Fun stuff

Here's my layout for the Design Dollies sketch for 29th July:



I turned the sketch on its side.  I enjoyed opening my newest bottle of GlimmerMist for this one (Key Lime Pie) and playing with one of my favourite colour combinations.

I'm entering my layout at:

# Paperplay ~  Week 30 ~ Anything goes


I also altered a little notebook this week:



And a little detail shot showing the stamping (Heidi Swapp 'Wings' with Versacube 'Topaz'):



I'm entering this one at:
# Make the Day Special ~ Holidays
# Practical Scrappers ~ Use at least seven different items
I used: notebook, patterned paper, flowers, buttons, alphabet stickers, stamps, ink.

Playing with Dollies (and a winner too!)

Where has this month gone?

This is my project for the July 26th Design Dollies colour challenge, using the colours of blueand yellow (and you can add a smidgen of black or white if you want).  I made a little felt notebook pouch for one of the J-girl's teachers:

Click to enlarge and check out all those fiddly little seed beads!

I'm entering my project at:
# Creative Inspirations ~ Challenge #39 ~ Anything goes
# Create4Fun ~ Week 30 ~ Flowers


Thank you to everyone who joined in the Design Dollies blog hop - I loved reading everyone's guesses about which Dollie was mine!

I think it's time to reveal that this is the little Dollie that represents me >>

She is a Betsy McCall paper doll.  She's simple and quiet, but given the opportunity she also loves to dress up.  If you're not familiar with Betsy dolls, you can find a large collection at Teri Petitt's page.  This one is from February 1959.


The winner for my giveaway is... JANE (J-Bug)
Congratulations!  Please contact me via the email in my profile, and I will post off your prize as soon as I can.

Cards in Miniature

I made a few 'miniature cards' over the weekend - each of these is just 3"x3" - quick, easy and a great way to use up some scraps and leftovers:


# Simon Says ~ Martine's sketch
# Quixotic Paperie ~ Challenge #33 ~ Make it Miniature

I used:  MME Meadowlark collection, a smidgen of Glitz Designs 'Distressed Couture' paper (the polka dot one) and Cuttlebug 'Daisy Pattern' EF, ribbon

I also made a couple of  Christmas giftcards while I had the Cuttlebug on the desk:


# Polka Doodle ~ Week 29 ~ Christmas in July
# Basic Grey Challenges ~ Week 25 ~ Stitching

I used:Basic Grey/K&Co 'Motifica' 6x6 paper pad (which tells you just how long it's been in my stash!)   The stitching is a bit hard to see but it's in a circle, kind of like a wreath.  I also used: Cuttlebug 'Holly Ribbons' EF, Spellbinders Nestabilities 'Labels Three', and some tiny diecut tags (Leone gave me a heap of these last year, thank you.) I made my own hat pin embies by cutting the 'loop' off the back of some Christmas buttons that I was sent in a RAK, and gluing to the top of the pin.  For the Santa pin, I added a bit of Heidi Swapp ribbon.

Weekend scrapping

I have a weekend off!  For most people that's pretty normal, but for me, it's only a one-in-five possibility. 

I worked on this special orange project:


Click to enlarge and read the recipe

It's another page for my cocktail mini-album, and it's for a special random challenge here.  I'm one of the Dollies so I'm not in the running for a RAK, but I really wanted to join in the fun too!

If you haven't heard about the Design Dollies blog hop, click on the link to join in and be sure to visit each of the Dollies for the chance of some cool giveaways.


... And I also made a shaped card:



I used the sketch at the Scrap Boutique birthday cybercrop. I'm also entering my card at:

# Craftalicious ~ Challenge 4 ~ Birthdays
# Charisma Cardz ~ Challenge #29 ~ Anything but square
# Gingersnaps ~ GC63 Random Redhead Challenge ~ Sunshine

Updated 18th Aug:
My creation was selected as a Ginger Gem at Gingersnaps Creations! and I can proudly wear this blinkie:

Hello, Dollies!!

Design Dollies invite you to "Hop through the Dollhouse" on our first blog hop for 2010!

If you've arrived from Penny's blog, then you're on track.  If you've come across the hop quite by accident, you can join in by starting at the beginning at Design Dollies and hopping across to each in order. If you get lost along the way, you can hop back there anytime to find your way again.



You can read the bio's of the original Dollies and the current design team over at the blog ~ lots of fun facts, stats and trivia there... and you can get to know us a little better this weekend by visiting our personal blogs and checking out our 'All About Me' projects.  Be sure to visit each of the Dollies and leave a comment at every blog - some of us *might* have a challenge or a question to answer and the chance to win a little surprise blog candy.

My project isn't exactly all about me; it's more about my scrappy style.  Here it is:

What this layout says about me:

* I love monochromatic themes.
* I like to 'keep it simple' but add unexpected details.
* I'm a messy scrapper.  Often when creating I just grab whatever's on the desk and use it on my layout so I don't need to clean it up!!
* I like to doodle but I'm not very precise.
* I'm clumsy with paint!
* I seek (and find) ideas and inspiration from friends.  My layout was, in part, inspired by this fantastic Doll (scroll down to the bottom card). Can you see it?
* My creations don't always work out as expected, but I'm okay with that.


As a 'thank you' for joining our "Hop through the Dollhouse" and visiting my blog, I'm offering up a little prize. Here's a peek -->

There are too many different things to list them individually, but I can tell you there are products from My Mind's Eye, Tattered Angels, Paper Bliss, AdornIt, and Inque Boutique.  I'm also including some ribbons and buttons and other bits and pieces to fill the empty spaces in the envelope.  I am happy to post worldwide.

To enter the draw, you need to:   
1. Visit every Dollie and leave a message on their blog hop post.
2. Leave a comment on this post telling me which of the 'Dollies' on the Design Dollies banner head that you think is mine and WHY you think so.  Hint:  If you visit all of the Dollies, you may be able to work it out through a process of elimination!  Everyone who follows the instructions will go into the random prize draw.

You can leave as many comments as you like, but please leave only ONE Dollie guess. (I'm turning on comment moderation this weekend, so you won't be able to see what other visitors say.)  I'll announce the winner here on Monday or Tuesday when I reveal my next Design Dollie project.

Next on the "Hop through the Dollhouse" is Metal Minish - be sure to check out his amazing BJD's and papercrafting projects, and leave some love!

You've got till 10pm on Sunday (US Eastern Standard Time) to join in the fun...that's midday on Monday for Aussie east coast girls.

Hop to it!

Cybercropping

It's been a while since I joined in a cybercrop, so over the weekend I popped in at the Scrap Lounge.  I managed to finish two of the challenges:

Challenge 1: Use the sketch provided.


Click to enlarge

I chose monochromatic pink for this layout in order to join in at the Charisma Cardz 'Pink Week' challenge.  I couldn't resist pulling out my 'pink file' of scraps and using up lots of offcuts - KI Memories, 3Bugs, Gin-X, Basic Grey.  I also found an iron-on transfer set in my habby stash and knew I just had to include that gorgeous butterfly.


Challenge 2: Use green, red, brown and gold; use a recycled item; use staples.


Click to enlarge 

A little bit cheeky...

For the Design Dollies colour challenge this week, I made another page for my mini-album, using the colours of  *brown* **teal** *cream* and a pop of *red*:

Click to enlarge and read the recipe

I've never really gotten into mini-albums before but I'm having fun with this one.  I really like how it's a quick way to use up scraps and leftover bits too.  On this page (from a Maya Road chipboard album) I used Bo Bunny 'Gypsy' paper, Prima e-line flowers, Jillibean Soup journalling spots, Making Memories 'Chocolate' paint, Carolee's Creations tiny alphabet stickers, and some glittery felt adhesive alphas that I found in a reject outlet.

I did need to censor the title before I uploaded because I don't want to offend anybody... but I think at least the Aussie girls who visit will recognise the drink name ;)

If you want to see a really cool mini album, I suggest a visit to this amazing Doll. Don't forget the amazing projects by my other sister Dollies HERE.

Thank you

I made a little gift card last night:



I'm entering my card in these challenges:

# Simon Says ~ Fruity ~ I chose cherries!
# Frosted Designs ~ Border punches ~ I used Fiskars 'Threading Water' scallop punch


Thank you to:
* Sammye Jo, for the Dear Lizzy 'Cheerful Cherry' glitter embossed paper (received in a RAK)
* Riane, for the little 'Thank you' stamp (part of a stamp set, received in a RAK)

You know you're a scrap addict...

when you get excited about glue!

I did this layout for the Scrap Boutique July Stash Stomper:

Click to enlarge

It's based on a fabulous sketch by Miss Em, and uses some of my newest papers (American Crafts 'Dear Lizzy') which I received in a RAK from Sammye Jo.  Thank you xx

The photograph shows my prize from a contest at ewillow - a set of Mod Podge glues!  Thank you Charlene for hosting the giveaway. xx

And... speaking of giveaways, gorgeous Krissy is giving away a rainbow!!

The "Pot of gold" prize from Wicked Princesses includes all items shown- 1 x hand dyed lace pack,1 x rainbow trims,1 x rainbow doileys pack as well as a range of puffies,fluffies and twister roses.This pack has a RRP of well over $30.00 so whoever the winner they will be getting a great prize!

There are two ways you can get your name in the draw. Check HERE for full details.

Boop Boop A Doop!

I had lots of fun putting this layout together for the Design Dollies! I've created another double-take layout:

Click to enlarge

# Colour challenge ~ red, black, light pink
# Recipe challenge ~ Summer theme, inspired by a cartoon

Fun find: While I was searching for some inspiration for this layout, I came across a site with a comprehensive collection of Betty Boop cartoon videos, trivia and songs: Betty Boop Toons

I'm also entering my layout at:

# By the Cute and Girly ~ July ~ Warm Summer Days
# My Partner in Crafting Crime ~ Challenge #6 ~  Summer Time
# Wild Orchid ~ Week 1 ~ Say it with Flowers
# Simon Says (Papercraft Planet) ~ Challenge #7 ~ Summertime
I stamped my flowers with Rhonna Farrer's Autumn Leaves 'Swirls v2' stamps

Edited to add: I was selected as "Most Wanted" and I get to wear the blinkie!
Thanks Robin and Jenny.

Cocktails and cards (Part 2)

Continuing on from Part 1...

Q: What happens when four scrapbookers get together for a girly celebration and decide to make cocktails?
A: They embellish!  Who needs a recipe when you can get creative with ingredients, quantities and methods?

Leah hosted a fun night in for her birthday and we certainly got creative.  We did actually start with a recipe each time, but the resulting concoctions were nothing like the original...  I took lots of non-incriminating photographs (of the drinks, not the drinkers!) and decided to start a little recipe book.  Here's the first page that I've finished:

Click to enlarge and read the recipe

("QF" is the abbreviated name of the shot drink. I didn't want to offend anyone with the full name! If you're curious, google it...)


# Fab'n'Funky ~ Challenge #30 ~ Get in Shape
I used a Maya Road Scroll Frame chipboard album page as my base.
# Flourishes ~ What's Cooking?
I didn't have a Flourishes stamp. The stamp I used is from Sande Kreiger's Autumn Leaves 'Talking in Circles' girl set
# Etsy Inspired ~ Challenge #96 ~ Octavia & Brown
I was inspired by this item
# The Town Scrapper ~ Friday Challenge ~ monochrome
I used patterned paper from Collage Press 'Joyride' - both sides of a double-sided sheet in shades of green.
# Create4Fun ~ Week 28 ~ Anything but a card

Layout share

Another layout that I created from my Scrap Pile products this month, featuring the gorgeous MME Meadowlark Collection:

 

I'm entering this one at:
# Charisma Cardz ~ Week 27 ~ Watch the Birdie
The journalling card is from the MME Meadowlark Dawn accessory sheet


The next one is a layout for the Scrap Boutique monthly challenge, with a birthday theme.  I didn't have any family birthday photos left to scrap, but I had the perfect photograph from a recent morning at Max Brenner to celebrate the milestone birthday of a very special friend:



I'm also entering this one at:
# Paper Play Challenges ~ Week 27 ~ Your Number's Up

Cocktails and cards (Part 1)

Yesterday I made a birthday card for my friend Leah:



# Simon Says ~ Photo inspiration
I used a cocktail-themed Creative Imaginations brad
# Incy Wincy ~ Challenge 48 ~ Punches
I used my new Martha Stewart 'Garden Trellis' punch
# Shabby Tea Room ~ Week #17 ~  Embossing
I used Cuttlebug 'Spots and Dots' embossing folder

Smile

The Design Dollies make me smile!



Here's my double-take this week:
# Elements Challenge ~ Adina challenged us to use a contemporary song to influence our creation ~ I was inspired by the lyrics of Smile by Uncle Kracker.
# Sketch Challenge ~ Of course, I was inspired by another irresistible sketch by Kristy.

What are you waiting for?

Grrrrr at Blogger

Now, I am not a hugely popular blogger, and I usually receive only 3-4 messages on any given post, or maybe a dozen on a good day... and I treasure every single one! I'm not about chasing comments but I do like to acknowledge and reciprocate. So, when Blogger plays up and stuffs up my comment count and 'disappears' comments I am not a very happy girl!! If you can't see your comment, I promise I didn't delete it (unless it's one of those charming spams linking to an Asian porn site). Blogger assures me that the comment really is there, it's just not visible!

It appears I'm not alone, so if you are experiencing the same problem, here's the link to (maybe) get something done about it:

http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/blogger/thread?tid=3dcb02c83302034f&hl=en&fid=3dcb02c83302034f00048acbf1f09650

Hopefully the problem will be fixed soon and my lovely comments will magically reappear :)

EDITED 9/7/10: Yay, it seems to be fixed for now...

Playing with Dollies

Here's my first official 'assignment' as a designer for the Design Dollies - a sample layout for the 5th July colour challenge ~ using orange, yellow, green and white (or ivory):

Click to enlarge

It's an old photo but one of my favourites that I've never scrapped on a layout. Back in July 2008 I made a tag/medal with this photo, and my friend Ally scrapped a digital page for me in April 2008.

Design Dollies have three different prize packs up for grabs each month ~ one prize each for entries in the Colour Challenge (Mondays), Elements Challenge (Tuesdays) and Sketch Challenge (Thursdays). And if you combine each week's challenges into a single 'trifecta' creation by Sunday midnight of the same week, you receive one entry into each prize draw. Check out the blog for full details.

** Challenges are posted and due in US Eastern Standard Time **

Some cards from me...

I started two cards over the weekend, and finished them off this afternoon:



# Some Odd Girl ~ Style Challenge #4 ~ shaped card
# The Craft Barn ~ Shaped cards
# Prairy Fairy ~ Week 26 ~ Anything goes

I used: Some Odd Girl image - Hang 10 Kody (June freebie), SEI cardstock, Spellbinders Nestabilities 'Labels 3' die, Cuttlebug 'Devine Swirls' EF, Making Memories alphabet stickers, Stampin' Up black ink.



Click to enlarge

# Design Dollies ~ Elements Challenge ~ Ribbons (I used three)
# Cuttlebug Challenge Blogspot ~ Be Inspired #90 ~ Easel card
# Papertake Weekly ~ In Stitches
# Paper Play ~ Week 26 ~ Card for a child (For my friend's newborn son)
# Pile it On ~ Challenge #26 ~ My favourite things (A favourite technique is monochromatic, AND my favourite colour is blue.)

I used: SEI cardstock, Cuttlebug 'Swiss Dot' EF, Spellbinders Nestabilities 'Inverted Scallops - Square' die, Basic Grey 'Marrakech - Sencha' patterned paper, 'Elefun' digital image by Chrissy Le.

And a card from "J-girl Creations"

The littlest cardmaker was also busy over the weekend:



# Kona Kid Krafters ~ Challenge #3 ~ Summer
# Children's Challenge Corner ~  Challenge #7 ~ Beach
# By the Cute and Girly ~ July ~ Warm Summer Days


She hasn't been very well lately and she had lots of fun just colouring in and playing with her stickers.  She even added a hand-drawn a volleyball net :)

First layouts for July

Fourth day of the month already... I can't keep up! 


This month at Scrap Pile I've been creating with MME 'Meadowlark'  papers and accessories.  My first layout for July is this one:


Click to enlarge

I loved putting this one together, and registered members at the forum can access step-by-step instructions for this layout free. It's my way of saying 'thank you' to the Scrap Pile ladies for your ongoing friendship and support :)


I'm also hosting the sketch this month:


 Digital credits: All elements are from CanDesigns 'A Mermaid's Heart' kit (no longer available)

Here's my sample layout:


Click to enlarge

Full details, including the additional criteria for the challenge, can be found in the forum.