Southern Girls & SpiegelMom Scraps Combined Bloghop

Welcome to The SGC and SpiegelMom Scraps combined blog hop especially for National Scrapbooking Day :)    We have been having a blast with all the challenges over on Facebook and it is not too late to play along if you haven't already.

As some of you may know I am co-owner of Southern Girls Challenge with one of my best friends Tracy BUT I am also lucky enough to be a member of the design team at SpiegelMom Scraps.  So we have joined forces to bring you a fantastic combined bloghop with spectacular prizes.

So here is a rundown of my projects for our challenges....

So hopefully you arrived here from Lauren's blog  if not here is the hop list....

SpiegelMom Scraps! 

Dawn Turley 

Julie Blakeman

Karen Oliver

Kat Benjamin

Lauren Colless 

Louise Forsyth - You are here!!!!!

Lyne Blodgett 

Neha Aggarwal 

Sarah Nancarrow

Wendy Nicola Jackson

Brenda Morgan 

Shell Becker 

Alicia Borowski 

Laura Rumble 

Jennifer Dykstra 

Rachelle Olaridge 

Jennifer Shamblin 

Tracy Jackson 

If you do hop along you win some awesome prizes including this one from American Crafts...

So get hopping :)

Show Your Glow for CSI

I have made this layout following the current CSI challenge.  I love doing these challenges as they really make you think about what you are putting on your layout.

I used my SC Block Party kit plus Pollard Avenue addon and also the printables from CSI

I am totally stoked with how this layout turned out.  The photo is from way back when I was full on pregnant with #3 in 2009 and DH took the boys to the Christmas parade in town.  I love #1's happy smile in this photo :)

Show Some Flair Or Else Button Up!

Hahaha, I LURVE coming up with the challenge title over at Southern Girls, this one is VERY in your face lol.  Offended? Hope not.

Anyway we want you to use buttons badges or flair on your project for this challenge.  Our sponsors are exceptional this fornight too, YAY.

I used some fabby embellies from RETAIL GIRL/Louise Delore for my page.  She has the most scrummy trims, flowers and embellies make sure and go and check her out :)

Here is my layout...........

It's my #3 when she was but a smidge :) Wasn't she so sweet... well she still is actually.lol.  She is off at her kindy day today so now I have this posted it is off to do my huge Thursday cleanup, although I don't know why I bother because with four kiddies and a hubby who is not the most domestically inclined it will be a pigsty again by Saturday.  Although BONUS I won't be here to see it as I am off on a girls weekend away, my first weekend without the kids or hubby since I was first pregnant with #4 so about 2 years.  I am VERY excited.

Ok, well, make sure and come and play along with us at Southern Girls.

Domestic Goddess? hmmm not exactly.....

I made this layout from my January Studio Calico kit, yes I have only just broken it open and yes, I have only completed one layout.  These photos were taken on New Years Eve while I was making apricot jam and a gooseberry pie.  The title is ironic as I am far from a Domestic Goddess in way, shape or form ;)  However I like doing things like this with my mum so it was a nice way to spend New Years Eve plus I didn't feel shady the next day which is definitely a bonus.   I certainly don't miss hangovers from my misspent youth..

Everything I used on the layout is from the kit aprt from the alphas spelling out "goddess" they are plain chipboard ones from kaisercraft which I embossed with pipedream ink embossing powder.  I used one of my SU punches to do the notebook paper border.  I am not sure if the flair badge came from this kit or not. Also the washi is from my stash.

Thanks loads for coming by and leave me a comment so I can return the favor :)

The Kids Are Alright at SGC

Time for Team Lou's challenge over at Southern Girls and this week we want to see projects for or about children.
My layout about Connor and his Nan was made using the Sock Hop Kit from Studio Calico plus the bobby sox and penny loafers add ons......

I love this photo of Connor and it catches his smile perfectly, he loves being loved :)

I hope you will come and join in with us on this challenge there are more fabby prizes up for grabs.

A Little Will Layout

What's with the title???? The layout is defo my usual 12x12 but the photo is of Zippy when he was just a little bubby, not the big nearly 1.5 year of he is now ;)  This is a photo I took of his cute gummy smile, now he is all toothy and laughs like Rumplestitskin  off Once Upon a Time, although it is much cuter on Zip than Robert Carlisle.

I am over Studio Calico Sock Hop now having killed the kit YAY! and I decided to put the December kit away after making this layout as I loved the embellishments that came in it but just wasn't feeling it.  I am going to see how I feel about the March kit at reveal and if I get any add ons and if it arrives and I feel ho hum I may cancel although I am struggling to find a kit club to replace SC with.

Here is my layout..........

Please excuse the random bit of pink whatever next the the title, not sure where it came from but it is NOT part of the layout.  I got the general layout of the papers and photo from Tracey over at Mercy Tiara  I really love her style.

So, yep there you have it.  Thanks for dropping by.

Studio Calico Sock Hop Kit Layouts.....

I have a few layouts to share today that I have made with the Studio Calico Sock Hop Kit + addons.  This kit is from 4 months ago, and I am only just getting it used.  I am going to be cancelling my subscription I think as I am so incredibly pissed about how the add ons are done on the site and this month I missed out completely, in both sales.  They have a presale for subscribers which sold out in 4 minutes and then they open it up to public 12 hours later.  Well I was waiting but nothing even showed. GUTTED.  But I am going to give myself time to calm down and see how I feel in a few days.  I do love the kits and the digital elements so I should just move on and get over it.

Anyhoo, here are my latest layouts......

All Done - YAY ( Southern Girls Challenge )

This fortnight over at Southern Girls Challenge we want to see your Christmas Projects.  I have done a layout this time.  I took photos of the pressies in the cupboard ready to go and also this years new ornaments, I bought some to hang in the plum tree in the garden that we are having our Christmas Dinner under.  So they are all coordinated, which is a bit of a novelty around here.
I also have bought some baubles to make a wreath, I have been looking at tutorials on line to get an idea on how to make one with a wire coat hanger.  Anyway here is my layout.........

I used Kraft card stock as my base which I spattered with some spray, Overdue Mr Hueys and Chalk Chalkboard Mist by Tattered Angels.  I used papers from a 6x6 Basic Grey Aspen Frost paper pad for the papers on the layout and also the title which was cut using "Base Camp" Cricut Cartridge. The embellishments are all from Purple Pumpkin and I used a stampin'up border punch along the botom of one of the paper layers and also a smash date stamp and tag punch again from SU.

Thanks loads for coming by........

Some Bits and Pieces and an apology

Wow, things have been so weird and crazy around here lately that I have been totally neglecting my blog and crafting.  There has been a few things happening, some family stuff, school went back, birthday craziness and an upcoming craft fair which I am going to be selling my cards at (well hopefully some cards anyway:)

I have made this layout this week for the Challenge Me Happy blog, this month it is a photo challenge....

I made it using some glimmer sprays and my Central High Studio Calico Kit, I am pretty excited as my new kit arrived earlier this week but I haven't had a chance to play, hopefully I will this weekend.  I am listing the overun from my September Kit on Trade Me, I usually get 2 of some of the stuff as I am getting both the card kit and the scrapbook kit.  Go check out the "Stuff I am Selling" link at the top of my blog under the header to have a look.

I also made this card for my Dad for his birthday, no image which is unusual for me......

I forgot to take a pic before I left the house so this one was taken after Connor had written in it and Dad had read it so please excuse the bends :)  I used the Echo Park This and That Genuine collection to make the card.

A couple of weeks ago I made this dress for JoJo for the summer, I love the way it turned out and the colours look great on her.  Also a refreshing change from pink I guess.

I took the photos in my Mum and Dad's awesome garden.  The dress is still a little big but I have made it that way so it fits her once Summer comes.

So that is it a little round up of what I have been busy with, thanks for dropping by and I would love to know what you think of my creations :)

CSI Challenge - Fly Layout

I am enjoying the school holidays with my kids at the moment, it is lovely not to have to rush around madly in the morning trying to get the boys out the door by 8.05 :)  I am also enjoying spending alot of quality time with the kidlets because I have resigned from a few DTs to make family time.  Connor and Angus are loving it and I am finding myself more motivated to spend time in my scrap room at night while Andrew is doing his work at the dinner table.

On Wednesday night I made this layout for the current CSI CHALLENGE.  It is another photo from the same batch as I talked about in a previous post.

The background is bazzill cardstock and I have sprayed it with TA glimmermist in key lime and TA chalkboard in teal high heel, the papers are Teresa Collins and the rubon stars and wings are both from Hambly.  The small letters are cosmo cricket and the large orange ones are AC Thickers.  The ribbon is SU pacific point striped grosgrain.

Thanks for coming by my blog.......

Red Carpet Studio - Seeing Stars Sketch

This week at RCS  we have a sketch challenge for you, I love sketches because everybody comes up with something different and original, it is fun to see all the different takes. 

Here is my layout......

The photo's are from Angus' first day at school earlier this year, crikey he is a photogenic little bugger, he always has been, he certainly doesn't get that from me.

Here are all the challenge details.......

Our challenge this week is a layout sketch challenge - create a layout inspired by the following sketch!

Special thanks to Heather from Cricut Inspired Layouts for letting us use her sketch!

Stars are all over Hollywood... whether they are celebrities, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or in the sky! We thought it would be fun to provide you with a fun, movie-themed sketch (notice the Title and Sub-Title features along with the arrows representing 'play' buttons) for this week's challenge!

Our fabulous sponsor this week is Scraptastical Kreations! They are giving away a $15 gift certificate to the randomly chosen winner of this week's challenge.

Along with the randomly chosen winner of this week's challenge, the card design team will also be taking a look at ALL of the submissions and voting on their top three "spotlight"submissions. The spotlight submissions, along with the random winner, will be announced on Tuesday September 18th and will receive a special badge for their blogs. Challenges run from Sunday - Saturday evening, and winners are always announced the Tuesday after the challenge ends in order for the design team to have enough time to vote.

Thanks loads for looking and I hope you will play along with us over at Red Carpet Studios this week :)

Mastering The Rollover Layout

Hi lovely blog readers :)  I am here today to share a layout with you featuring this months The Stamp Spot "AUGUST CHALENGE SPOTS"....

Let's see if you can spot them (excuse the incredibly bad pun which is not intentional)

I would have to say that of my babies, Will is definitely the most eager to smile for the camera so far.  A scrapbooking Mummy's dream :)

You only have a week or so left to enter this months "Spot Challenge"  and I have to say this one has been the easiest month yet.  We would love to see your interpretation.

My what big eyes you have layout

Hi, here with you today to share a layout with some summery colours to inspire winter to LEAVE NOW ;)

I have made up this layout with papers from a 6x6 pad, just to show that you certainly don't need to go out and specifically buy scrap supplies if scrapbooking is something you would like to try.

Here is my layout..........

I used my sewing machine to get the papers to stay in place.  I used AC Thickers for the main title and tiny type for the subtitle.  I cut up a journaling card that didn't suit and added washi tape to make it cohesive with colours in the layout.  I used some pre-made flags but they are so easy to make with paper and a toothpick you really don't need to buy pre-made ones.  I also used a flair badge, these are everywhere at the moment and I am totally in love with them.   That is it really, a very quick and easy layout to make so thanks for looking, have a great weekend :)

The Stamp Spot - One Week Layout

Hi all, a quick post to share a layout of my youngest son with you.  I have created this for The Stamp Spot and I have of course used this months spots, the colour black, satin ribbon and scallops.

Michelle is having a huge clean out in The Stamp Spot at the moment in preparation for exciting things ahead, including new copic stock!

Here is my layout.......

Wasn't he just adorable!!!!!!!!!!!  I think that star stretch and grow was my favourite so I am really glad I got some photos of Will in it.

Thanks loads for looking and don't forget my blog candy. 

The Stamp Spot - Channelling Jackie Layout

I have a layout to share with you today using this month "CHALLENGE SPOTS"  from THE STAMP SPOT which are......

So here is my layout which I used some fabulous MTF dienamics on 

The layout is my daughter wearing my sunnies and being a poser at all of 2 years old :) I seriously wonder about her sometimes, she can be such a girly girl and then next thing be racing her brothers hotwheels cars and wrestling.  Anyway I thought the glasses were reminiscent of the fabulous Jackie Kennedy Onassis so hence the title.  I used a sketch from SKETCHABILITIES  for the layout.

Here is a closeup of one of the flower clusters.  The papers are Graphic 45 and the title was done with cosmo cricket tiny type stickers and AC Thickers.

Thanks loads for looking and I hope you are all having a fabulous weekend.

Yummy little layout

Hi, I have a layout for Artfull Crafts to share today.
This month our centre stage company has been Fynmark and Ruby Rock-it.  I have used the Nostalgia Kit from Ruby Rock-It for my layout along with the photo from Zippy's first taste of solids......

He looks pretty impressed by them I must say, it is a shame it didn't last though :(  He has now completely gone of food since he had a sore throat.

That is is from me for today, I am back to resting up while I can until Monday when hubster goes back to work.

Going to the Zoo with Teresa Collins & Artfull Crafts

Hi,  am here today with a layout using some of the fantastic Teresa Collins Fabrications Canvas products available in the Artfull Crafts shop 

I used some photos of the kids looking at the Giraffes when we went to the Zoo in the Christmas School holidays.

,..

Close up of the glimmer glam.....

For my layout I have used the following products...

Fabrications Canvas Paper - Orange Tapestry

Fabrications Canvas Paper - Green Damask

Fabrications Canvas - Die Cuts

KaiserCraft White Cardstock

Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam - Rockin On Sunshine

Bakers Twine

Jillibean Soup Cardboard Alphas

Thanks loads for looking and be sure to check out the fabulous Teresa Collins products at Artfull Crafts :)

The Fairy in My Garden Layout

My turn for my Scrapping Sunday spot over at The Stamp Spot has rolled around again, they never seem to come fast enough for me, I am loving creating layouts to share with you lovely The Stamp Spot followers.
Here is my layout for this fortnight............

 I have used Prima stitched mulberry paper as the base for my photo of Jodie in the garden in her fairy outfit. I touched up the photo in photoshop quite a bit using some different layers and also I layered the same photo on top of the original and moved it slightly off so it gives the image a dreamy fuzzy look, perfect for fairies :)

 Here is a close up of the stamps, which are also prima and also the ruby rocket rose ribbon which has been sprayed with mist to colour it to match the layout.

 And lastly a close up of my photo and the stitching on the paper.

I have used all TSS April Spots on this layout, can you spot them?   See if you can and leave a comment with your answer in the comments.

SYC - Paper Only

This month at Scrap Your Crap we want to see layouts and cards using only paper, paper for interest, Paper for embellishments, paper, paper, paper.  We all have loads of paper so this is a perfect opportunity to clear out your stash a little.
This is my layout.......

This is my Jodie at 3 Months, hmmmmmm can you tell I am behind with my scrapping? lol.

Make sure and pop by the challenge blog to check out the other ladies on DT's fantastic samples.

The Stamp Spot - April Spot Layout

By now I hope you all know what the April spots are, if not I have added them for you :)

I hope you are all having a Happy Easter, my Easter Sunday has been pretty full on with Church, Easter Egg Hunts and stacking firewood.

So here is my layout of my school boys.......

I have used NO cardstock on this layout which is a change for me.  I have stitched around the papers with my machine after distressing the edges with a distresser and ink.  I have added a little cluster of embellishments which include a star punched from OHP film, a badge, a journal sticker and canvas sprayed with mist.

Well that's it from me, have a Happy Easter Monday tomorrow!