Are you an Inkurable Stamper??

It's finally here! Inkurable Stampers is a brand new Australian stamping challenge blog - created and run by me!

There will be great prizes up for grabs each month - so pop on over and check it out!

The first challenge will be posted there tomorrow - so stay tuned!

~Sarah~

More "Book of Me" Pages.

I'm finally up to date with my "Book of Me" challenges - in the nick of time too, with the new challenge to be posted in the next few days!

We had a great incentive to catch up - there's a $20.00 Coles/Myer voucher up for grabs! Everyone that has all four challenges completed by the end of the month goes into the draw. So wish me luck! :)

Challenge #3 was to create a layout about something we've wanted to do but have never done. Here is my layout:

Challenge #4 was to create a layout about a childhood memory. Here's what I came up with:

I have quite a few photos of me at Christmas time in front of my Christmas tree with my presents, but they weren't what I was looking for - I wanted to be able to create the image in the viewer's head with just the journaling - so I chose to do a no-photo layout. This is the first no-photo layout I've ever done!

You may be able to tell that there is a common link in all of my BOM pages - I have decided to use a Heidi Swapp Damask sticker somewhere on every page! Just an extra little challenge for myself - and something to tie all the pages of the album together.

Thanks for visiting! I love to hear from everyone who stops by, so feel free to leave a comment and say Hi!

Enjoy your weekend!

And stay tuned..........EXCITING news coming soon......

~Sarah~

March 08 1,2,3 Challenge!

I finally got my entry done for the March 1,2,3 Challenge!

This month's criteria were:

1. Orange, Black, and White colour scheme.
2. One word title.
3. Ribbons.


I was really thrown by the colour combo at first - I was scared to try it! But I'm so glad I did because it worked really well!

I have used Scenic Route papers, ribbons, Lil Davis letters, MM journaling book page, BG rub ons, ink, brads, inkjet transparency, and staples.

Check out all the other entries here - you wouldn't think such a striking colour combo would produce such amazing and varied layouts!

Wish me luck!

~Sarah~

The Savvy Celebrity Spotlight on Lusi Austin!

Today my Savvy Celebrity Spotlight is shining on Lusi Austin!

Lusi is a freestyle scrapper with a very eclectic style, who is currently writing articles and sharing layouts in Scrapbook Creations magazine. You can read my interview with Lusi here.

You can read all my other scrapbooking celebrity interviews here!

Enjoy! :)

~Sarah~

March 08 Technique Challenge.

Back again!! 2 posts in one night! Today was a big day - Easter Sunday at the Easter Show! (yes, I know - it's now technically Monday, but I haven't been to sleep yet, so for me it's still Sunday!). So I thought I'd get some blogging done whilst I unwind from a VERY LONG day!

Here is my example for Renee C's March 08 Technique Challenge!


This month's challenge was to create a layout using the "Napkin Technique" to create a unique embellishment for our layout.

The "Napkin Technique" involves sticking a paper napkin to a transparency with Mod Podge, and then cutting out your design once it's dry - you can find the instructions here, or in the February issue of Scrapbook Creations magazine.

I varied the technique slightly, by placing my napkin "right side up" instead of down on the transparency, and wrinkling it up a bit so that I achieved a really cool texture.

When it was dry, I cut it into 2 heart shapes, and one strip (under the title).

Here is a close up of the texture:

I have used:

* Kaisercraft patterned paper
* Queen and Co Felt
* Kaisercraft flower
* Bella gem jewel
* Heidi Swapp Damask Sticker
* Heidi Swapp metallic letter stickers
* Bazzill Cardstock
* EK Success Bookworks letter stickers
* Versacolor Ink
* Silver Krylon Pen
* Kaisercraft Rhinestones
* Pink Napkin
* Transparency
* Mod Podge

This is a really fun technique to try, so if you're looking for something different to do, give it a go! Any napkins with a pattern will do - it doesn't have to be those expensive designer ones. I bought mine from Woolies for about 3 bucks!

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend! :)

~Sarah~

March 08 Photo Challenge!

This month, Renee D's Photo Challenge was to take an action shot - something fast moving!

So when I was at the Easter Show today, waiting in line with the kids for a ride, I looked up and saw that we were near the swing ride! Right place, right time, for a great action shot!

Unfortunately, I don't know anyone in the pic - they're just random show-goers!

I used my Olympus SP350 for this shot - I didn't take my Canon SLR to the show because it would have been too cumbersome, and I didn't want it to get ruined.

The kids had a ball today at the show - and this morning with their egg-hunt! Im sure you will see layouts in the weeks to come with photos from today, because I got lots of pics!

I hope you and your families all had a lovely Easter Day together!

~Sarah~

March 08 Sketch Challenge!

This is my example layout for the March 2008 Scrapbook Savvy Sketch Challenge!

I have used:

* October Afternoon patterned papers, and brown alpha rub ons.
* MM Noteworthy ledger paper.
* Cosmo Cricket "Fleuriste" Blackboard.
* Kaisercraft Rhinestones.
* Heidi Swapp metallic chipboard letters.
* Kaisercraft flowers.
* Green Tara flowers.
* Tim Holtz distress ink - Walnut Stain.
* Bazzill Cardstock.
* Vintage metal buttons.

I'm totally loving the new Cosmo Cricket Blackboard! It is soooo much nicer than regular chipboard - you can use it plain, or decorate it to your hearts content! Here is a close up of the Blackboard:


They come in alphas as well as shapes. They have also released blackboard mini albums!
You've gotta try it out - you won't be sorry!

I'm actually really impressed with how the October Afternoon papers look on this page! I wasn't really fussed on this range before, but now I see that with the right colour combination, they can look gorgeous! (Even if I do say so myself! LOL!). The entire October Afternoon range is on sale until the 31st March 2008 at Scrapbook Savvy, so pop into the store and grab yourself a bargain!

~Sarah~

38 Years ago today!

I did this layout last year sometime - that's my mum and dad on their wedding day!


So why I'm I sharing this layout today??

Today is their 38th Wedding Anniversary!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MUM AND DAD!!

(Don't worry, I promise I wont tell anyone that you guys actually forgot that it was today, and were only reminded by my sms this morning! LMAO!!!).

~Sarah~

Darkroom Door is now open!

Just a quick update to let you know that Rachel Greig's new venture, Darkroom Door, is now open for business - and boy has she been busy designing new products for us to enjoy!

The stamps are just gorgeous - unmounted this time which means not only are they great value, but you can also save valuable storage space! There's heaps of new stuff to get your creative juices flowing, so check out the full range here to help you "unlock the artist within"!

Enjoy!

~Sarah~

Ahhhhhhhh! The 80's!

Don't you just love the 80's??!! I love the 80's - the music, the movies, the TV shows, the toys I had as a child. All fond memories. Except for the fashion. What a disaster. I was lucky enough to have been a child in the 80's and not a teenager, so I was spared from most of the 80's fashion tragedies, but I've got some great photos of my 2 older sisters! LOL! And yes girls, they will end up on a scrapbook page one day! Just try and stop me! LOL!!
I'm horrified that the 80's fashion has come back in a big way - makes me laugh when I see all the teens and 20's getting around in some ghastly outfits. Buying clothes at the moment is a nightmare unless you want to look like something from "The Breakfast Club". But I digress. Back to Scrapbooking!

So, why am I going on about the 80's?? Well, I have just completed Challenge #2 of the Book of Me! Our challenge was to create a layout about "in the year I was born", so my page is all about 1981!

Here it is:


Wasn't I a cutie??!! Nothing has changed. LMAO!!

I had fun researching all the info for this page - I found out lots of stuff - enough to fill many pages! But I just chose some random things that I thought were cool, as I had limited space to work with. Special thanks to my friend Sonja for the help with the stats on the prices. You're a champion!

I've used MME papers, Heidi Swapp Damask Stickers, a page from a MM journaling book, Grungeboard numbers, Kaisercraft Rhinestones, eyelets, ribbon, cord, and Bazzill Cardstock.

Have you completed a "Book of Me" yet? If not, pop over to the Scrapbook Savvy forum and join in - there is a great prize up for grabs when your album is complete - check it out here!

Off to do some more scrapping! :)

~Sarah~

Scrap Outside the Page - Invite Set.

Karen Burgess and Kim Naumann have started up a new challenge blog called Scrap Outside the Page.

Their first challenge is to design an invitation and RSVP card set of any theme.

Here is my entry:

I have used Bazzil cardstock, Rachel Greig papers and filmstrips, brads, ribbon, and letter stickers.

This was a great challenge! I had heaps of fun making these cards! Rachel's papers are so nice - they are shimmery, so they look lovely with the orange Bazzill Bling that I used.

Speaking of Rachel, a new company called Darkroom Door is about to launch any day now, and will be bringing you lots of new supplies for your cards, layouts, invitations, mixed media, home decor etc. As the name suggests, the products have a definite 'photography' feel about them, and you know that if Rachel is involved it will be fantastic!

Check out the teaser here, and see some sneak peeks on her blog here and here.

Thanks for stopping by!

~Sarah~

March 08 Scrapjacked Layout!

It's Christmas in March! Well, just for today only!

This is my entry for March's Aussie Scrapjacked competition.

This month, Suz Doyle has been Scrapjacked! You can see her layout here.

Here is my layout:

The papers I have used are from Basic Grey's Fruitcake range, which I thought was very appropriate given the subject! LOL! I almost used the "Figgy Pudding" range, but the colours in this range suited the photo better.

My Nan's recipe is inside the pocket.

Here is a close up of the detail:

The embellishment on the right is made from an American Crafts rub-on, Kaisercraft Rhinestones, and a vintage metal button. The holly leaves are from Imaginisce, and the berries are made from bling brads.

The photo doesn't really show the size of the pudding - it's HUGE! That's a dinner plate it's sitting on! My Nan used to make 2 of them every year - one for Christmas and one for New Years, because it was so popular!! I remember going to my Nan's house when I was a kid and helping her make the mixture.

They call it a Pound Cake, as most of the ingredients are each a pound (in old measurements) but I think it's because you put on a few pounds just looking at it! LOL!

Since my Nan's passing, my sister Liza has taken over the tradition and she makes one for Christmas every year. It takes 8 hours - and that's just the boiling time!

Do you have any special traditions in your house? Make sure you get them documented in your scrapbooks - it's these things that make our lives and our scrapbooks all the more special.

Thanks for looking! May the spirit of Christmas touch you today, and throughout the year!

~Sarah~

October Afternoon Product challenge.

This month, our Scrapbook Savvy Design Team product pack featured papers from the October Afternoon range.

We all had to come up with a layout using only what was given to us in the pack, plus our own choice for the title. The pack included October Afternoon papers, die cuts, and rub-ons; some Kaisercraft Rhinestones, some MM felt stickers, some buttons, some lace, and some Bazzill cardstock. All of which can be purchased in the Scrapbook Savvy store.

Here is what I came up with:


For the title I used Making Memories Noteworthy chipboard alphabet, and a Grungeboard "&" Symbol.

This was my first product challenge pack with the design team, and I found it REEEEEEALLY hard! The papers are not at all my usually style, and the colour combo just doesn't sit well with me. And I found it really hard to stick to just what I had in the pack - I was soooo tempted just to bust out and use all my fave products as well! Saying that though, I think it turned out alright. Not my favourite page, but I can live with it. LOL!

Here is a close up of the detail of the page:


The complete range of October Afternoon papers and accessories is on special at Scrapbook Savvy for 25% off until the 31st of March, so check them out here and grab a bargain!

Until next time.....

~Sarah~

Mel's Savvy Scraplift - March '08.

I created this layout for Mel's Savvy Scraplift for March.

This month we had to scraplift a layout by one of the other Design Team members, Renee Culpan.

You can see Renee's layout here.

Here is my layout:

Again, that is my gorgeous friend Sonja on her wedding day!

I have used:

* Basic Grey patterned paper
* Bazill Cardstock
* Heidi Swapp Glitter Flower
* Heidi Swapp Metalilc chipboard letters
* Kaisercraft flower
* Kaisercraft Rhinestones
* Basic Grey Buttons (Two Scoops range).
* Tim Holtz Grungeboard flourishes
* Making Memories Eyelet Lace
* Making Memories Metal Index Tab
* Silver, blue, and pink inks
* EK Success Bookworks letter stickers
* Black ZIG Writer
* Adhesives

Here is a close up:

I handmade the scalloped edge border using the Basic Grey Notch & Die Cutting Tool, and an Anywhere Hole Punch. I then drew around it with a black ZIG Writer.

It's fairly easy to do and gives a great result, however I can't wait for the new Fiskars scalloped border punch to hit our shores - will make life a whole lot easier! LOL!

Thanks for looking!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

~Sarah~

I'm in the Spotlight!

I'm today's "Scrapper in the Spotlight" over at the 123 Challenge blog!

You can check out my interview here.

~Sarah~

Happy Birthday Nathan!

Today is my nephew Nathan's 13th birthday! Happy Birthday Nate!

I made him a card, and I thought I'd share it with you all - it's so easy to do and perfect for tweens and teens.


I have used:

* Bazzill Cardstock
* Kaisercraft Grunge paper
* Grungeboard elements, and numbers
* Acrylic paint
* Buttons
* Black Tombow pen
* Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Walnut Stain
* EK Success Bookworks letters

Thanks for looking!

~Sarah~

Mel's Savvy Scraplift - February '08.

Mel's Savvy Scraplift challenge for February was to scraplift one of Julie Heard's pages. You can see Julie's page here.

I know it's late, but I really wanted to complete the challenge as I love Julie's work, and I knew what I wanted to do with the page. I was delayed because I've lost my favourite scalloped edge ruler, so after hours of searching for it to no avail, I had to improvise by making one from a transparency that I traced the design on to from another page that I did using the ruler! The things we do for that perfect look! LOL!

So here's my page:


And here is a close up of the flower embellishment that I made:


I cut the flower out of Kaisercraft paper, and then mounted it on top of a Heidi Swapp glitter flower, and finished if of with a Basic Grey button. You can see the edge of my photo mat that I distressed with an edge distresser. The ribbon is from Basic Grey.

I really love these photos of my mum and my sisters. They were taken not long after my sister Linda was born.

Enjoy your day, and get out in this fabulous Autumn weather!!

~Sarah~

Sarah's Random Challenge! March '08.

Well, it's the first of the month, so that means it's time for a new Random Challenge!

This month's challenge is.......

CLEARLY FABULOUS!!

This month, your challenge is to create a layout using a transparency as a background! That's right, NO CARDSTOCK OR PATTERNED PAPER FOR YOUR BACKGROUND!

I also want you to use some clear / transparent embellishments as well.

Here is my example:


And here is a picture of it on a white background:


The blushing bride in the photo is my gorgeous friend Sonja - we've been friends since we were 5 years old! She and her Husband Zan were married last Saturday at Avoca Beach - it was lovely and she looked gorgeous! I took LOTS of photos, so you will be seeing quite a few layouts here with photos from the day! :)

I have used a Hambly Screen Prints "Clearly Heavy Overlay" as my background.

I've scratched the background in a circular motion with sandpaper, to give it a textured effect. I then inked it with pink ink, wiping off the excess with a tissue, to give it a pink tint. The edges have been swiped with pink paint.

Most of the materials you see here are available in the Scrapbook Savvy Store. For a full list of products used, see my page in the SS Gallery.

Here is a close up of the Hibiscus embellishment:


These are wooden shapes by ScrapFX. I have inked it with pink ink, and then heat embossed it with clear, high gloss embossing powder.

I have a great prize up for grabs for the winner this month:

* 1 x Kaisercraft - Mini Album, Crown Album, Model: SB159.
* 1 x Kaisercraft - Basics Rhinestones, Silver, Model: K-BR101.
* 1 x Kaisercraft - Fozz Felt, Flower, Lime, Model: K-SB902.
* 1 x Kaisercraft - Paper Flowers, Lime (2cm), Model: SB811.

Entries need to be in by Midnight on the 31st March 2008.

All the March Scrapbook Savvy challenges can be found here. Please, come along and join in the fun!

~Sarah~