~ Like For Ever - Acorn Avenue ~

Good evening! I'm sat watching the celebrities shaking their stuff on Strictly Come Dancing. It can only mean one thing - Christmas is on its way!

 

*WARNING LONG POST ALERT*

 

So on Friday I was fortunate enough to have a whole day and evening to myself with no plans (this makes a massive change as usually I am running round doing jobs on my day off!). I decided to have a PJ day and spend my time catching up on trashy TV and scraping.

 

 

I managed 3 layouts using the Like For Ever 'Acorn Avenue' Kit. I'm absolutely loving this kit. It is very much my style and colour palette. The blue glittery thickers are AMAZING!

 

 

I remembered pinning a layout on pinterest which used lots of strips of paper attached to one side of the page. However, when I looked back it turned out nothing like that layout apart from the strips. I'm a massive fan of Pinterest and love searching it for ideas.

 

 

This layout shows me doing one of my other favourite hobbies. I love to read a good book. I always used to read crime & thriller but have recently taken a liking to easy reading chic lit type novels and stories based in India.

 

 

I would never have bought puffy stickers if it wasn't for the kits I have been getting but I now love them. This is another of those Pinterest layouts that don't really turn out like what I originally saw.

 

 

I'm back with my layers and this time I pulled out my distress tool to add texture and then inked them with distress ink 'Pumice Stone'.

 

I struggle to get a decent photo of my partner as he is either pulling a funny face or has a stupid big grin. Despite this I sometimes manage to capture fun photos of him larking about. He might annoy me but always manages to make me laugh and smile.

 

 

The die cut embellishment pack in the kit had quite a few acetate elements which I wasn't sure I particularly liked but they have created lovely subtle layers around my photo.

 

 

I love the blue transparent words and phrases that are part of the Cedar Lane collection. The words are easy to use in lots of different themes. I can't stop raving about this month's kit, I LOVE IT!!!

 

This layout was inspired by a fellow kit subscriber who created a layout with a photo of herself which showed her 'perceived' flaws. She then inspired the owner of the blog Nicola to do the same by blogging a photo where she had originally been critical of herself. I wanted to capture this in a layout by highlighing that 'the key to happiness' is how we feel about ourselves. We should be less critical and just embrace the life we have and the people we choose to spend it with.

 

Happy Crafting!

 

Terri

x

~ Wanderlust ~

Good evening!

 

I've had a lovely scrappy day so far today. I've had the day off and my other half is out at the Rugby tonight so I have had the house to myself. I've made 3 layouts today using the 'Acorn Avenue' Like For Ever kit but it was too dark to take decent photographs tonight. I'll try to post them over the weekend. 

 

So here is another layout with last month's kit. I'm trying to get my India album up to date although I still have loads of photos to get through.

 

 

I was worried the multicoloured/patterned chipboard thickers would be quite hard to use as I wasn't sure they would stand out against the papers but this has changed my opinion.

 

I love layering up patterned paper and die-cuts so again I have done so o try and draw attention to the photo. I have used a smaller photo size as there was alot of 'space' around the elephant but I wanted it to stand out as the main feature.

 

We drove past this beautiful creature, stopped the minibus, jumped out and waited patiently for it to wander round the corner of the road. It was the first time we had seen an elephant on our trip but would be the last.

~ Funny faces ~

Hello there! My job means I have to work night shifts which my body doesn't particularly enjoy but one advantage is getting a few extra days off in the week to get creative. I love looking back through my scrapbook and remembering all the good times I've had.

This is another layout featuring the August Like For Ever kit. I'm so pleased that I managed to get 8 pages done from this kit and it has to be my favourite so far.

I loved the cute little puffy stickers that I got with this kit. I can't remember if they were an add on or not. I Played around with my grunge Stampin Up stamps to add to the misted background. I always used to use a full sheet of patterned paper for my backgrounds but I'm really enjoying the 'white space' type pages at the moment (still with lots of layers though!).

This photo is of my fiancé and his niece at the rugby this summer. I've blurred her face to keep her anonymous. The girls often lose concentration at the matches so I often entertain them by looking at the photos on my phone or taking selfies. It's not the best photo but it really portrays a fun day out.

~ As the leaves turn ... ~

Good evening! It has been a beautiful Autumn day here. Unfortunately I have been unwell over the last few days and have been off work. So to try and cheer myself up I have been playing with the new kit from Like For Ever. This month's kit is called Acorn Avenue and features mostly Pink Paislee Cedar Lane collection.

I saw on Pink Paislee's Instagram feed last week a small wreath decorated with This collection so I decided to create my own version. I'm really pleased with how it turned out as I didn't look at the original photo and just when with my instincts.

I added a few pieces from my stash. The burlap ribbon and card stock are from Stampin' Up. I printed some leaf templates off the web and then hand cut them to create a base.

I fussy cut some flowers and leaves from a piece of Cedar Lane patterned paper to add embellishment along with some pieces from the die cut pack in the kit. I'm really happy with the final piece. I love layers and this certainly shows this!

~ A Good Day ~

For my fiancées birthday we had a weekend in London. We spent part of the time at the Natural History Museum. I snapped quite a few selfies whilst we were away including these two. This again was another sketch and used the last Like For Ever kit with a couple of bits added from my stash.

I love the banner effect. I added extra tags to what the sketch showed as I wanted more layers. I can't ever have too many! I really enjoy using sketches although quite often I look at them as a starting point and then go a bit off piste.

I absolutely loved the little heart puffy stickers that came from the wonder collection. They are so cute! I could have used loads!

~ The Big Hoot ~

Happy Monday! 

(I can say this as I'm not working today)

This layout using last month's Like For Ever Kit. The new one should be winging its way to me as you read this. Can't wait to get it as its full of Pink Paislee Cedar Lane goodies. Back to this page. I used a sketch from page maps which Nicola kindly included with the kit this month. It was perfect as I needed to incorporate quite a few photos. I'm really pleased with the end result.

The layout shows 6 of the 56 owls my friends and I saw when we spent the day walking round Birmingham. The Owls were decorated by artists and sponsored by companies in order to raise money for the city's children's hospital. We had great fun following the trail and walking miles, finished off with a lovely meal at Jamie's Italian.

~ Going Pink ~

TGI Friday! It's been a busy week at work so I'm looking forward to a weekend with my fella. We are off to Southport Airshow on Saturday, which is not really my thing but he'll enjoy it.

This layout is to document the start of my pink hair phase. It's not overly obvious on this photo as it is only subtle highlights but I have since had more put in. 

This layout was inspired by something I saw ages ago on Pinterest. I have used metallic gelatos to creat the colour on the patterned paper. The paper and embellishments are from the Maggie Holmes Confetti range. I made the central bow using the Stampin' Up bow punch. This is a really versatile punch. I'm planning to use it on my Christmas present tags.

Hope you all have a good weekend and I'll be back Monday with more of my Life Forever Kit layouts. 

~ Joking around on out travels ~

I thought I'd share this fun layout on a very busy weekend for me. Tomorrow I'm running a Girl Guide Team Challenge Day. I've spent the last few days putting the activities together. 

I usually scrap one or two photos per page but occasionally I want to document something which takes more photos to tell the story. This layout is from my trip to India in January. We went walking in a tea plantation and whilst a fellow traveller was taking our photo my fiancé started messing around. We managed to get some great real life photos.

This layout uses the Pinkfresh 'Happy Things' collection. I absolutely love the ombré canvas tags. Because the photos take up much of the page I didn't want to add too many layers or big embellishments. I wasn't sure about the coloured alpha stickers in the collection but I do really like how they look on this layout.

My fingers are crossed for good weather tomorrow and I'm hoping everyone has a good time. Scrapbooking is on my agenda for Monday as I think I will need to relax before starting back at work.

Happy Crafting!

Terri

X

~ Lets Eat Cake! ~

Well the last few days of nights have been very tiring! Although I'm now looking forward to the 5 days off. I'm intending on getting plenty of scrapping done. 

 I've had this photo for ages. It shows the lemon and poppy seed courgette cake that I have made a few times. It is a favourite at work although it's outcome varies depending on the water content of the courgettes.

When I saw the Dear Lizzy Fine and Dandy Collection I knew this would be perfect for using with my baking photos. I love the paste colours mixed in with the bright red. I love making little flags to layer up under patterned paper mats. I wasn't sure I would use the self inking stamp from the collection but have now used it a couple of times just to add a little detail.

Happy Crafting!

Terri

X

~ Stick It Down - September Challenge ~

Wow, I don't know where this year is going! 

We are here with another fabulous sketch challenge over on Stick It Down. I'm loving being part of their design team.  

I loved making this layout. It documents both my love of cooking and the region of the UK I live in. In Yorkshire we are well known for our dialect and accent. This layout showcases a photo of steak pie made using Wood St Brewery Stout Beer and Hendersons Relish sauce both made close to my home.

It's rubbish weather here and the nights seem to be drawing in. It seems like Autumn is well on its way. I love the summer months but love the colour of Falling leaves.

Happy Crafting!

~ Oh So Lovely! ~

On my return from London I found the most gorgeous kit from Like For Ever full of Crate Paper Wonder collection. I have found this collection so inspirational. I have managed to creat 3 layouts that I'm really pleased with.

The papers really worked well with a couple of my photos from a trip to Vietnam a few years ago. I'm desperately trying to finish this album.

Whilst in Vietnam we did a cookery class. We made lots of lovely food, including these gorgeous summer spring rolls. The kit had some cute puffy stickers which aren't really my style but look really sweet on the layouts. I love how the kit makes you use things you wouldn't normally buy.

Whilst cruising down the Mekong Delta during our trip we stopped off at a lovely hotel for lunch. It had gorgeous gardens that we were able to walk round. There was also traditional items for us to pose with. I fussy cut all the flowers out from one of the patterned papers.

I'm completely amazed at how a collection can create completely different types of layouts. This is so cute. Oscar spends most of his evenings laid on my knee snoozing. I love the cat related embellishments in this collection. They are cute and not over the top.

Happy Crafting!

Terri

X

~ Best ever orange juice ~

Good morning! This is another page using a photo from last years holiday to Tunisia. I love these travel inspired papers but don't have much left now so I have added layers to a Kraft card stock which has been splattered with white mist.

Every time I have been to Tunisia one of the favourite things I enjoy is the freshly squeezed orange juice. During this trip we were also able to have strawberry juice too which was amazing! 

It's very sad to see what happened in Tunisia earlier in the year. I have always felt very safe and found the majority of Tunisians to be friendly and helpful. My thoughts go to those innocent Tunisians who are going to be affected by the lack of tourism there this summer.

Happy Crafting!

Terri

X

~ Choose Joy ~

Wow, what a beautiful day! It really feels like summer might have arrived. I'm still ploughing my way through the large pile of Photos from our trip to India. This page has been made using the Pinkfresh Studios Happy Things collection. I received these in the July Like For Ever kit.

I used gelatos on a white card stock background to create a colour wash effect. 

The photo is of an offering that Hindu's give to the god being worshipped at their chosen temple. Throughout India you can see these being sold outside temples. Religion is such a massive thing in India and different religions generally manage to live harmoniously together.

I'm trying to get my draft room in check as it's rather messy at the moment. I recently purchased an ikea Raskog trolley which I need to fill. 

Happy Crafting!

Terri

X

~ Stick It Down - August Challenge ~

The August Stick It Down sketch challenge has been set! Head over and join us. I can't wait to see your interpretation.

Here is my layout using this months sketch:

This layout documents the super cute fox we saw on the edge of the Sahara. During our travels we saw a few of these as pets being used to make money for people by tourists taking photos. This one was with a group of men but they didn't attempt to get money from us.

Again I have used my love of layers to draw focus to the photos.

Happy Crafting!

Terri

X

~ Hello cutie! ~

Good morning!

Well my original plan was to share this layout with you last week but unfortunately it was rather hectic! 

Friday we travelled to Warrington to watch Leeds Rhinos play in the challenge cup semi final via a cheeky few hours at Quarry Bank for a picnic.

So now I'm here sat in the hairdressers blogging away. I'm usually here a good few hours getting my highlights done. This time I'm getting ready for my friends wedding on Friday where I'm a bridesmaid.

This layout is using up the last of my Like For Ever March kit. I loved all these papers. These are very much my favourite colours and style.

I had lots a small bits of patterned paper left so I used them to create a tile effect background on Kraft cardstock. I love using Kraft. It is probably my favourite background as it is so versatile.

This photo is another from the Water Aid charity ball we attended in March. I love getting dressed up once in a while.

Hopefully I should be back early next week with some more layouts to show you.

Happy Crafting!

Terri

X

~ A long engagement ~

So we got engaged in October 2013 and I can't believe it was so long ago. We still haven't got married or even set a date as neither of us can decide on the type of wedding we want and don't feel in any rush to at the moment. I was shocked when I realised I hadn't scrapped this photo of us as it is one of my favourites from the trip. After he proposed we went ring shopping but he wouldn't give it to me until the right time. This happened to be a cute bistro come wine cellar in Bergamo, Italy.

I really seem to have found my style recently and it involves lots of layers! Whether it be die cuts, patterned papers or stickers I just can't get enough. 

This was the last full piece of paper I had from the Maggie Holmes 'confetti' collection I had left and I love it. I've gone mad for layering all the die cuts. My journal,long is hidden on the tag inside the pocket as it's quite a personal page. I absolutely love all the colours in this collection.

Why is it that your mojo hits when you really should be doing something else?! Note to self - do your essay!

Happy crafting!

Terri

X

~ Post night update ~

This week seems to have flown by but it always does when I'm on nights as I literally just have time to sleep and go to work. I'm looking forward to a good couple of weeks off especially as I'm bridesmaid for my friend next week. 

This layout was treated using American Crafts Shimelle 'True Stories' paper and embellishments. I stuck with the triangle theory for focal points on this layout and the diagonal lines directing the eye to the photo as main focus.

I'm not keen on this photo but it was great for documenting the effect the humidity had on my hair. I can't believe I was actually that blonde! It was awfully frizzy!

I'm hoping to get some more crafting done this weekend. We are praying for good weather this weekend as we are BBQing.

Happy Crafting!

Terri

X

~ Dream Big ~

So this morning I went to the post office to collect the July Like For Ever called 'Dream Big'. It is full of lovely Pinkfresh 'Happy Things' collection papers. This is definitely a collection I wouldn't normally buy as I'm usually more in to florals than geometric designs. The quality of the paper is fantastic.

                

I used Heidi Swapp Colour Shine Mist 'Teal' on the background then layered with patterned paper and acetate patterned triangles. I'm really pleased with the outcome of this layout. The photo is one from when I went to the House of Lords for my official Girlguiding UK Queens Guide Award celebration.

I've had a productive afternoon and made another layout which I will share later in the week. I'm just sat watching TV after cooking dinner for my parents. 

Happy Crafting!

Terri

X

~ Let's eat cake! ~

Good morning, as you read this I should be sweating my ass off at a body combat class. I have really enjoyed going to the gym recently, just a shame work sometimes gets in the way. I certainly would love to be a kept woman. 

So whilst I was tidying my craft room I came across some photos from a couple of years ago that I didn't get round to scrapping. These photos are of my friend when we went to a cupcake decorating class. We had such a great time.

I really wasn't sure if I would use the candle patterned paper from the 'Fine & Dandy' collection. I expected that I would end up using the B side pattern as it is a little OTT for my liking. However, it fitted in perfectly with these photos and I think it worked well with the 3 6x4 photos on the layout. 

I hope you are all have fab plans for the weekend. We are off to the rugby at Headingley on Sunday afternoon but I'm hoping to find some crafty time.

Happy Crafting!

Terri

X

~ Fine & Dandy ~

Good morning, I'm hoping for a nice crafty afternoon if I can manage to get my essay written. So there should be more posts from me over the next few weeks. 

I have again dipped in to the American Crafts Dear Lizzy Fine & Dandy collection for the majority of this layout. I used the self inking stamp to add abit of texture to 2 corners of the photo matt. I love these flair badges which I have picked up from Hey Little Magpie.

I cut up the fine & dandy die cut to layer it under the photo. I added an acetate bow on top of the die cut bow and secured it with a co-ordinating brad from my stash. I really like how this adds depth and altered textures.

I absolutely love this photo of my fiancé with his niece. It was a spur of the moment iPhone photo that I took after a family meal out and then enhanced in Instagram. I've waited ages for the right papers and this suits it brilliantly.

Happy crafting!

Terri

X

~ Family Time ~

When I first received my July Like for Ever Kit I wasn't sure it was my kind of style but once I started to use them I really love them. The washi tape booklet is amazing. I love washi tape but sometimes find a whole roll too much.

The American Crafts Dear Lizzy Fine & Dandy collection is full of pinks, red, blues and greens. I started creating this layout from a scrappy Sunday challenge sketch over on the kit subscribers Facebook group but then came back to it after and completed it without going back to the sketch.

This is an unusual family photo as it isn't too often that I see my cousins in Peterborough. We went as a family to visit Kirby Hall. I didn't think I would use the dog diecut but it works perfectly with this layout.

I'll be back on Thursday to share another layout.

Happy Crafting!

~ Scrappy Sunday ~

Good afternoon, over in the Like For Ever Kit subscribers facebook page we have an alternate week scrappy sunday challenge. The last one was to use one of the sketchs provided to create a layout. So here is my version using American Crafts Shimelle 'True Stories' Collection. This was agreat way to use up any scraps of paper I had left.

 

The photos used are from my trip to India in August 2013. We got up early to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise. It was a beautiful sight and we were able to have photos taken on Diana's Bench. I love how I have been able to incorporate small photos but it doesnt take away the focus from the main picture.

 

I really love this collection of papers even though I probably wouldn't have bought it myself. It is adaptable for so many different themes. I hope you are enjoying your weekend, I intend to get in my craft room this afternoon.

 

Happy Crafting!

 

~ Stick It Down - July Challenge ~

Hello there.

 

Here is my contribution to the Monthly Single Page Sketch Challenge over on the Stick It Down Blog.

 

 

Although this photo is quite dark I was desperate to document this part of our holiday. When we went to South India we did a 2 week tour. It was an extra tour put on by the company so they don't usually have groups in Mysore on a Sunday Evening. But we were, which meant we were fortunate enough to see the lighting of Mysore Palace which only happens once a week. This is Sunday evening between 7-8pm (approxiately).

 

I thought these Shimelle 'True Stories' collection paper and embellishments really fitted in with the photo theme.

 

Why not pop along to see this months sketch and join in?

 

Happy Crafting!



~ Scrap-tastic ~

Good Morning! I hope you are all enjoying a lovely lazy Sunday. This is a layout I have scraplifted from a page I found on Pinterest which I think is originally from Two Peas in a Bucket but sadly I don't know who by. I can't believe how different it looks to the original. This would be a really quick and easy layout to create using Project Life co-ordinating cards.

 

 

This is the original below:

 

 

For my layout I have used some scraps of paper from the Like For Ever May Kit 'English Breakfast'. I'm really loving these bright bold colours. The photo is a selfie of me and my mum at Gogogetaway. We usually go once a year in March. It is a great way for me to get my mojo back and often come home with 10+ layouts created. I love having a girly weekend away with my mum and this year we even extended it by a night and nipped in to London for a show.

 

Happy Crafting!

 

Terri

x

~ Little Poser ~

I've realised there is abit of a theme to some of my posts recently. Honestly, I am not a coffee addict and I do drink other things! So here is a rather cute layout to compensate.

 

 

Another layout using the Like For Ever May kit and photos from my trip to India. This monkey sat for ages posing on a concrete post on the side of the road. We stopped so everyone could take photos.

 

I've never really bought diecut embellishments until recently but am really enjoying using them to layer on my layouts. I fould the cork stickers quite difficult to use. I never know where to put them, but I'm pleased with it on this layout.This kit has lots of bold colours which isn't always my style but I'm loving them.

 

I hope you are all enjoying some crafty time, I'm really torn at the moment between spending time outside or in my craft room.

 

Happy Crafting!

 

Terri

x

~ Exciting News! ~

I have some exciting news which I can't wait to share with you. I have been chosen to be on a sketch blog design team again. It's a number of years ago when I was on one before and really enjoyed it.

 

I will be part of the Stick It Down Single Page Design Team. It's a 6 month term and I can't wait to get started. Please pop over and let us inspire you. Here you can meet all the team.

 

I hope to see you over there.

 

Happy Crafting!

~ In need of Coffee! ~

Good Afternoon, I've been MIA for a couple of weeks as family life and work has been a little hectic. I have managed a few hours scrapping and my India Album is starting to take shape.

 

I have had so much fun using the May kit from Like For Ever called 'English Breakfast'. This kit is full of lovely Shimelle, True Stories Collection. I have realised just how much I have missed having kits. I used to get the Scrapagogo kit and have really missed my monthly stash influx. I love challenging myself to use items which I might not usually buy.

 

Whilst in India we had a few long drives and would need a rest stop. These Cafe Coffee Day shops are dotted throughout Kerala and Tamil Nadu. They seem very much the Indian version of starbucks. I love their slogan 'a lot can happen over coffee'. Importantly they sell good coffee but also have nice western toilets!

 

The silver glitter thickers don't aren't represented very well in the photo. They are much bolder in real life.

 

I've scheduled a few posts for the next  few days to showcase some more layouts using the May kit. The June kit arrived on Monday and is full of gorgeous Dear Lizzy goodies so I will get creating with that soon.

 

Happy Crafting!

 

Terri

x

~ A beautiful summers day - calls for a favourite drink ~

I can't believe how the weather has turned. I've spent all morning sat outside in the sunshine. It reminded me very much of how I enjoyed sitting at this little Art Gallery a Cafe in Kochi drinking iced coffee. 

Ironically I actually scrapped a photo of said coffee yesterday afternoon using this months Like For Ever kit which includes gorgeous Shimelle 'True Stories' patterned paper and embellishments. I wasn't sure which photos they would go with but once I started there was no stopping. Call back later in the week to see some more layouts.

                                       

                               

I'm off to see Shrek the musical today and have a spot of lunch with a friend. Hopefully we'll find somewhere to sit in the sun.

Happy crafting!

Terri

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