Christmas Countdown

It's absolutely ages since I've posted on here. Christmas preparations seem to have

 taken over.

But I am now nearly ready ...presents (nearly all) are bought and wrapped, tree is up and food is in the freezer. So I have found some time to scrap.

While decorating the house yesterday, my step son and I decided to dress up the dog too! We put tinsel and lights around her bed and put on the silly santa hat. I can't believe she let me put the hat on in the first place. But she actually seemed to accept it and was happy to sit still while I took some photos.

Of course, the inevitable result of all this was a scrap page lol

I have used a kit by Sahlin Studio called Season of Giving.

Laughter

I had to scrap this photo of my sister-in-law. I love the fact that it is a totally natural shot. I can't look at it without smiling!

I used a kit called Land of Odds from Lynne-Marie plus Olive Tree from Sara Gleeson.

Wild Layouts

Well okay, they are not that wild. Just a couple of pages I recently put together of Matt's photos lol.

I love this photo of a kingfisher that Matt took in the harbour near to us. He has tried for months to get a good shot of this particular bird. I am glad he persevered !

The kit is Mixed Media Monthly-October by Lynne-Marie, Just Jaimee, Quirky heart and Little Butterfly Wings,  and is available at The Lily Pad.

This is another of Matt's amazing photos. He went to see the deer rut at Richmond Park, London. I am pretty sure I wouldn't have got this close!!!!

I used bits from so many different kits - too many to list. But all of the designers I use are listed on my blog :) 

 I made the page for a challenge at the Lily Pad where you had to scraplift the layout of the person before you. Sort of like chinese whispers, but with scrapbook pages!

Time for Scrapping

So my life seems to have finally settled down a bit. I am happy in my new job and have sidelined a few things that were making life ridiculously busy. It's good to get back to scrapping and I am waiting to take some colourful Autumn photos. It's such a beautiful time of year.

This LO features the ever gorgeous Poppy dog. Photo is by Matt. The kit is Nutmeg from Lynne-Marie and Awesome Sauce from Pink Reptile designs.

This is an old photo that I have scrapped many times. My niece with the pumpkin that she grew herself in my back garden!

Kit is again Lynne-Marie's Nutmeg and PRD's Awesome Sauce.

This LO is recent and is all about our visit to see a friend's bees. Putting on the suits was really funny and featured me taking lots of photos lol. I couldn't resist a honeycomb theme for this and the kit is actually called Honey! From Lynne-Marie.

All of the kits I used can be bought at The Lily Pad

Saturday Spotlight

With sadness I have to announce that I will no longer be doing the Saturday Spotlight feature on my blog. I have been finding it harder and harder to find time to do it every week and don't feel I am doing it justice. I have so much going on in my life at the mo, including creating for 2 designers and recently starting a new job! I just can't find the time to give to the Spotlight. So I have made the decision (hopefully the right one) to stop doing it. A huge thank you too everyone that has visited my blog. I really appreciate it

Saturday Spotlight Week 42

Welcome to The saturday Spotlight!

This week's page is 'Delta Candy' by Kelsey Watson and is actually one of four pages, but this was my favourite. 

The soft pinks and blues are so right for this photo and I love the placing of the embellishments. I also like the fact that it's an A4 layout rather than the more traditional 

12 x 12.

A beautiful page Kelsey!

The kit is A Spring Day - don't know who by unfortunately. But it looks great!

Thank you Kelsey x

Saturday spotlight Week 41

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's colourful page is 'Colour Run' by Donna (SunnyD)

It features her granddaughter and her friend and no, I have no idea why they are covered in paint. But it looks fun!

I just love the layered papers. Spots always add to the fun element I think. The colour matching is excellent too. Having the photo so big is great and I love the way it follows the curves of the papers. Gorgeous!

Donna used a freebie from Angie Hinksman called 'Sew in Love'

Thanks Donna x

No Saturday Spotlight This Week

Sorry, I haven't had the time to choose a page this week.

I am very busy putting together my wedding stationery kits ready for a wedding fair and Saturday Spotlight has had to go on hold!

Apologies if you've popped in to have a look. Hopefully back next week :)

Mixed Media

So I thought I'd try a different kind of scrapping. Mixed media or Art journaling is everywhere at the moment.

I am not a natural at this, but had a go! It's great fun as you don't need to make a balanced LO. Just go for it, adding as many layers as you like. I still kept mine fairly traditional though. Couldn't seem to go really wild with it lol. 

This is my cousin and his daughter. I love the photo. It shows such love between them and the baby is really giggling. The quote is what he said to me when I asked if he was enjoying being a parent.

                         

And this is Matt, messing about in a boat. I will probably do more pages like this as well as continuing with my usual style. The kit I used for both pages is a collab from The Lily Pad called Mixed Media Monthly-August 2014

Saturday Spotlight Week 40

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's amazing page is 'My Love' by Kathy (blackkathy)

I love the softness of the page, the lovely photos and the brilliant frame. Kathy made the frame herself and to say that it has inspired me is an understatement lol. Can't wait to make one!

If you look closely, you will see tiny little birds on the frame. Such a sweet and delicate touch.

A super page Kathy. Thank you x

Holiday Snaps!

Back from a lovely holiday in Devon. A very active week which I am enjoying scrapping. The weather was cool, but dry. Our cottage was tiny, but clean and the food was expensive, but delicious!

This is Poppy dog looking a bit unsure. We are having a BBQ on the beach and managed to get a real fire going (thanks to our bushcraft lessons the day before lol). But Poppy was a little wary of the fire and couldn't seem to understand why we were all having dinner outside, on a rock next to the sea. This is the same day that we watched the seal. So she stuck close to Hollie and was fussed over all night. Her spirits did rise, however, once she had a bite of barbecued sausage!

Kit is Adventure by Lynne-Marie and Happy Camper by Laurie-Ann.

This was the most amazing day. We all love wildlife so this was a wonderful experience. This seal stayed in the bay the whole time we were there. It kept it's distance, but was obviously very interested in what we were doing. Matt spent many a happy hour perched on the rocks trying to get the perfect photo.

Kit is Bon Appetit, Adventure and Fresh all from LynneMarie.

I'm Off On Holiday

I will be away now until next Saturday. 

So there will be no Saturday Spotlight tomorrow or next week.

Let's hope we get some dry weather as I am going to Devon 

and have lots of outdoor activities planned lol

Hubby has booked us all in (including Poppy Dog) for canoeing followed by bushcraft?!!! Wish me luck.

See you next Sunday,

Love,

Karen x

Saturday Spotlight Week 39

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's scrumptious page is 'You Are Loved' by Val (valrushton)

I love the composition and the BG really makes everything else jump out. It can be tricky to do 'boy' pages and I think Val has pulled it off beautifully. such a great photo too. The denim and other embellishments work so well and the crooked title is just right! Brilliant scrapping Val :)

The kit Val used is Denim attraction from Saskia.

Thank you Val x

My Wedding Stuff!

If anyone gets time, could you have a look at my new wedding stationery blog. Feedback (good and bad) is very much appreciated.

Many Thanks,

Karen xxx

Saturday Spotlight Week 38

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's page is by Anita (bloggs)

I love the blending here and the word art is beautiful. Just a gorgeous Layout. Such a restful feel to the layout.

Thank you Anita x

Introducing Digifiddle

DigiFiddle Images is a new design company started up by my on-line friend Anne Nelson.

She is putting together digikits and images to purchase in her on-line shop. I am lucky enough to have been asked to join Anne's Creative Team. Which is exciting as her stuff is so different to anything I've crafted with before.

Most of the artwork in Anne's kits is hand painted (digitally) by Anne from her own photos. This creates a completely new look to digital crafting. The images have a watercolour feel to them and her BG papers are stunning too.

The first kit I have used is A Fragrant Memory which is available on the DigiFiddle website. Please pop over and have a look at what Anne is doing. Her stuff is gorgeous. she is a very talented lady.

and this is the page I made :)

Zest!

This is the latest kit from Lynne-Marie and I love it. It's not often that I use such bright colours in my layouts, but I had no trouble with this!

This first layout is me and my friends trying to get a group selfie at my work leaving party. The bright zesty colours in the kit are perfect for the summer party atmosphere.

This layout features my niece a few years ago. Another summer evening party. This time my dad's 65th birthday. I've stuck with one colour for this, but think it's worked ok.

Saturday Spotlight Week 37

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's gorgeous page is 'Have Fun' by Barb  (rachelbm)

I just love the summery feel to this and the big photo as the background is so effective.

Love too the scattered layering and overall composition, Just a fab page Barb!

I have to also mention that Barb's gallery on Daisytrail is well worth a look. Some really inspirational layouts on there.

I am waiting to hear what kit Barb used. Will update when I know.

Thank you Barb x

Saturday Spotlight Week 36

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's page is 'Just Visiting' by Rosabelle (rosabelle 1944)

The picture on it's own is great and the way Rosabelle has framed it is just right. The photo is very much the main focus while the cluster of embellishments adds such a seaside feel. The embellishments have also given depth to the page which I love. 

Rosabelle used kits called Ocean Solace, coastal Style and By The Sea.

Thank you Rosabelle x

We Did It!

I am pleased to say that I have completed the race For Life ( for cancer research)

I jogged 5k along the sea front at Worthing, along side 2000 other women.

I hadn't run at all before January this year, but really liked the idea of getting fit enough to take part.

The atmosphere was absolutely amazing and I am so glad I did it. I ran with my friend, Lauren and stepdaughter Hollie. I am very proud of all 3 of us and it was a fantastic day.

So obviously I'm going to scrap about it! Here are 2 pages. The first one is using the kit 

A Story Of Friendship from Sahlin Studio. the second page uses a kit called Sun Bleached from Lynne-Marie

Saturday Spotlight Week 35

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's page is 'Freddie' by Toni  (Tonisha)

This Layout has a lovely, bright, fresh feel to it, perfect for a baby. I love the angle of the photo and frame and the green is so pretty with the white and hint of pink.

The photo is adorable too!

The kit Toni used is called Treasures and is by Happy Scrap Art.

Thank you Toni x

Saturday Spotlight Week 34

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's page is 'Sailing' by Tracey (TLB)

I love the watercolour effect here - goes with the nautical theme perfectly. I also think the framing is fab and makes the photos really stand out. The journaling in a circle adds the finishing touch.

The photos are Tracey and her husband on a cruise. Very nice too!

Tracey used a template from Studio Dawn Inskip.

Thank you Tracey x

New Kit from Black Lady Designs

How lovely is this kit?! 

I love the bright, zingy colours. Perfect for summer.

You can buy this gorgeous kit here

This is a page I made using the kit. It's a photo of my step-daughter, Hollie. Taken on Sunday in glorious sunshine :)

Apologies...

I haven't got a Saturday Spotlight this week :(

I've just been so busy that I couldn't find the time to fit it in.

I am sorry if you've dropped in to have a look, but it will be back next week :)

Apologies again x

Great Offer from Lynne-Marie!

This kit is gorgeous. I've made quite a few pages with it and also created a quickpage to go into the bundle being offered here!

Check it out here 

This is the page I made using this kit and has also been made into a Quick page being offered for free with the bundle. It features my hubby, Paul :)

Black Lady Designs CT

I am thrilled to say that I am now part of the Creative Team for Black Lady Designs

Her kits have a beautiful, soft, delicate feel to them and her masks are awesome!

This is my first page for her and is made with the gorgeous kit 'Lilac Mist' 

It features my niece, Mabel in a rare moment of quiet :)

Saturday Spotlight Week 33

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's fabulous dog starring  page is 'Diamonds' from Wendy (wendy johnson)

I love the composition of this. The blended photo works so welL and the coloured embellishments are just right and don't overwhelm the soft colours. The dogs, of course, are gorgeous!

Wendy's pages often feature her weimaraners, Rocky and Amber and the kit used is 'So Greatful' from Sahlin Studio.

Thanks Wendy x

More LM Layouts

I am having an amazing time creating layouts for Lynne-Marie.

Her kits are gorgeous and versatile and at the moment, I can't stop Scrapping!!!

This first page is a photo of my dad's boat, taken by my dad. The kit is called  7 Seas with a couple of embellishments from 'Sea Breeze' by Laurie Ann and Kaye Winnecki. Both available at The Lilypad Store.

This Poppy layout was made using 'Hennai' a really pretty kit with lots of swirly, flowery prints.

This is my niece a few years ago now. The kit is a new release this week, called 'Fresh'.

It's a really fun kit and so colourful.

Saturday Spotlight Week 32

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's page is 'Shannon week 17'  by Di ( redmary) , and features her daughter and 'bump'!

She is going to make a page every week to follow the progress of her daughter's pregnancy. Such a lovely idea and I am going to try and keep up with them all. Can't wait to see the baby - so exciting :)

 Check out her gallery to see week 18.

I love this LO. They way Di has placed all the little embellishments around the photos is so pretty. Love the red BG too. A beautiful page.

The kit Di used is 'Sweet Bump' from Studio Scrapyrus on scrapbook Graphics.

Thank you Di x

Saturday Spotlight Week 31

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's page is 'Pssst...You Are Adorable'  by Irene (Scrappie Irene) and is the second time in the Spotlight for her!

The photo is of her friend's daughter at her First Communion - which explains the beautiful hair :)

The masking is beautifully done and the clusters of flowers are gorgeous. Love the smaller photo at the bottom too. The colours compliment the little girl perfectly - I just love this page!

The kit is 'Whispers & Wishes' by G&T Designs.

Thank you Irene x

Lynne-Marie CT!

I am so excited to say that I have been chosen to be a guest designer for Lynne-Marie over at The Lily Pad for June and July.

She is such a talented designer and I often use her kits in my LOs.

This is the first LO I have done. I know it's not actually June yet but I am so keen lol. 

The photos are of Hollie meeting an owl at Sparsholt Countryside Day. 

Sparsholt is the college that Matt attends, so naturally we had to go along and see what it was all about.

The kit is called Honey and is, of course, available at The Lily Pad Store.

Saturday Spotlight Week 30

Welcome To The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's page is 'Sandsfoot' by hollihops. The photo is of her daughter and youngest granddaughter on a family day out.

I absolutely love the way she's picked out and matched the colours from the photo. I also like the criss cross arrangement of materials and the little photo 'buttons'.

Just an adorable page.

hollihops used elements from a variety of freebies that she then re coloured to match the photo.

Thank you hollihops x

Saturday Spotlight Week 29

Welcome To The Saturday Spotlight!

This stunning page is 'Marek'  by Jirina (Jirsev).

This is so beautiful. Love the blending of the large photo in the BG and the flowers are placed perfectly. And isn't that little boy adorable?!

It's worth having a look at Jirina's gallery, her pages are gorgeous!

Kit used is by Buddy at DBB.

Thank you Jirina x

Saturday Spotlight Week 28

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This week's page is by Iris (trulytango) and is gorgeous!

The LO features her daughter and her dad and I love the photo of them cuddling. A truly 'captured in time' moment. The strip of bunting across the corner is great and really gives a happy, beachy feel. Also love that blue!

Kit is Summer Passport by syndee Nuckles.

Thank you Iris. A beautiful page x

Nephews, Nieces and A Template

This first LO features my nephew, William. I've gone for a cut out effect to frame the photo and added some stitching to give more definition. The flying birds, from Lynne Marie, add a feeling of movement.

This LO captures my niece, Mabel, in a rare moment of quiet!

I blended the big photo into the BG, saved as an image then blended again. I find that this method really makes the photo melt into the BG.

My colour scheme is taken from Mabel's clothing and I converted the BG of the photo to B&W to make her stand out even more.

This LO is based on a template by Amy Martin. it's a little different for me, and quite an experiment, but I think I quite like it!

I've used lots of kits for these LOs by the following designers:

Lynne Marie

Sahlin studio

One Little Bird

Pink Reptile Designs

Amy wolff 

Saturday Spotlight Week 27

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

 This week's beautiful page is' Where's My Mum?' by Margaret (lady_mags)

This is so different. I love all the higgledy piggledy shapes and layers, which somehow all come together perfectly! The colours are lovely too and compliment the photo really well. Loving the frog too. Just a gorgeous, eye catching scrap :)

Kits is from Dawn Inskip plus a few bits from other kits,  and the photo is one that Margaret took of a baby blackbird in her garden last year.

Thank you Margaret x 

Besties!

This is my step daughter, Hollie, on the beach with her friends. 

As soon as I saw the photo, I knew it needed to go right across the page. Then it was just a case of adding a few layers and paintbrush effects on the BG. I split the writing slightly to give the effect of paint going across 2 layers.

I decided to stick to one colour as I think it makes the photo stand out nicely.

The kit I used is a collab kit from The Lily Pad called I'll Be There For You. Details of how to get this gorgeous kit can be found Here.

Saturday Spotlight Week 26

Welcome to The Saturday Spotlight!

This weeks's stunning page is 'Out With The Dog'  by Audrey (cosybythefire).

The colours are so striking and I love the use of black. I tend to shy away from using a black BG, but this proves that it can work. It's a great foil for the colours and makes the page jump out at you.

Audrey produces so many gorgeous digi scraps and her gallery on Daisytrail is well worth a look.

The kit used is 'One Day' by Natli with some additional bits also by Natli.

Thank you Audrey :)

A Fabulous Easter

I have had a lovely Easter with my family and am now happily scrapping the millions of photos I have taken!

This page features my niece. She loves posing for the camera, but I'm glad I got this more candid shot of her. We had great fun taking part in an Easter egg hunt at Petworth Park and this photo is a pause in the proceedings :)

I've used a kit called Art & Soul from Sahlin Studio. Plus a few elements from Allison Pennington and Lynne Marie.