Stamps Ahead

Here is my 2nd Blind Scrap challenge that I completed with Hillbilly Shenanigans prior to last weeks virtual retreat. I will admit I got a little confused with mat placement and I hear you say 'you have 3 matted photos!' there was originally only 2 matted photos. Well, as Michael Crawford (no relation) would say "I had an oopsy" with some stamping, so rather than toss the lot decided an extra photo would cover it up! I used some last remaining sheets of Kaisercraft Magnolia collection that had the flowers and leaves that required fussy cutting. Photos are from my trip to UK last year from top right Stoke-on-Trent, Chester and Jane Austen Museum in Bath. Thank you for looking, Margaret

On Saturday night I participated in a Blind Scrap Challenge via video and here is layout I created during the blind scrap and another I made on Sunday. This was the layout I completed during the blind scrap challenge video.  I used a favourite paper collection - Marigold from Kaisercraft.  On Sunday, with the benefit of more time, I was able to listen again to video and I must confess, take some notes and I completed this layout.  This time I used 49 and Market Curators Botanical collection.  My sister also participated and here is her layout  For the challenge there was a mood board, and we were to use this to inspire us to use the colours indicated on the card and we were given instructions beforehand on cutting papers.  Look at all those circles in the photo! Thank you for looking, Margaret #calvinball #calvinball2025 #scraphappy

Today, over at Unmistakeable Creations, Melissa set up a lockdown blind scrap challenge.  Here is my layout: A blind scrap is when you are given steps to create your layout in timed intervals - about 15 minutes between each instruction.   The first instruction was to use white cardstock, 3 patterned papers one of which needed to be the oldest in  your stash.  I used 3 patterned papers from this kit that has lain dormant in my stash for ages - I must have used some of it in the past as several of the papers were not in the packet.  Melissa tells me it is from 2008!   Then came the remainder of the requirements - 3 photos 7cm x 10cm one of which must include yourself.   The step that gave me the most time to complete was making the 5 embellishments that were to be handmade - I had fussy cut some of the images; made suffolk puffs from tulle and using a fluffy fancy knitting yarn that I attached to a round punch. This was a fun lockdown acti...

This layout is for another challenge over at Scrap Girls at Home Retreat.  This time it was a blind scrap, you are given requirements for layout and then instructions to follow.  This photo was taken at Yandina Nutworks, in Queensland.  My friend Mel and I could not resist having our photo taken. This is a close up of the some of the layering of papers.  The patterned paper is an old Stampin' Up! (r) range and it was suitable for this as the images are Australian.  And I chose papers that could be loosely interpreted as 'nuts'.  These put your face in boards followed me around my Queensland holiday - 3 in all. The first one in Redcliffe, the next at Maleny Dairy and finally this one at Nutworks.  And of course I have photos of each time on this blog in previous posts - I hope you have the time to scroll back and find them.  Thank you for looking, Margaret :)

Settle back this is going to be a long post.  My sister is currently in France and she emailed me saying she had found a scrapbooking magazine (all in French) and she loved one of the layouts. So she set me a blind challenge to replicate the layout.  She will send me photo of the one in the magazine when I send her these.  Yes I did two layouts - let me show then and then I will set out the instructions she sent. Both photos from our holidays last December.  Can one have too much of Paris? The email instructions and my asides: 1. Imagine a white textured page e.g. raised dots (now I did not have this so I have gone with plain white) and in your mind divide it into 9 equal parts 3 x 3 2. Sew a line of 5 rows (2 to be zig zag) down approx. right 3rd of page.  Note : not all lines have to go to the bottom, at least 2 shorter. (I left some threads dangling) 3. in the middle going across the pages use the gold paint I gave you from Singapore, was it ca...

I have participated this evening in a blind scrap challenge at Scrap Girls.   Here is the layout I have created: A little about the photo, it was taken in Berlin after a particularly windy afternoon.  I was walking down the street and found this winged horse on the ground.  Well, I all could do was smile!!!  A fallen decoration taking a rest and we all need a rest some time!!!  He was restored the next day with all his lights glowing.   The challenge required us to draw circles onto white cardstock,  I put the strokes onto the larger circles to represent the lights on the horse.    The little heart came from the cover of my 2015 diary - reuse, recycle and  rejoice. Here is a close up of some of the details of my layout. Thanks for looking, I hope you are enjoying your Easter break and get some time to do what you like to do and also find time to rest. Margaret :)

What is a blind scrap?  Well,  you are given a list of things needed to complete a layout and then instructions to complete your layout. This weekend Scrap Girls Retreats   hosted one that you could do at home.    The list of things/instructions needed was - 1 12" x 12" cardstock as your base 1 12" x 12" patterned paper (cut about 1/2' off and then cut into 2/34" strips) 1 9" x 4" patterned paper 3 buttons (tied, of course) 1 large die-cut or flowers 1 piece of lace or similar 1 strip for journaling alphas for title sequins for sparkle 2 x small doilies or similar Breaking of rules is okay...........I deviated by not using lace and using ric-rac and twine (lace would just not be appropriate for this layout) no flowers and no doilies but I did use die-cuts.  The paper and die-cuts are from Kaisercraft Sandy Toes range.  The photos of my sister were taken at Red Rock, NSW when we visited there in late September/early October thi...

A blind scrap is where you are given a list of what you need for your layout and then bit by bit the steps to complete the layout are given.   Here is my layout - light not the best at nearly 11.30pm. These photos were taken in January 2011 when my friends from Missouri visited me here in Australia.   This day we went to The Blue Mountains - and this stop provided them with their first real view of the magnificent Megalong Valley.  Next stop was The Three Sisters and for them a walk down into the valley.  They loved this part of Australia and still talk about this trip to this day. The papers/alphas and stickers are from the Take A Hike collection by Simple Stories.  The rest from my stash!  I have only just purchased these papers and they were perfect for this long time not scrapped photos.  Thank you for looking.    Margaret

As promised in earlier post, here are more layouts I completed the past weekend at the retreat. The first was a layout completed in a blind challenge where you are given the instructions for a layout but don't get to see what it looks like. Christmas 2010 These photos have been laying on my desk waiting for inspiration to put them down on paper.  I think it was the multiple colours of what we are wearing that held me back.  Finally, did the layout.  We have been friends for what seems forever. Us girls all went to the same high school, although none of us really knew each other there.  We have been there for each other through many of life's ups and downs. 2012 This is a photo of my parent's wedding reception in 1948.  I was inspired by a layout in Scrapbook Trends, March 2010.  I cut 1/4" strips of paper, angled off one edge and then applied them to background cardstock (CS).  I was rather uniform in my strip placement (as it seemed to suit ...