Delightfully Crazy

Liebster Blog Award

2012-03-02T12:32:00.000+08:00

What a lovely surprise it was to be awarded the Leibster Blog Award. Thank you Maggie for nominating me, you made my 'week'!

I stumbled across Maggie's blog when doing some creative blog hoping of my own - you know how one blog just leads to another. I was so impressed with all her gorgeous creations, and have since visited every new post. Maggie and I have developed a new friendship, and enjoying conversation, creation and many, many common interests. We have even swapped a package between each other (I got my parcel this week and will blog about it when I get time). If you want some serious good inspiration, do check out Maggie's Blog "HERE"...

It is wonderful to know that people from around the globe read your blog on a regular basis, even if they do not leave a comment - they have been (statistics show this of course) and viewed/seen. I have been very touched by the beautiful comments that have been given to me, the touching emails I received, and most of all the wonderful friends I have made through blogging.

The idea behind this award is to spread the love from one small blog (under 200 followers) to other small blogs. This helps to spread knowledge and readership. To accept the award, you must:

1. Link back to the person who gave it and thank them for thinking of you.
2. Post the award to your blog.
3. Give the award to 5 bloggers (with less than 200 followers) that you appreciate and value.
4. Leave a comment on the blogs of the five people you have chosen to let them know.
So with this is mind, here is my list of 5 blogs that inspire me on a regular basis, and are well worth visiting.

Adriana - Abinspirations

Adriana is inspiring in her creations, I adore the way she manages to get all her beautiful elements to fit each creation she makes, and the most divine distressed edges. I enjoy visiting her blog and seeing all the fabulous new creations.

Kathy Sheely - Branches of my Creativity

Kathy has a gorgeous new blog, with some very inspiring creations. Even though she is new to blogging, and only has a few cards to show - each of them are so beautiful. I am looking forwards to following her blog, seeing what she creates and am hoping this award will be of an encouragement to continue.

Celeste - Gero Girl

Celeste is a real time friend of mine, so I am giving her this award as I know it is something she deserves. Celeste's creations are wonderful to view in reality, and are certainly inspiring. I again hope that the award promotes encouragement and I certainly look forwards to seeing what else pops up on her blog.

Maureen - CrazyQStitcher

Maureen is a real time friend of mine, we met when I held a retreat at my home a number of years ago. Maureen does the most intricate stitching, it always amazes me all those small details. Maureen has been a HUGE inspiration to me over 'many' years and she definitely deserves this award.

Denise - Denise's Passion for Paper

Denise creates very intricate cards, layouts and so forth. Her creations are quite unique in the way she uses each element. I adore the way she colours her images, and the use of the papers she designs for Meg's Garden.

I hope the recipients welcome the awards, and pass them onto other individuals who do create in the fields of inspiring others....

Meg's Gardens New Design Team

2012-02-29T05:00:00.000+08:00

I am so thrilled to be able to stay on the Meg's Garden Design Team for another 6 month term. Meg's Garden has been a wonderful undertaking of learning, with some amazing products to create in a realm I so love and adore - 'old world'. The design team members are an amazing inspiration. There are times I study (closely I might add) the amazing beauty in the creations these ladies create. On more than one occasion I have, dare I say drooled over projects and creations. Talk about 'inspirational'!

For the next six month term, not only will the original design team members inspire, but several 'more' amazingly talented ladies (including International) have been added to the team. Of course when I discovered who the successful applicants were, I had to go prowling. My goodness, what a delightful discovery, my eyes were in pure 'feast' heaven! I was thrilled to see some ladies I already knew and others I didn't, and no doubt will soon get to know.

I want to welcome and congratulate....

Eila from Sweeden

Heather Jacob from Australia (Heather and I also DT together in Imaginarium Designs)

Yuka Hino from Japan

Gabrielle Pollocco from Canada

Vickie Alberto from Canada

Cathy Cafun from Australia

and I'm so pleased to be working again with the original team

Adriana Bolzon - Australia

Denise Ann Boddy - Australia

Gayle Price - Australia

and of course 'me'....

Do call on over and check out their blogs, I'm sure you'll enjoy the journey of inspiration. Don't forget to visit the Meg's Garden Blog, and also the wonderful website where you will find so many tantilising products!

Decorative Purse Container - Cheery Lynn Designs

2012-02-28T16:30:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone, this weeks Cheery Lynn Designs project is a creation I can use on my work desk for all my pens, rulers, and odds and ends. The purse is a wood kit made by Kaisercraft, and stands at 6 inches tall. I adhered gorgeous My Minds Eye papers to the inside and outside. As this project is going to be used I did not decorate any of the sides or back - just highlighted the front.

I have many favourite Cheery Lynn Design dies.... but the Lace Rose and Flourish has the most adorable swirls, leaves and curls. This die can be cut into smaller pieces to decorate, or used in one long flourish. As you can see with my project I cut my pieces to 'fit' my project.

The flowers were created from tissue paper, and the Scalloped Window Stackers. You can create a variety of flower sizes using the Scalloped Window Stacker dies and various paper mediums. All I did to create the two on my project was cut multiple layers of tissue paper, from the varying sizes of each die. Each layer was crunched up in my hands to 'crinkle' and a brad put through the middle to hold each layer together. I separated some of the layers to give a little more dimension. On the smaller flower, I wet a few petal edges with water lightly and curled the edges in slightly.

The leaves I used for this project are the Judy's Blooms die set, which comes with the flower and leaves. Also, Pine Branches were added to give a little more character to the flower. AND, I just had to place a Small Exotic Butterfly onto the project .... I so love them!

To complete the project, a small amount of stickles was applied to highlight the die cuts.

Dies Used:

B135 Lace Rose and Flourishes

XMC-5 Scalloped Window Stackers

C184 Judy's Blooms

B146 Pine Branches

DL113 Exotic Butterfly Small

This weeks challenge at the Cheery Lynn Designs Blog is "Lots of Layers" - call on over to see what Bonnie and Sandy have created as examples for the challenge, they are both cute! You can find all the challenge information "HERE".

Till next week

Sandie

My Daughters, "All Grown Up" - Cheery Lynn Designs

2012-02-21T16:30:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone, this week for Cheery Lynn Designs I have created a mini canvas (6" X 6"). The photograph is a recent photograph of my two grown up daughters, Amanda and Tayla at Aldinga Beach, in South Australia. Amanda (on the left) is the Mother to my beautiful Grandson, Tyeson. As for Tayla, I cannot believe how much she has grown since we left S.A in November, 2010. Oh, and apparently it is the in thing to have your photograph taken with your tongue out (insert groan 'here') - and here I was thinking what a lovely gesture to lick your big sister!! LOL

The base of the canvas is corrugated cardboard, which I gessoed, and distress inked (Black Soot) to achieve a corrugated iron appearance. Maybe I should have added some silver, but I'm happy with the results. The photograph base was cut from the French Flair Classic Stacker Series. Beneath the photograph is the Spiderweb which I brushed lightly with stickles to give a shimmery appearance.

The flower and flower buds were created using the Judy's Blooms die. I cut two die-cuts of each die, misted lightly the petals with water, and curled the leaves using a kitchen skewer. After assembling the flower, the curled edges were inked using Victorian Velvet distress ink, and a pearl added to the centre. The flower buds were created using single cut petals from the Judy's Blooms larger flower die cut - the green bud casing was created using the leaves from the Pair of Ferns. The foliage consists of the Fanciful Flourish, and Olive Branches.

I used Imaginarium Designs "All Grown Up" (#IDP0027) chipboard phrase, which can be purchased from Seriously Scrapbooking. The chipboard element had a liberal amount of texture paste applied, and then inked using Victorian Velvet distress ink (several layers of ink as it does soak into the texture paste).

Several brass charms were used from my stash. I adore the detail in the bee and spider! Stickles was applied to the outer edges of the flower petals, buds, and butterfly - just enough to highlight the applied distress ink. Stickles tends to really draw out the colour of distress inks.

..and one of my very favourite dies - it is one that introduced me into Cheery Lynn Designs, the Exotic Butterfly Small.

Before I sign out, this weeks challenge theme on the Cheery Lynn Designs blog is 'Frame It' - all the details can be found "HERE". You have a chance of winning a $20 shopping voucher to spend in-store.

Have a wonderful week...
Sandie

Dies Used:

DL112 Exotic Butterfly Small

B147 Olive Branches

B118 Pair of Ferns

C184 Judy's Blooms

XL-12 French Flair Classic Stacker Series

B117 Fanciful Flourish

DL162 Spiderweb

Vintage Memory Book - Meg's Garden

2012-02-18T08:52:00.001+08:00

All products for this project can be purchased from

This month Meg gave the DT members a challenge for February, to create something either Vintage, Victorian or Parisian.

“Vintage Memory Book”

Created using a Kaisercraft wood album, painted with Gesso, and aged using various mediums. I have left the pages blank to show the gorgeous detail in each of the papers. The papers used come from several different card makers, paper packs, available through Meg's Garden. Envelopes were added, which would be perfect for holding memorabilia, photographs or journaling. Paper doilies were used to decorate, as well as, beautiful guipure laces and fussy cut elements from various Meg’s Garden papers. A range of flowers were used, and other trinkets.

The envelopes I used in this album, are a heavy duty and a high quality so they will stand up to the test of 'time' (sorry there was no brand as they have been in my stash for some time). The envelopes were perfect to create journal/memorabilia pockets throughout the album, or even to hold extra photographs. Eyelets are important, so the envelopes do not tear over time.

Megs Garden Products Used:

Various Papers from Card Makers Sets

Several Laces

Various Ribbons

Tassels

Chipboard Frame (aged via crackle medium, paint and inks)

Vintage Images

Transparency

Paper Doilies

Tim Holts Tickets

Pearl Strand

Other Products:

Friskas Punch

Hand-dyed variegated silk ribbon

Cheery Lynn Designs dies

Distress Ink

Crackle Medium

Gesso

Various Paints

Brads

Scrap For Help - February Challenge

2012-02-16T17:44:00.002+08:00

Scrap For Help February challenge!

I just wanted to let my blog readers know about the Scrap For Help Challenge for this month.....(taken from the SFH blog - below information)...or click "HERE" to go to the blog to read 'more'.

This month we decide in our February Challenge to do a free layout , card or altered project.

The simple rules for this challenge are:

**This is an international blog, so anyone can enter**

- If you want to partcipate the following Challenge with a layout or card, it shouldfollow the project made by Celine Navarro

- * You need to use a muslin or surgical bandage in your recycled material item

* You will always find our challenges in a rule to use recycled material, this rule is fixed,is required to contain this item in your project,to be eligible for her draw.

** The deadline for this challenge is midnight February 29th

The Design Team will vote and the winner and the Top 5 projects will be announced soon after the challenge has finished.

**You may enter as many times as you like and combine this with other challenges.

**Also, please consider turning off word verification for comments on your blog.

New Release - Cheery Lynn Designs

2012-02-15T16:30:00.000+08:00

Cheery Lynn Designs has a new release of gorgeous dies for February, 2012. When my package arrived I oogled, wondering what I could create with each of the dies... of course my first thought with the Reflections Boutique Series, was an album. An album shows how versatile the dies can be, for varying shaped pages. Of course, these can be used in so many ways for various paper-crafting creations - including cards, and scrapbooking layouts.

The Reflection Boutique Series of dies are quite unique in that the crafter can create varying sizes of backgrounds or card shapes - seriously, the sky is the limit. Also, they are available in some gorgeous shapes, and styles - including fancy edges. The best way of viewing these it to check out the "New Release" page "HERE" ... also, the video which can be found "HERE" (if these are not linked, I will be back to link them as soon as Cheery Lynn Designs has them up on their site).

For my 'Family 2012' memory album, I used the DL192 Royal Coved Rectangle and the DL195 Scalloped Coved Rectangle. The Scalloped Coved Rectangle was cut from chipboard, and the Royal Coved Rectangle was cut from the beautiful papers from 'The Scrap Cake'. I have left the album blank, though in time I will fill with pockets, journaling, photographs and memorabilia for 2012.

This album could be made in a variety of ways, including using pages all of one size. Or, the opposite to mine where the smaller pages are on the outside and tied with ribbon to hold in place.

The album front was decorated with the New Release - B168 Mega Holly Flourish. Of course, with my project not being Christmas themed, I removed the holly leaves, with beautiful results, and what a gorgeous flourish it makes!

The tiny flowers going up the Mega Holly Flourish were created using the smallest flower from the Darling Daisies die, and the roses from the Miniature Rose die. The main flower is the Sweet William die that I completed the tutorial on last week. Tiny stamens were added to the flowers to add a bit of character.

The above and below photographs show the varying sizes of the pages in my album.

Below is my next project, a large tag to show the lovely new release B169 Mega Flourish Two. Brilliant, intricate flourish with gorgeous swirls. The Mega Flourish die measures 7.5" X 3 1/4". I framed my tag using last months new release die - Wedding Garter Border.

Then, there are the intricate and very pretty B166 Lace Corner Deco set of dies. These corner dies are seriously stunning. On my tag are only two of the 3 in the B166 set. All up in the new release there are 6 lots (3 in each set) of corner dies! Well worth investigating, as they are all sooooo pretty.

and, the below photograph is the Cherry Blossom die. I am so pleased with how this flower turned out, must do a tutorial. I can see myself making many more like this, as they are so pretty. The other flower was created using the Judy's Bloom die.

Wishing You Happiness Card - Cheery Lynn Designs

2012-02-14T16:30:00.000+08:00

6" X 6"

Hi Everyone,

Happy Valentines to all - I really hope that love found you in some manner, shape or form, and I am sure it did!

This week for Cheery Lynn Designs I wanted to showcase the Sweedish Spring Oval Frame - as it is so pretty, and I have not yet had a chance to play with it!

I used the My Minds Eye, Lost and Found "Market Street" collection of papers for my card, as the beautiful patterns did not detract from the delicate die cuts. The chipboard "Wishing You Happiness" (IDPOO36) is from Imaginarium Designs.

The rose from last weeks tutorial matched perfectly. I added some Olive Branches, pearls, and silk ribbon to decorate the front of the card. Inside, I added some Pine Branches to the flower which was created using the Cuties 3.

I framed the picture and sentiment using the Oval Scalloped and Oval Classic dies. The base of the card front was created using the French Flair Classic stacker series.

This weeks challenge theme is "Pretty In Pink", you can view all the details by clicking "Here". Do join in the fun, and perhaps even win a $20 voucher to spend at Cheery Lynn Designs.

Have a wonderful week, and don't forget to visit the Cheery Lynn Designs blog tomorrow, for the reveal of February's new release dies.

Sandie

Dies Used:

FRM 135 - Sweedish Spring Oval Frame

XL-12 French Flair Classic

B152 Miniature Rose

B154 Medium Rose

B155 Large Rose

Four Different Flowers - Tutorial - Cheery Lynn Designs

2012-02-07T16:30:00.000+08:00

I love making flowers! So this week I have created some flowers using a range of different Cheery Lynn Designs dies, and created quick tutorials for all 4. It is important to remember, that any of the Cheery Lynn Design dies can be used to create these version of flowers, the results may vary from flowers photographed, but still just as beautiful.

Leaf Flower #1

Requirements: Stacker Flower #1 (Leaf) and Snowflake 5. Crystal Embossing Tool which is available from Diamond Card Craft. You will also need a set of 3 flowers from the Darling Daisies die. Mini Mister either with water or glimmer mist, adhesive, distress inks, brad, cardstock.

1. Cut out 3 or 4 Stacker Flower #1 depending on how full you wish your flower to be. I used 3. Cut one Snowflake 5 for the base of finished flower.

2. Ink all edges to your liking. On a foam mat (mouse mat works well) use a skewer to impress the centre of leaves - this is where your brad will go when flower is constructed.

3. Mist all of your leaves/petals and while the leaves are damp, roll using a skewer. I find a skewer the best as it is a small size.

4. Allow to dry in the leaves newly formed shape - see below photograph.

5. Cut a set of 3 flowers from Darling Daisies die in varying colours. Turn each flower upside down on your mat, and using your embossing tool curl each petal upwards. Remember, your flowers are curled upside down.

6. When all flowers have been slightly curled, turn right side up and press a skewer or small ended pen into middle. This is where your brad will sit.

7. Adhere carefully (I use Glossy Accents for a quick dry) the 3 flowers together as below.

8. Start assembling your flower together. Three small Darling Daisies first, then the 3-4 Stacker Flower #1, and your Snowflake 5 at the base. Once assembled, fiddle with the petals of your flower to get them how you would like them to sit. *see photo below.

9. I adhered small pearls onto the ends of each snowflake point to give the appearance of small buds.

Dies Used:

Snowflake 5

Stacker Flower #1 (Leaf)

Darling Daisies

Sweet William Flower

Requirements: Sweet Williams die, and Stacker Flower #4. Distress Ink, Brad, Adhesive, Cardstock, Shimmer Paper.

1. Cut 3 large Sweet William petals, 3 small petals, and 1 Stacker Flower #4, ink edges.

2. *see photo above - Fold each petal in half and then each half again in half, the opposite direction - much like a fan. This is fiddly and time consuming, but the results are worth the effort.

3. Assemble the 3 small Sweet William petals together, adhere making sure each petal layer sits neatly between the other petals - in other words, leave no gaps. Do not adhere petals one on top of the other, make sure you adjust so petals sit over 'vacant' area between petals.

4. Repeat for 3 larger petals.

5. Place glue into centre of larger petal base flowers, add smaller petals and press firmly with the end of a pen into middle.

6. Pressing firmly raises the petals upwards and helps form the fullness of the flower. *see photograph below.

7. Add the Stacker Flower #4 to base of flower, thread through the brad and secure. *if you do not have brads, you could always adhere a pearl to centre, as the adhesive keeps the flowers together as you construct each flower anyhow.

Dies Used:
Sweet Williams

Stacker Flower #4

Judy's Blooms - Flower 3

Requirements: Judy's Bloom, Snowflake 6, Darling Daisies, Cardstock, brad, distress inks, skewer and pearls.

1. Cut 2 of each petal from Judy's Blooms, and the middle sized flower from the Darling Daisies.

2. Use a skewer to roll each petal as shown in above photograph. *please note: each petal from each die cut has been rolled in two different directions. Base petal is rolled downwards, next upwards. Repeat for smaller petals.

3. Adhere larger petals together, so that the rolled petals interlink between each other. *see photograph above. Repeat for smaller petals and add the medium Darling Daisies petal into centre of smaller petals.

4. Adhere the two layers of petals together, pressing firmly in middle with end of a pen.

5. Place brad through flower, attaching the Snowflake 6 to the base - add pearls to each point if desired.

Rose

Requirements: Miniature Rose, Medium Rose, Large Rose and Snowflake 5. Crystal Embossing Tool which is available from Diamond Card Craft, cardstock, paper, glue and distress ink.

1. Cut a range of petals for your rose from the Miniature Rose, Medium Rose and Large Rose. How many petals you wish to add, depends on the fullness you wish to achieve.

2. Use a mouse mat and embossing tool to curl your Large Rose petals. The larger bottom layers are created by laying petals upside down on matt and embossing so that when the right way, the leaves are curled downwards. Repeat this with several of the Medium Rose petals.

3. Adhere the petals into 'doubles', making sure you have the right sizes together. *see above photograph. For my rose, I used 4 large petals for the base, and adhered two medium petal on top of of the larger petals. This creates the 'base' of the rose.

4. Curling your medium rose petals the opposite way - upwards, start layering on top of your flower base to the fullness you desire.

5. Using the Miniature Rose, cut 2 petals from die cut and roll to form a bud. Adhere the remaining petals around the bud, to complete the centre bud. *See photograph above and below.

6. Carefully adhere your centre bud into the middle of your constructed rose base to complete your rose.

7. Remove longer portion of Snowflake 5, as pictured below. Adhere to base of rose.

8. Fluff the petals when glue has dried to how you like your rose to look.

Dies Used:

Hope this inspires some beautiful flowers to be made!

Don't forget this weeks challenge on the Cheery Lynn Designs blog! The theme is "Red and White" - all details can be found "HERE".

Wishing everyone a fantastic and creative week...
Sandie

Imaginarium Designs - I love you both so much - & 3 Great Prizes to WIN

2012-02-03T05:00:00.000+08:00

This is my 2nd project for Imaginarium Designs and I will admit to having a wonderful time in creating with the chipboard. Gosh, there really is so much you can do with chipboard. I am looking forwards to sharing with you my creations throughout 2012 using such a wonderful product. To purchase Imaginarium Designs chipboard, visit Seriously Scrapbooking.

This month will bring many new events into fruition on the NEW Imaginarium Designs ning site. If you're not a member, do consider joining, not just for the wonderful inspiration, but for oodles of fun, sharing and new ventures coming shortly.

This month, Imaginarium Designs are offering 3 great prizes to be won. First prize is a $50 voucher , 2nd and 3rd prize is a $25 voucher - to spend on chipboard of your choice.

To be in the running, all you have to do is LIKE the Imaginarium Designs Facebook page "HERE", JOIN the new ning site "HERE", ADD the ning badge to your website or blog, and leave a COMMENT on Imaginarium Designs Blog with a LINK to your blog. You need to leave a comment for each step you take. Each step you take, gives you more chances of winning!

The words of this layout say it all. The photograph was taken in 1970, of my Grandmother (Margaret) and brother Paul, both who are no longer with us. This layout is very special to me, and will always be treasured. On the back of the layout is a large journal envelope which has 'my' stored memories within. I tend to often do hidden journaling, as I'm not too fussed on my own hand-writing, and frightened I will ruin my layout with silly errors. The photograph was not in wonderful condition, but I felt compelled to create a page, as it is such a beautiful photograph, and one that always makes me smile.

Imaginarium Designs chipboard has the most perfect words/phrases, for so many occasions. If you cannot find the phrase or a word you require, the best part is making up your own using the “Upper and Lower Case Lettering” of varying sizes.

For my layout, the ‘Love You’ (ID0026) phrase, ‘Capital Letters’ (IDAUC0001), ‘Lower Case Letters’ (IDALC0001) , and ‘Main Letter Set - Lower Case’ (IDA0005) were all base coated in Gesso. All lettering was further coated in a medium thickness of ‘Rock Candy’, crackle paint. When completely dry, several light coats of ‘Stormy Sky’ distress ink, was applied and massaged into the fine cracks left by the crackle paint using my finger. I find applicators do not get the ink into the cracks well enough, so coloured fingers is well and truly part of me! ‘Walnut Stain’ distress ink was applied very lightly to all edges of the lettering, using a cotton bud (better control for colouring, especially small lettering).

The butterflies from the ‘4 small butterflies’ pack (IDT0014) were also base coated in Gesso, and then a very light brush of Stormy Sky distress ink applied. A light coat of Matt Varnish was applied to seal the butterfly.

The large and small ribbon roses, the pleated, and sheer gathered were made by myself.

The papers used in this layout are from The Scrap Cake - they are so beautiful, and such high quality. I'm looking forwards to creating more items with their lovely paper collections!

Products Used:

Imaginarium Designs “4 small butterflies” (IDT0014), “Love You” (ID0026), “Capital Letters” (IDAUC0001), “Lower Case Letters” (IDALC0001) & “Main Letter Set Lower Case” (IDA0005).

Ranger: “Stormy Sky” & “Walnut Stain” Distress Inks, “Clear Rock Candy” crackle paint.

Craft Supply: White Guipure Lace & Motif, Satin Ribbon, Silk Ribbon (hand-dyed), Vintage Buttons, Pearl and Flower Beads, Flower Stamens, DMC thread, and Distress Tool.

Adhesives: Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive, X-Press It Double Sided Tape, Memory Book Glue Dots, and Foam Squares.

Paint: Jo Sonja – White Gesso, Jo Sonja – Matt Varnish

Papers: The Scrap Cake from Collections “Spring Awakening”, 12 X 12 and 7 X 12, and “The Brighter Side of Life” 12 X 12. Cardstock.

I am delighted to enter my layout into the Craft Us Crazy Challenge Blog, with the theme of "anything goes". Do call on over and perhaps even enter a creation of your own.

Also, Crafting for all Seasons has a great challenge on with the theme being "Blue & White". Some gorgeous DT stuff to be seen on the blog!

And Divas by Design have a great challenge at the moment, "anything goes". Another lot of gorgeous DT inspiration.

The Flutter by Wednesday Challenge Blog - of course the theme is "you must add a butterfly, fairy or angel" (I have wanted to enter this one for quite some time). FB#188

Make Your Own Flowers is the challenge over at the Whimsy Stamps Challenge Blog. The DT ladies have made some pretty flowers, worth peeking at or enter the challenge too!

Imaginarium Designs - Beautiful Girl Layout & 3 Great Prizes on Offer

2012-02-02T13:44:00.000+08:00

My first creation for Imaginarium Designs, as part of their 2012, Design Team!

The month of January has been full of introductions of the new, and existing Design Team members. February sees the beginnings of the 2012 Design Team, and all their wonderful creations. So do call on over to the Imaginarium Designs Blog to see some of the beautiful creations, and grab a pile of inspiration by the Design Team. Every fortnight, there is a chance to win a chipboard pack just by leaving a comment!!

Also, starting in February there will be lots of new 'things' (can't say too much at the moment) taking place on the new Imaginarium Designs Ning site. Come and join in for some amazing inspiration, fun, lots of sharing, and new ventures coming soon!!

The Imaginarium Designs chipboard pieces I used on my layout are "Beautiful Girl" (IDP0009) and "Mirrored Bracket" (IDFR0005) .

I love using the Imaginarium Designs chipboard, the quality is so high. I have certainly put a few pieces through many stages of creative torment (not necessarily the photographed piece). The chipboard has not buckled, warped, or frayed (unless I have wanted it to). I am impressed!! As you can see by the above photograph, the pieces are beautifully detailed with nice smooth edges, and no join lines from where they were in the original chipboard piece.

For my layout, I painted the chipboard pieces, "Beautiful Girl" (IDP0009) and "Mirrored Bracket" (IDFR0005), with Vintage Photo Distress Stain, then applied a liberal amount of Espresso Bean, Glimmer Glam over the top. The Glimmer Glam gives the chipboard pieces the most gorgeous shimmer, and really enhances the colour of the originally painted chipboard piece.

I used the new release papers by Kaisercraft - the "Sweet Nothings" Collection. In particular, I used the 'With Love", "You & Me", "Falling for you" and the Sticker Sheet (tiny blue flowers only).

Products Used:

Imaginarium Designs “Beautiful Girl” (IDP0009) and “Mirrored Bracket”(IDFR0005).

Papers: Kaisercraft Collection “With Love”, “You & Me”, “FallingFor You”, and “Sticker Sheet”. Cardstock.

Tattered Angels: Glimmer Glam “Espresso Bean”.

Ranger: “Walnut Stain” Distress Ink, Distress Tool, “Vintage Photo”Distress Stain.

Craft Supply: Shimmer Fabric, Silk Ribbon (Hand-dyed), Antique Lace,DMC Thread.

Adhesives: X-Press It Double Sided Tape, Memory Book Glue Dots, andFoam Squares.

Prima Marketing: Flowers & Bird Nest

Cheery Lynn Designs: die “QueenAnne’s Lace”.
Sizzix: Bigshot
Sewing Machine

This month, Imaginarium Designs are offering 3 great prizes to be won. First prize is a $50 voucher , 2nd and 3rd prize is a $25 voucher - to spend on chipboard of your choice.

To be in the running, all you have to do is LIKE the Imaginarium Designs Facebook page "HERE", JOIN the new ning site "HERE", ADD the ning badge to your website or blog, and leave a COMMENT on Imaginarium Designs Blog with a LINK to your blog. You need to leave a comment for each step you take. Each step you take, gives you more chances of winning!

Best of luck everyone, I will be back tomorrow with another creation for Imaginarium Designs...

I am entering this layout into the following challenges:
Creative Stamp Friends the theme being "old fashioned or antique"... some gorgeous creations by the DT - worth popping over for a visit.

Cheery Lynn Designs - Baby Boy Brag Book

2012-01-31T16:30:00.000+08:00

Front Cover

Hi Everyone.. This week for Cheery Lynn Designs I have created a "Baby Boy, Brag Book". I was reading a thread on a forum recently about how difficult it is to make a baby book for a boy, as you cannot add flowers. Well, for me personally - I add flowers, I just make them "BLUE"!!

Due to the length of this post, I will not go into the nitty gritty details - just wondering if nitty gritty is an Australian saying, so will explain it means 'small details'.

Close Up of Medium Rose

Above is a close up of the Medium Rose, which is constructed by rolling the middle, and building up in layers. You can make them tight, open, or however takes your fancy. I will do a tutorial soon on how I do my roses, as it seems all of us DT girls do ours differently.

Page 1

The flowers on Page 1: The large flower with button, being made from the Cuties 4. The smaller white flowers are from the Flower Chain Border (I just removed flowers from border), I included the medium sized Darling Daisies in the middle of each - they replicate stamens. The tiny flowers are the inserts to the Snow Flake Edger Border die. I really like those inserts, they could have 'many' uses when making flowers!

Page 2 below, I embossed the cardstock using the Black Eyed Susan Embossing Plate.

Page 2

Page 3

Page 3 and 4 (above and below) I have used the Cheery Blossoms and Dimensional Leaves.

Page 4

Page 5 (below) I used the Roses and Leaves Embossing Plate. I love the beautiful detail of the embossed design using the Cheery Lynn Designs Embossing Plates, in conjunction with the Embossing Kit!! The French Flair-Classic Series was used to create journaling areas.

Page 5

Page 6

Page 6 (above) includes the Medium Rose, constructed more in a flat manner and not 3 dimensional. I just used an awl to round the leaves on a computer mouse mat.

Page 7

Judy's Blooms, and the Stacker Leaves on Page 7 (above), I always double the layers of the die to create more volume.

Page 8

The flower on Page 8 (above) was created using the new release Fransesca Border die. To create a flower like this, all you need to do is score at regular intervals over the whole die cut, and fold like a fan. Adhere the two ends together with a strong adhesive, and push down to form flower - adhere to the smallest circle in the Scalloped Window Stackers Series.

Page 9

Another rose using the Cuties 3 on page 9 (above).

Page 10

Using Snowflake 6 to add a little character to my flower arrangement. Snowflakes can be used in so many other creations, besides winter or Christmas!

Back Cover

Journal Tag

Dies Used:

B156 Cuties 4

B151 Cuties 3

DL155 Scandinavian Heart & Inside Insert

DL110 Heartland America Large

DL180 Nautical Wheeler Doily

DL102 French Pastry Doily

DL101 English Tea Party Doily

FRM127 Sweetheart Frame

XL-12 French Flair Classic

L-12 French Flair-Classic Silver

DL133 Aussie Kangaroo Doily

SF-1 Stacker Flower #1 (Leaves)

DL181 Lge Sunflower Doily

E134 Hearts, Roses and Leaves Embossing Plate

E148 Black Eyed Susan Embossing Plate

S111 Embossing Kit 6" X 8"

B159 Fransesca Border

B132 Flower Chain Border

B147 Olive Branches

D134 Small Dimensional Leaves

DL170 Snowflake 6

B114 Snowflake Edger (tiny inserts used only)

B134 Frangipani with Leaves (leaves only)

C184 Judy's Blooms

B129 Cherry Blossoms

A196 Darling Daisies

DL112 Exotic Butterfly Small

DL112A Exotic Butterfly Small Wings

M-12 French Flair-Classic Silver

XM-12 French Flair-Classic

XMC-5 Scalloped Window Stackers

B154 Medium Rose

Do not forget this weeks challenge, with the theme being "Sweethearts", all the details can be found "HERE". You have a chance of winning a $20 shopping voucher!!!

I am entering my brag book into the following challenges:
Die Cutting Divas with the theme "anything goes"
also... My Time to Craft Challenge Blog with the theme "A for Adorable"
Have a great, and creative week...
Sandie

Meg's Garden - "Love" Card

2012-01-30T06:30:00.000+08:00

Just a quick blog post to show a card using some of the left over papers, and embellishments from my Meg's Garden DT pack last month. Looking forwards to creating with my new DT pack which arrived last week...

You can find the Meg's Garden Blog "Here"

Meg's Garden Products Used:

Megs Garden "Le Belle Jardin" Card Makers Pack Papers

Le Belle Jardin Labels
Charms

Tassel

Other:

Lace

Safety Pin

Chipboard

Cardstock

Distress Inks

Black Gel Pen

I am entering my card into the following challenges, would be lovely if others could come join in the fun, or participate in future ones - a lot of fun!

I Brake For Challenges - I Brake For Love IBFCC18

Meg's Garden Card - "Dream" - The Color Room #95

2012-01-28T17:48:00.001+08:00

I created this card using January's Design Team Paper and Embellishments from Meg's Garden, as part of The Color Room challenge this month - Palette #95. I used the new release, card makers pack of papers called "Le Belle Jardin". The title, "Dream" and "Tag" are from the transparency sheet called "Le Belle Jardin" Labels.

The frame of the card was created using the Cheery Lynn Designs, French Flair Classic and Silver Stacker series of dies.

I fussy cut some flowers remaining from the 12 X 12 papers, adding some pearls to the centres. The lace flower is so pretty and can also be purchased through Meg's Garden.

The German Scrap border on the base of the card was inked with distress inks, and framed with velvet ribbon.

Meg's Garden Products Used:

Le Bell Jardin Card-makers Paper Pack

Le Belle Jardin 12 X 12 (flowers only)

Floral Lace

Velvet Ribbon
Charm

Pearls

Other:Cardstock

Distress Inks

Cheery Lynn Designs - French Flair Series

I am entering my card into the challenge on the "Card and Scrap Challenge Blog" with the theme being Shabby Chic - Challenge #25. It looks like 'my style' of challenge, so had to enter. Pop over and have a peek - you'll have to use the translation button half way down the page.

Meg's Garden - The Color Room Palette #95

2012-01-28T11:41:00.000+08:00

For themonth of January, Meg’s Garden has sponsored ‘The Color Room’. Each week during January, one of the designteam members will each be featured, as ‘guest designers’. The design team members were sent an amazingselection of the new collection of papers designed by Denise Ann, called “Le Belle Jardin”.Also, included was the most elegant selection of

embellishments. I am the design team member being 'featured' this week in 'The Color Room'. Do call on over and view the other Design Team members blogs, and view their interpretations of palette #95 - Gayle, Adriana, and Denise. ...and, do not forget to call on over to the Meg's Garden Blog to see other beautiful creations and interpretations...or join in the fun yourself, by joining 'The Color Room" challenges each week...

Meg’s Garden of papercraft delights is a dynamic Australian Internet based company which thrives on providing a unique product range of papers, accessories & ephemera to its customers. The philosophy of the company is to be a trendsetter with new & gorgeous products; to make the store an inspirational haven, by creating an image so that the customer can come in, stroll through the garden & fill the garden basket with ideas.

The papers are Australian designed & Australian printed by Designs Galore (a wholesale company owned by Meg’s Garden). The embellishments & ephemera are sourced from local & overseas markets in order to provide a fabulous range with which to accessorize & complement the papers for collage, scrapbooking & all other papercraft projects.

The new Collection, just published this January, is The Belle Jardin Collection of papers. It is designed by Denise Ann & this Collection reflects the aim of the Company – ‘the papers are just gorgeous & so elegant’. The accessory pack of Elements has been carefully chosen - it is a pack of ‘loveliness’.

Come Stroll through the Garden.

My layout this week is inspired by the beautiful "French Bird Cage" paper from the "Le Belle Jardin" Collection. The photograph is the last 'family' photograph taken of us three children together, and of course has special meaning to me.

The "Special Memories" (IDP0013) chipboard sign is from Imaginarium Designs - which was inked in black distress ink, and then a nice coat of Glossy Accents added.

I fussy-cut the flower elements from the paper, inking all the edges and rolling into shape using a skewer - including the leaves. I really enjoy doing my fussy-cut elements like this as it leaves a realistic dimension. Tiny pearl beads were added to the centre of the flowers. Other flowers which came with my DT pack, were glimmer misted, and inked. Pins of Jewels (make your own variety from Meg's Garden) were also added. The lace border around whole layout is a pretty German Scrap border, which was coloured using distress inks. The guipure lace around the outer edge of the photograph mount is also coloured using distress inks.

Products Used:

Papers: French Bird Cage 12 X 12 & Card Maker Pack

Le Belle Jardin Labels
Pins of Jewels

German Scrap
Pearls
Tassel

Charms

Flowers - Roses Lge, Med, Small

Lace
Ribbon

All available from Meg's Garden Website

Other:

Distress Inks

Glimmer Mist

Wire

Imaginarium Designs Chipboard

Thread

Cardstock

K & Co Butterfly

1st prize - Vintage Image Craft & a New Challenge for Valentines Day

2012-01-25T05:30:00.000+08:00

I have been meaning to blog about my 'win' for weeks, and just have not found the time to do so. Today, I was going through my list (I live from lists) of things to do, and ticked this one off as 'done/completed' - phew! Sorry Martin and Scott (proprietors of Vintage Image Craft), but I know you are such wonderful people, you will forgive me... LOL

In December, I won first prize for my Christmas Cat, Book-Card, in the Vintage Image Craft challenge!!! I had a wonderful time in creating this card, which was inspired by the beautiful papers at Meg's Garden. I also completed a tutorial for this book-card, which can be found "here".You can view my entry "here". As a first prize winner, I received the most amazing book called "Scraps" by Elsebeth Gynther and Christine Clemmensen . It really is an amazing book, with so much inspiration. I spent way too much time 'reading' and not blogging this post!

This month, Vintage Image Craft has another challenge running with some great prizes up for grabs. You can read about their current challenge "here". All the information can be found on this link, and also is available (along with free vintage images) on their facebook page - "here". Worth entering, very much worth checking out the entries for some inspiration and of course, great prizes to be won!

I am so hoping that some of my blogging friends will enter.

Taken from Vintage Image Craft's website:

CreativeChallenge
February 2012

Valentine Ornaments!

What special ornament can youcreate with a romantic Victorian Valentine image like this one?

Romance! Flirtation! Unrequited love! Requited love! Hang around forour Creative Challenge, February 2012 - Valentine Ornaments! Submityour craft photo, and if your Valentine Ornament craft is selected, youwill win a new copy of "Paper Cuts," the beautiful book by acclaimedpaper artisan, Taylor Hagerty.

You begin with a vintage image of a Victorian Valentine. Download FREEimages from VIC's Facebookpage, now into February. Or you can purchaseready-to-print ImageBooksfrom our VICStore.

Cut up those images and craft a hanging ornament that expresses theglory of love. Through February 8,you can submityour Valentine Ornament craft photo toVintageImageCraft -- and you are in the contest!!

Thetop three winners will share adulation,international acclaim, andPRIZES!

SUBMISSIONS

Your ornament can be suitable for a Valentine tree, a wall, aceiling fixture, a doorway, or a door - anywhere you can hang something.
Usea VICvintage image, free on Facebookor purchased from VintageImage Craft,for your Valentine ornament.
Incorporate any techniques, including collage, assemblage,altered art, stamping and/or distressing.

Submit your entryby February 8, 2012 by sending

photos or scans of your artwork (up to four)
a full description of the techniques, materials and products youused

Winners will be announced by February 11, 2012.

JUDGING

Entries will be judged on creative use of vintage images,design, color, materials and textures, embellishment,techniques, and pure whimsy. Thejudges are ScottHenderson and MartinBray.

PRIZES

FirstPrizeis a copy of TaylorHagerty's beautiful book, Paper Cuts, 35 Inventive Projects fromLark Books. This book takes paper crafting to a"cut above." The folk-art tradition of paper cutting has become the newdarling of the fashion and design worlds. Taylor Hagerty builds on thetrend, drawing on a variety of cultures—from Mexican to German toChinese—and brings together today's top artists. The result is acollection of 35 smart, fresh, and contemporary projects, includingparty ware, centerpieces, and more. The book is a $17.95 value (donatedbyLark Books!).

And a prizebeyond value:The winning craft and artistwill be displayedon the VintageImageCraft Home Page!

SecondPrizeis ONE download of a VintageImageCraft Card Book of your choice, an$8.99 value.

Third Prizeis ONE download of a VintageImageCraftImage Book of your choice, a $4.99 value.

VintageImageCraftinvites you to submit your
"Valentine Ornament" by February 8, 2012!

Cheery Lynn Designs - Valentines & Thanks for Being There Cards

2012-01-24T16:30:00.000+08:00

This week I have created two cards using the Cheery Lynn Designs dies. However, this is not my original project. I had one of those weeks where everything went pear shaped. My cat, Ms Malinki opted to dip her paw into my near empty coffee cup sitting on my work area - alas, even though only a little coffee was in the cup, it managed to tip and seep, into my whole layout. I normally never leave my drinks around, but sadly I did. A valuable lesson learned!!

So it was back to the drawing board for me, and a heart breaking moment of putting a near completed layout into the bin. I opted to create some cards with several of the beautiful and intricate dies Cheery Lynn Designs released this month. Firstly, a Valentines card in black and white. I was going to do red, but everyone does red and I like being a little different (my friends say 'odd').

I used the Francesca & Queen Anne's Lace border dies to create borders on the bottom edge of the card. I double layered the Francesca so it really stood out. Two of Hearts was used as a base for the floral arrangement, which consists of Cuties 2, Cuties 3, the smallest leaf from the Small Dimensional Leaves and Olive Branches. Of course, I had to complete the front of the card using the most popular and pretty Mini Butterflies.

The edges of some of the die cuts were inked using distress inks. I used Kaisercrafts 'i love you' stamp and several bling pieces to highlight the butterflies. On the inside of the card, I used the Sweetheart Frame which I adjusted a little (cut into an oblong, instead of square) so a sentiment could easily be written inside. I really wanted to hand stitch the card, but used a white gel pen instead to create stitching lines.

My second card was constructed using several of the Oval Stacker series, both in original and Scalloped. The Polynesian Sails Oval and Polynesian Sails Oval Angel Wing was used on the outside of the card to decorate. The pretty die cut from the inside of the Polynesian Sails was used on the inside of the card. The sentiment was stamped onto the French-Flair Classic die cut. Silk ribbon that I hand-dyed myself was used to decorate both outside and inside the card. Stitching lines were added using a black and white gel pen. Bling was added to highlight the Polynesian Sails Oval.

Dies Used:

DL153 Polynesian Sails Oval

DL153A Polynesian Sails Angel Wing

XL-7 Oval-Classic

XL-8 Oval-Scalloped

L-7 Oval-Classic Stackers

M-12 French-Flair Classic Silver Stackers

XM-12 French-Flair Classic Silver

FRM 127 Sweetheart Frame

B159 Francesca Border

B160 Queen Anne's Lace Border

DL128 Two of Hearts

B151 Cuties 3

B150 Cuties 2

D134 Small Dimensional Leaves 2

B147 Olive Branches

DL112 Butterfly Mini

This weeks challenge on the Cheery Lynn Designs blog is "Dry Embossing" - you can find all the details "HERE". As well as being in the chance of winning a $20 voucher, this week CutCardStock are also offering a $30 shopping voucher to a random winner. How generous is that! So get your entries in as you could be a winner, of not only some great dies, but also card stock!

Have a great, and creative week
Sandie

Delightfully Crazy

Liebster Blog Award

Meg's Gardens New Design Team

Decorative Purse Container - Cheery Lynn Designs

My Daughters, "All Grown Up" - Cheery Lynn Designs

Vintage Memory Book - Meg's Garden

Scrap For Help - February Challenge

New Release - Cheery Lynn Designs

Wishing You Happiness Card - Cheery Lynn Designs

Four Different Flowers - Tutorial - Cheery Lynn Designs

Imaginarium Designs - I love you both so much - & 3 Great Prizes to WIN

Imaginarium Designs - Beautiful Girl Layout & 3 Great Prizes on Offer

Cheery Lynn Designs - Baby Boy Brag Book

Meg's Garden - "Love" Card

Meg's Garden Card - "Dream" - The Color Room #95

Meg's Garden - The Color Room Palette #95

1st prize - Vintage Image Craft & a New Challenge for Valentines Day

CreativeChallengeFebruary 2012

Valentine Ornaments!

VintageImageCraftinvites you to submit your"Valentine Ornament" by February 8, 2012!

Cheery Lynn Designs - Valentines & Thanks for Being There Cards

CreativeChallenge
February 2012

VintageImageCraftinvites you to submit your
"Valentine Ornament" by February 8, 2012!