Craftaholic Leanie

What's in a Name...?

2011-11-29T16:11:00.001Z

This is my latest LO - it started out as an SU-only layout, but then I got inspired! It was perfect for the weekly challenge on UKScrappers, about the people we're named for, and I even handmade my rosette from scratch - no die I promise!
Anyway, everything's SU apart from the journaling card, which is MME, and lovely flocked Thickers to match the lush flocked papers :D And the gorgeous young subject is my little little brother (not to be confused with my big little brother), when he was the pageboy at my wedding...

Have you had any LOs that started off one way and ended up another? Have you blogged them? Drop me a link or let me know, I'm always interested in hearing the stories behind creations!
Thanks for looking,
Leanne x

Counterfeit Kit & Collector's Diary...!

2011-11-08T10:46:00.001Z

Finally, I finished my basic Collector's Diary, for the class over at Crafty Templates with lovely Leo :D

Firstly I drew inspiration from the Counterfeit Kit challenge and made myself a kit based around a patterned paper and some ribbons:

Then I used my altered binder technique learned from Chris, and old papers, ribbons, glubers, new pretty ribbon and gems, and LOTS of SU Ink, punches, etc. Oh and fell in love with tissue tape...!
The photographs are all taken with different light sources to try and bring out the true colour, but the miserable weather is NOT helping any:

I'm especially proud of my handmade flowers and the punched embellishment in the last picture - loving the Authentique word stickers!

Now all I have to do is start following the class - what I'm going to do is make some sample pages as per the class guidelines, but then I can add to this over time - take out what doesn't inspire me any more, add in new techniques - I'm really looking forward to having an inspiration journal I'm proud of - and not a towering stack of mags and printouts I never read -thank you Leo!

Leanne x

Altered Binder...

2011-11-08T10:44:00.001Z

I wanted to share a technique for making a great album or journal that I found whilst surfing the merry old internet the other day - all you need is an old binder and duct tape, and you can turn this:

into this:

over at my other blog: www.beautifulimpressions.co.uk

Give it a shot!

Leanne x

Credit for the basic idea to Scrapnanny x

Chic Chips & Spooky Stories...

2011-10-15T12:55:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post to update on the chipboard swap from my previous post - I wanted to show off the selection that came home to me :D Thanks to everyone for their efforts!

Also, I wanted to show off what's off to Netty today for the Halloween Decoration Swap on UKS - I hope the recipients like them, they're not very glitzy for a banner I know, but I hope they go down ok!

Thanks for looking - anyone else made an early start on seasonal projects yet? Aren't we just so organised? ;)
Leanne x

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Decorated Chipboard...

2011-09-09T21:31:00.004+01:00

As you can see I've just completed yet another swap - this time for Decorated Chipboard! I was really intrigued to see how they would be decorated and what shapes people would come up with, and how they might inspire a project rather than just decorate it...

Anyway, I only had the one die that could cut through chipboard - this lovely Stampin' Up! exclusive one that I ordered with my first discount :D so I decided to decorate it a bit like a bookplate of sorts, so that it might be able to complement the SMASHBook craze - especially for those making their own books :) Of course they'll be able to use it as a normal embellishment too, a journalling spot, etc.

I used the Stampin' Up! Top Note die, Tea Stain Distress Ink (thank you Rachel!), generic chipboard, wooden dominoes from my LCS, Tim Holtz Film Reel, graph and lined paper by various companies, Prima printed tape, one of Tim Holtz' acrylic stamps for the ticket (thank you again Rachel!), Stampin' Up! permanent Snail adhesive, and Stampin' Up! kraft cardstock.

I can't wait to see what I'll get in return!

L x

Tip-In My Hat...

2011-09-05T23:04:00.000+01:00

I've also waved a fond farewell to the Tip In Swap pages - I really enjoyed working on these and hope everyone likes them - I wanted to give them the feeling that I'd drawn directly into their chosen book, so each pages was made with a background of relevant text, an appropriate image, and then hand-inked:
I was two groups - Group 3:

and Group 5:

I really hope people like them, I'm proud of them - havent done my own yet though, because I don't want to double up on quotes!

L x

August Tag Swap...

2011-09-05T22:21:00.004+01:00

My first time hosting - how exciting! I set the UKS August Tag Swap theme of peridot + metal + inspired by oz, and here you go - the results of the August jury!

Group 1: nettyb, Kittycrafts, mistyrat, me, Kellmorris, and OLFRTAYL underneath

Group 2: Nerlly, KJJC, TinkerHamilton, with jainethepain and allyj50 below

Group 3: honeypip, RosieMac, cockneycrafter, Roxy52, funkymonkey, Weaselwise

I was impressed with the interpretations and the fact that they were all so different - well done everyone and a huge thank you for taking part!

L x

Urban Garden...

2011-06-24T09:14:00.001+01:00

Just a quick post before I forget- these are my tags for the UKS June tag swap- theme of two, royal, and alexandrite...
It took a lot of reworking and testing - really leaky elbows! - but now I'm really, really pleased with it :D

Stamps: Tim Holtz
Gems: Sarah's Cards
Lace Trim: Prima
Velvet Ribbon: A Haberdasher
Velvet Lace: Anna Griffin
Ink, Paper, Card, Embossing Powder, Blossoms Punch, Bird on a Branch Punch, and Adhesives: Stampin' Up!

Thanks for looking- if you want any more info on the supplies please let me know :)
Leanne xxx

Sent from my iPhone

One Litle Word...

2011-06-22T00:58:00.001+01:00

I read this post at the start of the year as I was trying to determine my word - Release, Less, Focus and many others vied for attention in my mind, until today (yes it's been a long process!)
Looking through it again and trying to find the one comment that stood out, I realised I had to CHOOSE, because I couldn't move on until I did.
I'm lucky to have a choice, and all this time I've been throwing it away and riding things out until it's too late, never acting on things, letting them pass me by, so:
I CHOOSE my family;
I CHOOSE my health;
I CHOOSE to select the things I love about my life and throw out what I don't - and then I will CHOOSE the new things I want in their places, not just accept things because they turn up;

I tell you what though - the oddest part that I can't get my head around yet is that I didn't really CHOOSE it - but it seems to have chosen me!

Diamonds...

2011-04-16T13:13:00.000+01:00

Ta-dah! My tags for the UKS April Tag Swap, which I am chuffed to little mint balls about!

The required elements were bling, a crown, and the theme of 'Diamonds are a girl's best friend'... And with a theme like that it meant only one thing could take centre stage- the lovely Norma Jean!
I went for a look of a poster on a wall, adorned with bling and a graffiti-effect crown, accompanied by a photo-relevant quote from the song itself, and really hope i didn't miss!

I really do hope that my recipients like them... It was touch and go at one stage as it seemed LES (Leaky Elbow Syndrome) had struck- it just wasn't translating from brain to page- but I'm really pleased with my end result :D

Hope you're all getting the same feel-good factor this weekend!
L xxx

Counterfeit Kit Candy...!

2011-03-29T21:37:00.001+01:00

This is not only a great idea, but a fab giveaway - check it out! http://scrappinmargie.blogspot.com/2011/03/100-follower-giveaway.html Leanne x

Going Loopy...

2011-03-22T19:05:00.003Z

...for Rico's new Loopy yarn!

A more natural version of Cancan, you still get a scarf from one ball, but with a more natural, daytime feel - love it!

The pattern is in the ballband, but basically it's 'Cast on 7 stitches by picking up every other loop, knit in garter stitch, cast off as normal' - I played a while and decided I prefered 9 stitches wide, and here's how I got on:

And I got lots of attention whilst knitting it whilst the kids were playing at our local junglegym, because it's brand new and looks complicated - but it's not, it's just a lovely result from a yarn that does all the hard work! One thing to note: knit the loose side, not the tight side of the yarn (it does say this in the instructions, but someone at our LYS missed this one and they struggled to get into a rhythm whilst sampling)

Ayway, thanks for looking, anything new for you project-wise this week?

Leanne x

Bon Voyage...

2011-03-21T21:43:00.004Z

Just a quickie with my contribution to the March Tag Swap on UKS, hosted by the lovely Netty :D

The criteria were: Aquamarine, Travel & a Postage-related item

Thanks for looking,

L x

Today I Am Mostly...

2011-03-21T10:54:00.003Z

LISTENING: To Grace and Dylan running riot
EATING: A banana
DRINKING: My second coffee
WEARING: Jeans, white tee and cardigan (my go-to outfit!)
FEELING: Fatigued after a nice weekend
WEATHER: Dreary and weary, where did the sunshine go?
WANTING: Quiet, and all of Ysolda Teague's patterns
NEEDING: To load the dishwasher
THINKING: About my tags and CJ
ENJOYING: Knitting my new wool (Rico Loopy - so names because it drives you...)
WONDERING: If we should have another baby (sorry, a bit deep but honest!)

I Want Candy Too...!

2011-03-21T10:29:00.002Z

Just a note to let you peeps know that the lovely Emma at Devotion To The Dream is hosting a candy giveaway! There's lots of lovey pretty things to win, and the terms are on her blog - go see!
L xx

Today I Am...

2011-03-09T12:05:00.002Z

I realise I've not posted for a while - been suffering from dreaded lurgy ontop of everything else - as has everyone, I'm sure! I had a wonderful time at the Sarah's Cards March retreat, but still haven't gotten around to posting about that either...
However, I saw this on Claire's blog, and thought that I would give it a go; I'm not promising every day, but would like to look back over it in time and see what I did :)

listening - the empty fishtank
eating - a rich tea biscuit
drinking - my 3rd tea of the day
wearing - leggings, dress and cardigan
feeling - bright with occasional showers and one heck of a gale
wanting - to wash my hair
needing - to empty the washing machine
thinking - nope, head hurts too much!
enjoying - Murder She Wrote
wondering - whether to put makeup on before collecting DJ from nursery

Why not try it yourself - or do you already do something similar? Link in the comments if you do and don't mind sharing :D
Leanne x

Wimp Yourself...

2011-02-12T21:51:00.002Z

At my son's insistance I did - here!
It reminded me that nobody's perfect, and we all need to poke a little fun at ourselves once in a while :D
Why not wimp yourself and post your link in the comments!
L xx

Paris In The Spring...

2011-02-09T23:05:00.003Z

No, it's not that word trick you played on each other in school :)

This is just a quick post to show off the tags I've made for the UK Scrappers February Tag Swap - the required elements were amethyst, lace and a love quote:

(I've put the second photo in because the first looks a little flat - I've actually ended up using 3 different thicknesses of foam pads to bring a variation in the levels)

I thought I'd also share my recipe for this one, although I don't normally go into detail over it:

I smooshed a tag with purple ink, and then stamped the wings on the left side. Then I stamped the eiffel tower in black on the right, and sprayed the whole thing with a mini mister filled with a teeny bit of water and a LOT of gold perfect pearls, unscrewing the top and flicking it at the paper for some lovely golden globules. When dry, I overstamped the edges with a flourish using white chalk ink, and added my ribbon - background done.

For embellishment I stamped the hearts onto definition paper, backed it with some card and cut out, mounting the top one on a 1mm foam pad and the bottom one on a 3mm one. I then layered up a torn strip of the definition paper, two sheets of white acid free tissue overstamped with a love quote/definition in silver (bottom layer pleated, top one plain). I topped this with some lilac vellum punched on both sides to create a lacy 'ribbon', added a strip of the same ribbon as I'd used at the top of the tag, and overstamped with with black stitching. Finally I added it to the tag using a glue runner to fix the top part flat, and 2mm foam pads under the bottom part to give the ruffles some extra volume.

It looks like a lot of work reading back through that, but honestly it's not - and I'm chuffed to little mint balls with how it's turned out!

Thanks for looking, and would love to see any links to work you thought looked complicated but turned out straightforward!

Leanne x

Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus...!

2011-02-01T18:41:00.000Z

Circle Journal Journey Begins...

2011-01-24T20:30:00.007Z

So this week my CJ sets off on it's journey around the UK - I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone's work when it gets home! I'm inviting people to try new things, so that I can use it as a technique resource when it gets home :D

Just a sneak peek for those who can't wait - here's my introductory page (stamped onto lined paper - possibly graphic 45? - and then overstamped with various journalling blocks from stamps away, bella blvd, scenic route, and clearly stamps):

And my page - trying to get out of my comfort zone I've addressed each of my pet loves and tried to do the opposite...
use a product sparingly = 4 different glimmer mists
keep it clean = got mists on my largest piece of pp
everything 'perfect' = all not lined up, uneven bow, let masked card show through, cut through all layers (photo/pp/ribbons/etc.)
love of muted, tonal colours = brights, neons, clashing colours and PINK!
love of classics = used cartoony fabric
only matt or pearlescent paper/card = used shiny papers
photos of anyone but myself = photo of me looking less than glamourous at an impromptu gurning contest

I actually used a mix of two kits from Leo at Crafty Templates, which I bought to take me out of my comfort zone well over a year back - and finally I've used them, and actually love the result!
The covers for my journal are from one of Leo's Create Free classes, shown in this post and I'm not binding it until it comes home to make certain that I choose a method appropriate to the thickness of the spine in the end :D

If you've any links to ATCs, tags, and CJs of your own, please post me a link so I can see - I'd love to see them :)

Leanne x

Bee ATCs and January Tags...

2011-01-24T19:16:00.003Z

Just a quick one to post the sneak peek of my tags and ATCs for nettyb's UKS swaps; the tag theme was black/white/red/snowflake:

And the ATCs had to have a bee on them and an inspirational word:

I've also a minibook to post, but have to wait until the recipient gets it so as not to spoil the surprise - and my Mojo Busters CJ will begin it's journey soon, so posting that pic tomorrow.

L x

Prize-tastic!

2011-01-24T19:07:00.005Z

Just wanted to thank Claire again for my award (see last post), and share what I bought with my prize:
Also, the current freebie of the month is this Winter Tween:

L x

A For Attitude...

2011-01-05T00:35:00.008Z

That is, Claire has presented me with this:

Which is lovely as it comes in the wake of the new-look blog :P

So what does this award mean? It means I get a lovely pink button for my sidebar, and also a $5 gift certificate to spend at the Digis With Attitude store!

And in return? I have to tell you 3 things about myself that make me 'different', so:

1. I've been on telly and on stage many times - one of the strangest being in the advert for Waddington's 'Crazy Faces', but not having a face crazy enough for the box :D (but we do have the game at home!)

2. I share my birthday with the wrestler Hulk Hogan (but DON'T rip my shirt off in public like he does!)

3. I always keep my glasses on my head, both as a headband and so I don't lose them, which has become my 'trademark' LOL (Although I do often forget they're up there... and leave the remote in the fridge... go figure!)

I also get to nominate 5 other people to claim this award, officially because they deserve it - and UNofficially because I want to hear their 3 things :D
Leo
Sherry
Kathryn
Anne-Marie
Sally

(Ladies, the rules are here, please follow them to claim your voucher!)

It's so hard to only pick 5, so I may ask if I can re-award this a few times :D
Thanks again - and here's to attitude!

Leanne x

Fairy Happy New Year...

2011-01-02T21:52:00.004Z

(groan)

OK, so my jokes aren't always the best...! But I just wanted to post a picture of my Fairy In A Box, received from Carmen - thank you!
And also can now show what I sent to stufandnonsense in return:

The fairy on the left is the original one... but I made her BEFORE the box - bad move! - so had to make another. I attached a (removable) chain so that she can either be hung on her chain, on her own, or used as a necklace, anklet or bracelet.

L x

And His "Wonder-What-On-Earth-Woman"...

2010-12-11T20:35:00.002Z

The two Dunderheroes lol

Super-Dunder-Hunk...

2010-12-11T20:23:00.000Z

For all you GYDs xxx

Cybercropping!

2010-12-03T22:02:00.002Z

Proof...

2010-12-01T19:32:00.000Z

Of my planner and one of the three cards- they're identical anyway!

Exploding box pic here somewhere- nit 3 layers but a paper bouquet that springs out instead!
L x

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We Three Kings...

2010-11-24T17:20:00.000Z

Just a sneak peek of Allyj50's squares for the UKS 12 Days Wall Hanging Swap...

She has slaved away all day to finish them off step-by-step, and it's the first time she's done anything like this- well done Ally!
L x

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Lovely Ladies...

2010-11-22T23:38:00.001Z

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Reindeer Games...

2010-11-18T17:09:00.001Z

My contribution to the 12 Days of Christmas Wall Hanging Swap on UKS, hosted by the lovely nettyb! I hope they meet with approval, as they're different from the other styles I've seen so far...
L xxx

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Blue Brads Challenge 1

2010-11-16T21:00:00.000Z

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A Secret Surprise...

2010-11-05T10:58:00.001Z

Look what I just received from my PaperCraft Planet Secret Pal:

A lovely Halloween card and some gorgeous misted flowers, whose slightly subdued hues are perfect to go with the imaginisce Halloween papers I'm using for the page of Luke, Dylan and Grace in this year's costumes!

Thank you very much SP!
L xxx

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More Blog Candy...

2010-10-22T21:53:00.003+01:00

The lovely Lisa has some candy ending Monday so you have to be fast - visit her here to enter!

Its a lovely Gorjuss stamp and some card candy - but no calories...double yum...

Good Luck! Leanne x

On The Third Day Of Crafting...

2010-10-22T17:43:00.002+01:00

... My Ally gave to me: Three BEAUTIFUL sample squares showcasing the new techniques she's been indulging in all week!

Hold on- what do you mean you're taking them home? :(

L x

Sent from my iPhone

2010-10-21T21:51:00.002+01:00

Hellooooo....

I'm very excited topass on news of the very first candy giveaway in celebration of Samuel Taylors new blog. It's named "A few of my favourite things" because that's just what it is - a collection of Katy's faves!

It consists of the following......
8x lovely 12x12 Echo Park 'Everybody loves Christmas' papers
1x sweet 6x6 Jack and Jill Prima paper pack
1x adorable Mistletoe and Mice stamp by Stampavie
2x Card candy by Craftworkcards
1x In bloom embossing folder... new in our Embsay store this week!
2x assorted bags of punched shapes
A metre of yummy pom pom ribbon
1x cute Swinging Emmylou stamp by Kraftin' Kimmie
A pack of doilies

So stop by the blog here and get yourself entered - Good luck!

L x

Curl Up And Diecut...

2010-10-21T17:01:00.002+01:00

A LO by my friend Ally- notice anything? NO SIZZIX SHAPES ANYWHERE!!!

First time ever - but is it a 'one time only'?

Watch this space :D

L xxx

Sent from my iPhone

Tag Swap Sneaky Peek...!

2010-10-19T18:03:00.001+01:00

Sent from my iPhone

Pink Ladies...!

2010-10-04T11:39:00.000+01:00

The first shirt rolls off the production line for Saturday!!!

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A Bit Of DIY...

2010-10-01T14:07:00.000+01:00

... And some Maths too:
Cardboard box + cardboard tubes + tacky PVA =

Promarker storage :D
Thanks to a random forum post pointing out they fit well in tubes, sorry I can't credit exactly but think it's on UKS.

L x

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Never Too Young...

2010-09-29T19:33:00.001+01:00

... to start distressing!
My 9yo attacking a diecut with distress inks, using proper swirling motions and everything, bless him :)

He's always been a crafty kid (!) but seeing me use this technique really intrigued him, and he was desperate to try it!
Hope your kids enjoying crafting with you too, L x

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To Infinity...

2010-09-29T17:54:00.002+01:00

...well, Toys R Us!
Dylan keeps going on about Luke's 'Big Buzz' - so when he saw how big THIS one was he was ecstatic!!!

L x
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Note To Self... Create 10 Is Free!

2010-09-29T16:37:00.001+01:00

My efforts for the free Create 10 Class by Leo - click here to join in the fun!

I reckoned I may be using mine more as a notebook with some photos in to remind me what's important in life, so I've adjusted and personalised accordingly :)
I didn't have the supplies Leo used, but did buy two of her kits last year (Note to Self, and the Matroushka Sundae) so these will finally be used (I was stroking and saving - again!!!)

I was only going to make the embellishment tody, but got caught up in it all, and spent the afternoon playing until this had evolved!
Anyone else taking part?

Hope you're enjoying it as much as me already, Leanne x

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Strike A Pose / Please Don't Splash...

2010-09-28T19:22:00.002+01:00

Two LOs - the first using Kaisercraft "Peechy Keen", the other using GCD "Ava", both Sarah's Cards Ltd Monthly Kits:

Thanks for looking!
Leanne x

Click!

2010-09-23T21:47:00.002+01:00

The lovely Luke, aged 2, playing with a disposable camera - he took a real horror of me (hidden behind the main section)
Actually my journalling mat is squiffy in this pic, will have to DST it - it's a recycled Prima packagin card so feeling very green :)
As with the last, the page was made with contents of the Sarahs Cards Ltd monthly kit and Embellishment Add-On.

TFL, L x

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He Ain't Heavy...

2010-09-18T22:04:00.001+01:00

A (not so very late for a change!) scrapping session at Rachel's; scraplifted from the DT booklet as part of Sarah's Cards September kit (JillyBean Soup- Old World Cabbage range).
Please note: no inked edges!!! Rachel was shocked!!!
Thanks for looking!
L x

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Another Handbag...!

2010-09-07T18:56:00.001+01:00

This time one I've knitted myself; it is from a fair isle pattern off the web, from a magazine called 'Simply Knitting' - they are apparently giving free handles for it in their mag, but I had some I'd bought from my LCS a little while ago. I knew they'd come in useful someday!

Next project? Continuing with my own design top down cotton cardi, and off to buy a pattern for the most lovely felted slippers at French Press Knits...
Anyone else wielding needles or hooks?
L x

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Good Deed For Today...

2010-09-02T21:11:00.003+01:00

My neighbour just popped across to tell me that she is giving up smoking - Go J!
She was thinking of things to keep her hands busy and - remembering I'm a crafty sort (!) - came to ask to borrow some knitting and crochet patterns.
Well... I sent her home with patterns, magazines, wool, a selection of needles and crochet hooks, stitch markers... She was happy, and DH is thrilled there's a little more room in the house LOL
We all win!
L x

Ain't I Sweet...?!

2010-08-30T23:24:00.004+01:00

Results of a late night session at Ally's... oo-er missis!

This is a 'never' layout; I NEVER:

- scrap a photo of me

- use pink

- use glitter

But this one (courtesy of a Sarah's Cards kit from last summer) gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone :D

Speaking of confidence - how much must I have had to wear THAT fetching little towelling number?!?! This photograph was taken when I was four, and we lived in South Africa. My father managed a fire-fighting team in the diamond mines, quite a departure from being an electrician, but then there was no work in the UK so... needs must!

Thanks for looking!
L x

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A "Whittle" Bit Of Scrapping...

2010-07-18T17:07:00.001+01:00

(I know, I crack myself up!)
Only two layouts today, truth be told I'm having a bad day with my fibro/ME :(
The first is for my entry to the Sarah's Cards sketch challenge, and the second from a pagemap:

Thanks for looking!
Leanne x

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Another Layout...

2010-07-13T10:59:00.001+01:00

I know, unprecedented scrapping, must be because I have tidied up and can find my stash!

Leanne x

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A Hill With A View...

2010-07-09T16:05:00.000+01:00

Here is my final reincarnation of "Mam Tor" (yes, another one I can't stop fidgeting with...!)

It was inspired by a sketch challenge competition on the Sarah's Cards blog, which was printed out at the last Whittle Scrappers crop; Please cross your fingers for me as the prize voucher will come in very handy- I'm off on my first summer holiday since 1995 (15 years!!!) and have no holiday stash to scrap my pics with when I get back. Seriously I haven't- there's never been any call for it before now!!!
Anyway, good luck to you too if you're entering; drop me a link if you do so I can keep my eye in the competition!
Leanne x

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More Scrapping...

2010-07-08T18:25:00.000+01:00

Rachel's sketch challenge led me to this on Wednesday:

Well, mostly Wednesday, some Thursday...!
I still need to add the journalling, initially I thought in the White space, but might now pop a pocket behind the embellishments instead...
I scrapped this photo before, in a very basic page, and still keep fiddling with it- Will I ever find a reincarnation I am happy with? Who else has had trouble redoing LOs and rescrapping pictures? I need to know I'm not alone in my indecisiveness!
Leanne x

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Today's Endeavours...

2010-06-27T19:14:00.002+01:00

A DLO as my interpretation of the Sarah's Cards blog challenge- works as two seperate pages too! And a LO of me and my gorgeous boys.
Both(ish) accomplished as a result of a great day at the Whittle Crop- thank you all for a lovely time!
L x

Angel Islington

2010-04-24T00:24:00.000+01:00

Sent from my iPhone

Monopoly money...

2010-04-23T22:12:00.002+01:00

Love you to the moon and back

2010-04-23T21:38:00.001+01:00

Sent from my iPhone

Costco 1300-piece Scrapbooking Set

2010-03-20T19:23:00.000Z

Weekly challenge on UKS

2010-02-14T19:43:00.001Z

My entry for the week 2 challenge x

Sent from my iPhone

A Tribute To My Mother-in-Law...

2010-02-08T00:14:00.001Z

...who actually passed away two weeks before our wedding, but whom I am proud to lay claim to. L xxx

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Snow... Just a sprinkling x

2009-12-18T00:06:00.001Z

Sent from my iPhone

Pink...!

2009-10-30T22:45:00.002Z

I never scrap in pink, so given the opportunity to create a birthday card for a 4 year old girl, I leapt at the chance to be sparkly and flowery and rather frilly...! The design was inspired by a Card Trends LO, in which the letters matted onto foam/felt gave me the idea to create a card that could double as a nameplate for her bedroom. Thanks for taking the time to look! Leanne x

Sent from my iPhone

A Berry Good Effort...?

2009-09-30T01:14:00.001+01:00

And another!
L xxx

Sent from my iPhone

Hats off...

2009-09-29T20:20:00.002+01:00

My first attempt at a bobble hat for the Innocent Smoothies/Age Concern Winter Heating campaign! Don't know if I can do any more, but if you can by 15th October, check out their sites for links and patterns!
L xxx

Sent from my iPhone

Jack of 'Arts...

2009-05-07T10:02:00.002+01:00

Just wanted to pop on and upload my first altered playing cards for the swap NettyB's hosting over on UKS - we're working our way slowly through suits, and the first is Hearts... Hence my rather guilty-looking photo of 'Jack' - a little boy with a love of jam tarts - caught red handed...!

I've used a differnt technique to my usual photocards (in which I age the card and adhere the photo) and this time have mirror-printed onto acetate, then backed with card and framed, reminiscent of a projector slide, and I'm rather please with how it has turned out. I hope that the recipients like them, because I really enjoyed coming up with my design, and can't wait to see what other people have done with the theme.

Thanks for looking! Leanne x

Blog Candy Links...

2009-04-27T11:28:00.003+01:00

So, part of me doesn't want to share these gorgeous competitions, so there's more chance of little moi winning, but I'm nice like that :D

First off, MA's UKS link to Debbie's blog meant I found the first candy of today - and a gorgeous stash it is too, filled with Copics, stamps, Nestabilities, and lots more! Then from there I found a myriad more through Debbie's links... Jeanette, whose candy includes the most beautiful Miranda stamp, Katharina, who has 2 sets of the new Whiff of Joy stamp kits on offer, Kim's candy - gorgeous fall felt fusion and what promises to be the best chocolate ever!!!, Tracie has some lovely Papermania goodies including Forever Friends, mini brands and shimmer dots to give away for her birthday, and Janet has Blonde Moments stamps, buttons, chipboard and more!

Good luck everyone, and a big thank you again to these ladies for their generosity!

Leanne x

So Tweet...!

2009-04-26T10:52:00.001+01:00

Just thought I'd share this photo of a felt flock! I made them for a Felt Embellishment Swap on UKSwappers, and I am really pleased with how they turned out, just wish I had put a little more detail on them before I put the backing on! And yes it's all mostly daisy stitch, which I'm rather fond of at the moment :)

At least now DH can see whay I needed so much felt ;)
I hope the recipients like them- now off to alter 13 playing cards for another swap...
Leanne x

Felt-a-liscious...!

2009-04-24T19:50:00.003+01:00

So I'm no longer allowed in shops having a felt sale, according to DH... He's normally fine with my craft purchases, but when I mentioned buying a dedicated fabric storage he went a funny colour, like a puce, hard to describe... But that's ok, think I've some felt that colour here somewhere :D
Leanne x

The fruits of my labour...

2009-03-01T22:45:00.001Z

This is the only thing I managed today at the NorthWest Warrington Crop...!

DH was bemused when I told him I'd only completed one thing, but on seeing this he was really pleased with it, as was I, I have to admit :D

Thanks for looking, Leanne x

I'll never be a grandma...

2009-02-25T14:30:00.002Z

15 months old and already he's wearing my handbags... no hope is there :( :D

Leanne x

Cyber Cropping, Stash Shopping, and Challenge Setting...

2009-02-09T11:21:00.005Z

Well, I have to say that this weekend tired me out much more than I expected!

I was all prepared for the UKS Cybercrop, which began at 7pm on Friday night. But after staying up until 4 in the morning sticking things together and waiting for glossy accents to dry, I was cream-crackered! I had to get it all done before bed as I was at the Stitch and Creative Crafts show at the GMex on Saturday, and would have missed the 4pm upload deadline otherwise, so thought I'd best soldier on.

Here are my efforts anyway (my MK efforts, one completed LO, and 3 that need finishing off!):

I did have a lovely time on Saturday, meeting Sue and immersing ourselves in craftiness - I also did a minibook class with Debbi Moore, although it seemed fairly focussed on beginners and the structure of the books, and not about the content and composition which is what I was hoping for - still, she did very well despite half of the class not listening or looking or being quiet! Thank you Debbi for the class and the goodybag - DH has nicked the glitter to make my Vday card with...

Unfortunately the lack of sleep combined with a day of trekking did nothing to restore me (although the scone helped, eh Sue?) and on Sunday I was a vegetable, who couldn't drawn strength to do much more than make copies of all the classes and challenges for another time. I did a couple of extra challenges and voted on the MK and PCCs, because it was obvious that many people had put a great deal of effort into those, and the standards were set very high.

Any road, now its back down to earth with a bump, whilst the CSI afterparty continues long into today (Interpol came 3rd, but I'm still very proud to have been a member of the team)

Am off to start a new 'Is It Time For A Cybercrop Yet??' thread on UKS now but will be back later posting my next Crafty Swappers Forum Challenge piece - the competition has just begun for this week, so why not drop by and try it? Click here for the latest challenge and good luck...

Leanne x

Tripping The Light Croptastic...

2009-02-02T20:12:00.007Z

So on Saturday 24th Jan at the Golborne Crop I managed 4 LOs, don't think I've managed that before! Here are the pics - The quality isn't great but I didn't want to wait much longer as I'd forget:

(BTW - The two with white BGs are page kits from the team at Sarah's Cards)

Am looking forward to the next Golborne Crop on 7th March now; having had to miss the last two NorthWest Warrington Crops, and on track to miss the next one too (on waiting list again) I'm missing getting together with fellow scrappers in the flesh as I've no friends who scrap. It's so disappointing not to get a place now I know there are local crops, after spending so long doing this on my own!

Leanne x

Indigo Mill Blog Candy...

2009-01-18T17:42:00.003Z

Hello, hope that you've all had a good weekend; mine's been very busy, but I've just found out that Indigo Mill is back online, with a celebratory Blog Candy Giveaway!, and had to share the news (obviously because you should all visit- its incidental that I get entered too...!

Above is a sneak peek of what you can win - from the new Jillybeans range which is premiering here from the US, EXCLUSIVELY at Indigo Mill... And because of a problem with Steph's random number generator (read the blog, you'll smile) she is now offering 2 chances to win - Good Luck!

Leanne x

Celebrate Life...!

2009-01-12T11:09:00.003Z

My latest LO for the Crafty Swappers Week 2 Challenge.

I realised that January is the month we make (and break!) resolutions, and wanted to create a reminder for my new journal, because sometimes life gets so hectic we can all forget what's important, and how lucky we are to be here.

Make the most of your life, live it how you want; celebrate it!

Leanne x

BIA: Binding In Action...

2009-01-07T11:48:00.004Z

I made my first BIA 'thingummy' last night - a journal for my first official submission to the Crafty Swappers Challenge DT!

I cut out, pushed out, poked, glazed, glittered, inked... and was so excited that I finally got to use it that I stayed up until 2.30 this morning for the glaze and stickles to dry so I could put it together before going to bed, lol.

I'm going to use it to incorporate my week by week challenges for UKS, and the DT LOs I do for the Crafty Swappers Weekly Challenges (click here and try them out!), and as I've already put all the pages in I've not excuse for not doing it, otherwise there'll be blank pages - and we can't have that!
Now I just need to make 2 more for my CJs, and another for my 12months=12projects, and one for my A-Z Journal... - and the 4 ATC books... does it ever end? Will I ever run out of things to bind?!

Anyway, what do you think?

Leanne x

Golborne January Crop...

2008-12-31T00:48:00.004Z

I know... you wait for a post, and then two come along at once!

Just to let people know that there is a Golborne Crop scheduled for 24th January - full details are here, so please click on, book your place, and we'll see you there :)

Leanne x

My first DT Job (ish)...

2008-12-30T20:35:00.003Z

Well, today I have a nice happy smile on my place as I've been given a chance to join the Crafty Swappers Weekly Challenge DT!

I know its not for a manufacturer, or shop, but I'm still looking forward to showcasing my wares and really hope that some of my work will inspire people to find a little more time to fit some crafting in - the thread is here, so why not come along and take part?

I've also applied to some other DTs in the last few weeks, but don't know if anything will come of them as I don't have many samples to show off; until recently I didn't have any reason to save pictures of work before I gifted it.

Now's the part where I get nervous as they don't like my work... oo-er... So please wish me luck!

Leanne x

Crafty crochet...

2008-12-12T00:07:00.001Z

Ta da! My first ever attempts at crochet flowers!I started with the white ones on Tuesday night, with the leftover babywool from making a baby blanket, and have to admit that I got in a few knots at first, but it sort of worked out in the end, even though I was making it up as I went along!

Yesterday I went out to find some bargainous balls of wool and cotton, and a larger hook (hence the BIG blue flower at the bottom!) and decided that I'd try and do a full bloom with leaves and all - I have to say I'm really pleased with the result, especially after not crocheting for a while, and I've kept it tidy on the back too!

Anyway, now I've finally fixed this post (!) I'm off to make some more, and would love nay comments that you have - good or bad - to help me along.

Thank you for looking!

Leanne x

I love candy... BLOG CANDY, that is!

2008-12-11T17:43:00.003Z

Sorry I've not posted recently - so how about I let you in on a BIG BLOG CANDY GIVEAWAY to make it up to you?

Head on over to Karen's blog to see how you can win all this stash:

I hope that once I get settled into blogging regularly I'll be able to offer tutorials, competitions and blog candy giveaways of my own; in the meantime, I hope you like the link.

Good luck!

Leanne x

I won! I won! I won!

2008-12-05T00:44:00.004Z

I won the Indigo Mill Sponsors Challenge with my Hanging Around LO (click here for the original post) on UK Scrappers!

My goodies arrived in a big brown envelope with 'WINNER' drawn on it in black marker, so even the postie was intrigued - he even suggested I get a 12" letterbox once I explained why he's having to deliver so many more packets and parcels recently!

For my prize, I received a packet of We R Memory Keepers Designer Gromlets and one of the FoilGlitterFlock Adhesive Rub-on Kits (WRMK again!) - two products I've been wanting to try out for a while, so thank you again to the judges and everyone at Indigo Mill xxxx

The rub-ons are the 'Explorer' theme, so they co-ordinate perfectly with the Cosmo Cricket QVC TSV on a while ago, which I'm using to create a set of scrapbooks for my BIL commemorating his travels around the world with his girlfriend; I've also used the opportunity to impress upon my DH how much I NEED a BigBite now that these lovely gromlets will go to waste otherwise! (He swears he has some tools in the garage that could do the job, but I'm determined)

And, to anyone who's wondering: don't worry, the ellipses will be back :)

Leanne x

And so to blog...

2008-12-04T10:42:00.003Z

I'm sorry that I haven't posted a great deal recently, but I've been as busy as a crafter can be!

I'm working on a couple of projects at the moment, a new blog design, plus a few new crafting ideas - and I can't wait to share them all with you!

Because I know that things can get a little fraught in the season of goodwill, so I've come up with a fabulous remedy called 'Crafter's Calm':

Ingredients: Your favourite tipple (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or something a little stronger!), a few lengths of ribbons, some textured cardstock, a ball of wool, some paints, glittered card, a handful of embellishments, and some luxurious fabric.

Method: Combine all of the above and decoratively arrange on a suitable surface (mine's the kitchen table). Sit back and sip your drink with one hand, whilst stroking your stash with the other...

Result: One relaxed crafter!

Enjoy, and I promise I'll be back soon ;)

Leanne x

Au Revoir...

2008-11-10T17:53:00.003Z

Hope that your Monday wasn't too taxing :)

Here's my latest LO - a response to the UKS November Week 1 Challenge from the Bijoux Belles - thank you ladies!

They set a challenge to produce a french-themed LO, using a french title, red white and blue, the sketch provided, and - naturellement! - some bling!

On a personal level its a rather bittersweet LO, as its of the only family holiday we had. My parents separated 3 years before this, but felt it was important for them to both be there as we visited Disneyland Paris (which I've saved for a separate LO) and spent the next day in Paris itself. What also isn't evident from the photos is that I was either on crutches or in a wheelchair for the whole trip, after cracking my hip ice-skating in Swansea (so glamorous, lol)

All comments are appreciated, I'd love to hear what you think!

Off to cook tea now,

Leanne x

Hanging Around...

2008-11-09T22:56:00.002Z

Here's my latest LO - inspired by the latest Indigo Mill UKS Challenge - 'no glue' - I knew I had the perfect photo to complement the theme, and a lovely metal alpha that I'd never gotten around to using and which came in very handy.

This is DS1 all over; we joke about DH taking 'long cuts' (he'd rather go the long way and take 10 mins than sit in traffic for 5!) but if ever there was an awkward path, indeterminate route, or just a chance to deviate from the norm in ANY way, DS1 would find it, no question - and if there isn't such a way he'd make one!

I was working on the second lacing method, but have been distracted by the weekly challenge and making the memorial butterflies in this post, so will hopefully get it on here soon.

Here's to a great week for everyone!

Leanne x

Moving pictures...

2008-11-06T23:41:00.000Z

Will it do images on the move too, I wonder?

On the road again...

2008-11-06T23:34:00.000Z

Just checking that my mobile blogger works!
Leanne x ~ Sent from iPhone

Beyond Measure...

2008-11-06T11:27:00.005Z

My first November LO, completed at the North West Warrington Crop last Sunday.

This portrait was taken at nursery a good few months back, an I felt that it was too clinical for kids, and was crying out to be all dirty around the edges - like a real child!

The card is Bazzill Dotted Swiss, and the net circle was a scrap I've been trying to use up for a long time when I realised it echoed the dotty pattern! The colours were chosen to echo the clothing my two angels were wearing, and the journalling reflects what I see in their eyes when I look at this photograph.

All comments appreciated, thank you for taking the time :)

Leanne x

The Butterfly Effect...

2008-11-06T10:35:00.005Z

Morning all - I've just read a very touching blog entry and wanted to help spread the news amongst the crafting community; 1,500,000 children died during the Holocaust and, in an effort to remember them, Holocaust Museum Houston is looking to collect 1.5 million handmade butterflies (more details on their website, here).

Whether you're a cardmaker, scrapper, or any other form of arty or crafty sort, please take the time to join in with this if you can - Dan99 has even put together templates for print and die-cutting systems, whoch you can download free from his blog.

If you're not sure about sending off your entries, check out this thread on UKS, where a discussion was recently underway about a centralised mailing plan.

Love and blessings for all angels who got their wings early,

Leanne x

The start of something beautiful...

2008-11-05T23:57:00.005Z

So... resolved to actually using this blog, seeing how the URL is paid for and all!

I'm actually quite excited as I'm about to order some new products, including felt borders, the new Tim Holtz Stickles with a 'matt' finish, and what I feel is going to be the next big thing in scrapbooking - lacing.

Inspired by the latest Indigo Mill UKS Challenge - 'no glue' - I think that lacing is the way forward, both in terms of texture and ways to attach embellishments and photographs to the base page.

I've been busy on two different ways of doing this, and will be posting the results by Saturday night at the latest, so check back if you want to see what I've been up to!

Leanne x

Taking a Trip... for a Treat!

2008-10-31T00:04:00.005Z

Fancy going on a crafting journey?

Check this out - you will be amazed by the talent you find there :)

Note: Don't view with a 7yr old like I did (Mu-u-um, can you do one for us like that...?)

Happy Halloween!

Leanne x

Blog Candy Giveaways!

2008-10-18T00:49:00.005+01:00

Just wanted to let you know about the two giveaways below:

Purely Stamping

Edna's Place

Check out the blogs too for great inspiration!

Leanne x

Hello!

2008-09-28T22:38:00.005+01:00

Ok, so I attended my first crop today, which went well (thanks to everyone at the North West Warrington Crop xx)

Despite ending up being an hour late and forgetting one tote... oh, and the fact that I had brought no photos because I've broken both of my printers... so yeah, it went very well, lol

I managed to complete the class project (a 3 year Christmas planner, thank you Rebecca for the kit) and spend some time personalising it so that I didn't spend most of the time scrapping photos from memory and looking like a crazy lady!

I also won the raffle (yay for beginner's luck!) And have set about one of said 'photos from memory' pages, and altering the cigar tin to produce an accordion book... will post photos when finished.

So here you go, first pics of the fruits of my labour - this week's planner, and last week's photoframe (kit by Lianne - I wasn't in attendance but popped along for a visit and to make some purchases, and they had a spare!):

Finally, I've uploaded the new team logo - go Craftaholics! - so have changed my header to match, and will be submitting projects and LOs for lots of points soon - again, depending on the printer scenario as it is also my scanner :(

Leanne x