Meg's Garden - Forget Me Not Collection

Hi Girls,

Well this is my first post as a Design Team Member for Meg's Garden.  This month Meg sent the us her gorgeous new paper collection called  "Forget Me Not" to work with and I decided to create a LO and a card.  As most of you would know one of my favourite techniques is fussy cutting and Meg's papers are just perfect for this.  I feel like I have died and gone to heaven.

Pop on over to Meg's site and be inspired by the stunning creations from the super talented Design Team and while you're there check out Meg's store to see her gorgeous range of pattern papers, ATC papers, embellishments and much more.

Dream

I love to take photos of my daughter... when she'll let me, and I find I nearly always have greenery or flowers in  my backgrounds.  So when I received my parcel, I knew instantly that I would use a pic from a recent photo shoot.  This photo has some lovely grey and green tones, which go beautifully with the new range of Forget Me Not papers.

So I pulled out my trusty scissors and went to town, cutting some of  the beautiful flowers, birds and butterflies. I also added a bird cage from the Green Toile range.

I am so in love with the La Blanche stamps... they stamp with such beautiful definintion.  I decided to use the new wrought iron fence stamp on acetate with Stazon Ink, then tucked it under the flower border.

I love to layer and add dimension so I cut up one of the paper lace doilies and used it to peek out from under my torn and distressed edges and another under the fussy cut flowers to make them pop. I cut out one of the butterflies and coloured the wings with a bit of blue Smooch Ink then layered it using foam tape, a punched butterfly and a small paper rose which I misted and highlighted with Stickles.  I also used the Stickles to highlight all the leaves and to add a little sparkle.

List of Materials:
Meg's Garden:  Forget Me Nots Collection- Blue Butterflies, Nesting, Butterflies & Blue Forget Me Nots, Green Toile pp, 10cm paper doily, LaBlanche Wrought Iron Fence stamp, 1.6cm white lace
Other:  KandCo chipboard word, Crafter's Workshop blossom stencil, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Versamagic ink, Inkessentials crackle medium, Glimmermist, paper rose, Ranger stickles, Acetate, Stazon ink

Thinking of You

I loved the stripy background on the Birds in Forget Me Nots paper and used it as the base on my card.  The white blossoms made me think of Spring, so I used the reverse side of the Graphic 45 Fashionista Perfumeries paper which has a lovely green check and created a beautiful contrast.  I fussy cut more of the white blossoms from the Nesting strip for the top left corner and framed it with some red bias ribbon.  Then I layered a paper doily, more the the green Graphic 45 paper which I diecut, a fussy cut circle from the Graphic 45 Fashionista Debutante paper and punched one of the Vintage French Ladies ATC's in a circle.  For my greeting I stamped the LaBlanche clock with an Inkadinkado stamp, then finished it off with one of the red butterflies topped with a small paper rose and finished off with a bit of lace to tie in with the paper lace doily.

List of Materials:
Meg's Garden:  Forget Me Nots Collection- , Nesting, Butterflies and Blue Forget Me Nots, Birds in Forget Me Nots,  Graphic 45 Fashionista- Perfumeries, Debutante, Vintage French Ladies ATC's, 10cm paper doilies, LaBlanche clock stamp, 1cm off white lace,
Other:  Spellbinders Picot Edge Circle Die, EK Success circle punch, Versamagic ink, Red binding ribbon, paper rose, Ranger stickles

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some love.  Your comments really make my day.

Cathy :))

Bird is the Word - Look/See

Hi Girls,

I have this fortnight's new challenge word at Bird is the Word for you, well it's actually two words!  This challenge is an either or challenge and the words are LOOK / SEE. When you work on your layout for this challenge you have the option of using Look, See or both words on your LO, card or OTP project.

Pop on over to the site to see the gorgeous creations from the DT for some inspiration.  There is also a sketch designed by Mary Thomas which is optional.

Are there any words you would like us to have at Bird is the Word? If so, leave the words in the comment section and they might just be used in future challenges!!

I See You

I had a fun photo shoot with Brittany over the Easter Break and I managed to snap some fab photos.. this was one of them.  Went with natural tones and touches of green to make the photo pop, and used some gorgeous ribbons and buttons sent to me by the lovely Nicole from Craft Queen.   Check out her site to see all the beautiful ribbons and embellishments she has in store.

Sketch designed by Mary Thomas

List of Materials:  Graphic 45 Old Curiousity Shoppe, Bo Bunny Serenity, Simple Stories Documented pp's, corrugated cardboard, Scrapmatts chipboard leaves,  Autumn Leaves border stamp, Prima flower, Craft Queen ribbons, buttons, metal filigree flower, my2angels oval charm, Glimmermist Suede, Tim Holtz distress ink vintage photo,  Memento ink bamboo leaves, Inkessentials glossy accents, Bella velvet alphas, Dream Street alpha stickers


Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some love.


Cathy :))

Berry71Blue DT Reveal

Hi Girls,

Here is my 1st post for Berry71Bleu.  I am so excited to be part of such a fabulously talented International Design Team and on top of that I get to create with Marivic's gorgeous tags every month.  Pop on over and check out Marivic's Etsy shops -  Berry71Bleu  to see her amazing tags and also Zeus and Zoe which sells the most gorgeous kits and embellishments.

Sugar and Spice

I decided to take some inspiration from this month's challenge for my LO.  The flowers from Agnieszka's inspiration pic are all pretty pink tones which went perfectly with Marivic's gorgeous pink cake tag and as Scrapcake are sponsoring us with a fabulous prize this month I chose some delicious Scrapcake pp with pink roses.  The pretty white cake stand in the pic inspired me to use some lovely lacy paper doilies, and the yummy cake in the pic also goes perfectly with the cake theme on Marivic's tag.

List of Materials:  Berry71Bleu tag, Scrapcake and Prima pps, Pink Paislee 6x6 papers, Scrapmatts heart chipboard, Prima flowers, Craft Queen paper roses, Cheery Lynn leaf die, Glitz Design , MME sticker label, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, paper doilies, Glimmermist, Paint, Tim Holtz crackle paint

Prizes you could win for this Month's Challenge

We are proud to say this month our sponsor for the challenge winner -The Scrap Cake - will provide beautiful new collection - My Private Happiness the perfect collection for any season!  Thank you Karola!

AND THAT'S NOT ALL!!

Tag from BERRY71BLEU and other embellishments from ZEUS and ZOE Etsy Shops

And a random draw from our new sister shop at etsy Zeus and Zoe.
One winner will get a set of buttons similar to this:

RULES:

1. You are allowed to make a card, layout or altered/off the page project as long as you follow the theme or challenge of the month.
2. This challenge is open to anyone anywhere in the world.
3. Please post your ACTUAL project post using the link tool on the sidebar and DO NOT link to your  entire blog.
4. Please seriously consider turning off your word verification if comments are important to you :)
5. You can submit as many projects as you would like and combine your entry with other challenges.
6. Please mention in your blog post that you are playing along at Berry 71 Bleu TOGETHER with a link back to our blog. Thank you!
7. All entries must be received by MIDNIGHT April 30th Central Standard Time.


Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some love.

Cathy :))

Scrapmatts - Celebrating Women

Hi Girls,

Have been busy with DT work for the last couple of weeks and I have this month's Scrapmatts creations to share with you.  This month is all about celebrating women and girls and I have created 2 LO's and 3 cards using some delicious new Scrapmatts chippies.  Check out the Scrapmatts site to see the all the fab new designs Sofie and Andrew have in the store.  Don't forget to check out this month's challenge to be in for a chance to win a fab Scrapmatts prize.

Miss You

I started to create this LO for a Guest DT spot at OUAS and realised I hadn't taken the sketch into account.  It was a perfect LO for this month's theme, so I have added a few more Scrapmatts chippies and tweaked it a little.  This was a difficult LO to work on, as it's about my mum, who passed away when I was 25.  I used an angel from the Kaiser Sweet Nothings pp's and added the Wings 01 chippies, which are in the white mist colour.  I ADORE the new Ornate Frames 13 and used the larger one to frame my photo.  I inked in 2 tones of green and then coated with crackle medium.  We have a new set of butterfly chippies which are fabulous... there are 8 different sizes in the pack!! I know this will become another of my favs.  The butterflies were inked and then topped with a pearl
List of Materials:  Pink Paislee Garden Botanicals, Kaisercraft Sweet Nothings and Graphic 45 Curiosities pp's, Scrapmatts chipboard, KandCo, Fancy Pants Basic Grey, Glitz Design and Crafty Secrets diecut stickers, Prima vine, flowers and resin bird, pearl brads, Kaisercraft pearls, paper doily, Bo Bunny alpha stickers, Shipping tag, Inkessentials crackle medium


Time Flies

Had some fun creating with different mediums on this LO.  The background is tissue paper which I misted in gold.  I made my own mist by mixing some Jo Sonja metallic paint and water... so easy.  Crafter's Workshop stencils are fast becoming one of my fav items.  I used the cherry blossom with some texture paste, then dusted the flowers with Perfect Pearls.  I softened the colours in the floral pp with cream whitewash so it would blend in with my colour scheme.  The title was inked in pink and gold, then coated with some crackle medium.
Used some pretty vintage chippies on this LO.  With all those fussy cut flowers I just had to add some of my fav butterfly chippies, which I inked and dusted with Perfect Pearls for a lovely shimmer, then gave them a pretty pearl centre.  The Clocks 03 I left as they were in the white mist colour and the Federation Corners 03 I inked in gold.
List of Materials:  MME Lost & Found, Girls Paperie, Prima  pp's, Tissue Paper, Scrapmatts chipboard, Crafter's Workshop stencil, Ranger perfect pearls, Martha Stewart border punch, vintage crochet doilies, muslin, Kaisercraft pearls, Jo Sonja metallic paint, texture paste, paint and crackle medium, Versamagic inks


Sweetheart

How cute are the new cupcake chippies... they are perfect for jazzing up a birthday card!! I used the Cupcakes 02 which have 3 different styles in the pack.  The top was altered with some liquid pearls to look like frosting then topped with a resin flower.  The ATC Bracket 01 chippies are fab as a background for your sentiments.. I covered the chippie in pp and used a stamp and a rubon for my sentiment.  I also used one of the new Hearts 05 chippies which I painted in white then added a little rubon.
List of Materials:  Sassafras Lass Smitten & MME Miss Caroline 6x6 paper pads, Scrapmatts chipboard, Basic Grey and Imaginisce rubons, Prima stamp, Ranger liquid pearls, resin flower, Memento ink

Sweet Birthday Wishes

On this card I used the Cupcakes 01 chippies which are a bit bigger.  I inked the cupcake with pink and tied some organza ribbon around the casing, then used the little hearts which I cut from the Heart Spray 01 as sprinkles and inked them in mint green.  The Ornate Frames are also a great way to frame your greetings on your card, I just inked it and highlighted with a couple of fussy cut flowers.
List of Materials:  MME Be Happy and Basic Grey Bittersweet 6x6 paper pads, Scrapmatts chipboard, Inkadinkado stamp, Versamagic ink, Ribbon, Kaisercraft pearls, paper doily

Loves and Kisses

On my final card I played with more new gorgeous chippies.  The Antique Stands 01 go perfectly with the Micro Chips 20 Birdcages and Birds.  I inked them to fit in colours then added the new Leaf Spray 01 which I cut up to add a little greenery and topped with a mini paper rose.  I used the mini Ornate Frames 14 to frame my sentiment.
List of Materials:  Basic Grey and Creative Imaginations pp, Kaisercraft Chanteuse 6x6 pad, Scrapmatts chipboard, Echo Park sticker, Ranger liquid Pearls, Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll Pens, mini rose, Brilliance ink

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some love :))

Bird is the Word - Future

Hi Girls,
This fortnight's new word is "Future".  To enter the challenge use the word somewhere on your LO, Card or OTP creation and then link it back to Bird is the Word.  For some inspiration pop on over to the site and see all the gorgeous creations from the Design Team and our Guest Designer.  There is also an optional sketch for you to use designed by Mary Thomas.

You all know how I love using quotes at BITW so I found this quote for my LO, it reads:  "The best way to predict the FUTURE is to create it.  Went for some masculine grunge on this LO of Luke, and had some fun with texture paste and misting on my background.  I finally had a little play with some of the new Stampendous Mica Fragments and used them to alter my chipboard to give it a distressed worn look.

You all know how I love using quotes at BITW so I found this quote for my LO, it reads:  "The best way to predict the FUTURE is to create it.  Went for some masculine grunge on this LO of Luke, and had some fun with texture paste and misting on my background.  I finally had a little play with some of the new Stampendous Mica Fragments and used them to alter my chipboard to give it a distressed worn look.

List of Materials:  Simple Stories Documented and  Prima Printery pp, Crafter's Workshop stencil, Tim Holtz Sprocket Gears and Game Spinners, metal chain, recycled screw head, Jo Sonja texture paste, Twidleybitz chipboard Glimmermist, Tim Holtz distress ink, Stampendous mica fragments, Tim Holtz alcohol Ink

Sketch Designed by Mary Thomas (optional)

Scrapbook and Papercraft Expo - Class Booking Now Available

My class at the Papercraft Expo in June is now available for booking online.  Here are the details for the class.  If you are interested here is the LINK to the site.

ROOM 4
Session 3: 2.30pm – 4.30pm
You Are My Most Favourite Memory with Cathy Cafun

Skill level: Intermediate

Create a feminine shabby chic layout using beautiful products from Craft Queen, Collections and Kaisercraft. Cathy will show you a variety of techniques on how to create dimension with fussy cutting, distressing, inking and layering. Learn how to alter your embellishments and get to play with some punches and a stamp set by Ali Edwards. As an added bonus there will be instructions and materials for three cards to make at home with your leftover kit.

Class includes: Collections papers, Kaiser papers, Craft Queen lace and flowers.

Students bring: Basic tool kit, small sharp scissors, Tim Holtz ‘vintage photo’ distress ink, distresser, sponge dauber, 2mm and 4mm foam dots/tape, 15cm x 10cm landscape photo (headshot) for a feminine layout, strong quick drying glue.

Class cost: $55

Another little sneak

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving some love.

Cathy :))

Berry71Bleu Challenge

FINALLY I am back online!!!  For the past week I have been having serious problems with my computer, and it's been so stressful... I am keeping my fingers crossed that DH has sorted out all the problems.  I haven't forgotten about all of you and am hoping to get around and leave some love over the next few days. Wishing you all a wonderful time with your families for the Easter break.

As you may know I am starting out this month as a Design Team member for Marivic Clifton's Berry71 Bleu.  Marivic designs the most gorgeous tags that are available on here Etsy Shop.  This month's challenge is bought to you by super talented Agnieszka Bellaidea.  Check it out, there are some fabulous prizes to be won.  Here are all the details.

For April I decided to make a challenge based on inspirational photo.  Just use the inspiration photo to create a LO, Card or OTP project.  You can use anything in the photo to inspire you:  the colours, the flowers, the textures etc.

Since for some of us it`s a Spring time and Easter coming and some of us are already thinking about Autumn - flowers, yummy cake and nice palette can inspire you to work with us this month.

We are proud to say this month our sponsor for the challenge winner -The Scrap Cake - will provide beautiful new collection . Perfect collection for any season!  Thank you Karola!

Mini Prize for the winner: 
Tag from BERRY71BLEU and other embellishments from ZEUS and ZOE Etsy Shops

And a random draw from our new sister shop at etsy Zeus and Zoe.
One winner will get a set of buttons similar to this:

RULES:
You are allowed to make any project as long as you follow the theme or challenge of the month.

This challenge is open to anyone.  International members are also encouraged to join the challenge as well. Pls post your ACTUAL project post using the link tool on the sidebar and not the link to your blog.  If you can, please, turn off your word verification.

You can submit as many projects as you would like. All entries must be received by April 30th Central Standard Time.

I hope our photo will inspire you this month and you will share with us your beautiful creations soon.
Please consider turning off your word verifications, we would love to visit you all and leave some love.
Have fun and visit us soon again , all DT members will show you every  couple of days what thay created.
If you wish to visit me you are also very welcome - Bellaideascrapology

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Cathy :))