XOXOXO | Simple Stories

I think I had most my productive week. At our crop last Sunday, I picked up quite a haul of lovely new goodies from Simple Stories and a little K'esi Art (sshh! Don't tell).  So consequently I've been on a scrapping mission. I managed to complete 5 layouts this week (8 days but who's counting?)

My DD and I have been playing with What's App - I adore the little character accessories. I would walk around as a bunny permanently if I could have the soft ears that What's App gave me.

I used the Love & Adore papers from Simple Stories for this layout (I told you I had a splurge). Probably like everyone else, I had to cut out the XO letters - such cute patterns!

I'm also in love with die-cut designs from Rachel Hodge on The Digital Press. If you would like a totally amazing bargain, hop over to TDP for their penny saver. There are heaps of amazing kits and packs for $1. I got the Love This containing 33 SVG files! Wow!

Flair is Stash Panache.

After cutting out the letters I roughed up the edges and carefully outlined them with a fine liner.

 Thanks for popping in. I have two more layouts to share before the new Stuck?! Sketch on Wednesday.

Better hop to it! Thanks for popping by.

What Housework? | Simple Stories

My friend Nicky and I started a local crop around 7 years ago (I think). The group is called What Housework? Let's face it. We'd all rather be crafting!

When I saw the Domestic Bliss collection from Simple Stories I fell in love with the cute little icons. But Domestic Goddess I am not! So here's my little take on being domestic - playing with die-cuts and embellishments :)

I love this colour combo - Coral, Navy Blue, Green, Teals and a little lemon.

Who would ever think you would put a hoover on your layout?!

I'd only got a couple of sheets of paper (wish I'd have bought more), so I added in some B sides from Posh collection.

With laundry looking this good I might need more photos.

Credits: Domestic Bliss, Posh - Simple Stories (I bought mine from Funky Farm Scrapbook Barn). Flair: Stash Panache

Thanks for popping by.

Paper Layers | My Creative Scrapbook Kit

Hey there! I'm back with another layout using the amazing My Creative Scrapbook kit.

Just a little reminder of what is in this huge kit! It's packed full of gorgeous papers and embellishments from Simple Stories, mixed in with other goodies from American Crafts. Joy!

For no reason whatsoever, I felt like a cross-cross background. I cut 2 papers at an angle. I added a border strip to both before stitching them on my page.

I layered the chipboard and stickers around my photo and overlayed the gorgeous Heidi Swapp gold title. I love how you can see through the title.

 I used some of the pocket style journal cards as layers and also created my own tag to tuck in behind the photo.

 The cute little stickers make a great accent to draw the eye down the page.

My tutorial to make your own cute tassels (which have been appearing on all my layouts!) is up on the My Creative Scrapbook blog.

There's still time to subscribe to the kit or order a one-off kit. Pop over to My Creative Scrapbook. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Free Silhouette File!

Hey, for my recent layout for Stuck?! Sketches, I created a brand new wreath design for the Silhouette. I finally got around to working out how to share the file.

Here's a reminder of my layout....

I printed my cut file in white and then used inks and sprays to make it all glittery (which unfortunately is not very apparent from my photo).

I think I'll be using the design again on future layouts or cards - it is so versatile!

To download the files, click on these links:

Silhouette Studio Cut file

PNG Image file

Papers and embellishments: Simple Stories - Carpe Diem, Life in Colour

Thanks for stopping by.

Wonderful Christmas Memories | My Creative Scrapbook Feb Kit

Hey, I'm back with another layout using My Creative Scrapbook Kit.

There are heaps of beautiful papers from Simple Stories and One Canoe Two. I wanted to feature those beautiful patterns but not overwhelm my photo taken around Christmas.

Paper tearing is really popular at the moment. It's a great way to mix together patterns - especially for those who are not confident with colour or pattern. Tearing along the grain means that the resulting tear is much more smooth than going in the other direction. Curl your edges with your fingertips for a bit of extra texture.

Also in the kit are these gorgeous gold acrylic words (Heidi Swapp) and Glitter gold alphas (Dear Lizzy Thickers). Creating the little paperclip flag adds a little special touch.

 Fussy cutting patterned paper is so therapeutic! I find if I ink the edges it will hide any white bits. I've added a butterfly from one of the other papers as well as a chipboard butterfly from the Simple Stories Posh chipboard stickers.

As you can see there are so many lovely things in the kit. Grab yours at My Creative Scrapbook before they're all gone!

Thanks for stopping by. Be back shortly with a bit more inspiration!

Morag x

My Creative Scrapbook | February Kit Reveal

Hey! It's time to reveal the amazing My Creative Scrapbook kit for February. *Warning* will feed your paper addiction!

As I mentioned previously, I'm lucky enough to be a guest designer for this HUGE kit! For those not paying attention, I had to email Pam to ask if they had sent me two kits. LOL. The kit features Simple Stories, Posh collection *swoon*

Anyway, I'll share one of the layouts I created with the kit.

The papers featured this month are Simple stories and One Canoe Two.

There are stickers and alphas as well as the cute wood veneers that you can just add to everything!

I made the tassel from embroidery floss. There will be a tutorial up on My Creative Scrapbook blog later in the month.

I kept the layout simple and clean.

Did I also say that it includes chipboard??

To find out all the details, visit the Kit page, or you can see the full gallery from all the designers here. Lastly don't forget to stalk the MCS blog for a detailed look at all the lovely inspiration you'll need to crack your kit!

Thanks for stopping by. I'll be back shortly with more sneaky peaks and reveals.

Morag x

Star Performance | Stuck?! Sketches February 1st

Hey! I'm back already with the latest fabulous sketch from Stuck? Sketches. Firstly, we had so many entries last month! It's amazing that so many of you are playing along *Yay* Secondly, the layouts submitted were incredible too! I love seeing the variety from one sketch - so inspiring.

Anyway onto the new sketch...

Here's my take...

My DD had a video star party for her 11th birthday. Basically the kids stood in front of a green screen and then sang to various songs. It was brilliant!

I swapped out the large star for a star wreath which I designed and create on the Silhouette. I cut it out in plain ol' white cardstock and inked and sprayed to get sparkle and colour.

Added the tag as per the sketch but moved it along a little. I found the tiny tag in my stash - so cute!

The foam letters were inked to suit the layout colours - I love the ombre effect.

Finally I added sequins for a touch of extra sparkle.

Papers and embellishments: Simple Stories - Carpe Diem, Life in Colour

There are great prizes to be won this month from our generous sponsors...

To find out more details and to enter, visit the Stuck?! Sketches blog!

I look forward to seeing your fabulous creations.

Morag x

Brooklyn - Kitchen Sink Layout!

It's raining here today and what better way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon than scrapping?
I had some lovely scrappy items for Christmas which needed to be put to good use. But I also have a lot of stash that's crying out to be used. Hence, a Kitchen Sink layout - where you use anything not matter how old!

I took these photos when we visited Dumbo before walking the Manhattan Bridge. I love the texture of the cobbled streets. The second bridge (I think it's the Washington Bridge) is such an awesome colour against the red brick buildings.

I added my favourite die-cut tags (Kesi'Art) as well as some found die-cuts from my stash - it's kitchen sink remember?!

Whilst planning the layout I was trying to figure out how to add a bit of pizzazz. This is where the stars came in. Adding small elements makes it easy to introduce colour and detail.

I'm really trying to break away from white backgrounds. Using a striking background like this can be challenging. The white border around the photos help.

I think if you stick to a good colour palette, it's easy to mix elements from old kits or leftover stash.

Of course, if you have shiny new stash or a good kit - it's even better!

I hope I've inspired you to use everything and the kitchen sink too!

Credits: Papers: Jillibean Soup - Chit Chat Chowder, Die-cuts - Rachel Hodge - New York, Dies: Kesi'Art From Funky Farm Scrapbook Barn, Chipboard - Simple Stories - Life Documented

Thanks for stopping by.

Morag x

Proud as Punch

My son recently got his results from his GCSEs. He sat 11 GCSEs this time around plus Additional Maths. To say that he exceeded all expectations is an  understatement! He now has an amazing 4-A*, 9-As and 1-B. WTG Son!
I'll be doing a layout about his achievements another time, but for now, here is a layout I did with his prom photo.

He is rather camera shy so I had to steal a photo before he left for Prom. He looked so smart in his new suit.

I love the So Rad papers from Simple Stories. I don't think there are enough cool teen boy papers around!

I started my layout with the title (which is unusual for me). I liked the idea of mixing the number with the word. Blue and orange is a favourite colour combo and always looks great together.

 

Stars and circles are my go to shape!  I added some cogs for good measure and love the zip detail with the corrugated card (Fancy Pants).

So that's me for today. Thanks for stopping by.