Sketches in Thyme

Good morning friends.

Have you been over to Sketches in Thyme this month yet?  Maybe you should go and see the marvelous sketches and equally marvelous DT work on those same sketches :)

Just an example to whet your appetite:






Havent the girls done an awesome job??  I love how its the same sketch used but all layouts look so different.

A bit later today I will be showing sketch #195

BTW:  there is a prize up for grabs if you join in :)
It is a CTMH Regatta Workshop it Your Way Kit


Come on, I know you can :)

Thanks so very much for stopping by

Deb x

Computer Issues :(

Dang, I have had 2 weeks plus of laptop issues :(  Windows 10 Start icon and task bar wouldnt work, then I was locked out when my password wouldnt accept.  Finally a visit to the computer repairer fixed the password issue but not the start icon or task bar.  It has taken me all this time to sort out what is going on (I still dont really know) but at least I am able to access everything on my laptop again.

So... I have some projects to share.

First off the rank is the Turtle Soup Wednesday Crash your Stash Challenge.

I dont know about you but I have a huge stash that I never seem to use and am always adding to    My hubby continually comments but I dont take a lot of notice of him  

So, I did decide that I needed to clear out some space and in looking through some old kits I came across some My Minds Eye Kraft Fun Day papers and embellishments. I challenged myself to use these papers, and this is what I came up with: 

 


You will notice a quote as part of the title, and this is my challenge to you:) 

Dig through your stash and come up with some older papers and embellishments and create a project that also includes this quote: 

In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take. 

You can create any type of project - layout, card, ATC, Project Life papge, Art Journal, etc, etc, but you should load the layout in the Gallery and link back here by the 30th April. 

Looking forward to seeing what you create for this challenge 

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The next project is also for Turtle Soup - Sunday Card Sketch

I have to own up to not being much of a card maker and for this reason decided to challenge myself with the Sunday Card Sketch. 

I actually created 2 cards from the sketch, which I am a tad proud of, lol 

Here is the sketch: 
 

And here are my 2 examples: 
  

My challenge to you is to use the sketch as the basis of your card, but you should add some texture to your card. 

I have used Viva Croco Crackling Colour in gold through a stencil. 

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Also I have something special to share.

The gorgeous DT gals at Scrapping Clearly put out feelers for participants in a Mixed Media Circle Journal.  Having done very little mixed media before I decided to sign up.  Gee, I am so pleased I did. We are using an album made of paperbags to keep the weight down and the size similar.

The journal goes on a 12 month journey around the big island landing back to me all grown up.

Here are some shots of my baby:

My topic is Art for art sake, which basically means anything goes!!  Cant wait to see what the girls in my group come up with.

Hopefully my computer issues are behind me and I will be back on track with my posts.  The next one due is on the 22nd for Sketches in Thyme.

See you then :)

Deb x

123 Challenge Blog layout

Happy Sunday my friends,

The 123 Challenge Blog has released the April challenge, and its a beauty:

Colour: White (preferably only)

Word: Peaceful

Technique: Flowers

I couldnt help but have a go at this :)

I loved the white on white, and especially loved using my new Kaiser Butterfly stencil.

Here are some closeups:

I used a small butterfly punch and foam dots to raise them for dimension, I also used White Opal Liquid Pearls.  

I adore how this layout turned out and thanks 123 Challenge Blog for the challenge :)

Thanks for stopping by

Deb x 

Turtle Soup Creative Magazine

Hey there friends,

Whilst you are blog hopping through the magnificent projects on offer at Turtle Soup, why not take some time to check out the Creative Magazine - chock full of amazing projects from scrappers the world over.

You will find a lonely little ole layout from me, *sad face* didnt have time to do anymore

I used plenty of Project Life cards and scraps of patterned papers to create the layers.  Pop dotted some of the embellishments, and added ink to all edges as well as enamel dots and paint dollops. Tucked a bit of lace in too for good measure.

I am really looking foreward to what you have to say about the magazine, so grab a cuppa and check it out on Youtube

Thanks for stopping by, love that you leave comments :)

Deb x

Its Blog Hop Time :)

April Spring Blog Hop

Hi everyone….. welcome to the Turtle Soup Spring themed Blog Hop. Hope you enjoy everyone’s inspirational and creative projects. Here is the full list in case you loose your way. See you back here again to leave a finishing comment to get your ballot to win a random prize. Enjoy and off you go hopping…….. thanks

1. Sara - (using Turtle blog)

2. Bev 

3. Deb P   -  YOU ARE HERE NOW

4  LouiseB 

5. Lisa Moen 

6. LouiseT 

7. Chris 

8. Toni 

9. Phillis 

10. Colleen

11. Elisa 

12. Karen

13. Joan 

14. TURTLE SOUP BLOG 

And my Spring themed project:

I chose this awesome photo of the tulips in full bloom in October (Springtime down under) to start my layout.  From there I layered lots of Project Life journal cards in different sizes as well as bits and pieces of old patterned papers from my stash.  I also added some strips of washi tape in coordinating colours and finished off with a wooden flamingo.  For something a bit different I used a Martha Stewart punch on 2 sides, and rounded some corners on the layers.

Thank you so very much for stopping by on our blog hop.

Your next stop is the wonderfully talented  Louise Beerens.  Just wait till you see what she has in store for you :)

Dont be afraid to leave a comment - I love reading what you all think :)

Deb xx

Turtle Soup Spring Blog Hop

Mark this event in you planners NOW!!  Friday 1 to Sunday 3 April.  Hop along through the blogs for some wonderful SPRING inspiration.

See you back here on the 1st

Thanks for stopping by

Deb x

Sketches in Thyme Sketch #190

Hi All

I am up on the Sketches in Thyme blog today with my layout based on Bev Code's sketch #190




Head on over and check out the great prize pack up for grabs this month. You never know, you just could be the lucky winner.

Thanks so very much for stopping by

Deb x

March Mini Crop at Turtle Soup

Its March Mini Crop time at Turtle Soup.

The fabulous DT have put together some great technique challenges to get our mojo flowing.

Why not head on over and check the out?

This month I have chosen Distressing as my theme.

This is a great way of adding emphasis to projects as well as distinguishing between layers of patterned papers - I use this technique often  

1) Paper Distressing Tool 
There are several ways to distress paper to give it an aged or antique 
look, or even just to distinguish layers when using multiple patterned papers together. The first way is to use a distressing tool. I use either a Heidi Swapp or a Tim Holtz Edge Distresser – as pictured. I also have a Invild Bolme for Prima tool, which I use occasionally. To use this tool, you simply slide it across the edge of your paper a few times until your edges are as distressed or frayed as you’d like them to be. (Tip: Don’t have a paper distressing tool? You can get a similar effect using a pair of scissors, or a craft knife. Just run the blade of your scissors or knife down the edge of the paper). You can also simply tear the edges of your paper to get a rough edge. Just do this carefully so you don’t tear off more than you intended. 

2) Sanding or filing 
Using a nail file, sanding block, or sand paper removes some of the color from the paper and gives it a really cool, vintage look. Lay your paper flat on your work surface, and lightly sand the surface of your paper. You can do just the edges or even the entire page. You can also do this your photos for that aged or vintage effect. 

3) Inking 
Using an ink pad is another great way to add interest and dimension to your paper. I usually ink the very edge of the paper (the white part), then bring the ink onto the front of our paper to create a type of border or frame for my page. I use a blending tool and start it in a circular motion on my craft mat before continuing in the same motion on the edge of the paper/cardstock. If you dont have a blending tool, it is easy to use the inkpad itself, especially if you use catseyes, or mini ones. 
When using ink, especially one you havent used before, I recommend inking a piece of plain white scrap paper before putting the ink directly onto the scrapbook page . This way you can get a good idea of how the color will look before you are committed to it. Sometimes the ink translates a lot differently on paper than how you think it will look based on the cover, so I recommend this step if you are inexperienced at inking. You can also use ink to change the colour or look of any chipboard, alphas, and many other items you have in your stash. This can save you $$$ if you dont have the exact embellishment you require to finish a project. I have a number of ink pads I use depending on what I am trying to achieve. The Tim Holtz Distress Inks are gorgeous. They are designed to spread a bit, can be diluted with water, and can be combined with other distress inks. I also use Invild Bolme Prima Fluid Chalk ink. The chalk fluid dries quickly, has a matt chalky finish, and is quite intense in colour. The pad and handle are extremely easy to work with. There are so many different brands and types in the market, in the end it comes down to personal preference. 
4) Rolling and tearing 
Another of my favorite techniques involves wetting and rolling the edges of the paper. This gives the paper a lot of dimension and character. To do this, I first spray a bit of water onto my craft mat. (Tip: Don’t have a work surface you can spray water onto? Use a plate). Gently rub the edge of the paper into the water to dampen it, then lay it flat on your mat and start rolling up the edge of the paper. Unroll and roll it again until the edges have the look you’re going for. 
While you’re rolling, you can also create little tears in the paper. Leave the tears as is, or roll the edges of the tear to create a V shape. 
Once you are done rolling and tearing, leave the paper to dry or use a heat gun on it to speed up the process. 

If you decide to roll and/or tear your paper, whatever you choose to mount your paper onto will show around the edges a bit. You can use card stock or chipboard that compliments your patterned paper. (Tip: an empty cereal box can be cut and used for chipboard). You can paint or ink the edges of your card stock. You can mount a second patterned paper onto the edges of the card stock. Or you can tuck fabric or lace around the edges (under the paper but on top of the card stock). You can even distress the edges of your card stock with your paper distressing tool or scissors. 

My example: 


 

And some close ups: 
 

You will notice I distressed all edges of cardstock and pp's. I also distressed the photo by using my piercing tool to 'draw' an inside edge around it. I copied this theme onto the background cardstock to give the layout flow. I used a sanding block on the background cardstock to shabby it up and also sanded the punched pieces. I used splatters of Perfect Pearls mists, and used my new Tim Holtz Distress markers to watercolour my alphas after sanding them as well. 

So, how about it?  Wanna play along?  Head over to the Pond, sign up if you arent already a member, and play along

Thanks for stopping by and 

Deb x

Turtle Soup March Sketchathon

Oh dear, I have fallen behind in the Turtle Soup March sketchathon layouts :(

Here is the March 9 sketch:


And here is my example:

Have you been over to check out the Pond yet?

Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate it :)

Deb x

Turtle Soup Monday Sketch DT Reveal

Hi All

The Turtle Soup Monday Sketch DT reveal has happened :)

Here is the sketch:

That stamping on the outer edges has been embossed with gold powder.  I love how it turned out, although it is a terrible photo of the layout :(

So head on over to the Pond, and take a look around, and whilst you are there check out the amazing daily challenges that the DT find to inspire us all with :)

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment

Deb x

Turtle Soup March Sketchathon

Good afternnon All

Here is LO sketch #3 for the Turtle Soup March Sketchathon:


And my layout:

Have you been over to the Pond yet to check it out?  You really must go :)

Thanks so very much for stopping by, love reading your comments too :)

Deb x

Turtle Soup March Sketchathon

And now for layout sketch #2 of the Turtle Soup March sketchathon

There is plenty of inspiration available, so check it out :)

Thanks for stopping by

Deb xx

Turtle Soup March Sketchathon

The Turtle Soup March Sketchathon has begun, and for the first 3 weeks of March you have some amazing layout and card sketches to inspire you all to scrap.

The first sketch is:


and my layout:

Thanks so much for stopping by, and come back every couple of days for more sketch inspiration :)

Deb x

Hmmm...been a bit slack

It may seem like I havent been doing anything, but trust me when I tell you I have, I just cant share yet and I havent done any just cos layouts - must dot hat today.

Anyway, I was up on the Sketches in Thyme blog yesterday for sketch #186




I loved using up some old Kaisercraft products on this awesome sketch.

Head over and hook yourselves up with a February sketch and a chance to win a great CTMH prize pack


Thanks for dropping by

Deb x

Winner, winner, chicken dinner

Wow, I have had another win at Scrapping Clearly.  I won the January sketch challenge.  Woooo.














































A huge thanks to Kylie and the team for the awesome challenges.


I will be back later with my Turtle Soup Friday Inspiration challenge.  You wont want to miss this one :) :) :)

Deb x

Turtle Soup Creative Magazine

The February edition of the Turtle Soup Creative Magazine is now live!!

You must all check it out here:

I have 2 layout published in it:

You must check out the whole magazine - it is full of amazing projects and inspiration galore.

Deb x

Turtle Soup Scraplift Thursday Challenge

Good Morning All,

Thank you for joining me in the Thursday scraplift challenge at Turtle Soup

I have chosen this awesome layout by LisaM


I just adore the white space, the kraft background, the mix of patterned papers, the stitching, the splatters - oh boy, guess I love everything about it :)

I would love you to create a project, using this layout as inspiration, but you must use at least 3 different patterned papers, and either ink splatters or stitching (or both :) ).  You can create a card, a tag, an ATC, a layout, or even an OTP - your choice as long as you follow the challenge.

You have until Feb 29 to upload your creations into the Gallery and link back here.

Here is my creation:




Cant wait to see yours

Deb x