Explore : Prompt 18 ~ Creating Stage A layouts

This really didn't suit me. I expect that's because I barely have time to create a full layout in a day, let alone starting four and taking them to a semi-finished point. Besides, having areas stuck down and then wishing that the newly added section could go under that bit or that bit and not being able to was rather hampering.

I chose four pieces of WRMK papers from the White Out Collection.

Also totally forgot to take pictures of three of the four in their A state. Anyway, here are the three layouts that I've finished to Stage B:


This is the one where I'm most happy with the technique. I was able to add scraps of Cosmo Cricket: Garden Variety and I think it's worked out quite well.


All I could add to this was ink, journalling and the date / place tag. I'm not that happy with the layout.


This one barely features the chosen papers at all! That's probably why I like it so much! All I did to take it to Stage B was to add the dangly flocked spiders.

I'd write more, but the baby is yelping!

Retreat Layouts 4

Finally, the using up of Lily Bee - Vintage Poppy. This is the very last of my final Sarah's Cards kit from last year. I mainly scrapped our Isle of Wight holiday with the kit, so chose some more pictures from that trip to use with these scraps.

John being brave on a high wooden bridge.

Another case of what was in my head not coming together on paper. I was goingfor something a little more like the Edinburgh Castle layout I made in June, but it's failed rather badly. I might have to add something to it later when I'm feeling more inspired.

After these two layouts I had planned on using up some of the gorgeous Up, Up and Away by Kaisercraft, but my mojo and ability to sit failed me. So I prepped some baby pages for Frankie's arrival. I managed six (I think) and will take their pictures in the future when they're finally complete.

Giraffe #1 / Giraffe #2

EDIT: I won!

{click to enlarge - and to read the poetry!}

This is Melman on holiday in the Isle of Wight. He's found a pirate ship and is rather excited.

I have chosen to use a couple of short verses about giraffes by Spike Milligan. I love Spike's verses, some of the only poetry I can actually recite from memory!

And here's my reasoning on my hidden journalling.

Sketchy Thursdays 2.25

Today I found some natural light to take these pictures... on top of the radiator by the back door! Not too bad for a really rainy day. On the other hand, you still can't see all the gold dots on the chipboard very well. Still, getting better!

I wasn't expecting it, but this is the February Kit from Sarah's Cards.

Gotta Craft Kit

I treated myself to the latest Gotta Craft Kit this month and as soon as it arrived I ripped right into it! Decided to scrap pictures of Melman as he deserves papers covered with hearts.

This one is Melman at Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight. I even gave in and used one of the big homemade buttons that my teamie Sue made. Oh, and the orange ribbon came from teamie Janet. So I am getting some hoarded stash used up.

I used a sketch for this, but as I'm currently playing catch-up I have no idea which one this was.

This one looks a whole lot better in real life and it even amused John. We had fun in Paris taking this picture. It really looked as if the statues were reacting to something down by their feet!

In used an old Sketchy Thursdays sketch for this.

Melman Gets Culture

Melman loves to travel and see new things. He's just come back from a trip to the States, but this was taken on the Isle of Wight last year.

The challenge this week was to include a touch of pink, some bling and old stash. This stash is old alright, it's my dodgy old K&Co!

Twisted Sketches #33

This week the Twist was "envelope", so I made one and put my steam train tickets in it. Turns out I'm not good at making envelopes.

The main picture is our Third Class compartment before we were bumped up to First. See how how happy Melman is! Everyone should take a giraffe on their voyages.

Sketchy Thursdays 1.14

I'm "at home" with my parents next week, so I thought I'd better get this latest Sketch done now!


I loved doing this one, dinosaurs are so cool. I randomly bought myself the Archaic stamps in a sale (not that I stamp much, but, as I say, dinosaurs are cool) and now I've actually used them!