29 June, 2012


 You may know that I like whimsical every now and then. I got the idea of making a hot air balloon using a papier mache balloon.


After making  the papier mache balloon (I cut lots of strips of newspaper and glued them to a balloon in layers), I initially covered the balloon with hundreds of punched hearts from patterned paper.  It sat unloved for months because I didn't like it.  Eventually, I recovered the base with dictionary pages.


Now with a plain base, I could add my patterned papers and gorgeous flowers.  Firstly I created bunting to go around the balloon. Then added flower clusters along the way.


I added tiny flags and bunting (The Scrapcake: My Private Happiness)


Can you guess what the base is made from?  I  used an old baked bean tin which I covered in paper and put an oasis in the bottom ready for the flowers.


I used skewers to support the balloon on the base so it's nice and sturdy.


Well I hope  you like my bit of whimsy.  Here are the flowers from Manor House Creations:
Country Lane - Quaint, Sprinkles - Cupcake, Peace - Wishes, Cutie Pies - Pink, 
Party Lights - Pink and Anniversary.

Thanks for popping in!
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26 June, 2012

Class Idea

During our crop the other day, one of my friends (hello Lisa!) used the gorgeous City Park collection by American Crafts.  I got to thinking about using the last few pieces of my own collection so I thought I share a layout.


The papers are just gorgeous with cute designs in my favourite colours.  My design is a fantastic way to stretch a collection to one more layout.  Here's how I did it (apologies for my step photos - taken on my compact camera).


Firstly, I created a 'stencil' to ink through.  Cut out some circles in stiff card (an old cereal box will be perfect).  I used various circle dies that I have.

After adding a 2" border to the top of the page I positioned my stencil ready for inking.  I always use a cut and dry sponge or applicator to get even coverage.  

Just pick up some ink (Distress Ink - Tumbled Glass) and apply gently in circular motion.  Build up the colour.  Take your time to get the colour that you're after.  I repositioned my stencil and drew a dotted line.  




Offset the lines for a really cool effect.  Repeat these steps to give your layout a ground on which to add your circles later.

  

Now die-cut circles in various sizes from your patterned papers.  Also cut out some mats in coordinating cardstock.  Of course, American Crafts have the perfect colour on the back!

I made a little scene on one of my circles using the City Park stamps


Experiment with your circles going across the page so that some are above or below one another.  Mount some on foam tape for more dimension.  Add another hand drawn circle (using your stencil as a guide).


Finally, to add a very whimsical touch, I cut out the tiny hot air balloons.  If you notice from the main photo, the balloons lead from the title up to the top of the page.

I hope that you might try my layout for yourself!  Thanks for popping in.
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21 June, 2012

Crop Class

I thought I would share the class I'm teaching to our crop this weekend.  My class features Dear Lizzy papers in this super-easy but very cute layout!


Still going with the banner thing that is all the rage still.  Due to the numbers in the class, I am limited to the techniques and tools available.


Doesn't stop us adding some cute touches though.  I love the tiny weeny pinwheel!



Thanks for popping in.  I'll see some of you at our crop!  Have a great weekend.

*** STOP PRESS ***
If you would like to make your own layout and would like a copy of my class notes then email me (cropkat@gmail.com)

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Sketch Challenge

There is a new sketch challenge in town which is always a fun way to get a layout done.  Sketchbook365 is a monthly challenge hosted by Scrap365 magazine.  There are always lots of gorgeous layouts in the magazine and each month a selection of layouts are converted into sketches.  One of the sketches is picked for the challenge.  Last month, it was based on a layout by Wendy Mckee.


Here is my take on the sketch

As you can see I kept the elements pretty much the same as the original opting for larger photos.

I added a few Kaisercraft elements from Merly Impressions for little fun touches.


I hope that the kids don't look on my blog as they'll be mortified that I scrapped them in their pants!

Be sure to try out this month's sketch challenge.  Check out all the details here.

Thanks for popping in.
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15 June, 2012

New Flower Lovelies


Those clever people over at MHC have out shown themselves with a stunning release of flowers!


My DT  box arrived a little while ago and I was dumbstruck with the beautiful flowers that were inside.  The colours and designs are just gorgeous and I think that you'll agree that there is something for everyone.

Check out the MHC blog for the latest information and inspiration.

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07 June, 2012

Another Quick-fire Round

Still short on time here. We had a fabulous jubilee street party - it was great getting to know our new neighbours who were all lovely! 



I thought I would share a layout that I did for Merly Impressions in April.  I got to play with the lovely Sweet Nothings collection.


This was one of my favourite layouts.  I used the large border sticker as my starting point.  I used a Prima mask with Distress ink to decorate my background cardstock.


The simple design was calling out for a little collection of die-cuts and stickers.  It makes it super easy to decorate a page!


I have been influenced by Tomoko Takehashi who uses Liquid Pearls to decorate her pages (she does it to perfection).  I love the way it adds a little delicate touch to the page.


Thanks for popping in.

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