Taking a break

It has been a great summer. So good that I have spent time elsewhere than here at the computer updating what I have been up to. I'm feeling rather rusty but it is good to be back into it.

I have been creating. My biggest project was completing a 50 page A3 size photo book for my mum. It turned out better than I had imagined although I have only seen it online. So after all the effort I wished that I had got one for myself. Wish granted when the discount voucher came up again. I am looking forward to seeing it.

Seems albums and mini books have been the thing. I have had all the pieces including the photos for a family album for too long. They were taken in 2007. The kit {Paper & Punch Out - Apple by Deja Views} worked so well with it as I was able to go through and sort the pages before I started and just had to add a few bits and pieces. Love how it turned out.

The other project I had is an off the page album from Kaiser that has again been sitting in the to do pile for quite some time. Probably because it isn't generally my thing. I enjoyed tackling something different. The papers and rub ons worked well with it. I followed the pic in the kit pretty much the same. I am going to use it for a great photo I have of my sister and I.

Now on to the album of my youngest {now 3}. The photos are printed and ready to go. And a chance to catch up with what I have missed on my favourite blogs.

First play with Dino roar

It is a birthday a month in our house for the next few months so I wanted to start off well. For a boy turning 6 the dino roar set is a must for a great card. I checked out the inspiration in Stampin Up IB&C 2011-2012 and actually found a card on the page before. The mini scrapbook series: library ledger set from Papertrey Ink made it easy to create the lined paper background.


Colours: wild wasabi, white, baja breeze, cherry cobbler
Stamps: dino roar (SU), library ledger and chevron stripes background (PTI)
Finishing touches: silver photo anchor and brad

Logo inspiration

You may have noticed that I do a lot of male cards. I am always looking for more inspiration. The inspiration for this one came the logo on one of my Papertrey Ink stamp sets. Love their background sets. I used some of the elements from the sentiment set in different places. Teamed up with neutral colours, the simple design has lots of possibilities.


Colours: white, black, going grey, cherry cobbler
Stamps: lots of thoughts (SU), retro backgrounds (PTI)
Finishing touches: large corner punch (fiskars), white embossing powder

Vintage vogue with inspired by nature

Ever since purchasing the crochet trim and antique brads from Stampin Up I have been wanting to try the layered vintage look that you can see in their idea book and catalogue 2011-2012. Fun to try something different.


Colours: early espresso, very vanilla, so saffron, always artichoke
Stamps: inspired by nature and bud basics (SU)
Finishing touches: DSP, sprial punch, victoria crochet trim and antique brad (SU), hearts & stamps die (cuttlebug), distressing tool

Banner builders

Another favourite set from Papertrey Ink. After sorting all my scraps and die cutting various borders and tags a while back, I decided to finally put them to use. I pulled out the different colours to match the paper, stamped them up and put them together.

Colours: very vanilla, cajun craze, always artichoke
Stamps: banner builders (PTI), birthday whimsy (SU)
Finishing touches: banner builders die

Heidi Grace papers

I am determined to get ahead on my birthday cards. Being without my sewing machine I have been trying different things to my usual detail. Having matching elements always gives a great start for a simple and quick card.

Colours: very vanilla, baja breeze, creamy caramel, rose red
Stamps: happy birthday (kaiser), vintage labels (SU)
Finishing touches: family time papers and butterflies (heidi grace), faux stitching

Vintage Labels from Papertrey

I actually made these cards before Christmas. My new goodies arrived from Papertrey which included the vintage labels stamp set. I try and have at least one play before putting new things away. It works with the Labels one nestibilities die. I used the cards from Stampin Up IB&C 2009-2010 on page 75 as inspiration.

Colours: very vanilla, cajun craze, not quite navy
Stamps: inspired by nature and lots of thoughts (SU) vintage labels and retro backgrounds (PTI)
Finishing touches: labels one spellbinders (nestibilities), twill tape, button, faux stitching