My Masters Entries Up Close and Personal Tasks 3 and 4

As promised here are tasks 3 and 4 of the Scrapbooking Memories Masters challenge. As I was saying in my last post, I began this journey back in July 2014. I recieved a phone call one morning to say I'd been chosen and then had to keep the secret for 3 months! But finally it's all been announced and now I can reveal my challenge pieces to you up close and personal.

Task 3: "Scrap a layout where your journalling is the focus of the page. the layout can be 8 1/2in x 11in or 12 x 12in."

Well, to be honest I have never really journalled on my layouts. I barely give them a title but all that has changed since I have been submitting to challenges etc... so here is my entry.
A bucket list! It was inspired by the 2Crafty Chipboard piece "Vertical Numbers". I covered them in PVA glue and sprinkled Distress Embossing Powder in Walnut Stain all over it and then heat embossed it. I love the scratchy sand paper feel of this embossing powder. Unfortunately I think it's been discontinued so I use my stash sparingly. 


The background paper is like a piece of cork board so I used the theme of a pin up board. I used Kaisercraft brads and those other funny paper clip kind of things to add a pin-up kind of feel to it.

I also used the 2Crafty Vertical Numbers as a mask over the texture paste I slathered underneath randomly. I blended some Vintage Photo Distress Ink over them to get this effect.


 I added some map paper that I printed from the internet (This inspired me to recently purchased some old maps at a market) to coincide with my picture of the Simpson Desert National Park, which we hope to cross with our camper one day. I know ..... they say you can't tow across the Simpson but I have a T-VAN track trailer and enough ambition to make it! Sandi ...... back me up here LOL!


I don't like my hand writing at the best of times, so writing this much on a page was very nerve racking. I decided if it was going to look messy then it might as well look REALLY messy. Like someone had scribbled notes onto a notice board in a hurried sort of style.

There's only a little amount of background work on this layout. I wanted the pictures to be the focus so all I did was slap on some texture paste then once it was dry, blended the Distress Ink over the numbers, rolled some Glitz Designs Doodle Roller "triangles" over the top and then sprinkled Dylusions Ink Spray in "Squeezed Orange" and "Calypso Teal". Finally I added some strips of black sewing.


I probably have heaps more things to add to this list and I most likely won't get to fulfil all of the wishes but it was heaps of fun preparing, thinking about and researching ..........and if you're wondering why a date with Johnny Depp is my number one .... well because....

THIS ...... derr..... lol


O.K. re-focus ......

Task 4: "Create the cover of an art journal that best reflects your scrapbooking style. The art journal can be any size, as long as it fits into the box specified in the rules with your other projects."


Out of all the tasks, this was the one I tackled first. It really got my mind going as soon as I read the requirements. "What is my style?" "What would I do?"


I knew I wanted to incorporate up-cycled something and I knew I wanted to include lots of water colouring, paint splatters and stamping. So I started with creating an interesting background.


I found this picture in one of the old "Little Golden Books" I have in my stash along with a saying about birds flying so far we sometimes cannot see them but they have a pathless sky. I loved it so much it was perfect for my inspiration.


I added some additional birds to the background using one of Tim Holtz's clear acrylic stamps and some black StazOn ink. I used my favourite Kaszazz background stamp "Grid" and my other favourite background stamp "Daniel's Hearts" by Daniel Torrente. I love the Stampotique collections. They are so quirky and fun to add to art journalling pages. You should check out what France Papillon can do with them!!!


I added some odd chipboard alphas to create the title "Art Journal" and one of Tim Hotz's grung board wings all gesso'd and water colour painted of course. Then I decorated with little Prima Marketing flowers and leaves and some little resin and metal embellishments to finish it all off.

I have to say, even though I had quite a lot of anxiety creating these pieces, I did really enjoy the challenge and I would recommend anyone giving it a go because , look at me! I'm just a scrapper like you and I did it! So you can too :)

Thanks for popping in
Cheers
Fiona xx




My Masters Entries Up Close and Personal Task 1 and 2

So way back in ..... gosh it was so long ago now...... ummm ... July 2014, I decided I would have a crack at the Scrapbooking Memories Masters challenge. I'm relatively new to submissions and online challenges, being published and people knowing who I am and what I do. So I had no idea how I would go considering all the very experienced and very talented people who would also apply. But I thought, heck, what do I have to loose? So I created my pages according to the tasks and I sent off my entries.

Then I got a call .............


AAAAAGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Yep it was that awesome!! I still can't believe I have been chosen. There were so many amazing entries and so many talented people who entered. I still can't see how, what I did, deserved to be given such a high honour in Australian Scrapbooking circles. But I do know, I am so grateful and pleased to have been recognised.

My one rule throughout the journey has to stay true to my style and not be influenced by the products or what others are doing. I scrap how I like to scrap. I always have. I'm probably not what you would call a conventional scrapper but I'm a scrapper all the same. Enough blabber. Let me show you my thinking behind each project.

First task: "Scrap a single layout using a 5x7in photo that must be engaging and have eye contact. The layout can be 8 1/2 x 11in or 12x12in."

My first problem, I have NEVER scrapped a photo that big! So where do I start? Well I started with a white piece of card stock (12x12) and placed the photo in several positions until I was happy with where it was.

So that's where it ended up. The rest just followed. I chose the colours based on the photo (my gorgeous boy about 16 years ago) and used Heidi Swapp Color Sprays to create the background. I sprayed I splattered and I dripped until I was satisfied with the result. Then I set it aside to DRY!! which I almost never do but I wasn't going to do something stupid like smudge it and have to start again LOL!

Then I went about gathering all my "bits" to add. Leaves, cotton, Hessian, film strip, die cuts, wool, buttons and much more.

I added some 2Crafty Chipboard for my title. It actually comes as "Those Eyes, That Smile" but I cut it up, as I do, sorry Vanessa lol! I'll use the "That Smile" somewhere.


I had just recently bought, for the very first time in my life, a sewing machine, and I couldn't wait to use it on my projects so I christened it on this one and It was the perfect addition to make the photo stand out.


It didn't make the cover but I was very happy with the end result.

Task 2: "Scrap a layout using at least one non-conventional (non-papercraft) item as an element of your page, ie an embellishment, part of your background, your title etc. Be as creative as possible. The Layout can be 8 1/2in x 11in or 12x12in."

Well, I use non-papercraft items every day in my scrapping. Old book pages, hessian, cardboard and so on...... this should be easy. NOT!

I threw out two, yes two, before I finally settled with this one!

I couldn't decide what item to use! I wanted to incorporate dress pattern paper or did I want wrapping paper or maybe stay away from paper all together and add postage stamps or a paper doily (hold on was that classified as non-papercraft, cause you can buy them from scrapbooking stores now!) but then I really wanted to give tea bag die a go!!!!!!

In the end I went with them all ....... LOL


The central feature, the frame, is a Merci frame (Big W). they are normally silver but I did a Finnabair and covered it with white gesso then water coloured it and later added tea bag juice. Yes ..... I can call it juice!


The tea bag juice was incredibly pigmented. Much more than I expected. I added some Distress Ink refill drops too to bring the burgundy colour into the layout. Here you can see the wrapping paper and dress patterned paper used behind the frame.


I popped some stamps in under the frame as well and added some Hessian strands for some texture.


I had all sorts thrown in there. No plan at all with this one. You would think by the third time I would have had some idea!! No! Not me! The photo was the wrong size and Kaity was wearing sunglasses so you couldn't engage with the photo ..... I thought I was doomed because of this one. Seriously ... I hadn't done anything new or special or even vaguely interesting. I did however like this bit .......
The use of the tea bag stub! Maybe that is what saved me in the end :)

Thank you for popping in and checking out my first two tasks for my Masters challenge. I'll pop the other two up some time tomorrow.

Cheers
Fiona xx


My first SATW reveal as part of the 2015 Design Team

I have waited a very long time to share with you my very first creation for Scrap Around the World and today finally I can. 

I'm still a bit gobsmacked that I'm on this team. It is an amazing combination of very talented designers from all around the world and I've had a lovely time getting to know them better. 

So January's mood board is very soft and romantic so I focused on this as well as the shabby old frames and rusted clock and keys to influence my layout.



and here is the beautiful new mood board,
all the way from Finland, created by Karita Vainio!




This year SATW are wowing you with TEN merit-based prizes each month
as well as ONE random prize plus a Followers prize each month too,
which you can enter without even taking part!  Now that is something!!

All their prizes always include international shipping!

Not only that, but they also offer a Guest Designer Position to the
winner each month too, which comes with plenty of exposure
in your own special post as well as an exclusive badge.


Please remember that in order to be eligible for the random prize each 
month you do need to share your project on the SATW Facebook Wall.

You only need to be inspired by ONE image but can be inspired by
 more than one or even ALL the images - it really is UP TO YOU!!

SATW are NOT A COLOUR CHALLENGE SITE so there is no need
to follow the colours, although of course if they are your source of
inspiration you are welcome to use them all, or just some of them,
otherwise none at all!  You have complete artistic freedom BUT
we do need to be able to SEE HOW YOU WERE INSPIRED!
So please remember to tell us in your post!!

To be eligible for judging you need to follow our
 10 Golden Rules HERE, which include:- 

1)  Sharing the mood board image in your blog post.

2)  Mentioning Scrap Around The World {in full - not just 
SATW} & LINKING BACK to our current challenge.

3)  Explaining how you were inspired by our mood board

4)  Linking back to your SATW blog post NOT YOUR ENTIRE BLOG.

5) We do not accept cards, tags, Off-the-Page items or mini-books.
Only layouts, canvases or art journal pages or spreads
(see our rules for minimum sizes please).

----------------------------------
Now onto the AWESOME PRIZES!

ALL PRIZES ALWAYS INCLUDE FREE INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE!!



1ST PRIZE

OVER $50 worth of product from 7 Dots Studio!

EXACTLY AS SHOWN BELOW


7 Dots Studio was born from dreams & for dreams. 
We are a European scrapbooking manufacturer of high 
quality scrapbooking products – paper, stickers, die-cuts,
 collage sheets, 6x6 pads, collection kits &chipboard.

Our collections are created by amazingly talented artists - 
from clean, graphic designs to mixed-media, grungy collage look. 
What you can always be sure of are high quality & thickness
 of our papers, which makes them perfect for all kinds of media.

 Among our products you will also find clear stamp sets coordinating 
with our collections to make them even more interesting & versatile.
We are amazingly happy & feel very blessed to see how much
 our products are loved by crafters & artists all around the world!

If you would like to see more awesome inspiration from our design team
please visit our blog HERE, our Facebook  page HERE & follow us on
Twitter HERE, Pinterest HERE & Instagram {7DOTSSTUDIO}.

-----------------------------

2ND PRIZE

$35 worth of CHIPBOARD from 2Crafty Chipboard
{not necessarily exactly what is shown below but a GREAT selection!}




2Crafty Chipboard is an Australian owned & operated manufacturer & wholesaler 
of laser cut chipboard products, located in Sydney, Australia.  We have been
 in operation since October 2006 & have more than 1 000 designs on offer.
We pride ourselves on quality products that are versatile & up to date with 
market trends, as well as offering unbeatable customer service, 
with quick turnaround of jobs large & small. Visit our website HERE.

We are happy to quote on personalised jobs, whether it be a single title for a 
customer, or large jobs for retreats, classes etc.  If you are a retail business 
& would like to stock our range of unique products, please contact us
 for more information.  Please see further details on our blog HERE!

--------------------------------

3RD PRIZE

$30 worth of product from 13@rts
{A selection of the products shown below}



13arts is a Polish manufacturer specialising in scrapbook papers, 
embellishments & artistic mediums. See our store HERE where
we ship worldwide!  Our blog HERE is full of inspiration & we
 have a monthly challenge where all our welcome!

Follow us on Instagram HERE, Twitter HERE & Facebook
 HERE & remember to follow us on Pinterest HERE too!!


---------------------------------

4TH PRIZE

$25 gift certificate from Creative Embellishments!






Creative Embellishments is a family owned company created by

Michael & Nicolle Kramer, a husband & wife team who design

 & manufacture unique, high quality chipboard, wood, rubber stamps 

& flair products.  We have been in operation since September 2013. 



It is our mission to offer fun & inspiring products that can be added to

 any project to bring out your inner creativity! In the near future we will 
be expanding into other mediums such as acrylic & stencil embellishments.

 We also custom cut for individual orders & have a wholesale store for 
retailers, kit clubs & classes. Do your shopping HERE!  If you own a 
store register for our wholesale section HERE.  Be inspired by our blog
HERE & follow us on Instagram HERE & Youtube HERE.

----------------------------------
5TH PRIZE

$20 worth of product from UmWowStudio!
{based on a good selection of the goodies below!!}



UmWowStudio is an innovative embellishment company located in
 Las Vegas, Nevada.  With chipboard, flair & stencils currently in
 their product line (& more fun things on the way!) they span across
 all bits of paper crafting, including memory saving, card making,
 tags, stamping, mixed media, art journaling & more!

Shop with us HERE, follow our blog HERE & LIKE us on Facebook
HERE!  Follow our boards on Pinterest HERE & Youtube HERE!!

-------------------------------

6TH PRIZE

15 Euros worth of product from Scrap-Unlimited
{you will receive a surprise selection of BEAUTIFUL goodies!}



Scrap-Unlimited is a craft supplies manufacturer from The Netherlands,
creating  & selling the most amazing selection of embellishments for the
crafting industry.  We offer shabby chic, vintage & steampunk inspired 
embellishments, ribbon, flowers, metals, mini-books & mini novelty items.  

Check out our online store HERE for SO MUCH MORE!  
LIKE us on Facebook HERE & follow our highly
 inspirational blog HERE & our Pinterest board HERE.

-----------------------------------

7TH PRIZE

$15 gift voucher from Mixed Media Place





Mixed Media Place is a treasure chest of different media for creative minds,
carrying a wide variety of embellishments & tools to get your projects going. 
The world of mixed media is a place of limitless possibilities - we are here
 to help you to spread your wings & fly! Find our blog HERE, LIKE us on
Facebook HERE, follow our boards on Pinterest HERE & do your shopping HERE!

------------------------------------

8TH PRIZE

17.50 Euros worth of products from Danafix, France. 
{Exactly as shown below}  Ciao 5+1 set “Vampire Knights”.




www.copicmarqueurs.com is an online store 100% dedicated to all 
Copic products. All Copic products made & assembled by the European
 importer are available in stock & we offer fast, international delivery!

--------------------------------

9TH PRIZE

$15 worth of product from Studio75
{Exactly as shown below}


Studio75 is a  Polish manufacturer of scrapbooking papers & items 
such as chipboard albums, notebooks, spiral bindings & magnetic sheets.  
We have our own online store HERE, a bustling Facebook page HERE
 & a highly inspirational blog HERE - come & visit us - let's connect!

---------------------------

10TH PRIZE

Over $15 worth of product!! Courtesy of our design team!
{This month from - Helen Tilbury}



Prize consists of a full pack of 5 inch doilies, airmail washi, a Prima stamp set,
K & Co. brads, Purple Pumpkin flairs & giant button, embroidered flourish,
Basic Grey bling rub-ons & Wycinanka Chipboard Christmas set. 

-------------------------------

RANDOM PRIZE

Scrapbook kit from SCRAPS OF ELEGANCE KIT CLUB
Random Winner will always receive the previous month's kit
from Scraps of Elegance, valued at a whopping $36.95!!



Scraps of Darkness & Scraps of Elegance are monthly scrapbook kit clubs
 that cater to scrapbookers who are looking for an alternative to what other 
kit clubs offer.  Our kits are designed for artists who wish to take scrapbooking
 to a level beyond.  We strive to include the latest & greatest items on the market
 that will enable you  to create not "just a layout", but a work of art. 

Visit our blog HERE,our Store HERE & sign up for our kits HERE & HERE!
Please LIKE us on Facebook HERE, follow our boards on Pinterest HERE ,
subscribe to our Youtube channel HERE & find our tutorials HERE!!

We would LOVE to connect with you!!!

------------------------------------------

The deadline for this challenge is  SATURDAY 31th JANUARY 2015.

Good Luck!!