A New Month and a New Challenge!

Welcome to July!

Another new month and another new challenge, which I can't wait to share with you all.

Isn't the year flying???

Are you ready for a new challenge?

For this month our challenge is to....

1. Use the Page Maps sketch below.

2. Include each of the Grab 5 requirements in your project.

Grab 5 requirements:

1. A mixed media product

2. Stickers

3. Embellishments - flowers, stars, hearts.....

4. Fibre - cotton/thread/ribbon/twine....

5. A household item to create texture - bubble wrap, dishwashing sponge, napkins....

I had an absolute ball creating my first project for this challenge.

Not only did I have the challenge requirements but my kit that I received was very florally!

But OMG...I LOVE it!!!!

Here it is...

My project is actually a 12x12 canvas!

I started with a very thin layer of gesso to try and hide a stain on the canvas.

Just recently I was watching a Vicki Boutin Friday Night Live and Vicki was using her Art Crayons to create a background using the drop technique (I think that is what it was called).

It was very cool so I tried to recreate the technique but with using my Faber Castell Gelatos. How cool are the colours?

I added some black acrylic paint dots with two different sized bubble wrap.

I have used the gorgeous Simple Stories 'Welcome Spring' paper collection and cardstock stickers for my embellishments and paper strips.

I have also used some of the Dina Wakley Media Washi tape as some of the strips in my background.

I have backed my photos in a thin tissue type paper that I have collected from a bunch of flowers I was given.

I have added a few wood veneer hearts alongside my little clusters of embellishments.

I have hand written my journalling and have also hand written part of my title You Make My Heart Sing! The sticker letters are from an old Kaisercraft collection Sticker Sheet - Happy Snaps!

Can you see the gorgeous little die cut behind my photos in two places?

This is an awesome die!! Not only do you have the sweet little heart wreath but you also have a variety of different sized little hearts that come just from one cut! Such a great die cut!

I have added some of the little hearts around my project.

All of the products that I have used (listed below) are available at Scrapbookit. If you can't find what you need be sure to send Jo a message and she will sort it for you.

Products Used:

Gesso

Faber Castell Gelatos - Red Cherry, Metallic Melon, Metallic Mint, Mango, Guava, Butter Cream, Lemon

Bubble Wrap

Black Acrylic Paint

Simple Stories - Welcome to Spring Paper Collection

Dina Wakley Media Washi Tape

White Rik Rak

Uniquely Creative Metal Die - Heart Wreath

Posca Pen - Black

Wood Veneer Hearts

Kaisercraft - Happy Snaps - Sticker Sheet - Alpha

Simple Stories - Welcome Spring - Cardstock Stickers

Don't forget to get cracking with your challenge entry. It seriously is a really fun challenge and worth a shot! There is a super prize up for grabs at the Scrapbookit shop, I can't wait to see what you create!! Entries close at the end of July!

Well I hope you have been inspired by this challenge and by my project!

~ Melx~

Perfect Day!

Hey Everyone!

Welcome to my first share for February.

Isn't the challenge set by Jane just fantastic? I just love it!
Thanks to Laura Whitaker for allowing us to use it! Laura has some great sketches available on her blog... http://scrappinaroundtheclock.blogspot.com.au/

Here is the sketch for the challenge...

The challenge not only requires you to use the sketch but to also add the following elements to your page...

* A touch of gold

* Some Washi Tape
* Include a song title somewhere on your page

Here is my layout...

It is not often that I scrap photos of me however have enjoyed creating this layout!

The papers that I have been playing with this month are absolutely gorgeous! They are Endless Summer by Cocoa Vanilla.
At Scrapbookit we stock Cocoa Vanilla goodies...it is so nice to scrap with an Australian company paper collection. They not only have gorgeous papers but sweet little embellishments, accessory stickers, flairs, woodies, puffy stickers and so much more. Be sure to check out Scrapbookit for all of your Cocoa Vanilla needs!

I have created my background on the 'Aloha Sunshine' patterned paper. I have used some water colours, splattered some Art Alchemy Acrylic Paint - Metallique Gold Rush (I love this paint...a paint that also provides dimension!) and stamped with the Kaisercraft Clear Stamp Hessian and black ink.

I have used some thin black wire to create the circle shape from the sketch and put some plain cheesecloth behind the photos!

I have used the song title 'Perfect Day' by Lady Antebellum, my most favourite band! I'm looking forward to seeing them again when they tour Australia!

How cute are the little woodies that you can get with this collection?
I have used these and some of the die cut ephemera to create some little clusters of embellishments.

I love the flowers and the gorgeous little flairs. It definitely is the best being able to buy the whole collection including all of the coordinating embellishments!

The last thing that I wanted to point out is my little '&' symbol. How sweet is that?
It is a Kaisercraft Lucky Dip Rubber Stamp. These are really cool. They come in a set of 6 and they are easy to use. These are also available at Scrapbookit. Be sure to head to our online store or email/message Jo to get all your scrappy goodies!!!

Did you know that we have a Facebook page?
Search for Scrapbookit (@scrapbookitshop) This is another way that you can enter your challenge entry...via our Facebook page!

Don't forget to work on your challenge and get it in! These super hot days are PERFECT DAYS to hide away in your scrapbooking room and create!

Looking forward to admiring your creations!
xMelx

Echo Park

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the first of my posts for October - a very exciting month for us here at Scrapbookit!!

This month sees our much anticipated October Retreat!!

I, myself, have a few things happening this month...actually as you read this I will be on holiday in Thailand...two weeks of my Long Service Leave. Then when I get home it will nearly be time for our retreat...so exciting!

We have a very special guest, Melissa Kennedy from Kaisercraft coming. I personally can't wait to do her class :)

I know there are only 2 spaces left for the retreat - we would love you to come along.

This month the lovely Brenda has challenged us with an absolutely gorgeous sketch. Well done on the design Brenda...it is an awesome sketch and I had heaps of fun using it. At the end of Brenda's last post she said that I would be posting next and that she was sure I would rock this challenge....well as per normal I have "rocked" the boat. As my headspace was obviously already in Thailand at the time of doing this layout I failed to use a black and white photo :) Sorry! Mel again tweaking the rules...just make sure you don't do it on your entry! Sorry Brenda!

Here is Brenda's sketch...

Sometimes when you have been scrapbooking for a long time you forget the simple things. Over the last few weeks I have been scrapping with my friend who is reasonably new to scrapbooking and she has reminded me of some of the basics that us older scrapbookers forget. One of these things is about the rules of using a sketch. Basically my rules are that a sketch is a place to start. When creating you can flip it or rotate it. Actually you can basically do anything you wish as long as there is a resemblance to the original sketch.

Sketches are great no matter whether you are a scrapbooking newbie or an old hand!!

So here is what I came up with! I actually flipped the sketch!

This month Jo so kindly gave me the gorgeous Echo Park papers - Reflections by Lori Whitlock.

They are truly gorgeous papers. The majority of the element stickers and embellishments feature words and phrases about family...so a perfect range for all of those family shots.

You can pick up the pack at Scrapbookit. Included in the pack is...

12 12x12 Double Sided Papers, 12x12 Element Sticker and a 12 x 12 Alphabet Sticker sheet.

I love packs...they take the stress out of coordinating papers.

In this layout I have also used - the gorgeous WOW Word Speech Bubbles; Bella Floral Self Adhesive Flowers; Twine; Tim Holtz - Distress Ink; black staples and the cardstock I have used is Double Mates - Outdoorsy Olive.

Here is a close up of the embellishment cluster...

And my favourite part of the sketch...those trendy little tags under the photo...

Well, I hope that you have found something to inspire you from my post today.

Make sure you join us for this challenge. All you need to do is create a layout using Brenda's awesome sketch and email it to Jo - joanne@scrapbookit.com.au

Don't forget if you love this range to pop on over to the online store or email Jo to get your hands on this pack.

Looking forward to seeing your wonderful creations.

Mel x

Treasure

Hello Everyone! Mel here to share with you my take on the June Challenge here at Scrapbookit. 

I can't believe that it is June.....where is this year going???

As you will have heard Brenda has set this months challenge.

She has been very clever and created her own sketch.

The theme for this month is Mum's the Word!

Here is the sketch

I have used a photo of my Mum with Brayden (my son). This was the day after he was born! A very special photo and a very special Mum!
Brayden is Mum's first grandson and obviously she just adored him from the moment she laid eyes on him.

Here is my layout...

I have been very lucky this month to receive and work with the gorgeous Graphic 45 ~ Secret Garden Collection papers. How awesome are they? I am not used to using such busy papers....but loved using these. Jo has this paper in the online store.....perfect for those 'Mum' layouts. I have also used some Vanilla Kaisercard  for the base of my layout.

I have cut the die cut journalling shapes from the 'Meadow Lark'  paper. The top one I just trimmed down.

I have used Kaisercraft Paper Blooms - Sunset and the gorgeous Manor House Creations flower as my embellishment cluster. I have also added some organza ribbon bows.

I have used Thickers (Forest - Chipboard Letters) for my title 'Treasure.' I thought this was an appropriate title.....how Mum 'treasures' Brayden and how Brayden does/will cherish this special moment.

Here is a close up of my little embellishment cluster...

Well, now it is your turn!
Use the sketch to create your layout with the theme 'Mum's the Word.' There are some awesome entries so far this month. Check them out here at the Scrapbookit Gallery.
To enter your challenge send a photo to Jo (joanne@scrapbookit.com.au)

Don't forget there is also a Kids Challenge too......create a layout that features School.

Well, that is all from me at the moment.
Make sure you pop back throughout the rest of the month to see the other projects that the girls have been busy creating.

Happy Scrapping
Mel x

Check In @ Scrapbookit's New Challenge

Hello Everyone and welcome to another exciting monthly challenge at Scrapbookit.

I am here to share with you the first of my projects using the sketch that I have created for this months challenge.

Here is the sketch...

This month I have been creating with the Kaisercraft Collection 'Check In.' This collection is a great collection for all of those travel photos that you may have. In 2009, we went to Singapore and Thailand. When I found out that I was going to be creating with this pack I was so excited as I hadn't started any of our travel photos.....now I am hooked!

For this layout I used one of our favourite photos from our trip...our first elephant ride!

Materials: Kraft Cardstock, Paper: Kaisercraft Check In Collection, Check In - Collectables, Check In - Borders Sticker Sheet, twine, button, Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain.

All of these are available from our Online Store at Scrapbookit.

I am loving distressing at the moment and have just started using the Ink Blending Tool, also available at Scrapbookit.

Janene has set a great card challenge this month. It is to use colour blocking and a stamped image or sentiment. 

Whilst I had heard of colour blocking I wasn't 100% sure of how to create a card using colour blocking so off I went to explore the net. There are so many places on the net to explore.

Scrapbooking.com said, 

Color blocking is a technique that has been around for quite some time. It involves placing photos, paper and embellishments (if desired) in a geometric order. The order in which you do it is entirely up to you.

So that is what I went with and this is what I came up with...

Materials: Kaisercard, Kaisercraft - Check In Collection, Check In - Collectables, Check In - Borders Sticker Sheet, black grosgrain ribbon, Jenni B Adhesive Fancy Frame, flowers.

All of these are available from our Online Store at Scrapbookit.

My stamped sentiment is "Discover, Explore, Journey." I have used the old Kaisercraft Pack Your Bags Collection Clear Stamps which I had stashed away ready to use for our travel photos.

Well, I hope that this has inspired you to get into scrapping your travel photos or better still to enter this months challenge for your chance to win.

All you need to do is email your entry to joanne@scrapbookit.com.au by the 14th of August.

Make sure you check out the entries in the store gallery too!

Happy Scrapping,

New Challenge for July/August

Good Morning everyone

Here we are ready for another great challenge at SCRAPBOOKIT, I can't believe we are in the middle of july already, the year is just zooming by. The children are all back to school on monday ready for a new semester and I am madly organizing all the wonderful things that are happening at our Retreat.

This month Mel has created a great sketch for you to produce a wonderful layout:

I have created a layout using some 'Authentique' Genuine papers, they were just perfect for the school photos this year.

This months card challenge that Janene has set for you is to create a card using the technique 'Colour Blocking' (if you would like some ideas on this checkout the dt's samples or you can always google it)  and to use a stamped image on the front of your card.



Here is my card using the same paper range:

I hope you have lots of fun with these challenges, don't forget your entries need to be in to Joanne by the 14th of August. All entries are displayed in our Gallery, so go check them out for inspiration.

Enjoy the last rest of the weekend, I know the Design team are busy creating some great inspiration for you so drop back here regularly to see their work and leave some comments on what you think.


Jo Caird
SCRAPBOOKIT.