Inspired Blueprints #56

I love multiphoto layouts, especially ones that don't require much cropping! The latest sketch revealed at Inspired Blueprints is ideal for creating a layout that showcases a few photos, and the design team have plenty of options available to inspire you.

I chose to stick fairly closely to original sketch, and have cropped my photos the same size (3.5x5). I have swapped out the ribbon for some fun bunting, and added butterflies instead of stars. The images on the sketches are there as a guide...no pressure to use the exact item shown.  Here's my layout...

 

I have used mostly Echo Park papers and stickers, with a little American Crafts and Chatterbox thrown in for good measure. These photos were taken at the launch of my friend Sal's shop "Wren". Sal has such an amazing eye for all things handmade and her store was completely inspiring. She's since sold the store and moved onto more crafty matters. Totally love her courage! I first met Sal at the Creative Traders markets in Wollongong and we'd have chats about our crafty pursuits. She has been nothing but supportive and encouraging to me and for that I am so grateful. 

Here's the sketch for those of you who want to play along. Make sure you upload your takes into the Inspired Blueprints gallery by midnight 30 September 2010 to be in the running to win this month's prize!

Thanks for popping by. Lis.

Scrapware reveal...boy layouts

This week on the Scrapware blog, the DT are showcasing boy themed layouts! My post appears today here.  I thought I'd focus on how girlie products aren't just for girlie layouts...and here's my sample.  Love the soft colours of MME's Portobello Road collection, teamed with a little Jillibean Soup and Studio Calico.

This photo of Seth was taken a few weeks ago when I first got my new camera.  I'm still in amazement as to how quickly he is growing up! I think I always will be.  Love you Sethy boy.

Scrapware products used:
KD 11 - KDD 12" Circles
CH158 - His and Hers
LW14 - Multi Media

Head on over to the Scrapware blog to immerse yourself in inspiring boy layouts!

tfl, Lis.

Creating cards...and more...

Its not just scrapbooking I love...its card making too!  I love to give handmade cards to family and friends. Whenever I need to give a card to someone, I go to the newsagency and read every card there, and come home empty handed. The commercial ones available never seem to say the things I want to say.  Card making and scrapbooking go hand in hand. If you're creating a layout, you may as well create a card at the same time...the desk is already a mess, the product is already out and its already coordinated!

Here's a couple of cards I've created recently...

I created the dress using a border punch and the scorpal. Too cute. The background is American Crafts fabric paper. Can't wait until I have an occasion to use it. lol.

This one was also made using American Crafts products.  That green spotty paper is one of my favs at the moment, and how gorgeous is it with the coral pink.

This last little project was just for fun.  I found this oversized peg at a thrift shop and just knew it would look cute mounted on the wall. I've covered it in American Crafts fabric paper and added dimensional stickers and ribbon. Simple, cute and practical.

tfl, Lis.

Scrapware lovers...mark your calendars...

Super excited to be sharing the Scrapware love in November!!! Mark your calendars, start saving your scrappin' dollars, find baby sitters and come along!

Cheers, Lis.

Inspired Blueprints - Sketch #55

Sketch #55 has been revealed on the Inspired Blueprints blog...and to be honest, I think this is one of my favourites ever!! My layout came together so easily, and let's face it, who doesn't have two 6x4 photos handy that NEED to go on a page. lol.

I have used Echo Park's new papers from their A Walk in the Park and Sweet Summertime ranges.  Love their colours and patterns! That yellow is just beautiful!!  I've teamed it with American Crafts crocheted flowers and Jillibean Soup journaling spots.

These pics of Eme and my mum were the first ones taken on my new camera. I just couldn't get the colours right when I was playing, so I've converted them to black and white. I've had a bit more practice since then, and I'm really happy with the results.  Eme loves spending every second Friday with her nanny. They go shopping, visit friends, do lunch and have baby cino's. lol. Spoilt much?

Here's the sketch if you want to play along...

Remember to upload you takes in the Inspired Blueprints gallery by midnight 30 September 2010 to go into the draw to win this month's prize.

Cheers, Lis.

Can you believe...

...this little girl of mine will be turning 5 in a couple of weeks?!!!!  What the?  When did she get so big? Who hit the fast forward button? She's off to school next year...that can't be right?

One of the many things I love about Eme is her sense of style.  She likes to dress herself, and often changes her outfits several times a day. She even gets up in the middle of the night to change out of her pyjamas, or to add some costume jewellery. lol.  This particular day, she put on her tights and t-shirt, then just had to accessorise with a tulle skirt and scarf. Throw on the trusty purple gym boots and a cardigan, and she's good to go...

...but first she has to pose for mumma, because that's what she does. lol.

tfl, Lis.

Scrapware shares...

This week on the Scrapware blog, the DT are sharing layouts inspired by fathers.  For my projects (yes, projects...not layouts. lol), I have created a couple of gifts for Father's Day, which was last Sunday in Australia.

First up, I created this gift tag for my Dad.  I have covered the inner piece of the clipboard in patterned paper, then coloured the outer frame with marker. Both pieces were glued to a neutral cardstock and trimmed out. Next, I add the lettering, which has also been coloured with marker, then glazed.  The reverse of the tag holds my sentiment to my Dad...and just to finish it off...the pressie is wrapped in CherryArte patterned paper and tied with ribbon and twine.

Products used: LW17 Small Clipboard; AZ01 Teen Lowercase Alphas; CH202 I {heart} you

What was inside, you might ask? A travel book about Canada. Now that Dad's retired, he's looking to travel and Canada is high on his wishlist.  I can see him now pouring through those pictures and planning mum and dad's trip...wonder if I can stow away in their luggage?

My next project was a frame..."Daddy's Little Girl".  I just love Scrapware's new Princess Castle and I've been busting to use it! 

The chipboard has been coated in Pebbles Inc's metallic creme chalks. I have used three different shades of brown. Once coated, I drew on the stone work.  The birds eyes have been coloured in a white gel pen. Love how they stand out!  I have assembled the castle onto a small piece of chipboard using glue and foam tape.  I then coloured the frame with metallic creme chalks and attached the photo behind. To get them to stand together, I created a small stand from chipboard and cut out a notch which the frame slotted into.

Once assembled, the entire castle and frame have been coated in glaze to seal the chalks and to add a little gloss. I've also added pearls to the flowers and love hearts to finish off.

Products used: CH382 Natalie Frame Large (new product!), CH351 Princess Castle.

Now, obviously Andrew loved the frame, but he only get's to hold onto it for a few days until Eme claims it. lol.
 
Cheers, Lis.

Layouts to share...

It's no secret that I love yellow on layouts. Its the perfect lift for any colour scheme. Basically, yellow for me is just a sunny neutral. lol.  Thankfully for me, as I love yellow, the prospect of scrapping my daughter wearing her favourite footy team's colours wasn't an entirely daunting prospect.  Royal blue, navy and gold!! What a combination!

This picture was taken just before Andrew took her to her first live game. She was so excited to be wearing Seth's hand me down tracksuit, and Andrew gave her her very own Eels cap. Unfortunately the Eels lost their match, but Eme had a great time (although I hear she was a little annoying...lol).

Love that banners are so popular at the moment! I could add them to every layout, but I'm trying to restrain myself.  Though, a sporty style layout wouldn't be complete without a banner would it?

Here's another layout featuring my favourite scrapping colour!  I bought some fun t-shirts from cafepress to wear to a recent scrapbook retreat and I thought it would be fun to document my love of patterned paper.  I just can't help myself...there's so many fun patterns, colours, textures and more to play with! I just want it all!!

Hope you're all having a fabulous weekend.
Cheers, Lis.