Life is Beautiful!

Love Postcards

2011-04-03T14:45:00.000+01:00

One of my treats for Mothers Day was a completely empty house all to myself for the whole afternoon! now normally I'd rush around tidying up and doing things for everyone else, but I have been very disciplined and actually played in my craft room for the last couple of hours - sheer bless!

Earlier in the week, I received new stock from Prima, who don't just do flowers, but also amazing papers, rubons and stamps. I couldn't resist their new collection Madeline and bought a pack of every paper, the rubons and a couple of the stamp sets, all ready for this month's Scrap Saturday workshop. They are Divine! and I can't decide which one/ones are my favourites. The above Love Postcard tied with fabric is the start of my designs for Saturday - very pleased with this, and actually did about half a dozen so that I could immediately post them to a couple of creative girlfriends as little notes to say I'm thinking of them...hope they like them!

If I have any stock left over, I'll put on my website and give you all a heads-up on this blog.

Happy Mothers Day everyone!
x

Handmade Pressie was a "Hit"

2011-03-28T21:19:00.001+01:00

Ever feel slightly nervous as you hand over a handmade present? me too...I know! - how silly is that! of course the receiver will love it, it's been handmade just for them. You've spent loads of hours thinking about them as you make it, chosen just the right colours that you know they will love, and used your creative skills for something unique...yet we still doubt our own abilities, and wonder if we shouldn't have nipped to M&S!

Well, I braved it out, and handed over my girlfriend's present on Friday - yay she loved them! As you can see I made her personalised artists easels to display her cards and layouts, as I know how nice it is to have your latest creation on display before you put it away in your albums.

I got the big ones from Ikea, and then the smaller ones from The Range (ssshhh for £1.99 for two).

Why not have a go at making these yourself
xx

Springs seems to be trying to say Hello!

2011-03-24T14:19:00.000Z

Can't believe that at last I've not worn my winter coat for 2 whole days, that I've needed sunglasses to drive in the early morning, and that I've been able to fling open my kitchen window and let some fresh air in! Horray does it mean Spring might finally be here? I do hope so.

I'm determined to make the most of the Spring and Summer this year, and got off to a good start this week, by leaving all the chores that Monday afternoons bring, and taking mini scrapper and her friend to roller skate in the park. They danced (or rolled) to the BeeGees Saturday Night Fever from my iphone and had a audience of tiny park visitors all thinking the "big girls" were quite cool - definately a pleasure to sit and watch them in the sun.

What are you hoping to do this Summer?

x

dear girlfriend blog

2011-03-09T21:50:00.000Z

dear girlfriends,

I've been talking about starting this other blog with a favourite buddy Katharine for ages...well it's now launched and hopefully will add even more inspiration to your day. The aim is to simply share with you what we have been up to each day. We take it in turns to post at least once a day, and as we've been playing with it for a wee while, there are already lots of posts for you to enjoy!

We will bring you best buys, fab ideas, simple and beautiful foodie ideas, and also share our "£10 treat" each week. The basic idea behind this idea, is to take just £10 a week, and simply make sure you buy a treat just for you. It is amazing what you can buy with £10, candles, magazines, bubble bath, scrapbooking treats.

So why not pop across with this link and see what you think - would love you all to contribute as well!!!
http://www.deargirlfriendblog.blogspot.com/

x

Celebrating World Book Day

2011-03-03T18:04:00.000Z

dear girlfriend...

what a fun school run working out who all the characters were arriving at the school gates today...got me wondering if I had to dress up as a favourite book character who would it be...decided I'd dress as {Bunchy} a little girl who made up wonderful games out of everyday objects, made her own paperdolls, and had a dolls house in a set of shelves - so me!!!. This was a favourite as a child and my big sis gave me a new copy at Christmas - brillant to now share with my babe. Available from Amazon.

Who would you dress as?

x

shabby chic for real!

2011-03-01T21:34:00.001Z

Wow how lucky am I...only back 4 weeks from a wonderful trip home to New Zealand, and I then go skiing in France!

Obviously you are reminded just how beautiful Europe is, and actually how close it is, especially now with the tunnel only taking 30 minutes. You also see the origin of "shabby chic", my word it is everywhere and not intentionally. Street signs, window displays they simply seem to use lovely old weathered props just in their everyday life. I tried to take lots of pictures, but by the time you get all your ski gloves off, zip off the layers and fumble for the camera, your party is long past the shop and ready to catch the next ski lift!

I'm really looking forward to scrapping this adventure...maybe I'll just have to choose the best photo and do it as FEB's page...cos obviously I've still got NZ adventure to do, plus Christmas, plus loads from 2010, plus plus plus....oh the world of a mad scrapper

x

vintage prints

2011-02-17T22:29:00.000Z

I was wondering if you have ever come across this fab website

http://www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

I love snoppin' around the images she has on her blog and have used a couple to print out and make into laminated craft mats. Imagine this one above printed out to make your own vintage postcard, you could put some extra bling on, and maybe add some paper roses to give it depth.

Why not have a sneaky look this weekend, simply use your "save image" functions and put into your photo files as jpegs, then you can use them on all sorts of projects.

Have fun!

Must buy Magazine

2011-02-11T21:03:00.000Z

Found this the issue of home magazine by Tesco is absolutely brilliant this month, and definitely worth a buy, especially at only £1.99!

There is a gorgeous house featured by a girl that you just so want to meet so you can ask her all about what is going to make with the fabrics stored in old suitcases.

Why not treat yourself to a magazine this weekend, and then find some time to simply enjoy.

xx

Notebooks & Pressie!

2011-01-28T22:28:00.003Z

At a class this week, I showed my ladies how to make these cute covered notebooks. Simply find a plain notebook (look for coloured paper pages to really make it special), approximately A5 size. Using 1 sheet of 12x12 paper, simply trace around the notebook and make two covers for the front and back. I tend to make these separately and not try and fold around the binding as it becomes too thick. When you add the black 2" stripe of black card it will cover up any rough edges. Now I was lucky when I made the demo and stamped all the details after I'd stuck them on, but actually do all your decoration beforehand in case you make any crafty errors!

I then used favourite frame stamps and my favourite small font typewriter stamps for the "bright ideas" title. Next get out your paints and paint in a few details, here I did the bird and tiny flowers in the big frame, and the butterfly in the long one. Once dry simply glamour dust over the painted parts to create a shine and to make it look like you might have stamped in different colours. I then added a little more glamour dust around the circle of the stamped image. Next finish with a couple of leaves (punched from pretty papers) and a bit of bling to add 3D and depth. Once you have stuck the covers back and front, then fold a strip of card in half, and put a couple of brads through the front side. Glue and double side tape the strip in place...doesn't it look like the brads are holding it together???. Finally ink around the edges to give a nice vintage feel and get ready to...........................................well you didn't really think I'm going to actually use my notebook did you...what if I write in a mistake and have to start again...............no I'll just admire it for a few days more then maybe stick some stuff in first, like cuttings or maybe I'll buy a new pen just for this notebook...we'll see! why not make a few yourself this weekend.

ok...so what was the pressie bit to the title?? well one of my lovely clients brought me this fab rubbish bag which a very clever friend of hers had made...I suggested her friend make some more to sell to all of us, wouldn't you agree?? just post a comment if you'd be interested and I'll see what I can do.

Have fun xx

Celebrate 2011

2011-01-25T11:04:00.000Z

Well, we've done our first week back fitting into regular routine all too quickly...what happened to all the wishes we have for 2011 - have we been beaten into the "norm" after only a week back? let's hope not as I really want to make some "small stuff" become normal this year......taking extra time to listen to world......finding the energy to "home make" a little more......feeling ok about doing nothing.....creating beautiful things that may be completely useless......providing an "oasis of calm" in the house to allow us to play and laugh mid week.

See surely this is achieveable! What are your plans for the year?

x

I went to New Zealand and I saw......

2011-01-20T20:30:00.000Z

my gorgeous big sister
pink sheep
real live kiwis
blueberry muffins the size of small victoria sponges
one of my oldest and dearest childhood friends who I haven't seen for 18 years!!!
and.....pukekos

I went to New Zealand and I ate.....

hokey pokey ice-cream
wild boar and fennel sausages
homemade white rocky road (don't panic got the recipe from my sis!)
shark and chips
and....pinky bars

I went to New Zealand and I bought......

a fabulous red velvet bag with rose clasp
a magnet for my fridge
a new set of frame stamps
a maori bone carving necklace
and.....a tomatoe sauce bottle shaped like a tomatoe!

So, we are now back fill of ideas and inspired to have a great 2011 - so "cheers" again for the New Year...look forward to sharing all my wacky and creative tales and ideas with you again from now on.

SO WHAT YA BEEN DOIN'.....send me an email and tell me what your plans are for 2011!

Love Debsx

Painted Pillowcases

2010-12-21T13:14:00.000Z

When I was asked to be a creative muse for a mummy friend (who was the bravest woman out there with six 8year girls coming for a stay-over!) I was of course delighted!

She asked me to come with some ideas for making the party memorable...so I got some plain white pillowcases and used my stash of "big" template letters and drew the girls initials on with fabric pens. I then sewed on little heart jewels to get them started. Tied with cotton twine and of course couldn't resist a personalised label...how sweet do they look!

The girls were really excited and spent an hour or more happily decorating their very own pillowcase. After they were ironed to set, they all used them that night, and then left with their pillowcases filled with party treats to take home (ie; the pillow case then acts as the party bag).

Thought maybe this might make a great "christmas eve" present for your little ones to do, and keep them distracted for a moment or two from the presents under the tree!

Sleep tight!

more advent calender treats

2010-12-11T17:41:00.000Z

well I can't quite believe I'm still managing to think up a new paper treat each day for mini scrapper...need to get busy tomorrow and make a couple more days in advance.

Hope you enjoy!

xx

Wedding Invites Go on Show!

2010-12-07T14:40:00.000Z

How exciting when I received two emails today, one from the fabulous photographer Lisa Devlin who shot her friend's wedding in Brighton last month, and then from Katrina the bride herself, who we did her invitations and table settings for. How cute do these look!!! I'm so pleased that everyone loved them as much as we did designing and making them....just couldn't wait to share with you all!

If you would like to see the whole wedding simply follow this link to Lisa's site and go under November 2010 to Katrina and Alistairs wedding.

http://www.devlinphotos.co.uk/wordpress/

two more little surprises

2010-12-06T20:38:00.000Z

Dec 2nd and 3rd see a couple more surprises for our handmade advent calender for mini scrapper. We also now have our wonderful advert house filled with little sweets and chocolates from Grandmas too, but it seems the handmade version is going to be required for each day as it is becoming a favourite.

Dec 2nd is a small lime green card and velum envelope (no of course I didn't make the envelope - give me a break!)...just happened to find them in my "spare envelope and little card" box!! he he

Dec 3 sees my famous and much loved "fat bird" being made into a christmas robin of a "debs sort". Actually I think he looks kinda neat....might make some more to go with my other bird parcel tags this year. Definately worth looking at your templates and simply changing the patterns and colours into the Christmas theme.

Check in for the next couple of days surprises in the morning!

1st dec!

2010-12-02T17:11:00.000Z

1st december came yesterday along with the first of the snow for most of us - what a wonderful way to start celebrating this festive month!...along with advent calenders mini scrapper remembered me. My brillant mum-in-law always has this in hand and fills all the grandchildrens calenders each year...well that is if the parents climb into the attic and find them!...was all planned until my boy got stuck in snow for 20 hours!!!!, so no fear mini scrapper understood that she'd simply get hers a little later and would have 2-3 pockets to open in one go.

Now I should have been satisfied with this plan, but as the boy and I picked her up from brownies last night we got all romantic and decided she should really have a calender on the 1st, so went through the snow to tesco, then co-op, then the garage - all sold out!!! oh no she had got really excited by now...so not to be beaten creative mummy magic ran upstairs and produced a present for dec1 - horrah all was wonderful in our world again...until mini scrapper said "oh mummy its amazing, can you make me something each day - I love your homemade presents" yikes now I have 23 more to produce...so watch this space. (if you love these amazing little home sweet home diecuts I've just put them on my website under diecuts 5 for £2.45!! - wouldn't they be gorgeous for your table decoration this year!!!) Siuply follow this link;
http://www.thescrapbookcompany.co.uk/shop/Die-Cuts/Mini-Home-Sweet-Home-Diecuts/prod_117.html

Is anyone else doing this crazy task...or indeed making an album for december - let me know. I'm going to simply take a picture of each day's advent and make an album or double page spread out of the photos - like I haven't got enough to do - oh well wish me luck

Hope you are remembering to take lots of snowy shots!
x

Fabric & Ribbon Christmas Tree

2010-11-30T21:20:00.000Z

Thought I'd share this cute fabric and ribbon Christmas Tree card with you. Simply collect all your favourite ribbons, fabrics, bling and get stickin'. Just make each stripe slightly shorter and graduate up till you reach the top of the tree. Add buttons, brads, any jewel bling for the very top. You can also use small stamps to decorate your tree. Once you've glued in place, try sewing a line down the middle to add some depth. I've used a cool little topiary stamp (just hid the tree) to get the pot planter - you could also draw one or make a paper template and cut out little planters in pretty papers.

Have fun!
x

True friendships don't mind!

2010-11-29T09:23:00.000Z

The Three of Us!

I felt I should start this post with an apology seeing as that I didn't blog much in November...then I stopped myself as why do I need to feel guilty? As woman we are simply too hard on ourselves..it's not like I didn't think about it, wish I could find the time to write, it's just a normal case of busy person bug that we catch very regularly throughout the year...so to all my true "girlfriends" reading this blog I know you won't mind, cos true girlfriends really understand and don't take it personally! I love you all even if I can't tell you every minute!!!...please take this tiny piece of wisdom with you through December because I just know you'll all face this dilemma on probably more than 1 day before Christmas!

Ok, so what have I been doing...well I got another year older, mini scrapper is now a blue belt at Karate and is also doing extremely well with her new brace (very proud parents at how well is is coping!), had a crackin' Scrap Sat, went away with scrappin' girlfriends and played with distress inks and glimmer mists for hours and had so much fun!!!, nursed my boy through another horrid cold, started shopping for Christmas gifts, booked a little more of our big trip home, and generally worked worked and fell on the sofa at about 9pm each night! How about you?what did November bring to your door?

Thought I'd share the layout above with you today, not just to give you another quick and easy layout idea, but also to see if like me there are photos in your stash that you don't really like (too fat, squinty eyes, horrid top)..but that actually are quite important - the picture in the layout above is of myself, my sister and my much missed Mum...(unfortunately on the morning of my Dad's funeral), but only 1 of a very rare photo of the 3 of us so I decided to use it with lots of really pretty paper and simple handmade embellishments, like the bird cage so I'm happy with the design, and actually now really ok with the photo for what it captures - The 3 of us!...go on be brave and use those photos you keep putting back!

xx

Wally Sneaks Home!

2010-11-17T15:22:00.000Z

How cool was this to come home to after a wonderful weekend away scrapping with girlfriends. Yes...Wally sneaked home, planted himself with lovely limey greens and white lillies and hang himself above our fireplace. I do love it when my boy gets "handy" (around the house).

We have now had our shipment in of Woolly Pockets which is very exciting and the reaction we are having to them is fantastic. I still can't believe they are only £34.99 - so girlfriends if you want an amazing present for Christmas for yourself or for loved ones, just check out my boy's website http://www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk/ or ask for me for details when I see you.

Have also just done some fab new 12x12 vintage layouts for classes so will sneak peak soon

Have fun!
x

This year gift vouchers are ok!

2010-11-10T18:19:00.000Z

whatttt I hear you say...me the queen of "can't stand gift vouchers"...well that's not actually true, I love gift vouchers when you have to actually take the time to go into the choosen shop..be inspired by all the goodies in them and then think "oh how lovely that my friend will get to spend her voucher in here". You see why I'm not so keen nowadys, is that you can simply buy them when you are doing your weekly shopping at the supermarket or you've nipped into WHSmith for a paper - it just dosn't seem right!!! am I alone on this one???

Anyway vouchers and gifts of money certainly still need to play a part in our Christmas shopping lists, so when I saw these really cute money and gift voucher wallets the Martha Stewart website, I just couldn't resist making them - this way I feel that the receiver knows they have definately been throught about and should feel loved in a special way just as they should be! have fun - warning they are quite addicitive so be prepared to make them just for fun!

xx

For the money wallet cut a strip of paper 8" x 4" and fold in half. Taking a contrasting paper, simply cut a 2" strip and glue over the fold to bind your wallet. Next use a thin ribbon and tie around the middle - (this can then have money folded and slipped inside, or a lottery ticket, or even a little note of where to find a wee present. Decorate the front to your heart's desire - I've just used simple flowers punched and stamped in pretty contrasting colours.

If you want to make a gift voucher wallet, simply cut your paper length to 10" (x 4") and fold in 2" and glue at just the sides to make a slip in pocket.

Wally keeps me busy!!!

2010-11-05T19:45:00.000Z

ok, so I could use up half this blogging session apologising for not keeping my blog up to date, but hey why not just come straight to and let you know it's all because of Wally!

Now he's kinda cute, totally recycled, and hangs around either indoors or outdoors...hope he doesn't just drive you up the wall....yep it's Wally, a fabulous new concept for making living walls or wall gardens in your own home and garden.

As you all know my real job is as the Marketing Manager for my boy's company, and as part of that role I am tasked to source great new products for us to use in our designs and also to sell on-line...so here he is;

The new Woolly Pocket range of products, which are basically felt bags (called Wally1, Wally3 and Wally5) that you hang on the wall and fill with your favourite plants...and the best bit is they simply start at £34.99 how cool is that. A fabulous Christmas present for anyone that loves plants. Don't forget you could also plant with herbs or vegetables or salad stuff as well. If you want to see more details and some amazing images of how others have used their Wally's then simply click through to our website http://www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk/.

...as for finding time for making other creative little lovelies, promise I'll show you some more things I've been up to over the weekend!

have fab fridays!
x

Cutest Tags

2010-10-26T21:37:00.000+01:00

I so enjoyed making "fat birds" this summer and have used them on so many projects, that this Christmas I decided we definately needed a bird. Simply find a template that suits your style and make lots of bird bodies. I inked him and then stamped some flourishes and some script along the botton. Next I hand-drew a wing (several times till I got it right...don't panic if you make a few!), which I then cut out of another Christmas paper. I then punched a small 1" circle and sewed a pretty festive button on with glitter thread (in the workshops we referred to this thread as "swearing string" as it was awful to get through the button without fraying!!!). I then popped this button circle onto the wing, which glues onto the bird. Perhaps try making lots of bodies, lots of wings and lots of button circles and then put them together, its quite fun not to choose papers as you go as you seem to get more diverse designs when you make them a bit more randomly.

On the reverse of the bird, I simply stamped a blank frame so that I can write a message inside. I also think they would look gorgeous hanging from the tree, or hung in a window to welcome people to your house.

Have fun!
x

Find your Tag!

2010-10-25T19:47:00.000+01:00

Wanting to always try and make mini scrappers celebrations even more special each year, especially as I'm becoming very conscious that she is getting older and start to panic about how long the magic will last....only for a moment though as this week I was speaking about family traditions with my lovely creative clients who reassured me that their children (how all grown-up some with children themselves)..still return home to enjoy their mothers' magic ways...what a wonderful thought that my mini scrapper will do the same.

So, this year she will need to crawl under the tree and find pictures of herself to identify her parcels..hoping to do this for other family members to...now just to find photos of everyone!

x

Fa La La

2010-10-20T21:48:00.000+01:00

Here's another idea for your Christmas Card Design, simply make sweet bunting triangles from your favourite Christmas papers (or indeed green and red papers) and stick onto ribbon. You might want to try little stamps or rubons onto some of them. Make enough to go across your card size twice. Next stamp a simple tree or any other Christmas stamp you have, I've also added a little flourish to fill a little more white space. Stick on your bunting and yippee a nice modern twist to Christmas this year.

Have fun!
Why not make extra for a page layout?x

Christmas is Near!

2010-10-17T12:45:00.000+01:00

So, let's get busy with Christmas! I've now got my ladies all geared up, designs in hand, and hopefully off to a good early start to making their own Christmas decorations and cards. If you are like me every year you plan to do everything handmade and gorgeous, but simply run out of time and then nip to M&S and buy their goodies..well remember my focus this year has all been about "production line" crafting? ie; make in advance, do lots of little lovely projects over and over so that you can then simply put all the elements together and have wonderful finished items to be proud of..now has never been the more perfect time to start this habit. I'll show you lots of ideas this week to get you inspired!.
xx

For this card, I've simply cut a triangle off the front of the card, and covered in paper as well as the inside. Take a frame shape (or diecut if you are lucky enough to have a clever machine) and mount on your favourite cardstock. Make a small parcel embellishment, add a tag and some ribbon and bling and stick onto your frame mounts. Then stick this half way across the triangle front cover. If you have really colourful paper, simply leave the inside front cover of the card to write your message.

Vintage Mini Album

2010-10-04T21:30:00.001+01:00

Following on from my sneak peaks earlier this week, here is the finished project that I designed for a group of lovely ladies in Reading. I had such fun seeing them all enjoy this workshop, and was glad I wasn't the only one who swore just a little when making these ribbon roses!

Think the best tip I shared on the day was to remember that you can stamp in layers to create a great effect...on this vintage title label I first stamped a frame, then stamped some script over the top, then stamped the lines, then stamped 2010...so in fact I used 4 stamps to create this vintage label. Try this technique if you haven't already, you'll be amazed how much more life your stamps will have.

Have started to think Christmas...I know I know it seems way too early, but if you don't decide what your homemade card designs are going to be, then you'll never get them finished. I also try to design 2 or 3 as I get a bit bored making the same ones over and over...I'll show you what comes off the drawing board when I teach my first Christmas class tomorrow.

xx

My Favourite Boy

2010-10-01T13:20:00.000+01:00

Do you design the layout with or without the photo??? Lots of people that I teach ask me this all the time, and to be honest I tend to design my layouts without any particular photos in mind as I need to make sure that they will suit everyone's photos not just the ones from my collection. This was very much the case of the layout above, which actually was based on this gorgeous apple template that I used on my apron in the summer. I then realised that I couldn't easily give this paper a title due its lovely blackness, so I simply sanded off a little area and stamped Adored over the top. I then followed through by sanding a border around the edge about 1" inch from the sides. For a simple and really quick layout I actually love it...I then found of of my favourite photos of my boy which just fitted perfectly (and a great reminder to me that actually it would have been quite hard to design a whole 12x12 around a tiny old black and white photo)..love a man in uniform!!

Give this layout a go..well the sandpaper bit anyway, and just use a shape/template that you love in a lovely contrasting paper where the apple is.

Off tomorrow to show some ladies how to make a gorgeous little vintage album..here is the sneak peak images they have been sent...will show you the whole thing after the weekend.

Keep creative
xx

Birds

2010-09-27T20:33:00.001+01:00

I love to see if I can spot trends and get inspiration through window shopping and their displays...great excuse to get into the high street as well. Quite often I take my camera so I can capture displays that inspire me...see this gorgeous bird cage in a window in Brighton. I'm thinking they have simply made the cage out of wire and then wound lengths of fabric around it. They have then put pretty birds on the perch....now cute would this look in your home!!! ...... now look closely at the photo again, and you'll spot my poor bored daughter in the reflection, doing that "omg mum's taking photos of windows again" look....only spotted this when I downloaded the photos today...did make me laugh!

This layout is therefore perfect to share with you on the theme of birds and bird cages or houses in this case. I simply made a template and then used stripes of pale blue and brown papers to cover. I used a small floral stamp for the bottom border and also in the door of the birdhouse. I then made a small bird out of a really lovely lime green to contrast the paler colours and embellished with a flower and ribbon. Quite a simply layout but just right for a busy photo of mini scrapper turning up to school one day and being treated to an owl on her shoulder...she's obviously not that comfortable, check out the double chin as she tries to move away.

xx

My Vintage Boys

2010-09-21T13:52:00.000+01:00

Here is one of the layouts we did for our September Scrap Saturday...where we managed to do 6 layouts in the same session, some of my girls even finishing with photos - it was a busy, yet most enjoyable day!...

I wanted to celebrate scrapbooking journalling cards, as they are a little something that I love and buy often, yet they don't seem to have caught on here as well as I would have thought. They seem so easy to me...beautiful designed by talented artists with perhaps a title or journalling already on them. These ones are from my delish bistro range and are only 10p on my website in the sale. I've simply centred this layout around the journalling cards, and little extra's (postage stamp sticker, high tea seals - both delish), a paper rose and a small crown/flourish stamp. I didn't want to do much else with the actual photos as they were so beautiful all on their own.

In case you are wondering my vintage boys are my dad (top right hand corner) and my Uncle George on the bottom - how cute are they both!

Hope this layout inspires you to dig out old family photos!

x

Painted Mini Album

2010-09-19T11:53:00.001+01:00

Sometimes an idea just works...(and sometimes it dosn't)...but when it does especially when I'm up against a tight deadline, it is extremely rewarding. This little painted mini album was one of those "yeah I love it" designs.

Simply cut a 12x12 piece of white cardstock into 3 equal pieces ie; 4x12".
Next fold each piece in half. Take your favourite watercolours and put a little wash of different colours onto both halves on both sides. Try watercolour pencils, watercolour crayons or watercolour paints.

Once dry follow this simple template;
draw a couple of lines around each edge to frame the paint colour. Next stamp favourite stamps onto each page in black ink. You can add other embellishments, ribbon, flowers, brads, glitter dust as you go along. I then choose a navy patterned paper and cut my photo mounts into 3x3" squares and sanded the edges. I placed one on each page so that I know exactly what space I have to play with when I put photos in. For the front page, I simply did a frame stamp and used alphabet stamps for the title. I then got a large bloom, painted the edges and finished with a favourite brad. Hey pesto a cute little album ready to fill with photos...perfect for a week gift album as well as its really cheap and easy to make.

Have fun!
xx

Ssshh...sale has started with 50% off all Delish

2010-09-14T15:18:00.001+01:00

Hi blog chicks, thought you should know before anyone else that I've just put all Delish Designs products into a HALF PRICE sale on my website...so make sure you tell all your friends too!

www.thescrapbookcompany.co.uk

I need more room so that I can buy lots more goodies, and thought it was high time that more of you got to enjoy using Delish at delicious prices.

If you are coming to any of my classes, then simply pop a note on the order and I'll make sure that I refund your postage when I hand your parcel over...remember you only pay postage on orders under £20 anyway.

Have fun shopping!

Bird House Sneak Peak

2010-09-13T21:22:00.000+01:00

Starting to design for this week's classes, and have finished off a design using a gorgeous bird house template which I've sneak peaked above. I used my favourite method of stripping matching papers (cut about 1") across the bird house and then distressed with nice dark ink. My birdy comes from a metal Christmas decoration that's been sitting in my "things to use" box for ages..think he's kinda neat and can see him being used in this year's Christmas designs.

...hhhm what to design next!

x

Anniversary

2010-09-09T19:54:00.001+01:00

WOW we just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary yesterday, I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by and all the wonderful things the last 10 years has brought, no 1 our precious mini scrapper.

So...of course my dining room mantelpiece, which I love to theme and decorate to the occasion/event/craze/idea that we are doing in our home at the time, has changed to gorgeous hot pink flowers and our cards...and yes before you look too closely I cheated and bought a card from WHSmith (but its a cool vintage photography one that I'd love to copy).

We had a lovely supper with mini scrapper, and then as is our tradition got out our wedding album...not scrapped I hasten to add! I then got our wedding memory box and we looked at all the bits I had saved from our wedding weekend and our honeymoon, my tiara, my stockings, the boy's flower, papers bought on the day, menus etc...I then made a collage of these precious bits and took this photo for my 2010 Album - why not put together a collection of favourite things and take some photos - its such fun!

Spending the day in London with my boy tomorrow, which is fabulous. Hope you all have wonderful weekends!

x

Fit for a Wedding!

2010-09-07T19:38:00.000+01:00

Have been madly finishing off wedding invitations and place setting cards for a lovely Brighton Bride, and have really enjoyed how they have turned out.

I love making my own paper flowers, and for these ones, I've simply punched two flowers out the same size, and then lightly stamped a big rose over the top. Lightly ink with black around the edges. Stick the 2 together so the petals are overlapping, bling with a little glamour dust, and put a tiny flourish stamp in the middle. How cute are they going to look when you sit down for dinner!

Here's another design with another stamp idea. Definitely worth using for you own dinner parties!...and I'd love to make the flowers are table confetti...remind me that when I need to do hundreds for an event 'cos they take ages!

x

New starts!

2010-09-02T19:52:00.000+01:00

Wow my mini scrapper is really growing up as she went off today to her new Middle School, tie and all! Didn't seem too nervous, just excited to see her friends, and ready to start a new adventure of learning...very proud moment when I took pictures this morning, but still can't quite believe its 4 years since the last set of "first day at school" shots...where does time go?

Continued with my new start for September when I went back into the office today, and cleared out lots of files, and made lots of new ones...just the stock room to go and I'll be rearing to get started on Monday.

...only down side to clearing, is sometimes you still don't find what you are looking for...have misplaced two stamps which is really frustrating me, hopefully they are just stuck to a block somewhere..off to continue searching now. Any good ideas for clear stamp storage??? please share as I'm finding that the plastic bags and sheets they give you when you buy them are fine to start with then become really annoying sticking together when you are trying to get the stamp away...so I don't and then I can't find things..arrrgghhh

x

Inspired to Paint

2010-08-31T19:51:00.000+01:00

Back to reality after a wonderful break in Germany with friends. Ate far too much delicious food and enjoyed doing very little which is very unlike me, but think I just needed to relax. Mini scrapper rode horses, swam in a fresh lake and enjoyed homemade ice cream.

The lovely family we stayed with had these wonderfully simple yet gorgeous paintings on the wall that I would love to go have go at painting/scrapping. I like the simple detail they have added to the windows to give them some depth, and imagine what fun you'd have with colour choosing what shade to do each house in....I can feel an idea for a page coming on.

Last couple of days with mini scrapper before she stays her new big school..how every exciting! I also feel ready to tackle more projects for work and creatively. I needed some time off designing as its really hard coming up with new ideas all the time, but are looking forward to getting stuck in for September classes.

1st of September tomorrow and I'm also feeling really pleased that I've managed to get lots of cupboards cleared, have thrown out lots of "might be useful one day" piles, so I can actually see what I have...very good for the soul...just the dreaded tupperware cupboard to go (simply can't stand opening it each morning for school and swearing as everything falls onto my my feet!).

x

workin' 9-5

2010-08-22T20:41:00.000+01:00

If on the odd occasion, I doubt doing what I'm doing, living our life the way we do, then I simply have to see what a lovely life mini scrapper has being the kid of self-employed parents. Sure we work really long hours, and she's expected to understand when she needs to be as quiet as a mouse when the phone rings, or find a quick snack herself when dinner is postponed because we are trying to hit a deadline. But on the whole she gets to see the both of us more than a lot of other children. During the holidays we are blessed with our amazing family agreement where we all simply chip in to look after the children. A lot of the time mini scrapper still chooses to be with me even if that means working with me. Sometimes it's easy because she simply helps with my scrapbooking designs, or if its a day when I working for the boy then she comes to the office with me. This was the case on Friday where she stayed with us all day and helped us lots...hence the careful dyson(ing) of the doorstep!....then the favourite part of the day finally came, when she was allowed freedom in the yard with us packing up for the day.........

locking the gate - swing style!

checking the skip is not too full

putting the vans away!

just so glad I had my camera to capture her excitement of memories I'm sure she'll remember till she has her own children maybe coming to work with her for the day!

Happy days!

x

September is the new January!

2010-08-15T13:28:00.000+01:00

With the end of Summer holidays just 2.5 weeks away, I've realised that I really need to get a move on and do all the housey things I planned at the beginning, so we have been really good and have done lots of spring-cleaning and throwing out! We started in mini scrappers room, moving things around and sorting toys and keepsakes into easy to find boxes...she's definately my daughter desperate to try and keep everything, 'cos it might come in handy...and also because she is happy to have everything in cool boxes sorted and neat (well Mummy is really pleased anyway).

As this has been the focus of our weekend, I've wonder if for most families, especially women actually September is really the start of our new years, new school years, new uniforms, new routines, not January at all which simply depicts a new calender year...hhmm liking this idea a lot!.....also of course it means that anything we need to change in terms of thinking, any negativity that I don't want to carry into 2011 can be sorted well in advance so that I'm ready to start 2011 in a better frame of mind.

So I've planned next week to continue this cleanising and sorting process and be really ready September well in advance!

...will let you know how we get on....
x

Sewing Class No 3

2010-08-12T16:04:00.000+01:00

BooHoo our classes are finished, but WOW what an amazing time we had at the Eternal Maker - thanks to the girls for all their hard work and amazing projects. I really enjoyed learning myself, and its actually made me realise what value I hopefully bring to others when they come to my workshops - makes all my hard work designing and prepping all the more worthwhile...definitely going to try and keep up the allocated "me" time when things go back to normal after the summer holidays.

So what did we make? well as you can see mini scrapper is showing off her amazing Paris Reversible Tote Bag - making every bit herself! and there is mine above - hot pink and ready for summer - actually I've sent it my dear friend who needs a "sunny" parcel to arrive on her doorstep - hope she likes it!

We also made purses in the morning, where I re learnt the joys of "zips"..very pleased with my bag, and of course had a little spare time and a basket of scraps next to me, so made this cool fabric flower and decided to sew it onto a brooch clasp so that I can have it on my bag, or indeed wear it - very chuffed!

Now all I have to do is convert these new skills into more projects made at home, and also introduce more sewing into my paper projects...watch this space.

xx

Picnic Time!

2010-08-06T13:48:00.000+01:00

As promised, here is my patchwork picnic blanket that I made at The Eternal Maker. It was such fun and actually quite easy to get finished in our two hour class...the hardest bit was picking just 2 plain fabrics and 2 patterned from all their amazing array of fabric loveliness! Maybe I should get there about 2 hours beforehand so I have plenty of time to choose. We simply got squares of fabric and sewed them together in stripes to finally make the square. I then added a couple of apples which I'd learnt to do with applique last week. We backed with cosy fleece and heamed a border around the edge to keep all in place. With this design you sew the wrong sides together so that you keep the seams standing out on the front, when you have finished the project you simply snip the seams down to make a frayed and tattered look - apparently it looks even better once you've washed your blanket a couple of times - I'm still just sitting and touching mine, saying "hey I made that"!

Next week we'll be making purses and a bag - very excited as I do love wee bags and purses to keep things in! I'll try and sneak peak the projects tomorrow when I'm doing demos there at their birthday bash so maybe I can decide what fabric to use in advance of Wednesday.

Try to do something just for you this weekend. It can be something really simple like standing in the shower for just another 5 mins, or maybe read a couple of pages of your night-time book during the day, something small that creates some satisfaction can go a long way in looking after ourselves!

x

Sewing Lesson Two!

2010-08-04T21:21:00.000+01:00

Oh so much fun again today at my no 2 mother and daughter sewing lesson. Did feel a bit of a fraud as mini scrapper was on her sailing course so I had to go daughter less. Our theme this week was patchwork, and we had to make patchwork labels like above. I made 3 all together ready for putting onto bags, and was a good mummy and made one for mini scrapper. In the afternoon we made patchwork picnic blankets which I'll show you once I can take a photo in the daylight...label is hanging off my oil bottle in the kitchen which is about the only place left with decent light.

Don't forget that's it's The Eternal Maker's birthday on Saturday so come along and see all their finery! I'll be there making paper pretties as well.

Just updated my free blog background - how cool is this - would love to scrap it!

x

Open Houses

2010-08-03T20:14:00.000+01:00

Well that's us neally back to normal after Open Houses. I'm sure I've not found where I hid everything, and probably won't until I need something. The trouble I find when I de-clutter is that one half of the house looks fab, but then when I go upstairs I realise I've not actually thrown away anything, I've just moved it all upstairs - am I alone in this tidy strategy? I don't guess so!

So how did Open Houses go for me?...well its an awful lot of hard work for a small return which I guess sums up doing anything creative for a living, yet when you receive positive feedback about your work it is so refreshing. I have realised however that you just can't really take scrapbooking as a form to the general public, as they just don't get it! So I'm not going to try anymore and simply be content with my lovely creative ladies that seek me out, or that I cross paths with when the right amount of fairy dust is in the air!

Here are some pictures of my lovely friend Lara Sparks who had her cushions on display - arn't they fab! I so don't want to give them back! tee hee xx

x

Sewing Course Day 1!!

2010-07-28T18:58:00.000+01:00

WOW what a great day we had at The Eternal Maker. Holly made fabulous felt bunting in reds and black and appliqued her name across it. I made this very cool apron (of course I had to add a little paper magic - by stamping my fabric apple, and adding a Papermania Rose).

In the afternoon Hols and I went into the same workshop and made cushions. We had such fun designing them and both made cupcake templates which we sewed on. It was wonderful to see Holly really enjoying the class, and producing such amazing results. Very proud Mummy day today! looking forward to next week.

x

Mini Scrappers Birthday

2010-07-27T21:53:00.000+01:00

OMG she's really a gorgeous big girl now - my baby turned 8 today! We celebrated with a lazy morning of presents, and chillin' together, and then gathered all the essentials for a summer beach picnic. All our friends arrived with picnics and we enjoyed doing what people who live by the coast should do more often - relaxed on the beach all afternoon!

I had my usual thoughts of all gifts homemade, but managed to run out of time, rushing around town yesterday buying her surprises. I did however manage to make her a card - well can you imagine the stick I'd get in this house presented anything but. I found a template of a this cool monster, cut it out of plain cardstock, and then used 1' stripes of different papers which I inked and glued across butting up the edges. I then recut out the template, inked the edges, and decorated. It was quite a large template so I used a 8x8 card to display it well. She loved it so staying up till late last night was all worth it.

Off to our first session of our Mother & Daughter Sewing Class at The Eternal Maker, which we are both really excited about.

x

Here we go then!

2010-07-24T08:07:00.000+01:00

Lovely clear morning all ready for Open Houses...well at least I think I'm ready, just a quick nip to Waitrose for fresh flowers and a few more cakes and we should be sorted! Have no idea what to expect really so am a bit nervous as to whether we will get any interest at all - I'll let you all know later.

You'll see my box of 4x6 vintage albums ready for sale - I really enjoyed making these out of lots of lovely bits of paper and fabric. I'm hoping the idea is that people can simply buy a finished product and enjoy filling with photos.

Hope I may get to say HI in person to some of you later on this weekend.

x

Open Houses!

2010-07-22T10:23:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, can't believe its been so long since I've blogged - man have we been busy with my feet not touching the ground since getting back from Hampton Court. It was fantastic and we got meet so many great people who loved our products and our designs.

Well as if that's not enough, mini scrapper finishes her first school today, I can't quite believe that we have done the whole 4 wonderful years there in a blink of an eye. We have been so lucky to give her this amazing start to education - long may it last! I've decided that July is the new December - so busy and a bit stressful so must admit I'm looking forward to having quite so much going on at school.

So what's with the postcard above? remember its Open Houses this weekend, where I open up our home and show off my world - bit scared now actually as it's a bit different showing off your art to non-scappers!!! well hopefully they will like my work and buy lots! If you live locally don't forget to pop in and say hi - coffee and cake being served in the garden!

Will show you want I've also made once I get the house clean - my glamourous job for today...now just to find places to hide all our "stuff"

x

Off to Hampton Court Flower Show

2010-07-07T19:32:00.001+01:00

...uniform pressed - check...bottle for school fair - check....form signed for brownies - check....is it just me or is your life filled with endless lists of things to achieve. I'd love to have a whole magical week where I simply wrote a list like....try a new white wine, try to make a pavlova, get up late, watch chick flicks till midnight, buy something new in hot pink....well I can dream! but hey wouldn't that be the coolest idea!

Off to Hampton Court Flower Show from tomorrow to help my boy run our Trade Stand there. Looking forward very much to a change in routine, but working a stand from 9-7.30 then fighting through show traffic to reach our tent arn't gonna be no picnic! but we'll be together doing something we love. Thought I'd give you a sneak peak of what we are selling with a few pictures I took on set-up day on Monday.

Don't you just love my friend Lara's cushions! Check out her website to see all her amazing designs. I will be having her cushions at the Worthing Open Houses so if you can pop in you can see them for real.

Might not be able to update for a couple of days, so hug those you love till I get back!

x

Inside the Album

2010-07-04T22:49:00.000+01:00

As promised, and just a tini bit later than I'd hoped, I finally at 10.50pm on Sunday night found some "me" time and managed to get some pictures done of some of the Vintage Album pages.
Enjoy! and be inspired! Please have a go at some of these really simply yet very fun ideas. For this first one, I simply bought an old atlas from a second hand shop for £2 and just cut the papes to 7x8". I then lined the writing side with pretty paper. They came already with the flap!
x

Cut up some magazines, trace an envelope template and fold and glue in place - yipppee gorgeous magazine envelopes. I made these into secret pages.

Here I sanded the edges of the photo and then painted with pink watercolours around the edges. I then painted in the "sponge" of the cakes and added glitter. Iced with a paper rose to give 3D.

Take your favourite pages for housie magazines, and add your own finishing touches. Stamp interior images and cut out, add other cut-outs from magazines, add rubons.

Another example of using magazines, here I've made a 4x6 page. Ok so the cushion, the pots of green flowers, the lamp and the magazine flower, plus rubons where all added on after - honestly try it - its great fun!
x

Retreat was Fab!

2010-06-28T21:05:00.000+01:00

WOW what a great day we all had! - from finding yummy new products in the shop, to sipping tea from vintage teacups, to getting really messy with ribbons, magazines,and making silk roses. We also enjoy yummy food which is a must when you are being creative. I tied cookies together with simply organza ribbon - don't they look fab! definately an idea I hope you'll steal and do for yourselves.

Here are just a few pictures to give you a feel for the day, but obviously they don't capture the joy of seeing everyone's excited faces when they opened each kit. It dosn't show the happiness in making something out of nothing, and it dosn't show have much fun we all had being in each other's company. This you'll only see if you join us next time!

I will be taking pictures of the pages made inside the album for you to enjoy and be inspired by, and will load as soon as possible.

Enjoy!
Debs
x

Painted Pink Jam Jars!

2010-06-25T20:54:00.000+01:00

Yipppeeee, I'm a whole day ahead of myself - all the kits are done and looking gorgeous for the Vintage Album retreat on Sunday. Just a few more yummy food bits to buy fresh tomorrow and then I can simply relax and look forward to actually getting on the with the thing I love most which is teaching my designs. I can't wait to see how everyone's albums turn out.

The picture above is the first kit that everyone will be welcomed with - bet you wonder what's inside!

I also took advantage of the lovely warm sun on my deck yesterday, and played with pink paint - I saw this idea somewhere recently where they had swirled paint inside old glass jars so I decided to try it out, and have made the take home treats in the form of a vintage jam jar - again bet you are wondering what's inside. Simply find some glass jars, and taking a quite water-downed cup of paint, simply pour inside and swirl around. Tip all the excess paint back into you cup and leave to dry - obviously you couldn't put unwrapped food back in to them, but imagine other treats like hairclips, wrapped chocies, piece of jewelery, or even say little notes made with comforting affirmations for the receiver to enjoy each day.

Really sorry but I can only tempt you tonight, as I don't want to give too many of the surprises away, but promise I'll share more after the event next week.

Hope you all have wonderful weekends enjoying the sunshine with your loved ones!
x

The Must Have for Summer!

2010-06-23T22:20:00.000+01:00

OK, sorry I've been away from my blog for a few days, wish I could say I'd been to an exotic location being pampered by the best in their field. Actually just been really busy preparing for the Retreat this weekend, and also getting ready for our next adventure at the Hampton Court Flower Show. Oh did I forget to mention that? yes we are riding on the back of our Gold at Chelsea Flower Show and trying our hand at having a Trade Stand selling lots of our gorgeous garden accessories. If you've not checked out the boy's website it's www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk. We sneaked into the garden tonight to test out these fabulous garden lanterns - how amazing are they? Do hope there will be one left over for our garden.

Hope you all managed to enjoy the glorious sun today!
x

BBQ Googles!

2010-06-17T20:38:00.000+01:00

As parents, the boy and I hope to give mini scrapper as many life skills as possible and the confidence to use her inititive....well no smoke in this kids eyes, as you can see she's invented BBQ googles - she wanted to cook supper for us, so we light the portable BBQ and bought her some sausages, and when she rushed upstairs we weren't sure what she'd surprise us with, only to find her sat back at her post in your swimming googles. Sausages tasted good too!!!

Had a lovely day as always at The Eternal Maker will full classes this morning and this afternoon. We did the wrapping paper collages and then these following two layouts.

For this one, I stamped rose petals and then painted them with watercolours. I glamour dusted 1 layer, and then script stamped the 3rd and 4th layer, finishing with a Delish brad in the middle.

On this vintage layout, I made a large L monogram, which I then made a stamped label to hang off it, and used a fabric rose with a brad in the middle. I love this photo of my grandmother's wedding.

What will tomorrow bring? how exciting to imagine the possiblities!
x

Wrapping Paper Cards

2010-06-16T20:57:00.001+01:00

Continuing to have fun with wrapping paper. I also love the excuse that I have to find lots more lovely ones now I've worked out what to do with them other than wrapping! Not that us paper girls need an excuse, but I do love it when I can enjoy buying something cheap and making something wonderful from it.

I sometimes think that it's handy to have a formula when you want to achieve quick collage, so here, I've stamped a black image first, then I've used 2 to 3 cutouts from wrapping paper, (or indeed cut-outs from beautiful scrapbooking paper), followed by a trio of tiny flowers. This seems to work each time. You'll see I've also added some text...cut out from magazines (another useful reason to keep buying lovely housey mags!).

Off to Eternal Maker in Chichester tomorrow teaching all day at Scrap Club. I'll be showing my ladies this technique, along with 2 layouts in the afternoon which I'll post here when they done them.

Hope everyone's week is going well!
x

Love this Bag!!!

2010-06-11T12:31:00.001+01:00

Haven't had nearly enough creative time this week, as have been flat out busy working for the boy! only day I got to myself saw me knee deep in Retreat Kit preparation which was great and brilliant to see it all coming together....starting to get really excited now that it is only a couple of weeks away!

Needed to find just the right present today for a very special friend - don't panic I don't think she reads my blog, so I'm safe till she gets it herself...I hope!

How cool is this bag! OMG I love it - I just want to a) have it for myself and b) want to copy the design and scrap it...either way I have stroked it several times. Lucky she is a really really special friend otherwise I think I'd be nipping into nearest corner shop and buying chocolates and flowers and giving them to her instead.

Just in case you can't resist, I got it from Accessorize.

Well madly packing to head off camping this afternoon - I know I can hear you all gasping as if you've meet me you'd know I'm a makeup and glamour 24/7 kinda a girl...but ladies don't panic I'll still manage to have a shower and glam up don't you worry.

Have perfect weekends - don't forget to just take lots of photos of STUFF!
x

New Post

2010-06-08T22:28:00.000+01:00

We have a lovely postie, who always puts handwritten post to the top of our pile. It's a relationship we've built up with him over the past few months, where he knows how excited we are when we get letters like this. Today he was really excited as he walked in and showed me this one. One of my clients Susie always sends me the most amazing post. Today I received her cheque for the Vintage Album retreat along with this amazing fridge magnet all beautifully scrapped. Believe me I squealed when I opened it.

Thanks Susie! I love getting post from you!
Hope you had super Tuesdays!
x

Life is Beautiful!

2010-06-07T21:10:00.000+01:00

Yum, life is beautiful. After my weekend and OK Monday, I remember why I called my blog what I did. Gorgeous to have mini scrapper home, the boy brown and sandy after a full weekend of sailing, and me happy with my life a little bit back to normal.

On my trip to Brighton I picked up some amazing wrapping papers. Are you like me and can't resist paper of any size and shape...doesn't have to be 12x12 scrapbook paper, just any kind will do. I cut out the designs which looked scrapped anyhow, mixed up with some petals from vintage rose papers, a bit of glamour dust, black stamping and some paper roses. I also bought these amazing pale pink postcards and envelopes - french you know - just need to be scented! I normally work on white card, just because I love the artwork to not be distracted by the background colour, but am really enjoying playing with pink (well I would wouldn't I!).

Make sure you look at wrapping papers to scrap and create with - even the supermarkets have designs I can't resist.

Off to have a coffee and a bickie
xx

Brighton

2010-06-04T16:02:00.000+01:00

Had a wonderful morning "moochin'" with my mate Sam cameras at the ready for capturing Brighton. Just played with our cameras, not really worrying about the subject which was lovely, and a must for you all! It's really fun to see what you capture through the lens. Here are a couple of my favourite shots of the day.

Got home to another card from mini scrapper, OMG we are so missing her, and I am starting to count down the hours now till midday tomorrow when I finally get to pick her up.

Here is her 4th card, lots of fairy houses, a word-search I made for her on-line, and a cutting from a Hello magazine pretending that I'd spotted her and Snowie at Brownie Camp....wonder what she has made of all her cards? will be interesting to see what she thinks.

Upstairs now whilst the house is still quiet to play with some new pale pink French cards and envelopes, along with some papers and old postcards I bought today as well.

Happy days!
x

yeah return post!!!

2010-06-03T17:52:00.001+01:00

Yipppee, I got mail!
Mini scrapper has sent us a postcard and a homemade card. Her postcard reads;

Dear Mummy & Daddy, How you had a good day. I had a good day. I love you round the world and back. Love from Hols xxxxoooo

I heard from Grandma and her bff (best friend forever) that they also got postcards, so mini scrapper has obviously been busy.

Here is my day 3 card for her.

I know they will be hitting the beach, so I've stamped some woodware mermaids stamps onto white cardstock and cut them out, one for each brownie to colour in. I also thought Curly (her bear) might need a card today so made one for him too.

Yeah treating myself to a day off tomorrow, and going to Brighton with a friend to take some pictures - no real subjects, just playing with our cameras - can't wait!.

x

Day 2 without mini Scrapper

2010-06-02T17:16:00.000+01:00

My wednesday dosn't seem quite as special as normal...its funny but when I wish for more time on my own, the thought seems so blissful, but in reality when I have the whole day with only a couple of phone calls and a small exchange of words with the bank teller, somehow the reality isn't so great. My working from home day on Wednesdays is always a packed day trying to be as creative as possible before the 3pm pick-up, but today whilst its wonderful not having to pack up just yet, I don't seem to have been any more creative! that said I've been busily sewing silk squares ready to make up the front page kits for the Retreat album - the rainbow colours of the silks and ribbons look amazing together.

So,...I wonder what Mini scrapper has been up to. Still no contact at all which I'm finding very hard. When she goes to a friends or family, I still phone or text her to catch up and see she's ok. Nothing since yesterday lunch is simply horrible. Hopefully they've had lots of sunshine fun today...wonder if she's got her 2nd letter yet? Here it is - this time I cut out a cute dog from a scrapbook paper, and highlighted his nose with a diamond. I stamped a flower and popped a 3d butterfly on for him to sniff!. Daddy wrote in this one, and I popped in a tiny card and envelope from me with a secret message saying I loved her...hope we get some post tomorrow!

Have great evenings! enjoy the sun!
x

Brownies Scrapped Post

2010-06-01T16:32:00.000+01:00

Boo Hoo, mini scrapper has gone to Brownie Camp...it feels very odd stilling being in the office at 4.30 and not having to rush like a mad woman through traffic to pick her up...even more so as I see other children off at Half Term. Still on my "very proud Mummy" side, I was delighted that she waved me off all confident and ready to start her adventure. We settled her in, putting out her sleeping bag and brownie blanket (which I suddenly remembered whilst in bed last night, needed more badges sewn on, so did them with sleepy eyes and by bedside lamp), and of course Curly, and popped her things under her campbed.

One of the things they asked us to do was to prepare some letters for them for each day...hey now your cookin' just my kind of thing. So on Sunday night I stayed up late and prepared 4 handmade and personal cards for her. Quite tricky to come up with designs that are for children, (especially having the daughter I do)I'm much more used to designs for big people. Anyway 4 cards later I'm very happy and only wished that I got more scrapped post. I'll show you each day's here on the blog.

Today's features this gorgeous little owl. You know when you see a set of stamps that are quite cute, but you don't want them to look tooooo cute. This was the case with these ones. I've stamped him on pretty paper, and then stamped his wings on a contrasting one and stuck over the original wings. Then I've glittered his eyes and couldn't resist sticking a flower on his head. I also stamped the word love on his tummy with my cool typewriter font stamps. Next I stamped a spray of flowers for a branch, and a little bit of script stamp on the bottom. Yeah very happy. Inside there is also a quiz and one of those cool folded thingeys (can never remember there name!), pick a colour, pick a number, pick a number, lift up the flap and do the crazy task....hope they have fun swapping socks with each other !!!

Yucky weather here - hoping for a sunnier Wednesday.
xx

Friday's Post is Fab Post

2010-05-28T20:55:00.000+01:00

After a great couple of meetings this morning, with my paper buddy in crime, discussing how we can take the invitation market by storm, and also finalising our new kits ready to launch next month, I fly by the house to get a quick last hour of work done before the school run....as I fumbled with my keys to get in, tripped in through the porch door, I spied Friday's post. Yipppeeeee a parcel from KK my beloved sister...containing a fab and perfect timing brooch.

KK had told me about these gorgeous crushed fabric roses over the phone on one our long phone calls. I had of course promptly got out fabric and have made some for the front cover of the vintage album at the Retreat in June. Didn't expect to get a gorgeous brooch made by her - I love IT!!! and as you'll see from the self-portrait taken in the mirror it goes really well with my bargain of the week £6 t.shirt! (top one with ruffles!).

You may also notice that my jewelery collection is starting to acquire a few new bits, a fab rose ring from accessorize for £5, a glass bracelet I bought in Italy some years ago and found in a hidden corner when I was clearing up from the burglary and a new purple and gold beaded bracelet that I made last week at The Eternal Maker's schoolhouse.

Feeling very snaz now and ready for the weekend. Just finished watching St Trinians II - a must if you love teenage chick flicks!...whilst eating strawberries with icing sugar - Freaky Friday in full swing!

Have great long weekends. Mini Scrapper and I planning to do lots of creative stuff. She's really into her drawing at the moment and is going to paint an old frame ready for her cool doggie picture.

Try to do at least one thing creative for yourself - show and tell always appreciated so email me! and definately have a go at self-portraits in the mirror they are really fun to do!
xx

Wedding Tags

2010-05-26T17:12:00.000+01:00

A whole day in the studio today which I always love! Today's task was to get some wedding designs done as I have a tight deadline of Friday to show them off - fingers crossed they will like my ideas!

It,s great to see how "vogue" it is becoming to hand make your own invitations, cards, tags and albums for your wedding (or maybe get someone else to do them)....the idea is that I come up with designs, create wedding kits and let the brides have fun being creative. This of course could expand into lots of other areas like birthdays, christenings, and other celebrations.

I have used the Delish Metal Frames as a key embellishment on these tags to tie around your wedding album as I just love their decadent look.

Weather not so great today here - but we did manage to eat our first strawberries from our own plants last night - very yum!

Hope you've had a good Wednesday!
x

Garden Wins Gold!!!

2010-05-25T13:53:00.000+01:00

Yipppeeeeee, the garden won a Gold Medal at Chelsea Flower Show this morning. Here is a shot off a mobile, but you can just see my collage wall at the bottom.Not sure if anyone is watching Chelsea on TV, but the garden is the Green & Black's Rainforest Garden in the Courtyard Section. It was on the BBC last night, with Her Majesty the Queen in front of the garden talking to the designers....apparently she even commented on my collage wall - so how cool is that! I'm desperately trying to get some pictures, but the boys need to send me jpegs rather than tons of images on email that are saveable...so bear with me. Best way to see the garden is to follow this link to the RHS website, where you'll see the garden and a 360 degree camera shot as well.

My brother-in-law hiding amongst the huge plants! (figussomethingorother latin)

How gorgeous is this weather! have been really enjoying opening all the windows and letting the outdoors in.

Hope you are having sunny thoughts too!

x

High Vis Jacket, Boots and Bird Poop

2010-05-21T16:57:00.000+01:00

Yes, that was what I really packed today, (well obviously not the bird poop that was gained whilst I was there), along with brushes and bits of cardboard, as I went up to Chelsea to finish off the final bits to the collage. Was really cool to see it in place and to see the garden for real. Everyone is flat out finishing off everything, ready for the weekend, when judging will begin.

Enjoyed the train journey too, (apart from a man next to me with very strong aftershave), taking time to go through the latest Living Etc (one page at a time, not flicking round - you know me!), and listening to some tunes....although I have to say I was completely uneased as I walked back through Victoria Station, heavy walking boots on even though its the best day of summer we've had so far, jeans covered in PVA glue and mud, and bird poop on my bag - then I thought to myself, hey I've just been helping at Chelsea Flower Show... and been paid to do a huge collage... made me feel better.

So what's in tomorrow's toolbag - well lots of kits to make these envelope albums at the Eternal Maker's famous School House event - can't wait to see old friends and make some new ones.

Enjoy your weekend!
x

Big Collage!

2010-05-20T13:30:00.000+01:00

Well as you know I've had my head down for the past few days working on a secret project for Chelsea Flower Show...well here is a bit of a sneak peak...stop looking at the boys legs ladies, and focus on the wall around the garden...yip its collaged by me! lots of maps pasted one on top of the other....and yes I'm freaking at how close the dumper truck is, but apparently (according to my boy) its not actually touching and the walls are covered in plastic for protection. If you fancy seeing the garden they are building, check out this link to the RHS site;

Now I'm not suggesting you start to collage your house, but don't forget it is a great technique when you need a change. Here is a much more girly example of a scrapped collage heart we did last week at Eternal Maker.

Enjoy thinking up ideas of how you'll collage this week!
Will send you more pictures as the garden grows! (did you see how big those plants are?)
x

Layouts

2010-05-17T20:38:00.000+01:00

Thought you might like to see a couple of the layouts we did for Scrap Saturday this month.....I love black and white papers and enjoyed trying out these new ones from My Minds Eye. I simply covered an envelope front and flap and then put on a paper rose with a delish shield brad in the middle. This become the start of the centre piece combined with menu cards from this collection, along with delish clear stamp stickers.

For the photos, my girls always tease me about taking portrait photos! I don't mean to, my camera just seems to fit the picture in better when I tilt it to the side - so this time I foxed them by simply making portrait photos by cutting my 4x6 landscape ones into 2 inch strips. Love the way it now looks. For the smaller ones up top, I cut down to 3x2. Have a go at cutting your photos like this, its amazing how you can really focus in on the subject.

On our second layout, I showed the girls how delightful it is to hand-cut fabric when you simply iron on violene (is that how you spell it??)it makes the fabric must stronger. I then draw a doodle stitch line around the petals to save my sewing fingers. Next layer was a simple piece of hat netting, then my favourite puff flower in the middle. I did just nip in a couple of pleats into the netting so that it gave a nice 3d effect. Think these would look fab on clothes, bags, album covers - one for your "embellishment production" line ladies. I then made my own bling, by punching glittery paper with my single hole punch (remember the dots will be hidden in its "jaws" - it was very funny watching everyone look on their tables to find the dots). You then have lovely glittery dots to decorate with....and yes I did ink every one if case you were wondered. I then just used frame stamps to finish off, catching the very edge of the rose on the frame stamp along the side of the strip of paper to make an interesting edge that matched.

OK, so in case your wondering about the collage...well I am doing a secret project for a Chelsea Garden...just think 10 square meters covered in old maps. As soon as I'm allowed to show you sneak peaks I will! promise!

Keep happy and organise to call a friend that you've been meaning to call for ages. It was with great sadness that we attended a friends funeral today, who we weren't ready to say goodbye to, but who has left us with a memory of living life to the full and enjoying every moment we are here!

xx

More designs from Sarita!

2010-05-12T09:59:00.001+01:00

OK, so are you one of those girls that likes to read a magazine from start to finish, ie; flicking each page over in order and if you need to put it down you simply start the next time at that same place....or are you one of those girls that simply flicks from section to section front to back, page to page not worrying about the order?

You guessed it, I'm soooo the first one, especially with a magazine like LIVING ETC. I know its my OCD tendencies, but I love to savour a magazine from start to finish. Well I'm a bit like that with my emails too...once I hit the send and receive button on my inbox, and lots of emails pour in, even though I might see names that I love and can't wait to open, I do try and read my emails in order (or delete those spam ones in order)...but when I see an email from Sarita from littleprincesscards, then I stop all my orderly ways and simply click on it straight away especially when its title reads "more delish designs!"... her designs are so cool! I love the way she's mixed the Delish Bistro Collection with this gorgeous SU's Not Quite Navy cardstock. Definitely check out her blog this week to see these amazing projects up close.

Feeling a bit odd today, as mini scrapper has just gone on her first school camp...my baby will be gone till Friday school pick-up time. Seems really weird that I'll not have to panic at 3 o'clock, throw on some shoes and rush to the school gates. OK, so once I recover from growing-up-baby-syndrome then I'll relax in knowing I've got a whole day to potter in my studio getting designs ready for my class tomorrow and also Scrap Saturday this weekend...and then the boy and I get to go for a Thai tonight - how romantic!

hhhmmm what shall I make first - fancy doing some collage.....watch this space!
x

Retail Treats!

2010-05-08T21:18:00.001+01:00

What a wonderful day spent with the mini scrapper. After a lazy morning, we went into town without much of an agenda - a very rare experience as I'm sure you busy gals all know too well. We popped in here, buzzed in there, stopped for a Costa and generally just hung out. Our angels were in full force, parking space start away, no queue at Costa and a table for two, plus loads of Retail Treats at just the right price. We haven't had too many retail treats lately, but after the robbery, I felt like the house needed a bit of a boost....hhhmmm well that's my excuse when I see all the goodies we brought home. New duvet sets for each of us, new bits for the bathroom, just lovely new accessories to "zizz" up the upstairs where obviously we feel our privacy has been a little envaded. Mini Scrapper choose a fabulous red, black and and grey "skull set", so typical of her with no pretty pretty gingham and fairies in sight - I love that she is so confident of her own style! Me to know-ones surprise a black and white set which will look fresh and pretty. Also I fancied sexy shoes, and found a complete bargin in New Look. I noticed that Grazia always mention this is the best place to find great shoes - they are right, there are fabulously glorious sexy shoes in here - bought very high pale pink (of course!) strappy sandels - just need the boy to take me to some gorgeous elegant place to eat (where we can park the car right outside as not sure I'll be able to walk very far LOL)!!
Hope everyone has had a fab Saturday
x

Bag of Rainbows!

2010-05-07T21:53:00.000+01:00

Have been starting to gather bits for the vintage album kits, and went into town this week to make sure I bought up all the gorgeous wired ribbons and silks that I had spotted earlier...wow don't they look amazing!! My friend Sam was with me, and she said it looked like I was carrying a bag of rainbows - I love this expression!

I also couldn't resist sharing this photo with you of mini scrapper this morning, such a mini me, wakes up, grunts, staggers downstairs and immediately starts doing something creative - I love the way she's all grown up enough to knit by herself, yet Curly her beloved bear is still very much in the scene.

Well have a whole weekend off - yippee! want to get some creative things done, sneak into the library and take the well overdue books back and treat ourselves to a coffee and cake morning.

ooohhh...and finish unpacking these lovelies which arrived today ready to go on sale as soon as I can find some time to load the website...wait till you see these amazing stamps I've got.

Have a fab weekend
x

Fabric Roses

2010-05-04T19:22:00.001+01:00

Wow, have had a great first day of response for the Retreat, which makes me even more excited that it really is going to happen! Have had lots of great emails as people have secured their space, and lots of positive squeals about making the album cover, and yes you will be making the gorgeous roses on the front!!!! no pre-bought, just stick-em on embellishments for us, just pretty fabrics and ribbons in your kits and lots of tips and techniques shared on the day.

I also bribed the mini scrapper this afternoon with a gingerbread biscuit to nip into the charity shops locally and picked up a fab book of road maps....just perfect for making another cool page! I'm loving looking for different products and materials to make this album.

Hope your Tuesdays have been full of laughter!
Debs
x

Vintage Album Retreat Goes on Sale!

2010-05-03T15:05:00.000+01:00

Yippee, my deadline has been meet! All the Vintage Album Retreat details are now on my website http://www.thescrapbookcompany.co.uk/shop/NEW-Retreat/Vintage-Album-Retreat/prod_85.html and is ready for you to book your place. I'm very excited about this retreat, and my gorgeous friend Katharine has really helped me pull it all together.

I want this retreat to reflect the wonderful world we live in despite all the horrid things that happen to us that try to sway our faith off the path to happiness. It is about creative women getting together for a chic afternoon of creative decadence. We have choosen to hold it in a lovely old village hall so that we can create a village vibe rather than the formality that hotels sometimes give off.

The album has been designed to capture your memories of 2010, and with it being on Sunday 27th June, almost exactly half way through the year, you can use photos of what's happened so far, and still have lots of room to scrapbook more. Also in the day, we'll be using lots of materials that sometimes we don't associate with paper crafting - fabric, wallpaper, magazines, ribbons and even corrugated cardboard!

We will be making ribbon and silk roses, painting photos, making magazine envelopes and lots more!!!

I hope you can join us, why not tell your friends and make a party out of the event.

Let me know what you think!

Hope you are all having a wonderful bank holiday - what did ya do??

Love debs
x

Save The Date Announcement!!!

2010-05-01T16:43:00.000+01:00

Hoorah for the weekends, especially long bank holidays, where you can stay up extra late on Friday night, and then again on Saturday night knowing you've still got Monday to recover!

Mini Scrapper and I have had a lovely couple of hours playing with some new ideas ready for the Retreat Vintage Album. We've been cutting and sticking, using old magazines, some new stamps I acquired last week, and of course a bit of glamour dust. I am having such fun designing the Retreat album, very much exploring new materials, like wallpaper, fabric, old interior magazines - it's so satisfying seeing beautiful ideas emerge from recycled goods. We then needed to make some refreshments which are very necessary when scrapping! Icecream soda's got the vote. Vanilla icecream with lemonade poured over the top - stir around and enjoy! Yum they were delicious!

The retreat details are neally there, and I'm getting very excited about announcing more details. One thing I can announce is the date;

Sunday 27th June 10-5pm

So save this date!!! Organise the boys to babysit, check out Tesco's Finest Ready Meals ready to freeze in advance, and then look forward to spending a fabulous day of papercraft making a Vintage 8x8 Album.

Hope you are having a great weekend, keep checking back as I announce more Retreat details.

x

Bloomin' YUM!

2010-04-26T20:26:00.001+01:00

Check out these new flowers from Prima. If you go onto their main website you'll see all the new CHA 2010 releases;
http://www.primamarketinginc.com/index.php?page=7&cat_id=&cat_id2=109.
I find manufacturers direct websites always amazing for ideas, and to see what new products are coming through.

I'm starting to source yummy products for the 8x8 Retreat Album, and this is just the sort of gorgeousness I'm after, and OMG their papers are also devine - do hope we can get them here in the UK. I just love all this grown-up girly chic that's very "now".

It's the boy's birthday today, so just a quick update today to let you know where I'm surfing - if you spot great ideas/products that you think would be perfect to use in the Retreat Album, then let me know!

Big hugs
debs
x

Photograph Your Jewelery!

2010-04-25T09:31:00.000+01:00

Aaaah back in the security of my blog, which I now realise is such a safe haven. Where my fellow creative friends can catch up with my ramblings, hopefully get inspired to be creative, and also perhaps get a little confidence and reassurance from my wacky thought process that life is beautiful.

Well did I need to practice all my positive affirmations and life coach myself and the boy and mini scrapper over the past few days. On Thursday we returned from our day to find our house had been burgled....they have taken all that is precious and more...everything electronic wii, laptop, cameras, ipods - annoying but replaceable, but then they hit our bedrooms to take all our jewelery. Just took the lot! from my mum's things, my engagement ring to my £2 costume jewelery. Absolutely awful feeling to know its all gone....but as the days have gone on, I've realised the value in being a scrapbooker! you train your mind to remember. I can tell you pretty much where every piece of jewelery was bought, the country, the feeling I had as the boy said "it looks gorgeous on you, let's have this one", my handmade ring being delivered to the hotel and being so excited about taking a look at it, wearing my Mum's ring with pride at my 40th Tea Party...and guess what they can't take those memories from us!! Also the wackos didn't get our wedding rings as I had mine on, and the boy's was tucked into his jewelery case which they obviously just didn't spot so we still have these symbols of love from our wedding day.

And guess what as I look in my albums, I've found lots of pictures wearing my things, so again I have lots of memories that they simply can't have. (also extremely helpful with putting together the long list for the police and insurance company!).

So lessons to my lovely and creative friends;
* wear your jewelery - just because! don't wait for a special occasion, wear it to the supermarket just because you can.
* take photos of all your things and maybe make a mini album "all about my jewelery".
* get your photos off your laptops!!! I know I know don't I always say that. Either back up or put onto discs.
* cover a gorgeous shoe box and label it Receipts - let's be those old ladies that keeps receipts so our kids find them years later hidden in with the cereal.
* actually think about the hiding places you have - yep I had money in my nicker drawer, not to hide from burglars but I'd got money out of the cash point to buy the boy some birthday presents so he didn't see the receipts on the bank statement to give him any clues.

So enough yucky news, this is Debs Winrow writing this, the girl of "bounce back", just to let you all know that I am getting really close now to announcing the next Retreat! Yippee!!! It will be either Sunday 27th June or Sunday 4th July. We'll be making an 8x8 album with a difference! Well what would you expect!

OK so think "an afternoon of creative decadence with a village hall vintage vibe!!!". The album will be made with mixed media, from the softest tissues to corrugated cardboard, fabrics to blooms, french magazines to flocked wallpapers.

Just watch this space, as it will go on the website and here on the blog next weekend!

Take care everyone, and have a great rest of the weekend!
Debs
x

Through the eyes of the camera

2010-04-21T13:38:00.000+01:00

Love to find 5 minutes to catch up on reading others blogs, and just love Ali Edwards latest challenge of capturing a week in her life. Check it out here www.aliedwards.typepad.com. Anyway I went upstairs to photograph some more layouts for my gallery which I'm desperately trying to finish loading, follow this link to see them, and just had to take a picture of my work area...how can I sometimes make so much mess? Imagaine if I was doing her challenge - would I need to tidy up first, cos when you look at her gorgeous creative space it looks so wonderful. Actually mine looks so much better through the lens of the camera and as a picture - looks all creative and colourful, when the reality is its just a big mess and I should really try and find places for everything. Trouble is I'm spilling out of this tiny room, sometimes having to back out on tip toes not to disturb little piles that mean something to me but knowone else. Maybe that's the trick, just photograph everything in an arty way then mess is necessary - will stick to that wisdom for today!
Hope you are all having a fab Wednesday!
x

Scrap Saturday Layouts

2010-04-19T18:02:00.000+01:00

Had heaps of fun teaching the girls these 3 layouts on Scrap Saturday this weekend. Each layout carries handmade embellishment pieces, from a 3D Heart to Paper Bunting to the popular Fat Bird! I love to make my own pieces on layouts so that each and everyone is unique. Hope these give you lots of inspiration!
xx

Fred does Elvis!

2010-04-14T22:03:00.001+01:00

Sometimes I realise that the mini scrapper is still only 7 and just needs her Mummy to simply PLAY with her...she was so cool being really good for about 2 hours whilst I worked upstairs, so I finally gave in and had a wonderful game of Barbies with her. Actually I quite like dressing them up, so when I relax and get into it, its good fun. As Barbie got kidnapped, we needed to recruit the famous Mystery Team of Scooby and friends. Obviously there was a plan of surprise, complete with fab disguises....we sorted through the Barbie clothes box and came up with the following;
Fred Jones - Elvis
Daphne - Priscilla - Elvis's chick
Thelma - a french can can dancer

Shaggy - a scientist
Scooby - a french poodle
I know I probably didn't need to tell you all that, as it's pretty obvious!! LOL They just looked so cute all lined up by the fire that I couldn't resist sharing. Isn't childhood a wonderful thing - love being part of my daughters!
Here's a sneak peak at what I was playing with upstairs today ready for Scrap Saturday.

Hope your day was great too!
x

Fabric Scrapping

2010-04-12T19:35:00.000+01:00

Had to nip up to London for an unexpected meeting today, so took mini scrapper with me, as we both love an excuse to visit the big smoke. After our meeting we went to the V&A museum and took them up on the Easter Holiday activities, which included quizzes and activities in the India exhibition. Then it was onto the kids exhibition where we had to find an interesting shape from around the museum, and draw it, then find and draw our favourite patten and then combine the two to make a patchwork square.
After this was achieved, me a Buddha head, mini scrapper a Japanese dragon featured on a kimono, we went back to the art room and were presented with some scraps of felt and some fabric, a sticky and battered glue stick and a pair of plastic scissors. I know I'm a craft snob, but just went with the flow,and tried to recreate my Buddha head, got really cross when I couldn't find any black felt - you know me and my splash of black on everything. Anyway as you can see I may need to stick at my day job of playing with paper - as I don't think I'll win any rewards for this project. Mini scrapper's is great as usual.

Was very restrained in the shop as well, which was filled with lots of lovely papers and cards, and just bought 1 card that will make a great template.
Hope your days went well!
x

Day starts with a Gift!

2010-04-10T09:52:00.000+01:00

Welcome Spring for sure this time? well not convinced 100% but definitely just going to enjoy the sunshine and warmth all weekend as predicted, in between quite a lot of work due to tight deadlines, an easy afternoon tea with a girlfriend (sent the boy off to buy a round cake from Lidls to make the butterfly cake)supper out with fav friends, as the mini scrapper is having a sleep over, and a nice breakfast with friends tomorrow - not bad plans at all!!! Anyway as the title suggests the boy nipped out to get some paint etc for redoing the porch and front door - it soooo needs to be done so am extremely pleased he fancies a little diy today. Just as he went back outside he said "oh I've bought you a present"...now the mind boggles as he's only been to Wickes and Lidls, but I still fantasised about perhaps new door furniture in stainless steel, perhaps some chocies, flowers, a bottle of bubbly...came down the stairs and thought oh no its sandpaper as there is a whole new pack by the door - actually I have been asking for more fine sandpaper for my tool kit so thought this is quite cool....as I walked through the dining room, thinking how nice it is to have the french doors open and booted up my laptop, I then spied my present - least I guess its for me... a compost converter!!!! now I know there are lots of old jokes about buying ya missus a kettle or a hover for Christmas to guarantee a quick divorce, but I wonder if compost converters hold up in court - LOL!!! a lot. This is very typical of my boy, owning a landscaping company he sees all sorts of amazing things for the gardens, regularly does Chelsea etc, but every now and then he goes all practical on us and buys us presents like this! Of course its a fab idea and we have been talking about it for ages...I'll just need to buy one of those amazing vintage tin compost bins for the kitchen now...ha ha this present has just got expensive!
Have wonderful weekends..let me know if you get weird love gifts too!
x

Yummy and Quick Cake Idea

2010-04-08T21:06:00.000+01:00

Thought today was all planned, busily sat doing some sewing on a really uncomfortable bench whilst mini scrapper had a tennis lesson, planning to then drop her off at Grandmas and off to the office to get my head down on boring but very necessary paperwork....all until bless her my Mum in law rang to say "I've been bitten by a dog can you come and get me"...well of course no plans can't be changed especially when someone needs you, so after much plan changing and ferrying around she was stitched up, given bottles of antibiotics to rattle around inside her and my day then started...at about 3pm. I know woman are supposed to be really good at multi-tasking which actually I think I am, but don't you hate days when you seem to start lots of things and don't seem to finish any of them!

So determined not to miss out on updating my blog, with nothing creative or any new photos, I just want to show you CAKE - to inspire you, to tease you, to tempt you into making at the weekend. Simply buy (or make if you are clever or have time), and cut into small cake size pieces. Make some chocolate icing, and cover the cake pieces all over, then roll in coconut. Leave on a rack to dry. When set, simply cut in half and add whipped cream and pop back together - Yipppeeee delicious lamingtons - a real favourite in any New Zealand cafe - you can even just do plain icing and colour it pink if you prefer pink lamingtons.

ENJOY!
Debs
x

Butterfly Card & Envelope

2010-04-07T19:41:00.000+01:00

Loved teaching this tiny 4x4 Butterfly Post Card with matching envelope yesterday at the Eternal Maker in Chichester. I especially love the matching envelopes made from a 6x12 piece of paper. Simply find a smallish envelope, carefully undo all the seams and make yourself a template. Just be careful not to go too big, as it could then take a whole sheet of 12x12 paper which might make the envelope a bit expensive. If you are worried about the envelope going in the post, there's no reason why you can't simply write on a plain ol' white envelope and pop your beautiful one inside. They would also make great secret journalling pockets for your albums and layouts.

Have Fun!
Debs
x

Mrs Egg and Friends

2010-04-06T18:20:00.000+01:00

Hope everyone had a lovely Easter, filled with lots of laughter and of course lots of chocolate! Following my new Easter Egg idea from last year, I invented Mrs Egg! a rather strange looking chick, ready to party all night, yet relax in front of the scrap table on occasion, Mrs Egg was greeted with cries of joy from Holly as usual, with the obvious and very "Holly" determination that of course Mrs Egg can't be eaten! Lucky I learnt this from last year, so simply filled up the pick and mix sweet pot and wrapped this up as well so she can at least eat these. I simply used a tube of icing to stick on the sweets for Mrs Egg's features, made a tutu out of material and of course used my new butterfly template that makes great wings!

On a more serious creative note I also made her a cute Fat Bird card from my new Fat Bird templates - I love all the colours and am having really great fun making these birds from lots of funky papers - watch out for my NEW Fat Bird Kit that I'm putting together which will give you the templates, include lots of funky papers, plus cute buttons ready for the eyes! The kit will let you make 12 cool birds. Let me know if you'd like me to put one aside for you by sending me a quick email debs@thescrapbookcompany.co.uk. They will retail at £4.95. I'm trying to put lots of new kits together, and will launch them on the website within the next 2 weeks. What kind of kits would you love to buy - lots of ideas at the moment, but would love to hear from you all!

Have fun!
debs
x

Treat yourself to Spring!

2010-04-03T08:55:00.000+01:00

Spring seems to be struggling to get here, maybe its me, but I think clocks changing, Easter arriving, Summer School terms about to begin and the 1st of April should be the start of Spring. Mr Weather obviously doesn't agree. So I decided to treat myself to Spring in the house by buying a wonderful bunch of spring flowers. I love the heady smell of the freesias and the colour of the tulips are just gorgeous. Of course in typical "Debs" style I now what to completely spring clean and re-decorate, so the £6 investment in Spring now wants to turn into hundreds. I want scented candles, new flowery accents and some new bright coloured cushions for the sofa...maybe I'll just treat myself to a Living Etc magazine and dream for a little while longer.

Wasn't it wonderful yesterday to have a whole day to do what you wanted knowing that you have another 3 days to enjoy. Unfortunately the boy had to work bless him, so Holly and I read Pookie in bed (a favourite book of my childhood), made a crazy breakfast of cucumber, salami and breadsticks with ginger and lemon tea, and danced to the ipod in our nighties like lunies round and round the living room - a great way to start our Easter break, (and another brilliant reason why I'm not quite ready for webcam!!!!).

Off to do an Easter Egg hunt in the woods where we choose one or two daddies to run ahead and hide the eggs. We all take picnics and I'm guessing today will have to crash at someones house to eat them as the weather looks a bit dodgy.

Enjoy your day!

Yeah I got mail!

2010-03-31T18:26:00.000+01:00

Kinda nothing sort of day just working on some new designs for classes after Easter, so happy pottering, but nothing really rocking my world, until I checked the post! Yippee more scrapped post - you can always tell before you open it, because its handwritten and usually decorated and stamped. How cool that I got a card about fairies after my blog yesterday was all about time fairies! I love this card!

Here is another card that I got when a friend got out her melting pot again - amazing results!

Here is one of my favourites, loads going on for me to look at time and time again.I look the mixed media look.

....now just to find cards to send back to those that I haven't already done so, big bum when 2 of the above are actually girls from my classes, so have either seen all my designs, or indeed can't see any new ones 'cos they are secret till the next April workshops...hhmmm will have to get my thinking hat on.

Here's to a creative evening! hope you get one too!
x

Attacked by Time Fairies!!!

2010-03-30T15:38:00.000+01:00

Hey is it just me??? or do you sometimes get attacked by the Time Fairies? Now I reckon that they sneak up to your clocks/diaries/calenders/schedules and simply speed time forward so that all your routines go to pot and you suddenly end up about two weeks ahead of where you last when you were doing day to day stuff...well they have attacked me well and truly when I look at my last blog post...how does this happen?. I have been really busy and just don't seem to have had time to fit in all the special things I like to do, like crafting for me, doing my blog, pottering (instead of tidying)in my house, and just generally feeling like I'm in control. I know it will pass. A few more lists of things to do all ticked off, a moment to go through the post and deal with it, and a few days away from the routine with Easter just ahead, but honestly when you're in one of this time warps, it's not easy to not get stressed about being so busy....so I'm off now to pick up Hols, and am just going home to do normal stuff, nothing extra, no one to play, no exceptions on what I want to achieve tonight, just playing normal and boring and then I'll hopefully take time back into my control and spook the time fairies away till next time. Let me know if they get to you sometimes!
Hate a posting without a blog picture, so the one above is one just to inspire! - oh I do love of my jars of butterflies!!!
x

Production Line Crafting!

2010-03-16T12:49:00.000Z

This is my pet project this year - you'll already be sick of me going on and on about preparing in advance lots of lovely embellishments ready to use, but it's so true, and to prove that I really do try to do it myself, I thought I'd share with you a picture of 4 pieces of scrapped post that I sent just before I dashed off on holiday.
It was a typical scenario in a loving woman's world, I needed to extend extra thanks to a friend who have given me a whole bag of plastic bags (now only us crafty chicks will know how exciting this really is!), a friend whom I'd not managed to speak to before I left, but wanted to let her know I was thinking of her, a friend who was going into hospital, and a new e-friend who had sent me a gorgeous handmade card from my previous blogs - you see what a nightmare! 4 cards all in the same precious half an hour to design and make!. Now I could have just left it, but I wanted to prove to myself that I can do cards quickly....so I used one of my new paper roses, put on my famous frame template = card 1, then I fiddled around with the same design but using tissue as well = card 2, then I use Oh the same famous frame template, ready made fabric flowers and already punched butterflies = card 3, then finally another stamped frame, mounted and stamped letters thanks, got a ready made paper and button flower - Yippee, only about 30 mins later, all made, written, stamped the envelopes, wrote out and put my 4 large 1st class stamps on and posted on my way to do the school run.
Actually the biggest pleasure?? knowing that 4 wonderful ladies were going to receive something I'd handmade just for them - imagining their faces when they saw a handwritten letter come across their mats, and more importantly 4 wonderful ladies knowing that I cared!
Getting prepping lovelies!!! and hit your postboxes!
x

Play Date Idea #2

2010-03-15T20:51:00.000Z

Easy idea to try when you've exhausted all the games in your cupboard, go back to the good old fashioned "let's build a hut" (with a modern techno twist)under the table! I simply gave the girls lots of duvet covers to drape over the table, the bean bag as a sofa, bowls of peanuts and juices in drinks containers...plus something we definately never had, the laptop with a choice of DVDs - Voila! a personal movie theatre! Kept them quiet for a whole blessful hour whilst I cooked a cottage pie to feed them afterwards. Also was fabulously easy to pack away - hoorah's all round!
Happy times!
x

Mini Scrapper Strikes Again!

2010-03-14T18:26:00.000Z

Awoke to tea in bed, and the busy noises of my mini scrapper next door in my studio making something - so wonderful to know she has a creative space to play in...and within a few busy minutes this wonderful Mothers Day card was brought in - I'm absolutely delighted with her own design. She had seen me fiddling around with this new butterfly template for classes this week, one made from some cool magnets a lovely lady gave me for Christmas...knew that they would develop from the fridge which is their permanent resting place to make templates for my template box! Spent the rest of the day walking along the seafront with friends, and the mini scrapper roller skating past us every few minutes....just awaiting my final treat of the day a yummy roast dinner cooked by the boy.
In the studio all day tomorrow - yippee! can't wait to play for a whole day.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day too!
Love to you all!
x

Scrapping At Sea!

2010-03-11T20:39:00.001Z

Hi there,
Back in the land of normality - all too soon for my liking, with the washing machine humming behind me, lunches packed and in the fridge,and most of the unpacking done. Just wanted to share this picture of me scrapbooking on the boat. You all know me well enough to know I never go anywhere without a little bag of "somethings" to make. This trip I took lots of fabric pieces and made fabric flowers with buttons, and also a little bag of pre-punched flowers, which I inked all the edges of the big one and a small one and sewed a button in the middle of them, and yes I really did ink and sew whilst we sailed down island. It felt so great topping up my two jars earlier today, one of paper and the other of my fabric flowers which I find fantastic to have at the ready when I want to make a quick card.
No need to comment on the state of me, it's the "just been snorkeling look" - your bound to see it on all good catwalks for Spring!!!
espeak properly tomorrow!
x

Packing!

2010-03-02T20:55:00.000Z

Why do we do it? pack for an emergency evacuation, take snacks that you can't possibly buy abroad, take endless games just in case you can't find anything to do at your destination, and then if that's not enough, tidy the house for the cats to enjoy whilst they have a peaceful time on their own while you nip away for a few days....I do this everytime, charging every battery in sight, making endless notes of things to do before we leave! But then at about this time, suitcases by the front door, batteries ready to fire up a rocket to space, and my clothes ready to just simply slip on in the early hours, I start to relax and think YEAH I'm on holiday tomorrow. Obviously the last thing to pack is a quick crafty bag, with bits of fabric, my ideas notebook, and a few tools, just in case an idea pops into my head. I'll look forward to telling you all about my adventure when I get back. If you need me just email me at debs@thescrapbookcompany.co.uk, cos my IT whizz of a husband has managed to divert this to his blackberry (keep it clean ladies - he'll be watching our every crafty and daft move!).
Keep creative until then, and hug those you love!
xx
Here are the layouts we did on Saturday to hopefully give you some inspiration!

Sneak Peak for Scrap Saturday!

2010-02-24T20:57:00.000Z

Thought it would be great to share what we'll be up to at my Scrap Saturday workshop this weekend. We have a full house so will be guaranteed to have a lot of fun. I've designed layouts with the new High Tea range, which has been fabulous to actually get a chance to really play with. Obviously I can only sneak peak a couple of the embellishments from the layouts, 'cos my ladies love a surprise! I'll upload the whole layouts on Sunday once everyone has made them.

I love to get scrapped post!

2010-02-23T15:28:00.000Z

OMG, how excited are you when you get a coloured envelope drop across your doormat in amongst horrid brown bills! And even better when its not expected! Well that happened to me when a gorgeous and very talented client of mine sent me a thank you note. I was and still am blown away! It's everything I keep saying we creative chicks should do as a matter of course - simply make beautiful cards, notelets, postcards and send them to people who will adore them. I also think perhaps you should buy 12 first class stamps in advance so you can't be put off by having to queue at the post office, and definately make some cards up in advance so that when the moment seizes you, when a lovely thought of a missed girlfriend pops into your head, or when you just want to tell someone how great they are - you are ready for cards and stamps to hand. Tell you what if you send me something you've handmade, I'll send you something gorgeous back that I've made - that's a promise, send it to me at 4 Roundstone Barn, Roundstone Farm, Littlehampton Road, Ferring BN12 6PW. (don't forget to tell me your address so I can send you post in return).

Saw this great title when I was mucking around on the net -thought it might inspire your first card
"just wanted to let you know that you're FABULOUS"
Happy posting!

My kinda craft heaven!

2010-02-18T16:32:00.000Z

So have you ever wondered what scrapbooking mad woman in the craft industry do on their days off? well its obvious isn't it we go to a craft shop!

After our gorgeous walk yesterday, the sat nav just seemed to take us past The Eternal Maker in Chichester - spooky the way my sat nav is programmed with speed camera alerts and craft shops in a 5 mile radius! As most of you probably know I run scrapbook classes and workshops for Anna and Sarah at their fab home of fabric, buttons, paper and oh well just too much heavenly crafty stuff. Whilst I snooped in the fabric racks, obviously on important business, buying fabrics to compliment my new paper collection.....my companions made felt birds and bought fabric themselves, whilst posing for a couple of much needed pictures as well.

If you haven't ventured to The Eternal Maker then you really must - just don't expect to "pop" in for 5 minutes, its just not that kinda shop - the girls make you feel so welcome and there is so much to see and do that you'll get lost in there for hours. If you have time do also try some of their classes - they are all amazing!

x

Tiny Treasure Boxes

2010-02-17T20:35:00.001Z

Yippee I managed to get a background on my blog - actually was really easy when I just applied by frazzled mind to it...what do you think?

Had the luxury of a whole day off to spend with Hols and girlfriends. We started the day with a long walk stopping (of course) half way for coffee and cake!

Whenever I meet up with friends I love to find the time to make a little gift to take....especially when they are scrapbook nuts like me! Here is what I made my Havant pals today...tiny treasure boxes, perfect for keeping little things in. I made them from two large match-boxes stuck together and then covered in a new High Tea paper. I then fished in my box of pre-made paper and button flowers (definately make up embellishments like this in advance as its so cool to have them at the ready for moments like this!), and choose favourite ones to put on the top.

I then wrapped them in cellophane and put curling ribbon on....they didn't open them there and then, so I hope they love them.

Hope this inspires you to make tiny treasures for friends

Heart with Wings!

2010-02-15T15:29:00.000Z

Couldn't resist the best day in the year to celebrate my love of hearts by making a heart with wings. My lover was really good and pretended not to see me making it as he whizzed past my office saying "I'm not looking, I'm not looking", and then seemed really surprised when he got a cute postcard with a big X on it. I haven't really shown you anything I've been up to with the new Delish collection High Tea, not because I haven't wanted to, but because I can't seem to hold onto the product long even to actually have a play - it's flying out the door (maybe thats where the heart with wings came from LOL). I used the High Tea Entree and Main Dish papers to do my heart, wings and background, and then one of my old favourites Peppercorn's Hor d'oeuvre for the mounts. I then used the new High Tea rubons, seals and pearls and gems to decorate the heart, and then embossed a little script onto the wings. Whole piece is roughly around 4x6" - a new favourite size of mine as you can make lots of postcard size pieces ready for cards, mini albums or onto your layouts. I like working in smaller sizes as I find the designs come easier when I'm not faced with a huge piece of 12x12 paper.
Of course you can't do valentines day with something sweet, so we had special cupcakes (not made this weekend I'm afraid, Mr Marks and Mr Spencers baked them especially for us)- how cute are these!

XOX!!!!

Check out what's in my bag!

2010-02-08T13:37:00.000Z

Just had to share this with you! I came across these gorgeous 8x8 fabric albums and couldn't resist buying some. Wanting to be good and not buy plastic bags, I managed to get them all into my new and beautiful big pink bag I got for Christmas and thought how wonderful and inspiring they looked! Am hoping to do some really exclusive workshops this year, and thought these would make a wonderful class...just can't decide which one I love myself to do the design in.

I love 8x8 scrapbook album size, and haven't done much in this size for ages...I'm always saying to others how you mustn't worry about redesigning every layout or idea, that you can and should happily use your designs or templates more than once, yet I seem to put myself under this same scrap stress of making everything brand new...maybe I'll simply convert my favourite 12x12 layouts into 8x8 with other favourite photos and papers - keep the ol'gal busy!

x

Button Hairbands & Fudge Cake!

2010-02-01T20:37:00.000Z

In my day an after school play date was to rock up at a friends house, be given a snack - (in my house, something yummy from the freshly baked cake tin, or my favourite at a friends was fairy sandwiches, made from lettuce leafs with sugar sprinkled inside and wrapped up!) and then sent to play. Around 5.30 we were shoved out the door so we could run back down the road for tea with our own family.

It's taken me a while to get into the swing of play dates of today which is actually a full blown date with another child, including picking up from school, (usually carrying two sets of everything!) providing a light snack when you get home to keep them going whilst you prepare a gourmet meal. In between times you need to organise the entertainment, manage personalities, check that there is no homework or urgent notes in the school bag! as well as try to get your house straight before their Mums get there....lucky I have fab mum friends with cool kids who know I'm a bit different and like to do something creative when people big or small enter my home. Today was no exception as I thought up an easy thing for the girls to do....get your button boxes out, cut some elastic about 30cm long and get the kids busy making their own button hair bands, by simply threading on favourite buttons. Just knot the ends together afterwards. They were so thrilled with them and have promised each other they will wear them tomorrow at school.

I then thought I'd get them to cook their own after supper treat, so found this recipe of my mums and they made yummy chocolate fudge cake...it's so simple, takes no oven time, and they were both proud of their efforts, especially when any passing adult couldn't resist stealing a piece. Here's the recipe;

CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE

1 packet of plain biscuits(crushed), 1 cup sugar, 100g butter, 1 egg, 1 desertspoon of cocoa.

Melt the butter and sugar and cocoa on a very low heat. Stir in beaten egg (don't boil), add crushed biscuits - mix all together. Place in flat tin and cool. Make some chocolate icing and spread on the top. You may want to pop in the fridge to set ready to eat as soon as possible.

(We put fudge pieces on the top, but you could do coconut, nuts whatever you have in your cupboard).

I keep stealing the bits around the edges now every time I'm in the kitchen, pretending to myself that they have less calories 'cos its not a whole bit! Yeh right says my waist. Great news is that I can now take some to my Scrap Cafe tomorrow morning at the Eternal Maker where I'm teaching vintage tags.

Hope you might be able to use the ideas above - sorry boys mums not so good at thinking up boy stuff, but you could still make the fudge cake!

Debs
x

New Website Goes Live!

2010-01-28T15:57:00.000Z

Hoorah, my new website www.thescrapbookcompany.co.uk went live this morning! I know as a new web parent, my new web baby will take 24 hours attention, do all sorts of unknown behaviours that I haven't read about in advance, and probably not do exactly what I want it to do unless I ask it 3 times!, but hey it's here, it's beautiful and of course it's black and white with hints of purpley/pink! just how I love life!

Do take a sneaky look around, I am still madly loading products and have just been handed over the gallery feature today as well to start loading, but best of all you'll get to see the new Delish collection High Tea which is absolutely gorgeous - well I would say that wouldn't I, but check it out for yourselves.

This is the second website I've built, so it should be getting easier, but its still really hard to try and capture exactly what people want from you being on-line. I would really value any feedback anyone has. Let me know what I'd have to do to make my website one of your favourites - lots of creative ideas would be fab!

Have fun surfing!
eyes have gone cross-eyed being on-line all day, so off to the bank and post office which actually today I'm quite looking forward to!
debs
x

Painted Postcards & Vintage Tags!

2010-01-25T09:44:00.000Z

Whizz...well that was the weekend then! I can't quite believe its over already! We had a great time at Scrap Saturday, and I enjoyed welcoming 3 new clients. I love seeing people go away totally inspired and ready to scrap their precious moments. We played with sandpaper this weekend - a really simple medium I sometimes forget to use. Its quick and easy, very portable and cheap to add to your tool kit (just don't tell your hubby that you've nicked a bit of sandpaper from his precious hoard of bits to use sometimes - can't imagine keeping things that might come in handy (LOL) boys ah!!!).

I just love these vintage labels, and have used them on layouts, cards, and even stuck them into books when I give them as a present.

Simply choose your favourite paper - pretty muted florals or neutrals look fab and cut to 8cm x 6cm. Sand the edges all the way around, then use any journalling stamps in your stash. I've layered two of mine here, a frame stamp and then another quote line clear stamp over the top - I love nice straight lines to rubon titles onto which I've done here. I then sewed a button on with pretty contrasting cotton. Next make a mount out of card or I used a Delish Peppercorn Treats paper because I love the way the black sands off well. Cut this about 8.5cm x 6.5cm and stick on your label - Wooo Hooo you are done. This is a great project to make in a little production line so you have a goregous little stash of labels whenever you need them.

We also got out our watercolour pencils - again another love of mine to keep in the toolbox. We used the Delish Peppercorn Buffet paper and cut out the floral boxes, painted in the flowers, then stamped a post card stamp, script stamp and a floral stamp all overlapping onto the front. I then used small alphabet stamps to put on my title. Have a go at colouring in again - its so great for bringing out the inner children in us all.

I'm very excited this week, as later on I'm rushing into the office to inspect all the new High Tea collection that has landed - new website about 95% there - so I'll let you know as soon as it's live and you can see and buy the new collections!

Have a great day!

All About Me Scrapbook Album

2010-01-19T14:54:00.000Z

Had a wonderful class on Saturday teaching 18 creative ladies near Gatwick. I was given a great brief by a couple of my clients to create a secret mini album workshop for their annual weekend away - just want a designer like me adores!

I came up the idea of a 6x6 acrylic and chipboard album celebrating all the wonderful things about you! ie; All About Me. Too many times we scrap our loved ones, but I daydreamed about what it would be like if I found an album in a gorgeous old vintage suitcase all about my Mum. I would be able to read it and appreciate her passions even more, so I developed an album that might do that for my Holly someday. I took photos of my favourite jewelery, what books are on my bedside cabinet, how I like to eat a cream tea, and what our house looks like...it was really refreshing and also means you get to take loads of cool arty pictures of stuff you collect.

Here is all the lovely packs of kits I pre-made ready for them. You'll notice a new product which is my journalling kit (at the bottom) - just lovely off-cuts of pretty paper that I have used my journalling stamps on, ready for you to use on cards, layouts, even as a jam label. I'll be selling these and other handmade things on my new website due to launch next week.

Why don't you think about scrapping yourself! It doesn't have to be filled with photos of you if that's not what you like, but feel it with all the things that make you YOU!

blog-speak soon!
debs
x