Everyday is a Blessing

Like most scrapbookers I find it a little bit daunting breaking into a new kit or collection to do that first layout. There are so many lovely papers and embellishments that it's so hard to choose which ones to use.

Like For Ever's September kit, which features the Cedar Lane collection by Pink Paislee, is so beautiful. The colours are stunning and are perfect for Autumn pictures. I've never really been into purple before but with the gorgeous blue thickers it's just gorgeous.

For this layout I wanted to do quite a simply design. I chose the papers that suited my photo and used an aged book page from a piano music book from my stash to back the photo stack. I love hiding my journalling in an envelope so I tucked that in just behind the photo. I really like how I didn't need to use many patterned papers to layer behind the photo. There are just the two papers and they compliment each other perfectly. I needed some texture so stitched around the purple photo matte using purple thread and again around the whole page using the same thread. I popped my photo up on some foam pads to give it dimension. Those thickers are really sticky which is unusual for thickers and I did consider stitching through the middle of them but thought it might be too much. I popped some of the thread underneath the floral piece and that has foam tabs too. This layout came together in about 30 minutes which is great for me as I tend to scrap in little segments are spare time.

I'm really chuffed with this layout. Maybe the quick and simple ones are the best. 

Spring Clean in Autumn

There's something magical about having a clear out of your craft space. And yet also a little scary. I'm sure we've all been in that moment of will I use this? or shall I throw it away? Yes it's a dilemma. Well I managed to get through the big clear out yesterday and the end result is a wonderfully clean and tidy work space to craft in. How long this will last I don't know. Probably about ten minutes.

I've got a clear desk space and my new Like For Ever kit organised into my chip and dip dish and ready to go. It's so enticing. Now I just need some free time......

Happy scrapping xx

Mrs Mojo

It's gone and come back again and then blow me it blinking went again! What do you do when your mojo disappears for a week's holidaying in Costa Rica?

Personally I used to feel cross, then sulk a bit and then hide in a cupboard for the rest of the week until my mojo made its return. I kinda felt a little bit guilty too. As though I was letting my kids down if I wasn't busy storing memories on layouts. I think that's part of the problem. Maybe we put ourselves under too much pressure with this memory keeping lark. Then we get stressed out about it and it becomes like a kind of chore.

I used to feel like this with card making. When I was selling some cards it then become a little more pressurised to get it right. It took the fun out of playing with crafting goodies.

Nowadays I try and crack on with a layout. I may not always be 100% happy with the end result but hey ho it's another memory documented. Because that's what's important with memory keeping isn't it. Getting the thoughts and memories down on paper. Job done. It is after all what we do this for.

There's something so relaxing about throwing paint and texture paste around, fiddling with and finding that perfect embellishment. Something I'm so comfortable and at ease with. I can sit at my desk and forget about the stresses of my day. That's why I love this hobby.

I've been very busy lately with Crate Paper's Wonder collection. Thankfully there was tonnes of it in our Like For Ever August kit.

I have loved these products and the whole kit was just awesome!