A boy and his dog

*Silhouette bragging Alert*

So, I did it again, I used my silhouette for a card. Surprised much? I cannot begin to explain to you the ease with which you can put great projects together with this machine. I will never regret the purchase and if you've been on the fence about buying one or not, I suggest you go for it.

I made this one from a silhouette image of a boy, walking with his dog. I needed a card for hubby's birthday...last month. I struggle with male oriented cards in general and when I saw this image in the silhouette store, I knew I had to have it for my very own.

I cut the image onto some scrap black paper and layered it over a scrap piece of gingham paper. Oh My, but I do love my scraps :) I just wish that they would come to an end so I wouldn't feel guilty about cutting a new piece of paper every now and again :)

{P.S. Don't forget to vote in my poll in the side bar to the right}

Silhouette Image used:
- boy and dog silhouette

Challenges !
- The Crafty Pad: Use an Animal
- Fussy and Fancy: Anything Goes
- The the Craft room Door - Anything Goes
- Make it Monday: #112

xoxo

Me and my....Cameo

So, me and my Cameo have been getting better acquainted in the last few weeks, and albeit not as much craft time as I would like I have definitely had some fun. I've downloaded more files than I think I will ever use, and I am already starting to rethink that monthly subscription... but you know, what's a crafter to do if she can't hoard a little?

I am in love with the fast paced and efficient way I am able to get cards and scrapbook pages done, especially when I get to use shapes which I would have had to hand cut or punch (please note that I only have two border punches) before.

I made a batch of note cards a while back, to keep in my stash for when the need arises, I utilised one particular shape in my silhouette program and cut a multitude of pieces of paper with my industrial paper trimmer (thanks hubby! still using this gift to within an inch of its life!). Although I could have cut the paper pieces with the silhouette as well, it was just uneconomical for me to waste my cutting mat, blade and time, constantly changing out pieces of paper to be trimmed down. I was cutting squares you see and nothing too fancy.

A couple of trusty stamps (mostly Angel company and Kaiserkraft branded) from my stash and a LOT of scrap paper later, I have quite a few pretties to place into my stash box. Thanks Silhouette! and trusty paper trimmer (of course)

 

xoxo

My little Shadow

I really am getting into this whole inspiration thing today. One card and one scrapbook page done and dusted. Though I must admit that the pressure really does heighten when one knows one is going to enter one's work into a challenge somewhere. I can usually finish quite a large number of cards in one afternoon, not today. I must admit though, that I have never been a particularily fast scrapbooker.

I used the sketch from the scrapfit blog that was posted on the 15th of this month, and the current inspiration word over at Bird is the Word challenge blog. Links can be found at the end of this post.

I utilised my silhouette again, using a cut file called 'four vintage frames' and you can find it in their store here. I imported my photos into the silhouette program and placed them within the frames. I then printed them out and placed in the machine to cut. I really, really, love this function of the silhouette. It just makes life so much easier :) I also used my silhouette to cut the title. I made my own title using the text and welding tools.

I think many will surprised to find that the washi looking tape on my page is actually ribbon. I've had it for ages and use it so little due to the unique colour and pattern. The one consolation I have for this is that it will last a very long time! You'll note that I frayed the edges somewhat, I like how it looks.

The journaling is somewhat hidden, I've tucked it behind the set of photographs. I originally planned to have it sitting right beneath the title but thought that the white print looked a bit stark in contrast to the paper, and very out of balance with the rest of the elements. Quick thinking had me adding a punched out circle with a blue coloured staple to match.

And, if anyone is actually interested, because really, how many of us care what paper line is used unless we design for a specific company? The paper used is KaiserCraft - PS27 - Voliere from the Le Chateau collection. ha! and the pretty swirls are by Recollections and are called Boutique Fleur (distributed by Michaels).

Challenges:

http://birdisthewordchallenge.blogspot.com/ (Shadow)

http://scrapfit.blogspot.com/ (Workout #74 A sketch by Diana)

xoxo

Inspiration by Anne-Marie

Sounds like a perfume or even a clothing line doesn't it? It may as well be, because my friend Anne-Marie has some skills in the design department... the card-making department that is. I mosied on over to her blog today and found not only a delectable card, but a bunch of challenges to enter too. I haven't entered one in quite a loooooong time, so I thought I'd play along. Thanks AM :)

I used a cut file from silhouette called 'outline frames set' for the purple frames and inners, the link will take you to the location in the store if you would also like to own it. And just in case you were wondering, no, I am not paid by Silhouette to advertise for them :) LOL!

The heart stamps actually come from a scrappy cat set I have called All Girl (Item #427), the ribbon from a re-purposed gift bag (go me!) and the chipboard flowers from the set I bought last year sometime to make the felt flowers (tutorial here).

Did you know you could turn a toothpick into a flag? I put glue on one end and placed (read: Shoved) a bead over it. This took care of any nasty points and of course, my favourite word in the craft blogosphere...... added 'dimension'. Really, have you noticed how many of us use this word on our blogs to describe our work? Can we not think of anything better? It's starting to sound so boring. (please note I am probably the MOST guilty party when fingers are pointed regarding the use of this word, sigh*)

I know that my photo's have been really 'loud and proud' lately. It's because of the Blog design change I underwent that now allows me more space in the actual blogging part of the blog. That, and the fact that I recently discovered the magic that is Picasa, in free photo editing tools. I downloaded it during the week and I love it's versatility. I would recommend it if you're looking for something like it.

Challenges entered (courtesy of AM's blog):

http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.co.uk/ (Challenge 50 - Lots of Layers)

http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.co.uk/ (Punches and Dies)

http://doyoustackup.blogspot.co.uk/ (Buttons Blog Hop)

http://cardcrafterscircle.blogspot.com/ (Rich and Earthy Colours)

xoxo

Beyond all Measure

I recently discovered the inspiration that is the Bird is The Word challenge page. Basically, a new word is given for every challenge, this is your inspiration.

Although I am late for the challenge entry for the word I made a page for, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I dug into new and old stash items, used my silhouette (I even created a tutorial, go me!), and got to document a day in the life of our marriage.

The word which I was too late to enter for was 'BEYOND'. This is my page.

On this particular day, hubby and I visited the Krugersdorp Game reserve, which recently came under new management. We were impressed not only by the wildlife and the condition which they were in, but also the picnic and braai (barbecue for you Americans and Canadians) areas which were available for us to make use of. I precariously perched the camera on top of the cooler box, which stood on top of a picnic table for the photo.

I layered the same photograph three times

I used a multitude of flowers, as well as gold leafed seaweed strips.
The scalloped trim was cut with my silhouette Cameo and of course, a file from their site.

This rose was compliments of my silhouette and a file I purchased online

The circle was custom designed and cut using my silhouette, a tutorial is to follow on how to do this

All in all, a good day was had by the both of us and a good time was had when I put together the page that documents the memory :)

xoxo

Silhouette Cameo projects to make....one day - Part 1

Click on the images to go to the original source, some even have tutorials. Have fun!

The Mighty Pinwheel

Ah, yes, the mighty pinwheel. How it has entertained millions for many years. I decided to give it a go today.

I whipped three pinwheels up in less than ten minutes (it helps to be a paper hoarder and to have tons, literally, of paper on hand - especially scraps). An easy craft, suitable for all ages, whether you are a bona fide 'crafter' or not these babies are simple!

I cut mine using my Silhouette (read fancy papercrafting cutting machine that cost an arm and a leg me a pretty penny) because I'm lazy like that, but you can easily print a template of the good ole internet and cut the form out with any old pair of scissors. Good craft for kids I think. Below are just three of the template and directions sites I found when I googled Pinwheels:

http://www.pinwheelsforpeace.com/pinwheeltemplate.html

http://www.firstpalette.com/tool_box/printables/basicpinwheel.html

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/summer/mpinwheel.htm

There are many such sites I am sure, but I think the above will more than suffice.

So, what did I do with my pinwheels? Well, the avid photographer in me took them on a photo shoot of course!

In the Pot plants

By the Wheelbarrow

In the bush!

And in the house...

I even gave them a good ole exercising! Phew!

Would love to see the pinwheels you make, drop me an e-mail with a picture or two :)

Happy Weekend!

xoxo

My Recipe for Love

So I recently started participating in the monthly challenges set by the Scrapbook and Things store over at the Full of Scrap blog. Every month they put together a kit, filled with paper, embellies and instructions for that month's challenge. You have to create a scrapbook LO, and no cards are allowed.

Month before last, the challenge kit was filled with cooking paper and embellishments. 'Oh no', I thought. I don't have cooking photo's, neither do I have kids to take cute cooking photo's of. Eish.

But, I have a wonderful husband and he is my recipe for love <3, So off I went to my craft desk to create! The results for the challenge have been released, I didn't place anywhere but boy do I love my LO, and I can't wait to fetch it back from the store to put it in my album :)

I cut the banners using my silhouette and a file I created all on my lonesome, clever me! And the pretty sparkles are just dots of cheap glitter glue.

A lot of the paper was raised on Foam sheets, the left hand side of the page especially. It really makes for added dimension when viewing the page in person.

Don't I just have the most handsome husband ever? Yes, I understand I may be biased here, but really, he is quite a good looking Lad.

I've already put together the challenge for this month that I will be submitting over the weekend, and since May was all about mother's day, I made a page for my mom* I hope it will do her proud, and I cannot wait to showcase it on here once the voting process is over!

Until my next post!

xoxo

Booming Great Crafting

I am in love with my silhouette Cameo, it really is a magic little medium sized machine. Paired with a little creativity and smashing paper, the world really is your paper oyster. I am sounding like an endorser for Silhouette, but I truly just love it.

Granted, I made today's feature quite a few weeks back, but I think I should be forgiven based on the fact life has been busy and I am in the middle of exams fr the first semester. I have crafted quite a lot lately however and I am building a nice little stockpile of goodies to show on the blog. My aim is to eventually be back to posting a project a day, and injecting some much needed crafty goodness into my everyday life. That being said, I need to catch up with many old friends as well.

I created the boombox of the card from a black cardstock and patterned paper from my scrap paper pile (yes, it still mocks me with it's thin edged grin). The cut file came with the original bunch of files stored in the SIlhouette program so that was a bargain. The ever so fancy buttons were a priceless find in my mish mash of a button collection :)

The silhouette has a marvellous function called 'weld', this allows you to weld items together after overlaping them somewhat. I used this function for my card sentiment. Being a little cheeky and clever with the line came surprisingly easily...

Of course, the beloved cuttlebug had to make an appearance and I used a more masculine looking embossing folder for the base of the card. The tiny music notes are punched with a mini punch.

Until my next post.... Have a great weekend!

xoxo

All that glitters

is not gold. I saw this on one of my friend's status's in a social media application. I don't want to delve into the depth of the meaning, but let's just say it inspired the title for the blog post. Because that which glitters here is not gold, it's silver!

I have been asked to put together a sample wedding invite once again and I was absolutely in love with the brides choice of options I told her I could make. The wedding colour theme is Turquoise, and what a lovely colour it doth make when paired with white.

I designed the shape of the card with my Silhouette, and used an existing cut file that I purchased off the Silhouette site for the petal folded envelope (yes, that $10 gift card is still coming in handy).

I think the colours are pure deliciousness (new word people!) and I can't wait to hear what the bride to be thinks.

xoxo

Black + White

I am blogging this evening from the comfort of my bed, sigh* I am so lazy...

I finished a commisioned card this evening that I want to share. Quite a bit of time went into the details and I had fun putting everything together. I am so lazy I am considering not discussing the details....

I cut the flowers with my silhouette, using a new flower set file I purchased last week. Did you know that you get a free $10 card with your machine to use on the online store? It's magic! After cutting them I panstakingly removed each one from the mat, it seemed like the mat was having a love affair with my paper choice and wouldn't let it go without some sort of a fight. I nked the adges with a dry black ink pad, dry so as not to get too much black on the edges. I then put some seed beads in the centres.

The background stamp, as well as the cameo are from a set I got from my dear friend Maria for my birthday this year. It's the first time i've played with them and I L.O.V.E the quality of these perfect little unmounted rubber stamps. Being the lazy blogger that I am tonight, I am not going to go back to my craft desk to check the brand... maybe in the morning?

Oh, and P.S, the 50 is because the lady recieving this card is turning 50 :) what a special birthday.

Until my next post!

xoxo

Beautiful Bunting

So, Bunting has been all the rage for a few months now. It has appeared everywhere, from birthday parties, to scrapbook pages to cards. I have made use of the famous bunting before, but never like this.

I guess I should own up to a new addition in my stash, a certain cutting machine which hubby approved with great gusto :) yes, it is true, I am the proud owner of a brand new Silhouette Cameo. There, I said it. A guilty purchase if there ever was one I must say, to spend so much money on one craft tool. Nevertheless it is a part of my crafting landscape and it shall be used with much vigour.

I have made quite a few creations with my lovely machine so far, the first of which was an Easter card, but I think we are way past Easter now and I'll show you another one instead.

For those of you that have a silhouette, you will know that this amazing machine has a program that is even better than the blade it cuts with :) The free images that come with it are versatile and easy to adjust to become completely different items.

I used the banner file that is part of the initial group of images that come with the machine. I used the ungroup function and then repositioned the elements so that they overlapped each other. I then welded them together to make a cohesive banner, and sent to the machine to cut!

I used a Kaiserkraft unmounted stamp for the sentiment and punched a few dots with my crop-a-dile out of some scrap pieces of paper and voila! quick card in the making! oh, and I raised the banners on foam squares :)

wishing you a very happy beginning of the week!

xoxo