That is exactly how I'm feeling. My back is feeling so much and as soon as I have my podiatric insoles I'm certain it will be even better. Being in pain has made me realise how it is to be unwell and live normally. I think of all those who are having to struggle with this daily. If ever someone nearby is suffering I'll try to help them in what ever way I can. My kids are growing and thriving, I'm on mend and I am grateful for that.

Family life isn't always easy but we are learning. Most important is that we are creating memories and bonds. When life gets tough we can count on one another. 

I love seeing photos of with our kids. My husband isn't very wordy but his look says it all. He is so proud of them. 

I used one of my favourite dies for this layout. Just layered elements and went for a bright and happy look. 

This is the die I used for the layout. It is the Xcut Decorative Dies - Doily - Vintage Notes. I usually link to Scrapbook.com but they don't have this one. There are quite a few others. You can check their array of doily dies HERE.

Here is the video showing the from start to finish process.

Long time no scrap

It has been a while since I posted something. In August I did scrapbook but mostly for my next class and BigPictureClasses and for Esprit Scrapbooking. Creating has to stay fun so as long as I don't feel the need I don't force myself. Yesterday I felt the need to sit and create and that is exactly what I did. I enjoyed myself and just created because I wanted to. I missed that feeling of freedom. 

Here are two pages I made. The first using Hip kits and the second with items that were lying on my desk. 

 

I used my sizzix butterfly punch on this layout just because I like butterflies. 

Have a wonderful Sunday and see you soon.

Pops of colour

Hi there everyone. I have a layout to share with you today. I really love how colourful and bright it is even though I used a dark background. It is all about getting the contrast right. One of my classes at BigPictureClasses is all about contrast. You can check it out here. I love the new BPC website and the way it works. You pay  $9.95 monthly and you get access to all the classes. There are so many to choose from. You will not be disappointed. You have the possibility of a trial period just to see if you like it but I'm sure you will.

Creating contrast is high up on my list when working on a layout. I am always looking for ways to make the photo stand out. Using dark backgrounds is fun and I love how colours just pop off the page. I used my sizzix BigShotPlus and some circle dies to cut out some extra circles for my cluster. I added a bit of stamping to them for extra detail. 

Sizzix Supplies:

I'll be back later on this week with a video of a card that I made yesterday.
Have a lovely week and happy scrapping.

Layouts to show ...

Oh I have been bad about posting my layouts. Summer has just been about enjoying and working in the garden and having fun with the kids. The following layouts were made for the Scrapaddictes blog. 

 

I used one of my favourite dies from sizzix. Leaves are perfect for the finishing touch.

 The next layout was created using a small square punch.

And the last layout was made with lots of scraps.

I'll be back tomorrow with a couple of recipes.

Butterflies ....

After my cooking post back to scrapbooking. I'm busy working on my next class at BigPictureClasses so that is taking lots of time but I will try to squeeze in the occasional video for my blog too. Today I am sharing a layout I created yesterday with my brand new sizzix butterfly punch. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

Hope to have a video up on Sunday.

Happy Scrapping.

Thank you card

My youngest will be going to primary school next September and is leaving his beloved kindergarten school. He had the same teacher for three years and has had such fun and has learnt so much. I am sad to see him leave but know he is ready for the next adventure in his life. I made a card for her.

I used the leaves die from sizzix and my bigshot plus machine. I also used a flower die which came in the starter kit.

Birthday card

I made this card some time ago for a dear friend and then kept forgetting to give it to her. I finally remember to pop it in my bag.
It came together easily. I used a die that came with my BigShotPlus and coloured them with some watercolours. I layered them and added a doily and a sentiment. So easy. I am really enjoying working with the BigShotPlus machine. Later on this month I'll have a video showing some of its features.

You can get the starter kit here on the sizzix blog.

 

 

Big Picture Classes

Hi there everyone. I have been quiet but not because I'm scrapbooking. I have been working hard on my new class at BigPictureClasses and it has taken up almost all of my time. I also had to work on some articles for EspritSCrapbooking and add to that my day job and being a mum, ... well no time for blogging or any other activities.
If you haven't heard about BigPictureClasses, here is a bit about this amazing site:

Keep Life in Focus

Every day, we go to work hoping to do two things: share great knowledge with our friends and help people make things. This was true when Big Picture Classes opened in 2005 and it remains one of the guiding principles of BPC today.
Back then, BPC was a simple classroom website designed to give scrapbookers a place where they could learn and be inspired. From just a few employees and a simple website, BPC delivered the finest and highest quality training from the industry's foremost experts. The name, inspired by a book in process by Stacy Julian, Founder, referred to the "big picture" of scrapbooking and keeping your life in focus.
From the beginning, Big Picture Classes set out to be a different kind of training company. One that not only delivered quality content but also gave people a sense of community. You are not alone. You can do this. Those are the pillars of the community, which anchors Big Picture Classes to this day.

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire and motivate makers to improve their skills through hands on education.

Our Philosophy

Whether you're recording your family's memories or making a gift for a loved one, spending time just making with your hands lets you focus on what's most important. We aim to not only inspire you with the best instruction from the best experts but also give you all the tools in one place so you're not wasting time shopping, searching for the right template or supplies. You're in your space making and creating. And when you need ideas or support, our community and customer experience team are here. At the end of the day, our philosophy on education is to keep your life in focus.

For a monthly subscription of 9.95$ to get access to ALL classes and you can cancel easily too with no cancellation fees.

Here is a layout I created for the blog to shed light onto my first class which was called "30 minute layouts". I used one of the class techniques to create a fun, colourful page in whim.

One of my favourite things on this layout is the little white tag which I tucked away under the HELLO APRIL label. I cut a whole batch of labels using my BigShotPlus machine and this die (

Sizzix Framelits Die Set 8PK - Tag Collection). It is one of my most used dies.

Bye for now and see you soon.

My Choice for Scrapaddictes

Hello there. I hope you are all enjoying Spring. Today’s post is a quick layout I made about me. With the end of the school year nearing, I am spending quite a bit of time getting my students ready for their exams so scrapbooking has been neglected a bit. I still need to be creative but don’t have a lot of time so the layouts I’m making are done in about 20-30 minutes. For this layout I used a lot of Crate Paper supplies and I made it really girly. I also used my new doily die from: docrafts (xcut). 

I cut it with my BigShotPlus. It cuts like a gem.

To show the whole process I made a video. I hope you’ll enjoy it.

Scrapaddictes: Washi tape challenge

This month our challenge at Scrapaddictes is washi tape. This is the layout I came up with. I kept it very simple and worked with vertical and horizontal lines. I worked with two clusters: one with the photo and the other with embellishment placing the title between them both. The third element to complete the visual triangle is a chipboard strip in gold. To add detail I embossed the cardstock using my BIGSHOTPLUS and a large A4 embossing folder. 

That lovely gold badge is from Scrapbuttons (click here for linkhttp://micowelshop.multiclic2.fr/fr/exclusivite-et-nouveaute-printemps-2015/199-pochette-4-badges-25mm-xoxo.html).

Cute little box from Sizzix & giveaway

On Wednesday I got to do a fun demo near Brussels showcasing the new BIGSHOT PLUS machine. I LOVE IT. It is quite a bit larger than the previous model.

The starter kit comes with

• 1 Thinlits Plus Die Set (Basic Shapes)
• 1 Bigz L Die (Everyday Essentials)
• 1 Textured Impressions Plus Embossing Folder (Dots)
• Assorted Samples of Cardstock
• The machine
• Standard Cutting Pads
• the Big Shot Plus Platform
• Adapters A & B

Included is a die set to create a little box which is perfect for holding a present or a little treat. I made one for the demo. I kept it really simple and even then it looks really smart.

Until Friday you can win a Starter kit on the Sizzix facebook page.  Just click here: Sizzix BigShotPlus Starter kit giveaway.  (Take part in our ‪#‎SizzixPlus‬ competition for the chance to win a Big Shot Plus Starter Kit!All you need to do is 'Like' our Facebook page, then 'Like' and 'Share' this post! The winner will be chosen at random on Friday 8th May 4pm. This competition is open to all UK and EU residents only.)