but the bargain I picked up today beats them hands down. My apologies if I sound like I'm gloating but I'm just so stoked with my purchase.
I was on TradeMe when I spotted a listing for a magazine rack thingey. No one had bid on it and it was listed at $1.00, no reserve so I put on my watch list. I thought it was smaller than what I wanted, but that it would still do the trick - what I wanted was somewhere to store and display packs of paper and the like (cork sheets, double sided adhesive sheets etc).
So the auction ran its course but no one bid, so it was offered to me at $1.00. I accepted only to be offered a second matching magazine thingey also for a $1.00 so I said yes to that one as well.
This afternoon I picked up the 2 magazine racks and the tri-fold screen I also won. Let's just say they were much bigger than I expected and only just fit in the back of the van with the seats folded up... thank goodness for people movers.
Anyway here they are... not in their final position, I need to rearrange the studio again, but they are at least at their new home.

Yep... so considerably bigger than expected...

Loving the drawers at the bottom for extra storage.

And my very cool screen which I have some interesting thoughts on what to do with this. Watch this space!!

2011 Circle Journal

2011-11-12T02:16:00.000+13:00

This week I received my Circle Journal back from the girls with the Crafting Passionz Forum. There were seven of us in it with it being the first time for a number of the participants.
I have to confess to re-using a previous Circle Journal album but that is because this theme has always been a passion of mine. I've always loved hearing about how couples met each other and have thought about writing a book on several occasions, so how could I resist a Circle Journal album where my scrapping friends tell me all about their significant other.
Here are the most recent additions to my "Love Starts" story.

This is the album cover and felt bag that the album fits into. The felt bag (with chocolates & teddy) was a valentine's gift from my darling hubbie and was so cute that I held onto it for a few year's before it gained a second life.

Close up of the album cover. I painted it as I didn't like the original cover, then added the Making Memories "Love" adorned with ribbons and rub-ons.

The ever important Circle Journal Instructions (in cute heart font).

These were my two creations as I have been married twice so have two stories to share as to how I met the men of my dreams.

Kim's Contribution

Veronica's Contribution

Shar's Contribution

Faith's Contribution

Suzanne's Contribution

Lynley's Contribution

I can't thank these ladies, as well as all my other friends, enough for sharing their respective "Love Starts"... the story of how they met their significant other.

Orere Point Camping Ground

2011-11-10T02:18:00.000+13:00

Quick post time... I finished this layout over the weekend. I've had the photos, cardstock and patterned paper sorted and in a bag for about 18 months... give or take and just haven't been inspired enough to to something with them.
At last I found some inspiration and this is the result...

This was photographed, using my Panasonic Luminex Camera which I've had a few years. Other than cropping to size, no other modifications were made.

This version was scanned as I now have access to an A3 scanner. Again just cropped to size but no other modifications.

The colour difference is interesting - the scanned version definitely looks closer to the original. I also noted some shadowing from the camera version, but they is more a result of my poor lighting set up. My one real disappointment was that the scan cut off some of the page so it ended up more 11.5" x 11.5" but as this was my first attempt, maybe I did something wrong.

The chipboard foliage from The Dusty Attic was painted with the Lettuce paint dauber, then highlighted with the Olive Vine Radiant Rain & Sea Kelp Glimmer Glaze. I then spritzed them lightly with Key Lime Pie & Fern mists. The colouring is subtle but I love the finished effect.

The patterned paper was distressed using Edge Distress Tool, then spritzed with a fine mist of water to wet it before the edges were rolled to give the dimensional edge on the paper.

Materials:

DCWV Cardstock, Patterned Paper (unknown supplier), Chipboard - The Dusty Attic "Foliage", Tim Holtz Distress Ink "Crushed Olive" & "Faded Jeans", Radiant Rain "Olive Vine", Adirondack Paint Dauber "Lettuce", Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze "Sea Kelp", Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist "Key Lime Pie", Tattered Angels Chalkboard "Fern", VersaColor ink, acrylic stamp, adhesives, glue dots, double sided foam squares, water, distress tool, journaling pen and alphabet stickers.

I have the chipboard in stock at my shop along with many other designs. I have a selection of Radiant Rain Paint Daubers, Adirondack Paint Daubers, Tattered Angels Glimmer Glazes and Mists available as well though am happy to order in colours as required by customers.

The Sketchbook Project 2012

2011-10-30T02:11:00.000+13:00

I can't remember where I discovered the Sketchbook Project 2012, I just know I stumbled upon it at random a couple of days ago. Since then I have read the website from start to finish and back again several times. I've ummed and ahhed about whether to do it or not, whether I could justify the cost let alone the time and effort and then finally tonight (or should I say this morning) I finally made up my mind. JUST DO IT - So I am.
So I have signed up, committed myself and my creativity to the project. WHY... because when I asked myself whether I would regret doing the project more or would I regret not doing the project more... and there was only one answer.
So what is the Sketchbook Project? To quote the website...

It's like a concert tour, but with sketchbooks.

Thousands of sketch books will be exhibited at galleries and museums as they make their way on tour across the world.

After the tour, all sketchbooks will enter into the permanent collection of The Brooklyn Art Library, where they will be barcoded and available for the public to view.

The project is open to anyone from anywhere in the world. Sign ups close on 31st October 2011 and sketchbooks need to be submitted (post marked) by 31st January 2012.

The tour makes it to Australia but unfortunately not to New Zealand, though I have paid for my completed sketchbook to be digitized so that it will be available online for anyone around the world to view even if you can't make it to The Brooklyn Art Library.

If you want to know more then click here to find out about the project. I will be updating you with progress here on my blog, on twitter and on Facebook.

To follow along here - click follow in the right hand column of the blog
To follow on twitter - search my twitter name ScrapFX
To follow on Facebook - click on the Facebook batch in the right hand column of the blog

I can't wait for my sketchbook to arrive!!

MOJO Update

2011-10-25T22:09:00.000+13:00

Blog Post Time...

I think I may finally have found some of my MOJO. I'm not saying I don't still have a long way to go to get that fully inspired, pumping out the layouts, don't stop me I'm creating vibe but I'm definitely feeling closer to it than I was around the time of my last post.
What has brought this on I hear you ask (but tough if you didn't ask as you are about to hear)... a number of people and things... some good, some not so good but all worth sharing.

The Six Week Beginner Scrapbooking Course I am running that starts this coming weekend. It still needs a really cool name, so any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Sharing my passion for scrapping always inspires me.
My wonderful, thoughtful and always inspirational friend Gypsy (who's own blog can be found here) who so generously sent me a huge packet of MOJO and inspiration after having read my last post. Lots of amazing ideas to make my own, especially for my upcoming Christmas Craft Challenge.
I've discovered a very cool group of inspirational scrapbookers and crafters who I have joined the ranks of at Scraps of Darkness. This group won't be everyone's cup of tea or vial of poison but if you are interested in exploring the dark side of your scrapping and crafting then head along and join in. Let them know that I sent you (ScrapFX) and that way we both get a little something extra by way of referral rewards.
The warm weather, bright sunshine, extra vitamin D and the knowledge that Summer is just around the corner. Even though I'm not a fan of the extra heat... I'd rather be colder than hotter... there is still something invigorating about Summer.
The New Zealand national rugby team, the All Blacks, winning the Rugby World Cup for 2011 and being the world champs for the next four years. Being in the company of greatness will always inspire and encourage you to go the extra mile yourself.
Having a heart to heart, no holds barred, tears and tantrums (okay no tantrums but lots of tears) with someone who understands, appreciates, sympathises and encourages you. Who offers an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold and a foot to boot you up the butt when you have wallowed in self-pity for long enough. Thank you, you know who you are.
Discovering a new addiction... Pinterest. This is like a world-wide pin board of really cool people sharing all the really cool things that inspire them with lots of really cool people looking to be inspired. You have to be invited to join Pinterest, but if this takes your fancy, then let me know and I can send you an invite.
Having a deep and meaningful conversation with myself during which I started to acknowledge some truths, dispelled some myths, created some new beliefs and admitted to myself that I am not now, nor do I ever have to be perfect, nor always right, nor always wrong and I definitely don't have to deal with day to day (insert whatever descriptive words you like) "stuff" alone - that's what I have a darling husband, a supportive family and encouraging and at times painfully honest friends for.

I didn't get as much creating done as I wanted over the long weekend, but this is what I did come up with. This collection of creations is very much like the person that I am. A myriad of extremes and contradictions from the bright and simple to the dark and mysterious. It's no wonder I still can't define my scrapping style... maybe my style is just beyond definition!

Sorry quality isn't the best as the lighting here is shocking.

Not sure if I need to add something else other than the title to the Butterfly layout. Just thought it was too cute not to add. I really love the way the feathers turned out as a frame for the main photo.

This is the third picture in a series for my mother's surprise 60th birthday party. This time the photos of the cake are both intentionally blurred and softened, though again the photo quality doesn't do them justice but I have a solution... I just need to try it so watch this space. I love the effect of the layered stamping on this layout though of course it looks better in real life. Maybe I need to ask Santa for a new camera for Christmas!!!

Missing MOJO

2011-10-10T00:16:00.000+13:00

I've lost my MOJO. I've lost my inspiration. And I've lost my interest in crafting full stop.
That was my mantra until a few days ago.
I haven't got my MOJO or my inspiration or my interest in crafting completely back but at least I found a smidgen of it over the weekend. Admittedly it was more a result of time constraints than good management.
We went to dinner at Dennys over the weekend to celebrate both my step daughter and my niece's birthdays. Although I've known for a few weeks about the dinner, Friday night came around and I still hadn't even thought about cards for them. So I decided I needed to sort my act out.
Below are the results of this self imposed sorting my act out. They're simple but I love the final effect of both of them. I'm not sure if its their simplicity or the bright colours of them, but something about them just gave me some hope that my MOJO was not gone forever. (Okay maybe that sounds a little over melodramatic, but when you've not felt like crafting for what seems like forever, even the smallest glimmer mist of hope feels good.)

Christmas Craft Challenge - We Want You

2011-10-01T21:56:00.000+13:00

Many fellow scrapbookers and crafters not only create their hands on crafting but they also create some digi-crafting by way of writing and posting to a blog.
For some it is a means of showing off their creations to the world, even if their world is only viewed by the 10 or 11 people who follow their blog... (read me). For others their blog is followed religiously by hundreds if not thousands of crafters who dote on every word, marvel at every creations and aspire to be just as talented and creative (ok even 1/10 as creative) as their inspiration... (read Tim Holtz, Ali Edwards, Laura Denison, Becky Fleck... we all have our favourites...). And of course there are the amazingly creative people who fit some where between these two extremes.
No matter which end of the spectrum you fit, or even if you admire all these bloggers but don't actually have your own blog, we all love to see each others creations.
We love to see new tools and products and drool about having them in our own stash. We love to learn new techniques and be reminded of old techniques refreshed with a new twist. We love to see what our fellow crafters can create so that we can soak up some of their inspiration and scraplift from them and create our own versions or something completely new and different.
There is something about Christmas time that really seems to inspire crafters. I'm not sure if it is the impending cold Winter season in the Northern Hemisphere or the promised refreshing and energising effects of Summer for the Southern Hemisphere or maybe its just the spirit of the season and the joy of giving and receiving gifts. To be honest - who cares why - we all just love that it happens. Christmas just inspires creativity.
This year will be my third annual Christmas Craft Challenge. This is a challenge I issue myself to inspire and encourage my mojo and creativity; and this year I am putting it out into the world in the hopes of some kind of a response (other than the echo of my own voice).
I challenge all the crafters of the world to join in sharing your creativity this Christmas.
So what are the guidelines... (rules sounds so formal and stuffy)

Your creations/crafting must somehow be Christmas related (though that is intentionally broad in its scope - for instance in the past I have included the next year's altered diary and calendar);
Your creations/crafting must be something you have created yourself, though they don't necessarily have to be new creations. If you want to share previous creations by all means, please do. It also doesn't matter if your creation is re-purposed, from a kit or created from scratch as long as you did it and you are not trying to take credit for someone else's creation. If you receive an item as a gift, that's OK, but please share the gift giver with us as well.
Your creations/crafting can include craft related presents/gifts you give or receive as Secret Santa Swaps or other presents - as long as there is a craft element to it (I will be posting my Secret Santa Swap)
You can post as many times and as often as you like during the Challenge Period (1st - 24th December) or as little/few times.
Your creation must be posted in a blog... otherwise how can you share it with everyone else?
If you are joining in the challenge whether you post once or 100 times, I would really love to know about it, so I can post a link in my blog.

That's it!

You have until 30th November to let me know you are joining in the challenge (or even just following along). Just send me your name and a link to your blog and I will add your details to the list to be posted on 1st December this year.

If you would like ideas about craft items to create, you can check out some of my previous creations in my archive or just google for millions of ideas.

There are no restrictions as to type of craft but here are some ideas...

Papercraft
Scrapbooking
Card Making
Off the Page
Altered Items
Mixed-Media Creations
Hybrid Scrapbooking/Crafting
Digital Scrapbooking/Crafting
Baking
Sewing
Advent Calendars
Gifts
Gift Wrapping
Gift Tags
Swaps
ATC's
Ornaments
Decorations
Banners
Table Displays
Wreaths
Floral Arrangements
Christmas Organisation Tools
and I'm sure you can think of many, many more.

Christmas Planning

2011-09-26T01:03:00.000+13:00

Last Wednesday I attended a short two-part seminar on Suicide Awareness and Art Therapy. Though I found both presentations incredibly interesting, to be honest being an Accountant/Scrapbooking Teacher in a room full of counselors and therapists, I did feel somewhat out of my depth when they started talking about CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy) and a whole lot of other abbreviations I couldn't understand.
Anyway... the point of the story... before the presentations started I was talking to one of the presenters and she expressed an interest in participating in some scrapbooking classes.
She asked what types of classes I ran so I recalled some of the classes I had run and was looking to run including a class on hand made Christmas Cards.
This got me thinking about Christmas Card designs to teach in the class.
I've come up with a long list of ideas from stamping, paper piecing, templates through to digital stamps. The list needs refining and samples created, but one thing really stuck out as an idea... decorating with small hand stitched designs.
As anyone who has met me knows I love my templates... I have five or six binder rings of templates from 12 x 12 sized shaped page templates through to creative shaped templates for embellishments. I also have templates for stenciling, stitching (refer to my previous blog post) and of course misting. Though I have a large number of purchased templates I also have a large selection of home-made (hand-cut) stencils I have made myself (and another blog post on how to create them here). Last night I added to my collective with some DIY designed stitching templates of Christmas designs.

1. Find a small picture that you want to create a template out of. I used simple outlines that would be easy to stitch especially for non-sewers.
2. Trace your design onto clear plastic. I use clear, slightly textured, very thin chopping boards which I buy from the $2 shop (budget emporium/cheap Chinese imported goods) though you could also use Heavy-Weight Acetate Sheets - which you can buy from my online shop here.
3. Using a piercing tool pierce through the plastic around your design ensuring that your pierced holes are evenly spaced.
The trick to this is to first pierce at the extremes - the ends of each line, convergence of two lines, then find the middle between the two ends and finally add any additional holes in-between if you so desire.
If you look closely, you will see that the holes are further spaced on the straight edged designs, such as the Christmas trees and star, compared to the bell and bauble. Straight lines can be made with longer stitches and still look good where as you need to have holes that a closer together to get a smooth looking curve.
It's probably easier to see on the stitched samples below.
4. Having pierced the design, you may want to go back through each hole and make them slightly larger so its easier to push your threaded needle through the hole.
5. Finally, and this is optional, draw over the design of your template with a permanent marker so you can follow the line when you actually do the stitching (kind of like your pattern). I used a black vivid marker then just rubbed off any excess ink so I didn't end up with black marks all over my paper and fingers.
Your templates are now already for you to use.
For a tutorial on how to stitch using these templates you can find an excellent Technique Class here. (Even if I say so myself LOL).
Here are the samples for the templates I created above.

Note the differences between the two stars. The left one is sewn with two stitches per side of the star point whereas the one on the right is sewn with a single stitch along the side of each point. You can also see the difference in stitch length between the straight edged star and the curved bauble and bell.

The original single tree is down below bottom, but I also tried a triple layered version above as well as a single tree with sequins added to each stitch below top. (Sorry the order is a bit wrong).

The class for these Christmas Cards and others will be held in October/November at my studio. If you are interested in attending, please contact me either through my website contact page or directly by email on paula@scrapfx.co.nz. I will also add more information about the contents of the class (and other upcoming classes) onto the website so be sure to check back on a regular basis.
The finished results will also appear in my Christmas Challenge Blog Posts for 2011. You can check out my creations for 2009 & 2010 here or by searching through my blog archives and searching by "Christmas Craft Challenge".
If you are interested in participating in this year's Christmas Craft Challenge (and no you don't have to post every single day leading up to Christmas) then leave me a comment, email me, send me a link to your blog and I will send you some more information in the next week or two so you have plenty of time to plan in advance... a lesson I learnt the hard way the first year I did the challenge. I would love to have a list of other Christmas Challengees that I can link to on my blog.

New Products - Die Cuts from The Dusty Attic

2011-07-30T02:41:00.000+12:00

Not long before SENZ, I signed with a new supplier who design and create a range of absolutely amazing laser die-cut chipboard embellishments and projects. I ordered some stock and it arrived the day before I was due to set up everything at SENZ so I didn't get a chance to have a play and experiment with the new products. I didn't even get a chance to take photos as it was straight out of the courier box onto the display wall with barely a moment to spare.

I think these products are pretty amazing and so do a lot of other people around the world - you just need to read some of the rave reviews and look at some of the amazing creations using these products. So it wasn't really a surprise when I sold out of quite a few products over the weekend of SENZ. I just didn't expect them to go SO FAST - some items sold out the FIRST DAY!

After recovering and finally unpacking (interrupted by a family funeral and the flu), I placed another order to restock as well as get some new products which took my fancy and these all arrived this week. This time I have taken photos (so I can add the new products to the website) but I'm going to share them with you here first.

I've grouped them together, just to make it a little easier, but please bear in mind that the sizing in these photos is in reality very different. I've fitted the photos into a block and re-sized them all to fit inside these blocks, so you will need to check out the website for actual dimensions.

Skeleton Clock Face & Hinges

Cogs Frames Set; Jumbo Cogs 10pk; Cogs 1 & Cogs 2

Dress Forms & Wire Dress Forms

Mini Sparrows; Flutterbies; Birds on a Branch

Botanic Accents; Foliage; Leafy Stems

Flower Layers 1,2 & 3

Mini Vine, Branches and Dress Forms

Scroll Borders

Scrolls

Vine Flourish; Fancy Labels, Christmas Baubles and Holly Flourish

Chandelier Small; Vintage Clock; Vintage Chandelier; Vintage Hat Stand; Vintage Keys

Music Border (2 pk)

Bird House Project - comes as a flat pack of die cut pieces.

This is only a mere hint of the range that is available at The Dusty Attic. I will be placing regular orders with them, so if you spot something on their website that takes your fancy, let me know and I can order it. Remember our policy all pre-paid orders receive a discount off the listed website price.

I will come back and edit this post with links to all the products in my online shop but I couldn't wait I just had to share these with all my scrapping friends and family.

Fingers and toes crossed that I get a chance to experiment over the weekend, so I can post what the finished product looks like... watch this space!

Mixed Media Altered Tin

2011-07-26T20:37:00.000+12:00

This was the Mixed Media Altered Tin I made for a swap on the Crafting Passionz Forum. The theme was "Underwater World" so I created a "Mini Mermaid Makeup" Kit.
The tin was a "Wild Bean Cafe" mint tin from BP.

TOP

BOTTOM

Inside the tin - showing the mirror and the makeup and hair accessories inside the decorated tin.

2 x blushers with swivel lids; 3 x eye shadow palettes, lipstick, 3 x hair clips and makeup brushes.

RED HOT NEWS

2011-06-01T23:28:00.000+12:00

Yes I know its been a while since I posted as there have been a few changes I've had to deal with in my work life. I'm now working full-time so although I like having the extra money, I'm missing the time I had used to have available for blogging and crafting and everything else that has gone by the wayside of late.
There are still a number of changes to come for the blog and they should be revealed over the next few weeks but for now a few announcements of what I have coming up over the next three weeks or so.

SENZ 2011:

First announcement is that I'm having a site at SENZ2011. For those who aren't familiar with SENZ - its the Scrapbooking, Cardmaking & Craft Expo and its back at the TelstraPacific Events Centre, Great South Road, Manukau.
Alas I'm not doing any classes as I will be holding down the fort on my own again, but I am planning to do heaps of demonstrations instead on my site. I have a heap of new stock from some fantastic new suppliers. Lots and lots of new scrapbooking and card making products and some great new tools that I can't wait to share with everyone.
These new brands and products will be available on my website after SENZ but to give you a taste of what to keep an eye out for... more Tim Holtz, Tonic Studio, Bazzill Basics, Teresa Collins, Zva and much much more.

Here are the details for SENZ - I hope to see you some time over the weekend.
When: Friday 24th June to Sunday 26th June
Time: 10am - 5pm Friday and Saturday; 10am - 4pm Sunday (Prepaid ticket holders get early bird entry from 9am each day)
There is also a Craft 'n Crop night Saturday night from 6.45pm - 10pm.

ONLINE SHOP:

Great news number 2 - my new online shop is at last up and running. I still have a lot of products to enter... especially all of the new products which are currently on order and due to arrive very soon.
Be sure to check out my shop on a regular basis to see all the new tools and scrapbooking products that I know you will love as much as I do. I will have a hard time trying hard not to keep them all for myself.
I can't wait for them all to turn up so I can start to play. New patterned papers, ribbons, flowers, inks, tools, the list goes on. I will be in scrapbooker's paradise so please Mr Postman hurry up and bring all my goodies.

FRIDAY NIGHT CROPS:

There are two Friday Night crops between now and SENZ. Probably won't be any new products for the crop this week (Friday 3rd June), but they should all be here for the next crop (Friday 17th June) if you want a sneak peak because you can't wait another week for SENZ.
You can check out crop times on my website Scrap FX- Crop Dates.

Changes to the Blog

2011-03-13T21:57:00.000+13:00

I've been contemplating things over the past week or so. Things about my blog, work, my business and I've decided there need to be some changes.
I love the new format of the blog but its just missing something though I'm not sure what. I will keep posting blogs in the current format over the next few weeks but you will start to notice some changes.
If you have any suggestions, then by all means please share. But for now... just watch this space.
I do have one announcement though. From Friday 1st April - yes April Fools Day - I will be holding Friday night Crops at the studio. They will be held every second Friday night. Only $5.00 which gives you access to all the tools I have at the studio except for the Klic-N-Kut.
If you have any requests or suggestions or you just want to know more about the Friday crops then leave a message here or mail me at paula@scrapfx.co.nz and I can respond directly to you.
I will be announcing some Project Classes and all day crops over some upcoming long weekends so watch out for more on these as well. If you know anyone in South Auckland looking for somewhere to do some uninterrupted scrapbooking, card making or crafting then I would love to meet them.
Whether you are new to scrapbooking or card making or an experienced crafter, then be sure to follow my blog for more announcements over the coming weeks.

Layouts - For Grandad 2

2011-03-10T19:00:00.000+13:00

A double layout for Grandad. I wanted a nice picture of him with each of the kids.

Off-The-Page - "D" for Dallas

2011-03-09T20:49:00.000+13:00

Here is the letter I made for nephew number 2 - Dallas. Happy Birthday Dallas!!!!

Card Day - Emily's Birthday

2011-03-08T21:31:00.000+13:00

Just a quickie tonight. I've been thinking about this card or something similar for a few days so it came together really quickly.

Technique Class - Cross Stitch

2011-03-07T22:41:00.000+13:00

For our final hand stitching technique class I must conclude with my favourite stitch, the cross stitch.
I am a cross stitcher from way back. It was my craft of choice before I discovered scrapbooking so I guess it has a special place in my heart.
The stitch itself is relatively easy, the hardest bit is making it look tidy and there are some tricks to helping you with that.

Make sure your holes are evenly spaced. The best way to do this is to use a piercing or stitching template.
Every 4 or 5 stitches make sure your thread isn't twisted. Whether you know it or not, you tend to turn your needle either clockwise or anti-clockwise as you sew (its the same direction all the time, you don't alternate) and this means your embroidery threads end up twisted so your stitches don't look as full and the threads are more likely to break or look uneven.
Make sure your crosses all cross in the same direction. Either left to right over the top or right to left over the top.

That's it really, pretty simple if you ask me.

There are a couple of ways of sewing cross stitches. You can either sew each stitch individually - which is best when there is spacing between each stitch, or you can sew them in strips sewing all the cross bars in one direction before turning back to sew all the cross bars in the opposite direction.

Continuous stitching from the front. Normally both cross bars would be the same colour, but I've done them in different colours just to illustrate what I mean.

Continuous Stitching from the back.

Stitching each individual cross stitch before starting the next one. It's the only way to stitch when there is some distance between the stitches like the bottom row, though it can also be used for side-by-side stitching like the top row though you do need to thread the needle underneath every second stitch to get the cross bars to cross in the same direction.

Individual cross stitching from the back.

And just to show you something different, that your cross stitching doesn't just have to be a straight line. I punched these holes using the Bazzill In Stitchz Round Template.

Scrapping Style?

2011-03-06T19:43:00.000+13:00

I was reading the January 2011 edition of Creating Keepsakes and they have an article on changing your scrapping style which I enjoyed reading. It did however get me started (once again) on trying to decide "what is my scrapping style?"
I'm sure those who know me and some of my creations will probably be able to answer the question - about my style - relatively easily but I'm still lost as to what my style is.
I don't know that I have a particularly style as I tend to change the style of the page I am creating depending upon a number of factors...

The theme of the page I am creating
The look of the photos and their style
The patterned paper I end up using
My mood (sometimes I am in the mood for lots of embellishments, sometimes I go minimalist)
Sometimes the layout just seems to tell me it needs a little bit more here or there and sometimes when I place the little bit more it just doesn't look right so I take it right back off
I tend not to plan my pages (general statement though I am trying to plan a bit more so I can be a bit more productive instead of relying on the inspiration flowing) so how the style flows is what the page ends up like.

Anyway... so I spent some of my creative time this afternoon instead, trolling the internet looking for definitions of what are scrapbooking styles so I could determine which one I fit into. And basically I came to the conclusion there is no clear definition of what one scrapping style is compared to another as everyone has their own opinion. So I turn full circle and go back to the aforementioned article and refer to the eight (though I am sure some people may say there are more) styles that they refer to and how to achieve this style.

Artsy Style - Combine patterns; add ink & paint; create your own backgrounds
Graphic Style - Use minimal supplies; use straight lines; create white space
Clean & Simple Style - Use a grid or template; limit embellishments; use patterns sparingly
Shabby Chic Style - Add clusters of accents; layer embellishments and ribbons; rough up the edges of your pages
Sophisticated Style - Dress up an accent; add personal touches; use patterned paper strips as ribbon
Cutesy Style - Add pre-made products; use a nickname for your title; use bright, fun colours
Whimsical Style - Create a scene on your background; use playful fonts; choose fanciful products
Classy Style - Use solid colours; keep it clean; focus on the photos

So reading through that I would have to say I tend towards...

A graphic, clean & simple, sometimes shabby chic look which uses cutesy colours with a whimsical style of fonts and classy solid colours.

Do you agree?

And what is your style?

Handmade - Templates

2011-03-05T23:27:00.000+13:00

Today I've been busy trying new techniques, cleaning, scrapping, organising, planning and downloading.
Tonight as my handmade items I've been hand-cutting some templates of some new shapes and designs. That sounds fairly straight forward and it is, though most of my templates I cut out of plastic so that I can re-use them hundreds if not thousands of times without the slightest sign of any damage.
I would post some pictures but they are all clear plastic so they don't photograph well. I will however point out some of my templates as I use them.

How do I create my templates?

First you need a design that you like and think you will use time and time again. It may be a die cut piece of paper that you really like the shape of or an image you have downloaded that you think would make a great background.
If I download an image I like, I print it out onto ordinary printer paper then cut it out with scissors. If its a die-cut piece of paper then I just use that.
I use re-positional adhesive dots to hold the paper template on to my plastic so I can then trace around it with a soft pencil - like a 3B - 6B.
I know you are asking what plastic do I use for my templates...
Go to your local $2 shop and look for packs of 2 clear plastic place mats. You can use coloured ones if you like, though I like the clear as then I can see the patterned paper beneath, just in case I am trying to line up a particular part of the pattern.
Having drawn or traced your pattern on the plastic, cut out the design using sharp but smallish scissors.
I then cut a small hole in one of the corners so that I can feed them onto the binder rings I have all my other templates on.
I have 4 or 5 rings now each with different sized templates on them.
The plastic can be quite firm to cut, so I wouldn't cut out too many at once, not unless you really like blisters across your fingers - just take my word for it on that.
And then when you have cut out your templates use them to cut patterned paper & cardstock for your scrapbook pages, cards and OTP projects.

Photo Techniques - Adding Words to Photos

2011-03-04T23:05:00.000+13:00

Sometimes we take photos of the people & animals we love that are incredible photos. They are perfectly clear, the lighting is fantastic, brilliant colour, everything is just so... except for that one big patch of background "blankness" that we just can't crop out of the photo without lessening the impact of the photo as a whole.
Don't disparage you do have options.

Get over it and just live with it as it is.
Disguise it somehow.

Sometimes I choose option 1 when nothing else I try works. It doesn't mean I have failed as a scrapper, it just means for the time being I am allowing it to be seen as it is - it doesn't mean I won't change my mind... it just is what it is.

If I go with option 2, I have a number of techniques at my disposal with which to disguise the big blank blob (from hell).

Hide it with rub-ons - for more on this see my earlier blog post.
Cover it with a decorative element or embellishment.
Cover it partially through the use of layering materials such as other photos, journaling, titles etc over it.
Disguise it using journaling or a title directly onto your photo using your photo software - in my case PHOTOSCAPE.

Whatever you favourite photo software is, it should be able to do something similar one way or another.

Open Photoscape
Select Editor
Open the photo you want to add the title or journaling to
Select the object tab
Select the text tool - this brings up a pop-up menu
Type in your journaling or title. You will see the text box automatically increases in size to accommodate the amount of typing you have entered.
Once you have keyed in what you want to include you can then start to alter the appearance. Try changing the colour of the font, adding a shadow, change the font size or font style until you get a look you are happy with.
Click OK to finishing editing the text box. This closes the pop-up box, though you can re-open it at any stage by double clicking on the text box.
Now move your text box to where you want to add it. You can at this stage resize the box to fit the available space and even alter the angle of the text box for added interest.
Once you are happy with the new look, save your photo to a new file name. Remember don't save over the top of your original photo... just in case!!!
Then you can print out your photo as you would normally print your photos and scrapbook.

Here are some before and after pictures...

This was just a sample to show the difference so I don't have a layout with picture... yet, but here are some examples of layouts.

With "Air Jordan" I kept the background as the original background - sky in this case. However in the picture below, I wanted to remove some of the background distraction (sorry Aunty Jean) so added a small heart onto which I then added the text block and this time changed the angle of the text box so the words would align with the heart frame.

Layouts - For Grandad

2011-03-03T19:00:00.000+13:00

I created these to go with the other pages we had on display for Grandad Steve's funeral, Tuesday last week.

We gave him this picture enlarged and framed for Christmas. It's a nice picture of all of the grandkids, though it is a pity that Steve is not looking his normal chirpy self. It was his 73rd birthday and we shared a picnic at the Auckland Botanical Gardens with the lovely and ever so cute Miss Vienna who let us share her first birthday celebration.

This is the man that most people know. Quiet, reflective... a man who listened rather than saying much.

Off-The-Page - "J" for Jordan

2011-03-02T19:00:00.000+13:00

I saw these blank letters at Spotlight a while ago and thought they were so cool. Then I saw them a bit later on sale, so I hunted through and found the letters I needed.

Over the period of about a week I finished off four letters all completely different. Three boys for my nephews - Jordan, Dallas & Troy and a little girl for my Granddaughter Sonia-Marie.

You won't get to see them all straight away. You like the kids have to wait until their birthdays... yes I know I'm mean.

Here are the stages of development of Jordan's "J". And yes I know his birthday was a while ago, I just haven't had a chance to share this with you until now.

The "blank" letter.

I first painted the edge and a little of the front.

Then painted the back as I wasn't going to cover this side.

Then covered the "J" part - pre-sanding.

Post-sanding.

Then I painted the body and hair. Luckily they were all blonde lol. I also then dressed them.

I also tried to texture the hair a little so it looked a bit more realistic.

Using a fine tipped felt pen I hand drew in the facial features.

Then painted in the teeth and eyes.

Finally I added their individual names and decorated each letter.

Card Day - Dallas' Birthday

2011-03-01T19:00:00.000+13:00

My adorable nephew Dallas is lucky or unlucky enough to have been born on February 29th, so he only gets to celebrate his birthday on his actual birthday once every four years. So as he only turned three yesterday... he still has another year to wait for the big day.

I love this card, its so kid friendly. Lots of dimension and lots to touch. The signs are all printed on foam. The sticks are coloured craft sticks and I have also used adhesive foam for even more dimension.
I want a card this cool for my birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DALLAS

LOVE AUNTY PAULA XXOOXX

Technique Class - Hand Stitching 2

2011-02-28T22:13:00.000+13:00

I know we've had a bit of a break but as you know I've had a couple of good excuses.

Anyway... Hand Stitching - Part 2

This week we get a little bit more complicated. Today we look at two edge stitches - Over Sewing and Blanket Stitch.
Unlike Running Stitch and Back Stitching which can be done anywhere on a page of project, both of these stitches need to be sewn around the edge of something, so you may want to consider using these for instance to create a decorative edge on a photo mat.
They are both very similar with only one step that is slightly different.
This is what they look like:

From the front they look a lot different, though from the back they are very similar. (Just the angle of the stitch is different really).
OVER STITCHING:
As I mentioned above you need to make your holes reasonably close enough to the edge of the paper or cardstock. Mine are about 5 - 6mm from the edge.
Start by securing your thread to the back of the page. I like to use Magic Tape but any sellotape will do. I try to leave a tail of about 3/4 - 1" in length. (Sorry about changing from imperial to metric and back again, but I use them both - I know confusing LOL).
Bring the need up through the hole from the bottom to the top.
Then keep repeating this, every stitch starts from underneath and goes up through the hole. Your stitching always heads in the same direction. Being right handed I find it is easiest to hold the card stock in my left hand then sew with my right. I create like a loop of thread from on top of the sewing (the good side) to underneath and back up again through the next hole in the line. You can vary the angle if you want, though you will find that your thread finds its way into its own natural stitch over the edge of the paper, usually at an angle that uses the smallest amount of thread possible. It has to do with the tautness of the threads and ensuring the stitches don't slip (sorry bit technical there).

BLANKET STITCHING:
Starts of the same and is essentially the same stitch with one extra little twist. You actually catch the needle on the way through to add a horizontal line of thread between the each pair of over stitches.

With the Over Sewing, the needle goes UNDERNEATH the thread, so avoiding it. With blanket Stitch, the needle goes OVER THE TOP of the thread, catching it in place. The picture above shows the the horizontal extra stitch on the outside of the edge, whereas in my example I have stitched it with the horizontal stitch inside of the edge.
It's called a blanket stitch because it was used on the edges of blankets to edge them, instead of sewing a hem. This method used considerable less material so your blanket was larger and you didn't have to buy as much material. Also most blanket material tends not to fray so the stitch could be more decorative as the main purpose of stitching was not to hide the edge and prevent the material from fraying and falling apart.

In this picture, imagine the edge of your photo mat runs along the edge where "B" & "D" are.
I know that is getting a bit technical so to lighten things a little, here is a little sample of some running stitch that I forgot to add to the last blog.

I used the "In the Garden" In Stitchz template from Bazzill. And once again show the back as well as the front.
Watch for more layouts and projects showing hand stitching in some of my future blogs as well as my final technique class on hand stitching next week.

Change to your scheduled programme...

2011-02-23T21:17:00.000+13:00

I know today is supposed to be an off-the-page project but at 12.51pm yesterday afternoon my hometown, Christchurch, was hit by a 6.3 earthquake. Though not as strong as the first earthquake in September last year that kicked of the nightmare that has been the lives of so many people down there, it was however considerably more devastating due to the depth and proximity to the city.
I can't comprehend the feelings and emotions that people are experiencing now, I only know how I feel knowing so many of my family and friends are in the middle of it all. They are living the horrors of it all every hour of every day.
I know in the scheme of things this probably isn't much, but I have to share some of the few memories I have scrapped of sharing my hometown with my family who are currently all safe here in Auckland.
As I looked through my albums looking for pages I feel a loss for all the pictures I have not taken, not through a lack of opportunity, just because they are scenes and buildings that have always been there and I like so many other people, thought always would be there.
My heart goes out not only to my own family and friends but to all of Christchurch and indeed New Zealand. As we all work together, finding strength from each other I can't help saying, I've never been more proud to be a KIWI!!!
Good luck, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Blog

2011-02-22T22:00:00.000+13:00

Sorry no blog today as this morning was my step-children's grandfather's funeral.

We hadn't been home long from that when I received a phone call from my sister to say that my home town of Christchurch had been hit by another powerful earthquake, but that our parents, who still live there, were OK.

I spent the afternoon & evening watching the news.

I should be back on board tomorrow night with another new blog though.

Thank you.

Best & Worst - Rub-Ons

2011-02-20T19:00:00.000+13:00

One of my favourite embellishments to use on all projects not just scrapbook layouts are rub-ons, though I have to confess I have somewhat of a love-hate relationship with them.

I love that in general they are all so easy to use. You simply cut out the desired design, position it and rub it into place.
I hate that there are exceptions to the general rule above... and that some do not seem to want to rub-off AT ALL no matter how hard or soft I try to rub them off the backing paper, no matter what tool I use either.
I also hate those that come off TOO easily and when you open up the pack you find that they are now permanently affixed to the backing sheet and are therefore unusable.
I love sheets of rub-ons where the manufacturer has squished in lots of designs onto one sheet including lots of small images because you feel like you are getting value for money as you can use them on so many projects. Or even better... two or more sheets in the pack!!!
I hate manufacturers and retailers who skimp on their designs per page and then charge the earth for only a few rub-ons.
I love that we can now find so many different coloured and colours of rub-ons, other than just black and white, though I still love these as well.
I hate that I can't always get the colour I want, of the colour combination I want (okay maybe I am just getting picky now lol), though I do understand the high investment required by retailers if they have to or choose to stock a huge variety of products and colours. I understand when they choose only to stock the most popular styles and colours - it just doesn't mean I have to like it. And yes I understand that you can't keep 100% of the people happy 100% of the time.
I love that some overseas designers and manufacturers are starting to cater for the AUS/NZ markets by including words spelt our way such as "MUM" & "MOM" and Autumn as well as Fall.
I hate that we are still bound by US/UK seasonalities though for the majority of products. For instance most Christmas products are Winter themed and coloured, and most Winter themed products are also Christmas related. And what about countries like AUS & NZ who have temperate Winters... NO SNOW????
I love manufacturers that include a rub-on tool/stick even if only a wooden Popsicle stick (and even though I now have hundreds of them).
I hate manufacturers that assume you have hundreds of Popsicle sticks at home, so DON'T include a rub-on tool with their product. Not everyone is experienced with a HUGE STASH (like mine).
I love that there is so much variety available... no longer just black letters. Now we can get different coloured letters, words, phrases, images, backgrounds, different materials, full pictures, components to make up pictures, scenes, all sorts of themes and combinations of all of the above.
I hate that too often the images and phrases tend to be very generic. I wish more designers and manufacturers would cater to things/lives etc outside of the box. For instance - blended families, adoptions, tom-boys, Civil Unions (instead of just male/female marriage), unusual pets, women and girls who like cars (or trains for Miss Wendy) and not just for the boys... or maybe its just me who wants to scrap outside the box????

Question for you...

"What alternative theme would you love to see a manufacturer bring onto the market as a new theme for rub-ons or any other embellishment for that matter?"

Layout - Warts & All

2011-02-17T19:00:00.001+13:00

I was having a bit of a bad day sometime late last year. I was a little bit down as I was having no luck in finding a job (among other things). My darling husband text me to see how my day was going and to cut a long story short I vented to him.
He came back with a message to comfort me telling me that regardless of what I was going through or how I was feeling about myself at the time, he loved me just the way I was and married me "warts and all".
It may not have been the most romantic way of putting it, but it said it all to me. And even now just thinking about him telling me this makes me cry HAPPY TEARS. Thinking and knowing that he loves the whole me (even though I am INCREDIBLY HIGH MAINTENANCE at times) he still accepts and loves me good and bad, baggage and dreams, warts and all.

Off-The-Page - LOVE

2011-02-16T19:00:00.000+13:00

LOVE - The Valentine's Day altered present I made for my darling husband.
(And he growled me for both giving him a present and sending flowers to his work LOL)

Card Day - Two cards from almost the same materials

2011-02-15T23:57:00.000+13:00

Two very quick cards I whipped up tonight, a couple of pictures and a personal message in this blog.

I wanted to challenge myself to make two very distinct cards using the same materials with a common look to them as well... so here is what you get...

On a personal note it is with sadness that I share the news of the passing this afternoon of my step-children's Grandfather after a short illness. Although it was expected, the news has still come as somewhat of a shock to all of the family. At least his suffering has now ended.
As to be expected we never know how things will play out with all the arrangements that need to be made, so I apologise in advance if I miss any blogs over the next week. I know you are probably frowning to yourselves and saying I don't need to explain and I thank you for you understanding. I will however try to pre-prepare some posts.

Granddad Steve (Stewart) Sumbler, you will be missed.

Technique Class - Hand Stitching

2011-02-14T22:55:00.000+13:00

If you have done any kind of sewing in the past, you should have no problem with adapting what you have done with fabric to what to do with cardstock and paper. The only real difference is paper is considerable stiffer than fabric - generally speaking.
If however you have never sewn before, then learning to sew may feel at first somewhat akin to learning a foreign language or trying to breath underwater - just not that natural. Still hopefully I can take some of the mystery and difficulty out of it so you no longer feel the drowning sensation. I will try to make it as easy as possible... though as with all my blogs... don't hesitate to ask me any questions if it doesn't make sense. I think I know what I'm talking about... I just may not be able to translate that into comprehendable English.

Materials aka what you need:

Craft Project - though if this is all new to you, I would suggest trying it out on some scrap card stock first... and yes card stock is easier to sew than patterned paper
Needle - not too big an eye (the hole the thread goes through) but big enough to get your thread through (otherwise you will give up in frustration before you even start)
Embroidery thread or fibres such as wool

To make it a bit easier on yourself you will also need:

Awl or something else to poke small holes in paper to sew through - it makes it HEAPS easier to sew through the cardstock if you have already pre-punched you holes. Just bear in mind you want the holes to be small enough so that they disappear under the thread, but big enough that you can easily get the threaded needle through the hole.
Stitching template (although not essential, if you are new to sewing, using a template shows you where to push your needle in order to make some kind of pretty picture)
Mat or mouse pad - to put under your cardstock so that when you poke the hole through the cardstock that you don't damage whatever is underneath... you... table... you... (you get the picture). I prefer a mouse pad - one of the old floppy & squishy ones, though I know my friend Miss Wendy likes using her harder cutting mat. It's a matter of personal preference and what you can find.

RUNNING STITCH:

This is the easiest stitch to do.

Starting from underneath (the WRONG SIDE) of your cardstock push your threaded needle up through the paper to the top (GOOD SIDE). The push your needle back through to the other side again. Keep repeating this over and over again.
The trick is to try to keep your stitches the same length on BOTH sides of the cardstock... which is where a stitch template comes in REALLY, REALLY handy.
It's called a running stitch because when you do this in fabric (thought not really cardstock as its too firm) you can run several of the same stitches onto the needle at once before pulling it completely through. This speeds up the sewing process.

BACK STITCH:
Similar to the running stitch though you end up creating a row of stitching without any gaps on the front (GOOD) side.
Start the same as a running stitch - come up from underneath the paper. Then instead of sewing forward your first stitch is in a backwards direction. Go back down to the other side of the paper behind where you started (in terms of your line of sewing.)
When you come back up from underneath you come back up one hole forward of where you first came up.
So in the picture below... come up at A. Go back down at B. Then come up again at C to complete one stitch. At this point you then start again stitch backwards into the hole back down the line of sewing which in this diagram would be the hole marked A. You keep repeating this over and over again.

The front and back of actual sewing look like the images below. Compare them to those for running stitch to see the difference. The running stitch looks the same on both the front and back. The back stitch looks completely different front to back. And yes I usually finish off my sewing with sellotape as knot is too bulky under the cardstock.

More stitching next week... I hope you come back... I really, really do!!!

Missing Blogs

2011-02-13T22:43:00.000+13:00

I have a really good excuse honest...

Thursday night I sorted and packed to go to crop on Friday night. I haven't been for so long so it took a wee bit to get organised... I'm out of practice.
Tried to print some photos to find my printer still won't print 4x6 pages - it just won't pick up the paper - anyone got any suggestions on what to try??

Friday night - I went to crop straight from work and wasn't home until after midnight. I did make some progress on an Off-The-Page project you will see later this week and some layouts including an un-finished one which has been sitting around for a couple of years. Still a bit to go on it but at least I made progress.

Saturday was just spent scrapping as well as some family time. I also spent some time cleaning my studio - which it was in major need of doing. Still a lot to be done but at least I made progress and did well and truly more than my daily allowance of 15 minutes de-cluttering... though as I haven't done any for a few weeks I'm probably still behind in my rations.

Sunday - sleep in though not that long considering the late night (early this morning) when I went to bed. I managed to finished 2 layouts which you will see over the next two weeks. I also did some de-cluttering in my bedroom and sorted out the washing from yesterday so maybe I am back ahead again now... JUST!!! Major achievement was finishing my OTP project which is great as it is hubbie's Valentine's present, well one of them. Don't tell him, but I'm sending him flowers as well... TO WORK!!! I will post a pic of the flowers tomorrow after we get back from dinner.