Stamps Ahead

 This layout has been created as the result of a challenge - create a layered embellishment suitable for a boy and then use on a layout. One of the things I have been doing recently is going through my stash trying to use it up or donate or send for recycling or donation.  I found in my stash as I was doing this the leftovers of CeleB8 Take Note collection (many years old). I firstly made the embellishment Using Kraft cardstock and my We are Memory Keepers Envelope board I created a 6" x 4" envelope and then decorated it layers of the bits and pieces in the kit and finished up with some white splatters. I used a magnet to create a closure for the envelope. Also, I found a small book that I started many years ago so this I put in the envelope - just put a piece of chipboard to make it easier to remove from the envelope. The photo on the layout is off my great nephew on his first day back at school in 2025.  Thank you for looking, Margaret

 A Clean and Simple scrapbook layout with the challenge to use no tools - no scissors, no rulers, no cutters, no die cut machines, you get the picture. Glue and tape allowed.  Here is my layout I can't tell you how many times I said "Margaret you idiot - you can't use scissors, etc".  I have just about finished the 49 and Market Art Options Spice papers and embellishments. Okay, I was not strong and did buy another kit of the paper and embellishments!!! I love it so much. I was tempted to use black pen to outline the layout - but alas a pen is a tool! The photo was taken at Cody's Restaurant, The Villages, Florida - my friend Kathy (right) invited a friend of hers who lives in both Australia and US to join us and we spent much time talking and eating. Thank you for looking, why not try to challenge yourself to use no tools. Margaret #calvinball #calvinball2025 #scraphappy

 Twice in one day! This time the layout is sunrise in Sydney, taken from my cabin window on Level 3, at 6am on the 9th February, 2025.  How special were these views - the start of a magnificent day ahead.  This layout truly uses bits and pieces from my stash - I cannot tell you how long I have had the chipboard clockface!  If you read yesterday's post, you see my reference to using Project Life cards - well one more has been reduced from my stash. Thank you for looking, Margaret  #calvinball #calvinball 2025 #scraphappy

The Sydney Opera House is one of my favourite buildings in the world. It has inspired me over the years in my artistic endeavours.  Therefore, leaving Sydney on a cruise is always a perfect opportunity to take more photos! Grid style using up 4 project life cards from my stash - so many more to go!  Do they multiply in the drawer! I have added this layout to Calvinball 2025 - still time to check it out if you are after a fun scrapbook challenge - there are "rules" but they are subject to change at anytime!   Thank you for looking, Margaret.   #calvinball #calvinball2025 #scraphappy

A card that I have made for the ladies (sorry, no men in the class) in the community group where I lead cardmaking classes. I realised when I finished that it did include a couple of rules in Calvinball 2022. I was inspired by a card that I saw on Pinterest - unfortunately the link no longer appears so I am unable to leave some love for the designer.  I used some old patterned paper from Stampin' Up! that I had in my stash.   Why not head to this link    http://scraphappy.org/calvinball  to find out more about Calvinball. Scrapbook layouts, Mini albums, Art Journal pages, Decorated daily planner pages and more are projects that you can share. Thank you for looking, Margaret

In my last post I shared the single page Sunflower layout that I had made for a recent class that I held. A friend really liked the layout and requested that I make her a double page layout.  Here it is: Unfortunately, the weather here today is overcast and rainy and the layout does not show the glittering wings of the Bumble Bee.   More photos below. Now, the good news, my layout also qualifies for Calvinball 2022 - A fun and entertaining scrapbook challenge for March, based on the cartoon characters Calvin and Hobbs. They would make up rules for the games they played - the rules could be added or taken away at any time. Every day new rules are added to Calvinball and you total up your points for whatever you have made. For example my layout got to 11 points and this is how they came to be: Double page layout - 2 points Polka dots (the base paper) - 1 point Green (the dots and leaves) - 1 point Bees - 1 point (not 2 points you can only count once) Hand coloured images - ...

I found ScrapHappy website and each March they have a Calvinball challenge all month. So, I signed up and I have completed this layout for Day 3.  You can accumulate points during the challenges. Check out the link above for more information and also how the name Calvinball came about. You create your layout and if you want to you can add the additional bonus point items for that day.  Day 3 these were: Use wood veneer. I used a Heidi Swapp "Enjoy the view" that I purchased from USA, reduced of course to $1.49 US, last year. Use a stencil. Tim Holtz stencil and texture paste. Create your own patterned paper. I used Distress Oxides and sprayed with water and let it run.  I will admit to an ooops moment, placed next to my water mister was stamp cleaner bottle....I accidently sprayed that on second spraying, no worries let it stay did the same! Use your own handwriting/or a handwriting font. Bottom left corner I have recorded the date my sister and I went up the Sky...