imagine the possibilities

scrapbook challenges.

2012-02-13T18:06:00.002+02:00

well it's Monday again and a new sketch is up over at scrapbook challenges. this is my version on the sketch -hop on over to scrapbook challenges and see loads more inspiration and the original sketch. i changed mine up a bit as usual but love how it turned out - it may just be my new favourite layout for now. everything just worked!

i added a beautiful large recycled postage stamp to the layout picking up on the colours features throughout the layout

and some handmade paper too...i loved playing with loads of inks and stamps and pens to achieve and amazing new look on pearly commercial papers

hope you find some inspiration today! head on over to scrapbook challenges - and while you are there become a member to find loads more inspiration from the talented team!
i have loads of photos to take of some valentines goodies and hope to share them tomorrow...hold thumbs! have a wonderful day filled with love xoxo

sweet scrappins card class.

2012-02-06T07:33:00.002+02:00

so here's the first sneak peak for the card class at Sweet Scrappins the 18th February 2012
it's gonna be a fun one with new techniques, some oldies revisited and altered
and lots of pretty papers and embellishments....
so if you wanna join in the fun book your spot as seats are limited

Sweet Scrappins
Carla or Miems
012-329 9175

altered matchbox turned gift box.

2012-02-02T17:44:00.011+02:00

February's altered challenge has gone up over at scrapbook challenges. this month we were given a love song as inspiration to work with. fast forward and i am totally useless with things like that. so i told Brynn what i wanted to do and she gave me the totally awesome song "Push by Matchbox 20"....genius i tell you. so i love altering things i have around the home...and these little boxes are perfect for gift boxes - you can add a small concertina love letter inside it, some candy, a small gift like a bracelet charm or anything else you can think off. it will definitely make your kids feel so special receiving a little something to celebrate love on Feb 14th.

i used a bunch of left over papers and embellishments from another project to make this little album inside one of the boxes.

the drawers are decorated using decorative tapes and glitter.

and some really dainty beautiful little flowers punched using my OLBA punch. have you checked those punches yet...amazing i tell you! and may i add - i am so not a fiddly kinda crafter using loads of these flowers. but i have to confess i have secretly (shhh) become really fond of them!

and don't forget the diamonds....

more flowers spilling over the sides to add some texture and colour to an otherwise forgotten edge

rub-ons are transferred onto white card stock and trimmed around the edges, then inked to hide the cutting marks and adhered to the boxes

hope you like these little boxes. they truly are lots of fun and quick to make! so gather some matchboxes and go and play along with us over at scrapbook challenges! chat soon....
i am covered in red, cream and pink for valentines....and need to still finish a tone of stuff for next weekend!

this little word of mine.

2012-01-24T14:11:00.002+02:00

this little word of mine...
i'm gonna let it shine...
word 2012 inspiration class

sweet scrappins
10 March 2012
contact Carla to book your seat
we will be making 3 sheets of personalized papers using various techniques
so come and play along

scrapbook challenges new sketch.

2012-01-24T12:45:00.005+02:00

it's been a while since the regular postings on a Monday of the new sketch over at scrapbook challenges. this is all due to the site being moved and becoming a .com site. it had an overall make over and is simply beautiful - Brynn did a spectacular job with the site - classy fun and beautiful and very functional! so if you haven't been over there yet take a stroll and visit and become a member for some serious inspiration when you are creatively stuck. this week's sketch is another stunner and i love how this layout turned out.

some fun 'bear' cut outs were the inspiration behind this layout. not really my style but with some 'grown up' papers i made it work for me and love it. the title bar is covered in several layers of UTEE and then placed in the fridge for a few seconds, removed and then bent to form small cracks for extra texture and pattern.

i used a few - ok more than a few buttons on this layout. it takes a few simple things to make me happy creatively! i really don't need all those embellishments and funky stuff shops need to sell to make a buck while marking things up several hundred percent. yes i know i am treading closely to the edge as shops need to make money - but rip people off come on!

i have realized a lot of things lately. i have done a lot of introspection and have come to a lot of conclusions. i was so disappointed reading the blog recently who called someone "just plain useless....i was sad. cause i know people may think that about me too.

so writing what i was thinking i just erased...several times!
instead i am going to do some more introspection and try not to judge - 'cause i really don't know what people are going through!
i hope you have a stunningly creative week.
remember not to judge
'cause you really can't judge my journey until you have walked in my shoes.

new challenge blog - SA style.

2012-01-19T18:20:00.004+02:00

well today marks a very special day in South Africa. it took the vision of 2 very special scrappers to come up with a challenge blog unique and "eie" to SA. and those 2 scrappers are Russian. they are talented. they are unique. they are amazing. they love SA. and it's special for me that they chose me to be a part of that very special project they launched today! so thank you to evgenia and svetlana - both scrappers i have admired for a long long time now. and so Scrap africa was launched. i am sure you will be thrilled to check it out and to play along and be challenged. for our first sketch we were given a really cool single page sketch to work with... of course battling to work on such a small scale i stretched things out and turned mine into a double. and here it is - to see the single page sketch head on over to the site and leave some love...

i had fun with this layout. not only did i make my own patterned paper but i used something i never thought i would....itsy bitsy little flowers. yeah you heard me...
these little flowers are the passion of Kim from Olba. and she loves them. and i kinda think i see the attraction after adding them to this layout. now don't get me wrong - i won't be doing this all the time - but having them just in the right place makes for something really special.

then there's the super cute little card stock cut outs from Glitz to combine with my colour scheme. don't you just love that balloon, a little basic grey rub-on and again a little flower.

my background card stock was splatted with gold perfect pearls and that i-am-in-love-handmade-paper was made using pearly card stock and distress stains and some secret weapons.

so there you have it. please hop on over to the scrap africa blog, share it with your friends and be inspired. i hope you are having a fabulous week creatively and spiritually!
i am still restoring...

rooi rose readers event.

2012-01-18T07:13:00.003+02:00

Rooi Rose Reader's day event
join me at Multiflora in Johannesburg as i share some ideas on how to celebrate love all year long. i will show you how to make your own home decorations as we approach the month of love and share how you can use these ideas to remind yourself of LOVE each and every day. come play along as we have loads of fun...and i am sure there will be a give-away or two on the day. and while you are there pick up a bunch of love in the form of all the pretty blooms on sale. and remember you don't have to wait for someone else to buy you flowers - do it for yourself every now and again. i look forward to meeting up with all the pretty blooms from rooi rose.

scrapbookchallenges blog hop.

2012-01-13T12:47:00.008+02:00

welcome to the January blog hop! here we welcome and and give a big shout out to the new design team members and some of the old returning members like me - Jowilna...and let me just say what an honour it is to be a part of this family of super talented girls.
we have an awesome weekend planned for you filled with give-aways, games and lots of inspiration in the form of layouts and sketches.
you should have arrived here from Devi (super talented girl)
Devi

and here's what i did....
for my background i added some tracks using my black versafine ink pad and a little red jeep car to ride all over my white card stock. i then set about to add my photos and patterned paper pieces. i added some stamped images using distress stains, metal hinges and some really old rub-ons from various companies. the red patterned paper is a piece of Christmas paper that i snuck into the mix for fun...you could never tell could you?

and some of the amazing give-aways up for grab this weekend are...

and also up for grabs is a custom make over for your blog from Brynn herself (i wish) *hint*hint. hope you will have an awesome weekend and play along with us...
next up head on over to
Chanell
for some serious inspiration and have a fabulously creative weekend!
also head on over to the scrapbook challenges new .com site and become a member to join in all the fun - if you don't you will miss out!

RESToration.

2012-01-01T17:36:00.004+02:00

sorry for being missing in action for a while longer than i had planned. i hope you - all my wonderful virtual friends had a really amazing festive season! Christ-mas here went down as usual with it's oh-lets-mess-her-life-up kinda day on the 23rd and so i kept things under wraps and low key just in case there was another curve ball waiting ...

and so here we are...twenty 12.
is this the year? the end of the world? the end of it all?
one can only wonder. and that's what i have been doing - wondering - a lot - about all sorts of things - about God's promises and His timing. but those are my issues i am dealing with so i won't bore you any longer.
in the meantime i took some time to :
play - with paint and inks and stamps and created stuff just for me
painted the bathroom - the 2nd in my restoration series
(while still needing to finish the kitchen - yes i know)
cleaned and cleared and purged
lived
got my word for twenty 12 -
Restoration
to restore my life
to restore old and new friendships
to restore my home and make it comfortable
to restore my heart and soul
to restore my faith in God
restore my faith in humankind
restore my work studio
restore love
and where it needs to i will dare to fail and restore myself again
- each and everyday if need be - i am made new in HIM

thanks for hanging around. thanks for making the journey with me. thanks for failing with me and thank you above all for restoring my faith in humankind. i promise to be back later this week....

lightbulb moments for big and little kids.

2011-12-15T10:47:00.008+02:00

i love it when simple ordinary things become an idea and turn out totally awesome. as crafters/hoarders there is a reason why we never throw things out right? right! 'cause there's always a light bulb moment. to make things out of old things and strange things...as was the case with this little project i recently did for a local television show recently. when my car went for a service and the little rear light bulb was replaced - it stayed in the garage for over 2 months before it was put to good use. add 2 other totally useless (dunnu why i bought them) light bulbs, some wood glue and glitter and there you have it. a totally rad new way of getting some 'up-sized' Xmas lights around the house as part of your decorations.

these are so easy to make. i simply squeezed some wood glue directly onto the bulb and spread the glue using my fingers. the shake on some glitter and let the bulb stand (and yes they can) upright on a smooth surface and leave to dry. shake off the excess glitter and let your light shine! the thing is that i didn't even use my expensive glitter - but instead opted for the kid's version - a much coarser version.

the paper bauble consists out of punched circles glued together to form a dimensional paper decoration. easy enough for the kids to do and nice enough for grown ups to want to hang on the tree.

this little reindeer fellow was made out of a Styrofoam ball cut in half. it was placed on a base made out of different paper layers and then attached to the lid of a plastic container using glue and brads. the reindeer antlers were cut from grey felt and glued inside small slits in the Styrofoam. the rest is some googly eyes, pompoms and little gold bell. the inside of the tub is filled with strips of old book paper that will hide a little gift.

an old coffee tin becomes a quick gift box. simply cover it with decorative paper, add a ribbon and some brads. the top is decorated with the same 'circle' paper bauble made as before. this time it is adhered to the lid using glue.

hope you are having a creative festive season. i have been sorting and purging some old products that is in need of a new home...and cleaning and re-organizing again! truly a never ending job...

secret santa bird house cracker.

2011-12-08T07:15:00.009+02:00

last night we had our annual scrapping Christmas dinner. the bunch of regulars including Christine who came from Prague for the big event, old friends and new friends from Bulgaria we literally represented the entire planet. it was so awesome to come together as friends and creative partners! we each designed a place setting for our secret Santa that had to include a hat, place mat, napkin, cracker and name tag. this is a small glimpse into my place setting...
my cracker of course could not be the normal - instead i used a postal tube and decorated it as the cracker. but let me tell you - it's not the easiest to open since the top and bottom gets sealed off with plastic lids....part of the anticipation of getting to a small little gift.

i covered the tube in old book paper and gel medium. the top features a small little bird house made by hand and decorated with moss (kindly donated last year by my friend Niki), glitter, old sheet music, vintage images, bling and charms.

and don't forget the silk ribbon! the base of the little bird house are 2 wooden frames glued to each other - and really really old. they are one of those oh my why do i have these 'cause i will never use them things in my stash - well they were meant to be...

the place mat is a piece of wood painted in a layer of dark brown craft paint, then a layer of cream. the reindeer was drawn onto the wood, some silver leafing added and then a layer of brown paint. i then sanded the whole bunch to distress it and then added a layer of antiquing liquid oil.

the bird house template is an old favourite by PSX (personal stamp exchange) from way back when. they made the absolute best rubber stamps with stunning images...but sadly not around anymore.

i love the vintage antique feeling of this project.

the front is a chipboard star covered in dimensional glaze and glitter, a large button and a large diamante to finish off the center. two silver leaves from Prima adds some texture.

and then there's the silver bauble ! aah yes the bauble that took 4 hours to complete as i very patiently sat and added each sequence piece with a pin into a Styrofoam ball. these are my favourite baubles to make. i made my first one for a Christmas photo shoot in 2005 and have loved making these for all kinds of occasions. a great go to craft doing in front of the TV if you will.

hope you are having a peaceful week! thunder is roaring in the background outside as i type...here's hoping and praying for much needed rain and relief from the pressing heat - and a couple of dogs at my feet scared of lightning...so logging off!

4am wake-up call.

2011-12-06T15:39:00.005+02:00

so for today here's a glimpse at what got me up at 4am to leave home at 6am to get to the urban brew studios in JHB at 8am studio call. as usual i over planned and prepared but with good success i think. it has been a long morning and i am ready to take a nap.

sitting around for hours on end doing nothing is quite frustrating...but such is a day in the life of famous people like the one below...and many others i shared the day with like Elvis Blue, Tobie Cronje, Annamart v d Merwe, Carmen, Ed and and and....

i am glad it's all over and done with....i get very nervous doing these kinds of things. but it's just another thing to cross off my bucket list. i must say i have crossed off many things off of my list in the last 6 years.

i have so many projects done and waiting to be completed and shared with you all. also in the pile to be photographed is my December daily album i have been working on. for the first time i have chosen to skip tim's 12 tags of Christmas - ooh gasp! yes i may include some ideas in my other project i am working on. instead i have chosen to do something different - a look at things happening in and around my life in December. i am not a fan of mini-albums but this year seems to be different like lots of other things. hoping to share my album sometime soon. i hope you are slowing down somewhat in daily life and being creative to feed your soul.

moving right along.

2011-11-25T11:34:00.003+02:00

so what do you do when life throws you a bowl of sour lemons ...why you grab some stuff and get cracking on some secret Santa creativity!
yeah that's right - i make stuff - i get more creative than ever before - i feel better - i let go - i forgive - i move right along. don't let life hold you back from beauty today - let go and create!

be blessed in everything you do today! thanks for stopping by - i give you thanks abundantly!

my version of honeycomb.

2011-11-22T05:20:00.009+02:00

so things have been quite busy around here - still! in between getting the last of the class layouts and projects prepared for this year and painting more furniture, my calendar has been filling up quickly for next year which is a good thing. i am thankful! thought i would share my version of the honeycomb - a favourite layout done last week. with scraps! my ultimate enjoyment in paper crafts. so what can i say - i love scraps and lovingly care for them amongst my other supplies. these were all scraps cut into 3x3 inch squares and worked perfectly to trace my template on and cut out. they are far from perfect - like life and just how i love it! the layout is finished off with simple strips of journaling, rub-ons and a title. oh and don't forget the buttons.

for some of the hexagons i went back afterwards and added a second raised layer using a different piece of scrap paper - adding more interest and dimension

my title is created partly using aancient sheet of basic grey lettering and half cut using my slice machine. the word 'dream' was cut using 7gypsies patterned paper and then glazed once it was stuck down. it always amazes me how people can first glaze their words and then trying to get it to stay flat (while it curls madly)while drying. this is not the right way - adhere everything to your layout first and then add your layer of glaze last - move your project to the side and walk away!! trust me - you will learn to love glaze and your projects more...

this half sheet (scrap) of 7gypsies rub-ons have been lying around for ages! and finally they found a home. i am always amazed at the quality of their rub-ons. even after years of floating around without their protective sheet at the back - they glide on like butter. just wonderful!

thanks for stopping by! i hope you are having a creative week and things in your neck of the woods are slowing down a bit! blessings and love...

class kits for sale.

2011-11-15T16:08:00.003+02:00

i have 2 of these class kits up for grab in the for sale box. a fun layout in bright colours that can work for boys and girls...simply turn the paper around to give you the option. this kit teaches you some new and exciting techniques using alcohol inks, paint, distress inks, perfect pearl mists and crackle paint. **please note that the products needed for the techniques are NOT included in the kit and can be purchased separately from your nearest scrapping store. *only for south african residents please.

winged chipboard car featuring alcohol inks, distress inks and perfect pearl mists

decorative border cut from patterned paper

kit price R200.00 ex postage and packaging
with full instructions and colour photo included
e-mail me if you are interested jowilna at scrapcouture dot co dot za

finally something to share.

2011-11-15T15:11:00.004+02:00

this past saturday we had an awesome event at emperors palace in gauteng. forever memories ( a local distributor in south africa) had a nice group of ladies that got together for a full day of scrapping, chatting, laughing and off course a stunning lunch in between all the creativity. i won't lie and say i am totally in love with all their products BUT they have some awesome tools (the best corner rounder and definitely the best circle cutter) and their new paper ranges are very very nice. i got to work with this beautiful range in greens, blues and yellows for my layout. the ladies enjoyed themselves a lot and we even had a couple of gents in the class too.

some of the beautiful paper flowers included in the kit. they work really well on their own or dressed up with buttons and thread.

beautiful chipboard swirls finish off a circle cut out of the patterned paper with a photo behind it

their huge assortment of stickers gave the scrappers an opportunity to alter them and totally change the look. for this sticker we did a bit of fancy cutting and inking to give a 3-d look.

i have been quite busy with furniture painting and restoration and my little side business is taking off nicely...well so i hope. then there's the telkom internet saga - when will south africa actually have a decent provider with cheap internet. the lack of actually having internet for a couple of hours on end is really frustrating. moving to canada is very very tempting at this stage...besides it would be so good not to have to deal with the current heat here. enough of that though - hope this inspires you for a day or two. thanks for popping in. i am hoping to share some xmas cards if only i can get a decent photo or 8....

a scraplifted layout .

2011-11-01T16:24:00.006+02:00

it's been a hectic last couple of months and it seems like time is flying by even faster than normally. but i have been doing a lot of scrapping none the less and have even scrap-lifted a couple of layouts that have caught my eye. this layout was inspired by Jeanette from scrapbook den. Jeanette offers some stunning class with the occasional layout and card making class taught by yours truly at the shop at the beginning of each month. i changes up the layout to suit my style...but regret not having done some misting on the background now. any how...hope you feel inspired to get creative this week.

for my glitter title i cut the word together using my slice machine out of brown card stock. i first adhered it to my layout and then covered it in a layer of dimensional glaze. then sprinkle the glaze with glitter and leave it to dry for a good 15minutes before shaking off the excess glitter. a perfect glitzy title to get you into the holiday mood...

the little flower was embossed onto cream card stock using clear embossing powder. i then added colour using distress stains and misted it with water and letting it dry naturally. **remember that letting things dry naturally always gives a way 'cooler' look than drying it using a heat gun.

most of my strips i embossed using my cuttlebug machine and some embossing folders. i sanded some of the areas to give a worn out look. and don't forget the sewing on the edges for some added texture and colour.

some old PSX (personal stamp exchange) stickers came in handy. i used some glitter glue to add sparkle and change the stickers up a bit.

i can't believe my little pups are 4 years young...they fill our lives with love!
thanks for popping in today -hope you have a wonderful week.

collage card class - sweet scrappins.

2011-10-31T13:54:00.003+02:00

book your spot for this fun and exciting class at sweet scrappins
limited seats available
contact Carla on (012) 329 9175

chandelier make-over.

2011-10-23T14:13:00.005+02:00

so this morning i finally finished the black/green wrought iron chandelier make-over for my client. what a long haul this one was...a whole four days of cleaning of years worth of dust and grime and then lightly sanding and getting rid of gunk and dust and loose flakes before i could actually start the process. so as i said before i am so bad at taking before and after pics - so yes you guessed it no before pic here, just the finished lady in all her creamy glory.

the black rope wrapped around strategic points was a headache at first, and then i simply embraced it as the paint took to it eventually leaving it slightly distressed and totally matching the look of her dining room table i painted so i left it as is.

tada! here she still is suspended in my garage (which is also still unpainted)

i added some beautiful crystals here and there to 'french-en" it up a bit. it totally did the trick to turn this dark and depressing lady into a glorious swan filled with light and beauty. can't wait to see it all hung up in its spot. and i hope to get some pics then. hope you are having a creative weekend with some rest. thanks for popping in.

dina wakley stamps, glitz and paint splats.

2011-10-21T05:55:00.005+02:00

here's a more recent layout where i simply had to use my new dina wakley stamps. if you're a stamper and love my style then you are sure to absolutely fall in love with her stamps and style of throwing paint onto paper. i wish my personality aloud me the freedom to do more of that and that it would be more easily accepted within the crowds...i guess it is just too unorganized and free for most people who love to be in control and perfectionists.

i used some of the new glitz girls paper ranges combined with some old 7gypsies, october afternoon and mme. i loved how it turned out - the blue and yellow with a hint of pink. the photos are a quick recap of the year 2011 so far.

here's a bit of that hand coloured silk ribbon again.

paint splats with an almost dried up paint dabber from ranger - whats with that? i hardly have it for a couple of months. i think it's time to call it quits with all the other stuff and stick to inks as clearly their paints aren't working out for them. but this is just my opinion.

and here she is...dina wakley in all her glory stamped onto a piece of yellow patterned paper. it says i am uncomplicated, free, happy with myself, content in what i do, unaffected by the masses and what they think, i am me. i am just going to have to get myself some more of these beauties. thanks for stopping by.hope you have a wonderful weekend planned. my day is filled with some project deadlines, a chandelier that needs to be completed for a customer and some down time this weekend.
supplies
background cardstock by african dream house brand smooth
patterned papers by glitz, mme, october afternoon, 7gypsies
stamp by stampington for dina wakley
ink by tsukineko
stickers by glitz
paint by ranger industries
silk ribbon by may arts
distress stains by ranger industries
other postage stamp, thread, diamante,
sketch by let's scrap

card camp recap.

2011-10-20T16:49:00.008+02:00

it's been almost a week since our annual card making retreat and i am struggling to get into routine again. this year seamed so different and tiring - although i enjoyed it. things change every year and some for the good and others not. this year we had loads (90%) new girls attending camp. what this tells me is that the regulars are struggling and finding it hard to budget for camp which was also visible in sales. it may only be my observation but one none the less. every year i make a something special as my project - other than a card that is. BUT this year even i opted for a card which meant that i actually stuck to some sort of budget. and although there seemed to be some disappointed ladies everyone loved the cards too.
we did some funky backgrounds using distress stains. easily one of my favourite products to be released this year. although an old technique, out of 75 ladies only 1 had done this technique before and not with this new product or on paper. so all in all a good 2 days of informative teaching to a bunch of eager learners. today i am sharing the card samples with you as i prepare the step x step photos which i hope to share tomorrow God willing.

card sample 1 and a close-up pic of the ribbon we coloured using distress stains. i am such a snob when it comes to ribbon - so for me to use ribbon on a project it has to be silk at the very least. the colour and texture you can achieve is simply amazing.

card sample number 2 - same technique but different colouring.

the effects is simply amazing and even better in real life than in the photos.

thanks for popping in. stop by tomorrow for the technique sxs and some more samples of using distress stains on your cards and layout.

heading out.

2011-10-14T13:30:00.002+02:00

i'm heading out of town for a couple of days to teach 70 plus ladies at our annual card making camp. every year i teach something different than a card BUT this time around i actually gave in and am doing a fun little card with the girls. it features loads of techniques for them to explore - some old and some new using new products. i will be back next week with images of camp and of my card and some techniques to share using distress stains. hope you have an awesome weekend planned filled with loads of creativity. be safe and fill your days with love!

heat embossing card class.

2011-10-07T15:11:00.004+02:00

i guess having started my creative endeavors in life with card making wasn't such a bad idea after all. it seems like people and scrappers in particular are catching onto the idea of using your scraps for cards and other projects, but also to the fact that cards are such a small area to decorate and anything goes. as with atc's the golden rule can also apply to cards - a background, a focal point and an embellishment and *tada* you have a good recipe for a card.
tomorrows card class over at sweet scrappins is chock and block overbook - so sorry if you missed out! the class was booked completely even before we had advertised or shown sneak peaks. anyways - here are the sneak peaks for those that are interested nonetheless. Thanksto everyone booking and interested.
the first sample shows loads of fun products to use in conjunction with each other - meaning that we forget the rules and totally disregard the fact that we combine different products from different companies together - oohhh and i know they hate that! but the fact is that together they create magic - real creative and artistic magic.

you may also catch a glimpse of a little UTEE and melt art thrown into the mix. i totally fell in love with the simplicity of this card. i used all my favourite products and techniques on a single card. simply yummy!

and yes we are combining patterned papers from 5 different manufacturers with loads of different looks all together! i love how the colours and textures just work together - the techniques add interest and pulls the whole look together. ok enough of that!
i am also so very excited to see the new sign board above the shop! a couple of months ago Carla asked me to redesign her blog header (ok maybe i offered some help). it turned out really cute and it totally captures the look, feel and personality of her and her little shop in Pretoria. so then she asked me to design her a new sign board for outside the shop - and apparently it is being installed and looks amazing! i can't wait to see it in real life - and will so add a picture when i get home later tomorrow! here's wishing you are creative weekend filled with love! thanks for popping in and hanging around!

wonderful web find.

2011-10-04T18:35:00.003+02:00

so what interesting thing have you found on the web lately. with my newly acquired obsession of vintage furniture, old stuff, painting and distressing furniture i found this beautiful sign post ...it says it all! hope you have an awesome day!

xxx

sketch 268 - a week late.

2011-09-26T18:29:00.005+02:00

only a week late with editing and actually getting this post up - wow a new record for sure. i recently hit another speed bump in life which slowed things down a bit...but not entirely a bad thing as bad things go. so this was last week's sketch over at scrapbook challenges. i again turned it into a double page to suit my style better - but i simply love the single page version too. so head over to scrapbook challenges to see the sketch and some awesome samples by the rest of the design team. these were really bad cellphone by my mom...but scrap-able and still a wonderful memory of Jonathan's 4th birthday.

the gold dots are made using an ancient making memories foam stamp set and some gold paint dabber from ranger - love the imperfectness of stamping with paint

more stamping with the awesome pink paislee stamp set

stars punched from coloured paper and adhered...these are really tiny - what was i thinking?

and more banners stamped with the same pink paislee stamp set in black ink and decorated with patterned paper. the ticket is by house of 3 and printed on archival matt (epson) and adhered to white card stock to firm it up.

well tomorrow is the start of a brand new week and another scrapbook challenges sketch so watch this space i will be back! we are just heading into summer here in South Africa and the stormy weather season is upon us. we have had some much needed rain and some nasty thunder and lightning which means half the dogs on the property are nestled real cozy on pillows in my lounge because apparently they are just as weary of thunder as i am. however i am thankful for the rain - less dust and a green lawn yeah! hope you had an awesome weekend. lots of love...

it's been a while.

2011-09-20T15:28:00.012+02:00

so sorry for being missing for a while...it's been downhill all the way. is it just me or does time just fly by as soon as we hit September - everything seems to happen all at once. in between being busy with other stuff, i have been scrapping too. my days have been filled with making cards, prepping and kitting for our annual card making retreat in October, painting furniture for clients, more photo shoots, designing classes, spring cleaning my home and scrapping stuff, helping out in the community to name a few! but alas it is time for another sketch and this time it is my sketch! this sketch is now up over at scrapbook challenges! so go and see what the rest of the team came up with - some awesome samples!

my layout features one of my new found loves lately...vintage goodies!

some vintage buttons...bliss

and a couple of techniques featuring paint and perfect pearl mists...

my apologies for not even letting you know that i would be MIA for a while. you see i have found a new love...for painting that is...furniture! it all started with a friend's dining room table and chairs that needed a serious make-over from black to french. well, it was quite the challenge since we here in the dark African continent of south Africa can only dream of the beautiful Annie Sloan Chalk Paints and wax. aah you see this is why i could live happily ever after in another country that has stuff - stuff that i want to use - stuff that can fulfill my life even more. since the new found love i have done a smaller table, working on an old bench and cupboard and many more lined up it seems. it's hard work let me tell you - which i love - i love getting down and dirty! and then i have discovered the beautiful blogs of girls professional and non-professional who paint and restore and repair and i am sick with envy - and elated at the same time as i spend hours drooling and following links and getting new ideas! ah the wonderful world that is creativity! the world of paint! now to choose a new colour for the front door...
hope you are having a good week - i promise to be back soon with some more crafty stuff and maybe some painted french furniture pics. thanks for hanging around, understanding, for being human and just being supportive. i appreciate you all!

birds, eggs and bee's wax on a project.

2011-08-28T15:29:00.005+02:00

so i am currently trying to work my way through the pile of half-done, almost-done, just about-done projects and class samples. i am getting there. the problem is, whenever i have so much to do and obligations to fulfill i tend to wanna paint, decorate, move and sort stuff around the house. anyone else suffer from that? in between painting a dining room set (table and 6 chairs) for a friend (a lot more work than i have envisioned) i managed to photograph this little bird atc frame that i did a while back. this project also just happened to be a lets make something else cause' the thing i am working on isn't working kind of thing. i am pleased with how it turned out though. so here it is...

the images are printed on Epson archival matt paper and covered with layers of bee's wax with a few simple decorations.

recycled tags from another project that i am also trying to finish off and will share later. and guess what - i actually have a before and after photo of that project. something that i struggle with. i am always in such a hurry to get started that i tend to forget to take before pics. i am trying to get better at it though.

the egg sticker is one of my favourite images. the colours fade to something dreamy when layers of wax are added.

hope you are having a dreamy and wonderful lazy Sunday. seize the day!

Gold leafing card class.

2011-08-25T16:36:00.002+02:00

join me for a fun card class with a difference....using gold leafing and stamping on your cards. we will use beautiful bright and cheery patterned papers ringing in Spring 2011.
Contact Carla at Sweet Scrappins to book your seat
Saturday 10th September 2011

all that glitters is not gold....

in this case all that glitters is gold leafing...

scrapbook challenges sketch 262.

2011-08-15T12:29:00.005+02:00

it's monday again and time for a new sketch reveal over at scrapbook challenges. it really is true - the older you get the faster time goes by, the shorter days become and the more insignificant the daily bull seems. it really is the small little things, the beautiful friendships and those close to us that matter most. this weeks layout is simply one of those - the little things that matter! i loved the sketch. i had a vision of turning it into a layout BUT laziness of the pure speed of life and other things collided with my momentum and it will stand over until another time..in the meantime here is my single page version of this awesome and versatile sketch.

and here's the sketch...

still having that love affair with my postage stamps - sorry if you're getting bored. don't you just love the mystery behind these meaningful embellishments and accents? something real and tangible like life - not just a fake embellishment representing "fakeness" (is this even a word) and fake people and fake plastic and fake memory keeping...

the little blue holy piece of vintageness is the backing from my glass vintage buttons that i removed from their home so that i could use it here and on my little bird project i am working on. love it.

and another recent love...grey felt - using it for flowers, bags, buttons, accents, hearts and more. i simply cut the circles freehand and then layered two pieces on top of each other with some sewing. free and wild!

hope you are having an awesome monday. the weather is simply awesome - cold, cloudy with soft spells of rain to wash the dust away. simply loving it at home! oh yes and all the dogs gathered on the rug next to my table...snoring away blissfully happy and content with their simple lives. oh to be a puppy free from care and worry - filled with faith!

sketch 261 scrapbook challenges.

2011-08-09T17:18:00.004+02:00

so Monday has come and gone...and yip there's a new sketch over at scrapbook challenges. this time the sketch is by Natalie - love how her sketches so perfectly match her scrapping style OR is it the other way around? anyhow...not my usual style but love it nonetheless. i really think that i could become a white space scrapper very easily...if only i can find my groove in it - and the problem is that it really isn't everybody's cuppa tea. but that's that - so check out the sketch over at scrapbook challenges and play along to win some awesome goodies.

some close-ups of the elements. i stamped the little Christmas berries in black chalk ink and added little clear diamante. the background was misted using an orange glimmer mist from tattered angels. the chipboard frame was a left-over from another element that i added.

my love for postage stamps continues and i simple adore them. the mystery behind where they have been is so amazing. The sentiment stamp is from glitz design - their new ranges and products are simply amazing...love their vintage goodies.

hope you like! thanks for popping in and hope you have a wonderfully creative week ahead.

just an image.

2011-08-07T14:21:00.003+02:00

love how one can take an everyday image and turn it into something a bit more interesting. i was reading a photographer's blog this week - he had some interesting things to say.
a picture really does speak a thousand words...Micheal
photo taken friday 5th august 2011

scrapbook challenges sketch 260.

2011-08-02T13:18:00.006+02:00

so as of this week - August 1st scrapbook challenges is back to it's normal sketch challenges after an entire month of sizzling summer sketches. this week's sketch is by Bev a new design team member. i changed mine up a bit so that i could work with this little pic of my niece taken quite a few years ago. just another mission to get rid of some of my stash lying around and get those photos scrapped. head on over to scrapbook challenges and see what the other design team members have done with this stunning sketch.

a close up of the beautiful prima patterned paper piece used but spruced up with some orange glimmer mist by tattered angels.

some stickers, butterflies and flowers complete the decorative corner along with a little sticker used as title - happiness.

thanks for popping in today! i am working on a little "bird" project at the moment for my newly decorated work area and colour scheme. just about everything is getting an overall - either by recycling or spray painting or changing bits of paper or fabric strips. how good it feels to re-use, re-purpose and up-cycle. chat later!
supplies used
patterned paper - 7gypsies, girl's paperie, prima and mme.
flowers - creative memories
glimmer mist - tattered angels
stickers - fancy pants, mme
other - book paper, buttons, thread and diamante

being frugal.

2011-07-27T09:30:00.002+02:00

i am so grateful for my gran on my mom's side. a women who gave her whole life to God. she laid down everything and lived for Him. sometimes even going without food to provide for the hungry, young and old, black and white, good and bad - she cared for them all. she was the one spent her life helping others and giving 'our' stuff away to those others. with my recent love affair with the vintage, i realize what she gave away - the wonderful furniture were amongst the things i would now so appreciate. but what she didn't give away to others (OK let's just go with that for a moment) but gave to me was her 'frugality'. she taught me how to save and re-use and re-purpose. so that is where my love affair with postage stamps started - she taught me how to lovingly soak them in water and remove them from envelopes to be re-used again on whatever. even at a young age i started collecting stamps and even belonged to the philatelist society.
so just where am i going with all of this...
well my family doesn't really have an understanding of who i am and what i do. but they try. so when my mother arrived at my doorstep the other day with a plastic bag filled to the brim with old stamps i was in heaven - stamp heaven. and i even for a moment thought that she got me - really got me. so for the past 2 days i have been soaking and lovingly removing stamps from envelopes and i haven't even made a dent in the pile! i am in heaven! so i will keep them in a box and use them in my layouts and cards and splash out on other projects and still i will have enough stamps to use for the rest of my life. ah the simple things in life. it's the little things in life that end up being the BIG things.

my grandmother: Joey Brink
hope you have a fabulous and creative week. i am heading to the kitchen to soak more stamps!

the moral dilemma.

2011-07-24T17:24:00.002+02:00

i found this on the net today...sorry i didn't get a credit - but whoever did this please know that it is amazing! Please let me know if you come across this so i can credit the right person - so yes its not my words, not my design, not mine! so in lieu of this ...i also found a layout copied from my book on someone's blog....yeah you guessed it - no credit there either. no apology either for not crediting. let me know your thoughts on this moral dilemma - to credit or not to credit!

play.

2011-07-24T15:59:00.004+02:00

so the lovely Natalie from Punky Scraps designed one of the layouts for Scrapbook Challenges' Sizzling summer of sketches. we basically created sketches for an entire month and hosted the challenges for members to play along. Natalie is eccentric OK! she is a breath of fresh air and her layouts must come so naturally - like a fresh spring breeze. so for her SS11 challenge this is what i came up with! i love it - i really do feel more comfortable with throwing paint at a canvas - and i don't do it enough - it's not really socially acceptable you know. just as my life i am a rebel by nature and when everyone goes left i will go right - it's what i do you see. so forgive me for stepping on toes. but life really is too short not to have fun in this comedy we call life. head on over to scrapbook challenges and look for Natalie's challenge...and play along - you'll love it.

i used mostly stuff i had on my table. i always seem to do that - maybe because my table is always full of stuff. it's actually funny at times - but i guess it means i am keeping busy which is a good thing.

the green circle is a little something i am working on for an American publication - so watch this space. maybe i will share it once it has been published - or force you to buy the book.

supplies
patterned paper - basic grey for hero arts *out of print* (too die for)
card stock - bazzill basics
stamps - stampington, stampers anonymous, paperbag studios
black paint - ranger paint dabbers
distress stains - ranger industries
journaling strips by karen foster
buttons, thread, diamante

where women create.

2011-07-20T17:45:00.003+02:00

today was a goodish day for me. things have been hard lately - really hard. the kind of hard you can share some days and then other days you know you can't. the kind of hard where you know a miracle needs to be close by or else. today was a goodish day. you see we got to play at my amazingly talented friends art studio! it's the most beautiful french art studio in all of South Africa. Kath converted her stables with flair like only she could. it is homely, warm and filled with a creative soul. we worked, we were busy and that was good today! we ate delicious cake that Sons made (ok i had a second piece - yes its that good) and we had lunch and we were just there together - being creative. and that was good! it was what i needed for today. we created beautiful canvas girls that Kath designed - so we painted and collaged and gelled and it was good. it was a art therapy day - and no-one knew. but they were there.

Kath and Sonia whom i so appreciate in my life! you girls rock.

and the queenie of all our hearts! (who's getting a new house)

and chandeliers to drool over and delight in, and the perfect concentration...

and Colleen and i were there - being creative! not much to day! love days like this!
and so that is where...we...women....created...today! love you all madly!

liquid colour - a class.

2011-07-18T17:26:00.003+02:00

liquid colour - a class in using distress stains. come and join us for a fun filled class using this awesome new product and create beautiful cards. We will be using some of the absolutely amazing new papers by Basic Grey in collaboration with Hero Arts *gasp*

Sweet Scrappins
Pretoria
saturday 23 July
as of 12 noon today this class is fully booked - thanks a bunch!

just call it love.

2011-07-18T07:15:00.001+02:00

a while ago i did this layout for a class - it featured loads of techniques using mists, alcohol inks, paints, distress stains, glue, distress inks and stamping. I love layouts like these - filled to the brim with stuff - random old stuff but still focusing on the photos and the important stuff.hope you like! enjoy this week and make it a creative one. thanks for popping by and to all those who follow my creative and life's journey. thanks for those who stick by me through thick and thin, good and bad. those are true followers and friends! you are appreciated more than you will ever know!

scrapbookchallenges.

2011-07-14T07:32:00.005+02:00

over at scrapbook challenges we are having a whole month of sketch challenges. the sizzling summer of sketches brings you a new sketch each and every day so you don't get bored during your summer break - although hardly summer here in South Africa, it gives you something to do in front of the heater. so head on over and check out the awesome sketches and samples. this sketch was done by the talented Jolanda and i simply loved working with it...

i did some cut out parts from the MME bingo paper and filled in the back with an assortment of patterns. inking and sewing around the edges adds some interest

the sun was made using the beautiful October afternoon papers and some diamante

so head on over for some serious scrappy inspiration here

altered canvas trio.

2011-07-13T15:22:00.009+02:00

a while ago i made this set of 3 mixed media canvasses. i loved how they turned out...i guess no one else did but that's another story. but i thought i would share them here as we are about to set out on another mixed media canvas journey. a couple of really awesome friends and i are getting together to play. there's so much enthusiasm amongst them and i can just see the gorgeous art works that will come from a morning of play. this is a picture of the 3 grouped together -not sure i have space on my walls for them though.

blue - is covered in dressmaking pattern sheet and then layers of blues and gold from Ranger's paint dabber group. the multi functional empty bird-cage by tim holtz takes centre stage. and don't you just love that stamp...my heart has wings!

purple - so not my favourite colour but nice. a tim holtz grungeboard bird negative becomes the perfect stencil to be gold leafed. the bird sits above a strip of sheet music covered in bee's wax and nails. yes life is filled with people who sing beautiful tunes in front of you but given half a chance they bring out the nails...i have learned that the human tongue is a terribly hurtful thing.

i found a whole jar filled with these rusty old nails in our shed on the farm - i love their rusty vulnerability

pink - oh so pretty. covered in pink and gold paint with a bee's wax envelope that carries my hopes, dreams, fears and sadness in life itself.

the wax envelopes consists of several layers of patterned papers and then dipped into wax for that stunning glassy see through look.

i hope you like what you see. here's to creative play and being free!

because i can.

2011-07-07T04:50:00.000+02:00

le shabby cafe guest designer.

2011-07-06T09:14:00.006+02:00

i am thrilled to bring you the projects done for Le Shabby Cafe scrapbook kits this month. as i have said the kits are amazing and packed with amazing and an abundance of products. i had so much fun designing and playing with the beautiful papers. and so here are some of the layouts...

i love how the patterned papers and colours could work with old and new photos. in an attempt to clear out stuff i am on a mission to use my old and original photos. *Gasp* and no, by the time i am dead no-one will really care about those old photos anyway so i might as well use them and get them in some albums.

hope you stay warm today and have a scrappy week ahead. i have loads to do and finish and the cold fingers just don't wanna work ... back to my sunny spot while it's still there!

le shabby cafe.

2011-07-05T15:18:00.003+02:00

so the fabulous girls from Le Shabby Cafe Kit Club asked me to play along in July. Let me tell you not only was i honoured but i was in awe of this generous and totally stunning kit they put together! it is packed to the brim with the stunning Fancy Pants 'it's the little things' range. I've only seen bits and piece of it in South Africa and then they go and bring in the entire *yeah* the entire range in kit form! whoo-hoo for Sophia and Tracy - i applaud you girls! so... the projects have been sent and they should be up here soon for you to view. i will post them on my blog soon...so please if you are a local girl in sunny South Africa go and buy one of their kits! support those who are truly passionate about this fabulous hobby and lets play with the good stuff.

PS it's freezing in SA and i love it!! bring on the snow....

blog hop.

2011-07-01T11:39:00.007+02:00

welcome to the scrapbook challenges seasons of change bloghop! If you have joined me here from Nanette then you are in the right place - if not go the Brynn's blog and start there to join us and qualify for some awesome give-aways.
I am so please to be a part of this wonderful creative family spread all over the world! I am jowilna and a returning design team member of scrapbook challenges. I love paper or am rather addicted to it, love photography and being creative. I share my passion here on my blog and spend my days teaching scrapbooking and card making. in my spare time when i am not organizing my workspace i write craft books. I hope you will join us and spend a creative weekend with all of us. We look forward to seeing you around the scrapbook challenges site.

this time around i opted for a card using the fabulous design by Brynn Marie. after having completed a layout i thought it a bit too personal and then made this card - BUT only after i received an awesome parcel from some special people in Durban (more about them later)with those gorgeous postage stamps on them. being such a stamp recycling freak i set about getting them off the packaging immediately to use on this card.

the sketch is so versatile and perfect for a quick card. The orange sprayed card stock is a left-over piece from a class we did last Saturday - see i recycle everything! the rest are scraps from my table and the colours just worked beautifully together.

give-aways
remember by just being a part of this bloghop you can win some awesome goodies!
1 person leaving a comment on all the blogs will receive a pack of Cosmo Cricket paper (Salt air collection - oh yummy!)
1 person will receive a $20 gift certificate from Scrapbook.com if you make a layout based on the sketch in the hop on section
and then there are some Ranger goodies up for grabs too - my favourite!
so please play along 'cause someone has to win all these goodies!

some close-ups of my card just for fun...

it's now time for you to HOP ON to Emilia to see what she has in store for you inspiration wise!

hope you have a fabulous weekend hopping around the web with us. remember to pop into scrapbook challenges and become a member for tons of inspiration.

darkroom door bliss.

2011-06-24T17:48:00.004+02:00

i *heart* darkroom door! for the past fifteen years i have loved stamping, and nothing
compares to the awesomeness of good old red rubber with a totally brilliant and original design on it! so started my love affair with darkroom door stamps, images, printed matter and the totally awesome and generous Rachel Greig (a master when it comes to looking through a lens). so the time has arrived when i am honored to be featured as a guest designer on their blog this week! i am truly blessed in my creative journey as i struggle for my little ray of sunshine amongst the clouds that is the creative world. so please head on over to the darkroom door blog and check out what i have done using the awesome designs and truly amazing quote stamps! send Rachel some love and let her know if you are a fan!

thank you to Rachel for this awesome opportunity and for the wonderful products, her true and unconditional generosity and her creative spirit in general - you rock!

**PS i also used those same wonderful stamps in the little house projects below! so check it out and see if you can spot those awesome little stamped images!

home sweet home.

2011-06-19T16:30:00.004+02:00

house 1 above and 2 below in a set of four home decor houses. grouped together they make for an awesome little wall hanging filled with homely goodness.

way back when i started working on a set of four houses. i used some of the awesome resist paper by pink paislee for the backgrounds that i colored using distress inks and mists. i worked on 1 inch thick pieces of wood. love that lately** they were just fun to make and put together the four just makes an awesome room decor project. i used an awesome stamp set from darkroom door with various quotes and house images. i heart that set! the best stamp of them all reads
"i would sooner live in a cottage and wonder at everything,
than live in a castle and wonder at nothing"
have you wondered at something today ? or is your castle just so important and bigger than life! a castle can crumble at any time, but cottages are almost always filled with love only.

happy fathers day to all the dads out there!

alcohol ink class kits for sale.

2011-06-15T08:51:00.002+02:00

we have 3 class kits available from Saturdays class - so if you missed out and want to have some awesome fun playing with your alcohol inks, learn some new techniques and applications then this is for you. you will be able to make the canvas and add your own personality into it as well. below is Janet's version of her class kit to show you just how versatile the kit really is. full class notes as well as other sample included in the notes.

Kits R175.00 ex p&p

e-mail me on jowilna at scrapcouture dot co dot za to order your exclusive kit today.
this kit teaches you all the basics of alcohol inks, application methods tips and tricks.

scrapbookchallenges.

2011-06-14T17:48:00.004+02:00

another week means another sketch (258) over at scrapbook challenges. for this layout i used some of the new pink paislee papers. i love how the colour scheme turned out so bright and funky! the black and white photos really pop out from the background colours used.

these funky little flowers were coloured using the new distress stains. the flowers were cut using my Slice Elite in plain card stock. the center of the flower is a 7gypsies sticker.

these little tags are some left-overs from a kit. the beautiful rub-on (orange plat like thingy) is by Hambly. you gotta love those rub-ons - such awesome quality!

the word 'wonder' was also cut out with my Slice machine in a pale blue bazzill card stock. i then used my distress stains and added some more colour to match my flower. i love these little bottles of ink - so versatile and handy! there's a design call out over at Scrapbook Challenges - so head on over if you are interested!

sale.

2011-06-13T15:59:00.002+02:00

this class kit now for sale!
Limited stock available.
R150.00 ex p&p
Contact me via e-mail at jowilna at scrapcouture dot co dot za
or leave a comment and we will get back to you

Class kits includes notes, layout sketch and technique ideas to create your own masterpiece in the convenience of your home.

alcohol inks.

2011-06-11T17:16:00.003+02:00

today's alcohol ink class was absolutely amazing! the girls did stunning work. some opted for making a set of 9 tags while some did the most amazing canvas projects - i love how more than often the students take your idea and turn it into a work of art! the best part of my job! here's what my canvas looks like. in total we did about 12 altered pieces with alcohol inks on the canvas alone...a bit more on the tags! they include brads, beads, tin foil, metal photo corners, diamante, photo paper, tim holtz metal goodies, fragments and giant playing cards. if you feel inspired let me know, and please remember if you copy the project for your own benefit please do so and give credit where it is due! keep handmade art alive! have a wonderful Sunday!

scraps from my table.

2011-06-10T12:12:00.008+02:00

ok..so the washing is hung and i found it to be warmer outside than what it actually is inside my house! so i took quick pics of the cards i made using some of the scraps on my table. i love how they turned out - and yes they look way better in real life! you may also have noticed that i am going through a pink spell in my work - what's up with that? maybe all the gorgeous paper designs or maybe my soul is at peace or crying out! not sure yet! anyhow...
gotta love those beautiful papers by Fancy pants, mme and pink paislee. how perfect do they match in colour and theme?

it's been a while since i have actually designed some cards - apart from those for classes - you know just for fun and for the sake of being creative and keeping the head busy. but since i was on a mission once again of throwing out and purging some stuff i found three printed collage butterfly images and they were really the inspiration behind the colours scheme and theme. and these cards are the end result...

i also found some of these small paper doilies while cleaning so they were on my table too. I did however pull out some distress stain to colour them. the patterned papers are all scraps from class layouts ...That awesome gold butterfly is by artchix studio and the words by darkroom door.

a few quick stitches around the edges of the patterned papers and they are totally transformed. gotta love how easy that is!

a couple of buttons and embroidery thread and you have more dimension and colour!

remember to finish off those buttons - a well dressed button is a button with thread through it's holes! it only takes a few second - but the end result is priceless. Have a wonderful weekend! and thanks for popping in.

time flies.

2011-06-10T10:21:00.004+02:00

...when you are having fun! i can hardly believe it's June - yip halfway through the year and halfway to Christmas! But for now it's time to post about the new challenge over at scrapbook challenges. this sketch below is a super easy double page layout and can be turned into so many different options - with only a bit of imagination. so without further a due...

here's what i did with the sketch! i am not a huge fan of skew - not furniture in my house or photos on my layouts. if i am gonna do crooked then it has to moderate! so i opted for straight photos. to create my background i used acrylic paint. this is so easy. take a bottle of acrylioc paint, pour or pounce a few blobs right down the center horizontally across both pages, take a old credit card and move the paint around randomly. change direction often to avoid a monotonous effect. lave to dry and create!

i added some random cardstock embellishments from Pink Paislee alongside some beautiful prima, mme and creative imaginations papers.

because i kept the colours quite neutral (for me) i wanted my title to blend into the background as opposed to pop out. i used some old basic grey lettering to create my title and then added an outline using an ordinary HB pencil instead of a thin black marker. easy huh? nothing too it. all different technique that can be complicated but instead you can just have fun and make it so easy!

hop on over to scrapbook challenges and check out the single page version! there's loads of inspiration and some cool announcements, and challenges where you can win some awesome goodies! we are having awesome and really chilly weather (the coldest we have ever had here), so if the weather permits i will be back later to share some cards i have made using only scraps pulled from my table (read:hurricane inflicted mess). and tomorrow is an alcohol ink class at sweet scrappins! i always look forward to those classes! the girls are super excited about learning all about techniques, are open minded and Carla has the best priced goodies (always stocked well)in town! oh and did i mention the sausage rolls we have at tea time - they are worth attending a class just to have them. which i will try not to since i am on a mission of not having bread and wheat - the very things the government give us that will certainly kill us! (my little rant for today!) stay warm SA!

sketch 256 - scrapbookchallenges.

2011-05-30T16:15:00.006+02:00

it's Monday and time for another wonderful sketch inspiration by our very own Sookie! the original single page sketch is so versatile and can be interpreted literally in a million different ways. i love it when i am totally inspired by a sketch and can make it my own - really my own. and that is what i did - i made a layout that i love and felt totally comfortable with. so to see the original sketch as well as the wonderful inspirational layouts by the other design team members visit scrapbook challenges here. i turned a single page into a double page (and broke a couple of rules along the way - by only using a single photo - gasp!)...
and here are some close-up details of the layout...

some stunning rub-ons by kaisercraft were the only decorative elements required along with a stunning array of patterned papers.

sewing around the patterned papers makes a beautiful statement adding texture and colour.

paint literally thrown onto the white background directly from the paint bottle - and yes it does take a while to dry but the end result is so worth it!

thought for the day: white space is a good thing...:-)
hope you have a wonderful creative week! thanks for popping in - you are appreciated!

goodness.

2011-05-28T15:44:00.007+02:00

This layout was so inspired by a single page done a while go by my friend Pamela Young. She is such an awesome scrapper and a generous friend. When i saw her layout i knew i had to scraplift it...and so here it is! i love how we can be inspired by different people and different things even if they have such a different style of doing things. so thanks Pamela!
of course it helped that i used the beautiful pink paislee paper to create this beauty. i also threw in some girl's paperie and mme for good measure and good old i can't live without book paper. i used the book paper to create a dimensional border at the top of each flaggy and then added some sewing along the edge in different colours.
the lettering is by a local south african company...and used to death! i added some glaze to make them look them better.
the butterfly is cut from a piece of paper and glitter glue added. the stamp and floral stickers used are from a Prima paper sheet and the rub-ons by kaisercraft.
the lace border stamp used right at the top of the layout is by prima and the butterfly by pink paislee - stamped in grey ink. i hope you feel inspired on this cold weekend afternoon. be blessed! and thanks for popping by xx