Goodbye & Hello

Yes, the Summer Mini and Sale-a-Bration catalogues are drawing to a close on 31 March so you need to get in quick before the deadline if anything has taken your fancy. I have made a couple of cards using supplies from both, but have also coordinated them with a couple of sneak peaks at the upcoming Winter Mini catalogue which starts on 1 April. So all is not lost!

This big red round thingy-ma-jig is called the Medallion stamp and it would have to be the biggest stamp I've ever seen! It's great for both backgrounds and focal points and all sorts of occasions.
Stamps: Medallion (Winter Mini), Vintage Labels (Sale-A-Bration)
Cardstock: Kraft, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black
Accessories: 3/4" Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (Summer Mini), Crimper, Scallop Circle Punch

This big shape is called the "Top Note" and I cut it out in about 5 seconds using my new Big Shot die-cutting machine. I created a quilt effect by punching out squares of designer paper, gluing them onto a piece of cardstock, then putting it through the Big Shot. I've seen lots of these cards made on Splitcoast Stampers and had been "dieing" (excuse the pun!) to make one. I have to say that my photos don't do it justice because in real life, it's quite stunning! I WILL be making more of these.Stamps: Whimsical Words (Sale-A-Bration)
Cardstock: Basic Black, Kraft, Patterns Pack II Designer Series Paper
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot (Winter Mini), Top Note Die (Winter Mini), 1 1/4" Square Punch, Small Tag Punch, Tag Punch, White Ribbon, Hemp Twine

100% Pure Boy Scrapbook Layout

I hope you don't mind seeing scrapbook layouts! I've got a bit of catching up to do so haven't been doing much else these days.

The little (big!) birdie from my Good Friend stamp set hasn't had an outing lately so I thought it was about time. Do you like where I stuck two of the brads? Children love been naked so I always have to cover up the family jewels! Also, I'm not a big fan of flowers on boy layouts but I decided that this was quite a 'manly' flower so stuck it on too ; ).
Stamps: Good Friend
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Jersey Shore DSP (Retired)
Ink: Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Ribbon Originals (Pigtails), Pumpkin Pie Brads (Retired)

Beautiful Dreamer Scrapbook Layout

My mojo is slowly coming back. I think making/having time to craft has alot to do with it, not just the feeling unwell bit. I've put in my big preorder for the Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue today so will soon have lots of new toys play with. I am hoping my mojo will arrive along with the box!

Todays scrapbook page incorporates two techniques which I have been wanting to try; A stamped title cut out as one word and printing journalling from the computer then slicing it up. I've seen Kelly Slattery do the title one and Delys Cram uses the journalling technique quite a bit. I think both are very interesting visually!
I didn't use the Stamp-a-ma-jig for the title (because I was feeling lazy!), so just followed along the bottom edge of the whisper white cardstock. Notice that the 't' in beautiful doesn't line up? It was very noticable before I cut the word out, but I was more than happy with the result when finished. Funny eh?

Stamps: Schoolbook Serif Alphabet, Lovely Letters Alphabet, Curly Label Punch Bundle
Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Hoppy Memories Simply Scrappin' Kit
Ink: Basic Gray
Accessories: Curly Label Punch, Photo Corner Punch, Metal Photo Corners