Christmas Wishes...

Life has been so crazy and hectic, especially for the past month. I'm sorry I have neglected my blog - so not my style at all. I promise once we are settled in Adelaide (early in the New Year), things will start to return to normal, and my posts will become regular again.

I have received a happy, happy email, and can't wait to share the details with you. But again, this will have to wait until I am settled. Sorry, just had to tease, lol! I also managed to scrap one layout before I had to pack up my stuff for our move south. I can share that in the New Year too. You have no idea how much I am missing my scrapping at the moment - the withdrawal symptoms are bad, lol!!! I think it's time to start doing more digital scrapping (I've been dabbling - still have a lot to master).

I just wanted to take a moment to wish a Merry Christmas to all my family, friends, followers, and blog readers, both near and far. Please have a wonderful time with your family and friends, and please stay safe. I'll see you on the other side - once I've recovered.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!

Because I'm Addicted....

Because I'm addicted to chipboard (and scrapbooking in general), and because I am also crazy, I have decided to throw my hat in the ring for the Imaginarium Chipboard Design team call. This means I get the opportunity to share my favourite top 10 layouts using chipboard, and that we all get to wait impatiently together to find out who makes the cut. At least this time, I don't have to suffer alone, lol!

Love - I created the banner title using chipboard banners that I painted, glittered, and enhanced with rhinestones. I then added Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots underneath to add some dimension. And finished by adding chipboard letters for the title.

Rejoice - I LOVE chipboard frames. I can't get enough of them. The just look so beautiful when they are coloured and glittered, and used to frame a favourite photo. In most cases, my go-to for colouring chipboard is Glimmermist because it has a built in sparkle and can be sprayed on (I usually add a coat of gesso first so the colour doesn't soak in and disappear). My second favourite would be Twinkling H2Os (and they don't usually need a coat of gesso).

Daddy And His Girls - This was one of my first opportunities to play with the Helmar Crackle Medium and chipboard. I simply coated the chipboard with Glimmermist (for sparkle of course!), and then coated with the two step crackle medium. The result? Beautiful vintage looking chipboard pieces, which I then coated with Dimensional Magic for shine.

Do I Look Comfortable? - Do you see that great, big orange flourish? I created that using the left over chipboard that held a chipboard flourish. I kept the backing (negative space) and simply placed it on my layout, added scrap paper around the entire outside edge so the spray would not go all over the page, and sprayed with glimmermist. I always keep any negative pieces and templates from chipboard. They make fantastic masks!!!

8 Yrs - My other chipboard weakness, is decorative borders. They make such a dramatic statement on a page. The trick is not to overwhelm the border with too much embellishment. In this case, I have simply coated it with a bold coloured Glimmermist, and added some clear rhinestones for sparkle. Talking about sparkles, they also work well to jazz up pre-made and coloured chipboard. I have simply taken the Crate Paper chipboard pieces and added glitter glue (Kindy Glitz) to add a little sparkle to flat chipboard pieces. Rhinestones also work well in such situations. (-:

Tangled - I wanted a different shape for matting my photos, and for journalling. So I took six shaped chipboard pieces, covered them with scrapbooking paper, and added my photos (and journalling) on top as desired. I then added Helmar Liquid Glue Dots underneath to raise them and add some dimension. I love the end result - it gives a nice splash of colour without all the straight lines of squares.

Just Being You - this layout was all about experimenting. I had several new glues to try, and I wanted to see how they worked with chipboard. The green chipboard photo frame - that's Helmar Craft Glue and flocking powder. Isn't the colour magnificent? The chipboard borders were decorated with Glimmermist, coated with glue, and then sprinkled with glitter. The end result was a beautiful pink border full of sparkles.

Sweet You - I wanted to create a whimsical background for this layout. So I used my chipboard pieces to create that effect (sun, rainbow and clouds). To create my visual triangle, I simply painted the chipboard cloud and three chipboard words white, then coated them with glitter. That helps my visual triangle to pop on a background full of colour.

Photo Display Frame - what can I say? Chipboard is so versatile and fantastic for Off-The-Page projects. I've used so many techniques on this project - glittered it, sprayed it with Glimmermist, coated it with Dimensional Magic, inked it, and covered it with paper.

Treasure Box - this is by far, one of my favourite Off-The-Page projects. My daughter fell in love with this chipboard treasure box and asked my to decorate it for her. How could I say no? I used a beautiful rich brown (Glimmermist) as my base, then coated it with Helmar Crackle Mediums (in two steps). The end result was this stunning, vintage looking treasure box. Let's just say my daughter was lucky to get it back, because I really, really wanted to keep it for myself, lol!

Thank-you for joining me on this little tour through my favourite chipboard layouts and projects. It's been a wonderful opportunity for me to share my ideas and thought processes with you. I hope it entices you to go and play with your chipboard - after all, it is one of the most versatile embellishments you can use on your layouts. Seriously, you can do ANYTHING with chipboard!!! Don't be scared to experiment either... (-:

Bad Scrapper!!!

I'm so sorry! I know, I've been a very bad scrapper neglecting my blog. Believe me, it's not intentional - because all I WANT to do is sit down and scrap, but life has other ideas at the moment (like creating kits for the store, and packing for our move to Adelaide). But maybe this will make up for it?

Here's the December sketch for Crafty Sketches (created by Kim Kendell). Just click on the link if you want to play - all the details are on the blog.

And here's what I was inspired to create. This is a layout about my baby brother, who is now a proud daddy (which still seems surreal to me at times - my baby brother is a father!!!). I don't do masculine pages often, but I really enjoyed the process of creating this one. It was very unexpected. :-)

What A Hoot!

I've been wanting to share this for a while, but couldn't, because it was for the Hambly DT call. Unfortunately, I didn't make the team. )-: But I did have fun creating this layout. I created the background using masking tape, gesso, washi tape, and Glimmermist. Messy = fun!!!

I cut out several transparency frames. On some, I adhered my photos, and on others, I added a rub-on. I then added Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots to the back of them to create some dimension (I definitely didn't want everything flat!).

I used rub-ons for my borders, and decorated with Liquid Pearls.

And I finished off with a bright red, bold title, and some rhinestones (of course!).

So, are we all ready for the weekend? One more day to go! Yay for Fridays!!!

The Color Room Challenge #82

I'm back! It's been sooooo long since I've had time to play in The Color Room, and I have missed it greatly. But I am finally back!

This layout was created for Challenge #82. Yes, that was a couple of weeks ago, but I've been busy!!! :-) Life got in the way, as per usual...

Here's a close-up of the Prima candelabra that I inked blue (with Ingvilde Bolme's new inks), and covered with glitter.

I used the blue ink on the grey ribbon flowers too. Plus a little purple colour from a copic pen. I added a few Prima flowers, and cut up a Prima vine. Lets just say this DIDN'T turn out anything like what I had in my head, lol!!!

My Last With Helmar...

Welcome to a new month, and a new challenge over at Helmar.

This month, the challenge is "All About You!".

Once again, we have a fabulous sketch created by our very own Lydell Quin.

This is my last DT creation for Helmar USA/Australia. Unfortunately, I will not be continuing for the next DT term. It's time for a new adventure. (-:

Products Used: Helmar Vellum spray; Helmar Gemstone Glue; Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots; Sassafras papers, brads, foldies and stickers; Zva Creative rhinestones.

Crafty Sketches In November...

The November Sketch is up over at Crafty Sketches. This is such a fun sketch. I just adore it! There is so much room for interpretation.

If you would like to join in the fun, just click here for details.

This is what I came up with! Love, love, love the colour!!! Don't know what it is at the moment, but all my layouts seem to feature yellow, orange or red. Must be a phase I am going through? I've used lots of Sassafras goodies for this layout (papers, stickers, Foldies, paper flowers). And lots of stitching for texture (and because I haven't played with my sewing machine for ages...it feels neglected, lol!). Titled: Love This Girl.

And So It Comes To An End...

I've been so fortunate to have a glorious 18 months as a Design Team member for Zva Creative. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to and end. And unfortunately, it is time for me to move over, and allow some new, fresh talent to have the same opportunity that I was given. All I can say, is that I will miss this "family" immensely. They were a really wonderful team to work with. And I wish all the best for the new team that has come on board. Have fun ladies!!!

Here are my last two layouts for Zva. As some of you may have noticed, I have a thing for "orange" at the moment. And that has continued with these two layouts. (-: I don't plan it that way, it just happens. This one is titled: Flowers In Winter.

Zva Creative products used: CR-04CB-115; FL-04CA-112; CRW-04CB-129; FL01CB114; FL01CB115; and FL01CB117; FL01CB110; FL01CB112; BRBK02CA103; BRBK02CA102; AD01CB101 AND AD01CB102.

Here's my very final layout for Zva Creative. Titled: She Doesn't Do Normal.

Zva Creative products used: CRW01CB113; CRW-04CB-129; CRS-03CB-118; FL01CB110; FL01CB117; BRBK02CA102; AD01CB101 AND AD01CB102.

Thank-you for joining me on this journey, and I can't wait for my next adventure to begin...time for new doors to be opened.

Want A Challenge?

I love the start of a new month because it's time for new challenges!!! If your looking for something to inspire you, we have two new challenges up over at Scrapbook Kits. Both competitions close at midnight 30th November 2011.

Firstly, we have the November Sketch Challenge.

Yes, this sketch was designed by yours truly (shock! horror! I'm actually starting to enjoy creating sketches).

Just click here for all the details.

And we have the November Inspiration Challenge too.

Don't you just love these bright, bold colours?

This palette was brought to you by Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Just click here for the full details.

Happy scrapping everyone!!!!

Helmar Prizes...

Come and join in the fun on the Helmar Facebook page. I currently have two games under way (with Helmar prizes up for grabs). Here's the details for the first game: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2463282297500&set=o.124378664981&type=1&theater

And here's the second game: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2473938323894&set=o.124378664981&type=1&theater

You have until the weekend, when I will announce the lucky winners!!! And don't forget, you have to "LIKE" Helmar first to be eligible to play. (-:

Glitter In Her Veins...

Here's a little project I just shared on the Helmar blog. Just click here for full details. I jazzed these magnets up using Helmar Gemstone Glue, glitter, and rhinestones (from Zva Creative of course!). Now they are all sparkly and pretty on my pinboard. (-:

Owl Love...

I'm an owl lover. I have been since I was a child. They fascinate me, and I think they are the most amazing bird ever. (Closely followed by birds of prey and peacocks). So you can imagine my joy when I won these little beauties from Brenda at Red Stitch Designs (especially since I had totally forgotten about the competition). I cannot wait to give these two a home on my Christmas tree. And if you want some beautiful hand-made goodies to decorate you house, I highly recommend Red Stitch Designs. Brenda is one of the most amazingly creative people EVER!!!! Mmmm...maybe it's time for me to order my Christmas gifts? (-:

Spirit Week at Helmar!!!!

Guess what! I'm hosting a week of fun, games, challenges, and prize give-aways over at Helmar Facebook this week. Would you like to win some Helmar goodies to play with? Would you like to join in the fun? Just drop by the Helmar facebook page, "Like" Helmar, and join us for a great week. And if you've never played with Helmar before, then now is your chance. But be warned - it is very, very addictive. (-: I should know, lol!!!

You Got Me Ribbons!!!

I found this on Pinterest and had to share. What do you think? A feline scrapbooker, lol!!!! I can so totally relate to this picture - sad, isn't it?

So Excited!!!!

Woo-hoo! I can finally share my layout that is in the current edition (November 2011) of Scrapbook Trends. This is the first time ever, that I have been published with this magazine company, so I am just a little bit EXCITED!!!!!


I created this layout using a sketch from Crafty Sketches, and a Noel Mignon kit (I think it was Mary Ellen, but not 100% sure because I completed this about 6 months ago). Titled: Living Life Having Fun. Thanks for letting me share this with you. (-:

Zva Creative Project No1. October 2011

Here's my first Zva Creative layout for October. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE the new orange and red rhinestone flourishes. I mean, totally love, as in I have several packets of each in my stash. (-: So I thought it was time for me to share this addiction with you...

I'm not usually an "orange" type of girl, but there is something about this shade of orange that has me drooling. So why even bother fighting it? I think it's better if I just make the most of it, lol!!! I used two flourishes on this layout - don't they just look gorgeous! Titled: 8 Years.
Zva Creative products used: CR-04CB-115 (rhinestone flourishes); CR-01CB-101 (clear rhinestones); BRBKCA101 (1/4" rhinestone brads); BRBKCA102 (1/8" rhinestone brads); FL01CB115 and FL01CB117 (various felt flowers).


Here's a close-up of the flourishes and flowers. I even added a little kindy glitz to the chipboard for a little more sparkle (papers and chipboard by Crate Paper).

Zva Creative Project No. 3 September 2011

I'm slowly catching up with some of my scrapping commitments. Here's my 3rd September project for Zva Creative. Titled: Smiles and Hugs.
Zva Creative products used: CR-04CB-109 (rhinestone flourish); FL-04CA-130 (dual flowers - purple); FL01CB110 and FL01CB112 (silk flowers); FL01CB114 and FL01CB116 (felt flowers); AD01CB102 (2MM FOAM DOTS); CR-01CB-101 (clear rhinestones); and BRBK02CA101 (1/4" rhinestone brads).
Here's a close-up of the new rhinestone bird flourish. Isn't it stunning? And it comes in lots of delicious colours. You can find them here.
Another close-up, this time of all the flowers I used on the layout. I love that I can so simply change the colours of flowers with Copic Pens and Glimmermist. Makes scrapping so much easier. Papers by Lily Bee. Transparency and rub-ons by Hambly. Punch by Martha Stewart.

Helmar DT Search...

Helmar Design Team Call 2011/2

Helmar USA, Inc, distributes Helmar Adhesives & Art Mediums. Have you had dreams at night that adhesives would land on your doorstep? Do you want to be a part of one of the most creative teams and work with products from the most amazing manufacturers? Well, that dream can come true…….Helmar USA, Inc. wants YOU to become a member of our Design Team!

We are looking for new Helmar Design Team Members!!! We are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated designers and paper crafters to serve a six-month term beginning November 1, 2011 (Continuation of the term will be determined by both parties at the end of six months.)

As a Design Team Member, you will receive:

*Advance releases of products!
Adhesives!
*Endorsement fees for published layouts and projects!
*Payment for projects used for trade shows!
The latest & greatest products from our Preferred Vendors (USA)!

Helmar Design Team Members are required to:

Dedication to a minimum of (2) blog posts per month. More are LOVELY!
Dedication to your personal blogs which means keeping them fresh and mentioning Helmar products (we will do our best to promote you personally as well which is a win-win for everyone). Keeping them fresh and new is important.
Involvement with social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Facebook at minimum is required. This is the future for the industry and plays an even bigger part now than publications.
Dedication to our preferred vendors. They treat us great! We work very hard to secure those relationships.
Optional...Teaching experience. We are expanding our marketing efforts and the best way to do this is by demonstration and teaching.
Another great plus is video tutorials.....and step-by-step projects or kits featuring Helmar products.
Members are asked to submit their monthly Helmar projects for possible publication in crafting magazines and idea books.
Members will also complete special projects as requested by Helmar to be used for trade shows, catalogs, promotional items, and various other venues.
Interested applicants should send the following in a single email:

Name, address, daytime & evening phone numbers, and email address (USA, Canadian, Australian & New Zealand applicants only, please due to shipping constraints). Current and prior Design Team Members welcome to apply!
Please indicate if you are applying to be a Design Team Member or Educator.
Short biography
Links to any on-line galleries and/or blog
Link to Facebook/Twitter Pages
List of other design teams in which you are currently or were previously a member. NOTE: Members are encouraged to be on other design teams (except for competing adhesive companies) and partner their products with Helmar Adhesives & Art Mediums.
A brief paragraph stating why you would like to be a member of our Design Team.
Three example projects (layouts, altered projects paper crafting projects, etc.) no larger than 150k each – Make sure to list any special adhesive techniques used and list the Helmar products. NOTE: You are not required to use Helmar adhesives for your application however, that is preferred so we see how creative you are with our products.
Anything else you want us to know about you…..what sets you apart from the rest? We want to see your enthusiasm!
Optional: Please provide Links to your YouTube or Ustream page including a link to a video showing your demonstration or teaching techniques. Please do not send the video in your email (only a link).
Please submit the above information to info@helmarusa.com by October 26, 2011. No late entries will be accepted. The new Design Team members will be announced on our website.

For additional information on our products, visit our design team blog at: www.helmarusa.typepad.com. Feel free to EMAIL any questions to info@helmarusa.com

Tracy Weinzapfel
President, Helmar USA, Inc.

Crafty Sketches October Challenge...

I'm a little slow posting this, but better late than never!!! This is the October Sketch Challenge for Crafty Sketches.
Here's my interpretation of the sketch. I had a play with the new ScrapCake papers. They are very beautiful papers, good quality too. But I'm still undecided on whether they suit my style of scrapping. For me, the jury is still out, lol!
A close-up of my journalling. (-;

My new favourite embellishment - the die cut rosette from Tim Holtz. So, so addictive. Definitely can't live without it. It's on my must have at all times list.

"Out Of The Box"...

Are you ready for a new Helmar challenge? This month we give you the "Out Of The Box With Helmar" October challenge. Our very talented Lydell Quinn has created another super sketch for your pleasure. And the Design Team have been busy creating lots of fabulous layouts to get you inspired. Just pop on over to the Helmar blog to see the Design team creations, and to get all the challenge details.
Here's my take on Lydell's fabulous sketch. Have I mentioned how much I love her sketches? Like seriously, LOVE!!!! I've never seen a sketch by Lydell that I haven't liked. But I digress...back to my layout. I wanted something fun and girly, but not necessarily pink and pretty. Know what I mean??? So I went with a neutral background and 6"x6" papers from Pink Paislee's "Sweetness" range. I added some flowers and bling (Zva Creative), a little journalling, and a few sticker embellishments, and I was done. One pretty layout that is not traditionally pink! Totally love the end result.
Here's a couple of close-ups of the layers, flowers, and bird embellishments.


I just love how I was able to make my own background with these 6"x6" papers. Such a great invention. (-:

Just A Splash Of Colour...

After nearly 2 weeks of not being able to scrap (thanks to surgery, stitches, and a metal splint on my finger), I finally have something to share.

I've always wanted to decorate a photo display tray, but wasn't sure where to start. So I gathered my supplies, chose some beautiful bright Kaisercraft papers (Miss Nelly), and let my imagination run wild. The end result was a beautiful, colourful photo display, that truly reflects my personality. I can't wait to hang this on the wall in our new house!!!!

Heres' a close up of all the little details. I've used SO MANY different brands of products on this tray - Glimmermist, Helmar, Kaisercraft, Prima, Zva Creative, Hambly, Jillibean Soup, My Mind's Eye, Teresa Collins, Maya Road, Martha Stewart, and Crate Paper. If you want to know a bit more about the adhesive products I used to create this, you can find my blog post on the Helmar blog.

I added my rub-ons onto transparency, then cut it out. I then adhered it to the tray with Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots to add heaps of dimension.

I aslo used the Liquid Scrap Dots to adhere the banner flags to the tray. You can see here how they are raised nice and high from the back of the flat tray.

For my key, I simply tied a ribbon around it, added Liquid Scrap Dots to the back of it, and adhered it to the tray. I wiped away any excess with a wooden skewer. Now, I won't say creating this was easy - because for me, it wasn't (I tend to be a perfectionist who takes forever to decide, lol!!!). But it was a lot of fun and I am thrilled with the end result.