A Sneaky Post....YOU ROCK!

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

I am being a little sneaky today and have jumped on to share with you a really fun layout that I have done recently!

If you follow us regularly you would know that we just had our Autumn Retreat in the beautiful Victorian town, Bright. It was a heap of fun (as it always is)! A huge thank you to Jo for her planning and organisation of the weekend...it was superb!

I ran a workshop on the weekend using two of the newest Australian products on the market...Colour Blast Shimmer Pots and the Cocoa Vanilla Collection 'You Rock'!

I have stopped by to share with you the process in creating my layout that I used in the workshop. The ladies that joined me were a little unsure to begin with but in the end I believe that they were all very impressed with their creations. They were all very different to mine...which I love...our aim was to have a play with the product and to delve into our own creativity not to create identical layouts!

If you would like to follow with this process you will need the following products which are all available on the Scrapbookit Online Store (http://www.scrapbookit.com.au/online-shop.aspx) 

*White Cardstock 

*Cocoa Vanilla 'You Rock' Ephemera

*Cocoa Vanilla 'You Rock' Washi Stickers

*Colour Blast Shimmer Cubes - Sunshine, Tangareen Dream & Just Blue

*Colour Blast Colour Paste - Sunshine, Tangareen Dream & Just Blue

*Gel Medium 

*Kaisercraft Mini Template - Woven
*Kaisercraft Mini Template -Rough Grid

I have also used plain water colour paints in my background. 

Here goes...I hope you enjoy!

Step 1: Planning

Whilst this may change at the very end...I always like to have a bit of an idea in my head as to what I would like my finished project to look like. Often it dramatically changes but that's ok.

I took my Cocoa Vanilla 'You Rock' Ephemera and sorted through the pieces and placed them roughly with my photo to create a bit of a plan.

Step 2: Let's get messy!

Now that I had a plan in my mind it was time to create my background. Prior to this project I had had a play around with the products that I was using, especially the new Shimmer Cubes from Colour Blast.

The first layer that I created was using the plain water colour paints.  It doesn't matter what water colour paints you have, they all work! The only difference being possibly the intensity of the colour or quality of the colour...saying that the most expensive aren't always the most ideal. I have a variety of options and what I looked for was the colour matching with the Shimmer Cubes. 

I started with the lightest colour first...I used a makeup sponge to apply the colour.

  

 It is important to remember that the more water that you add the lighter the colour on your page and then obviously the less water the darker the colour.

You may also need to add a few layers to get the colour that you are looking for.

I continued adding the two other colours. I didn't dry the colours in between to allow for a little blending to occur. I also often squeezed the sponge and colour onto the page to make puddles that I allowed to dry naturally.

I tried not to go overboard with this water colour background as I knew that I would be adding to this the Shimmer Cubes colour.

Once happy with it I dried it off before moving onto using the Colour Blast Shimmer Cubes.

Step 3: Colour Blast Shimmer Cubes

I followed a very similar process but this time I used a larger water colour brush.

The Colour Blast Shimmer Cubes are so easy to use. You can spray water into the cube or you can wet your brush/sponge and collect the colour.

Again, I layered the colour to get the intensity that I liked and I also squeezed the water and colour from my brush to make puddles. I was able to create drips of colour by doing this.

The shimmer is hard to see in photos...but it is absolutely gorgeous!

Step 4: Gel Medium and Shimmer Cubes

I decided to add another texture to my layout using Gel Medium and the Colour Blast Shimmer Cubes. Basically I used a small amount of Gel Medium and some of the Shimmer Cube 'Just Blue' and mixed them together on my craft mat.

Try not to use too much water in this process as it takes away the texture from the Gel Medium when it dries.

Once the colour is mixed through I applied it to my layout in random places using one of the new Kaisercraft Mini Templates - Woven.

 

  I allowed this to dry.

Step 5: Colour Blast Colour Paste and Splatters

I then used another of the new Kaisercraft Mini Templates - Rough Grid with the Colour Blast Colour Pastes. This is the darker colour squares that you can see on the page.

The last thing I added to my background were some splatters using the Colour Blast Shimmer Cubes.

To do this make sure you add plenty of water to the colour and flick your brush around the page.

  

A few tips with the cubes...(From the Colour Blast website)

*Make sure that after you have used them that they are completely dry before replacing their lids.

*Do not expose them to direct heat...they will melt. If you find that they melt, take the lid off and allow them to dry out before replacing their lids.

I was pretty happy with how it was looking with my photo...

I then added all of my Ephemera back on and started to adhere it to the page. I found it was easier to use a strong glue rather then double sided tape as the page had lots of textures and was a little warped!

 I also added some of the washi stickers (which don't feature in this photo).

After I had put it all together I decided that I needed a couple of feature areas close to the edge of the page to finish of the layout. I also went around the squares from the Rough Grid Template with a black pen to highlight them.

Here is the final product...

Well, I hope you have enjoyed today's post featuring Cocoa Vanilla 'You Rock' and Colour Blast Shimmer Cubes...I am so addicted to these products at the moment :)

Be sure to grab these products from the online store and share your layout when you are done on our Facebook Page! I love seeing what others have created.

If you were in the workshop on the weekend I would love it if you could share your gorgeous creations with everyone on our Facebook page.

I will back on Thursday with my next share for this month.

Have a great afternoon!

x Mel x

Daily Grind

Hi Everyone,

ONLY 1 SLEEP TO GO!!!!

It is finally here...the Scrapbookit Retreat! A weekend full of fun, laughter and plenty of scrapbooking. Just what the doctor ordered I say!

If you can't tell I am really looking forward to the weekend!!!

Keep up to date with what happens over the weekend via our Facebook page!

For this post I am actually going to give you an insight into the project I will be sharing as a class this weekend...

I have created a 'Mini Clipboard Album', a cute little way to share and display a special event or some special photos around your home.

I am really looking forward to working with the class on the weekend to complete this project.

I have used the Simple Stories 'Daily Grind' paper pad for this project. I just LOVE Simple Stories...they are my most favourite!

I started with a plain clipboard and have covered it with a 'homemade transparency' (a secret that I have to keep for the class...sorry!).

Here is how it turned out.

I can't begin to tell you how happy I am with this project. It came together in the end and it is something that I will be proud to display in my home.

Here are a few more photos...

Not only have I used paper but I have tried to use some different products throughout the mini album like tags, hessian, washi tape, tabs, homemade transperancies etc. 

I avoided adding too much dimension so that the paper/card could lie reasonably flat.

Here are some close ups...

Materials used: Simple Stories Daily Grind Paper Pad; clipboard; acetate; serviettes; Kraft Card; hessian; twine; Ink - Versa Colour; Manor House Word; tags (large); Glimmermist and/or Colourshine spray; Mod Podge; Washi tape; rub ons (Kaisercraft - old stock); Kaisercraft Wooden Letters

So there is my retreat off the page project!

If you are heading along to our retreat this weekend and you want to find out more why not book into the class?

If you are not heading to the retreat...have you had a go at this month's challenge???

There are some great entries in the gallery

The gorgeous Mary Bennetts has set this challenge as she is our guest Designer for this month.

 For my Challenge I would like to see layers, texture & the title to be from a song or quote. I would also like to see some stamping

 Why not give it a shot? And when you have finished email your pic to Jo (joanne@scrapbookit.com.au) to enter the challenge!

Well, for those of you we won't be seeing over the weekend...have a wonderful one! 

For all retreat goers...see you really soon!! Yay!!

Until next time,

Mel x

Sweet Sentiments

Welcome to my first post for March!

It is Mel here and what an exciting month we have here at Scrapbookit!

I apologise that it is a little late going live on the blog, but here in Victoria we have had a long weekend. We headed away and had no service and therefore no internet...I survived (just!) but hence this post is a little late. Hope all Victorians had an awesome long weekend!

So back to the exciting month we have here at Scrapbookit...

We have a new Guest Design Team Member, a huge welcome to Mary Bennetts, thanks for being our guest designer!

Mary has set a great challenge for us this month. It is to create a layout using texture, layers and a title using a song or quote. We already have some awesome entries...so make sure you get in and start creating!

This month we are also heading off on retreat! Yay! I can’t wait!

I have been busily preparing a class for the retreat so the majority of my time has been spent designing, planning and coordinating that. I am so looking forward to sharing my project with you all.

Here are a few sneak peeks…

  

There are still places left at the retreat, so why not come along?

If you can’t make it…make sure you pop back in here later in the month when I share with you the project for my class.

So for my March project I have been a little laid back. 

Easter is on its way so I have created three cards to share with you. 

Great cards to give to your loved ones this Easter time, especially if you can't be with them.

I have used the Graphic 45 Sweet Sensations Collection. Such pretty paper. There are also pages that have Valentines Day images and sentiments on them…they are in store…why not get yourself organised early for next Valentines Day?

Here are my Easter cards...

Materials used: Kaisercards; Rosie Studio Pearlised Cards and Envelopes; Tissue Paper – Krystal Tissue; Graphic 45 – Sweet Sensations Collection; Manor House Creations frames; wooden embellishments – assorted from my stash and a Manor House Creations flower.

How gorgeous are those little decorative frames by Manor House? They are so sweet. You can find them in store.

Well, that is all from me. I am now starting a countdown to the retreat…we would love you to come along. Contact Jo for more details.

Only 11 sleeps to go until Retreat! Yay!!

Have a great week!

Melx

Scrapbookit Retreat - October 2013

Hello Everyone,

What an absolutely wonderful weekend had by all!

We started arriving on Friday. Some of us believed that they would never get the car packed the same way again on Sunday afternoon...however, the unloading and settling in did not take very long at all. It was lovely to catch up with old friends and great to meet some new ones.

Throughout the weekend there were plenty of laughs (actually some of us complained of sore sides at several points), plenty of scrapbooking, some spending, plenty of eating, some drinking (cordial only!!!), great conversations, music and some of us even took a liking to singing aloud!!

We were blessed to have Melissa Kennedy from Kaisercraft join us. She ran a class for us using one of the newer paper ranges “Hidden Treasures.” With plenty of distressing, inking, tying, mounting, layering, tucking, journalling, hiding, sticking and dabbing we created two gorgeous single layouts. Thank you to Melissa for running the class, for sharing with us and for having a laugh with us, we had a ball and thoroughly enjoyed it.

We had a halloween themed dress up on Saturday night and even did some 'Trick or Treat' scrapping.

Here is Jo, Brenda and I...

 and the whole gang...

Our venue “Mountain View Retreat” was great. Our hosts were very kind to us all and provided us with plenty of yummy food, plenty of warmth (especially when Friday night was a little chilly) and smiling faces! Thank you so much to the team at Mountain View Retreat for your hospitality.

All in all, a wonderful weekend. 

A huge thank you to Jo for organising and running the retreat. They are always wonderful weekends and I, personally, know the hard work you put into the event behind the scenes that we all need to thank you sincerely for Jo! 

A huge thanks to Rhonda for running the shop and keeping the tallies for the weekend and for helping with the set up on Thursday night and Friday. An endless support to Jo - thanks Rhonda!

A huge thanks to all those who assisted with the pack up. Especially to Lyn and Kerry, who stuck around and packed the already full car with products to transport back to the shop. Also, a big thanks to Andrew (Jo’s partner) and Brittany, Casey and Lachie (Jo’s children) for all of their hard work with transporting the shop and setting and packing up...you guys are awesome!

I was lucky enough to run a class on the weekend too!

It was a Christmas Card class, featuring three cards using the gorgeous Bo Bunny “Elf Magic” or the Bo Bunny “Silver and Gold” collection.

As I explained to the class on Sunday, our original intentions with this class was just to make the ‘Trinket box’ but felt that we needed a couple of extra cards for good measure. 

So here are some photos of the trinket box card...

What a wonderful little gift box and card! I can imagine buying a beautiful piece of jewelry to place in the box, writing on the easel card and then tying a big bow around it and placing it under the Christmas tree.

I have also made this trinket box card twice before for my niece and nephew. They loved the chocolates that filled the box for their birthdays!!

The next card is the Envelope/Tag card.

Basically, all I have used is my Kaisercraft card and envelope. I have decorated the envelope and then cut the card in half to create a tag to hold my message inside!

Something a little different!

The final card is a very basic card. I have used 1” squares, distressing and scrunching to create the background.

If you like these cards and want to give them a try, I believe Jo has some packs in the shop with a full set of instructions. Drop her an email and she can get one to you.

Well that is all for me today! I hope you have enjoyed hearing about our wonderful weekend and have enjoyed looking at my cards.

Make sure you pop back in to check out the new challenge for November and also to hear our new Design Team news!!

Until then, happy scrapping,

Melxx

August Challenge

Morning all,
Well there goes another month and welcome to August, I know we always say that but the year is just disappearing. The days are starting to get longer and before you know it we will be off on Retreat again.

This month I thought I would get the girls to have a go at the new 'Rage' in scrapbooking with the 'Project Life','Photo Freedom', 'Pocket Pages' style of scrapping.
To enter your page this month I want you to show us your take on this scrapping style. You can use any products you like, (there are lots of different companies doing this now) just e-mail a photo to Joanne  by the 30th August and I will put it in the gallery. You could win a prize pack and a feature on the blog.

Kaisercraft have released a whole new line which includes page protectors and this new Paper range called 'Take Note' with this style in mind.
I have created my page using some photo's from our May retreat, to be able to use so many photo's at once is just fantastic.

So why not give it a go!!!



The children's challenge this month is all about 'PETS'. You can create your page anyway you like but it must have a photo of your/family pet. Have fun and get your entries in by the 30th August.

I hope you can all drop back and see how the DT girl have interpreted this style and give you some great ideas on how to use lots of photos to tell your story.

Don't forget to book your place at our retreat in October, its a weekend you wont want to miss!


Have a great month
Jo

Kaisercraft Hanging Heart Frame Tutorial

Hello Everyone,

Sorry for the late afternoon post....

Whilst I was very organised prior to today with my post....I totally forgot to come back and complete it and then actually publish the post. So sorry.....

Today I have a step by step tutorial to share with you....all of the products used can be purchased from Scrapbookit. If you can't find them in the online store make sure you send an email to Jo....joanne@scrapbookit.com.au

Last week we had our Retreat in Bright. A sensational weekend filled with plenty of scrapbooking and crafting, heaps of food, lots of inspiring people and their gorgeous work and PLENTY of laughs.

Thanks to Jo for another great one! Already counting down for the next one.........not that we have even thought about that.

At the Retreat I ran a class. Whilst my class was primarily focussed on the techniques of making paper flowers......we used this gorgeous hanging heart frame from Kaiser to display our cute little flowers.

Today, I will focus more on the decorating and putting together of the frame.

Step 1: Preparing Your Frame...

First step is to sand the wooden pieces.

I have created a little document that shows you where to paint etc. When creating mine I used 'Gesso' as an undercoat. I usually water Gesso down so it is a wash consistency and I apply it rather roughly. It is basically to save your paint. Quite often when working with wooden products you find they will soak up your paint initially. By applying Gesso the wood soaks the Gesso ~ better than wasting heaps of paint. It is really good if you are using a lighter colour too!

Now you need to paint.....I also sanded the edges to attempt a vintage look.

PREPARING YOUR HANGING HEART FRAME

Here are some photos of my preparations.....

Step 2: Cutting shapes from your papers.....

There are several ways to do this next step and it all comes down to individual preference.

In the document above it mentions the surfaces where you will cover the wood with paper. Some people prefer to trace around the shapes prior to painting and cut them out whilst the paint is drying. Some trace around after the paint has dried. Others choose to stick the wooden shapes onto the paper and then use a knife to trim around......just be careful not to cut into the wood or scratch it with this approach.

I don't really have a preference....usually it depends on time.

Step 3: Adhering papers to wooden product...

I am the biggest fan of Mod Podge. I love it! I don't think I have made an Off The Page project without it.

What I love about it is that you can use it as an adhesive and also as a sealant to protect your projects. It also means that you can wipe over your projects whilst they are displayed causing no effect to the papers.

It is best to use a good amount of Mod Podge when adhering papers to get a good coverage. It is also important to concentrate on the corners.

When you have placed your paper onto the wooden pieces make sure you carefully rub in a circle motion to help smooth out any bubbles.

Once you have adhered all paper pieces to the wooden pieces you can then go over the top of all the wooden surfaces including the painted edges with Mod Podge to protect your project.

Note: Don't seal papers if they have been adhered with double sided tape....you will end up with a mess!

Step 4: Join the frame together....

Kaiser products usually fit quite nicely together. If you find that the square is difficult to get into the base you may need to sand carefully the lugg on the square. Sometimes when we add layers of paint and paper we increase the thickness of the wooden piece.

I like to add a little wood glue when joining the pieces together for extra support.

Step 5: Adhere the heart together....

Again, I have added some wood glue to the heart shape and adhered it to the thin back panel.

Step 6: Decorate your heart....

I just love these Echo Park ~ Sweet Girl papers. I used them to make some flowers. I added an element sticker and some bling.

You may like to use a photo in here!

Step 7: Decorate your frame...

I used lots of flowers again on the frame. There are heaps of sites online that have simple, easy to follow instructions for making flowers.

A little banner and some ribbon.

The hooks are really easy to screw into the wood ~ I used no other tools other than my hands.....just be sure to put them in the centre.

Here is a close up of the flowers....

And another....

And the final product....

(Sorry about the pathetic photo.....and yes I did trim the ribbon)

Well, I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial today.

Don't forget to get your entries in for this month's challenge....you only have a few days left.

Pop back in a few days time to see what else I created with this kit...

A Sneak Peek.....

Hi

Mel here!

Just a really quick post to share a sneak peek of the project that I will teaching at the Retreat this weekend.

If you can't be with us, never fear.....this is also a sneak peek to my next post here at Scrapbookit. Check back on the 26th May to see my Step by Step Tutorial.

But for now here is the sneak peek....

Have a great weekend!