LETS SCRAP WEEKLY SKETCH

The sketch this week at LETS SCRAP (http://letsscrap.ning.com/) is so awesome... Cheri really done a great job on this one. I love using lots of photos on my layout, so this sketch was right up my alley:



I recently purchased the Tim Holtz COGS diecuts.. they are just so awesome.. so I decided to use them on this all BOY layout. It is a bit busy for my liking, but I think it went well with the photos... I have tons of photos of Neville and the boys, so this is a summary of the special bond they have:


Close ups of the layout: (used my new thickers for the title)... YIPEEE! !

Right side of the layout opens up on the right page to include more photos...

Close up of the right hand page:

Well, thanks for looking ! I hope you all have a good week !

Hugs, Mich

SPRING IS HERE

Wow, what a hot weekend... spring is definately here.. come on 1 September ~! Time to haul out the shorts and t-shirts !

Managed to get a page scrapped this weekend.. Woo Hoo... As you know, I am on the creative team for Scrap Sheets (a local South African scrapbooking company). http://www.scrapsheets.co.za/scrap.cfm

They have just brought a whole new range of wooden cutouts (all heritage) and some nice sports ones.

This is the new MELODY range of papers just released.. I was asked to design a layout using this paper and the cutouts..

Here is my creation. Just love these cutouts:

Closeups:
I was also asked to play with their rugby range of papers and cutouts last week. This is my layout, although I didn't get time to put my photos on... will add later and show you again !

Closeups of the layout:



One of my friends at work has her birthday today, so a group of her friends all clubbed in and got her the entire range of "Vampire Diaries" books. I thought that instead of making her a card, I would make her a bookmark to go with the books. We can all sign the back so that she remembers us everytime she reads.. LOL! (hope she likes it)

The back:
Well, wishing you a stunning creative week. I'm hoping to get some scrapping and challenges done this week.

Hugs, Mich

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WELCOME BABY CARD

Good Morning,

And what a good morning it is ! I just received the most awesome prize from a challenge I took part in at LETS SCRAP.

I won a voucher to spend at MEMORABLE SEASONS and this is what I got ! Rec eived it last night and am so excited and inspired to scrap up a storm now...

Check out www.memorableseasons.com/ and www.memorableseasons.blogspot.com to see the wonderful range of stock Jill has, and at such a good price too.. wish I lived closer so I could order from her !

Thanks again to Cheri @ Lets Scrap and Jill of Memorable Seasons for my lovely prize..

WELCOME BABY CARD:

I seem to have become the Card Making Queen at work. I am not a fan of making cards, but somehow they always seem to come out nice.. maybe because they end up being mini scrapbook pages as opposed to a card instead. (LOL)

This is for a newborn baby Salome. The photo of the baby isn't the best, but I used it in a smaller format, so it isn't quiet so prominent. Hope the new mom likes it !


Close up views of the card:

Inside the card... cannot leave it blank.. that is so boring:

Thanks for looking.

Have a great weekend ! I know mine will be... using all my new stash !

Hugs, Mich

SCRAP U @ SCRAPFRENZY

Hi girls,

Ready for some Scrapping education? Time to join SCRAP U !

What a fun month of challenges.. Check it out..(www.scrap-friendzy.com)

If you sign up, please remember to list in the Scrap U forum that I refered you so that I can earn some points for the Scrap U challenges.

Scrap U starts in September 2010 !

Hope to see you all there !

Hugs, Mich

LETS SCRAP WEEKLY SKETCH CHALLENGE

This weeks sketch challenge at Lets Scrap is a card one:
http://letsscrap.ning.com/photo/81810-card-sketch?context=latest

As you all know I am not a card maker by nature, so decided to convert the sketch into a layout... found these cute photos of my son on Christmas day last year. He really wanted a PSP so bad, and got one from Santa.. he was so excited.

Page is digital. (various kits)


We spent the weekend in East London again as a family. Was a really nice break and managed to relax and get my second wind. Needed it after the Retreat.

Now I am all energised and ready to scrap up a storm... (if I can find the time).

Have a good week !

Hugs, Mich

BLOG CANDY

Morning,

We all love BLOG CANDY, there are some truly lovely ladies out there sharing their loot:

FIRSTLY:

Check out this stunning link to Scrapping Nomad's site.


http://caromgar.blogspot.com/2010/08/august-giveaway.html Every person who posts a comment with a link has a chance to win a 25$ gift certificate from Crafty Steals.






SECONDLY

Fi's Cards and Crafts also has a stunning giveaway of a pack of goodies... follow the link, become a follower, post on your blog and link to them.

http://fiscardsandcrafts.blogspot.com/2010/08/blogaversary-candy.html



Good luck and don't forget to enter as the deadline is 31 August 2010 !

MORE BLOG CANDY:

Stunning giveaway from Dannie:

http://danniescreativeoutlet.blogspot.com/

This is what you will have the chance at winning:

Family word stick pins from Joanns
Deco gem buckles
Brushed silver oval book plates(6 in the package)
3 packs Metallic envies in purple & Blue & Green (A6) size
1 pack of 10 A6 white envies
1 pack of 10 A6 flat scallop cards
Marvy Uchida Cassette punch with 3 punches (Heart,Star & angel)
glass jar of yellow Prima flowers(175 total flowers)
Pocket full of posies matstack from DCWV(72 sheets)
2 Copics in B26(Cobalt Blue) and G17(Forest Green
All night media Liquid embossing Essentials collection

Off her blog:
So what do you think? Wanna win this nice little stack of goodies? All you have to do is1 leave me a comment here and 2 Post this to your blog to share with anyone else. That's it, Easy Peasy!

This candy will be open until August 29Th. I will announce a winner on August 30th. So tell all your friends, the more the merrier!!

Hugs, Mich

TUTORIAL: Hidden Journalling

Often we have so many extra photos and journalling for our layouts that we don't know what to do with them. I find that a lot of people hate their own handwriting and really do not want to display it on their pages.

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However, as your handwriting is a part of who you are and is much more special than typed words, it is important to try and incorporate it as much as possible onto your layout. The follow tutorial will hopefully show you how to include that journalling and all those extra photos on your layouts without changing the overall feel of them.

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Some ideas are very subtle and others are made to incorporate the decor of your page.

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TAGS:
Tags are a wonderful way to include extra journaling. They can be hidden under photos, tucked into pockets or envelopes or just placed on a page and displayed.

In Fig 1: tags are placed into long pockets and can be used for hidden journaling or extra photos.
Fig 2: the tags are hidden behind the photo for extra information and photos

ENVELOPES:
Envelopes are very versatile and can be used as open journaling or hidden journaling.

Types of envelopes include:
· coin envelopes
· business envelopes
· glassine or vellum envelopes
· handmade envelopes (patterned or textured paper)
· canvas envelopes (try sewing your own!)
· clear (plastic) envelopes
· envelopes with a transparent window

In Fig 3 I have used envelopes décor and for journaling. Left layout has a booklet made from folded cardstock – the front is a “fake” envelope.
Fig 4 includes a small bought envelope that you can use to include journaling / photos.

In Fig 5 and Fig 6, envelopes were used for display and I made a booklet out of them for extra journaling and photos as well.

See Fig 6 for a picture on how to make an envelope booklet. You basically tape your “lids” to the back of the next envelope and so on and so forth. You land up with a “booklet” that can open up and has space for lots of extra goodies inside. This is the perfect addition to any layout.

FLAPS:
Flaps on a layout can be used for all your extra photos and journaling.
Flaps are extra pieces of paper usually scored along the side or top and adhered with brads, tape, eyelets, paper fastener or ribbon. These can open up for extra photos and / or journaling:

Fig 7: This layout shows Flaps for extra photos and journaling to the top or your layout. These flaps are about 10cm in height and are scored at about 2cm along the top edge. The 2cm top scored section is stuck to the BACK of your layout so it is hidden.

This is my favorite kind of flap as you slide your pages into your album, these flaps go onto the outside of your plastic without having to cut your plastic protector. Much neater option.

On fig 8, the flap is part of the décor and is hidden on the right side of the layout. The green strip on the right page is actually a flap that opens up. I have included more information and photos underneath it.

Fig 9 and 10 show various options of Flaps that can be created on your layout to include extra photos / journaling. These can be so subtle that you do not realise they are flaps and in this way they do not detract from your main layout.

Fig 11 uses a variety of these flaps, pockets and mini booklets to include LOTS of extra photos.

LEFT – Locker… opens up as a flap to include extra photos beneath. Side is just scored at 1cm and adhered with brads.
RIGHT page – Small pocket next to frame to include Tags for additional journaling and photos.
Booklet at bottom right … 4 different colors of cardstock, cut at same width but different lengths. Same are scored at 1cm from top and adhered with a paper fastener and ribbon. Can be used for additional photos and journaling.


POCKETS:
Fig 12: I created a flap on the left side and opens Upwards… Day 1 is a tab that lifts and the entire piece with the map lifts up.

Also included on this layout is a pocket behind a photo to include all the extra tabs, tickets, etc. that you collect on your journeys.

Use pockets on your pages to:
· hold greeting cards, birthday cards, or other occasion cards
· hold other loose memorabilia such as jewelry or hair trimmings
· hold brochures, programs and pamphlets from places you've been
· include a full magazine with current events
· hold a mini photo book
· hold photos that are more graphic or personal that you don't want to display
· hold letters or notes
· store important receipts
· showcase report cards
· store tickets

MINI BOOKLETS:

My favorite addition to layouts to include LOTS of photos, etc, is mini booklets. However that is another tutorial all together !

Hope these ideas have inspired you to create lots of flaps, envelopes and pockets on your layouts. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Hugs, Mich

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ROSE BLOSSOMS BLOG CANDY

Isn't it lovely to give away free stuff... hop on over to Brenda's blog...

http://roseblossomlegacies.blogspot.com/

She is giving away all this:


(comments from her blog:) Rush on over and stand in line to win :

Here's a picture and then I'll give you a list of what's in the box because it's hard to see everything!

Cosmo Cricket Jack's World - sticker sheet, 2 journaling sheets, 2 journal tags, and 9 pieces of matching printed paper
CTMH Clover Meadow - 12 sheets
Fancy Pants Mixed Media 8x8 album
Rolodex for altering
Inkadinkado School stamp set
Me & My Big Ideas Smile chipboard sticker
Colorbok Cute chipboard letters
Creative Imaginations school rub-ons
K & Company Rough and Tumble grand adhesions
Slick Writer pen
Primary colored safety pins
CTMH chipboard - swirls, brackets, square frames, round frames
4 yards red ribbon
Bag of diecuts from the Slice Fall/Back to School card
Big bag of brads, eyelets (couple hundred or so various colors and sizes), bookplates, and buttons This blog candy that I'd like to share is valued at over $75.

I think the lucky winner will love it!! I'll be choosing the winner on Wednesday, September 1st.

I bet you are wondering what you have to do to win.

You either need to be a follower or become a follower of BRENDA's blog:

http://roseblossomlegacies.blogspot.com/

Spread the word on your blog.

Post a picture on the sidebar or create a post - however you want to spread the word!
If you don't have a blog, post this news of this blog candy on your facebook page!
Finally come back and comment on this post to let me know that you are a new follower and/or spreading the word.

I'll leave a picture of this candy on my sidebar so that you can easily come back to this post! Easy, peasy! Follow, spread the word, and comment!I am really looking forward to giving this box of goodies away.

I've already got it packed in the box, so it will be ready to head out the minute I draw the winner on September 1st!!

Good luck - and remember, life is very, very good!!

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Well.. here's wishing that I WIN... LOL!

Have a good weekend.. I'm off to East London with the boys and Neville.. see you all on Monday !

THIS WEEKS SKETCH CHALLENGE

This weeks sketch on Lets Scrap was a really pretty one, which uses a lot of photos.

As I am still on my journey through my old photos and left over stash, I dug deep and using the sketch as a guide decided to do old Christmas Photos (Klaven't 1st Christmas) - like 13 years ago ! Yikes... We went to Mpumalanga for a holiday and stayed at the loveliest spot called "Misty Mountains".. was a lovely holiday.

I really wanted to use the stacked photos to form a "tree" but it didn't work out quiet as well as I thought it would.

Not my favorite page but at least it's another "oldy" done and dusted... will have to re-use this sketch and do it proud with other photos (watch this space).

Close up of page.. Used only scraps on this layout. Really dug deep in my box of rubbish. LOL

Will try and scrap another layout with this sketch soon.

Have a good week,

Mich

Well we “SURVIVED” the weekend… LOL .. we managed to OUTCROP, OUTBLING and OUTSCRAP the competition.

35 girls all arrived on a lovely Friday afternoon at DINONYANE LODGE in Nylsvley. We had a super weekend scrapping, playing games and being challenged as teams to outscrap each other.

The girls really bonded so well and had loads of fun !

On Friday night we put the ladies into different teams and they had to present their flags, team name and war cry to the Judges the next morning.

The PURPLE TURTLES won hands down with their unique little “skilpad” who joined their team.. LOL! Everyone was so creative though and the flags were stunning !

Saturday saw the girls doing 2 awesome double layouts and 2 survivor challenges.. SURVIVOR Scavenger Hunt during the day and SURVIVOR 30 seconds in the evening. After that was chill time and while some girls partied, others went back to SCRAPBOOK ISLAND and scrapped until 2 in the morning… This year 80% of the girls finished their projects AND had time to put on their photos ! We are so PROUD of you all.. that hardly EVER happens…

Sunday dawned with hangovers and tired teachers and students.. LOL! However with our Grunge layout ahead, they donned their APRONS, gloves and got ready to get down and dirty !!

Monday was sad as we done a quick layout and then all packed up and came home.
The SURVIVOR challenges really helped the girls to bond over the weekend and the groups were all so inventive and had lots of fun. Some of the challenges included: Flag and War Cry challenge, Cocktail / Shooter challenge, SCRAP Olympics, etc…

The girls were showered with gifts the whole weekend long. Daily presents were handed out (Scrapping DIVA aprons, dirt bins, tool bags, slippers/towels, etc etc) spot prizes were handed to each girl every day and other luck ladies still got game prizes and Survivor prizes. We also raffled a SIZZIX (won by Marissa .. well done ).

Our coveted GOLDEN SCISSORS trophy (and certificates) were awarded to the PINK FLAMINGO’s for scoring the most points over the weekend.


Lots more photos will be loaded to our blog shortly : www.mandmscrapbookingadventures.blogspot.com

Check it out and remember BOOKINGS ARE OPEN for our next retreat in MARCH 2011.

NUTTY {M} and SWEET {M} at it again !