Santa Photo - CSI Challenge

Okay, so technically I'm all finished with my Scrapmatts design team reveals but they are also the sponsors for CSI: Color, Stories, Inspiration blog and I just could not resist the last challenge board. It was Christmas themed and I love Christmas, plus it has a nice twist on the standard colour scheme. 

These holly bough chipboard pieces were released last year and I loved them, but haven't had a chance to use them until now. I've just inked mine with a light green VersaColor cube, then applied red glitter Glitzin' Glamour in place of the berries. I had meant to use the plain red pearl bottle, but I couldn't find it so went with glitter instead. I like the festive effect it created, plus it suited the glitter alphas for the title perfectly then.

I used up a whole bunch of left over papers to create this layout and really enjoyed mixed and matching from so many different Kaisercraft paper ranges. The Scrap Words made a great finishing accent.

The stencil for the background work is by Scrapmatts too. I've added some loose thread behind two corners of the main embellishment cluster and accentuated everything with two D-lish Scraps flairs. I like all the different layers that have built up to create the photo matt. 

Here is the CSI case file that inspired my layout. I loved the 'split pea' shade of great and the addition of the grey. For my evidence I used Christmas, stencils, (pom pom) ribbon and I'm also going with vintage given how old some of these paper ranges were. My testimony is hidden on a journaling tag and speaks about our excitement of getting the family Santa photo together. 

This layout also fits the criteria for the More Than Words challenge this month. I was inspired by 'family' to use one of our family Santa photos and the 'numbers' part refers to the year in the photo. It's very important to date your Santa photos, so you can show how the family and grown and changed over the years, I think.

Believe - Scrapmatts DT

This is a very sad post for me, as it is my last design team reveal after 5 years with Scrapmatts. I have had such a great time on the team, made fantastic friends and loved every day of working with the amazing designs.

This was created for CSI: Color, Stories, Inspiration current December challenge. I've used a 2016 Santa photo and can't believe how much older my boy looks in just one year. 

That wonderful title piece comes from CB6111 Assorted Words 27. I've built up the depth for this using cardboard between each paper layer and distressing the edges. Some lace and fuzzy pompoms add texture.

I love the range of reindeer chipboard designs available and had this lovely guy left over for a while now from CB5050 Reindeer 07. The 'falling snow' in the background uses the ST5003 stencil, first with gesso applied through it and then a bead mixture with matte medium once the gesso was dry. 

I loved the CB1053 Christmas Ornaments 03 and just coated them in some silver embossing powder, then popped a D-lish Scraps glitter enamel dot in the middle. My flourishes are offcuts from CB4069, inked in black for contrast. That wonderful metallic flair is from Accent Scrapbooking. 

If you want to see the CSI reveal, it is based on the below image. I used Christmas/winter elements, silver, circular elements and something fuzzy. I actually forgot all about the journaling component though. :(

Thank you so much for coming and checking out my blog. I hope you'll still pop by even without the Scrapmatts posts. Have a great Christmas and New Year!

Family - CSI challenge

I know a mid-month reveal is not normal for me, but I was so inspired after my weekend retreat at Tamborine Mountain that I just wanted to keep creating. I've used one of my current favourite photos for this layout and keep to a pretty natural colour scheme. 

Couple of different chipboard pieces in this one. I like using the shaped pieces to add some extra dimension to my background layouts. If you cut them up they will last for ages, I've actually only used half of a sheet on this layout.

Snuck in a couple of D-lish Scraps embellisments too, just because I love them so much. You can also see the distressing on the edges of the paper, just to add a bit more texture to the layout. 

I have actually combined a couple of different Kaisercraft paper ranges on this layout: the green is from a Christmas release, the brown from a general release and the diecuts are all from a beach release.

My inspiration for this layout is the mid-month challenge over at CSI: Color, Stories, Inspiration blog, as Scrapmatts is the sponsor. How did I solve it? I was inspired by the repeating squares/rectangles of 'The Scene' and used that to build up my paper layers. I loved 'The Scheme' with the focus on brown/green/white. My 'Evidence' includes clips, leaves, stamp, button, tags and string. My 'Testimony' has been written on a tag.

How will you solve the case?

Smile - Scrapmatts DT

The last challenge at the Queensland Scrapbooking Retreats getaway to Tamborine Mountain was a sketch challenge. It came with one piece of cardstock and one piece of patterned paper, of which you had to use at least 70%. I made sure to use a number of Scrapmatts chipboard pieces so I could double it up as a design team piece for November too. 

These flowing script words from CB6117 Assorted Words 30 make perfect titles. I've coloured mine using two layers of Versacolor inks to match the background cardstock. I've coloured a medium sized butterfly from CB4008 Butterflies 01 with liquid pearls to add texture and shine.

You can see the largest circle from the CB5139 String Circles 03 set in these close ups, which I've cut in half to use in two spots. This has been inked too, then some pearls glued as accents on all the dots. You can also see a small tab covered in washi tape from CB5117 Tabs 01 and a smaller butterfly from the same set. The flowers are from D-lish Scraps Little Birdie ranges. 

This last cluster is an assortment of Little Birdie flowers, chipboard butterfly, D-lish Scraps tassel and Accent Scrapbooking flair, which was perfect for this layout. 

I'm very proud to say I was voted the winner in the sketch challenge and won a terrific Kaisercraft paper pack. I can't wait to get scrapping with it. 

Daddy Hugs - Scrapmatts DT

Sometimes when you have a great photo, it's important to let it be the star of the layout and not over clutter the layout with embellishments or layers. I find Scrapmatts chipboard is the perfect finishing touch for these kinds of layouts, subtle yet effective. It's also nice sometimes to create a simple layout that doesn't take ages.

I have used the stencil ST9008-A5 to apply some white gesso over parts of the background, then covered the same areas with sections of CB5126 Diamond Mesh 02. Lastly, I've used CB1155 Ferns 01 to frame my title. 

I'm so happy to have finally used my die-set to create that vellum bow. I've had it sitting in my stash unopened for about 2 years now!

Scrapmatts is sponsoring the current challenge over at CSI: Color, Stories and Inspiration. The case file is below. I've used leaves, a heart, wood/woodgrain and vellum from the evidence and my journaling is inspired by the words 'outside' and 'calm'.

The layout also fits the criteria for the More Than Words challenge this month. I've been watching them for a while and they have some stunning entries to their blog.

Happiness - Scrapmatts DT

This is my October Scrapmatts DT reveal.  I've gone back to basics with a lot of classic pieces, along with some new leaf pieces. I have had a 12x12 sheet of CB8001 Circles 01 for so many years now, and I've used almost all of the 29 pieces up but just had two large circles left. I couldn't resist paring it with this oversized photo I had ordered in the wrong size. 

My title comes from CB6112 Scrap Words 31. The leaf pieces come from CB1246 Leaves 06. They come in a variety of sizes so are perfect to scatter around as accents.

My top cluster uses CB1209 Scrap Words 12, CB1189 Scrap Words 01 and CB4008 Butterflies 01. You can see little bits of Stencil 9017 net poking out of the edges from both clusters. 

I'm also going to enter this into the Show Us Your Stuff October challenge. The criteria for this is to use 3 items beginning with F. I have used flowers, a flair and a frame. My handmade items are the painted chipboard.

Feeding Time - Scrapmatts DT

Thanks for checking out my second Scrapmatts DT layout. My little family took a short break up to the Sunshine Coast a couple of months ago and spent the day at Australia Zoo. We asked Harrison what animal he was most looking forward to seeing and he said giraffes. It turns out that for only $25 you can have up to four people take part in a feeding session complete with photos so we couldn't pass up that opportunity. As you can see, Harry has a great time and still talks about feeding them.

I have used CB5133 Africa 01 and acrylic paints to create a little animal scene. I love adding details and depth with paints on chipboard pieces. CB5150 Sticks 01 has been cut into smaller pieces and tucked under all the photos. Cutting the sheet up is a great way to get more value for money and make it last longer.

The enamel stickers, sequins and burlap leaves all come from D-lish Scraps. I dug deep into my stash for the paper and sticker, they're copyright 2005! What's the oldest thing you've used on a layout recently?

Life Gets Messy - Scrapmatts DT

Welcome back to my blog. Today I'm sharing the first of two layouts created for Scrapmatts featuring my son because, in my unbiased opinion, he's the cutest toddler around. ;)

The two photos were taken while he was playing around in the backyard, going through a phase of thinking anything he could sit on was a ride-on toy. I loved both of them, but they had a distracting background and I couldn't work out how to fit them both on the one layout until now.

I used the 'life' chipboard piece from CB6115 Assorted Words 28 as my title on this one, painting it with acrylic paint then misting while still wet to get the right colour. The yellow hexagons were created using Stencil 9002 in the A6 size. I used Color Crush powders to mix up the perfect shade of yellow from white texture paste, then applied it over the white gesso hexagons. The hexagon flair is from D-lish Scraps, I always love it when I find the perfect embellishment just hidden in my stash!

I also used CB5124 Hexagon Mesh 03 in the background, painting the mesh light grey and the popped out hexagons a sparkly charcoal. These pattern pieces of chipboard are so great for adding interest to backgrounds, particularly the ones that include some of the interior shapes as well. A couple of blue sequins scattered over the place and some black stamping completed the background work.

I'm actually doubling up this layout and entering it in the current Kraft+ challenge for September, inspiration image is below. I think the hexagon inspiration is pretty clear, it also informed my yellow/white/black colour scheme.

Greeting Cards - Scrapmatts DT

Here is the second part of my Scrapmatts DT post for August. I was playing around with using Tinby Designs Color Crush powders to create background papers. I not really into the Art Journaling thing (I've tried but it's not for me) so whenever I want to try out a new technique I'll normally incorporate it into a card or tag.

It's always a good idea to have a few birthday cards in your stash. This one didn't hang around long, I've ready given it to a friend! I used ST9018-A6 in the background, just as straight gesso over the background. Chipboard pieces include CB5087 Leaf Spray 09 and CB6100 Words 29.

The second card uses the same background technique as the first, but I've taken it in a different direction. I can never go past a pun and the CB4067 Marine Life 02 set was perfect for this one. The chipboard has been painted using distress inks stamped onto my craft mat then spritzed with water and painted on.

The last card is another birthday one which has a galaxy feel to it. Quite simple in design, but I think the background really makes it pop. The stencil is ST1008, I used Versamark through the stencil then embossed this with a clear embossing powder to create a resist effect. The chipboard is CB6100 Words 29 and CB1223 Stars 03, both have been painted with acrylic paint.

ATCs - Scrapmatts DT

Hello. This post went live on the Scrapmatts blog on the 5th but I forgot to load it on my personal blog. I was a little distracted because my baby turned 3 on the fifth! If I'd been planning ahead, I would have done a couple of layouts of him to celebrate. But instead, I was too busy trying to plan the party and get everything ready for my family visit, so I have a variety of small projects to share instead. :)

I'm a big fan of ATCs as they were the start of my journey into scrapbooking. They are also really great projects for when you only have a short amount of creative time. For these ones, I painted ATC10-010 Bracket 01 with gesso, then sprinkled Tinby Designs Color Crush powders across them and activated with water. They had a beautiful vibrant colour while wet but unfortunately the gesso mutes that as they dry.

I've used stencil ST5024 in the background of all three ATCs, but each one was used differently. On 'Discover' I used a small Versacolor stamp pad in charcoal to ink through the stencil, this gave the crispest edges to the image. On 'Remember' I misted Kaisermist through the stencil, you can see it leaked in some places because my ATC based had warped a bit after the gesso layer. Finally, on 'Inspire' I flipped the stencil over and stamped the left over Kaisermist onto the image, then misted white Glimmermist to highlight the design.

The sentiments all come from CB1199 Scrapwords 07. The leaf pieces come from CB1146 Leaf Spray 01, CB5144 Layered Poinsettias 01 and CB1235 Leaf Spray 14. I finished them off with the lace, flowers, sequins and D-lish Scraps enamel dots.

Maybe next month I'm be organised enough to show you a layout celebrating my son's birthday. ;)

Always Remember - Scrapmatts DT

This is my second Scrapmatts DT layout reveal for July, using a family photo from my sister's wedding a few years ago. I wanted to go with a bit of a rustic feel due to the farm location of the wedding, with gold bling highlights because you can't go wrong with gold accents. ;)

The chain pieces (CB6109 Lamps 11 and CB1229 Chains 02) were all cover in chocolate embossing powder. I love the effect of the gold texture paste through the ST9006-A5 stencil in the background. I used 'Bling' from Colour Blast Australia and it just goes on so smoothly with a wonderfully thick coverage. My title comes from the CB6112 Scrap Words 31 pack. The flairs are from Accent Scrapbooking, who make the most amazing metallic flairs.

The new CB4069 Ornate Frames 26 set was perfect for my flourishes and stunning frame. I've embossed the frame with gold embossing powder but left the smaller background flourishes raw.

My flower cluster is a mix of quite a few different companies. Most of them come from D-lish Scraps because they have such an amazing range. I've also used some old Prima flowers and the black mini roses are from Kaisercraft. 

Baby Girl - Scrapmatts DT

I'm posting this one a day early for my Scrapmatts DT reveal, because it has actually already gone live over at CSI: Color, Stories, Inspiration. Don't be confused by the title and photo, I still have my darling son and haven't popped out a second baby. :) The baby in the photo is actually me and I still have that CareBear at my parent's house. It was the perfect colour scheme for the CSI challenge so I couldn't resist using it, even though now when I look at it I have all the warnings about never letting a baby sleep on a bean bag flash through my head. 

I had been wanting to use the gorgeous rocking horse chipboard piece (CB6057 Rocking Horses 01) for such a long time, so was very excited to finally get the chance. I have left the horse itself raw and painted the darker brown parts with a watercolour pencil, then used a gold pen to highlight the metallic details. The title comes from the CB5135 Baby Boy 01 set (or the baby Girl Set too). I have scattered words across from page from CB1191 Scrap Words 03.

I have used background stencil ST9006-A5 and painted Tinby Designs Color Crush powders mixed as a watercolour through it for a more subtle effect. My flourishes are actually from CB2003 Page Borders 02, but I've cut it into two quarter pieces to use either side of my photo.

If you're interested in playing along with the CSI challenge, the Case File is below and it's open all month. I'd love to see what you create. From the scene I was inspired by the thought of napping in a hammock on the weekend, so went with the napping photo. For my evidence I used text print, flowers, puffy stickers, wood and watercolour. My testimony using the inspiration words. I stayed fairly close to the sketch, just swapping the two top photos for a single one, and the circle photo for my horse chipboard. 

Man of Steel - Scrapmatts DT

Does anyone else feel a sense of joy when they know they have the perfect photos for a particular challenge? As soon as I saw the challenge guidelines for this month's CSI challenge, I just knew I had to use these photos of my son with Superman that I'd taken just a few days beforehand.

(Removed for publication)

Being on the Scrapmatts DT, sometimes Sofie sends out surprises for us to play with. These are normally new products that aren't even listed on the website yet so it's always very exciting to receive these. In my latest package I was lucky enough to receive a couple of the new larger sized stencils and I've used ST9008-A5 for some white-on-white texture in the background.

Chipboard used: CB1233 Film Strips 06, CB6095 Assorted Words 18, CB1162 Assorted Words 08 and CB5138 String Circles.

This is the June challenge over at CSI: Color, Stories, Inspiration. Scrapmatts is sponsoring so you could win a great chipboard prize pack if you take part. For my layout, I've obviously been inspired by the superhero characters in the scene. My evidence includes the white background, speech bubble and stars. My testimony uses the inspiration words.

Thank You Stars - Scrapmatts DT

I also created a little bonus project this month. Harrison had painted these wooden star bases earlier and I was saving them for a 'special occasion'. We had a few elderly neighbours pop round to give him some Easter treats, so I turned the stars into thank you gifts with the addition of a photo and some Scrapmatts chipboard. The sentiment is CB6020 Words 06, coloured with a silver sharpie. I've also added a couple of stars from CB1223 Stars 03 painted with acrylic paint.

Rough and Tough - Scrapmatts DT

I often take my camera out while I'm supervising my son in the backyard so that I can snap a couple of photos while he's playing. On this occasion he had made quite a mess mixing up some mud with left over rain from the night before and was having a fun time jumping in the muddy puddles. I thought this photo just really summed up play time for Harrison at 2.5 years old: on his play set, with a couple of cars and a digger, barefoot and dirty with his little chubby feet.

I really wanted to capture the 'messy' aspect of having an active toddler, while still keeping a 'clean' layout design. The paint splatter stencils ST1009 and ST5010 were perfect to create that effect, using a little bit of mist. I mixed the same mist in with some texture paste and painted the title pieces from CB4055 Assorted Words 09 as well as some CB1078 Gears 05 pieces, you can see the great effect this created in the close ups. I covered a CB5117 Tabs 01 piece with patterned paper and added it to my top cluster.

I've got to admit that I love looking through layouts on Pinterest and scraplifting them. I generally use them like you would a sketch, so I get some design basics then put them away and work on the embellishments and finishing touches myself. I actually based this layout on the below Pin.