RAS

Rainy Day Hair

2012-01-20T13:03:00.001Z

Thank goodness that someone invented the fancy hair grip.

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Impulsion

2012-01-20T13:01:00.001Z

Have you signed up for emails linked to Ali Edwards blog? I have been signed up for years and enjoy her blog and the inciteful messages that zoom in to my inbox every now and then.A couple of weeks ago Ali spoke of a new 5 year diary she was going to use. Five years, that is a long time to commit to in terms of a diary as far as I am concerned. But the theory behind it is great. A small snippet of life recorded every day for five years. A record to look back on and as the blurb says relive forgotten moments.So, as it's January and the month always heralds new adventures I have decided to commit.One Line A Day arrived today. It is pale blue, gilt edged and is generally a lovely piece of stationery. Here's to the five year commitment.

Oh, and finally I have a word for the year. It is ImpulsionIt is my Scales of Training goal for 2012.- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Looking Forward

2012-01-13T19:29:00.002Z

to some exciting news - Issue 10 of Mollie Makes.

Love, love this magazine. xo

January A Trip Down Memory Lane SImple Stories

2012-01-13T19:09:00.005Z

January DT had a play with lovely Simple Stories papers. I really enjoyed having a play this month.

Check out the entire gallery HERE

7 Gypsies at A Trip Down Memory Lane

2012-01-13T19:02:00.005Z

Here are some of the cards and layouts that I made for A Trip Down Memory Lane November DT using some lovely 7 Gypsies products.

Check out the other goodies made by the DT HERE.

Happy New Year

2012-01-13T18:31:00.002Z

So, welcome 2010. You are finally here.

Hope your 2012 is bursting full of promise.

Christmas at Eclectic Keepsakes

2011-11-22T18:01:00.005Z

Sadly I have had to take a back seat from Eclectic Keepsakes, but very gladly it is still going strong under the helm of other Karen (!).

Christmas is coming to EK and I believe there may be the last few remaining places left. Oh, and I do mean a few!

Here is the flyer with all the details:

It was an amazing day last year, lots of full and value for money kits, great classes and of course an amazingly friendly bunch of people to crop with.

So whether you are new or old to EK, it would be great to see you there.

Email Karen on:

eclectickeepsakes@btinternet.com

It's been a while

2011-11-17T07:37:00.002Z

It's been a long time.
I am a little poorly at the moment and with a little time on my hands I have just seen this....

Check it out HERE . It looks fab and there are some inspiring teachers, hopefully it will get me in the holiday mood!

I will try and update some of the things I have been up to since July real soon.

H Day

2011-07-20T08:03:00.001+01:00

So finally I am a horsey mama. This is Nico.

He has settled in really well and I am loving every minute!

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20/20

2011-06-18T21:45:00.001+01:00

A little damp but having fun at the All Stars vs Essex cricket.

:)

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Cyber Crop

2011-06-18T13:43:00.003+01:00

So the cyber challenge has started in earnest on the A Trip Down Memory Lane Blog HERE. Please pop over and take a peek at the challenges and inspiration on offer from the whole team today.

There will be lots to do right the way through the weekend.

I got to play along with the first tags challenge, here is a little peek of the two sets that I made.

I used lots of Prima and Websters Pages to create some romantic. floral tags suitable for cards of layouts.

I cant wait to see what everyone gets up to over the weekend.

Final Layout - del Mar

2011-06-07T11:05:00.000+01:00

Just because, my headscarf colours matched the papers so well! The little hanging ball thingies, were a bit of an experiment that took on a life of their own. Karen M was with me when I made this and found it most amusing as they grew in numbers like little tribbles (or Gremlins if you are not in the ST know!). Perhaps you had to be there to appreciate the humour of it, I dont think it translates well to a blog explanation!

A layout.....

2011-06-06T11:01:00.000+01:00

Celebrating being 40 - I hasten to add, not me yet (thank goodness!)

Love these tickets.

Websters Mini Book

2011-06-05T10:57:00.000+01:00

I made this to document our weekend in Bath and at Badminton: birds, roses, butterflies and twine.

Can you ever have too much of a good thing?

2011-06-04T10:52:00.000+01:00

Nope, not if we are talking about lovely scrapbook papers.

I am ever so smitten with Websters Pages at the moment, I think they have really raised thier game. I love the English Garden'ness and Tea Rose feel to the latest releases.

We got to chosse which ranges we wanted to play with for the month and I went with the floral romantics.

Here are some cards I made:

ATDML Cyber Crop

2011-06-03T10:17:00.003+01:00

Once again I have been absent from blogging, I guess there is a fine line between blogging and life -ing!

I have been busy beavering away at some crafty projects for the forthcoming A Trip Down Memory lane Cybercrop.

Check it out HERE

There will be 12 classes and 6 challenges spread throughout the weekend of 17th - 19th June. Each of the ladies on the DT team has designed some fab classes and some amazing examples to whet your apetites.

Hope you get to play along.

Keep an eye out on the ATDML blog for some sneak peeks and little samples. Here is a little something from me relating to Saturday at 18.00 hours!

Today

2011-05-14T17:31:00.001+01:00

We are having lots of fun at Marks Tey today. We have just finished a Lime Twist Minds Eye layout and have a few extra cropping hours as it's National Scrapbooking Month. Here are some of our layouts:

-

Hope you are all having a great day.

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Fun at EK

2011-05-14T17:17:00.001+01:00

Having fun at the crop today, teaching a class with Lime Twist.

(so much fun we can't stop grinning!)

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Beware Photo Heavy Post

2011-05-03T19:59:00.006+01:00

The first photo I have to share is this:

... these were the lovely flowers that were a congratulations present as I passed my exam. Hurrah! I came 49th from the total number of entrants which numbered more than 7000. It would be fair to say I am a little more than chuffed with the result. The hard work was worth the effort after all.

Last weekend was a pre birthday event in Bath accompagnied by a day at the cross country day of Badminton Horse Trials. What an amazing day that was, the weather was very hot, the crowds were all enjoying the event and the shopping was tremendous. I was shicked at how many riders fell off and were removed from the course by helicopter. Good job my current jumping skills mean I aim for things that are much, much lower in height! I am going to buy a body protector.

One of the highlights of Bath was finding a Champneys Spa tucked away amongst some of the specialist shops. I opted for a Garra Fish Pedicure which felt tingly and looked bizarre but was fun and all the women in the spa came over for a peek.

This weekend was the actual birthday. The benefits of an early May birthday include the close proximity to a Bank Holiday and this year thanks to Easter and a certain Royal wedding there were two long weekends to enjoy. On the day I went to the stabled and rode, a little jumping but kept it simple because it was very, very windly and Harvey was a little spooked.

We then went on to lunch and Jimmys Farm to enjoy a little warm weather, Joules shopping and some cute animals. we enjoyed the cottage gardens....

The cute little piggies...

The beautiful butterflies...

... and the cute baby lambs....

His and hers entrance stamps so we could wander in and out at will... ( I want one of those for my layouts!)

I also managed to fit in aday of scrapping with Karen during which I made some more goodies with my A Trip Down Memory Lane DT kit. Here are some peeks...

Meet Harvey

2011-04-21T07:07:00.002+01:00

This is the Ginger horse that has been occupying my time off of work recently.

Half asleep, he used all his energy up dragging me up the path!

We are working through some boundary issues!!

Off to Swindon/Bath/Badminton HT next weekend for a little adventure and lots of photo opportunities!!

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Saturday play day

2011-04-16T14:59:00.001+01:00

I have been able to sneak a few hours of creativity in today.

Here is what my desk looks like at present

I love it when the sun streams through the window. I have a lesson on Harvey this afternoon to look forward to (the new chestnut horsey in my life!)

Here are a few cards I have been playing with. Inspired by su and pti and made using their beautiful stamps.

Hope you all get chance to enjoy some weekend sun.

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Eclectic Keepsakes

2011-04-03T19:42:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I spent a lovely day at ek.

I must extend a very big thankyou to the kind person who assisted me with some diet coke in my hour of need!

Karen M did subject me to Teagate though, I would like to publically say never again - tea policy is changing!!

I have almost completed a lovely canvas bag and will blog as soon as I am able. I finished my final layout from the ATDML retreat from last weekend too.

Thanks to all those who attended and made it such a great day.

I will leave you with a snap of Deb and Denise who was juzzing her hair!

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Sunday travels

2011-04-03T19:30:00.001+01:00

Travelling to London by train on a Sunday wasn't the best idea I have ever had.

Four hours later I reached my destination. Sigh. Hope they finish the rail improvements real soon.

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Wahoooo Its over

2011-03-19T19:06:00.003Z

Wahoo indeed!

After so long I am post exam rather than pre and I am rather excited. (I am convinced I didn't do well, then may have done well, then no I didn't do well after all. Etc, etc)

I showed a peak ages ago about a class I did for A Trip Down Memory Lane, here it is in its entirity:

Click HERE for the link to the instructions.

I am very much looking forward to the Spring Retreat next weekend, I have six classes set up for the weekend to kick start my creativity. I hope to share some photos afterwards.

As means of a mini celebration, my DH and I have been to Norwich for the weekend, my first 18 holes of golf in 6 month and I was so excited to score 101 - s small miracle in itself.

Baking and crafty pics to share tomorrow.

I (heart) Pancakes

2011-03-07T22:32:00.005Z

So excited that tomorrow when I wake up the highlight of my culinary day will be making banana chunks look like little hearts.

Hope everyone enjoys pancake day x

(pinterest)

Only a few weeks left

2011-02-24T21:34:00.003Z

until the exam and then life resumes as normal. Hopefully with some more craft related posts.

Today I did something I havent done for more years than I care to admit to! Here is a little clue...

Today I went horse riding. I have been working on the 'a lot of revision equates to a little treat' theory. Today marked a significant barrier in the revision so I decided to do something that I have been threatening for a while. AND I LOVED IT! (And I am so unfit and I have forgotten how physically hard it is!) Ahem.

I rode a grey horse called Harvey who was a little grumpy when standing on the ground and a little sluggish at a walk to start off with thus my being quite tired at the end of the lesson. However, at the faster speeds he was great, a very steady horsey on which to regain some skills and adult confidence!

I have been trying to remember how to hold the reins for a week and thought I would struggle with everything, but I got on (hurrah also for mounting blocks) and it really was like riding a bike. Got up to cantering and hope to do a little jumping next week. Need to work on the weight on the ball of the foot/stirrups and my heel position, but not a bad start.

When DH got home I was very excited and told (aka bored) him to death with an indepth account of my progress. He asked, "Didn't you gallop then?" My response was made with a raising of the eyebrows and a hrrummph-like noise.

Forgot to take photos, will do next week and post a little piccy of the said horsey - if he dosen't eat my camera as he really was rather grumpy! Expect to be walking like John Wayne tomorrow!

Cake Pops UK

2011-02-16T21:28:00.001Z

An exciting email came at the weekend, The Make Lounge in Islington have announced their new class schedules and they are now teaching how to create cake pops.

Check out this cute photo - who can resist those cute little sheep?!

If you are interested do have a look at the website. I have taken knitting and cake decorating classes here and they are fab. The shop is excellent too and has everything crafty that you could possibly imagine inside.

Broken Vintage

2011-02-15T21:14:00.005Z

I am ever so slightly obsessed by vintage hair clips.

It would be fair to say that I often stalk Etsy and find out what pieces are for sale. I haven't found anywhere in the UK yet that offers anything like this. Closest is Rosie Fox which I adore, but it is less vintage and more mass produced.

I recently came across this gorgeous SHOP Vintage Dreamz by Susie Marley. I bought myself a little valentines treat, this super cute pink rhinestone heart number.

It shipped super quick from Texas and certainly did not disappoint. But (and here is the but) for what they are they cost a small fortune.

As I have so much time on my hands and need another hobby (Ahem) I have been having a look at what I could buy in the UK to make my own. I have been bidding on Ebay and secured some ultra cheap lots of broken jewellery. £3.00 for a nice little pile of broken Rhinestone jewellery is much more like it!

My next challenge is to track down some wide grips and clip bases and will give it a whirl as soon as I can.

Hope to update as soon as I can as to whether this was a good idea or one of my not so good ones!. If anyone knows of ant UK places that create this sort of stuff or where I can get some raw clips, I would be really grateful if you could point me in the right direction.

ATDML Month of February

2011-02-14T18:10:00.006Z

Happy Valentines Day!

During my long weekend at work, I was very glad to see that the February A Trip Down Memory Lane gallery went live.

This month we used two very different paper ranges both from 7 Gypsies, Conservatory and Paddington. Equally striking and beautiful but kind of at different ends of the style spectrum regarding design elements.

Check out the whole gallery HERE.

Here are my peeks. Firstly a Valentines card:

The black and white was set off with a little burst of red and gold. It was interesting to see the use of colour in different layouts and projects with this range of papers. The key was added using the new glue gun - looked chunky, held on very tight and you couldnt see it either.

I also created these three layouts:

Click 1 2 3

This one came together at and about the time of the peeks of CHA and I was inspired to create some rosettes on my pages, I think they are going to be a massively popular design element once the new goods hit the street and was very pleased at how simple it was to make my own. I will be using more of them for sure.

My Dog

Every now and again in the right light, my dog who is now getting on a bit in both doggy and human years looks very puppy like. I love this ethereal look photo of her.

The design is quite geometrical. Simple square shape, quartered and off set. I really like simple blocky designs, pushing them about on the 12 x 12 background and adding design elements to try and make them a little different seems to work every time.

Finally my favoruite page, Simply Dreamy.

I used one of my cutting machines for the first time on this layout. I dare not say how long I have had it unused, the shame of it. I cut the title and used some spray ink to alter the colour as it wasnt standing out enough from the page in its bare naked state.

I kind of think I should be so over butterflies now, but I am not. I still love them!

Tools are my own, all ingredients available from the shop HERE.

Hope to be able to show you my My Minds Eye class real soon.

Eclectic Keepsakes Stuff

2011-02-07T10:27:00.008Z

I have been a little neglectful and havent posted many of the lovely projects we have been making. Here is a little taster of what we got up to in January this year.

A beuatiful layout taught by Debbie Jewell using the ever so sparkly My Minds Eye papers. I loved this project and found glitter everywhere for the reast of the weekend! Thank you to Debbie who is the nicest lady for teaching this class.

Some eclectic tags from me..

Wrapping; a bag created from a sheet of 12 x 12 strung with ribbon which could hang off either a hook or a Christmas tree branch!

A lovely card taught by Karen Moss.

I loved all the layering and chunky flowers.

The box (to match the tags) from me, made from 12 x 12 card, stamped, scored, folded and then add some chunky ribbon so it looks 'melt in your mouth, I want to open it now, give it to me' goodness!

Without the ribbon...

So that was January, it was a busy and slightly longer day for us. We knew we did the right thing by putting off the date in December (snow bah!) but it was a hard call to make at the time as we put so much in to it. Things are meant to happen for a reason I guess.

Moving on to February. Well it is the month of love and we thought, why not.

Ann Freeman was our teacher extraordinare and she created a double page layout which was truly divine.

The papers knocked our socks off, they are Echo Park and are available HERE at ATDML if you want some (Yes, you need it I promise!). I think we all agreed they are a step in a new direction for EP, less bold and whimsical than past offerings. They are beautiful papers and my favourite collection of valentine smooze so far this year.

A big thanks also to Ann who kindly went the extra mile with this class x

So that is a taster of what we have been up to. It is our first anniversay next month, wink wink. We have had a fanatstic year, its been a learning experience but a good experience.

People never fail to amaze us with their kindness and generosity. At this stage I would like to offer my hugest thank yous to A Trip Down Memory Lane. They have been supporting us from the beginning and helped us make so many of the lovely classes happen. Thanks muchly to Mel and Jill. x

Laughter and sharing time with like minded people is a tonic. Here's to the next successful year and the many opportunities it will bring us.

Websters Pages

2011-01-30T09:54:00.004Z

I love, love, love ALL these new embellishments from WP's. They have lots of new products and I fear as soon as they are in the UK I will be purchasing them!

I especially love the birds and the mini petals. Check out the website and blog HERE for lots of lovely examples of the new paper ranges too, I really like Ladies and gents and Spring Market.

Lily Bee Designs

2011-01-29T17:48:00.003Z

Love, love all the new Happily Lost range, especially these alphas, which I need (yup need, not want!)

(All the papers are lish too!) Website HERE

Jenni Bowlin Crush

2011-01-29T08:59:00.004Z

I have had a scrapbook crush on Jenni Bowlin for about as long as I have been making stuff. Her mercantile items are quirky and fun and her kits are too lovely for words.

As Winter CHA mania 2011 hits, I have been taking a little sneak peek at what to expect.

Here are some of my favourites:

Round tart tins, satisfying two hobbies in one. Think of all the fun you can have with these, some strips of paper and a little modge podge!

Ever so cute little pennant stickers with numbers.

Larger pennant pages for mini books.

Chipboard stars....

and pennants. (I think there is a theme going on here!)

PS There is some super cool stuff going on at Two Peas at the mo. I am disappointed I missed the chats, if you join in there are often downloadable freebies for digi and hybrid scrapping. Hop on over here to the Online Social. Chats, videos from the show starting today as well as photos and lots of other events and news.

Random Store, Happy shopping

2011-01-26T22:00:00.000Z

A new shop has appeared in the shopping mall that is Stratford, London.

I have to say that at the moment the shopping here is not so exciting. The WH Smiths and The Body Shop are the highlight of a quick stroll through on the way to the train station. (On a very positive note, Westfield II (North London?! Northfield) will be opening soon and that will ensure shopping opportunities increase dramatically. Hurrah)

This new shop is called Tiger. Check it out here .

I have never seen it before, there are not that many branches according to the website but it kind of reminds me of Muji. They have some really cute little things for baking, writing, decorating, pampering, etc, etc. The stationery section is really is really cool - where else could you get a pack of little notes books like these for a £1??

So I came out with a bagful of stuff for less than a £10, cards, doilies, notebooks and two rather nice wooden letter K's (one for me and one for a friend who may be able to sneak it in her house somewhere). Happy shopping.

A quick review on that hot glue gun

2011-01-25T21:47:00.003Z

The pink gun has been out to play and had a proper test tonight on a little project that I was working on.

It takes four AA batteries and in term of time about three minutes to warm up the the stage that the glue melts through. It has a built in stand so in case you forget its on you will not destroy your work surface.

It is a thick glutenous glue, quite chunky and suitable for holding in place large elements. It kind of reminds me of silicon (as in decoupage), except its hot and dries a lot quicker!

I added on flowers and some metals and they are holding well and are raised from my page in a chunky layout stylee. I am not so sure I would want to add paper with this stuff, I doubt you could get it flush. I think a telltale glue bump would be visible.

I may well be in the minority of people that hasn't ever used hot glue, but I like it and think there is a place for it in my glue stash along with the Herma, DST, ATG gun, etc. Its a cool gadget and worth the £15. A real winner for adding embellishments and chunk.

TA DA

2011-01-24T09:48:00.001Z

It's official, I have been asked to join the ladies on the A Trip Down Memory Lane Design Team.

I am super excitd to join the other team members and a big thanks to Mel and Jill. Mwaah! I look forward to sharing stuff, layouts and projects with you real soon...

Kikkerland Straws in the UK

2011-01-21T11:13:00.001Z

I love these paper straws, they remind me of American Diners.

I bought mine for adding to cupcakes as seen on Bakerella. (Thank you to alovely friend who pointed me in the direction of this blog. Cake Pops - another new hobby I need to get in to!)

I think you could make something similar and add them to scrapbook pages - they would look cute dont you think?

I found these straws in the UK at Pippii
They have a lovely website full of things for celebrations and partys. Check out the Cookie Cutters, I confess that the butterflys also fell into my basket. The highdays and holidays section for recipes and inspiration is great, love the valentine chocolate brownies.

SJ on QVC

2011-01-20T11:23:00.002Z

Check out this post from SJ with full details on HERE.

Sj is the very talented designer of Little Musings and tomorrow at 4pm her stamps will be being sold on QVC. Do pop over and have a look, they are beautiful and she is a very clever lady.

Always searching for the perfect adhesive

2011-01-20T10:23:00.004Z

On the quest for the perfect adhesive, today I have treated myself to one of these...

I have never tried a hot melt glue before. I guess I like the fact that it is portable, battery operated and that it comes in a pretty colour.

I ordered mine from HERE and awaits its speedy arrival and the first trial.

Any advice on the perfect adhesive would be gratefully received.

Note: I bought my gun from A Trip Down Memory Lane - looks like they may have sold out already! Contact Mel and Jill by email and I am sure they will keep you updated on furture deliveries!

Things to celebrate and consider today.

2011-01-20T10:10:00.006Z

Lots of lovely scrapping goodness has arrived all in a yummy new 2011 box. I am looking forward to playing a little in between revising a lot!

Also, the first play with this awaits me today. I am all ready to create an 8 inch, double layer, royal iced cake with a small bear on top. Hmm , maybe I am trying to run before I can walk here!

My SIL has announced her wedding date (having gotten engaged end of last year)as September this year, I am excited and cant wait. I saw her last night and viewed her very long list of things to do. We discussed colour schemes, invites, organza and make up. Hurray for a wedding to look forward to.

Finally, the Microsoft has been a little poorly and today we have thrown up our hands in frustration and tonight will be replacing her with a newer, sleeker, made for Imedia model. Transition time will be pm tonight. Hopefully this will make the blogging easier again. Hurry home hubby.

From Sneak way down below

2011-01-20T10:03:00.003Z

This is a mini book page that I made for the UKS mini book class of 2010.

I created the very first and very last pages in the series as highlighted on the front of UKS.

This concluded the vintage series and is a photo of my MIL and FIL getting married. I created this using some K and Co Madeline papers that I bought in France on my honeymoon.

I also created a a set of PDF instructions which you can access HERE if you would like to make this page.

Welcome 2011

2011-01-09T23:13:00.005Z

I get the feeling that it will be an interesting year.

Five days in and the revision has started again in earnest. Roll on March when it will all be finished and worth while.

DH's 40th birthday is imminent. He is experiencing a great deal of indecision about what he wants to do. Maybe its an age thing?!

Our first super crop of the year went well. Karen Moss designed and taught a card class and created a fab make and take waterfall book. Debbie Jewell taught a lovely 12 x 12 layout class using some sparkly My Mind Eye papers - I was covered in glitter when I got home! I taught a tag/bag/box class. Inspired by all things retail, have spent the last 6 months ripping apart boxes and bags, choosing and tweaking designs and reducing them to fit on 12 x 12. Hopefully it worked and it made me happy as it included some stamping and glossy fat ribbon. Thanks retailing world for all the inspiration!

I had some exciting news which made me very happy but I cant share just yet. Lots of exciting new plans for the year ahead, real and electronic scrapping, UK and USA with friends new and old.

Looking forward to better weather when I can get out on a dry golf course and dry bike routes again. (Like the lightweight Mountain Bike, don't like the lack of mud guards) Under Armour is the most fantastic invention known to man re winter sports. Fitness is high on the agenda for the year.

I aspire to more blogging of projects made, places visited and photographs taken.

A Sneak

2010-10-30T09:14:00.000+01:00

Here is a little sneak of a UKS project that I have been playing with this week...

Keep an eye out on the home page for the full project and PDF instructions

Boo - be foodie inspired

2010-10-29T19:10:00.000+01:00

Boo - be vintage inspired

2010-10-29T09:08:00.000+01:00

Its been a while

2010-10-28T18:38:00.005+01:00

I have been quietly creative. I am trying to blog/sit on the Mac a little less and actually do a little more.

Here is a little sneak of a class that I have put together for A Trip Down Memory Lane.

Some sneaks to share soon for a little something I am doing for UKS....

I should have some Halloween pictures to share this weekend :) My favourite time of the year.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

2010-09-06T16:15:00.004+01:00

who support EK in every possible way, have a blog challenge up at the mo to create a card, layout or project using spots.

Love spots!

Here is my interpretation using some of the new MME So Sophie papers.

It was Graces first day at proper school today so I was thinking of her all day.

I created these little stamped, punched vellum butterflies for my recent EK class, I love them so - the perfect oh so simple to make embellishment.

EK on Saturday

2010-09-06T16:05:00.003+01:00

Saturday was great. It was one of those days where I shuffled paper about, bemoaned the fact that I didnt have any inspiring photos, made friends with Ellie as I had the new Eminem CD in my car and ate too much rubbish resulting in a touch of heartburn. Loved those double choc cupcakes BTW Miss Moss!

Here are my three examples of the class that Ann designed for us.

We made a stitched patchwork layout, a paper layout and a cute mini book too.

Many, many thansk to ATDML for helping with the kit again. Check out the new Indie girl section in the shop HERE.

(back from the vets, we have now had our first anti biotic, first anti inflamatory and a foot bathe in pink antiseptic. They arent sure what it is so we will have to go back Friday. Lara is currently sporting a long red sock cunningly sewn onto straps which tie round her collar so she cant get the thing off. I wish someone would invent some handy gadget to keep paws covered which dont come off with pulling or nibbling.)

Some different ideas

2010-09-06T11:25:00.006+01:00

I still like Balloons, for me thay are like butterflies in that I just can't get enough of them on my SB pages.

I took this idea from Elsie and Rachels Art Journal class. The flowers are concentric circles cut from a lime green Marks and Spencers carrier bag. Scrunch them up, staple them on and eh voila and cute, plastic flower embellishment.

Another current favourite, I like it when you cut a chunky shape out of the side of Patterned paper. I think this is a Calico trend that has rubbed off. Looks great and adds interest.

My final layout of the day, playing with some patchwork shapes.

Some Studio Calico Goodness

2010-09-06T11:20:00.003+01:00

Here are some layouts as featured by the SC DT Teams. So lovely I couldnt resist. I especially like the scallop ovals cut down and overlapped to create some va-va-voom texture.

I think as the day went on I freestyled more!

I really like the idea of using the negative you create when punching out from small shaped pieces of paper. Need to use this technique more. I also enjoyed chopping up the Sassafras Whimseys, I love them more in smaller pieces.

Good Old U/J Stamps

2010-09-06T11:15:00.003+01:00

I just love, love these Union Jack Stamps from Scrapagogo (links to left).

I found it really hard to track down a U/J stamp and I like the square and triangular bunting version that you get here. It was a bit fiddly to colour in each of the flag sections, but well worth the effort. With a a little glitter and some foam tape I created some chunky, 3D bunting.

This layout is actually a sketch that I tweaked by Studio Calico. The photos are my girlies in Glastonbury; their first festival experience.

(I believe that there are a few stamps left - don't quote me on that though!)

Laura's June Eclectic Keepsakes Class

2010-09-06T11:09:00.003+01:00

This was Lauras class that she taught at the June Eclectic Keepsakes crop.

She chose some seriously bright papers and colours; the likes of which would normally make me run away in fright and horror.

They worked so well and I loved this layout very much.

Congrats to Laura and her new husband who got married this weekend. x

Inspired by a (now) old Shimelle class

2010-09-06T11:05:00.002+01:00

Here are a couple of layouts that I made using up some of my least favourite, years old stash.

You know that stuff you have had in your cupboards for years and you look at and think (sigh) why on earth did I buy that?

So that was plain and very un-exciting brad and metals; mainly those metal plates which I had to have way back then.

I also used some older USA photos. (A lesson learn't this weekend was that I really need to go out and get me some new photos!)

What's been going on?

2010-09-06T10:31:00.002+01:00

why the lack of blogging? I have been very busy at work and have been trying really hard to improve my golf skills before our first ever golf holiday. I really can't wait for a bit of end of summer sunshine and some lovely beautiful foreighn courses.

Scrapping wise, yet again I threw caution to the wind and resigned from Two Peas. This was a hugely hard decision but the right one to do. I have an exam to study for and want to get back to some real, honest to goodness lovely paper scrapping!

So along with EK every month, I am still a member of Shimelles DT and Jen Martakis's team and I am hoping to get invovled with some new projects real soon.

Today I woke up and my dog has a poorly paw. I have had to take an emmergency day off work for a trip to the vets. It seems most UK vets are really busy on Monday's as the earliest appointment I could get is 3.10. So she is currently snoozing at my side. (Which is good as she is licking her paw and growling at me lots when I ask her to stop! Other smaller pooch is in the furthest part of the house staying away from her at the moment. Probably a sensible move!)

So, this gives me a little extra time to update my blog and have a play with some layouts this afternoon.

It's been a while

2010-09-04T22:07:00.005+01:00

So today I got nagged, and rightly so about not blogging for a very long while. Blogging recommences again.

Today at eclectic Keepsakes Ann Freeman taught out class. Here is a sneak of her layouts, we completed two layouts and a notebook using the kit.

We used the very lovely Indie Girl papers from Sassafrass Lass. many, many thanks to Mel and Jill from A Trip Down Memory Lane who were above to get these papers for us. In the Country for less than a week and featured in our kits - thanks ATDML x Check out the collection HERE at the shop.

I had a great day today, even though I didn't manage to create very much. I enjoyed good company, good cupcakes and good stash.

Keep an eye on the EK blog for future dates and events we have planned for next year.

Two Peas Digital Kits

2010-05-24T15:44:00.010+01:00

I have been feeling under the weather today, not managed to do very much.

I am able to share some layouts that I made this week for Two Peas, certainly not feeling creative today!

Here is the first using Shimelles Count to Four Template.

Also using Starburst mini papers kits - available at two Peas in a Bucket.

Secondly I made this using Chelsea Parsons I Wish Kit, my favourite as released this week.

Check out all the new releases HERE at Two Peas this week.

I am thankful for

2010-05-19T18:14:00.000+01:00

a few hours in the sunshine with this girl and my camera.

and lomography film cameras. 120 is the format of the future!

Look we are famous!

2010-05-18T20:42:00.002+01:00

How excited was I to see that Eclectic Keepsakes got a mention in the editorial section of Scrapbook Magazine.

Wow, I couldn't wait to get my copy and have a flick through.

I must just add that ATDML arent with us every month, but they will be back soon :)

Some real life layouts

2010-05-18T17:59:00.000+01:00

Here are some layouts that I have been mucking about with over the past few weeks.

The first came from a layout sketch from the recent Cybercrop at UKS. I used the sketch and the layout title to create my own layout. This was a photo we took at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The black frame highlights one of the launch platforms where literally if you are one of the chosen few you can actually get to the Moon.

This layout was something I made using the ever so lovely Dear Lizzy papers. I don't think I will ever tire of these, they are my favourites at the moment.

I saw a T Shirt in Rover Island that had a row of circle cutouts attatched to the front by means of sewing down the middle. I thought it would look amazing on a layout and gave it a whirl using these papers from a Studio Calico kit I have had for a while.

I saw a layout similar to this on Two Peas, It had a central circle in which a large amount of text had been written. I really cant remember whose layout it was though, maybe a Kristina's picks? Im not sure, It was a cracker though! More Dear Lizzy.

Old Gogo Getaway Projects

2010-05-17T17:45:00.001+01:00

I had some old GoGo Getaway kits from way back when. These are the ones I didn't get chance to do when I was assisting the teachers. Not sure if they are from the first or second one I went to though.

I finally got chance to have a little play with them. Whilst away for a week in London I had an evening to spare and only had room to take something with me that was already pre packed.

The classes designed by Jane Dean and Mary Ann I followed quite closely. The other kits I kind of freestyled with. I found it really hard to create without my usual extra stash or tools but gave it a go in any case. I did find it quite liberating to use up some of my older stuff though!

Amended to add: I seem to have a lot of traffic from the Gogo website direct to this post. Alas I am not a member anymore but would love to know if a thread had been posted to direct people in. Thats nice :)

A Few Cards

2010-05-16T18:10:00.003+01:00

Here are some cards that I have made recently.

The ones with the Thanks stamp on them have been lifted from samples at Impress.

The Nuts for You card was made using a kit from Eclectic Keepsakes, this was from our inaugural class.

Phew

2010-05-16T17:14:00.006+01:00

...................................

It's been a busy couple of weeks. I took a little holiday from all my scrapbooking and am really looking forward to playing again next week.

I have been trying to keep up with my first ever art journal project. I have been playing along with the Red Velvet class Tell Your Story as run by Elsie Flannagan and Rachel Denbow. I have had fun playing with lots of different mediums. I like how both teachers have very different styles and I am finding a way to meet in the middle.

Here are some of my pages so far in various stages of construction:

Also, I have been really lucky to have been features on the Kenner Road blog with a layout I made a while ago c/o Two Peas in a Bucket. Check it out HERE if you would like to take a peek.

I (heart) Studio Calico

2010-05-03T19:56:00.005+01:00

Yay, yay for Studio Calico.

They had some super Giveaways for National Scrapbooking Day and I was super lucky and won!

I am now (or soon will be) the proud owner of the new American Crafts Abode range, what an amazing surprise!

It has been an amazing weekend, it was my birthday and my DH and I went away for the weekend, we got back this evening having spent a weekend in Kent. A spot of shopping at Bluewater (including some Hotel Chocolate Goodies), a turquoise box with a beautiful present inside, ana amazing book (thanks you Miss Kate Moss) and some golf (check out below) set the scene for a great couple of days.

On Saturday Eclectic Keepsakes held a very special event for National Scrapbooking Day. We were thrilled to have been joined by Shimelle who taught a special 8.5 x 11 album class. It was amazing. We managed to get 16 pages completed to first fix page and left us simply to take them home and kick them up. It was great to see so many friends and meet new people. We all came together for a day of scrapbooking, fun and cupcakes. Here is a collective photo of some of us that enjoyed the day.

I am now off to travel Europe for a couple of weeks - work rather than pleasure. So I have taken a little sabatical from all things scrappy for a few weeks - life resumes as normal soon so I hope to share more layouts then x

Vinnie Pearce Bracket Masks

2010-04-13T19:41:00.002+01:00

I have been playing with Vinnies new release at Two Peas this week, the yummy bracket masks. Check the kit out HERE

love how they can be supersized and used to clip large chunks of paper as well as make little journal blocks too.

A photo of me trying desperately to stay cool in tropical heat. The art to staying cool and looking cool in the heat, an impossible task to me - I am less of an amazonian goddess and more of a pale and interesting European thing!

Other supplies: Vinnie Pearce 1000 Miles papers and elements kits all at Two Peas in a Bucket

April Showers bring May Flowers

2010-04-12T21:12:00.003+01:00

I made this this week using two of the new kits from Two Peas, Jen Martakis's April and Michelle Underwoods The Best Days of our Lives extras.

Some beautiful flowers I snapped in Saffron Walden.

I especially like the tree branch in Michelle's kit, It could be used either way up and is just way cute. This kit would look great on either a card or a layout.

Check out the two kits Here and Here at Two Peas in a Bucket.

Using the Free Kits with the new SI Magazines

2010-04-12T21:08:00.004+01:00

I wanted to share a layout I made using the free kits that are part of the new Scrapbook Inspirations book.

Sometimes when patterned papers get a little too much for me, I go for the less is more option. By adding a little bit of each of the papers against a neutral background it creates a calm and gentle layout.

The butterfly was one I snapped with macro lens at a butterfly farm. Its that time of year again now when the Butterfly farms are opening up again, I can't wait to get in one again.

Blog Malaise

2010-04-11T10:52:00.006+01:00

Ouch, I have not been very good at blogging recently. I havent uopdated much other than my Two Peas designs.

Life has been busy.

I had some crafty loveliness delivered this week in the form of the divine new EK Success punch. Medium circle.

I cant wait to play with this in real life. I am also eagerly awaiting arrival of the new Studio Calico kit and some more lovely punches to go with it.

I am already packed for next weekend even though this week isnt over. I am super excited to be spending two days scrapping with Donna Downey in Bury St Edmunds, hurray. I expect to be elbow deep in pastels and gel medium this time next week.

I have bought a lovely new cupcake book this week from the Primrose Hill Bakery. I am no baker but this book is amazing. I have promsied to help a friend make some cakes for her daughters Communion, so figured I had better improve my skills really quickly!

Golf is coming on leaps and bounds. I have joined a local club, bought a rescue club and am continuing to work on my coil! (No wonder I havent found the time to blog!)Also it is Masters Weekend in the house. Girls golfing rocks!

Finally, other Karen and I are looking forward to May 1st for a day of Scrapping with Shimelle at Marks Tey. As a one off this will replace the monthly Eclectic Keepsakes crop. We have two spaces left, so if you are interested, please post a comment or mail me.

Spring has finally sprung and I am off out to enjoy the sunshine with my camera in my hand. I am inpsired by spring loveliness this weekend! Hope you get chance to get out and snap some spring.

1000 Miles by Vinnie Pearce

2010-04-06T15:53:00.002+01:00

The eternal quest for the perfect pair of holiday shoes.

I really wanted a pair of Toms, not only are the super cute and enviro friendly, they also give a pair away when you buy some.

Last year though I searched high and low I couldnt find a pair in the UK and thus set upon the quest to get a pair as soon as we landed in America.

They are truely the most comfy shoes I own, and I was grateful for them as I walked round the theme parks in Florida!

I used two kits from Vinnie Pearce to create this layout; 1000 miles papers and elements. Both available HERE and HERE at Two Peas in a Bucket.

Holly Brooke Jones Flower Powers Kits

2010-03-29T18:01:00.003+01:00

The clocks changed in the UK this weekend, that means we have lighter mornings and lighter nights hurrah!

My DH says it is his favourite day of the year - not our anniversary then!!!

The advent of spring makes me think of warmer days, summer dresses and no shoes - toes in the grass. Love these two new kits from Holly Brooke Jones, Flower Powers Paper and Stickers, they added just the perfect touch for my page.

Also LOVE all the elements and know they will look stunning on cards too.

My favourite has to be the little ladybirds, whom I set marching across the bottom of the page!

Check out both kits HERE at Two Peas in a Bucket

Supplies: Flower Showers Papaers and Stickers by Holly Brooke Jones, Basic Papers by Sande Krieger Basic BackGrounds, Jen Martakis Scalloped cardstock Pack one, Mary Ann Wise Curled white frames. All at Two Peas in a Bucket

Vinnie Pearce Toybox Elements

2010-03-29T17:57:00.001+01:00

Project - Imagine .... it tastes like yummy custard!

This is little Gracie on her first birthday. She clung on to that yellow spoon for dear life and for most of her birthday photos she had it near her mouth! Seems such a shame not to highlight what happened on the day.

I love, love, love this Toybox elements kit from Vinnie Pearce (as I think do lots of people on Two Peas).

My favourite element has to be the cute little monkey - I just couldnt not use him on my page!

Check out this kit HERE

Supplies: Jen Martakis Notebook Basics Toybox Elements Vinnie Pearce White Curled Frames Mary Ann Wise

Shimelle Laine Digital Kits

2010-03-29T17:55:00.002+01:00

Documenting my favourite part of the week!

I made this using a collaboration of older Shimelle kits. I kind of get wound up with the must have latest kits and can overlook some of the beautiful things that are in the Two Peas store.

I really love the word art kits that Shim created, and like to mis them with a simple typewriter font. Simple, classical and minimalistic!

Check out all Shim's kits here

Supplies: Jen Martakis Basic Kraft Shimelle Laine Ornate Frames,Top Ten Lists, Christmas Penned Words, Dates Penned words

Scrapbook Inspirations Book

2010-03-28T18:49:00.002+01:00

I am a bit slow with this post but a huge Yay as we can now report that Scrapbook Inspirations is officially back on the scene.

Instead of thirteen magazines a year, we’re bringing you quarterly books. We’ve changed the format to bring you more ideas and less clutter, and there’s only a tiny amount of advertising.

Each volume will include a variety of themed galleries sharing beautiful pages in a range of styles as well as articles on techniques, composition, photography and colour.

In volume one, we’ve focused on some classic scrapbooking themes like family, weddings, babies and travel and there’s also an article on improving your everyday candid photographs, great looks with hand-stitching, ten techniques to put your patterned papers to work and a range of projects with one of my favourite colour combinations. We’ve also kept some of your favourite features from the monthly issues, like a revamped edition of Sketch Collection. We’re also bringing you special codes for free downloads from some of your favourite scrapbooking websites.

Volume One hits stores on the 31st of March. In the UK, you’ll find it at WHSmiths, Sainsbury’s and newsagents. It is on its way to the States as well, so keep an eye in the magazine section at your local Barnes and Noble and some other stores too. But even easier, you can order it online and have it delivered right to your door. Click here to order your copy now and it will be on its way to you on the 31st of March! The prices include postage: £10.99 for the UK, £11.99 to Europe and £12.99 to the rest of the world. (If you buy it at the store in the UK, it will be £9.99 — I’m not sure what the price will be in dollars in the stores just yet.)

Along with the new and enalarged SI Design Team, a whole host of new faces from the UK and the USA have joined us in this project.

Contributors for Volume One, your layouts will be returning to you with a copy of the book very soon.

CLICK HERE to go direct to the purchase portal.

Kerry Stewart's Take me out to the ballgame kits

2010-03-21T11:14:00.002Z

Check out Kerry's blog HERE. Kerry was also on the Two Peas DCT but recently stepped down so she could concentrate on designing her own kits. How very exciting!

Here are her first ones released at Two Peas in a Bucket this week.

Take me Out to the Ballgame, the papers, the elements or just one big ol kit. HERE

I like to play sport but really don't like to watch it. How strange that on our trip to America I insisted on going to Baseball stadiums and even got to watch a real life game. We took an amazing tour of Fenway Park. I loved this as they taught not only about the team but baseball history in general and was just what was required for an uneducated Brit!

( We finally saw a game in Washington though. Wow, they launched T Shirts in to the crowd with big guns! In the UK we would NEVER do this - health and safety you know!)

I really like the papers in the kits. They are beige toned so very neutral and then there is a little mix of pink and blue thrown in - perfect for boys or girls. Beautiful kits and I cant wait to see what Kerry releases next.

Jen Martakis Rain drops Kit

2010-03-21T11:10:00.004Z

The new one released at Two Peas in a Bucket this week HERE

Celebrating pink polka dot boots and woollen scarves to match! The things I do to make wet winter dog walking just a little more enjoyable.

I am in love with the cute clouds and raindrops. Hugely useable on cards and layouts alike. Supplies: Raindrops by Jen Martakis White Curled frames by Mary ann Wise Both at Two Peas in a Bucket

(PS Spot the typo? I have mixed feelings about typos. They are a part of who I am. Sometimes I just try and type too darn fast and this is the result. To correct or not to correct? Yes for magazine publications but I say no for blogging etc. It's a record of what I do! Regardless it's still a cute layout.)

April Class at Eclectic Keepsakes

2010-03-19T13:18:00.000Z

OK, we are getting closer, so some more details about the April class.

This has been specially designed by the ultra talented SJ Dowsett. Check out her blog HERE for details about her and see more of her gorgeous Little Musing Characters.

(PS. Also check out her blog post tomorrow for more details about Eclectic Keepsakes)

OK, so the class itself is a card class based around two special characters; Justin for the men in your life and Phoebe for the girls.

In the kit you will get;

Four 6x12 pieces of Crate paper
A sheet of 6x12 Crate stickers
Phoebe Print & Card titles
Justin Print & Card titles
Two A5 Card blanks - white textured
Two Envelopes
A kraft off cut
A sheet of book paper
Some punch outs

The Price? Only £2.
Remember, we are able to do this using the latest, just released products as we are a not for profit event and we believe in getting you the best teachers and the best products in the right quantities.

There will of course be the original class and the kick it up version. This class will introduce you to some cool paper crafting techniques along with some ideas about colouring images as well.

What you will need to bring:

Essential tools:

Detail scissors (If you don't have any, tesco sell them for £2.50!)(Some will be available for use on the day but this will be shared)
Pop Dots or Foam tape
Glue, be it pritt or Double tape - which ever you prefer
A brown ink pad
A colouring medium if you want to kick it up. Pencils, watercolour paints or watercolour pencils, promarkers, etc. Again some mediums will be available on the day but again this will be shared.

We will have some extra kits for you to purchase on the day or via post - email us for further information.

We hope you are as excited as we are to welcome SJ to the EK event, cant wait for the3rd to arrive now!

Other new skill news

2010-03-14T20:09:00.000Z

I am trying to improve my cake making skills and so am taking a cup cake decorating class later in the year.

Actually it just looks really good fun and thought it would make a very nice day out and a little birthday treat. I also am loving these little half day classes at The Make Lounge too.

I have my eye on the embroider classes too, so little time so many classes!

He's Royalty by Vinnie Pearce

2010-03-13T21:44:00.002Z

Documenting the older boys as well as the little, love, love, love this magical kit.

He's Royalty by Vinnie Pearce at Two Peas in a Bucket HERE.

The Summers Edge by Scrap Originals

2010-03-13T21:38:00.002Z

Every time we go away and stay in a hotel the very first shot I take is one of me with my camera in the mirror.

( I have a fantastic record of hotel bathrooms and holiday hair!) It is my going away ritual.

This one is from Autumn 2008.

The ever so summery kit I used is a new release at two Peas, entitled The Summer's Edge by Scrap Originals. The papers blend so well together and there are a huge amount of embellishments to choose from. My favourites are the paint splodges and brush strokes.
Click HERE to see the kit.

Learning to knit

2010-03-13T19:59:00.006Z

I am taking a few classes at the moment to learn how to knit.

First I went to a local group that I got in touch with through Ravelry. The ladies were so helpful and started me off with the basics so I could practice at home.

Next I went here to learn some more skills. I can cast on and off, increase and reduce stitches and on Monday I go back for some more to finish off a pair of these...

I also made the pilgrimage to the beautiful but oh so small shop that is Loop in Islington. Chekc it out HERE. The staff were so very helpful and I got the most amazing vintage cut glass buttons here too along with some beautiful burnt orange merino wool. (The lady told me that the goodies in her shop were called Stash!! Fabulous, just what I need more stash envy!)

It is an amazing shop though, if you get chance go. They have superb vintage ribbon and the most desirable wool I have ever seen (heart).

Finally on Thursday this week I am off to the Stitch and Craft Show at Olympia where I am taking a class to knit in the round, or make cute beanie hats. Shimelle is also doing card and mini book classes here throughout the weekend.

If I can just knit cute mittens and hats I will be a happy knitter indeed!

Shimelle Laines Cute Labels

2010-03-13T19:48:00.003Z

This is a layout that I made using Shimelle's latest Digi kit release from Two Peas. Cute Labels. HERE.

I promised myself that I would keep a holiday journal every time we travelled, so I can read back and remember in details what we did, where we went, what new foods we tried. I forgot to do it on our last trip to Paris and now its so hard to remember the details.

Supplies: Shimelles Cute Circles, Shimelles Lovely Labels, Jen Martakis Basic Kraft, Jen Martakis Notebook Basics All at Two Peas in a Bucket

Jute

2010-03-11T21:16:00.003Z

Its been a while since I had chance to post and today is all about inspiration.

Today I got my Studio Calico kit and simply divine it is too. I got some add on Jute in Olive, Pink and orange.

Inspiration found.

Fly Away by Wilna F

2010-03-08T13:44:00.002Z

Another lovely kit by Wilna released this week at Two Peas. Fly away.

I guess I was kind of inspired by the ducks and birds in the kit to choose my picture for this layout. I am a sucker for a cute baby animal, who can resist such cute ickle piggy tails?

Check out the kit HERE, you will find lots of other ideas and sources of inspiration here too.

I Heart Spring

2010-03-08T12:59:00.002Z

I made this page using the beautiful I Heart Spring page kit from Michelle UNDERWOOD. Available HERE at Two Peas in a Bucket.

A picture of Grace and Megan from last year.

I love the stitching and the upside down staples in this kit, they help to anchor everything down.

A Rocky Moment

2010-03-08T11:42:00.003Z

I used this page created by the ever so talented Wilna F entitled HeART Page 2 available this week at Two Peas in a Bucket. HERE

When time is pressing and you want to document something quickly, or if you are new to the world of digital, a quick page is the way to go.

This picture is of my DH running up the steps of the Museum of Art in Philadelphia a la Rocky. They were so very huge, high, vast and steep. We actually walked the run he did in the film. Got to give it to Sly Stallone, he must have been/probably still is very fit to be able to do that!

It must be a man thing, as I was amazed at how many other men were doing the same things.

Kick It Up

2010-03-08T11:15:00.002Z

Thanks to everyone who attended and all those who supported our first EK crop, it was fantatsic and we have been amazed with the positive responses.

Looking forward to next month already!

eCLECTIC kEEPSAKES cLASS sNEAK pEEKS

2010-03-03T10:49:00.002Z

This is what we will be getting up to this Saturday.....

You will need to bring with you:

foam dots
white journalling pen
cropodile or hole puncher
Photos:
Two 6 x 4 portrait photos and One 6 x 4 landscape photo

See you there x

Wilna F at Two Peas in a Bucket

2010-02-28T18:44:00.003Z

Two new kits were released by Wilna this week at Two Peas, Somewhere out there and Somewhere out there alphas.

I made this layout using a combination of the two kits.

Sweet Dreams, made using one of those photos that you have in your collection that make you smile!

Check out HERE and HERE for direct links to the kits.

(Also used some pieces from Vinnie Pearche Bucket full of Sunshine at Two Peas in a Bucket)

Vinnie Pearce arrives at Two Peas in a Bucket

2010-02-28T18:37:00.003Z

I am loving all the kits that she has released.

Here are a couple of layouts that I have made using her newest additions.

This is sunshine. I think its a state of mind and made this layout to record my thoughts. The photo is one taken of me on the steps of one of the worlds greatest houses of learning, Harvard Uni.

The kit is Bucket Full Of Sunshine By Vinnie Pearce. Click HERE for details.

My second layout is a photo of DH. THe kit I used is Pieces Of Me III By Vinnie Pearce

Crop Giveaway

2010-02-27T19:17:00.003Z

I am so so excited to be able to share this news....

Want a March Giveaway?
We have a couple of super cool giveaways to make our very first date a little bit special. We are thrilled to be supported by Little Light Studio.

This is the brain child of two very talented designers. Wilna Furstenburg and Kayla Aimee

Little Light Studio is a place where you can take part in classes, connect with fellow scrapbookers and photographers in the Community and create some beautiful artwork. We love the fact that all classes are super affordable and there are lots of FREE CLASSES which are way too cute.

We love the fact that Little Light Studio nutures talent and is as passionate about making beautiful things as we are.

So our first give away will be a free Coffee Album: Valentine Edition. This is an amazingly popular class and has even been featured on Ali edwards blog.

Our second Giveaway will be a $15 gift card than can be applied to any self paced class at Little Light Studio. So you can take a class to improve your journalling skills, learn digital scrapbooking from scratch with Love Digital 101 or try something tactile such as the coffee shop mini album or handmade gifts.

We hope that you are as excited as we are, and look out for furture Giveaways and Support from this amazing team.

Shelley Castillo Kitty Kat Kit

2010-02-27T17:56:00.003Z

I wanted to post this during the week but found out the new Snow Leopard 10.6 isnt compatible with o2 wifi dongles, sigh. THe Golden Arches only have so much power so uploading was a big no no!

I made this LO to document my ongoing love with Diet Cola,my beverage of choice!

Now I am a doggie person by nature but was strangely drawn to this beautiful kit by Shelley Castillo. I have liked all of her new released at Two Peas and this one is no exception. Check it out HERE. at Two Peas in a Bucket

Digital Kits at Two Peas in a Bucket This Week

2010-02-27T17:19:00.005Z

An exciting week for digital releases, I think there were 87.

Two Peas welcomes the amazing Vinnie Pearce as one of its designers. I have one of her books and to say her layouts are beautiful is really an understatement, she is a very clever lasy and I look forward to playing with some of her kits during the weekend.

Meanwhile here are two layouts to share that I made using some holiday photos from the USA, in particular NY.

The first documents a day at the Natural History Museum, you know the one from Night at the Museum. Sadly disappointed that they didn't have any of the monkeys, but they did have the Dum Dum head and yes we did have our photos taken beside it!
On a slightly more cultural level, the collection of dinosaurs was amazing and even surpassed the London NHM in terms of variety.

I made this using a kit released by Jen Martakis. Love all her recent releases, and really I guess I should do as I am on her DT team! This one is March. Check it out HERE.. I am especially taken by the beautiful muted colours in all the papers and embellishments.

Normally I don't really like whimsy that much, I kind of prefer the more realistic kits. This one really caught my eye. I love the colours, they are so bright and work really well together. This kit also has the most amazing flat bottomed clouds and a cute little rainbow as well. Who can resist a cloud? (Almost as good as an owl, sitting on a cloud, surrounded by a cool frame!!)

My second LO is one of a collection of photos from NY. I created this using Jens other March Release HERE and one of her templates released earlier in the year. HERE.

I added some Bling from Blingy Things by Betsy TUMA. This is one of those go to kits that I will be using time and time again! HERE

(All kits at Two Peas in a Bucket)

Something from almost nothing Shimelle Laine new online class

2010-02-27T17:10:00.003Z

Shimelle has launched a new class, which I have been waiting for for a while.

Its all about using up your stash. I love using up older stash as it makes me feel better about buying new stuff. I guess I must be a marketeers dream right?

This is what Shimelle has to say about the class...

Sometimes I am not so sure how I amassed quite so much scrapbooking stuff. When did I go from A few buttons would be useful to I can never have too many? When did the singular ribbon jar become the plural ribbon jars, sorted by colours of the rainbow? And patterned paper? Just possibly, I have quite a bit of that indeed.

The truth is that having a great deal of supplies isn’t something to get me down. Having them and not using them is an entirely different matter. So I invite you to join me for an online class in March: Something from Almost Nothing.

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Throughout this class we’ll be focusing on getting more from the stash we have already acquired, no matter what your personal product of choice may be. We’ll go through a range of products you already have on hand and put them to use in new ways. We’ll step away from just gluing or stitching on a button and build something new. Plus it’s not just buttons we’ll be moving from stash to completed pages; we’ll also put stickers, ribbons, transparencies, papers, page protectors, chipboard and other supplies to work too. You won’t need to have specific supplies to follow along: we’ll focus on what you do have and offer plenty of alternatives along the way.

During the three weeks of class prompts, you’re invited to follow along and build an album entitled Celebrate Life. You can create this book in any page size you like with supplies you have on hand, and each prompt includes a page sketch and technique to help build the page as well as photography and journaling pointers to help with the complete album. But the class doesn’t end with just this album: each prompt includes a range of other techniques to try and projects to make. You can take inspiration from these at any time, just like a book or magazine.

I’m very excited that more than a dozen of my favourite scrapbookers will be joining me as guest artists for this class, and I’ll tell you a little more about them as we get closer to the first day of class.

Click HERE to go direct to the announcment and the links to enrol and register.

In the past 7 minutes I have shopped!

2010-02-27T17:04:00.004Z

Ah, how I love the 27th of each month.

At 5pm I am never too far away from an internet link, as its pre sale day at Studio Calico.

Today I have snagged this add on and some olive jute, how can I make stuff without Olive Jute? Yup, I have sold it to myself!

I really love that you can get the latest just out products and how superb and just, well nice the customer service is.

Eclectic Keepsakes Easter Saturday 3rd April event with SJ Dowsett and Cheryl Johnson.

2010-02-23T16:22:00.003Z

Karen and I are super pleased to announce what we have been planning for April at EK. Check out the deets here. (May to follow real soon).

We know its Easter weekend and traditionally its time spent with the family, but we hope that this year you can combine the both.

We are pleased to welcome our two very special guests for the day.

The ever so talented SJ Dowsett will join us to teach a special Little Musings class. This is going to be card class with a special, unique Little Musings image designed specially for us.

SJ is a member of Shimelles Digital Dozens, and a guest CT member for Kate Hadfield designs. She is the founder of Little Musings and creates the most beautiful hand drawn characters. (Also custom characters can be ordered).

Remember, if you are not a cardmarker, grab a class kit and we will help you create something a little different that can be added to a more traditional layout.

Check out her blog HERE for examples of her designs and work.

We also welcome the very talented photographer Cheryl Johnson who will be with us on the day. If you haven’t been lucky enough to have a little photo shoot with Cheryl before, now is the time to do it. She is a very clever lady and you can see some of her amazing photos at her website HERE .

We asked Cheryl along as we thought Easter weekend would be a great time to get family together for a special portrait session. Cheryl has put together two amazing packages for us:

Single Family Session Fee £90 Extended Family Sessions from £125
(includes CD with six beautifully enhanced high resolution images)

A regular session in studio with Cheryl starts at £250 with digital negatives, so these packages are an amazing bargain. In the first instance, contact us with your interest and we can send you a special flyer that Cheryl has produced outlining the packages.

Join us at Marks Tey Village Hall, April 3rd 2010, 10am - 6pm.

To reserve your place contact us at eclectickeepsakes@googlemail.com or telephone us on 07519 786611

£10 per event; and book your priority seat for out special National Scrapbooking Day event on May 1st. (Class kit and photographic sessions will incur additional charges)

Please remember spaces are limited, so contact us to reserve you space as soon as possible.
Event Address:
Marks Tey Village Hall, Parish Hall, Old London Road, Marks Tey, Colchester, Colchester, CO6 1EN

(20 mins from Ipswich and Clacton areas, 25 mins from M25

A Beautiful Ending by Michelle Underwood

2010-02-21T18:37:00.003Z

More frames, this time by Michelle Underwood at Two peas in a Bucket. This is from Beautiful Ending. (HERE)

I love this kit, the blue/green colours are perfect for a nautical/beach themed layout.

Wilna Furstenburg's Love Digikit

2010-02-21T16:45:00.003Z

I posted a while ago about Wilna and her new venture Little Light Studio.

Wilna is now a digital designer for Two Peas in a Bucket. I love that she incorporates her hand drawn artwork in to her kits, it makes them very special.

This kit is her first ever relases. Check it out at Two Peas HERE.

This is a little page I made with her inaugural kit.

This is a photo of DH on the banks of the Seine. You cant see but he is looking in to a DK Guide to try and figure out which was to the Jardin du Luxembourg. Well worth a lazy Sunday afternoon visit if ever you get he chance.

Honeychurch Digital Kit by Kenner Road

2010-02-21T12:25:00.002Z

Another new release at Two Peas in a Bucket this week. This is a really romantic. old fashioned kit with lots of stripes, tea roses, frames and ephemera. It reminds me of days spent at the seaside, stately houses, all things Parisian.

I used it to focus on some photos of Megan from a few years back. It is too scary to think about how fast time flies.

Check out the lovely kit HERE

Stacey Marks Text Me Digi Kit

2010-02-21T10:56:00.002Z

Another new designer has started at Two Peas in a Bucket this week, Stacy Marks has released the super cute Text Me kit. HERE

In it are a huge amount of papers, brushers, embellishments and stamps. They are a surprising collection of grownup colours; beige, brown, red and green and are very versatile.

Here is a layout that I created using the kit.

With the advent of the Iphone time spent texting is really so much nicer! Not to mention addictive.

OMG Im excited

2010-02-19T11:57:00.003Z

Im sooooo excited about April and May at the crop, we have some amazing annoucnements to make at the end of the week.

I am bursting to tell but cant just yet. I am really looking forward to National Scrapbooking Day this year though, hurrah!

Im off to meet up with Karen today for further planning and business stuff, but look forward to rounding off the day with a nice slice of cake!

Happy Weekend Y'all.

Inspired by.....

killer shoes and cute socks
(Weheartit.com)

A Trip Down Memory Lane bring their shop to the new Colchester Crop 6th March 2010

2010-02-18T20:27:00.003Z

I am super pleased to announce that A Trip Down Memory Lane will be attending our first crop and bringing with them lots of lovely goodies.

WE HAVE A SHOP!

Mel and Jill have kindly arranged to bring a fantastic selection of goodies for us to buy. They will be replenishing and adding extra products all through the day, so no need to worry about things running out! The only thing you need to do is bring along some carrier bags!

****Want free Postage and Packaging?****

If you place on an online order and pick it up from the Crop then you will not have to pay postage or packaging. Simply select 'in store pick up' from the delivery options and put a short note in the comments box stating Colchester Crop Order. They will be packed and brought along for you to pick up on the day.

****Cant make the whole day but still want to shop?****

Pop in and see us FREE OF CHARGE to browse, shop and say hello. We would love to see you there.

Check out the shop http://www.atripdownmemorylane.co.uk/catalog/ and place your order now.

Keep an eye on the inspiration blog HERE