Living my dream

National Scrapbook day - Frank Garcia DT blog hop with PRIMA

Welcome to my blog and the Frank Garcia International Scrapbooking Day Blog Hop! We have some surprises in store for you in this hop! Along the hop, we're featuring some of our favorite Frank Garcia projects from the design team and right here I have some of my own favourites from a recent scrapbook cruise where I was teaching some lovely classes with Franks designs.

We also have a giveaway up for grabs! To take part and be in to win, simply follow along on each blog, leave a comment and/or follow each of the fabulous designers to be entered to win! There may even be additional give aways on the designers blogs.... like right here.

Prima - www.prima.typepad.com
Frank Garcia - www.frankgarciastudio.com/new-blog-1/
Trina McClune - www.trinamcclune.typepad.com
Lisa Novogrodski - www.lisas-livingincolor.blogspot.com
Delaina Burns - www.delainas.blogspot.com
Cari Fennell - www.meandmymaryjanes.blogspot.com
Beatriz Jennings - www.iralamija.blogspot.com
Jennifer Snyder - www.scrap-escape.blogspot.com
Lisa Gregory - www.what-a-beautiful-mess.blogspot.com
Prima - www.prima.typepad.com

So you should have arrived here via Frank's blog. My name is Trina and I've been addicted to this crazy hobby of ours... scrapbooking for many years now. 

I love to use lots of patterned papers, beautiful flowers, texture paste, stencils and well, let's be honest, anything pretty!

Recently I've been on a cruise from Sydney, Australia to Noumea in the South Pacific where I taught several scrapbook classes with Franks beautiful products. Here's a wee look at a couple of items that I taught.....

First a few simple tags....

After creating the tags, we used one of them as the base for a single layout. Tales of You and Me was perfect for these projects.

The tag opened up meaning you can put a photo inside, on the front of the tag, or even down in the right hand corner. 

As a bonus, I also threw in some extra teeny tags instructions that could be used as gift cards for some presents...

Alongside this, I also created a 'from scratch' mini album using Franks French Riviera Collection and some packaging for the front. Take a look.....

I adored the little charms I found which matched our cruise perfectly.

Making this album on the cruise meant all the attendees could go home, print their photos and put them straight in. And the sea side theme of Franks collection worked perfectly for this!

With plenty of pockets, and hidden journaling spots and fun interactive pages to add extra photos/journaling and/or ephemera.

There were 20 pages plus covers in this class so everyone was kept very busy! But everyone also got most if not all of their pages done. WTG ladies!!!

So if you'd like to be in for a chance to win, please leave me a message below and come back to check the winner in a few days. I'll be giving away some of Franks beautiful products so you can have a play yourself.

Please don't forget to hop along to the next person's blog to see what they've been creating with Franks lovely collections. You'll be heading off to Lisa Novogrodski next. Just click on her name and it should take you right there. 

Have a fabulous day all. Happy scrapping!

Hello hello hello......The Frank Garcia Design Team Blog hop

It's been a while since I blogged hasn't it? Well I've got a great reason now. As part of the inaugural Frank Garcia DT, we are holding a blog hop so everyone can meet everyone and see all our wonderful styles, PLUS get to see the stunning ranges that Frank has released as part of the Prima Marketing team.

I'm hoping you've come here from Frank Garcias blog?! If so, welcome! I'm excited to welcome you to my little corner of the webosphere. Today I'm going to show you a bit of my scrapbooking style and also give you the opportunity to win a prize... But that can wait until the end....

First I'm going to show you a cute little album I made earlier this year using one of Frank's lovely albums and one of his stunning collections, Archivist....

 

I taught this album as a class in July and it was very popular.

It had a ton of different aspects to it, from hidden pockets, openings, extra pages etc etc.

I especially loved the trim Frank designed for us to use....

It really finishes off the side of an album.

To see more samples of work I've done using Franks delicious designs, just scroll on down to the next post where you'll see a class I put together using A Victorian Christmas. It was a fun set of tags to make, and we managed to get all 7 done in 3 hours.

Teaching is one of my passions and I'm lucky to do this on a regular basis throughout NZ, Australia and even further afield when the time arises. Next year I'll be teaching on a cruise through Needlepoint Tours and Cruises that goes out to Vanuatu. What an amazing time we're going to have!

Talking of amazing times, who wouldn't want to win a gorgeous prize from Frank Garcia for someone who joins us on the blog hop.

Just leave a message to us on our blogs and we'll be choosing a lucky winner in due course. I'm sure you'd like to see what your might win? Here it is.....

Perfect for that last minute Christmas card/gift.

Well, because this is a blog hop, you're going to want to know which blog to hop along to. I'm sending you to the lovely Jennifer at this blog addy: http://scrap-escape.blogspot.com/

Enjoy the hop and have a wonderful day!

A tutorial for a boy themed scrapbook layout

It's been a while since I created 'just for the fun of it'. But recently I managed to give it a go and created this cute layout about my son using the Prima April Special Delivery kit. 

It was pretty simple to put together but had a few little tricks to it so I thought I'd show you how it was done. Let's take a look:

1. Use a black piece of cardstock as your base.

2. Choose a paper which has a little pattern, but not too much to 'take over'.

3.  Use at least two border punches and without looking, punch in the 4 corner areas to create a great distressed look to the page. Use your fingers to roll the left over edges and create even more of a distressed look.

4. Either use 4 pieces of paper that you cut (from your stash), or journaling cards (either way, size is 6x4"), and lay them on a diagonal, horizontally across the page from the bottom left to the top right.

5. Take some medical gauze and ink it with some brown ink to match the papers you're using

Tip: lay the gauze on some scrap paper, and just dab the ink pad over the gauze until you have the colour you are looking for.

6. Place the gauze in the left and right corners (approx. 3" from each corner).

7. Over the top of the gauze, and the initial journaling spots, add another journaling spot (mine this time is wood, but you can use paper and just add height by adhering with foam tape). This time on an angle.

8. In the top left and bottom right corners of the wooden journaling spot, add a cluster of flowers/embellishments. I've used a Prima vine, Prima flowers, and Prima cogs.

9. Add your photo into the middle of the wooden journaling spot, first distressing the edges to give it a look like it's on a mat.

10. As a final touch, add some journaling/words/title to the page.

Tip: I've added some journaling by cutting the Prima packaging and adding that into the cluster of the flowers/cogs.

Finally as I didn't think there was a place that would suit journaling on the front, I've added it to the back. I talk about this in my classes a lot. I know we all scrapbook for different reasons, but even if you don't want those stories on the front where everyone can see them, there is nothing wrong with putting some basic information on the back. That way, those vital details aren't lost.

Tip: When choosing a photo to use on this layout, choose one which has a splash of colour in it to make the photo stand out.

This is a really quick and easy layout to put together. The 'hardest' part being the flower clusters. But don't be worried when putting them together. Just have fun.

As I said to someone recently. Our scrapbooks should bring us joy. They are our art, our memories, our stories, our 'time off'. They have so much of ourselves in them that sometimes, we think about them too hard. But if you can look at a page and it brings you joy, none of the 'rest of it' (the newest, latest, cutest embellishments) just don't matter!

Have a wonderful weekend all.

SENZ class release

Yippeeeee! After months of ordering product and designing classes, SENZ details were released to VIP customers yesterday.

Tomorrow (Wed May 20th) the day pass holders will get details, and on Friday 22nd May classes will be released to the wider public.

If you are wanting to become a VIP or get some day passes, then just head on over to the SENZ site to sign up....

In the past I've sold my classes through Create and haven't undergone the tension associated with a release.

Waiting for the email to go out, then for people to look over all the classes, visit websites to get more information and to then see the orders start coming in.

In the past, I've got my information to Fiona, then forgotten about it. Not so yesterday.

As always with such a subjective industry, this type of time is fraught with insecurity. Have I created something good enough? Will people like what I've done? Will they like me? LOL!

It's crazy! After so many years of being in the 'business' it's still such an uncertain time highlighted by actually being able to see the orders arrive in my inbox.

I have to constantly remind myself I do this because I love it. Because I'm passionate about sharing my knowledge, my love of scrapbooking, or ideas that could help with future projects, with people. And really being liked or 'wanted' doesn't come into it.

But isn't it funny how insecure/silly we can get?! Jeez!

So, just wanted to do a quick post about SENZ, show you a little insight into how I cope (or not), about my little part in it, my excitement and nervousness and insecurity and joy and and and to remind you that it's on and you can take a look at all the work we tutors (and there are some GREAT tutors!) have done over the past weeks and months to bring you some amazing classes that you will LOVE!

And just cause I can, here's a couple of sneak peeks.... for now I can't tell you what or when they are on, you'll have to wait for the release you are aligned with, but I can tell you, they are going to be so much fun.

I can't wait to see you in class!

 

 

May's TMD class kit

 

This month I'm using the gorgeous Trousseau range from 7Gypsies as my paper base.

From there I've added in Prima flowers, crystals, and packaging plus a stunning chipboard piece from Scrapmatts. There are some tickets from 7Gypsies, alphabets, some doilies, muslin and glass beads too. It's a pretty comprehensive kit.

Of course you will also receive full colour instructions for both layouts. One a very pretty 'girly' layout and the other has a more masculine look.

There is quite a bit of fussy cutting, distressing, and layering in both pages.

The cost of the kit is $55 + postage.

Postage in NZ is $8

Postage to Aussie is $20

Postage elsewhere will be quoted on request.

I'm very happy to combine kits so you can split postage with your friends

As always I only have a limited quantity, so if you are wanting a kit, please let me know asap.

Have a lovely weekend.

 

Formalising things. Kits, teaching, want to know more?

Hi. For anyone growing with my scrapbook journey over the years. You'll have seen me start scrapping in a very simple way. Eventually learning what style I love and then seeing it grow from a hobby into a small business. Teaching. Running scrapbook events. Selling kits.

I have grown so much over the years and have even more to share as this year I sell kits on a regular basis and have a stand at SENZ also selling kits.

On top of this, I continue to teach and am looking forward to some wonderful events coming up in the next 6-12 months. Including a fabulous cruise next year. I hope you can join me at one or more of these events!

As part of this, I've rebranded and will be adding a website under my new name "Trina McClune Designs" or TMD for short.

Over the next little while you can also watch out for a new facebook craft page and a regular newsletter which will tell you what I'm up to and what kits I'm releasing.

It's going to take me a bit to set everything up, and what a fun time I'm going to have following through on this extended journey. But in the meantime, I'd love to include you in my newsletter. To do this, just flick me an email with the subject "Newsletter" and I'll add your email address to my database and thus the newsletter which will come out at regular intervals telling you what kits I have for sale, when/where I'll be teaching and of course if there are any events like SENZ where I'll be selling my kits.

Just up the top of this page to the right hand side is a link to my email. Click on that and you're half way there (I've since been advised my link only works with outlook. If you have another programme apart from outlook, just copy and paste the link there).

I can't wait to hear from you.

 

**SOLD OUT** April Kit for sale - Using BoBunny, Garden Journal

This month I have another great kit for sale! In the kit, you will get instructions for not only a double layout but a single layout as well. 

I have used the gorgeous Garden Journal Collection from BoBunny and am thrilled with the results.

Ok, can I tell you a little secret? I made this double layout because I originally made a single and wasn't quite sure about it. So decided I'd do something different and came up with this. 

My plan for the double was to play around with 'white space'. Create a basic design but then make it interesting by adding 'designed gaps'. I think it's worked quite well.

I have adored working with BoBunny's chipboard pieces, noteworthy items and of course papers.

And you guessed it, the single layout, is the one I mentioned above. I asked Sarah and Matt if they liked the layout and they both did, so I decided why not throw in instructions for it as well.

Here it is:

I have recently remembered why I love to scrapbook. And apart from the creative side, I value the stories so much that I've decided to try and get more stories in my work. You'll see I've done it on both of these items (you may remember the photo from a couple of days ago on facebook).

As always with my kits there is a ton of product inside each one (in fact plenty left over for more designs than just these). However you will need some basics of your own to complete the kits...

Your basic scrapbooking kit which includes things like glue/scissors etc. 

Black ink*

Texture Paste*

Photos

Sandpaper*

Liquid Pearls*

The ones with * beside them mean that you can still complete the layout without these items, but it will give the layout/s more dimension if you are able to use these items in their creation.

The price of the kit is $55 plus postage a standard $8.50 for 1-3 kits. Any more in one shipment and I'll need to get you a separate quote.

If you'd like to buy a kit, please flick me a message on the facebook page post, or email me (the links above).

Kits will be ready to post on Tues (due to easter). Oh but I will be at AE if you'd like to save postage, I can deliver personally if you're also attending.

Thanks so much! 

A mini die cut purse.... so cute!

While I was watching the cricket last night, I kinda had the urge to scrapbook. I couldn't just sit by and watch the boys fight so hard and not make a dent in the amazing Aussie innings.

So I got up and went across to my desk and looked at what was there, and decided to just have a little play.

The last stuff that I used was still sitting there. It was the left over papers and 'stuff' from my G45 audition. So that was easy. I'll use that. But what to make? A card? No, can't be bothered. A layout? No, take too long. I know! I'll use the new die I got yesterday.

Ahhhhh, great idea! So I set to and made this cute little tiny purse using a Stampin Up die (by Sizzix)....

Oh my goodness. It opens up and everything....

But I'm getting ahead of myself. It's such a teeny tiny little bitty purse, that I knew I didn't want to over decorate. So I added some muslin around the bottom, a punched border, a flower, leaf and some Prima crystals, and called it done.

To zhoosh up the bags opening, I added some liquid pearls and also a tiny Prima brad for the clasp of the bag.

Inside, I added a little 'letter'. I thought for the future it might make a great card, or even an invitation.

I also decided to adhere the handle using brads.

It was pretty simple to make and so cute. I think I might just have to make a few more!

Tomorrow I'll be showing you some more from my perpetual calendar. So come back and see what I did for March and April.

Til then..... have a wonderful day!

 

Graphic 45 Design Team Audition 2015

Well, hello there! Thanks for visiting my blog.

Today I have something a little different happening, its the Graphic 45 DT audition and yep, I'm throwing my hat in the ring.

Over the last few days I've put together the following projects to showcase my work using Graphic 45's beautiful designs. From a card, to a layout. Something "off the page" and something similar to a mini album (let's just call it that shall we?!). I had such fun creating these items and am super excited to have the chance to audition.

So without further ado, let's take a look at what I've created.....

First is a Graphic 45 shadowbox which I decorated using the sublime Precious Memories collection....

The photo is of my twins at 6 months old. I had noticed in one of the stamps that there was a picture of twins, and I just couldn't resist tying the two together!

In this next photo you'll see layers upon layers of gorgeous product. Chipboard, resin, flowers, a doily. It all just fitted in so perfectly to the wee square and I loved being able to use both the 'It's a girl' and 'It's a boy' chipboard tags.

Behind some of the decorations, I used a gorgeous die cut hexagonal pattern. I felt it gave a bit more dimension to the piece without taking away from the main designs.

And in this next piece, I cut out the same picture 4 times, then layered them slightly overlapping each other so it's really dimensional.

Across the top I added some gorgeous flowers, and more die cuts.

My next project is a fun little mail box. Traditional 'American' style. I found a free template online to cut out my papers, then I glued it all together and added some cool decorations. I have used the Precious Memories collection again.

I loved the 'Special Delivery' sticker which matched the mailbox perfectly! Inside I put a little envelope which was part of the collection.

Inside I added another little note...

Here's a closer look at the side of the mailbox.

Isn't that stamp just divine? Sigh.

For my next project I've changed collections and am using "Time to Flourish". If you haven't seen this collection, you need to take a look. There are two pages for each month meaning you can use them for yearly type projects.

Which is exactly what I did. I've wanted to create a perpetual calendar for birthdays for a long time. We did have one, but in the move it was lost somewhere. So that's what I did.

I've kept the 'basic' design the same on each monthly page with stamps or similar across the bottom of the page, the dates on one side of the page and flowers/patterns on the side of the page.

Each month the dates change sides of the page....

 

Here's what I did with August....

And finally December (otherwise we'd be here forever!):

My next project is a card. I was aiming for dimension and think I've achieved it. What do you think?

Each layer is one piece of 6x6 paper which has a graduated sized hole die cut in the middle of it. I then layered them with the smallest hole on the bottom and the largest hole on the top.

Here's a closer look.

Inside I added a sticker over a doily, and one of the negative pieces from the die cut holes from the front of the card. Was great to keep the cards continuity going on the inside.

My final project is a layout using the Time to Flourish collection again.

I've used a couple of photos of my daughter and I as the base of the layout, then embellished with the Time to Flourish collection.

Well, that's it.

I hope you've enjoyed taking a look at what I've created, and possibly even get some inspiration from them.

All the very best wishes to anyone who is auditioning for the G45 team. It's an amazing company and one I would be honored to represent. 

Prima Special Delivery February Kit projects

I love this latest kit. I said to Frank when I first saw it, "Gosh, this kit is so going to suit us "'downunder' scrapbookers". It's so pretty. So "Prima".

When you see it, you'll know what I mean.....

Swoon. And yes, that stamp is one that we've all been looking for. Yes!

So I've made two projects with it so far. One has step by step instructions and can be found on the facebook page I've set up to share all SD projects and be inspired by others. Just search: "Prima Special Delivery Kits - a place to share ideas" on facebook.

This is what it looks like:

As I said, full instructions are available on the facebook page, under the files tab. Along with two other amazing ideas you can create using the kit.

As a note.... the idea to use the LP was originally floated when I was talking to a friend Wendy a few years ago. We were talking about different ideas of things we could make into layouts/OTP stuff. Then when we came to the LP idea, I said, oh man! That is gold. Do you mind if I do it as a class one day. It became my goal to do that, but as I haven't, this seemed like the perfect time.

The LP is one I brought in Vancouver. I arrived there at something like 3.30am after a long day of waiting and then driving and catching a ferry from Vancouver island. Due to the fog, out of Vancouver island I missed my flight and had to wait hours before deciding to drive and do the ferry idea. Then when I finally got to Vancouver I was waitlisted for my next flight. It was my birthday. I was feeling down, but I went into Vancouver to have a look around and enjoy my day. I found the most fabulous shop where I brought this LP. Thus the foggy photo on the front cover.

The other project I created with this months kit also has a bit of a story to it. Instead of telling it here. Let me show you the inside cover......

Inside are the postcards I sent home to the family each day. It was funny because even though I was away for over two weeks, there were still cards arriving when I got home. Each card was chosen for it's 'message' ie when I went to Universal Studios, I got a postcard from there. etc etc. It's almost like a diary.

I wanted a simple cover that still looks pretty, so I fussy cut some flowers and the banner off some of the papers in the kit, then did the same with the second piece of paper that comes in the kit and layered them slightly off centre from each other.

I also used some dies to create the centre 'cluster' of items and title area.

To bind it, I used the Zutter Bind it All. (LOVE that machine)! And for the covers I used a piece of cardboard given to me by Daniel from his latest Lego packaging.

He looked at the cardboard when it came out, and I could see his brain ticking over, then he said, Mum do you use cardboard in your scrapbooking? I replied: Yes. He then said, ok. Here you go. You can use this in your scrapbooking Mum. It was pretty precious and I knew no matter what I HAD to use that bit of cardboard somehow, somewhere.

Sooooo, please do join us on our facebook page. Get inspired by what people are up to using their kits, what step by step instructions are available to you from Prima and get involved in the fun!

If you want to buy a kit, just take a look at the "Shop" menu bar on the Live with Prima website.

I'm afraid I've done 'our' order for this kit, but if you are a Kiwi/Aussie and want to get them cheaper than being sent individually, keep an eye here or my facebook page for details of each kit each month (usually around the 15/16th). I put in group orders to keep the shipping down.  

Have a lovely day!

Prima Art Venture Anaheim 2015

At the beginning of January, I was lucky enough to be in Anaheim, USA to teach for Prima at their biggest event. Art Venture Anaheim.

It was held at the Hilton, just next to the Anaheim Convention Centre which is where CHA is held. It made it really simple for all of us Scrapaholics to do both!

When I got there, I had a wee holiday first with some friends (must do a post on that! We had so much fun!), and so it was quite surreal to walk in after a day of fun and see the announcement board with details of the Prima event on it. 

You know that feeling when you know something's happening, but then you SEE it and it all becomes so much more real? That was this for me. Although to be honest,  it happened a number of times over the event! LOL!

Another one of those times was when I went downstairs to help set up and Denny pulled out the huge posters to show people what room each teacher was in.

Uh huh! That's little ole me on that there poster! I had to bring it home with me. It's going in my scrapbook room! And that's a story for another day!

And yes, we had a lot to set up and prepare for. I was lucky to have my friends help me later in the day.

Lucky for two reasons. One, we got finished so much quicker and two, they kept me laughing! Check this out!

There are just rows and rows of boxes! I think there was something like 150+ students at the event, and we had to repack the kits for each one of them.

I know we like to keep all the nitty gritty behind the scenes, but so much work goes into an event like this I thought it would be nice to see some of that!

And this is just what happens right before. Months before you're creating classes and writing instructions. Mine were 10 pages long!

Uh huh! Lots of tips and tricks as part of what I do.

Aren't the boxes delish?!

And yes, I did do some work too.... in my old smelly work out clothes.

I like to set up each class so it looks inviting and pretty. Welcoming my students.

Who spots one of my hand made goodie/prize bags? I love to give things away. So when I have stock left over, I put it aside, then when I have classes coming up, I make a bag, decorate it and do a prize draw in class.

And we all know what a prize draw in class means right? Oh yeah! Lots of shouting and whooping and clapping and fun! As usual when I teach somewhere new everyone was wondering what all the noise was about. Making it all the more fun when they finally joined the class and learnt the secret!

I also like to treat my students with home baking or when I'm overseas, NZ lollies/candy/chocolate.

So once the classroom was set up, it was time to teach. I created my projects with lots of little tips in mind. The idea being that people here in NZ/Aussie like to get a lot of layouts done in one class. Plus I was trying to give the students a point of difference, in that I knew no one else was doing layouts.  Due to the time frame, it made each individual layout quite 'simple', but you get a lot done in a short time and more importantly, you get lots and lots and lots of tips to help you as you continue to create.

This class was not planned as a big indepth project. But as lots of little bits to have fun with. 

This was by far my favourite layout. I loved how I used a stencil, glue and beads to create an amazing pattern across the page.

This one was all about design placement. Groups of items, design triangles etc.

This one was great in learning how to get more from your paper stash.

And this one was a bonus because I didn't think three layouts was enough! Gotta love a freebie.

Of course no event is complete without the people. Here's a few photos of the 'people'...

The organizer extraordinare...from Prima. Denny!

My friends Michelle and Pip with me.....

And checking in at registration....

During class.....

 

This clever lady on the right was worried about her language skills so brought an interpreter along to help out. I think we have another scrapbooking convert!

Lovely ladies.

This group of amazing ladies, traveled from all over the globe to meet at Art Venture and have some wonderful times together. Just LOVE it!

The very last class of the event. This is the 'brown' group (each group was a colour). I have to confess I was a little worried about the last class of the event. We'd all been working so hard, that I wasn't sure how it would go. People were tired! But we had a WONDERFUL class. We had many laughs and while I don't think we got a lot of the class done, it was fun and the learning continued.

And that was my event. It was a lot of fun and I met some wonderful people. Thanks everyone for making it so much fun!  I'm so pleased to have been given this opportunity. And hope that one day I will get a chance to go back and teach again.

 

It's not too late for a quick Valentines card

 

I've had some product on my desk for a few days now and I've wanted to play with my new dies, so I thought what better way to do it but make a couple of cards? I started off with the second one shown here, but decided that actually, the best way to show my husband I love him it not to spend a ton of money (hey, we're building a house!), but to spend some 'time' on him and make him something.

So that is exactly what I did. I also sat the kids down and they had a play with my Prima Color Bloom sprays and heat gun too! So much fun!

Anyway, here's a quick little tutorial so you can create the same card.....

1. Start off with a piece of white card that is 6" tall x 8" wide. Fold in half.

2. Spray 'Gold Foil' prima Color Bloom sprays on the front of the card.

3. When dry use Prima's Gold crackle texture paste and a stencil to create a pattern on the front of the card.

4. Add a couple of pieces of wire trim to the middle of the card, then a piece of frayed cheese cloth on top.

5. Die cut a medium sized heart using scalloped hearts from Spellbinders, plus two mechanical hearts from Cherry Lyn dies.

6. Add the larger Cherry Lyn die cut on top of the Spellbinders die cut heart. Add to top of cheese cloth. Add the smaller mechanical die cut heart to the right of the larger one.

7. Die cut a sentiment 'Love you' (from Die-Versions), add a piece of patterned PP behind it and adhere on foam tape to the middle of the card.

8. Add a couple of circles of string, and finally some gold sequins randomly around the edge of the design.

And next is the first card I made. I loved this one as I tried something a little bit different. I'd seen the lovely Mrs Frizz use a particular die that I knew I just needed to get and it had finally arrived. It was the lovely loops die from Memory Box. I saw the circles and thought I'd need to somehow incorporate more circles. I'd just been using some of those plastic circles you put on paper in ringbinders (what are they called?) and thought, hey, they're circles.

So, I stuck them onto the front of the white cardstock, sprayed the Gold Foil Color Bloom over them and then took them off leaving little white circles. Love it.

I also added more gold texture paste to the front of the card in random splodges. Then you can see the cool loopy circles. I just adore this die and in fact got a couple of others which are slightly smaller. They are so much fun!

The 'Hello' is also die cut and I've used two different sprays on it to get the speckled darker colour but still the same gold tone.

Then inside the resin frame I've added a heap of glitter to create a great backdrop to the cards sentiment.

Both of the cards took just a short time (maybe 30-45mins?), and bearing in mind that they are both created from left overs, they cost me next to nothing to make.

Righto, gonna leave it there. Enjoy your weekend. Whether it be celebrating Valentines Day or the Cricket world cup (yes!) or maybe just a relaxing weekend, have fun and I hope you get a little bit of creative time in as well!

A new mini album

Just after Christmas, I created a new mini album using Prima's new Bella Rouge range of product, and Frank Garcia's new chipboard album (there are several to choose from). The albums are incredibly easy to use and are already made for you, so all you need to do is decorate. I love em.

I took it across to CHA and saw it on their stand. It was a lovely feeling.

But more importantly, I now have a cool mini at home of our Xmas's together.

As you can see the range is beautiful. I LOVE the reds in it. It is a range full of bright colours, so it would be great for all sorts of projects. For me though, I loved that I could pull the reds out and make a Xmas album.

Frank often uses large beads on his projects, and this release Prima has got his beads for sale. They are divine, and you can see them on the front cover of my album above.

There are a ton of other new products that I've also used, like the trim, the chain, the metal and my favourite, the vellum butterflies. Just gorgeous.

Inside, I've made each page a photo or series of photos about one year. I explain about it in the front cover....

I've kept the album quite simple. Sure I've added in pockets, stenciled beads, flaps that open to reveal journaling, but it's mostly about the photos. And as the inside front cover shows (below) it's all about the Xmas!

I know that Xmas has just been and you might be thinking about all those photos you took, and how on earth you're going to scrap them all? Well, this is my way of enjoying just a few and taking the pressure off having to do it all. Whatever you plan to do, enjoy the process!

Later. T

**SOLD OUT** Thank you! Kits for sale.... Two layouts..... Boy themed

I'm excited to announce my latest scrapbook kit which is available to buy now.

It has been made with my usual love and care and is full of goodies to make the following two layouts:

Layout one:

A beautiful layout incorporating the following techniques: punching, using texture paste, layering, creating clusters, ripping etc etc.

I have also included a couple of die cuts which I will cut for you and add to the kit.

Layout two:

This layout includes the following techniques: using a border punch, spraying flowers, layering, using packaging and more.

You can see that I've still included a couple of things in my trademark style.... flowers. I still think you can add flowers to a boys layout! But the colours are muted which suits the male figure in your life.

(I will be doing more male styled kits in the future, but need to source some fun bright boy colours)

I have pulled together a variety of 12x12 papers from Prima's collections, some resin frames, paperclips, vines, flowers, tags, colour bloom spray, texture paste, wire trim and some of my own inclusions too, such as the cardboard, sequins and black cardstock. 

The price of the kit is $55 NZD plus postage. Within NZ it's a flat cost of $8, for international orders, please ask for a confirmed price.

What you'll need to complete the kit: your standard tool kit, adhesives/glue, a couple of favourite border punches (please ask if you don't have any, I may be able to help), foam tape (if you like a more dimensional look), a palette knife/plastic knife/something to spread the texture paste and a couple of photos.

 To order, just leave a comment on my post on my facebook page, personal message me on facebook or flick me an email using the link above.

As usual, the kits are limited.

I look forward to hearing from you!

CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) --- A Kiwi Viewpoint

 
Ever since I started scrapbooking, CHA was one of those dreams that I never thought I'd get to see.

After all, at the end of the day, it's a retailers/manufacturers event. However, saying that, there is so much hype each year about the new releases that are coming out and all the people who are going to be teaching/demoing etc etc there that it became a dream of little ole me to go along and see it for myself. Be part of it. See the new releases as they are released etc etc. And this year, I got to be a little part of it.

To say I was excited about going along was an understatement, but to then realize I was going to be one of those people doing the demoing was something else altogether. Especially having taught at Prima's Art Venture prior. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Let me set the scene.

CHA was held at the Anaheim convention centre. It's a huge place. Inside, much like a warehouse which can be changed up to suit anything that needs to go on there. If you've been to the Brisbane Scrapbooking Expo, it's the same sort of thing.

From the event centre's front doors, you look down through a fountain, towards the Hilton on the left hand side. It's a huge hotel. And possibly the closest to the event centre. It's also where the Prima Art Venture was held.

From the Hilton looking back, it's like this....

You can see a heap of little food trucks at the top of the photo. They were apparently really good. But I didn't get a chance to eat from them.

Once you go inside it looks a bit like this:

Oh hang on, that's me being a little bit crazy with Prima's divine Alberto. Let's try that again...

 You know you've come to the right place right from the get go.

This is the lobby, and there are a billion doors that you can choose to go through to get into the actual CHA floor. Once inside, there are what feels like a billion different 'stalls' that you can visit to see what is their latest and greatest. Walking in for the first time it looks like this:

or this

Why yes, that is Prima just over there. Grin.

Do you want to see what Prima looks like close up?

Prima has a lovely large booth, with plenty of room for people to come in and look around. On either side at the front, they have a demo table and a make n take table (but we'll get to that shortly).

Yep, that's one of my layouts on the wall! Eeeek!

This was a new range from Sandra Evertson. A gorgeous selection of antique styled artifacts that can be easily coloured or changed to suit a project. Pretty cool.  See down the end there, that's Frank Garcia's new line. It's called Archivist and is pretty darn cool!

Prima initially became well known for their flowers. And each release they bring out more beautiful creations for us to create with. I'm loving this release! 

So back to the make n takes I did. I created the gorgeous little mini albums that I've taught before. This was a wonderful idea for retailers to take back to their shops to teach their students, and at the same time is a cheap way to impress as it only uses one piece of paper.

When I got there, I saw this sign. And it had my name on it! Hehehe....

It was pretty surreal to see my name on this sign and just quietly I brought it home with me. Thanks Prima for letting me do that!

Above was my very first group of ladies. And below was I'm pretty sure my last (including a lovely lady from Art Venture!)?

When you're at CHA, you get to meet a ton of people that you only usually know and talk to online. I got to meet a ton of people....

L-R: Keren Tamir, Delaina Burns and myself. Some of the lovely Prima DT!The lovely Pom, Prima's owner - who I have met before. But was lovely as always to meet her again.

Lisa Bearnson. I was asked to do an 'errand' for a friend, and I have to say it was one of the best errands I've had to do in a long time. Find Lisa, have a photo and collect something to bring home! Easy!

 I even managed to chat to Tim Holtz during one of his demos.

 Yes, his signature really does look like it does on all his packaging!

I also got to meet the lovely Marisol from Prima. If you're into the Julie Nutting dolls you will know that there is a new doll this release called Marisol. It's named after this lovely lady!

 So yes, I got to see and do a ton of stuff that I never thought I would. But, and here's the weird part. It was just like any other show you and I go to here in NZ and Aussie. SENZ is a great show here in NZ. CHA was just like it, but bigger and with manufacturers instead of retailers. But it's the same vibe. The expos in Aussie are the same.

So yes, you get to meet people that you wouldn't normally. And you get to see products IRL that haven't been released yet.

Yes, there were some things that you don't get to see unless you are there. So it can be quite eye opening. I don't know if that is a good thing? Do you really want to know/see all the 'messy' bits of your favourite brand?

But I think we are getting wonderful events right here in NZ that are equal to similar ones in bigger countries!

 So if you're feeling a little bereft cause you didn't get to go. It's ok. Just make the most of the next big event here in NZ. I assure you, you won't be disappointed, and you'll even get to use all the new products that were seen at CHA.

As a final note, I thought I'd show you this amazing decoration that tickled my fancy...