Stamps Ahead

On the weekend I participated in a 3 Quarter Craft-a-Thon 2026.  There were so many creatives who designed either scrapbook layouts, cards, off the page or art journals for us to follow. I managed three. A double interactive layout designed by Jenny Heslip - the queen of interactive layouts.   A single layout designed by Natalia Bradley.  This was an accordion journal designed by Julie Hill.   All participants purchased 3Quarter Designs paper kit that included papers, and embellishments from their collection "Shutter Glam".  It was advised that over 600 participants purchased their kit. I will be completing more projects this coming weekend with paper etc that I have not used as yet. Thank you for looking, Margaret

On 16th July, this year my sister and I visited Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northern UK.  Here I am climbing the steps onto the city wall that overlooks the Clyde Estuary. So much history. This layout was completed for the August challenge over White with 1 challenges on Facebook. The challenge was to be inspired by this mood board - Slate Grey with a splash of another colour. I was inspired by the top middle photo of what looks like brick tiles - perfect for my photo, my splash of colour of bit of green to represent the moss on the walls. Thank you for looking, Margaret

There is a cyber crop over at ARTastic Challenges this weekend - the theme Hollywood.  Here is my layout for Challenge 2. This challenge was to scrap using as inspiration a favourite movie and add two movie related items - Hollywood sign; film strip; Popcorn Box; Admit 1 ticket; clapboard, microphone, directors chair, camera, trophy, Hollywood star.    Many travels that you take inspire you to go to places where movies were filmed or to places that you would like to go once, twice or three times.   French Kiss is a 1995 romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline.  Three things I remember from the movie - Kevin Kline's character Luc (with his French accent); travels around Paris where Meg Ryan's character is just missing the Eiffel Tower - something she really wanted to see and eventually does and the train ride they take down to Cannes with beautiful scenery during the trip. My photo was taken in 1995 on top of an open air bus that was a hop on hop o...

 I completed this layout today.   The designer of the layout was Natalie May (2017) and I purchased it in kit form - the kit included the paper, stencil, chipboard and hardware.   Everything else I used came from my stash. The photo is of my great nephew doing a spot of whale watching.  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...

On the 9th September, 2021 I went for a walk! To my beach - Umina Beach - it is just up the road and over the sand dunes.  I was feeling 'blah' and thought a little walk would do me good.  So off I set, well just as I made it over the sand dune, this glorious sunset was happening and I managed to capture a few photos.  Here is the layout I made today for a challenge over at Soul Scrapers Challenges: The challenge was one of my favourites - a tic tac toe board and I selected 3 photos, the colours of oranges, golds and browns and 3 word title. I used a newly released Kaszazz die - Colour Wheel and die cut the main wheel in the gold and the spokes in orange and brown. I also die the stars with a die that was in my stash. Thank you for looking, Margaret

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...

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 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 

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...

 Here is a layout I have completed for a challenge over at Unmistakable Creations on Facebook. The challenge was to use these papers created by Melissa the owner of Unmistakable Creations.  I had to download them from the website  and print on white cardstock.   Our mother passed away in 1974 at only 49 years of age.   My memories are strong of the short time that we had with her.  She was a constant inspiration, her life was plagued by ill-health but she always managed to bounce back with a smile and an overwhelming desire to get in the car and drive again.  I do not have many photos and those that I have are gradually being put onto scrapbook layouts.  This photo is of my parents wedding day in 1948 as I could not find a suitable photo of just Mum alone. Anyway, it is apt as both of them helped me to be everything I am today.  Our father passed away in 2007.   The layout uses two stencils available from Kaszazz - Rose an...

Each month Kaszazz has a challenge for its consultants - the April challenge was to use the Feathers metal embellishments. I was overjoyed when I was asked to submit my entry for possible publication onto the Kaszazz website...imagine my excitement that it was published yesterday. Distress Oxide Inks - Wilted Violet and Peeled Paint Feather Die and Stamp Combo - Tribal Feathers  Embellishment - Feathers (6) Sticky Gems - Pearls Purple Organdy ribbon Random Acts stamp (from Spring Meadow collection) Picture Perfect stamp (from Spring Meadow collection) These are the days stamp (from Spring Meadow collection) SB Pages - White - 12 x 12 250gsm SB Essentials - Plum SB Paper - Nature Lover - Messages and Nature Lover - Strips Thank you for looking and also thank you to my family members for allowing me to use their photo on my creation, Margaret

Each month Kaszazz hold a challenge for their consultants (scrapbook, cards, off the page, etc are all considered), with the opportunity for the submission to be selected for including on their website.   The challenge this month was to use Embellishment - Feathers (6).   Here is what I have created: As you can see I have used 3 of Feather embellishments - you get 6 of the Feathers - 2 each of each design. For the background I have used Distress Oxide Inks - Wilted Violet and Peeled Paint.  I have used the stamp and die combo -Tribal Feathers.   The papers are from Kaszazz collection Nature Lover.  I finished of with Sticky Gems - Pearls around the wreath I created.  This is quick to put together layout. The photo is of my great-nephew and I - he was just 9 months here and will shortly be celebrating his 3rd birthday.  Thank you for looking, Margaret

Here is a layout and card I have designed using all Kaszazz products.  Each month Kaszazz put out a challenge for all consultants to design a project using a certain criteria.  For March it is to use the 3 SB (patterned papers) from the Coastal Oasis collection. I have only used products available from Kaszazz. The stamps I have used are River Bank Un-cut set; Sea Shells; and the greeting on the card is crom Word Montage-Paradise.  I have used half a sheet of Sea Shells chipboard.  I have used Princess Gold embossing powder on the chipboard and the stamp images - don't forget that you need and embossing ink and I have used Distress Inkpad - Clear Embossing.  The chipboard has been attached with Distress Collage Medium. Do you remember being challenged to chant this rhyme/tongue twister: 'She sells sea shells by the seashore" and repeat 5 times.  Did you know it has been around for over 100 years. The story itself goes back even further than that, almost a c...

 Here is the 2nd layout I have completed for the 52 Friday Favourites challenge over at Paper Issues (Friends and Fans) facebook page.  I am not waiting until Friday as I do not think I will take a greater photo than this one this week.  I would normally just leave it on my camera.  This miniature Calla Lily was a Christmas gift in 2019, unfortunately it quickly wilted and died and as well seemed to have some issues with the soil in its pot. I tipped it out onto my garden, covered with fresh dirt (no burial rites given) and there it stayed.  Well, January 2021 saw it bloom again, more leaves than ever and looking very healthy.  Amazing, would you agree? I have used an old Kaisercraft range called Sage & Grace from my stash to complete the layout. Thank you for looking. Margaret ps: My paternal grandmother had large white Calla Lilies as her bouquet in early 1920's.  

 This is a layout for a challenge over at Paper Issues (Friends and Fans)   My layout, was inspired by a quote a friend posted on her Facebook that was from Sweatpants and Coffee - I loved it and it seemed to be just the right words for 2021, so I retyped on white cardstock.  I decided to create a layout in gentle colours and I have used papers and embellishments from 49 & Market - Vintage Artistry - Sky.   I did get out my sewing machine and stitched around main papers and then edged with Speckled Egg Distress Oxide.    This layout will be my 2021 title page for the 52 Friday Favourites - we are challenged to create just once a week with this challenge.  You can use a TN (traveller's notebook), mini album, tag, planner, or even a full 12x12 pages. Just pick your favourite thing or things from the week and document it and share it.   I am thinking I will stick to 12x12 - but hey, you never know where your inspiration will lead you!...

 Here is a layout I have created for a challenge at ARTastic Challenge blog.    It is for the final challenge of 2020 (and what a year it has been).  This challenge blog is taking a little break over Christmas/New Year so if you want to play along you have until the end of January, to submit a layout.    The inspiration for this month came from Salvatore Zofrea with Christmas Bells 2011. Criteria was "Anything goes" so surprise us! Surprise...I used a kit and a really old spray bottle of Tsukineko Walnut Ink Antiquing Solution and its cost $USD4.50.  Does anyone remember these inks?                                            A little about my layout.  The photos were taken at my 21st birthday party - I recently recovered them from an old style photo album.   They would be considered 'vintage' as this month I celebrated by 71st bi...

Here is a layout I have completed today, using Kaszazz stencil Dandeloin, 3 ways - stamping, misting and tracing: I have used Ranger Distress Oxide sprays Peacock Feathers and Dried Marigold  for the stamping and misting. I have also used Ranger embossing powder Blueberry Speckle,  Kaszazz Collage Paper pad for fussy cut flowers, Kaszazz chipboard Beautiful Moments  and the stamp Word Montage - Journal Messages. A word about the embossing powder that I have used to emboss the chipboard word and emboss the grungy dotty stamp from Collage Stamp - Imagine Uncut Set (6426Q). It is very sparkly and unfortunately due to the dullish day here the photograph does not do it justice. The photograph of me was taken during a road trip to Bendigo several years ago.  Thank you for looking, Margaret .

Here is a layout I have created today for a challenge on ARTastic Challenge Blog  facebook page. The challenge was to use pen work.  We were to be inspired by this work by Thea Proctor called "The Game". Now anyone who knows me that sport of any kind is not really my thing, okay, maybe several years of playing social squash in the distant past with friends - does that count!  Remember the game of squash? I believe it has largely disappeared as a sport. I was not sure if I would enter this challenge, the thoughts of pen work did not just come to me easily. And, then I remember 'zentangles'.  What are zentangles?  They are a fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns - tangles. You use combinations of dots, lines, simple curves, s-curves etc.  I have not done much in the way of zentangles so this was indeed fun to do. I  did a goggle search and was inspired by many of the search results to draw my zentangles. This photo of me was t...

Here is a layout I completed today: On Easter Sunday I did a beach walk on Ocean Beach - just about 100 steps up my road - it is my happy place. Now, why did she take a chocolate rabbit, I hear you ask!   A couple of days before this I had given my 93 year old neighbor a chocolate rabbit that was the same as this one.  On Easter Sunday I decided to take an early morning walk and take the chocolate with me and practicing social distancing with said rabbit, took a few photos.   When I got home I printed off one of the photos with the rabbit in and put on her screen door with an Easter Greeting on the back.  She had a great laugh and really appreciated the photo. I was going to enter this into Challenge 2 over at White with 1 April Cyber Crop but as I was typing this entry I realized - EPIC FAIL - I did not meet the criteria.  I used lots of things in my stash but alas not blue!!! The criteria was a grid layout in white and blue - oops- back to the drawing bo...