My first layout this year

I cannot believe that this is my first layout of the year. And the first in months, truth be told.

I've been battling to come up with an idea for this layout, and became so fixated on this one that I couldn't work on any others...

There was not much plan behind this layout. No, that's a lie. I had an idea and put together a spread in my journal with ideas. I didn't stick to any of it. Most likely because once I'd printed the photo's the blue from the kid's uniforms was rather bright... sort of overpowering.
I decided to mat the pictures on natural colours to tone them down, and ended up choosing very toned down natural backing papers.
Having no idea where to really go, I just went with what "came to me". I had the photo's all matted and the papers chosen and nothing else planned. Sat down at a scrap and chat with friends and just allowed things to progress.

I tore the paper and then added some stitches to that (one of my friends from the scrap and chat phoned me today asking if I mind if she uses my idea for one of her kits she's busy with).

The journalling was computer generated. I cut it into strips and matted that and stuck it randomly along the layout. I added the little school boy and pencil (I make the embellishments - which I sell here - from patterns I buy from Treasure Box Designs) to the first page. I then added some yellow rick-rack that I inked with brown ink. While looking for lettering for the title I came across the little "ABC" and thought that would be a cute touch.


I used the 2 circles from the scissors (also a pattern from Treasure Box Designs), and made them look like little buttons. The photo's have all been distressed a little with sandpaper, then inked and matted on textured cardstock.
The final addition to the layout was the title. I played with 2 ideas, but liked the playfulness of these chipboard letters so went with this.
I like the way it turned out. I was worried it was becoming too natural and "old" instead of young like the first day at school should be.

Thanks for stopping by.

x Mel x

Pets.... but what defines a pet?

Pattie's Design Challenge no. 15

This week's challenge at Patties is to use an image that most people would consider a pet... but how do you really define that? I guess you don't... I own several birds (budgies), I've been looking into getting a ringneck, but recently changed my mind about that after spending some time around African Grey parrots... the only problem there is they live a very long life (50 years - and do I really want to be caring for an old parrot when I'm heading up to my 90's? You never know, by then my kids would long since have left home and I'll have grandchildren).
I also have 2 dogs - they are brother and sister (cross pitbull / Sharpei and really adorable), and 3 cats (if nobody stopped me, the number of cats would be more...)

I decided to use Patties Parrot image for my card, and did a card very different to what I usually do. Once again I had no idea where I was going with this card, until it was finished. I took it step by step and waited to see what I was going to add next. I think it turned out kinda cute...

Considering I used a lot of handmade / mulberry paper, I decided that these little mulberry flowers would go really nicely. I loaded a few into certain areas, tore the paper and allowed the card to finish itself..
till next time...
x Mel x

Theresa's Birthday Candy

It's my friend Theresa's birthday next month, and to celebrate this, she is giving away some birthday candy. Best part. She'll post internationally AND because it's the big 50 she'll be giving away candy to 5 winners!!!

Here's what the candy consists of:
3 Bunches of flowers
Assortment of Flatback Pearls ( my fav )
Assortment of Gems
Pearl Stems
Buckles
Brads
Crystal Headpins
Glitter x 2
Craft Wire
Miniature stars
"Happy Birthday" Embossing board
Background Posy Stamp
Large buckles
Flower Soft

And here's a pic:

All you need to do is... 1) Become a follower 2) Grab the candy pic and post to your blog and do a write up of the candy 3) Leave some love on her blog
So hop on over to Crafts/Angels/Friends now for your chance to win

x Mel x

Smarties ATC's

It's been a while since I've participated in any ATC swaps. I joined this one because I found the boxes of Smarties and just had to eat then... um I mean... join in...

The 2 limited edition Smarties were Pink and Golden, and I did one of each.

The first one, Pink, went to Colleen. She has received hers and loves it.
I used a pink and white spot paper for the background, that just so happens to match perfectly. I cut a lot of elements from the box. What started out as going to say "art" ended up being "smart" because the little girl is just so smart :) I added some ribbon and pearls arranged all the elements.

The Golden smarties ATC went to Anda. I'm not sure if she has received it, but I certainly hope so.
This time I used the box as the background for the ATC, but I played around with the wording (removed the R, but added the strip below it to continue the pattern), so it says "maties". I cut out a few elements from around the box (the fish), added some gold ribbon, yellow/orange rhinestones, a gold coin embellie and a lock to finish of the treasure chest theme.


I have received my Gold ATC from Colleen, and Marika should be getting to hers soon (she landed up in hospital, but will do hers while she is recovering - get better soon Marika).

Here's a pic of Col's ATC
I also participated in a Valentine ATC swap. I'm looking forward to getting my parcel this week - there's ATC's from all over the world in that swap - 10 participants, and we made enough for each participant and one extra for Craftwise magazine for possible publication. Pics will follow as soon as everyone has received theirs.

Till later.... Mel

Little Scraps of Heaven Blog Hop coming soon

Stay tuned for the Little Scraps of Heaven Blog Hop. Feb 23 - Mar 2nd.
Lots of talented crafters (or scrafters as Kristy called them) will be posting different projects using Little Scraps of Heaven paper piecing patters and digi stamps... I'm part of the hop and I'm excited to be participating.

Card for Mom

This week's challenge at Patties Creations is to create a birthday card for a mother.

Although I did not create this with a sentiment, the idea behind it was "what would a mother like".
I chose to colour with pink and green, and repeated the colours throughout the card.

I used the daisies in watering can again, as it's such a lovely image and thought it would be very fitting...

I also decided to keep a lot of white in this card - it gives it quite a nice clean effect.

Once again this was one of those cards that turned out totally different to my initial idea... but I like the end result.

Till next time...

I have been given a lovely award by Pattie ,thank you Pattie for thinking of me.
The aim of this award is to give it to 3 -5 blogs you have visited that are relatively unknown and bring them to light [not with thousands of followers already]
so here are the terms for accepting the award:
1-create a blog post showing your award and say you accept it - check
2-say who gave the award and link back to them - check
3-link to 3-5 of your fave blogs and let them know about the award - check (and to be done)


so here are the blogs i have chosen
1 - Theresa (fellow South African who recently started blogging, and hasn't stopped... Lol)
2- Margeret (another fellow South African, digi stamp designer and crafter)
3- Jen (another South African who I admire a lot - I don't know if she ever actually sleeps!!)
4- Tertia (I often have a good giggle at Tertia's posts, also South African)
5- Kelly (the only non-South African blogger on my list - new DT member for Digistamps 4 Joy)

Happy Crafting to y'all...