12 x 12 Travel Album

As some may know I travelled quite extensively as a child and I have fond memories of those times. When I had become more confident at scrapbooking I decided I wanted to copy some of the photos from our family trip around Europe (that I took when I was 12 with my $40 camera may I add). Well, about 2 years ago I copied some of the photos (scanned and printed them because it was before the days of digital cameras) and they have been sorted, then I tucked them in a book in the right order, and then they were forgotten about.

I've decided it is time to finally finish this project (which is only one of many grand plans)! Yesterday I started with a 12 x 12 (30cm x 30cm) chipboard album cover that I covered with a sheet of the Traveller paper - I thought the page with the olde world map was quite fitting. I then cracked open my bottle of Tim Holtz metallic crackle paint (tarnished brass) to paint the chipboard title as well as some antique linen crackle paint for a bit of contrast in the title. Once the paint was dry and crackled I rubbed some vintage photo distress ink over it and around the edges to give the cracks a bit more definition. Stuck the title on with some glossy accents (yes, it is a glue as well as a 3D sealer) and there you have it - the cover to the album that has been a long while coming. I think a nice photo in the top right corner would set it off nicely but I'll see as I go along. I'll try to photograph it at various stages so that you can see it all come together.
Sorry for the bad photos - it's late and the flash just isn't as good as sunlight.
I tend to add and change things as I go rather than setting it all out before I start. Fingers crossed this project works!

Loving the new school theme stamps!!

I resisted (I really did try), and finally gave in and ordered a few of the new school themed stamps. Being the time of year when school/kinder and daycare is winding down (yes, only 8 weeks til Chrsitmas Holidays!!) I thought these would make a cute card and pressie for the teachers. I saw these cute triangular covers on the awesomely talented Jennifer McGuire's blog. They are like a little bag, but the sides are open. As soon as I saw these it made me think that they would be great for teachers. They are super simple to make - and I punched a circle in the front to show what's inside (which in the photo is Allens lollies but would be great with Lindt balls, Fererro's or something of the yummy chocolatey variety, even homemade cookies). If you are interested in making this I can show you how at the Open Crop on the 12th November.

I totally love the Rollagraph, but there is only so much you can do in either black ink or embossed, so I decided it was time to get some other cartridge colours to use. Here I used the Ancient Page Neptune (blue) and Plum Wine (pink) with the Dogwoods wheel (which was in the July product release). I then stamped with the medium butterfly stamp using my favourite inks - the Colorbox chalk inks and cut them out. The Ice Blue and Prussian Blue match great with the Neptune ink don't you think? And the Orchid Pastel and Dark Peony match well with the Plum Wine? I was impressed! The butterflies are stuck with tape runner (or DST) down the centre and the wings folded upwards so they look like they have landed on the card.

I have also been working on some technique workshops. This one uses the Circle Trio stamps and Perfect Medium to give 3 different effects. One uses the Pebbles Inc chalks, and 2 use Perfect Pearls - one stamping on, the other stamping off. The chalks give a lovely "cloud" effect whereas the Perfect Pearls are all shimmery and gorgeous! If you are interested in learning these effects/techniques just email me and I will organise to have a future workshop based around these.

And finally, I used the MondayMojo sketch (vaguely) to create this card. Tell me, is this look something that appeals or do you prefer a more modern look? Leave a comment below.

Creative block but now I'm back!

You know how authors say they get writers' block? Well I've had a bit of creative block recently. Everytime I have managed to sit down and try out some combinations I've either been on a role and get interrupted or it just turns out horrible (well not horrible but not so appealing). In the scrapbooking world when this happens it's called losing your mojo.
The good news is that I'm back!
I just made some great gift tags and an awesome card but the catch is, you have to come see them yourself this Sunday at Wilmington Community Centre/Kindergarten Fete (7-13 Wilmington Avenue, Hoppers Crossing) between 10am and 1pm where you will see myself, Debbie and a range of craft displays and a FREE make and take demonstration.
To the wonderful people I met on Sunday at the Mossfiel Childrens' Centre, thanks for coming over and saying hi. It was my first time doing a stall so it was all new to me.
As always if you have any questions, would like to order products or you'd like to book a demostration or workshop email me at rachel.witthaus@gmail.com.
There are some great new special offers coming out this month and next so you will be receiving my email very soon, especially if you are considering joining as a Kaszazz Consultant!
I'll be back soon to share another of my creations :)