I'm actually quite chuffed with myself. Each and every on of the flowers are glued onto their stems securely, and NOTHING bar a tsunami is gonna budge anything off that bouquet! The choice of flowers is special - Lily-Anne Rose is my granddaughters name... so Lilies and Roses it had to be for the bouquets. Lilys little bunch is pushed and glued into an oasis with a holding handle, and each of those flowers is glued securely into place too - I know exactly how she thinks, and guaranteed she'll spend most of the ceremony trying to pull the flowers off one by one, bless her! I just hope my daughter loves her very special, hand crafted by Mother-of-the-Bride in OTT pinkness :)
Monday, 16 August 2010
Getting ready for the wedding...
Three weeks to go before my daughter Katie gets married, and disaster strikes. Well, it's NOT really a disaster... but you know us 'mother-of-the-bride' types and how we're apt to fret and worry. Anyway, the lady commissioned to create Katie's wedding bouquet couldn't do the job after all, and I didn't know anyone else who could do the job - my daughter has unique (but wonderful) tastes, and I knew how the bouquet needed to be done. So, seeing as I knew what she wanted, I figured the only thing I could do was to make it myself. So star-gazer lilies and pink roses strewn all over the dining room, and I'm trying to figure out how it is you make a cascading effect into a two foot long bunch of pinkiness! I did it though :) And I managed to make a mini version too, for her beautiful daughter to carry so she can be just like mummy.
I'm actually quite chuffed with myself. Each and every on of the flowers are glued onto their stems securely, and NOTHING bar a tsunami is gonna budge anything off that bouquet! The choice of flowers is special - Lily-Anne Rose is my granddaughters name... so Lilies and Roses it had to be for the bouquets. Lilys little bunch is pushed and glued into an oasis with a holding handle, and each of those flowers is glued securely into place too - I know exactly how she thinks, and guaranteed she'll spend most of the ceremony trying to pull the flowers off one by one, bless her! I just hope my daughter loves her very special, hand crafted by Mother-of-the-Bride in OTT pinkness :)
I'm actually quite chuffed with myself. Each and every on of the flowers are glued onto their stems securely, and NOTHING bar a tsunami is gonna budge anything off that bouquet! The choice of flowers is special - Lily-Anne Rose is my granddaughters name... so Lilies and Roses it had to be for the bouquets. Lilys little bunch is pushed and glued into an oasis with a holding handle, and each of those flowers is glued securely into place too - I know exactly how she thinks, and guaranteed she'll spend most of the ceremony trying to pull the flowers off one by one, bless her! I just hope my daughter loves her very special, hand crafted by Mother-of-the-Bride in OTT pinkness :)
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Peek-A-Boo!
1994, The New Forest... and my three children (I was pregnant at the time with my fourth) all hid behind a tree each, and I just happened to have my old SLR camera handy and captured the moment. 
They didn't stay hidden for long when Granny M got out her homemade chocolate cake though :) I used My Minds Eye papers for this layout, and another stash-diving session to find anything green - ribbons, eyelets, brads, flowers and good 'ol Ranger Inks too. I did use a green pearlised glue after a certain crafting celeb on a certain shopping channel said it could be used the same as Liquid Pearls. She was so wrong! The glue just goes flat as it dries (it takes HOURS!!!), and so I dabbed over the flat green (but still pearly) splodges with white liquid pearls. Oh, and I finally got to use my Crop-a-dile II too!
They didn't stay hidden for long when Granny M got out her homemade chocolate cake though :) I used My Minds Eye papers for this layout, and another stash-diving session to find anything green - ribbons, eyelets, brads, flowers and good 'ol Ranger Inks too. I did use a green pearlised glue after a certain crafting celeb on a certain shopping channel said it could be used the same as Liquid Pearls. She was so wrong! The glue just goes flat as it dries (it takes HOURS!!!), and so I dabbed over the flat green (but still pearly) splodges with white liquid pearls. Oh, and I finally got to use my Crop-a-dile II too!
Monday, 9 August 2010
In The Summer Of '64
Actually, this layout is called "Hugs On The Beach"... and I love this photograph of my parents so much! It was taken (I think) at Lulworth, before 1966 (I know this because it was before my parents were married – no wedding rings) and I think it may have been around 64-65-ish. They always have been a very lovey-dovey couple, and it's nice to look back on photographs and see that they were in love from the very start... so sweet! 
For this layout, I first cut a circle out (using pattern-edge scissors – scallop edged) of 'imaginisce' “Now and Forever” collection (Roman Columns). I edged the circle with burgundy pigment ink, then quickly sprayed onto the edges Ink Potion no.9, holding the paper up and letting the ink run in rivulets over the paper. Next I used a blending tool which had been used with brown ink and blended over the whole paper, edges first and then over the surface so that where the Ink Potion had run, it would pick up some of the ink. Next, I sprayed with 'Ancient Copper' Cosmic Shimmer Mist from a distance of about 12-18 inches or so (outside!). When dry, I pricked out another circle about an inch in from he edge. I folded some almost-sheer scrap ribbon in half and gathered this lightly as I sewed it onto the card stock using the pricked-out inner circle as a guide to where it should go. “Sonnets” (Creative Imaginations) was the next choice – using this as my 12”x12” backing paper (cut into a scalloped circle) and also to mat and layer the choice of photograph. For the photograph and layering I roughed the edges with a scissor blade and used the burgundy ink on the edges too. Burgundy thread was used to circle the photograph, to help pull in the black and white photograph to the colour scheme. This same thread was also used to create some swirls (seems to be quite my trademark now *lol*) from the edging of the photograph, that I decided to offset from the centre towards the right of the layout. Liquid Pearls in “Gold Pearl” was used on every scallop round the edging of both scalloped circles (ever started to do something you wish you hadn't? *lol* It took ages!). Next came the hardest part for me... leaving the Liquid Pearls to dry properly without poking them every few minutes! 
Now for the absolute favourite part of scrapbooking for me (apart from finding old photographs and finishing a layout)... Stash Diving!!! Brads, Prima flowers, Creative Imaginations chipboard pieces, a lot of bits'n'bobs I got from “Feathers-n-Favours”, and just 'stuff' I've had cut out and floating around for ages. The hardest part here was sewing on the little ribbon roses, but I managed it in the end without tearing or ripping the cardstock. More Liquid Pearls to add a few extra flourishes here and there, and all's finished :)
For this layout, I first cut a circle out (using pattern-edge scissors – scallop edged) of 'imaginisce' “Now and Forever” collection (Roman Columns). I edged the circle with burgundy pigment ink, then quickly sprayed onto the edges Ink Potion no.9, holding the paper up and letting the ink run in rivulets over the paper. Next I used a blending tool which had been used with brown ink and blended over the whole paper, edges first and then over the surface so that where the Ink Potion had run, it would pick up some of the ink. Next, I sprayed with 'Ancient Copper' Cosmic Shimmer Mist from a distance of about 12-18 inches or so (outside!). When dry, I pricked out another circle about an inch in from he edge. I folded some almost-sheer scrap ribbon in half and gathered this lightly as I sewed it onto the card stock using the pricked-out inner circle as a guide to where it should go. “Sonnets” (Creative Imaginations) was the next choice – using this as my 12”x12” backing paper (cut into a scalloped circle) and also to mat and layer the choice of photograph. For the photograph and layering I roughed the edges with a scissor blade and used the burgundy ink on the edges too. Burgundy thread was used to circle the photograph, to help pull in the black and white photograph to the colour scheme. This same thread was also used to create some swirls (seems to be quite my trademark now *lol*) from the edging of the photograph, that I decided to offset from the centre towards the right of the layout. Liquid Pearls in “Gold Pearl” was used on every scallop round the edging of both scalloped circles (ever started to do something you wish you hadn't? *lol* It took ages!). Next came the hardest part for me... leaving the Liquid Pearls to dry properly without poking them every few minutes! 
Now for the absolute favourite part of scrapbooking for me (apart from finding old photographs and finishing a layout)... Stash Diving!!! Brads, Prima flowers, Creative Imaginations chipboard pieces, a lot of bits'n'bobs I got from “Feathers-n-Favours”, and just 'stuff' I've had cut out and floating around for ages. The hardest part here was sewing on the little ribbon roses, but I managed it in the end without tearing or ripping the cardstock. More Liquid Pearls to add a few extra flourishes here and there, and all's finished :)
Friday, 6 August 2010
My Brother, The Superhero!
Is it a bird...? Is it a plane...? Is it faster than a speeding train...? Well, actually, No...
It's my brother in a muscle suit (probably slightly inebriated *lol*) posing outside a police station. Anything for laughs! But he's ALWAYS been my superhero - that's what little sisters always think of their big brothers, isn't it?
I used all plain cardstock, and a lot of punched stars to decorate as well as co-ordinating stitching in red, blue and grey. The stripey band is all hand done, using copic pens (thanks to my sone for letting me borrow them)on grey paperstock.
I spent hours cutting out images of superheroes, and ended up using none of them - as usual, my first idea of how this layout should be bears no resemblance to the end product - but I think what I did get in the end is a more light-hearted feel of my usual style, with circles instead of swirls! I actually find making male-orientated layouts quite difficult (I guess I just like ribbons and flowers too much *lol*), but I'm quite pleased with this one.
It's my brother in a muscle suit (probably slightly inebriated *lol*) posing outside a police station. Anything for laughs! But he's ALWAYS been my superhero - that's what little sisters always think of their big brothers, isn't it?
I used all plain cardstock, and a lot of punched stars to decorate as well as co-ordinating stitching in red, blue and grey. The stripey band is all hand done, using copic pens (thanks to my sone for letting me borrow them)on grey paperstock.
I spent hours cutting out images of superheroes, and ended up using none of them - as usual, my first idea of how this layout should be bears no resemblance to the end product - but I think what I did get in the end is a more light-hearted feel of my usual style, with circles instead of swirls! I actually find making male-orientated layouts quite difficult (I guess I just like ribbons and flowers too much *lol*), but I'm quite pleased with this one.
Monday, 26 July 2010
Grandbaby I Have Yet To Meet...
I am so excited at the thought of becoming a Grannie again... I planned this layout in my head... but then decided to just start poking around in my stash and see what appealed to me most. The process was very relaxed - I just 'let it flow' and the layout almost created itself :)
I know it's very samey-samey... but it's my 'style' and how I do a layout *lol* I decided that rather than the original idea of using monochromatic scheme - possibly black and white - I would let the scan photo stand on it's own, and use muted tones around it instead... I chose creams, greys, and a soft lilac-ey sort of colour as well as white. I started off with a blank cream 12x12 sheet, and embossed with white my favourite stamps - the poem "Love Is Not..." and a "Wonderful" definition stamp. I only used black inking on this layout, as I wanted it to stay quite 'pure' looking - and softened looking too. Of course, lots of stitching was used (grey, cream, and white threads), as well as sticky pearls from DoCrafts and also Papermania. The tiny silver/pearl roses are handmade, and the butterflies, bows, and other flowers were a bargain at a £1 craft supply shop.
I can't wait to meet my new grandbaby in January :)
I know it's very samey-samey... but it's my 'style' and how I do a layout *lol* I decided that rather than the original idea of using monochromatic scheme - possibly black and white - I would let the scan photo stand on it's own, and use muted tones around it instead... I chose creams, greys, and a soft lilac-ey sort of colour as well as white. I started off with a blank cream 12x12 sheet, and embossed with white my favourite stamps - the poem "Love Is Not..." and a "Wonderful" definition stamp. I only used black inking on this layout, as I wanted it to stay quite 'pure' looking - and softened looking too. Of course, lots of stitching was used (grey, cream, and white threads), as well as sticky pearls from DoCrafts and also Papermania. The tiny silver/pearl roses are handmade, and the butterflies, bows, and other flowers were a bargain at a £1 craft supply shop.I can't wait to meet my new grandbaby in January :)
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Nice Niece
I came from a small family - just my brother and I... and my husband only has one brother (who has never married or had children), so I have just one niece - and she is such a beauty!
I created this layout quite a few weeks ago and couldn't decide whether I wanted to add lettering to it or not. For now, i'm leaving it as it is.
I have no idea what the background paper is, and all the flowers are made by myself. Of course, stitching appears as usual - but not as much as in previous recent layouts. I loved using liquid pearls - I quite often forget I have them, and making the dragonfly bodies and centres of the flowers was so easy with the liquid - even if I do find it difficult not to poke and prod to see how much they're drying :) I also used spray glimmers on the papers before making the flowers.
I created this layout quite a few weeks ago and couldn't decide whether I wanted to add lettering to it or not. For now, i'm leaving it as it is.
I have no idea what the background paper is, and all the flowers are made by myself. Of course, stitching appears as usual - but not as much as in previous recent layouts. I loved using liquid pearls - I quite often forget I have them, and making the dragonfly bodies and centres of the flowers was so easy with the liquid - even if I do find it difficult not to poke and prod to see how much they're drying :) I also used spray glimmers on the papers before making the flowers.
Friday, 23 July 2010
Hello There!
Although only a few weeks really, it feels as though I've been 'away' for much longer! I have a lot to catch up on, but that will have to wait for a few days, as crafting comes first :)
So, no new layout today... just a catch-up on the little bits of gossip I have to share.
I'm going to be a Grannie again! I have scan pictures of my future grandbaby, but have no idea as to whether my daughter is having a boy or a girl. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for another grand-daughter... only because her partner has agreed that if the have another daughter, then they will try again for another baby in the future. If it's a boy, then no more grandbabies for Nonna :( and this particular Nonna (that's what my granddaughter calls me) wants LOTS of grandchildren.
The pregnant daughter is also getting married in September. Of course the baby wasn't planned for just yet, so she'll be walking the aisle with a huge bouquet covering her beautiful bump.
My other daughter is single again (any 20-ish good looking lads want to date a real stunner?? *lol* joking - about the dating bit - she really is a stunner) and is currently in Benidorm. I really don't want to see her holiday photographs this year - last years' made me have a few more grey hairs than before I'd had he shock of seeing them, and I have enough grey now thank you!
The credit crunch has finally hit home. After seeing my credit card statement last week, Hubby has confiscated my store cards and cut up my credit cards. Oops... I have definitely NOT been a good girl on the spending front. I really can't say I am undeserved of Hubbys' treatment... but I am going to TRY and curb my excessive spending. Without credit cards or store cards, I reckon not spending could be a breeze!
Lastly, the dog and our kitten... Best friends now! It's just too sweet to see them together, playing and running around.
That's about it for now... hope everyone has been enjoying the summer weather (I hate it *lol*) and getting all that Christmas crafting ready - it is July after all :)
Hopefully I'll have a layout to publish here very soon, and will try to keep posting a bit more regularly.
So, no new layout today... just a catch-up on the little bits of gossip I have to share.
I'm going to be a Grannie again! I have scan pictures of my future grandbaby, but have no idea as to whether my daughter is having a boy or a girl. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for another grand-daughter... only because her partner has agreed that if the have another daughter, then they will try again for another baby in the future. If it's a boy, then no more grandbabies for Nonna :( and this particular Nonna (that's what my granddaughter calls me) wants LOTS of grandchildren.
The pregnant daughter is also getting married in September. Of course the baby wasn't planned for just yet, so she'll be walking the aisle with a huge bouquet covering her beautiful bump.
My other daughter is single again (any 20-ish good looking lads want to date a real stunner?? *lol* joking - about the dating bit - she really is a stunner) and is currently in Benidorm. I really don't want to see her holiday photographs this year - last years' made me have a few more grey hairs than before I'd had he shock of seeing them, and I have enough grey now thank you!
The credit crunch has finally hit home. After seeing my credit card statement last week, Hubby has confiscated my store cards and cut up my credit cards. Oops... I have definitely NOT been a good girl on the spending front. I really can't say I am undeserved of Hubbys' treatment... but I am going to TRY and curb my excessive spending. Without credit cards or store cards, I reckon not spending could be a breeze!
Lastly, the dog and our kitten... Best friends now! It's just too sweet to see them together, playing and running around.
That's about it for now... hope everyone has been enjoying the summer weather (I hate it *lol*) and getting all that Christmas crafting ready - it is July after all :)
Hopefully I'll have a layout to publish here very soon, and will try to keep posting a bit more regularly.
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