A Scrapbook Junkie

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-11-12T17:29:00.005Z

It's that time of year again, when those of you who are PTA's up and down the country will know what I mean by busy! Although I was going to step down from our committee this year, I ended up being chair person or we wouldn't have any continuity. Thankfully, the rest of the new committee are all lovely and enthusiastic so I'm hoping that things go well despite me being in charge.

So I'm sharing a couple of projects from the past couple of weeks in no particular order. The first is from a trip we made to a local National Trust property. One of those rare occasions when my two little monsters posed for the camera. They posed beautifully one minute, then acted up the next. Very typical behaviour.

It did give me chance to dust off a Buzz and Bloom spinner I had been hoarding. Do you know those things that are just too precious to use? This is one of them. I've covered mine in paper (all My Mind's Eye). The journalling is Naughty, Nice, Nicer.

I have gone a little mad over masking recently, so I've masked circles and stuff onto my background - I just love this technique.

Did I mention that the papers are the lovely Stomp! collection from My Mind's Eye? I just love getting boys stuff in my stash - there just isn't enough of it out there.

Speaking of boys stuff, I'll share a layout I did for the AllyScraps blog last week.

I love the cool graphic images of the Oh Boy! collection from Fancy Pants. I wish I could doodle in the same way. The really cool thing about this paper is that all the hard work is done for you. All that is left to do is to add your photos and some fancy bits (if you really need to).

I added my favourite bit of magic mesh and added rub-ons here and there.

Before I go, AllyScraps are participating in the Adornit Blog Hop this Friday. As I'm guesting on the blog, I get to play along too! Yippeee!

As the theme is Christmas, I'll leave you with a sneak peak of my contribution. Be sure to pop over to AllyScraps blog this Friday to find out what we've been up to.

Thanks for stopping by.

Prima Build a Page

2009-11-05T20:28:00.005Z

I entered Prima's monthly Build a Page last month - I haven't done a comp in ages. I have loads of photos to scrap from the Summer, so it was a good excuse to scrap some.

Well, what do you know, I didn't win! LOL. I did get a mention though. Wow. That's good enough for me.

I used a broken locket that I inherited from my Auntie last year. It's hard to see, but the glass is broken - just adds more charm in my opinion.

The title is cut from the patterned paper and layered onto another copy. I've wrinkled them up for a bit more depth.

Well that was my five minutes of fame. Wait. I think you missed it!

Thanks for stopping by.

All that Sparkles

2009-11-01T21:16:00.003Z

I thought I would enter Simon Says Stamp Challenge this week - the prompt is All that Sparkles.

I love the Fairy Doodle stamps - they are just so delightful to colour. I like mixing the pinks and reds together so I'm afraid they just have to be in this colour combination. The sparkly background papers are Amy Butler (K&Co) - it has been so hard to actually cut up and use! *sigh* why do they have to make something so pretty?

The fairy has sparkly shoes, hat and wings (although hard to see in my photo).

Thanks for dropping in.

LO Share

2009-10-29T17:14:00.004Z

We had a wonderful fortnight in Cornwall this summer. Untypically, we had fabulous weather for most of it. We've wanted to visit for such a long time, but as the journey down is so tedious we've put it off. Well it was well worth the tedium. Cornwall is one of the prettiest places in Britain (and we do have a lot of beautiful places).

Land's End is the furthest most tip of England and the day we visited was glorious. Clear blue sky - really picture-perfect. I've taken a ton of photos which will appear in other layouts, but whilst my printer is on the blink, I'm making do with photos I'd printed out before going off for repair.

Lauren loves the Zip wires and this is my favourite dress that she wore (looks like almost every day this summer). I love these new stitched mulberry papers from Prima - they are so luxurious - they really have taken paper to a whole new level.

I love to layer flowers, ribbons and crystals if I can get them. These gorgeous crystals are ZVA. I've looped them slightly so they stand off the page. That velvet flower is of course Maya Road.

I'm now trying catch up posts with all the projects I managed to photograph the other day, so I'm sure there will be lots of posting going on over the next few days.

Just before I go, I'd like to say a massive HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Cathy Phillips who is the wonderful owner of Ally Scraps. I've been on Cathy's DT for the past 2 years and she is the most fabulous person to design for. Hope you have a great day Cathy!

Craft Room Door

2009-10-27T23:56:00.004Z

I'm lucky enough to have my own little craft room so that I no longer reside under the stairs (like Harry Potter). It's small, but it's mine (mostly).

So I'd bought this fabulous masquerade mask and needed to do something with it. I hit upon the idea of making a plaque for my door - I'd made them for the kids in the past. I've recently bought Laundry Line pad from My Mind's Eye (*swoon*). The papers are all glittery and gorgeous.

The picture is a little difficult to see (click on it for a bigger one), but the mask has been glued to the corner before being adorned with a crystal swirl, roses and ribbons.

I love tucking things in behind other stuff such as flowers - this beautiful one is from Prima (of course)
I've layered stamps (Inkadoo and Prima) around the edges - don't you just love those chandeliers?

Well at least you can find my room now if you pop round! Have a great day and drop in again soon.

He's Making a List

2009-10-26T23:18:00.004Z

Santa that is. I know Christmas seems to be miles away, but Lauren has been planning her list for months already. She has added and subtracted dolls, bikes, a DS amongst other things. She has been reasonable and pushed some things aside and others to her birthday but it is hard to keep track!

So in order to have some idea of what it is she's after, I've made this wish list holder. She can keep a list for Santa (we can post it outside her door on Christmas Eve) and also cut out pictures. That way, Daddy and I know what she's on about.

The office clip can be used to hold the list on the left. Whilst I've created pockets on the right for those important notes and pictures.I hope that Santa likes it and leaves Lauren a lovely present or two.

Papers - Bo Bunny, Imaginisce, K&Co. Gorgeous crystals - ZVA Creative Letters - American Crafts Sticks - K&Co Calendar - Jenni Bowlin

Thanks for stopping by.

Brrr Winter is on it's way

2009-10-24T15:32:00.004Z

Feeling very chilly today. The weather has finally caught up with Autumn and may even over take to feel like winter.

I thought I'd share a bit more of a workshop we're running in November. It features the most wonderful papers from My Mind's Eye (who are just my favourite).

The cute lil' snowman adorns the top of the keepsake box. He's all frosty with glitter, a carrot nose and rosy red cheeks.

We'll be covering the box and making the album to go inside. The album contain 6 pages including some lovely ledger shaped pages and a window page.

The class is running on Wednesday, 4th November and Sunday, 22nd November and is a whopping 5 hours! At just £35 it is really a bargain with all those lovely papers and embellishments. Kits are also available including all the materials and detailed instructions. If you'd like to know more then just email me moragcutts@freeuk.com or visit our website www.Whathousework.co.uk

I hope you enjoy your weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

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In Need of better light

2009-10-19T21:36:00.005Z

That way, I'll be able to take some photos of my pile of projects and layouts that I have mounting up. The only things i've manage to photograph recently have been cards - even though I don't make cards! LOL

So I'll share my projects that were in Scrapbook Inspirations last month. I'm not normally a huge fan of Halloween, but after making these projects I kind of got the bug.

The cute lil' pumpkin is a polystyrene ball carved to a pumpkin(ish) shape. Coloured and glittered with glass and ultra-fine glitter. Unfortunately, the detail doesn't really show in my photo.

For the base, the box is covered in digi-papers (Two Peas) and black rhinestones.

I also did a 'Spooky House' because I'm a sucker for cute little dwellings.

The owl (October Afternoon stamp) perches on a sign (McDonald's stirrer!). The cobwebs were created using hot glue (completely by chance).

The cardstock house has been stamped and embossed with black glossy embossing powder before adding a little more bling.

I have new costumes for the kids this year, so I'm hoping for a bumper crop of photos to scrap!

Hope your week is off to a good start too. Thanks for stopping by.

Halloween Card

2009-10-13T16:03:00.003Z

Just a quick post with a lovely Tilda.

I've made this card for a special friend (who I hope isn't going to read my blog any day soon).

I love the colleciton of flowers and leaves. The papers are Pink Paislee and Cosmo Cricket.

Thanks for popping in.

Fairy doodles

2009-10-12T11:04:00.004Z

Lauren has had a lot of parties to go to over the past couple of weeks. Seems all the little girls are turning 6. So I've made a little batch of similar cards.

I've used up my Doodlebug papers from Scrapbook Sisters. I just love the mixture of pinks and greens.

I just love these little stamps by Buzzcraft. They are just so adorable and so much fun to colour in.

I've been having a little cardmaking fest recently, so I'll share some more over the next couple of days including some more magnolia cards (they're just so adorable).

Thanks for stopping by.

Copic Creations Challenge

2009-10-11T09:49:00.004Z

I haven't participated in a card challenge for absolutely ages. I've been colouring images in (just because it's so much fun), but only a few ever make it onto cards.

I recently borrowed some Edwins from my friend Nicki and it has been lovely colouring in something new. So I thought I'd participate in this week's challenge over at Copic Creations. The challenge is Pumpkins. I just love orange so what could be better?

There was only one slight problem. I don't own any pumpkin stamps! So I drew a couple of wee pumpkins and hope for the best.

Papers are My Mind's Eye and Crate Paper. Stamps are Magnolia and Pink Paislee.
Copic Markers:
Jeans- B91 B23 B32 B24
Jacket, Hat, Pumpkin - YR02 YR04 YR03 Y17 E33
Top, Shoes - G21 G99
Broom - E31 E33 E47

Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

Inky Fingers

2009-10-07T15:25:00.002Z

How's your week going so far?

Mine's been pretty busy, but it's much better like that isn't it?

I thought I'd share a card from an upcoming class I'm teaching on 20th October. We'll be getting some lovely inky fingers.

I'll be showing you how to get a wrinkle-free distressed background (as taught to me by THE MAN himself, Tim Holtz!) We'll be using lots of lovely stamps and some unique masks along the way.

Just love this class, it's so versatile. I can't wait.

If you're interested in coming along, visit http://www.whathousework.co.uk/

Thanks for dropping in.

Cutest Cosmo Cricket

2009-10-02T17:04:00.003Z

I just fell in love with the Boyfriend range from Cosmo Cricket when it came into AllyScraps. I must admit, it was the little washing line with clothes that really grabbed me.

I was also smitten with the colours - the background is a kind of pale olive colour, teamed with the red and oranges. WOW.

I took this photo of Jacob after a biking mishap last year. He had so many bruises already - he looked like all boys should of his age. It means he's been playing and climbing trees. He fell out of one recently - from top to bottom. He was OK thankfully, but it's something he has to experience.

I guess the clothes had nothing to do with anything, but man, they're cute!

Have a great weekend - thanks for popping in!

Wanna be a Rock Star?

2009-10-01T19:58:00.005Z

I love the opportunity to make cards for Jacob's friends. Quite a few of them are learning instruments so it's nice to do something rock for them.

We've bought a gift card for Daniel's birthday, so I thought I'd make something fancy for it to go in. The card is an envelope if you know what I mean, which opens up to reveal the gift card. I've stamped images using various stamps which have been inked here and there.

I've masked the background inside - just love doing this for funky projects.

The stamps are all Inkadoo or 7 Gypsies I think.

When Jacob saw it, his words were "WOW, that is fantastic, I really love it" Which is pretty good going for someone who isn't very enthusiastic normally. I took it as a compliment. Well, you got to get them where you can!

Thanks for dropping in. I'll leave you with a sneaky peak of a LO I've done for AllyScraps. Just love the cute washing on the line! If only real washing was this enjoyable.

More for Scrapbook Sisters

2009-09-25T17:13:00.006Z

I had been working on a kit from Scrapbook Sisters some time ago but haven't had chance to get some photos loaded. So better late than never.

Firstly, I'm a sucker for cute animals, but when they arrive in little trains or trucks, well, who can resist?

The photo is from our summer holiday in Cornwall. We visited Paradise Park which houses lots of exotic birds. You could 'feed' these parakeets with a nectar. They would fly all over you. As you can see Jacob got more than he bargained for.

I like cutting out the patterned papers so I went to town cutting the cute flowers and trees. The boulders are scrap corrugated cardboard.

Sometimes it's hard to know what to do with a patterned paper that just needs a photo and nothing else. Doesn't seem much of a challenge . So by cutting out the train and animals, I feel like I've done something with it IYKWIM.

I particularly like the clouds and the doodling - shall definately do that again!

Also from the same range, came this glazed paper. Very cute, but rather than cutting it up, I decided to work with the grid and create secret pockets and doors. Open the door to reveal photos or pull out a tag for journalling.

I'll share the rest of the kit this weekend. I'll just leave you with a quick card I did this week.

I've been playing with my Copic pens - something I haven't done in ages. I just love how this image turned out.

My card is a bit pants I'm afraid, but the fun was in the colouring. Hey ho!

Have a great weekend, thanks for dropping by.

Missing Summer?

2009-09-21T20:23:00.008Z

Do you wish that Summer could last just that bit longer? I know I do.

I got to play with the most beautiful Doodlebug papers for Scrapbook Sisters this month. They are just so pretty, feminine and most of all, they make you feel like summer is still here.

I'll share a couple tonight and a few more later this week. Firstly, a LO from our summer holiday this year. We went to Cornwall with another family who are our best friends. We always have such a laugh together.

I just love being able to cut out images from a scrapbook paper. I don't know why someone doesn't make papers just for this purpose. Still, cutting all the intricate flowers out is just my thing.

This layout is actually based on a Pagemaps sketch which I've adapted for my needs. Thanks Pagemaps!

Lauren joined Rainbows earlier this year. Although the uniform is red and my papers pinks and greens, I rather like such a bright and cheerful page.

The matching Doodlebug glitter cardstock is AMAZING. It is the most sparkly card ever. I don't know how they manage to keep the glitter in place.

The envelope contains a journal tag for no other reason than I love envelopes.

Finally, before I go I'll share a sneaky peak of a workshop I'll be running on November. I took it to the crop yesterday and everyone fell in love with Mr Frosty.

We'll be creating the most adorable Christmas album which comes in a box adorned with Mr Frosty. There'll be lots of sparkle and the most fab,fun papers from My Mind's Eye.

We'll be running the workshop on Wednesday, 11th November and Sunday 22nd November, here in Solihull. I'll post up some more sneaky peaks just to whet your appetite.

Thanks for dropping by and being so patient with my long post!

Feeling Spooky

2009-09-16T18:44:00.005Z

My little Halloween projects for Scrapbook Inspirations had put me in the spooky spirit. So when my lovely kit from AllyScraps arrived, I got straight to work with the lovely Pink Paislee papers.

The photo is from last year's trick or treat with our good friends. We just managed to get the kids to sit down for 5 minutes, even though they were hyper with all the sweets.

I've really gone mad with all the stamping and layering. Everything is Pink Paislee apart from the leaf stamp and the skull label (7 Gypsies). Most of the stamped images are from this set of gorgeous stamps.

I had only ordered the clear border stickers and no other embellishments. So I got creative with my stamps.

I'm debating if it needs something else, but it probably won't fit in my album! You can find all the lovely papers here.

I still have more to share. I keep promising the projects I did for Scrapbook Sisters. I will upload them. promise.

Thanks for dropping by.

My Good News

2009-09-13T19:14:00.008Z

I am so fortunate. I have been contributing to Scrapbook Inspirations Magazine in the UK off and on over the past 2 years or so. The magazine is undergoing a transformation this month and with it, they have extended their Design team to include me and several other, very talented gals. YIPPEEEE!!!!

How fabulous is that? a) I was really surprised to be asked, and b) I am in such good company that I feel truly privileged. So who are the team?

Laura Buckingham
Jo-Anne Cavanagh
Julie Kirk
Charlotte Poole
Chloe Harp
Andrea Gourley
Karen Cole
Helen Miles
Kathy Bridgwater
Sam Ball
Jen Naulls
Jane Dean
Anne Parry
Mary Anne Walters
Cheryl Johnson
Anita Mundt
Shimelle Laine

See! I told you I was in good company. Congratulations to all of you girls who have joined the team!

So when can you see the new look (it's fab)! It goes on general sale on Friday 18th September. I have my copy and it's amazing! I think that subscriptions come out that bit earlier so that will be worthwhile. You can get a subscription here.

I'm also allowed to show you a sneaky peak of my contributions.

One of my favourite new features is off the page. Using your scrapping supplies for non-layout projects. I just love making things and the projects I did this month are some of my favourites EVER!

I hope that you enjoy the new style magazine as much as I did. Scrapbook Inspirations is already the biggest seller in the UK, I think that this will really knock the competition into touch!

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you'll blog hop to the rest of the team and enjoy their work!

Fancy a Tweet?

2009-09-11T16:10:00.007Z

We've been busy beavers recently and sorted out an Autumn schedule for workshops. We'll be running different workshops in different locations to suit beginners and experienced crafters alike. We always have such fun on our workshops and so far, making lots of new friends along the way.

So if you fancy a morning out then visit www.Whathousework.co.uk for all the info or email me.

I'll leave you with a class we're running at Hatton Country World next month. This will be part of the Pocketful of Memories Class with the paperbag book.

The little pinwheel is over a tag pocket which pulls out for journalling. Cute. Just click on the pictures for the full monty.

Looks like we're in for a good weekend so we'll be off to a National Trust property tomorrow with a picnic. Life is good.

Have a great weekend and I hope you'll join me on Monday.

Indian Summer

2009-09-10T18:34:00.007Z

We've been having a lovely Indian Summer here. It's really extending such a great Summer for us.

I've had chance to play with a few things of my own - I tend to be making stuff for someone else most of the time, so it makes a nice change to make something for no one but me.

I've done a back to school LO for Papermaze Blog contest. I think it's the first time I've done one in September. Usually it takes a few months for me to get stuck in.

I've used a mixture of flowers and stamped leaves. I'm just lovin' flowers at the moment - they're going on everything!

The papers are Crate and the cutie owl is October Afternoon.

Just a quick LO with DS and DH body boarding on holiday. It was Jacob's first time and he LOVED it. I wish we lived much closer to the sea - I don't think you can get further away than central England.

Papers are MME (*sigh*) and WRMK. I just love teal, orange and brown - one of my favourite combos.

This Edwin was from the Summer collection which arrived here eventually.

I have some really exciting news to share on Monday so I hope you'll pop back then. I've also got some projects to share from Scrapbook Sisters too - I've sent them off today so hopefully they can go up over the weekend.

Hopefully you'll join me on Monday. Thanks for stopping by.

2009-09-06T15:19:00.002Z

I thought I'd share a workshop that we're running in October. We'll be holding the workshop at Hatton Country World in Warks for the first time. How Exciting!

Our first workshop will be on 17th September - Cards for Christmas. Nicki has come up with some wonderful and very clever cards.

My scrapbook workshop is on 8th October. We'll be making a scrapbook layout and paperbag book! Two classes in one. Bargain!

So I thought I share the paperbag book first as this will make up most of the workshop. All the materials are included as well as the use of the tools you need.

I'll show you how to bind the book including a beaded spine as well as make little pockets and pull-outs.

If you want to know more, then email me and I'll answer any questions you may have.

Thanks for stopping by. I'll be back with the scrapbook layout (as soon as I've photographed it).

Sweeter than Apple Pie

2009-09-01T13:40:00.003Z

Well only sometimes.

We often go out to a National Trust property for an afternoon. On a recent trip to Coughton Court, I snapped the kids messing about in a summer house. Lauren (aka Lollipop), was trying to kiss her big brother. Not something he generally relishes.

Jacob will marmalise me if he found out that I'd scrapped these photos, and worse still, put them up on my blog! So just don't tell him!

I just love these papers from My Mind's Eye. I adore everything that MME do, but these are just heavenly - such a shame I had to use them!

I have set this week's challenge on Allyscraps using some summer photos. Check it out here and you could win $10 gift certificate!

Thanks for stopping by.

Truly, Madly, Deeply

2009-08-30T17:49:00.002Z

Are you in love with patterned papers too?

I have a serious addiction! I hoard papers because they are beautiful. They are often left for months because I can't bear to cut them! I am seeking help. LOL.

Bo Bunny have been a serious contributing factor to my problem - their papers are just so wonderful. I've had these Flirty collection papers for ages - aren't they gorgeous?

The Flirty Birds have been used as is almost, except the bird's tail has be cut out to overlay the heart paper.

Collect a few little embellishments and ribbon - check out these cute pins from Maya Road. There are other beautiful chipboard pieces and flowers in there too!

Add a cute bird cage (because one should always include some sort of home for the birds). This one is from We R Memory Keepers and are the best bargain at just 99c!

Finally, top off with a couple of cute kids goofing around!

I've also been working on some stuff for Scrapbook Sisters this week. Hopefully, I'll get all of them done, then I can share. You still have time to book onto Karen's On-line class. The kit for this gorgeous project can be found here.

Thanks for dropping by.

Remember me?

2009-08-25T18:34:00.006Z

I know it's been ages!

We went on holiday to Cornwall for a couple of weeks. It was beautiful. We had great weather which meant we were able to get about and visit loads of pretty villages and beaches. I've really fallen in love with the area. We stayed in Marazion which was perfect to sight-seeing.

Anyway, I have been busy since I got back with projects and classes although I can't share them all with you now.

I will leave you with a card I did to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary.

I had a lovely play with all my lovely Tim Holtz Distress inks and a great mask.

Flowers are Prima of course as well as the borders and corner. The heart is Stampendous from Scrapbook Sisters (thank you!).

The butterfly stamp is K&Co stamped onto acetate and decorated with Stickles.

The card opens out to include some photos of the milestones in our relationship - we have had an action-packed, wonderful decade!

I'm working on some projects for Scrapbook Sisters at the moment. I see that they have a fabulous on-line class featuring a lovely mini-book on a stand project by Karen. The great thing is that you can get the kit and take the class in your own time. Check it out here - it's a bargain at £10!

I'll share some more projects later in the week - promise!

Summer Blog Hop

2009-07-30T18:06:00.003Z

AllyScraps have teamed up with Adorn It to celebrate Summer!

The design team have been really busy cooking up some wonderful projects in celebration of Summer and all things colourful. Check out the AllyScrap Blog for all the gorgeous projects.

I have wanted to create a mini-book in the shape of a beach bag. I've hand drawn a shape and cut it out from chipboard. I've used the gorgeous Girl Friday papers from Cosmo Cricket - I love the pretty colours and patterns.

I just had to have flip-flops. They were hand cut from chipboard - I just love the way the poke out of the top of the bag!

A simple concertina fold holds the pages and covers together. You can add as many pages as you wish using this technique although I only added a few because of time.

I love these Felties from Sassafras!

Well I'm off to work on some more projects!

Hope you'll be back soon.

Morag x