My first article as CT member for Scrapbooking Memories Magazine - Vol. 16 - No. 7

Hi everyone,

Just popping in to share the details of my first article as Creative Team member for Scrapbooking Memories magazine here in Australia :)

I was asked to be part of this team back in September last year, right before I was headed overseas on our trip to Ireland.  Of course I said YES, as who on earth would ever say no to something as big & exciting as this?!?!  This meant I had a few weeks to get my first article plus 2 layouts done before I headed off overseas, as it was due at the mag in the weeks while I would be away....eeeeeeek!  For someone who had never written an article before, I sure was feeling the pressure!  I had no idea WHAT I was even going to write my article on....besides something in the theme of "trends", which was the theme for the issue that my first article would appear in.  I had no time to sit & ponder what I could come up with that was trendy at that time within the scrapbooking world - we all know that there are many trends around at any given time!

So, I had to make a quick decision & then get to work with creating my layouts PLUS writing my 400-800 word article! (mine ended up being 600 for this one).  I decided my article would be on "Threads & Fibres", which is just one of the many current trends at the moment.

My first article was in Vol. 16 - No. 7, which went on sale here in Australia on 30th January 2014.
My articles for my full 12 month term are titled  "How to - Graphic" - which is aimed at those scrapbookers who tend to not use a heavily medium based style.....

 

 

 

Here's a few snapshots I took of the pages of my article....

And here are the actual layouts from the article

 

 

"Gog & Magog"

(The names of the 2 "apostles" in the pics from the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road)

 

For this layout I've demonstrated a few uses of threads & fibres, both in my cluster

& in amongst my paper layers....as well as some stitching around the border of the layout.

 

 

And here's a few close ups, where hopefully you can get a better look

at my use of fibres & threads :)

 

Some scrunched up bunches of cotton threads in amongst the cluster...using 3

different coloured threads

 

 

Some gyprockers tape...that I had coated in gesso to give it a thicker look & thereby giving more prominence & definition on the page.

 

 

More cotton scrunches at the top left of photo, in amongst the paper layers.

 

 

And again, at the bottom right of photos.

 

 

A bit of a close up shot of the photos & detail of the main area of the page :)

 

 

 

My 2nd layout for the article....

 

"Teaching him well"

(which is an ongoing task, I might add!! lol)

Here I've used some twine shaped into a circle to frame the subject of the photo, as well as some muslin strips & gyprockers tape.

 

 

Some tufts of muslin in amonst the cluster that have been cut into small pieces, then teased & poked in amongst the embellishments of the cluster.

 

 

The circle of twine used as a frame....simply tied in a knot & then held in place

with a small wooden peg.  This is a great idea to bring focus to the subject in the photo.

 

 

Some more Gyprockers tape in under the paper layers.

 

 

Journaling about how I've been slowly teaching him (DH) that he needs to take photos too!

But as I said previously...this is an ongoing, and probably never ending task!!

 

 

 

So there you have it....my first article :)))

 

This little black duck was, and still is, totally chuffed to finally see it in print, and now to be able to share with you all here on my blog....thanks so much for taking the time to check it out,

I really do appreciate it!

 

Until next time....happy scrapping! xx

More Teresa Collins Far & Away for All About Scrapbooks

Hi there everyone :)
 

I am back again to share another layout using Teresa Collins Far & Away collection

for All About Scrapbooks.  As you know, the Far & Away collection is travel themed (and we all know how I love to scrap travel photos!), but today's layout is to show the versatility of this fabulous range and how it can be used for just about any themed layout :)

 

"Selfie Fail?"

I went for a white cardstock base for this one, with some added background work - you can see details of what I did to get this background HERE on the AAS blog.

 

Pic is of my pooch, Oscar & I whilst out walking....and me trying to get a selfie shot of us.  BUT Mr Oscar does not like to look at the camera (unless you bribe him with food!)....plus I kind of cut the bottom part of his head out! lol.  The sun was in my eyes, and I could not see a

darn thing....so it was a blind shot!

Hahaha...anyways, another photo/memory scrapped, and these papers suit it fantastically :)

My journaling is on the back of the layout.

 

 

Here's a few close ups

A cute little cluster <3



 

.......and banner

 

 

 

 

So, as I mentioned previously, more details on techniques, products used & some more closeups, pop on over to the AAS blog HERE.

 

Thanks so much for dropping by today :)  xx

 

Teresa Collins - Far & Away for All About Scrapbooks/15th March Stuck sketch

Hello there everyone :)

 

Today I have a layout to share, created as part of my DT work for All About Scrapbooks, using the fabulous Teresa Collins "Far & Away" collection.

 

My layout is based on the 15th March Stuck sketch....

 

"Poulnabrone Dolmen"

 

I just LOVE this map paper I've used for the background, and seeing's that it is a fairly busy paper, I left good enough alone, so refrained from any background work, besides a few flicks of red GM

 

Pics are from Ireland (yep, I've got thousands of photos to get through!!) at a megalithic tomb called Poulnabrone Dolmen, which is in Co. Clare in a really barren area called "The Burren" - such an interesting & amazing looking place as it is so barren & full of rocks which is a vast contrast to the rest of Ireland which is so so green!

 

 

Here is the Stuck sketch that my layout is based on...as you can see I've stuck

well & truly to the sketch!

 

 

 

 

And a few close ups...

 

 

 Journaling about the details of the tomb

 

Some 2Crafty chevron bits (LOVE these!) at the sides of the photos... and an overall view.

 

 

Pop on over to the AAS blog HERE if you'd like to see more close ups & product information.

 

Thanks so much for your visit today :)  xx

 

Some more Limelight for All About Scrapbooks/Kaisercraft Saturday sketch

 Hello there scrappers...I'm back to share my 2nd layout using the fabulous "Limelight" collection from Kaisercraft, as part of my DT work for All About Scrapbooks.

 

As I mentioned in my previous post, I just LOVE the greens in this collection, and the coordinating greys & browns are right up my alley too :)))

 

So here is the layout I created for the Kaisercraft 1st Saturday sketch for March....

 

I have used the Kaisercraft bubble template to stamp on my background using a few different mists, as well as some stamping with Kaisercraft Tiny Dot stamp.  Most of the products used are Kaisercraft goodies :) .... with the exception of the alpha's, flair badge, a few of the flowers & the washi tape.

 

 

Here is the sketch that my layout is based on

 

 

 

And now for a few close ups...

These leaves from the Collectables pack are just AMAZING!

Absolutely LOVE them...they are so real looking!

 

There's even a super duper old Kaisercraft brad tucked there in my cluster....I think I've had it for probably 7 years or so.  So yay that I've finally used it!!! lol

 

 

 

 

The photo I've used is this amazing old bridge in a gorgeous little town called Inistioge in Co. Kilkenny that we visited on a day trip from Kilkenny town where we were staying.

 

If you'd like to see more closeups & more details on techniques etc, then please pop over to the All About Scrapbooks blog HERE.

 

I also have another layout using this yummy collection over on the AAS blog, plus on my previous post here if you missed it.

 

Until next time....thanks so much for dropping by :) xx

Kaisercraft Limelight for All About Scrapbooks

Hi everyone....today I'm sharing a layout created for All About Scrapbooks using Kaisercraft's "Limelight" collection.  This collection is full of lovely greens and coordinating greys, browns & some white, and I have been in my element creating with it :)


"Cahir Castle"

I've played with a bit of gesso for my background & added strips of various PP's along with lots of diecuts from the Collectables pack to create my page.

 

 

Here are a few close ups...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pics are of Cahir Castle in Co. Tipperary.

This was one of my fav castles throughout Ireland

 

There are a heap more close ups PLUS details on how I created my backgound along with products used over on the AAS blog HERE if you'd like to check it out :)

 

Thanks so much for dropping by today....enjoy the rest of your weekend.  xx

 

 

SBM Master's entry - Part 4

Hi there everyone & welcome :)

 

I'm finally back to share my last layout as part of my entry for last years Scrapbooking Memories Master's competition.  The 4th criteria was to create a layout with a unique background.

 

This one was my least favourite out of the 4 entries that I created, and was the one that I thought may let me down in my entry.  But ironically, it is the one that received an Honourable Mention!!!  LOL...go figure!  Just goes to show you never know what other people see in your work, and I guess we are sometimes our own worst critic!

 

So anyways...on with my layout :)

I've used lots of mixed media products for my background...and I guess it is quite unique, as I don't think I could replicate it if I tried! lol.  There's muslin, gyprocker's mesh tape, texture paste, gesso, mists, stamping & gelato's and I've used a CW template, Kaisercraft stamp & the end of a cardboard roll to create my background using the products just mentioned :)

 

 

A close up of my cluster

 

 

Lots of texture added to my 2Crafty chipboard & finished off by painting in glimmermist.

 

 

Title & close up of some of the background work

 

 

The papers I used are a mixture of fairly old Basic Grey collections - I couldn't tell you exactly which ones though, but they are all BG.

 

 

and my journaling about my coffee addicted husband....lol

 

 

 

So that is the end of my Master's entries for 2013.

I guess this years comp will be here before we know it....are you going to apply this year?!?

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to read through my post :)

Enjoy your weekend everyone....xx

Teresa Collins - Far Away for All About Scrapbooks/ Scrap365 March sketch

Hi everyone & welcome :)

 

How is everyone's weekend going? 

I'm having a bit of a scappy weekend, so the tunes are pumping, my desk is a mess (oh yes it is!!) and I've been getting ink, gelato's, gesso & modelling paste everywhere :)))  It's secret squirrel stuff, so I won't be able to share for a while, sorry! 

Oh aren't I a tease!! lol

 

Anyways, today I'm sharing a layout I've created for All About Scrapbooks, using

Teresa Collins' Far Away collection - I am loving the colours & patterns in this gorgeous collection and....the texture & weight of the paper is fabulous...it is so strong & sturdy - great for distressing :))

 

So, my layout is based on the Scrap365 March sketch, and here is what I've created....

 

Pics are of our trip to Ireland last year - in particular, Temple Bar, in the Temple Bar area of Dublin.  The buzz in this whole area is amazing - could easily spend the whole day there!

 

 

Here is the fabo sketch...

 

 

 

And a couple of close ups...

 

 

 

For more close ups & details on techniques & products used, pop on over to the All About Scrapbooks blog HERE ....would love to have you visit us over there! :)

 

Thanks so much for dropping by...enjoy your weekend.  xx

 

 

 

SBM Master's entry - Part 3 (large photo content)



Hello again everyone

 

I'm back again today to share part 3 of my Scrapbooking Memories Magazine Master's entry....and oopsy again that it's taken me so long in between my entry posts (you can blame that pesky little four lettered word - W.O.R.K.!!)
 

For those who don't know, this competition was held last year, and the 10 "Master's" have already been announced.....but a huge thanks to those who have wished me luck on my previous posts.  Unfortunately, this year wasn't for me....although I was lucky enough to be asked to join Scrapbooking Memories as one of their Creative Team members for this year and I will be having a 2 page article in each months issue....YAY

 

Ok, so on with my entry.

This one was for the criteria.....to create a 2014 Calendar.
I have included quite a fair amount of pics to try to show my calendar as best as I can....it was a little difficult to photograph to try and show so that you get the full picture/idea of it in just one photo.  So I hope you'll bear with me to the end of my post :)))

 

This is what I came up with....and I'd hate to think how many hours I put into this - lots of LATE nights (well past midnight), spread over a quite a few days (with work in between too)...the family even pitched in & cooked etc while I was head down, bum up...so to speak.

 

This is my favourite entry out of the 4 completed....and to say I was disappointed that I didn't get a HM, is a bit of an understatement.  But oh well....them's the breaks - obviously it wasn't what they were looking for & didn't like it as much as me....LOL.

 

 

Ok, so I first made all the monthly cards, then had to find something to fit them all in.  I was thinking some kind of box that I could alter & decorate...or something along those lines.

 

I ended up with a basket...

All the papers & most of the embellishments are from Kaisercraft's "Marigold" collection that I won as my prize for SBM's 2013 People's choice award last year.

 

I've added some PP, trim & diecut to the basket, to help tie it all in with the monthly cards.

 

 

 

 

The cards just sit in the basket in monthly order....with their positioning alternating from left to right....I prefered this idea, rather than them all sitting in single file behind each other (makes them a bit easier to see) plus it helped fill the basket!! lol

 

 

Each card has a heap of machine stitching....plus a few different pockets and openings.

Depending on the month, some have more pockets than others....but each month has at least 2 pockets.

 

 

 

 

 

Each month also has a pullout tab like this...from the main verticle pocket, and the idea is to add photos (front & back) from things that happened for that month....or for a bit of journaling perhaps :)

 

 

 

 

Each month has a printed calendar on the front, that I found online.

 

 

Plus each month is embellished with co-ordinating embellishments.

 

 

For months that have a lot happening, such as a few birthday's etc, I've added an extra

pocket that runs horizontal & sticks out to one side of the main card,

as you can see above (the green bit poking out)...all stitched together with the top side left open to create the pocket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've used LOTS of 2Crafty chipboard to embellish....at least one piece on just about every month.

(LOVE my 2Crafty!! <3 <3 <3)

 

 

The back's of each month is nicely decorated with PP's as well.

 

 

 

This one has another extra pocket....all for extra storage of bit's n bob's from the month's events.

And here you can see the back of the pockets.  So there's 2 back pockets in this one - one vertical & one horizontal...plus it has the opening card at the front (I have a pic of the inside of a few cards further down in my post...plus details of a front pocket)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now for a bit of a look at the inside....

This is the inside of one of the cards....a little clip board type sheet with the dates of things to remember, with room on the inside cover for more photos or other bits & pieces from events that happened, such as tickets etc etc.  PLUS I have left space when gluing the card down, for another pocket behind each card....so there's lots & lots of storage available for each month :)

 

 

 

 

 

And here's the inside of a few more cards.

 

 

 

So there you have my 2014 Calendar....which sits on a shelf in my scrap room

(I'm yet to add any photos etc to it....just need to find the time to sit & get started on it!)

 

If you are still with me after such a long post....a HUGE thank you!

I hope you have enjoyed seeing my calendar.

 

Thanks so much for dropping by...xx