Stamps Ahead

I wanted to share with you something I have been working on. One of the artists I follow on-line recently had a quote "Your art does not need a purpose." I loved that saying so decided to finish this portrait style accordion journal that I started at beginning of the year and then put aside as I was stuck by my inner artist and began to doubt where I was going with it. This little journal started out as 3 pieces - I decided to join together. Lots of bits and pieces that were laying on my table with mark making, rustic stitching and more. Unfortunately, the white paint pen I used on the black ink shapes did not come out in the photography - trust me there is doodling there! Thank you looking, Margaret

Completed for a challenge over at Soul Scrappers Challenges . The challenge is 'From Screen 2 Scrap".  Here is the inspiration:  The challenge - we are going BOLD and use BOLD patterned paper, BOLD title and two photos that dominate. I used my old Stampin' Up! large letter dies and Vicki Boutin Sweet Rush papers/photo embellishment - the BOLD curves called to mind Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House both visible in the photos of my great nephew and I on the rooftop atop The Rocks Sydney Youth Hostel in December, 2025. Looking for inspiration for your photos to put on layouts why not check out Soul Scrappers Challenges with the link above. Thank you for looking, Margaret

 Another layout for CSI Challenge 468 - January 2026. Here is my layout: Here is the inspiration photo: Here are the clues: In 2012 I was sent a Christmas card from my friends in the USA.  It shows her 2 boys on the cover - those boys are now adults and just as happy and love live as the 2012 photo.  I have used the following clues to complete my layout: winter/Christmas theme, stripes, labels, people, white gesso as snow falling, whimsical font (my friends writing on the card greeting), journalling in a plastic envelope (I could not find my vellum) and circles.   I look forward to what challenges are available in February and the remainder of 2026.  For more information visit  http://csichallenge.blogspot.com/ Margaret

One of the joys of doing a scrapbook cruise is that I get to make Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) to swap with others on the cruise.  Here are mine for the latest cruise I am taking. It is not compulsory to make ATC's, however I do like to make one for each person and the class leaders.  This time 30 cards.   Here are some close ups of some of the cards. A great way to use scraps of paper to make circles, chipboard and wood veneer from my stash and finally a piece of cheesecloth under the chipboard and wood veneer and a Tim Holtz chipboard finishes off my ATC's. Thank you for looking.  I will finish with a saying that I found online and added to the back of each ATC. Thank you for looking.   "Life is a circle.  The end of one journey is the beginning of the next."    Joseph M. Marshall 111 Update: Due to mechanical problems (Azipods) on the Anthem of the Seas our 27th January cruise to South Island of New Zealand has been cancelled....

 My first ever layout for CSI challenges - No 469 January 2026. Here is my layout  Here is the inspiration photo  Here are the clues  I was inspired by the photo and the story of then and now. I used case file colours (there is tangerine on background cardstock (CS) I used), sticky notes and a journalling prompt - what word/s would you bring into the new year. The photo was taken by my sister during dinner on The Anthem of the Seas cruise we took in November 2025, and it reminded me of the inspiration photo.  I handmade sticky notes from patterned paper (PP) and underneath each note I journalled following the words I added to the notes.  I used items from my stash to finish this layout. Thank you for looking and happy new year as we move into 2026.   Margaret

Ahoy , this layout was created for one word challenge over at Soul Scrappers Challenges . The choice of letters this month were K, V or A. Of course, I went with A or AHOY!  These photos were taken in November when my sister and I (the 2 small photos) were taking a scrapbook class with Unmistakeable Creations  as we journeyed towards Eden on the South Coast of New South Wales aboard The Anthem of the Seas.   All papers (excluding the 2 plain cardstock) and embellishments are from Unmistakeable Creations Cruise Control collection.   AI generated: "Ahoy" can be a playful greeting, a quirky conversation starter, or a nautical-themed twist in everyday interactions . Margaret