Girls, Gold and Glitter

OMG! I am so excited that I can hardly sit still long enough to write this post!

Only 2 sleeps to go until we head off to the Scrapbookit Retreat...looking forward to an awesome weekend!

Have you checked out this month's challenge?

GIRLS, GOLD and GLITTER

Oooo lah lah...doesn't that sound spectacular.

Well, my post has worked out rather perfectly this month. 

Not only have I loved creating a girly page using gold and glitter.

But I have got to create a layout of my best friend and I.

And to make it all that little better....it is her birthday tomorrow!

Happy Birthday Jess! Hope you have an awesome day! 

Anyway...to my layout...

I was lucky to get the gorgeous Ma Cherie collection from Kaisercraft this month.

This collection has so many gorgeous pieces and papers...not to mention lots of gorgeous words and phrases.

Here is my layout...

 I have started with the Ma Cherie - Beauty as my background.

I have used my Darkroom Door script stamp and some gold embossing powder to create a feature on the background.

I have used a variety of different flowers, shapes and butterflies from the collectables to make a beautiful little cluster of embellishments.

I also used some of the Kaisercraft Resin flowers in this cluster too.

Some of the embellishments I have popped up with foam tape, others are flat.

I have given the butterflies some shape by folding their wings up and sticking only the centre section between their wings down.

I have used some of the sentiments from the collectables as well as some of the phrases from the sticker sheet as well.

You can't see my glitter in these photos. I used some Tattered Angels Glimmer mist as my touch of glitter.

Just love how this one turned out!

Well, I don't know about you but I can't wait for the weekend.

Whatever you are doing...I hope you get the opportunity to spend it with friends or family and to get a little bit of crafting done as well. Maybe an entry for the challenge?

Make sure you check back in next week for all of the post retreat details...including the opportunity to check out the classes we ran!

Happy Scrapping!

Mel x

AUGUST CHALLENGE REVEAL!

Good morning!

AUGUST - Wow! Where has this year gone?

Today is the first day of the last month of winter here in Australia...some of us are happy about that we can not wait for this cold weather to be over.

No matter what the weather, wherever you are, there is no reason not to participate in this months challenge here at Scrapbookit.

I am lucky enough to be the first cab off the rank this month. I know, unusual that I am ready to go but thought I would give Jo a little beginning of the month rest.

So this month we are sharing with you some of the new Kaisercraft Collections.

As you know we both went to the Kaisercraft Retailers Days. This month is the first of what we saw while we were there.

We have decided to get a little MESSY this month. Our challenge is all about M.

All you need to do is create a project that covers the following M words...

*Masculine

* Memories

* Mists

Here is what I have created...

I started with a regular piece of cardboard that I got as packaging when I purchased an appliance.

Just as we did in Jo's class at the retreat in March, I stripped back some of the card to uncover the corrugated section.

I then distress inked with Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain.

I then used the Kaisercraft Template - Cogs and some mists to add to my background.

I used the Tim Holtz Distress Spray - Antiqued Bronze and the Colour Bloom - Antique Gold Mist.

In the bottom right hand corner of the photo I have used the Kaisercraft Tic Toc Clear Stamp. I have used some of the Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powder - Vintage Photo.

I really like this embossing powder when creating masculine layouts....it leaves a really rough texture.

I have used one of the newest collections by Kaisercraft this month and for this layout. I have used some of the papers and the collectables.

It is called Time Machine!

I just love it. It is so easy to work with and I really love using it for those masculine pages. 

I generally say that I am "not a green person" but I actually love the green in this range.

This collection is a MUST have in everyone's scrappy stash. 

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my latest using the gorgeous Kaisercraft Time Machine.

Don't forget you have got to be in it to win it...

Make sure your M inspired project is uploaded or emailed to Jo before the end of the month (August 30th is the closing date).

I will be back later in the month to share some more of my Time Machine projects...until then make sure you pop back in later this week and check out the gorgeous work Jo has been creating.

Happy August 1st!

Melx

Something a Little Wild...

Hi Everyone,

Mel here! Yes for this post I have something a little wild to share with you.

Wild? You might ask....yes wild!

Wild in the sense that my layout is created around a photo of a part of an animal.

Not a traditional subject for a scrapbooking layout. But definitely a photo I would like to share with you all and with those who look in my albums in the future.

This photo is special because my son took this for a photo competition at his school.

He has since told me that it isn't "his best" but I just love it.

I love it because I think he has done a great job with the photography but also because it is a photo that symbolises him a little. He loves chooks and he is very heavily involved in the school sustainability program, which involves caring for the chooks and the other animals (goats, cows and sheep).

Here is my layout...

This month I have been lucky enough to be using the Kaisercraft collection 'Into the Wild'

As you can see I have started with a piece of Kraft card. I decided that I really didn't want to detract from the photo so I added some small amounts of the following 

sprays and mists:

Kaiser Mists - Antique Gold

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Brick

Dylusions - Ground Coffee

Instead of spraying them the conventional way I decided I wanted smaller, more solid drops so I undid the top and dropped the ink on the page. The antique gold I did spray a little more though.

Here are some close ups of the spray.

Then I have used small circles of the patterned papers for the rest of the layout. I have also used a small rectangle of one patterned paper...

I used some Kaisercraft Alphas for my title 'Up Close & Personal'

Here is the last close up...
You may not have seen but the Kraft card and all the little elements have been inked using the Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain.

Well I hope you like my little creation for this week.

I really am very happy with how it turned out.

Have you entered a layout into our challenge this month?
Have you seen our challenge?

It is so easy to follow...all you need to do is include Animals, Arrows and Adventure into your project.
You have until the 30th to get your entry in to Jo.

Either use the Inlinkz (on the blog - right hand column) or email to Jo (joanne@scrapbookit.com.au)

Looking forward to seeing your entries.

Until next time,

Mel x

Family with a difference!!!

Hi Everyone,

Today I am here to share with you my take on this months challenge here at Scrapbookit.

This month's challenge is as easy as ABC!

All you need to do is create a project with the focus 'Family'

You might choose to do a layout, an OTP project, some cards, a mixed media project 

or any other project that takes your fancy!

Check out the all of the wonderful entries so far in the right hand side bar. What a great collection!

I have decided to do something a little different for this post but it definitely still fits into the focus.

I don't know about you but I have a room filled with stuff that "I will make" I just need to find the right paper or photos.

Well todays post is the result finally of one of those products.

I had a tin that came with dividers and plastic sleeves and I have had it for just a little while!!!

So, finally it is now a 'Family Keepsakes' tin.

Here it is....

And here is inside...

I have decided to use this as a place to keep family treasures that are significant or special, particularly to the history of the family.

As you can see I have decorated the dividers and given them one of the family names. I have included my side of the family and my husbands side and even a section for us!

The plastic sleeves would be great for protecting those precious keepsakes. I wouldn't put photos in them due to the fact that they probably aren't acid free but definitely an embroidered handkerchief or a piece of jewellery. 

For this project I have used the Kaisercraft 'Oh So Lovely' paper collection. 

This paper collection has so many options. You could use the pink, blue or green papers, colours and embellishments to create your project, whatever takes your fancy!

I have created my own little roses as embellishments...here is a closer look!

Well I hope that this has encouraged you to go back through your stash and have a look at what you have and see what you can create from that.

And don't forget to get your entry in for our 'Family' focussed project by April 30.

Happy Creating,

Mel x

Family #1

Welcome Everyone to April!

I hope that you all had a wonderful Easter and that the Easter Bunny found you and left you some really yummy surprises.

Our challenge this month is all about FAMILY.

All we are asking is that your project, no matter what it is, is to focus on family.

This challenge is totally up to your interpretation.

You might choose to do a layout, an OTP project, a card or maybe there is something else that takes your fancy.

Before I show you photos of my layout I would like to apologise about the photo quality.

I just haven't been able to snap good photos today. Please forgive me!

I was lucky enough this month to receive the absolutely gorgeous Kaisercraft collection 'Oh So Lovely' from Jo here at Scrapbookit.

Such gorgeous colours in this collection. My layout focus' on the pink however greens, browns and blues feature in the collection as well.

Here is my layout...

I have taken the focus of family to the nth degree. I have used photos of one family member...our god daughter Aimee on her christening day.

I love this quote..."When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses."

I decided to highlight the word family (seeing that is our focus) using Kaisercraft Lowercase Alpha. I do love chipboard letters because you can alter them to match them to your layout.

For these letters I covered them in ink (pink) and then used the Pink Sorbet Metallic Melts.

I have done the same with the hearts in the bottom right hand corner. The hearts again are chipboard shapes from Finishing Touch Ideas - Trimmings Chipboard Collection.

I have also used some of the collectables from the packet of 'Oh So Lovely' Collectables from the Kaisercraft collection.

I have used the gorgeous patterned papers from the Kaisercraft collection which also come in a 6 1/2" paper pad. Perfect for making some cards or tags or smaller projects. Have a look at some of the gorgeous colours and patterns.

The majority of my inking was done using the Tim Holtz Distress Ink Worn Lipstick. It was probably a little brighter than I wanted my inking but in the end I think it really looks OK and provides a new dimension to the layout.

 So how are you going to focus on your family this month? 

Family can be so many things and can be so different to each of us, so please don't hesitate to put your entry in with your take on the focus, Family.

If you adore the paper collection that I have showcased so far this month please don't forget to let Jo know and purchase it - I would love to see some of your creations using it!

I will be back later in he month to share some more "Family" inspired projects.

Look forward to seeing what you have come up with.

Mel x

Wanderlust by Kaisercraft

Hi Everyone

Mel here!

Just thought I would pop by before the month ends with another layout using the Kaisercraft collection, Wanderlust.

I really have enjoyed using this collection this month.

For this layout I have kept my page pretty basic. I didn't want to take away from the gorgeous photos.

Here is my layout...

All of the papers and embellishments are from the Wanderlust collection.

I used my Kaisercraft Quarters Template and some Bronze Metallic Melts to create a feature in the top and bottom corners of the layout.

I included a little tag with my journalling in the top corner.

I have followed the travel theme on the mood board for this months challenge.  We have some great entries so far in the Scrapbookit Gallery (check them out here) and linked into our blog on the right hand side.

Have you created your entry yet? You only have until the 28th to get your entry in!

Can't wait to see yours.

Happy Scrapping!

Mel x

Keep Calm and Party

Hello Everyone

Welcome to my second post for December and my last post before Christmas and for 2014!

This month Jo gave me the Kaisercraft - Pop! Collection to work with. This collection is just so awesome. You might recall that my first post was a layout that featured the colours orange, yellow and green. So very different to this layout I am here to share with you today. I guess that this just shows how versatile this collection is.

I decided to move away from the challenge requirements this time around and here is what I have come up with...

(I apologise about the photos...they were the best I could get!)

This photo is of my gorgeous god daughter. It was taken on her 3rd birthday party. She had her face painted and the theme of her party was the very popular 'Frozen'.

I have used the following items, all available from Jo at Scrapbookit.

Paper: Kaisercraft - Pop! Collection; Sticker Sheet

Kaisercraft Clear Stamps - Stains; VersaMark - Watermark Ink and Canary; Color Box Fluid Chalk Inkpad - Blue Lagoon; Metallic Melts - Glistening Snow and First Light; Kaisercraft Alpha Stickers - White; Kaisercraft Wooden Flourishes - Cupcake; Kaisercraft Rhinestones

Here is a close up of the title...Nothin' 'Frozen' about this party...

Here is a close up of the wooden embellishment. I have used the Tinby Designs - Metallic Melts - 'First Light' over the embellishment.

Another few close ups...

I hope you have enjoyed looking at my layout today!

In finishing, I would just like to firstly thank all of the wonderful design team members we have had on the team this year. What a wonderful display of projects you have inspired us all with each month.

I would most importantly like to thank Jo for generosity and for allowing me to be part of the Scrapbookit Team. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful 'boss' who feeds my scrapbooking addiction with such beautiful product each and every month. You are awesome Jo!

Finally, I would like to wish all of our blog readers and customers a very Merry Christmas. I hope that you have the opportunity to spend some very special time over the Christmas period with those that you love. May your New Year be a very prosperous one!

We look forward to your continued support in 2015!

See you all then ~ Happy Scrapping!

Melx

What a Find!!!!!!

A month of celebration at Scrapbookit!

How exciting and what a great challenge? Thanks Lynn for a great one.

This months challenge has the 'celebration' theme.

There are a few components to this challenge...

1) Use the words/s - celebration, congratulations or fun on your layout.

2) Follow the sketch

Here is the sketch...

Here is what I came up with...

This photo was taken in Singapore. Not even two hours into our stay in Singapore 

and I found this scrapbooking shop...that is cause for complete celebration!!!!

I have used the following items, all available from Jo at Scrapbookit.

Paper: Kaisercraft - Pop! Collection, Cardstock: Kaisercraft Coconut

Prima - Colour Bloom - Antique Gold Spray Mist; Clear Stamps - Stains; VersaMark - Watermark Ink; Lettering: Thickers - Corrugated card shape - Hugs - Leaf; Ribtex Inspired by Nature - embellishments; Flowers; Metallic Melts - Glistening Snow; Distress Ink - Peeled Paint and Wild Honey

A couple of details

And another....

Sorry my post hasn't been a long post today....

but I am right in the middle of writing school reports!

My brain has stopped functioning "normally"!!!!!

My only hope is that this inspires you to want to join in with the challenge!!

Can't wait to see your take on this challenge.

Until next time,

Melx

Hey You, My Guy

Why is it that when we have an awesome challenge I have little time to play?

Actually, that appears to be every month.

This month, we have a great challenge.

Your project must be a mixed media project. You must also use sprays, a stencil and chipboard.

My small project for my second post this month has used some of these things.

I have created a small canvas. Here it is...

I started with the blank canvas and added some Faded Jeans Distress Stain. I then sprayed randomly some Prima Colour Bloom Spray Mist in Cobalt Blue. I then sprinkled some Tinby Designs Metallic Melts 'First Light' embossing powder and heated it.

I used the Crafter's Workshop 6x6 Stencil - Mini Rustic Paint and spread some moulding paste over the stencil.

I then randomly sprayed some Prima Colour Bloom Spray Mist in Vintage Coal.

Here is a photo of the background...

I then used some of the gorgeous Kaisercraft papers from the 'Off the Wall' collection. I distressed the edges and inked them with a Kaisercraft Black Ink.

I have used a large Scrap FX Hash Border under the photo. I used black ink and transparent embossing powder to alter the hash border.

To complete the canvas I have used collectables and some of the stickers from the 'Off the Wall' collection and have stamped the 'My Guy' clear stamp onto a piece of patterned paper.

All of these products are available from Scrapbookit. 

So have you organised your entry for this month's mixed media challenge??

Why not get your hands on some of these products from Jo to complete your project?

There are not many days left to get your entry in.

Have a great week everyone and make sure you pop back to check out what Lynn has been creating.

Melx

Mixed Media

Morning Everyone!

What a fantastic challenge we have running here at Scrapbookit during November.

Set by the lovely Tania, our challenge this month is to dabble in the world of Mixed Media.

A true challenge for me but might I say I had a lot of fun doing it.

To participate in this months challenge you are required to create a Mixed Media project that includes the following...

STENCIL

SPRAYS

CHIPBOARD

Here is what I have come up with...

For this project I have done something a little different.

I have completed my layout on a piece of 12x12" ply board. So instead of a piece of cardstock or patterned paper I have used the ply board as the base to my layout.

I have converted the ply board by creating my own background.

I started by painting the ply board with Gesso. I initially did a wash of Gesso and then I did a layer of thicker Gesso. The reason I did this was so that I could save my product...yes I know pedantic...but by doing an initial wash the ply board is sucking up the wash moisture and not the layer of Gesso...hence using less Gesso in the end.

I then sprayed the ply board randomly with Prima Colour Bloom Spray Mist in Cobalt Blue and Vintage Coal.

I randomly stamped using Kaisercraft clear background stamps 'Sketchy', 'Hexagons' and Staz On ink in 'Jet Black' and 'Midnight Blue' around the ply board.

My next step was to mix some Lindy Stamp Gang Magicals - Bachelor Button Blue with Moulding Paste. Once I had the colour I wanted I used my Crafter's Workshop 6x6 Stencil - Mini Rustic Paint and randomly spread the newly coloured moulding paste over the stencil.

Then I chose to use my Quarters Stencil by Kaisercraft and Texture Paste for some added dimensions in the top right corner and the base of the layout. I carefully brushed over these when they were dry with Staz-On ink - Jet Black.

I have used the new Kaisercraft collection 'Off the Wall' including the Superstar Specialty Page, the film strip and other embellishments from the Collectables pack and a piece of patterned paper from the paper pad. This paper is such a gorgeous male inspired collection.

I used the gorgeous Tinby Designs Metallic Melts 'First Light' embossing powder on the large black star and I have also used it on the Scrap FX 'Hash Bits' chipboard embellishment.

Here are a few close ups...

I hope that today you have been inspired to give this challenge a shot. I had lots of fun completing this project, thank you Tania for a great challenge.

I look forward to seeing all of your wonderful entries in the gallery.

Please don't forget that all products can be found at the Scrapbookit Store.

Enjoy your week!

Melx