Simply Straws

First of all, if I haven't wished you a very happy and healthy 2016 as yet, then I want to do it now! Wishing you all the best in the New Year and I hope we'll "see" a lot of each other! 

A while ago I created these 4 layouts for the "Simply Straws" feature in Scrapbook Magazine UK and never got around to post them here as well. The idea was to show readers how they can use simple paper drinking straws on their pages, by altering & cutting them to create super embellishments.

And here's what I did:

A Doodlebug layout using their pixies for straws:

Supplies used: patterned paper, velvet crushed cardstock, die-cuts, stickers, pixies (straws), flair button: Doodlebug Design; cardstock: Bazzill Basics; bows: Studio Calico; stamping ink: Ranger; stamp: Trodat; sewing machine: Aigger.

For the other three layouts I used simple paper drinking straws, like you buy them in any store. 

A layout using Imaginisce: 

Supplies used: patterned paper, buttons: Imaginisce; cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Thickers: American Crafts; paper straws: Talking Tables (yellow), Bercadeau (red, blue); wood veneer: Scraptastic Club; color mists: Studio Calico; twine: Ledent; stamping ink: Ranger; stamp: Trodat (date), Maggie Holmes (hearts); sewing machine: Aigger.

A layout using Jillibean Soup: 

Supplies used: patterned paper, die-cuts, (letter)stickers, wood veneers, paper straws (green): Jillibean Soup; cardstock: American Crafts; paper straws: Talking Tables (pink, yellow), Bercadeau (blue, red), The Masonjars Company (purple, lilac); stamping ink: Ranger; stamp: Trodat; Tiny Attacher: Tim Holtz. 

And last but not least, an American Crafts (Shimelle) layout: 

Supplies used: patterned paper, stickers, die-cuts, stamp: Shimelle American Crafts; cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Thickers: American Crafts; paper straws: Ginger Bay (gold), Talking Tables (yellow); flair: A Flair For Buttons; cork arrow: Fancy Pants; twine: The Twinery; color mists: Studio Calico (black), Prima Marketing (gold); stamping ink: Ranger; stamp: Trodat, Scraptastic Club; Tiny Attacher: Tim Holtz.

Sadly enough this is another scrapbook magazine that closed down in 2015. I've been lucky enough to be on their design team for quite some time and was really sad when I got the word it had to go. I'm one of those dinosaurs who still prefers a paper magazine over a digital one, even though I've come to love those too. 

Thank you so much for stopping by and wishing you a great day! 

Hugs,

Monique

Beautiful Banners - Scrapbook Magazine UK issue 88

For Scrapbook Magazine UK I was asked to create 3 layouts for the theme "Bright & Beautiful Banners". This feature would show readers how to use smaller paper pieces to create an abundance of colour, texture and dimension on their pages through banners.

Well, that was an easy assignment as I already have the tendency to add banners to my pages. I have to remind myself not to add them to every single layout I create. Sometimes my banners are small, consisting of 3 flags only, and sometimes they are multi layered with a lot of colours and many different shapes and sizes. Sometimes I cut or punch them myself and sometimes I use readymade banners (like die-cuts or chipboard shapes). Sometimes I use paper to create them and sometimes I use fabric. The possibilities are endless.

In the layout “Take a Break” I used flags all the same size. In the “Celebrate” layout I used flags of different sizes and some with hearts or stars punched out or with a photo adhered to it. In the “Surprise Party” layout I used 3 sorts of readymade banners, but all a different shape and size. So you see, the same technique for every layout, but all of them turned out very different. Like I said, the possibilities of banners are endless!

Layout: Take A Break (October Afternoon)

 Here I used banners of all the same size and just layered them all on top of each other:

Supply list: patterned paper, die-cuts, letter stickers (red), flair: October Afternoon; letter stickers (grey): American Crafts; wood veneer, stamp: Scraptastic Club; wood veneer (been there): Pink Fresh Studio; tag: Ruby Rock-It; twine: Hemptique; enamel dots: My Mind’s Eye; color mist: Studio Calico; Pen: K&Company; tiny staples: Tim Holtz; stamping ink: Stampin’Up. Tools: Aigger sewing machine, Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher.

Layout: Celebrate (Pebbles)

For this layout I used flags of different sizes and some with hearts or stars punched out or with a photo adhered to it:

Supply list: patterned paper, die-cuts: Pebbles; cork butterflies, flair: Simple Stories; wood veneer: Studio Calico; twine: My Mind’s Eye; washi tape: Jillibean Soup; pen: K&Company; staples: V&D; stamp: Trodat; stamping ink: Ranger; digital cut file: Kerri Bradford. Tools: Silhouette Cameo, Aigger sewing machine, V&D long reach stapler.

And last but not least layout: Surprise Party (Pretty Little Studio)

And for this page  I used 3 sorts of readymade banners, but all a different shape and size:

Supply list: patterned paper, bingo cards, polaroid frame, picture card, tags, stickers, journaling cards, flags, paper ribbons:  Pretty Little Studio; buttons: Jenni Bowlin; twine: Hemptique; stamp: Trodat; stamping ink: Ranger; pen: K&Company; color mist: Studio Calico. Tools: Aigger sewing machine.

Thank you so much for stopping by!
Have a fab weekend!
Monique

Perfect Together | Doodlebug | Scrapbook Magazine #87

For issue #87 of Scrapbook Magazine UK I was asked to create a "Love" layout. Creating “love” layouts is something I do often. For today’s layout I chose to scrap about the special bond between my husband and our daughter. In December 2013 the two of them spent a few days in Venice and had an awesome time. Because I love seeing them enjoying each other’s company so much I wanted to scrap about it. To do this I chose a Valentine’s collection from Doodlebug Design, because I felt that this bright and colourful collection expresses exactly the story I wanted to tell. 

a few close-ups:

Designer Tips

Tip 1. When you can’t find the desired background (paper) use a die-cutting machine to create one, like this one with all the hearts. 

Tip 2. When you’re using mainly one colour for your layout, use elements with a different texture (like wood veneer, twine, metal) to create more depth. 

Tip 3. For a fun effect use the same photo twice and place one behind the other at a slight angle.

Materials lists

Materials: patterned paper, tickets, cardstock stickers, twine, sugar coated cardstock, mini love note, alphabet stickers: Doodlebug Design; cardstock (white): American Crafts; wood veneer: Studio Calico; cross stitched heart sticker: Echo Park; enamel dot: My Mind’s Eye; transparent word: Heidi Swapp; word label: K&Company; metal word: misc.; cut files: The Cut Shoppe (hearts background), Kerri Bradford (perfect), Pretty Little Studio (2). 

Tools: Silhouette Cameo; Aigger sewing machine; heart punch: Pipoos; 

Bold-Line Embellishment Christmas Layouts - Scrapbook Magazine UK issue 86

For the December issue of Scrapbook Magazine UK  (number 86) I was asked to create three layouts with a bold line of embellishments. 

And here's what I made!

"Merry Everything": for my “Merry Everything“ layout I covered an entire strip of patterned paper with embellishments. I started with some cardstock shapes and layered chipboard and die-cut elements, buttons, stickers etc. on top. I ended with small elements like stickers to fill the “holes”. 

and some close-ups: 

Supply list: patterned paper, die-cuts, stickers: October Afternoon; cardstock: Bazzill Basics; chipboard, button, acetate snowflakes, wood veneer : Studio Calico; paper clip: Webster’s Pages; spray mist: Prima Marketing; pen: Stabilo; photo overlay: Ali Edwards; cut files: Totally Jamie; adhesive: tape runner American Crafts, 3D Foam Squares Scrapbook Adhesives. Tools: Silhouette Cameo, Aigger sewing machine.

"Naughty": for my “Naughty” layout I created a bold-line with embellishments horizontally in the middle of my page, except on top of the photo. To give the impression the line continued across the photo I added some wood veneer to it. 

And some close-ups: 

Supply list: patterned paper: Teresa Collins, Crate Paper; cardstock: Bazzill Basics; overlay: Webster’s Pages; die-cuts: Crate Paper, Studio Calico; Chipboard: Crate Paper; wood veneers: Studio Calico; sticker: Pretty Little Studio; cut files: Silhouette store; adhesive: tape runner American Crafts, 3D Foam Squares Scrapbook Adhesives. Tools: Silhouette Cameo, Aigger sewing machine. 

And last but not least this Bella Blvd layout: "Celebrate"

For my last layout “Celebrate” I started with the shape of the Christmas tree and covered one side with fun embellishments. 

Close-ups:

Supply list: ”: patterned paper, chipboard shapes, die-cuts, stickers: Bella Blvd; cardstock: American Crafts; pen: K&Company; sequins: Doodlebug Design; spray ink: Prima Marketing; cut file: Kerri Bradford; adhesive: tape runner American Crafts, 3D Foam Squares Scrapbook Adhesives. Tools: Silhouette Cameo, Aigger sewing machine, V&D long reach stapler. 

These are only three examples of "bold-line embellishment" layouts; the possibilities are endless!

Scrapbook Magazine UK #86:

Thank you so much for stopping by! 

xoxo

Scrapbook Magazine UK issue 84 - Playing with Filmstrips!

For Scrapbook Magazine UK #84 I was asked to create three layouts to demonstrate to readers how they can use a versatile filmstrip element on their pages as frames for multiple photos, ways to enclose journaling sections etc.

Creating layouts using filmstrips isn’t something I’ve done a lot and now that I’ve made these three pages I can’t understand why! I truly loved using them! The pages came together in a flash! What I love about filmstrips is that they are so versatile! The possibilities are endless … they can be used to add more photos on your page (layout “Capture”), as a journaling spot (layout “Adventure”), or even as a spot for a cluster of embellishments (layout This Right Here). I created the filmstrips both with a Spellbinders die and my Sizzix Big Shot and my Silhouette Cameo and a cut file from the Silhouette store. What I love about using the Silhouette is that you can cut filmstrips in every size you wish (larger for photos or a bit smaller for journaling). 

So here's what I made for the magazine: 

Layout 1 "Capture": filmstrips used to add more photos:

Materials layout “Capture”: Scraptastic Club “Best Day of My Life” kit (June 2014) (except the black cardstock and washi tape): patterned paper: Crate Paper, Echo Park; cardstock: American Crafts; stickers: Echo Park; die-cuts: Heidi Swapp; pen: K&Company; washi tape: Hema; twine: The Twinery; staples: Tim Holtz; paper clip: Maya Road; wood veneer, cork stars: Scraptastic Club. Tools: Silhouette Cameo, Tim Holtz tiny attacher. 

Layout 2 "Adventure": filmstrips used as journaling spot: 

Materials layout “Adventure”: patterned paper, chipboard, die-cuts, die-cut cards: Simple Stories; cardstock: American Crafts; stamps: Scraptastic Club & Catslife Press; stamping ink: Ranger; color mist: Studio Calico, Tim Holtz distress stain; pen: K&Company; staples: Tim Holtz, photo corners: Hema; filmstrip cut file: Jillibean Soup, title cut file: Kerri Bradford. Tools: Silhouette Cameo, Tim Holtz tiny attacher. 

And layout 3 "This Right Here": filmstrip used for a cluster of embellishments: 

Materials layout “This Right Here”: Scraptastic Club 8 Days a Week kit (April 2013): patterned paper: Crate Paper, Studio Calico, Basic Grey; cardstock: American Crafts; die-cuts: Teresa Collins; flags: Basic Grey; die-cut card: Scraptastic Club; wood veneer: Studio Calico; paper clip: Maya Road; flair buttons: A Flair for Buttons; washi tapes: K&Company, Glitz Design; staples: V&D; pen: K&Company; Tools: Sizzix Big Shot, Spellbinders “Snapshot” Shapeabilities, Aigger sewing machine, V&D long reach stapler. 

Adore these flairs from "A Flair For Buttons"!

And this is the magazine it was published in: 

It's still for sale in case you're interested. HERE's the link. 

I hope you like my examples and that you’ll give using filmstrips a try too! 

Thank you so much for stopping by! Have a fab weekend!! 

xoxo 

3x Bella Blvd - Scrapbook Magazine UK

Hi everyone! For today I thought I would share some Bella Blvd projects I created for Scrapbook Magazine UK #81.

Lindsey asked me for an article called "Plastic Fantastic" and here's what I did:

When you are a bit like me you’re always on the lookout for fun new ideas to use on your scrapbook pages. That’s why I love Pinterest! I get so many ideas when I visit that website. The technique that caught my interest recently, is the one where vellum pockets/envelopes filled with confetti or such are used. I decided to go with this idea, but as I didn’t have any vellum pockets I went looking for pockets I did have and that’s when it hit me. I’ve got a lot of cd sleeves lying around my house! Why not use those for my layouts?! The possibilities of these (cheap!) clear plastic pockets are endless! They can store all your little memorabilia’s from holidays etc., you can emboss them, die-cut them, stamp on them, stitch them, hand cut them, you can fill them with sequins or glitter, etc. They are awesome!

In these three layouts I’ve used a few different techniques to show you how easy and fun these little pockets can be.

The first layout “FAMILY MEMORIES”:

For this page I embossed the cd sleeve before I used it on my page to carry some vacation memorabilia (entrance tickets to the Empire State Building). I’ve tried both an embossing folder with dots and one with chevrons and both results are stunning!

Next I stamped on a cd sleeve (with a solvent-based ink like StazOn), then hand cut the image and used it on my photo.

Materials used: Bella Blvd patterned paper, stickers, journaling cards, die-cuts; American Crafts cardstock, foam dots; Media Range cd sleeves; Jolee’s Boutique dimension sticker (NY taxi); Doodlebug washi tape (stars, arrows), enamel dots; Purple Pumpkin washi tape (hearts), twine; Joy Craft kraft tag; Tim Holtz staples; Heidi Swapp color shine; K&Company Smash pen; Scraptastic Club stamp; StazOn stamping ink; Scrapbook Adhesive E-Z runner. Tools: Tim Holtz tiny attacher; Darice embossing folder; Sizzix Big Shot die-cutting machine; Silhouette Cameo die-cutting machine & Silhouette cut file.

Then the 2nd layout “I LOVE US”:

For this page I filled a cd sleeve with (heart shaped) confetti.



To divide the confetti nicely in the sleeve and prevent it from all falling down to the bottom of the sleeve, I stitched it halfway through as well. And because the cd sleeves are transparent I used a die-cut and stickers to dress it up an extra bit for a fun effect. I did this both behind the cd sleeve as well as on top of it.

Materials used: Bella Blvd patterned paper, die-cuts, borders, journaling cards, sticker; American Crafts cardstock; Media Range cd sleeves; Purple Pumpkin washi tape; Studio Calico wood veneers; Tim Holtz staples; K&Company Smash pen; Scrapbook Adhesive E-Z runner. Tools: Silhouette Cameo & Silhouette cut files; Tim Holtz tiny attachter; Aigger sewing machine. 

And last but not least the layout “3x BEAUTIFUL”:

For this page I created a (machine) stitched shape and filled it with sequins. For instructions on how to do this, scroll down a bit.

And next I used my die-cutting machine (Big Shot) and a fun die and ran my cd sleeve through my die-cutting machine to create this fun transparent shape: (can you see it??)

Here the shape is better visible:

Materials: Bella Blvd patterned paper, die-cuts, stickers, cards; American Crafts cardstock, wood veneer, foam dots, adhesive runner; Media Range cd sleeves; Pergamano vellum; Rayher sequins; Marianne Design washi tape; K&Company Smash pen; Tim Holtz staples. 
Tools: Die-namics die; Silhouette Cameo die-cutting machine & Silhouette cut files; Aigger sewing machine; Sizzix Big Shot die-cutting machine; Tim Holtz tiny attacher. 

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to show you how I created the heart shaped sleeve filled with golden sequins.

step 1. Choose te image you want your shape to be and print it on light weight A4 printer paper (not heavier than 80 grams). I chose this heart which you can find in your Microsoft Word programme. With a bit of Scotch tape adhere it to the back of your cd sleeve and stitch right through both your cd sleeve and the paper. Make sure you don’t “close” your shape.

Step 2. Remove the cd sleeve with the paper still attached to it from your sewing machine and fill it with sequins or glitter.

Step 3. Place the cd sleeve filled with the sequins or glitter back under the needle of your sewing machine and stitch it closed. Carefully remove the paper (because of the stitching you can easily peel away the paper, start in the middle and peel off the outside last).

Step 4. Carefully cut around the stitched edge of your shape and you’re ready!

Okay, this is it! Hope you like it! Using Bella Blvd, with the happy colors and designs always brightens my day ... hope I brightened yours a bit too!

If you're interested in the magazine, here's the link to where you can find it.

Hugs,