Stamps Ahead

One of the projects I was working on over lockdown here on the Central Coast of NSW, was a journal for a friend, Jo, who was earlier in the year was gifted a selection of papers, maps, serviettes, a coaster etc. and Jo then subsequently gave them to me to see if I could do anything with them.  Here is what I came up with (a longer than normal post of photos follows) - a fun journal project. For the journal I used a Kaszazz chipboard mini-journal kit (7795) comprising 6 chipboard pages and 3 hinged rings. I created each page differently. Front covered with a serviette napkin, embossed with texture paste, inks and a cluster made with bits and pieces from my stash.  Throughout the journal  you will see tulle featured.  The tie closure has been made with torn calico and the hinges decorated with torn calico and tulle. I also used this project as an opportunity to try out new techniques to me.  On the left you can see a snippet roll I made.  These two pages have...

Here is a layout I have created for a Tic Tac Toe challenge over at Soul Scrappers Challenges   The challenge was to select a line from the grid below - I selected die cuts, doiley and clock. I found the old Heidi Swapp clockface overlay when I was searching for anything clock related in my stash.  The paper I used is retired from Kaszazz collection Papillon. The chipboard heart is available Kaszazz (Scribbly Shapes 7949) as are the die cuts (Papillion 7914). The die cuts had a white outline so I cut around them and chopped into some to add there is also a large amount of fussy cutting on the embellishments.    The photograph is of my parents on the day they got engaged in 1947 and was taken at Luna Park in North Sydney, New South Wales. I loved the wording on the overlay and it is one of my favourites "life is not measured in minutes but moments". Both of my parents are no longer alive and it is memories and moments that you remember. Thank you for looking, Margaret...

 This layout was a challenge at Soul Scrappers  challenge group on Facebook  The challenge was to be inspired by the this layout by Jane Howden  The criteria - use this scape page to inspire your own scrap page.  You may be inspired by the torn papers, the shapes, the tag, fence, the creepy Halloween feel, spider web or pumpkins etc.... Not being a fan of Halloween I did not take that inspiration, however, I did love the background colour and the basic layout of Jane's.   With New South Wales beginning its partial exit out of Covid lockdown restrictions tomorrow, I am sure many people are wondering/imagining "Where to next?" as they think of  possible future travels.  Myself, I can see me travelling more in my own country and my sister is considering a trip to Paris and beyond in 2023. I searched my photographs and found this photo that I took when we both visited Europe 2015. Thank you for looking, Margaret

New South Wales' nearly 4 month lockdown is coming to an end!  Partial opening starts on Monday 11th October.  I wanted to remember what my hair looked like.  I usually have short spiky hair and currently it is a 'mess' - a first world problem I know! Here is a layout I have created for a challenge at Kraft Plus: The challenge was be inspired by Manga. Not a challenge that would normally inspire me to create a layout. My first thought was "what is manga" an internet search provided this information - Manga are Japanese comic books or graphic novels with a twist, serialised in newspapers and magazines.  Manga is storytelling through pictures, where images rule supreme. The Japanese characters for manga translate as 'pictures run riot or pictures unbounded'.  My inspiration - it was obvious to me that hairstyles play an important part in manga drawings.  Perfect way to remember my comical 'lockdown' hair and expression.  It should be said that my usu...

 I am a guest designer over at White with 1 challenges this month.  Here is my layout: The challenge was to use white with Lilac Lullaby colour and to use at least one of the following from the moodboard.  My first thought - oh no! Not a colour I usually use! I firstly sprayed my paper with Distress Oxide Ink sprays - Shaded Lilac and Wilted Violet.  I also sprayed cheesecloth, paper flowers and cotton thread with a mixture of the sprays and allowed them to dry. The photo is of my niece at age 4 (she is now a mother of a 3 1/2year old) playing with her dolls. This challenge made we wonder what her dreams were at that age. I recently got the Kaszazz Dreamcatcher die and stamp combination (KSK7300) and it seemed just right for this layout. Other Kaszazz products I have used are papers from the Nature Lover collection, Pearls Sticky Gems, Archival stamp inks, laces and ribbon and the Crafters Companion Dream die. A small stamp, from my stash, randomly applied completed...

Here is mixed media layout I created this past few days for the September Kraft + challenge . Sorry, not sorry, this is a longish entry today. The challenge was to be inspired by the work of Laura Horn - see below.  For the Kraft + challenges all projects must have a Kraft background. The Kraft must be the hearo of your background, not simply pattered paper mounted on Kraft.  Let the Kraft Shine! Check out some of the other simple rules on their website . Now never having heard of Laura Horn, I went in search of her work on social media - and I found her website Laura Horn Art , well what an inspiration, I spent hours looking at her work.  I did a free class she has on her website  called Abstract Collage Creations. This class provided me with the inspiration to create my layout - not a collage but a representation of many of the techniques she uses.  I also checked out her facebook and Instragram during my research - I am hooked and did and will try more! Laura...

The newest Kaszazz collection is called "Colour your world" and here a few projects I have created with the products in the new flier.   A double layout designed by Kaszazz consultant - Cheryl Devlin.  Features photos of my niece when she was 3 and 4 (now a mother herself with a 3 year old). Close up of the journal card in pocket. Journal card opened with room for me to write up the stories. A card, inspired by one of Cheryl Devlin's however I choose to sprinkle our Metallic Pan watercolours unto the background, and paint the greeting.  I also added a pink mat.   For this one I used a die cut Silhouettes-Butterfly Wreath-White (also available in black).  The Silhouettes are available in other shapes Sunny Rainbows,  Titles, Hearts, Tags. I used the Metallic Pan watercolours to colour my wreath.  It has a real shine using Metallic Pans that is not obvious in the photo.  Love this photo of my niece's son looking up high.  Just right f...

SOUL Scrappers has moved their  monthly challenges to Facebook here.   This layout is for the Mystery challenge "Shapes" with inspiration of stars, hearts, crescents. I selected the hexagon shape.   I firstly used Distress Oxide Speckled Egg to create the background - smooched with pearlised water, then I used a The Crafters Workshop stencil (no name - but I will call hexagon) with the Distress Oxide ink.  The papers I have used are from Kaisercraft Serenity collection and I have die cut 6 hexagon and 1 larger for attaching the folded 6 hexagons. The finished shape looks like a star. I have put below a photo below of how I folded the hexagons.   A smattering of the smallest die and one for journalling then attached. Thank you for looking, if you like scrapbooking challenges head over the SOUL scrappers challenge facebook  and have a look.  Still in lockdown, Margaret

 Another, Cute Owl spam card.  This time a Christmas Card.  Kaszazz has released a $49.95 Stamp Value Set - Cute Owls (7992), this is the largest stamp in the set. There is a total of 9 owl stamps, ranging from small to largest owl.  There are also some cute greetings in the set.I have coloured with Kaszazz Watercolour pans (7632)  Thank you for looking, hoot hoot, Margaret

Here is card I have made this yesterday. It is headed to a friend. Kaszazz has released a $49.95 Stamp Value Set - Cute Owls (7992) and this is the largest stamp in the set.  There is a total of 9 owl stamps, ranging from small to this largest owl.  There is also some cute greetings in the set.  I have coloured with Kaszazz Metallic Watercolour pans (7895) and the card has a delightful sheen which this photo does not do justice too. As a Kaszazz consultant we have access to cards designed by other consultants and below is a card I also made that was designed by Julie Storti, a fellow consultant. Again, I used the Metallic Watercolours and I made a few small changes to the card published by Julie - mainly colours and greetings. This card uses the 3 of the medium owls. Thank you for looking, hoot hoot, Margaret

 In September each year Kaszazz issue a new catalogue and a team training day is held to introduce the new products.  This year, however, is different - and the world-wide Covid pandemic has changed all that. Most states in Australia are in lockdown and it impossible to get together as we normally would.   Whilst official events will not be running, consultants have decided to hold a challenge (usually set by Head Office) using any of our large background stamps.  Here is what I have come up with. The background stamps I have used are French Script Background (4926Q) stamped with Archival Ink Watering Can (AID39006) and Papillon Background (6600Q) stamped with Aquamarine Archival Ink (AIP30577).  The greeting is from Word Montage - Hero (6623M).  The die is Die-Layered - Butterfly (7926). Thank you for looking.  Margaret

White with 1 winter cybercrop challenge No1 was to use the colour Smokey Blue/Grey and fabric.  Here is my layout  My photograph was taken during a Danube River dusk/evening cruise in Budapest.  It was winter and it was cold!!  This cruise is one of the highlights of my travels across the world.  You may recognise this as the Parliament building. On the way back the building was illuminated and that is another 'wonder' moment. I have used Kaszazz stamps from Destinations collection and a small amount of paper from Writers Block Collage pad.  The fabric is calico that I sprayed with Dylusions Pure Sunshine ink spray then lightly washed and allowed to dry. I also frayed the fabric and used the threads as to give added wistfulness to the beautiful scene. The background is texture paste coloured with Stormy Sky distress oxide ink. Thank you for looking and remember - never lose your sense of Wonder - wherever and whenever we can!   Margaret

 Way back on 8th May, 2007 I started this blog.  It has been a journey of change and experiences that I never ever thought I would have.  Thank you to those who have read my blog and I hope there are still some out there who do.  For my 1,000th post my scrapbook layout is about change. Like the quote here, that I found on the internet - If I never changed from how I did things back in 2007 I would not have grown as an artist, teacher or indeed as a person. I have been retrenched (not the worst thing in the world as it turned out), travelled extensively, had my own business, worked in a call centre or two, went back into a financial role, left became a carer, and then working in China teaching English for a year. Moved to Central Coast of NSW.  Finally, retirement! Retirement - never!!  Not afraid of change!!  This week, I even started a Facebook group so that ladies in my classes can share what they have been doing and connect during the lockdown here ...

Today, I am participating in a Winter Cyber Crop at White with 1 challenges .  Here is my layout: The challenge was to be inspired by the photo below using colour of your choice and to include stitching I was inspired by the grid pattern and the sashing lines on the photo.   In September, 2019 I took a holiday to Uluru - and one of the things that I did was go on an early morning sunset tour of Uluru.   I have loved these photos but could never get the inspiration to do justice to them on a scrapbook layout.  This was the challenge for me to use them.  There is a fabulous quote (anon) that is very apt as Australia works it's way out of our pandemic lockdown: May every sunrise bring you hope. May every sunset bring you peace. What is not too clear on my layout is that I have placed a very old metal embellishment "HOPE"  top left that I found in my stash.  Thank you looking, Margaret

I am often asked 'where do you get your ideas?"  One method is to seek out a sketch and start from there. Here is a card I made yesterday: Where did I get my inspiration?  Firstly I searched the internet "free card sketches" and I found this sketch here . You can also find sketches in magazines or books available from your local library. Sketches can take the guesswork out of designing cards. You can get amazing results by flipping or stretching the sketch. For my Christmas card  I “stretched” into a rectangle card.   My card uses Kaszazz products - background paper is from Christmas Morning collection (I love all the papers in this collection) called Vanilla (5760), SB Essentials Evergreen (1086) and Crimson (1069). The stamps I have used are from Word Montage - Christmas Morning (6013M - 6 versatile stamps), stars are from Santa Down Under (6448M also includes Santa in sleigh pulled by Kangaroos) and the Christmas Tree is from a recently released set called St...

I recently watched a video by a fellow Kaszazz consultant Julie Whitechurch where she demonstrated a great way to make to make your own backgrounds on paper.   Here is what I came up with Basically the technique using Distress Inks and Distress Oxide Inks applied to paper with a dry brush to create a checkerboard pattern (leaving white space) then embossing over the top using Embossing Ink applied with a ruler edge - see top right.  I then decided to use a ruler and the edge of an acrylic block.  Next, I decided that I would see what it looked like using Scarlet Distress Mixed Media Embossing Powder and Black Embossing Powder.  Love the result and when I do it next I will not leave as much white space.  I have left a thank you to Julie for the inspiration.  Check out her video, link attached above.  Now to make make into Christmas cards. Thank you for looking, Margaret

Lockdown in Greater Sydney continues.  Here is a card I made to send to my niece and her family to say I am thinking of them. I wanted a card that would put a smile on the face of my great-nephew when he opened the mail.  I also put in a couple of magazines for them all. The cute bear is from Kaszazz Spring Meadow Friends Un-cut set (6 stamps), the leaves are from Spring Meadow Sprigs Un-cut 6 set (3 stamps) and the background stamp is Floorboard Background   I have coloured with alcohol markers but any colouring medium would work.  I wanted a bright and happy images. My thanks also go to Janene Neale, a fellow Kaszazz consultant as I drew inspiration from cards that she created to make mine.  I have sent her an email in thanks. I am a Kaszazz consultant and if you would like to order any of the products offered by Kaszazz please visit my website  www.kaszazz.com/cart?consid=110787 Thank you for looking, Margaret

 Here is a layout I have created using all Kaszazz products available from Kaszazz.   I drew inspiration from a layout I created 3 days ago.  There is space for journalling on the tag and underneath the photo.  Spring is coming - my mini daffodils are blooming this morning and look top right the first freesia has arrived as well. Thank you for looking, Margaret I am a Kaszazz consultant and if you are interested in purchasing any of the products available from them please visit my website   www.kaszazz.com/cart?consid=110787  spend over $99 you get free postage and the products will be delivered direct to you.

I recently wrote about a Blind Challenge I was doing with Unmistakeable Creations.  I was lucky enough to win a great paper set by AB Studios called Old Dreams.  Here is a mixed media layout I created with the papers and other bits and pieces from my stash:  The photograph of me was taken on 19th July as I was going out for my second Covid-19 jab.  As we were (and are currently) lockdown so I decided to get "dressed up" for my journey out of the house.   Thank you for looking. Take care all. Margaret 

Here is a clean and simple card to celebrate the birth of a new baby boy.  I am sending this to my sister-in-laws son and his wife who have just welcomed a little bundle of boy joy into the world 2 weeks ago. The card uses Kaszazz It's a Boy Un-cut Set (4 stamps - the two you see, a sweet little elephant and a drum).   I have coloured with alcohol markers bright colours.   I did stamp the little hearts onto the greeting as well. Change the greeting and you would have a card suitable for a birthday. Thank you for looking, Margaret