Off to a Flying Start

Now that I've got the scrapping bug again - which hopefully won't be a temporary thing - I decided to make another layout today. I was inspired by the cover of Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine, which was created by Christine Middlecamp. Quite a tough act to follow, but I had a go.

You know how in my last post I was preaching that I like to use papers from different manufacturers on my layouts... This one only features Echo Park papers. In my defence, they are from different lines.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Patterned Paper: Echo Park | Alpabet Stickers: American Crafts + Echo Park (Springtime + Sweet Summertime + A Walk in the Park collection) | Border Punch: EK Success | Scalloped Circle Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities | Stamp: Cats Life Press | Markers: Sakura + Zig | Ink: Stampin'Up (Pacific Point) | Floss: DMC | Circle Border Die: Papertrey Ink | Circle Punch: Paper Shapers

I don't really like the journaling, but I didn't seem to be able to find an appropriate journaling tag to use. Must find a better way for that in future. Firstly I wrote the journaling in pencil, but than wasn't able to rub it out completely.

For those of you who still have the day ahead, enjoy. For me it's time to find my pillow!

Club Got Sketch: Sketch 2

Yesterday the second sketch for Club Got Sketch was presented. This time it's 2-pager. When I first saw the sketch, I immediately got thinking which pictures to use, as it includes 8-9 photos. After a bit of browsing through my iPhoto library I decided to use the beach photos I took in January.

With so many pictures I like to set them up in Photoshop first, so I have them in the correct size and know how wide the margins around are going to be. This makes it easier once I print them to put them into place.

The next big challenge was to decide which papers to use. I find it important that the papers compliment the pictures and don't overshadow them. The pictures must maintain the focus and the papers should blend in. Before cutting anything up I slide different papers under the pictures to make sure they are what I'm looking for.

I ended up using some quite old papers from Cosmo Cricket's Snorkel collection. I believe these papers were released in 2009. I combined them with the more recent October Afternoon Seaside collection papers. Currently I'm all for mixing up manufacturers and collections as I'm not being endorsed by anyone and I have no obligation to use just one manufacturer on a layout.

Remember a while ago I did a poll to see if I should store my patterned papers by colour or manufacturer? I stuck with manufacturer, but I think I'm nearly ready to make the switch. Just need to plan it out and do it. I'll keep you posted on this subject.

Now back to my layout. Once again, I can't show you the sketch, but I think it's pretty obvious what it looks like.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (Snorkel collection) + October Afternoon (Seaside Collection) | Chipboard Elements: Cosmo Cricket (Snorkel Collection) | Chipboard Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts | Journaling Tags: Creative Café | Markers: Staedler (blue + red) | Banner Die: Papertrey Ink | Twine | Pinking Scissors

Well, I hope I've inspired you to get crafty too. Let me know if you did. Thank you for your comments and visit.

Card Patterns: Sketch 107

It's been a very long time since I've played along with any sketch challenges, but last night I did. I created a card along the Card Patterns latest sketch: Sketch 107. For the card I used some new papers from Crate Paper which I received free from Blue Bazaar with my order. Isn't that nice!

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Crate Paper (Portrait collection) | Ribbon: Vandoros | Dies: Papertrey Ink (Medium Scalloped Border, Limitless Layers, Mat Stack 4) | Pearls: KaiserCraft | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink ( Filliable Frames Additions 1 + Mat Stack 4 Collection) | Ink: Stampin'Up (River Rock + Soft Suede)

Today I was unfortunately struck with another migraine. I didn't really have time to stop, so I quickly took two paracetamols and continued on with my day. I'd planned to create a layout today, which I managed to complete despite the migraine. The layout is for the next sketch of Club Got Sketch, to be revealed on Monday.

Enjoy your Thursday. I'll be back soon.

Club Got Sketch Pre-class Sketch + Sketch 1

Yesterday the Club Got Sketch class went live. The Got Sketch? contributors created their layouts last week, which Valerie used as some additional inspiration for everyone taking the workshop. I cannot share the sketch with you, but I can show you my layout.

Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper |Patterned Paper: Scenic Route, October Afternoon (Seaside + Thrift Shop), Basic Grey (Marakech) | Border Punch: Fiskars | Tab Punch: McGill | Dies: Papertrey Ink (Doily, Butterfly + Limitless Layers) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Delightful Doilies) | Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts | Pearls: KaiserCraft |Ink: Stampin'Up (Delightful Daffodil + Pacific Point)

Last week before the class started, Valerie gave all those that signed up a taster with a pre-class sketch. I was able to create a layout along that sketch today.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Patterned Paper + Butterfly Die-cut: Echo Park (Springtime Collection) | Border Punch: Martha Stewart | Ink: Papertrey Ink (Tea-dye Duo) | Ribbon: Vandoros | Foam Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts | Corner Rounder: Zutter | Die: Papertrey Ink (Limitless Layers) | Envelope: Maya Road | Rhinestones: KaiserCraft

I didn't want the journaling to be in the way of the overall design, and decided to put it in an envelope. The journaling reads: Nothing is more sweeter than a picture of the three of you together, but you always seem to make it a real challenge for me.

Thank you for stopping by.

Club Got Sketch

A couple of weeks ago I promised you a layout. Unfortunately I've been under the radar as I've been suffering from severe migraines. Yesterday I visited a Chinese doctor and had my first acupuncture treatment in an attempt to resolve my physical issues. I'm not sure if it would already have any effect, but I feel significantly more energised. Let's hope it's all uphill from here.

Next Monday, March 21st Valerie Salmon is starting an online class which will last for eight weeks, where you will create eight layouts along her sketches. You can win a free spot to this workshop by leaving a comment on her blog.

I've already created a layout for the first sketch and I can tell you it's gorgeous. The layout that I promised you is along sketch 112. You can view and download this sketch with examples on the Got Sketch? blog.

Here's my layout:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Bascis Paper | Patterned Paper: Basic Grey (Offbeat) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Calendar Basics, Fillable Frames 4, Friendship Jar Fillers) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Chocolate Chip + Baja Breeze) | Punches: Martha Stewart | Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts | Rhinestones: KaiserCraft | Computer Font: Avenir

I've used quite old papers by Basic Grey for this layout as I wanted them to compliment the pictures, and I didn't want to convert them to black and white. These seem to be the perfect fit. I guess there is a reason to hang on to old lines, as you never know when they come in handy.

My other layout is still work in progress. Not sure when I get a chance to finish that one, as Ruben's birthday is coming up in a couple of days.

Until next time.

Hey There...

Today our gorgeous babysitter and dear friend, Beth is celebrating her birthday. Currently she's in Washington, DC on an international study assignment. I think I can safely say she's having the time of her life. She'll be back home in a couple of weeks.

Beth emailed me the other day that my card had arrived, so I can show it to you all.

All supplies from Papertrey Ink unless otherwise mentioned. Other supplies:
Brad: Basic Grey | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black), Stampin'Up (Certainly Celery + Baja Breeze) | Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (white) | Glitter: Stampin'Up | Ribbon: Vandoros | Vellum

The other day my dear friend Claire, her youngest daughter celebrated her 6th birthday.

All supplies from Papertey Ink unless otherwise stated. Other supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon | Flower: Prima Marketing | Rhinestones: KaiserCraft | Scalloped Circle Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities | Ink: Stampin'Up (Melon Mambo + Tempting Turquoise)

Next week I'll have a layout to share and possibly two! Have a great weekend everyone.

Masculine Cards

Quite regularly I need to make masculine cards, and I must say I do enjoy them. They all seem to have the same common denominator though... stars. Nothing wrong with stars though if you ask me!

Anyway this morning I made this card for Ruben's friend, James who's having a party this afternoon.

Supplies: Cardstock: Papertrey Ink | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon Seaside Collection | Star Die: Papertrey Ink | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments) | Buttons: Basic Grey | Ribbon: Vandoros | Twine | Tag | Pinking Scissors | Ink: Papertrey Ink (Vintage Cream)

The next one I made for Steve, one of David's friends in the UK.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Jilliebean Soup | Dies: Papertrey Ink (Seeing Stars + Double Ended Banner), Spellbinder Nestabilities (Octagon) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Enjoy the Ride + Background Basics: Woodgrain) | Twine  | Ink: Stampin'Up (Chocolate Chip + River Rock) | Marker: Zig

And finally last October I submitted a card that wasn't accepted. Rather than keeping it for Father's Day, I changed the sentiment to Happy Birthday and sent it to David's brother for his birthday in November.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon Seaside Collection | Dies: Papertrey Ink (Seeing Stars, Fillable Frame 4 + Mat Stack 4) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames 4) | Buttons: Basic Grey | Twine | Tag | Pinking Scissors | Ink: Stampin'Up (Real Red) | Ink (Vintage Cream)


Thank you for your visit and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Seven and Ten!

Last week our niece, Annalise celebrated her 10th birthday. With Papertrey Ink just last month releasing their number dies, they were the perfect item to use on her card.

I initially only wanted to use pink hues and white, but it all became a little too much of a candy floss look, so I decided to cool it down with a bit of blue.

At the end of January, Aden who's been Renee's boyfriend since Kinder and also Rebecca's best friend's brother celebrated his 7th birthday.

For this card I used the banner builder dies and stamp set from Papertrey Ink. The papers are from October Afternoon's Night Light collection.

I have a layout half finished on my desk... Hopefully I'll get a chance to finish it this weekend. Enjoy your weekend.

A Card for Scrapbooks Etc. Blog

Last week Valerie asked if I could do a card for a guest post she publishes on the Scrapbooks Etc. blog once a month. Just like all Valerie's other sketches, this once was fun and easy to work with.

I slightly angled the label/tag, but furthermore stuck to the sketch all the way. Here's my card:

Inspired by some of Ingrid's cards lately, I chose to use October Afternoon's, Modern Homemaker papers. Instead of the gazzilion of stamps that I have my collection, I used a font I purchased recently as my sentiment. Totally love this font.

You can find the sketch and other designs on the Scrapbooks Etc. blog.

Yesterday one of my good Dutch Nike friends celebrated her birthday. She's the baby of our group of seven friends. We now have all reached the milestone of 40!

This card was inspired by Dawn McVey. When I started making the card, I'd kind of forgotten it was her 40th, so I intended to put something else in the centre of the circle, but than thought I could only really put the number 40 there. The numbers dies are from Papertrey Ink and the patterned papers are from SEI.

Happy Thursday! The weekend is near.

Got Sketch? 111

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I can still say that, though even it's already February 15th here, in certain parts of the world it's still the 14th.

Just wanted to check in and show the card I made along the latest sketch over at the Got Sketch? blog:

Rather than giving you a full detailed supply list (a little tired of that, but I still want to blog...), I'll just point out a few things that I've used on the above card. For the patterned paper I used the Lost & Found collection of My Mind's Eye. The sentiments is from the Sweethearts stamp set from Waltzing Mouse.

Hop on over to the Got Sketch? blog for the sketch and other beautiful creations.

Since it's Valentine's... A couple of weeks ago I created this card, which was inspired by one of the cards on the cover of the Stampin'Up catalog:

The patterned paper I used on this card is from last year's Little Yellow Bicycle Valentine's collection. The stamp on the background is from DeNami Designs.

Until next time.