~ Sheena's Class no.1 | Birds of a Feather Retreat ~

At the fabulous Birds of a Feather Retreat Sheena did a fantastic class using crochet twine to cover chipboard frames. This is a great example of using a grid to create an eye catching layout using the Dear Lizzy collection.

This is actually such a simple design and I love the finished item. I will definitely scrap lift this layout again maybe adding some mixed media in there as well.

This page documents our trip to a little tearoom in Staithes. My boy always pulls a funny face and sticks out his pinky finger when drinking tea. I love how striking the black and white photos are.

Happy Crafting!

Terri x

~ GoGoGetaway Classes ~

Last weekend I had a fabulous time at GoGoGetaway @ Theobalds Park. This is the fifth time mum and I have been to the March Getaway and we always have an amazing time. This year they have altered the class format to allow for some longer class times and more complex techniques. I really loved the new format and the classes seemed less intense and better for less experienced crafters.

My first class was 'Feel the Heat' by Janice and used the Stampendous Encrusted Jewels product to create a distressed metallic effect down the side of the photo and also on some of the embellishments.

I loved the effect of the Encrusted Jewels on the side of the photo. It was a quick process and was a nice relaxed class to ease you in on the Friday night. I'm desperate to finish my India album so quite a few of my layouts feature these photos.

My second class was called 'Global Impressions' by Lorraine. It features the technique of using inks to colour on an embossing folder then putting it through a bigshot machine to colour the impression on depression.

 I love the bright clean crisp colours of this layout. We had a choice of colours and embossing folders to use. Also we had supplies and time to have a play around with the different effects and then choose the ones we thought fitted best with our layout.

My third class created by Lisa, it was one of the new style longer classes and it was three hours in total. In this class we were taught how to use the Heidi Swapp Minc Machine and given a small supply of the gorgeous foils.

We foiled the title and lots of butterflies. It's quite fiddly to do and we kept losing the foils whilst trying to place it in the Minc folders.

We created our own chipboard frames to go round the photos. One of the things I love about it at GoGo is that they are more than happy for you to alter the design to suit your style or photo size as long as you can do it with the supplies in your kit.

This class created a beautiful double page spread. Its hard to show the foil effect on the photos but it is beautiful. Another one to go in my India 2015 album.

The final class was a 2 layout class and was split over the morning and afternoon on the Sunday. This class was designed and taught by Niki Rowland and featured designs using the Silhouette Cameo.

The first layout uses a triangle background cut file which we backfilled with lots and lots of triangles cut from patterned paper. The frame s raised up on 3D foam pads and is really effective.

 

My mum took her selphy printer to the retreat and these photos are actually from the Friday before the getaway started. The next layout also features photos from the theatre on the Thursday evening.

This time we used a background cut file to trace and cut out all the pebbles and in between sections to create this design. Cutting out the pebbles was very time consuming but not difficult so it was a nicely paced class.

 

 I had a brilliant weekend and spent time with lots of lovely people both old and new. We are already planning to book for March next year.

Happy Crafting!

~ White Space ~

This self paced class allowed my to embrace Nicola's (Like For Ever Owner) style and create 5 gorgeous but simple layouts. The kit was full of Pinkfresh Studio's Up in the Clouds collection patterned paper. This isn't my usual style as I love to use lots of patterns, paper and embellishments. They should have originally been 8.5 x11.5 but I altered them to 9x12 so I can add them to my Thailand and Laos album.

Nicola often uses non standard photo sizes so many of the photos were printed and then cropped to the correct size. The above layout uses a 6x2 photo which I was able to crop a 6x4 to create the correct size.

As soon as I saw this layout in the class I knew it would be perfect for some photos I took on route to Vang Vieng. We had a seven hour drive through some stunning scenery. We stopped to take photos of the low cloud in the valley below us.  

I found it quite hard not to add more embellishment but I couldn't resist adding extra sequins to this layout. I really like how they look scattered over the page.

I would never have thought to mix upper and lower case letters in the same word but Nicola did this in her title 'Sunkissed' so I tried it with my title too. It adds a different unique looking item to the page.

I tried to focus on creating these layouts and telling the story of the photos. We had a fantastic trip and I want to be able to remember all the little details.

Happy Crafting!

x

~ Life on the Backwaters ~

Today I was woken up from my post night shift sleep by my neighbour playing the drums. As you can imagine I wasn't impressed especially as I'm working again tonight. I decided to use the extra time wisely and retreated in to my craft room to play with pretty papers. 

Over on the Like For Ever Subscribers Facebook group Nicola had set us 2 different challenges. There was another Tic Tac Toe challenge and the fortnightly Sunday challenge. For the Tic Tac Toe I chose a diagonal line (stamping, coloured cardstock & thread) and the Sunday challenge was to use a colour you wouldn't normally use (Green).

I'm starting to pack for a couple of upcoming retreats so most of my kits and up to date stash is in a box ready so I'm challenging myself to use my other stash to make a dent in the increasing piles. I'm really pleased with how this layout turned out, especially because I was tired when making it and didn't use a sketch or anything as inspiration.

Off to work now, hopefully it won't be a long night!

Happy Crafting!

~ Playing with hearts ~

Hello Monday, today I have had a whole day to myself with no fixed plans (I have ignored the housework that needs doing!). After tidying my craft room a few days ago I was inspired to try and create more often and tidy up afterwards.

So today I have had a whole day of crafting which I will share with you over the next week or so. I have even had a go at creating a few process videos. I will upload links once they are edited.

Every Monday over on Shimelle.com there is a new weekly challenge. This weeks challenge was to use hearts on a layout, find the post here. I use hearts quite often on my layouts to embellish pages which feature my family, fiancé and my love of all things food related.

I printed these photos on my Selphy and then matted them side by side similar to how Shimelle often does with her 6x4s. These photos were taken on a spa day at Thoresby Hall last year with my mum.

This layout using February's Like For Ever Kit 'Smitten'. It contains a mix of Crate Paper 'Hello Love' and WRMK 'Crush' collections. I love some of the papers but the embellishments are a little too romantic for most of my layouts. Maybe I will make an extra effort on Valentine's Day in order to get some appropriate photos. 

Happy Crafting!

~ Fabulously Festive ~

I have had a fantastic Christmas period and only had to do a couple of shifts at work. As it was our first proper Christmas in our new home we stayed here and cooked for family on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. One of the best things has been having time to get in my craft room and play with the festive Like For Ever Kit called 'Wish List'.

This Christmas has seen lots of 'firsts' in our household and I didn't have photos to document them all so I used some generic Christmas décor photos and added a list of 'firsts' as the journaling. I was playing around with the settings on my camera to get these monochrome photos just right.

I have had this photos for years! It is a photo taken of my cutie pussy cat called 'Millie' when she was a kitten. This was her first Christmas and she was such a poser! I used a couple of the Coco Vanilla 'Tis the Season' collection die cut embellishments as my title. This is a really simple page and I'm not entirely happy with it. I feel like there is just something missing but can't put my finger on it

I can't resist my layers and the next layout has even more! I found some old yellow/gold star gems that worked perfectly with the embellishments on this layout.

This is another photo that has been around in my craft room for a while. It was taken by my cousins wife in 2013 when we were down for our annual Christmas visit. I absolutely love Christmas and we look so happy here I thought it would be a good thing to document.

The 'Wish List' Kit has been amazing! I have managed to get 7 layouts, 1 décor piece and some handmade embellishments for gift bags all from the kit.

I have a couple more layouts to photograph but the light over the last few days has been awful. The weather tonight is very stormy but thankfully I'm tucked up in the armchair under a fluffy blanket.

Happy Crafting!

~ Stick It Down Blog Hop ~

Welcome to Stick It Down's November blog hop! Several of our design team members have created projects to share with you using any of our past SID sketches. If you've never participated in a blog hop before, you'll "hop" from blog to blog to visit each designer's page and project. You'll leave a comment at each stop along the hop. The hop will end right back here where you started, where you can comment to let us know you've completed the hop and you're entered to win the grand prize. You have until Monday November 23 at 11:59pm to complete the hop. The winner will be announced on or before November 25.

We have several prize packages and one grand prize lined up! Paper Wings Productions is generously sponsoring our blog hop and is offering a $25 gift certificate to the online store!

Paper Wings Productions is owned by Carrie Edelmann Avery. All of the PWP stamps are produced in the USA and are made using the highest quality of materials. You can check out the PWP online store to see the red rubber cling stamps and the clear photopolymer stamps!

Are you ready to get started? Here is the order of the hop, in case you get lost:

Marci

Irmeline

Lore

Hanne

Amanda

Terri Ann

Alison 

Evelyn

Ronna

Ali

Ashley

Katy

Stick It Down 

Hi there! Terri-Ann here.

I looked back at previous sketches and picked one which I hadn't used before. Much of my scrapping is around my travels and this layout is from our trip to Tunisia.

I love how this sketch has 4 main square elements offset to the bottom left corner of the layout.

This actually turned out to be quite a simple layout once finished and I managed to use up quite a few different bits from my stash!

(Apologies for the poor photo quality, the weather here in the UK is currently bleak and dull!)

I used a flare badge from Hey Little Magpie and a few 'Hello World' collection die cuts.

I picked up these cute Studio Calico wood veneer aeroplanes from TK Maxx. I rarely drop lucky and find the crafting bargains that can be found in store.

So now why not hop on over to Alison  to see what she has created...

Happy crafting!

~ Stick It Down - November Sketch ~

Wow, don't the month's just keep coming round so quickly! It's that time of the month where I reveal my Stick It Down Design Team entry for their monthly single page sketch.

So here goes!

I impressed myself this month by using some patterned paper that has been sitting in my craft room for longer than I care to admit. I love patterned paper but sometimes I just can't decide what to combine it with.

P.S I've no idea why this photo is blurred as the original is in focus.

So this layout documents our trip to London for my partner's birthday. He tried Dim Sum for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it (I think!). I love asian food as I find it much lighter on the stomach than British/French/American styles.

I hope to see your creation over at Stick It Down.

Happy Crafting!

Terri

x



~ A little bit of Vintage (and cake!) ~



Hi there, This is one of those layouts that you aren't sure about. It seemed like a great idea in my head but once it was down on the paper I'm not so convinced. I have had these photos a little while and was looking forward to scrapping them.

 

These are the last few pieces of Crate Paper 'Confetti' collection that I had left so I was trying to use it up. I don't dislike that layout I just feel like somethings missing from it. Although I have managed to get my layers in and my new favourite thing 'mists'. You'll see more mists on my layouts as I don't seem to be able to create one without a little spritze or flick on the background.

 

My friend and I went out to a local vintage tearoom for Afternoon Tea. It seems to be becoming increasingly popular here in the UK. I love to bake and eat cake so it's the perfect thing for me really. I'm loving watching the Great British Bake Off at the moment. It's getting close to the final now so the pressure is on. Team Nadiya all the way!

 

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

~ 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

~ 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

~ Life on the Edge ~

Now its been quite a busy week for me and I still can't decide whether I like this layout. It didn't come out quite as I'd hoped it would. Looking back it might have been better with a layer of gesso under the photo matt to lift it of the page and give it more definition.

 

 

Although it does show on the map exactly where we were which is part of what I wanted to achieve. I do really like these photos and wanted to document out time in South Tunisia, on the edge of the desert. I was suprised to find out that the desert is constantly moving North and may soon be inside the walls of the city of Douz.

 

Happy Crafting!

 

~ Day 2 of GogoGetaway ~

So after only 5.5 hours sleep I'm up back ready and raring to go! We have done 4 classes today and I love them all.

The Classes

Busy day with the classes but I must say Janice's Class tonight was very steady and laid back. Lived it.

Sheena's class above was very sticky indeed! We created lots of felt flowers for our layout. (Note: Bostick glue removes nail polish!).

This class by Sam included lots of fussy cutting which was hard going at times. We created this ombré background using beetroot juice, it will change colour as it dries.

I love this piece of home decor created in Eileen's class.magain lots of cutting out by hand in this class. I was ready for a glass of wine by the end.

This class by Janice was lively and laid back. Gentle cutting and sticking. We made our own bobby pin embellishments to adorn the page. It's not a brilliant photo as it was taken on my phone but it suited the layout perfectly.

The Sketch Challenges

So today I have done quite a few sketch challenges and I have lost track as to which design team member they belonged to. So here we go.

I'm really pleased with everything I got done today. I tried to aim to get all the classes and challenges done over the weekend. I love working from sketches, it always gives me inspiration. I was up until 1.30am again (technically 2.30am with the clocks going forward) Saturday night crafting away with some lovely ladies.

Place booked for next March's GogoGetaway! Yey!!!